Sue Ellen was gathering up some files, preparing to leave her swank office at the Clifford Group. She had business at West Star that she needed to attend to over the next few days. Ever since joining the Clifford Group, she had deferred much of her work at West Star to some trusted associates, but was always there in a pitch when Christopher needed her. After all, he was the reason that she agreed to join West Star in the first place. She wasn't looking forward to returning to Southfork. It was time she made the announcement to Miss Ellie and everyone else that she intended to move out---and marry Cliff.

Todd was the last person that Sue Ellen expected to see.

“A Mr. Foster is here to see you,” her secretary Kelly buzzed, but before Sue Ellen could even acknowledge that, Todd had burst through the door.

“Get your lawyer on the phone pronto.” He said in a commanding tone.

“Todd, what's going on here?”

“That bastard went too far this time.” Sue Ellen knew immediately whom he was speaking of. “You still want that 8% of Ewing Oil? It's yours. Just get your lawyer over here ASAP, or I might be in jail for murdering that son of a bitch J.R.”

Sue Ellen didn't ask any questions as she picked up the phone and dialed.

Todd's Apartment

      Todd wanted to feel triumphant, but he didn't. Sure, after tomorrow, the papers he had just signed with Sue Ellen would take effect and she would be the new owner of 8% of Ewing Oil. He couldn't wait to see the look on J.R.'s face when that happened. But what about April Oil? The money he would be receiving from Sue Ellen for the sale of his 8% would tide the company over for a little while, but there was no possibility that it could keep April Oil afloat for the weeks, possibly months, it would be in financial jeopardy. Damn J.R.! He must have had something really good on an ORC official to bribe him into shutting down April Oil's wells.

Todd didn't know that the hell he was going to do. The joy of victory over J.R. was brief.

Southfork Ranch

      Sue Ellen was the last to sit at the table. She had spoken to Cliff right before she had left the office, and told him the wonderful news---there was a new Ewing at Ewing Oil---her! Sue Ellen silently thanked her lawyer as she thought of how quickly he drew up the decree of sale papers between Todd and herself. It had only taken a few hours. And by tomorrow morning, J.R. would know who the newest shareholder in Ewing Oil was. Sue Ellen couldn't wait to see his face.

She wondered what Todd had on J.R. in order to warrant the latter into making such a drastic move as shutting down almost all of April Oil's fields. Todd remained silent, so Sue Ellen didn't press the subject. After all, she was getting 8% of Ewing Oil! By no means majority control, but a start. It got her foot in the door.

Now, the hardest part of the night faced her. Telling the family about her engagement to Cliff. Thank God J.R. wasn't present---or had he already spilled the beans? She stupidly told him the night before about her engagement. She had said it in the heat of the moment, just to piss him off. She wasn't sure whether it had the desired effect, because Ray had come storming into the driveway, obviously with a bone to pick with J.R. Who in this town didn't have a bone to pick with J.R.?

As Sue Ellen took her place at the table, she scanned the room. The table was nearly full: Miss Ellie, Clayton, Bobby, Pam, Christopher, John Ross, Melissa, Lucy, Kimberly, Donna, Ray, Lucas, Margaret, Gary, Valene and Jack were all present.

God, how was Jack going to take this. What did she care? They weren't even an item, never were. But there was something about him that Sue Ellen couldn't deny was unbearably attractive. He had been looking at her ever since she entered the room. Almost staring. At the office, he kept finding excuses to visit her---for feeble things like asking where the photocopier was. Any excuse just to talk to her. Every time, he just stared and stared, almost as if he magnetically attracted to her. Sue Ellen didn't like to admit that sometimes when he wasn't looking, she stared as well.

But that was all going to change. She was going to be with Cliff.

The whole family was making chitchat with one another, and there was a lot of smiling going around. Once there got to be a lull in the conversation, Sue Ellen decided to spring her news.

“I have something to say that I think everyone should hear.”

All attention was focused on her. Unbeknownst to Sue Ellen, J.R. had stepped into the hallway outside the dining room.

She continued. “I don't really know how to say this properly, and I don't want to go in a whole roundabout way, so I'm just going to flat out say it. I'm getting married.”

“WHAT?” John Ross nearly shouted. Jack almost choked on his food. Clayton and Miss Ellie just looked on in shock.

“Cliff asked me to marry him, so I accepted. I know this is sudden, but I'm in love with him, and the timing is right.” She kept telling herself NOT to look at Jack. “We're going to be married in a couple of days. It's going to be a small ceremony, but I want everyone to be there, of course.”

Outside in the hall, J.R. felt his blood boil.

“I don't believe it! How come Cliff didn't tell me---I talked to him earlier today! This is wonderful Sue Ellen!” Pam was beaming.

“I think he was waiting for me to tell everyone. He knew that I was making the announcement tonight. I was very nervous---I didn't know how you'd all react.”

“Just don't get married at Southfork. And keep an eye on him---make sure he doesn't go faking his death when the going gets rough,” Lucy said with a sarcastic tone. Valene shot her a look telling her to remain quiet.

Sue Ellen's eyes immediately went to John Ross. What was he thinking? He just sat there, chewing on his food, trying to act as if nothing was wrong. Sue Ellen knew that this was troubling him.

Miss Ellie spoke next. “Sue Ellen, I don't want to see you go. But if this is what you have to do---and you're in love---then you have my blessing, and my wishes for happiness. I know that Cliff is very special to you. If you're confident that you'll have a happy future with him, then I'm thrilled for you both. But I'm going to miss you terribly.”

Sue Ellen tried to not get choked up. She looked over at John Ross again. Sitting two seats away from him, she couldn't help but notice Jack. He looked like a wounded puppy. His face was covered with disappointment, and he was making no attempts to hide this from Sue Ellen. His face seemed to echo, “How could you?”

“Well, Sue Ellen, seems to me that you're on a role. You're last husband was an idiot, and this next one's a full blown imbecile.”

Miss Ellie shot J.R. a silencing look, while Lucy, Valene and Donna rolled their eyes in chorus. John Ross remained emotionless. “Don't speak about my brother that way!” Pam said, trying to remain civil.

“Knock it off J.R.” Bobby piped in.

“Unfortunately, my dear, I think you're getting yourself confused with Don, and you're impression of Cliff. You are, were, and always will be an idiot and an imbecile. Now excuse me.” Sue Ellen placed her napkin on the table, and went upstairs. She ignored J.R. as she walked past him.

“Damned if I'll let that wedding happen,” J.R. thought to himself.

The Krebbs Ranch

      Lucas and Margaret ran upstairs immediately after stepping foot inside. Some new teenage show was premiering, and they couldn't wait to see it. Ray was surprised when Donna followed him into the living room.

“Don't have any political thing to go to?” he asked quietly. Things between them were still tense.

“I won't have anymore, if you don't want me too Cowboy.” Donna's face was serious.

“What?” Ray was a little confused.

“I've been doing a lot of thinking. Being mayor of Dallas isn't worth losing you.”

Ray prayed she wasn't going to say what he thought she was about to say. Was she going to give up the campaign for him? After what he had done---did she really have no suspicion? He had been avoiding her like the plague. Donna must have NO idea that he had slept with Jenna.

Donna continued. “We were apart for too long Ray, and for the wrong reasons. Fate brought us back together, and nothing is going to tear us apart this time. Not if I have anything to say about it.”

“You're really prepared to give up the campaign?” Ray responded quickly.

“Absolutely. I want to be mayor----but I want you more. You're more important than any sort of office. Took me a little while, but I realize that now.”

Ray's guilt washed over him twofold. He wanted her to give up the campaign for so long, and now that it was finally happening, he felt nothing but remorse. He had slept with Jenna---been unfaithful before he and Donna were even married again. What kind of person was he? He could try to pass blame on her campaign, but Ray considered him man enough to admit that the affair was HIS fault.

“Donna, are you sure about this.”

“No. But I'm sure that I love you, and I'll do whatever it takes to make sure that we're together. I know that I've been preoccupied lately, and I know that hurts. We've had problems like this before---it's what tore us apart in the first place. I was stupid to try to travel down that road again. You're the most important thing in my life Ray---you and Margaret. And Lucas.”

Ray couldn't take this anymore. He had betrayed her. He couldn't live with himself if she gave up a dream to live with a liar. He had to tell her.

Donna made motions to kiss him, but Ray pulled away. “Donna, I have to tell you something.”

Donna sat down on the couch, a tranquil look on her face. She rested her elbow on the back of the couch, leaning her head on her hand. “That you'll marry me tomorrow?” She giggled. “Hearing about Sue Ellen and Cliff put me in a marrying mood.”

Ray didn't smile, something that alerted Donna that something was up. Her face grew more serious. “Ray, what is it?”

Ray took a deep breath, wondering how he was going to say exactly what he needed to say. “Donna, I love you. You know that I do---I always have and I always will. I'm sorry that things between us lately have been so rotten…”

“That's over now. I'm going to announce my withdrawal from the race tomorrow,” Donna interjected.

“Please, just listen to me. When you decided to run for mayor, it wasn't easy for me. It's not easy for me to say…..I mean, you know that this kind of situation has caused problems for us in the past….”

Donna silently nodded, empathetically. Ray felt emasculated easily: anytime that Donna's career overshadowed his identity---which was wracked with low self-esteem and self-doubting---things between them went cold. It had caused their divorce all those years ago.

“I've tried to change, but I guess I'm an old cowboy at heart.” Ray was trying not to shake. He was visibly sweating. Donna was getting scared.

“Ray, what is it?”

“Let me just explain something. After you decided to move back to Dallas, I thought things were going to be different this time. I really thought it was going to be happily ever after for us---finally. Things were going too right after thirteen years. But once you decided to run for mayor…”

Donna tried not to get defensive. She reminded herself to just keep calm and listen.

“….it was hard for me. I guess I just felt displaced. I mean, you were this big shot, running for mayor. Everything was working out for you. I felt just like the newscast said---“Mr. Donna Dowling. It made me feel two feet tall. With everything going on with Lucas….”

At this point, Donna couldn't stand it anymore. Ray was visibly shaking. “Ray, tell me. Please.”

Almost instantly, it came out. “I slept with someone.”

Donna's face became stone cold. She couldn't show any emotion. What had he just said?

Panicking, Ray wished she would show some emotion. “She was a waitress at the Cattleman's Club. It was stupid Donna---it was just one night. I can't believe I did that. I want to kill myself. I feel horrible.”

Donna tried to fight back the tears. “You what?!!”

“I'm so sorry. It was the stupidest thing I've ever done. That's why I've been avoiding you---I can't even face you. It's been eating me up inside….”

“Am I supposed to feel bad?” Donna was screaming now. “How could you do this to me? I trusted you---I thought you loved me!”

“I do love you.”

“I guess not, if you're sleeping around---“

“It was only once Donna.”

“You said that to me before---remember that little bar girl that you shacked up with after Jock died? You told me it was never going to happen again. It hurt like hell Ray, but I forgave you for that one, because I thought you were out of kink because your daddy just died. Now I know that I was wrong.”

“Donna, that was totally different.”

“How? You couldn't deal with something, so you jump in bed with the first thing that moves? I told you back then Ray that I would never let that happen again. I meant it.” Crying, she gave a futile laugh. “You say that I made you feel foolish. How the hell do you think I feel.”

Ray was scrambling. What could he say?? “It was a big mess. It was J.R. He hired her, made sure that she would get to know me, to get me into bed….”

Donna cut him off, screaming. “Oh shut up! Stop trying to pass this off on J.R.! Stop making excuses! How could you Ray? I thought you loved me!” She was weeping uncontrollably. Ray tried to touch her shoulder, but she pushed him away. “Get out!” she screamed.

Ray prayed that Lucas and Margaret couldn't hear what was going on. “Donna….” He began.

“Get away from me!!” Donna pushed him away again, grabbed her keys off the table, and ran toward the door.

As he heard the door slam, Ray thought: What have I done?

Southfork Ranch

      “John Ross?”

He quickly looked up from his book to see his mother standing in the doorway.

“Hi Mom.”

Sue Ellen looked around the room. “Can I come in?”

“Sure, go ahead. Free country.”

Sue Ellen cautiously moved inside her son's bedroom. She knew that he was upset about her engagement to Cliff. She could read him like a book. “Where's Melissa?” she asked.

“She's downstairs watching a movie with Lucy I think.” John Ross's head was in his book. He didn't want to look at his mother.

“John Ross, is something wrong?” Sue Ellen thought this might be better than a direct approach.

Her son looked up and smiled. “No, not at all. Why?”

“I know you. I saw the look on your face at dinner.”

John Ross tried to ignore that comment. Sue Ellen continued. “How do you feel about my marrying Cliff? I certainly know how the rest of the family, especially your father, feels on the subject.”

“Does it really matter?”

“What kind of a question is that? Of course it matters.”

“Look, I like Cliff and everything. But don't you think you're rushing into things?”

“A little bit, yes.”

John Ross was confused. “So why are you doing it?”

“I've known Cliff for almost twenty years. While he may have done some things in the past that haven't endeared me to him at times, deep down I know he is a wonderful man with a wonderful heart.” She paused, deciding to level with her son. “I'm not getting any younger. I'd like to settle down with someone. Have someone.”

“You're not that old, mom. You can. Maybe even with Cliff. But this soon?”

“How long did you know Melissa before you knew that she was 'the one'?”

“Err, I don't know….” Problem was, he didn't know if she was the one. He tried not to think of Karen. Deep down, he felt that she was 'the one' his mother was speaking about.

“From my impression, not terribly long.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“The point is you took a chance---and that's what I'm doing.”

“Don't you think marriage is a little bit of a big step? I mean, I'm not married to Melissa.”

“I think it's the right step for right now.”

“Aren't you scared you're making a mistake?” John Ross asked her.

“A little---but it's my mistake to make. And I think I'm making the right choice. Cliff's a good man, and I do love him.”

John Ross remained silent. Sue Ellen spoke again. “I know it bothers you though. I'm sure it's very uncomfortable to think of you're mom getting married again.”

“I mean, you are your own person. It's your choice.”

“That doesn't mean it's not difficult. I'm sorry John Ross. I know that life hasn't always been stable for you.”

“Mom, you don't need to pull any of this. Don't start feeling guilty.”

Sue Ellen tried to hold back a tear and smiled. “OK.” She gave a little laugh. “But, are you going to be okay with the wedding? It's not going to be too uncomfortable for you?”

John Ross looked at his mother and smiled. “I'll be OK. Cliff's a nice guy. As long as you're sure you'll be happy, that's all I need to know.”

“I love you John Ross.” Sue Ellen gave her son a warm hug.

“Love you too Mom,” John Ross responded, giving himself to the hug. Sue Ellen's words about mistakes and marriages couldn't leave his head----all he could think of was the huge mistake he made in not marrying Karen all that time ago.

Braddock County, The Next Day

      It was the first day of fall and the weather was just as good of an indication as the calendar. The dry summer was causing the leaves to yellow and fall earlier than usual. A cool wind blew across the fields as Gary and Val cruised down the road in the new convertible that they had just bought.

Betsy and Bobby had both been surprised to see their parents picking them up in a new car. They were full of questions and both of the fifteen year olds were happy to be back in Dallas and anxious to see their extended family.

“Val, there's the land I wanted to buy for the subdivision,” said Gary, pointing out across the distance.

Valene shielded her eyes and pushed her blonde, windblown hair out of her face. “Gary, are you sure that's it?”

“Of course I'm sure. Isn't it beautiful?”

“There's a For Sale sign on that property, Honey.”

“What? Gary looked ahead, next to the road and couldn't believe his eyes. “Now I know I didn't miss that before. Somebody must have just put that out there.”

Val grabbed her husband's free hand. “See, somebody was looking out for us.”

“What is it Dad?” asked Bobby. “Are we building a house out here or something?”

Gary smiled, almost laughing. “You might say that. We're building several houses out here.”

Betsy and Bobby shared a confused glance as Gary pulled the car onto the grassy side of the road. He got out and stood before the sign, Val followed him.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

Gary didn't answer, but he went back to the car and got the cell phone, then dialed the number that was listed on the sign.

After several rings, someone answered. “Hello?”

“Hi, this is Gary Ewing. I saw the sign out here on your land, just off of Briarwood Road. I'm interesting in purchasing it.”

“Great, why don't we meet somewhere? I don't like to do business by phone,” said the man.

“That's fine with me. When and where?”

“How about Briarwood Diner, around lunchtime. It's right up the road from the land and if we need to, we can walk out there and take a look. The table in the corner by the window is mine, I'll be at that one”

“I'll be there. Thanks.”

Gary flipped the phone shut, picked Val up, and hugged her. “I'm glad you're so enthusiastic!” she teased.

“I'll drop you and the kids off at Southfork so you can get them settled in, then I'll go meet this guy and see what his price is.”

Val nodded and followed Gary back to the car and he began to drive toward Southfork.

Ewing Oil

      J.R. tried to focus on the task about hand, rather than thinking about that bastard Todd and then, Sue Ellen's little announcement. He shook Doug Avant's hand as he walked in the office and took a seat across from J.R.'s desk.

“What can I do for you J.R.?”

“I need you to do a little digging, as usual.”

“Whose past do I need to dig into this time?”

“Mandy Winger. She's been acting awfully strange lately and I wanna know what she's hiding.”

“Are we talking about Mandy Winger, as in Dallas Dish?”

“Yep, that's the one. Just see what you can come up with. I'm mainly interested in what happened between the years of 1987 and just recently. That was the time she was away from Dallas and I think if you can find out about that, we'll find out exactly what's bothering her.”

“Will do J.R. Anything else?”

J.R. thought for a minute and was tempted to have Todd thrown in jail on phony drug charges or something—but he opted not to. “No, that'll be all. I appreciate it Avant.”

“No problem J.R. I'll see what I can come up with.”

After Avant shut the door, J.R. tried to think about what his next task would be. “Oh yeah, that idiot brother of mine,” he griped. J.R. flipped through his address book and found a number, wishing Sly was there, but he had given her the day off after her star performance yesterday.

“Malinsky, this is J.R. Ewing.”

“And I already know what you're calling about J.R. I managed to speed up the transfer of that land. Sly signed the papers and now the land is yours. I got the sign up and guess what?”

“What?” said J.R., obviously impressed.

“Gary called me not twenty minutes ago. He's already seen the sign and we're meeting for lunch today to discuss the sale.”

J.R. couldn't help but laugh. Finally, something was going right. “Well I'll be damned!”

“How's that for a nice fast sale?”

“Fantastic. So you're meeting with my brother for lunch. Do you have the fake geological and structural reports?”

“You bet I do. All taken care of. And according to these reports, Gary won't pass that land up for the world.”

J.R. smiled his barracuda grin. “Good. And little does that moron know, that land isn't even fit to build an outdoor toilet on, let alone a whole damned subdivision of houses.”

“I'll be in touch J.R., I have a few more things to take care of before the meeting.”

“Okay. Your check will be in the mail tomorrow. And let's just say you won't have to work again for a good little while.”

“That's what I like to hear,” said Walt Malinsky, hanging up the phone.

J.R. walked out into the secretary's area and stopped in front of Sly's desk.

“What can I do for you J.R.?”

“Sly, call the airport and have them get the jet ready. I've got a little out of town business to tend to.”

Sly nodded and picked up the phone, wondering what in the world J.R. suddenly needed to go out of town for.

The Clifford Group

      Sue Ellen couldn't believe when she saw the newspaper the next day as she entered the offices of the Clifford Group---her engagement with Cliff was big news! Furthermore, the newspapers said that she and Cliff were to be married the day after tomorrow! What was going on?

She went directly into her office and dialed Cliff's extension.

“Cliff!” she said loudly when he picked up, “What's going on here? Why are we all over the paper?”

“I wanted everyone to know I'm marrying you.”

On the other end of the line, Sue Ellen rolled her eyes. It was insufferable, but with good intentions. “But what's this about getting married the day after tomorrow? The invitations haven't been done, I haven't called anyone, I don't have a dress---“

Cliff cut her off. “I told you I'd take care of everything didn't I? I mean, the dress you'll have to decide on your own, but I've already got the caterers lined up, and I'm going to have the wedding at my house. Everything's all set. I've called all your family, and our friends, and everyone has accepted. I just need to hear back from a few people, like Donna and Ray. I didn't invite J.R. though. I figured that you wouldn't mind.”

“You won't get any argument with me on that one.” She couldn't believe he had done this all himself. He must have cared for her very much.

“Oh, also, Sue Ellen. I couldn't get in contact with your mother. Do you know where she is?”

A Sanitarium, somewhere in Waco

      Patricia Shepard thought that she was loosing her mind. Why hadn't Sue Ellen come looking for her? Why was she in this horrible place? Kaitlin. She knew Kaitlin had put her there. But why? Kaitlin was her own daughter?

They drugged her all the time, probably per Kaitlin's orders. These guards and nurses were so slimy. Patricia used to try to fight it, but now she just went with everything. She was too old to fight, or resist.

What she did want to resist were the two new roommates that she had. She had been in that one room, by herself, for so long. Now these two? What had they done to get in there? Obviously they were insane.

She looked at the woman sitting on the bed directly across from her. She was rocking back and forth, rhythmically. Intermittently, she would babble out the same phrase, so fast that it was almost incomprehensible: “gottakilllucygottakilllucy...
gottakilllucygottakilllucy….”

“Oh will you shut up?” The other woman, a dyed redhead, said. She looked over at Patricia, who lived in mortal fear of both of them. “Really! That woman is impossible!”

Patricia just stared blankly, too frightened to respond. The redhead continued. “Well my dear, you don't have to be so quiet all the time. What's your name?”

“Patricia.” It barely came out. She couldn't even say it when she was pumped full of medication.

“Well Patricia, dear, you remind me of my sister-in-law. My ex sister-in-law that is. She died. House burned down. Shame. Amy was so sweet at first. Then she just got to close to the things that were mine…” Suddenly, the woman let out a monstrous, and frightening, laugh.

Patricia Shepard started to scream, as Jessica Montford continued to laugh and Arliss Cooper babbled away.

Southfork Ranch

      “My goodness,” said Miss Ellie, walking out of the kitchen, “seems like you two grow a foot every time you go back to California.”

Betsy, Bobby, and Valene took a seat on the couch and Ellie sat across from them.

“They do grow up so fast Miss Ellie,” said Val.

“Have you two had breakfast?” she asked.

“We ate on the plane coming out here,” said Betsy.

Ellie smiled. “If it's anything like the airplane food I've had, then that's no breakfast. I'll have Theresa cook up something for you.” She left them and walked into the kitchen.

“Well, how are the two youngest California Ewings doing?” said Bobby, walking downstairs. Pam was holding Grace and walking beside him.

“Hey Uncle Bobby,” said the younger Bobby.

“Hi Uncle Bobby and Aunt Pam,” said Betsy. She saw the baby and ran over to them. “Oh, Aunt Pam! Mom told me about Grace, she's beautiful! Mind if I hold her?”

“Not at all,” said Pam, smiling. She carefully handed Grace over to Betsy. “Looks like we've found ourselves a good babysitter, haven't we Bobby?”

“I'd say so. Say, Val, where's Gary?”

“He's gone to a meeting. It turns out that land he wanted was for sale after all!”

“That's great. I hope his construction project is a big success.”

“Pam, Bobby, we missed you at breakfast,” said Ellie, returning to the living room.

Pam flashed Bobby a mischievous grin. “We were sleeping in this morning. Theresa brought us up breakfast in bed.”

“That's wonderful. You two deserve it after all you've been through. What do you have planned for today?”

“That's a good question,” said Bobby. “I thought I'd stop by West Star and check on Christopher. He left awfully early this morning.”

“I'm worried about him,” said Ellie. “He's been under so much stress lately.”

“I feel that I should have been there for him Miss Ellie,” said Pam, turning her gaze toward the floor.

“You had plenty of other things on your mind,” said Ellie. She then realized that it hadn't sounded like she meant for it to.

“I was off on a crusade to protect my sister and I should have been protecting my son.”

Val put a reassuring hand on Pam's shoulder. “Don't worry Pam, we all make mistakes. You did what you had to do with Katherine.”

“Thanks Val,” she smiled.

“I think I'm going to go over to West Star right now,” said Bobby. “Take care of my little daughter for me Pammy.” He kissed Grace on the head and did the same to Pam.

“You don't have to worry about that,” she said. “I'll guard her with my life.”

Bobby smiled, said goodbye to everyone else, and then left the house.

West Star Oil

      Christopher stood staring at the board members standing before him. They had all been waiting for him when he got to work that morning—and that had been early. He couldn't believe what they had just asked him to do.

“Look Mr. Ewing,” said one woman. She was old enough to be his mother. “What you've done with West Star so far has been wonderful, but lately, you just haven't been around here enough to run this company.”

Another spoke up. “She's right. I think the best thing for you to do is step down from your position as CEO of this company.”

Christopher knew they were right, but he didn't want to do it just yet. “I'll think about it,” he said.

Keith Pritchard put in his two cents. “Well, while you're thinking, just remember that West Star is a very fragile company. A few more days of this and it could seriously hurt us.” Keith was never one that Christopher cared for.

“I'll give you my decision tomorrow,” he said. “Now, if you all don't mind leaving, I have some things I need to take care of.”

They nodded and left the room. Christopher put his head on the desk—he wanted to just die. It was the reassuring smile on the woman who just walked in that made him feel better.

“Kaitlin!”

“Hey Chris. You don't look so good.”

“I'm not feeling so good either. How did you know I was here?”

“I called Southfork this morning and talked to your grandmother. She didn't know where you had gone, but I figured you had come here.”

“Yeah, well it's the first time I've actually been in this office for almost two weeks. I just can't take it anymore.”

“You'll make it, kiddo.”

“I want out Kaitlin. I can't do this for much longer.” It was true, he did want out, but the last person on earth he wanted to sell to was J.R. But, if selling to J.R. would ensure that he got custody of Megan, then that's what he'd have to do. He then remembered his mission. “I want the authority to sell this West Star stock.”

“What?”

“I want to sell it.”

“Christopher, you know I own this stock—21% of the entire company.”

“True, but I have some controlling interest in it. You don't know how happy it would make me if you'd just let me sell.”

Kaitlin thought about that for a second. Why did he want to sell so badly? “Why don't we just appoint a new CEO?”

“That won't work. Look, I've run this company for months now. Don't you think I've earned some of that stock? To do with as I want?”

He had a point. “It's just that I wasn't expecting this. True, I've got all the money I could ever want now, but still.”

“Will you think about it? Please?”

She smiled. “Of course I will. Look, I've got some other things I need to do while in Dallas, so I'll talk to you later.”

“Okay, thanks again.”

Kaitlin waved and left the office. She intended to find out the real reason why Christopher wanted to sell that stock so badly.

April Oil

      Todd plopped down in his chair and let out a sigh of frustration. What to do now? He had just received a call from Sue Ellen's lawyer stating that the sale of his 8% of Ewing Oil was now final---SHE was the new owner. Consequently, Todd had a nice chunk of change now in his bank account from the sale. However, he knew it was still not enough to save April Oil.

What to do? He had been in worse positions before, and managed to survive. He could do it now….but he would certainly take a loss. He could sustain the company for a while using the money from Sue Ellen, as well as his own, but he had no guarantee that it would get April Oil in the clear---who knew how long J.R. could use his influence to keep April Oil's fields shut down? Selling April Oil wouldn't be a solution either---he'd never make a profit with the primary moneymakers for the company closed down.

Well, Todd sighed, if worse came to worse and April Oil shut down, he'd still have his own money. He had invested it---and slowly, but surely, he was gaining a lucrative stock portfolio. But April Oil shutting down would mean some people getting laid off. Todd hated guilt!

Before he could be plagued anymore, he noticed a large file envelope on his desk, addressed to him. Curious, he ripped it open, and quickly scanned the contents.

His eyes widened with amazement. “Oh my God!” he said out loud. Not a lot shocked him, but this did.

He was holding in his hand the transference of 8% of PetroTech, signed by Raymond Krebbs. The documents simply awaited Todd's signature to be final. It wasn't a document of sale---it was transference of ownership. Todd would be the new owner of 8% of PetroTech without spending a dime.

Quickly, he did the math in his head. If he sold that 8%, to any interested party, he had MORE than enough, coupled with the money from Sue Ellen, to sustain April Oil for at least a year—and maybe even walk away with a profit! This was amazing.

A small personal note was attached to the papers, something that Todd hadn't noticed before. In small writing, it read:

Todd-

You did something for me. Now I'm returning the favor. Thanks.

Ray

Yesterday's date was present on the note and the documents. Todd quickly signed his name.

Briarwood Diner

      Gary scanned the restaurant as he walked in. He spotted a bald man, sitting at the table in the corner by the window—just as he had said. Gary walked over and shook his hand.

“I'm Gary Ewing and you are the man I'm supposed to meet aren't you?”

“If you're here about the land I am,” said Malinsky.

“That I am.” Gary took a seat at the table. “So, what kind of price are we talking about here?”

“$750,000, but I could be persuaded to come down a bit on that.”

“Well, I guess I'm jumping to conclusions. First, I'd like to get some tests done on that land,” said Gary.

Malinsky reached into his briefcase beside him and took out several manila folders. “I've already taken care of that Mr. Ewing. Feel free to have a look.”

Gary reached across the table and took the folders from Malinsky. After studying them for a few minutes, he spoke up. “I think this land is definitely going to fit my purpose. How does $650,000 sound?”

Walt Malinsky smiled. J.R. had told him that he really didn't care how much money he got for the land. The important aspects of the plan would come later. “Hmm, well, it's worth every bit of that, if not more, but I think that's a fair enough price.”

Gary was surprised at how fast this deal was coming together and he couldn't help but smile. “Then it's settled. I'll have my lawyer get in touch with yours.”

“No need for that, I'll be in touch with you,” said the man.

Gary nodded, shook his hand again, and left the diner.

The Clifford Group

      “Busy?”

“Jack.” Sue Ellen looked up from her paperwork. “I didn't hear you come in.”

“Just thought I'd congratulate the soon to be newlywed.” He wasn't smiling.

Sue Ellen sensed that he didn't exactly say the last statement with sincerity. “Thank you.”

“What made you decide to take the plunge.”

“Loneliness I guess.” She was looking right at him. His eyes were hypnotizing.

There was an uncomfortable silence between the two of them. Jack eventually broke it. “Well, I wish you the best.”

“Jack, is there something else you wanted to say?” Why couldn't he just level with her? Or more like it, why couldn't she just level with him: Look Jack, I think you're attractive, and mysterious, and hypnotic and wonderful, and I can't stop thinking about you? Yeah, right.

“Like I said, wanted to offer my congratulations.” Again, a somber tone.

The silence spoke much more than either of them could.

After Jack left, Sue Ellen tried to get her mind back on the wedding. She suddenly realized there was one person that she KNEW Cliff didn't invite.

“Hello?” Cally picked up on the second ring.

“Cally, it's Sue Ellen.”

“Hey, how're you?”

“I'm great. Listen, I called because I want to extend you an invitation---I'm getting married.”

“What?”

“Cliff and I are getting married. Day after tomorrow actually. I would love it if you could come.”

“Oh my gosh! I still can't believe you're getting married!”

“Neither can I,” Sue Ellen said with a little sarcasm.

“What does J.R. have to say about this? Bet he ain't too happy, you marrying Cliff and all.”

“Typical reaction. He's not invited to the wedding though. But everyone else is---Lucy, John Ross, Miss Ellie, Clayton. They'll all be there. Please Cally. Please come. It would mean so much to me.”

“Heck, I don't know. J.R. could see me….”

“He's not going to be there. Everyone would be so happy to see you. Especially John Ross. I think it's a little difficult for him, the notion of my marrying Cliff. Imagine if he saw you there—he'd be thrilled. I'd pay to see the look on his face.”

Cally thought about it. She did miss John Ross. She thought about him all the time. She loved him. She loved all of them----even J.R. at one point. It would be so great to see Miss Ellie's warm smile again, or hear Lucy laugh. Imagine the stories Lucy would tell her! But she couldn't risk seeing J.R. It was too dangerous---he was unpredictable.

“Sue Ellen, I want to say yes so bad, but it's just J.R. You know what he's like….”

“He won't be there. I'll make sure of it.”

“I do want to see y'all so bad, but I don't think I can.”

Sue Ellen was not going to press the issue, but decided to make one last attempt. “Please come. What can J.R. really do? Take away Justin? He has no legal basis---and you know that Miss Ellie would NEVER let that happen, let alone Bobby, myself or anyone else. Everyone would be on your side. The worst J.R. could do, were he to discover where you were, was demand to see his child. But you wouldn't have to because he won't be there.”

“I guess that's right. I think he thinks its James's baby. That's what I told him.”

Sue Ellen didn't want to tell her that J.R. fully knew it was his child. “I can have the Clifford Group jet pick you up, fly you to Dallas, and then fly you back after the wedding. No one even needs to know where you live, or where you're going.”

Cally had to admit that Sue Ellen had a point. If she could get in and out of Dallas without J.R.'s knowledge, it really wouldn't matter if he saw her there. Plus, Justin wouldn't be with her. She wanted to see everyone so bad. She thought about the Ewings every day---they were her family for a time. They were more of a family than she was used to in Haleyville. Imagine---John Ross, all grown up!

“I'm going to let the offer stand, but the wedding is coming up, so I'm going to need an answer soon. I promise you, though, J.R. will not be an issue.”

“Oh what the heck---I'll come!” Cally didn't let herself ever have any fun anymore. Could it really hurt to come to the wedding? Sue Ellen had given her word that J.R. wouldn't find out. She trusted Sue Ellen.

On the other end of the line, Sue Ellen beamed. “Great! I'll call you a little later with all the information about when to catch the jet. I'll take care of everything. Don't worry about anything---you're going to have a blast. Everyone is going to be so thrilled to see you.”

She hung up with Cally, just as Kelly buzzed that Todd Foster was on the other line for her.

Downtown Dallas

      The cool, fall weather had lasted all through the morning and now extended into the afternoon as Kaitlin Ryan strolled down one of the quieter avenues of Dallas. She stopped at an outdoor coffee shop and took a table near the sidewalk, behind a big planter of yellow mums. Her thoughts drifted to the night, almost a year ago, when she had first shown up in Dallas.

Kaitlin reached for her mask and began to remove it.

And finally, the clock struck twelve chimes--signaling that midnight had arrived. It was time to unmask.

She removed the mask, revealing her face.

"Oh my God!" said J.R., in a trembling voice. "It…it can't be. You…you're dead!"

Kaitlin stood silently. The clock had stopped and the unintelligible banter of the crowd blended into the background with the night sounds. "Kristin, h…how? You…the balcony…and the pool."

Yes, her arrival in town had been a shocker for everyone who had known her twin sister Kristin—especially J.R. Though she had never intended to at first, Kaitlin had eventually tried to impersonate Kristin—but only because Katherine had hired her to do it. Estranged from her real father, Jeremy Wendell, Kaitlin had been forced to pursue any means possible to make money—and that had been exactly what Katherine had offered her.

But oh, had she made the money once she found out that Jeremy had bought her from Patricia Shepard, her real mother. Kaitlin had used that fact as leverage to get 21% of Jeremy's West Star stock, leaving him with 20%. That had given her the money to buy her mansion and anything she'd ever wanted, but now Christopher wanted her to sell it to him. But why?

The hand on her shoulder startled her and she turned around. “Sue Ellen, hi.”

Sue Ellen smiled, which was strange to Kaitlin. “Hello Kaitlin. I must admit; I am kind of surprised to see you here. I thought you were off living the golden lifestyle in Amarillo. What brings you back to Dallas and when did you get here?”

“So many questions. Why don't you sit down?”

“I could think of a few more,” said Sue Ellen, taking a seat. “You and I never really talked about why you came to Dallas. Christopher filled me in on some of it, but I still don't know that much about you. For one thing, why is your last name Ryan, if you were raised by Jeremy Wendell?”

“Ryan isn't my real name. Katherine came up with that when she was creating my fake life story—the one that I would tell people when I came to Dallas. Of course, my birth name was Kaitlin Shepard, but that became Kaitlin Wendell when I was 'adopted'.”

“I see.”

“J.R. mentioned one time that you had children. Is that part of Katherine's lie?”

“Yes, unfortunately it was. I was never married—never had children.”

“And another question,” said Sue Ellen.

“Shoot.”

“Have you heard from our mother lately?”

Kaitlin coughed, almost choking on her coffee.

Sue Ellen frowned. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, just fine. No, I haven't heard from our mother lately myself. But, from what I know of her, she's probably off traipsing the world with some new gigolo.”

“Well, I need to get going. I was just on my way to meet with someone…thought I'd walk since it was such a nice day.”

Kaitlin smiled. “Good to see you Sue Ellen. Hopefully, we'll run into each other again.”

Sue Ellen nodded, smiled, and left—Todd's phone call still replaying in her mind. This was going to be good.

Downtown Dallas

      Bobby looked ahead at the long line of traffic ahead of him. He'd spent most of the afternoon at West Star with Christopher and had gotten out a little later than he wanted.

As he pulled the car up another few feet, his cellular phone rang and Bobby picked it up. “Yeah, Bobby Ewing here.”

“Bobby, it's Ben. I've got some news on Katherine.”

Bobby turned down the radio and listened. “What have you found out?”

“She arrived at the Wentworth house just a few hours ago. Apparently she's been down in Galveston since the ship docked.”

Bobby wondered what Katherine would be doing in Galveston. An amnesiac Katherine would have no reason to be down there—but the Katherine he knew just might. “What was she doing in Galveston?”

“Apparently seeing a guy by the name of Kurt McKinney.”

“Did he come back with her? What do you know about him?”

“His record is clean. He's a struggling artist, working as a waiter onboard the Oil Baron. As far as we know, he didn't come back with Pam.”

“Ok.”

“Should I go ahead and notify the police?”

Bobby hesitated for a moment, thinking about Pam's fragile state of health right now. She'd just given birth to the baby and he didn't want to drop the bomb yet. “No. I don't want to do that yet. Just keep a close eye on her. I want to know what she's doing 24-7. If she leaves that house for anything, you call me and let me know. Use this number though, don't call Southfork. I don't want Pam to know about this.”

“Will do Bobby. I'll be in touch.”

“Thanks Ben.”

Bobby flipped the phone shut and drove down the now, less crowded, freeway to Braddock. His loving wife would be waiting for him—he just couldn't let her find out about his plans for Katherine.

Ewing Oil

      J.R. sat behind his desk, and wondered what the hell to do next. Sue Ellen and the idiot Barnes. They sure as hell would not get married—not if he had anything to do with it. He had to be damn sure to stop that wedding. Hopefully, his plan would do just that. He was getting ready to leave for the airport when Sly buzzed his office.

“Sue Ellen Ewing and Todd Foster are here to see you.”

J.R. rolled his eyes. What the hell did they want?

Seconds later, Sly opened the door for Sue Ellen, who smiled in thanks. Todd followed behind her. “Hello J.R.” Sue Ellen smiled, almost in triumph.

“Well, Tweedledee and Tweedledum. To what do I owe this honor?” J.R. said with a sarcastic tone.

Todd moved over to his desk, and sat down. “Time to play catch-up. Lot has happened since last we spoke.”

“Go out of business yet?”

Sue Ellen laughed. J.R. wondered what the hell was so funny. What did she know?

Todd looked around evasively, in a manner that suggested J.R. was missing some sort of information. “Not exactly…” He moved his eyes directly to J.R. “You are never going to believe what was on my desk this morning J.R.! A signed document, from Ray Krebbs, giving me 8% of PetroTech. Giving it to me! Could you just die?” Todd's words were laced with thick condescension.

“You're bluffing.”

Todd produced the papers from a file folder he was carrying, and quickly threw them on J.R.'s desk. “Read 'em and weep.”

J.R. quickly scanned the documents, but before he could even muster a reaction, Todd continued. “When I said you screwed with the wrong person J.R., I meant it. Not only is April Oil going to pull out of the little rut you got us in just fine, but also I'm going to make a tidy little profit. Gosh, I suppose I should thank you.” He gave a little laugh. “Still though, as much as they say revenge is bittersweet, I kind of like it. Gosh, I'm talking too much. Sue Ellen.” Todd looked behind him inquisitively.

“Hey darlin', got any extra office space around here?” Sue Ellen said to her ex-husband.

“What the hell are you talking about?” J.R. was in no mood for these sorts of games.

“Oh, Todd didn't tell you? I own 8% of Ewing Oil now.” Sue Ellen looked at J.R. innocently.

“Woops,” Todd said with a straight face.

“You son of a bitch.” J.R.'s words were directed toward Todd.

“Payback's a bitch. If you were smart, you wouldn't have made your move on me until I sold you that 8%. Your loss though." Todd said.

“You'll both pay. I'll make damn sure of that.” J.R. threatened.

“How many times have I heard that?” Sue Ellen interjected. “You'll leave both of us alone. That 8% can be pretty powerful when combined with Lucy's and Jack's shares.”

“Still makes 48% honey, and that ain't nothing compared with my 52%”

“All things come to an end J.R. Remember that.”

Todd interrupted. “OK, this is getting old. I'm blowing this joint. Sue Ellen, you going to come?”

“I'll walk out with you, but perhaps just take a stroll around the office. After all, I'm going to be spending a lot more time here. Perhaps I'll go share the good news with Lucy.” Todd and Sue Ellen made their way for the door. “Bye Bye J.R. See you soon.”

As the two exited, J.R. slammed his fist down on the desk. Damn them both! Nobody, but nobody, double-crosses J.R. Ewing.

Credits Roll