EPISODE 152 - Loose Ends

 "Okay, I think we got it,"  the surgeon says.  "Clamp."

"Blood pressure is starting to rise, doctor,"  the nurse says.

"Good.  We've got the bleeding under control."

"This is one lucky young man,"  says the second surgeon.  "If he'd lost much more blood before we got to him, he wouldn't have made it.  Or if that bullet had been a fraction of an inch to the right, it would've lodged in his spine."

Later....

Sue Ellen, Bobby, Ann, and Lucas are sitting in the waiting room while Catlin paces, increasingly worried and restless.  Sue Ellen stands and walks over to him.  She places her hand on his shoulder.  A second later, the doctor walks into the room.  "Excuse me, are you the family of Catlin Ewing, Jr.?"

"Yes, I'm his father,"  Catlin replies, everyone walking over to the doctor.  "How is he?  How is my son?"

"Your son is in recovery, Mr. Ewing.  He lost a lot of blood, but we got the bullet removed and stopped the bleeding."

"Will he be alright?"  Sue Ellen asks.

"It's too early to tell, but, he has a very good chance at making a full recovery,"  the doctor replies.   "Of course, for the next 48 hours, we have to monitor him very closely, watch for infection, but, over all, Catlin is a very lucky young man.  He lost a lot of blood, and the bullet was lodged very close to his spine.  Another fraction of an inch, and he could have suffered paralysis."

"But, he's fine, right?"  Catlin asks.  "I mean, there IS NO paralysis, right?"

"No, we don't believe so."

"What?  You don't BELIEVE so?  What does that mean, I thought you just said my son would make a full recovery."

"Mr. Ewing, it's too early to tell yet.  We will know more when your son wakes up."

"Can I see him?"  Catlin asks.

"As soon as we get him transferred to ICU, you can see him, but only for a few minutes.  I'll let you know when you can see your son.  In the meantime, I suggest that the rest of you go home and get some rest."

"Thank you,"  Catlin says as the doctor walks out of the room. 

"Catlin, he's going to be alright,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Bobby, Ann, Lucas, the three of you should go home and get some sleep."

"Are you sure, Sue Ellen?"  Bobby asks.

"Yes."

"Sue Ellen, why don't you go home, too?"  Catlin asks.  "I'll be home as soon as I see my son."

"I am not leaving you."

"Sue Ellen, I'll call you in the morning,"  Ann says, hugging her friend.

"Alright.  Thank you so much for being here."

"Let us know if anything changes, or if you two need anything,"  says Bobby.

"We will, Bobby, thank you,"  Sue Ellen replies.  Bobby, Ann, and Lucas leave.

Catlin takes a seat on the sofa.  Sue Ellen sits down beside him, again putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Southfork....the next morning....

 Alex dives into the pool at Southfork late the next morning, a hot, humid Texas day already, even at 10 A.M.  The teenager swims the entire length of the pool, turns and swims back again, then repeats the process a second time.  Jimmy comes out of the house dressed in his swim suit.  Seeing his cousin in the pool, he walks over and watches Alex swim his laps.  Finally, Alex finishes another lap, then climbs out of the pool.  

"Morning,"  Jimmy says.

"Hey, what's up?"  Alex says, grabbing a towel. 

 "You done?"  Jimmy asks.  "I was gonna challenge you to race a couple laps." 

Alex looks at him and smiles.  "Sure you're up to it, cuz?  You did just get out of the hospital."

"Oh, I think I can handle it."

"You're on, then,"  Alex says.  "IF ya think ya can beat me.  I'm tryin' out for the swim team at Braddock High this year, so, I'm actually a great swimmer."

"Oh yeah?  Well, for your information, I was on the swim team my junior AND senior years of high school,"  Jimmy says.

"Yeah, but that was a LONG time ago.  You're probably really out of practice by now."

Jimmy laughs.  "You're awfully cocky for a scrawny kid, ya know that?  Must be the John Ross in you." 

"Well, let's see you put your money where your mouth is, cuz,"  says Alex.  "Bet ya twenty bucks I can beat across the pool, and back."

Jimmy looks at his cousin and smiles.  "You're on," he says, extending his hand.  He and Alex shake on their bet, then get ready to jump into the pool.  The two head to the deep end of the pool.  "Okay, on your mark.....get set......GO!"  

At the word 'GO', Jimmy and Alex dive into the pool, hitting the water at the same time, causing a huge splash.  The two swim as hard as they can across the length of the pool, turning, and swimming back, then repeating as Michael comes out of the house, himself ready for a swim.  He watches his two cousins for a moment as Jimmy and Alex complete their race, Jimmy beating the teenager.  Once the race is completed, Jimmy and Alex come to a rest at the shallow end of the pool.  Jimmy climbs out of the pool while Alex stays in.  

"Do you have any set plans or anything?"  Jimmy asks.

"No, not really, I was gonna take Logan to see Cliff."

"Cliff Barnes?  Oh, that's right, I had forgotten that Cliff Barnes is your father."

"Yeah, and since he's not exactly welcome at Southfork, I have to take his grandson to see him,"  Emma says.  "I might also drop by and see Pamela."

"Well, listen, would you like me to drive you into town?"  Jimmy asks.  "If you don't mind some company.  Unless, of course you wanna be alone."

"No.  Actually, I'd love some company,"  says Emma.  "My mother has been busy lately, and I've just been sitting over there in that cottage with no one to talk to but the baby.  So I'd love some company."

"Okay, great,"  Jimmy says.  "Umm, just give me like ten minutes to dry off and get dressed, and I'll meet you on the patio?"

"Sounds great,"  Emma says.

"Okay.  I'll be back in ten."  Jimmy smiles at her, then turns and heads to the house.  

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

As C.J. continues to sleep, Catlin sits at his bedside in ICU that morning.  Catlin watches his son, then closes his eyes, thanking God that C.J. is alive.  His train of thought is interrupted when Sue Ellen opens the door and sticks her head in.  

"Catlin," she says.

"Sue Ellen, come in."

"Well, someone else is here to see you, and C.J.,"  Sue Ellen says.

Catlin's sister, Blaine Cory, comes to the door.  "Blaine,"  Catlin says, standing.  

"Is it alright if I come in?"  Blaine asks.

"Of course."  Blaine walks into the room, and she and Catlin greet each other with a hug.  "I'm so glad you're here,"  Catlin says.

"Sandy and I got the earliest flight we could this morning,"  Blaine says.  "Sue Ellen picked us up at the airport and we came straight here.  How is my nephew?"

"He's holding his own.  He made it through the surgery okay, and, the doctor said that, unless there are complications such as infection, he should recover."

"Thank God,"  says Blaine.  "And what about you?  Are you okay?"

"I am,"  replies Catlin.  "I'm relieved that my son is alive, and relieved that bastard Peter Love is finally about to face justice.  If he survives, that is."

"Yes, thank God for that, too.  So have you heard anymore about Peter's condition? Sue Ellen filled me in on everything that happened."

"Last I heard, he wasn't doin' so great.  Several broken bones, and two gunshot wounds, one of which is mine.  Did Sue Ellen also tell you the news Peter laid on us last night about Brittany?"

"No."

"I thought it best if you tell Blaine about that,"  Sue Ellen says.  

"Catlin, what news?"  Blaine asks.

"Let's step outside."  Catlin looks at his son, then leaves the room with his sister and Sue Ellen.  He closes the door to C.J.'s room. 

Blaine husband, Sandy Cory walks up to them.  "Catlin, how are you, and how is C.J.?"

"I'm fine, Sandy.  C.J. is holding his own."

"Catlin, come on, tell me,"  says Blaine.  "What is this news?"

"Last night when we were all in that motel room, Peter told us some shocking news.  His son, Eric... .......Brittany was Eric's mother.  Eric is C.J.'s half-brother."

"What?"  Blaine asks.  "Catlin, how is that possible?"

"Blaine, remember when you and Sandy told me about Sandy seeing Brittany in San Francisco, about 23 years ago?"

"Yes.  When she was supposed to be in Wyoming,"  Sandy replies.  

"Right,"  Catlin says.  "All that time when she I thought my wife was in Wyoming caring for her dying aunt, Brittany was really with Peter Love.  The two resumed their old relationship, and Brittany became pregnant with Eric.  After she had the baby, Brittany left him with Peter and came back to me and C.J."

"Oh my God,"  Blaine says.  "That's absolutely incredible."

"Wow,"  says Sandy.  "Brittany certainly was a woman of many secrets, wasn't she?"

At that moment, Detective Steven Jones walks up to the group.  "Excuse me, Mr. Ewing?"  He says.

"Detective Jones,"  Catlin says.

"How is your son?"

"He's holding his own, that's about all I can say.  What about Peter Love?"

"Same,"  Steven replies.  "He's holding on.  Mr. Ewing, I need to talk to you about what happened last night.  I need a statement from you."

"Detective Jones, can't this wait?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "Catlin's son is in there recovering from a very serious gunshot wound."

"I'm very sorry, Mrs. Ewing, but no, this can't wait,"  Steven replies.  "I've already spoken to Bobby Ewing, Ray Krebbs, and my father and gotten their statements.  Now I need yours.  And as soon as your son is well enough to talk, I'm gonna need to speak to him as well."

"Is my brother going to need a lawyer?"  Blaine asks.

"No, he isn't.  No one is being charged with anything.......yet."

"Alright, Detective, I'll talk to you,"  Catlin says.

"Good.  Let's go find a place where we can sit down and talk,"  Steven says.  

"Catlin,"  Sue Ellen says.

"It's alright, Sue Ellen.  I'll be back soon.  Stay with C.J., and if he wakes up, let me know."

"We will,"  Blaine says as Catlin follows Steven down the hall.

Southfork....

 Back at Southfork, Emma is sitting on the patio with baby Logan, who she has sitting atop the patio table.  While Michael swims, Alex gets out of the pool, grabs his towel, begins drying himself, and then walks over to Emma.  

"Cute baby,"  Alex says.

Emma looks up at the boy.  "Thank you," she says.

"So.......how long are you gonna be here at Southfork?"

"I have no idea.  Why do you ask?"

"No reason,"  Alex says.  "Just curious when or if you were gonna be going back to California."

"Alex, come on.  Tell me the truth.  Why are you so interested in how long I'm gonna be staying at Southfork and when I'll be returning to California?  I know you don't like me, so you must have a reason for being so nosy.  Unless of course, you're just anxious to get rid of me.  Is that it?"

"Maybe," the boy rudely says.

"Why?  What exactly have I ever done to you?"

"Nothing, directly.  Yet."

"Meaning?"  Emma asks.

"I just don't like the type of woman you are.  I know all about you and the stuff you've done. You had an affair with John Ross when he was married to your sister."

"I had no idea that Pamela was my sister at the time,"  Emma says.

"Like that really matters?  He was still a married man, and from what I've heard, Pamela was supposed to be your friend back then.  But you seduced her husband.  Then, after that blew up in your face, you moved on to my Uncle Lucas.  Broke his heart by having sex with John Ross, AGAIN.  Now you're back here."

Emma smiles.  "And you're worried that I'm going to screw up John Ross's marriage?  Or maybe Lucas's?"

"Isn't that what women like you do?  Or have you moved on again, this time to my cousin Jimmy?  Your gonna break his heart, too?"

"Jimmy is a big boy, Alex,"  Emma says.  "He doesn't need his little cousin to keep him safe from.......what is it you said?  A woman like me?  So why don't you just mind your own business?"

"You're right.  Jimmy's a big boy, and he can take care of himself.  You just stay away from John Ross.  He and Krystina are very happy, and very much in love."

"You know, that's really cute,"  Emma says.  "Little boy trying to protect his Daddy's marriage from the big, bad seductress.  Just adorable."

"I'm not a little boy, Emma, and if you think I am, then you're seriously underestimating me,"  says Alex.

The two stare at each other for a couple of seconds, then Jimmy comes out of the house.  "Hey, what's going on here?"  He asks.

"Nothing,"  Emma says.  "Alex and I were just getting reacquainted."

"You ready to go?"  Jimmy asks.

"All set,"  replies Emma.  "Come on, baby."  She picks Logan up from the table, looks at Alex again, then she and Jimmy walk away, Alex watching.  

The Krebbs Ranch....early afternoon

"Sure, no problem, Ray.  Glad to help out.  It's not like I have a whole lot else to do with my time these days."

"Yeah, well, all that's gonna change, soon,"  says Ray. "Just as soon as we get this project with Pat off the ground."

Heath smiles.  "Yeah, I can't. You're really excited about this, aren't ya?"

"I sure am.  Prob'ly more excited than I've been about anything in a long time.  And the best thing about it is.........you sharin' this with me."

"Well, I',m glad, because I feel the same way.  Y'know, Ray, the more I get to know you, the more I wish you'd have been my father all along instead of that loser I got stuck with growin' up."

"Yeah, I wish that, too,"  Ray says sadly.  "Heath, if I'd-a known about you, I woulda done everything in my power to be a part of your life.  To raise you if I could."

"I know that, Ray,"  Heath says as a car drives down the road.  The car pulls through the gate and drives up to the barn, coming to a stop.  "Now who in the world is that?"  Heath asks.

"It's Lucy,"  Ray says.

Lucy gets out of her car and walks up to the two men.  "Hey, Ray," she says.

"Well, hello, Lucy.  What brings you out here on a hot day?"

"I stopped by the house, and Donna said you were out here with Heath.  I heard about what happened last night.  I was just kinda hoping we could talk,"

"Sure.  Heath, would ya mind goin' out and seein' if Conner and Dylan need any help?"  Ray asks.  

"Yeah, sure,"  Heath replies.

"Heath it's nice seeing you,"  Lucy says.

"Nice seein' you, too,"  Heath says as he walks away.  

Lucy continues to watch Heath as he makes his way past the barn.  He gets on a four wheeler and drives away.  "Well, looks like things are goin' well between you two,"  Lucy says.

"Oh yeah,"  says Ray.  "It's a real good feelin', havin' my son here workin' with me on this ranch."

"He reminds me a lot of you, Ray.  His smile, and the way he walks and carries himself."

"Thanks, Lucy, I appreciate that."

"You're welcome.  Listen, like I said, I heard about what happened with you and Bobby and Catlin last night,"  Lucy says.  "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine.  Donna wasn't too happy about my involvement in all of that when I got home, especially since I didn't tell her."

""Yeah, I can imagine she wasn't too pleased.  I can't say I blame her.  But, anyway, I hear you're getting back into the business world,"  Lucy says.

Ray smiles.  "Yep.  Heath and I just bought this property down in Galveston with Pat Powers and his son.  We're gonna develop it."

"Pat Powers?  Wow, I didn't even know he was still alive."

"Oh yes,"  Ray says with a laugh.  "Pat's alive and well.  I tell ya somethin', Lucy.  Now I know how Jock felt when he found out I was his son and he brought me  in on those business deals with Pat years ago.  'Cause now I feel the same about Heath.  I love Margaret to death, you know that.  She's my little girl.  But, there's just somethin' special about havin' a son, even if he duttin' have the same last name.""

"I guess there's just somethin' about you Ewing men,"  Lucy says, her tone sad.  "All four brothers managed to father illegitimate sons and daughters.  Even my father."

"Lucy, is somethin' botherin' you?"  Ray asks.  "You wanna talk about somethin'?"

Lucy sighs.  "You know that Mitch is seeing Ann's sister-in-law now, Sharon Smith, right?"

"Yeah, you mentioned it."

"Does it make me crazy that it bothers me?"  Lucy asks.  "I mean, after everything that Mitch and I have been through together, and after all I did to him........keeping his son a secret for all those years until it was too late for him to meet him......and Mitch forgave me."

"Lucy, you tryin' to tell me you still have feelin's for Mitch Cooper after all these years?"  Ray asks.

Lucy looks at him.  "Crazy, isn't it?  I've been divorced from this man for almost 30 years.  I didn't even see him for more than two decades, and hear I am, still pining for him.  Jealous that he's seeing another woman."

"Lucy, I don't think it's crazy at all.  Mitch Cooper was your first true love.  I know you had others before him, but, when you met Mitch, he was the one.  Sometimes you never get over your first true love.  That's what Donna was and is for me.  First true love."

"I thought Pam was yours."

"I cared for Pam.  But when I met Donna, I knew she was the one for me, despite all the obstacles.  I still knew that when I remarried her after so many years apart.  Lucy, maybe ya should tell Mitch how ya feel.  Could be that he feels the same about you."

Lucy looks at Ray, realizing there was a lot of sense in what he just said.

Meanwhile....

 Meanwhile, Dylan is working out in one of the pastures on the Krebbs ranch, helping another hand load some bales of hay onto the back of a truck.  Working in the hot summer sun, Dylan is craving not a drink of water, but a drink of alcohol.  Making sure the other ranch hand isn't looking, Dylan reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small flask, opens it, and takes two sips.  He quickly shoves the flask back into his pocket as the sound of a four 

wheeler could be heard approaching.  Dylan looks to his left and sees Heath racing toward them on the four wheeler, which comes to a stop near the truck.  Heath gets off and walks over.

"Hey," Heath says.  "My father sent me over to see if you guys need any help.  He had a visitor and needed to talk in private."

"Thanks, but, I think we're fine here,"  Dylan says, his tone sounding a bit cold.  "We're almost done."

"Yeah, so I see,"  says Heath.  "So where's your brother?"

"He's in the barn, unloading the first truck."

Heath looks at the young man for a few seconds.   "You really don't like me too much, do ya?"  

"Never really gave you much thought, one way or another,"  Dylan says.  

"Is it maybe because you're jealous?"

"Jealous?"  Dylan asks.  "What would I have to be jealous of?"

"Well, you and your brother moved in here at my father's place.  I'm sure he treated you just like you were his sons," Heath says smugly.  "Then, he found out he has a REAL son.........me.   Ray's been spendin' a lotta time with me the last few months, and, I just figured you must be kinda jealous of that."

"Not at all."

Heath nods.  "Good.  I guess Ray's been good to you and your brother, huh?"

"Yes, he has."

"Well that's nice.  That's real nice.  But, just make sure you remember who's the REAL son around here, and who's the hired hand."

Dylan angrily looks at Heath, wanting to say something to his smug comment, but he remains silent.  

"Well, I guess I'll go on over to the barn and see if they need any help over there.  You take care now."  Heath flashes Dylan another cocky smile, then walks back over to the four wheeler and gets on.  Dylan watches as Heath drives away across the field.  

"He's a real cocky sumbitch, aint he?"  Asks Tony, the young ranch hand who is helping Dylan load the hay.  

"Yeah, he is,"  replies Dylan.

"Somethin' about that guy I just don't like, Dylan,"  Tony says.  "Somethin' tells me he can't be trusted.  I know he's Mr. Ray's son and Mr. Ray seems to think a lot of him.  I just hope that Heath guy don't end up hurtin' him.  I'd sure hate to see that happen to a nice man like Mr. Ray."

"Me too, Tony.  Me too,"  Dylan says as he continues to watch Heath drive away in the distance.  

Stone Oil....

 Amanda is filing some papers in her office at Stone Oil that afternoon when Marilee Stone barges in.   "Is my son in his office?"  She demands to know.

"Yes, he is, but......."

"I need to see him,"  Marilee says, heading toward Brad's office.

"Wait, you can't just barge in like that,"  Amanda says.

Marilee stops at Brad's door and looks at Amanda.  "Honey, I can do anything I damned well please," she says, then walks into Brad's office unannounced, Amanda following.

"Brad, I'm sorry, I tried to stop her,"  Amanda says.

"It's fine, Amanda,"  says Brad.  "When my mother wants to get in some place, no one can stop her."

"That's right, so you can leave now, dear,"  Marilee tells Amanda.  "I need to speak to my son in private."

Amanda nods and leaves the office.  

Brad stands from his seat at the desk.  "Mother, to what do I owe yet another unexpected visit from you?"

"Are you completely out of your mind?"  Marilee asks.  "Inviting Cliff Barnes to join Stone Oil?"

"I asked my father to become a partner here in MY company, yes," replies Brad.  "I don't know how that makes me out of my mind.  After all, Cliff has years and years of experience running an oil company.  I can learn a lot from him."

"Your mother also has years of experiemce in runnin' an oil company, and you could learn a lot from ME, too."

"It's a little late for that, don't you think?"  Brad asks.  "During the time when I really needed to learn from you, you were too busy.  And my father.......well, he wasn't around to teach me anything when I was a boy because neither of us knew that Cliff was my father.  And because you shipped me off to boarding school for my entire childhood."

"I really thought we had gotten past this bitterness about your childhood,"  Marilee says.  "You're still angry with me for keeping the truth of your paternity from you."

"What do you expect?"  Brad asks.  "I spent my entire life wanting parents.  I remember at boarding school, when my friends' parents use to come visit, or when they would go home for summers.  My mother never came to see me, and my father.......well, the man I always believed to be my father was dead, and my real father.......he never had a clue that I existed.  I remember on those very rare occasions I did get to come home..............and they were extremely rare.............I hardly ever saw you.  And then just as soon as you could, you'd send me packing right back to Hillcrest Academy."

"Bradley, I've already acknowledged the fact that I was not a very good mother.  But must you keep punishing me for it, even NOW?  Is that what this is about?  Bringing Cliff in as a partner?  Punishing me?"

"No.  Contrary to what you think, Mother, my decision to make Cliff a partner in Stone Oil had nothing to do with you.  It's about building a relationship with my father, and about finally having a father to build a relationship with. Mother, I'm sorry.  This was not meant to hurt you.  But I think Cliff and I can do great things together and take this company to new heights."

"Well, I can't stop you,"  Marilee says.  "This is your company, to do with as you please.  But I think you're making a huge mistake.  Cliff will only use you and this company to continue to wage his stupid little war against the Ewings."

"Well, I have a few scores to settle with the Ewings, myself, particularly John Ross,"  Brad says.  

"I just hope this doesn't come back to bite you in the ass,"  Marilee says.  After a brief pause, she turns and walks out of the office.

After his mother leaves, Brad walks to his bar and pours himself a drink.  As he takes  a sip, someone knocks on his door.  "Come in," he says.

Amanda walks into the office.  "Wow, your mother is quite a character, isn't she?" 

"That, she is."

"I guess she wasn't happy about your decision to make Cliff Barnes your partner,"  Amanda says.

"No, she wasn't."

"Boy, I can't wait to see her reaction when you tell her about us."

Brad turns to Amanda and looks at her with a smile, then he begins to chuckle.  "Neither can I," he says.  "But, ya know what?  No matter what my mother says.........I'm happy, and I'm happy with YOU."

"Me, too,"  Amanda says.  She smiles, then kisses him.

A park in Dallas....

 Emma and Jimmy are in a park in Dallas, Emma holding little Logan as they watch a group of children play in the water.  "Look, you see that?"  Emma asks, pointing the children out to her infant son.  "See those kids?"

Jimmy smiles looking at the baby.  "He's a really good little guy."

"Yes, he is.  He rarely cries at all, unless he needs changing."

Meanwhile, Cliff is walking toward them, a smile on his face, happy that he is getting to see his daughter and grandson.  "Emma," he calls as he approaches.

Emma and Jimmy turn to see Cliff coming toward them.  "Hi,"  Emma says.

"I'm sorry I'm late, I had some business I had to take care of,"  Cliff says.  

"It's okay."

"And look at this,"  Cliff says, taking the baby from Emma's arms.  "My precious grandson.  Emma's he's gotten so big."

"Yes, he has."

"And how are you, sweetheart?  I'm so sorry about Kevin, and sorry I couldn't be there."

"It's okay, I understand,"  Emma says.  "I had a lot of support."

Cliff looks at Jimmy.  "Well, hello.  Who are you?  You look familiar, but I can't quiet place you."

"Cliff, this is Jimmy Beaumont."

"Jimmy......Beaumont?  James Beaumont's son?"

"Yes, that's right,"  Jimmy says.

Cliff looks from Emma to Jimmy.  "And what are you doing here with my daughter?"

"Jimmy offered to drive me into town, since he's staying at Southfork, too,"  Emma says.

"I see.  Emma, honey, ya know, you don't have to stay way out at Southfork,"  says Cliff.  "You're perfectly welcome to come and stay at the apartment with Afton and myself.  We'd love to have to."

"Thanks, Cliff, but, for now, I'm just gonna stay at Southfork."

"And you sure don't have to worry about Emma, Mr. Barnes,"  Jimmy says.  "She has a lot of people around her to make sure she's okay."

"Yeah, I'll bet,"  Cliff says, and an awkward moment of silence follows.

"Emma, umm, I think I'm gonna go and take a walk.  Let the two of you have some time to catch up."  

"Sure, Jimmy,"  Emma says as he walks away.  

"So what's going on between you and that young man?"  Cliff asks.

"Nothing.  Jimmy and I are friends."

"That's how it always starts."

"How WHAT always starts?"  Emma asks.  

"Emma, honey, I know you're in a vulnerable place right now so soon after losing Kevin.  But is it wise for you to be spending time with him?"

"With......with Jimmy?"

"Yes,"  Cliff replies.  "Sweetheart, he's J.R. Ewing's grandson."

Emma looks at Cliff for a moment, a look of anger crossing her face.  "I see.  Now, I see why you had that look on your face when I told you who Jimmy was, and why you seem so set against him being here with me.  Not just because I'm hanging out with another man so soon after Kevin died, but because the man I'm hanging out with is J.R. Ewing's grandson."

"Emma....."

"Cliff, don't start.  Please, do NOT start lecturing me about that damned feud of yours.  Jimmy Beaumont is a very kind, caring, and decent man and he's become a real friend to me.  Nothing more."

"Alright, I'm sorry,"  Cliff says.  "I don't wanna fight.  I just wanna spend time with you and my adorable little grandson."

Meanwhile....

A restless and impatient Trevor Carrington sits on a bench in the same park, anxiously waiting for Krystina to arrive for their appointed meeting.  He takes his phone from his pocket and looks at the time.  12:41.  Sighing deeply, Trevor puts the phone back into his pocket.  A few seconds later, he takes the pocket out again and starts to dial Krystina's number when he sees her finally arriving.  Krystina walks up to him.  "You're exactly 11 minutes late," he says.

"I do have a job and a life, you know,"  Krystina says.  "What the hell do you want, Trevor?  I told you in no uncertain terms not to contact me again."

"Yes.  Yes, you certainly did, didn't you?"  Trevor asks.

"Then why did you text me last night asking me to meet you here?"

"I've hit a little problem, Krissy.  I need more money."

"You have GOT to be kidding me."

"Do I look like I'm kidding?"  Trevor asks.  

"You have bled me for the last penny that you're going to."

"Krissy, you don't have the option of trying to bargain with me here.  You WILL give me the money I need, unless of course you want me to leave Dallas and head straight for Denver to see dear Aunt Krystle.  Knowing her, I'm sure she has this really glowing memory of Uncle Blake and what a wonderful man he was.  And the fact that you paid me five hundred thousand without much hesitation just proves to me that no one else knows what you and I know.  What about Adam, Steven, Fallon, and Amanda?  Do they know what Uncle Blake did to my father, and what YOU helped him do?"

"I never thought it possible to hate anyone as much as I hate you, especially not a member of my own family."

"And how do you think I feel about you?"  Trevor asks, standing to his feet.  "You and that father of yours destroyed MY father and drove him into exile.  He never recovered, and he died a broken man."

"Yeah, that's good,"  Jimmy says, continuing to watch Krystina and Trevor.

"Jimmy, what are you looking at?"  Emma asks.  She looks straight ahead in the direction Jimmy is staring and sees Krystina with the mystery man.  "Hey, that's John Ross's wife."

"Yeah, I know."

"Who's that guy she's with?"  Emma asks.

"I have no idea.  But the conversation looks pretty intense, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, it sure does,"  Emma says.  "Oh my God.  You think she's cheating on him?"

"I don't know, Emma.  But, whatever's going on, it's really none of our business.  You ready to go?"

"Yeah, all set."

"Where to next?"  Jimmy asks.

"I'd like to stop by and see Pamela.  I texted her and she said she's home for a while."

"Okay, then,"  says Jimmy.  "Let's get going."  

As Jimmy turns and walks toward the parking lot, Emma starts to follow him, but then she turns back to again watch Krystina and the mystery man.  A second later, she sees Krystina walk away from the man.

"Emma?  You coming?"  Jimmy calls to her.

"Yeah.  Coming,"  Emma replies, then follows Jimmy.  

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

 Sue Ellen stands at the window looking into C.J.'s room in Intensive Care as Catlin sits at his son's bedside.  Sue Ellen is sipping on a cup of coffee.  Bobby and Ann come down the hall and walk up to her.

"Sue Ellen,"  Bobby says.

"Bobby, Ann, hello."

"How is he?"  Ann asks.

"Still unconscious.  Catlin hasn't left his side since he came back from being questioned by the police about what happened last night."

Ann sighs.  "Yeah, Detective Anderson came out to Southfork to ask Bobby some questions."

Sue Ellen turns to them.  "Bobby, what kind of questions did they ask?  You and the others aren't in any trouble "

"No, we're not,"  replies Bobby.  "Detective Anderson just needed an official  statement from everyone involved.  I think the police are just relieved to have a killer in custody, although they were a little upset that we interfered."

"I wish that this whole nightmare would hurry up and end,"  Sue Ellen says.  

"Now that Love is in custody, it's over, Sue Ellen,"  says Ann.

"No, it's far from over.  C.J. is still in this hospital, and, if Peter Love survives, and unless he pleads guilty, we still have his trial to endure.  ANOTHER trial."

"Sue Ellen, how are you holdin' up?"  Bobby asks.

"I'm fine, Bobby, now that you're all safe.  But I'll be a lot better once this is all over."

"Well, look who's comin',"  Ann says.

Bobby and Sue Ellen turn around and see Donna Love coming down the hall.  "Sue Ellen, if you don't wanna see her,"  Bobby says.

"No, Bobby, it's fine."

Donna Love walks up to the three.  "Hello," she says.

"Hello, Donna,"  says Sue Ellen.  

"How is C.J.?"

"He's still sleeping.  Catlin is with him."

"Good.  Sue Ellen, I.........I don't even know where to begin."

"Why don't you just say what you have to say?"  Bobby asks.

"Sue Ellen.........I can't tell you how sorry I am, for everything my brother has put you through,"  Donna says.

"Donna, you have no need to apologize.  I don't blame you for anything your brother did."

"Thank you for that.  I just never could have imagined any of this happening,"  Donna says.  "Something inside of Peter just snapped and drove him to do these horrible things.  And the catalyst for that was Brittany Ewing."

"Donna, I know better than just about anyone what Brittany could drive a person to do,"  Sue Ellen says.  "The woman was toxic."

"Sad thing is, Catlin and their son, and Peter's son are all left dealing with Brittany and Peter's fall out,"  Donna says. 

"How's Eric holding up?"  Sue Ellen asks.

"To be honest.......I don't really know.  They kept him here overnight last night because he was suffering from shock. This morning, Marley and I took him back to our hotel suite.  He hasn't said much.  Just sits and stares, mostly.  I'm not sure he's really processed everything that's happened."

"I'm sure he will in time,"  Bobby says.

"Donna, what about Peter?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "Do the doctors think he'll recover?"

"They don't know yet.  He has some pretty serious injuries.  Two gunshot wounds, three broken ribs, a broken arm, and a skull fracture.  Even if Peter recovers from this, his life will be over.  My brother will stand trial and most likely spend the rest of his life in prison.  God forgive me for saying this, but, maybe it would be better for him if he hadn't lived through last night, because, I'm honestly not sure that Peter can survive prison."

"He should've thought of that before he murdered Brittany Ewing and framed Sue Ellen for his crime,"  Bobby says.

Donna looks at him for a moment.  "You're absolutely right, Mr. Ewing."

"Donna, will you be staying in Dallas for a while?"  Sue Ellen asks.

"Yes.  If Peter recovers from this, I will be staying in Dallas for the foreseeable future, at least until his trial.  Sue Ellen, please tell Catlin how very sorry I am.......for everything."

"Yes, I will,"  Sue Ellen says.  Donna nods, then walks away as Bobby, Sue Ellen, and Ann watch her.

Meanwhile....

  As Catlin continues to sit at his son's bedside, C.J. slowly begins to wake up.  The young man opens his eyes and sleepily looks around, his eyes coming to rest on his father.   "Mmmm.......Dad?"  C.J. says, his voice very weak.

"Hello there,"  Catlin says with a smile.  

"Dad, I......where am I?"

"You're in the hospital, son."

"The......the hospital?"

"Yes.  Don't you remember what happened last night?"  Catlin asks.

"Last night, I.......oh my God,"  C.J. says.  "Peter Love."

"Yes.  Love was holding you hostage in a motel.  There was a struggle with Love, and you were shot."

"Yes, I remember.  You came, and Bobby and Ray.   And........"  C.J. pauses a moment as he struggles to remember the events of the night before.  "And Peter's son, Eric. Dad, I.........I remember something Peter Love said before I was shot.  He said that Eric's mother was......was MY mother, too.  Was I dreaming, or.........is it true?"

"C.J., we can talk about this later,"  Catlin says.  "Right now, you need to get some rest."

"No, Dad, please.  Tell me.  Is it true, what Love said?  Is Eric Love..........my half-brother?"

Catlin lowers his head for a couple of seconds, then looks at his son again.  "Yes, C.J.  It's true.  Brittany......your mother......was Eric Love's mother, too."

"Mom......I guess we never really knew her, did we?"  C.J. asks, sadly.  "Why, Dad?  Why did she have all these secrets?  Even another son that she didn't even tell me about."

"I wish I knew the answer to that, son.  Your mother was a very complicated woman, to say the least."

"Why did she keep getting involved with that man?  With Peter Love?"

"I don't know.  I've been asking myself that question ever since I found out your mother was with Love all that time."

"Dad, I wanna see him,"  C.J. says.  "I wanna see Eric."

"C.J., I'm not sure that's a good idea, at least not right now."

"Please, Dad.  I need to.  I need to see him."

"Alright,, then, I'll see what I can do to arrange that, but, it will probably be at least tomorrow or the next day.  C.J., you just came through a very serious surgery, and right now, you need to rest and concentrate on getting better.  There'll be plenty of time for everything else later."

C.J. can barely keep his eyes open.  "I'm so.....so sleepy."

Catlin smiles.  "Well, no wonder.  They've got you pretty doped up on pain medication.  You go back to sleep, son, and I'll be here when you wake up."

Before he can even reply to his father, C.J.'s eyes close and he drifts back into sleep.  

Southfork.....evening

 Emma walks onto the patio at Southfork that evening after dropping the baby off with Ann for the night.  Emma starts to head back to the cottage alone when Krystina's car drives up and comes to a stop in the parking area.  Emma pauses, and waits as Krystina gets out of the car and walks up to the patio.  

"Well, good evening," Emma says.

"Hello, Emma."

"You just getting home from Ewing Oil?"

"Yes, I am."

"How's that working out?"  Emma asks.  "I mean, it must get pretty tiresome, both living and working with your husband all the time."

"No, actually, John Ross and I are happy for the time we get to spend together."

"Are you, really?  Well, that's interesting.  I think I would certainly get sick of being with anyone that much, no matter how much I loved them.  You know what they say about too much togetherness."

"Emma, is there a point to all this?"  Krystina asks.  

"No.  No point, just making conversation."

"Well, I'm really not in the mood for conversation.  It's been a very long and difficult day, so if you'll excuse me."  Krystina walks past Emma and goes into the house.

"Long and difficult day, huh?"  Emma says to herself after Krystins has gone into the house.  "Yeah, I'll just bet you did."

Meanwhile.....

 As twilight settles over the city of Dallas, and the evening rush hour traffic gets heavier, a man steps off an elevator in a building downtown.  Wearing cowboy boots, the man slowly makes his way down a hall and to a room, where he unlocks a door, opens it, and goes into an apartment.  Closing the door behind him, the man switches on a light and is revealed to be Krystina's cousin, Trevor Carrington.  He goes to the bar and pours himself a drink, then takes a sip.  As he walks over and takes a seat on the sofa, he hears a noise behind him, coming from the sliding glass doors leading onto the balcony.  Putting his drink down, Trevor stands to his feet and turns around.  He is startled when he sees that the balcony doors are open. 

"What the......"  he says, then stops abruptly when another man enters the apartment from the balcony.  "How the hell did you get in here?"  Trevor asks.

"Getting in is easy when you own the apartment,"  Brad Stone replies.  "I was just admiring this gorgeous view of the city you have here in my apartment.  Oh, and I took the liberty of fixing myself a drink."

"Okay, so what are you doing here?"  Trevor asks.

"Oh, I just thought we should talk.  How did your latest meeting with Krystina go?"  Brad asks.  

"Went fine.  I asked her for a million this time."

"Good.  Good."

"Y'know, Stone, I know what I stand to gain from this, which is revenge against my cousin for what Krystina and her father did to my father.  But what about you?  What the hell do YOU stand to gain from this?"

Brad looks at Trevor for a moment.  "Same as you.  Just good old fashioned revenge," he says with a smile, then takes a sip of his drink.  

END OF EPISODE 151....