EPISODE 150 - Killers On The Loose, Part 2

later, the car pulls into the parking area in rear of the mansion and comes to a stop, with Bobby, Ann, and Emma inside.  Bobby gets out of the car, and as Ann starts to get out, she notices her daughter in the backseat, sitting motionless as she looks out over the horizon of the ranch.  

 

"Emma,"  Ann says to her.  "Emma, we're here."

 

"I know.  I had no idea I'd be coming back here this soon.  Especially not under these circumstances."

 

"I know.  But you're with your family now.  Emma, I'd like for you to stay in the house instead of the cottage."

 

"No,"  Emma says adamantly.  "That would be a TERRIBLE idea.  Logan and I do NOT need to be under the same roof as Lucas and his wife.  Even my coming here was a mistake."

 

"Hey,"  Bobby says, opening the car door and interrupting the womens' conversation.  "Are you gonna get out or are you gonna sit in the car all day?"

 

Ann looks at him and smiles, then she gets out of the car.  Emma unbuckles baby Logan from his car seat.  Ann opens the back door of the car and takes the baby as Emma gets out of the car.  Alex, Shawn, and Lucy come out of the house to meet them.

 

"Emma, I am SO sorry for your loss,"  Lucy says.

 

"Yeah, so am I,"  Shawn says.  "I mean, I didn't know the guy, but, I'm still sorry."

 

"Thank you."

 

"Emma, you can sleep in Christopher and Courtney's room until they get back from California,"  Lucy says.  "We got it fixed up for ya."

 

"Thanks, Lucy, but, I'm just gonna stay in the cottage,"  Emma says.

 

"The cottage?  But why?  You should be around family."

 

"I really appreciate everything, but, right now, I'd really just rather be alone with my son."

 

 

 

"Emma, are you sure this is what you want?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I'm sure,"  Emma replies, taking the baby from Ann.

 

"Alright, then.  Boys, would you mind takin' Emma's bags to the cottage?"

 

"Sure,"  Alex says.  He and Shawn each take one of Emma's suitcases, then the boys follow her as she heads to the cottage.

 

Bobby, Ann, and Lucy watch them as they go, Ann worried sick about her daughter's emotional state.

Early in the afternoon, Lucas and Heather are out on the ranch, Heather and Michael helping Lucas in one of Southfork's many pastures.  

 

"I really appreciate your help today."  Lucas tells his wife.

 

"I'm happy to do it,"  Heather says.  "I've really missed ranch work."

 

"Well, then in that case, maybe you wanna work on the ranch with me full time."

 

Heather laughs.  "If I thought you were serious, I'd take ya up on that."

 

"I AM serious.  Honey, you're great at this, and you have years of experience workin' on ranches.  And you were even a hand here at Southfork once upon a time.  Plus, as my wife, who better to have at my side runnin' this ranch?"

 

"Okay,"  Heather says.  "Okay, then.  You've got yourself a.........what would you call me?"

 

"How about.......co-ranch runner?"  Lucas asks with a smile.

 

"I'll take that."

 

Lucas looks at his watch.  His smile fades.  "I guess my Dad and Ann should be back from California with Emma by now."

 

A sad look comes over Heather's face.  "Yeah.  I feel so bad for her, losing her fiance like that."

"Yeah, me, too,"  Lucas says.  "I was never Kevin Channing's biggest fan, and I didn't know the guy that well, but, I really hate this happened.  And, I really feel bad for Emma and her little son.  Poor kid will never get to know his father."

 

"I don't know what I would ever do if anything happened to you,"  Heather says.

 

"Well, my dear, NOTHING is gonna happen to me, so you can stop worrying."

 

"You can't know that, Lucas.  None of us can.  I'm sure Kevin Channing never expected to die in an accident like that."

 

"Heather, are you okay?  Are you upset because you feel sorry for Emma, or, is there somethin' else goin' on?"

 

"Life is just unpredictable, Lucas.  You never know from one minute to the next what's gonna happen.  Kevin Channing's death just makes you realize that."

 

"You're right,"  Lucas says.  "Which is why we should all live life to the fullest.  Live each day like it's our last, because it could be."

 

"Lucas, can I ask you somethin'?" 

 

"You know you can ask me anything."

 

"Is it gonna make you feel uncomfortable, or awkward, havin' Emma back at Southfork?"  Heather asks.  "I mean, after the history the two of you share."

 

Lucas looks at her for a moment.  "Do you feel awkward or uncomfortable around Christopher?"

 

"No, I don't."

 

"Then there's your answer.  What Emma and I had is in the past, and that's where it's gonna stay.  I don't have any feelings for her anymore, Heather, if that's what you're worried about.  You're the only woman I have eyes for."

 

"I wasn't worried,"  Heather says.

 

"Good, because you have no reason to be.  Now, I'm getting hungry, so, let's go to the house and get some lunch.  We can come back and finish up here afterward."

 

Heather smiles.  "Alright."

 

"Race ya,"  Lucas says, then quickly takes off on his horse.

 

"HEY, THAT'S NO FAIR!"  Heather yells after him, then takes off across the pasture on her horse to catch him.

Ewing Oil....

In his office at Ewing Oil, John Ross pours two glasses of bourbon and hands one to Cal Archer, owner of the refinery in Texas City he wants to buy out from under Cliff and Brad.  

 

"Well, thank ya, John Ross,"  Cal Archer says.

 

"You're welcome, Cal, my friend,"  says a cheerful John Ross.  

 

Cal takes a sip of the bourbon and smiles as he holds the glass in front of him and looks at it.  "Damn, that's good bourbon.  You sure got your Daddy's taste when it comes to good bourbon, boy."

 

"Thank ya Cal, I appreciate that.  My Daddy always spoke real highly of you, too."

 

"Now then, John Ross, how about we get down to why you called me here,"  says Cal.  "It's about my refinery, itn't it?"

 

"Yes sir, it is.  Cal, I'd like to buy your refinery."

 

"John Ross, Ewing already has a refinery,"  Cal says.  "So why on Earth would ya wanna buy mine?"

 

"Ewing can always use another good refinery, Cal,"  John Ross says.

 

Archer smiles.  "John Ross, this wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that Cliff Barnes and Brad Stone made an offer on my refinery, now would it?"

 

"Well, ya got me, Cal.  I did hear through the grapevine that Barnes and Stone were hopin' to buy you out."

 

"And you just thought you'd beat 'em to the punch, is that it?  I'll be damned.  Well, I see that old feud between the Ewings and Cliff Barnes is still goin' as strong as ever."

 

"So how 'bout it, Cal?"  John Ross asks.  "You and my Daddy went way back.  If nothin' else, I hope that you will take that into consideration when you make your decision on who to sell your refinery to."

 

"You remind me an awful lot of J.R.,"  Cal says.  "That sounds exactly like somethin' he would say.  Just before he tried to blackmail somebody."

 

John Ross laughs at Cal's comment.  "Well, no blackmail here, Cal.  Just wantin' to do business with an old fam'ly friend, that's all.  Now, whatever offer Cliff Barnes and Brad Stone have made you, I am willin' to double."

 

"Wow, you must want that refinery real bad, John Ross."

 

"I do, Cal.  REAL bad.  So, what do you say?  Do business with me, the son of an old friend of yours and make double the profit, or sell to a loser like Cliff Barnes, who, as far as I know, you've never done any business with."

 

Cal nods.  "You're right about that.  I never have done any business with Cliff Barnes or young Brad Stone.  I did, however, do quite a bit of business with Stone's Mama, Marilee."

 

John Ross looks at Cal with a smile.  "Yeah, I'll just bet you did."

 

Cal lets out a slight laugh.  "Alright, John Ross.  You're very persuasive, just like your Daddy was."

 

"So does that mean we have a deal?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Yes, son, we have a deal.  But not because of the money.  Because you're J.R.'s boy, and, dealin' with you kinda feels like dealin' with him.  So we have a deal.  Only one thing, John Ross."

 

"And what's that, Cal?"

 

"You don't know what Cliff Barnes and Brad Stone offered to pay for my refinery.  So, how are you gonna double that offer?"

 

John Ross opens the top drawer of his desk and takes out a piece of paper, and slides it across the desk to Cal, who picks it up and looks at it.  Cal then looks at John Ross, who smiles at him.

 

"I'll be damned.  You really ARE just like your Daddy.  He woulda dug until he found out how much the other team offered as well, then he woulda offered to double it.  Looks like you learned all J.R.'s tricks."

 

"Well, if I didn't learn anything else from my Daddy, Cal, one thing I DID learn is never go into a deal unprepared."

 

"So how'd ya find this out?"  Cal asks.  

 

"Another thing I learned from my Daddy is......never divulge any trade secrets."

 

Cal laughs as he stands from his seat.  "You have your lawyer draw up the papers.  And you'll have yourself a second refinery."

 

John Ross stands to his feet and shakes the older man's hand.  "It was sure a pleasure doin' business with ya, Cal," he says.

 

"Yeah, same here, John Ross.  Call me when those papers are ready."  Cal walks to the door and starts to leave.  He pauses a second, and turns around back to John Ross.  "I don't know whether you knew this or not, John Ross.  But I had a boy of my own once.  David.  He was just a few years older'n you.  I lost David in Iraq in 2004, when he was only 29."

 

"I'm real sorry to hear that, Cal."

 

"Thank ya.  I'd like to think that, if David had lived, he'd be a lot like you.  I'll see ya, John Ross,"  Cal says, then quickly leaves.

 

After Cal is gone, John Ross walks to the window of his office and looks out over the city.  "Barnes, you will NEVER win against me," he says quietly.  "Neither you nor your bastard son.  I'm gonna stop both of you, right along with Tripp McKay.  Cal was right, Daddy.  I learned everything I know from you, and one day, Dallas is gonna be my town, just like it was yours."  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeremy Wendell's penthouse....

 "Mr. Wendell, Tripp McKay is here to see you,"  says Jeremy's butler,  William, walking into Jeremy's living room of his penthouse suite.  

 

"Thank you, William,"  Jeremy says.  "Send young Mr. McKay in."

 

"Yes, sir."  William walks out of the room.  A moment later, Tripp walks in.

 

"Hello, Tripp,"  Jeremy says.  "Please, come in.  Would you like a drink?"

 

"I'd love one, thank you."

 

Jeremy walks to his bar begins fixing two drinks.  "So, Tripp, I hope you've thought about what we talked about last time we met."

 

"I've thought of little else,"  says Tripp.  "In fact I tried getting in touch with you the day after our meeting here, but, that William guy said you were away."

 

"Yes, I had to be away on business for a few days, but I'm back now,"  Jeremy says.  

 

"Well, it's good to have you back, Mr. Wendell."

 

"Now, Tripp, I told you at our last meeting to call me Jeremy."

 

Tripp smiles.  "Sure......Jeremy."

 

"Tripp, when I was out of town, I was conducting business on behalf of Westar,"  Jeremy says, handing him one of the drinks.  "Or, more precisely, on your behalf."

 

"On MY behalf?"  Tripp asks.  "I'm not sure I understand."

 

Jeremy walks to a cabinet next to the bar and opens it, taking out some papers.  "Tripp, in Cherokee County, there's a tract of land that sits on top of one of the richest oil reserves in the entire state of Texas. Next to that tract is another piece of property that also contains a large reserve of crude oil and natural gas.  I was in Cherokee County these past few days, and I bought that second tract."

 

"Oh, really?"  Tripp asks.  "I still don't understand what that has to do with me."

 

Jeremy holds the papers out to Tripp.  "I bought that land on behalf of Westar, for you."

 

Tripp looks at the papers in Jeremy's hand for a moment, stunned, then takes them.  "Jeremy, I.......I don't know  what to say."

 

"No need to say anything.  The oil and natural gas under this property will aid Westar.  But that's only part of what I wanted to discuss with you."

 

"Okay, I'm listening.  You have me curious."

 

Jeremy walks over to the sofa and takes a seat.  "The tract of land adjoining the property I bought is owned jointly by Ewing Oil, and by Catlin Oil, the company owned and run by Bobby Ewing's cousin, Catlin Ewing."

 

"Really?"  Tripp asks.  "So?"

 

"That piece of land, as I said, is one of the most oil rich in the entire state.  That piece of land has, in a very short period of time, made Ewing Oil much, much richer than it already was.  If Westar owned that property, it could do the same for you."

 

"Yes, but Jeremy, Westar DOESN'T own that land.  Ewing Oil does."

 

"A mere technicality,"  Jeremy says.  "I want that land."

 

"Well, I don't know how you would ever get it.  There's no way in hell Bobby Ewing or his cousin would ever sell a piece of property worth that much money.  And even if they would, Westar wouldn't have the cash to be able to afford it.  I doubt even Exxon Mobile or Chevron could afford to buy it."

 

"There's always a way.  Every man has his price,"  Jeremy says.  "So if the Ewings aren't willing to part with their land voluntarily. perhaps they can be forced to."

 

"Whoa, wait a second," says Tripp.  "Are you talking about somehow FORCING the Ewings to sell their land?  Jeremy, didn't you already try that with them once before, and you ended up spending YEARS in prison because of it?"

 

Jeremy looks at the young man.  "I made a number of very grave errors years ago.  I won't make those same mistakes this time around.  Tripp,  I have a very large score to settle with the Ewings, and I intend to do just that.  I want you by my side to help me.  Can I count on you?"

 

Tripp looks at Jeremy, unsure of what to think of this man, and unsure of Jeremy's motives.

Catlin Oil....late afternoon 

"Why?  You inviting me to join you and Sue Ellen for dinner?"  C.J. asks with a smile.

 

Catlin laughs.  "No, I'm NOT.  Tonight it's just gonna be me and Sue Ellen.  A nice, romantic dinner.  And, I have something I wanna ask her."

 

"Oh yeah?  Anything I should know about?"  C.J. asks.

 

Catlin smiles at his son.  "Oh, hell, I may as well tell you.  I'm dying to tell SOMEONE."  He opens the top drawer of his desk and takes out a small blue velvet box.  He opens it to reveal a beautiful diamond ring.

 

"Dad, oh my God,"  C.J. says.  "That's gorgeous.  You're.......you're gonna ask Sue Ellen to marry you?"

 

"Yes I am.  At dinner tonight.  You know I've been planning to do this for some time now, and something always comes up.  So it's time Sue Ellen and I made things official."

 

C.J. smiles.  "Dad, that's great.  I'm so happy for you."

 

"Thank you, son.  I'm really happy that you like Sue Ellen."

 

"I really do.  I don't think you could've done any better than Sue Ellen, and I can't tell you how pleased I am about this."

 

As Catlin is about to say something, his secretary buzzes his office.  "Hold that thought," he says.  "Yes, Susie?"

 

"Mr. Ewing, Detectives Steven Jones and Craig Anderson are here to see you."

 

"Oh?"  Catlin asks, exchanging worried looks with C.J.  "Susie, send the detectives in."

 

"Yes, sir."

 

"I wonder what that's about,"  says C.J.

 

"No idea.  Let's hope it's good news and they've finally caught Peter Love."

 

The two young detectives walk into the office.  "Mr. Ewing,"  Steven says.  

 

"Detectives, what can I do for you?"  Catlin asks.  "I assume this is about Peter Love."

 

"Yes,"  replies Steven.

 

"Well, what is it?"

 

"We have reason to believe that Peter Love could still be in Dallas,"  says Craig.

 

"Why, what makes you think that?"  C.J. asks.

 

"A man fitting Love's description has been spotted in the area,"  Steven says.

 

"We've got every available man working on this case right now,"  Craig adds.

 

"Oh my God,"  says C.J.  

 

"I warned you, Detective,"  Catlin says.  "I warned you the other day that Peter Love was still in this area, and that he wasn't done."  Catlin grabs his jacket from the back of his chair and starts to leave.

 

"Mr. Ewing,"  Steven calls.

 

"Dad, where are you going?"  C.J. asks.

 

"To get Sue Ellen,"  Catlin replies.  "C.J, I want you to get to Sue Ellen's house as soon as possible, and STAY there!"  Without another word, Catlin rushes from the office.

Ewing Oil....

Bobby looks at her and smiles.  "Well, thank you, it feels great bein' back in the saddle at Ewing Oil, although I am still a little worried about both Ann and Emma."

 

"How is Emma, by the way?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"She's holding up as best she can.  It's hard for her, especially having a little baby."

 

"I never thought I'd say this but, I really feel sorry for her."

 

"Yeah, me, too.  And I'm very sorry about Kevin,"  Bobby says.  "Despite who his father is, Kevin was really a very decent young man, and he truly loved Emma."

"And what about Ann?  How is she?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Honestly, Sue Ellen, I'm not real sure.  Ever since what happened with Katherine, Ann has seemed.......on edge.  Nervous about something."

 

"That's understandable, considering what Katherine did to her."

 

"That's what I thought at first, too, but, I dunno. It seems like there's more bothering her than Katherine Wentworth, and this started before Kevin Channing's death, so I know it's not that. But, whatever it is, maybe she would confide in her best friend.  I'm sure she could use a visit from you soon."

 

Sue Ellen smiles.  "I'll go out to Southfork and see her tomorrow.  And Emma, too."

 

Bobby's intercom buzzes.  "Yes, Janice?"

 

"Catlin Ewing is here to see Mrs. Ewing.  He says it's urgent."

 

"Thank you, Janice, send him in."

 

"I hope nothing is wrong,"  says Sue Ellen.

 

"So do I,"  Bobby says as Catlin walks in.

 

"Sue Ellen," Catlin says.

 

"Catlin, what is it?  You said it's urgent?"

 

"The police just came to my office.  They said they have reason to believe that Peter Love is still in Dallas."

 

"What?  Oh my God,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"I think we should get home."

 

"What about dinner?"  

 

"We have to cancel our dinner plans,"  Catlin says.  "Sue Ellen, I want you safe.  I already sent C.J. over to the house, and I called Bum and asked him to meet us there."

 

"Catlin, is there anything I can do?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Thank you, Bobby.  I can't think of anything right now, but, if there is, I'll let you know."

 

"Be sure and call me and let me know what's going on."

 

"I will, Bobby,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Would you please tell John Ross and Krystina what's going on, and that I had to leave?"

 

"I will,"  Bobby says, kissing her on the cheek.  "Catlin, are you sure that Sue Ellen could be in danger from Peter Love?  What would he have to gain by hurting her, or anyone else for that matter?"

 

"Peter Love is a very dangerous man when cornered, Bobby,"  replies Catlin.  "He hates me.  He has for more than 30 years, and I honestly believe that he would harm Sue Ellen and my son just to get to me."

 

"Look, I think maybe you should all come out to Southfork and stay until Love is caught,"  Bobby says.  "We've already got a lot of security at the ranch because of Katherine Wentworth, and I have extra hands roaming the perimeters of the ranch day and night."

 

"Bobby, we appreciate the offer, but we certainly wouldn't wanna put ya out,"  Catlin says.

 

"You wouldn't be.  Please, consider it."

 

"Catlin, maybe he's right,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Maybe Southfork would be a little safer than my house."

 

"Alright."

 

"And that offer includes C.J., too,"  Bobby says.

 

"I'll call him and ask him to pick us up a few things at the house, and then to come out to Southfork.  Bobby, thank you so much for this."

 

"That's what family's for, Catlin,"  Bobby says.  "I'll call the ranch and let Ann know."

 

"Thank you, Bobby,"  a nervous Sue Ellen says as Catlin puts his arm around her.

Meanwhile....Catlin Oil....

 C.J. emerges from Fountain Place, the office building which houses Catlin Oil, and makes his way across the 

street to the parking lot where his car is.  As he gets into his car, he is unaware that he is being watched by someone sitting in a car parked nearby.  Peter Love, dressed in a security guard's uniform and wearing a fake beard and a hat as a disguise, watches C.J. as he drives out of the parking lot and turns left onto Ross Avenue.  Peter starts his own car and begins following C.J. as he heads down the street.

Sue Ellen's home....a short time later

 Jimmy is sitting up in bed in his hospital room that evening when someone knocks at his door.  "Come in,"  Jimmy tells his visitor.

 

Jay Smithfield walks into the room.  "Jimmy, how're you feeling?"

 

"Much better, thanks, Jay."

 

"I'm glad to hear that.  You had us all pretty worried."

 

"I was pretty worried, too.  I honestly thought I'd never get out of that cage,"  Jimmy says.  

 

Jay walks over to Jimmy's bedside.  "Jimmy, I can't even imagine what you must have gone through.  Thank God you survived it."

 

"So, did you just stop by to see how I am?"  Jimmy asks.

 

"Partly, yes,"  replies Jay.  "But I also have some news, and I wanted to deliver it in person."

 

"I sure hope it's good news for a change.  If not, I'd just rather not hear it."

 

"Well, you're gonna wanna hear this, because it's real good news,"  Jay says.  "You're a free man, Jimmy.  Justin dropped the charges against you."

 

"He.......he dropped the charges?"  Jimmy asks, both surprised and relieved to hear the news.

 

"Yeah, he did.  He went down to the police station late this morning, and dropped the charges.  I got the call from the D.A.'s office about an hour ago."

 

"So........Justin admitted that he lied?"  

 

"No, he didn't lie.  He said that his memory, when it returned, was very confused on what had happened.  But, he says that he now remembers what really happened on that cliff.  You and he got into a scuffle, he slipped, and you tried to pull him back up."

 

"That's what I've been saying all along."

 

"Well, the whole thing is over now,"  Jay says.  "You're free to get on with your life."

 

"Does this mean he dropped the charges against Amanda, too?"  Jimmy asks.

 

"Yes.  Against both of you."

 

"That's good."

 

"Y'know, Jimmy, for a guy who's just been given the good news that he isn't gonna have to face attempted murder charges, you don't seem too happy,"  Jay says.

 

"Sorry.  I am.  I really am happy about that, it's just that......I'm not sure what I'm gonna now.  Doctor says I can go home tomorrow.  Only thing is, I don't have a home to go back to, since, while I was locked up in that cage, my rent became past due, and my lease expired."

 

"Any idea what you're gonna do?"  Jay asks.

 

"My father wants me to go back East with him,"  Jimmy replies.  "But, I don't really want to.  At least not to stay.  Dallas is my home."

 

"Jimmy, you know you're more than welcome to come and stay with Jill I until you figure out what you're gonna do, or until you get another apartment."

 

"I really appreciate that, Jay.  Uncle Bobby also invited me to come stay at Southfork for a while.  I guess tonight, I'll have a lot of thinking to do about which offer to accept."

 

"Southfork might do you a lotta good after spending all that time in that basement,"  Jay says.  "Lots of fresh, open air."

 

"Yeah.  I sure could use that right now."

 

"Jimmy, you take care of yourself, and the offer to stay with us is open.  Let me know what you decide."

 

"I appreciate it, Jay, and thanks for comin' by."

 

"No problem, man,"  Jay says.  He smiles at Jimmy, then turns and leaves.  

 

After Jay is gone, Jimmy lays back in bed, resting his head on the pillow.  He turns his head and looks out the window, flashes of memories of his ordeal in the Wentworth basement, and memories of Katelyn, flooding his mind whenever he closes his eyes.  Jimmy begins to cry.

Sue Ellen's home....

 C.J. comes out of Sue Ellen's home, carrying two suitcases.  He puts the suitcases down on the porch, then locks the door.  He picks the suitcases up, and as he makes his way down the front steps, he is surprised when Peter steps out of  the bushes behind him.  

 

"Don't move,"  Peter says, holding a gun to C.J.'s back.  

 

C.J.'s heart begins to pound with fear.  "Peter?"  He asks.  "Peter Love?"

 

"That's right.  And you're Brittany's son, Catlin Ewing, Jr."

 

"What do you want?  Look, you'd better get out of here.  The cops are......."

 

"Looking for me?  Yes, I know,"  Peter says.  "But don't you worry about that.  Where's your old man?  Where's Catlin?"

 

"I.......I don't know."

 

"Don't lie to me,"  Peter angrily says.  

 

"I'm not lying."

 

"Okay, fine.  You and I are going for a little ride."

 

"Where?"  

 

"You'll find out when we get there.  Let's go."

 

C.J., frozen with fear, remains still, his hands in the air.

 

"I said MOVE!"  Peter again orders, poking C.J. in the back with the gun.  Fearing for his life, C.J. reluctantly does as Peter tells him.  Peter takes him to his car and forces him to get into driver's seat.  Peter gets into the passenger seat.  "Okay, let's go,"  he says, holding the gun to C.J.

 

"Go where?"  C.J. asks.

 

"Just drive.  I'll tell you where."

 

C.J. starts the car, then drives off, completely at the mercy of the man who had murdered his mother!
Los Angeles, California....

"I don't believe this,"  says an angry Christopher, he and Courtney meeting with their attorney Drew Demarest in their hotel room in Los Angeles.  "Not only do we have to fight Adam and Jennifer Reed in court, but now we may have to fight Chase Gioberti, too?"

 

"Drew, Chase couldn't possibly have a case here, could he?"  Courtney asks.  "Could he actually get custody of my son?"

 

"Courtney, it's not likely, but I'm gonna be perfectly honest with you.  Anything can happen,"  Drew says.

 

"So what you're saying is that Chase Gioberti could come away from this with custody of Jacob, or at the very least, joint custody if Courtney wins,"  Christopher says.  

 

"Yes."

 

"Oh God,"  says Courtney.  "I knew it was a mistake when I told Chase about Jacob."

 

"Courtney, if you wanted this custody case to proceed, you didn't have a choice,"  says Drew.  "The judge insisted that Jacob's biological father be told about his son."

 

"I know,"  Courtney says, sadly.

 

"So where do we go from here?"  Asks Christopher.

 

"We proceed as we were before.  We're building a case against the Reeds, using Adam Reed's families alleged ties to organized crime, and we use Courtney's age at the time she gave birth to Jacob and made the painful decision to give her child up for adoption.  And, in the meantime, we also build a case against Chase Gioberti gaining custody. But Courtney, I need to ask both you and Christopher a question.  If the judge rules that Chase is entitled to joint custody, or at least visitation rights.......would you be willing to accept that?"

 

Courtney looks at Christopher, then at Drew.  "Would I have a choice?"

 

"Could we fight it?"  Christopher asks.

 

"We could, but, it may not be to Courtney's advantage.  Any judge who hears an appeal could look at it that, Chase was denied knowing that he had a son for ten years, and he's entitled to have a relationship with Jacob now.  So, do you want to proceed with this case?"

 

"Yes,"  Christopher quickly replies.  "Courtney wants her son."

 

"And I don't want people like the Reeds raising my son,"  Courtney says.  "Adam Reed's family has ties to organized crime, and they adopted my son illegally."

 

"And those two things will definitely work in our favor,"  Drew says.  "Alright, then.  We'll try to get this case on the court calendar as soon as possible."

 

"Drew, thank you,"  Courtney says.  "Thank you for everything you're doing for us.  For handling this case, and for calling and letting us know what Chase is doing."

 

"It's my pleasure, Courtney, but, don't thank me yet.  Not until we win this case."

 

Christopher walks over to his wife and puts his arms around her.

 

Southfork....

Bobby, Ann, Sue Ellen, Lucas, and Heather are in the den at Southfork that evening as Catlin frantically paces around the room on his phone, trying to call C.J.  When he receives no answer, he hangs up in frustration.  "Damn.  Where the hell could he be?"  Catlin asks.  "C.J. should have been here by now.  I've called him six times and it goes straight to voicemail."

 

"Catlin, try and calm down,"  Bobby says.  "I'm sure he's fine.  Maybe he's just not getting service."

 

"Bobby's right, sweetheart,"  Sue Ellen agrees. 

 

"No, no.  Something's wrong, I KNOW it.  C.J. would've called and let me know if he was okay."

 

John Ross and Krystina walk into the room.  "Well, evenin', y'all,"  John Ross says cheerfully.  

 

"John Ross,"  Bobby says.

 

"What's going on?"  Krystina asks.  "Why is everyone so somber?"

 

"And Mama, what are you and Catlin doin' here?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Bobby invited us to stay here," Sue Ellen replies.  "The police think that Peter Love is still in Dallas, and Catlin thinks that Love could come after him."

 

"I felt that your mother, Catlin, and C.J. might be safer here than at your mother's house,"  Bobby says.

 

 

"Peter Love?"  John Ross asks, looking at Catlin.  "So, once again, my Mama and the rest of my fam'ly are put in danger because of you?"

 

"John Ross, I don't think you really wanna revisit who's at fault for bringing Brittany and Peter into our lives, do you?"  Asks an angry Catlin.

 

"Well, you're the one that pissed this Love guy off thirty years ago."

 

"John Ross, that's enough,"  Bobby says.  

 

"Placin' blame here itn't helpin' anyone,"  Ann says.  

 

"Well, this is just great,"  John Ross says.  "Not only do we have that crazy bitch Katherine Wentworth out there, probably still out to get this fam'ly, but now we also have Peter Love posin' a threat.  Great!"

 

"John Ross, why don't you just chill out for a change?"  Lucas asks.  "Everyone is upset enough without you making it worse, as usual."

 

"Lucas, if you don't like what I have to say, then you can just get the hell out!"

 

"This is MY home just as much as it is yours."

 

"Like hell!  You didn't even live here until a couple years ago!"

 

"You jackass!  I ought to shove my fist down your throat!"  Lucas says, walking toward his cousin.

 

"Alright, THAT'S ENOUGH!"  Bobby angrily says, grabbing his son by the arm.  

 

"Well, well,"  says a smiling Alex, walking into the room with Michael.  "What's going on in here?  Just another pleasant family gathering?"  

 

Everyone's eyes fall on the two boys standing in the doorway, Lucas and John Ross then exchanging looks, both of them feeling a bit guilty for letting their sons walk in on what was almost a fist fight between them.

 

"I'm gonna try and call C.J. one more time,"  Catlin says.  "And if he doesn't answer this time........I'm calling the police."

 

"What's the matter with C.J.?"  Michael asks.

"Nothin', sweetheart,"  Heather replies, walking over to her son.  ""C.J.'s just fine.  Catlin's just a little worried because he thought C.J. would be here by now, but he had to stop by Aunt Sue Ellen's house to pick up some things."

 

Catlin again takes his phone from his pocket and dials his son's number.  This time, instead of going directly to C.J.'s voicemail, the phone rings several times, but no one answers.  Then voicemail picks up.  "Son, I'm really worried about you,"  Catlin says, leaving a message.  "Please, give me a call or a text to let me know you're okay."  Catlin ends the call and puts his phone back into his pocket.  

 

Sue Ellen walks over to him and puts her hand on his shoulder.  "Still nothing?"  She asks.

 

"No.  I'm more worried now than ever.  I'm calling the police."  Catlin again takes out his phone, and as he is about to dial the number to the Dallas police, his phone rings.  Catlin sees that it's C.J.'s phone calling.   "It's C.J."

 

"Thank God,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"C.J., where are you?"  Catlin asks his son, answering the call.  "I've been going out of my mind."

Meanwhile....a room somewhere in Dallas....

"Well, hello, Catlin,"  Peter Love says, talking to Catlin from C.J.'s phone.  "It's been a long time.  I guess you were expecting this to be your son calling."

Southfork....

"Peter?"  Catlin asks.  "What the hell have you done with my son?"

A room in Dallas....

"Don't worry,"  Peter says.  "Your boy's fine, Catlin."

 

"Let me talk to him,"  Catlin says.

 

"Sorry, but Junior can't come to the phone right now.  He's just a little tied up.

Southfork....

"Peter, I'm warning you, if you hurt my son in ANY way, I swear to GOD I'll hunt you down and kill you with my bare hands!"  Catlin says.

A room in Dallas....

"You're in NO position to be making those kind of threats, Ewing.  Your boy's life depends on you doing exactly as I say."

 

"What is it you want?"  Catlin asks.

 

"I want YOU, Catlin.  You're gonna help me get out safely out of Dallas.  You're going to meet me, ALONE.  Tomorrow.  I'll call you in the morning with instructions, but in the meantime.......you'd better not even entertain the idea of calling the cops.  Because if you do, or if I have ANY idea that you're not alone when we meet.......your boy will be returned to you in  a body bag......in PIECES."

Southfork....

"You once believed C.J. to be your son.  You were there when he was born, Peter,"  Catlin says, almost in tears.  "You would never hurt him."

A room in Dallas....

"Don't count on that, Ewing,"  Peter says.  "Any feeling I may have once had for this boy died the day I found out he had your blood in his veins instead of mine.  So believe me when I say that I won't hesitate to put a bullet in his head.  After all, I have nothing left to lose."  Peter turns and looks over at C.J., who sits in a chair, his hands tied

 behind his back, his feet tied together, and his mouth gagged.  C.J. returns Peter's gaze, his hatred for the man who had murdered his mother, and the fear that he would not make it out of this alive, now stronger than ever!

Southfork....

Catlin hears a click, indicating that Peter has hung up on him.  "Peter?"  he says.  "PETER!!??  Oh dear God.  That madman has my son!"

 

"Catlin, what did he say?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"He wants me to meet him alone, tomorrow.  He said he'd call me back with instructions."

 

"You can't do that."

 

"Catlin, we have to call the police,"  Bobby says.

 

"NO!"  Catlin snaps.  "Love said that if I call the cops, he'll kill my son.  Dear God in Heaven, what am I going to do?" 

 

Sue Ellen puts her arms around Catlin to comfort him as the rest of the family looks on.

Brad Stone's apartment....night....

Meanwhile, Brad and Amanda lay in bed in his apartment, kissing that night after making love.  After a long, passionate kiss, the two look at each other and smile.

 

"Wow,"  Amanda says.  

 

"Pretty amazing, wasn't it?"  Brad asks.

 

"Yes, it was. YOU are amazing, Brad.  You gave me a job.  Made me believe in myself again.  You pretty much saved me when I didn't know which way to turn."

 

"Well, you're definitely worth saving, Amanda Ewing,"  Brad says.  

 

"Shepherd,"  Amanda says.  "I wanna forget that I was ever connected to the Ewings in any way.  So I'm going back to using my maiden name.  That family was never anything but pain for me."

 

"I'm sorry.  I think you're making the right decision, severing all ties to the Ewings, and pushing all the memories of them out of your mind."

 

"If only I COULD do that,"  Amanda says, laying her head on Brad's chest.  "Brad, can I ask you something?"

 

"You can ask me anything."

 

"What do you want from this?"

 

"What do I want from what?"  Brad asks.

 

Amanda raises her head and looks at him.  "From this.........us.  Do you want just casual sex, or something more?"

 

"What do YOU want?"  Brad asks, gently stroking her silky hair.

 

"I asked you first."

 

"Why don't we just play it by ear?"  Brad asks.  "Start off with casual sex, which is always pretty great.  And if things develop further, then that would be great, too.  In the meantime, let's not get all caught up in what's gonna happen tomorrow or the next day.  Let's just enjoy right now."

 

"I can live with that,"  Amanda says.  "You make me feel safe, Brad.  I haven't felt that way in a long time."

 

"You'll always be safe with me, Amanda,"  Brad says, kissing her.  Amanda lays her head back on his chest and smiles, confident that being in Brad's arms feels right.

Southfork....the next morning

Catlin anxiously paces around Christopher's bedroom, where he and Sue Ellen had stayed the night before, both staying up all night, hoping for a call from Peter Love.  

 

"Why the hell hasn't he called?"  Catlin asks as he continues to pace.  

 

"Sweetheart, try and calm down,"  Sue Ellen says.  "You didn't sleep at all last night.  You must be exhausted."

 

"I'm fine,"  Catlin says.  He looks at her.  "You didn't sleep either.  I know you wanted me to think you were asleep, but I could tell you weren't."

 

"You're right.  I was too worried."

 

Catlin walks over and puts his arms around her.  "I love you so much," he says.  "And I can't tell you what it means to me that you're so worried about my son."

 

"C.J. is part of my family, same as you are.  It breaks my heart to see what you're going through."

 

"I'm so afraid, Sue Ellen.  If that monster hurts my son, I swear, I'll......."

 

"Shhhhh,"  Sue Ellen says, placing her hands on each side of Catlin's face.  "Don't even THINK that.  As hard as it is, we have to think positive."

 

Catlin kisses her, but they are interrupted by a knock at the door.  Sue Ellen walks over and opens the door to Ann.

 

"Mornin',"  Ann says.  "I just wanted to let you know that breakfast is ready, and to see if you've heard anything yet."

 

"No, nothing,"  replies Sue Ellen.

 

"Well, come have some breakfast."

 

"Thank you, Ann,"  says Catlin.  "Sue Ellen, you go on ahead.  I'm not hungry."

 

"Catlin, ya have to eat,"  Ann says.  "You have to keep up your strength."

 

"She's right,"  Sue Ellen says.  "It won't do C.J. any good if you make yourself sick."

 

"I just can't eat knowing Peter Love has my son."

 

"Catlin, for what it's worth, Sue Ellen and I both know what you're goin' through right now,"  Ann says.

 

"I know,"  says Catlin.  "Sue Ellen told about the drug cartel kidnapping Emma three years ago, and how John Ross risked his life to save her."  Catlin is startled when his cell phone rings in his hand.  He looks at the screen.  "It's Peter," he says, then answers the call.  "Love, is my son alright?"

 

"Don't worry, Ewing, your son is fine,"  Peter replies.  "He didn't get much sleep last night."

 

"Alright, tell me where and when to meet you," says Catlin.

 

"Not so fast.  I'll be in touch with that information later."

 

"What?  You said that you would call me with instructions."

 

"And I will.  For the time being, you just sit tight.  And you'd better make damned sure there's no police involved in this, or you will be burying your boy right beside his mother."

 

"Peter, if you're playing games with me, I'll.......

 

"Just shut up and listen,"  Peter says.  "There is one thing I want you to do for me."

 

"What's that?"  Catlin asks.

A room in Dallas....

"I want you to get a message to MY son,"  Peter replies.  

 

"And why should I do anything to help you?"

 

"For one simple reason......you wanna see your boy alive again.  Aside from Brittany screwing up both of our lives, that's the one thing you and I have in common.  We're both fathers, and we both love our sons.  Call my son, and tell him to call C.J.'s phone.  I'll give you Eric's number.  But make it clear to him that if HE contacts the police or anyone, INCLUDING my sister.......he'll be responsible for C.J.'s death.  Here's the number."

Southfork....

As Peter tells him the number to his son Eric's cell phone, Catlin writes it down, just as Bobby walks into the bedroom.  "Alright, I got it."

 

"Good.  Just as soon as I hear from my son, I'll call you with instructions on how to save YOUR son."   Peter hangs up.

 

"Peter?  PETER!?  Catlin calls.   "Damn!"

 

"Catlin, what's goin' on?"  Bobby asks.  "What'd he say?"

 

"He wants me to call his son, Eric, and have Eric contact him.  Peter said that as soon as he hears from Eric, he'll call me back with instructions on how to save C.J."

 

 

"Catlin, I still think we should call the police,"  Bobby says.

 

"Let me ask you something, Bobby.  If that were Lucas or Christopher who'd been taken and the kidnapper demanded that you NOT contact the cops or your son would die...........would you?  Call the cops?  Or would you follow the kidnappers orders?"

 

Bobby looks at his cousin.  "I'd be doin' exactly what you're doin' right now."

 

"I'd do anything to save my son,"  says Catlin.  "I can't afford to antagonize Love in any way.  He killed Brittany.  I don't believe he would hesitate for one minute to kill my son, too."

 

"Catlin, if Love does set up a meeting with you, and you go........what's to stop him from killing you?"

 

"Bobby. that's a chance I have to take to save my son,"  Catlin says as a worried Sue Ellen looks at him, a fearful expression on her face.

Southfork.....Bobby's office, a few minutes later....

 Bobby and Sue Ellen walk into his office at Southfork a few minutes later, Sue Ellen closing the door behind them.  "Sue Ellen, what is it?"  Bobby asks.

 

 

"Bobby, I'm so frightened.  Somehow I just feel that Peter could be setting Catlin up.  That, if Catlin goes to meet him, he could be walking into a trap."

 

"That's what I'm afraid of, too,"  says Bobby.

 

"What am I going to do?"

 

"Catlin doesn't want the police involved........but we have to do something.  I'm gonna give Bum a call.  He's had a lot of experience with this.  He'll know what to do, and, unlike the police, he won't put anyone in danger unnecessarily."

 

Sue Ellen nods in agreement.

 

 

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

 

"Why'd you wanna see me, Jimmy?"  Justin asks.

 

"Just wanted to thank you.  Jay stopped by yesterday evening and he told me you dropped the charges."

 

"Yeah, I did.  Okay, you've thanked me, so, I guess we're done here."  Justin starts to leave.

 

"Justin, wait,"  Jimmy says.  

 

Justin pauses at the door, then turns back to face him.  "What?  You've already thanked me for droppin' the damned charges, so, let's leave it at that."

 

 

"Why'd you do it?"  Jimmy asks.  "Why'd you drop the charges?"

 

"Because I realized I had nothin' at all to gain by sendin' you and Amanda to prison.  Makin' y'all pay for the rest of your lives.  Makin' ME pay for the rest of MY life,"  Justin says.  "I got a new life now with Pamela, and I wanna move on with that life without holdin' on to all that hate.  I just wanna forget that Amanda was ever my wife, and that you were ever my best friend."

 

"We're still family, Justin,"  says Jimmy.  "We still have the same blood.  Nothin's ever gonna change that."

 

Justin looks at him for a few seconds.  "Maybe in time I can forget that minor technicality."

 

 

"Justin, I......"

 

"Look, Jimmy, I don't know what the hell you want from me,"  Justin says in an angry tone.  "I dropped the charges. You're a free man.  But if you expect me to forgive you for what you did.........then you might just be waitin' til hell freezes over or Texas has a blizzard in the middle of July, because I CAN'T forget what you did to me.  You slept with my wife in MY HOUSE!!!  My best friend!  My flesh and blood.  You betrayed me in just about the worst way one man can betray another man.  And I can see it's eatin' you up inside.  Well, good.  Because what Katelyn did to you, and the fact that you're gonna have to live with what you did to me and to our relationship for the rest of your life is a far worse punishment than goin' to prison for somethin' you didn't do would've been."  Justin turns and walks out of the room.

 

Jimmy takes a seat on his bed, tears falling down his face as Justin's harsh words sink in.  After he sits there for almost a minute, thinking, James walks into his hospital room.  

 

"Well, you all set to get outta here?"  James asks.

 

"Yeah, all set,"  Jimmy replies in a shaky voice.  

 

"Jimmy, what's wrong?"  

 

"Nothing."

 

"Son, come on.  You're crying.  What happened?  You should be happy.  You're gettin' out of the hospital."

 

Jimmy lets out a deep sigh.  "Justin was just here."

 

"Justin?  And he upset you?"  James asks.  

 

"He only told me the truth, Dad."

 

"The truth about what?"  James asks, angry that Justin had upset his son.

 

"The truth about how I ruined everything.  Everything he said was true, Dad.  Justin was the best friend I ever had.  And not only that, he was my family.  Your brother.  And I betrayed him in the worst possible way."

 

"Jimmy, you made a mistake."

 

"Yeah, a mistake that cost me my best friend, and almost Justin his life."

 

"Jimmy, I really wish you'd change your mind.  I want you to come back East with me, especially until this psychotic girl Katelyn Spencer is caught.  Your mother and Ashley would love a visit from you, and you haven't seen your baby sister in quite some time."

 

"Thanks, Dad, but, no.  Not right now.  I just........I need to stay here so I can sort some stuff out."

 

"And you think Southfork is the best place for that, with all the drama and the fighting that always goes on there?" James asks.

 

"Southfork is a big place, Dad,"  Jimmy says.  "And I do feel like it's the best place for me to really do some thinking."

 

"Well, okay, then.  Let's get you checked outta here, and get you to Southfork, then."

 

Jimmy stands to his feet and grabs his bag, then leaves with his father.

Stone Oil....later

 Amanda buzzes Brad's office at Stone Oil later that morning.  "Yes, Amanda?"

 

"Brad, Cal Archer is on line one for you."

 

"Oh, thanks, I've been expecting his call."  Brad picks up the phone on his desk and presses the '1' button.  "Cal, 

how the hell are ya?  I've been waiting for your call.  What?"  Brad listens as Cal Archer speaks, the smile fading from Brad's face.  "What?  Wait a second, Cal.  I thought we had a deal here.  I don't care that we never signed a contract, I made you a very substantial offer and.......what?  Someone DOUBLED my offer for your refinery?  Who?  Yeah, Cal but I'd just like to know who screwed me out of this deal.  Look, there's no way Stone Oil can match that offer.  Cal, I NEED that refinery.  Alright, then, fine.  You can go straight to hell!"  Brad angrily slams down his phone, then picks up a book from hid desk and hurls it against the wall.  Hearing the sound from her own outter office, Amanda rushes in.  

 

"Brad, what happened?  What's wrong?"  Amanda asks.

 

"Cal Archer.  He reneged on selling me his refinery."

 

"Oh, no.  I'm so sorry.  I know how much that meant to you."

 

"He said someone doubled my offer,"  Brad says.  "But who the hell would pay THAT kind of money for a refinery, even one of the best in East Texas?  I have to talk to my father.  I was counting on that refinery, especially now that I had planned to expand Stone Oil into Stone-Barnes."

 

"Do you want me to get Cliff on the phone?"  Amanda asks.

 

"No, I'll just call him on my cell.  But, you can do something for me.  Get Tripp McKay over at Westar on the phone for me.  Ask him if he's available to meet me in my office at one."

 

"Right away,"  Amanda says, quickly leaving the office.

 

Brad picks his cell phone up from the desk and dials Cliff's number.  

Meanwhile....

Cliff is driving down a street in Dallas when his cell phone rings.  Picking the phone up from the cup holder beside

him, he answers.  "Hello?"

 

 

"Cliff, I need to see you,"  Brad says.

 

"Is anything wrong, son?"

 

"Yeah, there is.  I'll explain in person.  Come to my office around 12:30?"

 

"Yeah, I'll be there,"  Cliff says, then ends the call, a worried look on his face, wondering what the emergency is.

 

 

 

 

 

A farmhouse near Texarkana......early afternoon

  Austin Wentworth walks out of the farmhouse near Texarkana where he had been recuperating, and takes in a deep breath of fresh air.  

 

"Hey,"  Josh says, walking onto the front porch of the house behind him.  "You stay close now.   I was nice enough to let you out for some fresh out, so don't go wanderin' off and make me come lookin' for you."

 

Austin looks at him, then walks off the porch and into the yard, feeling fresh air on his skin for the first time since the plane crash, and since he'd been here.   As Josh walks out to do some chores in the yard, Austin looks around.  He sees a young boy stacking some wood at a wood pile near the well.  Austin watches the boy for a minute.  The 

boy looks up from his work and sees Austin, then quickly returns to his work.  Austin walks over to him.  "Hi,"  he says.  "You must be Corey."

 

"Yeah, I am," the boy says.  

 

"Hello, Corey.  I'm Austin."

"I know who you are,"  Corey says, looking at Austin.   "What are you doin' out of your room?"

 

"Just came out for some fresh air.  Hey, you need some help there?"

 

"No thanks.  Don't wanna hurt yourself again."

 

"I'm fine now,"  Austin says.  "Still a little sore, but, mostly all healed up."

 

"It's okay, I can do it,"  the boy says.

 

Austin looks at him for a minute as Corey returns to his job of stacking fire wood.  "So, Corey, Kasey said you're 12?"

 

"Uh-huh.  I'll be 13 soon."

 

"What grade are you in?"  Austin asks.

 

Corey remains silent, as if ignoring the question.

 

"Corey?  I asked what grade you're in?"

 

"I don't need school,"  the boy replies.  "Josh and Kasey teach me everthing I need to know."

 

"But, a kid your age should be in school."

 

"He already told you, he don't need no school,"  Josh says, walking up behind Austin.  "Corey, you go give them hogs some water."

 

"But I aint finished stackin' the wood yet."

 

 

"You just do what I tell ya,"  Josh says.  

 

The boy rolls his eyes, then walks away from his brother and Austin.

 

"You and me need to get one thing straight, Mr. Wentworth,"  Josh says.  "You don't talk to my little brother.  Just stay away from him."

 

"Why isn't Corey in school?  Don't you know you're breaking the law by keeping him from getting an education."

 

"I'm only gone say this once.  You mind your own damned business, or your stay here could get real unpleasant REAL fast."

 

"Your stupid threats are really getting old, man.  How long have you kids been living here like this?  Alone?  And what happened to your parents?"

 

"Our parents are dead.  I take real good care of my brother and my sister.  I always have, even when our mama and daddy were alive."

 

"How long have your parents been dead?"  Austin.  "Don't you have any family you could live with?"

 

"What, for adult supervision?"  Josh asks.  "Don't need none of that.  You just heed my warnin' and follow the rules around here."

 

"Or what, Josh?  I'll be sorry?"

 

Without warning, Josh suddenly punches Austin as hard as he can in the stomach, causing Austin to double over in pain and fall to the ground clutching his abdomen. 

 

 

Josh kneels beside him.  "Now you REALLY don't wanna make me mad, Austin," he says.  "I told you before........if you wanna keep bein' treated like a guest, then follow the rules, which means mindin' your own business.  Otherwise, you're gone be in for a mighty rough time of it."

 

Austin looks up at him.  "You're crazy, you know that?  You are NEVER gonna be away with keeping me here like a prisoner.  And you know what else?  By not letting me call the cops, you let an escaped murderer get away.  So if my brother Brian kills or hurts anyone else, their blood is gonna be on YOUR hands!"

 

"You talk away too much,"  Josh says.  He grabs Austin by the arm and violently pulls him to his feet.  Austin yells out in pain.  Hearing him from the pig pen, Corey looks over to see what his brother is doing.  He watches as Josh drags Austin to the house and forces him inside.  A sad look comes over the young boy's face.

 "This has all the tell tale signs of John Ross Ewing being behind this,"  Cliff tells Brad as they meet in Brad's office at Stone Oil early in the afternoon.  

 

"But how?"  Brad asks.  "No one knew that we were planning on buying that refinery from Archer.   I sure didn't tell anyone, and I know Amanda would never relay that information to John Ross.  She hates him as much as we do.  And you didn't tell anyone, did you?"

 

"Of course not,"  Cliff says.  "I didn't even tell Afton or Pamela."

 

"So how could John Ross have found out?"  Brad asks.

 

"Because John Ross is just like his Daddy.  I never knew how J.R. did it, but that man always seemed to know EVERYTHING that was going on in Dallas, no matter how hard you tried to keep a secret.  What about your office?  Could it have been bugged?"

 

"No.  I had it swept thoroughly right after I called you this morning.  No bugs or wiretaps.  Maybe for once John Ross wasn't behind this one."

 

"Oh, come on, son, he had to be,"  says Cliff.  "Who else would've wanted a refinery bad enough to pay double the amount of the offer that we made, and all of a sudden AFTER we made the offer to Cal Archer?  This is exactly like something J.R. would have done, and just the kinda thing John Ross would do."

 

Brad clinches his fists.  "If John Ross is behind this......"

 

Amanda buzzes Brad's office.  "Brad, Tripp McKay is here."

 

"Thanks, Amanda, send him in."

 

Tripp walks into the office.  "Hello, Cliff,"  he says.  "Brad."

 

"Tripp, how are you?"  Cliff asks.

 

"Just fine."

 

"Tripp, I asked you here because we have a serious problem,"  says Brad.

 

"What kind of problem?"

 

"Several days ago, Cliff and I went down to Texas City,"  Brad replies.  "I'm sure you've heard of Calvin Archer?"

 

"Yeah, he owns one of the biggest refineries in East Texas."

 

"That's right.  Cliff and I made an offer to Archer to buy his refinery.  The offer was very substantial."

 

"And now someone has swooped in and doubled our offer to Archer for his refinery,"  Cliff says.  "Naturally, he's decided to sell to them."

 

"They doubled your offer?"  Tripp asks.  "Sounds like someone is in desperate need of a refinery to pay that kind of money."

 

"Or in desperate need to keep us from getting it,"  says Brad.

 

"You're thinking.......the Ewings?"  Tripp asks.

 

"I know it was the Ewings.  More specifically, John Ross,"  says Cliff.  

 

"This does sound like something he would do.  So what do you want from me?"

 

"Tripp, you still want to join us to bring the Ewings to their knees?"

 

"You better believe it."

 

"Then I think it's time we stepped up our efforts,"  Brad says.  "Cliff and I can't afford to match the offer that the other buyer made to Cal Archer.  But with your help, and Westar's........we can."

 

"You're asking me for a loan?"  Tripp asks.

 

"Not a loan, exactly.  More like.....an investment.  If John Ross is the one behind trying to stop us from getting this refinery, then we can beat him at his own game."

 

"And of course, we'll pay you back every cent,"  Cliff says.

 

Tripp looks at the two men for a moment as he contemplates their request.  After a while, he nods.  "Alright," he says.  "Westar is about to become substantially more wealthy and powerful than we already are, so okay.  Shelling out a few million bucks will be worth it to stop John Ross from winning."

 

Brad looks at him and smiles.  "Tripp, thank you.  You WON'T be sorry, I promise."

 

"Now, Brad, call Archer and make the new offer,"  Cliff says.

 

"Ummm, Cliff, maybe YOU'D better make the call,"  Brad says.  "My conversation with Archer didn't end very well earlier."

 

"I'll do it.  I'll make the offer,"  Tripp says.

 

"Great,"  Brad says.  He walks to his desk and picks up a piece of paper.  He hands it to Tripp.  "Here's Archer's number."

 

Tripp takes the paper and pulls his cell phone from his pocket.  He dials the number and waits for an answer.  On

the fourth ring, Cal Archer answers.  "Mr. Archer, how are you?"  Tripp asks.  "This is Tripp McKay, CEO of Westar Oil.  I'm just fine, thank you.  Mr. Archer, the reason I'm calling is......I understand you have a refinery for sale, and that someone has made a pretty big offer on buying it.  Mr. Archer, whatever offer that party has made, Westar is willing to match it, or even go higher.  Yes, you're right, Westar does already have three refineries in Texas, but, we're expanding and could use another, especially a large one such as yours, and in a prime location like Texas City, where we're planning to drill soon.  I understand.  Mr. Archer, we're willing to go a million dollars over that offer."  Tripp listens as Archer speaks on the other end of the line.  A smile comes over Tripp's face, leading Cliff and Brad to suspect that Archer had accepted Tripp's offer.

Southfork....

Catlin, Sue Ellen, Bobby, and Ann walk into the foyer at Southfork.  "Sue Ellen, I would really feel better if you go and stay at the Southern Cross for a few days, or at least until Peter Love is behind bars."

 

"Catlin, no.  I'm not going to leave you," Sue Ellen replies.

 

"Bobby, what time is Bum supposed to be here?"  Catlin asks, restlessly.

 

"In a little while.  Catlin, as hard as it is to do, please try to relax."

 

"I don't like this.  Peter said no police involvement."

 

 

"Bum is not the police,"  Sue Ellen says.  "He's the best private eye in the business.  He knows how to handle a situation like this, and there's no way I would let you do this alone."

 

 

                                       "Sue Ellen is absolutely right, Catlin."  Bobby says.  "This is far too dangerous for you to go into this alone."

 

"Look, I'm gonna go and make some coffee,"  Ann says.  "I think we could all use some.  It's prob'ly gonna be a long night."  

 

"Alright, honey,"  Bobby says as he wife leaves the room and the doorbell rings.  "That could be Bum,"  Bobby says, walking over to the door.  He opens the door to Eric Love standing on the porch.

 

"Mr. Ewing?"  Eric asks.

 

"Yes, I'm Bobby Ewing."

 

"I'm looking for Catlin Ewing."

 

"He's here, please, come in,"  Bobby says, inviting the young man into the house.  

 

"Thank you.  I'm Eric Love."

 

"Peter's son,"  says Catlin.

 

"Yes, and you're Catlin Ewing?"

 

"I am."

 

"Mr. Ewing, thank you for calling me and telling me about my father," Eric says.

 

"You're welcome.  Have you spoken to Peter?"  Catlin asks.

 

"Yes.  He wants to see me.  He wants me to come with you when you go to meet him."

 

"He wants you to come?"  Catlin asks, surprised by the news.  "But why?"

 

"He said that he has something to tell me."

 

"You haven't told anyone else about talking to your father, have you?  Or that he has my son?"

 

"No.  But, my Aunt Donna Love is on her way to Dallas.  I spoke to her and told her that someone called me from a number here in Dallas a couple days ago.  The only person I could think of who would be calling me from here would be my father."

 

"Eric, if your father called you a couple days ago, then why did he want Catlin to call you today?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I have no idea, Mr. Ewing.  I can't explain any of my father's recent actions, least of all.......murder."

 

"Eric, if you talk to Donna again, please, whatever you do, don't tell her about any of this,"  says Catlin.  "Peter was very clear you were not to contact her."

 

"I know.  He blames Aunt Donna for what went wrong when we was at that motel.  For him getting caught the first time.  I'm not sure what kind of logic that is, but he says he wants nothing more to do with her.  He says I'm the only family he's got."  Eric walks over to Sue Ellen.  "Mrs. Ewing, I'm very sorry for everything my father put you through. Believe me, he isn't a monster.  He just kind of.......got off track.  Lost his way.  Please accept my apologies."

 

"Eric, you have absolutely nothing to apologize for,"  says Sue Ellen.  "None of what your father did was your fault."

 

"But he's my father, so I still feel partly responsible."

 

"Sue Ellen is right, Eric,"  Catlin says.   "The only responsible for any of this is your father.  And God help him if he hurts my son."

Meanwhile....the stables....

 

 

 

A grief stricken and dazed Emma walks out to the stables at Southfork that afternoon, her thoughts on Kevin and the guilt she feels that she had deceived him for so long about Logan's paternity.  As Emma reaches the stables, she sees Jimmy saddling one of the horses in preparation for going for a ride.  For a moment, she doesn't recognize him, thinking that he must be one of the newer hands at the ranch.  Finally, Jimmy turns around and sees her.

 

"Hello," he says.

 

"Hi,"  Emma replies.  "You're Jimmy Beaumont, aren't you? John Ross's nephew."

 

"That's right.  And you're Ann's daughter, Emma?"

 

"Yes."

 

"I remember seeing you at Southfork before."

 

"I thought you were one of the hands at first,"  Emma says.

 

"No.  My Uncle Bobby is letting me stay here for a while, until I get back on my feet.  I thought you were living in California.  You here for a visit?"  

 

"I'm really not sure,"  Emma says.  "I came here to get away.  To clear my head.  My fiance was recently killed, and I just couldn't stay there with all the memories."

 

"Oh my God, Emma," Jimmy says.  "I'm so sorry.  I had no idea.  I've been kind of........tied up in my own problems.  I feel so out of touch with what's been going on.  Please accept my deepest condolences."

 

"Thank you, Jimmy."

 

"Hey, I was just about to go for a ride,"  Jimmy says.  "Would you care to join me?  Might help you with clearing your head."

 

"Are you sure?"  Emma asks.

 

"Yeah.  I could use the company."

 

"Okay, then.  I'd love to."

 

"Great.  I'll saddle you another horse,"  Jimmy says.  He smiles at her, then walks over and picks up another saddle to place it on a horse for Emma.

Ewing Oil....

 John Ross stands at the window of his office, looking out over the city of Dallas as he sips a glass of bourbon.  His train of thought is interrupted when his cell phone rings.  Reaching into his pocket, he brings the phone out and sees that Cal Archer is calling him.  He answers quickly with a smile.  "Cal, how ya doin'?"  He asks.  "I was gonna call you this afternoon.  I'll have that contract ready to be signed by the end of business today.  Then you and me can go out and have us a couple drinks to celebrate."  John Ross listens as Cal talks, the smile slowly fading from John 

 Ross's face.  "What?  Cal, what the hell?  Look, we had a deal!  Cal, you know there's no way in hell I can afford to pay anymore than what I already offered you.  You told me you were sellin' to me for the sake of your friendship 

with my Daddy, now you're backin' out?  A million dollars over the price I offered you?  Who the hell could afford that?  Westar?  Westar is the one who undercut me on this deal?  It was Tripp McKay?  Cal, McKay is workin' with Stone and Barnes on this.  You and me had a legitimate deal and you can't back out on me now."  John Ross listens for a few seconds.  "Archer, the best thing you can do is to take that money McKay is gonna pay you and get as far away from Texas as you can.  Because if you stay here, I'll make damned sure that you pay for this for the rest of your miserable old life."  John Ross angrily ends the call and hurls his phone against the wall, smashing it.  "Damn you, McKay," he says.  "You wanna align yourself with Stone and  Barnes?  Then so be it.  Westar may be powerful, but you have your weaknesses.  I'm gonna find that weakness and I'm gonna bring you down right along with your buddies Brad Stone and Cliff Barnes."

Jeremy Wendell's penthouse....

 

 

"Mr. Wendell, young Mr. McKay is here to see you,"  says Jeremy's butler, William.

 

"Thank you, William.  Send him in."

 

William walks out of the room, and a moment later, Tripp walks in.  

 

"Hello, Tripp,"  Jeremy says with a smile.  "What can I do for you?"

 

"I've been doing a lot of thinking about our talk the other day."

 

"And?  What have you decided?  Are you in?  Do we join forces and take everything from the Ewings?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"Yes, Jeremy,"  replies Tripp.  "I'm in.  Whatever you have planned, I'm with you.  Just make sure you don't make the same mistakes you made years ago when you and my grandfather tried to take that piece of Southfork from the Ewings.  This time, we do it right, and we win."

 

Jeremy looks at the young man and smiles, confident that he is finally about to achieve his longtime goal of revenge on the Ewings, and proud that he will share this revenge with his grandson, even if Tripp doesn't know of their blood connection.

Southfork....

 

"I know that, Mr. Ewing, and I'm not sayin' the kid can't be trusted,"  Bum says.  "But we can't afford ANYTHING goin' wrong tonight.  Your life, the life of your son, and possibly Eric's life depend on that.  So come on, son.  Hand the phone over."

 

Eric looks from Bum to Catlin.

 

"Just do as he says, Eric,"  Catlin tells him.

 

Eric reaches into his pocket and takes out his phone, which he reluctantly hands to Bum, who puts the phone into his pocket.

 

Meanwhile....

After getting off the phone with Catlin, Peter looks at C.J., who remains gagged and tied to a chair.  "Well, tonight is the night, young man.  Your father and I will settle a very old score between us, and, if all goes right, we'll have a little family reunion........ between you, and your brother."

A frightened C.J. continues staring straight ahead, confused by Peter's words about his brother, terrified for his life and his father's life, and stunned that this nightmare is even happening!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

END OF EPISODE 150....