Melissa was relieved to be inside the cool apartment building after being outside in the sweltering heat. The heat had made her nauseous and while she fumbled with her key, she looked forward to lying down for a nap. As she turned the key, she realized that the door wasn't locked and she cautiously pushed it open and stepped inside the apartment to find the lights on—she hadn't left them that way.

Melissa's cop instincts immediately kicked in and she crept around the corner and pushed open the swinging door into the kitchen, freezing when she saw them.

“Mom? Dad?”

Angela McSween ran toward her daughter and wrapped her arms around her. “Oh Melissa, it's so good to see you.”

After staring with her mouth open for several seconds, Melissa finally recovered from her surprise. “Oh my God…what are you two doing here? I can't believe this!” She pulled away from her mother and stooped over to hug her father, who had been in a wheelchair ever since an accident he'd sustained years ago. She soon cried out in pain and Angela helped her stand. “Ouch…guess I forgot the doctor's orders.”

Trevor smiled at his daughter. “You didn't think we wouldn't come by and see you and this little baby of yours, now did you?”

“Yes, no, I mean…I'm glad you're here!”

“We're glad to be here Honey. I called the hospital at a pay phone, but they said you'd already checked out, so we thought we'd catch you here and then go back to see the baby. Did you decide what to call him?”

Melissa looked at her mother and couldn't contain her smile. “What do you suggest?”

“Well, personally I prefer Jake. I know your brother would be happy to have a nephew named after him.”

Trevor sensed the sadness in his wife's voice and decided to lighten the mood. “I'd say go with Trevor…for obvious reasons.”

“Dad, you're full of yourself,” Melissa teased. “But since we can't decide on one name, we'll compromise. T.J. it is.”

“Now where's this fiancé of yours?” Angela asked. “I've heard so much about the guy and I can't wait to meet him. “

Melissa's expression went sour. “John Ross and I aren't together anymore. He almost married another woman and that's what caused my early labor and T.J.'s premature birth…I can't forgive him for that. Never.”

The Central Expressway

Todd sped down the highway, one hand on the steering wheel and the other dialing Lucy's number on his cell phone. His meeting with Rex Wentworth was a good excuse to call her, but in the pit of his stomach, he was dreading it. They hadn't spoken since their kiss---how would she react? How would he react? He wasn't even sure himself.

By the third ring, Lucy still hadn't answered and Todd breathed a sigh of relief, thinking he was going get the machine. But Lucy answered on the fourth ring. Taken aback, he said “Lucy.”

“Hey,” Lucy said after an almost imperceptible delay.

“I have some good news I think,” Todd said. He tried to make his voice sound lighter, like there was nothing wrong or strange between them.

“What's that?”

“We may have a potential ally against J.R.”

“Who?” Lucy seemed just as glad to discuss business as Todd was. Kept things off more personal matters that were personal.

“Rex Wentworth.”

Lucy was quiet for a moment. “He creeps me out.”

“He's a first class jerk, but he's got more money than God and he hates J.R.”

“Did he have any ideas?” Truthfully, business was the farthest thing from Lucy's mind. She wondered where Neil was, but her mind kept lingering to Todd. She felt horrible about that kiss—her dishonesty---but she enjoyed it SO much.

“No. He didn't actually agree to anything yet. He says he's going to call me tomorrow,” Todd said as he switched lanes.

Lucy simply said, “Okay.” She had so much she wanted to say, she was just unsure of how to say it.

Todd picked up on this. “We should talk.”

“I know.” Lucy said a silent prayer of thanks that he was the one that brought things up.

“Do you have free time today? I can come over or we can go out…”

The image of Neil's car pulling into the driveway pulled Lucy back from the fantasy world that she had entered. For a moment there, she imagined meeting Todd and just letting her fantasy come true. One night with him….

“Todd, I'm sorry, something's come up. I have to call you back,” she scolded herself back into reality.

“Is everything alright?”

“Neil just came home. I'll….I'll call you tomorrow.” Lucy hung up without even saying goodbye. Todd hung up his cell phone and lit a cigarette as he got off the exit. He hoped the depression and worry that was forming would blow away just like the smoke out the window.

Neil fumbled with the door to the kitchen. Lucy opened it up for him. “Welcome back,” she said. There was neutrality in her voice, and Neil wasn't sure whether she was upset or happy.

“How are you?”

“Fine. How's Tiffany?”

“A lot better. She was scared to go in for the operation, but once it was over she just laughed about it. Said it wasn't that bad. Mostly I think she was happy to get the free ice cream,” Neil smiled.

“I'm glad,” Lucy gave a meek smile. The silence that followed was awkward. Neil walked over to the refrigerator and looked through the contents.

“Neil, is there something you're not telling me?” She finally said it.

His face towards the refrigerator, Neil's eyes expanded. What happened since he left? “What?” He said as he turned around.

“I got a call when you were gone….It was really scary.”

“What call?”

“Somebody was on the phone and when I answered all they said was 'How much do you really know about your husband?' Then they hung up.”

“Who was it?”

“That's the point, I don't know!”

“Did they sound like a man or a woman?” Neil damned Afton silently.

“I couldn't tell. It was a bad connection. They just hung up,” Lucy was getting frustrated. “Neil what was that about?”

“I have no idea.”

“Then why would it matter if it was a man or a woman? Neil, please, please tell me the truth.”

“I'm telling you the truth!”

“So that call was nothing?” Lucy asked in defiance. She was using her hands a lot.

“I don't know what it was, honestly. It could have been a prank…did they say my name?”

“No.”

“There you go,” Neil said quickly. The edginess was there again, and Neil knew that Lucy could see it.

“Who the hell would do something like that?”

“I don't know, some teenager. A lunatic. It probably had nothing to do with me,” Neil quickly explained.

His explanation and excuses were too quick for Lucy. There was something he was hiding. “What are you not telling me?”

“Nothing!”

“I know you. You're hiding something,” Lucy's voice was rising.

“Will you just drop it?!” Neil screamed back.

“No! Not until you tell me the truth!” Lucy felt the rage filling her body.

“I am telling you the truth---end of story!” He slammed the refrigerator door shut, walked over to the door and picked up his briefcase. “I'm going to the office.”

Lucy tried to calm herself. “Can we please just talk about this? I'll calm down.”

“There is nothing to talk about. Obviously you don't get that,” Neil said just as he slammed the door.

Lucy heard the garage door open but didn't hear Neil's car leave because her cries were drowning everything out.

The Krebbs Ranch

From the sofa in the living room, Ray could clearly see Donna stumble through the sliding glass door of their ranch house. He managed somehow to stifle uproarious laughter when she lunged forward, flinging her briefcase to the ground, sending its contents scattering all over the floor.

With an exasperated sigh, Donna slid the rest of the way to the floor to begin collecting the mess. What a day it had been!

Ray rose and crossed the room to help Donna pick up the mess and stopped with interest as he thought he saw tears rolling silently down her cheeks. He immediately squatted down to the floor, on an even level with her, and took her chin lovingly between his thumb and forefinger. With a slight nudge, he moved her face in his direction. He had been right; Donna was crying.

“It's just a few papers scattered around,” Ray told her, trying to comfort her. “We'll clean it up.”

“Oh Ray,” Donna cried, sitting back while pushing her palms against the floor for support. “I'm not crying about the stupid briefcase.”

“All right,” Ray affirmed, his fist full of her papers. “You wanna talk about it?”

“Ray, I don't know what to do anymore,” Donna finally whispered. “I've tried everything I can think of to try to shake Miss Ellie out of this depression…I'm so worried about her. I can't think about anything else.”

“Miss Ellie is a strong lady, Donna,” Ray reminded her. “She told us she would be fine. We have to respect that.”

Donna hoisted herself up off the floor, wiping her hands across her face to clear them of tears. She silently wished she could believe that Miss Ellie would be all right.

“I just wish there was some way we could brighten her up just a little bit,” Donna replied. “It breaks my heart to see her so despondent, Ray…you know how I feel about her.”

“Well maybe things are gonna start turning around,” Ray said, standing up to meet his love. “Bobby's back at Southfork now and things seem to be all right for Melissa and the baby…maybe Miss Ellie'll start to put all the stress behind her.”

“Who are you kidding, Ray Krebbs?” Donna asked with a smile. “Miss Ellie tries to shoulder everybody's pain…you know that…and she's still worried about that baby, and about Bobby's ordeal. I just wish we could give her some good news that really is good news.”

An idea suddenly struck Ray like a ton of bricks. In hindsight, he couldn't imagine why he never thought of it before. In fact, the idea was so damn good, he felt like a genius bringing it up, his own motivations notwithstanding.

“Well there is one thing we could do to really lift her spirits,” Ray told her.

“Come on, Ray, I'm being serious,” Donna said, bending down to pick up some more papers.

“So am I,” he replied. “We could get married again.”

“Ray, we're already engaged, or have you forgotten?” Donna asked with a combination of confusion and annoyance. Why was he toying with her emotions? He knew how much Miss Ellie meant to her!

“No, I mean actually go and do it,” Ray explained. “We could elope, and make the big announcement at the Ewing Bar-B-Q…surprise her with some really good news.”

“Oh, Ray, do you really mean it?” Donna asked, a grin spreading across her face. “Are you really serious? You're ready to make that step again?”

“Donna, I love you more than anything,” Ray explained, raising a hand to caress her cheek. “And I love Miss Ellie…and I figure if something that could make me happy can make her happy, why the hell not?”

“Oh Ray, I love you so much!” Donna exclaimed, wrapping her arms around her cowboy tightly. Just as suddenly, she pulled away, her expression screaming her sudden doubt. “We're gonna have to tell somebody…we'll need witnesses.”

“So we'll find them,” Ray said, roping his future wife in towards him with his hands around her waist. “The important thing is we're going to be married…”

The gleam in their respective eyes was almost enough to light the entire room. Ray seized the opportunity and planted his lips firmly upon hers. They weren't even married yet, but the honeymoon was about to begin.

Dallas Police Department

Hope Miller paced her office and drank another in a string of endless cups of coffee. She had just gotten word from the lab. The ballistics test was finished, and she was waiting for the results.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, a young man in a white lab coat knocked on her door. Hope motioned for him to come in.

“Results,” the man said, handing Hope the file.

“What did you find?”

“Well, the cause of death of this Urbanski guy was a bullet wound.” Hope looked at the autopsy report. The gun that killed Klaus Urbanski was a small pistol. “We're trying to locate a database of registered owners for that brand. It could take a few days, though.”

Hope sighed. This wasn't encouraging. She was hoping that there would be some clue, some answer that popped out from the body of this Klaus Urbanski. What was it doing on the property of Southfork? She rested her fingers on her temples.

“We tested the residue that was on Urbanski's hands,” the lab technician added.

Hope looked up.

“There wasn't a lot of it, but we managed to collect some gunpowder and metallic debris, like the kind that would be left over from a gun.”

“And?” Hope asked.

“The evidence we found on the guy's hands comes from a gun registered to a Mr. Cliff Barnes.”

Rex's Penthouse

Afton busily removed her few belongings from the suitcase and put them into a large dresser drawer. She couldn't believe how big this penthouse was. The bedroom she was sleeping in was as large as the one she'd shared with Cliff at his house.

She didn't hear Rex step into the room and she was startled when he touched her on the shoulder. “Is everything to your satisfaction Afton?”

Afton smiled. “This is a nice place you've got here. I really want to thank you for giving me a place to stay…it means a lot.”

“I like to offer assistance to my friends any time I can. But I must admit, I extended the invitation to you mostly because I thoroughly enjoy your company.”

“And I enjoy yours.”

Rex decided it was time to cut right to the point. He'd never been one for small-talk. “I'm sure that you have plenty of dirt on your ex-husband.”

Afton stopped unpacking and closed the drawer. The question seemed to come right out of the blue. “Not really,” Afton countered. “Cliff always liked to keep me in the dark when it came to his business.”

Rex frowned and he wasn't sure whether or not she was bluffing. “I just thought that you and I might team up to make a formidable adversary for Cliff Barnes.”

Afton had to admit, she was intrigued by the idea…and by no means did she oppose it. “Who knows. Anything's possible. So Rex, tell me…what do you have against Cliff? I might be more willing to help you if you told me why it was that you hate him so much.”

“Who said anything about hate?”

“Oh please. I could tell by the way you look at the man. Nothing but contempt in your eyes.”

“You were there when he attacked me at the Oil Baron's Club. I did nothing to the man and he still saw fit to humiliate me in public—something I won't soon forget.”

“Well at least he didn't dump you for his dead ex-wife…and cut off your credit…and your access to his bank account.” Afton counted each thing off on her fingers.

“So what are you saying?”

Afton grinned and ran her finger across Rex's cheek. “I'm saying that I'll do damned near anything to get back at that louse of an ex-husband of mine—and his blonde bitch too.”

Todd's Apartment

Todd was hoping it was Lucy when he heard the doorbell ring. To see Bobby there was a shock. “Bobby!” Todd nearly screamed and enveloped his friend in a hug. Bobby gladly responded.

“How are you?” Bobby asked.

“Screw that, how are you? Where have you been?” Todd's mind and his mouth were racing at nearly light speed.

“It's a long, long story…”

“Well tell me! Everybody in this town has been freaking out about you!”

As Todd fixed him a drink, Bobby told the story, or what he remembered of it. His memory was still fuzzy, but he could clearly recollect Pam's rescue of him and his stay at the lighthouse. He knew that Rex was behind the kidnapping though, and he shared this with Todd.

“Rex Wentworth?” Todd asked hesitantly.

“Yeah,” Bobby said, sipping his drink. “He's got this vendetta against Pam, although he pretends he doesn't.”

“Are you sure, Bobby? I mean, he's a huge executive. He couldn't afford to risk his freedom like that, even if he hated your's and Pam's guts.”

“That's exactly why he can get away with this. He hires everyone else to do his dirty work.”

“What makes you so sure?” The guilt was creeping up into Todd.

“I know it. I don't have any real evidence, yet, but it's a feeling I have. Pam has the same feeling. There's something not right about that man. The way his eyes shift.”

Todd had to agree with Bobby's summation. There was something wrong with Rex Wentworth. Todd had tried to ignore the bad feeling that he got from Rex, but hearing Bobby speak he knew it was justified. “What are you going to do?”

“There's nothing much I can do at the moment. He covered his bases, but I'll find something,” Bobby said. He looked over to the side of the room, almost as if he was looking away. “I just wish I could remember something.”

“You've been out of the hospital, what, like three days? Give yourself some time and stop stressing about this. The less you have on your mind, the more likely you will be to remember more.”

“How do I know he's not going to come after me again? Or Pam? Or Grace and Christopher for that matter?”

“I seriously doubt Rex Wentworth is that stupid to try to do something again. There's too much of a chance that he could be linked between the two events.”

"Maybe, but I don't even want to take that risk. Not with a man crazy enough to do what he tried to do to me.”

They continued to talk for another hour, but Todd felt empty. He couldn't believe he had gone to Rex Wentworth for his revenge scheme against J.R. The man was probably responsible for an attempt on Bobby's life! Suddenly, the prospect of revenge did not seem so sweet.

Southfork Ranch

The cool darkness of night had alleviated most of the scorching heat from the ranch, but the night was still warm. Christopher stepped across the equipment in the exercise room and adjusted the thermostat until the air turned on. Exercise had become his new alternative to drinking and he was proud of himself for that accomplishment.

John Ross stepped into the room as Christopher beat a punching bag that was suspended from the ceiling. Christopher paid no attention to the fact that he was standing there until John Ross grabbed the bag and pulled it away.

“Can we talk?”

Christopher pulled off his boxing gloves and tossed them onto the floor. “Sure. About what?”

"Well, first I wanted to ask about Karen. How is she?"

Christopher immediately grew defensive, as he did every time John Ross mentioned Karen. "She's fine...considering what she's going through."

"Good. I'm glad to hear that."

"Now what are you really here for John Ross?"

“To ask about Karen...and to talk to you about Melissa and T.J.”

“What's there to talk about?”

John Ross sighed. “Ok Chris, I really need your help…I need a big favor.” Christopher was silent, so John Ross continued. “Melissa's not letting me have anything to do with my son.”

“I know. I talked to her.”

“Can you talk to her again?” John Ross' face was covered with a look of desperation. “I know you two are pretty good friends and everything and if she's going to listen to anybody, it would be you.”

Christopher shook his head. “Sorry John Ross, but I think I'm on Melissa's side on this one. I spent a LOT of time with her during her pregnancy and she was really hurt because you wouldn't have anything to do with her—she needed you and you weren't there for her. Why should you just get to rush in and be a part of T.J.'s life now? What makes that so fair?”

John Ross licked his lip. “I know what this is about. You're still upset over Megan being my daughter aren't you? Because that's no reason to side with Melissa on this.”

Christopher couldn't believe he was accusing him of still carrying a grudge because of Megan. “You know what? That was way off base and you don't know how wrong you are. As far as I'm concerned, I hope Melissa doesn't let you anywhere near that baby because they would BOTH be better off if you weren't in their lives!”

Christopher brushed past John Ross and slammed the door behind him. Back inside the room, John Ross punched the bag several times, bare-fisted.

Dallas Police Department

Detective Hope Miller found herself pacing again, a state that she seemed to be in almost constantly. She couldn't stop herself, though, not when she was on the brink of finding out something big. The revelation that the residue found on Klaus Urbanski's hands actually derived from Cliff Barnes' gun was a shock. What did this mean? Hope had immediately sent someone over to the Barnes place that night, where Cliff was awakened and told that there was emergency police work that had to be done. He didn't question it. The police scoured the scene, trying to discover any new clues or new links between Urbanski and Barnes. Detectives were also at the station pouring over the evidence already collected, looking for connections.

A young female officer knocked on Hope's door. “We got it,” was all she said.

“What?” Hope asked eagerly.

“Those unidentified fingerprints at Barnes—you know, the ones he said probably belonged to a contractor or whatever—match Urbanski's. We asked Barnes and he's never heard of the guy.”

“Oh My God.”

“Lab thinks that the hair samples they're analyzing are Urbanski's too. They say they can't be sure—they've ruled out Barnes and his family, but from what they've seen it looks like the hair probably belongs to Urbanski.”

Hope sat down in shock. Klaus Urbanski, recently found dead on the property of Southfork, was in Cliff Barnes' home sometime before Clayton Farlow's death---a matter of days based on the freshness of the evidence detectives found when they first started their investigation. Was someone trying to frame Cliff by using his gun? This certainly seemed to clear J.R. Ewing's ex-wife, or at least strongly help her case. But why was Urbanski dead? Did someone want to silence him?

The questions continued to race through Hope Miller's mind, and she prayed for an answer soon.

The Oil Baron's Club

Cliff stopped in the middle of the crowd and threw his hands up in the air, speaking in an all-too-loud voice. “Oh my God, would you believe our rotten luck?”

“Cliff! Sshh!” Jamie grabbed his arm and pulled him through the crowd to their table. She didn't give Afton or Rex a second glance as they walked by and neither Rex nor Afton noticed them.

“Don't they know there are other restaurants in this town?” Cliff fumed. He cast a disgusted glance across the room at Rex Wentworth and buried his face behind his menu. “I told you we should've gone to that new Chinese restaurant across town. They've got all-you-can-eat buffet with thirteen different kinds of egg rolls. Instead, I get dragged back to this place, which I swore I'd never set foot into again and who do we run into? Rex and Afton!”

“I'm sorry Cliff…I would have never come here either, had I known they'd be here.”

Cliff peered over the top of his menu and saw that the loud laughter he was hearing was coming from Afton. She seemed to be having a good time with Rex--too good of a time.

Jamie quickly glanced in their direction and noticed Cliff was looking too. “Stop staring Cliff!”

“Wha? Well they're somethin' to stare at! Just look at them, acting like a couple of teenagers and making a scene.”

“It's just your imagination. I can barely hear them.”

Cliff nodded, but didn't take his eyes off of Afton and Rex. “Yeah, well barely hearing them still constitutes a scene, considering they're halfway across the room. I'm surprised the people sitting next to them haven't left the restaurant yet.”

Jamie's mouth fell open. “Oh my God, I can't believe I haven't noticed this sooner…”

“What? Are you talking about Rex? He does have a big nose doesn't he? I don't see what the hell she sees in him.” Cliff grinned and took a sip of the wine that Cassie had delivered to the table earlier.

“No! I'm talking about you. You are jealous of him!”

“Jealous? Give me a break Jamie. He's got Afton and I've got you. Why the hell would I be jealous? You run circles around that woman, as far as I'm concerned.”

Jamie smiled and blushed. “Oh…I'm sorry I overreacted then. Hey, I'll be right back. I need to go to the ladies' room to freshen up.”

Cliff tried to protest, but Jamie was already on her way. She was careful to detour well away from Afton's table. Cliff was alarmed when Afton stood up and headed the same way.

Inside the restroom, Jamie opened her purse and powdered her nose. Her jaw dropped when she saw Afton's reflection in the mirror. “Well well, I thought you would have learned your lesson about coming here after the last time.”

“Shut up Afton. I didn't come here to fight with you. Cliff and I came here to have a nice romantic dinner.”

Afton grinned, barely able to contain her contempt for the woman. “I think your wig is crooked. You might want to re-adjust it before you go back out.”

Jamie turned around and faced her. “It's not a wig. But that dye job of yours is beginning to look a little washed-out. What is your natural color anyway? Or do you even remember?”

Afton gritted her teeth, desperately wanting to wipe the smirk off Jamie's face. “I have a piece of advice for you Jamie. Dump Cliff right now, before he dumps you—because it will happen.”

“If I wanted your advice, I would have asked for it—and I won't ever do that. Lucy warned me about you…she told me what a conniving bitch you are. I can see she was right.”

“Oh? Well that Lucy's quite a piece of work herself. She's no slacker in the bitch department, but she takes second place to you…”

Jamie zipped up her purse. “I've had just about enough of you.” She tried to push her way past Afton but Afton grabbed her by the shoulder.

“I'm not through with you…”

“Oh no, I think you are.” Jamie turned around and swung her purse, hitting Afton on the side of her face.

Afton countered with a slap and then she grabbed Jamie's hair, but Jamie managed to pull away and clutch Afton's neck, pushing her into one of the stalls. Afton tried to pull back as her face hovered all to close to one of the toilets. “I want you to leave me and Cliff the hell alone!”

“Not on your life,” Afton said in a venomous tone. Her eyes grew wide in disgust and all the while, Jamie pushed her head down lower. Afton screamed and closed her eyes and mouth as her head was submerged into the toilet bowl—and someone had forgotten to flush.

Southfork Ranch
The next morning

Bobby awoke as the first rays of light came streaming into the bedroom. For a moment he felt disoriented. Then his head began to clear and he realized that he was in his own bed at Southfork. He turned over and gazed at Pamela, who was sleeping soundly next to him. He reached out and gently pulled the covers up around her, careful not to disturb her sleep.

He got out of bed and pulled on his robe and headed downstairs to the kitchen. As he was walking by the nursery, he heard something and stopped to peek in. Gracie was sitting up in her bed 'talking' to her teddy bear. Bobby grinned and walked over to her crib.

“Morning Gracie, you're up early.” Then picking up the bear, “good morning Mr. Bear.” Bobby pretended the bear was talking back, “Morning? It's not morning! It's hardly even daylight outside, is it Gracie?” Gracie squealed with delight at her 'talking bear'.

Bobby leaned over his baby girl, “is he always such a grumpy bear when he wakes up, Gracie?” It wasn't really funny, but her laughter was contagious and Bobby couldn't help chuckling too. It was good to be home.

Dallas Jail

Cally was on her knees praying when the sun came up. The prospect of another day scared her. It meant she was another day closer to having to tell Justin the truth. He was scheduled to fly back to Dallas in a few days. He could always stay at Southfork, but what was she going to tell him? She couldn't lie about where she was---saying she was out of town or something like that. It was all over the papers. Justin was going to find out eventually, but she didn't want it to happen while she was in jail. She didn't do it, and when they found that out, she could chalk it up to Justin as one big mistake.

The future didn't look promising though. The lawyer representing her told her that things didn't look good, especially with her 'unbalanced' behavior prior to the shooting. Cally once again reminded him that J.R. had done it to her, but he countered with the reminder that there was no evidence besides her testimony and the word of Sue Ellen and Jack Ewing---not enough solid evidence. She hadn't resigned herself to the fact that she may be found guilty, but she knew deep down that it was a possibility.

She had to tell Justin. Soon. But how?

Southfork Ranch

Ellie wondered where Theresa was as she walked around the corner to answer the ringing phone, when suddenly Theresa stepped out of the hallway and answered it before Ellie could reach it.

“Southfork Ranch? Oh! Si…I cannot believe this! Bueno! Oh…I see…” There was a long pause and Ellie listened from around the corner. Finally, Theresa spoke up again, but her tone of voice was different. “I am sorry, but that is not possible…no es posible. I cannot…she would not allow it….I must go. Adios.”

Theresa attempted to hang up the phone, but she missed the receiver and it clattered to the floor. She stooped over to pick it up as Ellie walked out. “Theresa? Is everything okay?”

Theresa quickly smiled. “Yes Mrs. Farlow, everything is fine.”

“Who was that on the phone? You seemed awfully upset.”

“Telemarketers. They constantly insist on calling us here at Southfork and I told them last time that they must not call again! You need your rest and the phone must be keeping you from it.”

Ellie smiled. “I appreciate your concern Theresa, but I usually keep the phone in my room switched off. Why don't you take the rest of the day off? I'd like to cook dinner tonight and there's not much else to do around here today…I'm feeling better now that Bobby's home and I'd be up to the challenge.”

Theresa's smile faded. “Oh, no!”

“What? Why not? My cooking isn't that bad is it?” Ellie said with a slight laugh.

Theresa shook her head. “No Mrs. Farlow, your cooking is very delicious, but I feel that I should be here today. There are many other tasks at Southfork, other than cooking. I should catch up on the laundry.”

“Don't be silly Theresa, there's not that much laundry. You've worked so hard lately that I think you and Raoul deserve the day off. Why don't you two go out on the town tonight…my treat.”

“No Mrs. Farlow, I am fine here at Southfork and I should finish my work.”

Ellie sighed in surrender. “Alright then. But I am going to make dinner tonight. But first I think I'm going outside for a while to work with my flowers.” Ellie stared at her for a few seconds longer before walking to the door. For some reason, Theresa was acting very strange and Miss Ellie didn't buy her telemarketer excuse—not for one second.

Southfork Ranch

Pam was just walking into the dining room as Christopher was getting up to leave.

“Leaving so early? I thought the trial didn't begin until nine?”

“It doesn't, but Adam wants to talk to me and Karen before it begins today.”

Pam was concerned; she could tell that Christopher was exhausted. He was beginning to have circles under his eyes from lack of sleep. This trial was taking its toll. She knew that he needed to be there for Karen, but that didn't mean that he had to be there alone.

“Christopher, why don't you let me come with you today? I think you could use a little moral support and I'd like to see Karen myself.”

“Mom, I appreciate it. I really do, but Karen doesn't want anyone there. She feels awful about all of the bad publicity for the family. And besides, I'd rather you were here with Austin.”

Just then the doorbell rang. Theresa answered it.

There was a man standing there with an envelope in his hand. “Is Mr. or Mrs. Ewing here?”

“Which ones?”

“The ones who are the legal guardians of Austin Anders.”

Pam and Christopher both turned toward the door.

“I'm Mrs. Ewing.”

The man stepped forward and handed her the envelope. “Mrs. Ewing, as Austin Anders legal guardian, you have just been served.” Inside the envelope was a subpoena requiring Austin to testify in court the next day.

Pam stared at the contents and a look of surprise came over her face. “Oh no, Christopher, did you know they were going to make Austin testify?”

Christopher looked down at the floor. “Yeah, I knew.”

“Have you talked to him about it?”

Christopher didn't raise his head. “No, I haven't even told him about Karen and Eric yet. It just never seemed like the right time.”

Pam touched her son's shoulder. “Christopher, there's never going to be a right time. You have to tell him… now.” Chris looked up and Pam saw the worried look in his eyes. “Do you want me to talk to him for you?”

Christopher took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “No, I need to do it. I just don't know what I'm going to say.”

Austin's Room

Christopher hesitated outside the door of Austin's room. He still didn't know what he was going to say. He just had to find a way to tell him about Karen without making him think badly of her. He knocked lightly and walked in. Austin was just waking up. When he saw Christopher, he sat up.

“Morning Austin.” Austin yawned and rubbed his eyes.

Chris glanced at his watch; he was due at the courthouse soon. “Austin, we have to talk.”

“Okay.”

Christopher sat on the edge of Austin's racecar bed. “Do you like it here?”

“Yeah, I like it a lot!” Christopher smiled; at least that answer had improved since the last time he had asked it.

“Good, because I like having you here. And someday I hope that you and me and Karen can all live here together. Would you like that?”

At the mention of Karen's name, Austin looked up. “Christopher, will you please tell me where she is? I really miss her. She promised she would take care of me.”

“And she did take care of you. She brought you here to Dallas where she knew there were people who would love you and care for you while she was away.”

“But where is she? I want to go there too!”

Christopher put his arm around Austin's shoulders. “This is going to be hard to understand, but I want you to try. Karen is in jail right now.”

Austin's eyes grew big. “Did she do something wrong?”

Christopher had to be careful here. He couldn't give too much detail… Austin was going to have to testify and he didn't want to be accused of coaching him. He said firmly, “No, she didn't do anything wrong. But some people think she did and until they see that she didn't, she has to stay in jail.”

Austin swallowed, trying hard not to cry. “Can I go there and see her?”

“No, they don't allow little kids there, but you're going to see her tomorrow. Have you ever been in a courtroom?”

“You mean like on TV?”

Christopher smiled, “Sort of. You're going to get to go to the courthouse tomorrow and talk about your adventure with Karen and Eric.”

Austin brightened. “Will Eric be there too?”

Chris winced. He knew that Austin had grown attached to Eric and until now, he had only felt jealous of the time Eric had spent with Karen, now he was feeling the same way about Eric's time with Austin.

“Yes. Eric will be there too. You'll get to go in and sit in a big chair and a man is going to ask you some questions.”

“About when mommy-Karen took me away from my other mommy?”

Christopher fought off the urge to help him find a better way of phrasing that sentence… but that would be coaching him for sure. “Yeah. And all you have to do is tell the truth.”

“And then will my mommy get to come home?”

“I hope so Austin.” Christopher put his arms around him and Austin hugged him tight.

Todd's Apartment

Todd heard the phone ringing just as he stopped the shower and hoped that he didn't miss it. He grabbed a towel and dashed to the hallway, almost slipping because of his wet feet. He prayed it was Lucy. He still didn't know what to say, but he wanted something resolved.

“Hello?” He said quickly.

“Mr. Foster, it's Rex Wentworth,” Rex said as he leaned back in his plush chair.

“Hi,” Todd said unexcitedly. This was not something he wanted to deal with now.

Rex was not in the mood for chatter. “I've agreed to your proposition.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. It would be beneficial to me to see J.R. Ewing's interests….compromised.”

“I see,” Todd said, only muttering a response to keep the conversation going until he could think of a tactful way to break the partnership.

“Yes,” Rex said, a little unsure of Todd's distance. “I've had several ideas, and I think that between both of us and your mysterious partner…”

“Mr. Wentworth..”

“Rex, please.”

“Rex, listen, I'm really sorry, but there has been a change of plans, at least on my end.” Todd did not want to tick this guy off, not after what Bobby said he might be responsible for.

“Oh,” Rex said without a trace of emotion. On his end of the line, his eyes looked emptily in front of him. “I'm sorry to hear that.”

“It's more of a business matter. April Oil has a potential new deal that would tie up most of its funds,” Todd said, lying.

“No, no. I quite understand.”

“If I can be of any help though, let me know.” Todd lied again. He just wanted to stay on this guy's good side as much as possible.

“I will do that. Goodbye Mr. Foster.” Rex hung up the phone before Todd could even respond.

Rex Wentworth turned his chair around to face the Dallas skyline. If Todd Foster wouldn't help him, then so be it. J.R. Ewing would still go down.

Southfork Ranch

Miss Ellie and Bobby sat outside at the table on the patio. Bobby's return had worked wonders for Miss Ellie. Her grief for Clayton was still very raw, but her joy at having her youngest son back seemed to make it a little less painful for her now.

Miss Ellie put her hand on her son's arm and smiled, “Bobby, I still can't believe you're really here. We missed you so. But I never stopped believing that you would be found. I knew you were alive, a mother can just feel these things.”

Bobby leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek, “where else would I go? There's no place like Southfork.” He sat back and looked out across the fields, one of the things that Bobby and Miss Ellie shared was a love for the land, Southworth-Ewing land.

Just then J.R. stepped through the sliding doors and out onto the patio.

“Mornin' Bob.”

“On your way to the office J.R.?”

“Some one around here has to keep the family business running. You could join me, you know. Might be fun running the business again side-by-side, just how Daddy intended.”

Bobby chuckled, same old J.R., he may pretend that it was a burden, but Bobby knew he lived and breathed Ewing Oil.

“Did I say something funny?”

“J.R., you and I never ran Ewing Oil 'side-by-side'; unless you count standing next to each other in the office. But it's nice to know that you missed me so much that you would even suggest it.”

J.R. nodded, “I know you all think that all I care about is Ewing Oil, but I did miss you Bob, I truly did. And the offer stands.” J.R. slapped Bobby on the shoulder as he walked by, heading for his car. “You know Momma, I think he really meant that.” Bobby said with an amused look on his face.

“Despite what you all may think Bobby, J.R. does care for his family. He always has.”

Bobby looked off after J.R.'s car as it sped away and shook his head at the brother that he alternately loved and fought with; and suddenly realized that he had actually missed J.R. too.

Dallas Courthouse

Adam and Karen were already waiting for him when Christopher walked into the room they were meeting in.

“Sorry I'm late, I had to take care of something.” He quickly kissed Karen and then took the seat next to her, across the table from Adam.

“Christopher, Karen and I have just been discussing the future of her defense. You're not going to like hearing this, but I'm afraid we have no choice but to put Karen on the stand and let her testify.”

Christopher nearly exploded, “No way! You can't do that, that prosecutor will tear her apart! I hired you because you're supposed to be the best!”

Karen put her hand on Christopher's arm, almost as a restraint. “Christopher, calm down.”

Adam sat patiently and let Christopher continue to rant.

“If you're so damned good then win this thing without putting her up there!”

Adam looked Christopher straight in the eye, “Are you through now son? Because if you are, I'll tell you why. Because if you ever plan on your lady seeing the light of day anywhere but through cell bars for the next few years, then you are going to take my advice. You hired me because I'm supposed to be the best? Well I am the best and I'm telling you that Karen's testimony is crucial because frankly, she is guilty of every one of those charges. If she doesn't get up there and win the sympathy of that jury, then she doesn't have a prayer!!”

Christopher looked away.

Adam said, “look, you know I don't like to put defendants on the stand, but in this case, it's necessary. After Austin testifies, there's going to be no other way to counter the prosecution's case.”

Christopher remained silent and nodded his head in defeat. He saw Adam's point, but he couldn't help being scared for Karen.

“Alright now, lets move on. The police officer is testifying today. Karen, tell me again about that incident where you hit him.”

“Well, I came up behind him and saw that he was about to arrest Eric. I guess I panicked and picked up the nearest rock and hit him with it.”

“On the head?”

“Yes.”

“Wait, you said his back was to you the whole time?”

“Yes, otherwise he would have seen me and…”

Christopher leaned forward. “That's great, the officer can't prove you were the one who hit him! He never saw you!”

Adam continued, “Was Austin with you?”

“Of course, I couldn't leave him alone in the cabin.”

“And did he see you hit the officer?”

Karen said, “yeah” in a very small voice.

Adam closed his notebook, “I have to be honest with you two, I don't see a way out of this one. Jury sympathy generally doesn't extend to people who assault policemen.”

Christopher spoke up, “but they can't prove it, the officer didn't see her do it.”

“True. But Austin was an eye witness and I'm sure Clark will have him testify about it.”

Just then a clerk knocked on the door and said, “The judge is on his way to the bench.”

Adam put his various legal pads back into his briefcase and snapped it shut. “Well, let's get going, we don't want to keep Judge Moore waiting.” They left the room, Adam leading the way.

As they walked down the hall way to the courtroom, Karen asked Christopher, “how's Austin doing?”

“He's fine.” Christopher hesitated, not wanting to, but knowing he had to tell her, “He was subpoenaed today, he'll testify tomorrow.”

Karen stopped walking just outside the courtroom and turned toward him. “Oh no Christopher, I knew this was coming, but I just hoped…” her words were lost as she buried her face in his shirt.

“I know, but I talked to him and I really think he's going to be okay with it. I told him that you were in jail and that he was going to get to be a witness. He seemed to like that part. And he's glad that he's going to see you.”

Karen looked up, “Wonderful. My son is going to see me sitting in a courtroom on trial for kidnapping him!”

“I don't think he understands why you're here. I didn't really tell him. I just told him that he was going to be asked questions about your 'adventure' together.”

Adam, who had already entered the courtroom, opened the door, “hey, come on you two, do you want to get me held in contempt of court?!”

Chris took her hand and they headed for the courtroom and an uncertain future.

Southfork Ranch

Ellie was proud of what she had accomplished in the two hours she'd been outside working and she just had one more set of plants to repot. She knew she could get someone else to do it, but she enjoyed working with her plants—it relieved her stress. She removed the six flowers from their plastic pack and picked up the bag of potting soil, only to find that it was empty. Usually, the soil was kept out in the storage shed near the stable and she would normally ask someone to go get more for her, but today she felt like doing it herself.

Ellie started off across the ranch and a few minutes later, she was in the storage shed searching around for another bag, but there was none. She heard voices coming from the stable and decided to walk next door and ask one of the ranch hands if they knew where another bag was.

When she reached the stable door, she stopped.

Inside, the ranch hands were sprawled across the stable, sitting on bales of hay, overturned buckets, and anything else. Most had a can of beer in one hand and they were laughing and talking loudly.

The foreman kicked his boots up on a bucket and turned up the can of beer, drinking it dry. “Yeah, I hate that Mr. Farlow is gone, but his wife's in charge now I guess. Bobby and the rest are never home and she'll be here…but what can she do? Man, it's gonna be party time from now on.”

Laughter erupted throughout the stable, but one of the other hands remained silent. He looked to be around twenty and his dark skin and black hair suggested that he was of Spanish descent. “Come on you guys, that's not funny. We should respect Mrs. Farlow's wishes and do what she says.”

More laughter followed. “Oh man, we've been slavin' away at this ranch for years and now it's time for a break. You'll feel the same way after you've worked here as long as we have. They sit up their in their nice, big, air-conditioned house, doing nothin'…either that, or they sit in their high-rise offices in downtown Dallas, doing the same. All the while we're here keepin' this damned ranch in workin' order. Hell, if the horses don't get watered one day, the world ain't gonna stop turnin'!”

The Spanish man stood up and grabbed a pitchfork, which he used to toss hay into one of the horse's stalls. “They pay us to do our job here on the ranch and that's what we should do.”

“Oh, come on Manny! You know damned well they ain't payin' us enough to do what we do.” The foreman stood up. “Don't you guys agree?”

Ellie stepped into the doorway of the stable. “That'll be enough of that, Hank.”

The drunken foreman, Hank, turned around to see Miss Ellie. “Howdy Ellie.”

The entire stable went silent. Even the horses were quiet. “That's Mrs. Farlow to you,” Ellie said sharply.

“Oh, excuse me, Mrs. Farlow,” Hank retorted condescendingly.

“I suggest if someone has a problem with the amount they're being paid, then you should talk to me or Bobby about it.”

Hank spoke up again. “I would, but I haven't been able to talk to Bobby lately, he's been gone you know. And I don't reckon I like to do business with a woman, so I'll take my complaints to him.”

Ellie thought Hank needed a little sobering up, so she grabbed the end of a nearby water-hose and turned it on full-blast before aiming it at Hank. He threw his hands out in defense of the water, but it soaked him nonetheless. “I won't tolerate anymore of your drunkenness here on Southfork. You'll respect me or else you can find another place to work. ”

Hank sputtered as the cold water dripped off of him, “I reckon that might not be such a bad idea.”

Miss Ellie turned off the water and dropped the hose. “Good. Then consider your employment here terminated—effective immediately.” Hank walked past her and stepped outside the door. Ellie looked around the stable. “And any of you who share this man's mindset can shape up or ship out. I know you've become accustomed to an easier day since my husband passed away, but from now on, things will be different here. There'll be no more of this lounging around and drinking. From now on, if I catch any of you with alcohol during the day, you'll be fired. Now, I want all of you out of here and back to work.”

Each of the hands filed out, with Manny bringing up the rear. Ellie stopped him with a touch on his shoulder. “What's your name?”

“Emmanuel Vargas, Mrs. Farlow. Everyone calls me Manny.”

“You're fairly new here aren't you?”

Manny nodded. “Yes ma'am. I was hired by Mr. Farlow last fall. He was a great man…I really miss working for him.”

“Yes he was. I'm sure he'd be proud of the way you stood up to everyone just a few minutes ago and continued working.”

“Thank you Mrs. Farlow. If you need anything, please let me know.”

Ellie smiled. “Actually, I do. Do you know where the potting soil is kept now? I need a bag.”

Manny nodded. “Yes ma'am I do. I'll grab a bag and take it back to the house for you.”

Ellie patted him on the back. “Thank you Manny.”

As Ellie walked back towards the house, she was aware of a strange car that had pulled into the drive.

Laurel Ellis approached Southfork with trepidation. How was she going to tell Ellie? Jimmy had left town, leaving his threats behind but also leaving behind any hope that Laurel had for a stable future with Paolo. Their money was gone. Laurel couldn't even believe she was thinking about such a thing. The thought of Clayton brought a tear to Laurel's eye.

Ellie reached her and from behind, she spoke her name in a cold tone. Laurel turned around. “Hi,” was all Laurel could muster. “I heard that your son has returned.” She tried to make her smile as warm as possible. “That's wonderful news.”

Ellie gave a smile that was not genuine. “I'm very happy.”

“Do you mind if I sit?”

“Laurel, I'm not really sure what we have to discuss. If you want your painting, please take it. I think that you've hurt this family enough.”

Laurel sat down on one of the patio chairs and the guilt in her eyes registered with Ellie. Ellie's face turned somber and she just stared. “They have to release that girl,” Laurel abruptly said.

“Excuse me?”

“The woman that they have in custody for the shooting.”

“Cally?” Ellie asked, confused.

“Yes.”

“I'm not sure I understand what you're saying.”

“She didn't do it.” Laurel didn't know what else to say.

It took a moment, but Ellie finally understood. “Oh my God,” she said. Tears welled up her eyes.

“I'm so sorry….”

Ellie wiped the tears that were forming in her eyes. “Tell me.”

“Miss Ellie, I'm so, so sorry….” Laurel was crying too.

“Tell me what happened.”

“I had no idea…”

“Damn it! I want to know what happened.” She was crying now. “I need to know.”

“It was Jimmy. He thought that Clayton knew something about the money, even though he didn't…” Laurel was trying her hardest to keep the words coming through her tears. She couldn't look at Ellie. She didn't want to talk about Clayton, didn't want to admit how guilty she really was. Ellie just cried. Laurel felt like she had to say something, anything. “I don't know what the body that they found has to do with anything.”

“Get out.”

“I don't know what to say.”

“This is your fault.” Ellie had stopped crying, and looked at Laurel with hate in her eyes. It was the first time in years that she had truly felt hatred. She had never felt this intensely before. “I never want to see you again. Not near my home, never. This is all your fault.”

“Please, let me do something..”

“Get out.” Ellie put her heads in her hands and wept. “NOW!” She screamed.

Laurel grabbed her purse and ran from the patio, crying. She couldn't forgive herself, and she doubted she ever would. She needed to get back to Paolo. She prayed that he could make her feel better, but doubted that too. She knew nothing would ever be the same. Clayton was dead, and it was all her fault.

Ellie continued to sit at the table, crying. Clayton was gone, really gone. It hit her all over again. She thought about the cruel, senseless way he died. She thought about Cally, and her stay in jail. She had questions about who the body was, and how J.R. was involved, and how Cliff's gun was used, but she didn't care. Laurel Ellis was the reason that her beloved Clayton was dead.

Ellie let out another cry and wept until there were no more tears to fall.

Dallas City Hall

Jack Ewing strode carelessly into the reception area at the Mayor's office. Despite the fact that he had no clue why he was there, Jack was on cloud nine. After such a pleasant conversation with Sue Ellen earlier, why shouldn't he be?

His stride ground to an immediate halt, however, when his gaze fell on her…across the room, seated comfortably next to the receptionist, Sue Ellen looked picturesque with her hands folded delicately over her purse, which was perfectly balanced on her cross-legged lap. Seeing her like that made all of the reasons that Jack had worked so tirelessly to convince Sue Ellen to give him another chance suddenly so very clear. If it took forever, Jack resolved to make sure she never fell through his hands again.

Perhaps it was the fact that the open door didn't close, but Sue Ellen really didn't give much thought when she turned in that direction and met the gaze of Jack Ewing. It almost took her by surprise. She had thought their conversation at the hospital might be the last she'd see of him for a while, particularly since she was so confused about what to do with their potentially renewed relationship.

“Jack,” she said to him, finally acknowledging him.

Jack nodded with a smile in return and silently closed the door behind him before crossing to stand in front of her. He stopped a moment, to stare down at her before speaking. She was so lovely.

“Fancy meeting you here,” Jack told her. “I don't suppose you know what this is all about.”

“Actually, I don't,” Sue Ellen replied. “Donna only said that it was very important and that I would be delighted to find out what the secret was once she and Ray arrived.”

“Funny…Ray said something along those lines to me, too,” Jack said with a cocked eyebrow.

The arch of his brow sent a shiver down Sue Ellen's spine. Who was she kidding? Every meticulous physical detail about this man excited her. So why was she having so many problems making up her mind?

Before she could answer herself, the door opened again and in burst Donna dragging Ray behind her with a burst of laughter. It was pretty obvious to both Jack and Sue Ellen that things were quite well on the way to repair for Ray and Donna. At least they had managed to find their way back to each other.

“Oh no you don't,” Donna cried out with a giggle. “This was your idea, remember?”

“Oh, I reckon you're right,” Ray replied, moseying on into the room.

They turned together and smiled brightly at Jack and Sue Ellen. Sue Ellen stood up, her face a mixture of confusion and elation. It was so nice to see these two happy again. They'd faced so many problems.

“Well, are we supposed to guess why we're here?” Sue Ellen finally asked. Donna and Ray looked at each other with mischievous grins.

“Well, we figured you two were just about the best people we could think of to help us out,” Ray explained. “See, we're planning a little surprise for Miss Ellie, but we needed some help from a couple of friends.”

“And you just happened to pick us?” Jack asked cautiously.

“Well, we thought it would be a pretty good idea if you two did this small favor for us,” Donna replied. “Who knows, it might even be worth it for you to follow our example.”

“What exactly are you talking about, Donna?” Sue Ellen, her voice thick with that 'Miss Texas' accent that sounded so familiar and fluid coming from her mouth.

“We've decided to get remarried,” Donna explained, wrapping an arm around Ray. “And we want you two to be our witnesses.”

Jack glanced uncomfortably at Sue Ellen. He could certainly see the irony of the situation, but he was more than happy to go along with the plan. Anything to be close to Sue Ellen. The question was, would she go along with it?

“That's very flattering, but I'm not sure this is a good idea,” Sue Ellen said slowly. “Don't you wanna wait, and have a big ole wedding at Southfork?”

“We were hoping for something a little more simple,” Ray replied.

“Besides, we want to surprise Miss Ellie with the news at the Bar-B-Q,” Donna added. “We're hoping it'll lift her spirits some.”

“Well, I think it's a great idea,” Jack said suddenly. “What do you say, Sue Ellen? We can vouch for our friends here…can't we?”

“Yes, I suppose we can,” she replied unsure, staring at Jack.

“Great, I called the Deputy Mayor down here, and he's going to marry us as soon as he's ready,” Donna explained. “We just needed you two to witness it.” “Count us in,” Jack said with a smile.

Across the room, a door opened and a receptionist came filing out into the outer room and crossed to the group. She smiled at all of them before turning her attention to Donna.

“The Deputy Mayor will be able to see you now, Mrs. Mayor,” she told Donna politely. “And congratulations.”

Donna gestured for Jack and Sue Ellen to go in and started to follow when Ray stopped her. He grabbed her arm and pulled her back to him, surprising her with a kiss.

“You're supposed to do that after the wedding,” Donna said playfully as they pulled away from each other.

“There's plenty more where that came from,” Ray reminded her with a smile. “I just wanted you to know before we went in there that I'm not just doin' this for Miss Ellie.”

“Oh, you're not?” Donna asked playfully.

“No, I'm not,” Ray continued, mocking her. “I'm doing this because I love you more than anything in the world, and I want us to be together forever, Donna Krebbs…no matter what.”

“So, what are we waitin' for, Cowboy,” she replied. “Let's go have ourselves a wedding.”

With that, she pulled Ray into the Deputy Mayor's office to begin their blessed nuptials. Ten minutes later, they were Mr. and Mrs. Ray Krebbs once again…this time, hopefully, for good.

Dallas Courthouse

“Officer Murray, would you please state your full name and occupation for the court?”

“Sure, it's Patrick Roy Murray and I'm a police officer in Mystique Point, North Carolina.”

“Good, now, Officer Murray, can you tell me exactly what happened to you while you were working on the day in question?”

“Sure. I was out searching the woods…”

“And why were you doing that?”

“Well, I was searching for Mrs. Ewing and Mr. Stone because they were suspected of kidnapping this little boy in Pennsylvania and we thought they might be hiding out in the woods.”

“And why did you think they might be in the woods?”

“The car that she had rented had been found at the bottom of a ravine not too far from there. Since no one was found in it, we figured they were hiding out. The easiest place to hide would be the woods, so that's where we started.”

Clark nodded, “Go on.”

“Like I said, I was searching the woods and I saw this guy come up the embankment. I immediately recognized him as Eric Stone, the guy in the wanted pictures. So I arrested him, and then all of the sudden I felt this awful pain in my head. Everything is blank after that. I guess I passed out.

“And do you believe that Karen Ewing was the person who hit you?”

Adam was on his feet before Clark finished the sentence. “Objection, Your Honor. Mr. Marshall is leading the witness and asking him to draw conclusions from facts not in evidence!”

Judge Moore looked bored and peered over his glasses, “Mr. Marshall?”

“Your Honor, surely Officer Murray knows what he believed.”

“What he believed is not relevant! Since Officer Murray was hit from behind, Mr. Marshall hasn't even been able to prove that a person hit him, let alone that it was my client! Not to mention the fact that the witness has not even testified that he was 'hit', he just said he felt pain.”

“Objection sustained, the question will be stricken from the record. Mr. Marshall do you have any more questions?”

“No Sir.” Clark sat down at the prosecutor's table.

Judge Moore looked over at Adam, “does the defense have anything for this witness?”

Just as Adam was shaking his head 'no', Stan stood up. “Yes, Your Honor, we do.” Judge Moore raised his eyebrows; Eric Stone's attorney had hardly spoken since the trail began.

“Very well, proceed.”

“Thank you, Your Honor. Officer Murray, you said that you had already arrested Mr. Stone when you felt the pain in your head, correct?”

“Yes, that's right.”

“When you arrested him, he didn't struggle or try to fight in any way, did he?

The officer looked thoughtful for a minute. “No sir, he didn't.”

“Thank you Officer Murray. No further questions Your Honor.”

Stan sat back down, feeling better now that he had added something to the case.

Judge Moore yawned and turned to Officer Murray. “You are free to step down.” Then turning back to the attorneys, “I have decided to recess for the day. See you in the morning gentlemen, … and lady.” With that Judge Moore left the bench.

Rex Wentworth's Penthouse

Afton answered the persistent banging on the door, a little bit scared as to what awaited her. “Hold on!” She screamed.

She opened the door, surprised to find Neil standing there, looking disheveled. She could smell liquor on his breath. “You bitch!” He screamed.

“Awful early to be starting on the sauce, Neil,” she said sardonically. She made motions to slam the door in his face. He stopped her with his hand, and pushed his way past her. “Get out!” she screamed as she followed him into the living room.

“Why the hell did you do it?”

“Do what?”

“I know that you called Lucy!”

“You were taking too long. I had to speed up the process. When are you going to tell her?” Afton crossed her arms. Neither was aware of the presence of Rex Wentworth, who was standing out in the hall. He had approached the front door with trepidation when he saw that it was open and heard the screaming in the living room. Now he just sat back and listened.

“There is no process, because I'm never going to tell her!” Neil was slurring his words slightly.

“Alright, I will then.” Afton made moves to walk over to the phone. Neil grabbed her wrists and pulled them away from her body. “Let go of me!”

“You are sick!”

“Oh, you're one to make moral judgments.”

“That was a long time ago.”

“Some things you never forget, sweetie. Just like that day when they buried that poor old woman into the ground..”

“Shut up!”

“Oh, I know you're not a killer, but don't you think it was pretty horrible the way you just swooped in and married her and then took all her money? Poor thing must have died from shock and a broken heart. She's more the fool though. To think such a hunk like you would marry an old bag of bones like that. Still, Neil, it was really cruel, marrying for the wrong reasons. But, oh wait, you did that with Lucy too didn't you?”

“I love Lucy.”

“I'm sure.”

“I do! I love her. I've grown to love her.”

“Well you sure as hell didn't at first. Kind of threw a wrench in your plans didn't I?”

“Why do you hate her so much?”

“Because she's hurt me and she deserved to be hurt. And what better way than to get her to marry the man of her dreams, only to find out that he never loved her and married her for all the wrong reasons? I love it. She'll be crushed.”

“She's never going to find out.”

“Oh, she'll find out. I found out about your debts and that little gambling problem, and we just worked together. Really, Neil, a bar is not a good place for an addict to work.”

“I was trying to put myself through school.”

“And I was trying to raise a daughter by myself, on a singer's salary. That's beside the point. I want Lucy told NOW, or else she's not only going to find out from me that her husband lied to her and never loved her, but also about holy matrimony with the bag of bones. And don't you think I'd leave out the part about stealing her money to pay off the gambling debts. That's just icing on the cake.” Afton smiled.

Neil walked across the room and slapped her across the face. Afton's face burned with pain and anger. “Get out or I'm calling the cops.”

Rex took this as his cue to hide, and did so. Neil never saw him as he left. Rex decided to wait a few more minutes before making his entrance, playing dumb the whole time. He needed that time to absorb what he just heard. Afton and Neil had known each other years before he even married Lucy. To think that she set up his whole marriage to her! Rex smiled. This could be very useful information.

Ewing Oil

J.R. cursed the computer on his desk as the screen froze and he was forced to call Sly for help. He pressed the intercom button and moved over to it. “Sly, can you come in here for a second?”

There was no answer, but a split-second later, she showed up in the office and walked over to his desk. “What is it J.R.?”

“This confounded contraption locked up on me again…now what the hell did you do last time to fix it?”

Sly tried to stifle a laugh that was trying to bubble up. “Just hit control, alt, and delete at the same time.”

J.R. hit the keys and looked up at the screen as the program closed. “Well, how bout that.”

“Oh, come on Dad, you know I taught you how to do that a long time ago.”

J.R. and Sly looked up to see John Ross standing in the room. J.R. was surprised to see him, as they hadn't been civil with one another since last year. “Well John Ross, come in. What can I do for you?”

John Ross took a seat and Sly left the office, closing the door behind her.

“I need your help.” John Ross saw no point in beating around the bush. He wasn't exactly eager to beg his father for help, especially after they'd been on bad terms for so long, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

“With?”

“Melissa's not letting me see my son…your grandson.”

“Oh? Is that a fact? Your mother and I went by the hospital to see him…cute little thing. And now you say Melissa's not letting you see him? Why on earth would she do that?”

“Because of what happened with Pamela Rebecca…I was doing that for my daughter…surely you understand that.”

“Of course I do.”

John Ross felt relieved. “So what are you going to do?”

J.R. leaned back in his chair and stretched out. “Oh, I'll think of something. That boy is just as much yours as he is hers…that boy is a Ewing. He's my grandson and it'll be a cold day in hell before I ever let Melissa McSween shut you out of his life…”

J.R. grinned. His son was back in his life now and he was asking for his help—he'd be damned sure John Ross got what he wanted…no matter what the cost.

Credits Roll