Southfork Ranch

Christopher clenched the bottle of vodka tightly in his hand and gritted his teeth together. He wanted it so bad that he couldn't stand it. Karen was dead. She'd died in a fire with Eric Stone—that made it even worse. Christopher knew he should have been there for her. If only he'd been more understanding, maybe she would have come to him instead of Eric. Christopher knew he could have prevented this—it was all his fault. Every bit of it.

He raised the bottle to his lips, but then someone from behind pulled it away and took it from his hand. Christopher turned around, angrily. Then he saw who it was and his anger turned to shock.

Karen managed a weak smile as she set the bottle back on the liquor cabinet and stepped back. “Christopher…”

Christopher closed his eyes and then opened them again, in an effort to make sure he wasn't seeing things. He looked back around to the vodka and then back to Karen, where he stretched out his shaky hand and touched it to Karen's face. She reached up and put her hand on his.

Suddenly, it all didn't matter. It didn't matter that she'd been with Eric Stone for the past few months. Nothing mattered. The only thing that he cared about was that she was alive and she was with him back at Southfork. Christopher moved his hand from her face around to her neck and pulled her into an embrace, where he kissed her.

He pulled away long enough to say, “Don't you ever leave me again…ever.”

There would be plenty of time for talk later, but right now they only wanted to be with each other.

Oil Baron's Club

J.R. didn't know whether to be happy or upset. Was having all four of his children in Dallas at the same time a good thing, or not? Jillian had already double-crossed him once. James had a history of that and John Ross was still angry with him over what happened with Gary's construction project. Justin hadn't given him any cause for concern – yet, but then again, he was only 10 years old.

Dora Mae led them to their table and James, Jillian, and Justin each took their seats. John Ross grabbed J.R. by his coat sleeve and pulled him back, where he began to speak in a hushed whisper. “I want you to remember that I'm only here because my sister and brothers are here. I agreed to come here for them—not for you.”

“John Ross, I think you've made it abundantly clear that you are unhappy with me.”

“Just checking.” John Ross took a seat between James and Jillian and J.R. sat across the table, next to Justin.

“Well, can you imagine this?” James said. “All four of the great J.R. Ewing's children, right here at one table.”

“What about the others we don't even know about,” John Ross muttered under his breath. Only James heard him and he shot him a slight grin.

Jillian smiled and looked around the table. “This is so cool. I can't believe I grew up without any brothers or sisters…and now here I am with three brothers.”

James, Justin, and John Ross nodded in agreement. They all knew how it felt. J.R. looked at them all and felt proud. Sure, they were all by different women, but that part didn't particularly bother J.R. He just wished they could all be on better terms and he hoped this dinner would help to rebuild the relationship between he and John Ross and he and James, which seemed to always be rocky at best.

Despite what John Ross had just said to him, J.R. thought now might be the time to show some fatherly concern and let him know he still cared very much for him. “So John Ross…”

John Ross raised an eyebrow. “What.”

“How are things with you and Melissa?”

John Ross stared at him coldly, but offered no answer. Finally, he stood up and walked away, heading for the bar. James looked from John Ross to J.R. and stood up, following John Ross.

He joined him at the bar. “He was just tryin' to talk to you John Ross…What's up between you two? You looked like you were ready to kill the man.”

“A few months ago, I went in on a construction project with Uncle Gary. Well, it turned out that Dad had everything rigged, so Gary would lose a lot of money. Of course, I ended up losing money too, but that wasn't the big deal. I was so pissed because my own Dad betrayed me. He even sent me out of town on a business trip, just so I wouldn't be able to bail Gary out of trouble.”

“You're kidding me…”

“You know Dad. He does that sort of thing just for kicks.”

“What a bastard. So, did you follow my advice and talk to Melissa?”

John Ross shook his head. “I haven't had a chance. But I will…soon.”

“You know…the longer you wait, the harder it's gonna be to talk to her.”

“I said I'd do it soon,” John Ross said sharply. “So…when are you heading back East?”

James shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine. Probably soon though.”

“Just wondering…you've been here for a while now. How'd you ever manage to get away from work for so long?”

James grew silent. “That's not too hard to do, when there is no work.”

“What? You mean you don't have a job? I thought you were working for some computer company out there?” John Ross swiveled around on his stool and leaned forward.

“I was…but suffice it to say I'm not working there anymore.”

“How are you getting by? Do you need money?”

James shook his head adamantly. “No. We're living off savings for now. Plus, Debra Lynn has a pretty nice job with an accounting firm.”

“I see. When we talked earlier though, you seemed to hint that you and Debra Lynn were having some problems or something…”

“Everything's okay.” James stood up. “Now come on Bro. Let's go back to the table. I'm starved.”

Southfork Ranch, later

Karen cuddled close to Christopher in bed. She ran her hand across his chest and pulled him even closer to her. Christopher turned over on his side and looked her in the eyes, smiling. “I can't believe this…God, it's like a dream or something.”

“I assure you, it's no dream.”

“Tell me what happened. Everything.” Christopher propped up on one arm, ready to listen to everything she had to say.

Karen sighed. “You know about my son.”

Christopher broke eye contact with her. “I don't know the whole story. Who is his father?”

“It happened while I was in high school, back in Pennsylvania. My Mom had just died and I was so screwed up…with the drugs and all…”

Christopher could tell this was painful to her and the tears that started running down her face only confirmed that, but he knew she needed to do this. “Go on…”

“I met a guy, Zack Brady. He promised me the world and we slept together and I got pregnant. My Dad refused to help pay for anything because he wanted me to take responsibility for my actions. Zack didn't have any money and we gave the baby up for adoption.”

“I know how hard that must have been for you.” Christopher was thinking about having to give up Megan and how hard that was on him.

“It was. But I got over it…until I met Cole, the little boy at the hospital. He is the same age as Austin and I got to thinking about him a lot.”

“And you went up there to check on him?”

Karen nodded. “I NEVER intended to take him away. You have to believe that. I…I just saw that he was being abused and I couldn't leave him there.”

“I understand.”

“You do?”

“Austin doesn't belong with anybody who would hurt him. What about the fire? How did that happen?”

“Austin was playing with matches in the barn and the hay caught fire. We got out safely through the back door, because the main one was blocked and then Eric had an idea…he threw some of our stuff back in—stuff that could withstand the heat. That way everyone would think we'd died in the fire. That gave us enough time without the police looking for us to get back to Dallas.”

“Stuff like your wedding ring?” The look on Christopher's face suggested that he was deeply hurt by this.

“It seemed like the right thing to do at the time…I wasn't thinking. I'm so sorry Christopher.”

Christopher bit his lip. “Well, there is something that we need to think about now.” His expression grew serious.

“I'm a fugitive.”

“Right. But where's Austin?”

“Believe it or not, he went home with Eric. I wanted to talk to you alone and Austin's grown kinda attached to him.”

“I'd imagine so. But back to my question. What do you intend to do about this?”

Karen wasted no time with her answer. She'd mulled over this long and hard on the trip back home. “Tomorrow morning…I'm going to turn myself in.”

Rex's Penthouse

Iris looked around the penthouse with a triumphant gleam in her eye. She couldn't believe it—the divorce had been finalized and she was no longer married to Rex Wentworth. Thank God for quick divorces, she thought.

What surprised her the most was how Rex had been so compliant to her demand for a divorce, but, she didn't want to think about that now.

Her next step was to find J.R. and make him realize that the spark between them was still very much there.

Rex stepped out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist and shot her a grin. “Leaving so soon?”

“There's nothing to keep me here. We're divorced Rex. I go on my way and you get on with your life.”

“Yes…I'd say so. Well, good luck.”

Iris hesitated for a second, pondering what he'd just said. There seemed to be an undertone to it—a menacing undertone.

She shook the feeling away and walked to the door, glad when it was shut behind her.

Southfork Ranch, the next day

The Ewing dining room was bustling with activity when Christopher and Karen walked into the room. Almost instantly, a hush fell over the room. J.R., Sue Ellen, Jack, Jamie, Pam, James, Jillian, and John Ross were gathered around the table and all of their eyes were glued on Karen.

Pam stood up and walked to her. “Karen?”

Karen smiled. “Hi Pam.”

J.R. spoke up. “Well, the fugitive returns. You know you've got some nerve dragging the Ewing name through the mud like you have…it's all over the papers and the news and everything. I suppose the police will be knocking on the front door any minute,” he said with a snort.”

Christopher glared at him. “Like you've got any room to be talking J.R.”

Jamie looked at Jack, confused. “It's Christopher's wife. She kidnapped her son or something and was on the run.” Jack wasn't totally sure of the events surrounding that himself. The televisions in Southfork had hardly been turned on lately.

No one knew what to say and the entire situation was awkward. Finally, Karen addressed everyone in the dining room. “I need to apologize to all of you. J.R. was right—I did drag the Ewing name through the mud and I had no right to do that. I wasn't here for Clayton's funeral and I should have been. I'm sorry for what I did and I came back to Southfork to see Christopher…”

“And?” J.R. muttered.

“And to turn myself in. I need to face the consequences of what I've done.”

Sue Ellen crumpled up her napkin. “Oh Karen…what about Austin?”

“Believe me, I'll do everything in my power to make sure he doesn't go back to his abusive mother. And if by some miracle I'm acquitted, then I'll do whatever I can to make sure I get custody of him.”

None of them wanted to tell her that the chances of that happening were slim to nothing. Pam just smiled and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “We'll do what we can to make sure you are acquitted Karen. You know we're here to support you.”

Karen smiled. “Thank you…that means a lot to me.”

John Ross had been silent up until now. “Well, sit down Karen. Have some breakfast.”

Karen encircled Christopher with her arm. “No thanks. I just came down to let all of you know what's going on…and to apologize. Chris and I thought we'd have breakfast in bed this morning.”

Pam nodded. “I'll have Theresa bring you something up…”

Lee Park

J.R. kept checking behind him, because if someone saw him, everything would be ruined. Sue Ellen had made a good point the day before. The tape that she had, about trying to drive Cally crazy, could result in some major problems down the road. He didn't want to cause anymore problems for his mama, especially with the news about Karen. J.R. couldn't say he'd ever really liked that girl much, but Momma was truly fond of her. Was she ever going to stop getting her heart broken? The last thing JR wanted was to cause his mama more pain. With Clayton gone, JR was feeling especially protective of her. That's why he needed to make sure that tape never went public.

“J.R.” The female voice came from behind him.

“Well darlin', bout time you showed up.”

“I do not understand why you have called me here,” Dominique said as she sat down next to him. “I believed that our business with each other is through.”

“You screwed up. Now you gotta make things right,” J.R. left no room for misinterpretation. That was an order.

“I do not know what you are talking about. I failed.”

“You're right, and you also tried to sleep with my cousin. Did you know that part?”

“Jake?” Dominique thought back to the night at the hotel room. That tape. That humiliating tape. J.R. had yelled at her about the tape, but he never said that Jake was a relation.

“Name's Jack and he's dumb as a stick. Guess you're dumber though, because he sure played you for a fool.”

“I do not have to help you; why would I even want to?”

“Because you want some more cash, and my forgiveness, then you do. You screwed up Dominique. Now you got a chance to make things right. Don't screw up again.”

Dominique sat in silence for a moment. She had been humiliated by Jake. Or Jack. Who was he? She wanted to ask so many questions, but she knew J.R. would not reveal anything. “What do you want me to do?”

“Steal that tape from my ex-wife.”

“Which one?”

“Sue Ellen. Not the one you tried to drive nuts. The tape is probably somewhere in her office, at the Clifford Group. She's out of town until tomorrow. I sent her on some business for Ewing Oil to keep her away. Get in there tonight, find that tape and burn it.”

“And this will help you?”

“Yeah, and hurt Jack, so if you're looking for revenge, this is it honey.” J.R. got up and adjusted his hat. “Call me when you're done.”

“I have not agreed,” Dominique said, still sitting.

“I'm guessing that you just have.” He said as he walked away.

And he was right. She was hurt, and angry with what Jack had done. Jack. Jake. Whatever. She would help J.R., and make her reputation right. She was a professional after all. Best of all, she would have her revenge.

The Barnes Residence

Pamela Rebecca was relieved to have the day off. Not that she didn't like her new job, but it was hectic and very demanding. She groaned when she saw that she'd depleted her supply of around-the-house t-shirts and then she realized she now had a brother she could borrow these things from. Of course he wasn't home and she didn't know if he'd ever come back, but she needed a shirt anyway.

She left her room and walked across the hall to Eric's room, where she walked in. Pamela Rebecca never expected to see her brother lying there in bed. “ERIC!”

Eric bolted to a sitting position and looked around the room wildly. “What!? Becky?”

“Eric, what the hell are you doing here?”

“Sssh!” Eric put his finger to his mouth. “Don't wake the kid.”

“Kid?”

Eric pointed to Austin, who was lying on the other side of the bed. “Karen's son. She sent him home with me last night so she could take care of things back at Southfork.”

“Whoa, backtrack. What are you doing back here? And Karen?”

“We're turning ourselves in.”

“What do you think will happen?”

Eric glanced out the window. “I don't know. All I know is that I'm going to need a damned good attorney.”

Dallas Police Department

“Alright Miss Harper, let's go over this one more time,” Hope Miller said as she paced around the room.

Cally was getting frustrated. She answered all their questions. What didn't they understand? “I told you, Justin spent the night at a friend's house.”

“We spoke with the boy's mother. He was there all night.”

“What do you think, I'm lyin' about where my son was?”

Hope ignored that comment. Her eyes let Cally know she wanted her to continue.

“I watched some TV, painted a little. Then I went to bed around midnight.”

“Do you visit the Barnes household a lot?”

“Once in a while I'll go over just to say hi, and thank Cliff for letting me stay there. Sometimes I borrow something, like a tool or something. Justin likes to play with Megan. Sometimes Cliff watches Justin when I'm out, or Pamela Rebecca will or the maid.”

“We spoke with Mr. Barnes's maid. She said that sometimes you will come into the house by yourself.”

“So?”

“A little over a week ago. She said she saw you in Mr. Barnes's study. By yourself.”

“Oh! I was just looking for something.”

“Really? What was that?”

“Well I was talking to Cliff about my taxes because I'm so bad with numbers, you know, and he told me about this book that he had. Taxes Made Easy for Cheap People was what the name of it was. I was looking for it.”

“Why didn't you knock?”

“I did. The maid wasn't there.”

“She was. She never heard anyone knock.”

Cally began to sense where this was going. “I knocked! She must have not heard me then, but I don't go barging into other people's houses. I got some manners!”

“How familiar would you say you were with the Barnes house?”

“I knew my way around.”

“You seemed to know that the study would be where Mr. Barnes's book would be.”

“I knew that's where he kept all his important stuff.”

“Like his gun?” Hope Miller quickly retorted.

“I didn't do anything!” Cally raised her voice. “I want a lawyer. You were just supposed to question me. Now you're telling me I shot Clayton.”

“I haven't said anything to that effect. But if you would like a lawyer, you have that right.”

“I think I shouldn't talk to you anymore until I have a lawyer.”

“Well let me ask you this. You said that your ex-husband tried to drive you crazy. Tell me more about that.”

“There's nothing to tell. He paid someone to make me think I was going crazy. Switching things around in my house, what you call that? Gaslighting me! He was trying to gaslight me.”

“To gain custody of your son, you said.”

“Yes,” Cally said. She suddenly realized that it was probably smarter if she was a bit less hostile. Made her seem less guilty.

“How did you know that he was allegedly doing this?”

“Because I know J.R. It's something right up his alley.”

“But did you have any evidence?”

“Well, nothing physical, but Sue Ellen was the one that told me. For sure. She had something on him. She never told me exactly what it was, but I never asked either. I was just happy the whole trial was over and I already knew that J.R. was doing something to me to begin with.”

“Are you friends with Mrs. Ewing?”

“Yes. You can talk to her. She'll tell you I'm not crazy.”

Hope was planning on doing just that.

Southfork Ranch

“So I guess this might be our last time to spend together…at least for a while.” Karen didn't want to think about the worst alternative—them never getting to spend another night together.

“I don't want to think about that.”

“Christopher…it's reality. I'm going to jail and I doubt I'll get out on bail—not after being on the run for so long. There's one thing I need to take care of before I go…or make sure you take care of.”

“What is it?”

“Don't let Austin go back to Pennsylvania. Don't let him go back to his adoptive mother…please.”

“I don't know if…”

“Promise me you won't let him go back to her,” Karen pleaded.

“I'll do whatever I can, you know that.”

“She doesn't love him. I don't think she even wants him…” Karen's voice trailed off and she climbed out of bed, putting the breakfast tray aside. “It's time for me to go now.”

“No, not now…”

“I have to, but will you come with me?”

Christopher managed a smile. “I wouldn't let you go alone.”

The Barnes Residence

“Where's Cliff?” Eric asked as he stepped outside with Pamela Rebecca. The day was shaping up to be another warm one.

“Dunno. I guess he went to the office early.”

Unheard by either of them, a car pulled in to the drive at the front of the house and the door was shut quietly.

Out back, Pamela Rebecca and Eric both took seats at the patio table and watched the sun reflecting off the pool. Eric tried to push all thoughts of his now indefinite future out of his mind. “So, what's happened around here lately?”

“I got a job at the Clifford Group.”

“Oh really? I'd have never imagined you to be the working type…sorry.”

“It's part of my plan to win over John Ross. He needs to see that I'm a capable and independent woman.”

Eric grinned. “You're capable alright. I'd say any woman who could doctor paternity results so that it looks like her son belongs to the man she loves, is pretty capable.”

Melissa McSween listened from around the corner of the house. Her jaw dropped. She'd just come over to see if John Ross was here—she desperately needed to talk to him about what was going on and Sue Ellen had told her he was on his way over to Pamela Rebecca's house.

“Megan is the only thing that really binds John Ross and me together. When I found out she wasn't really his, I had to do something.”

Melissa was shocked and appalled and she stepped out onto the patio. “You conniving bitch…”

Pamela Rebecca froze and turned around to the direction of the voice. She was shocked to see Melissa standing there. “Melissa…I can explain…it's not what you think.”

“Save it. You have lied to and you've manipulated Christopher and John Ross for so long now and it is going to stop TODAY. My God, you let Christopher think Megan wasn't his? Do you realize that's what turned him to drinking? You have almost ruined his life because of your selfishness! And John Ross is going to be so hurt when he learns that Megan isn't his. Don't you give a damn!”

Pamela Rebecca looked at Eric, but he was quiet. “You can't tell them…I don't want John Ross to be hurt.”

“Yeah? Well neither do I, but it's too late for that. You should have thought about that before you started this whole damned mess. Christopher deserves his daughter back…and you don't deserve shit.”

“That's not your place to judge, Melissa,” Eric said suddenly, defending his sister.

“We'll let the courts decide that, because I'm sure that as soon as I tell Christopher about this, he'll want to sue for sole custody.” Then Melissa realized—this was Eric Stone she was talking to. “And what the hell are you doing back here? Do you think you can just come back and resume your life? You're a wanted fugitive for crying out loud!”

“I was going to—“

She cut him off. “I don't care what you were going to do.” Melissa approached him. “Stand up.”

“What?”

“You are under arrest. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney…”

Eric couldn't believe this, she was actually arresting him. It wasn't supposed to happen like this…

Downtown Dallas

It was a long drive to the Dallas police station, not because it was far, but because Christopher was driving so slowly. He knew Karen was doing the right thing, the only thing, but giving her up so soon after she had come home was almost unbearable. They still had a lot to talk about and issues to resolve, but the thought of losing her had shaken him into the realization that no matter what happened, they belonged together. He thought about everything that his parents had endured, and yet, they had a great marriage, their love for each other was evident and strong, they were great role models and he intended to do all he could to ensure that he and Karen had the same thing.

Karen looked over at Chris and wondered what she had done to deserve such a wonderful man. He had welcomed her home with open and loving arms. She hadn't really expected that and knew that she didn't deserve it; still, she was thankful. His support was going to be vital to her in the coming weeks.

Chris looked over at his wife and was surprised to see a faint smile on her face. Curious, he asked, “What are you thinking?”

“I was just thinking how blessed I am to have you. And how relieved I am.”

“Relieved?” Christopher looked at her in amazement, here she was on her way to jail and she was feeling 'blessed and relieved'!

Karen smiled at his obvious confusion. “Well, for a long time now, my life has been so mixed up. I didn't know what to do from one day to the next. But when I almost died in that fire, things suddenly became so clear. You know how people say that their life flashed before their eyes? Well I guess that happened to me and I knew that whatever my future was, I just didn't want to face it without you. Christopher, I know I haven't acted like it, but I hope you can believe that you are the most important person in my life, you and Austin.”

Chris just nodded silently and took her hand. They continued in silence, arriving much too soon at the Dallas police station.

The Barnes Residence

Pamela Rebecca felt almost surreal—she couldn't believe what had happened. In just a few seconds of time, her entire scheme to win back John Ross had been blown out of the water and Eric had been arrested. Now she knew it was only a matter of time before Melissa told John Ross the truth.

She was too distraught to even go to the police station with Eric, but she'd phoned the family lawyer and he was on his way down there. The sound of the doorbell echoed through the house and she silently cursed the fact that the maid had the day off. She was surprised to see John Ross, but the smile on his face instantly told her that Melissa hadn't talked to him yet.

“Hey!” she exclaimed.

“Mind if I come in?”

“Not at all. Come on in and have a seat. I need to talk to you. I need to tell you something.”

John Ross sat down on the couch and she joined him. “Yeah? What is it?”

“It's about Megan.”

“Is she okay?”

“No…I mean, yes! She's fine.”

“Then what is it?” he asked.

“I'm so worried about her and what this jostling around is doing to her.”

“What do you mean?”

Pamela Rebecca sighed and crossed her legs. “Well…this scenario where you come over and pick her up everyday. She asked a few days ago, why her mommy and daddy didn't live together. I really didn't know what to say.”

“Oh…” John Ross was visibly shaken. He remembered feeling the same way when he was a child and his parents were constantly fighting over him and moving him from place to place. It had always bothered him that they couldn't all live together and be happy.

“Then she said she wanted for the three of us to live in a big house on a hill, with lots of horses…and she said she wanted a pony just for herself.”

John Ross was silent and he looked away.

“John Ross? What do you think about that?”

“I can identify with it…that's for sure.”

“Because of your mom and dad and your childhood?”

“Yeah.”

Perfect! “I'm sorry…I know that must have been bad. But at least you did get to know both of your parents early on. I didn't even know about my Dad until almost four years ago. I guess we're both from dysfunctional families.”

“I don't want Megan to be raised like that,” John Ross said adamantly.

“And neither do I. But what can we do about it?”

John Ross knew of one alternative, but it wasn't one he was sure he was ready for.

Dallas Police Department

Melissa was still boiling from overhearing Pamela Rebecca earlier. She had to tell John Ross and Christopher, but she wasn't sure how to do it. Captain Dunkirk walked into her office and took a seat in a chair across from the desk.

“What can I do for you Captain?” she asked.

“They're having a training-slash-orientation program in Austin tonight and I didn't get word about it until a few minutes ago.”

“Training? For what?”

“Some new technology they've developed or something. I need you to go sit through the orientation so you can show everyone here at the station how to use the new equipment.”

“But I…”

“I'ts not a matter of if you want to go—it's an order.”

Melissa clenched her teeth. “How long does it last?”

“Starts around 6 p.m. tonight and the second part lasts all day tomorrow. I'm sorry about the short notice, but like I said, I didn't know either.”

Melissa didn't want to go, but it suddenly dawned on her that this would give her a chance to think about how she needed to tell John Ross and Christopher about Pamela Rebecca's lies--something that would require a lot of thought, in order to keep the hurt to a minimum. Once she returned, she would let them both know…

Meanwhile, outside the office...

Karen was recognized as soon as she walked through the doors of the station house. She felt a little light headed and held on to Chris for support. “Mrs. Ewing, you are under arrest for the kidnapping of one Austin Anders. You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to counsel …..”

When officer Rawlings was through reading Karen her rights, he began to lead her away to a small room for questioning. “Come with me Mrs. Ewing, we have a few things to discuss, I'm sure you'll want to tell us just why you did this.”

“Mr. Ewing, you'll have to wait out here.”

“I'm sorry officer, but my wife is not going to answer any of your questions right now.”

Karen spoke up, “but Christopher the whole point was to turn myself in, get this all cleared up and face the consequences”

“Could you give up a moment please, officer?”

Officer Rawlings nodded, “As long as you stay right here where I can see you.”

Christopher's sense of protection was in high gear as he gently led Karen a few steps away, still in the officer's sight, but out of earshot. Taking her gently by the shoulders, he said, “Karen, listen to me, I know you feel guilty, but I'm not going to let you just through yourself on the mercy of the court. You had reasons for what you did, good reasons. Maybe you went about it the wrong way, but you were getting a child out of danger and that will count for something. We are going to fight this every step of the way. And that means not saying a word to the police until Adam gets here.”

Adam Demerest was the nephew of the great criminal defense attorney, Scottie Demerest, who had retired recently. Adam was young, but his uncle had taught him well and he was fast becoming known as the best defense attorney in Texas.

Karen just nodded seemingly in a daze, her hopeful demeanor of just 30 minutes earlier completely gone.

Suddenly, Karen cried, “Oh no” a look of fear crossed her face. “What's Eric doing here now? He wasn't supposed to be here yet!” Their plan had been that Karen would turn herself in first, giving Eric time to explain things to Austin and take him safely to Southfork. “Christopher, if Eric is here, where's Austin?” Karen began to panic; she knew Eric couldn't have had time to take him to Southfork.

Christopher followed Karen's gaze and saw Eric and his attorney sitting in a glassed in office talking with another officer.

“Alright, that's enough time, we have go now.” It was Officer Rawlings. Just then Adam Demerest strode in confident and sure, he immediately took control. “Officer, I'm sorry, but Mrs. Ewing won't be answering any questions.” He stated with finality. Upon seeing Adam come in, the Police Chief him self stepped out. “Hey there Adam, how ya doin', I see we are still keeping you in business.”

“Couldn't be better, Hank nothing makes my day like an innocent client.” Adam smiled, though they were often on opposite side, outside the courtroom, he and Hank were actually good friends.

As for Hank he had come up against Adam at work enough to know that if he was representing Karen Ewing, there would be no confession any time soon. “Well Adam, if she doesn't want to talk, that's just fine. Mrs. Ewing doesn't have to answer any questions about her self right now, but she does have to tell us where the boy is. That is, unless you want to add 'endangerment of a child' to the charges against her.”

“Oh, come off it Hank, you know that wouldn't hold water in court, the boy is not in any danger!” Adam really didn't know where Austin was, but he was an expert at “playing the game” and right now his main goal was to keep Karen from being questioned at all.”

While the officer and the attorney exchanged barbs, Chris was thinking about what to do about Austin. It hadn't occurred to him until now that the police would come and take him away and, most likely, send him back to his mother. He couldn't let that happen. He needed time to figure out what to do, and right now, he needed some one to go get Austin at Cliff's house before the police found him there.

He gave Karen's hand a reassuring squeeze, “I'll be right back babe, I have to make a call.” Karen nodded, numbly.

Southfork Ranch

Pam was rushing about getting ready to leave for her lunch meeting. As she was buttoning her stylish blouse, she thought about Bobby and hoped the new detective she was meeting with would be able to lead her to him. She began brushing her hair quickly. Her thoughts were interrupted by Theresa, “Mrs. Ewing, telephone for you.”

Pam rushed to the phone. “Hello.”

“Hi Mom.”

“Christopher! How is Karen?”

“She's holding up. Adam is here.”

“Good.” Pam waited for him to continue. She was concerned about her son and Karen, but there was nothing she could do to help them right now and she was anxious to be on her way.

When Christopher did speak, there was urgency in his voice. “Mom I need your help.” He paused, “You have to go to Uncle Cliff's house and get Austin. Eric was supposed to bring him to Southfork, but apparently he was arrested first, so Austin must still be there. You have to get him before the police pick him up.”

“Christopher, you know I'd do anything for you, but I was just on my way to a meeting with someone – he may have information about your Dad.”

Christopher paused, he needed and missed his dad now more than ever, but his dad could take care of him self, Karen needed him right now. He knew he could get his mother to do it. He hated to manipulate her, but if there was no other way... “Mom, there's no one else who can do it. Austin is Karen's son, that makes him my son too, and your grandson.”

“Christopher…”

He took a deep breath, “Mom, how may times in my life have I asked you to do something for me?”

His words hit their target; Pam winced at their sting. All the guilt and the pain over the years that she missed with her son came rushing back. She closed her eyes at the painful memories. When she spoke her voice was very soft. “Okay sweetheart, you're right, I'll do whatever I can.” The pain in her voice was evident and Christopher suddenly felt ashamed of him self. “Mom, I'm sorry I said that, it's just that Karen is so upset and…”

Pam interrupted him, “It's okay Christopher, I understand. I really do.” And she did understand; she knew Christopher had manipulated her, but it was out of love for his wife.

“Have you talked to an attorney?” Pam asked.

“Well, only Adam…”

“Christopher, I'm not talking about Karen. Bringing that little boy to Southfork isn't going to do any good unless you can get custody of him, at least temporarily. Call Brooks Oliver, he's a family law attorney, Miss Ellie and I used him when your grandfather's will was contested. You'll have to look up the number. If I'm going to get Austin, I have to hurry.”

“Okay, thanks, and mom, I really am sorry I said that.”

“Just take care of Karen.”

“I will, bye.”

As she hung up the phone, it occurred to her that Christopher would do anything for Karen, just as she would for Bobby. She smiled and said softly, “Bobby, we taught him something right.” She knew she didn't need to worry about her son's marriage anymore.

Dallas Police Department

Christopher was standing at the pay phone nearly yelling into the receiver. “But Mr. Brooks, I don't think you understand, the boy's adoptive mother was abusing him.” Out of the corner of his eye, he could still see Adam Demerest and Hank Hanson 'heatedly discussing' whether Karen would answer the officer's questions about Austin. It looked like Adam was winning.

“Look, Mr. Ewing, I know you don't like hearing this, but until the criminal charges are cleared up, you and your wife don't stand a chance of even getting temporary custody of that child. And when and if the charges are cleared up, it's going to be tough.”

“What if I file for custody myself, alone?”

Mr. Brooks sighed, “Mr. Ewing, let me explain what is likely to happen here; as soon as his mother can be located, Austin will be sent back to her. In the mean time, he will be placed in a foster home.”

Christopher listened quietly, knowing that Karen would not be happy at the thought of Austin in foster care. “I can't let that happen, he can't go back to that woman.” He said, remembering his promise to Karen.

“Well, I'm afraid it's not up to you Mr. Ewing.” Mr. Brooks paused, considering the options, and there weren't many. “I could ask for an emergency hearing to determine temporary custody; at that time, we could allege that the adoptive mother was abusing the child.”

“And then Karen and I would get custody?” Christopher said hopefully.

The attorney laughed dryly, “Mr. Ewing, you seem to keep forgetting that your wife is charged with kidnapping the boy. No judge in his right mind would grant you custody right now, but… if there were another relative, say a grandparent, the judge might grant them custody. But only after we prove the mother was abusing him, and that requires a lengthy investigation by the authorities, it could take months and in the mean time Austin would be put in foster care.”

Christopher was really beginning to despair. There seemed to be no way of keeping Austin from either going back to his adoptive mother, or spending months in foster care. “So let me get this straight, Karen and I can't get custody right now, no matter what, because of the charges against her. But we can keep him away from that abusive witch by filing a complaint alleging abuse. And if we do that, Austin spends months in foster care. And even after we prove abuse, Karen and I probably can't get temporary custody, but my parents, as Austin's grandparents, might be granted custody. Is that it?”

“That's correct. Unless…”

“Unless what?” Christopher was feeling desperate, grasping at any alternative.

“Well, there is one other way. This woman doesn't exactly sound like the ideal mother, so there is the chance that she doesn't want him back. In that case, the court would declare the child abandoned and assign temporary custody – in this case, hopefully, to the grandparents.”

Christopher was suddenly listening intently. “So if Jan doesn't show up in court, or contact the police about Austin, the judge could grant custody to my parents?”

“Yes, but, I wouldn't get my hopes up Mr. Ewing, it rarely happens that the mother doesn't show up, especially in cases where she has been enjoying a lof of publicity, playing the worried and concerned mother in the press. She's bound to show up…”

Christopher didn't hear Mr. Brook's last statement; he was no longer listening. A plan was already forming in his mind; suddenly knew what he had to do. He interrupted the attorney, “Mr. Brooks, thank you, I think you've given me everything I need. Set up that emergency hearing right away. Let me know when it is. I'll be in touch.” And with that he hung up the phone.

Adam was just walking over to him. “Hey Chris, come on, they are about to take Karen in for processing.”

“What does that mean?”

Adam looked away, there was no easy way to say it, “finger printing, pictures, you know, all of the technicalities. I've already petitioned the court for an immediate hearing to set bail.”

“Do you really think we can get her out on bail?” Christopher said hopefully.

He slapped Christopher on the back, “No, but everything's worth a try! Come on, we have to hurry if you're going to say good-bye to your lady and still make that hearing.”

Christopher knew this was coming, but it was still hard; Karen was being taken to jail.

Southfork Ranch

Pamela enjoyed the drive home from Cliff's house. She always loved children, but this child reminded her so much of Christopher; Austin was about the same age Christopher had been when she had been taken from him. Pam and Austin laughed and talked and by the time they reached Southfork, she had to admit that this little boy had stolen her heart.

As Pam pulled her car into the driveway at Southfork, she saw a police car, and just a few feet away on the patio stood sheriff Fenton Washburn. As they got out of the car, Austin shrank back, he was used to hiding from the police. Pamela gently took him by the hand and walked over. “Hello, sheriff, what can I do for you?”

“Mrs. Ewing, actually, I've come to get the boy.”

Pam sighed, she needed to get rid of Fenton and get to that meeting. This wasn't going to be easy. “What do you mean, you've come to take my grandson!”

“Mrs. Ewing…”

Before he could continue Pam said, “Excuse me Fenton.” She stepped over to the sliding glass door and called for Theresa, who appeared in the doorway only moments later.

Pam knelt and spoke to Austin, “This is Theresa and I think she probably has some milk and cookies for you in the kitchen, okay?”

“Great,” Austin squealed enthusiastically and followed Theresa into the house. Pam turned back to Fenton.

“Mrs. Ewing, the boy was kidnapped by your daughter-in-law.”

“You mean his biological mother.” Pam said forcefully and with some irritation, she didn't have time for this.

“Yes, but…”

“Look Fenton, if you take that little boy with you right now, where is he going?” She didn't wait for him to answer, “Foster care.” She was looking Fenton directly in the eyes, “now Fenton, I know you don't really want to do that, you know what those places are like, do you really think Austin is better off there than here at Southfork, surrounded by family? You saw him, he's happy and he's safe. Why not just let him stay until you have located the adoptive mother.” The last sentence was more of a statement than a question.

Fenton looked down at the ground. He hated having to deal with the Ewings. He knew very well that he owed his job to them. They always supported his election campaigns and in return he was always there to 'help them out' when there was trouble. But this wasn't really 'trouble', he reasoned, just a little boy, who, he had to admit did seem happy there; and Fenton hated taking kids to foster homes, he had grown up in them and knew how bad those places could be. Mostly, he was reassured by the fact that he was dealing with Pamela Ewing and not JR Ewing. He gritted his teeth and said, “Mrs. Ewing, I could get in real trouble for this. But, I guess it would be all right to leave him here. Just until we contact the mother.” Fenton rubbed his brow and said, “That is if I have your word that that boy goes no where off this ranch without a call to me personally.”

Pam smiled with relief. “Thank you Fenton, you have my word. The Ewings won't forget this in the next election.”

Fenton made his way back to his cruiser thinking about how he was going to justify this to the Dallas PD. Well it will only be for a day or so, as soon as they contact the mom, he'll be sent back to her anyway. He didn't think he would have trouble for that length of time, he could stall if he had to, he'd done it plenty of times before.

Pam quickly went inside to say good-bye to Austin and minutes later she was on her way to meet with her detective.

The Dallas Courthouse

Karen was already sitting at the defense table when Christopher and Adam Demerest walked in. She smiled when she saw Christopher. She was scared, actually, she was terrified, but she was trying to put on a brave front. She didn't fool Chris though; he could tell that she had been crying. He had just enough time to give her a reassuring kiss on the cheek before the hearing began. He quickly took a seat just behind Karen and Adam, who were seated at the defense table.

The courtroom was called to order and Judge Joseph Moore was presiding. He was in his 60's with white hair; he had been a judge for the last 15 years and he didn't like any time wasted in his courtroom. “All right, lets get this moving. Ms. Bennet, what do we have here?” Ms. Renee Bennet was the prosecuting attorney. She stood, but did not move from behind the prosecutor's table.

“Your Honor, Mrs. Karen Ewing is charged with kidnapping, conspiracy to commit a crime, obstructing justice, and assaulting an officer. The state is recommending that bail be denied in this case.”

Judge Moore knew Adam Demerest well; in fact, he and Adam's uncle Scottie still played golf together every Saturday. “Mr. Demerest, I assume you have something to say about this,” then, with a smile, “I've never known you to be silent.”

Adam stood, “Yes Your Honor, Ms. Bennet didn't mention a few key things here; like the fact that Mrs. Ewing was acting to get a child, her own biological child, out of danger, and that there was no conspiracy involved, it was an act of compassion.”

Judge Moore raised an eyebrow, he knew about this case from the news, but he liked to make the attorneys work. “Are you saying that this wasn't a kidnapping, Mr. Demerest?”

Before he could answer Ms. Bennet said, “Your Honor, as much as Mr. Demerest would like to try this case right now, this is not a hearing on the facts, we are here to determine bail.” She looked at Adam with a 'score one for me' grin.

“That may be the case Ms. Bennet, but in order to determine whether bail will be set, I'd like to hear some of the facts.” The Judge said, with some irritation creeping into his voice.

Before Adam could speak, Mrs. Bennet began, “Well, Your Honor, the facts are that Mrs. Ewing left Dallas with a Mr. Eric Stone and drove to Pennsylvania planning to kidnap Austin Anders, which they did. After kidnapping the child, they fled from the police, hiding out in the town of Mystique Point, North Carolina. During an incident where Mr. Stone was almost arrested, Mrs. Ewing assaulted an officer by hitting him over the head with a large rock. They again fled and were arrested in Dallas.”

“Ahem”, the Judge cleared his throat, “well, I think under those the circumstances bail would not be in order. It would seem that Mrs. Ewing is a flight risk. Mr. Demerest?”

“Your Honor, Karen Ewing and the Ewing family are fine upstanding members of this community. And Mrs. Bennet neglected to mention the fact that Mrs. Ewing came home to her family and then came to the Dallas Police Station and turned herself in, something a person who is planning to run away, wouldn't do. Furthermore, this young woman is innocent of the charges against her, and it would be a travesty to keep her locked up in prison for the duration of these proceedings.”

“Mr. Demerest, I agree that Mrs. Ewing is innocent until proven guilty, but in this case, I think bail is not a possibility.”

But Adam wasn't ready to give up yet. “Your Honor, the defense would not object to setting a sizable bail amount, say $750,000 if that would make the court more comfortable with allowing bail,” Judge Moore could barely open his mouth before Adam continued. “You can release her into the custody of her husband Christopher, or, I am so confident of Mrs. Ewing's trustworthiness, I will even vouch for her. You can release her to my personal custody and I will promise the court that she will appear at every phase of these proceedings.” Adam was being very persuasive, and Christopher and Karen felt hopeful. Chris leaned forward and gently squeezed her shoulder. Karen half turned and gave him a faint smile.

Judge Moore tried to speak again, but this time Ms. Bennet cut him off. “Your Honor, $750,000 is a pittance to that family, Mrs. Ewing has a record of fleeing from the police and we have no reason to believe that she won't do it again! And I must remind the court that a child was involved here!”

“Calm down Mrs. Bennet. I know that the Ewings are a good upstanding family, who do a great deal for the Dallas community and I appreciate your willingness to vouch for her Mr. Demerest, however; the nature of the charges against Mrs. Ewing, the fact that she fled from the law and the fact that she committed a violent act against a police officer leave me no choice. Bail denied.”

The sound of the gavel echoed through the courtroom.

The Clifford Group

Getting into the Clifford Group was simple enough. The office building was open all night, and disguising herself as a cleaning woman, complete with wig, guaranteed not being noticed.

Sue Ellen's office was locked. It was a simple lock though, and Dominique had it open in a minute. From the look of the carpet and empty barrels, the cleaning crew had already been there, so there was no worry about being caught. J.R. had told her that there were no cameras in the Clifford Group, so she had that worry off her mind as well.

It took her a while, but she enjoyed rummaging through other people's things. This Sue Ellen seemed boring, though. Just papers, papers and more papers. There was a photograph on the desk of a young man, which Dominique assumed was the son that she shared with J.R.

Finally, she found it. Tucked away in a tape recorder at the bottom of a cabinet drawer. Dominique played the tape, and there was her voice. And Jack's. It made her cringe.

How dare he embarrass her like that? Drugging her. Making a fool out of her. She didn't want to listen to the tape anymore. It made her too angry. Too regretful.

She would give J.R. the tape tomorrow and prayed that he hurt Jack.

Oil Baron's Club
The next day

Pam Ewing clutched her purse tightly and walked into the Oil Baron's Club, where she looked around for the person she was meeting. Dora Mae greeted her with a smile. “Mrs. Ewing, I haven't seen you here in a while. Will Mr. Ewing be joining you tonight?”

The words stung Pam, but she covered it. “A Mr. Ewing will be. Or rather, I'll be joining him. Is J.R. here yet?”

“Yes he is. He's at his usual table. I'll take you there.”

Pam followed Dora Mae through the club, which was full from the lunch crowd and she took a seat at J.R.'s table. “Thank you Dora Mae.”

“Didn't think you were comin',” J.R. said snidely.

“I got caught in traffic. Just remember we're here because we have a mutual interest—Bobby. Now tell me what you're doing to find him…”

“I've got every private investigator I know looking for him.”

“I took that device I found in Grace's nursery by an electronics store and they told me it was a camera.”

“Then I guess the question is, why did somebody put a camera in the nursery and what does it have to do with Bobby's disappearance.” J.R. took a sip of his iced tea.

Pam folded her hands together and leaned forward. “I don't know…and we may not find out until we find Bobby.”

“Well I sure as hell think Rex Wentworth is behind this—especially after what you told me he did in Paris.”

“You're close to Iris. Ask her.”

“She wouldn't know anything about what Rex does, and if she did know about Bobby, she'd tell me.” J.R.'s cell phone rang and he picked it up. “Yeah?”

“J.R., it's Avant. I've got some news for you.”

“If this ain't about Bobby, then I don't want to hear it. He's all I care about right now.”

“It could be about Bobby.”

“Talk to me…”

“I just heard about a plane that left Dallas the night Bobby disappeared.”

“A lot of planes leave Dallas.” J.R. looked across the table at Pam, who seemed interested in the conversation.

“No, I know for sure that this plane had Bobby Ewing in it. It seemed like everything was okay—it was reported that the plane landed in Madrid that next morning.”

“So you're saying my brother's in Spain?”

Doug Avant was quiet for a moment. “No. That's not what I'm sayin'.”

“Well dammit, stop beating around the bush. Where is he?”

“The plane never made it to Madrid. It crashed in the ocean right off the coast of South Carolina. The wreckage washed up yesterday. Somebody wanted you to think Bobby made it to Spain, but he didn't…”

J.R.'s mouth hung open and he didn't know what to say. Finally, a question came to mind, but he almost couldn't say it out loud. “Did they…find a body?”

“Nope. No body. There was a missing parachute though—just one.”

A glint of hope formed in J.R.'s mind. “Then he got out alive.”

"I'm not sure yet, but I'll see what I can find out and I'll call you back later J.R.”

J.R. turned off the phone and looked across the table at Pam. Her eyes were wide with fear and she was twisting her napkin nervously.

“Oh God…what happened?”

“Bobby's plane crashed off the coast of South Carolina. Somebody wanted us to believe that he made it to Madrid though. And I'd say that somebody is Rex Wentworth.”

“What did you mean by 'he got out alive'? How? How do you know?”

“There was a missing parachute. He had to have jumped out.”

“He's alive…I know he is J.R.” Pam grabbed her purse and stood up.

“Where are you going?”

“To the airport. Call ahead and tell them to get the Ewing jet ready. I'm going to South Carolina.”

The Clifford Group

Sue Ellen sat down at her desk and breathed a sigh of relief. It had been an exhausting trip to El Paso, but J.R. insisted that she go. There really wasn't much business there to take care of, but signatures were still needed. She was surprised that J.R. let her go. He said it was to quiet her complaining about not trusting her in Ewing Oil, but it still seemed out of character. Looking at the stack of paperwork on her desk, the thought quickly left Sue Ellen's mind. Ever since starting at Ewing Oil, her time at the Clifford Group had been severely cut back. Jack had taken over most of her responsibilities and Cliff had taken a more active role, minus his recent setback. Still, she had a lot of work in front of her.

“Sue Ellen.” It was Jack, standing in the doorway.

“Hi,” she smiled. She hadn't spoken with him much since shortly after Clayton's death. Things were still awkward between them.

“I need to talk to you.”

“Everything alright?” She assumed it was about business.

“No,” Jack said as he took a seat across from her. “I need to know where things stand.”

“With what?”

“Us.”

Sue Ellen was silent for a moment, unsure of how to react. What should she say? Was she really even sure herself? “Jack, we've gone over this.”

“That was a long time ago.”

“Not that long ago actually.”

“With everything that's happened since then, it seems like forever. Things have changed since then too.”

“Oh really? How?”

“Maybe I'm imagining things, but I feel like we've gotten closer since Clayton's death.”

Sue Ellen sighed. She didn't want to hurt Jack, but he had hurt her. J.R. had done that to her too many times for her to be too quick to forgive. “What you did was wrong. We can't be together.”

“What I did was wrong? I was drugged! And anyway, the only reason any of this happened was because I was trying to save Cally from having her son taken away from her! And for you no less—Cally is your friend!”

“I know what you did to help Cally and I appreciate it. I will never forget it. It's the method that you used to go about it that I disagree with.”

“She drugged me! C'mon Sue Ellen, do you really think I'd cheat on you with someone like that? Someone who gets paid to make other people think they're nuts. Someone that works with J.R.?”

Sue Ellen threw her pen against the desk. “I don't know, alright? What I do know is that you slept with her. I really don't want to talk about this right now.”

“Well we're going to have to talk about it sometime soon, because it's getting ridiculous. Things have settled down at Southfork…”

“Far from it. Bobby's still gone, and everything that's happening with Karen…”

Before Jack could protest, Sue Ellen's intercom buzzed. “Mrs. Ewing, I'm sorry to interrupt, but there is a detective here to see you. Regarding Mr. Farlow.”

Jack and Sue Ellen gave each other a quizzical look, and finally Sue Ellen responded. “Send them in Kelly.” She turned to Jack. “I have to talk to them. It must be important.”

“You have to talk to me.”

“Later Jack. Not now. Not today.” She didn't want to talk to him at all. She just wanted to forget the whole thing. Forget the hurt.

Detective Hope Miller walked into the room just as Jack got up. The two acknowledged each other, and Jack shut the door behind him.

“Mrs. Ewing, thank you for seeing me,” Hope said as she stuck out her hand to shake Sue Ellen's. “I'm Detective Miller.”

“I remember,” Sue Ellen stated, a tone of curiosity in her voice. She sat back in her chair. “What can I do for you?”

“I had a couple of questions about Ms. Harper. I wanted to run them by you.”

Cally? In connection with Clayton's shooting? She warned J.R. that he had better retract any insinuation he made about Cally being responsible for the shooting. “Yes?”

“Ms. Harper told us about Mr. Ewing's supposed plot to make her think she was insane. She said that you would be able to elaborate on it more.”

“Oh, gladly. He paid a woman to make Cally think that she was losing her mind, just so J.R. could get custody of Justin. I have his associate confessing it all on tape. I can play it for you if you like.”

“Would you?”

Sue Ellen got up from her desk and walked over the cabinet where she had been keeping the tape recorder. She opened the drawer. It was gone.

She searched around, looking in every desk drawer in her office. No where. What could have happened to it? “I'm sorry…..it, it doesn't seem to be here.”

“Do you think you misplaced it?”

No, more like it was stolen. She knew exactly what happened. J.R. “It is all true. All of it. You can ask Jack Ewing as well, J.R.'s cousin. He'll be able to back up the story as well.”

“Perhaps I will then.”

Hope Miller excused herself, leaving Sue Ellen frustrated. She would deal with J.R. later. She had deadlines. He would get his tonight.

As Hope Miller went to try to find Jack Ewing, she already knew what he was going to say. It didn't matter though. No tape meant no evidence. In the end, it all spelled out to the same thing: more of a reason for Cally to want J.R. Ewing dead.

Rex Wentworth's Penthouse

Gregor feared for his life when he saw the rage in Rex Wentworth's eyes. “WHY THE HELL DIDN'T YOU TAKE CARE OF THE WRECKAGE?”

“I didn't think it would wash up Rex…I'm sorry. I couldn't really get anyone to look for it without drawing attention to us.”

“You told me you had it taken care of.” Rex grabbed a vase from the table and hurled it across the room. It shattered against the wall. “You incompetence could ruin EVERYTHING!”

“I'm sorry.”

“You've made a very grave error…and if that error grows to be the downfall of this plan, you will pay dearly for it.”

“I'm sorry,” Gregor repeated.

“Get out of my sight before I decide you should pay for it now…”

Gregor was happy to oblige and even more happy when he was safely out of the penthouse. He passed J.R. Ewing on the way out and J.R. walked to the door, not bothering to knock.

Rex spun around, the rage still very much present in his eyes. “J.R. Ewing, what are you doing here?”

“I came to tell you I know about the plane crash and the fact that you wanted us all to think Bobby had made it to Spain. Now tell me Rex, what the hell are you trying to accomplish by this?”

“If you think I'm behind this, then you're a bigger fool than I originally thought. I'm doing everything humanly possible to help in the search for Bobby.”

“Mark my words Wentworth. If I ever get proof that you're the one responsible for taking my brother away from his wife and children, then you'll pay for it. I won't bother with the police either. I'll come straight to this damned penthouse and kill you right where you stand…”

Rex was silent and J.R. stared at him until Rex broke eye contact. Moments later, J.R. left and slammed the door behind him.

A Dallas Jail

Todd Foster couldn't believe what he'd seen on the news, just this morning. Karen's bail had been denied! Now she was in jail. He'd wanted to see her before this happened, but he didn't even know she had been back at Southfork.

He went through the proper procedures to secure a visit with Karen and a woman showed him to her cell.

“Karen…God, I'm sorry. Are you okay?”

“I'm fine. Just shaken up.”

“Faking your own death. How glamorous.”

“How stupid. I'm in serious trouble, Todd.”

“Well you kidnapped a child, resisted arrest and bopped an officer across the head. Yeah, I'd say you were in trouble.”

“My son. Not a child.”

“I had no idea about him. Why didn't you ever tell anyone?”

“Because it was so long ago. I thought I had put it behind me. But working at the hospital, and being in rehab, and everything. It just made me think about what I was missing.” Karen encircled her hands around the cold, unfeeling bars of her jail cell.

“But why kidnap him?”

“He was being abused! What was I supposed to do, leave him there?”

“Try calling social services. They could have done something.”

"Todd, you read the newspapers; you know that never does any good. She would have lied about it and it would have been her word against Austin's. Even if they did investigate, it takes forever and in the mean time, Austin would still be in danger. I couldn't just leave him there like that. If you'd seen the bruises he had, you'd understand.”

“So you take him and go on the lamb, with Eric Stone of all people? God Karen, why? After everything he's done.”

“Eric's changed a lot,” Karen quickly jumped to the defense.

“Yeah right.”

“I don't want to argue about this,” Karen got up and quickly realized there was no place to go.

“OK, I'm sorry. But think about Christopher. He's been going through a LOT since you left, especially with Clayton dying. Have you sat down and talked to him?”

“Yes, I have. He understands why I did this and he's been so supportive—but I know it's hard for him.”

“He's been really hurting since you left.”

“I feel terrible. I told him how sorry I was.”

“I think it was the lying that made him angriest. Or the most hurt. And that you were with Eric Stone.”

Karen felt bad, but she did what she did for a reason. Now she just had to face the consequences and pray that when this nightmare was over, Christopher would still be there.

Dallas Ft. Worth Airpot

“What do you mean the Ewing jet isn't here?” Pam pleaded. All she wanted was to get to South Carolina and find out what happened to Bobby.

The clerk looked at the computer screen. “I'm sorry, but Christopher Ewing took the jet early this morning.”

“What? Where?”

“Pennsylvania.”

Pam looked confused and she turned away, wondering why her son took the Ewing jet. She'd have plenty of time to wonder later though. Right now, she needed some way to get to South Carolina.

She fished through her purse for her cell phone and dialed a number. Someone picked up on the third ring. “Ryanne! Hi,” Pam said.

“Pam, what's up? I haven't heard from you in a while!”

“I don't really have time to chat Ryanne, but I promise I'll call back later. Is Mark there?”

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Christopher wasn't entirely sure he was at the right house, but it matched the description he'd been given. He sucked in a deep breath as he started up the sidewalk, wondering all along if he was by some chance making a huge mistake.

Jan Anders opened the door after Christopher rang the doorbell. “Yes?” she said.

“Ms. Anders?”

“Yeah, it's me.”

“I've come to talk to you about your son.”

“Austin?”

“Yes. May I come in?"

Jan gave him a scrutinizing look, but he didn't appear to be dangerous. "Sure."

Christopher stepped inside and Jan closed the door. "Haven't they tried to contact you about him?”

“There was a message on the machine. I haven't had time to call back.”

What a mother, Christopher thought. “You really don't care what happens to him, do you Ms. Anders?”

Jan was silent for a few seconds. “That's not true.”

“It's a known fact you abused him.”

“That's a lie.”

“It's true. He had the marks to prove it.”

“He's a boy. You know how boys like to play rough.”

“He told Karen you hit him.”

“He's a liar,” Jan said, desperate.

“You're a liar.” Christopher's voice was firm.

“Who the hell are you?” Jan asked. Her voice was growing impatient and angry. She shifted to the other foot.

“Karen Ewing is my wife.”

“She's the woman who kidnapped my son…”

“I know you don't care about Austin, but my wife loves him and wishes she'd never given him up…and that's why I'm here.”

Christopher opened up the small duffel bag he was carrying. Inside were several stacks of money—all cash and a plane ticket.

Jan's eyes bugged out. “What's that for?”

“For you. Provided you leave the country tonight.”

“What about my son?”

“As far as we're concerned, he's Karen's son. So you have two options. One, you can take the money and leave the country. Or two, you stay here and we fight you for custody of Austin.”

“You can't do that…”

“Yes we can. I come from a very influential family and we're used to getting just about anything we want. Karen's a part of my family now and I'd do anything to make sure she's happy. If she wants her son, then that's what she'll get.” Christopher's voice was cold and mechanical.

“How much money is in here?”

“A million.”

Jan licked her lips and stared at the duffel bag. The instant she accepted the offer, Christopher knew he'd done the right thing. Any mother who would choose money over a child was no mother at all.

Above Dallas

The sun was just beginning to make its daily descent as the Graison jet made its ascent into the air. Pam clenched the armrest tightly and looked out the window at the reddened clouds. Ryanne Hancock, her longtime friend, sat next to her and Ryanne could sense the nervous anticipation running through Pam.

Pam turned to her and smiled. "Thanks for coming Ryanne..."

"Hey, no problem. What are friends for? And besides...somebody has to tag along to make sure nobody dents or crashes my boyfriend's jet." Ryanne was trying to lighten the mood and make Pam feel better, but she suddenly realized that Bobby's plane had crashed. "I'm sorry Pam, I didn't mean to..."

Pam didn't even hear what she said. She was deep in thought. In just a matter of hours, she'd been in South Carolina. “I'm coming for you Bobby…hang on.”

Rex's Penthouse

Still very much irritated, Rex Wentworth cursed modern technology as he walked over to answer the ringing cell phone. “What?” he answered.

“Rex, it's Gregor.”

“I know damned well who it is. Now what is it?”

“Bad news.” Gregor briefly paused, not sure how to break this to Rex. “Pam Ewing took a jet to South Carolina. Evidently, she also knows about the wreckage.”

Rex clenched the phone so tightly that his hand turned white and trembled. “Remember what I said Gregor. If your mistake ends up being my downfall…”

“I know.”

“If by some miracle Bobby Ewing is still alive, then he must never be allowed to return to Dallas. As soon as he does, he'll let the authorities know what I've done—and that can never happen. Bobby Ewing must be found and silenced—permanently.”

“So what do I do?”

“FIND HIM!” Rex yelled. “And when you do, kill him. I don't care how. Just see that it's done. In the meantime, you had damned well better find some way to stall Pam so she doesn't find him before you do.”

Across town, Gregor nodded and hung up the phone. He knew exactly what he had to do.

The Barnes Residence

Cally was not pleased when Hope Miller had called her earlier and asked her if she could stop by. And why had she asked about Justin? Cally said that he was spending the weekend at Southfork, but what did he have to do with anything? She just wanted this whole thing to be over with. She silently damned J.R.

Just as she was about to pick up her paintbrush, the doorbell rang. It was Detective Miller. And two officers.

Cally opened the door. “Hi. Come in.” She was still trying to be friendly.

“Calpurnia Harper, you have the right to remain silent….”

Cally started to scream and Hope Miller hoped the third time was a charm.

Credits Roll