Justin Harper Dominique Jack Ewing Barbara & Bryan Safi Melissa McSween Lucas Krebbs Jenna Wade Krebbs Gregor Dervish and Eric Stone
Jesse Murray and Justin Stiles
Kristin Cashmere Chad Cox Karin Schill and Andy Smithers
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 Southfork Ranch
“Why did you and my mom break up?” Justin's question came out of the blue. It was obvious that it took J.R. off guard. How should he handle this subject? He thought about Cally, and his work with Dominique. He needed to get custody of Justin, and the only way to do that was to prove Cally unfit. Dominique was covering most angles, but it couldn't hurt to have Justin a little upset with his mother. Just a little. “You're mama didn't love me anymore, I'm afraid.” “Why not?” “I don't know. I think she got mad because I worked at Ewing Oil a lot.” “But why? You like to work there. I don't get it.” He seemed to be growing a little upset. Justin didn't understand why such a stupid reason would cause his parents to get divorced. He really liked his dad. He felt a little cheated not haven gotten to know him until now. “It's important to your mama to have her husband around a lot, and not working. I had to work though---Ewing Oil was having some problems and I needed to solve them. I didn't have a choice. It's your granddaddy's company after all.” J.R. paused, faking melancholy. “I wish it didn't happen, though. I loved your mama a lot. She made me laugh like no one I knew.” “So she was just mad about you working all the time?” He was getting really agitated now. “That's so dumb!” “Well, sometimes things like that get all confusing with emotions being all jumbled up. We tried to see work things out by talking about them with a counselor, but it just made things worse.” J.R. decided not to go too deep into that subject. After all, he did pay off the counselor to encourage Cally to divorce him. “Did my mom leave town after that?” “A little while after. Our divorce became final and then she left.” Justin didn't say anything, but inside he was fuming. He hadn't really thought about his parents' breakup too much, mostly because he was so blinded with the excitement of having a father. But, hearing that his mom left his dad because he worked too much made him so angry. It wasn't fair! He thought it was so cool that his dad ran an oil company. Of course he was going to work a lot! He wanted to scream it made him so mad---just because his mom was mad about his dad working, he couldn't get to meet him, or grow up at Southfork. No, he just got stupid Arkansas. As they rode back to the barn, all Justin could think about were the times in school, back in Arkansas, when he'd see the other kids with their dads. He missed out on that, and for no reason! He wanted to scream. His mom was so stupid!
“I think it's great, Barbara, that you're doing this. I mean, moving here because of Bryan and everything,” Afton said. Barbara played with her food a little bit, not looking up. “It's hard. But I know it's important to him.” “God, is Alaska really that great? I hate snow.” “It's my home. I've lived there for over fifteen years. It's great to be here, with you in Dallas, but I miss Alaska, y'know?” “It's a big sacrifice.” “But it's important to Bryan,” Barbara quickly responded. “I know he'd do the same for me.” She paused for a moment. “I just don't want anything to do wrong. This is such an ordeal, moving.” “Nothing will. Cliff owns that land. He can do what he wants with it.” Barbara smiled, as if to placate herself. “Then it makes it worth it, I guess.” She was silent for a moment, then quickly changed the subject. “So what about Cliff? Are you two going to tie the knot again?” “Good question. I don't know. I don't know anything. A lot has changed since we divorced.” “That was only a few months ago though.” “He's come back from the dead though---and he's a lot richer than I ever knew about.” “You mean you never knew he had control of the Clifford Group?” “Nope.” “But didn't you notice your account statements from the bank, or something? That's an awful big thing to hide.” Barbara seemed pretty amazed. “Barbara, Cliff's so cheap that we still go to cheap take-out places to get Chinese. I don't know how he kept it hidden---I hear J.R. didn't even know that Cliff owned it, and he knows everything” “Who?” “J.R. Ewing. Cliff hates him and he hates Cliff. They have this rivalry that's been going on for twenty years. They're always trying to ruin each other.” “How do they know each other?” “Long story short, Cliff's sister, Pam, is married to J.R.'s brother Bobby. But the Barnes family has this big beef with the Ewings over the fact that J.R.'s dad Jock supposedly swindled Cliff's dad out of all this oil. It transferred to the kids, and has been going on ever since.” “Yikes. Sounds unpleasant.” “J.R.'s unpleasant.” Afton smiled. She thought back to the Oil Baron's Cruise the year before, when she slept with J.R. “Well, most of the time he is. He's got his strong points.” “Wow. Cliff's got a lot of money, though. I've heard of the Clifford Group, all the way up in Alaska.” “I know.” Afton had to admit, Cliff's newfound extreme wealth was very appealing to her. He was never poor, by any means. But now, he was in a whole new class. Richer than the Ewings, even. “Do you love him though?” “That's a good question,” Afton quietly responded.
“I know what you're thinking,” he said as he walked in. “You're hoping that I have an apology ready.” “That would be nice, yes,” she coldly responded. “I'm sorry. I overreacted. I don't know what I was thinking. I went crazy, I guess. Temporary insanity.” Sue Ellen didn't say anything. “Jack, if there's a problem, we need to talk about. Like rational adults.” She emphasized the last sentence. “I know. I'm insecure. With everything that happened with Abby…” “But I'm not Abby.” “And that's why I adore you. I made a mistake. I'm sorry. But I think I can make it up to you.” “What do you mean?” “I called my lawyers. They're drawing up papers to sell you my 7.5% of Ewing Oil.” Sue Ellen's eyes grew wide with shock. “Jack, you didn't need to do this.” “It will solve our problem.” He retorted. “If there's something bigger there, it actually won't. Is might just cause more problems.” “Please, Sue Ellen, just take this. It will solve all my problems, trust me.” He was being very cryptic. With that, he left her office, leaving Sue Ellen very confused.
“Hey, Ms. Mayor, haven't talked to you in a long time!” Josh Taylor had worked on her oil field, Krebbs #1, back in 1984. Donna had purchased it after she stepped in for Bobby at Ewing Oil for a time, but had sold it years ago. Now he was one of the heads of the Office of Land Management, and was one of the people Cliff had to deal with in order to get the proper drilling permits for the land across from Southfork. “It's been too long, Josh.” “How the heck have you been?” “Well, things have been pretty busy with the campaign and everything, but are settling down a little bit. Margaret's growing up real fast---too fast! You should see her.” “I'm awful sorry about your husband, Donna.” “Thanks. He was a wonderful man.” It saddened Donna to think about Andrew. She missed him a lot. After about ten seconds of silence, Donna's voice pepped up. “I've got to call in a favor from you, Josh.” “What is it? Anything I can do for you, you know I will.” “It's about Cliff Barnes. He's trying to get some drilling permits passed so he can drill across from Southfork.” “Oh, yes. I know.” “I can't let those go through. It will ruin the family. Miss Ellie is really upset about it.” “He does have a right to drill there, though, Donna. That zone does not forbid it, and he owns the land.” “But there are other factors to consider….the noise and traffic disturbances, the effect it will have on Southfork. Not to mention the livestock….it could really taint the environment that those animals graze on. That could effect not only the ranching business, but health too.” “We're conducting environmental tests in conjunction with the ORC. It's policy.” Donna started to plead. “I know, Josh, but I'm asking you as a favor. Isn't there something you can do to reject his motion for a permit? There has to be something there that you can work on. We both know that Cliff Barnes does not need to drill this land. He's doing it out of spite.” Josh's silence indicated that he was thinking. “Well, I guess you have a point. I'll talk to some of the other guys. Perhaps we can hit them with this noise and traffic disturbance issue. It is right next to the street, right?” “Practically. Josh, I can't tell you how much I appreciate this. You don't know.” “Thank me if I get the job done.” “I'll be sure to do that,” Donna smiled through the phone. “Take care.” She hung up with Josh, and placed the phone back in the receiver. A second later, she picked it up again and started to dial one of her friends at the Oil Regulatory Commission. Cliff was not going to do this to Miss Ellie. She'd see to that.
“Hey honey, is everything OK?” Justin had a deep scowl on his face. “I'm mad at you,” he said point blankly. “What? What's wrong?” Cally was a little confused, but she didn't like the sound of things. He had just visited with J.R., after all. “My dad told me why you guys divorced. It's so stupid! You're so stupid!” Justin seemed near tears as he stormed into his room, at the end of the tiny hallway. “Justin Randall Harper, you get back here!” Cally demanded. They needed to talk about this. NOW. She was not going to let J.R. poison her own son against her. She walked over to his door and started knocking. “Open up, Justin. We need to talk.” Justin didn't respond, so Cally opened the door herself. “What did your father say?” Justin sat on the edge of the bed and crossed his arms, pouting. Cally walked right over to him and kneeled down. “Talk to me, honey. Please.” “Dad said that the only reason that you guys got divorced was because you were so mad that he was working all the time.” Cally couldn't believe it. “I think that's really stupid, because he has to run that big oil company and that's not easy so you should have been supportive of him.” Justin's speech was fast and impassioned. “Your father told you all this?” Cally asked, more a question stemming from shock than confusion. “Yeah.” Justin started to cry. Cally quickly scooped him up in her arms. “It just makes me really sad, because all the other kids got to have their dads in school, but I never got to have mine.” “Justin, it's not like that. Things were much more confusing.” “But you never told me who my dad was! It's not fair!” He pulled away from Cally. “Justin, please!” “I hate you!” He screamed out. He was letting his emotions control him, not even thinking about the implications of his statement. He ran out of the room, and out the front door, slamming it behind him. Cally ran after him, but saw that he was heading towards Cliff's tennis court, and figured that it was pointless to chase him. He needed to blow off some steam. Damn J.R.! What was he telling her son? Making her out to be some kind of monster, when he was the wrong one. He was the one that treated her like a piece of dirt, and was cheating on her. He was the one that paid the marriage counselor to poison her thoughts. Now he was doing the same with her son. No. This was not going to happen. Cally would make damn sure of that. She would pay J.R. a little visit. As Cally Harper tried to brush back the tears, Dominique watched from the hidden cameras that were fed into her hotel room. She smiled.
Bobby pushed open the glass patio doors and joined her on the balcony. “It's a beautiful view isn't it?” “Yes it is. I just hate that we're leaving in the morning.” Pam turned to her husband and could immediately see that he was worried. “What's wrong?” “I was just replaying in my head the conversation with Rex Wentworth. The man seems to have quite a temper.” “I don't know if it's that…I'm sure he was upset over Katherine's death and finding out about it like that. I really didn't break it to him gently did I?” “Something just doesn't seem to connect.” “It all seems to connect pretty well to me. Rex and Katherine were close, though I wonder why she seemed so sweet and caring only when she was around him.” “I wouldn't worry yourself too much over it, because we may never know. Katherine is gone and I doubt we'll ever see or hear from Rex Wentworth again.” “I don't know. I came to Paris just so I could close the book on this chapter of my life, but I've probably opened another one. Something tells me we haven't seen the last of Rex. Bobby, I know you have your sources, so when we get back to Dallas, I want you to have him investigated and see what you can come up with.” “Well it just so happens that your ever resourceful husband is one step ahead of you. I called one of my guys just a few minutes ago and he's already on the case. He'll be on his way to Paris in the morning so he can start the investigation.” “Good. I'll feel better when we know a bit more about this Rex Wentworth character.” Pam was silent for a few minutes. “Did you see the rage in his eyes when he found out I shot Katherine?” Across the river, a dark figure stepped out onto another balcony. He raised a gun, equipped with a silencer, and carefully began to aim it… “Don't worry about it Pammy. Why don't we concentrate on making our last night in Paris a very enjoyable one?” Pam glanced over at the Eiffel Tower, which was right across the river from the hotel. “Well, this IS Paris…I'm sure I wouldn't have any trouble finding some enjoyable shopping to get into…” “You know that's not what I was talking about,” Bobby said mischievously. From across the Seine, the figure aimed the gun directly at Pam, and then prepared to pull the trigger… “I think I know what you mean.” Pam kissed him, and then followed him back into their hotel room, shutting the door behind them. The figure lowered the gun.
“Well, Melissa, haven't seen you in here in a while.” “Howdy Denny. No, I've been busy at the PD lately…just not much time to get out. Plus, I've kind of settled down a bit since the last time you saw me.” “Oh, you have, have you? Got married?” “No…not yet, but it's only a matter of time.” “Who is the lucky man?” “John Ross Ewing.” “One of THE Ewings?” “Yep, J.R.'s son.” Upon hearing the names John Ross and J.R., the man sitting on the next stool turned to Melissa. “Christopher?” He smiled and Melissa could tell that he was drunk. “Hiya Melissa.” He turned back to the bartender. “Give me another one…” “Mister, I think you've probably had enough. Maybe I should call you a cab.” “I said I wanted another one dammit.” Denny sighed and threw his rag onto the counter, then walked back to get Christopher another beer. Melissa stopped him. “No Denny, that's gonna be all for him tonight.” Christopher swiveled around on his barstool and faced Melissa. “I'll decide when that's gonna be all for me.” Christopher's speech was slurred and Melissa could tell that he was really drunk. “My God Christopher, your torn up…come on, we're leaving.” “And I'll decide when I leave too. Bartender, gimme another one, now.” Denny looked from Christopher to Melissa. Melissa shook her head. “Chris, I'm not even gonna ask you how you managed to buy this beer, being that you're only twenty.” She shot Denny a look, then turned back to Christopher, grabbing him by the shoulders. “Come on.” “I said no!” Christopher hurled a bottle at her, but missed her by several feet. It went careening across the bar and there was a loud crash. “Christopher, now dammit.” Melissa nervously glanced around and saw a rather large man walking toward them. “Oh God, look what you've gotten us into now.” The man reached them and spoke in a burly voice. “Would you mind telling me just who the hell threw that damned bottle at me?” “We don't want any trouble out of you…and we'll be glad to pay for any damages,” Melissa reasoned. The man looked at Christopher. “Boy, did you do this?” Christopher smirked. “Yeah I did Fatso, what're you gonna do about it?” Melissa tilted her head back, all the time trying to think of just how the heck she was going to get them out of this. She was beginning to wish she'd just turned in early for the night. “Christopher…” Before she realized what was happening, the man had grabbed Christopher by the collar. Another man that had been sitting at the table with him joined them. “They givin' you some trouble Frank?” he asked. “Seems this little guy right here wants to backtalk me.” Frank punched Christopher in the mouth. Melissa was horrified, but it didn't take but a second for her cop training to kick in. She grabbed Frank by the shoulder, turned him around, and kneed him in the stomach. He cried out and struggled to catch his breath. Melissa grabbed Christopher. “Come on. We're getting the hell out of here before your big mouth gets us in anymore trouble.” Melissa noticed that several people in the bar were staring at her. When she turned back, Frank was standing up. He grabbed her by the hair and pulled her against him. “Jess, didn't you always say you liked your women sassy and feisty? 'Cause I think we've found ourselves about the feistiest of them all.” Christopher finally came somewhat to his senses and grabbed an empty beer bottle from the bar, then smashed it over Frank's head. In a drunken rage, Christopher punched him in the face. Blood flew from Frank's mouth and splattered across his shirt. Jess countered Christopher with a punch and sent him reeling back against the bar. It struck him square across the back and he winced in pain. Melissa grabbed both of Jess' arms and twisted them behind his back. He cried out for her to stop. “Dammit girl, you're killin' me.” “I want both of you to get the hell out of here. If you wanna keep this up, I'll be happy to cuff you and take you down to the P.D.” “Damn Frank, Xena here is a freakin' cop!” She let go of him and he quickly made an exit. Frank followed close behind. Melissa looked at Christopher with concern in her eyes. He was bleeding from the corner of his mouth and his eye was quickly swelling shut. “Can you walk out of here?” Christopher nodded, but when he tried to stand up, his legs were weak and he stumbled. Melissa caught him. “Looks like you might need some help.” She took his arm and pulled it around her neck, letting him lean on her. About ten minutes later, Christopher was sitting on Melissa's couch and she was standing in front of him. “I thought it might be best if your family didn't see you like this.” Melissa dabbed the corner of Christopher's mouth with a warm washcloth. “Does that feel better?” “Yeah.” “Here, hold that against your mouth…I'll go get some ice for your eye.” Melissa disappeared into the kitchen where she filled a plastic baggie with ice, then brought it back and gently situated it on Christopher's swollen eye. “We should probably call Karen…I'm sure she's worried about you. What the hell happened to tear you up so bad anyway?” Christopher removed the ice pack from his eye. “She's not my daughter…” “Who?” “Megan…the doctor called and told me the test results were all screwed up and that Megan couldn't possibly be my daughter…” “What?” “It's the truth…” “Oh my God Chris, that's awful…does John Ross know?” “I dunno. I dunno if Pamela Rebecca knows yet either.” Melissa had a sneaking suspicion that Pamela Rebecca just might know. “I'm sorry, I know how that must hurt you.” “It hurts so bad…I lost my daughter. I don't have anything left…” Christopher moved closer to Melissa, and then tried to kiss her. The smell of alcohol was strong on his breath. “I just want you to hold me and make me feel better…come on Melissa, make love to me, please…” “Chris, stop it…you're drunk.” Melissa pulled away from him and stood up. “You've got a wife back at Southfork that really loves you…don't do anything to hurt her.” “Yeah…whatever.” “And stay away from the alcohol…it's a nowhere road that'll take you to the bottom fast. And next time that big mouth of yours goes off, I might not be there to save your ass. Good night…” Melissa flipped off the lights and Christopher fell asleep almost instantly.
Lucas glanced at the alarm clock…it read 11:47. The sound of the room's door opening startled him. The last thing he needed was to have his dad try to patch things over with him again. “Dad…I don't want to talk about it…you know how I feel.” Lucas decided he'd ignore Ray so he would leave—Lucas despised father/son talks. He felt a hand on his shoulder…but it didn't feel like his Dad's hand. Lucas froze where he was, afraid to turn around. Could it be? Again? Lucas swallowed hard and slowly turned around. He felt the hand move from his shoulder. Lucas was disbelieving when he found himself looking into his mother's eyes… “Mom?” “Oh Lucas, my baby.” Lucas moved away. “No…you're dead.” Jenna Krebbs stretched out her arms to her son. “Please, let me hold you…before I have to go.” “Where Mom?” “That doesn't matter…” Lucas began to move toward her, then pulled back. “No! You died last year…” He jumped from the bed and ran to the door. To his surprise, it pushed open and Ray stepped in the room. “Lucas? Who are you talking to?” “It was…” Lucas turned back to where his Mom had been standing, but there was no trace of her. After a few seconds of silence, he finished the sentence. “Nothing…it was nothing. I just had a dream and I must have been talking in my sleep.” “What kind of dream?” “I don't want to talk about it. Good night.” Lucas shut the door.
“Hi Miss Ellie…didn't mean to startle you.” “What on earth are you doing sitting in here in the dark?” “Just thinking.” “What's troubling you? I can see it in your face…” Karen sighed. “Christopher hasn't come home yet. He said he was going to see Kaitlin and talk to her, but he's not back.” “I wouldn't worry too much about Christopher. The Ewing men have always been known to stay out a little late.” Karen looked at Ellie. “I…” “Oh, I'm sorry Karen. I didn't mean it that way…I'm not suggesting that Christopher is having an affair.” Karen was silent. “And I keep digging myself into a deeper hole.” “Miss Ellie, have you noticed anything different about Christopher lately?” Ellie took a seat across from Karen and sipped her milk. “Well, yes, as a matter of fact, I have. I can't quite put my finger on it, but something seems to be troubling him.” “I've noticed it too…since I got back from the rehab center.” “Then I think it would be in Christopher's best interest if you and I made it a point to find out what it is that's troubling him.” “Oh, I intend to. I love him Miss Ellie…I realize I almost ruined what we had together when I got hooked on heroin again…” “That wasn't your fault. You just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.” “I never did get around to thanking you for saving my life back on the cruise. I guess if you hadn't intervened, I wouldn't be here now.” “Let's leave that in the past Karen…you've recovered now and you're reclaiming the life you almost lost. Just remember, if you ever need anything, I'm here for you.” Karen hugged Ellie. “Thanks Miss Ellie. That means a lot to me.”
“Well, we want to get home to spend Thanksgiving with Grace and Christopher.” “You're right.” Pam glanced over her shoulder and took in the Paris view. It was early morning in Paris and a light mist had settled over everything. “Better hurry up, or else this plane is gonna leave without us.” Bobby took Pam's hand and led her up the steps. A few minutes later, they were both aboard the plane, nervously anticipating the take-off. Pam cast a look at her husband. “Nervous?” “Yeah, kind of…I don't think I'll ever look at flying the same way again…not since the plane crash in the Alps.” Pam was silent for a moment. “I want to ask you a question and I want your honest answer. You and Jenna kissed in the cabin. What do you think would have happened if I hadn't come back into your life when I did?” Bobby sighed. “Pam, do we really need to talk about this? The past is dead…Jenna is dead.” “I'm sorry. I just think about that sometimes.” “Jenna was with Ray…” Gregor Dervish carefully watched the two Americans from his seat; several rows back from where they sat. He'd almost had his chance last night, but they had gone inside. Now, he'd have to follow them to the United States to finish the job—or else be forced to pay with his own life. He flipped open his cell phone and dialed Rex. After a few minutes, the secretary transferred his call. “Yes? Was it a success?” “Not yet,” Gregor muttered. “It's just…” “Damn you, I want this done now…” “I'm following them back to the U.S. The job will be finished very soon.” “See that it is…you know I don't tolerate failure.” “I'll get it done.” The phone clicked.
He stumbled into the kitchen to find Melissa standing in front of the stove, scrambling eggs. She looked at him, “Good morning.” “It's not exactly good…I feel like crap.” “Just consider yourself lucky that's all you feel like. You could've gotten yourself killed last night…and if you'd tried to drive home…” “I don't wanna talk about it…God, I feel awful.” “You brought it on yourself Christopher. Look, why don't you go take a shower…you'll feel better.” Melissa removed the smoking pan from the stove eye. “And maybe by the time you do that, I'll have managed to cook something decent…Can you tell I don't do this often?” “I can't, I don't have any other clothes or anything to put on.” “Go look in the back bedroom in the top drawer of the dresser…there's some of my ex-boyfriends clothes back there.” Melissa blew a strand of hair out of her face. “He never did come back for them.” “Ok…thanks.” Christopher disappeared and Melissa dumped the pan's charred contents into the trash. “McDonald's, here I come…”
To her dismay, her shoe had come untied. “Wait up Eric…” Eric stopped running and Rebecca stooped to tie it. “I can't believe that the lab technicians would screw up on something as important as a blood test.” Eric and Rebecca started jogging again. He noticed her silence and he stopped. “Wait a minute…the technicians didn't screw up…did they?” “Eric…you can't tell anybody.” Eric laughed and took a seat on the curb. “You think I would? I'd like nothing more than to see Christopher Ewing hurt…he took Karen away from me…we would have been together now if it weren't for him.” Rebecca joined him on the curb. “Thank you for keeping the secret.” “Hey, what're brothers for? I didn't come back just so I could expose all of my sister's dirty little secrets.” “Ok, now it's time for you to be honest. Why did you really come back to Dallas?”
“Well, the clothes are a little small, but I know you probably feel better now.” “Just a little bit. I can't believe how stupid I was last night! Every time I drink like that, I get myself in trouble. I mean…that's how I got into that whole Carla pregnancy fiasco in the first place.” Christopher was trying desperately to make Melissa think he would never drink again…he couldn't afford to have someone on his case. Melissa didn't readily buy into his act. “Maybe you should get some help before this totally gets out of hand.” “No, I'm fine. That's the first time I've really gotten bad drunk lately…I'll be okay.” Melissa sighed. “Well, okay then.” “Hey, this breakfast you cooked looks pretty good. How'd you manage to get those eggs to fold like that? I don't think I've ever seen even Theresa do that…” Melissa laughed. “It's just an…um, old family secret.” She sat down across from him. “Christopher, I was thinking about your problem last night…” “Look, I told you I didn't really want to talk about my drinking anymore…it's over.” “No, not that…about Megan not being your daughter.” Christopher's expression perked up. “What were you thinking?” “Don't you think it's just a little bit fishy that an experienced technician would make such a serious mistake with blood work? I mean…I'm no doctor, but I would think it wouldn't be that easy to slip up like that.” “Melissa, what are you saying?” “I've been a detective for a long time now…and I've been a cop for even longer. I can usually spot foul play from a mile away. Something isn't right here.” “That's a hell of a long shot.” “Ok, backtrack for a second here. Who would have something to gain from making it appear as if Megan was John Ross' and not yours?” “Dammit Melissa, I'm having one hell of a hangover here and I'm not thinking clearly.” “Pamela Rebecca. Just think…she gets you out of the picture and then she uses Megan as a wedge to drive John Ross and me apart. After that, she appeals to John Ross' insecurities and convinces him to help her raise Megan as a family.” “You don't know how much I would like to believe that, but how would Pamela Rebecca have caused a mix-up?” “I don't know, but I do intend to find out. And if I find out she is behind this, then Heaven help her.”
“I didn't.” “Yes you did. Time for you to be honest with me. I'll keep your secret…and it's not like you don't have a little dirt on me.” Eric turned away. “StoneHurst went belly-up. I'm broke.” “So you came back to take my Dad's company?” “No…I came back to get a piece of it. I've got payments to Carla due, so she can provide for our son. I don't want him growing up not having anything.” “Where is Carla…and what's your son's name?” “Carla and Brandon live in Houston. You can't tell Cliff…he'll think I'm back only for his money, but that's not true. I've always wanted to know my father, but I was denied that opportunity until now. I don't want anything to ruin it.” “I understand. Remember, I only just found out about him being my dad a few years ago. I know exactly how you feel…having grown up with just my Mom.” “I'd forgotten about that…I guess you and I have a lot more in common than we realized. Do you know who your parents are inviting to the Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow night?” “Pam and Bobby I guess. And if I know Dad, he'll invite Christopher, who'll bring Karen, which is the last thing I need…and I want your opinion on something.” “What?” “Well, John Ross thinks that Megan is his daughter…and as far as I'm concerned, she is his daughter. Do you think I should invite him over for the meal? So we can be together as a family.” “Do you think he would come?” “Oh Eric, you should have seen him earlier this morning when he found out Megan was his daughter…I've never seen him so happy in my life. I think he'd do absolutely anything to spend some time with her…and Megan and me are a package deal. He's not spending time with her without spending time with me too.” Eric smiled. “I like the way you think. If you think he'll come, then I say go for it.” “Great. I'll call him as soon as I get home.”
Christopher put down his cell phone. “It was Dad. They just got back from Paris.” “Oh, what did he want?” Christopher sighed with a huff. “Uncle Cliff invited us over for Thanksgiving…and you know Pamela Rebecca will be there…” Melissa's face lit up. “Go.” “What? Are you crazy? I wouldn't set foot in that house again.” “The closer you are to her, the better. Megan will be there and you'll get to see her. When you're around Pamela Rebecca, watch her like a hawk. If she is behind this, then I think she'll slip up somewhere and we'll nab her.” Christopher thought for a second. “Maybe so. Even if she doesn't slip up, I'll still be able to see Megan…even if she's not my daughter.” “Don't say that…we don't know for sure. Plus, I have a backup plan.” “You do? What is it?” “If we can't catch Pamela Rebecca in a lie, then you could always have a paternity test done. That would prove once and for all who the father is…” “That's an idea, but I'd rather do it the other way, to keep all of this kind of quiet. I don't want scandal, not after everything I've been through.” The doorbell sounded. “Chris, would you mind answering that for me? I'm kind of up to my arms in dishwater here…” “Sure.” Christopher walked into the apartment's living room and opened the door. John Ross was standing on the other side. He was obviously taken aback by Christopher's answering the door. “What the hell are you doing here?” he said abruptly. Christopher wasn't sure what to say. He didn't want to say he had spent the night. To his relief, Melissa showed up. “Hi John Ross.” She wiped some bubbles from her hand onto his nose and then kissed him. “I would say hi too, but I'm not sure what to say…what is he doing here?” Melissa laughed and shut the door. John Ross followed her into the living room. “It's not what it looks like…trust me. I found Chris in a bar last night and we kind of got a little trouble started. He was drunk and hurt, so I brought him back to my place, where he spent the night…on the couch,” Melissa finished. “Oh. Sorry I jumped to conclusions then.” John Ross looked at his cousin and wondered if he knew about Megan already. Probably so…that would explain his being drunk. “Melissa, I have the best news…” “I think I know what it is,” she said. “Let's save it for later though. Christopher's kind of hurting right now.” “It's okay.” Christopher leaned back on the couch and closed his eyes. “Really…it's okay.” “Well, okay. Then I have some news that might not be all that great.” John Ross noticed that Melissa was silent, so he continued. “Pamela Rebecca just called. She wants me to come over for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow night. It would give me a chance to see…” John Ross stopped in mid-sentence. “I'd like for you to come too. I don't wanna go over there without you.” Melissa laughed dryly. “Something tells me I wasn't invited.” “Who cares.” “I do…I don't want to have another confrontation with the queen of all bitches.” “She's not going to do anything…not with all of her family there.” “Why do you even have to go?” “I want to see Megan. I need to be there for her.” Melissa sighed. “Okay. I'll go with you.” She gave Christopher a reassuring look. With both of them there, they were bound to discover whether or not Pamela Rebecca was behind the blood results being screwed up. “I need to get back to Southfork,” Christopher said suddenly. “But, I'll see you tonight at dinner…both of you I guess. Melissa, thanks for everything. I owe you for more than you'll ever know.” “You don't owe me for anything. Just watch out for yourself…okay? Don't go mouthing off to any guys bigger than you.” “Yeah.” Christopher felt of his eye, then left the apartment.
Karen Ewing walked down the stairs and smiled at Miss Ellie, then continued through the living room and walked out into the cool November morning. She had an appointment at the hospital at 10:30 and she was already running late. She sighed with relief when Christopher's gray convertible came to a halt in the Southfork driveway. “Christopher, thank God you're alright. I was worried sick.” She went to him and embraced him. “Where were you and why didn't you call? And what happened to your eye?” Christopher didn't want to lie to his wife, but he also wasn't too fond of the idea of telling her he had been drunk, gotten in a bar fight, and spent the night at his cousin's girlfriend's house. He opted for the lie instead. “I spent the night at Kaitlin's. We had a long talk and it was so late that I just stayed over there.” “What about your eye? How did you hurt it?” “A dog ran across the street and I slammed on my brakes to keep from hitting it. I wasn't wearing my seat belt and I kinda hit my eye on the steering wheel…bloodied up my mouth a little bit too.” “God Honey, you could have been killed…and I couldn't even sleep for wondering where you were. Next time, call me, okay?” “Yeah, I'm sorry Sugar. I won't do that to you anymore. Where are you off to this morning?” Now, it was Karen's turn to lie. “I thought I'd go into town to get a little early Christmas shopping done.” “I wanted to ask you something, or rather tell you…but I guess it could wait...” “No, go ahead, I've got a minute.” Karen wondered what it could be and knew she couldn't wait all day to find out. “You and I have a dinner date…at Uncle Cliff's house.” “What? Why?” “Uncle Cliff invited us over. We need to go…even if Pamela Rebecca is there.” “Christopher, I can barely even swallow my food when I'm in her presence.” “I know…but will you do it…for me? Please?” Karen's face was expressionless. “I don't know…” “What if I did this and then asked you?” Christopher swept her into his arms and kissed her. After a few seconds, she pulled away. “I'd say tell Pamela Rebecca to bring on the turkey because she's having visitors.” “Thanks Honey. Have fun shopping…oh, do you need any money?” “Na, already swiped your credit card.” She pulled it out of her pocket and waved it teasingly. “Just don't burn it up. I'll see you later.” He kissed her again and then went inside.
Karen almost jumped when the nurse said that. “Okay, thanks.” She smiled uneasily and made her way into the office. The doctor smiled friendlily at her and stretched out his hand. Karen shook it. “Hi Doctor.” “Hello Karen.” Karen stared ahead nervously. “Believe me, this is nothing to be nervous about,” he said. “It's not that…but, the suspense is killing me. Is it yes or no?” Karen rubbed her hand across her sick stomach and waited for the answer.
“So she's piping mad, huh? Good. Real good.” J.R. said. Dominique had just called him and informed him that Cally, as she observed through the hidden cameras, was on her way over with a bone to pick. “Why should I remain here, J.R.? Will this not hurt our plan, with me being seen?” “Honey, the more witnesses I get to Cally acting like a crazy woman, the better. We'll pretend like you're my partner. When she gets angry, she gets crazy. It'll look good for my case.” J.R. laughed. Not five minutes later, Cally stormed into J.R.'s office, with Sly running behind trying to stop her. “You bastard!” she screamed. J.R. had to try not to smile, thinking that Sly was already going to be another witness to his wife's crazy behavior. “Sly, you can shut the door,” J.R. nodded. Cally looked at Dominique for all of a second before lambasting into J.R. again. “How dare you try to poison my son against me! How could you?” She was screaming. She must have easily been heard all through Ewing Oil. “What the hell are you talking about woman?” “You know what I'm talking about,” Cally screamed back. “Since when do you go around telling a ten year old boy about our marriage?” “He asked me a question. I'm not going to lie to my boy.” Dominique was silently observing, tape recording everything just as she and J.R. had discussed. This visit by Cally was anticipated. “You did lie! I reckon that Justin never wants to speak to me again, because of you.” Cally's fury was growing with every passing second. “I'm not going to take this anymore. UGH!” She screamed. “I could kill you!” All the while, Dominique's tape recorder kept playing. Pretending to be frightened by Cally's outrage, she bumped into the empty glass that was placed on the edge of the desk. It shattered to the ground. Dominique screamed, but she let out a yell that was not appropriate for such an accident. It was more a scream of terror. It was a move that was not an accident by any means. Cally ignored the shattered glass. “Stop poisoning his mind, J.R.” It was a threat. “Or so help me I don't know what I'll do.” J.R. let that comment slide by, instead walking over to his desk. He pressed the intercom. “Sly? Could you come in here honey and show Ms. Harper out?” “Don't you get all formal with me!” Cally said just as Sly walked in. She didn't know what possessed her. J.R. made her mad like no one else could, not even her brothers! It was like she was being controlled, that another person was taking over. As if all the stresses of the past few months had caught up to her. “C'mon Ms. Harper…” Sly started to grab her arm. Cally quickly pulled away from Sly's grasp and headed toward the door. She turned to Dominique, and composed herself. “I reckon that you are doing business with him. Well, get as far away as you can!” She stormed off, with Sly trailing behind her and shutting the door. Left alone, Dominique slithered into the chair. “That went well.” She pulled the tape recorder out of her purse and pressed the stop button. “You get enough on there?” J.R. asked, sitting down. “Oh yes. It will all look very legitimate after I splice it together. We were talking like simple business associates, and then a madwoman comes in.” Dominique's French accent lay thick with each word. “Good job with the glass.” “I thought you would like this.” She gave a mischievous little laugh. “It will be very nice. All those threats your ex-wife made. Put in the right order, it will make her seem like a crazy woman. And we will lie about the glass on the tape. We will say that she broke it in a rage. My scream is one that seems like she did.” “Are two witnesses enough?” “I am not an expert on American courts, J.R. But it is two against one. As well, your secretary heard the glass shatter, and she can talk about how angry your ex-wife was. Perhaps she can even be told to lie for you.” J.R. could trust Sly, but he'd have to work her the right way. It all seemed too easy. Dominique had quickly come up with the idea when she called J.R. on her cell phone, on her way to Ewing Oil. She told him that Cally was on her way over to let him have it. It was scary how quickly she thought of it. She'd bring a tape recorder, record Cally's tirade against J.R., and then go back and splice it together to make it much more threatening than it actually was. J.R. had guaranteed her Cally would issue some threats---he was married to her at one point, and knew her well enough. He had to admit it was ingenious thinking of the glass; breaking it the way she did and screaming like she was scared. That way, when they lie and say Cally broke it in anger, it'll all fit with the tape. Dominique said a court wouldn't use this as their only evidence, but it was believable enough---two business associates taping their meeting. They even made up a fake business deal on the spot. It wasn't going to win him the case, but it sure as hell was going to paint a prettier picture. Of Cally being completely unbalanced, that is. And then J.R. would get his boy. He smiled and leaned back in his chair.
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