Neil Lancaster Grace Ewing Hope Miller Nelda Claudia Gregor Dervish
Jesse Murray Justin Stiles
Konnie Allen Kristin Cashmere Mike Friedrich Scott Kline Jason Morrow Karin Schill Andy Smithers Dawn Stoffregen
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Cliff nodded and followed Afton to the door, where she swung it open. Stefan was standing outside and Afton greeted him. “You must be Angel's friend?” “Yes I am. I'm Stefan.” “Hi Stefan, nice to meet you. I'm Afton and this is my husband Cliff. But where's Angel?” “She was here just a few seconds ago, but she realized she'd forgotten her purse. She went back to get it.” Cliff noticed that Stefan was staring at him. “Is something wrong?” Cliff asked. “No,” Stefan answered. He was sure he'd seen this Cliff character somewhere before. He looked so familiar. But where? He'd only seen a handful of people since moving to the mountains with Angel. Afton excused herself to go grab her purse, leaving Stefan and Cliff alone. “Okay.” The way Stefan continued to stare was irritating Cliff. “Are you sure nothing's wrong?” “It's just that you look so familiar. Where are you from?” “Dallas, Texas. Don't think I've ever seen you before in my life,” Cliff answered. “Maybe you saw me on TV or somethin'. I was into politics there for a while.” Stefan squinted his eyes. “No…it's not that.” Suddenly, it hit him…
Stefan talked to the nurse while he worked on the woman—she was such a mess. “Are you sure there wasn't any sort of identification with her? Addresses? Phone numbers? Names of family members?” “Stefan?” “I am sorry Mr. Barnes. I am not feeling well. I think I will have to cancel this dinner with you and your wife.” Before Cliff comprehended what he'd said, Stefan was out of sight. Afton walked up behind Cliff with her purse over one shoulder. “Where did he go?” “Afton…that is one weird fellow. He cancelled the dinner…said he wasn't feeling well.” Afton and Cliff shot each other inquisitive looks. Both wondered why he had changed his mind so quickly. In the next car, Stefan ran into the compartment he was sharing with Angel and shut the door behind him. Jamie turned around, startled. “Stefan? I was on my way back.” “No. We are not going.” “Why not? I was looking forward to it…you have no idea how much,” Jamie pleaded. “Why can't we go?” “We have to stay in here. There are people on this train—bad people. People who would try to take you away from me if they saw you.” Jamie walked over to where Stefan stood. “Who? Why would anyone want to take me away? Unless…” “Forget about it Angel.” “Unless it's someone who knows me…who knows who I am. Oh Stefan, if it is, you can't keep me here! You have to let me go find out. I deserve to know!” “I said no. Tomorrow, the train makes a stop and we'll get off there and go back to my cabin. I don't want to lose you.” “No. I won't go. I'm thankful that you saved my life and took care of me all those years, but you don't own me. I can go where I want.” “Get some sleep and maybe I'll consider letting you go out in the morning.” “Stefan…” “Please, get in the bed.” Jamie reluctantly walked over to her bed and sat down. An hour later, she was asleep. Throughout the night, Stefan sat beside the door, just in case his Angel tried to escape.
Looking lost, Pam made her way down the corridor. There was no receptionist or anything. Finally a woman walked out and greeted her. “What can I do for you?” Pam breathed a sigh of relief. “A friend of mine sent me here—Sue Ellen Ewing.” “Ah, Sue Ellen. How is she? Haven't seen her in a year or so. My name is Claudia. I assume you're in need of a private investigator?” “As a matter of fact, I am. You can name your price. I need to find my husband, Bobby Ewing.” Pam reached into her purse and took out a photograph, which she handed over to Claudia. Claudia eyed it for a second. “Sheesh, if this guy was my husband, I'd have never let him gotten away in the first place!” Pam was annoyed. “I didn't come here for your comments, I came here for your help. Now do you want this job or not? I can easily take my money elsewhere.” “Why don't you step into my office and we'll talk.” Claudia pushed open the door behind her and Pam followed her into the cluttered office. Claudia moved a stack of papers from a chair and Pam sat down. “My husband left two nights ago. He called me and said he was going to Europe, but he was very cryptic. I'm not exactly sure why he left, but I need to find him.” “Europe's a big continent Mrs. Ewing. If that's all you can tell me, it could take months to find him—we may never find him. I'm sorry…that's just not much to go on. Do you suspect foul play?” “It's possible. My father-in-law was shot last night. It could be that Bobby's disappearance is tied in with that.” “Still not enough. I'm sorry, really, I am. As much as I'd like to help you, I can't. I don't usually take cases with that little info.” Pam reluctantly nodded. “I understand. Thanks anyway.” “Yeah, sorry I couldn't help out more.” Pam left the building and stepped out into the warm Dallas morning. If a private investigator couldn't help her, then there was only one thing she could do. She had to find Bobby herself.
Ellie sat down and clutched the handle of the plastic chair, one of many that dotted the waiting area of Dallas Memorial Hospital. Clayton was in intensive care, and the doctors had no new news. Her family was there, bless them, but she still felt so alone. She clutched the chair, and prayed. It was all she knew to do. Outside the room, Pam took a deep breath, unsure of how she was going to tell Miss Ellie about Bobby. Most of the family had gone home, but Ray, Donna and Sue Ellen were still there. Donna was on the phone, talking with her office. Pam blessed her for rearranging her busy life to be with Miss Ellie. Miss Ellie was seated by herself, Ray having just gotten up for a moment. Pam went down and sat next to her. She held her hand. “How are you?” Pam asked. “I'm frightened. I'm very frightened. The doctors, they've hardly told us anything…” Ellie said quietly “We're all here, Miss Ellie. We're not going anywhere.” Ellie looked at her daughter-in-law. “Pam, where's Bobby?” Pam swallowed and tried to hold back the tears. After a long moment, Pam said, “I don't know.” “What do you mean? Is he alright?” “Sssh, he's fine,” Pam tried to calm her. Now it was time to stretch the truth a bit, to keep Miss Ellie calm. “We had a big fight the night that….that this all happened. It was a big fight. We said a lot of things we shouldn't have said.” “Oh dear, is everything….oh dear.” “He left. You know Bobby. He can get so hotheaded. I think he just took a little trip. Into the mountains. To get away, you know? He mentioned something like that when he left. He took some of his things.” “Was it that bad? What happened?” It seemed as if Ellie was rejoicing in the fact that there was something else to think about, worry about, other than Clayton. “It was just a disagreement that snowballed into something. Now, it's really nothing. Especially now. But I wanted to tell you this. That's why Bobby hasn't come home yet. He must have gone to the mountains. Otherwise he would have heard about Clayton. I'm sure he's going to call really soon.” “Pam, should I be worried?” Ellie asked. She looked so lost. “No,” Pam said adamantly. “No. You should not be. Bobby is fine.” Was she convincing enough? “I'M so sorry that this happened. I feel like this is all my fault.” “Couples, even ones that are in love, fight. I just wish Bobby would call.” Ellie was obviously a little worried. “He will, and I'll tell him everything. He'll come right home. You know how much Bobby loves the mountains. He probably is having a good time being by himself for once,” Pam gave a slight laugh. Was she convincing enough? “Still, I am worried.” “Well, I'm telling you not to be. I'm not worried, and Christopher's not worried, and Grace isn't worried either.” Pam gave a smile. “He'll be back very soon. In the meantime, Christopher and I are going to be here for whatever you need.” Ellie squeezed Pam's hand. “Thank you.” “Everything is going to be alright. I promise.” “I hope,” Ellie smiled feebly. Meanwhile, Jack had spotted Sue Ellen sitting in the waiting room. “How are you doing?” he asked her as he sat down next to her, a cup of coffee in his hands. “I've been better,” Sue Ellen gave a slight laugh as she dabbed her eye gently with her knuckle. Jack just gave a soft smile. “I just hate this waiting,” she began. “I want to know something. It's like I don't know how to react. I want to know what I'm supposed to do. Miss Ellie has shut down, everyone's a mess.” She started to cry again. “Why did this have to happen?” “I don't know,” Jack quietly said. “I am so sorry.” Jack put his arm around Sue Ellen, and she leaned her head against his shoulders and continued to weep. Jack felt terribly guilty for feeling better in such a time of pain.
“Mr. Ewing?” Detective Hope Miller inquisitively stood in the doorway. “Yes?” J.R. was flustered. “I'm Hope Miller, with the Dallas PD. Your secretary said it was alright to come in.” “Well sit down honey, I've been waiting for you,” J.R. said as he motioned for Hope to be seated. She was a little taken aback with his frankness. “I just wanted to talk with you about what happened the other night. Ask you a few questions,” Hope said as she got out a pad of paper. “I'll tell you what I know. I got up in the middle of the night. Maybe it was three, four in the morning. I couldn't sleep. So I went down to the kitchen to get a glass of water or something. Next thing I know, I'm bending down to get something in the refrigerator, and I hear a shot. Someone is running off, but I hear someone fall to the ground. I turn on the light, and it's Clayton. That's when I called an ambulance. “Did you see the shooter?” “No. Would I be talking to you if I did?” J.R. said with some hostility. Detective Miller jumped back. “I'm very sorry that this happened to your stepfather Mr. Ewing, but there is no need to be rude. I'm here trying to help you. It would be nice if this could be as pleasant as possible for all parties involved.” She took a deep breath. “Do you know of anyone that was unhappy with Mr. Farlow?” “No. Nobody was. Everyone loved Clayton.” He gave an impatient sigh. “Did you hear me? The gun went off when I ducked down. They were aiming for me!” “Do you have many people that are unhappy with you right now?” Hope tried to say it as nicely as possible. “It's a big town, and I'm big in it. There's a lot of people that don't like me.” “Has anyone leveled threats against you in the past few days?” J.R. rubbed his jaw in thought. “I'll tell you who you should be questioning. Todd Foster. President of a little company called April Oil. He lives in an apartment in Dallas. He came storming in here the other day and socked me straight across the jaw. Told me it was just a precursor. Sly saw everything. You can ask her.” “What is the nature of your relationship to Mr. Foster?” “He came to Dallas about a year ago. His mother was my brother's wife—she's deceased now---but she gave Todd up for adoption. He got her company, and we've done some business ever since then.” “Why the hostility toward you?” “Who knows? The boy's crazy. He's a loose cannon. We had a business disagreement a few months ago regarding a percentage of Ewing Oil that he owned, but I thought that blew over. I guess it didn't.” J.R. sighed a rubbed his eyes. “Honestly, I don't know what his problem with me could be.” “Well, I'll be sure to get in contact with Mr. Foster for questioning. Would you mind if I spoke with your secretary and asked her a few questions?” “Go ahead,” J.R. said as Detective Miller stood up. “Listen, I'm scared. I don't know if someone's going to come gunning for me again. I want some police protection.” “Mr. Ewing…” Hope began to say, but she was cut off by J.R. “You know Harry McSween?” A look of recognition, and some fear, registered across Hope's face. “He's an old friend of mine. He's pretty big up there at the police station. I could talk to him, tell him you weren't willing to cooperate.” “I'll have a officer assigned to Southfork right away.” “Thank you honey,” J.R. said and turned back around in his chair. Damn that Todd. Was he crazy enough to shoot at him? J.R. really had no idea. It was hard to think about, with Clayton in the hospital. He was worried about his mama. Well, at least the police were going to protect him, he thought to himself. Of course the thought that he might need to be protected from someone in his own family never crossed his mind.
Afton was relieved when the conductor told them they could all get off the train now. She knew she'd enjoy shopping in town and she made sure Cliff had brought along enough money to buy whatever she wanted. Cliff took her hand and they stepped off the train onto the unloading platform and finally onto solid ground. Around them was a busy street; filled with street-side vendors selling all sorts of colorful clothing, trinkets, and any other souvenir she could ever want. “Oh Cliff, this is amazing!” “Anything you find that you want, let me know. It's yours.” The conductor announced to all of them to be back aboard the train in two hours. Afton just hoped she'd have enough time to do all the shopping she wanted to do. Back aboard the train, Stefan and Jamie picked their way through the crowd that was trying to find its way off the train. Jamie's eyes scanned the group, hoping to see Afton and Cliff. Maybe if she saw Afton again, it would trigger her memory. Or maybe it was Cliff that she supposedly knew. She tried with all she could to remember, but it was no use. The hot sun hit them both when they stepped off the platform and onto the ground. Stefan took her hand so tightly that it hurt. “You're hurting me…” “We're going to find a way to get back to the cabin from here. Come on.” Cliff had left Afton near one of the street-side stands and was looking for a phone of some sorts. As he was walking, he bumped into Jamie, but only turned around in time to see the back of her head. “Jeez, watch it lady,” he called out. Forgetting about her, he spotted a payphone and fought his way through the crowd to get to it. After a process almost equivalent to filling out tax forms, Cliff was on his way to contacting his sister through her cell phone. A few seconds later, Pam answered. “Hello?” “Pam, hey, how are you?” “Oh Cliff…thank God you called. I've been trying to get in touch with you, but I had no luck.” “What's wrong? You sound upset. Is it J.R.'s fault?” “Yes…in a way it is.” “That bastard…” “Cliff, Clayton was shot at Southfork the night you and Afton left Dallas.” “What? How? Who shot him?” Cliff fired off one question after another. “We don't know, but we're sure they were gunning for J.R. He was also in the kitchen when it happened.” “It happened at Southfork?” “Yes, at Southfork.” “How is Clayton…he didn't die did he?” “No, but he's just barely hanging on. I'm afraid he's going to die. And...and Bobby's missing.” "Missing?" "He left for Europe after we had a fight and I can't get in touch with him. It's all so strange. It's not like Bobby at all." “That is strange...look Pam, Afton and I are in the middle-of-nowhere here in Mexico…I don't even know the name of the town, but we just got off the train. We'll try to get back to Dallas as soon as possible…I need to be there for you. I know how much you care about Clayton.” “Thank you Cliff. I'm sorry this had to happen on your honeymoon. Just be careful getting home. If you need anything, you know how to reach me.” “Yeah,” Cliff said. The shock from this was just beginning to wear off. “We'll be back soon. I love you Pam.” “I love you too Cliff, bye.” Cliff hung up the phone and looked through the rapidly dispersing crowd for Afton. She waved to him and he walked back to her. “Afton, I hate to tell you this, but we're gonna have to cut this honeymoon short. But I promise I'll make it up to you later.” Afton's face fell and she put down the earrings she'd been looking at. “Why?” “I just talked to Pam. Clayton's been shot and he's not doing well.” “Oh my God…” “So I told Pam we'd get back to Dallas as soon as we could.” Afton nodded. “Of course. We need to be there for Pam. Especially you.” “Thanks for understanding Honey. Now let me see if I can get a taxi that can get us back to Mexico City.” Several feet away, Jamie continued trying to convince Stefan to let her go see Afton and Cliff again, but Stefan wouldn't budge. “Please…I deserve to know.” “But you are happy now Angel. If you go searching for your past, you will only stir up trouble.” Jamie had to find some way to escape. She had to find Afton. Then, it came to her. When she was sure Stefan wasn't looking, she dropped her purse and continued walking for a few feet. “Oh my God! Stefan, that guy has my purse! It has all of our money in it…we won't be able to get back to Mexico City.” Stefan reeled around and conveniently; a young boy was running through the crowd. Stefan looked from Jamie to the boy. If they didn't have the money, they couldn't get back home. He let go of Jamie's arm and broke off into a run after the boy. As soon as he left, Jamie began to run through the crowd. She had to escape—she couldn't bear to be Stefan's prisoner for another day.
God, what was he going to do?
“No. I'm not okay, but thanks for asking.” “I thought we'd worked everything out last week? You said you were just depressed because of your past Valentine's Day experiences. Valentine's Day is over and you're still the same…now what's up?” “Why don't we go downstairs to the hospital café? I need to talk to you, but not here with all the family present.” “Yeah, I'll be right back. Let me tell Mom.” John Ross walked to Sue Ellen, who was standing just across the waiting room. “Mom, Melissa and I are going downstairs to the café. If there's any change in Clayton's condition, let us know.” “Ok, I will,” Sue Ellen said somberly. Five minutes later, Melissa and John Ross were seated at a table. Melissa sipped a glass of water, but John Ross had ordered nothing. “Ok. We're alone. Now what's bugging you?” “John Ross, how do you feel about Megan?” Melissa asked. “What kind of question is that? You know I love her. You know how happy I was when I found out she was really my daughter.” Melissa breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe he wouldn't take her news too badly. “Ok. I was just checking.” She reached across the table and took his hands. “There's something you need to know. I should have let you know when I found out, but I was scared.” “What? Is that what you were so depressed about? What is it?” “I'm pregnant.” The words hit John Ross like a brick. “Melissa, no…we were so careful. You were on the pill…” “I thought everything would be okay, but the week before I got pregnant I was sick. I went to Dr. Baker and he prescribed an antibiotic…” “So?” “I didn't find this out until I went to the OB-GYN, but some antibiotics can null out the effect of birth control.” “Are you saying that's what happened? When?” “Halloween night in the hay loft. Remember the fire?” John Ross nodded. “I can't believe this. That was October 31. Four months ago…I can't believe this. I wasn't ready for this Melissa.” “Why? Are you that insecure about your feelings for me?” Melissa couldn't believe she'd just blurted that out. But she'd heard about how happy John Ross was when Megan was born—and she was Pamela Rebecca's daughter. “No! I know I love you, but…” “What?” John Ross stood up. “I can't deal with this now! Not with Clayton's situation…not with anything!” He left her alone in the café and Melissa buried her head in her arms and cried.
“Good morning, how can I help you?” “I'm here to talk to someone about working here.” “Then you're looking for Greta Franklin. She's in charge of all the hiring. Her office is on the second floor. We usually do this by appointment, but she's free right now, if you'd like to go on up. Hillary's the second-floor receptionist; she'll direct you to Mrs. Franklin's office.” Rebecca paused, trying to absorb all the information. This place ran like clockwork! “Thank you.” She spotted the elevator across the lobby and walked past a large fountain surrounded by palms and some other tropical plants. A closer look revealed several tropical fish swimming around in the fountain. “Geesh,” she said, and then she boarded the elevator. When the elevator doors opened, she noticed that that floor was equally as impressive. A woman sitting behind a desk, who must have been Hillary, smiled at her. “Hi. Sarah told me you were coming up. Mrs. Franklin will see you now.” Hillary led her to the office and showed her in. “Thank you,” Rebecca said. Greta greeted her warmly and asked her to sit down. “I'm Greta Franklin, and you are?” “Rebecca Cooper.” “So you're interested in working here at the Clifford Group?” “Yes I am. I've worked with the company before, in Boston. It was actually a small gas company owned by the Clifford Group.” Greta smiled. “Then that's definitely a plus.” She reached into her desk and pulled out several sheets of paper. “If you'd please fill these out.” Rebecca took the applications and a pen and began to write. She knew her father could get her a position here, but she wanted to do it on her own. Her whole future with John Ross was dependant on getting this job.
Janice looked uneasy. Lucy didn't know, did she? “Yes, I am very sorry.” “I can't stay long. I just wanted to check my messages and everything.” She started to walk towards her office. “Um…Lucy….” Janice began. Lucy turned around when she heard her secretary speak, but before she could react, J.R. came out of his office, his hat in one hand and a briefcase in another. “Well, Lucy, come to mope?” “What are you talking about?” Lucy asked in an annoyed tone. “You should be at the hospital. Your grandmother needs you.” “I just came from the hospital, for your information, and am on my way back there. I'm just here to check on some things. Would you rather I completely ignore Ewing Oil? That would just mean a whole other set of barbs from you, wouldn't it?” “I don't think you have any messages darlin'” J.R. gave a grin. “What are you circling around?” Lucy asked. She looked at Janice, whose eyes quickly darted to her computer. There was something not right. “Would someone please tell me what is going on?” “Honey, you don't have any messages because you're not in Ewing Oil anymore,” J.R. grinned. “Oh that's really cute. Want me to show you the 25% I control?” “USED to control.” “Did that bullet graze your brain? I control John Ross's 25%.” “Sue Ellen does now.” “What?” Lucy was taken aback. “And to think she didn't have the decency to tell you. That's Sue Ellen for you.” “What is he talking about?” Lucy directed her question at Janice. “Ummm…” Janice was unsure how to respond. “She's not going to tell you anything different,” J.R. said. “Sue Ellen came tromping in here, telling me that she had 50% of the company. That was her plan you know, to try to get majority control. She's got everybody's percentage but mine---including John Ross. Remember honey, he owned that 25%.” “He wouldn't do that.” “He's his mama's son. He did.” “I'm sure you're really getting off on this, aren't you?” Lucy chided. “At least I got one less idiot around here.” J.R. put on his hat. “Now if you'll excuse me, my mama needs me. You should be getting to the hospital too.” And J.R. walked out, leaving Lucy Ewing seething, but most of all, hurt.
Pam intended to give Nelda the rest of the day off and spend some time with Grace. Then she'd focus on her husband and son. As she prepared to open the door to the nursery, she heard Nelda talking, but it didn't sound as if she was talking to a baby. “Yes, she is alright. What about Bobby? I am glad he obeyed you. You know I could never have gone through with what you wanted me to do.” Nelda turned around to see Pam standing in the doorway. Pam walked to her. “What are you talking about? What do you know about my husband?” Nelda was speechless. What to do? “I…” “What about Bobby?” “Oh, Mrs. Ewing, you startled me!” Nelda put the phone back to her ear. She couldn't let Pam know she was talking to Rex Wentworth. “Okay, Susan. Yes, I definitely think you should name him Bobby…it's such a cute name for a baby boy. And the father of little Gracie, the baby I take care of, his name is Bobby too. Well, I need to get going. Bye.” Nelda flipped the cell phone shut and put it on the table beside the crib. “Oh, I'm sorry Nelda. I thought you were talking about my Bobby.” Nelda smiled. “No Mrs. Ewing. My friend is pregnant and she can't decide what to name her baby!” Pam tried to return the smile, but she was too down. “Why don't you take the rest of the day off? I'd like to spend some time with Grace.” “Yes Mrs. Ewing, thank you.” Pam nodded and Nelda left the nursery, forgetting to take her phone. As soon as she was out, Pam walked over to the phone and picked it up. Was Nelda telling the truth? Pam wasn't sure why she was so paranoid, but there had been something about her tone of voice. She searched for the redial button and pushed it upon finding it. If Nelda had made the call, it would dial the last number she used. A number dialed and the phone began to ring. Pushing her hair back, Pam put the phone to her ear.
“Sorry Rex. I was just following up on the Bobby Ewing situation. The plane did go down, as you knew, but I haven't been able to pinpoint a location. But the good thing is, I covered all the tracks. There's no way anyone will know that plane crashed.” The phone continued to ring. “For God's sake Gregor, answer that, will you?” Gregor nodded and picked up the phone. “Hello?” Pam was surprised to hear a male voice. According to Nelda, the person on the phone was Susan, a woman. “Oh, hi…” “Who is this?” Gregor asked. “I'm…looking for Susan. Can I speak with her please?” “You must have a wrong number lady…there's no Susan around here.” “There isn't?” “No.” Gregor hung up the phone. “Damned wrong numbers.” “I'm assuming that Bobby Ewing will no longer be a problem. By now, I'm sure he's made a lot of little fish happy.” Rex walked over to the window and propped himself on the ledge. “Now if his damned wife was out of the picture.” “But isn't that why you offed Bobby in the first place? To make Pam more vulnerable?” “She's already trying to find him. Randall gave me a call this morning.” “Randall?” Rex nodded. “He's the one I assigned to follow Pam. She attempted to hire a private investigator, but apparently, she wouldn't take the case. Obviously Pamela suspects foul play or at least thinks something is fishy.” “She's a smart woman.” “Maybe so…but she's no match for me. That gives me an idea…a match. Gregor, I want you to find something for me.” “Sure. What?” “Someone that sounds a lot like Bobby Ewing…” “Rex, I've done a lot of things for you, but do you have any idea how impossible it would be to find someone that looks and sounds like Bobby Ewing?” “I never said anything about looks. It can be a woman for all I care. Just get someone who can pass for Bobby Ewing over the phone.” “Oh, I see what you're getting at.” “Just do it.” “Right away.” Gregor looked up and was surprised to see Iris Wentworth standing in the doorway. He nudged Rex and Rex turned around. “Iris?” “Hello Rex.” “How long have you been standing there?” “Long enough to know exactly what you've done to Bobby Ewing. Rex, you are a heartless bastard. How could you take away a woman's husband?” “Oh come now Iris. You mean kind of like J.R. Ewing took you away from me?” “What are you talking about?” Iris turned to Gregor. “You can leave now. This is between Rex and me.” Gregor reluctantly left the office after a nod from Rex. “I know about your little tryst with J.R. here in Dallas.” Iris looked worried, but that look soon turned to triumph. “Oh you do? Rex, pray tell, might that have made you mad enough to have someone attempt to shoot J.R. Ewing two nights ago? And hit his step-father instead?” “That's ridiculous. I could care less about J.R. Ewing. This talk isn't about J.R. I could care less what you do with him, really.” Rex was lying through his teeth, but Iris didn't have to know that. “But, if you breathe a word to anyone about what I've done with Bobby, I'll make sure J.R. pays for it. I'll finish the job that someone else attempted this week. Then when I'm through with him, I'll come for you—and you won't like what happens next.” “You go to hell.” “Oh, I'm sure I eventually will, but only after you and J.R. have led the way,” Rex retorted. “Do we have an understanding?” Iris turned away. She couldn't look at him—her anger was building up so much. “Yes.” “And another thing…” “What?” she asked; still not facing him. “You'll be moving out of Southfork today. I don't want you living there anymore. I'll arrange for someone to come over and pick up your things and move them here to the penthouse.” “You just said you didn't care what went on between me and J.R.” “I don't,” Rex lied again. “But the Ewings are going to begin to suspect something when you and I continually live apart. They're all to think we're a happy couple staying in Dallas for a while to get to know our relatives.” “You make me sick.” “Then take a pill. The driver will be over at Southfork around three. See to it that your bags are packed.” Iris stared at him coldly, her anger building up even more. Finally, she stormed out of the office, glad to be free of his piercing stare. But the thing that scared her most was his threats. Coming from almost anyone else, she wouldn't have even been fazed, but this was Rex Wentworth—his threats were never idle ones.
At the end of their talk, Sly had mentioned how Todd had been seeing Janice Kelly, another Ewing Oil secretary. They had broken up prior to Todd's threat against J.R. Hope immediately went and spoke with Janice, who seemed uneasy at the subject of Todd. When pressed about their breakup, Janice said that she discovered some things about Todd's past that she did not agree with. Hope pressed her more. Finally, Janice succumbed to the pressure and told her that she had been anonymously sent pictures of Todd in bed with other women. It was from his days as a prostitute, prior to coming to Dallas, Janice said. It was the pieces that Hope put together herself that disturbed her. Janice had been sent the pictures anonymously---who had sent them? J.R. and Todd had a history of animosity, from what many have described. Did Todd blame J.R. for the pictures, and ultimately the breakup? Was he angry enough to shoot J.R.? Or try too? All she knew was that Todd Foster was not home and had not been seen by anyone in his building for two days. He sure was starting to look guilty.
Grace wiggled in her arms and stretched out her arm, pointing to something behind them. “What is it Gracie? What do you see?” Grace reached out farther and Pam stood up and carried Grace into the direction in which she was pointing. Grace grabbed a large white teddy bear from the shelf and cooed happily after getting her prize. Pam noticed something small on the shelf. She wasn't sure what it was, but she knew it didn't belong there. She picked it up and turned it over in her hands. It was some sort of electronic device, but that was all she knew. Pam had no idea that she was holding in her hand the mini-camera that Gregor had planted in the nursery—the one that Bobby had seen Nelda through. Curious, Pam walked out of the nursery. Who might know what this device was? Then the answer dawned on her. She stepped outside with Grace and made her way to the car. After carefully strapping her daughter in the child seat, she got in on the driver's side. Her destination: the Dallas Galleria. More specifically: the electronics store. Someone there would surely be able to tell her more about the device. Only seconds later, her cell phone rang and she answered it, crossing her fingers that it would be Bobby. “Pam, it's Donna.” “Donna…is it Clayton?” “Yes it is…his condition has taken a turn for the worse. Oh Pam, they're not giving him much longer. You need to get over here right away.” “I will. Goodbye Donna.” Pam flipped the phone shut and put it back in its holder. First she needed to detour by Ryanne's house and leave Grace with her. Then she'd go to the hospital for Clayton.
Sue Ellen kneeled beside the bed and took Clayton's hand. His eyes fluttered open and met hers. "Clayton...I don't know what to say."
He managed a weak smile. "Hi...Sue Ellen."
Sue Ellen was at a loss for words. What did you say to someone in Clayton's situation? She said the only thing that came to mind. "We'll find who did this to you. They won't get away with this...I won't let them."
"Stephen..." Clayton said weakly.
Sue Ellen was confused. Was he asking for Dusty? But he knew that Dusty was dead--he'd taken his own life over a year ago. "No, Dusty's--"
"I know. Thank you...for loving him. And I'm sorry." Clayton took a deep breath and the pain from it was obvious in his face.
Then Sue Ellen realized what he was apologizing for--for blaming her for Dusty's death. "Dusty was a great man...and so are you Clayton."
"Thank you for always..." Clayton squinted his eyes in pain. "...being there for me."
"You're the only father I've ever really known--that's what you are to me now Clayton, a father. You can't leave...you can't leave me." Sue Ellen gave up trying to hide the tears. She couldn't help it. She loved this man dearly.
"I won't...if I can help it."
The door opened and J.R. and Ellie walked in. J.R. noticed Sue Ellen's tears and felt sorry for her. "Momma, Sue Ellen, would you mind if I have a second alone with Clayton?"
Both women were suprised, but they obliged and left the room. J.R. walked to the side of the bed and pulled up a chair. "Well J.R. Come...to pull the plug on me? Cut my airlines?"
"Oh come now Farlow, you know me better than that."
"Yes I do. I reckon you'd just hire someone else to do it."
"I've got somethin' to say to you...somethin' I should have said a long time ago, but I couldn't do it. I know we haven't always seen eye to eye on a lot of things--hell, most things, but I want to thank you for always being there for Momma. I was always convinced you married her just to hurt her, but now I reckon I know that you did really love her. When Bobby and me would get in fights over Ewing Oil, you were the one who was always concerned about how it would affect her...and you tried to shield her from it."
"J.R..."
"I was too concerned with you tryin' to take my Daddy's place in her heart...at Southfork and in the family too, but I know that wasn't your intention."
"No it wasn't."
"Now don't get me wrong with what I'm about to say Clayton, because nobody on God's green earth will ever replace Jock Ewing in my heart or anywhere else for that matter. But you've come awfully damn close. You've held this family together like only Daddy could do...and for that, I thank you--and I'm sure he would too."
There was a twinkle in Clayton's otherwise lackluster eyes and he managed a smile. "J.R., I never expected to hear you say that."
JR looked around the room and then back to Clayton. There was an awkward pause and then J.R. spoke again. "I guess I've said what I came here to say. Goodbye Clayton."
"Goodbye J.R. Take care of Ellie...she'll need your love."
J.R. turned back around and met Clayton's eye and solemnly nodded before leaving the room.
He shut the door to his room and locked it, as a precautionary measure. Christopher didn't need anyone meddling in his business while he was trying to have a drink. He grabbed the television's remote control from the nightstand and turned on the television and then he uncapped the bottle and took a swig from it.
The television was tuned to CNN, where a reporter began to speak. “Pennsylvania authorities are hot on the trail of two people, a man and a woman, who are believed to have kidnapped a young boy from his residence in Philadelphia. The boy's mother, Jan Anders, reported her son missing two days ago, after a visit from two strangers who supposedly wanted to check into buying her house. Later that night, neighbors reported seeing a suspicious vehicle outside the Anders residence. Mrs. Anders was not home at the time and the boy was left home alone. In what seemed to be an unrelated event, a rental car was reported stolen after it wasn't returned to Quick-N-EZ Rent-A-Car. The car was rented to a Karen Ewing, of Dallas, Texas—a woman believed to be the young boy's biological mother…”
Christopher looked at the bottle and then back to the television. Had he heard that right? He knew he wasn't drunk—he'd only taken a couple of swallows. They'd said Karen's name…Karen Ewing. He turned up the volume and listened carefully.
“The boy's mother confirmed Mrs. Ewing as the woman who showed interest in buying her house, but it's now believed to be just a cover-up to get to the boy. Now we go to Judy Meadows, live, from Mystique Point, North Carolina,” the reporter continued.
Judy stared into the camera. “The car believed to have been stolen by Karen Ewing has been found in a deep ravine, right outside the city limits here in the little town of Mystique Point, North Carolina. It appears to have gone over the edge without anyone in it, so local authorities are almost sure that the driver was attempting to hide the car from view. The ravine is being searched, however, and if nothing is found, the search will spread to the adjacent Mystique Forest and then on into the town…”
Christopher was shaking his head in disbelief. Nothing would have prepared him for this. Karen, his WIFE, had kidnapped the son she gave up for adoption? She'd never told him she gave up a son for adoption...hell, she'd never told him she even had a son! And she'd had help…it had to be Eric Stone. He was missing too.
“Oh my God…why did you do this Karen?” Christopher picked up the bottle of Vodka and threw it at the television. It shattered and the liquid ran down the screen, over a still picture of Karen. “WHY KAREN!”
Afton, Cliff, and four suitcases had all been crammed into the backseat of the smelly taxi that Cliff managed to hail. Afton fanned herself with a travel brochure and silently dreaded the long drive back to Mexico City. She couldn't begin to imagine how much the cab fare would be.
The cab driver only spoke Spanish and a bit of broken English. Coincidentally, Afton and Cliff only spoke English and a bit of broken Spanish. But, they managed to communicate—or so Cliff hoped. There was no telling where they might end up.
In the crowd next to the street, Jamie ran frantically. She wasn't sure if Stefan knew what she was doing, but she didn't care. She just wanted to escape. From behind her, she heard him call out her name, but Jamie didn't look back. Up ahead in the street was a taxi. If she could get it to stop…
Jamie looked back and saw that Stefan was still far behind her so she veered out into the street.
Cliff and Afton were both thrown forward in their seats when the cab driver hit the brakes. Up ahead, Jamie froze as the taxi careened toward her. In the crowd, Stefan screamed. “Angel!”
The tires screeched on the pavement as the driver desperately tried to keep from hitting her and Cliff's eyes locked on the woman's face up ahead. “Jamie…” he muttered.
She walked over to her husband, and took his hand. “Clayton?” she asked softly.
He weakly opened his eyes. “Hi,” he said and tried to manage a smile. “How are you….” It was hard for him to get out the words.
“Ssshh…..don't talk,” Ellie patted his hand.
She tried to hold back the tears. “You're going to be alright. Listen to me Clayton. You are going to be alright. You've beaten a lot of things. WE'VE beaten a lot of things and we are going to keep doing it. You're going to get better and you're going to come home with me.”
Clayton managed a smile. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” Ellie said through tears.
Everything was silent for a moment. The only sound was the consistent beeping of the monitors that were attached to Clayton. “I love you,” he said again.
Ellie gave a little laugh. “I know you do.” She held his hand tighter. “You are my life. You know that. I can't survive without you.”
“Don't say that. You have your family.”
“OUR family Clayton. They've always been your family too. We love you. Bobby, Sue Ellen, Lucy. Even J.R. You have to come back to us.”
Clayton locked eyes with his wife. They didn't need to say anything. Everything was in their eyes.
“Okay, you need your rest,” Ellie said patting his hand. She started to get up.
Clayton held steadfast onto her hand. “I love you Ellie.”
Ellie just smiled, patted his hand again, and let go. She turned to leave, but hesitated for a second as she took one final look at Clayton. But then, the shrill beep of the heart monitor filled the air causing her to freeze...
"Oh...Clayton...no." And then she screamed.
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