"You've got about a minute to explain why the hell you used my Daddy's name for your company and why the hell you bought that land across from Southfork and what you're going to use it for."

Jack Ewing stepped into the office and shut the door. "Now J.R., you know that's a lot to try to explain in a minute's time. Sure you can't give me an extension?"

Bobby was the next one to speak up. "That's enough joking around. I want an explanation."

"Fine. Jock Ewing Enterprises isn't the actual company. It's just a dummy corporation that I used. Nice touch on my part too I think. It looks like it had the desired effect on both of you."

J.R. wasn't impressed. "What about the land."

Jack looked uncomfortable. "Well I'm not going into every detail, but let's just say I needed it. That land is rich in oil, but let me give you a bit of credit—I bet you already knew that J.R."

"Yes I did, but not until after you'd already bought it. There's no way I'll let you drill for oil across from Southfork like that."

"Who said anything about me drilling for oil there? That wasn't my intention. See, old Mr. Magruder had no idea that land was rich in oil. I told him I was planning on using it for cattle and he sold it to me at a relatively cheap price. Now I just let the word seep out that that land is oil rich and wait for the offers to come rolling in. I figure I can make five or ten times my original investment."

"Jack," said Bobby, "if you think we're going to sit back and let you do this, then you're wrong."

"See Bobby? That's where you're wrong. There's absolutely nothing you can do—unless…na."

"Unless what?" said J.R.

"There's always the possibility that I'd sell to Ewing Oil. For the right price of course." J.R. and Bobby were both quiet. "Oh, there's that other little thing I forgot about."

"What?" said Lucy.

"I still own 7.5% of Ewing Oil. I bet that could fetch a nice price if I put it on the market."

"I'm not going to stand here and listen to this crap any longer," said J.R., grabbing his hat from the hat rack.

"I wasn't planning on wasting your time anymore. I'll be going myself," said Jack. He said goodbye and walked to the door.

Lucy spoke up. "Oh Jack! How is Abby?"

Jack stopped for a moment, then left the office without answering.

Across town, Todd Foster debated whether to pick up the phone or not.

"To call or not to call, that is the question….." he thought to himself. His mind drifted towards thoughts of the Oil Baron's Cruise. As president of April Oil, he had received an invitation and was excited about attending the event that he had heard SO much about. J.R. had ruined any hopes of that, though. He told Todd that he wanted him on the mainland and wanted Donna's campaign finished by the time the ship docked. At first, Todd considered telling J.R. where to shove his threats, but controlled himself. After all, J.R. WAS the one responsible for his money, for April Oil, for everything he had. He deserved some loyalty.

He had just gotten off the phone with Christopher, who informed him of the whole ordeal that Karen had endured in Pennsylvania. Todd assumed that Karen was going to be on the cruise as well, and was depressed at the notion of not seeing her. He hadn't talked to her since right before she left for Pennsylvania, and wondered if she was ok in the light of recent events. It sounded like she went through hell.

His gaze drifted toward the phone again. He had been wrestling with the notion of calling Mary Anne Teasdale. She was having a debate with Donna the next day, and knowing the points that Donna wanted to stress ahead of time---providing Mary Anne AMPLE opportunity to counter-argue in a planned, methodical way---would certainly be a way to cripple the Donna Dowling for mayor campaign. However, Todd's guilt kept gnawing at him, growing larger with each day. If Donna was some calculating bitch, he could have pulled this off easily. She was just so damn nice and sincere---that's what made it hard.

Todd's gaze drifted towards Donna, who was standing at another aide's cubicle. She was just within earshot.

"…..yes Chrissy, I think it would too." She continued, "I've talked to some people around town, and they think so as well. These are the names I've gathered."

"Sarah O'Connor?" Chrissy replied, "She's some big deal judge, right?"

"According to most, she's also a really crooked judge. She'll take bribes---and not necessarily money, if you know what I'm getting at.'"

Todd's eyes almost popped out of his head. Sarah O'Connor was the judge that tried his case against Michelle. She was the judge that awarded him April Oil, and fifty million dollars. She was the judge that J.R. paid off----and HE had to sleep with as the payment means.

J.R.'s words flashed through his head: "Donna never makes a threat she doesn't mean." The dire urgency of the situation jolted Todd to sit up completely straight. Donna could very possibly be successful in exposing crooked judges hear in Dallas, and he could possibly lose his money. As soon as Donna was out of earshot, he picked up the phone and called Mary Anne Teasdale's campaign headquarters, the vision of an empty bank account filling his head.

Katherine sat staring at the diary, knowing that it could be the key to her lost memories. But did she really want to know? What if she was some kind of monster—did she want to know that?

As she contemplated whether to read or not, Pam walked in the room. "Katherine, I'm back. What is that you're reading?"

Katherine wasn't sure what to say. "Oh, it's just a book."

Pam walked over to her and saw what it really was. "Oh my God. Katherine, where did you find this?"

"In my desk."

"Please, give it to me."

Katherine frowned. "Pam, it is my diary. Don't you think I have a right to read it?"

"NO!" said Pam, all too loudly.

"Please tell me about my past. I have the right to know."

"Let the past stay buried." Pam took the diary from Katherine and left the room.

"Pam, I will find out who I really am. With or without your help."

Ray once again looked at the caller ID box. Jenna again. He felt like a fool. He had to stop playing this game---see Jenna, kiss her, ignore her, fight with Donna, go even farther with Jenna, ignore her. Ray was wishing that he had accepted those tickets to the Oil Baron's ball. But, Donna was too busy with the campaign, and Ray felt wrong about going without her.

The phone rang again, as Ray fought his desire to pick it up. He wanted to slap himself, because he really wanted to see Jenna. Worse yet, he wanted to be with her.

Lucy had spent a few more minutes at the office, before leaving. As she was driving towards Braddock, she pulled out her cellphone and dialed her parent's number.

"Hello?" came Gary's voice.

"Daddy, I need to talk to you about some stuff."

"Is anything wrong?"

"Not with me personally, but something kind of strange happened tonight. Some company called Jock Ewing Enterprises bought a piece of land across from Southfork. Well, the man behind that company showed up in the office tonight. It was Jack Ewing."

"What?"

"He was talking about needing money and explaining that that was the reason why he bought that land. It's rich in oil. But the thing I was mainly calling about…"

"Yeah?"

"When he was leaving, I asked him about Abby, but he never answered me. He just kept on going. What's going on with those two?"

"Last I heard they were happy enough. I didn't even know Jack had gone to Dallas, obviously. Did he mention any plans to stay?"

"No."

"I'll see if I can't do a little digging for you. I might have to go sweet talk Abby into giving me some info."

"Oh God. Be careful Daddy, that woman is a viper."

Gary laughed, thinking that his daughter learned fast. "I know that. I'll be careful."

"And Daddy, one last thing before I go."

"Ok."

"I know this might not bring back the best of memories for you, but the Oil Baron's Cruise is this week. I'd really like it if you and Momma could come."

"When is it?"

"The ship leaves tomorrow."

"Last year all of those things happened because I stayed in Dallas to keep an eye on things. A cruise might be just what Val and I need. I'll talk to her about it and get back to you."

"Thanks! I love you Daddy. Talk to you later."

"Love you too Lucy, bye."

Lucy closed the phone and smiled, thinking about how wonderful it would be if she could get that land from Jack and if she could get his percentage of Ewing Oil.

J.R. and Bobby both pulled their cars into the drive at Southfork at about the same time. They didn't say anything to each other as they entered the house.

"Hello J.R. and Bobby," said Miss Ellie. "We have a visitor."

"Oh Gawd. I think I've already had my share of visitor's for the night."

"Well, hello again J.R., Bobby," said Jack, walking into the room.

"What the hell are you doing here!" said J.R.

"Jack is going to be spending a few days here," broke in Miss Ellie.

"Like hell he is," said J.R. "You tell her Bobby. You own Southfork now."

Bobby was silent for a moment. "I don't see why Jack can't stay for a few days."

Miss Ellie smiled. "Then it's settled. I'll have Teresa get one of the guest rooms ready for you."

"Thanks Bobby, I really appreciate this," said Jack. Bobby didn't say anything. Jack continued to talk. "Now, after my trip, I'm ready for a nice cool shower—and I think I remember where the showers are in this place."

"Go right ahead," said Ellie. "There are towels already in the bathroom."

Jack thanked her and walked upstairs.

After their mother was safely out of earshot, J.R. spoke up. "Bobby, what the hell do you think you're doing?"

"Relax J.R. Aren't you the least bit curious as to what Jack is really doing here in town? He is a married man…with a house in California."

"The thought had crossed my mind."

"Then what better way to find out what's up than to have him living right here with us? And there's another bonus."

"What's that?"

"If we treat Jack like family, there's a damned good chance he'll sell that land and that 7.5% to us."

"Ah. The 'Keep your friends close and your enemies closer' theory. I like it," said J.R.

"Yeah, well Jack isn't really an enemy. He just has something we want." Bobby paused for a moment. "And I bet as soon as Sue Ellen finds out about that, she'll be the first one to make him an offer. She really wants to get into Ewing Oil to stick it to you."

"And I'll be sure that doesn't happen."

Meanwhile, upstairs...

Kimberly's nerves were frazzled. She liked Lucy, but that gift today had taken the cake! Kim knew she couldn't compete with Lucy financially. Was there more to Lucy and Neil's relationship than just friendship? Could Lucy be Tiffany's new step-mother in the future?

What Kimberly needed was a job—she needed to be able to buy things for her daughter. But what Kim needed right now was a shower. She grabbed her robe and opened the shower door.

"Oh my God!" she almost screamed. Kimberly slammed the door shut almost as fast as she had opened it.

Had there really been a man in her shower? She looked over to see a door leading to another bedroom and realized that that bedroom and hers must both share this bathroom.

The man called out from the shower. "Who's there?" He grabbed the his towel, wrapped it around his waist, and stepped out.

"I…I'm, um, sorry," said Kimberly.

"That's alright. I know this must be a strange way to meet, but my name is Jack. Jack Ewing."

Kimberly extended her hand. "I'm Kimberly Beam. Karen's sister."

"Oh, ok. Christopher's sister-in-law."

"Yeah. That's me. It's nice to meet you Jack—despite the strange circumstances. And I guess I'll see you later."

Jack smiled and waved at her as she shut the door.

Kimberly stepped out of her bedroom, thinking she'd get that shower later. As she did, she ran into Lucy.

"Hi Kimberly."

"Hello Lucy."

"Look, I'm really sorry I made you feel uncomfortable today at the party. I didn't mean to—"

"Didn't mean to what? You didn't make me feel uncomfortable Lucy! Why would you even think that? Just because I couldn't afford anything decent for my daughter for her birthday, then you came in and beat it by about $500?"

"Look, I tried to apologize. You don't have to get mad about it. If it's money you need, I'll be glad to give you some."

"I don't need your money," said Kimberly coldly. She went back into her room and shut the door.

At about the same time, Karen managed to sneak into her bedroom with the small paper bag. Luckily, no one had seen her come in. If Christopher planned to take her to the middle of nowhere on that God-forsaken ship, then she would at least have a big stash of heroin.

"Thank God you bought my lie about not being addicted Christopher." She shut the door behind her and took a seat on the bed where she took out a syringe. There was a small prick of pain as she inserted it into her vein and then injected it. Then came the rush.

Christopher stood outside the door, about to go in. "Christopher! What's up?"

He turned and to his surprise, Jack was standing there. "Jack? What are you doing here?"

"That seems to be the question of the night. I have some business to take care of here in Dallas and Miss Ellie invited me to stay here at Southfork while I did that."

"Cool. Will you be going on the cruise with us?"

"Cruise?"

"The Oil Baron's Cruise. It leaves tomorrow."

"Well I do have that business to take care of, but I think it can wait," said Jack. "It sounds like a lot of fun."

"Great. I'll see you later then." Christopher opened the door and walked into the bedroom to find Karen asleep on the bed.

Morning came all to quickly for most of the family. Most of them had been up for hours, scurrying around the house in an attempt to pack up their suitcases at the last minute. Miss Ellie had called Donna, who wouldn't be going due to the campaign. Apparently, Ray was staying home as well.

She was in complete shock, however, when she answered the door that morning and found Gary and Val standing outside.

"Oh my," she smiled.

"Good morning Momma," said Gary, hugging her.

"Hello Miss Ellie," smiled Valene.

"I must admit, I was a bit surprised to see both of you here."

"Lucy called us last night and invited us to go with you on the cruise. So we spent all night packing and then flying out here."

"That is wonderful! I'm glad you could come. We're leaving for the airport at 10 a.m. From there we'll fly to Galveston. That's where we'll board the ship."

"I'm so excited," remarked Val. "It's not so much the idea of all that water and sun…lord knows we get enough of that in California. It's the idea that I'll have three days to spend with my daughter and she won't be able to get away from me."

The three laughed and Ellie invited them in.

"Oh no. As if my week could get any worse."

"Nice to see you too J.R.," said Gary.

Val stepped forward. "Need I remind you about how we worked together to get Ewing Oil back from Abby? It was Gary that eventually got it back."

"It was also Gary who lost it in the first place. And need I remind you that your little daughter now controls 32.5% because of that? Let's not forget Jack and his 7.5%."

"Did somebody mention my name?" Jack walked into the living room where everyone stood.

"Jack, it's strange meeting you here," said Gary.

Miss Ellie broke in. "That's enough of all of this. We have a cruise to get ready for. Now let's get busy. Breakfast is in a half-hour."

Exactly thirty minutes later, the table was full of people. Miss Ellie, Clayton, Bobby, J.R., Sue Ellen, Christopher, Gary, Val, Jack, Karen, Kimberly, and Lucy all lined the table.

"My," said Ellie, "This is the fullest I've seen this table in a while. I just hope we can all remember that the table is for eating and not fighting."

"Momma, we're expecting one more guest. At least I am," said J.R.

As if on cue, the doorbell rang. A few seconds later, Teresa led Mandy Winger into the dining room. Sue Ellen almost choked on the orange juice she was drinking.

J.R. stood up and walked to Mandy. "For everyone who doesn't know her, this is Mandy Winger. I invited her to come along with me on this cruise."

Sue Ellen wanted to say something, but respected Miss Ellie's wishes and kept quiet.

"Hello Mandy," said Miss Ellie. "It's been a while. Why don't you have a seat and have breakfast with us?"

"Thank you Miss Ellie," she smiled. Mandy took a seat next to J.R.'s chair. J.R. sat down after she did.

Sue Ellen stood. "Excuse me. I have a few more things to do and I don't think I'll be ready in time to go if I don't get it done now."

She smiled at everyone and left the table.

"Bobby," said Ellie. "I called Pam this morning and invited her to come along. I thought maybe that would give you two a good opportunity to work things out."

"I don't think there's any way to work this out Momma, but thanks for your concern."

Gary and Val looked at each other, wondering what was going on between them.

"Valene," said Clayton, "why didn't you invite Lilimae to join us?"

"She's staying with Betsy and Bobby. And I thought it best that she stay in Knots Landing, considering her history of flirting with you."

Clayton laughed and soon Ellie joined in.

"Well, I think I should go finish packing too," said Karen. "Excuse me." She left the table.

"Katherine, I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to yell about you. Some day I will tell you about your past, but the time now just isn't right."

"It's okay. Are you sure I can't go with you?" said Katherine.

"I'm sure. After the police coming here, it would be too risky."

"Okay then. Have a good time, and I hope things work out for the best between you and Bobby."

"Thanks Katherine. You have my number if you need to reach me."

Katherine hugged Pam and waved as she left the house for the car that was waiting for her.

The Ewings reached Galveston at a quarter past twelve. They stepped off the plane and into the limousines that were waiting for them. From there, it was a ten minute drive to the port where they'd board the ship.

J.R. stepped out of the limo and looked at the ship—the same one from last year. Memories of Anita came back to him, but he tried to push them out of his mind. Mandy stepped out, thinking to herself how good it would be to be away from Dallas Dish for a while.

Bobby spotted Pam standing near the entry way to the ship and noticed that she was with Cliff. Katherine was nowhere to be seen. He thanked God for that.

The ship's captain made a brief speech about being proud to escort such a diverse group of oil men and women. Bobby barely heard it. He continued to look at Pam. Once or twice she returned his looks, but it looked like she was trying to avoid eye contact.

Then the captain gave the order to board the ship, and the crowd began to move. Ellie spotted Punk Anderson, but didn't see Mavis anywhere around. She guessed that Mavis had stayed behind to help out with Donna's campaign.

Christopher noticed Karen fidgeting beside him in line and hoped it was just a side effect of the heroin she had taken while in Pennsylvania.

They stepped onto the ship. Earlier each member of the family had been assigned a stateroom number and the family split up to find their rooms so that they could get settled in.

Christopher unlocked the door to the room he'd be sharing with Karen. As soon as he did, memories from the last cruise came back to him.

"Guess who?"

"Oh my God, Karen!" said Christopher, turning around, "what are you doing here?"

"Well, I got back from Pennsylvania just in time to catch the boat. I told them that I was late and that I was with Mr. Christopher Ewing and the Ewing party. They let me on, just like that."

"Wow, I'm glad you're here. Maybe you can save me from Pamela Rebecca," laughed Christopher.

"I thought I should keep an eye on you two. I didn't want you to get too close to her," laughed Karen.

"You didn't have to worry about that," said Christopher, "I think she's found other things to occupy her time. Christopher pointed out to where Pamela and Eric were dancing.

"Woah, who is that?" Asked Karen.

"Eric somebody, I don't know his last name."

"Well, if he can take Pamela's mind off John Ross, then so be it, this is great."

Christopher almost had to laugh when he remembered them talking about Eric. Little did they know, he'd one day be the force that almost ruined their relationship. That reminded him of another special memory he had of the last cruise…

"Morning," said Christopher, startling her to the point of dropping her brush. It clattered to the floor, making a noise, startling her again.

"Oh, good morning Christopher," she said, turning around.

"You don't look too happy to see me," said Christopher, "Don't tell me that you regret last night—I didn't."

"No, it's not that, but I was just thinking about it—and John Ross."

"Oh, in what way?"

"I guess I'm feeling a bit of guilt, after all, look at John's condition."

"I know what you mean. But Karen, John Ross has Pamela Rebecca. Have you forgotten the night that you saw him and Pamela at the Doubletree? That hasn't been resolved and it won't be until John Ross wakes up. I guess we're all sort of stuck in suspended animation because of it."

"I know, I know, I feel so helpless. I wish he would wake up so we could straighten everything out."

"Yeah, me too," said Christopher, holding Karen next to him. "Hey, do you want to go for a walk out on deck?"

"Well Mr. Sleepyhead, if you had been up earlier, you would know that it's raining outside."

"What a shame," smiled Christopher, "we'll have to stay in here all day…all alone!"

He hoped that Karen wasn't lying about her drug addiction. Even if she was, she wouldn't be able to get any heroine while she was on the cruise.

He began to think of the night he had proposed to her. They had been dancing at the Oil Baron's Ball—almost a year ago.

"Now, you were just discussing the fact that he was my uncle…well, he just might be your uncle soon."

"Wait a minute, what do you mean?"

Christopher smiled, pulling out a ring. "Karen Nicole Beam, will you marry me?"

"Oh…I wasn't expecting that!"

"Well?" smiled Christopher.

"Yes, yes, I would love to marry you, Christopher Ewing!"

Christopher smiled, thinking about all they had been through. He hoped they'd be able to make a few new memories out of this cruise. Karen had said she was going to talk to Kimberly, so that bought him a little time to get everything ready. Tonight was going to be a night they wouldn't forget.

He picked up the phone and dialed room service. "Yes, I'd like to have a few things sent up to room 23B please."

Christopher proceeded to name everything he needed, then he was startled by a knock at the door. "Come in."

"Mr. Ewing, I have your luggage." The man walked in and put the luggage beside the bed.

"Thanks," he said, giving the man a tip.

He opened Karen's suitcase with a mischievous smile. "I wonder if she brought anything to wear for my surprise tonight."

Christopher looked through the suitcase and found a brown paper bag. He pulled it out. "Oh my God."

Inside were several syringes and a small stash of heroin. "Damn it."

He wasn't sure what to do, but he definitely didn't want Karen to be able to use this. Christopher went into the bathroom and flushed the heroin. He then threw the syringes into the trash.

"That takes care of that."

Jessica smiled to herself. It had been SO easy to get onto the ship. All she needed was a ticket, the tacky server uniform she was wearing, and her fake license, and she was instantly on the ship.

She didn't like spending all her time in the kitchen, but it provided a good place to hide. And it was near the food. Ellie's food.

"Yes," Jessica mumbled to herself, "Ellie will be having a LOVELY meal soon."

Pam walked to her stateroom, but was startled to find it already unlocked. Cautiously, she pushed open the door and walked in.

"Hello? Is anybody here?"

"Hey Pam, nice seeing you here."

"Katherine! What are you doing here? I told you to stay at home. You shouldn't be here."

"Relax Pam. I didn't feel like spending three days in that old house all by myself. I can stay hidden here just as easily as I can there."

"I guess you're right, but it's still risky. Promise me you'll keep a low profile. If you go out, wear sunglasses. Everyone else will be wearing them and you'll fit right in."

"I've even done one better. While you were out earlier this week, I went into Dallas and bought myself some hair dye. I don't know why the police are after me, but I trust you'll tell me when the time is right. In the meantime, I don't want to be hauled off to jail."

Pam smiled. "What color did you get?"

"Your honest opinion. Do you think I'll make a good red-head?"

The first thing Jack Ewing did onboard was to find the swimming pool. After swimming for a while, he went to the hottub.

"Mind if I come in?" came a woman's voice.

"Not at all." He took off his sunglasses. "Kimberly?"

"Jack, oh my God, what a coincidence."

"Have a seat. The water's so relaxing."

"That's exactly what I need then." Kimberly took off her T-shirt to reveal a bikini underneath. She stepped into the water and sank down into it. "This feels SO good. Makes me almost forget about Lucy Ewing and my ex."

"Woah, Lucy and your ex? Is there a story there to be told?"

"Well, my ex-husband has custody of our daughter."

"Daughter? You don't look old enough to have a daughter."

Kimberly smiled. "Well that's definitely flattering, but I'm 29. Anyway, I came to town just recently and went to visit Neil and my daughter Tiffany. They invited me to Tiffany's birthday party. When I got there, Lucy Ewing was there. She said she was good friend's with Neil, but Tiffany called her Aunt Lucy. I think they're closer than that. Lucy gave her this nice birthday present and I couldn't afford to give her much at all. I felt so bad."

"How did you and Neil break up?"

"We argued over everything. Things just didn't work out. You know, typical divorce stuff. What about you? Are you married?"

Jack laughed. "I've been trying to avoid talk of this, but since you told me about your marriage, I guess it's only fair. I am married."

"Who is she?"

"A real shark of a woman. She married me just to get the Ewing name so she could take over Ewing Oil."

"I don't understand."

"It's complicated. But basically, I think she eventually grew to love me, but Abby Ewing isn't a woman that stays tied down to one man long. We became involved in this company together, and to make a long story short, she tried to make me into something I wasn't."

"I'm sorry to hear that, but you're still married to her?"

"Yeah, legally. That's not going to last long though. I can't go back to California and face everyone."

"I'm really sorry Jack. Looks like we're both kind of in the same boat, only I just confronted Neil. Maybe you should talk to Abby about how you feel?"

"It wouldn't work. I love her…God, how I love her. But I can't be happy with her. I should have realized that all along. I don't belong in her world."

"I hope things turn out the way you want. Are there children involved?"

"No. No children thank God. We've only been married about a year."

"That always simplifies things in divorces—no children being involved I mean."

"Basically all I want to keep is my 7.5% of Ewing Oil and my sanity."

"Cliff. Thank God!" Sue Ellen gave him a warm smile and a huge hug when she saw him coming down the deck. Cliff responded with a kiss. Sue Ellen didn't resist.

"OK, that's over with. What's going on? You seem frazzled."

"UGH! J.R. makes my blood boil."

"J.R. would make Mother Theresa's blood boil. What did he do this time?" Cliff was prepared for the worst.

"He had the gall to bring that Winger tramp on the ship with him! After all these years…"

"Mandy?" Cliff was shocked.

"The one and only. I thought she was old news, but I should have realized by now that J.R. likes to recycle his women. I'm living proof of that."

"Sue Ellen, don't get jealous. He's a low life bastard. We all know that."

"I'm not jealous! I just hate his lack of decency." But was she?

Cliff tried to assuage her anger. "Between the two of us, we'll come up with a way to make sure that scumbag gets what he deserves. I'm not forgetting that he tried to take over my company. Or that he was using you."

Cliff's tone was full of concern, affection, and even a little bit of jealousy. It was flattering to Sue Ellen. Sue Ellen looked into his eyes. They kissed each other again.

As they lost themselves in their embrace, Katherine could not get that name out of her head---J.R. Where had she heard that? It was SO familiar.

Katherine had been listening to the whole exchange between Sue Ellen and Cliff, whom Pam had told her before was her brother. Katherine wished Cliff would be as nice as Pam, but apparently he was still angry with her. For the things she had done in the past. She just couldn't remember ANY of those things. The name J.R. kept reverberating in her mind.

"Sydney?" Katherine swung around. The query was obviously directed towards her.

Katherine locked eyes with an attractive, handsome man of about thirty. Sue Ellen and Cliff were already walking away, having not noticed her. There was no one else around.

"Excuse me?" Katherine replied. "My name's not Sydney."

The man beamed. His smile was wide and warm. "I wasn't expecting it to be. It's just that you had such red hair. You're like Sydney, from Melrose Place."

Katherine was confused. "What's Melrose Place? Is that in Texas?"

Kurt McKinney laughed out loud. She was funny, not to mention attractive. "Don't watch much TV I take it."

"No, I don't."

There was a moment of silence. Katherine was tempted to take off her sunglasses, but feared someone would recognize her.

"My name's Kurt. It's nice to meet you." He extended his hand.

Katherine really didn't know what to make of this guy. He was extremely nice, extremely charming, and VERY handsome. She didn't exactly understand his sense of humor, but even that was appealing. She quickly looked around, saw the coast was clear, and took off her sunglasses. "I'm Katherine. It's great to meet you." She flashed him a large smile.

Kurt couldn't believe his luck---such a beautiful woman, right on deck when he gets off of kitchen duty. He hated kitchen duty. Mostly he was a server, but it happened sometimes. He always got stuck with the weirdest people though, like that really old woman, who just kept creeping around the food…..Kurt tried not to think about it.

"So, are you an Oil Baroness?"

Katherine gave a giggle. "Oh no! Actually, I don't really know what I am. Maybe I am an Oil Baroness."

"You don't know?" Kurt's eyes were warm.

"It's a long story."

"Well Katherine, I've got nothing but time…." Kurt said, as he took her arm in his. Katherine couldn't help but smile.

"Isn't this great Gary!" exclaimed Val. "It's so different from California. It feels different."

"Are you sure it's the air? Or is it the fact that we're here with our daughter? As a family?"

"I think that might have a little something to do with it," she smiled.

"I'm so proud of her and the way she's handling J.R. and Ewing Oil. Have you ever wondered what she might be like if we'd raised her?"

"I think about that sometimes…about how things might have been if I had managed to escape J.R. in Virginia all those years ago."

"She's strong now. She might not have been had we raised her."

"But there's no use thinking back like that. What's done is done. Let's just be happy that our Lucy is happy."

They looked out over the ocean.

"It's beautiful isn't it?"

They both turned, startled. "Well, hey Lucy," said Val.

"Hey Mom, Daddy. I'd like for you to meet a friend of mine, Neil Lancaster. Neil, these are my parents."

Gary and Val both warmly said hi.

"Hi Mr. and Mrs. Ewing. It's nice to meet you. Lucy's told me so much about both of you."

Neither Gary or Val were sure what to say, as neither were sure exactly how good of a friend…or maybe more…Neil was.

"Neil is my adviser at Ewing Oil," said Lucy. "He helped me out with the Braswell Oil deal."

"Your daughter is too modest. She did most of that herself. I was just there to provide direction if she needed it. I think she's got what it takes to run a really successful oil company."

"We're proud of her," said Val. "And thank you for being there to help her out."

"Not a problem. I really enjoy working with your daughter."

"Well, I think Neil and I might go to the casino and try our luck on a few slot machines, so we'll see you later."

"Alright. Just don't spend too much money. It was nice meeting you Neil," said Gary.

"Likewise," replied Neil.

Val and Gary watched Lucy go. They were both very proud of her.

Bobby kept debating in his mind whether to call Pam or not. Dammit, why did she have to be so stubborn sometimes?? He loved her SO much, but he just couldn't deal with her when she would not budge on an issue. Hadn't she ever heard of compromise?

Bobby reasoned that the best way to forget about his problems would be to focus on business. He had informed Todd that he would be out of town for a few days, and asked him to handle the preliminary business dealings. He decided to see how things were going, just to get his mind of things.

Todd answered on the second ring, exhaling his cigarette. "Hello?"

"Hey Todd, it's Bobby."

"Are you on the ship? Wow, this is a really good connection."

"Modern technology for you. How is the MacLennan deal going?"

"The guy is a total dope Bobby, but I've gotten the preliminary work done. The fields have been assessed, and the report should be on my desk tomorrow. If all goes well, then I'll contact the old fart---"

"Be nice" Bobby interrupted.

"Anyway, I'll tell him our offer, draw up the papers if he accepts it, and voila, we're done."

"Wow, I'm impressed. I haven't really done anything."

"You got us involved in this."

"But you've really done all the legwork. I am really impressed Todd." It reminded him of April. You just needed to mention something that needed to get to her, and she did it. Todd's sarcasm also had a touch of his mother in it.

Todd continued, "I'll call you when I find out more information. Or better yet, why don't you call me tomorrow when you get a chance, ok?"

"Sounds good."

"Happy sailing. Watch out for icebergs."

Christopher lit the last candle just as Karen walked into the room. "Oh," she said. "I must have the wrong room."

"Nope, right room," said Christopher. He hoped that what he had planned would help keep her mind off the heroin.

Karen smiled. "This is amazing."

"Why don't I help you out of those clothes and into something a little more comfortable."

"No," she said firmly.

"Why not?"

"I…I mean I don't feel like it right now. I have a bad headache."

"Do you want me to go get you something for it?"

"No. I don't need anything. Look, I think I just need to be alone for a while."

Christopher was silent. "Fine. Suit yourself." He walked out of the room.

When she was sure he wasn't coming back, Karen opened her suitcase to check on her supply of heroin, only to find out it wasn't there.

"Damn!" she screamed.

Karen began to throw clothes from the suitcase, then turned it upside down and threw it across the room. "Damn you Christopher Ewing!"

She went into the bathroom and saw the syringes in the trash.

"Damn you!"

J.R. was getting tired of this. He had just spoken with a contact at a Dallas newspapers, and Donna was just trailing behind Mary Anne Teasdale. Obviously, Todd had not been doing a very good job. J.R. wanted that campaign finished, pronto. Todd had done an ok job getting the ball rolling, but as always, it was up to J.R. to really push things into the fast lane.

He picked up the phone and called an old friend of his at Dallas's largest television station. Actually, Missy was more than a friend…..J.R. gave a big grin as he thought back to some lovely nights spent with her.

Having called her direct line, Missy picked up on the second ring. "J.R.!" she screamed once he identified himself, "You old bastard! How have you been?"

"Well darlin' I've been fine, just fine…" he tried to keep his voice down. "Listen Missy honey, I've got a favor to ask. Well, more likely a BIG story that you can run after the debates tonight. All about Donna Dowling. Really juicy stuff."

"Do tell….we are looking for some filler time."

"Honey, this will make your ratings skyrocket. You got enough time to make the eleven o clock?"

"If you give it to me fast."

"Well let's see…it all starts out with a hick farmer named Ray Krebbs…."

Jenna cursed J.R. as she installed the video equipment in her bedroom. Knowing her luck, Ray would never want to see her again, she wouldn't be able to get him into bed, and J.R. would call her ex-husband, and her little girl would be taken away forever.

She cursed J.R. Ewing as she tried to figure out the damn video equipment.

"How could she have known that Ray? Dammit, what is going on here!?" Donna was nearly screaming. She had a feeling that her campaign was cursed---it seemed that everything that could go wrong was.

"Donna, calm down, you did great.." Ray tried to assuage her. He was thinking of Jenna.

"Ray, she made me look like a fool. Everything I brought up, she made a counterpoint that made me seem like some buffoon!"

"Donna, you got your views across, that's what's important."

Donna tried to tell herself that Ray was right, that raising awareness of her issues was important, but she had to be honest with herself---winning meant a lot to her.

Ray looked at his ex-wife, and was overcome with a feeling of self-hatred. God, here she was criticizing herself for doing poorly in the debate for the mayoral seat! Ray could never accomplish such goals. Heck, his foray into the business in the early eighties failed miserably. He hated to admit it to himself, but at times like these he didn't like to be around Donna. He felt so low, so worthless. What had he accomplished? Nothing. What had she? Everything. He loved Donna, but God was it hard! Ray shivered. He was feeling exactly the same way as he did when they divorced, almost thirteen years ago—like a failure.

Donna rubbed her temples, but raised her head in time to see Ray's image appear behind the newscaster on the television hanging above the green room that they were in. She quickly looked over at Ray, who was both confused and transfixed, and a little bit frightful.

"Oh Please Lord, please Lord.." Donna thought to herself.

"Well it just seems that Donna Dowling cannot escape the skeletons in her family's closet," the newscaster began. "Two extra-marital affairs, euthanasia, bad business dealings, a paternity scandal and more have rocked the lives of Donna Dowling and her fiancée---and ex-husband—Ray Krebbs."

As Ray and Donna stared in disbelief, the newscaster brought out ALL their dirt. Ray's long ago affair with country singer Garnet, how Donna cheated on Sam when they first met, Ray's failed business dealings after they first married, Ray learning he was Jock's son, Ray's affair with Bonnie Robertson after Jock died, pulling the plug on Mickey, their breakup, Ray marrying Jenna Wade, his brother's ex-fiancée. Donna was in total shock.

"So, as Donna Dowling stands on the brink of becoming Dallas's first female mayor, Ray Krebbs is left waiting by her side, a silent support. Perhaps with his future wife in Dallas, Ray will find the self-acceptance that he has always sought." The newscaster smiled and moved onto the subject of gun control.

"What the hell is she, my shrink!!?" Ray was furious. He was embarrassed. "Why did they do that?"

Donna knew why---ratings. It was juicy. It picked someone apart. People like that. "Ray, I'm so sorry…"

"Do you know how embarrassing that was?" Ray was screaming, "Do you know how embarrassed and low I feel because of this campaign?!"

Donna was trying to keep her calm, trying to be sensitive. "Ray, please, I understand that this is hard."

"You don't understand anything Donna, because you DO everything, because it comes so damn easy to you! Well that's not true for all of us!"

"Ray, what the hell do you want me to say?" Donna was screaming now.

"Say you'll quit!" But he knew she wouldn't. He couldn't take being in that room, not with the TV staring at him as a reminder. He took off in a huff. Donna called after him, "Where are you going? Ray!"

All she could make out was that he was going to think.

They had been talking for endless hours. Katherine was more charmed and smitten with Kurt every moment she spent with him. He had completely open up to her, talking about his childhood in Boston, his ex-wife, his paintings. Her explained that he was only working on the ship as a waiter to earn some extra money and pay the bills—after all, Kurt said "I'm the original starving artist." What Katherine liked most about him was that he didn't know who she was, or bring up her past. Even though she had no idea of the degree of things she had done, it didn't matter. She had to hide from the police, and NO ONE wanted her around. But Kurt did.

She didn't tell Kurt much. She did say that she was involved in an accident, and was having memory issues. She told him that she was keeping a low profile because there was some people here that she wanted to avoid. Mostly she just let Kurt talk about himself. She didn't care. She loved to listen.

Finally, Katherine felt herself give a little yawn. She realized it was probably time for bed. She thanked Kurt for a wonderful evening. He walked her to his cabin's door. Without saying anything, he just looked at her and kissed her. She responded in kind. He made her promise to stop by the next day, when he got off of work. She did.

After Katherine left, Kurt was on cloud nine. What a woman! He couldn't believe his luck. She just let him talk about himself, something that he NEVER got to do. He quickly looked at his watch. "Not too late to call," hew thought.

He picked up the phone and quickly dialed the number of one of his closest friends in the world. Gosh, he remarked, they had known each other almost five years. Wow. She picked up on the third ring.

"Hello?" with a tired voice.

"Hey! It's Kurt."

"Who else would it be at this hour?" she said. "Justin's asleep."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you, or him. I just wanted to tell you I met a fantastic girl. Her name is Katherine, and she is the best." Kurt rambled on about Katherine for five minutes. His friend just politely said "wow" and "great" at the appropriate times. If there was one thing she learned from her ex-husband, it was how to lie to a person and pretend you're interested in what they're saying when you could care less.

After Kurt had rambled on some more, he realized the time. "Wow, I should get going myself. Big day tomorrow. Thanks for listening. You're the best. Call you tomorrow. Bye." Kurt hung up the phone.

"Yeah, bye." Said a very tired Cally Harper Ewing as she hung up the other end.

Jenna was NOT expecting the knock on her door. She knew it was Ray. Something bad must have happened. She remembered J.R.'s threat and tried to look her most seductive when she answered the door.

"Ray! Is everything ok?"

Ray's face was solemn. "No" he responded. And he moved toward her, and embraced her. Jenna knew she had to take advantage of it this time. She took him with all her fury, putting every ounce of passion she had into kissing him.

She led him to the bedroom, where things progressed. She began to take her clothes off, and started to massage Ray's off as well. Realizing that she was at the perfect moment of seduction, Jenna thought to the camera. It needed to be turned on. The camera was operated by a switch on the wall in a some fancy move that J.R. had an electrician wire. Jenna just put the camera in place. Desperate, but not wanting to kill the mood, Jenna reached for the first available object—Ray's cowboy boot. She swiftly grabbed it off the floor and threw it at the wall, hitting the switch dead on. It was so quick that Ray did not even notice.

As Jenna and Ray began to make love, the small light of the "record" button marked the camera capturing every minute of it.

CREDITS ROLL

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