Rex Wentworth was surprised at Afton's willingness to meet him for dinner, but he was glad she'd agreed. After a day full of bad news, he needed a night out on the town. And if that night also happened to be beneficial to his plan, then so be it. Rex still intended to make Cliff Barnes pay for Rebecca Wentworth's crimes against his mother.

He saw Afton walk in, looking beautiful and he stood up to pull out her chair. “Afton, you look absolutely ravishing tonight.”

Afton smiled up at him as she sat. “Thank you Rex. Now, let's get down to business. Why on earth did you want to meet me here tonight?”

Rex frowned. “Afton, do you think I need a reason to have dinner with a woman of such caliber as yourself?”

Afton was quickly growing weary of his superficial nature, but she decided to play along. “I suppose not.” It was then that Afton noticed there was a table of young men near them and they were all looking her way.

“Is everything alright?” Rex asked with some concern.

“I wish I knew.” One of the men at the table waved to Afton and Afton was surprised when two of them stood up and walked over to her table. “Is…there a problem?” Afton asked. Rex frowned, he was not a patient man, and these 'kids' were taking up his valuable time.

“No! No problem at all,” one of the men spoke up. “I watch your show on TV every day…I think you're awesome. I just wanted to say hi.”

A grin spread across Afton's face. “Well, thank you. I'm glad you're enjoying it.”

The two men walked back to their table and Afton turned back to Rex, who faked an amused look. “Seems like you're quite the celebrity around here.”

Afton was no longer listening to Rex; as she gazed around the room, her eyes locked with those of another man. She couldn't believe Cliff was here! Jamie and Cliff walked toward them and stopped by the table. Cliff appeared to be angry.

“Afton? What the hell are you doing here with Rex Wentworth? Good God, he's the man responsible for my brother-in-law's kidnapping, for crying out loud!”

Rex glared at Cliff. “Barnes, I am tiring of your tirades. I suggest you drop this immediately.”

Afton's jaw dropped. “Excuse me? But last time I checked, we weren't married. Your little blonde bimbo here made sure of that.”

Jamie's eyes widened and she stepped closer to Afton. “I'm sorry Afton, but you're the one that moved in on my marriage. I was married to Cliff long before you ever were.”

“You're forgetting one important detail. You were dead.” Afton's face had turned into a scowl. “And we'd all be better off now if you were still dead!”

Several people from the surrounding tables were frozen in place, with forks raised halfway to their mouths. They all listened to the heated argument.

Jamie bit her lip and then reached for Afton's martini, which she sloshed out on Afton's face. Afton screamed and almost turned her chair over trying to stand up.

“You bitch!” Afton searched the table and her eyes came to rest on a plate of pasta, which she picked up and flung, plate and all, at Jamie. It struck her across the shoulder and fell to the ground, leaving a trail of pasta down Jamie's dress.

Jamie was furious. It was time for someone to teach this woman a lesson. She made a lunge for Afton, causing them both to lose their balance and they crashed onto the table.

Cliff and Rex stared, but neither was sure what to do. Jamie grabbed a fistful of Afton's strawberry blonde hair and pushed her face down into a dish of tomato sauce.

Afton struggled to wipe the stinging sauce from her eyes and once she did, she picked up the vase of flowers from the center of the table and threw it at Jamie, just missing her. It sailed across the room and crashed harmlessly against the wall.

Rex, who had remained frozen in place, finally walked over to where Cliff was standing. “I suggest you take control of your uncivilized girlfriend.”

Cliff stared him in the eye; his contempt for the man and anger toward him for what he was doing to Pam, boiling up inside him. Before Rex realized what was happening, Cliff picked up the closest chair and hit Rex over the head with it.

The entire club was silent, except for the table of men that had been watching Afton earlier. A steady chant of “Afton! Afton! Afton!” was coming from their direction. They were her fans and couldn't believe that she was actually involved in something like they'd watched on her show.

Afton and Jamie continued to struggle as Rex punched Cliff across the jaw. Cliff rammed Rex in the chest with his shoulder and Rex fell onto the table. There was a loud snap as the table split in half and Rex, Cliff, and the table's contents fell to the floor.

Dora Mae ran to the table, followed by four security guards, two of which pulled Cliff and Rex apart. The other two separated Jamie and Afton.

Southfork Ranch

“What the hell did you do?” Sue Ellen threw her purse on the couch of the Southfork living room.

“Nice to see you too honey.” J.R. hardly looked up from the paper.

“I'm not going to even ask how you got your hands on that tape, but I know it was you.”

“What tape?”

“Don't play stupid with me. The tape, the one that shows you were trying to make it look like Cally was crazy. It's missing from my office.”

“Is that a fact?”

“Yes, and imagine, just before Cally gets arrested. Trying to cover your back J.R.”

“My back is always covered, Sue Ellen. You know that.”

“Get her out of that jail.”

“And how do you propose that I do that?”

“It's your fault that she's in there!” Sue Ellen snapped back.

“Sue Ellen, you're as crazy as your loony friend. Why would I care about that tape? It hurts Cally a lot more than me. In fact honey, if I were you, when I found it, I would burn it.”

“You don't fool me JR,” Sue Ellen walked closer to him and looked him straight in the eyes, “You're scared I'd use that tape and everyone would see what a rotten, lying snake you really are.”

“That tape only proves that Cally had a reason to hate me.”

“It would prove your wrongdoing.”

“But make Cally seem guiltier. And anyway, how do you know she didn't do it?”

“Are you serious?”

“She's pretty unbalanced. Have you heard some of the things she said to me? She just about threatened my life the day she tried to shoot me.”

“She didn't do it!”

“We'll see about that,” J.R. said as he got up. He folded up the paper and put it under his arm. “In the meantime, I'd be quiet about that tape. It's only going to hurt mama more, and Cally too. Now what kind of friend would you be to do that?”

Sue Ellen's eyes shot daggers at him as her ex-husband left the room.

The Barnes Residence

Cliff unlocked the door and opened it for Jamie. Both of them were covered in what was left of the meal from earlier. A check made out to the Oil Baron's Club had taken care of the damages—and prevented them from spending the night in jail. Jamie dropped her purse onto the couch and collapsed beside it.

“I can't believe the nerve of that woman Cliff!”

“Oh, I can, believe me. At least this time it didn't involve cow manure.”

Jamie looked bewildered. “What?”

“Nevermind.” Cliff picked up the phone and used the speed-dial feature to dial a number. “Yes…this is Cliff Barnes…I'd like to have my ex-wife, Afton Cooper, removed from my bank account…”

Todd's Apartment

“Hey,” Todd answered the door. Lucy could tell that he was stressed. “What's wrong?” She asked.

“This whole thing with Karen just has me worried,” he said, shutting the door behind her.

“It has everyone worried.”

“I'm just scared for her.”

“Christopher seemed to be on top of things last time I checked. Don't worry. Karen will be fine. Austin was being abused.”

“But that doesn't change the fact that she kidnapped him,” Todd said as he sat down on the couch next to Lucy.

“We've got a great lawyer for her. He'll tell the truth and get the jury to be sympathetic.”

“The truth is she kidnapped a kid, went on the lamb, and bashed some cop on the head! Her lawyer is gonna have to be real good to make that look pretty.”

“She did it to save her son from being hurt anymore,” Lucy stated back. She looked at Todd. “It's sweet that you care so much. Karen is lucky.”

He took out a cigarette and lit it. “Don't get too sappy,” he said almost as an aside. Lucy laughed. “So how are we going to kick J.R.'s butt?” she asked.

“That's a good question. I haven't really given it much thought, to be honest.”

“Then let's look at this logically. We have to hit him where it hurts. What does J.R. love most?”

“Satan?”

“Alright, second most,” Lucy said with a smile.

“Ewing Oil.”

“Exactly. Now we have to ask ourselves how we can get it away from him.”

“Set him up maybe? So that he has to sell some shares of Ewing Oil to get quick cash.”

“Hmmm….that's a good idea. How could we do that?”

“There's a lot of options,” Todd said. “Maybe set up a dummy corporation. Give J.R. a great deal that he can't refuse, only to have it fall in his face.”

“That's going to be tough. J.R. checks on everything.”

Todd sighed. He wanted to get at J.R., but things just seemed so futile. He was really worried about Karen, and that's all he could think about. Lucy picked up on his distance. “Are you still thinking about Karen?”

“Yeah. I just feel bad. She and Chris are my best friends here.”

“I know,” Lucy said. Though Todd liked to put on a 'tough guy' front, she thought that deep down they were a lot alike, and she could see that he was hurting.

“I don't have that many friends.”

“Join the club. I've never had many either. Just acquaintances. I had a very good friend once. Muriel. She died last year.”

“I'm sorry.”

“I am too. She had AIDS. I never really realized how much she meant to me until after she was gone.”

“You don't know what you got till it's gone, so the song says.” Todd said, inhaling a cigarette.

“Friends just never seemed important to me. It seemed like I was always searching for something else. Usually a guy. God, that all seems so stupid now.”

“Lucy, the quest for money has dominated much of my life. Don't feel bad. Now that I have it, I want something more.” Todd laughed. “Could I sound any more like a Hallmark card?”

“When you care enough to send the very best!” Lucy laughed.

“You are really lucky though. I've seen you and Neil together. You're totally Luke and Laura.”

“More like Mork and Mindy,” Lucy said dryly. “I'm more of the Mork.”

That got a belly laugh from Todd and as the hours rolled by, they didn't talk about J.R. or revenge. They talked about their lives, their pasts, and their dreams. The only thing unspoken was the attraction that neither wanted to admit.

A Dallas Hotel

It was late, but she didn't care. She had been out of the country, and stupidly out of touch. All the arrangements had been made, and the final part of the plan was supposed to be enacted. Supposed to. But something went wrong, and now Clayton was dead. Clayton was dead! It made her feel like she was being encompassed by a deep hole in her heart. He was really gone. That sweet, sweet man. And she was so lost.

Laurel Ellis, back in Dallas after so many years, didn't know what to do.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
the next day...

Normally, Pam would have relished the feeling of the fresh sea air on her face, but now, as she walked along the beach, she hardly noticed, she only thought about Bobby. She'd landed near Myrtle Beach, where the wreckage had washed up. There was a police line taping off the beach and the general area was deserted except for the Coast Guard and a few curious onlookers. Pam noticed a uniformed man barking orders to the rest and she walked over to him.

“Excuse me…”

“Ma'am, I'm gonna have to ask you to step back. We've got a job to do here.”

Pam bit her lip. “Do you have any idea who I am?”

“No ma'am I don't and frankly, I don't care.”

“My husband was the man in the plane crash and I want to know exactly what's going on—now.”

“Mrs. Ewing? I'm sorry…I didn't know.”

“Just tell me, what's going on?”

“Search and recovery operation.”

“Oh my God. You don't think Bobby's still out there somewhere?”

“If he is, then there's not much of a chance he could be alive. I'm sorry.”

Pam felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around. There was a young Spanish man, around twenty-five, standing there. He ran his hands through his hair. “Mrs. Ewing?”

“Yes?”

“I have some news that you may like to hear. There was a man they found on the beach in Anderson, up north of here. He fits your husband's description. He's in the hospital now. It could be him…”

Pam's eyes widened. “How do you know this?”

The man hesitated. “Someone told me. Excuse me.” As quickly as he arrived, the man was gone. Pam looked back to the coast guard officer she was talking to and then to the gathering crowd. She had to get to Anderson—wherever that was. The man up there could be Bobby. It wasn't much of a lead, but it was more than she had five minutes ago.

As she pushed her way through the crowd, a reporter stepped out in front of her and grabbed her by the arm, stopping her in her tracks. He was followed by a man holding a large video camera. “Excuse me, are you Mrs. Ewing?”

“Yes,” Pam replied, slightly annoyed.

“I'd like to ask you a few questions about your husband's death…”

Your husband's death. The words rang in Pamela's ears. Looking down at the man's hand, still on her arm, she said heatedly, “My husband is not dead. You should learn to get your facts straight!”

With that, Pam reached forward and grabbed the camera from the man's shoulder and then threw it onto the concrete, where it broke into pieces.

“You can't do that!” the man shouted. “You'll have to pay for that!”

Pam continued walking, without looking back. “Charge it to the Ewings.”

Away from the crowd, the Spanish man approached another man. “I have done it. I told the woman what you wanted me to tell her.”

Gregor Dervish grinned. “Fabulous.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small wad of cash, which the Spanish man happily accepted.

Downtown Dallas

The Dallas sun was already high in the sky as Christopher Ewing drove into Dallas. He was in a hurry; Karen would be arraigned today. There was plenty of time before the hearing began, but he wanted to talk to Karen before it started. Christopher was worried about her. The last time he had visited her, she seemed so despondent, almost as though she was resigning herself to life in jail.

Christopher's cell phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Mr. Ewing, this is Brooks Oliver.” This was the call that Christopher had been waiting for. Brooks Oliver was the attorney who was handling Austin's custody case. Mr. Oliver had flown to Pennsylvania for the hearing that determined who would get temporary custody of Austin. Christopher smiled to himself; already knowing everything the attorney was about to tell him.

The Dallas Galleria

After last night, all Afton felt she needed was a nice shopping spree at the mall—with Cliff's money. She still couldn't believe the nerve of Jamie Ewing, throwing that martini in her face and then starting a food fight! How humiliating!!

She thumbed through a rack of clothes until something caught her eye and she pulled it off the rack and threw it over her arm with the rest of the things she'd picked out. Thinking what she had was enough, at least from this store, she walked over to the checkout counter and dropped her items atop it.

The sales clerk quickly rang them up as Afton fished through her purse for the credit card Cliff had given her a while back.

The clerk took it, swiped it through, and then stared at the machine for a moment.

“Is there a problem?” Afton asked.

“Seems to be, let me try again.”

“I don't know what kind of problem there would be…I'm nowhere near the card's limit.”

“Looks like someone has cancelled this card. It's no longer valid, I'm sorry.”

Afton turned a bright shade or red. “WHAT?”

“You can't use this card. It's no good.”

CLIFF. “Umm, okay, I'm so sorry. If you'll wait just a second, I'll run across the mall and get some cash from the ATM.”

The man looked impatient, but he nodded. “Don't take too long.”

Afton felt relieved to be out of the store. She couldn't take another embarrassment like that, especially after last night. The ATM machine was straight ahead and she stepped up to it and inserted her card.

“What the…”

An error message flashed across the screen and Afton fumed. Her ever-loving ex-husband had cut off her credit AND her bank account access.

Dallas Courthouse

The officers 'guarding' Karen quickly cleared Christopher. They had grown to know him through his frequent visits to her over the last few days.

“Thanks guys,” he said to the officers as he headed straight for Karen.

“Sure thing Mr. Ewing.” If Christopher had been listening, he would have heard the guards talking; “Do you know how much money that guy is worth? And here he is with a wife in jail!”

“Yeah, but with that kind of cash, I'll bet she won't be here long.”

But Christopher wasn't listening. He had some news for Karen; news that he hoped would shake her out of her state of hopelessness.

“Karen.”

“Christopher, you didn't have to come so early. But I'm glad you did.” She smiled a weary smile. Christopher looked at her for a moment, no makeup and tired, puffy eyes; he thought she was just beautiful.

He kissed her briefly and sat down, gently taking her hands in his. “I don't want you to be scared about today, Adam assures me that this is purely technical, we go in, the other side reads the charges and you tell the judge that you are innocent.”

“I don't know if I can do that Christopher.”

“What? Why not?”

“I'm guilty.”

“Karen, you are not guilty.”

“I know that I gave birth to Austin, but legally I'm not his real mother, that means I kidnapped him, and I did run from the police, and I did hit an officer. The only thing that I can think of that I'm not guilty of is conspiracy and that's only because Eric and I didn't plan what I did.”

“You have to quit thinking like that. Technically what you did may fit the descriptions of those crimes, but there were other circumstances that have to be taken into consideration. That's why there are juries, so that those things can be taken into account. When the jury hears that he was being abused, they are going to understand why you had no choice but to do what you did.”

Karen was a little encouraged at Christopher's words and she thought back to the first time she met Roxanne in Mystique Point. She had understood why Karen took Austin and she didn't turn them in to the police; maybe a jury could understand too.

“And Karen, as for you not being Austin's real mother, you sacrificed your freedom to save that child from being hurt and that is being a 'real' mother, no matter what some papers may say. The jury will see that Karen, you've got to believe me.”

Karen looked up at Christopher and suddenly wondered if she really knew him at all. She loved him, she never doubted that for a minute; but she had never seen him this strong, this confident, this sure. She had put him through so much; so many times she hadn't been there for him. She silently promised herself that if she got out of this mess she would never make those mistakes again.

“I do, I will.”

Chris smiled and said, “Anyway, I think I've got a little news that will cheer you up.”

“I can't imagine what could be!”

“Well, what if I told you that Austin isn't going back to Jan, or even back to Pennsylvania, he is staying right here in Dallas.”

Karen threw her arms around him. “Oh Christopher, I knew you wouldn't let me down.” But then her eyes quickly clouded over and she looked down at the floor, trying not to cry.

“What's wrong?”

“I, … I'm really grateful that you were able to keep him in Dallas, I just hate to think of him in one of those foster homes.”

“Oh… well, I wouldn't worry about that, I hear that the place he is staying at is really nice.”

Karen didn't look up.

“I mean it sweetheart, it's a big place with a lots of people around to look after him.”

Karen said, “that doesn't sound too bad, but…”

Chris continued, “and there is a great big swimming pool and horses and he even has his own room.”

Karen still didn't look up; the thought of Austin in foster care was too difficult. “Christopher I know you did your best and I'm sure the place is all right.” Suddenly his words hit her and so did the realization of what he had just said!! “Oh, Christopher! You aren't really telling me that Austin is actually at Southfork?”

Christopher just smiled. Karen again threw her self into his arms. “How? How did you do it? You've made me so happy, and I was beginning to think that I would never feel that way again!”

“Good. Now you just keep thinking about the fact that you are going to get out of here because you have two people at home who need you very, very much.”

“You're right, I do.” She said quietly as she kissed him passionately.

“Ahem,” It was one of the guards. “Sorry Mr. and Mrs. Ewing, but it's time to go.”

Dallas Jail

Cally had been short of breath ever since she had gotten to the courthouse. She couldn't believe that she was there. Her bail hearing had been set for tomorrow, and Sue Ellen had hired her an excellent lawyer. She was grateful to her friend, but she wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. The one and only decent thing that she could say about J.R. was that he managed to get Justin away from the whole ordeal of the last day. James had gone back East, and J.R. had arranged it with Justin's school that he should be allowed to have a few days off to visit with his older brother. James was more than happy to comply. Cally thanked him for that.

But now she was in jail, and she felt hopeless. She hadn't done anything. She couldn't have harmed Clayton. Never in a million years. Sue Ellen had visited her, and Lucy too. She knew she had support. But all she felt was alone.

Southfork Ranch

Theresa put down the feather duster and quickly walked over to the ringing phone. “Southfork Ranch.”

“Theresa?”

“Yes?”

“This is Melissa. Is John Ross there?”

“No, I'm afraid he's not.”

“Oh…any idea where he might be? I need to talk to him.”

“I believe he was going to the Barnes residence to spend some time with little Megan.”

Melissa frowned. That was the last place she wanted to go now, but her trip had given her plenty of time to think about what needed to be said and done—now she just needed to find John Ross.

Neil and Lucy's House

The phone rang, but before Lucy could move to answer it, Neil was out of his seat. She noticed his edginess of the last few days. Ever since he had broken the coffee cup. She tried to put it out of her mind, but there was something going on. He was acting so strange.

“Hello?” Neil said.

There was a click and dial tone. “Who is this?” Neil shouted. “What do you want?”

“Sweetie, I think they hung up,” Lucy had come up behind him. “It was probably just a wrong number.”

“Have we been getting a lot of calls like that?” He asked.

“Not that I noticed,” Lucy said. What was going on? Why was he so hostile. “Why would we be?”

“I don't know, it was just a question Lucy!”

“What's wrong?”

“Nothing's wrong,” Neil was quick to bounce back. He made his way over to the table and continued with his cup of coffee. A concerned Lucy sat across from him. There was silence for a moment.

“So, have you heard anything about Cliff lately?” Neil finally spoke.

“He's pretty much in the clear. Cally's now the main suspect, and that just means the police are fools. You knew about Cliff though, didn't you?”

“Yeah, I was just wondering if you had talked to him, or Afton or someone.” Neil's eyes darted. He was getting even edgier.

“Is that what you're problem is?”

“What problem?”

“The reason why you've been acting so weird lately,” Lucy said accusingly. “Are you jealous of Cliff or something?”

Neil breathed a sigh of relief that she had no idea Afton was the one he was worried about. “No. That's crazy.”

“You seem to ask a lot of questions about Cliff. News flash Neil. I'm over him.”

“You don't have to get so snappy.” Neil was getting a little upset now. Was she accusing him of being jealous?

“Well you don't have to be so edgy.”

“I can't believe you're accusing me of being jealous! I should be the one quizzing you.”

Lucy was genuinely shocked. “Why is that?”

“You seem to be spending an awful lot of time with Todd Foster lately. I was asleep when you got home last night.”

“Oh God, we're working on a business deal. It's nothing.”

“I've heard he's a womanizer. Just be really careful.”

“Are you doubting me now? Do you think I can't take care of myself or that I can't say no?”

“I never said that,” Neil replied.

“I guess not in so many words.”

“I can't believe we're having this conversation!”

“You're the one that brought it up,” Lucy slammed her fist in frustration. “Ugh. I have to go. I'm late.”

“Meeting Todd?”

“Actually, I am. We have some more business---and just business---to discuss. I'll see you later.” She grabbed her purse and stormed out of the room.

Neil supposed he should have felt bad, but all he could feel was relief. Their little tiff had been a good smoke screen to cover up his edginess; and most importantly, now he knew that Afton hadn't gotten to her yet.

Dallas Courthouse

Judge Moore sat down and looked at the defendants in front of him. Karen Ewing and Eric Stone. Silently, he hoped they weren't guilty, or better yet, that they would plea 'no contest' and he could be rid of this case. He hated publicity and this case, should it go to trial was sure to draw a lot of it.

“Alright, let's get this over with. What are the charges?”

Ms. Bennet stood. Adam motioned for Karen to do the same, as did Eric and his attorney, Stanley Overton.

“Your Honor, Mr. Stone is charged with kidnapping, conspiracy to commit a crime, aiding and abetting in the commission of a crime, accessory after the fact, and obstruction of justice.”

Judge Moore looked at Eric over the top of his glasses. “Well, that's an impressive list Mr. Stone. I assume you have had time to discuss this with your attorney?”

Stanley answered for him. “Yes, Your Honor.” Eric glanced at Karen, who was looking down at the floor. He could see that she felt guilty about dragging him into this and he hoped that she knew that he didn't blame her. In fact, had he known what she was doing ahead of time, he would have gone with her anyway.

Christopher sat just behind Karen and Adam. He was trying hard not to even look in Eric's direction, his anger toward Eric was already at the boiling point and he needed to control it.

“So, Mr. Stone, how do you plea to these charges?”

Eric hesitated and looked at Karen, hoping to catch her eye. She didn't look up. “Not guilty, Your Honor.”

“Very well, clerk please register that.”

Judge Moore turned his attention to Karen. “And what are the charges against Mrs. Ewing?”

“Your Honor, Mrs. Ewing is charged with kidnapping, conspiracy to commit a crime, assaulting an officer and obstruction of justice.”

“Young lady, I assume you also have had time to discuss these charges with your attorney?”

“Yes sir, Your Honor.”

“How do you plea?”

Christopher held his breath. Adam had talked to him just before the hearing. He said that he had told Karen that he thought they had a good case for a jury trial, but the final decision was up to her.

Karen answered in a very quiet voice.

“What was that? I'm sorry Mrs. Ewing, you're going to have to speak up.”

Karen took a deep breath and looked up, “Not guilty, Your Honor.”

Christopher breathed a sigh of relief.

“Clerk, please register that plea, now lets set a trial date, I assume you wish to try them as co-defendants, Ms. Bennet.”

The judge and lawyers continued to discuss the details, trial dates, and jury selection…. But neither Christopher, Karen nor Eric was listening, each one was wondering about his or her own future.

Southfork Ranch

Laurel Ellis cautiously approached the front door of Southfork. It had been more than ten years since she had been there, and nothing seemed different. But Southfork without Clayton. The thought was too horrible.

She rang the doorbell. She was nervous to see Miss Ellie. What was she going to say? She just prayed she didn't see J.R. The man revolted her. And the way he made her sleep with him, just to get Clayton out of jail. It still made her shudder to think about it.

Laurel was surprised when a man answered the door and not the maid. “Hi,” the man said with a smile.

“Hello. Is Miss Ellie here?”

“No she's not. Can I take a message.”

“Yes. My name is Laurel Ellis. I'm an old friend of Clayton and Ellie's. I just got in town and I wanted to pay my condolences.”

“Well, I'm sure Miss Ellie would love to see you. Do you have a number.”

“Yes. Do you have something I can write with?” Laurel asked.

“Oh gosh, sorry. Come on in.” Laurel stepped inside. “I'm Jack Ewing. Miss Ellie's nephew.”

Laurel shook hands with Jack. There seemed to be such genuineness about him. After he let go, he searched in a drawer for a pen and paper. Laurel let her gaze wander around the room.

Then she saw it. Her painting. The painting. It was in the living room, tucked in a corner. They hadn't put it up. It didn't look disturbed in the least.

“Here you go,” Jack said, forcing Laurel to quickly turn around.

“Thank you.” She scribbled the number of her hotel on the pad. “Please tell Ellie to call me as soon as she can. I have a question for her.”

“I will,” Jack said as he walked her over towards the door. “Hey wait a second, I think I've heard of you, did you do that painting in the living room?”

“Yes, why?” Laurel asked defensively.

“Oh, I was just curious. I like it. Clayton once mentioned that his friend Laurel had painted it. I was just putting two and two together.”

Silently, Laurel was hoping that is what she would be able to do.

The Barnes Residence

Melissa saw that John Ross' car was parked outside the house and she stepped out of her own and walked to the front door, where she rang the doorbell. There was no answer and she rang it again, but still, no answer.

Then she heard voices coming from around back, so she walked around the house to find a small crowd of people standing there on the patio. John Ross and Pamela Rebecca were among them, but she didn't recognize any of the others.

One voice stood out above the rest. “Do you, Pamela Rebecca Cooper, take John Ross Ewing III to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

Pamela Rebecca grinned—a triumphant grin and said emphatically, “Yes, yes I do.”

Melissa stepped forward, wide-eyed and completely shocked. Were her ears and eyes deceiving her? How could this be happening? Her John Ross was actually marrying that little witch! “Just what the hell is going on here?”

John Ross and Pamela Rebecca turned around and John Ross dropped her hands. “Melissa…”

Pamela Rebecca spoke up in a victorious tone. “You're just in time to see us get married. Why don't you sit down?”

John Ross suddenly felt confused and a little nauseous. He thought he was doing the right thing, but then just seeing Melissa standing there brought back a rush of feelings. He still loved her; there was no denying it. He hadn't seen her in so long and looking at her standing there, pregnant with his child, and seeing the hurt in her eyes…. His thoughts were interrupted.

The cramp that shot throughout Melissa's stomach caused her knees to buckle and she fell to the ground, writhing in pain.

John Ross ran over to her and kneeled down. “Melissa…are you okay?”

“NO! It's the baby…oh God, it hurts…please…I can't be going into labor…it's not time, not for two more months…”

“Oh my God.” John Ross turned around to the crowd of Pamela Rebecca's friends. “Somebody call an ambulance!”

Credits Roll