EPISODE 160 - For The Love Of A Brother

 

 

As the sun begins to wane in the sky over the Braddock Sheriff's Department, a dazed and frightened Conner Ewing is taken into custody, booked, and charged with causing the accident that seriously injured Alex and Bridget the night before.  His heart pounding with fear, and unsure of the future, Conner is fingerprinted and photographed, then taken to a cell where he is placed in lockup.

 

Meanwhile, Ray and Donna are meeting with the Sheriff in his office.  "Derrick, this is ridiculous,"  Ray says.  "You yourself said this was an accident.  You know Conner didn't cause this accident on purpose."

 

"Mr. Krebbs, I'm sorry,"  Derrick says.  "But after John Ross Ewing insisted Conner be arrested, I had no choice."

 

"You mean you had no choice but to jump when a Ewing said jump, just like your predecessor in this job, and just like every Braddock Sheriff goin' all the way back to Fenton Washburn."

 

"Mr. Krebbs, I don't like what you're insinuating,"  Derrick says.  

 

"I don't give a damn what you like,"  says an angry Ray.

 

"Ray, let's just calm down,"  Donna says.  "Right now, we need to focus on Conner, and on Dylan, who is still out there somewhere.  We don't know whether he's hurt, or safe.........or drunk out of his mind somewhere."

 

"I know.  You're right."

 

"Look, I know this has been one hell of a day for you both,"  says Derrick.  "And I assure you, I have my men out looking for Dylan Baxter right now.  And I've notified the Dallas PD to be on the lookout for him."

 

Jay Smithfield walks in at that moment.  "Ray, Donna," he says.

 

"Jay, thank God you're here,"  says Donna.

 

"Excuse me, please,"  Derrick says, then walks away.

 

"I got here as fast as I could," Jay says.  "Has Conner been booked yet?"

 

"Yes, he has."

 

"Where's Dylan?  At home?"

 

Ray looks at the lawyer and sighs.  "Dylan's missing, Jay."

 

"What do you mean.....missing?"  Jay asks.

 

"Dylan has been drinking, heavily,"  replies Donna.  "And sometime early this morning, he left the house and hasn't been seen since.  And I just have to wonder........"

 

"Wonder what, Donna?"  

 

"I have to wonder if this accident has something to do with Dylan.  I can't help but wonder if maybe Conner is lying to protect Dylan."

 

Jay sighs.  "I'm gonna talk to Conner.  I'll find out," he says.  "You guys just sit tight til I talk to him."  

 

Ray and Donna both nod as Jay walks away from them to see Conner.  Ray puts his arms around his wife.

Meanwhile....

An ambulance speeds toward Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, it's  lights flashing in the evening dusk and siren blaring loudly.  In the back of that ambulance lies a bloodied and badly beaten Dylan, as a paramedic tries to stabalize him en route to the hospital following his vicious beating at the hands of two young thugs.  

 

"BP is 97 over 70,"  the paramedic says to the driver.  "Pressure is dropping.  Must be bleeding internally.  Come on, 

kid.  Hang in there."

 

 

Krystina and Ann come down the stairs at Southfork that evening and walk into the living room, Krystina carrying Baby John.  The two women are chatting as they enter the living room and find John Ross sitting alone.  

 

"John Ross?"  Krystina says.

 

"Is everything alright?"  Ann asks.  "Is Alex okay?" 

 

"He's the same,"  John Ross finally says. 

 

"John Ross, what's wrong?"  Krystina asks.  "Has something else happened?"

 

"After I left the hospital I went by the Sheriff's Department,"  replies John Ross.  

 

"And does the Sheriff have any news about the accident?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Oh yeah.  He had some news, but he didn't wanna tell me.  I had to drag it out of him.  I know who was drivin' the car that ran Alex and Bridget off the road."

 

"Who was it?"  Ann asks as Bobby walks into the room.  

 

"It was Conner.  Conner Ewing was the son of a bitch who almost killed my son last night."

 

 

"What?"  Bobby asks.  "John Ross, what are you saying?"

 

"Just what it sounded like, Uncle Bobby.  Conner Ewing was drivin' the car that almost killed my son."

 

"Are you sure about that?"

 

"I'm sure."

 

"John Ross, if Conner was drivin' that car, then it was an accident."

 

"An accident caused by a cell phone,"  says John Ross.  "Conner apparently dropped his damned phone and reached down to pick it up, and when he did, that's when he ran Alex and Bridget off the road.  He could've killed those kids. But Ray and Donna don't see it that way."

 

"John Ross, please don't tell me that you went over to Ray and Donna's to confront Conner,"  says Bobby.  

 

John Ross stands to his feet and faces his uncle.  "Damned right I did.  And you see my face?"  He asks, pointing to his busted lip.  "This is what Ray Krebbs did to me when I confronted the little bastard who almost killed my son."

 

"Krystina, why don't you let me take Little John upstairs?"  Ann asks.

 

"Thank you, Ann,"  Krystina says.

 

"Come on, sweety,"  Ann says, picking the child up.  

 

"So wbat happened?"  Krystina asks her husband.  "Ray hit you?"

 

"Yeah.  I should've had him arrested, too."

 

"What do you mean, TOO?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I had Derrick arrest Conner for what he did to Alex."

 

"John Ross it was an ACCIDENT.  Conner never would've hurt those kids on purpose,"  says Bobby.

 

"An accident that was caused by carelessness, Uncle Bobby.  An accident that could've kjlled my 18-year-old son.  Conner Ewing is gonna pay for that."

 

"John Ross, I understand how you feel.  Believe me, I do.  But don't let anger and bitterness take over your reason.  Having Conner arrested for something that was clearly an accident is pretty drastic.  It could destroy that young man's life."

 

"And what about Alex's life, Uncle Bobby?"  John Ross asks.  "My son just endured several hours of surgery on his brain to stop bleedin' that was caused by Conner Ewing's carelessness.  Alex could still have some longtime or even lifelong affects from this injury.  You think I give a DAMN about Conner Ewing's life?  Let me ask you somethin'.  If this had happened to Christopher or Lucas, could you be so forgiving?"  Bobby remains silent as he looks at John Ross.  "Yeah, that's what I thought,"  John Ross says, then walks out of the room, followed by Krystina.  

 

Bobby sighs as he shakes his head, worried about what this accident and Conner's involvement would do to the family.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital......

 A sleeping Dylan lays in a bed at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital that night, a nurse checking his vitals as a doctor walks in.

 

"How is he, Nurse?"  The doctor asks.

 

"Vitals are fine.  Blood pressure is a little low, but not dangerously."

 

"Poor kid sure took one heck of a beating.  And there was no I.D. on him?"

 

"No, none.  And, his blood alcohol level was very high.  From the looks of him, the fact that he'd obviously been drinking heavily, and he has no wallet or I.D., my guess is he's homeless, or a transient."

 

"I don't think so,"  the doctor says.  "His clothes, they're expensive.  Not the kind of clothes or shoes that would be worn by a homeless kid or transient.  If I had to venture a guess, I'd say this kid was drinking, maybe doing some New Year's partying, and got jumped and robbed.  I guess we'll know when he wakes up.  Keep a check on his vitals and call me if there's any change or if he wakes up."

 

"Sure, Dr. Monroe."

"Poor kid.  Hell of a way to kick off a new year,"  says the doctor.  He looks at Dylan, then walks out of the room.  The Nurse takes her stethoscope and listens to Dylan's chest, then she, too, leaves the room, switching the light off on 

her way out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Braddock Sheriff's Department....the next morning

 Conner is escorted down a long corridor of the Braddock County jail and into a visiting room, where Ray and Donna are waiting on the other side of the glass to speak to him.  Conner pauses at the door for a second and looks at these two people he has come to consider his parents, then walks over and takes a seat, picking up the phone to speak to them.  

 

Ray picks up the phone on the other side of the glass.  "You alright?"

 

"As well as I can be in this place.  Have you heard anything from Dylan?"

 

"No,"  Ray replies.  "Sheriff still has men out lookin', even checkin' the hospitals in the area."

 

Donna takes the phone from Ray.  "Conner, don't you worry," she says.  "Ray and I, and Jay, are doing everything we can to get you out of here today.  It's still a holiday, but Jay is going to speak to a judge about granting you an arraignment this morning.  If he can, then we can get you out on bail."

 "I sure hope so,"  Conner says.  "I'm going stir crazy in this place."

 

"Did you get any sleep?"  Donna asks.

 

"No.  I was too worried about Dylan.  Guys, we gotta find him.  In the state he was in, there's no telling where he's gone or what kind of trouble he's in.  God, this is all my fault."

 

"How is this your fault?"  Donna asks.

 

Ray retakes the phone from his wife.  "Conner, I need to ask you somethin'.  And I want ya to be completely honest with me.  Were you really the one drivin' the car that caused Alex's accident?  Or..........."  Ray pauses and he and Donna exchange looks.  "...........Or was it Dylan?"

 

"It was me,"  Conner lies.  "Why would you even think that it was Dylan?"

 

"Because there's a lot here's that just duttin' add up,"  says Ray.  "Now you said that you went out for a drive the other night and left Dylan at the house, asleep."

 

"Yeah, that's right.  That's what happened."

 

"Conner, I just don't buy that.  You were as worried about Dylan as we were, and I don't believe for one second that you would just leave him at the house alone while you went out for a drive in the middle of the night. Can't ya see how that's just not makin' sense?"

 

"Whether or not it makes sense, that's what happened,"  Conner says.  

 

Donna takes the phone.  "Sweetheart, listen to me.  If you're lying, you're NOT doing Dylan or anyone else any favors.  You're just getting yourself into some serious trouble.  Dylan this could go on your record for the rest of your life.  Are you prepared to deal with that?"

 

"Yes.  The accident, it was my fault.  So whatever happens.......I have to deal with the consequences."

 

Donna and  Ray again exchange worried and frustrated looks, both realizing there was no getting Conner to change his mind or his story.  "Alright, well, look,"  Donna says.  "Derrick said we could only have a couple minutes with you.  We're meeting Jay at the courthouse at 9:30, after he speaks with the judge.  Either Jay or us will let you know, and, with any luck, we'll have you home by lunch time.  Conner.......we love you."

 

"I love you guys, too,"  Conner says.  

 

"We'll see you soon,"  Donna says.  Reluctantly, she hangs up the phone.  Ray and Donna watch as a deputy walks into the room on the other side of the glass and escorts Conner out.  The two again exchange looks of concern, then in silence they stand and leave.

A Caribbean cruise ship....

Catlin returns to his and Sue Ellen's stateroom aboard their cruise ship that morning and finds Sue Ellen on the phone.  

 

"John Ross, why didn't you call me and tell me about this yesterday?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "Yes, I understand.  But I will would like to have known.  Thank God, he's going to be alright.  No.  Catlin and I will be home as soon as we can.  I know, but John Ross, Alex is my grandson, I want to come, and I'm coming.  Yes.  I'll see you as soon as we can get there.  John Ross......give Alex my love.  And I love you, too.  Goodbye."  Sue Ellen hangs up and puts her phone down, a worried look on her face.

 

"Sue Ellen, what's wrong?"  Catlin asks.  "Something has happened back home?"

 

"Yes.  Alex and Bridget McKinnon were in a terrible car accident on New Year's Eve."

 

"Oh my God, are the kids okay?"

 

"Alex is is serious condition,"  Sue Ellen replies.  "He had some bleeding on his brain, and the doctors had to do surgery.  Catlin, I'm sorry to cut our honeymoon short, but......."

 

"Say no more,"  Catlin says.  "I'll speak to the captain and see if we can get off at the next port.  If that's a problem, I'll see if we can't get a helicopter to meet us a take us back to the mainland."

 

"Thank you, my darling."

 

Catlin walks over and embraces her.  "Anything for my beautiful new wife.  Honey, why didn't John Ross call us yesterday?"

 

"He said that he was so caught up in what was happening with Alex, that he just didn't think about it.  I suppose everyone else was, too.  Catlin, I'm so worried."

 

"I know, but try to relax,"  Catlin says.  "Everything's gonna be fine.  I'll go and talk to the captain right now."  

 

Sue Ellen nods.  Catlin kisses her, then leaves the room.  

Sharon Smith's apartment in Dallas....

 "I'm coming,"  Sharon Smith says, making her way through her living room to answer her persistently ringing doorbell.  She opens the door to find Tripp there.  "Tripp," she says.

 

"Mom,"  Tripp says, walking into the apartment.  

 

Sharon closes the door behind her son.  "Well, I can't say I'm surprised to see you.  Would you like some coffee?"

 

"No.  I didn't come here for coffee.  I came here for the truth, Mom.  You never answered my question yesterday at Jeremy's penthouse.  Why didn't you tell me that your father was alive, and that he was Jeremy Wendell?"

 

"Because I couldn't.  I just wanted to forget that Wendell is my father.  The man has never been a part of our lives."

 

"Well, until a couple years ago, you were never a part of my life, either, so I guess it runs in the genes, doesn't it?  Only I plan to break that cycle with my son.  I plan to be there every step of Hunter's life."

"As well you should be.  Every father deserves that.  But Jeremy Wendell is not like other fathers."

 

"So you've known about Jeremy basically my whole life?"

 

"You and your twin brother were not yet a year old when he first found me,"  Sharon says.  

 

"What about Shawn?  Does he know?"  Tripp asks.

 

"No, and I'd like to keep it that way.  Shawn's still asleep, so, we really shouldn't be talking about this right now, and especially not here."

 

"I want some answers, Mom.  And I'm not leaving here until I get them.  I don't care if Shawn's here or not."

 

Sharon looks at her older son, then turns and walks over to close the door separating the living room from the hallway leading to the bedrooms.  She then walks back over to Tripp.  "I was living in Odessa at the time with you and Hunter.  Your father sort of came and went.  When Jeremy Wendell came to see me, I was shocked.  Of course I'd heard of him.  The head of Westar Oil was both famous, and infamous.  He had a reputation for being ruthless, cunning, and even cruel.  And he hated Tommy from the start."

 

"Why?  Why would he hate my father, since Grandpa worked for him at Westar?"

 

"I think that was part of the reason,"  Sharon replies.  There was no love lost between Jeremy and Carter.  Jeremy always looked down on the McKays, and he saw Tommy as this hot headed young punk.  Anyway, it wasn't long before your father was sent to prison, and I never saw him again.  Shortly afterward, Jeremy came back and offered his help, but it almost seemed as though his offer came with a million strings attached.  Even then his hatred of Tommy was obvious.  I wanted nothing to do with him.  And, eventually, I heard all about how he started some war with the Ewings, and ended up going to prison himself."

 

"Was that the last time you saw him until he showed up in Dallas?"  Tripp asks, he and Sharon unaware that Shawn is out of bed.  The teenager comes down the hall,and hearing his mother and brother talking in the living room, Shawn stands at the door and listens.

 

"No,"  Sharon replies.  "Years and years later, after Jeremy was released from prison, he found me again.  And, once again, I made it clear I wanted nothing to do with him.  I had gotten along just fine my whole life without a father, and I sure as hell didn't need a father like him.  Maybe you're right, Tripp.  Maybe Jeremy Wendell's tainted genes were passed down to me.  Maybe that's the real reason I left you and Hunter when you were little.  Tripp, listen to me.  Stay far away from Jeremy Wendell.  He's a very dangerous and ruthless man who has left nothing but destruction in his wake.  Don't let him pull you in.  You'll only get hurt."

 

"I'm an adult,"  Tripp says.  "I think I can handle Jeremy Wendell."

 

"No,"  Sharon says, now in tears.  "Tripp, you might THINK you can handle him, but you can't.  Honey, the man is a DESTROYER.  You let him get close to you, and he will use you to get what he wants, and then he'll end up destroying you, too."

 

Tripp looks at his mother.  "I'm not gonna let that happen.  I'll keep my eyes open, but I NEED Jeremy."

 

"You need him?  Need him for what?  This feud you have going with the Ewings?"

 

"He hates the Ewings even more than I do.  So who better to have as an ally?"

 

"Well, I can think of about a hundred people who would be better allies than Jeremy Wendell,"  says Sharon.  

 

"Your concern is touching, Mom.  Really.  But I can handle myself against your father."  Tripp walks past his mother and to the door.  As he starts to open the door, he turns back to Sharon.  "Y'know, Mom, you might wanna go ahead and tell Shawn that he has a grandfather here in Dallas before he finds out on the news or from someone else like I did.  Wendell's return is bound to be big news."  Tripp turns and leaves.  

 

 

Standing in the hallway listening, Shawn is stunned by what he has just heard.  His mother's father.......his GRANDFATHER......is alive and in Dallas?  And he hates the Ewings?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

 A nurse is at Dylan's bedside taking his vital signs as he continues to sleep.  After taking his blood pressure, the nurse carefully removes the cuff from his left arm, which causes Dylan to begin to wake up slowly.  The young man opens his eyes and is immediately startled by the sight of the nurse and his surroundings.  

 

"Well, hello, there,"  the nurse says.  

 

"Wha........where.......am I?"  Dylan asks, confused.  

 

"You're in the hospital.  Texas Health Presbyterian."

 

"How'd I get here?"  

 

"An ambulance brought you in last evening,"  the nurse replies.   "Do you remember what happened to you?"

 

Dylan thinks for a moment.  "I.....I don't..... I don't remember.  What happened to me?"

 

"It looks like someone beat you up pretty good.  I'll page the doctor."  The nurse presses the call button on Dylan's bed.  

 

"May I help you?"  Asks the voice of another nurse over the intercom.  

 

"Doris, is Dr. Monroe around?"

 

"No, Dr. Monroe had to go down to emergency.  But Dr. Cooper is making his rounds."

 

"Would you ask Dr. Cooper to step in here, please?"  The nurse asks.

 

"Sure."

 

"Just relax,"  the nurse tells Dylan.  "Dr. Cooper will be here in a moment."

 

A few seconds later, Mitch Cooper walks into the room.  "Nurse, you called?"

 

"Yes, Dr. Cooper.  This is Dr. Monroe's patient.  He was brought in last evening.  He was badly beaten and unconscious."

 

Mitch picks up the small computer from the table and looks up the patient's record.  "John Doe?"

 

"Yes,"  replies the nurse.  "When he was brought in, he had no identification.  Nothing."

 

Mitch puts the computer back on the table and walks over to Dylan's bedside.  "How do you feel, son?  Any pain?"

 

"Yes,"  Dylan says.

 

"On a scale of 1 to 10, what's your pain level?"

 

"6 or 7, I guess."

 

"Okay.  Nurse, give this patient 50 mg of Demerol.  What's your name, son?"

 

"Dylan.  Dylan.......Baxter."

 

Mitch looks at the young man.  "Dylan Baxter?  I thought you looked familiar."

 

"You know him, Dr. Cooper?"  The nurse asks.

 

"Yes.  Dylan, aren't you Conner Ewing's brother?"

 

"Yes,"  Dylan replies.

 

"Well, I'm Dr. Mitch Cooper.  I use to be married to Lucy Ewing.  Dylan, what happened to you?  How'd you end up in this condition?"  Mitch asks, examining Dylan's chest.

 

"I really......don't know,"  the confused young man replies.  

 

"Alright, well, the nurse will give you something for the pain very soon.  Try and get some rest, and, I think that we need to notify the police."

 

"The police?  No.  Why?"

 

"Because obviously someone did this to you,"  Mitch replies.  "We need to find out who.  You, uh, you live with Ray and Donna Krebbs, don't you?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Do they know you're here?"

 

"I.....I don't know,"  Dylan asks.  

 

"Well, don't worry.  We'll give them a call and notify them and your brother that you're here.  And what about your mother?"

 

"No.  I.....I don't want her to know.  I don't wanna see her."

 

"Okay.  you get some rest."  Mitch flashes a smile to the young man, then he and the nurse leave the room.

 

After they're gone, Dylan's hand begins to shake as he again starts to crave a drink.  Confused, he looks around the room, trying to remember what had happened to him and how he got here, but he can only remember bits and pieces, only flashes of what had happened the past two days.  

 

Outside in the hall, Mitch takes his cell phone from his pocket and dials Lucy's number.  

Southfork....

 Meanwhile, at Southfork, Lucy, Ann, Heather, Michael, and Jacob are taking down the Christmas tree and putting away all the decorations.

 

"I sure always hate when it's time to take down all the Christmas decorations for another year,"  Lucy says.

 

"So do I,"  Ann agrees.  

 

"Yeah, it's always sad when the holidays are all over until next year,"  Heather says.

 

"Well we do have Valentine's Day comin' up next,"  says Ann.

"I HATE Valentine's Day,"  Lucy says.  

 

"Why, Lucy?"  Michael asks.

 

"When you're older, you'll understand,"  Lucy replies as her cell phone rings.  Taking the phone from her pocket, she looks at it.  "Oh, excuse me, guys," she says.  She walks across the room to answer the call.  "Mitch, hey, what's up?"

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....  

 Meanwhile, Ray, Donna, and Jay walk out of the Braddock County Courthouse with Conner, who has just been released on bail.  

 

"Jay, thank you for what you did in there,"  Ray says.  

 

"It wasn't easy convincing Judge Hanley to come in the day after New Year's Day.  But it's done,"  says Jay.  "Conner, we'll get together later in the week to go over your case."

 

"Okay.  Thanks, Jay."

 

"No problem.  I'll be in touch."

 

"Bye, Jay,"  Donna says as the attorney walks away. 

 

"I guess you're ready to get home and get some sleep,"  says Ray, placing his hand on Conner's shoulder.

 

"No.  All I want now is to find Dylan.  I can't rest until I know he's okay."

 

As Ray is about to say something, his cell phone rings.  He takes the phone from his pocket and looks at it.  "It's Lucy," he says, then quickly answers the call.  "Lucy, this really itn't a good time.  What?  When?"  Ray listens as Lucy speaks on the other end of the line, Donna and Conner watching Ray's expression.  "Thanks for callin', Lucy.  Bye."  Ray ends the call.  "Well, we can stop lookin' for Dylan.  He's at Texas Health Presbyterian in Dallas."

 

"Dylan's in the hospital?"  Conner asks.

 

"Is he alright?  How did Lucy know?"

 

"I don't know how bad he's hurt.  But Mitch called Lucy to get in touch with us."

 

"Well, come on, let's go!"  Conner says.  Ray nods, then the three hurry to Donna's car, get in, and speed off toward Dallas.

Braddock Medical Center....

"Sore,"  the girl replies.  "A little achy.  But mostly, I'm okay.  Just really worried about Alex and hoping he wakes up soon."

 

"We all do, darlin',"  John Ross says.   "Listenin' to what you were sayin' to Alex, it's real clear that you care a whole lot about my son."

 

"I really do, Mr. Ewing,"  Bridget says.  "Alex is very special to me."

 

"I'm glad he has somebody like you in his life."

 

"Thank you.  Well, I'll get back to my room now.  I sort of snuck out to see Alex."

 

"Feel better soon,"  Krystina says as the girl leaves.  

 

John Ross takes a seat at his son's bedside.  He lets out a deep sigh.  "He's a handsome boy, itn't he?"

 

Krystina smiles.  "Yes he is.  Just like his father."

 

"Oh my God, Krystina,"  John Ross says, looking at his son.  "I don't even know how it's possible.  I've only known this kid for three years, but, it feels like I've known him since the day he was born.  And the other night when I thought I might lose him........that was the worst pain I've ever felt.  How the hell does anyone survive the loss of one of their kids?"

 

"I know don't.  They say that's the greatest loss anyone can ever suffer."

 

"I can believe that."

 

"John Ross, this is one of the things I love most about you,"  Krystina says.  "Your love for your two sons.  And I know that this little boy or girl growing inside of me will be loved just as much as Alex and Little John."

 

"It's funny, darlin',"  John Ross says.  "All those years I was out raisin' hell, sowin' wild oats.  Doin' whatever the hell I wanted.  I never really saw myself as father material.  I mean, I guess I didn't really have the best example in the world of what a father was supposed to be.  I just never saw myself as one.  Then all of a sudden, I found myself the father of two boys, basically at the same time.....a teenager and an infant.  And when I first met Alex........he didn't like me and I didn't like him.  No, I take that back.  That's too mild.  We couldn't stand each other.  Honey, this kid was so damned cocky and he had a chip on his shoulder so big.  And he could not stand to be around me.  When I found out he was my son, I kept thinkin' why me?  And why him?  Of all the kids in this whole damned world, why did THIS one have to be mine?  But then, somethin' changed.  When I got to know him, I saw he really wasn't so bad.  And the more time passed, the more I came to love him.  And now, Krystina........I can't imagine my life without this tall, lanky, awkward teenage boy."

 

"You're not gonna have to.  He's going to be okay, John Ross."

 

"I know,"  John Ross says, nodding.  "And I'm gonna make damned sure Conner Ewing pays for puttin' my son in this hospital bed.  I promise you that, if it's the last thing I ever do."

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

 Ray, Donna, and Conner step off the elevator on the fourth floor at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital and approach the nurse's station.  "Excuse us,"  Donna says.  "Dylan Baxter?"

 

"Ray, Donna,"  comes Mitch's voice from behind them.  

 

The three turn around to face him.  "Mitch, Lucy called and said that Dylan is here,"  Ray says.

 

"Yes, Ray, he is."

 

"How is he?"  Conner asks.  "What happened to him?  Is he hurt?"

 

"Conner, your brother was brought in late yesterday.  He was beaten up pretty badly."

 

"Beaten up?  Someone.......someone beat him up?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Oh God,"  Donna says.

 

"How bad is he hurt?"  Conner asks.

 

"He's going to be alright,"  Mitch replies.  He was very lucky.  He has a lot of cuts and bruises, and a couple of badly bruised ribs.  Fortunately, nothing was broken."

 

"Thank God for that,"  says Donna.

 

"I asked Dr. Monroe to let me take over as Dylan's doctor while he's here."

 

"Thank you, Mitch, we really appreciate that,"  Ray says.

 

"Can I see my brother?"  Conner asks.

 

"Yes.  But there's something we need to talk about,"  says Mitch.  "I went over Dylan's chart.  When he was brought in here, his blood showed a high level of alcohol.  With the amount of alcohol present in his blood, he was lucky he didn't end up with alcohol poisoning.  Now I have to asks, as Dylan's doctor, and as someone who cares about your family.  Does Dylan have a problem with alcohol?"

 

"Yeah,"  Ray replies with a nod.  

 

"Well, this problem needs to be dealt with before things get any worse.  But we can talk about that later.  You can go in and see Dylan.  But, I have to warn you, he looks pretty bad.  But it looks worse than it is.  Dylan was also given pain medication earlier, so, he may be a little out of it."

 

"Thank you,"  Conner says.  

 

"You're welcome.  I'll check back after my rounds.,"  Mitch says.

 

"Thanks, Mitch,"  Ray says as the doctor walks away.

 

"Conner why don't you go on in first?"  Donna asks.  "I'm sure you'd like a few minutes alone with Dylan.  Ray and I'll wait out here."

 

Conner nods.  He walks over to the door to Dylan's room and hesitates a few seconds before going in.  Walking into the room, he finds Dylan laying in bed, his eyes closed as if he is asleep.  Conner walks over to the bed and takes a 

 seat.  He looks at his brother for a moment, the battered condition of Dylan's face bringing tears to Conner's eyes.  "Dylan," he says softly.  "I'm so sorry, Dylan.  This whole thing, it's all my fault.  If I hadn't fallen asleep the other night, none of this would've happened.  The accident, this.......whatever it is that happened to you.  But don't you worry, little brother.  I'm gonna take care of everything.  I promise."

 

Slowly, Dylan begins to wake up and open his eyes.  "Conner?"

 

"Hey, yeah, I'm here.  How do you feel?"  Conner asks.  

 

"How do I look?"  Dylan asks in a weak voice.

 

"Like hell."

 

"That's how I feel."

 

"Dylan, what happened?  Who did this to you?"

 

Dylan looks at his brother.  "I don't know.  I.......everything in my mind is so fuzzy.  Last thing I really remember is........ in my room, drinking.  Then, everything after that is just..... blank."

 

"You don't remember what happened on New Year's Eve?" Conner asks.

 

"New Year's Eve?  No.  I....... I was in my room, drinking, and, nothing really after that until I woke up here.  I don't know how I got here, or anything."

 

Conner breathes a sigh of relief.  "Dylan, look, it's not important right now.  What IS important is that you're gonna be okay, and I'm gonna be here for you and help you."

 

Dylan looks at him.  "You really wanna help me, Conner?"

 

"Of course.  Dylan, you're my little brother and I'll do anything for you."

 

"Anything?"  Dylan asks.  "Then please.......get me a drink.  Please, Conner.  One drink, that's all I want."

 

"I'll......I'll get you some water."

 

"Conner, that's not what I mean,"  Dylan says.  "I need a DRINK.  A REAL drink.  Conner, please....."

 

"Dylan, no.  I can't."

 

"Please, Conner.  If you really care about me the way you say, then just get me a drink.  ONE drink."  Dylan begins to cry.

 

Conner looks at his brother, his heart breaking for him.  "Dylan, just calm down.  Please, you don't need to get excited."

 

"Then get me a drink.  PLEASE?"  Dylan begs in tears.  

 

"Dylan, I can't,"  Conner says, now in tears himself.  "I'll do anything I can to help you, but that.  Dylan, you have to get straight."  

 

"I need a drink.  Conner, you said you would help me."

 

"I know, but I can't get you a drink.  Dylan, alcohol is destroying you.  Can't you see that?"

 

"No.  I see you won't help me.  You want me sick,"  Dylan says.

 

"What?  No, Dylan that's not true."

 

"Get out,"  Dylan says in tears.  "Just get out."

 

"Dylan, dude, come on.  I wanna help you."

 

"Just get out of here and leave me alone.  You don't wanna help me.  You don't give a damn about me."

 

"Dylan, please don't say that,"  Conner says, crying.  

 

"GET OUT!"  Dylan yells.  "GET OUT! GET OUT!!"

 

Now crying uncontrollably, Conner turns and runs from the room.  In the hallway outside, Conner runs past Ray and Donna and heads down the hall.  "Conner!"  Donna calls to him, but the young man keeps going.  Ray and Donna look at each other, wondering what had happened in that room between Conner and Dylan.

Pamela's apartment.....afternoon

 

 

"Come in, Mom,"  Pamela says, welcoming Afton into her apartment that afternoon.

 

"Thank you, sweetheart. And Happy New Year, since I didn't get to see you after the Ball the other night."

 

"Happy New Year to you."

 

"Are you still reeling from what happened at the Ball on New Year's Eve?" Afton asks.

 

"You mean the surprise revelation that Jeremy Wendell is Tripp's grandfather?  Oh, yes.  Reeling is too mild a word."

 

"I still can't believe that Wendell is even back, much less that he's Hunter's great-grandfather."

 

 

Pamela sighs.  "That really scares the hell out of me.  After everything I've heard about that man, the thought of him being my child's great-grandfather just gives me the creeps."

 

"Me, too,"  says Afton.  "I remember Wendell.  I remember how cold he was, and how ruthless.  The kind of man who made your skin crawl."

 

"Did you know him well?"  Pamela asks,

"Not that well,"  replies Afton.  "Your father did some business with Wendell years ago when Cliff and I were together, and, sometimes, we had to socialize with the man.  I never liked him.  As I said, he made my skin crawl.  Darling, is everything alright?"

 

"Not really, Mom."

 

"Why?  What's going on?  Something to do with Wendell coming back to Dallas?"

 

"No.  At least I hope not,"  Pamela replies.  

 

"I don't understand."

 

"It's Tripp.  He made a threat."

 

"A threat?"  Afton asks.  "What kind of threat?"

 

"One day when he brought Hunter home after a visit with him, Tripp wasn't happy when he heard that Justin and I are getting married.  He threatened to take me to court to seek custody of Hunter if I went through with marrying Justin."

 

"He did WHAT?"

 

"You heard me."

 

"Oh my God,"  says Afton.  "Sweetheart, that's ridiculous.  You and Tripp are divorced, he can't dictate who you can and can't date or marry.  At least not unless he has some reason to believe that Justin shouldn't be around Hunter."

 

"He's only doing it out of spite, Mom,"  Pamela says.  "And I am NOT gonna let him get away with it."

 

"That's my girl.  You always were a fighter."

 

"Well, does this mean that you now support my decision to marry Justin?"

 

Afton looks at her daughter and smiles.  "Pamela, I'm not gonna lie.  I do still have my reservations and my concerns about you marrying back into the Ewing family.  But I see how much you and Justin care for each other.  He seems like a really nice young man, and maybe being raised away from the Ewings, he didn't turn out like the rest of them."

 

"Justin is a wonderful man, Mom.  He's been so good to me and to the boys and he's so great with them.  I can't wait for you to get to know him better."

 

Afton smiles.  "Neither can I.  Your father, on the other hand.....that's a different story.  If I were you, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for his blessing."

 

"No, I'm not,"  Pamela says.  "Or Tripp's, either."

 

"Honey, why are you so worried about what Tripp thinks?"  Afton asks.

 

"Because Tripp is Hunter's father, and he could cause a lot of trouble.  Especially after the threat that he made to take Hunter away from me, by any means necessary."

Southfork.....late afternoon....

 Charlie walks into the stables at Southfork that afternoon.  She pauses as she looks into the stables and smiles, her mind flooded with memories of the time she spent here as a child.  One memory is particularly vivid as she looks around the stables and thinks back to a day many years ago....

 

As Charlie is still caught up in her memories of the past, Bobby walks up behind her.  He pauses and watches her for a few seconds.   "Well," he finally says, startling her out of her daydream.  "You look like you were deep in thought about somethin'."

 

Charlie turns to face him.  "I was," she says with a smile.  "I was thinking about the day you and Mom found me asleep here in one of the stalls.  It was this first one, I think."

 

Bobby smiles.  "That's right, I remember.  You fell asleep with your horse Darius watching over you."

 

"Darius.  God, how I loved that horse.  Mainly because you bought him for me.  I always felt safe here, and that's why I came here that night after I found out that Naldo was my father.  Do you remember what you said to me when you and Mom found me?"

 

"Not word for word.  Charlie, that was a LONG time ago."

 

"Yes, it was,"  Charlie says.  "But I remember you telling me that we were going to be a family, the three of us, and I was going to be the daughter you always wanted."

 

"And I always have thought of you as a daughter,"  says Bobby.  

 

"It's weird how everything changed, isn't it?"  Charlie asks.  "Mom was arrested for killing my father, she went to prison and you fought like hell to prove her innocence, which you finally did.  I was so happy when Mom came home.  I thought the two of you were gonna get married, and we'd all live happily ever after.  But that sure didn't happen, did it?"

 

"No.  Sometimes, life just doesn't work out the way we plan,"  Bobby says sadly.

 

"Mine sure hasn't."

 

"Charlie, what do you mean?  You have a very successful career in New York, and a really wonderful teenage son."

 

"Yes, that's true.  But, when Phillip and I fell in love and got engaged, I never could've imagined that I'd be a widow so soon.  Or that, instead of having Phillip's child, John Ross would be my son's father."

 

"I wish I'd known your husband,"  Bobby says.  

 

"So do I.  You would've liked him, Bobby.  And he would've liked you,"  Charlie says.

 

"Well, listen, I have some work to do.  Stop up at the house before you leave, and we'll sit down and talk some more over coffee, okay?"  Bobby says.

 

"I'd love to."

 

"Good.  See ya in a bit."  Bobby smiles, then turns and walks away.  

 

After Bobby leaves, Charlie looks around the stables again, then looks into the now empty stall that once housed her beloved horse Darius more than thirty years ago.  She smiles at the memories of those long gone days of her childhood, then turns and walks out of the stables and sees Christopher coming toward her.  

 

"Hello, Christopher,"  she says.  

 

 

 

 

 

As the two continue to chat, Courtney is walking toward the stables and stops short when she sees her husband talking to Charlie, the two laughing and smiling at each other.  Courtney watches for a moment, feelings of insecurity beginning to fill her mind upon seeing Christopher chatting so cozily with his ex-girlfriend.

 

 

 

 

The Krebbs home....that evening....

 As Conner is buttoning his shirt that evening, someone knocks on his bedroom door.  "Come in," he says.

 

Ray walks into the room.  "Hey."

 

"Hey."

 

"Can we talk?"  Ray asks.

 

"I was actually just on my way out,"  Conner replies.

 

"Out?  To where?"

 

"I'm goin' to the hospital to see Dylan.  If you wouldn't mind giving me the keys to his car, or let me use the truck."

 

"Conner, you really think that's a good idea right now?" Ray asks.  "After what happened this afternoon."

 

"Ray, I have to.  I have to be with him.  I can't let things go after today."

 

"I just talked to Mitch Cooper.  He said that Dylan was in some pain, and he was kinda actin' up, so they gave him some pain medicine and somethin' to make him sleep."

 

"Then I can just be there when he wakes up."

 

"And what if he reacts the way he did today?"  Ray asks.  "If he wakes up and wants a drink?  Conner, Dylan has a real serious problem.  He ran away, and God only knows what happened to him all that day he was gone.  Somebody beat him up pretty bad, robbed him.  He could've been killed."

 

"I know."

 

"We have to do somethin'.  Dylan needs help.  Professional help."

 

"You're talking about having him committed, aren't you?"  Conner asks, taking a seat on the bed.

 

"To a rehab facility,"  Ray says.  "He needs more help than any of us can give him."

 

"Ray, no,"  Conner says, quickly standing to his feet.  "I can't.  I can't do that to him."

 

"Would ya rather him drink himself to death?  Or maybe somethin' worse happen to him than what happened the other day?  Conner, I know what you're doin'."

 

"What do you mean?"  Conner asks.

 

"You're protectin' Dylan,"  Ray says.

 

"Protecting him?"

 

"Don't act like you don't know what I'm talkin' about.  Conner, it's not that hard to figure out what's goin' on here.  That Dylan was drivin' your car the other night and  caused Alex's accident because he was drunk, and you're takin' the blame to protect him."

 

"You don't know what you're talking about,"  Conner says.  

 

"You and I both know what I'm talking about.  Conner, you always were a terrible liar, and I can tell you're lyin' now. Look, you're not doin' your brother any favors by coverin' up for him."

 

"How can you say that?  Ray, you know Dylan's past.  He spent time in a mental hospital, Ray.  He spent time on probation for running John Ross Ewing down in his car.  If anyone ever suspected that he was driving my car drunk on New Year's Eve.......he could end up going to prison for a VERY long time.  His whole life would be ruined!"

 

"And what about YOUR life?"

 

"I don't have the baggage that Dylan has!  I have a clean record.  I've never even had a traffic ticket.  I won't get the kind of punishment that Dylan would."

 

"I can't let you do this,"  Ray says.

 

"Ray, I love you like you were my own father.  And God knows I look up to and respect you.  But this isn't your decision to make.  It's none of your business.  I'm 23-years-old.  I'm an adult and I can make decisions for myself. And if you want, go to Jay and tell him.  You tell him what you think, and I'll deny it.  It's your word against mine that Dylan was driving my car."

 

Ray angrily looks at the young man.  "And that's your final word?"

 

"It is."

 

"Then I guess there's nothin' I can do to change your mind,"  Ray says.  He turns and starts to leave.

 

"Ray?"  Conner says to him.

 

Ray pauses and looks at him.  "What?"

 

"I'm sorry.  You have been a father to me.  But I have to protect my little brother, and if that means I have to go against you to do it, then I will."

 

"I think of you and Dylan as my sons.  But now I feel like I'm bein' forced to choose one of you over the other,"  says a sad Ray, then leaves.  

 

Conner stands in his bedroom for several seconds after Ray leaves, as if in a trance.  He then takes a seat on the bed and begins to cry.

Southfork....

"Hey, Courtney, what's wrong?  You've been acting weird all evening.  You hardly said three words all during dinner.  What's going on?"

 

"Nothing."

 

"Come on.  I know you better than that,"  Christopher says.  "Something's bothering you, I can tell."

 

Courtney looks at him.  "I saw you and Charlie talking today.  Out by the stables."

 

"Yeah.  And that's what's got you upset?"

 

"I just...........I'm not upset, it's just......"

 

 A nurse walks into Dylan's room at the hospital the next morning.  As she enters the room, she finds Dylan's bed empty.  "Mr. Baxter?"  She asks, walking to the bathroom, the door of which is open.  Looking in, she finds the bathroom empty as well.  The nurse quickly leaves the room and goes down the hall to the nurse's station, where she sees Mitch.  "Dr. Cooper?"

 

"Yes, Nurse Jackson, what is it?"  Mitch asks.

 

"Did you by any chance order any tests this morning for Dylan Baxter?"

 

"No, I didn't.  Why?"

 

"The patient isn't in his room, Doctor."

 

Worried, Mitch hurries down the hall and into Dylan's room, the nurse following.  Mitch looks around the room, then goes to the small cabinet and opens the door.  "His clothes are gone,"  he says.  "Damn."

The Krebbs Ranch....

 Conner comes down the stairs at the Krebbs home that morning as Ray and Donna are having breakfast.  He walks into the kitchen and pours himself a glass of orange juice without saying a word to either of the Krebbs.  

 

"Good morning,"  Donna says.

 

"Morning,"  Conner replies.  

 

"Gonna have breakfast?"  Ray asks.

 

"No.  I'm anxious to get to the hospital since I didn't go last night."

 

"Are you going to meet with Jay today?"  Donna asks.

 

"Yeah.  After lunch."

 

"Well, would you like for us to come with you?"  Donna asks.

 

Conner looks at Ray, then at Donna.  "No, thanks.  I'll be fine," he says, then finishes off his glass of orange juice.  "I'd better get going on."

 

"Donna and I are goin' to the hospital in just a little while,"  says Ray.  "If you could wait, we can all go together."

 

"No.  I'd rather go alone.  And, then I'll just stay in town until it's time to meet with Jay."

 

Ray's cell phone rings.  Picking his phone up from the table, he looks at the screen.  "It's Mitch," he says, then answers the call.  "Mitch, what's up?  What?  Oh, Lord,"  Ray says, arousing both Donna's and Conner's concern.  "Yeah, we'll be right there."  Ray puts his phone down.

 

"Ray, what is it?"  Donna asks.

 

"Is it Dylan?"  Asks Conner.

 

"Yeah.  Dylan's disappeared from the hospital."

 

"What?"

 

"Disappeared?"  Conner asks.  

 

"Nurse went to take Dylan some medication this morning and he was gone,"  Ray says.  "His clothes were gone, so obviously he ran away."

 

"I have to go!"  Conner says, rushing out.

 

"Conner, wait we're comin' with you,"  Ray says, he and Donna getting up from the table and following Conner out.

Braddock Medical Center....

"We came straight here from the airport,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"How is Alex?"  Catlin asks.

 

"He's improvin',"  John Ross replies.  "They're doin' a CT scan on his head right now, to make sure there's no more bleedin'."

 

"Thank God,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Hello, Krystina."

 

"Sue Ellen, welcome home," Krystina says, greeting her mother-in-law with a hug.  "We're glad you're both back."

 

"Thank you.  Charlie, hi."

 

"Sue Ellen, it's good to see you,"  says Charlie.  "And congratulations on your marriage.  I'm very happy for you."

 

Sue Ellen smiles.  "Thank you."

 

"Sue Ellen, I'm gonna step out and see if I can call C.J. again, and let him know we're back,"  Catlin says.

 

"Alright, sweetheart."  

 

Catlin kisses his new wife, then walks away.  

 

"Mama, I told you, you didn't have to cut your honeymoon short to come back here,"  John Ross says.  "The doctor's sure Alex is gonna be fine now."

 

"I know, but, I had to come.  Alex is my grandson and there's no way I could enjoy the rest of my week on that cruise knowing that my grandson is in the hospital.  And Catlin felt the same.  We can always take another cruise some other time."

 

At that moment, a doctor comes through a set of double doors down the hall and approaches the group.  John Ross walks over to meet the doctor, followed by the others.  

 

 

"Well, doctor?"  John Ross asks.  

 

"I just looked at the results of the scan of Alex's brain, and, good news.  The scan detects no more bleeding, and the surgery to relieve the pressure caused by the subdural hematoma appears to have been successful."

 

"Thank God,"  John Ross says, breathing a sigh of relief.

 

"Does that mean that my son is going to be okay?" Asks Charlie.  "He's going to make a full recovery?"

 

"It's still too early to tell,"  the doctor replies.  

 

John Ross looks at the doctor.  "But, you just said......"

 

"Mr. Ewing, the surgery to relieve the pressure caused from the bleeding was a success.  But it's too early to tell whether or not Alex will have any lasting effects from this brain injury."

 

"Lasting effects?"  Charlie asks.

 

"You mean like some kinda brain damage?"  Asks John Ross.

 

"There is a possibility,"  the doctor replies.

 

"Oh my God,"  Charlie says.

 

"How serious would this damage be?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Again, it's too early to tell."

 

"Well is there any damned thing you CAN tell us instead of always sayin' it's too early to tell?"

 

"Mr. Ewing, I understand you're upset.  But right now, Alex shows no sign of any permanent damage from the accident.  However, on rare occasions, when there is a traumatic brain injury there could be lingering affects or damage that isn't noticeable for a while.  These could be personality changes ranging from mild to severe, vision impairment, chronic headaches, or seizures."

 

"And what are the chances of my son havin' any of these, and what can you do about it?"  John Ross asks.

 

"The chances are slim, but still there.  As for what we can do about it, we can't answer that until any of these conditions become apparent.  Alex will need to be monitored closely for several months to a year for signs of any of these.  And, after a year passes, if he shows no signs of any of the conditions I mentioned, then, in all likelihood he won't develop any later on.  At this point, it's a waiting game."

 

"Can we see him?"  Charlie asks.

 

"Yes, of course.  Alex is back in his room resting comfortably.  You can see him."

 

"Thank you,"  Charlie says.  She and John Ross exchange worried looks at the doctor walks away.  In silence, John Ross, Krystina, Sue Ellen, and Charlie all walk down the hall and pass through a set of double doors and into another hall until they come to Alex's room.  They find the door half open and the teenager is laying in bed watching television.  Charlie smiles, and walks into her son's room, followed by the others.  "Well, the doctor said you were out of your test," she says.

 

"Yeah,"  Alex says, sleepily.  The boy smiles when he sees Sue Ellen.  "Well, look who it is.  The newlywed."

 

"Hellos, sweetheart,"  Sue Ellen says, gently touching her grandson's face.  "How do you feel?"

 

"My head hurts a little."

 

"Do you need something for pain?"  Krystina asks.

 

"They already gave me something.  It's making me sleepy."

 

Sue Ellen smiles at him.  "Well. I won't stay and tire you out.  But I WILL be back sometime this afternoon.  In the meantime, you get some rest.  And as soon as you get out of here, I want you to come over and spend some time with me and Catlin."

 

Alex nods.  "You got it."

 

Sue Ellen leans down and kisses him.  "I love you.  See you later."

 

"Sue Ellen, I'll walk you out,"  says Krystina, the two women leaving the room together.  

 

"Is there anything that you need?"  Charlie asks.  "Anything I can get you from Southfork?"

 

"My phone.  I want my phone."

 

"Well, I'm uh, sorry, son, but your phone got broken in the accident,"  John Ross says.

 

"But don't worry, because I will go to the store, today, this morning, and buy you a new one and bring it to you," Charlie says.

 

Alex smiles at his mother, then almost immediately closes his eyes and falls asleep.  As their son drifts off to dreamland, John Ross and Charlie exchange looks, each of them worried about what the doctor had told them, both concerned that their son would develop one or more of the conditions the doctor had described.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

 Meanwhile, Ray, Donna, and Conner rush step off the elevator on the fourth floor of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas and hurry to the nurse's station.  Coming down the hall, Mitch spots them and walks over to them.

 

"Ray,"  he says.

 

"Mitch."

 

"Has my brother been found?"  Conner asks.

 

"No, I'm afraid not."

 

"Did you call the police?"  Donna asks.

 

"No.  I wanted to wait until you folks got here first."

 

"Mitch how could this have happened?"  Ray asks.  "How could Dylan have just walked outta here?"

 

"Ray, he wasn't a prisoner or anything.  Sometime during the night, possibly during the shift change early this morning, Dylan got dressed and walked out of here."

 

"Dear God, where could he be?"  Conner wonders.

 

"Don't worry,"  says Ray.  "We're gonna call the police."

 

"Look, Dylan suffered a bad beating,"  Mitch says.  "In his condition, and under the influence of pain medication, he couldn't have gotten far.  I've had hospital security and staff searching the hospital from top to bottom.  We'll find him."

 

At that moment, Todd Baxter steps off the elevator down the hall.  Seeing Ray, Donna, and Conner, he approaches them.  "Krebbs, why in the HELL wasn't I informed that my brother had been attacked and that he was in the hospital?"  Todd angrily asks.  "I had to hear it from my cousin, Jay Smithfield!"

 

"Baxter, we were gonna call you, but....."

 

 

 

"But, as usual, you didn't think that I had a right to know what was going on with my own brother," Todd says angrily.  

 

"Maybe if you'd have taken the time to visit Dylan or even contact him once in a while, you would've known,"  says Conner.

 

"Hey, you need to shut the hell up, you little punk."

 

 

"Truth hurts, doesn't it, Todd?"  Conner asks.  "When was the last time you even talked to Dylan?  Last time you actually saw him?  Did you even call him to wish him a Merry Christmas?  No, because you've always looked down on Dylan ever since you found out he was a Ewing and not a Baxter!"

 

"And since Dylan has lived with you people, you've done a bang up job of looking after him, haven't you?"  Todd asks.  "My brother never went on a drunken binge and got himself beaten half to death when he lived with my family!"

 

"YOUR family is the reason Dylan is such a mess!"  Conner says.

 

"Alright, that's enough!"  Ray finally says.  "Both of you just shut up.  Our main focus right now needs to be on Dylan.  All this bickering itn't getting us anywhere."

 

"Amen to that,"  says Donna.  "Todd, have you told your mother what's going on with Dylan?"

 

"No.  My mother is on an extended vacation to Europe at the moment."

 

"My point exactly,"  says Conner.  "Your mother left the country and didn't even bother to let her own son know."

 

"Have you called the police?"  Todd asks.

 

"We were just about to,"  replies Ray.

 

"Don't bother, I'll do it myself,"  Todd says.  He takes his cell phone from his pocket, and walks away.

 

"I really can't stand that guy,"  Conner says, watching Todd head down the hall.  "Now he acts all concerned, but where was that concern before, when Dylan needed him?"

Meanwhile....

 

Dylan is wandering around on a street not far from the hospital, his face and body aching from the beating he had taken.  His hands are trembling, and his body shivering with chills from his almost overpowering craving for alcohol. 

 

The weather is cold.  Dylan is cold as he is only wearing a light jacket not sufficient for the temperature.  As he continues to wander down the street, Dylan realizes that his wallet is gone.  He has no money, nothing.  How can he get alcohol with no money?  He wonders to himself.  All Dylan knows is.......he needs a drink, and he needs one NOW!

 

 

 

 

Westar Oil.... 

 In his office at Westar that morning, Tripp pours a glass of scotch and hands it to Jeremy Wendell.  "Thank you, my boy,"  Jeremy says.

 

"You're welcome.  Nice to see you still enjoy a drink every now and then, even at your age."

 

"I honestly believe the occasional drink is what keeps me strong.  And alive.  You're still upset with me about New Year's Eve."

 

 

"How am I supposed to feel?"

 

"Did you speak to your mother after she showed up at my place the other night?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"Yeah, I talked to her.  She explained her side of things.  How you found her and she wanted nothing to do with you.  How you despised my father and never thought he was good enough for her."

 

"That's very true.  I didn't think Tommy McKay was good enough for a daughter of mine.  But I didn't come here today to talk about your mother, or Tommy McKay."

 

"Then why ARE you here?"  Tripp asks.

 

"I came to discuss strategy.  Our plan to finally destroy the Ewings and their company once and for all."

 

Tripp walks over to his desk and takes a seat.  "I'm listening."

 

"If we are to strike, we need to do it while the Ewings are vulnerable.  And there's no better time than right now.  As you've probably heard, John Ross Ewing's son was involved in a very serious car accident on New Year's Eve, the night of the Oil Baron's Ball."

 

"Yes, I did hear about that.  Very sad.  Alex is a good friend of Shawn's.  So what about it?"

 

"Right now, the Ewings are vulnerable.  Distracted by what happened to the boy.  I happen to know, from my own inside sources, that the Ewings were in negotiations before the holidays to buy a company called Wilson Petrol, which owns some very rich fields in South East Texas."

 

"Wilson Petrol?  I've heard of them.  Yeah, Old Man Wilson is retiring, and his son has branched out into the entertainment business and wanted nothing to do with his father's company."

 

"Yes, that's right.  So now would be the perfect time for Westar to make an offer to buy Wilson.  After Westar managed to steal the Archer refinery away from them, this would be yet another blow to Ewing Oil."

 

"How exactly did you know about Ewing Oil's bid to buy Wilson Petrol?"  Tripp asks.

 

"Let's just say I have my own inside source at Ewing Oil,"  Jeremy replies.  

 

"A spy?  You have a spy in that company?"

 

"Tripp, as you get to know me, you will find that I'm ALWAYS very resourceful.  First we take Wilson Petrol away from them, and then we go after what I really want.  That property in Cherokee County owned jointly by Bobby Ewing and his cousin, Catlin Ewing.  That land sits on one of the richest pools of oil in the entire state of Texas."

 

"There's no way in hell the Ewings are gonna let that land go.  So how would we ever get it from them?"

 

"I'm still working on that plan.  But just trust me.  I do have a secret weapon up my sleeve.  For now, we must concentrate on acquiring Wilson.  Tripp, I want you to put in a call right now to Ted Wilson and make an offer.  Tell him you will double Ewing Oil's offer."

 

"What makes you think Wilson will accept our offer?"  Tripp asks.  "Ted Wilson has a reputation for being a man of his word.  If he has a deal in the works with Bobby Ewing, he's not gonna just back out of that."

 

Jeremy looks at Tripp and smiles.  "You leave that to me.  If Wilson refuses to deal with Westar because he feels a loyalty to Ewing, then there are ways to make him deal with us," he says, a devious look on his face.

 

Tripp looks at the older man with both curiosity, wondering if his mother's warnings about Jeremy are true.

Braddock Medical Center....later....

 Jeremy walks into the living room of his penthouse suite, makes his way to the bar, and pours himself a drink.  His butler, William, comes into the room.  "Is our guest settled in, William?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"Yes, she is, Mr. Wendell."

 

"Ask her to come in here.  I'd like a word with her."

 

"Yes, sir,"  William says then leaves the room.  Jeremy pours a second glass of scotch.  A moment later, a woman walks into the room.  Jeremy turns around to face the woman and smiles at her.  "I fixed you a drink," he says, handing it to her.  "Is your room to your liking?"

 

"The room is fine.  I'm just not sure I should stay here.  It's not safe for me in Dallas."

 

"Your perfectly safe here with me.  No one knows of our connection, and this is probably the last place anyone would ever look for you.  And we have some business, you and I.  The business of turning Bobby Ewing's life into a nightmare by taking away everyone and everything that he loves.......starting with that wife of his.  And I'm quite sure that you will enjoy getting rid of Ann Ewing."

 

Katherine Wentworth Channing takes a sip of her scotch and smiles at Jeremy.  "You have no idea how much I will enjoy getting Ann OUT of Bobby's life for good."

 

Smiling, Jeremy raises his glass in a toast, confident that he had found in Katherine the perfect weapon of mass destruction to use against the Ewings!

END OF EPISODE 160....