In his office, the TV news was airing. "With crude oil prices testing their ten year lows these are tough times for US oil producers..." JR grunted as he poured himself another bourbon and said to himself "Those idiots Barnes and McKay should be shot for trying to start an oil company when the prices are this low. Ha But they never were that bright." JR chuckled at the thought of Both McKay and Barnes going bankrupt over this venture. He turned and walked over to his TV set staring at the screen as the news report continued.

"Today's announcement by Venezuela's oil minister that OPEC is unlikely to cut production before the next OPEC conference in Vienna later this year has added to market concerns."

JR took a big shot of his drink. The news continued, "By close of trade West Texas Intermediate had shed 67 cents to fall to its lowest level this year, and barely a dollar over 1988 prices. With continued build up of crude stocks flooding the market, the outlook looks gloomy for US energy producers. And now onto foreign news...in London, PLO leader Yasser Arafat met with Prime Minister Tony Blair during his five day visit to Europe..." JR switched the TV off on the remote and slumped into his chair.

Finishing his drink, he cursed the Arabs for over producing cheap oil into the market. He knew the low prices was hurting them too, but because of their lower labor and drilling costs they could afford to cope. He knew that the Americans and Europeans could not sustain such a fall in price indefinitely. Mulling over the market news, JR went back to his bar to refresh his glass.

Pamela Cooper and her friend Lorna walked through Dallas Plaza, gazing through the display windows of the stores and gossiping as only girls their age could do. Lorna stopped in front of a store window and noticed that Pamela looked distracted.

"Pamela, is something wrong? You've been so distant all day."

"It's a long story Lorna...a long story."

"I've got time, let's go sit down at that little café over there," Lorna said, pointing to a French-styled café.

After taking their seats, Pamela began her story.

"It was back in March when I really began to notice John Ross. We were both out with some friends, and we had a little too much to drink. One thing led to another and the next thing I knew I awoke in this sleazy hotel room. John Ross was gone, nowhere to be found. I didn't think anything else about it, though I felt a little hurt, until I found out I was pregnant..."

"Oh no," said Lorna, shocked.

"I never intended to let John Ross know the child was his, until the wedding, when Karen Beam's father rushed in to tell the whole world."

"So John Ross knows, how is he taking this?"

"I haven't really gotten a chance to speak to him yet. But just yesterday, I told Karen that she could have him, that I wanted nothing to do with him at all...but now...now I'm not so sure."

"My God Pamela, he's the father of your baby, you should fight for him if you really do care for him. Don't let Karen win, she has nothing to offer him anyway."

"Maybe you're right, why should I back down? I'm glad we had this talk, it made me feel a whole lot better. If Karen decides to try to take this baby's father away from us, then she's got one hell of a fight on her hands."

Christopher Ewing pulled his car up to the front of the Oil Baron's Club and got out. He walked in and glanced around the crowded dining room.

"Table for one sir?" asked Dora Mae smiling.

"Well actually, no I'm looking for Cliff Barnes. I was told that he was here."

"Yes sir, he's right over there with Carter McKay."

"Great, thanks," replied Christopher, already making his way to their table.

"Well...Mr. Ewing," said McKay, "what brings you here?"

"I need to talk to Cliff, it's important Mac."

"Hello Christopher," said Cliff.

"Alright, I'll just go up to the bar," said McKay getting up.

"Cliff, I'm about to tell you something and you may object to it, but please don't try to stop me."

"Well," said Cliff, "let's hear it..."

JR walked into the Oil Baron's and smiled when he saw Dora Mae. Thank the Lord for Fridays, he thought to himself.

Good evening, Mr. Ewing, table for one tonight sir?"

JR removed his Stetson and said, "Thank you darlin' but I think I'll just go to the bar for a drink or two." JR remarked how lovely Dora Mae was looking, but before she had a chance to repay the compliment, a voice interrupted them.

"JR Ewing, you ol' son of a gun!" JR turned around, a look of amazement on his face when he realized who it was. "Well I'll be damned! If it isn't Brad Iverson!" The two men shook hands warmly, laughing as they realized how long it had been. Dora Mae looked on in mild amusement as they overcame their obvious shock of two friends bumping into each other nexpectedly.

"Brad Iverson, how the devil are you? I haven't seen in you in years!"

Brad turned to Dora Mae, "I guess it will be a table for two honey."

"It's been nearly ten years I guess, JR."

"Well let's get this party into action Brad...let me get your usual."

JR chuckled, as the two oilmen walked toward the bar patting each other on the back. Maybe this was going to be a great Friday night, thought JR.

As they were seated at their table JR said, "so Brad what brings you back to Dallas? Last I heard you were off in some God-forsaken third world country."

"...So after the leases expired in Uruguay, I decided to come back to Dallas to enjoy my retirement, JR. And that's my story all told."

Brad and JR were now seated at their table at the Oil Baron's. They had consumed a hearty meal of prime ribs and were relaxing with their drinks.

JR looked at his friend and nodded. "Well with the state of the oil market now, I think you've made the right choice to retire now. God knows when prices will pick up."

Iverson noticed the tone of JR's voice. "OPEC sure as hell does control which way prices move and that's a fact. Let's hope they come to their senses and cut back on production before things start to really hurt."

"I Wouldn't bet on it Brad", replied JR. "Those damned Arabs can drill and refine the stuff so cheaply they don't need to cut output. I reckon our only hope is for Pakistan and India to turn their nuclear missiles on each other and hope it spreads to the Middle East."

The two men chuckled. "Well JR, maybe you should consider hedging your exposure to falling prices," Brad stated, "When I was in South America, I used a good bank in New York to fix my selling price. That way, even if prices fell heavily, I was guaranteed a decent profit."

"I considered that, but there's no one you can trust," JR said, paranoid as ever.

"Well it sure as hell is a better option than paying a mercenary to blow up oil fields," said Brad in a half serious tone.

JR looked up at his friend, serious for a moment, before replying.

"That kind of remark might just cost you this dinner check!"

Brad Iverson motioned to Cassie for two more bourbons. "JR, the financial markets today are so much more developed than five, hell 10 years ago. You now have a range of banking tools to ensure the oil or gas you pump out of the ground fetches a good price."

JR shook his head and replied "Hell I know that, I'm not stupid you know, but like I said that doesn't matter I can't trust some dim-witted banker." but Iverson continued to try to convince his friend. "Really JR, it isn't that expensive either. Let me put it this way, last year when oil was averaging 18 dollars a barrel in the market, I was getting 19, sometimes 20 dollars a barrel by fixing the price I received months ahead of production."

JR raised an eyebrow at this remark and said, "Go on I'm listening."

Brad grinned and went on with explaining the name of the banker he had used to secure the price of his oil "My oil trader was this fellow." He passed the corporate business card over to JR. "He works for that bank in New York, but I know he relocated to Dallas a couple of months back. He is really clued up on what goes on in the oil markets. Give him a call."

JR looked at the card. Sighed took a swig from his drink and said, "I might just do that."

Brad smiled at JR. "Well that guy," he pointed to the card, "made all the difference to my retirement fund last year."

JR smiled, "Good you can get the check then."

JR pulled into Southfork and remembered the letter that Christopher had entrusted to his care. He sat in the car for a second and thought for a moment. JR pulled the envelope out of his coat pocket, tore it open, and unfolded the letter:

Dear Dad,

This envelope is sealed so if it's torn then JR's already read it. I have decided to go and do something very important to me, search for my mother I don't believe she was killed in the car crash. This is very important to me so please don't try and stop me. If and when I do find her I'll try to bring her home if she wants to. It's something I just have to do. I'll keep in touch.

Christopher

JR sat in the car for a while, "Damn kid doesn't even trust his own kin," JR said as he looked down at the torn envelope in his lap, "That boy's crazy as hell. But at least this will keep him from telling John Ross that I was responsible for breaking up his wedding. In the meantime, I've got to think of something...something to keep him away from Dallas for a while...and I believe I have just the thing."

JR smiled to himself, got out of the car, and entered Southfork. He went into the study and put the letter inside a new envelope before handing it to Bobby, who was sitting on the couch going over some papers.

"Here Bob, Christopher gave this to me earlier," said JR, "he said it was important that you read it."

A sad look came over Bobby's face as he read the letter. He said goodnight and went upstairs.

JR knew he was getting old, why else did his forehead hurt so much that morning after the night before. After all in the old days he could drink anyone else under the table. He wondered how Brad Iverson was feeling and smiled wryly about the certain telling off Brad's wife would have given him that morning.

JR's secretary came into his office saying that she was going out for lunch and offered to bring something back for him.

Putting down the latest output figures he had been studying for the last hour, without much success due to his hangover, JR replied that the office was quiet so she should take an extra half-hour for lunch. As Judy walked out of the office JR poured himself a glass of water. Times were getting tough again. Not as rough as 1986 he thought, but getting uncomfortably close. JR flicked on his TV, selecting The business news channel because It was the lunch time market report.

"The Dow Jones continues to trade into record territory, despite concerns about Indonesia." JR focussed on the news. "However, oil shares remain depressed by the latest inventory figures for last week showing crude stocks growing unusually fast for this time of year."

JR's eyes rolled in despair. Then he thought of his new found 25% ownership of Ewing Oil which took problems off his mind for awhile. But then a terrible thought hit him, what if these oil prices were hurting Ewing Oil more than they where Westar, which he was sure they were because of Bobby and Sue Ellen's lack of determination to make his Daddy's company succeed. He knew from the last oil price depression how many small oil producers had gone under because they hadn't acted quickly enough.

As the TV report moved onto another news item JR hit the mute button on the remote control and walked over to his desk. Retrieving from his drawer the business card Brad Iverson had given him, JR dialed the number printed on the card.

"Robert Stockton please," JR inquired.

The voice on the other line was female. "I am sorry sir, Mr. Stockton is out of town on business for a couple of days, can I take a message?"

JR asked for Stockton to contact him on his return. Terminating the call, he tossed the card on his desk and open up his live feed from the market on his computer workstation.

The screen was showing him the latest oil prices with the day's gains or losses, highs and lows. JR didn't need to see the actual figures...they were all colored red, indicating falling prices.

"Damnit!" he cursed, "how much further can oil fall?"

Sue Ellen sat beside Patricia's bed. The doctors said that Patricia would recover, yet, she showed no signs of it. She had been unconscious since her fall and was showing no signs of improvement. Jenna walked in the room.

"How's she doing Sue Ellen?"

"Still the same, no change."

"Do you believe JR pushed her?"

"I'm not sure...though I wouldn't put it past him."

Suddenly, Patricia opened her eyes and mumbled something. "....Kris-Kristen..."

"Oh my God, mama, it's me Sue Ellen."

"I'll go get the doctor," said Jenna rushing out of the room.

"Sue Ellen..."

"You're going to be ok," said Sue Ellen happily, tears streaming from her eyes.

"Sue Ellen...you go home now...I'll be fine."

"No, I'm staying."

"Go Sue Ellen...you've got a company to run...I'm proud of you.." Patricia whispered, her voice straining.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure. Now go."

Sue Ellen kissed her mother and she and Jenna left the hospital. For the first time since the accident, Sue Ellen felt relieved.

Southfork had been very quiet that evening with Jenna and Sue Ellen at the hospital and Ray and Lucas at a movie. John Ross had been in the gym all day, working off the stress of recent events. Bobby finally found himself with a moment of peace and quiet. He was still filled with inner turmoil though. The fact that Christopher had left to search for Pam and the fact that JR now owned 25% of Ewing Oil had torn him up inside. Bobby was happy upon seeing Jenna and Sue Ellen coming in though.

"Sue Ellen, Jenna....is Patricia ok? Did she wake up?"

"Yes she did Bobby, she's going to be just fine."

"That's great."

"I'm sorry if I've neglected Ewing Oil the last couple of days, but I'm back now and I'm ready to discuss our little 'JR' problem."

"If you two will excuse me, I think I'll go upstairs."

"Ok Jenna."

Two hours later, after discussing the problem of JR tricking John Ross into signing over his shares of Ewing Oil, they had not agreed on a workable solution. The idea of sueing JR for fraud or deception was not only difficult to prove, but would cause the family to attack each other. Bobby resigned himself to having to accept that JR had won and rather than set Ewing against Ewing, he suggested to Sue Ellen that they work with JR.

Sue Ellen knew she had to tell Bobby her last resort for stopping JR keeping John Ross' shares. Telling Bobby to wait in the lounge for a couple of minutes, Sue Ellen went to her room to collect what she termed her "insurance policy".

JR Ewing returned to Southfork late and was surprised to see Bobby still sitting up reading a book. JR was tired and even he didn't want to row at this hour, so he headed straight for the stairs for a soothing shower. He got to the first step before Sue Ellen appeared from the dining room, holding a glass of bourbon.

"Good evening JR," she cooly greeted and offered him the glass.

It may have been late, but JR still managed to quip that for a second he thought Sue Ellen had started drinking again. He accepted the drink and laughed to himself.

Sue Ellen resisted biting back and smiling, gently linked her arm with his, and walked him into the lounge. Bobby now had the TV news on. He looked up and smiled at JR and Sue Ellen.

Sue Ellen motioned JR to sit down on the couch. She sat next to him with her open briefcase in between them. The friendly atmosphere bemused JR. Stretching his legs and leaning back into his seat, he cracked, "Isn't this cozy?" and smiled.

"Sue Ellen, let's make this quick," said Bobby.

"Make what quick?" asked JR puzzled.

Sue Ellen handed JR the papers on top of her briefcase. She and Bobby watched as JR read the papers with disbelieving eyes. Looking up, he put his drink on the table and sat up. "What are you playing at?" he asked them.

"It's all yours now JR. We have had enough of the battles and fights. Those Ewing Oil shares are all yours now," Sue Ellen pointed to the share certificates JR was holding, before adding, "For a fair price, of course."

JR stammered and asked why they were doing this.

Bobby answered him, "we have come to realize that Ewing Oil means more to you than it ever could to us. We feel now is the right time to move on and follow our other goals."

JR was stunned. He knew the significance of what was happening here. He still couldn't comprehend that Sue Ellen would give up so easily and that Bobby could ever leave the oil business for good. He asked them what they would do.

"My dear," Sue Ellen began, "Bobby and myself have formed a new company on our own and-"

JR interrupted her "You two starting a new oil company from scratch, are you crazy?"

Sue Ellen smiled. "JR, who said anything about an oil company."

JR looked at her. "What was going on here", he thought.

Bobby continued. "It's more of an entertainment entity, JR. In fact we already have our first project to share with you. Look," he pointed his finger at the television and pressed a button on the remote control. The TV news channel was replaced with the audiovisual channel and for the second time in his life, JR was watching the unedited version of Citizen Ewing. It was the end scene where "Sue Ellen" leaves "JR". JR glared at Sue Ellen and snarled as he asked her what she wanted. Sue Ellen stood up as Bobby stopped the video and removed the tape out of the VCR. Passing the tape to Sue Ellen, Bobby slyly remarked on the film's "tearful moments" and "gritty drama". They both grinned at JR.

"I warned you JR about not doing right by people and the consequences if you stepped out of line," Sue Ellen tapped the tape with her finger.

"There's no way in hell any movie theatre would ever show that film," retorted JR.

"Maybe not, but imagine the board of Westar talking about the film in their meetings. Interesting meeting material is it not?" Sue Ellen reminded JR that he risked becoming the laughing stock of Texas and questioned whether that was a risk worth taking.

JR calmly said, "Who in the hell would believe a word of that movie, you would be the fools for calling that crap a film."

"JR, I'm sure that we could work out a deal here. You know..there is that 25% of Ewing Oil that you own...and I think that's probably a fair trade for this video."

JR quipped, "Are crazy woman, or just drunk? I dedicate my life for the past 6 years to getting my Daddy's company back and I'll be damned if some stupid movie that NO ONE in the state of Texas would believe a word of will get in my way of that!"

With that JR took a swig of his drink and stormed upstairs to his room slamming the door behind him.

Sue Ellen stared at Bobby, "He called our bluff!"

"Now Sue Ellen, there'll be other ways to get JR out of Ewing Oil, but it'll take time you have to be patient."

"Yes Bobby you're right, I should have known JR wouldn't be that easy to get rid of, he's just so thick-headed."

They laughed, but it was a laugh mixed with frustration.

Christopher got out of an orange taxi and stepped into the hot Brazilian sun. He paid the cabby and started up a cobblestone path to an old portuguese-style building. After knocking several times with no answer, Christopher turned to leave. Behind him the door opened.

"¿Sí señor, en que puedo servirle?" said the woman.

"¿Hablas ingles?" Christopher asked.

"Well, yes I do," said the woman smiling. She was in her late 30's and of Spanish descent. "We don't get many English speakers down this way."

"I'm looking for Dr. Franks, I need to talk to him, it's urgent."

"Do you have an appointment?" asked the lady.

"No, but this is really important, if you could just let me see him for a few minutes."

"I'm sure he is busy right now, esta muy ocupado."

"Would you ask him please? I've come all the way from Texas to speak to him."

"Well, I suppose it wouldn't hurt."

The woman disappeared and shut the door. For a while, Christopher feared she wouldn't return, but she did.

"He'll see you, come on in. I'm Carmen. Would you like anything to drink?"

"No thanks," said Christopher, returning her smile.

Carmen led him down a long dark hall, Christopher felt a sense of claustrophobia by it and was glad when she led him into a spacious, well-lit office. Palms, crotons, and dieffenbachia plants filled the room. For a second, Christopher felt as if he'd stepped into the nearby jungle instead of an office. A man, obviously Dr. Franks, sat behind a large mahogany desk. Carmen introduced the two and disappeared into the dark hall, shutting the door behind her.

"Carmen tells me you need to talk to me. She says it's important."

"Yes, Dr. Franks, very important."

"Please, call me David," he said, offering his hand.

Christopher shook his hand.

"Now, what is it you want to know? Take a seat here."

Christopher sat down and replied, "It's about my mother and I think you know her."

"Oh? Who is she? A patient of mine?"

"Pamela Barnes Ewing."

"Pamela Barnes Ewing," repeated David.

"Yes."

"I'm sorry, but that name doesn't ring any bells."

"But...I was told she was here at one time...it was around 1988 I believe. Please try to remember, you have no idea how important this is to me."

"That was ten years ago...I've had thousands of patients since then."

"Don't you keep records or anything?"

"Of course I do, in the file room."

"Can I look through them?" Christopher pleaded.

"I'm sorry, but those are confidential files, now I have a patient waiting."

"But-"

"Please, you've wasted too much of my time already, now please go," said David coldly.

Christopher turned and left the brightly lit room and was plunged once again into the darkness of the hall. He turned and saw a door marked 'File Room'.

After assuring himself that no one was watching, he pushed opened the door. The room was lined with filing cabinets and a single window let a small ray of the quickly depleting sunlight into the room. Dust particles danced in the light. Christopher turned on the overhead light. He moved his eyes across the filing cabinet labels until he spotted to the E's. He slowly pulled out the heavy drawer, and cringed as it made a creaking sound. No Ewings. Christopher moved to the left and opened the B drawer and flipped until he came across several Barnes'. The first was a Jake Barnes, followed by a Linda Barnes. Finally, something caught his eye. Pamela Barnes.

Suddenly, Christopher heard footsteps outside, so he grabbed the manila folder, shut the drawer, and hid in a dusty corner. David and Carmen came in and he could hear them talking.

"Carmen, find Pamela Barnes' file and destroy it...we can't risk it being found, not after all these years."

Carmen opened the drawer but found no file. She flipped through again, this time more slowly, but still came up with nothing.

"Do you think that it was misplaced?" she said.

"No...more than likely, the boy has already found it."

"What will we do?" asked Carmen quizzically.

"I'm not sure."

A few minutes later, the two left the room and Christopher managed to sneak out with the file after a couple of hours in the dark corner.

JR was late getting to the office after the previous evening at Southfork. He was sure the elevator was taking much longer than normal to get to his floor. Little things like this agitated him, especially when business and personal matters were tough. Like most people who are rushing around or stressed, elevators always take twice as long than usual to arrive to the destination.

"Good morning JR", Judy beamed. She knew well enough not to ask why he was late and proceeded to give her boss the messages she had taken in his absence.

Only two of the messages interested JR as he walked into his office. One being from Anita Smithfield regarding oil lease renewals that required his signature - but that could wait until later in the day. It was the other message JR read that eased his expression and re-focussed his attention to business matters.

JR's secretary brought in a cup of coffee and placed it on his desk. Thanking her, JR also requested that his calls be held for fifteen minutes. Once she had left the office and JR had sipped his coffee to up his caffeine level, he dialed a number.

In his office in Dallas, Robert Stockton picked up his ringing line on an otherwise quiet dealerboard. Stockton listened to JR's account of how Brad Iverson had recommended his services and that he was interested in his views. The two men agreed to meet for coffee later that morning and Stockton thanked JR for returning his call.

At Ewing Oil, Bobby and Sue Ellen were also concerned about the oil market. Bobby had a printed copy of Ewing Oil's older fields that were nearing the end of their life. Production at these wells was much lower than they were in their prime. They were discussing which fields were not financially viable at different oil price levels.

"Excuse me Bobby," said Sly peeking in the door, "but there's a phone call for you."

"Thank you Sly," Bobby said picking up the phone. Sue Ellen refreshed their coffee cups as Bobby spoke with the caller.

"Sue Ellen, don't forget that you and Bobby have a working lunch meeting beginning at 1 pm," said Sly.

"Thank you Sly, it had completely slipped my mind."

Bobby sounded surprised as he listened to the caller. Sue Ellen looked up at her partner as he agreed to meet with his caller for dinner that evening.

As the call finished and Bobby returned to the mass of papers he and Sue Ellen were analyzing, he beamed that the Dallas Morning News wanted to interview him. He elaborated that the paper was keen to interview him about his experiences as part of their modified features section. Sue Ellen smiled as she teased Bobby that it could be a scheme by JR to get him out of the oil business and turn him into an agony aunt on the paper.

Bobby played along with the joke. "Or maybe I could write a film review of Citizen Ewing!" They both laughed out loud at that prospect before reluctantly returning to the serious issues of shutting down oil wells.

At 10 am, Pamela rang the doorbell of Southfork. Much to her hope, John Ross answered. "Ok Pamela, come in," he replied, although he looked like he had something else on his mind.

"No, not here, can we go for a walk out on Southfork somewhere?"

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Great."

The two turned and walked off of the porch into the grass and out into the already hot sun.

"So, what is it you want to talk about?"

"John Ross, I want to talk about us," replied Pam matter-of-factly.

"What do you mean exactly?"

"Where do we go from here?"

"I can answer that then. I feel committed to both you and Karen, but it's Karen that I love. I'll support you and the baby if need be, but that's as far as it is going to go. I've hurt Karen too much already and it's not going to happen again."

"Is that it? You're going to just write me off just like that?"

"I wouldn't call it writing you off Pamela."

"Well what would you call it then?" she said turning away from him.

"Pamela, I don't want to discuss this right now. I want to talk to Karen as well," said John Ross, turning and walking away.

"Karen," said Pamela to herself.

JR left West Star offices and walked into the nearby coffee shop. He approached an assistant who motioned JR to a booth. Walking over to the booth, the man already sitting there stood up and welcomed JR. Robert Stockton was tall and blond. JR noticed the good quality of his suit and his confident but pleasant manner. Sitting down the men exchanged pleasantries before discussing the market. Stockton produced a file from his briefcase, which he advised JR to read. It contained more detailed information about securing a fixed price for oil which JR and Brad Iverson had discussed.

"Well, I think this could be the beginning of a beautiful business venture," said JR smiling.

Later, back in his West Star office JR called Ratigan.

"Yeah?"

"Ratigan, it's JR, I need for you to do a little investigative digging for me. Find anything you can on Robert Stockton."

"No problem JR, what's going on?"

"Just security."

"Ah I see."

Back at Sue Ellen's office at Ewing Oil, Sue Ellen and Bobby were preparing for their working lunch meeting. Bobby claimed the meeting could offer another alternative to cutting production to reduce expenses in the falling oil price scenario. Sue Ellen was more skeptical about involving an outsider to advise them, but was open to suggestions. She reminded Bobby that whatever ideas the meeting threw up, they had to take tough decisions. Bobby acknowledged her opinion and noticed that in spite of her years of torment with JR she had developed similar business acumen. He enjoyed working with her.

Sly buzzed Sue Ellen's phone to inform her that their one o'clock appointment had arrived. Sue Ellen walked to reception to greet her guest.

Bobby arranged a third chair for their guest and placed the reports he had compiled about Ewing production on the table for later discussion.

Sue Ellen returned to her office. "Bobby, meet Robert Stockton, Head Oil Trader, from the bank we've been talking about the loans with."

Shaking hands warmly, Stockton smiled and replied it was a pleasure.

Ray was working with the horses at the stables when Jenna walked in. He kissed her and went back to grooming the horse.

"So, how's Patricia doing?" he asked her.

"She's doing great. The doctors are even calling it a miraculous recovery for a woman her age. She'll be in a wheelchair for a while, but she's a tough lady."

"Well that's great, maybe she'll be home for the ol' Ewing Barbecue next this week," replied Ray.

"I hope so, I'm excited about this barbecue, it's been a long time."

"You know Jenna, I was thinking. I think it's about time we found ourselves a house of our own. Bobby owns Southfork now and I feel like we're really imposing."

"I love it here at Southfork, Ray. And besides, I don't think we should do anything permanent until we know for sure that we're staying here. I miss Charlie already."

"I miss her too, have you talked to her lately?"

"I left a message, but she's so busy with Wade's right now."

"Yeah, running a successful company requires a lot of work."

"I know Ray, and I'm proud of her, I just wish she could find a little time away."

"Why don't we go inside and try calling her again? I'd like to talk to that girl."

"Ok."

JR was chatting on his hands free mobile phone to Brad Iverson whilst driving out of Dallas. They were reminiscing about their boozy night at the Oil Baron's and exchanging boasts about who suffered the bigger hangover the next morning. JR turned the conversation back to business and exclaimed his thanks for Iverson introducing him to Robert Stockton.

"Well JR," said Iverson, "I wish you all the luck if you decide to go into business with Stockton, I hope it turns out to be a successful business venture for you."

"It's a little early to say whether or not we will go into business together, but those reports Stockton showed me impressed the hell out of me."

The call finished with the two friends agreeing to meet up again soon, when Iverson was next in Dallas. Turning onto the expressway, JR's mobile rang. It was Sly, with information about an important meeting at Ewing Oil currently taking place. JR reduced his speed as he listened intently.

John Ross knocked on the door of Karen's apartment. With any luck, Alan Beam wouldn't be there, so there wouldn't be any trouble. But, evidently, John Ross wasn't too lucky, because Alan answered the door.

"What the hell are you doing here Ewing?" said Alan angrily.

"I need to talk to Karen."

"She doesn't need to talk to you."

Karen walked up behind her father and told him it was alright, that she wanted to talk to John Ross. Reluctantly, Alan retreated down the hallway, leaving the two alone. John Ross noticed with a grin that Karen was wearing his ring. Good sign, he thought.

"So John Ross, what brings you here?"

"I just talked to Pamela, I told her I only loved you.....you and only you. And I think we can work this out, I know Pamela is pregnant, but I think we can overcome that, if you're just willing to try."

"John Ross...I..."

"Please Karen," interupted John Ross.

"John Ross, I do love you, I can't deny that....but things are just so complicated."

"Karen, we can overcome it...if we just work together. Please, let's try."

"I think I can do that John Ross."

John Ross smiled and hugged her, unaware that Alan was watching.

At Ewing Oil, the working lunch meeting had stretched into mid-afternoon but was close to winding up.

"Anyway," said Stockton, "here's my card, just review the options and let me know what you think."

"We'll be in contact shortly Stockton," said Sue Ellen, smiling warmly.

"Thanks a lot for stopping by," said Bobby.

After shaking hands, Sue Ellen and Bobby walked Stockton toward the elevator.

"Bobby, I think this is an opportunity that we can't afford to turn down, I like his ideas."

"I know. I'll set up a meeting with their financing team to discuss more."

Sly listened to every word while typing at her workstation. JR wanted more information about what Ewing Oil planned to do with Robert Stockton. She told herself that she would have to pay close attention in future.

After Stockton left, JR breezed into the Ewing Oil Offices and went into the records office, asking the companies' records for the past year be xeroxed and sent to his condo on the other side of town.

"But Mr. Ewing you don't work here," said the clerk.

"The hell I don't," said JR, showing her the document and John Ross' signature, "I own 25%."

The records clerk seemed satisfied and said she would do what JR wanted.

"Thank you I think you can expect a little bonus in this months paycheck."

"Thank you Mr. Ewing." said the lady, rolling her eyes.

Robert Stockton walked over to the car lot, adjacent to Ewing Oil. He approached a black Mercedes, which was stationary. The windows were dark and he could not see the driver. He walked toward the rear passenger window. It opened halfway. Leaning over, Stockton smiled to the person in the back of the Mercedes.

"I admit I was wrong, it worked like a dream. They are all interested like you said."

Looking around the car lot before continuing, Stockton said, "I think we can proceed with the next stage."

The car door opened and Robert Stockton stepped in. The window closed and the Mercedes drove off into the traffic of downtown Dallas.

Jenna put the phone back in the receiver.

"Now I'm really worried. What if something happened to her. If she doesn't return my message in a few days I'm flying over there."

"Jenna, I'm sure she's ok. Like I said, just busy. Now, why don't you help plan the barbecue or something, anything to keep your mind off."

"Great idea," Jenna smiled, "You call Gary and Val and invite them."

Ray picked up the phone and dialed the number.

"Hello?"

"Hey Val, it's Ray. I'm calling from Southfork."

"Hi Ray," Val exclaimed, "what are you doing at Southfork?"

"Oh it's a long story...Jenna can tell you...but I'm calling about the Ewing Barbecue coming up, is Gary around?"

JR sat in his office watching the latest commodities news when a urgent news message suddenly flashed on the screen. JR looked on as he saw the most amazing thing, the news report had just announced that in an emergency meeting of the OPEC Ministers, it was announced that output reductions would be decreased by 15% until the price recession was over.

"Well, I'll be damned!" said JR happily. He buzzed Judy and told her to hold all of his calls for the day, that he was going to celebrate.

On the other side of town Robert Stockton was sitting in a cheap high rise office with a man turned looking out the window.

"Those OPEC bastards, they never cut production, but the moment I start to plan, they make a cut like this. But this is not going to stop me, I'll still get my revenge on JR Ewing, even if it's the last thing I do. He'll know what being on the opposite side of revenge is like."

JR was driving through downtown Dallas when a call on his cell phone came through.

"Hello?"

"JR this is Ratigan I've found out quite a bit of information about Mr. Robert Stockton, it seems he's clean as a whistle, but his family's past isn't so clean, his father was released from prison just last year."

"Well who was his father?" asked JR

. Ratigan replied "None other than--"

The call went dead just as JR drove into a tunnel.

Christopher sat on the bed in his hotel room and opened the manila folder. For a while, he had been nervous about knowing what was in it. Whatever it was, Dr. Franks didn't want him to find it. Finally, he had overcome his nervousness. Christopher flipped past the first page, nothing of any interest. It was the next page that interested him.

"Oh my God," said Christopher looking closer, "no, I can't believe this, I won't believe this...."

Credits Roll

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