Dr. Dawson was working to clean the baby off, and to look her over further. "I bet you're anxious to hold your new little girl, aren't you?" he asked the waiting parents. "We need to get you and your daughter out of this ball room and to the hospital ward for the time being, Mrs. Ewing. I think you would be a bit more comfortable." Pam nodded her head in agreement, the exhaustion of the labor beginning to overcome her. With that Dr. Dawson motioned to his aides, and under Bobby's concerned gaze they gently assisted Pam onto the stretcher. Dr. Dawson then put the newborn in Pam's arms. "Do the two of you have any names in mind for your little daughter?"

"Nothing definite," Pam managed to smile weakly. She noticed the dark hair her child had, which was expected, since both she and Bobby both were naturally dark-haired. "Who do you think she looks like, darling?" she asked Bobby.

"I'm sure she'll be as beautiful as her momma," he murmured to her as he bent over to kiss her. "I love you Pam."

"How much longer is this cruise going to be? I would feel better if Mrs. Ewing and the baby got to a hospital as soon as possible," the doctor asked Bobby, whose mind was obviously elsewhere, so Christopher answered for his father.

"I think tonight was the end of the cruise.. we're due back in Galveston tomorrow or the next day."

"Good, because I'd just like your mother and little sister to be checked over, just to make sure all is well." With that he shook Christopher's hand, and then went to follow the stretcher carrying Pam and the infant, with Bobby walking alongside.

Galveston: The next day

      The ship had docked... Pam and the baby were promptly whisked off to a local hospital. Bobby and Christopher said their goodbyes outside the hospital, as Christopher decided to head back to Dallas. He wanted to make sure his father was okay first. "Dad, are you sure you and Mom don't need me right now? I could stay until you all are ready to come back to Dallas."

"No thanks son.. Momma is going to stay with Pam and me.. we'll be fine. Christopher, I can't thank you enough for all you did for your momma and me...you kept your head last night. I'm proud of you." With that Bobby embraced his son, and Christopher returned it. "So I'll see you when we get back to Dallas!"

"Yeah, maybe by then you and mom will have named my sister!!" Christopher said in a joking tone. "It sure was another eventful Oil Barons' cruise, wasn't it?"

"You could say that! I'll see you in a couple days then." With that Bobby waved and went up to see his wife and daughter.

Bobby went up to the maternity ward at the Galveston hospital. He arrived there just in time to see one of the pediatricians on staff there, Dr. Bunch, who had examined his daughter upon her arrival at the hospital. Bobby hailed the doctor.

"How's my daughter doing, Doctor?"

"She is doing wonderfully, considering the circumstances of her birth, Mr. Ewing," the doctor responded. "You and your wife were very lucky to have a competent doctor onboard your cruise.. so many things could have gone wrong. You have a beautiful healthy baby girl," the doctor reassured the new father. "Your wife and daughter should be ready to go back to Dallas, probably tomorrow. Have you and your wife decided on a name yet?"

Bobby smiled at that. "No, that is something my wife and I haven't come to an agreement on.. in fact, I was just on the way to discuss that again with her." He then shook Dr. Bunch's hand. "Thanks for all you've done for them."

"You're quite welcome... you take care now."

Bobby entered Pam's room. He found her holding their daughter, who was sleeping peacefully. He bent over to kiss Pam. "How is everyone here this morning?" he asked, elated with his life right at that moment.

"We're doing fine here, Pam smiled at her husband. "You know, you and I have some business to tend to though. We still haven't named her yet."

"I know.. that was on my mind also. We seem to have narrowed it down a bit...Rebecca Grace or Eleanor Ruth are our top two names... or do we agree on that?!" he asked in a teasing manner. "Oh, and I just saw Dr. Bunch in the hallway.. did he tell you that we all can go back to Dallas, probably tomorrow?"

"No, I hadn't heard that.. but that's terrific! I'll be glad to get us all back to Southfork and our nursery. I'm glad we decorated it in neutral colors, since we didn't know what we were having," she said with a laugh. "Now I feel more free to buy everything in pink."

Bobby bent over to plant a kiss on his new daughter's forehead, and then gave his wife one also. "You do whatever you want, darling. I think I must be about the happiest man alive right now." He then squeezed on the bed next to Pam as best as he could, putting his arm around her shoulder.

Southfork Ranch

     Christopher was the first Ewing to return to Southfork that day. He had wanted to stay back in Galveston with his parents, as had Ellie, but they knew that they had work to do back in Dallas. Karen hadn’t said a word during the trip back to Southfork.

"Well, we’re back," he said. "It can’t be put off any longer. I know what we have to do."

Kimberly had ridden back with them and the three had discussed their options while Karen slept in the car. "I hate that she’s going through this again."

Clayton had stayed back in Galveston to take care of the business with Jessica. Ellie collapsed onto the couch, tired from the trip. Karen walked upstairs, without saying anything to any of them. John Ross walked out of his room. "Karen, hi. I didn’t know you guys were back."

"Hello John Ross." Then she had an idea.

"So how are you? Did you have a nice trip?"

"No. The trip was pure hell."

"Oh. Sorry to hear that. Any reason why?"

Karen began to cry and buried her face in John Ross’ chest. He put his hand on the back of her head. "Hey now, it couldn’t be that bad. What happened?"

"Christopher wants to send me away from Southfork. He wants to put me in a drug rehab center!" She sniffled. The tears had started out fake, but now they were real.

"What? Why?"

"He thinks I have a drug problem. I don’t."

"Why on earth would he think that?"

"It’s a long story, but I swear to you, I don’t. I’m clean. Please don’t let him take me away from here. John Ross, please don’t let him."

He rubbed her back and felt the closeness of her. John Ross was still very much in love with her. He’d loved her since the day they first met and he’d love her until he died. "Karen, don’t worry. If I can do anything about it, Christopher won’t send you to a rehab center."

Karen held him tight, knowing that he might be her only chance. "Protect me from him, please."

John Ross wanted to kiss her. He wanted to take her back to his bedroom and make love to her-—but he couldn’t. She was married to Christopher and obviously she was in a very vulnerable state of mind. "I won’t let anything happen to you." He continued to hold her, closer than before.

He didn’t see Kimberly as she walked up the stairs and into the hall. "Just who do you think you are?"

John Ross looked at the strange woman, then loosened his grip on Karen. "I’m John Ross Ewing. Who do you think you are?"

"Kimberly. Kimberly Beam. Karen’s sister. Oh yeah, you’re the guy who hurt her and ruined her wedding."

"Her wedding? Hurt her?" John Ross didn’t like the idea of a stranger coming into the house he’d lived in for over twenty years and telling him that he was responsible for ruining the wedding. "Nope. I’m sorry, but it was her husband who ruined the wedding. Christopher is the one who slept with Pamela Rebecca and got her pregnant. I was led to believe Megan was my daughter."

"Whatever. I know enough about you to know you’re no good for my sister. Karen, come on. Let’s get you to bed."

"No. I don’t need you or Christopher to help me."

Kim grabbed Karen’s arm. "Come on. John Ross here obviously doesn’t know the whole story."

"Karen said she didn’t want to go with you, can’t you understand that?" snapped John Ross.

"What’s going on?" said Christopher from the staircase. "John Ross? What are you doing here?"

"Never mind that," said John Ross. "What’s all this that Karen told me?"

Christopher took Karen in his arms. "Karen needs my help. You don’t know what’s going on with her right now, so please, butt out."

"Karen said you were trying to send her off to some drug rehab center?"

"That’s none of your business."

"Oh Christopher, speaking of business," said John Ross, "Pamela Rebecca came to Southfork a couple of days ago. She needed to talk to you."

That was all he needed. Karen’s drug problem and now Pamela Rebecca and the custody trial. Still, he intended to win custody of his daughter.

"I’ve got some things to take care of," said John Ross. "Karen, I’ll see you when I get back. If you need me, give me a call."

Every once in a while, Christopher felt like he could kill his cousin. Now was one of those times.

A hotel outside Galveston

      "Kurt?"

"Good," Katherine thought to herself, "he’s gone. Must have run an errand".

Katherine was pleased with the way things had turned out. Kurt was the perfect tool to help her escape. Like putty in her hands. She recalled back to the Ball. How opportune for her pathetic sister to have her baby there, providing Katherine with the perfect means of escape. Once all the commotion started, Katherine ducked out unnoticed—except for Kurt, of course. As Katherine predicted, he used the pandemonium to slip to her room.

"Are you OK? What did that man say to you?"

Katherine had thought to herself that chivalry really wasn’t dead. It was quite pathetic. Kurt, of course, was responding to her run-in with Cliff at the ball, which he had witnessed.

Katherine put on her best acting face.

"I’m really scared Kurt…..I guess I’m okay now, but he told me that as soon as we got off this ship, I would be history. A past problem eliminated. I know it was stupid of me to show up at the ball. That was the exact person that Pam told me to stay away from…..HE was the person that I should be avoiding. I guess he’s the reason I’m amnesiac. I don’t know…I just know that I’m really scared."

Kurt could see the fear in Katherine’s eyes. If only he knew it was fake. "What about Pam?"

"She’s having a baby! She’ll be in the sick ward. I can’t risk going down there---plus, I can’t bother her with this!" She continued to cry and lean on him, knowing it would have the full effect. After a pause, Katherine muttered. "I feel like I’ve got no one."

"You’ve got me." Kurt responded. "I’ll help you get out of here. I promise." He looked directly into her eyes, and they kissed.

Thus, Kurt concocted the plan to get Katherine off the ship once the docked. She had to admit that being snuck out in a giant catering bin was not exactly her idea of a glamorous exit, but she had to choose her battles. And the biggest one was yet to come.

With Kurt, she had rented this motel room outside Galveston and planned to contact Pam within the next day. Let her pretty sister worry a little. And enjoy the baby. They wouldn’t have much longer together.

Ewing Oil

      "Welcome back!" Sly said with a big smile as J.R. entered the offices of Ewing Oil. "How was the cruise?"

"It was pretty mild this year. Bobby and Pam had a baby though."

"Oh My God!" Phyllis shouted from her desk. "Where are they? Is it a boy or a girl? I have to send them flowers."

"A girl. And they're down in Galveston---she gave birth to the baby on the ship." J.R. paused. "Lord knows what this baby will be like. A Barnes and a Ewing, mixed together. Hopefully, it won’t be as stupid as its mama’s family."

Sly tried to ignore that comment while Phyllis gave J.R. a cold stare.

"Sly, get Todd Foster on the phone for me." J.R. said as he walked into his office.

When he reached his desk, he found the hold button blinking, indicating that Todd was on the line. He picked up the phone in one swoop.

"J.R. Ewing here."

"Don’t act like I’m the one that called you." Todd said on the other end, a bit annoyed. It was too early for this. He lit a cigarette. Touchy subject. Todd had not yet told J.R. that, despite the risk to his own fortune, he had decided not to go through with the plan to destroy Donna’s campaign. Of course, J.R. didn’t need to know that.

"Things are pretty slow. Donna’s been busy with other pursuits. Not much there for me to hurt."

"Boy lies almost as good as I do," J.R. thought to himself. "Almost."

"Well Todd, that’s nice to hear. But I’m calling for another reason. Another favor to ask."

On the other end of the line, Todd tried to stifle a groan.

"You’re about to get 8% of Ewing Oil from my brother. MY 8% of Ewing Oil."

"How did you know about that?"

"I know everything that happens in this town. Don’t forget that." Was that a warning, Todd wondered? "I want that 8% back, and I want you to give, not sell, it to me.

"You’re kidding me."

"Do I joke about oil?"

Damn! Todd wanted that 8% of Ewing Oil badly. Imagine, having his hand in April Oil AND Ewing Oil. He wasn’t going to give this up easily. "What makes you think that I’m thrilled at this suggestion and going to jump on it?"

"You’re not exactly doing a super job on that campaign Todd, so you’re not one of my favorite people right now. In fact, you’re tottering on the fine line towards an enemy, and that’s something you don’t want to be. Just ask Cliff Barnes." In truth, J.R. could really care less about the campaign. With the tape that Jenna Evans had, not only would Ray be great blackmail material, but the scandal would ruin Donna’s chance of election. And J.R. had definite plans of making that tape public. Two birds with one stone.

On the other end of the line, Todd was reflecting on the validity of J.R.’s point. J.R. Ewing was a man to have as a friend, not an enemy. Any loyalty to him that Todd had was fading fast, but he wanted J.R. to be kept as a friend. The future was much more expansive than the present, and the notion of J.R. as a future enemy was disconcerting to Todd. Still, 8% of Ewing Oil was hard to give up. The more Todd thought about it, the more he realized he had no choice. What good could he do with 8%, with J.R.’s 52% still ruling the majority?

"Fine. You’ve got yourself a deal."

"Now that’s what I like to hear. Call me as soon as you and Bobby sign the papers."

As Todd and J.R. hung up their phones, with a scowl and a smile, respectively, J.R.’s thoughts turned to his next little project. He began to dial Jenna Evans’ number, the whole time thinking: two birds with one stone….

Cliff's House

      "It’s great to be back home," said Cliff, dropping the luggage by the door. "You coming?"

"Just a second," came Sue Ellen’s voice. She walked inside, took a seat on the couch, and kicked off her shoes. "I cannot believe the nerve of J.R. at the Oil Baron’s Ball, with his little speech and all."

"J.R. is a snake. I’d expect something like that from him, the way he back-stabbed his own little brother."

"Cliff, speaking of siblings, I still don’t understand why you didn’t stay in Galveston with Pam."

"Pam has Bobby. I think that’s all she really needs right now. This is a special time for both of them and she doesn’t need me there."

"I’m so happy for Pam and Bobby. They’ve wanted this for so long."

"This baby is my first niece."

"Uncle Cliff," joked Sue Ellen.

Cliff kissed her. As they were kissing, the doorbell rang. "They’ll go away," said Cliff.

"No, it could be important."

"You’re right." Cliff walked over and answered the door. "Pamela Rebecca?"

"Hi Daddy."

"What a surprise, I definitely wasn’t expecting you. What’s going on?"

"Surely you’ve heard. I’m back in town for the custody hearing."

"Damn, I forgot all about that. Come on in."

Pamela Rebecca walked in and saw Sue Ellen on the couch. "Hello Mrs. Ewing, I didn’t know you’d be here."

"Actually, I was just leaving."

"Oh, don’t leave on my account. Your son may be a total loser, but I don’t have anything against you."

Sue Ellen gave Pamela Rebecca a cold look and the atmosphere in the room grew uncomfortable. "Well," she said. "Cliff, I’ll see you later. Pamela Rebecca, it was good to see you again."

"Likewise," replied Pamela Rebecca. She stared in disbelief as Cliff kissed Sue Ellen, then Sue Ellen left. "What was THAT all about?"

"What?"

"The kiss. Or have you forgotten about Mom? You haven’t even checked on her in over a month."

"How is she?"

"She’s progressing. Her voice returned and she’s slowly coming out of the paralysis."

"That’s great!" said Cliff.

"They say her chance of a full recovery is pretty good. But, what I wanted to talk to you about—or actually, what I wanted to ask you."

"What?"

"I need your help. You have to help insure that I get custody of Megan."

"Where is my granddaughter?"

"She’s back at the apartment I’m renting. I hired a nanny."

"I’d like to see her. Why don’t you move back here until the hearing is over?"

"That’s not such a bad idea. But, the bottom line is, you have to help me get custody of Megan. I know you have a lot of influence in this town."

"Yeah, but I might not even know the judge who’s going to preside over the hearing."

"I’ll find out who it is."

"I’ll do whatever I can."

Outside, Sue Ellen took her cellular phone from her purse. She silently commended herself for keeping her private investigator on speed dial. He picked up on the first ring.

"Jim, hi, its Sue Ellen Ewing. Listen, I have a job for you. I need you to find someone—a woman. She’s probably in her early thirties now. She has a son—he’s about nine or ten. Her name is Cally Harper, but she could be using any name now. She was last seen in Dallas in 1991. I know that she now lives in Arkansas. I can fax you over a picture later, if you’d like." Sue Ellen knew that she had a picture of Cally and John Ross lying around somewhere.

She thanked the private investigator, and hung up her phone. She had to talk to Cally. She had worried about Cally’s marriage to J.R. when she first left Dallas in 1989. She had assumed that it would crumble, just as hers to J.R. had crumbled. Knowing that it did, Sue Ellen was assured that she still had something very important in common with Cally. They both hated J.R.

Southfork Ranch

     Gary threw the suitcase on to the bed and shut the door behind him. "Val, I can’t believe he did that to me. I thought that was all over. I managed to get most of it back for him."

Val sat down next to him on the bed. "Honey, you did a great job getting that company back. J.R. was out of line. He’s just trying to scare us, that’s all. He wants us to go back to California."

"He’s doing a good job of it. I don’t know if I can handle another embarrassment like that."

"We can handle anything that J.R. throws at us. He’s intimidated I think. He resents you being here because he knows how much Miss Ellie loves you. You have a great mind for business. I think this construction project will show J.R. just what Gary Ewing can do."

"Maybe so. I dunno."

Val frowned. It seemed like when they came back to Dallas, she spent most of her time trying to boost Gary's self-esteem. In California it was different. He had an identity. People respected him. But in Dallas, he wasn’t Gary Ewing—he was just Jock Ewing’s son and J.R. Ewing’s brother. "We can go back home if you want."

Gary sat up. "No, I don’t really want that. I want to show J.R. what I can do."

"That’s the spirit!" she said. "There’s the Gary I know. We’ll beat J.R. this time."

Gary kissed his wife. "Damned right we will."

Val looked at her watch. "It’s not too late to call and check on Betsy and Bobby. I want them on the next plane to Dallas."

"And I’ll begin phase one of the project."

Val smiled and kissed Gary again. Things definitely seemed to be looking up.

Galveston Memorial Hospital

     Pam was asleep. Bobby couldn’t believe it. The father of a baby girl! He had to admit, he was a little bit nervous. He wasn’t experienced in the raising girls department. But he knew that, as with anything, Pam would be there right by her side.

He wondered where Katherine was. In fact, it troubled him. Pam had mentioned to him on the way to Galveston, that she had been on the ship. Was she arrested? Did she escape? Even though she was supposedly amnesiac, Bobby still didn’t like the idea of her loose. He made a note to himself to try to get in contact with appropriate parties to find Katherine.

First, he had a little business to take care of. With Pam and the baby asleep, Bobby found himself with the task of making phone calls to everyone to tell them the good news. Afterwards, he placed a call to Rich Juzwiak, a lawyer at West Star. Even though Bobby technically still worked at West Star, assisting Christopher, his time had been cut back more and more, of his own will. However, Rich was a good lawyer and a friend, and often handled his business transactions. He was the one that dealt with the transference of the 8% of Ewing Oil to him in the first place.

"Hey Rich, how’s it going?" Bobby said when the lawyer answered the other line.

"Bobby! I’m great. How are you though? A father now!"

"Yep. Baby girl. She’s beautiful. How did you know?"

"It was big news. Made the papers. Not every day a baby is born on a cruise ship."

"True. Listen Rich, I can only speak a minute, but I need you to draw me up some papers. I want to transfer---not sell---my ownership of the 8% of Ewing Oil to Todd Foster. He’s the president of April Oil, and a friend."

"Bobby, are you sure about this? You just got that 8%."

"Yes. I never should have gotten it in the first place. There is too much on my plate right now."

"OK. I’ll get to work on them. Do you have a number where I can reach you?"

"I’ll be in contact with you. But make them top priority, ok?"

"Sure Bobby." Both parties said their farewells, as Rich hung up the phone. He turned to his rolodex and looked up Southfork ranch. There was someone there who would be very interested to know what he just learned.

Jenna Evans' Apartment

      "How could you?" J.R. was not the person that Jenna wanted to see today. She wished he would just disappear. But she wanted to know why he had done this to Ray. "How could you do this to your own brother?"

"Half-brother. Half-Breed. Ray doesn’t belong in the oil business. He should stick to ranching cows and riding horses. Leave the oil business to me. This is my way of making sure that this happens."

"He’s your father’s son!"

"That was a mistake I’m sure my daddy would have eventually regretted."

"I cannot believe you call yourself a human being."

"Well Jenna honey, you’re not exactly innocent in this are you. You’re the other woman. You seduced Ray. You videotaped it."

"Only because you forced me too! I can’t lose my daughter."

"Then you did the smart thing. Now where’s the tape."

Jenna stared at him, intensely, full of hatred, for a full minute. Then she walked over to a cabinet, opened it, and removed a videotape from behind a vase. "Here," she said, slamming it into his hand.

J.R. silently took the videotape and put it in his briefcase. His mind was racing. He needed to get a few business affairs in order before he could acquire the PetroTech stock from Ray. Then, it would be showtime.

He walked over towards the door, Jenna following behind him. If she had a gun right now, she would shoot him. As he entered into the hallway, he quickly spun around, and flashed her a grin.

"Thanks again honey. When this stuff hits the press---which, I’m going to make sure it does---I’ll try to keep your name out of it. But I can’t guarantee anything. Reporters are predators, you know."

"BASTARD!" she screamed at him as she slammed the door in his face.

The Clifford Group

      Sue Ellen walked into the office and greeted her secretary warmly. She was making a quick pit stop to check her messages before heading back to Southfork. She wasn’t paying as much attention as she should have been, or she would have heard her secretary mention the visitor waiting in her office.

"Jack? What are you doing here?"

"Good morning to you as well," Jack Ewing smiled at his ex cousin-in-law. "Just wanted to stop in and see the place I’ll be working."

"This is the right building, but wrong office. This is my office, and my chair. Usually I like to know when I’m expecting visitors." Sue Ellen didn’t know any other way to act BUT cold, after his flirtation to her on the cruise.

"What’s with the ice queen treatment? We had a lovely chit-chat on the ship."

Jack’s gaze and smile were too much for Sue Ellen to handle. Why was he looking at her like that? And why was he so damn attractive? Cliff, Cliff, Cliff, Cliff. Sue Ellen tried to repeat his name over and over again. "I’m sorry Jack. It’s been a difficult morning."

"Care to talk about it?"

"Nothing really important. Just one of those days, you know." Sue Ellen thought of her encounter with Pamela Rebecca.

"Well, are you heading back to Southfork soon?"

"Actually, I was just going to check a few messages, and yes, I was going to go back."

"Great, you can give me a ride then. It’s my home too, temporarily. Nice to know we’ll be living AND working together."

As Jack flashed her another killer smile, Sue Ellen wondered if she would be able to handle living and working with Jack. She was never good at resisting temptation.

Neil Lancaster's Apartment

      "DADDY!"

Neil took Tiffany in his arms and swung her around the room. "How’s my big girl!"

"Daddy, did you bring me back something?"

Lucy smiled from behind Neil. "Hi Tiffany."

"Aunt Lucy! I’m glad you’re back."

Lucy handed Tiffany a bag.

"You bet we brought you something," said Neil. "It was Lucy’s idea though."

"Oh boy!" Tiffany ripped tissue paper from the back and pulled out a huge seashell. "It’s so cool!"

Neil and Lucy laughed. "Turn it over," said Lucy. "If you wind up that crank, it plays music."

"And it’s a night light too," added Neil.

"Thanks!" said Tiffany jubilantly. "You guys are the best!" She was quiet for a second. "Where’s Mommy?"

"Mommy might come see you later," said Neil. "She’s busy right now."

"Oh," said Tiffany.

The nanny came out of the kitchen. "Welcome back Mr. Lancaster. Hello Mrs. Ewing."

"Thanks again for watching after her for me," said Neil. "Can you do me one more favor before you go?"

"Sure, what is it?"

"Stay with her for another hour or two tonight. Lucy and I need to discuss some things involving Ewing Oil."

"Of course."

Neil stooped down in front of Tiffany. "We’ll be back soon, okay kiddo?"

"Okay Daddy. Don’t stay gone for a long long time again. I missed you!"

"I won’t Honey, I promise. When Daddy gets back, we’ll do lots of fun stuff together! I’ll take you to the aquarium, and to the movies, and maybe even to the fair."

Tiffany smiled and Neil kissed her cheek. "Okay Daddy, but hurry back."

"I will."

Lucy waved at Tiffany. She was really growing fond of the girl—and her Daddy.

Southfork Ranch

      As she put on the coffeepot, Miss Ellie couldn’t believe her good fortune. Gary and Val were going to be staying for a while, John Ross was back and she had a lovely new granddaughter. Ellie tried not to jinx herself, but hoped that perhaps things were going to turn out okay for the Ewings. After all, they had been struck with such good fortune of late. Pam and Bobby’s baby, Jessica being caught, Sue Ellen finding some happiness with Cliff, Gary and Val’s visit, Lucy and Neil…

Of course, Ellie knew that things couldn’t always be so rosy. Karen’s addiction for one thing. Ellie prayed that Christopher was strong enough to handle this. She vowed to support him every step of the way.

And then there was Donna. Ellie looked at her close friend, and one time stepdaughter in law. She had to admit, she hadn’t seen much of Donna OR Ray since the campaign started to get into full swing. But she knew things weren’t going exactly as planned.

"Donna, what exactly do you think is troubling Ray?" Ellie asked, placing two cups of coffee on the table.

"It’s the same thing that always has Miss Ellie. He thinks I’m too good for him, and he’s nothing. Doesn’t like a woman having a lot of control—over her own life. It’s frustrating."

"In that way he’s a lot like his father," Ellie said, thinking of Jock.

"Then you know what I’m dealing with. What should I do."

"One thing I learned from Jock is too be stubborn right back. He had his ways set in stone, so I had to have my ways set in stone too. It was up to us talking to reach some sort of compromise. It was hard, but we did it. That’s what you and Ray need to do."

"Miss Ellie, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to talk to him! It’s like he’s avoiding me. I know I have a crazy schedule, but it’s getting ridiculous."

"Do you think that there is something else going on?"

"I’m not sure. Do you mean another woman?"

"I didn’t want to say it, but yes."

"No. Ray wouldn’t do that to me. He’s stubborn, but he’s not stupid. He remembers what I told him all those years ago, when he had that affair with that bargirl. I wouldn’t stand for it again. I won’t." Donna prayed that she was right.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Sue Ellen’s car pulled into the Ewing driveway. John Ross and Melissa were eating on the terrace. Sue Ellen didn’t see them at first, for she was more focused on getting out of the car. She didn’t know how much longer she could take sitting in the car with Jack. There was a lot of tension, most of it brought on by Jack. Tension that was not necessarily hostile.

"Mom!" John Ross’s shout drove her back into reality.

"Oh My God! John Ross! What are you doing here?" She ran up and gave him a huge hug.

"Melissa and I are back from our trip."

Sue Ellen pulled out of the embrace and greeted Melissa. She wasn’t that fond of her, but she supposed she beat out Pamela Rebecca.

"It is so wonderful that you’re back!" Jack lurked in the background. Sue Ellen felt it only proper to introduce him. "John Ross, you remember Jack. Melissa, this is Jack Ewing—John Ross’s second cousin." Melissa extended her hand to Jack.

"Mrs. Ewing---you have a call," Theresa said from the doorway. "It’s a Mr. Juzwiak."

Sue Ellen wondered what one of the lawyers at West Star could be wanting to speak with her about. She supposed it must be important. "Excuse me one minute," she said to her son.

Inside, Sue Ellen removed her earring before picking up the phone. "Rich? What’s up?"

"Sorry Sue Ellen, don’t mean to disturb you, but there is something I think you should know. Bobby Ewing just called me. I remember that you told me to inform you of any activity involving the 8% of Ewing Oil that he acquired." Sue Ellen remembered. Rich had privately handled that transaction. He continued. "Well, Mr. Ewing is signing it over to someone else."

"What? Who?" Please, not J.R.

"Todd Foster. President of April Oil."

Todd? Sue Ellen wondered what this was about. She quizzed Rich a little more, but he knew nothing. Just that the transfer was going to occur, and Todd Foster would soon have 8% of Ewing Oil.

Sue Ellen thanked Rich, and put her earring back on. She was going to pay Todd a little visit.

Ewing Oil

      "Barnes, what the hell are you doing here?"

J.R. was not happy to see Cliff standing in his doorway. Obviously, Sly had stepped out for a moment.

"Calm down J.R. This won’t take long."

"Gonna tell me that you’re going to go die again? I could use some good news."

"Actually, I came to tell you that I’m your new neighbor."

J.R. looked confused.

"Oh Jack didn’t tell you? That land across from Southfork that he bought. He sold it to me. I’m the new owner."

J.R.’s face filled with anger. "What the hell do you mean by that?"

"Are you deaf? What I just said. I’m the new owner of that land. And I am going to drill it for every drop of oil that it is worth."

"I’ll kill you before that happens Barnes."

"I’d like to see you try. I’ve done death before. It’s not that appetizing."

"Get out."

"Sure J.R. I’ll see you around though. After all, we’re neighbors now."

Todd's Apartment

     Todd wasn’t expecting visitors. He had to leave soon---he had some work on Donna’s campaign to do. He couldn’t believe that he had actually stuck with the campaign and continued to work on it, even though he had decided to have no part in ruining it. Not that he gave a crap about anything political--it was mostly to help out Donna.

As he went to open the door, Todd chastised himself for being too soft. He was surprised to find Sue Ellen at the door.

"Sue Ellen. Wow. What a surprise."

"I’m sorry Todd. Usually I don’t show up at places unannounced, but I really needed to talk to you."

"Well, come on in."

Todd shut the door behind her and pulled out his pack of cigarettes. He offered one to her, and Sue Ellen declined.

"So, what’s up?" he said, lounging in a chair.

"I just learned that you are going to become the new owner of 8% of Ewing Oil."

"What is this, the pony express? Word spreads fast around here."

Sue Ellen gave a polite laugh. "In the end, Dallas is like a small town."

"Well, you’re right. I’m about to get that 8%--why?"

"I’m interested in purchasing it from you. Top dollar, above market price."

"Sue Ellen, thank you. But someone already has dibs on it."

"What?"

"Your ex-husband, actually. I’m actually committed to selling it to him once I get it. I’m not thrilled, trust me."

Sue Ellen silently cursed J.R. "Well, I’ll give you more money." In the end, that always won out. Todd had to admit, he was tempted.

"I’m sorry Sue Ellen, I really can’t." God, what was he passing this up? Sue Ellen Ewing was very wealthy---she could REALLY offer him some money. But J.R. was not one to be crossed, especially since he was so sour on Todd for not ruining the campaign.

"What is this allegiance to J.R., if you don’t mind my asking? He’s not exactly that charming."

"Oh, he has his negative points. But I owe him one. J.R. helped me on a deal a while back, and I need to return the favor." Todd liked to keep details as vague as possible. Always easier to embellish them later. "J.R. is not exactly one to cross, either. I’m sure you know this first hand."

"Did he threaten you into selling to him?"

"No, he didn’t threaten me. But I’m not stupid. He’s powerful in this town Sue Ellen. He’s a good man to have as a friend."

"He’s a twisted bastard. That’s what he is."

Todd inhaled his cigarette. "I’m assuming this love for J.R. is somehow tied into trying to get the 8% of Ewing Oil."

Sue Ellen looked at Todd, a desire to tell him her plan, but fearful that she couldn’t trust him, something that he quickly picked up on.

"Listen, I’m not president of the J.R. fan club. The guy can be a snake. I’m looking out for my own butt here, that’s it. I could give a crap less what anyone else thinks of him."

Sue Ellen gathered up her purse. "Thank you Todd, for your time. If you ever reconsider selling, please call me. As I said, I’m more than willing to give you a generous price."

Todd showed her to the door, still curious about what seemed like some sort of master plan against J.R. "Do you mind if I ask what is going on with you and J.R.? You seem to really have it in for him."

In the hallway, Sue Ellen turned around to face Todd. "He is a liar, and a cheater, and a bastard. He will always be those things. He loves to toy with peoples emotions in order to sustain himself--and that damned company of his. It’s time to play with J.R.’s emotions now. Where better than to hit what he loves most?"

Todd comprehended what she had just said. This woman was a survivor. He wondered if J.R. fully knew what he was up against.

Mandy Winger's Penthouse

      "I’m glad you didn’t go back to Southfork," said Mandy. "I wasn’t ready to say goodbye."

"Neither was I," said J.R.

"These past few days have been magical for me. I think that just proves that our love never did die."

J.R. kissed her. "No, it never did."

"And this time, there’s no Sue Ellen to stand in our way. There’s nothing stopping us from being together."

J.R. thought about how strangely she had been acting over the last couple of weeks. He then remembered the strange phone call. "I hope not."

"What do you mean?"

"Nothin’."

"Are you sure you have to go to work tomorrow?"

"Yep. Ewing Oil won’t run itself."

"I was supposed to go film another episode of the show tomorrow," said Mandy.

"Supposed to? Are you not going to?"

"No, I really don’t think so. I hate it. I don’t need Dallas Dish."

"Don’t you have a contract?"

"Yeah, well they can sue me. I really don’t give a damn."

J.R.’s mind kept drifting back to how Mandy had been acting. "There’s something I have to know."

Mandy looked worried. "What?"

"You’ve been acting awfully strange lately. I want to know why. The strange phone call…I want to know everything. If we’re gonna have a relationship, I want everything out on the table, right now."

Central Dallas Park

      Lucy and Neil walked in the darkness, staring up at the moon. "There’s nothing like a moonlit night to put you in the mood for romance," said Neil suddenly.

Lucy looked at him, wanting so much to tell him how she felt about him. She hadn’t met anyone like him in a long time. "I know."

The crickets chirped and they continued to walk.

"Did you know I haven’t been in love since Kimberly and I divorced?"

Lucy was quiet. "You haven’t told me that much about that."

"I think I mentioned that we fought over everything. Well, that’s not true. There was another reason we divorced."

"Oh my God," thought Lucy. "He’s going to say he’s gay—please don’t let him say that," Lucy thought back to her experience with Kit Mainwaring.

"What was the reason? If you don’t mind me asking."

"There was a misunderstanding—a big one."

"How so?" Lucy was growing more worried by the second.

"There was another man."

"No!" thought Lucy. "Please don’t let it be HIS man."

"Oh?" she said, trying to push those thoughts out of her head.

"Yeah, or at least I thought. Kim was spending a lot of time with a friend of hers from work. She was vice-president of a bank back in Pennsylvania. He was the bank president. I thought they were having an affair."

Lucy almost smiled. She was so relieved. "But were they?"

"No. They were just friends and I blew it all out of proportion."

"And that ended your marriage?"

"No, not just that. I also had this friend..."

"No No No!!" thought Lucy.

"Oh?" She felt stupid continuing to say that.

"Yeah. He…"

"Damn it! He is gay!" she thought. "He’s not even interested in me."

"…had this other friend, who was a woman. Her name was Yvonne. Turns out he was a real backstabber and wanted Kimberly for himself, so he made it look like I was having an affair with Yvonne."

"Bingo! He’s not gay!"

"That’s terrible," said Lucy, trying to sound comforting. "No, that’s GREAT!" she thought.

"And to make a long story short, Kimberly found out about this and left me. I managed to get a taped confession from the guy, Tim, but at the last minute, decided not to show it to Kimberly. Why? I’ll never know. So, she filed for divorce and eventually lost her job when the bank president developed genuine feelings for her and she rejected him. Now, every time she tries to get a job, he calls up her employer and gives them an earful of untrue stuff about her. She can’t hold a decent job now."

"Neil, I had no idea. That’s awful. I can’t believe you didn’t come forward with that tape. It could have saved your marriage."

"I still have it, but it’s been so long now. She’s never going to see it. Things are just better this way."

"But Tiffany. I think she’d love to have her parents back together. Surely you thought about that."

"I have, but I can’t do it."

Lucy had felt better once she found out he wasn’t gay, but now she just felt like she was standing in the way of Tiffany having both of her parents together. "Oh."

"But I’ve moved on and I’ve met the most wonderful woman."

"Okay! He’s not gay, but he has another woman."

"Wait a minute, you said you haven’t been in love since the divorce," said Lucy, perplexed.

"Well, I still love Kimberly, there’s no doubt about that. But this new woman…she’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met."

"Who is she?"

Neil smiled, the moonlight shining on his face. "I think you know her Lucy. It’s you."

Lucy was speechless. She didn’t think he had felt the same way about her. "Neil…I…"

"God Lucy, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have told you that, but I couldn’t help it. I’ve loved you since the moment I first laid eyes on you."

"…feel the same way about you."

"What?"

"I feel the same way about you Neil. I tried to fight the feelings, after my last relationship went bad, but I just couldn’t do it anymore."

"I can’t believe this," he said. "I never imagined."

The moonlight shone on Lucy’s blonde hair and Neil noticed how beautiful she was. No longer able to help himself, he took her in his arms and kissed her.

Downtown Dallas

      Karen laughed to herself when she thought about how sly she had been to sneak out of Southfork like that. Christopher had fallen asleep beside her and she knew that was her only chance to get out. She had to get more heroin—the withdrawal felt like it was killing her. Karen had called her supplier, Ty, and arranged for him to meet her in the park. She pulled the car into the parking lot.

Kimberly watched from the car behind her. "Damn it Karen, I can’t let you do this."

Karen turned off the car and stepped out, surveying the dark park for Ty. Soon, she spotted him, sitting on a park bench near a streetlamp. She looked around, then walked up to him.

"Yo," said Ty. "You’re late."

"I’m sorry," said Karen, shaking. "I got here as fast as I could."

"Then I suggest if you want more of the stuff, you don’t let it happen again. Did you bring the money?"

"I’m not that stupid, of course I brought it."

Ty looked at her chest. He knew she’d give him anything for more heroin, but right now, it was the money he needed the most. "Ok, here it is." He looked around to make sure no one was watching, then handed it over to her.

Kimberly crouched behind a nearby tree, watching as the horrible scene played out. She stepped back a bit, to make sure she couldn’t be seen, but stepped on a twig in the process. The snap was loud.

Ty saw her move behind the tree. "Damn, what the hell is this?" The first thing that popped into his mind was that Karen was an undercover cop, and whoever was behind the tree was also a cop. He pulled out a gun. Kimberly stepped out from behind the tree.

"Karen!" she screamed. "Run!"

Karen saw the gun and turned to run. Kimberly joined her. As they were running from Ty, two shots rang out into the night…

Credits Roll...



Next week on the Return to Southfork...

Sue Ellen and Cally have a talk. When Sue Ellen returns to Dallas, Cliff has a surprise for her. J.R. blackmails another Ewing, but that Ewing might have another trick up his sleeve. Lucy and Neil spend some time with Tiffany at the Braddock County Fair. Christopher, fed up, has Karen committed to the drug rehab center. Pam and Bobby return to Southfork, but Katherine is still on the lose. What kind of hellacious plot will she try this time? Todd has a change of heart and takes drastic actions to help Ray and Donna. Ray and J.R. have a heated confrontation and then J.R. and Todd clash...

And in the near future...

Pam is kidnapped by Katherine and Katherine unveils her hideous plan. Pam takes some desperate measures to escape, that could be dangerous to herself AND Katherine. Will she be taken away from Bobby? Or will she escape and return to him?

And finally, on Friday, October 1, it's the wedding you thought you'd never see happen. But will it really go off without a hitch? Maybe not, when a former RTS character returns in an attempt to put a stop to it...

Stay tuned!

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