“If I didn't have enough respect for Miss Ellie I'd strangle you right here!” Pam screamed. “You are vile!”

“What is wrong with you?” J.R. said. “You're all crazy, all three of you.” He walked into the dining room. It hadn't registered that he had actually revealed that he was behind the whole abortion story leakage. He didn't care: he had lost Justin. He had been defeated. He was too dejected to care about anything.

Eric's heart almost stopped and his face froze in horror. The sirens wailed louder and the lights reflected in his face. Without even thinking, Eric slammed his foot on the accelerator.

Back in the patrol car, the officer barked an order into the radio. “This is Jebsen, calling for back-up about five miles onto West Ridge Road. I've got the suspects in sight and I don't think they're wanting to cooperate with us…”

Click here to open the continuation of this story from Mystique Point, in a new window.

“Wasn't supposed to turn out this way, Neil. You know that.” Paranoid that someone was listening, Afton did a quick scan of the doorway behind her.

“Yeah? Well it has. Lucy is a wonderful and caring person and I will not hurt her and neither will you. Count me out of your plan and I'll do everything in my power to make sure she doesn't find out about this. And if by chance, she does, you'll regret the day you ever met me.”

Cally took a deep breath and made her way over to the door. This was not the way to handle things. J.R. was going to pay, but she was going to make him suffer. Her logic took hold. It would not help to be in police custody with what she had planned. She turned towards him when she reached the door. “I'm not going anywhere, and I ain't through with you. Watch out.”

“Don't you dare play stupid with me. I'm sick of your little games J.R. You just better be careful. You better be real careful.” Todd turned around and walked into the elevator, which was still waiting. “Watch your back.” The doors closed.

“That's the wonderful thing, J.R. I won't be, because you're still going to be around.” Sue Ellen swiveled her chair a little to the right and got up. Grabbing her purse, she strode triumphantly to the door. Right as she got to the doorway, she turned around again. “After all, we're partners.”

He tilted the pilot's controls slightly upward, but it was to no avail. The plane continued its downward swoop, and all he could see out the windows was the dark waters of the Atlantic.

Oh my God, Bobby thought. So this is why Rex wanted me to tell Pam I was leaving…please, Pam…please don't forget me...don't let Grace forget me.

He grabbed the radio with no time left to lose, and pushed the “talk” button.

“MAYDAY!” Bobby shouted. “MAYDAY!!!”

The figure entered the kitchen, quietly, gripping the gun. The gun was raised. J.R. bent down again to grab the milk. A shot was fired from a silencer-equipped gun...

And now, Return to Southfork is back with episode eighty-five:

Southfork Ranch: The Kitchen

J.R.'s throat was parched. He headed downstairs to get some milk. What he really wanted was a good stiff drink, but he had to remember his doctor's orders. He needed to keep up his strength if he was going to get back Ewing Oil from that ex-wife of his.

He put on his slippers and quietly made his way down the stairs. Right now he was pretty much infuriated at half the family. Even Lucy and Clayton were looking pretty good to him compared with Sue Ellen, Jack, Pam, Donna, Ray and just about everyone else. And where the hell was Bobby?

What J.R. didn't notice as he reached the bottom of the stairs was the figure standing just past the stairs, in the doorway to the back hallway. There was a tiny glimmer of light that reflected off the barrel of the handgun that was gripped tightly in the figure's hand.

The figure followed J.R. as he walked into the kitchen, taking special care to insure that no sound came from footsteps.

J.R. entered the kitchen, his head down as he rubbed his eyes. He didn't even bother turning the light on. He knew exactly where the refrigerator was.

He walked over to the refrigerator, bending slightly to peruse the contents.

The figure entered the kitchen, quietly, gripping the gun. The gun was raised when J.R. bent down again to grab the milk. The shot was fired from a silencer-equipped gun and there was almost no sound, but the impact of the bullet hitting the body made a large "thug" sound. The sounds of the shooter running away were barely perceptible over the body's tumult to the ground. Clayton Farlow had been in the kitchen and now he lay sprawled across the kitchen floor and blood trickled from the chest-wound, staining the black and white tile floor…

The house began to spin but soon Clayton's vision grew so blurred that he no longer recognized Southfork. A calm feeling crept over his body and he only wanted to sleep…

J.R. heard the dull thud and he froze, not making a sound. There was someone in the kitchen with him. "Hello?" he called out.

There was no answer. Then he thought he heard another sound, but he wasn't sure what it was. J.R. made his way over to the light switch, but his foot hit something soft. He found the switch and flipped the lights on. For almost thirty seconds, J.R. was blinded and finally his eyes adjusted to the light—and fell upon a gruesome sight.

J.R.'s eyes grew wide and he kneeled down beside Clayton. His first instinct was to feel for a pulse…and there was one, but it was weak. He'd been hit in the chest and there was an abundance of blood everywhere. J.R. ran over to the phone and dialed 911. The operator's voice, annoyingly calm, came over the phone.

"This is J.R. Ewing. We need an ambulance at Southfork Ranch, somebody's been shot...Look, I don't give a damn about procedure, just get an ambulance out here right now."

J.R. put down the phone and walked back over to the body. "Clayton…you just hang on. I don't know what Momma would do if she lost you…"

Cliff's Jet

“Cliff Barnes…I can't believe you went out and bought a jet, just so we could have a private flight to Mexico! It's not even that far away from Dallas.” Afton looked around the spacious jet and couldn't believe that they owned it.

“From now on, we're only having the best. I've made more money from the Clifford Group than I'll ever know what to do with—might as well start spending it.”

“Our wedding day is officially over you know…it's after midnight.”

Cliff grinned. “But our wedding night has just begun.” He poured them both a glass of champagne and Afton took hers, then they toasted. “To the many happy years we'll spend together as Mr. And Mrs. Cliff Barnes.”

“I like the sound of that.” Afton fully intended to forget about her dilemma with Neil. She'd deal with him when they got back to the States.

“And wait'll you see what I've got planned for our honeymoon.”

Afton couldn't believe all the money Cliff was spending. She felt confident that he had finally changed—he no longer obsessed over beating J.R. and he was spending his money like there was no tomorrow. She looked around at the jet one more time…this was wonderful!

“Oh? What do you have planned?”

“The most exciting week you've ever experienced.”

“Cliff…you're so different. You're like a completely different man from the one I divorced last year…and even different from the man I married the first time. And to be honest…I'm surprised I could get you away from your company for this long…”

“The Clifford Group is the farthest thing from my mind. Sue Ellen and Jack are perfectly capable of running it while I'm away. And I was thinking…when I get back to Dallas, I want to take more of a backseat in the running of the company, so I can devote all of my time to you and my family.”

Afton smiled. “This is almost too good to be true.”

“Well it's all true and when we land in Mexico City in a few hours, maybe it'll all sink in…”

Dallas Memorial Hospital

J.R. held Miss Ellie tight as Clayton's body disappeared behind the stark white doors. She was shaking, but no tears were visible. Was she in shock? J.R. didn't know what to say to her. He didn't know what to think. Hell, he had no idea what happened in that kitchen. What was Clayton doing up? Was the shooter aiming for him?

Everything was such a blur. The 911 call. The ambulance. Clayton's body lying in the puddle of blood. His having to wake up Miss Ellie and tell her what happened.

She had clasped her hand on her mouth and repeated "Oh Clayton" over and over when J.R. had told her the news, but after that, she seemed to collect herself, hurriedly dressing to get downstairs. She held Clayton's hand the whole time in the ambulance. She made the paramedics work around her.

The whole family had been awakened by the commotion of the ambulance. Sue Ellen screamed when she had heard what happened. Jack ran over to her. Christopher's jaw dropped, but he quickly took Jillian into the other room. Pam just stood there, looking more lost than she had been since Bobby had been gone. Where the hell WAS Bobby anyway? Pam had said that he had to go out of town to take care of something, but dammit, why wasn't she getting any answers? Miss Ellie needed her sons there.

Pam had come to the hospital with J.R., as had Sue Ellen and Jack. Christopher had stayed behind with Jillian and Grace. As soon as they had gotten there, J.R. demanded a prognosis. The doctors told him it was too early to tell, but they needed to operate to remove the bullet and hopefully repair any internal damage. All J.R. knew was that Clayton was breathing on that gurney. That was all that mattered. Clayton had to be okay. For mama.

J.R. led Miss Ellie over to a chair in the waiting area. He sat down with her. “Do you want something mama?”

“No…no,” Miss Ellie said, a little distant. Her eyes were empty, her face pale.

“I'm gonna go call Ray, mama. I'll be right back. I'm gonna have Pam come sit with you.” J.R. tried to make his voice as soothing as possible.

Pam had just come into the waiting room, having gotten off the phone with Christopher. J.R. walked over to her briskly.

“Where the hell is Bobby?”

“I don't know,” Pam responded, wiping away a tear from her eye. “What have the doctors said about Clayton?”

“They don't know anything. They're operating.” J.R.'s eyes widened. “Pam, get Bobby back here. NOW.”

“I told you I don't know where he is!”

J.R. tried to hush his voice a little bit, looking over at Miss Ellie. “Well you better find him. Mama needs her family her. Her WHOLE family. I don't know what kind of spat you two had, but make up. For mama.”

“J.R. I don't know where he is! And none of this would have happened if you hadn't leaked that story!” Pam's voice was harsh now, and angry. “This is YOUR fault J.R.!”

“I don't have time for this. I'm going to call Ray. Go sit with mama.” J.R. began to walk away. “And make up an excuse about Bobby. Say you can't get a hold of him. I don't want mama anymore upset than she already is.”

Pam just shot J.R. a contemptuous glance. She took a deep breath, and wiped her eyes. Bobby was missing. Clayton had just been shot. And Miss Ellie was alone and obviously scared. Pam needed to be strong. For Miss Ellie. For her own sanity.

J.R. walked by Sue Ellen, who was leaning against a wall, crying. Jack was rubbing her shoulders.

“Try to pull yourself together,” J.R. commanded.

“Be quiet J.R.,” Jack said, continuing to rub Sue Ellen's shoulders.

“We gotta stay together, and we gotta be strong. For mama. She needs us right now.”

“Leave her alone,” Jack said sternly.

Sue Ellen wiped her nose and tried to collect herself. “He's right. Miss Ellie needs us.”

“You don't have to be strong for anyone.” Jack looked at her.

“For Miss Ellie I do.” Sue Ellen said back quickly. She walked over towards Miss Ellie and Pam.

“Put on a happy face and keep mama from worrying. I don't want her upset,” J.R. told Jack.

“Her husband's just been shot. I think she's guaranteed to be a little upset,” Jack retorted back. “What was going on in that kitchen anyway? What were you both doing down there?”

“I was getting something to drink, but I don't know what the hell Clayton was doing down there. All I do know is that someone tried to shoot me.”

“They missed.”

“And hit Clayton. And we better pray that he doesn't die. I don't know what that'll do to mama.”

“Who do you think it was?” Jack asked. “That tried to shoot you, I mean.”

“At this point, who the hell knows,” J.R. said before leaving to call Ray.

Miss Ellie suddenly stood up and walked out of the waiting room. Once outside the room, she walked down the hospital corridor until she found the chapel. She opened the door and stepped into the cool, quiet room and then made her way to the front, where she kneeled down and began to pray.

“Oh Jock...I can't bear to lose him…” Ellie broke off into tears. “I can't bear to go home without him…I can't go through it all again…I was younger…and stronger when I lost you…but now I'm old…I need my husband…”

A Hotel in Mexico City

Angel's frustrations had mounted until she was almost to the breaking point. Stefan had noticed this and he was now growing worried. How long would he be able to keep her with him? He'd gone through so much trouble to ensure she'd be his. He still remembered the day he had first seen her…

“Dr. Lentini!” the paramedic screamed. “Take this one…you're the best doctor we have and this woman needs the best.”

Stefan turned to see a woman being brought in on a stretcher. Her blonde hair was matted with blood—she looked terrible. But, Stefan could tell that beneath the tangled mess and blood, this was a very pretty woman. “What has happened to her?”

“Rockslide. We don't know how long she's been there.”

“Oh dear God,” Stefan gasped. “I will do what I can.”

Stefan Lentini had been working at the Spanish mission hospital for four years. It was the fulfillment of his lifetime dream to work as a doctor. He'd lived in Italy for the earlier part of his life, but then his family had moved to Mexico, where Stefan had later gotten the job after spending several years in med-school in New Mexico.

The woman was wheeled into the emergency room and Stefan ran after her, followed by two nurses. It was hard to tell what was wrong with her, through all the blood. Stefan saw that her leg had been severely broken…it would have to be set. She'd also sustained a head injury, but the severity of the injury wouldn't be known until they could run a scan.

One of the nurses, a Spanish woman, worked diligently to wash the patient's face. Upon feeling the warm cloth on her face, the blonde woman opened her eyes. “Jack…find Jack.”

Stefan moved closer to her. “Sshh, you'll be fine. What is your name? Who is Jack?”

She lost consciousness once again. Only this time, she wouldn't wake up until Christmas Day, thirteen years later…

He was snapped back to reality and saw her standing before him. “I am sorry.”

“I want to go out.”

“Angel, that is not wise…not in your condition.”

“What damn condition! I'm fine!”

“Then we'll go out tomorrow. It is too late now. You should get some sleep…”

“Dr. Lentini…you should get some sleep. You've been with this woman for hours now…there's nothing else you can do for her.”

Stefan turned to the nurse. He hoped she was wrong. He'd never fought so hard to save a patient in all his life. He didn't know why, but he felt a special connection to this woman.

“Very well. Now, go get some rest.”

She reluctantly nodded and disappeared into her bedroom.

Stefan still didn't know what it was about her, but the connection was there—especially after thirteen years. He still remembered that fateful night that he'd decided to take her away from the hospital. She had to be his. A switch of the tags in the morgue and everyone thought that she had died. In reality, he had taken her, along with all the medical supplies he would need, and fled to his summer cabin high in the mountains near Mexico City. Afterwards, he'd only gone back to town in disguise…to get the things they needed to live. He spent his nights praying that his Angel would someday awaken and they could be together. That moment had finally come, but now she wasn't content to live with him. Stefan wondered if maybe this woman had family out there somewhere—a family that thought she was dead.

In her bedroom, Jamie Ewing Barnes had fallen into a light, dream-plagued sleep. Her dreams were filled with images of her family—Miss Ellie…Sue Ellen…Jack…and Cliff. But she'd remember none of them the next morning.

Mexico City, the next morning

Afton stared at the site ahead of her; then she turned back to Cliff. “A train?”

Cliff smiled and motioned toward it. “A train.”

Afton's smile faded. “A train. I was expecting a cruise…or a beach or something.”

“This isn't just any train Afton…this is the South Orient Express.”

“Are you serious?”

“Absolutely. We're taking a three-day train trip across Mexico and I guarantee you'll see things you've never seen before. And then…if you're nice, I might let you talk me into taking you to Cancun.”

Afton was thrilled. “So this is why you got me up so early this morning. When does this thing leave?”

Across Town

“Oh my God!” Jamie Ewing Barnes was beside herself with excitement. She would finally be with other people. People other than Stefan.

Stefan stood before her with a suitcase in hand. He was smiling and happy that his surprise had affected his Angel in this way. “Your smile is so beautiful.” Stefan outstretched his arm and rubbed the back of his hand along her cheek.

Jamie pulled away and her smile faded. “So when do we leave?”

“The train leaves in an hour. Can you get ready in that length of time?”

Jamie cast her glance downward. “What's to get ready? I don't really have anything to pack…”

Stefan's face broke out in a smile. “Until now.” He walked to the hotel room door and opened it. Two men and a woman filed in. The men pushed in a large rack of clothes and the woman carried a large bag.

“Stefan? What is this?” Jamie asked.

“If we are going on the South Orient Express, then I want you to look your very best.”

Jamie was in awe as she looked through the rack of clothes. “These are beautiful…”

The woman dropped the bag on the bed. She was obviously of Spanish descent and she had silky black hair. She introduced herself as Rosario. “Angel, you are a very beautiful woman, but a more modern hair style would definitely accentuate that natural beauty. Why don't I see what I can do…”

“Thank you…” Jamie was almost speechless. She noticed Stefan smiling at her and she returned the smile.

Dallas Memorial Hospital

It had now been several hours since Clayton was brought in and he'd been in emergency surgery ever since. Everyone had tried to convince Ellie that no news was good news, but she had her doubts.

“Grandma, I'm so sorry!” Lucy said as she rushed over to Miss Ellie and hugged her. Ellie welcomed her granddaughter's hug.

The whole family was there: Sue Ellen, J.R., Jack, John Ross, Melissa, Christopher, Ray, Donna and Pam along with the newly arrived Neil, Lucy and Cally. Cally and Neil both offered their sympathies to Miss Ellie, who seemed numb to any sort of contact. Lucy sat next to her grandmother, holding her hand and rubbing her back with the other one. They didn't say anything. They didn't need to. Neil took a seat next to his wife.

Cally made her way across the waiting room, and ran right into J.R. She shot him a look of pure disgust. “I don't wanna talk to you now J.R. This ain't the time.”

She continued walking, over to Donna and Ray who were standing by the water cooler. She greeted them with an uncomfortable smile. “Is there any news about Clayton?”

“Nothing new. They have him under observation.” Ray responded.

“Do they think he's gonna be okay?” Cally asked. Her voice was thick with worry.

“They don't know. I pray he will be,” Donna said.

“I can't believe this. It's all over the news. The outside of the hospital, it's just covered with reporters.”

“I know. It's disgusting. It makes me sick,” Donna said. She thought about when the whole abortion scandal. Then she thought about J.R…

“The shooter was after J.R. That's what the newspapers are saying.” Cally interrupted Donna's thought process.

“I know.” Ray responded.

“Do they have any suspects?” Cally directed her question at Ray. Her tone almost sounded guilty.

“Could have been a lot of people. The police are supposed to be here soon, to question J.R.”

“In this town, it could have been anyone. Especially with the way that J.R. has been behaving lately,” Donna said. “I don't know how easy it's going to be to find the person that did it. They shot Clayton, not J.R. The guilt's got to be killing them.” Her eyes looked towards the ground.

“Whoever it is, I doubt is going to come forward. They're probably going to do their best to look as innocent as possible,” Ray said.

Cally remained silent, her eyes darting quickly around. Ray looked at her. “Glad to hear about the custody case Cally. Must have been a relief when J.R. dropped it. I know how mad he can make people…”

Cally excused herself to go to the bathroom. On her way, she passed Christopher and Melissa.

“Where did John Ross go?” Christopher asked.

“To call Pamela Rebecca,” Melissa said with a tinge of disgust. “Making sure she can watch Megan for the rest of the day.”

“Don't let her get to you,” Christopher said reassuringly.

“It's kind of hard not too. She's everywhere these days.”

“She does seem to have a way of always popping up at the most inconvenient times,” Christopher said. “Listen, I know what Pamela Rebecca is like. If you ever want to talk, or get things off your chest. Just bitch, let me know. You've certainly done it for me.”

Melissa looked at him and smiled. “Thanks. Same for you.” She looked around the room. “Where's Karen?”

“With her sister. She had surgery. She'll be back soon.” Christopher's response was quick and automatic. He didn't want to talk about Karen.

“Oh,” Melissa said, continuing to look around the room. “Hey, where's your dad?”

“Good question,” Christopher sighed.

Across the room, Pam sat down next to Sue Ellen, who was clutching a Kleenex tightly in her hands. “I can't believe this has happened,” Sue Ellen said. “I just can't believe it.”

“Someone was aiming for J.R., though.”

“It's not the first time that's happened,” Sue Ellen added with a tone of sarcasm.

“This shouldn't have happened to Clayton though,” Pam added. The determination in her voice was alarming to Sue Ellen. It was almost as if she was infuriated. Like she had some sort of control over the situation….

“All we can do is pray Pam.” Sue Ellen tried to be as calm and collected as possible. Pam had seemed on edge of late.

“But it's not fair!” Pam's tone got louder. “That should have been J.R.!” Her voice trailed off. “He deserved it….”

“What's going on? Is everything alright?” Sue Ellen finally asked. “Is this about Christopher?”

“What does Christopher have to do with this?” Pam asked.

“I am sorry Pam. I thought his drinking was under control. Other things were preoccupying my mind, and they shouldn't have been. I am so sorry.”

“That doesn't matter now,” Pam said, her hand making a brushing away gesture. She was starting to cry. “Oh God, where is Bobby?”

“I thought he was on his way. Someone mentioned that he was away, but was coming back.” Sue Ellen was a tad confused.

“I don't know where he is…we had a fight, but he hasn't even called. He had to have heard about Clayton,” she was trying to cover up her tears. “I am so scared. What if something's happened? It was all my fault…what am I going to tell Miss Ellie?” Pam's tears and ramblings made her look almost hysterical.

Sue Ellen put her arms around her former sister-in-law and rocked her. She told her that everything would be all right. They would get everything worked out. Until then, she just needed to calm down and breathe. Bobby was his own person, Sue Ellen said. If he was mad, he could always come back. This was NOT her fault.

As Sue Ellen said this, she remembered the reason for the fight. The baby Donna aborted all those years ago. Bobby's baby. It wasn't Pam, or Bobby, or Donna's fault. It was all J.R.

Pam quietly cursed faulty shots.

Southfork Ranch

J.R. furiously put some magazines and a sweater into a duffel bag for his mother. She was keeping a vigil at the hospital, and would not even leave to go home and get some things. He was scared. Was Clayton going to make it? He never thought he would actually be worried about Clayton, but what his death would do to his mother…..

"J.R." It was Iris.

She was standing in the doorway, wearing a short dress and a blouse that showed off the curvatures of her body. J.R. couldn't help but stare.

"I just heard what happened. My God, I'm so sorry."

"Where were you?"

"I was in El Paso for the night, visiting an old friend. I was supposed to stay through the weekend but I came back as soon as I heard the news." She walked over towards him and touched him on the arm. "Are you okay?"

"Well I'm fine know, but Clayton ain't doing so good and I don't know if someone's going to try to be taking aim at me again."

"So it's true. The person was trying to shoot you."

"Yeah," J.R. sighed heavily. "Again."

"Is there anything I can do?" She put her arms on his shoulders and started to give him a massage.

"Stop tempting me for starters. I gotta go to the hospital."

"I want to DO something. You mean to much for me to sit around and do nothing."

J.R. turned around and took her wrists in his hands. "Not now honey. There's too much else going on."

He zipped up the duffel bag and walked out of the room, leaving Iris standing alone, clutching her arms. The events of the last night were troubling her. How did J.R. really feel about her? If Clayton died, it may never become apparent, because he'd be too wrapped up with family issues. Dammit, she wanted to know, and she wanted to do something!

But worse, Iris thought of her husband, Rex. And his jealousy. It's driven Rex into rages before. Her affection for J.R. was no secret. Could Rex have been aiming the gun that night?

Ewing Oil

“Hi Sly,” Janice Kelly said as she walked through the doors of Ewing Oil. “Sorry. My dentist takes forever.”

Sly just smiled at Janice as the latter took her seat behind her desk. “Where's Lucy?” Janice asked, seeing that her boss's normally open door was closed.

“You didn't hear?” Sly asked.

“Hear what?”

“Oh no. Clayton Farlow…J.R.'s stepfather. He was shot late last night.”

“Oh my God! That's terrible!” Janice's jaw dropped.

“He's in critical condition,” Sly continued.

“Was it a robbery?”

“No. Whoever shot him was aiming for J.R.”

“I don't believe that. Is Lucy at the hospital?”

“The whole family is. We need to keep things running around here. J.R. is probably on a very short fuse right now.”

“Who would want to shoot J.R.?” Janice asked.

Sly gave a little laugh. “Probably lots of people. J.R. has lots of enemies.” Suddenly, her face transformed, registering concern. “Todd Foster was here yesterday, though. He threatened J.R.”

If the name of her ex-boyfriend registered in Janice's mind, she did not show it. “Why was Todd here?”

“I don't know what it was about. He just came out of the elevator, told J.R. he 'knew what he did' and punched him. He said that it was just a precursor.” Sly's eyes darted from Janice's. She was uncomfortable possibly implicating someone who was so close to Janice.

All Janice could think of though was how mad Todd was the last time they spoke. She hadn't gotten any of his persistent phone calls in the last twenty-four hours. Could Todd have shot someone?

Dallas Memorial Hospital

"I am so exhausted," John Ross said as he walked over towards Melissa and Christopher.

"What did Pamela Rebecca say?" Melissa asked, a little uneasy. She crossed her arms.

"Megan's going to stay with her for a few days." John Ross rubbed his eyes. "Listen, I think I'm going to head back to Southfork and stay there for the night. For Mom and Grandma and everything. Do you want to stay over?"

"No. You need to be with your family. I'll stay at my place." He yawned. "Alright. Thanks." He gave her a kiss on the cheek. "You going to come Christopher? I could use a nap."

"No, I'm going to stay a little while longer," Christopher replied.

"Okay. See you guys later."

Melissa watched John Ross walk down the hall, then quickly turned her head towards Christopher. "I can't take this anymore," she mumbled to herself.

"What's wrong?"

"Everything. Nothing. I don't even know."

"Melissa, you're obviously upset about something. Now what is it."

"Christopher, now is not the time. You're grandfather has just been shot…"

"It was never the time when you saved me from that barfight and being drunk about a million times either, so spill it."

"I'm pregnant."

"What? You're joking."

"No. It's John Ross's. It's been confirmed by a doctor and everything."

"That's great news! Congratulations!"

"Really? Is it? John Ross and I aren't married. He's got another daughter that he just discovered was his, and she's got a viper mother attached to her that would seem to do anything to get her claws into John Ross."

"Pamela Rebecca is an idiot. John Ross loves you."

"Does he? Have you seen the way he's been hanging around with her lately?"

"It's because of Megan. John Ross just found out that she's his. Pamela Rebecca goes along with the territory." Christopher's words were excited, but his face was melancholy after he spoke them. Megan. HIS daughter. Or at least he thought.

"Christopher, I'm sorry. I completely forgot…"

"Don't be sorry. Listen to me. John Ross loves you. I can't believe you're having doubts about this! Has he been treating you weird since you told him?"

"He doesn't know."

"Oh," Christopher responded quietly.

"I'm scared."

"Tell him."

"I'm scared though! What if he doesn't love me? This would just make him feel trapped."

"Melissa, you're delusional. He's nuts about you. I promise you, he'll be thrilled." Christopher's words were empty though. He tried to be focused on his friend, but all he could think about was losing Megan.

Melissa shook her head, as if to ward away any problem. "Well, I'm not going to tell him now. Too much has happened. I'll wait until Clayton is better."

Both tried not to acknowledge the mutual fear that Clayton would not get better.

"Thanks for listening Chris," Melissa said.

"Just paying you back. Anytime."

"I actually might go grab something to eat. I weirdly want some fluff and pickles…"

"You are pregnant!" Christopher laughed. "But I'll take a raincheck. If you need anything, call me."

Melissa smiled before heading over towards Miss Ellie to say goodbye.

All Christopher could think about was Megan. And Karen. Everyone left him.

He couldn't wait to get home and open that bottle of vodka he had hidden under the bed.

The Barnes Residence

Pamela Rebecca hung up the phone. John Ross had no new news about Clayton. She tried to be as supportive as she could over the phone, but his mind was elsewhere. She told him that she would take full responsibility for Megan for the next few days. It would be one less stress in his life, and she knew that made John Ross happy.

God! What was she doing? This was not getting her anywhere. Pamela Rebecca had to think and act fast. Clayton being shot was only going to provide an opportunity for that little skank Melissa to get John Ross completely to herself. Plus, she was pregnant. She had her guns loaded. What was Pamela Rebecca going to do? Sure, she had John Ross's daughter and could continue playing up that angle. Eric was out of town so she was without an ally, but also without any risk of having Megan's paternity exposed. What else could she do though, that would make John Ross sit up and take notice?

She sat down on the couch just as the muted television came back from commercial. It was the beginning of the 1988 Melanie Griffith film "Working Girl."

As Pamela Rebecca de-muted the television, an idea formed in her head…..

Rex Wentworth's Penthouse

Rex slammed down his phone and looked at the setting Dallas sun. Why was everyone so incompetent? Gregor had still not contacted him regarding Bobby Ewing and the plane. Pamela Ewing was a loose cannon, and he could not risk being so vulnerable.

And he STILL had not heard from that buffoon whom he hired to shoot J.R. WHAT a fool! From all accounts, it seemed as if the person missed the bastard and hit his stepfather instead! Still, did Rex know? The man should have shown up, expecting payment. Maybe something happened, and he was not at Southfork that night…..

Aboard the South Orient Express, Mexico

Afton smiled as she passed several people and then she took a seat near the window. She couldn't believe how much could actually be fit on a train—Cliff had already shown her their luxury sleeping car and she was still in awe over that. Cliff was back in their compartment taking a nap and Afton had been sleeping next to him, but had awakened and hadn't been able to get back to sleep. So, she had decided to mingle with some of the other passengers and possibly get to know a few.

She peered out the window at the mountains quickly passed by and eagerly anticipated going to Cancun, like Cliff had promised her earlier. Afton noticed a blonde woman walking by, looking somewhat lost.

“Hi,” Afton called out from her seat.

The woman turned around and the blank look disappeared. “Well, hi, mind if I have a seat?”

“Not at all. I could use a little company.”

Jamie Ewing Barnes gave her a friendly smile and then took a seat next to her. “Oh, this train…it's so big…and beautiful! I'm not used to luxury like this!”

“Neither am I…my husband, Cliff, is cheap,” Afton stated, “Well…he used to be anyway. What's your name?”

Jamie hesitated for a moment before answering. “Angel.”

“Mine is Afton. Afton Cooper Barnes. Excuse me for asking, but you seemed kind of lost before…were you looking for someone?”

“Yeah. As a matter of fact I was. My friend Stefan…I can't find him anywhere.”

“You're bound to run into him sometime. So what are you doing here? Vacation?”

“Yeah…just to get away. You wouldn't believe the case of cabin fever I've had—it's been a while since I've been out in public—or so Stefan tells me.” Jamie looked around the train car, in awe. “I still can't get over this train! It's huge…” Jamie noticed that Afton was looking at her funny. “So…where are you from?”

“Dallas, Texas. You?”

“I'm from here in Mexico.”

“You mentioned your friend Stefan. Any family?”

“No. Not that I know of. Oh, Afton, I'm sorry to run right after we've just met, but I see Stefan up there! I need to get to him…he must be looking for me.”

“It was nice to meet you Angel. Maybe we'll run into each other again before this trip is over.”

“Hey…why don't we all have dinner tonight?” Jamie suggested, desperately trying to avoid losing her new friend. “I'd love to meet Cliff and I'd like for you to meet Stefan.

“Sure. Sounds like fun. Why don't you meet us in our room, number thirty-four at around eight?”

Jamie nodded. “See you guys then.” She smiled and walked in Stefan's direction.

Seconds later, Cliff surprised Afton by taking the seat next to her. “Hi Honey. I wondered where you got off to. Who was the lady you were talking to?”

“Somebody named Angel…strange woman.”

“Yeah, well I'm sure you get all kinds on trip like this.”

Southfork Ranch

Pam sighed as she walked through the door of Southfork. No Bobby. There was no word from him. No messages. She was going to have to tell Miss Ellie something. Tomorrow, she'd face it tomorrow. She could get away with “Bobby was delayed and out of town” for the rest of the night. She needed to talk to Christopher, though. He had a right to know what was going on with his father. Pam also wondered whether she could do this alone.

She walked upstairs and knocked on her son's door. It was slightly ajar.

“Christopher?” Pam asked as she opened the door a bit.

Christopher was lying on his bed. Passed out. A bottle of vodka next to the bed.

Pam's face remained unchanged. It was as if she was numb, after Bobby leaving, Clayton being shot. This couldn't continue. Christopher could not do this. Not now. The family needed him. SHE needed him.

“Christopher.” Her tone was all business. She walked towards his bed, sitting down next to him. “Christopher.” Her tone was a little louder.

Christopher made a slight groaning sound.

“Christopher. Wake up.” Another groaning sound.

“Later,” he mumbled.

“NO. NOW.” Pam demanded.

Christopher's eyes opened. She could tell the alcohol still was holding effect. She could see it in his eyes. “What?”

“You need to stop this. You cannot do this anymore.”

“Leave me alone.” What did his mother care? What did anyone care? Karen wasn't here. Karen wasn't ever there…

“Grow up Christopher. Whatever is bothering you, talk about it. Don't sit there and wallow in the bottle. That's destroyed this family too many times and we need you right now. I need you right now.”

Christopher just stared at his mother. He had never seen her like this.

“Clayton is in the hospital, and your father is missing. I have no idea where he is, and I have no idea when he'll be back. So we need to be strong. WE need to be strong. For your grandmother, and for Grace and for everyone else. I need you to be strong.”

“Mom, I…” Christopher couldn't believe what his mother was saying.

“I don't want to hear it. Get some sleep. But tomorrow morning, you need to make a fresh start. We are going to get through this, but we need to do it together, and that means I need you one hundred percent. Your sister needs you and your family needs you.”

With that, Pam got off her son's bed, turned off the light and closed the door as she left the room.

Aboard the South Orient Express, Mexico

Cliff and Afton had spent the past half-hour dancing in the larger ballroom car, but Afton noticed that it was getting close to eight, so she'd convinced him to get back to their room. “Well?” Cliff looked at Afton.

“What?” Afton asked. “Well what?”

“How are you liking it so far?”

“It's…different Cliff. I haven't been on a train in a long time. And needless to say, I've never been on a train this nice. It's got everything.”

“Well I'm glad you like it, but I think you'll like my next surprise even more.”

“Another surprise?”

“Yeah. I made a couple of calls and we've got a confirmed reservation at an exclusive resort in Cancun.”

“Oh my God! Cliff…that's great. Thank you.” Afton kissed her husband. “And I have a surprise for you too, but I don't know how you'll like it.”

“What is it?”

“We've got a dinner date in about five minutes.”

“Oh? With who?”

“A lady named Angel that I met. She's here with her friend Stefan.”

“The one you were talking to when I walked up this afternoon? The blonde? I only saw the back of her head…”

“She seemed nice. They're meeting us here in a few minutes. I hope that's okay with you? I just thought it would be nice to have a few friends while we're on this train.”

“Oh yeah, I totally agree. Whatever makes you happy.”

A knock sounded at the door. “Great then, because that's Angel and Stefan.”

Cliff nodded and followed Afton to the door, preparing to greet them. Never in a million years would Cliff have guessed his presumed dead ex-wife was standing on the other side…

Somewhere along the Atlantic Coast

The man scanned the bay, looking for any signs of life. This had been a daily ritual of his for the past fifty years, but he rarely found anything. The sun was just setting and soon, it would be time to turn on the light in the lighthouse—something else he'd done for the past fifty years.

As he was making one more scan, he saw a form out in the water. A closer inspection told him it was a person—a man, floating in the water.

“Oh dear God…” Gordon McAllister ran down to the water's edge, as quickly as his seventy-two year old legs would carry him. He kneeled over and pulled the man out of the water. A quick check for a pulse showed him the man was alive and he was also breathing. Gordon removed the man's lifejacket and then rolled him onto his side where he could access his wallet to see who the man was, but it wasn't there.

“Damn, must have fallen out. Now let me see if I can get you back up to my place…you're freezin' cold.”

As Bobby began to succumb to the hypothermia, he dreamed of Pam…

Next Friday, in Return to Southfork episode eighty-six...Pam grows suspicious about Bobby's sudden departure. With baby Grace's help, she makes a strange discovery at Southfork and gets very close to discovering the truth.

Meanwhile, Christopher finally learns about Karen's run from the law. How will he react? Melissa shares the news of her pregnancy with John Ross, but he may not be ready to be a father again.

And finally, Clayton's ultimate fate is decided and new clues to who shot him begin to pop up. Was the shooter really gunning for J.R., or was he aiming at Clayton all along?

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