Though it was late, many lights were still on throughout Dallas. One of those lights came from Mandy Winger's apartment. Inside the apartment, Mandy stood silent, looking at J.R.

“Mandy, it's a simple question. Why have you been acting so strange?”

Mandy turned away from J.R. She couldn't look him in the eye while she lied to him. “It's my job. It's so stressful. Seems like I'm always filming or at the studio. The truth is, I enjoyed life better when I was just a reporter.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes. It's just that the stress is beginning to get to me. That's why I want to quit.”

“What about the phone call on the cruise?”

“My former boss. I called him about possibly getting my job back and he was just returning the call.”

“If it's getting to you that much, then you should quit.”

Mandy smiled a weak smile. “Yeah. I guess so. J.R., I'm not feeling that well, so I think I'm going to turn in for the night.”

“Okay. I'll see you tomorrow then honey.” J.R. kissed Mandy and left the apartment.

Central Dallas Park

      Lucy pulled away from Neil when she heard the gunshot.

“What the hell?” Neil looked ahead to see two women running and a man aiming a gun at them. “I have to help them.”

“Neil! No!” But it was too late; Neil was running toward the man. He grabbed Ty's arm and knocked the gun from his hand. Lucy ran to them and picked up the gun, aiming it at Ty.

“Take it easy,” said Ty.

Kimberly turned and saw that Ty no longer had the gun. She grabbed Karen and went to him. “You bastard.”

“Kimberly? What are you doing here?” asked Neil.

“Long story.”

A siren blared in the distance.

Kimberly looked at Karen. “If the cops find us, they'll arrest you too.”

Lucy and Neil looked at each other, wondering what was going on. Kimberly took the gun from Lucy and wiped it off, then threw it into the lake.

She looked at Ty. “You, get the hell out of here.”

Neil let go of him and Ty ran toward the parking lot. Karen was quiet as they followed. Neil and Lucy walked behind them, still wondering what was going on.

The siren slowly faded into the rest of the night sounds and only the sound of the crickets and the cars from a nearby street could be heard. “Thank God.”

“Someone care to explain what's going on?” said Lucy firmly.

Kimberly looked at Lucy and Neil, and then reluctantly told them the whole story.

Southfork Ranch: The Gym

      Christopher hit the punching bag with every ounce of strength he could muster. It felt good to vent some of his frustrations.

He grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat from his face as J.R. walked in. “J.R., before you even open your mouth, I'm not in the mood.”

“What'd I say? I just came in to work out for a while before I go to bed. Is there a problem with that?”

“No,” said Christopher, hitting the punching bag again.

“You know, if something's wrong, it's always good to talk about it.”

Christopher couldn't believe his ears. “What the hell is this, Oprah?”

“Fine. I was just offering to listen,” said J.R., sitting down on a weight machine. “I am your uncle.”

“Yeah, well, with you, I use that term loosely. I would think I'd be the last person you'd want to talk to, considering the bad deal we had.”

“I don't hold that against you. It was that meddling ex-wife of mine that was responsible for that. What's got you so worked up anyway?”

“Lots of things. Karen and Pamela Rebecca for one.”

“Well, the Ewing men have had their share of women problems. Say, isn't that custody hearing coming up?”

Christopher hit the punching bag again, harder this time. “Yes it is.”

“I see. So that's what's botherin' you. What's wrong? Are you worried that Pamela Rebecca might get custody of Megan?”

“Maybe.” Christopher didn't want to directly say it.

“Christopher, I think we may be able to help each other.”

“What do you mean?”

“It just so happens that I know who the judge is that's presiding over the hearing. And it just so happens that he owes me a couple of favors.”

Christopher couldn't believe what he was hearing. He also couldn't believe what he was about to say. “What do you want?”

J.R. grinned. “That's what I wanted to hear you say. I want your West Star stock—all of it.”

“J.R., I couldn't give you that stock even if I wanted to. Kaitlin owns it. I just manage it for her.”

“Just a minor technicality. You're a smart guy—if you really want my help, then you'll figure out some way to get me that West Star stock. What's more important to you? Your daughter or West Star?”

“That's not fair. There's NO way Kaitlin would give me control of that.”

“Okay then. Maybe I'll give you a little more incentive. I've taken the liberty of having a little something printed up for you.” J.R. handed Christopher a newspaper.

Christopher unfolded it. On the front page was a headline: Wife of West Star CEO on Heroin

“You BASTARD,” said Christopher. “Where did you get this? How did you know?”

J.R. smiled. “There's one thing you should always remember about me. I know about everything that goes on in this house...and most of Dallas. As far as the headline goes, it won't find its way to the Dallas Tribune until next Friday. That gives you a week to get me that West Star stock.”

Christopher stared at the headline, then crumpled up the paper. “I didn't think even YOU could sink this low.”

“Oh, it's not that low. Provided you get me that stock, I'll still be more than happy to talk to Judge Baxter for you. See, you don't lose anything by helping me out. You get a tidy little sum of money and custody of your daughter. But, if you decide not to sell me that stock, this headline will be all over the state—AND I'll make sure you don't get custody of your daughter.”

J.R. smiled and left the room. Christopher hit the punching bag repeatedly. He'd never been so mad in all his life.

A half-hour later, things got even worse when Christopher found out that Karen hadn't gone out with Kimberly—she had gone out to buy drugs. He stood there, looking at his wife. Christopher knew what he had to do.

“Karen, tomorrow morning I'm taking you to the rehab center. You've left me with no other choice.”

“NO! You can't send me away. I don't need any help! Damn you, I'm old enough to know what I need!”

“I'm sorry, but it's what I have to do.”

“He's right,” said Ellie, walking up to them.

“What do you know!” said Karen to Miss Ellie.

“I know that right now, rehab is the best option for you."

Karen ran upstairs and slammed the door. Christopher was so frustrated. First J.R., now this.

Meanwhile, J.R. stopped outside Gary and Val's door and listened to the conversation that was going on inside.

“I found the perfect land to build my subdivision on, but it's not for sale,” came Gary's voice.

“Where is it?”

“About five miles east of Southfork, right on the outskirts of town.”

Val frowned, then smiled cheerfully. “Just our luck. But, look on the bright side. I'm sure there are lots of other lots that are for sale—just as good as that one.”

“No, this one was perfect. It even has a lake on it. That alone would drive up the value of the houses I'd build there.”

J.R. suddenly had a plan. Maybe Gary's little construction project wasn't such a bad idea after all.

Southfork Ranch, the next day

      Pam was greatly relieved to have been able to leave Galveston and get her newly expanded family back to Dallas. She and Bobby were in the car on their way from the Dallas airport, headed to Southfork. Unbeknownst to Pam, Bobby had arranged for some decorations to be hung for Pam and their new daughter. He could hardly keep back a smile. When he made the turn into the driveway, a large "IT'S A GIRL" banner had been strung under the sign that normally read "Southfork".

Pam noticed the sign; it was impossible not to. "Bobby James Ewing, what do you have up your sleeve?!"

"Just some little decorations to welcome our new daughter to Dallas, Southfork, and most of all, to the Ewing family."

By this time they had arrived up at the house, where Balloons and streamers decorated the patio area. Bobby parked the car and helped his wife out, then got their sleeping daughter out of her car seat.

"I don't think she's in a partying mood," Bobby joked. Pam and Bobby were greeted by some family members who had walked outside to welcome the couple and their new daughter home. Miss Ellie, Sue Ellen, and J.R. were gathered on the patio to get their first looks at the newborn girl.

"Pam, welcome home!" Miss Ellie exclaimed happily. "I've been so anxious to see my new granddaughter. She looks so beautiful already, with all that dark hair... I wonder which one of you she'll take after." Miss Ellie planted a kiss on Pam's cheek, then on the baby's dark hair. "Have you and Bobby decided on a name yet?"

"We have been leaning towards Rebecca Grace, Momma,” Bobby said, "but it's not definite yet."

"Well Mama, we can only hope the little one here doesn't take after that nit wit brother of Pam's…in looks or otherwise. Or maybe she'll just have amnesia like her crazy Aunt Katherine!!" J.R. commented snidely, prompting Sue Ellen to elbow him in his ribs.

"That's also true of one of his uncles on this side of the family too, Pam,” Sue Ellen added. "God knows we don't need another slimy snake like J.R. in the world."

"Well, I don't think we need to have any bickering here on such a joyous occasion,” Miss Ellie stated.

"I couldn't agree more Momma," Bobby said.

“Look at the time,” said J.R. “I hate to leave this joyous little occasion, but I have some business to take care of.” He grabbed his hat and made his way to the car.

Pam was still quite tired from the wonderful but draining events of the past several days, which became evident to Miss Ellie.

"Pam, you look exhausted."

"You're right Miss Ellie…I am. What I could use the most right now is a nap. I appreciate you all meeting us, but I really am worn out." Pam cast a sidelong look at Bobby, who noticed her look. They were thinking the same thing…they wanted to spend some time alone together.

"Momma, I think Pam and the baby need some rest…and quite frankly, I could use some rest too. I think we'll both go take a nap for a while. We'll see you all later." With that Bobby put his arm around Pam and led her up to the nursery.

The Bradford Farm

      Howard Bradford shielded his eyes and tried to identify the car that was pulling into his dusty driveway. He didn't recognize it and didn't recognize the man who got out.

J.R. Ewing walked onto the porch. “Howdy Mr. Bradford.”

Howard wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone. “What do you want?”

J.R. frowned. “Well, let me just come out with it. I want this land.”

“I don't recall putting a for sale sign on the property,” said the main sharply.

J.R. laughed. “No, no you didn't. But see, I need this land. It's very important that I get it.”

“Land's not for sale.”

“I'd be willing to offer you a nice amount of money for it.”

Howard got up and went inside, shutting the door behind him. J.R. knocked on the door and the man came out again. This time he was aiming a shotgun at J.R. “I said, this land ain't for sale.”

“Mr. Bradford, I'm sure…”

Howard fired the gun over J.R.'s head and J.R. made a sprint for his car. “Now get offa my land.”

“Look, why don't I…”

He fired the gun again and J.R. cranked up his car, slamming on the gas. It was definitely time for his back-up plan.

Southfork Ranch

      Bobby and Pam walked Rebecca Grace up to the nursery, and put her in the crib. Bobby's face turned serious, yet with a gentle tone to it. "You know Pam, when you were in the hospital in Galveston, that gave me an opportunity to do some shopping yesterday afternoon."

He reached in his blazer pocket, and pulled out a long jewelry box. He opened it to reveal a stunning diamond bracelet, which he promptly placed on Pam's wrist. Pam was overcome with emotions…love and joy being the two dominant ones.

"Oh Bobby, it's lovely!" she exclaimed. "You really didn't have to do that, but thank you so much!" She then gave him a sweet, soft kiss on the lips.

"I just hope this is a sign we've put all our disagreements with Katherine behind us, dear,” Bobby said. "AND if you kiss me again like that, we might be giving our new daughter a sibling in nine months or so," he said, teasing Pam, at least to some extent.

"Well, I wouldn't be so sure of the last part…YOU weren't the one who went through the labor!! I think I'm getting too old to be going through that again any time soon!" she chided him, and then got serious. "What I could use right now is some rest... care to join me for a nap?" she asked, keeping her arms around his neck.

"I thought you'd never ask." With that he bent over to kiss his daughter, then took his wife by the hand and led her back to their bedroom.

Ewing Oil, an hour later

      “Todd Foster is here to see you.”

“Send him in Sly.”

J.R. released the button on the intercom and waited for Todd to enter the office. Soon, he'd have the full 60% of Ewing Oil back. Of course, that left Jack and Lucy's 40% to get hold of, but J.R. would worry about that later.

As Todd entered his office, J.R. quickly shifted his mind back to business. “Well, Todd. Come on in.”

“What's going on? You made it seem important over the phone.”

As Todd sat down, J.R. leaned back in his chair to get comfortable. “I just wanted to let you know that you're going to have to hold onto that 8% for me for a few more days. My lawyer's out of town, and I don't trust anyone else on this. No one's going to play funny games with me. That shouldn't be a problem though, will it? After all, the way I see it, you owe me big time for not taking care of that campaign for me.”

“God”, Todd thought, “can he ever stop repeating himself?” “The 8% isn't going anywhere, so don't spazz. And I'm getting pretty sick of you holding this campaign business over my head. I did my best. And, incidentally, this evens the score J.R. You should actually be kissing my butt, you know. Your ex-wife offered me a pretty penny for that 8%, and I refused her--out of loyalty to you.”

“Is that a fact?” J.R. had to credit Sue Ellen's persistence, but knew she wasn't going to get anywhere--she was too sloppy. After all, she was a drunk. “Well, loyalty is something that I like. It's valuable to be my friend Todd. Smart move.” J.R. briefly paused. “And you don't have to worry about that campaign. I've taken other steps to deal with that.”

This sparked Todd's interest. What was he up too? He decided to play along. “Really? I've got to commend you. Donna runs a pretty tight ship---how did you get dirt on her?”

“It has nothing to do with Donna, it's about that idiot Ray. But she's going down with him anyway.”

“What do you have?”

J.R. got up from his chair, moving behind Todd, who had sat down. He poured himself some water. “I got some pretty racy videotape with Ray in the sack with some bar floozy.” J.R. smiled at his triumph.

“You're kidding me. How did you manage to get that?”

J.R. took a sip of water. “Boy, when are you ever going to learn? I get things done. I hired the girl to seduce Ray. Took her long enough, but she finally did it. Got it all on videotape too. You're too young for it though.”

“Why go to all that trouble? I mean, doesn't Ray just ranch?”

“For the most part, and he should stick to that. But the fool somehow got his hands on a pretty chunk of a company called PetroTech that I want. I need 8% for majority control, and Ray sure as hell wouldn't sell to me if I asked him. So I was forced to seek alternative methods.” He laughed.

“What does this have to do with Donna?”

“Because once Ray gives me that stock---and he's such a pansy, I know he will---I'm making that tape public. Dallas is still a pretty conservative town. Scandal will ruin Donna,” he said with a blasé tone.

In his mind, Todd marveled at the fact that J.R. had no idea that his loyalties were leaning towards Donna. The reason he didn't ruin that campaign was because he actually cared about Donna. He would be damned if he let J.R. get the best of her—hell, ruin her. She didn't deserve that. But he knew he still had to play along.

“God, you're good,” Todd said with mock astonishment.

“Listen and learn.”

Todd took a deep breath and got out of his seat. “Well, I've got to hand it to you, you did much better than I ever could have.” He made his way towards the door. “Let me know when you want those papers signed for the 8%. I'll be around.” He started to exit, but slowly turned around, taken by a thought. “Congratulations, J.R. It seems like you've won.”

Behind his desk again, J.R. smiled. “Yep, guess I have.” He was pretty damn pleased. “Oh Todd, before you go, ask Sly to come in here please.”

Todd gave a plastic smile back. Silently, he thought to himself, “Actually, you've lost.”

Arkansas: Cally's House

      Sue Ellen couldn't believe it. Cally—she was actually going to see Cally again, after all these years. She tried not to grimace at the small house that was Cally's home. It was more like a shack, actually. Why was she living here? Surely Cally's future must have been brighter upon leaving Dallas than to be relegated to this shack.

Sue Ellen tried to shake off her thoughts, positive there was a perfectly good explanation for why Cally was living in such seemingly desperate conditions. She looked at her watch. The flight out hadn't taken long at all. When her private investigator called last night with Cally's address, Sue Ellen made immediate plans to fly out to visit her the next morning. She took the Clifford Group jet, not telling anyone of her plans. Who would know? Cliff was tied up in meetings all day, and Jack was too new to the company to pay attention to such things. She didn't want to run any risk of J.R. finding out where she was.

Sue Ellen approached the front door, and rang the rusty doorbell. She heard some movement from inside the house, and Cally's distinctive voice saying, “Hold on one minute.” Was her son home? Sue Ellen was curious as to what he looked like. Hopefully not like J.R.

She felt the butterflies in her stomach, and a rush of excitement filled her as the door opened. There was Cally, looking just as she did when she last saw her, ten years ago. She was still gorgeous.

“Oh My God,” was all Cally could say.

“Cally! It's so great to see you!” Sue Ellen flashed a warm smile.

“Sue Ellen. Oh My God. What are you doing here? Did he find me?” Cally looked nervous.

“Don't worry, J.R. has no idea where I am. It's just me. Can I come in?”

Cally's face turned into a jumble of both confusion and genuine joy. She started giggling, and Sue Ellen thought she saw a tear form in her eye. “Sue Ellen!” Cally gave her a huge hug, and then invited her inside.

Sue Ellen was not pleased to discover that the inside of the house was in no better shape than the outside. Cally obviously had tried to make it as homey and comfortable as possible, but a piece of crud is still a piece of crud, even wrapped pretty, Sue Ellen thought to herself. Cally motioned for her to sit on the couch.

“What are you doing here? I still can't believe it's you! How did you find me?” She was spitting out questions faster than Sue Ellen could comprehend.

“Slow down, and I'll tell you everything.” And she did. She told Cally about how she had briefly talked to her friend Kurt on the Oil Baron's Cruise, and saw her picture in his wallet. She also told her about how she tracked her down using her private investigator. “And that's what brings me here today. I know the method is a little bit too similar to J.R., but I didn't know what else to do. I really wanted to see you.”

“Well, I'm glad you did! Where are you living now? Are you still in England with Don?”

“Don and I have divorced. It just wasn't meant to be.” Sue Ellen didn't want to go into THAT story. “I'm actually back in Dallas now. At Southfork, believe it or not.”

“What? Why?”

Good question, Sue Ellen thought. Why was she at Southfork? It was almost masochistic, being that close to J.R. every day. But her family was there---John Ross, Miss Ellie. But still, being that close to J.R. was not a very safe feeling for Sue Ellen. Why did she remain there? It was a bit dangerous. And Jack was there as well. That was another danger, which Sue Ellen didn't want to admit to just yet. “I guess things just worked out that way.”

“J.R. still at home?” Cally said his name with such contempt.

“Where else would he be? But he's not even worth focusing on. Southfork is so alive again, Cally. Everyone's back---Miss Ellie, Clayton, Lucy, John Ross.”

A bright smile crossed Cally's face. “Oh My Gosh, John Ross must be so big now! How is he doing?”

“Wonderfully. He's seeing a girl named Melissa right now, and just got back from an around the world trip with her.”

“And what about Miss Ellie? And Lucy? I haven't seen them in so long!”

“They are all wonderful. So much has happened since you were last there. Some things change, but things are still the same at Southfork. There's always some kind of drama going on.”

“I know whose at the center of it too.”

“J.R. butting his nose into everyone else's affair will always be a constant.” Sue Ellen said in a sarcastic tone.

For the next hour, Sue Ellen filled Cally in on the events of the last ten years, albeit a condensed version---J.R.'s five years in Europe, her return to Dallas and time at Ewing Oil, Pam's return to Bobby, John Ross' complicated relationship with Pamela Rebecca, Lucy's relationship with Cliff, and her current one with him. Cally just listened intently the whole time.

“Enough about me. What about you? How has life been treating you?”

Cally sighed. “Well, things have been tough. Justin's eight now, almost nine. He's a handful, but I love him. He's at school right now. I wish you could meet him.”

“Do you have a picture?”

“Of course.” Cally walked over to a bureau, and took down a picture of her and Justin. She handed it to Sue Ellen, who couldn't help but smile. Justin was adorable, just the right combination of his mother and his father's features. He had J.R.'s smile. Sue Ellen shook herself back into reality---no positive comments associated with J.R.

“He's very handsome. He looks just like you.”

“He's got some of his father in him. There's no denying that.”

There was a brief, but uncomfortable silence. “What about you're painting? How is that going?”

“I love it, but it's tough to pay the bills. I've had to take some odd jobs every now and then just to get by, but I never give up my paintin'.” She smiled uncomfortably. “I know this place isn't as fancy as you're used too, but it's all I can afford.”

“Are things really tough right now?”

“They've been tough for the last six years. After I left Dallas, I went to Florida and took the money that I got from my divorce settlement with J.R. and bought a small art studio. It was pretty successful for a while. And then I met the most wonderful man. He was so kind, Sue Ellen. He treated me like a princess. He was a great father to Justin right after he was born.”

“So what happened?” She had a feeling this wasn't going to be good.

“The gallery got more and more successful, and I fell more and more in love. Then one day I came home, and everything was gone. He took all my money--cleaned out my savings account. The gallery couldn't keep itself afloat after that.”

“Oh my God! That's horrible. What happened to him—did you ever find him?”

“No, and I don't want to. I don't really want to talk about it. It makes me too depressed.” Cally sighed deeply, as if holding back a cry. “So, I took what money I had left and moved here. Arkansas was always my home.”

“How did you meet the man that I spoke with on the cruise?”

“Kurt? He's just a local from around here. He tried to romance me when I first came into town, but I wasn't too interested. My heart still hurts from that. So, we're just great friends.” Cally could see the look of pity in Sue Ellen's eyes. “Hey, things aren't that bad. I've got my paintin', and I've got Justin.”

“Do you need any money?”

“I don't accept handouts. I'll make it on my own.” She was a little perturbed Sue Ellen asked her.

Sue Ellen decided to drop that subject quickly, and the two made chitchat for another hour. Cally glanced at the clock on the wall. “Oh my stars, I've got to pick up Justin from school.”

Realizing how quickly the time had flown, Sue Ellen gathered up her purse. “Actually, I should get going as well. I have to be back in Dallas in a few hours.”

“You won't tell anyone you saw me, right?”

“Mum's the word.” Sue Ellen made a gesture of locking her lips. “But I want to stay in touch. And to let you know that if you are ever in Dallas, you have a place to stay---away from Southfork, and J.R. I know that Miss Ellie, and everyone else would love to see you--especially John Ross. You were always very special to him.”

“I really miss them sometimes.”

“Come back. Just for a weekend or a short visit.”

Cally shook her head, almost as if to convince herself that she couldn't. “No, I'm not letting J.R. anywhere near Justin. He's poison, and you of all people should know it. He's like a raccoon—he'll sniff me out as soon as I step foot in Texas.”

Sue Ellen had to admit that she had a point. “I understand. But the invitation is always open.” They gave each other another warm hug to say goodbye. “I've missed you Cally. This time, we're not going to lose touch.”

Sue Ellen waved as she stepped into her rental car, leaving Cally Harper Ewing standing in the doorway, feeling a little bit lonely. It would be nice to see everyone, she kept thinking to herself.

Turning Point Drug Dependency Center

      “Christopher! You can't do this to me!” Karen ran to Christopher and wrapped herself around me. “Please don't leave me.”

“Karen, I don't have any choice. You're making me do this.”

“If you leave me here, so help me I'll never forgive you.”

Two orderlies came out to restrain Karen as the receptionist at the desk handed Christopher a clipboard and pen. “We have all the other pertinent info from the phone call. All we need is your signature,” said the receptionist.

Christopher looked at Karen, a tear welling up in his eye. Kimberly put her hand on his back and it reminded him that he had to do this. Christopher signed his name and handed the clipboard back to the receptionist. She gave him a reassuring smile and told him they'd take good care of Karen.

He looked at Karen and their eyes met for a second. His eyes were filled with love and pity, but hers were full of resentment. The two orderlies led her out of the room.

The Bradford Farm

      Sly pulled her car into the dusty driveway and stepped out, adjusting her dress. She ran the procedure through her head. J.R. had promised a nice bonus if she were able to pull this off.

She took out her compact and put on bright red lipstick, then walked to the front door. After three knocks, Howard Bradford stepped out.

“Well, how do ma'am?”

Sly put on her best Southern belle voice—it came out sounding like an extremely backwoods version of Scarlett O'Hara “How do you do yourself.” She smiled and batted her eyes.

Howard smiled back. “What's a pretty little lady like yourself doing out here?”

“I was hopin' you could hay-elp me out,” said Sly, sounding like the little girl from the Shake-N-Bake commercials.

“What seems to be the problem? Car trouble? Need a phone?”

“No sir, not exactly.” Sly smoothed out her dress.

“What's your name Miss?”

“Sylvia. Sylvia Starlin'.”

Howard mopped sweat from his forehead. “What a pretty name. Why don't you come in and tell old Howard what's on your mind.”

Sly smiled and nodded. Howard held the door for her and she walked in, taking a seat on a worn-out couch. “Time for the tears,” she thought.

She began to sniffle, then took out a tissue.

“Aw, what's wrong?” asked Howard.

“It's just the mem'ries. This place brangs back so many mem'ries.” She sobbed into the tissue.

“Now now. What kind of memories?”

“Mistah,” said Sly, “I grew up in this house.”

“You what?” Howard thought for a moment. “What did you say your last name was?”

“Starlin'. My daddy was Sam Starlin'.”

“Starling…hmm. Sam Starling. Old Sam is your Pa? Sam sold this old house to me.”

“Yay-es he is,” sobbed Sly. “He died a few ye-uhs ago.”

“Sam was a good friend of mine. Come ta think of it, I remember him having a daughter. Don't quite remember what her name was though. Must've been you. So, why are you here?”

Sly allowed her sobs to taper off into sniffles. “I thought I'd come back he-yuh ta Braddock and see if I couldn't get this house back. It's all I hay-uv lay-eft of my Daddy! I didn't know sumbody was gonna be livin' on it!” She sobbed harder than ever.

“Now now sugar, I'm sorry.”

“It was my lay-est hope. I've got my Daddy's in'a'hayritance from when he died. I would be glay-ed to give you half of that for this he-yuh land!” Sly collapsed onto Howard in a fit of tears.

“Now Miss, exactly how much is your inheritance?”

“Two million dollahs. I'd ge-ive you one million for it.”

Howard Bradford never was a bright one, but it didn't take him a half a second to realize what he could do with that kind of money. Plus, he could help out this poor woman.

“Well, I'm kind of attached to it, but I think that's a fair price. I'd be glad to help you out.”

Sly's face brightened. “Oh my-uh stahs! God blay-ess you Sugah! Thank ya kindly! You jist stay he-yuh and take it easy. I'll go git my law-yuh ta draw up the pap-uhs!”

Sly smoothed out her dress and stood up, then Howard spoke up. “You sure I can't convince you to stay for dinner? I'm awfully lonely since my wife passed away.”

Sly tried to smile. “I rally need ta git back home.” She began to back toward the door.

“Ok then, call me soon.”

Sly nodded and went back to her car, glad to be out of there. “J.R., you'd better have a damned good bonus waiting for me.”

Ewing Oil

      J.R. was glancing at the clock impatiently when Sly walked into the office. “What took you so long?” said J.R.

“J.R.! Do you have any idea what kind of act I had to put on to get that man to sell?”

“So you did get him to?”

She smiled. “Did you ever doubt me?”

J.R. chuckled. “Sly, you're a damned good secretary.”

“Yeah, well what I had to do just now goes beyond the call of duty for just a secretary.”

“Oh, don't worry about that. You'll get that little bonus.” J.R. uncorked a bottle of champagne and poured two glasses.

“I thought you didn't drink?”

“I usually don't, but this is a damned special occasion.”

“J.R., what exactly is the occasion? Why did you have me do that?”

He smiled his shark's grin as he toasted her. “To ensure that my little niece Lucy doesn't have any reason to set foot in Ewing Oil again.”

The Braddock County Fair

      “Neil, this is a great idea. I'm glad I let you talk me into this,” said Lucy Ewing.

“What did I tell you? The Braddock County Fair isn't just for kids!”

Tiffany pulled on Neil's hand and begged for them to take her on the carousel. They followed her to it and boarded. Tiffany opted for a horse, but Lucy and Neil took one of the two-people sleighs.

Neil kissed Lucy as the carousel began to spin.

After a long ride, they got off. Tiffany was dizzy and grabbed her dad for support.

“Oh look Daddy! I want one of those teddy bears.”

Neil looked in the direction Tiffany was pointing. The only way to get one of the teddy bears was to throw a ring around a bottle. “Simple enough,” said Neil.

“Oh C'mon,” laughed Lucy. “You know those things are rigged!”

“We'll see about that.” He rolled up his sleeve and took three rings from the vendor. The first one missed. He took a deep breath then threw another one. It also missed. The last one came the closest, but it fell off onto the ground.

Lucy gave the vendor a dollar and took three rings of her own. The first two missed, but the third one hit its mark. The vendor handed Lucy an oversized white teddy bear and she gave it to Tiffany.

“Thanks Aunt Lucy! I guess Daddy doesn't have very good aim.”

Lucy smirked at Neil and he rolled his eyes. “She knows what she's talking about,” said Lucy, rubbing it in.

“Bumper cars!” shouted Tiffany. She took off running.

Lucy and Neil followed her onto the ride. Tiffany picked a pink car. Lucy and Neil found separate cars and got in.

After a few more seconds of loading, the ride operator shouted go and they were off.

Tiffany managed to bump into both of them a few times. Once, Lucy bumped into Neil so hard that he almost went flying out of the car. “Should've been wearing your seatbelt,” she had said.

After riding the bumper cars, Neil and Tiffany went in the spook house while Lucy waited outside. She wasn't scared of them, but Lucy had never been a big fan of spook houses.

Ewing Oil

      By now, Sly had gotten over her initial feelings of anger toward JR. At first, she'd been upset that he'd used her to hurt Lucy, but she had once willingly agreed to help Afton Cooper do the same thing. Now, she was thinking of nothing but her nice bonus, and what she'd buy with it.

“I still don't think I understand how that's gonna get rid of Lucy for you, but I don't really care. She can be a real bitch around the office,” she said.

J.R. laughed. “You got that right. At least you don't have to live with her.”

Sly began to talk in her Scarlett O'Hara accent. “You know, I rally shouldn't be drinkin' so much. I've still got to finalize that deal wee-ith Bradford.”

“Gawd, with an accent like that, no wonder you convinced Bradford. And don't worry too much about that. I'll take care of everything else. All you have to do is be present and sign the papers.”

“Life is so easy,” said Sly.

“Well, it's about time for that meeting,” said J.R. “I think I'll be going. I may not stop back by here after I get through, so if I don't, you can lock up and go home early.”

“Thanks. See you tomorrow J.R.”

“And Sly...”

Sly stopped and turned around. “Yes?”

“Thanks for everything.”

She smiled and left the office.

J.R. walked out into the lobby and took a look at the painting of Jock. “Well Daddy, soon it'll just be me and John Ross running this company—just me and my son, just like I always wanted.”

J.R. straightened the picture, put on his hat, and flipped off the lights in the office.

Credits Roll...

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