“…and it looks like the summer heat wave has settled over Dallas. From the looks of things, I don't think we'll see the end of it anytime soon, because it's already May and the temps are already soaring up into the 90s. So for those of you listening to me out there, here's a fact: summer ain't comin', it's already here! We'll be back with more of today's hits and yesterday's favorites after these words from our sponsors!”

Jillian casually switched off the radio and stretched back out on the lawn chair, soaking in the summer sun. The patio door slid open and she heard someone walk out onto the concrete and then a shadow was cast over her. “Whoever you are, you're blocking my sun…”

“I hope you're wearin' sunscreen honey. You know what they say about sun and cancer these days.”

Jill pulled off her sunglasses and looked up. “Daddy, hi. No, I'm not wearing any. All that sun and skin cancer stuff is just hype to get us to buy sunscreen.”

“I wouldn't be so sure about that darlin'. Better to be safe than sorry, so why don't you go in and ask Theresa for some? She knows better than anybody else where all that stuff stays. And say, aren't you supposed to be at school?”

“Nope, we're just having finals today.”

“And you're not taking them?” J.R. put down his briefcase and took a seat on a nearby chair. “Maybe we should have a little talk about school. There's no way in hell I'm gonna let you do like that Lucy did when she was your age.”

“I'm exempt. You know…I made good grades, had perfect attendance and all that stuff.”

J.R. grinned. “Oh, I should have known that my daughter would achieve something like that. I'm proud of you. So, got a report card back yet?”

“Nope, not yet, but I've got all A's, I know that much. I had to to be exempt.”

“Well, I'll be ! Glad to see that at least one of my children is growing up to be someone I can be proud of. Anyway, I'll see you later Jillian. Have fun…and don't forget the sunscreen.”

Dallas Courthouse

Christopher, Karen and Adam Demerest sat in a small counseling room preparing for Karen and Eric's trial. The room was filled with tension as the three discussed the way the trial would precede. It was stifling hot, despite the small air conditioner and the heat only added to the feelings of frustration and stress.

“Karen, I know that you want a chance to tell your side of the story, but you need to know, that as a general rule, I don't advise defendants to take the stand. It's just too dangerous.”

“But no one else can tell what really happened except me.”

Christopher said quickly, “ Eric could take the stand.” Christopher was having a hard time understanding why Karen was so adamant about testifying. He hired Adam because he was the best and yet Karen seemed to be fighting him on every decision.

Karen replied, “That's exactly what I don't want to happen. I got Eric into this, and I am the only one who can clear him.”

“That's his attorney's job Karen, not yours.” Christopher's eyes were blazing now. The last thing he wanted was for Karen to jeopardize her case in order to clear that scum Eric Stone. His jealously over Karen and Eric's weeks away together was getting the best of him. Karen told him that nothing had happened between them and he believed her. Still, there was no getting around the fact that the time had been spent away from him and with Eric Stone.

“All right you two, if we are going to win this trial, we need to stay focused. We don't have to make the decision about whether Karen will testify right now. We have other matters to discuss. I want to prepare you for what is going to happen in there today. First the prosecution is going to give their opening statement. That is where we they tell the jury what they are going to try to prove. And then we get our turn. Except that we will state our case and hopefully, if I can slip it in, tell the reasons why the prosecution's case is not valid. Normally I would have a theory to argue to directly counter the prosecution's case, but I'm afraid the facts are against us here.” Chris and Karen both knew that that was Adam's tactful way of saying that just looking at the facts, Karen looked very guilty.

“Karen the reason that I want you to be prepared is that in most every case when the prosecution is done with their case, and even sometimes at the end of the opening statement, the defendant looks guilty whether they are or not.”

There was a knock on the door and a clerk peeked in, “Judge Moore will be ready in 5 minutes Mr. Demerest.” Then just as quickly, the door closed.

Karen and Christopher began to get up, but Adam remained sitting. Chris and Karen looked at each other and sat back down, waiting for him to speak. Adam adjusted his tie.

Finally, he looked at Karen and said, “There is one other thing that I want you to be aware of. I received the prosecution's witness list today. Austin is on it.”

“Oh no! They can't do that to him. You can't let them. He's only a little boy!”

“Calm down Karen. I hate to be so blunt, but they can and they will. He's probably going to be their main witness.”

“But how can they do that, he's only 6 years old!”

“There are no age limits for witnesses. As long as he knows the difference between the truth and a lie, he can testify.”

Christopher spoke up, “so what you're saying is that there is nothing we can do about it?”

Karen put her hand to her mouth and her words were muffled. “But he's been through so much already. I've tried so hard to protect him and now this.”

“Karen, if it's any consolation, I can guarantee you that the prosecution will go easy on him. The last thing any lawyer wants to do in a jury trial is badger a little kid. Now, come on let's get in there before we are all held in contempt of court!”

Dallas Memorial Hospital

“Pamela Rebecca Cooper! What the hell were you doing getting married without even telling me about it? I don't care if you marry John Ross; but neither I, nor your father heard the first thing about this! Don't you think this something that you might want to at least tell your parents about first!” Afton threw her arms up in the air from exasperation. She'd been driving home from her day of shopping when Pamela Rebecca had called from the hospital, telling her what had happened.

“John Ross wanted it that way. We spent a lot of time talking about this. He decided that he didn't want Megan growing up being shuttled back and forth between her parents like he was when he was a kid. I knew he was doing it all for Megan, but he would have eventually grown to love me…I know he would have.”

“Is Melissa alright? What about the baby?”

“I don't know. I haven't heard anything. All I know is that they're with the doctor. I can't believe that she just showed up like that at my wedding. Another three minutes and John Ross would have been all mine.” ”

“Where is Cliff?”

“I don't know. Why?”

“I need to talk to him. I guess you've heard about what happened last night at the Oil Baron's Club?” Afton finally took a seat and crossed her legs.

“No. Should I have?”

“Jamie Ewing just went crazy and started a food fight and I was involved. I was so humiliated…and today, your father cut me off from our bank account and took away my credit card access.”

“What? I am just about sick of that Jamie…she ruined our family for crying out loud! And now Dad is doing this to you? She has to be behind this.”

Afton sighed. “My thoughts exactly.”

Neil and Lucy's

The telephone startled Neil out of a peaceful nap, the first in a long while. Lucy stirred from hers as well.

“Ugghh...” Neil groggily mumbled.

“Maybe they found Bobby,” Lucy said, suddenly wide-awake.

Neil picked up the phone, which was on his side of the bed. “Hello?” His throat was dry.

“Neil? It’s Kimberly.” At the sound of her voice, he started to panic. Kimberly never called him, something must be wrong with Tiffany.

“What’s wrong? Is Tiffany alright?”

Next to Neil, Lucy began to grow concerned. “What’s wrong?” she whispered.

“She’s fine. Well, she’s going to be fine. She needs to get her appendix out. It burst last night.”

“Oh my God,” Neil said. “Is she OK?”

“What’s wrong?” Lucy demanded.

“Her appendix,” Neil mouthed while holding his hand over the speaker. He turned his attention back to the phone.

“She was in a lot of pain, but they’ve got her on medication. She’s going in for surgery tonight. It’s scheduled for eight.”

“I’m coming up. I’m on the next flight. I’ll call you from the airport,” Neil began to get out of bed and put his pants on while cradling the phone. “Bye,” he uttered as he hung up the phone.

Neil began to scramble frantically around the room, throwing things into a knapsack.

“Did it burst?” Lucy asked, still lying in bed. Everything was happening so suddenly.

“Yeah. She’s going to have it removed this evening. I need to be with her.”

“Let me go with you,” Lucy said as she got out of bed.

“No, Lucy you don’t have to do that.”

“Of course I do.”

“I don’t know how long I’ll be gone for.”

Lucy put on her bathrobe and walked over to him. “It’s a really simple operation. She’ll be out of the hospital tomorrow.”

“I don’t know if I’m coming back,” Neil uttered.

“What?” Lucy said, shocked.

“I mean, right away. I kind of want to stay a few days. I’ve hardly seen Tiffany in months. I’m sorry it took this, but this is a perfect opportunity to visit.”

“So I’ll come with you!”

“I appreciate this, sweetie. I really do. But, gosh, I don’t know how to say this. I think it would be better if I went alone.”

“What? Why?” Lucy could not disguise the hurt on her face. “Is Tiffany mad at me?”

“No! Why do you think that?”

“Well why can’t I come? Are you mad at me?”

“No, of course not! It’s just. I know this sounds stupid, but I haven’t spent any father-daughter time with Tiffany is ages. Just us, like it used to be. Do you know what I’m saying?”

“So you can still spend time alone with her if I come. I won’t get in your way. I’ll stay in the hotel or go shopping or something. I don’t know. I'll go along just to keep you company on the way. Besides, I really want to come with you Neil.”

“I’ve got a lot of work I can do on the flight. In fact, if I’m going to leave soon, there is a lot of work I HAVE to do on the flight. It would be boring for you.”

“Why are you making excuses?” Lucy said, growing hostile. Why was Neil acting so strange of late?

“Why are you getting so angry?” Neil said, raising his voice.

“Because you’re telling me I can’t come on a trip with you. You’re my husband for God’s sakes!”

“Is it so wrong to spend a little bit of time with my daughter. Just us? That’s all this is really about.”

“But it’s not going to be the two of you. Kimberly will be there. Hell, I’m sure she’ll be flying to Dallas soon to be with Karen during the trial. You’ll be getting to spend lots of time with her.”

“Is this a jealousy thing? Because we’ve gone through this before.”

“Well maybe we need to go through it again.”

“Will you stop this? I can’t believe you of all people are getting jealous. I’m the one that should be jealous!” Neil was getting increasingly hostile.

“Oh God, not Todd again. Will you just drop that?” Lucy rolled her eyes.

“Then drop the whole Kimberly talk. I’m going—alone.” Neil zipped his knapsack shut, and stormed out of the room into the bathroom. Lucy could hear the shower start running. Damn him! Why was he being so difficult? Why was he being so distant? That was the more appropriate question, Lucy thought to herself. There was something bothering him, but she couldn’t place her finger on what it was. Did she do something wrong?

In the shower, Neil felt guilty. He didn’t want to hurt Lucy, but he needed to go alone. He just needed to get away. Lately, he was spending his days in a constant state of dread, waiting for Afton to call. He had no idea when she was going to call. IF she was going to call. He needed a plan, but it was too hard to think in Dallas. He felt like Afton was breathing down his neck. He would get away, just for a few days, and sort everything out. Then he’d have to act. He prayed it wasn’t drastically.

Dallas Courthouse

The courtroom was silent and everyone stood as Judge Joseph Moore walked into the room and sat. Judge Moore gave a nod to the bailiff and everyone was told to be seated. He was not looking forward to this trial. The Ewings and the Stones/Barnes were all powerful and well-known families in Dallas. Already the publicity was at a fevered pitch. He barely got from his car to the courthouse this morning without being mobbed.

“Alright, I want to get a few things straight before we begin. Mr. Demerest, Mr. Overton and Mr. Marshall I don't want to have to say this more than once. This is my courtroom and I will not have it turned into a circus. With that said, Mr. Demerest and Mr. Overton, I have decided on your motion to sequester the jury. Due to all of the attention that this case is getting in the media, the full jury, as well as the alternates will be put up in a hotel for the duration of these proceedings.”

Adam reached over and reassuringly patted Karen on the hand. That was the ruling they were hoping for. His plan was to set the scene for the jurors to be completely sympathetic to Karen. Just looking at the facts of the case, there was no doubt that she would be convicted. But Adam Demerest had a few aces up his sleeve and his plan was to get the jury to look beyond the facts. Adam was going to make them see through Karen's eyes.

“Let's get moving.” Judge Moore sat back and settled in. It was going to be a long day. “Bailiff, bring in the jury.” All twelve members of the jury plus the two alternates filed in and were seated in the jury box.

“Mr. Marshall, are you waiting for an invitation?” Wonderful, nothing like a little sarcasm to start your day, thought Clark. Clark Marshall was the 'lucky' prosecutor assigned to this case. He didn't want it. But neither did any other attorney in the office.

He stepped to the podium that separated the prosecution and defense tables and began. “Your Honor, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we are here today for one reason and one reason only. And that is to see that justice is done. You must never loose sight of that fact. The crimes that the defendants are charged with are serious ones not to be downplayed or overlooked. The prosecution is going to prove that Eric Stone and Karen Ewing drove to Pennsylvania with the express purpose of kidnapping a little six year old boy, Austin Anders.”

Karen sat looking at the jury. These were the people who would decide whether she would be free to go home to her husband and son, or whether she would spend a good part of her life in jail. Eight women and four men; Adam had told her that they couldn't have hoped for a better jury. All of the women except one were mothers and two of the men had daughters of their own. Adam had said that juror number five was the only one they had to worry about. He had an adopted son and probably wouldn't be too sympathetic.

Karen cringed as she listened to Mr. Marshall recount the events of the last few weeks for the jury. As he told them that she had kidnapped 'a little boy', it was all she could do to stop herself from standing up and screaming, 'I was protecting MY SON. He was hurt and I had to rescue him!' But she fought off the urge and instead looked over at Adam who was furiously writing notes on a legal pad. She breathed a sigh of relief knowing that if anyone could get her out of this, he could.

As for Adam, he was feeling great. He loved the courtroom and the adrenaline rush of a jury trial; in fact, he lived for it. He was listening intently to Marshall and taking notes, not because he was surprised by anything he heard; he already knew what they were going to say, the angle they would take. Prosecutors were so predictable. But he loved to take notes on their exact words and use them against them when making his opening statement. He smiled; this prosecutor was giving him plenty to work with.

Stan Overton sat hunkered over the table. He was supposed to be Adam's co-counsel, but he knew from the start that Adam needed no help; in fact, he didn't want any help. So Stan had been relegate to the position of paid spectator. He really didn't mind. He was a good attorney in his own right, but he had to admit that it was fun to sit back and watch Adam work; he was one of those rare breeds that was congenial and charming most of the time, but get him inside the doors of a courtroom and watch out. So Stan didn't mind getting paid just to sit at the defense table, besides, his client was being well represented.

Eric sat at the end of the table, next to Stanley Overton. He kept glancing at Karen, but she was lost in her own thoughts. The prosecutor was making them sound so guilty. But then again, he thought, they were guilty. He didn't care what would happen to him if they lost the case, he just couldn't stand the thought of Karen spending years in jail. He looked over at Adam and hoped that he was as good as his reputation.

“……. And so, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, that is why the prosecution is certain that after closely studying the facts, you will return a verdict of guilty in the case of 'the state vs. Karen Ewing and Eric Stone'. Thank you.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, we will take a fifteen minute recess before hearing what Mr. Demerest and Mr. Overton have to say.” BANG! Karen jumped at the sound of the gavel echoing through the courtroom.

Downtown Dallas

Afton Cooper was pissed. Damn Cliff and damn that Jamie Ewing. Oh wait, Jamie Ewing Barnes. Afton had to correct herself. After all, they were married. She hated them both. Especially Cliff. How could he do this to her? After all they had been through?

She needed to vent, to just let off some steam. What better way than to make someone else suffer? Afton picked up her cell phone and dialed Neil’s cell phone number. The little charade with Lucy had lasted too long. She wanted that bitch to suffer---after all, if Afton wasn’t happy, why should Lucy be? And what better way than to know her husband had betrayed her. The one person she trusted most in the world. It did Afton’s heart good to think about it.

After the fourth ring, Neil’s voicemail picked up. “Hi, you’ve reached the voicemail of Neil Lancaster. I’ve unexpectedly had to leave town for a few days, but you can leave me a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. If this is an emergency, you can reach my secretary at….” Afton hung up.

Where did he go? Nothing had happened with the Ewings. She definitely would have heard about that. Maybe something with Neil’s family? It didn’t matter. It was just her luck that when she wanted to finally put this whole thing in motion, Neil wasn’t around.

Lucy Ewing would suffer soon enough, Afton decreed to herself.

Lee Park

“God Jamie, I don't know what's come over me. I feel like a teenager again.” Cliff followed Jamie to a park bench near the lake and they both took a seat.

Jamie smiled. “I'm so sorry about last night…”

“Don't be. Afton had it coming to her. She deserved everything she got and more.”

“I love you Cliff…I can't help it. I didn't want to ruin your marriage.”

Cliff smiled, but didn't return the I love you. “I know. But maybe it's for the best.”

“Do you still love Afton?”

Cliff hesitated, thinking about the question. Of course he still loved Afton, but now he was torn. Jamie was back…she wasn't dead. Now he had a chance to right all the wrongs from years back. Now he could prove that he could be a good husband to her—a husband that wouldn't marry her just for her percentage of Ewing Oil and then dump her. He had to admit that what he was feeling for Jamie right now was something stronger than friendship. But the question was, was he feeling it out of guilt, or because he really did love her?

“A part of me still loves Afton. You have to understand that. But Afton really showed her ugly side last night.”

“I did too.”

“Your ugly side is nowhere near as bad as Afton's…not to mention the fact that you don't show it quite as much.”

“What about me? Do you have feelings for me?”

Cliff didn't hesitate. He'd already thought about this long and hard. “Yeah, I think I do.”

Jamie smiled. “Then kiss me Cliff…”

And he did…and he held nothing back in doing so.

Dallas Courthouse

Adam Demerest stood and buttoned his suit jacket. He walked to the podium and faced the jury. When he spoke, it wasn't with the refined voice of a Harvard graduate, but in his best Texas drawl. “Your honor, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I am Adam Demerest and I have the honor of representing Mrs. Karen Ewing. My sidekick over there is Stanley Overton, and he is here representing Mr. Eric Stone. First of all, I want to thank you all for serving on this jury. Mr. Marshall over there and I promise that we will try to keep this thing rolling along so y'all can get back to your families as soon as possible. Jury duty is not an easy job, but it's one of the most important jobs in this country.”

He stepped from behind the podium and walked to the front of the defense table. “You see, these two young people sitting here are counting on each of you to listen to all of the evidence and then come to a honest and unprejudiced verdict. I personally have faith that you will do that. In fact, I have such faith in each of you that I look forward to hearing from the prosecution's witnesses. Because I know that what you are going to hear from them is going to be a much different story from the one that Mr. Marshall has painted for you today. That's a good way for you to think about this case, think of it as a picture that has been altered and painted over two or three times, Mr. Marshall painted over a picture for you and what we are going to do is peel away all of that paint and find the real picture underneath.”

“Well, what is that picture? What does the evidence say?”

“Let's you and me take a look at it together. We know that in the picture that Mr. Marshall painted for you, he told you that a few weeks ago Karen and Eric rented a car and drove to Pennsylvania. Well, there's nothing wrong with that, nothing criminal about it. Except Mr. Marshall wants you to believe that that car trip was the starting point of an evil plan to kidnap 'a little boy'. Now here's where we have to scrape off some of that paint because what Mr. Marshall didn't tell you, and what the evidence will show is that not only was there no plan to kidnap the child, but the car trip itself wasn't even planned. Karen Ewing was working as a volunteer in a hospital and she met a little boy there.” As Adam unfolded the story before them, the members of the jury were listening intently, some of them taking notes and others leaning forward in their seats.

“This little boy in the hospital really got to Karen, he reminded her of another little boy, one that she had put up for adoption when she was only sixteen years old. She didn't want to do give him up. The selfish thing to do would have been for her to try to keep him and raise him herself even though she knew she couldn't provide for him. So she did what a true mother will do and she put the welfare of her baby first. She hoped that a family who would love him and provide for him would adopt him. And for six long years she lived with the longing to see her little boy. Not to take him away, but to just see him. To know what he looked like and where he was and most importantly to know that he was being loved and taken care of. Pardon me.” Adam stepped back to the table to take a drink of the water that he had sitting there. He took his time getting a few sips. He didn't really need a drink, his purpose was to give the jury a moment to think about what he had just said before he moved on.

“Thank you. The evidence will show that one day after visiting the little boy in the hospital, Karen decided to go see her own little boy. I don't know how many of you have ever driven to Pennsylvania, but it is quite a far piece from Dallas. She needed some one to help her drive and keep her company, so she asked her friend Eric to come along. As the evidence will show, Eric Stone was not along to help her come up with and carry out some evil plan, he was there for practical reasons; and to be a friend.”

“Now Mr. Marshall said that he will produce records of their renting a car and staying in a hotel in Pennsylvania and he wants you to believe that this is evidence of some plan. Keeping peeling off that paint ladies and gentlemen because, I don't know about you, but the last time I drove somewhere, I needed a car!” Laughter broke out throughout the courtroom and Mr. Marshall sprung to his feet.

“Your Honor, I object!”

Judge Moore scowled. “What are the grounds for your objection Mr. Marshall?”

“Well, I…I object…” he stammered.

“Since you appear to have no valid grounds the objection is over ruled. Sit down Mr. Marshall.”

Adam continued. “Now, where were we? Oh, yes, we were driving. Karen and Eric arrived in Pennsylvania and found out where little Austin lived. Now, when they went to the house to find him, the evidence will show that what Karen found was that he was not living with a family who loved him and was taking care of him. He was living with a mother who abused him; beat him. She talked to the boy and he himself told her that his mother hit him. She saw the bruises. Horrible bruises. What did she do? She left, but she couldn't get the sight of those bruises out of her head. And I ask you, what mother could? She felt panicky and desperate to get her son out of danger. And so she went back to the house. It was nighttime and Jan Anders, Austin's so called mother, had left her little six year old alone in the house. So Karen took him to safety. Now, did she take the time to think through what she was doing? Did she talk to Eric and have him come and help her? When she took Austin from the house, did she check to see if anyone was watching her? The answers to all of these questions are 'no she didn't'. And why didn't she? The prosecution would have you believe that what Karen Ewing did was kidnap her own son. I don't call that kidnapping, I call that an act of compassion; the act of a mother trying to protect her child in the only way that she knew how. Did she make a mistake? Perhaps, but mistakes aren't necessarily criminal acts. Keep peeling off that paint, we're not done.”

“Mr. Marshall said that they will show how Karen and Eric obstructed justice by fleeing from the police and hiding out with Austin. But think closely about this evidence, why did Karen and Eric run? Were they trying to avoid being arrested for fear of their own fate, because they had committed some crime? That is what the prosecution would have you believe, but members of the jury, I ask you, if that were true, why did they come back to Dallas, a place where they would surely be recognized? Why did Karen turn herself in to the Dallas police? By the way, the evidence will show that Eric was about to do the same thing before he was arrested. The prosecution's answer makes no sense. Because the reason they fled was not for themselves, but to protect Austin. Karen and Eric wanted to get that little boy as far away from his abuser as they could and they wanted to get back to Dallas where he could be properly taken care of while they faced whatever charges they had to face in order to save that little boy. The evidence will show that they cannot be guilty of fleeing a crime because they committed no crime.”

“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, be very careful. Be alert. Don't be fooled by the picture that is being painted. To decide this case, you must look deeper; you must look into the heart of a mother afraid for the very life of her child. And then, if you can do that, you will see the picture clearly. And what you will see is that Karen Ewing and Eric Stone are innocent.” You could hear a pin drop in the courtroom as Adam took his seat.

Dallas Memorial Hospital

John Ross clasped Melissa's hand tightly as she regained consciousness. The pain had been so bad…so intense, that it had caused her to black out. Now the pain had subsided some, but it was still there, throbbing dully.

“What happened?” she asked John Ross.

“You collapsed at the wedding. The ambulance brought you here because of the baby. Melissa, there's something wrong with your blood pressure and they're saying they need to deliver the baby—today. I need to go tell the nurses you are awake. I promise, I'll be right back.”

Melissa's voice changed. “No.”

“No what?”

“Get the nurses, but you're not coming back in here. We're through John Ross. You were marrying Pamela Rebecca today and that's exactly what's putting my baby's life in danger right now.”

“Our baby…”

“No. My baby. It'll be over my dead body if you ever hold this baby in your arms—provided he lives now…” Melissa wiped away the tears that were rolling down her cheeks.

“Don't say that Melissa.”

“I've already said it and I'll say it again if I have to. Goodbye John Ross.”

Pamela Rebecca saw John Ross walk out toward the nurses' station. When he was safely out of sight she quickly walked into Melissa's room and shut the door. “Melissa, I'm so sorry. This is awful…”

“Your fake sympathy won't get you anywhere Pamela Rebecca, because, pardon the expression, I still know what you did last summer.”

“Please…you can't tell John Ross…”

“Tell me what?” John Ross stepped into the room with the doctor and a nurse.

Pamela Rebecca froze and her blood ran cold. She shifted her gaze back and forth between Melissa and John Ross. Finally, Melissa spoke up. “She didn't want me to tell you again what I told you just a few minutes ago. She thinks it's unfair, but she has no idea, does she?”

Pamela Rebecca sighed and closed her eyes, mouthing out a thank you to Melissa. In a whisper, Melissa said something else. “He will know—but later.”

After Rebecca had left the room, the doctor walked to Melissa's bedside.

“Melissa, your baby is in danger. You have what is known as preeclampsia. We noticed that your blood pressure has risen tremendously and we discovered protein in your urine. We need to do a c-section as soon as the OR is ready.”

Fear made itself present in Melissa's eyes. “Is he going to be okay? It's too early. This can't be happening!”

“Melissa, if we do this now, your baby has a better chance of surviving than if we were to wait for you to deliver. If we wait we could lose you and the baby. Now I need to ask you some questions so we can see how far the preeclampsia has progressed…are you having any blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain that you wouldn't normally associate with your pregnancy?”

“Well, I have felt a dull pain around the top of my stomach, but I just thought it might be heartburn.”

“It very well could have been, but it can also be a sign of preeclampsia. The protein in your urine, combined with the pain are both signs.” The doctor flipped the cover back over his clipboard and stood up. “I'm going to go check on how things are coming with the OR, but before I go are there any other questions you have for me?”

“No. I'm just really scared…wait, where will my son go after you deliver him?”

“He will go to our neonatal intensive care unit or NICU where he'll probably be hooked up to ventilators to help him breathe, but I will explain all of that to you later if that is okay? I want to get moving on this.”

Melissa nodded through the tears. “Okay.”

Another doctor greeted the first as he stepped into the room. “Hello Melissa.”

“Yes? Who are you?”

“I'm Doctor Philips, the anesthesiologist who will be in the OR today. I've come to discuss what we are going to do and to tell you a little bit about the anesthesia.”

“I don't want to be awake doctor. I can't deal with stuff like this…is that possible?”

'Well we prefer not to use general anesthesia. We prefer to do an epidural in your back so there are less drugs being introduced into the baby's system.”

“God, I hate needles…but I don't want to jeopardize my baby's life—not when his chances of living are already so slim.”

Todd's Apartment

“Hey, what’s up?” Todd was surprised to see Lucy. They didn’t have a meeting.

“I hope you weren’t busy,” Lucy said, coming in.

“No, just watching TV. It’s actually good I stopped. I was becoming really addicted to All My Children.”

Lucy gave a feeble laugh as she walked towards the couch. She plopped her purse, then herself, onto the couch.

“Something wrong?” Todd asked.

“Men!” Lucy sighed. “No offense,” she added.

“None taken. Did something happen with Neil?”

“He left town.”

“Did you two get into a fight?” Todd asked, concerned.

“No, his daughter had to get her appendix out.”

“Why didn’t you go with him?”

“Good question. He asked me not to.”

“Have you guys been fighting?”

“No,” Lucy responded, “but he’s been acting really weird lately. He’s really jumpy and twitchy all the time. It’s like something is on his mind, but I can’t figure out what it is.”

“Work problems?”

“That’s the one thing that we do talk about, and work is going great. It can’t be that. I’m scared I’m doing something wrong.”

“Whatever, I’m sure you’re a perfect wife.”

Lucy looked at Todd, unsure of whether she should say it. Then she thought, oh what the hell. She was dying to see his reaction. “He’s jealous of you.”

“Huh? I’ve met him like once.”

“I think he thinks there’s something between us.”

There was a moment of silence. It was fleeting, but it said a lot. “That’s funny,” Todd said half-heartedly.

“I know.” They locked eyes. Neither of them was really laughing, though.

Rex Wentworth's Penthouse

Iris wasn't expecting Rex to be there when she went to pick up some of her things that she'd forgotten. It sounded as if he was on the phone and she stopped to listen to him when she heard Bobby's name mentioned.

“No Gregor, I don't give a damn how you do it. I want Bobby Ewing dead and I want him dead now…thank God you found him before Pam did, I suppose the phony lead did the trick…and he was right there at the hospital in Myrtle Beach the whole time…excellent…you'll be rewarded handsomely for pulling this off.”

Iris' mouth fell open and she stood there, unable to move. They were going to kill Bobby? She remembered very well what Rex had told her when she originally learned he was behind Bobby's kidnapping…

Iris looked worried, but that look soon turned to triumph. “Oh you do? Rex, pray tell, might that have made you mad enough to have someone attempt to shoot J.R. Ewing two nights ago? And hit his step-father instead?”

“That's ridiculous. I could care less about J.R. Ewing. This talk isn't about J.R. I could care less what you do with him, really. But, if you breathe a word to anyone about what I've done with Bobby, I'll make sure J.R. pays for it. I'll finish the job that someone else attempted this week. Then when I'm through with him, I'll come for you—and you won't like what happens next.”

Myrtle Beach

Ryanne felt Pam's heartache and she walked over to comfort her. “We'll find Bobby, don't worry.”

“The lead was no good Ryanne…it wasn't Bobby in Anderson. What if he's dead?”

“Don't you dare think like that Pam! We have to stay positive about all of this. We'll get another lead and we'll find Bobby—alive.”

“I hope…” Pam's cell phone rang, breaking off her sentence. “Yes?” she answered.

Disguising her voice as best she could, Iris Wentworth spoke up. “I know where your husband is.”

Pam looked at Ryanne. “Who is this?”

Iris didn't answer the question, but kept on with the purpose of the call. “Bobby is Myrtle Beach…in the local hospital. You have to get there quick, or it may be too late.”

The phone clicked in Pam's ear and she shot Ryanne a bewildered look. “Who was that?” Ryanne asked.

“I have no idea, but they know where Bobby is and we need to get there as soon as possible.”

Ryanne was already pulling on her shoes. “Where is he?”

“I'll explain on the way. We just need to get there now.”

Dallas Memorial Hospital

“Melissa? We're here to take you to the OR.”

John Ross stood up. “I'm going with her. I want to be there too.”

“I'm sorry sir, but we can't allow that, not in these circumstances.”

John Ross' voice was firm and commanding. “I'm going and you can't stop me. Don't you know who I am? I'm John Ross Ewing, J.R. Ewing's son, and you will take me with you!” John Ross was shocked by what he'd just said, calling himself J.R. Ewing's son.

“I don't care if you are Pope John Paul II. You aren't coming in here, so sit down and be quiet and let me do my job!”

Melissa remained quiet as they wheeled her away. All she could think about was her baby.

John Ross followed them out of the room, but he was Pamela Rebecca stopped him. “God John Ross, I'm so sorry. This shouldn't have happened…”

“I know. Now Melissa's health is in jeopardy and so is the life of my unborn child. Oh God, this is all my fault.”

Pamela Rebecca took John Ross in her arms and held him as he began to sob. Over his shoulder she saw Cliff and Jamie walk into the lobby. “Excuse me John Ross…” She strode over to them.

“Pamela Rebecca, what the hell is this about? I heard on the radio that Melissa collapsed—at your wedding?”

“I have a few questions to ask you myself, Dad. First of all, what the hell do you think you're doing here with that slut?” Pamela Rebecca talked about Jamie as if she wasn't standing there with them. “Nevermind, I don't want to know. I want to have a word with Jamie myself.”

Jamie nodded and Cliff reluctantly stepped away. “What is it?”

“You stay the hell away from my father, or I'll see to it that you regret it.”

“I'm a grown woman, unlike you Pamela Rebecca, so I'll do what I want, when I want to do it. Your father is old enough to make choices as well, and he's already made his.”

“We'll see about that.” Pamela Rebecca motioned for Cliff to come back. “Daddy, please tell me this woman is lying. Tell me you haven't chosen her over Mom.”

Cliff was angry, having overheard Pamela Rebecca's brief conversation with Jamie. “This is none of your concern. I'm sorry, but that's just the way it is.”

Pamela Rebecca's mouth fell open. “Like hell it's not! This is my family we're talking about here and I'm not going to let that woman come in and rip it apart!”

Cliff's voice was calm and collected. “I suggest that if you have a problem with Jamie, you move out of my house and find your own apartment.”

Myrtle Beach

Gregor Dervish couldn't believe how easy this was all going to be. He grinned as he thought about all the money he'd receive for pulling this off. In his hand was a poison-filled syringe. Disguised in doctor's scrubs, he crept down the hallway until he was standing outside the hospital room that Bobby Ewing occupied.

Ever so carefully, he opened the door and stepped in to find Bobby asleep. This was going to be easy…

Outside, Pam rounded the corner of the hallway and came to a stop outside the door of the room that she believed was Bobby's. Ryanne stopped behind her. “Should I stay outside?”

Pam nodded. “Please.”

“Alright, I'm just going to go get something to drink, I'll be right back in case you need me.” Ryanne smiled and gave her a reassuring pat on the arm before walking off.

Pam clasped her hand around the cold doorknob and prepared to open it.

Inside the room, Gregor squirted a bit of the poison from the needle, testing it, and then moved toward Bobby Ewing's IV…

Credits Roll