With: Melissa McSween Kimberly Beam-Lancaster Neil Lancaster Kurt McKinney Justin Harper Betsy Ewing Margaret Krebbs Jillian Renfro and Jenna Evans
Punk and Mavis Andersion
Jesse Murray and Justin Stiles
Kristin Cashmere Chad Cox Rebecca Herr Karin Schill and Andy Smithers
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 The Cattleman's Club "Are you sure you should be drinking that Ray? It's kind of early." There was concern in Jenna's voice.Ray took another swig of his drink in response. He didn't care. What the hell was there to care about? Donna was gone, and it looked like she'd never be coming back. He had screwed up so much. He supposed he should be happy. Lucas seemed to be doing okay in school again, and the Cattleman's Club would be having its big opening tomorrow. Jenna had sent out invitations and everything---his whole family would be there, even the press! All he hoped was that Donna would come. Ray looked over at Jenna. There was genuine concern in her eyes. What was wrong with him? He should hate her---SHE was the reason that Donna was gone now. But he knew that it was really his fault. He wasn't forced to do anything. He could own up to that. Jenna cared about him, that was obvious. At least someone did. He made another drink.
Ewing Oil "Dallas Tribune, Erica Razook speaking.""Well hello honey, J.R. Ewing here." J.R. reclined in his chair at Ewing Oil. This was going to be a high point in what was turning out to be an unpleasant day. Mandy was not getting any better. Sue Ellen had called earlier and made a big fuss about how she wanted to be informed of things, now that she owned 8% of the company. Lucy, then Sue Ellen. When was it all going to end? Knowing Donna would be going down soon brought a smile to J.R.'s face. "Mr. Ewing, wow. I've heard a lot about you. It's an honor to speak with you," Erica's voice was courteous and pleasant. "Is that a fact? Well, I gotta say that I haven't really heard of you. I've got some friends over at the paper. Where's Andy? This is his number." "Andy's actually left. He got a job as an editor of the Boston Globe. I'm the new girl in town." A dirty thought flashed through J.R.'s mind. "Well, we should get together some time. I can teach you a lot about this town." "Among other things, from what I hear," Erica retorted back. She knew all about J.R. HE had told her that. J.R. was impressed at her brazenness. It was a little appealing. "You got a mouth on you honey. That's good---cause I got something you can use it on. Information, I mean." Erica laughed flirtatiously on the other end of the line. "Really? Gossip? Call Janet Charlton." "Fact. Concerning Donna Dowling." This peaked Erica's interest. "What about her?" "Her home life ain't all it's cracked up to be, let's put it that way." Seeing dollar signs flashing in her head, Erica prompted J.R. to continue. "Want to elaborate Mr. Ewing?" "Well, I don't know how familiar you are with Donna, but she lived in Dallas a long time ago, before she was married to the Senator. She used to be married to this loser—Ray Krebbs. He was a ranch hand." Erica interjected. "Isn't he a Ewing?" "He never was, and never will be a Ewing honey. Remember that." Erica's silence let J.R. know she understood. He continued. "Well, they divorced back in '87. Ray was kind of a louse. Used to cheat on her and stuff." Erica thought that J.R. really shouldn't talk, from everything that she had heard. "Well, anyway, when her husband died she came back to Dallas, and the two got engaged again. But old habits die hard---he cheated on her again." "Really?" Erica said with interest. "Yep, with some floozy waitress that had the same name as his dead ex-wife---the other one, I mean. Donna found out and she dumped him. They're separated now." "And how do you know this, if I may ask?" "Well, Donna's living at my house for one thing!" "Nice to see how family is important to you, Mr. Ewing," Erica said sarcastically. "I have ways of knowing things that happen in this town. Remember that." "OK, you do realize that this is all hearsay—you've got no evidence to back up your claim. If the paper were to print this story, we could be sued for libel." "You can get around that. Print it as gossip. You'll sell every issue of the stands. People love a scandal---'specially when it's about someone that they all love." "I'm not sure about this, Mr. Ewing. I mean, I would LOVE to be the one to break this story. It could really get my foot in the door around here…." "Well, do it then. Put it in the gossip column if you need to. I'll let you be the one to break this story. I'd consider it a favor. And I repay favors very generously." Erica thought for a moment. She knew someone who'd be very interested in this story, although he was in no way connected with the paper. "Alright, I'll talk to our gossip columnist. I'm sure she'll jump all over this." "Erica, honey, you have my thanks. I'd love to repay you." "I'm sure the time will come when that'll happen. Until then, keep your eye on the paper. Goodbye, Mr. Ewing." Erica hung up the phone, leaving J.R. smiling on the other end. After a moment, Erica picked up the phone and dialed. He picked up on the third ring. "Hey, it's Erica. Listen, I just got a call from J.R. Ewing. He wanted me to run a story, totally gossip column, about how Ray Krebbs cheated on Donna Dowling with some waitress, and now they're separated, bla, bla, bla." She paused, listening to his reaction. "He didn't say how he knew. Something like 'I know this town.' Anyway, to keep him happy, I told him I'd run it, but I'd figure you'd want to know." She listened to the man on the other end's response. "Well, I was hoping maybe I could get a little compensation for this. I mean, for not running the story. I know that you've offered to give me money….well, you know, for telling you any news about Donna that comes in here. I figured this would count. Show you I'm loyal." On the other end of the line, Cliff Barnes smiled. "You did a great job, Erica. Thanks. I'll send you a check in the mail immediately." Hanging up the phone, Cliff knew it was time to pay J.R. a little visit.
The Next Day: Dallas/Ft. Worth The plane had just landed, and Cally couldn't believe she was still alive. The ride had been horrible---what a storm! The whole thing thrilled Justin, of course. In a secret way, she hoped the storm would stop them from landing in Dallas. She wasn't looking forward to this trip. She had told Justin where they were going—to visit Mr. Ewing and his family. "You mean that guy you used to be married too?" Justin had asked. "Oooooooooooooooo…" he had added, making fake kissing noises.Now she was back in Dallas, and scared to death. She kept reminding herself she was doing this for Kurt. J.R. had sworn to get him out if she came with Justin, and he knew that she was dead serious. She would turn right around, head back to Arkansas, and disappear once again. Justin was excitedly running in front of her as they exited the hanger. "C'mon mom, I want to go ride a horse!" "Honey," Cally said calmly, "I don't think we'll be doing much ridin' in this weather." She looked through her purse for some change. "Hold on one second, I just need to make a quick phone call." Ducking into a nearby phone booth, she popped in a quarter and dialed Southfork. Theresa picked up. Cally couldn't believe she still worked there. She asked for J.R. "Cally? Where are you?" came J.R.'s voice. "We just arrived in Dallas. Listen, what about Kurt?" "I told you honey, the second you get my boy on this ranch, your friend's out of jail." There was no point in continuing the conversation any further. "I'm going to drop off my things at the hotel really quickly, then we'll come over." "Hotel? You're staying at Southfork. Or at least, Justin is. How the hell are you gonna pay for a hotel anyway? You're broke."
"You're paying for it, that's how." Cally Harper Ewing hung up the phone.
Braddock Memorial Park "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me…"Pam gazed straight ahead of her, at Katherine's coffin, her eyes not once blinking. The preacher continued. "Thou preparest a table before me, in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over…" Pam looked through the black veil she was wearing, the turned her glance to the sky. Dark thunderheads were gathering in the sky. She clasped a wadded up tissue in her hands… "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Pam felt as if she were drifting in and out of consciousness. The rest of what the preacher said, she didn't hear. She had completely forgotten she was at the funeral until Bobby tapped her on her shoulder. "Pammy, come on." She looked around to see several eyes staring at her. Cliff's eyes were full of concern. Pam grabbed Bobby's hand and he led her away from the funeral. She sniffled and clenched Bobby's hand tightly. "Are you okay Honey?" he asked in a concerned tone. Pam stared blankly. "Pam?" Pam continued to stare. Finally, he grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her. "Pam!" She shook her head, as if she were coming out of a trance. "Take me home, please. I just want to go home." "Yeah, I need to get you home. Can you walk to the car?" "Yes." Bobby led her to the car and helped her in, then shut the door. The heavy rains started to fall just as they passed under the cemetery's wrought iron sign.
Southfork Ranch: Lucy's Room Lucy stared out at the rains that had finally fallen on the parched Texas plains. The cattle raced for shelter and several of the cowhands were helping them alone. She let the curtain fall back into place and then she collapsed onto the bed. Her thoughts kept drifting back to what Tiffany had said two days before.There was a knock at the door. "Come in," said Lucy. Betsy, her sister, entered the room. "Hey Lucy," she said. Lucy smiled. "Hey Bets, what's up?" "I kind of wanted to ask you for some advice." "Oh? What kind of advice?" "Well, there's this guy at school who keeps flirting with me, but he's a total creep. All my friends there are telling me I should go out with him, but I don't really want to." Lucy giggled. "Good old peer pressure, I remember it well." "The same thing happened to you?" "In a roundabout sort of way. But, speaking from experience, I can tell you that it's always best to follow your heart and do what you want to do. It's not your friends that are gonna end up facing the consequences if you do the wrong thing." Betsy thought for a second, then spoke up again. "You know what?" "What?" "You sound JUST like Mom." Lucy smiled, thinking that might not be a bad thing at all. "Hey, I know what I'm talking about. I know you'll do the right thing though…whatever you feel that might be." "Thanks Sis." Betsy hugged her and turned to leave. "Oh, one more thing." She stopped in her tracks and turned around. "Yeah?" "If you ever need anymore advice, then I'm here." "Thanks Lucy, that means a lot." Betsy waved and left the room, leaving Lucy alone. Once again, her thoughts turned to Neil. Do the right thing, her mind echoed. Who was she to tell Betsy to do the right thing if she wasn't doing it herself? Doing the "right thing" would mean finding that tape that proved that Neil never had an affair, giving it to Kimberly, and calling the wedding off. Lucy knew that Neil and Kimberly still loved each other, but that's not why she was so concerned. It was Tiffany that she was looking out for. Lucy grabbed her raincoat from the closet, slung it over her shoulders, and left the room. Her destination: Neil's apartment.
Southfork Ranch Pam and Bobby made a mad dash through the pouring rain and breathed a sigh of relief when they reached the covered porch of Southfork. Bobby opened the door and they went inside, both dripping wet. For the first time since Katherine's death, Bobby saw that Pam was smiling.He smiled too. "What's that little grin that I see on your face?" "It's just getting caught in the rain like that. Reminds me of my childhood when Cliff and I got caught out in our fort and we had to stay out there for the entire afternoon. Aunt Maggie was so mad at us when we got back! There had been flooding that day and she was worried sick that we'd been drowned. Then, we dried off and Digger took us out on the porch and we watched the rain fall until near dark, when Aunt Maggie made us come in." Pam paused, "Not many years after that, the most wonderful thing happened to me." "What's that?" "I met you." Pam put her arms around Bobby and kissed him, forgetting all about the previous days' events. They pulled away when they heard a car pull up. It was Cliff.
J.R. chose not to say anything as Bobby helped Pam upstairs. "You want to come upstairs?" Bobby directed his question towards Cliff. Cliff looked over at Bobby. "No thanks, Bobby. I want to talk to J.R. about something." Bobby really didn't seem to pay him much mind, and continued to lead Pam upstairs. J.R. moved his way into the living room. As he approached the counter to pour himself some water, he muttered "What the hell do you want, Barnes?" "Anyone home?" Cliff asked, as if he didn't hear J.R. "People are always home here. Now what is it you want? I've got to go into Dallas soon, before my guests for the weekend arrive." He sipped his water. "New harem?" Cliff asked, without missing a beat. J.R. didn't even bother to respond to that. "I just wanted to inform you that your interesting little 'story' won't be appearing in the Tribune any time soon. I've taken care of that." "What the hell are you talking about?" "Your little plot to spill some secrets about Donna and Ray. I know you called the paper, and reported the whole story to them, telling a reporter to print their breakup as a feature in the gossip column. Forget it---stories been scrapped." Who did Barnes know at the Tribune? J.R. wondered if it was that woman reporter he had spoken to earlier. "Am I supposed to take your word for it? I'll just give it to the Herald instead." "I wouldn't do that," Cliff said with confidence. "Am I supposed to be taking your advice now? I don't know about you Barnes, but I don't follow in the footsteps of idiot failures." "Remember that chat we had a few weeks ago? About the land across from Southfork that I now own?" J.R. didn't say anything. Cliff continued. "Well, if I see any sort of mention of Donna's personal life, paper or hearsay, I'm going to get an oil crew in here so fast your Stetson will spin." "Over my dead body." "Well, Miss Ellie will probably take care of that if she learns WHY people are drilling right across from her home. I'd tell her too---it would give me great pleasure to see your mama know what a louse her son is." ' "How long are you gonna hang this over my head?" "As long as I have too," Cliff said gleefully. "Stay out of Donna's affairs, and everything will be fine." He paused briefly. "Well, back to work for me." "You sure do bounce back, considering you were just at your sister's funeral and all." "Half-sister. And yeah, I guess I do. I'm not sorry to see Katherine dead. She was evil. I'm glad she can't hurt Pam anymore." Cliff was silent for a moment, as if thinking. He belted out a laugh. "What's so damn funny?" J.R. asked. "Just thinking about the jig I'd do at your funeral," Cliff smiled, and left the room.
Downtown Dallas The windshield wipers on Lucy's car could barely keep up with the rain that fell onto the city so hard. As she drove toward her destination, she hoped that Neil wouldn't be at home. She could then use the key he had given her, get the tape, and get it back to Southfork.She signaled a turn and pulled her car into the closest parking space near the door. Dreading getting out in the rain, Lucy buttoned up her raincoat and opened the door. She made a dash for the door and stood to catch her breath once she was inside. Feeling like she was on an episode of Mission: Impossible, Lucy slinked through the halls until she came to Neil's door, where she gave three knocks. After a minute of silence, Lucy concluded that Neil wasn't home, so she used her key to unlock the door. "God, I feel like a criminal," she muttered to herself. She looked around the apartment, trying to think of where Neil might keep the tape. "If I were a tape, where would I be." She thought about that and laughed, despite the situation. She walked into Neil's bedroom and began pulling open the drawers. After what seemed like an eternity, she found it and carefully tucked it into her raincoat pocket, making sure the pocket was secured shut—she couldn't risk it getting wet. Next, Lucy did the hardest part for her. She took out a sheet of paper and began a letter:
My Dearest Neil,She looked at the letter and began to cry. Could she really go through with this? Lucy didn't even give herself a second to think about it or change her mind. She left the letter on the bed, made sure the tape was still in her pocket, and then left the apartment. Five minutes later, she was in her car. Her destination was Southfork, where she would talk to Kimberly and show her the tape.
West Star Oil Christopher waited for Lenore to buzz and tell him they were ready. In the meantime, he nursed his drink and watched the Dallas skyline. The lightning was almost blinding, but it mesmerized Christopher. He wondered if it was raining where Karen was. He hadn't gone to Katherine's funeral with his mother and father. He'd refused, after everything that despicable woman had done. He hoped his parents were okay.He was dreading this meeting. The board had finally asked to see him. Were they going to ask him to step down again? Dammit, they couldn't do that! He and Kaitlin had majority control and could vote to retain him as President if needed. The intercom was not a welcome sound to Christopher. He laughed to himself, remembering his initial meeting with the board. They had asked him to step down, and he told them he'd give them a decision within a day. It was weeks later, and so much had happened. Guess that's what one gets from having power. He entered the boardroom, surprised to see Kaitlin sitting at the conference table. It made sense, Christopher supposed. She was the majority stockholder in the company. Sue Ellen was there as well. She wasn't a stockholder, but she still worked at West Star, although with less frequency since Christopher wasn't around as much. Plus, she ran the Clifford Group. "Thank you for coming, Mr. Ewing," Keith Pritchard began. "We would have had this meeting much earlier, but it seemed that things just kept getting in the way. The Sudanese deal, for instance…" "What? I didn't hear anything about that?" Christopher said. "My point exactly," Keith said smugly. "You weren't around. West Star just acquired a large oil field in Sudan, and you were not involved in it at all." "I could have been…" "Mr. Ewing, I'm appreciative of your new status to the oil industry, but you shouldn't 'have' to be informed of such things. You should know, as President of the company." Keith's tone was a little vicious. "Hey, hey," Kaitlin said, trying to do damage control. "We are asking you to step down, the stockholders and I. We realize that you hold the voting rights to 21% of the stock, but it does belong in name to Miss Ryan, and she is more than free to use that 21% as she sees fit, first and foremost. Christopher looked at Kaitlin. Was she going to go along with this? He guessed that she hadn't told anyone that he now officially owned 10.5% of the company. He was glad---J.R. might find out. Seeing Christopher's eyes, Kaitlin spoke as warmly and calmly as possible. "Christopher, I'm sorry. You just haven't been yourself lately. West Star is a big company. They need someone who is going to be there 100%…." "I can't believe you!" Christopher yelled. Sue Ellen was sitting next to him. She could smell the alcohol on his breath. "Dear God," she thought, "just like Daddy. Just like me." "Christopher, I'm not doing this to hurt you…" Kaitlin tried to plead. "You know what? I step down. I don't want this crummy job. I'll be out by Monday." He stormed out. "Well, that takes care of that," Keith said matter-of-factly. "Now, we have to discuss the placement of a new President." "That can wait," Kaitlin stated as she ran after Christopher. Sue Ellen followed suit. The two guessed that Christopher had taken the elevator up to his penthouse office. Both sisters got in together. Kaitlin was pacing. "He's hurting himself, Sue Ellen. He's drinking I think." "I know. It scares me. It's just like my…err, our father." Kaitlin looked at Sue Ellen. It was the first moment that she had actually, truly acknowledged they were sisters. Kaitlin never expected Sue Ellen to forgive her for impersonating Kristin. She would certainly never forgive her if she knew what Kaitlin had done to their mother. But it felt good. "Thank you," Kaitlin said as the elevator stopped and the doors opened. It was short and sincere. Sue Ellen nodded her head. They found Christopher fervently throwing things into a box, a bottle of vodka right next to him. "Christopher, calm down…" Sue Ellen said. She had been in situations like this before. Drunk, angry. "Shut up! Both of you!" Kaitlin went over to his desk and took the bottle away. She threw it in the trash. "Christopher, c'mon. This is not you!" Christopher just plopped down in his chair. He buried his head in his hands. Kaitlin didn't know what to do. "It'll be okay…" Sue Ellen took control. "Christopher, we need to get you some help. I know things are crazy right now. I've been there. You just need to take a deep breath, and we'll get you some help." "I don't need help, Sue Ellen. I'm just stressed." Christopher replied. "So you drink? That's not very smart. You know the kind of trouble stuff like this does to people. I mean, look, at Karen." That one hit Christopher like one of the lightning bolts that flashed outside. "Oh my God, you're right," he said with stark realization. He did realize something. He couldn't drink anymore. At least not where people could see him.
Southfork Ranch "It's been done," said John Ross, walking in out of the rain. Gary Ewing sat on the couch. "I deposited the money in the construction account. We're all set for at least a couple more months of construction."Gary could barely contain his happiness. "John Ross, you don't know how much I appreciate you coming into this as my partner." "No problem, I was glad for the opportunity. Plus, it'll show my dad that I'm capable of running more than an oil company." "Ah, am I detecting a little rebelliousness?" "Maybe. It's just that my Dad is so determined for me to run Ewing Oil someday. It's like he's had this predetermined destiny for me ever since I was born." "I don't really blame you at all." "You don't?" "Nope. I'm afraid if J.R. was my Dad, I'd have probably run away and joined the circus by now." Gary was silent for a second. "But he is my brother…and that's basically what I ended up doing anyway—running away." John Ross looked away. Things always got awkward whenever someone mentioned his dad's bad deeds. He hated that. Though he had nothing to do with it, John Ross couldn't help but feel partly responsible. "I'm really sorry about that." "What?" "About how my Dad treated you and Aunt Val." "That's not your fault John Ross." "I know…but I feel like I need to apologize for it, you know? I guess that's one reason I was so determined to help you with this project—I didn't want to see it go down the drain because you couldn't fund it. That would have been a victory for my dad, and he's had too many already." "In that case, we'll do just that. This will be our victory. I'm not fighting your father John Ross…but I'm fighting for myself. Believe it or not, I hold nothing against J.R., he's my brother and brothers don't hold resentment or bad feelings…at least I don't. I just want to show everyone what I can do, because God knows they've seen me fall on my face enough," said Gary with a little laugh. "Yeah, well it's not gonna happen this time." "Ewing & Ewing Construction will be a success." "By the way, did I tell you I liked that name?" John Ross said, laughing. "You're really making me feel like a big part of this, changing the name and all." "It's our company, partner." Gary extended his hand and John Ross shook it. "I just hope the you-know-what doesn't hit the fan when my Dad finds out about this." "Find out about what?" said J.R., walking in from the stormy afternoon. Gary and John Ross looked at each other, then John Ross spoke up. "Dad, you know about Uncle Gary's construction project don't you?" "Gary's Folly you mean? Of course I do." "J.R.," said Gary. "That's okay Gary," said J.R. "we all know that you've screwed up so many times with this family that you want to run and build your little houses so you can feel better about yourself. But don't you worry…we'll all keep our little fingers crossed that everything works out for the best." "Oh, it will work out for the best," said Gary, beginning to get angry. Why did J.R. always have to be so damned cruel about everything? "That's right Dad," said John Ross. "Uncle Gary's got a new partner." J.R. laughed. "Oh boy. Wait, don't tell me. Let me guess. Is it Sue Ellen? Don't tell me he picked her. Cliff? Surely not." "It's me." J.R.'s smile turned to a frown. "What?" "I'm half of Ewing & Ewing Construction," said John Ross. "What the hell do you mean? Gary, if you don't mind, I'd like to talk to my son, so why don't you get lost?" John Ross nodded and Gary left the room. "It's true Dad." "Listen to me boy, do you have any idea how long I've waited for you to join me at Ewing Oil? Well, you did, but not two months later, you give that position to Lucy. Now I find out you're going into business with my brother? Where the hell is your loyalty?" "Loyalty? Loyalty to what? The supposed Ewing Dynasty? There's no Dynasty there…there's no legacy either. All of this bull you've been feeding me all these years about Grandpa wanting you and me to run the company someday is just a load of crap." J.R. absolutely couldn't believe what he was hearing. This was something he would expect to hear from Cliff Barnes, not his own son. "Now you wait just a minute…" "No, you wait a minute," John Ross said angrily. "Grandpa would NEVER have let Ewing Oil cause so much trouble with our family. Do you have any idea what that company has done to us? I never told you, but sometimes when I was a kid, I wondered what you loved more—me or Ewing Oil. Can't you respect what I want to do for a change? When I was born, you just naturally assumed I'd someday take control of Ewing Oil. But as of now, I can tell you that's NEVER going to happen." "Are you drunk?" "No, I'm dead sober. You're the one who's drunk—drunk on oil. It's EVERYTHING to you! It's made you into some kind of madman…you've got oil for blood. That's the only explanation I can think of that would explain how you've treated people all these years. What has Uncle Gary EVER done to you? They're a part of this family just as much as you or Uncle Bobby…so is Uncle Ray. It's high time you started realizing that, because I'm starting to feel guilt for YOUR mistakes." "John Ross, you don't mean that…" "Yeah…I do mean that. And I mean it when I say that this project with Gary will be a success, if for nothing else but to spite you. Dad…I'm ashamed of what you've become. I'm ashamed of you." John Ross left the room after having gotten over twenty years worth of anger off his chest. J.R. had never been quite so shocked in his life. "What was that all about?" Ellie asked, walking into the room. "Nothing Momma," J.R. said curtly. He went upstairs to his room. Miss Ellie took seat on the couch and unfolded the days' newspaper. An article on the opening of the Cattleman's Club was at the bottom of the front page. Lucy struggled with the front door and pushed it open, almost falling. She was in such a hurry to get back…she wanted to do this. "Lucy, what on earth are you doing out in that weather?" "I had some things to do," Lucy smiled. There was no need in pulling her grandmother into this. "Grandma, is Kimberly here?" Ellie took off her glasses, folded them, and put them on the newspaper. "No, she went over to see Tiffany I believe." "Oh. Any idea when she'll be back?" "Well, her flight leaves around three and I don't think she took any luggage with her, so I assume she'll stop back by here before she goes to the airport." "Okay, great. I think I may head back over to Neil's then. Maybe I'll catch her there." "No Lucy, whatever you have to do can wait. Cally's visiting Southfork today and I want you to be here to welcome her." Lucy had totally forgotten about that, but she supposed Kimberly could wait—as long as she saw her before she had a chance to leave Dallas. "Yeah, you're right. Cally and I were really close." Miss Ellie smiled. "Theresa and I whipped up a batch of that world-famous Southfork chili for the occasion." "I can't wait. I'm gonna go up and freshen up first…in case you haven't noticed, I look like a drowned cat." Lucy lifted a strand of her wet hair. "I'll be back down later."
An Hour Later, at Southfork The taxi pulled into the driveway, and Cally gasped. She couldn't believe she was back, after all these years. Southfork had changed so much, but it was still essentially the same. It had such an aura of life surrounding it.Miss Ellie, John Ross, Clayton, Lucy, Bobby, and J.R. were all standing under the porch, waving as Cally pulled in. They were doing their best to avoid the rain. "Wow mom! Who are those people?" Cally had to bite her tongue and not say it was his family. "They're all related to Mr. Ewing." "So you used to live here?" Justin asked inquisitively. "Yep. A long, long time ago," Cally said, almost with a note of sadness. The cab halted to a stop, and Cally started to rummage through her purse. The cab would cost her the last of her funds. Bobby quickly dashed towards the cab, trying to keep as dry as possible. He gave the driver two twenties. "Thanks Bobby," Cally said, as she helped Justin out of the cab and made sure that he was under the umbrella. The two scurried over to the porch, where Lucy gave Cally a huge hug. J.R. just beamed at Justin. He hadn't told the family about Justin---that he was his son, that is. Only Sue Ellen knew, really. They all thought Cally was just coming for a weekend visit. "Cally, welcome back," Miss Ellie said warmly, and embraced Cally. "Thanks Miss Ellie." In a sense, it did feel good to be back. She cared for everyone there, so much. Except J.R. She shot him a contemptuous look as she pulled out from Miss Ellie's grasp. "Oh my gosh, where are my manners?" Cally blurted out. "This is my son, Justin." Justin smiled, his eyes still wandering at the immensity of Southfork. Seeing that he wasn't going to say anything, Cally continued. "Justin, you remember Mr. Ewing, right?" She was going to play nice with J.R. "Yep." One word response. J.R. laughed. "This is John Ross, Mr. Ewing's son. This is Mr. and Mrs. Farlow. This is Mr. Ewing's—" "You can call me J.R., Justin," J.R. interrupted. "….brother, Bobby," Cally continued, not missing a beat. "And this is my good friend Lucy." It felt good to say that. She had missed Lucy so much. "Hey Justin, you're pretty tall for your age!" "Really? Everyone tells me that. I guess I'm almost adult height, though. I mean; you're almost as tall as----" "Justin was really excited to see the horses Miss Ellie," Cally quickly chirped in, trying to avoid an uncomfortable situation. "Well, as soon as it stops raining we can go take a ride together," John Ross said. He couldn't believe that Cally had a son! "That would be awesome!" Justin yelped enthusiastically. "Well Justin, are you hungry? I just made some of my famous chili---I'd love for you to try some," Miss Ellie said warmly. "Whoa, her chili is killer," Clayton laughed, clutching his stomach. "Mom?" Justin looked toward his mother, as if for approval. Cally smiled, and told him to go on in. "Hey, I want some too mama!" Bobby muttered, chasing after Clayton, Miss Ellie, John Ross and Justin, who all went inside. Lucy, J.R., and Cally remained on the porch, the rain beating down around them. "Look, I have some things I need to take care of" Lucy said. "I'll talk to you later Cally. Hey, you want to come to a party tonight? My uncle is opening up a new restaurant, and the big gala is tonight. It'll be fun. I'd love for you to really get to know Neil." "I'd stay the hell away from that dump, if I were you honey," J.R. said cruelly. "I didn't ask you, did I?" Lucy retorted. "The health department would shut Ray down anyway once you stepped foot in there. I'll call you later Cally. Will you be here?" "I should be…I have to go in town for a while, but yes, I'll make sure to come back." "Great. See you then," Lucy said, and began to make a dash for her car. Left alone, Cally turned toward J.R. "Is Kurt out?" "Get right down to business, don't you?" "I want some proof." "Alright then, let's go and call." J.R. pulled a cell phone out of his nearby briefcase and began to dial a number. Cally took his knowledge of the police station number as a good sign. J.R. began speaking with someone on the other end of the line, making arrangements for Kurt's bail. He promptly thanked the gentleman he was speaking to, and hung up. "Your boyfriend'll be free by the time you get there. Satisfied?" Cally didn't say anything. She just turned into the house, with the intention of asking Miss Ellie to borrow one of the cars. Thunder crashed in the distance.
Braddock High School Margaret Krebbs took her English book from her locker and shut the door, and then she spotted the new girl standing to herself near her locker. Smiling, Margaret walked over to her. "Hi.""Hi," said the girl. Margaret wasn't sure what to say to make her feel welcome. "Umm, the political science club is having a meeting this afternoon, if you'd like to join." The girl looked at Margaret "I'd like to, but I really need to get home early this afternoon." "Oh, okay. So, what's your name?" "Jillian Renfro." "Cool, where are you from?" Jillian hesitated, remembering that she wasn't supposed to reveal too much about her past. She changed the subject. "What's your name?" "Margaret Krebbs. Hey, you said you were busy this afternoon, but what about this weekend? A friend of mine is having a Halloween party and she told me to invite some people. Would you like to go?" Jill smiled. "Things are kind of complicated right now and I've got a lot of responsibilities at home at the moment. But, I'll see if I can come." "Great! I'll talk to you at school tomorrow." "Okay, thanks for inviting me." Jillian waved and walked into a nearby classroom. The instincts that Margaret had inherited from her mother were making her wonder why Jillian had been so cryptic about her past.
The Central Expressway Lucy wanted to throw the cellular phone out into the street as she tried to remember how to use the phone's electronic address and phone book feature. Finally, Kimberly's cell phone number popped up on the digital display and she put the phone to her ear. After several rings, Kimberly picked up."Hello?" she said. "Kimberly, it's Lucy." Lucy was the last person she wanted to talk to right now. "Lucy? What do you want?" "Where are you Kim?" "At the airport." "I need to…" The phone went dead as Lucy drove under a bridge. "Damn!" she said. Looking at the clock, Lucy noticed that it was twenty minutes until three. She slammed on the gas and passed a car. She dialed Kimberly's number again, but the low battery light flashed. "What freakin' luck!" Lucy said angrily. Lucy stared intently at the road, determined to get to the airport. She had to stop Kimberly…for Tiffany's sake. She kept thinking about the day when she had seen Tiffany talking to the teddy bear about wanting her parents to be back together. Lucy had been denied living with her own parents…she couldn't do the same to Tiffany. Fifteen minutes later, Lucy had reached the airport. She ran inside, not worrying about the raincoat that she'd left in the car. By the time she reached the building, she was drenched. "I need to find out what flight Kimberly Beam-Lancaster is on," Lucy said to the receptionist. "Just one moment." She typed the name into the computer. "Her flight departed about ten minutes ago." Lucy's face fell. "Oh no." "Is there anything else I can help you with?" said the receptionist. "No thank you." Lucy stood there for a minute and then went back out into the rain. She had been too late. Suddenly, she wondered why she had been so determined to give Kimberly the tape in the first place. Tiffany would grow to… Her cell phone rang, breaking off her thoughts. "Hello?" she answered. "Lucy, it's Neil. What's going on?" Lucy let out a long sigh. "Neil, I'll be at your apartment in a few minutes. We need to talk about this." "Yeah, I'd say so." Lucy hung up the phone and stared intently at the road ahead of her.
The Barnes' Residence Pamela Rebecca smiled as she held the letter in her hand. "Good news?" asked Afton from her wheelchair."What? Oh. Yeah, great news." "What is it?" Pamela Rebecca handed her mother the letter. "Read it." Afton took it from her. "Wow, the custody trial has been postponed." "It's the second time this has happened. You know, sometimes you've just gotta love the legal system—and I keep Megan until a judge tells me otherwise." "Do you really think Christopher has a chance of getting custody?" "Not if I have anything to say about it. My daughter is not going to be raised by him and that wife of his. I'll be right back. I need to make a phone call." Afton nodded and watched her daughter walk out of the room. Megan had been quiet for a few seconds, so Afton wheeled herself into the nursery to check on her. Megan was lying still in the baby bed. "Megan?" Panicking, Afton stood and walked to the crib to lift up Megan. She was okay… "Baby, you nearly scared your…grandmother, to death." Pamela Rebecca walked into the nursery and couldn't believe what she was witnessing. "Mom? You can walk?" Afton froze where she was—she had been caught.
Neil Lancaster's Apartment The rain continued to steadily fall as Lucy once again found herself in Neil's apartment. He was holding the letter and staring at her with hurt in his eyes while she took a seat on the sofa."Lucy? What's this about? Please tell me you don't mean this." Lucy shuffled her feet. "I saw Tiffany talking to her teddy bear a few days ago. She was telling him how much she wanted you and Kimberly to get back together so you could be a family. Then, she said that she didn't want you to marry me because that would stand in the way of her parents getting back together." "And you wrote this letter for Tiffany's sake?" "Yes. I didn't want her to be hurt. God, I love that girl like she was my own." Lucy decided to leave out the part about stealing the tape and trying to show it to Kimberly. She walked over to the window and pressed her hand against the fogged glass. "Lucy, that's the most unselfish thing I have ever seen anyone do. To think that you would put my daughters' happiness before your own really speaks to me…" "What does it say?" she said, still looking out the window. "It's telling me that you are the most generous, caring, LOVING person that I've ever known. That's exactly the kind of person that would make a wonderful step-mom to Tiffany…and a wonderful wife for me." She turned from the window. "Then nothing has changed?" "Not a thing." "What about Tiffany?" "Lucy, what Kimberly and I had was over long ago. Tiffany is young—she may not realize that now, but she will eventually." "Oh God Neil, I love you." "I love you too Lucy."
The two fell into a passionate embrance.
The Barnes' Residence "Mom? Answer me," Pamela Rebecca demanded. She walked into the nursery and stood in front of her mother. Afton cradled Megan to her chest."I…" "Well?" "Pamela Rebecca, you can't tell anyone about this, especially not your father." "You tell me why you're doing this, then I'll consider what you're asking of me. Why are you faking being in the wheelchair?" Afton sighed. "I've been walking for a while now. When I was in Boston, I went through some pretty intense therapy. I didn't want to let you know how well I was progressing because I wanted to surprise you when I actually could walk. Then, J.R. came for me and brought me back to Dallas to stop the wedding. I thought if I was in this chair, it might help me get your father away from Sue Ellen." "I can't believe this. Just when were you planning on revealing this little secret?" "Soon. But I can't tell Cliff right now…not so soon. I have to win him back." "And you're using your supposed paralysis to do that. Mom, that's cruel." Afton couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Now wait a minute here daughter…" Pamela Rebecca turned away. "Un-Uh, you look at me when I'm speaking to you." She turned back to her. "I don't want to hear a word from you about what I do to get back the man I love, especially after all you've done to get John Ross for yourself." "That's different." Afton stared her daughter in the eyes. "There's no difference. You love John Ross and I love Cliff…" Afton hung on that last phrase. Had she just said that? "Okay. I'll keep the secret. But don't you see how it hurts Daddy to see you like this? I think he blames himself for your paralysis." "I'll tell him soon, I promise." Afton hugged her daughter. "I'm afraid I haven't been much of a mother to you lately." Pamela Rebecca didn't say anything, but she knew that was true. Still, she tried to make her mom feel better. "You've been preoccupied." "That's no excuse. I honestly want to do better. I want us all to be a family—you, me, and Cliff." She had just said it again…did she still have feelings for Cliff? Did she want him for something other than his money?
A parking lot near the jail... Cally had been relieved that J.R. had kept his word. She was walking towards the exit to the Dallas jail with Kurt, who did not look well. He hadn't spoken much, and refused to comment on WHY he was in jail in the first place. They walked out the main entrance, and took shelter in the large vestibule to the station."Do you want me to drive you someplace?" Cally asked. "The bus station would be nice," Kurt responded dryly. "No Kurt. You're not running." Cally's voice was firm. "Why shouldn't I? Katherine's dead. The police are going to convict me. I've got no reason to stay." "Running is not the answer. I should know. It doesn't get you anywhere. I mean, my God, look, I'm back in Dallas now!" "This is a totally different situation," Kurt looked around, as if to see if anyone was listening. "You can't stop me." "I know I can't. But please don't do this Kurt. Don't leave forever." Her voice was filled with sincerity. Kurt looked her directly in the eye, put his hands around her face slowly, and kissed her. It was a long, passionate kiss. "I've always wanted to do that," he said, pulling away. Cally was speechless. "I love you, Calpurnia. Don't forget that." He put the hood on his jacket over his head. "Tell the squirt I said goodbye." Cally's eyes began to well with tears. What was going on? Was she losing everything? J.R. had found Justin, and now Kurt was leaving… "Don't cry," Kurt said sweetly. "We'll see each other soon, I promise." He kissed his fingers and placed them to Cally's cheek. Then he ran off into the rainstorm, and didn't look back.
The Cattleman's Club Photographers surrounded the new Cattleman's Club, taking pictures of Dallas's most elite as they entered what used to be the busiest restaurant in town. The rain continued, but it didn't stop the intense flashes of light that burst from the sea of cameras outside the restaurant.Todd thought he might be blind as he put out his cigarette, and entered. The place was hopping. He immediately saw Lucy in the corner, talking with her fiancée. Who was that with her? Todd remembered her, as J.R.'s other ex-wife. The country girl. She looked very depressed. Todd made a note to go over and talk to her, maybe get a little dirt on J.R. Todd turned around when he heard the increase in cameras clicking, only to be confronted by a barrage of cameras. Donna was entering. Following behind her was Cliff, Pamela Rebecca, and Afton, who was being pushed in a wheelchair. "Hey Todd," Donna smiled, folding down her umbrella. Todd couldn't believe she was here, after everything that had happened with Ray. "Hi," he responded surprised. "This place is certainly alive," Cliff said, shaking off his coat. Afton shifted in her chair, as if she were annoyed. Cliff pretended to ignore it. "Todd, did you see the latest poll results? We've got a winner here I think!" "No! What happened?" Donna smiled. "I'm ahead of Mary Anne Teasdale! Can you believe it?" "That's wonderful news!" Todd couldn't believe his enthusiasm. He was genuinely happy for Donna, as corny as it was. "I really owe it to Cliff. You've taken control of a ship I was scared to admit was sinking." Donna's voice was grateful. "It was nothing. We're not done yet though---when you get in office, that's when I'll take compliments." There was a moment of silence and Donna excused herself to go to the ladies room. "I'm going to see if Sue Ellen's here," Cliff said quickly. Todd guessed he was trying to escape Afton. "God, this is so tacky," Afton muttered under her breath, angered that Cliff had left her. "What's wrong? Pissed no one's around to push your chair?" Todd said. He didn't really have much affection for this woman. He didn't know her, but that was beside the point. "Excuse me? Who are you?" Afton said insolently. "A friend of the Ewings." "Oh. That explains a lot." "Cute," Todd said without missing a beat. "Ever think of adding ribbons to the wheels? That would be cute too." "Get a life." "I'm actually aspiring to make mine as much like yours as possible. I was thinking of breaking up a wedding this weekend for fun…" Todd dropped off, as if he was going to say something else. "Ah, forget it. I need a drink," he said, condescendingly, as if brushing her aside. Afton heard a loud commotion at the door and saw several bright flashes from the camera. She turned around and saw Lucy walking in with a man she hadn't seen before. Afton noticed that they both looked exceptionally happy. Curiosity getting the best of her, she rolled herself over to them. "Hello Lucy," she smiled. Lucy couldn't believe her ears. Afton had said hello and smiled at her? Couldn't be…she must have something up her sleeve. "Afton." She said coldly. "Who is this handsome man here?" said Afton. Going on the defense, Lucy pulled Neil close to her. "This is my fiancé, Neil." Had Afton been sipping a drink, she would have surely spit it out. "Fiancé?" "Hadn't you heard? I'm getting married." Afton wanted to ask which wedding number this one was, but she decided not to cause a scene. "Well, congratulations. I'm glad to see that you're moving on." "Which is more than I can say for you," Lucy snapped. "Cliff and Sue Ellen might be happily married now if it weren't for your antics at the wedding. I don't know what everyone else thinks, but your timing was just a little too perfect to be coincidental." "I'm not getting into this with you tonight Lucy. Neil, it was nice meeting you…I just hope you know what you're getting into." Neil gave her a courteous smile, but already, he didn't like her. "It was umm, nice to meet you too Ashton." "That's Afton." There was one more thing Afton couldn't resist doing. "You know Hon," she said, directing her gaze to Neil. "You're kinda cute. It's just a shame you couldn't be a Prince Charming to some Snow White, instead of Dopey there." Lucy's face went red from anger as Afton turned and wheeled away. "Ugh! She makes me so mad Neil. One of these days…" "Shhh, she's not worth wasting your time on. The woman's obviously got some problems." "You don't know the half of it."
"Ray's done a great job with the place." Bobby didn't like how she was avoiding all talk of Katherine. Every time he had brought up the subject, she had immediately changed it. He'd give her some time, but eventually, they'd have to talk about it. Gary, Val, John Ross, and Melissa joined them at the table. "Are you doin' okay Aunt Pam?" John Ross asked. "Of course, why wouldn't I be?" "Well, I'm really sorry about your sister. I know that must be…" "Melissa," Pam interrupted, "I haven't seen you in a while, what have you been up to?" "Work, work, and more work. Things have been hectic at the station. But, I'm on vacation again next week, so hopefully I'll get to spend a little more time at Southfork with John Ross and the family." "John Ross, Gary, I heard about your partnership. Sounds like a great idea," Bobby commented. "Too bad everybody doesn't feel that way about it." "J.R. giving you trouble?" said Bobby. "Yeah, but you know what? That's not going to stop me. I'll do what I want, when I want, whether J.R. likes it or not." Had Bobby heard right? Had John Ross really called him J.R.? "Sounds like you have a little animosity built up there buddy. Anything I can help with?" "Nope. I can handle it myself, but thanks for offering." John Ross was thankful when some music kicked on and several couples started dancing. Now he didn't feel like the spotlight was on him so much. "I'll be right back," Melissa said, standing up. "There's someone I need to talk to over there. She strode across the room in her red sequined dress. Clayton and Ellie watched her as she left Bobby and Pam's table. "I still don't trust that girl," Ellie said. "Have you given yourself a chance to know her?" Ellie frowned, realizing he was right. "No, I really haven't. You're right Clayton. It looks like she and John Ross are really in love and she may be a Ewing some day, so I suppose I should get to know her." Clayton kissed his wife. "This place is just like it used to be back in the old days." "I know. Jock would be so proud of Ray if he could have been here tonight. Ray has taken this place and transformed it from a strip club into the respectable establishment it used to be." "I'll say," Punk Anderson said from behind them. "Punk, Mavis, I didn't know you were coming!" "Are you kidding?" Mavis laughed, "We wouldn't miss this for the world." "Almost feels like the 80s again," Punk commented. "Matter of fact, if my hair wasn't so thin on top, I might think it was the 80s." "You devil you," Mavis joked. She took off his hat. "What do you mean, thin? You're still the same handsome man you always were." "And you are still the same gorgeous woman I married over fifty years ago." "Whaddaya say we go out there and show these here Farlow geezers how we can still cut a rug?" Mavis laughed and took Punk's hand. He led her out onto the dance floor. Clayton grumbled. "We are not going to let the self-acclaimed 'Jet Set' out-do us. Come on Ellie." She laughed and followed Clayton, feeling like she was in her twenties again. Only this time, she was dancing with Clayton, not Jock. From their table, Pam and Bobby were thoroughly enjoying the little 'dance-off'. "I just hope I can dance half that well when I'm their age," Pam commented. "Well I know I'm not gonna sit here thinking about that…let's dance while we still can." Pam giggled and took Bobby's hand, where they joined the others. "Gosh John Ross, everybody's havin' so much fun." John Ross smiled at Cally, who had just joined him at the table. "Yeah they are." "I got a chance to talk to Melissa a while ago. She seems like a real nice girl." "Yeah, she is." Cally was beginning to notice that John Ross seemed distant. "John Ross, what's buggin' you?" He looked at her and felt like he could really open up. After all, she had been his stepmother at one time. "It's my dad." "Seems like he's the root of all evil these days." "What? I thought you two were…" "Never mind. What were you sayin' about him?" "He found out I was going into business with Uncle Gary and got pissed because I don't work at Ewing Oil very much. I'm just so tired of what he stands for!" Cally touched John Ross' hand. "It doesn't matter what he stands for. It's what you stand for that counts. You do just what you want to do and be happy with it—it doesn't matter one bit if J.R. doesn't like it." John Ross smiled. "Thanks for listening Cally. Hey, there's no use in the two of us sitting here like a couple of wallflowers. Wanna dance?" "I thought you weren't ever gonna ask."
"Congratulations, Ray. This place is beautiful." There was no reason not to be polite. The place was impressive. "Thanks." Ray smiled. It was as if her compliment was a sign that everything between them was going to be ok. He looked directly into her eyes for a moment. Donna sensed what he was thinking, and quickly brushed past him. "Excuse me," she said, quickening her stride to a brisk pace. Ray was left behind, crushed. He leaned his head against the wall, and didn't move for a moment. He tried to fight back a tear. From the corner, Jenna Evans watched everything, unnoticed.
The Clifford Group Sue Ellen hung up the phone. That conference call had taken much longer than she had expected. She was late to Ray's opening. Turning around, she observed the steady downpour outside. She reached for her umbrella.Her whole day had been offset with the incident involving Christopher and West Star. He assured her that he would seek help, and start talking to a therapist. He said this was the first time that he had been drunk in a while, and was confident that if he treated it now, it wouldn't turn into a problem. He told Sue Ellen he was aware that there was a history of alcoholism in the family, and he would take every step to make sure that he did not follow in the footsteps of his biological grandfather, or even Sue Ellen herself. He begged Sue Ellen to not mention the incident to anyone, for fear of losing Megan on lack of character grounds. Kaitlin had complied easily, but Sue Ellen was not as convinced. She was going to follow up with Christopher, and make sure he was okay. She cared about him too much. Kaitlin had driven him back to Southfork, and Sue Ellen immersed herself in work the rest of the day, not even leaving the office. She was throwing some things in her purse when the door startled her, slamming shut. She had thought she was the only one left in the office. She turned around quickly. It was Jack. He strode over to her confidently and with determination. "We need to talk." He walked right up to her, stopping his face inches from hers. It was not a hostile move, but rather one of intense determination. Everything was going to be laid out on the table. "Jack, I'm late for a engagement. Ray's club is opening tonight…and I'd thought you'd be there." "That can wait," Jack responded quickly. "Why have you been avoiding me?" "I haven't been," she said, not looking at him. "You have!" He grabbed her shoulders and made her look at him, directly in the eyes. His stare was intense. "It's because you want me! Stop trying to deny it, Sue Ellen! Why are you so damn uncomfortable?!" "Let me go!" she shook free of his grasp. Why was he doing this? She couldn't deal with this now. She turned toward her desk, and fumbled with some papers, just to give herself something to do. "Well guess what? I want you too! I've wanted you for a while now, but I haven't said anything out of respect to you. I can't take it anymore, though. You're not with Cliff, and it seems to me that you never really loved him. What's holding you back---why can't you admit the truth!?" Sue Ellen froze. Lightning flashed. And it all happened in an instant, just as when they kissed. She couldn't control herself anymore. Turning towards him, she threw herself at him, kissing him intensely and passionately. He gladly reciprocated. And as the rain poured and lightning struck, Jack and Sue Ellen found themselves beginning to make love.
The Cattleman's Club The last of the guests had left, and Jenna had not seen Ray for the last half of the night. He seemed to disappear after he ran into Donna outside the bathroom. Obviously it had upset him.She knocked on the door to his office but could only make out half of what he mumbled. He seemed to be speaking incoherently. She opened the door, and found Ray sitting at his desk, with a bottle in his hand. He was drunk. "Jenna…" he trailed off. "Ray, this is stupid. Get up. Stop doing this to yourself." He was going to self-destruct. He didn't listen to her. He was in his own world. She cared about him so much. She had betrayed him, and wished that she could just forget about him and leave. Was she falling in love with him? They had spent so many long hours together, getting this place ready for opening. Was it all going to change now that the project was done? Do I love him? Jenna was uncomfortable with the notion. She stomped over to his chair, and put her arm around him, in preparation to help him up. She was not expecting him to pull her down on his lap and start kissing her. She responded in kind. She liked it. She wanted to be with him. And he wanted to be with her---it seemed. He was drunk. But she couldn't stop herself. She loved him. She did.
As they began to make love, all Ray could think about, in his drunken haze, was that this was the only thing that he had in the world. He might as well try to make the best of a bad situation.
Southfork Ranch "Do you think the power will go out?" Justin asked J.R. They were in the living room."No, this house is pretty reliable." The two had spent the whole day together. J.R. had showed his son Southfork, and then drove him into Dallas to show him Ewing Oil. Justin was impressed with both. He asked so many questions about the oil business! J.R. was so impressed with his articulation, his eagerness. And it was his son! His own flesh and blood! He briefly thought about John Ross and what he had said to him earlier. "Who is this?" Justin asked, looking at a portrait of Jock. "That's my daddy." "Your granddaddy," J.R. thought to himself. "Oh, OK. He started Ewing Oil, right?" "Yep. He was the finest man I've ever known. I wished you could have met him." "I bet he was really smart," Justin said, his eyes wandering again. "Ewing Oil is cool. It's really big. I like the elevator. I like that blonde lady too. Her candy was cool." "Sly?" J.R. laughed. He'd never heard that word to describe her. "I guess you're right. She is pretty cool." J.R.'s use of the word sounded so forced, that Justin couldn't help but laugh. His laugh was infectious. J.R. found himself laughing too. "How long ago did Jock start Ewing Oil?" J.R. wanted to correct him so bad---it's not Jock, it's your granddaddy. What was holding him back? "A long, long time ago. It's still going strong today." …"Despite two idiots in the company." Lucy and Sue Ellen popped into his mind. "He must have been a really smart guy. I bet he was an awesome dad." "He was." "I wish I knew my dad. Mom doesn't talk about him a lot. I think it makes her sad, and lonely." "Do you wonder what your father is like?" "Yeah, all the time! I bet he's really smart, and is really successful and is really important. Or at least, that's what I hope." "He is." J.R. wasn't even thinking. He was on automatic pilot. His feelings were driving him. "Really?" Justin perked up. "You know him?" "I am him."
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