EPISODE 162 - Sometimes They Come Back

 Snow still covers the grounds around Southfork as John Ross and a very pregnant Krystina come down the stairs for breakfast, the rest of the family already gathered in the dining room.  "Good mornin', y'all,"  John Ross says, walking into the dining room, he and Krystina taking their seats.

 

"Morning, John Ross, Krystina,"  Bobby says.  

 

"Alex is coming home from the hospital this morning, huh?"  Lucas asks.

 

"That's right, he is,"  John Ross replies, pouring himself a cup of coffee.  

 

"Well, that's really good news,"  says Ann.  

 

"Maybe now that Alex is comin' home and on the mend, I can get back to business at Ewing Oil,"  John Ross says.  "So tell me, Uncle Bobby, Christopher......what'd I miss at the office while I been out?"

 

Bobby and Christopher exchange worried looks, neither of them answering John Ross's question.

 

John Ross looks at his uncle, then at his cousin.  "Okay, why the silence?  Somethin' goin' on at the office I should know about?"

 

"We'll talk about it later, John Ross,"  says Bobby.  "Now isn't the time."

 

"Uncle Bobby, if somethin's wrong at Ewing Oil, then I wanna know about it."

 

"I agree,"  Krystina says.  "Since I'm part of the company now, I'd like to know, too.  What's happening?"

 

"John Ross, you remember last year, when you and I suspected there might be a spy at Ewing Oil?" Asks Christopher.  

 

"Of course, I remember.  I did some checkin'.  Ran extensive background checks on all our top level employees, and never came up with anything."

 

"Well, you may not have checked closely enough.  Our spy may still be working against us at Ewing Oil."

 

"What the hell do you mean?"  John Ross asks.

 

"We recently lost another huge deal we were about to close to Westar,"  Bobby says.

 

"Westar?  You mean Tripp McKay stole the deal right out from under us?"

 

"Yeah, just like the others.  I had the offices and phones checked for bugs, but none were found,"  says Christopher. "So, the only way Tripp McKay could've known about the deal Dad was negotiating, would be if he were tipped off by someone INSIDE the company."

 

"But who at Ewing Oil would do that?"  Ann asks.  

 

Bobby looks at his wife.  "I dunno, honey.  But I'm damned sure gonna find out, and when I do, that person is gonna be very sorry."

Tripp McKay's apartment....

 Meanwhile, as Tripp lays in bed reading some reports, Janice is looking out the window at the Dallas skyline and the white-blanketed city below.  "The snow sure is pretty,"  she says.

 

"Uh-huh,"  says an uninterested Tripp as he continues to look at his reports.

 

"Maybe we could have lunch together later."

 

"What?"  Tripp asks.

 

 "I said maybe we could have lunch together later.  Or dinner?"

 

"Janice, you know that's not possible,"  says Tripp.  "You and I can't afford to be seen together."

 

"Well, we could have dinner at my place.  I'm a pretty good cook, if I do say so myself."

 

"Janice, what the hell is this all about?  Why this sudden urge to fix me dinner?"

 

"Maybe just because I want to,"  Janice says.  "I think it would be nice, getting together for dinner.  Just to hang out and talk."

 

Tripp looks at her and sighs.  "Janice, let's get one thing straight.  What we have here, is an arrangement.  We have sex.  Yes, it's very GOOD sex, but that's all it is.  That, and you're working for me to keep tabs on the Ewings for me.  That's all there is between us.  We aren't friends, we aren't romantically involved."

 

"I'm sorry, I just thought that......."

 

"I don't pay you to think, Janice.  I pay you to get me information on the Ewings.  This little bedroom arrangement we have going is a fringe benefit to our other arrangement.  Now, don't you think you should be getting ready to go to work?"

 

"I still have time,"  Janice says.

 

"Wouldn't hurt to get there early.  You know what they say.....the early bird catches the worm, or in this case, maybe some useful information.  Come on.  Get dressed and go to work."

 

As Janice looks at him, Trip callously returns to looking over his reports without any further regard to her presence.  She fights back tears, hurt by his apparent rejection of her as anything more than a bed partner and spy. Without saying anything further to him, Janice picks her clothes up from the floor, goes into the bathroom and closes the door behind her.  Once inside the bathroom, Janice begins to cry.  

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

 Donna walks into Dylan's hospital room that morning and finds Conner asleep in a chair beside Dylan's bed.  She looks at the young man for a moment, then walks over to him and touches him on the shoulder, startling him awake.  

 

"Oh, Donna," he says, looking up at her.

 

"Morning.  You slept here all night?"

 

"Yeah, I did."

 

"Third night in a row.  Conner, honey, you can't keep this up."

 

"I'm not leaving him, Donna,"  Conner says.  

 

"Honey, Mitch said that Dylan is improving.  If you keep this up with very little rest, you're going to end up in a hospital bed in the room next door.  You look terrible."

 

Conner stands to his feet, and is suddenly stricken with a horrible cramp that forces him back into the chair.  

 

"What's wrong?"  Donna asks.

 

"Cramp in my leg.  God, it's bad."

 

"It's from sleeping in that chair.  Alright, Conner, if you're bound and determined to stay near Dylan, then let me get you a room at the hotel down the street.  You'll be close, and you can sleep in an actual bed."

 

"Thanks.  I may take you up on that.  I'm so exhausted I can't think straight."

 

"Come on, I'm taking you down to the cafeteria and getting you some breakfast, unless you wanna go someplace else."  Donna says.

 

"No, the cafeteria's fine,"  Conner says.

 

"Okay.  Can you walk on that leg?"  

 

"Yeah.  It's getting better."  Conner stands, his leg still cramping, but he manages to limp into the hallway, followed by Donna.  

A few minutes later....

Carrying their breakfast trays in the cafeteria, Donna and Conner take seats at a table.  "This smells good,"  Donna says.

 

"Didn't you eat breakfast at home?"

 

"Uh, no, I didn't.  Ray had a small emergency on the ranch.  Because of the snow and ice, a tree came  down on one of the fences, so, he had to go out and take care of that, and then, he has a meeting in town later this morning with Heath and Pat Powers about that development project down on the Gulf.  So, I thought I'd grab a bite in town, too, after I saw Dylan."

 

"Oh."

 

"Conner, I need to talk to you,"  Donna says.  "Look, I know you love your brother.  But, you haven't left Dylan's side since he was brought in here."

 

"Donna, he's my little brother.  I love him,"  Conner says.  "And that jackass Todd Baxter sure hasn't been here for Dylan, and his mother is off vacationing in Europe."

 

"I know that.  I know you  love your brother.  But are you sure it's not more than that?"

 

"What do you mean?"  Conner asks.

 

"Maybe some of it is guilt.  You blame yourself for what happened to Dylan."

 

"Because I AM to blame.  If I hadn't........"  

 

"Conner, listen to me,"  Donna says.  "None of this is your fault.  Look, I know that you're trying to protect Dylan.  I know that Dylan is the one who was driving your car the night of the accident."

 

"Ray told you?"

 

"It wasn't that hard to figure out.  Conner, you cannot keep lying and putting yourself in jeopardy to save Dylan."

 

"Donna, you saw him in that hospital bed.  You've seen what he's been through.  The accident, which he didn't even remember.  Then he was beaten and robbed.  Now he has pneumonia.  How much more do you think Dylan can take?"

 

"And what about you?  Conner...."

 

"Donna, Dylan was on probation for what he did to John Ross.  He was in a mental hospital.  If it came out that he was the one driving my car that night, while he was drinking, he could go to prison for a long, LONG time.  I have a clean record.  How harsh do you think MY punishment will be?"

 

"This will go on your record,"  says Donna.  "And it will probably be there for the rest of your life.  Are you willing to have that happen?"

 

"For my brother......yes."

 

Donna reaches across the table and takes the young man by the hand.  "I love you for what you're doing.  But honey, we have to face some hard facts about your brother.  Dylan needs help, and serious help, or he's not going to make it.  Next time, it could be a lot worse than what happened this time."

 

"I know,"  Conner says, near tears.  

 

"We have to do something to help Dylan.  And I'm afraid some hard decisions have to be made."

 

Conner sighs.  "You think he needs to be in a hospital, don't you?  A detox ward?"

 

"Yes.  Conner, Dylan's problems go deeper than any of us, his family, are equipped to deal with.  And if we don't do something for him.........well, he could end up dying, or hurting, or even killing someone else."

 

"I know,"  Conner says with a nod.  "I know you're right.  Dylan was so miserable at that hospital two years ago.  How can I tell him when he gets better than he's gonna have to go back to one of those places?"

 

"It won't be like that.  We'll get him into the best treatment facility we can find.  Conner, we have to do this, for Dylan's sake or he's going to end up destroying himself, and maybe even the rest of us, too."

 

Conner looks at her, realizing that Donna is right.  

Ewing Oil....later....

 John Ross steps off the elevator at Ewing Oil later in the day and approaches Janice's desk.  "Hey, Janice," he says.

 

"Oh, hello, John Ross."

 

"Have Christopher step into my office, would ya?"  John Ross says.

 

"Sure,"  Janice says as John Ross proceeds on to his office.  She presses the intercom button to Christopher's office.

 

"Yes, Janice?"  Christopher says.

 

"Christopher, John Ross just came in, and he wants to see you in his office."

 

"Alright, thanks, I'll be right there."  

 

A moment later, Janice watches with curiosity as Christopher exits his office, and walks over to John Ross's door and knocks, then goes in.  She nervously returns to her work.  

 

Meanwhile, Christopher walks into John Ross's office.  "Janice said you wanted to see me."

 

"Yeah, I do."

 

"I'm surprised to see you here,"  Christopher says.  "I didn't expect you to come in to the office today, with Alex coming home from the hospital."

 

"Well, I picked Alex up at the hospital and got him home.  He's restin' comfortably in his room.  Charlie came over, and Alex's girlfriend Bridget is there too, so my son is in good hands.  I wanted to talk to you about this spy.  So, you have any suspects in mind?"

 

"No, not really."

 

"But back when we first suspected we had a spy in the comp'ny last year, you did have someone in mind."

 

"I did, but, I don't suspect that person anymore."

 

"Tell me about this deal we lost to Westar,"  John Ross says.  "It was huge deal?"

 

"Yes.  My Dad had been negotiating with Ted Wilson to buy his company."

 

"Wilson Petrol?"

 

"That's right,"  Christopher replies.  

 

John Ross sighs.  "Damn," he says, walking to his bar.  "Wilson Petrol would've been one hell of an acquisition for Ewing Oil.  Why didn't y'all tell me about this?"   He asks, pouring himself a glass of bourbon.

 

"John Ross, you had a lot goin' on.  Alex was in the hospital, and......"

 

"Yeah, okay,"  John Ross says.  "Well, any way Wilson could be persuaded to sell to us?"

 

"No.  He's already signed a contract to sell to Westar."

 

"Well, question now is.......who the hell is our spy?"   John Ross asks as Sue Ellen walks into the office.  

 

 "I think I already know who our spy is,"  she says.

 

John Ross turns and looks at his mother.  He sighs.  "Mama, haven't you ever heard of knockin'?"

 

"I'm sorry, but this is important.  I saw Christopher come into your office, and Bobby already told me that he and Christopher had informed you of our little spy problem.  I figured that's what the two of you were talking about."

 "So you think you know who this spy is?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Yes,"  Sue Ellen replies.

 

"Who?  Who do you think it is?"

 

Sue Ellen looks at her son and then at her nephew.   "I believe our spy could be Jill."

 "Jill's......whatever the hell she had with Tripp McKay.......ended a long time ago, and it did not end with the two of them remainin' friends.  He dumped her for Pamela.  Jill can't stand the guy."

 

"Are you sure about that?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "How do we know that Jill hasn't been secretly in contact with Tripp McKay all along?"

 

"No.  Uh-uh,"  John Ross says.  "Jill is my sister, and I know that she'd never do anything to hurt Ewing Oil or this fam'ly."

 

"I certainly hope you're right."

 

"Look, Sue Ellen, don't take offense to this,"  says Christopher.  "But you're not exactly objective when it comes to Jill.  You've never trusted her or wanted her to be a part of Ewing Oil, and I think that has more to do with the fact that she's J.R.'s daughter with Kimberly Cryder."

 

"That has nothing to do with this.  I've never trusted her because she still owns a small piece of Westar, and her mother owns a fairly large part of that company.  And, as I said earlier, she was once intimately involved with Tripp McKay."

 

"Mama, I'm sorry,"  John Ross says.  "But I agree with Christopher.  There's no way in hell that Jill is our spy."

 

"Alright,"  Sue Ellen says.  "I won't say another word.  But I will definitely be keeping my eye on Jill.  And, I trust that neither of you will let on to her that I suspect her."

 

"Not gonna breathe a word,"  says John Ross.

 

"Neither will I,"  Christopher says.

 

"Good.  Whether it's Jill or someone else, we have to find out who's been leaking secrets to McKay,"  says Sue Ellen.  "Ewing Oil cannot afford to lose anymore deals to Westar."  Sue Ellen walks out of the office.  John Ross and Christopher exchange looks, neither of them wanting to entertain her suspicions that Jill could be the spy.  Meanwhile, as she heads back to her own office, Sue Ellen sees Jill stepping off the elevator.  Sue Ellen pauses and watches the young woman as a smiling Jill heads to her own office.  Sue Ellen walks over to Jill, intercepting her as she's about to go into her office.  "Jill," she says.

 

"Oh, hello, Sue Ellen."

 

"Jill, you do realize that our work day starts here at Ewing Oil at 9 a.m.?"  Sue Ellen sarcastically asks.  "It is now five minutes past noon."

 

"I'm very well aware of what time it is, and of what time the work day starts."

 

"I was beginning to wonder, since you're showing up three hours late."

 

"I had a meeting, Sue Ellen."  Jill says.

 

An overcast and gloomy start to the day had turned into a sunny and slightly warmer afternoon, and the snow that covered everything around Southfork was beginning to melt.  Bridget McKinnon walks into Alex's bedroom as he lays in bed that afternoon.  Bridget is carrying a cup of hot cocoa, which she hands to Alex.  

 

"Your Mom made this for you.  I told her I'd bring it,"  Bridget says.  "Be careful, it's hot."

 

"Thanks," he says.  "Yeah, too hot to drink right now.  Could you......"

 

"Oh, yeah,"  Bridget says.  She takes the cup from him and places it on the shelf beside Alex's bed.  She then takes a seat on the bed beside him.  

 

"My Mom's still here?"  Alex asks.

 

"Yes she is.  She's downstairs talking to Mrs. Ewing.  Your Mom seems really cool.  I guess you're gonna miss her when she goes back to New York."

 

"Oh yeah, I am.  How was your first day at Braddock High?"  Alex asks.

 

"It was fine.  My teachers are really nice, and the kids are okay.  Would've been a lot better if you'd been there."

 

"I wish I could've been.  But, doctor says that, after a couple more days of rest, I can go back to school by Thursday with my new hair cut the doctor gave me."

 

"That's great news.  I can't wait.  I have a feeling that the rest of our senior year is going to be the BEST."

 

"It will be,"  Alex says.  "You know, you don't have to sit here with me.  I know you must be tired after a long day at school."

 

 

"Yeah.  Kinda feels like someone has a towel wrapped around my head and they're pulling it as tight as they can,"  Alex says.  

 

"Do you want me to get your Mom?"  

 

"No.  I just wanna lay here and rest."

 

"Okay,"  Bridget says.  "I'll go and let you sleep."

 

"No, don't go,"  Alex says.  "Would you stay with me?"

 

Bridget looks at him and smiles.  "Sure, I will," she says, retaking her seat on the bed.  She takes Alex by the hand and watches him as he closes his eyes and tries to sleep off his headache.

Perry's Steakhouse and Grille.....that evening....

 Cliff and Brad are seated at a table at Perry's Steakhouse And Grille that evening, when Jeremy Wendell walks into the restaurant.  A hostess greets Jeremy, and leads him across the restaurant to Cliff's table.  

 

"Thank you,"  Jeremy says, taking a seat across from Cliff.  

 

"You're welcome.  Can I get you a drink, sir?"

 

"I'll have a scotch on the rocks,"  Jeremy replies.

 

"Yes, sir.  Your server will be with you shortly,"  the young woman says, with a smile, then walks away.  

 

"Well, Jeremy, thank you for coming,"  Cliff says.  

 

"I was intrigued to get your invitation to dinner, Cliff."

 

"My father and I were hoping we could talk a little business, Mr. Wendell,"  Brad says.

 

 

"I see you're a man who likes to get right down to business, Mr. Wendell,"  Brad says.  "I like that.  I'm the same way."

 

"I don't believe in wasting time," says Jeremy.  

 

"Yeah, well, Jeremy, as you know, my son and I are now partners in Stone-Barnes Oil.  The reason we wanted to meet with you, Jeremy, is that, as I recall, you owned some oil leases on a very rich offshore tract.  I did some checking, and, you still owned those leases when you were released from prison, and that tract was still one of the top producing offshore tracts in the Gulf.  Do you still own those leases now?"

 

"Yes, as a matter of fact, I do,"  Jeremy replies.

 

Cliff smiles.  "Wonderful.  Then I hope we can do business."

 

"Mr. Wendell, Stone-Barnes Oil would like to purchase those leases from you,"  Brad says.

 

"You want to buy my offshore leases?"

 

"Yes, we do,"  Cliff replies.   

 

"I'm not interested in selling, Cliff, and if I were, surely you had to know that I would give my grandson Tripp McKay first offer."

 

"Yes, but Stone-Barnes is willing to pay you above the market price for those leases,"  Cliff says, much to Brad's surprise. 

 

"Still not interested."

 

"Jeremy, come on.  You've owned those leases for, what, thirty years?  Y9u've been back in Dallas for months, and in contact with Tripp.  So why haven't you offered those leases to him before?"

 

Jeremy looks at his watch.  "Cliff, I think we're wasting each others' time here.  I'm not interested in selling those offshore leases to you or to anyone else right now."

 

"Mr. Wendell, what if we did this?"  Brad asks.  "What if we made you a partner on those leases.  Cliff and I would each get thirty-five percent of the profit from those wells, and you would get thirty, in ADDITION to the more than fair offer we're making on those wells."

 

Jeremy smiles.  "Cliff, this son of yours is quite the negotiator."

 

"Yes, he is.  I'm very proud.  So what do ya say, Jeremy?  Do we have a deal?  You sell us seventy percent at a very generous price, and keep thirty percent for yourself?  As it stands now, those wells are just sitting there, not doing anybody any good."

 

"I'd like to have some time to think about it,"  Jeremy says.

 

"Time?  How much time?"  Asks an anxious Cliff.

 

"Mr. Wendell, you take all the time you need,"  Brad says.  

 

"Thank you,"  Jeremy says.   "I shall."

 

"Yeah, but not too much time,"  says an impatient Cliff.  "We'd kinda like to get moving on this soon."

 

"You'll have my decision as soon as I've made it, Cliff,"  Jeremy says as the server returns with his drink.

 

"Here you are, sir," the young woman says, placing his scotch on the table.  

 

"Thank you."

 

"You're welcome, sir.  Are you gentlemen ready to order yet?"

 

"I think we are,"  Brad replies.

 

"This is all on me,"  Cliff says.  As he's about to say something else, he looks across the room and sees Katherine's son. Jonathon Lord, being taken to a table by the hostess.  "Uh, I'll have the steak dinner, medium rare.  And you two order whatever you want.  If you'll excuse me a moment, I'll be right back,"  Cliff says, getting up from his seat.

 

"Where are you going?"  Brad asks.

 

"I see my nephew, Jonathon Lord, over there.  Think I'll go say hello."

 

"I thought you despised him for beating you out of that job as CEO of Wentworth Industries."

 

"Oh, water under the bridge,"  says Cliff.  "Besides, that young man could be very useful to us.  Excuse me, you two go ahead and order."  Cliff walks away.

 

"Jonathon Lord, that's Katherine Wentworth's son, isn't it?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"Yeah,"  Brad replies.

 

Smiling, Cliff makes his way across the restaurant to Jonathon's table and slides into the seat across from him.  "Well, good evening, Jonathon," he says.

 

Jonathon looks up at Cliff, surprised to see him.  "Well, Uncle Cliff.  To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?"

 

"I was having dinner over there with my son and a friend, and I saw you.  Thought I'd come over and say hello."

 

"No, he had to go to the restroom."

 

"Good, that'll give us a minute to talk."

 

"What was that all about with Jonathon Lord?"  Brad asks.

 

Cliff smiles.  "Just trying to soften the kid up.  Wentworth Industries has developed a brand new computerized drill that is twice as fast as anything that's come before it."

 

"Yeah, I know.  I read all about it."

 

"Well, if you and I get in good with Wentworth's new, young CEO, then we may just have a chance of at least being the first company to have the privilege of using that new drill.  That would give us a major edge over Ewing Oil, and even Westar."

 

"Cliff, I hate to break it to ya, but there's no way we'd be able to afford to buy that drill."

 

"Not alone,"  Cliff says.  "But with Jeremy Wendell's help......"

 

"Wait.......Wendell surely wouldn't help any company that was in competition with Westar.  He'd throw his full support behind the company he devoted his life to, not to mention his grandson."

 

"Maybe.  Who knows?  Maybe he can be persuaded to throw his support to us."

 

Brad looks at his father curiously, wondering what Cliff has up his sleeve.

Jay and Jill's apartment....

 That night, as a shirtless Jay sits up in bed reading over some legal papers, Jill walks into their bedroom from the adjoining bathroom, switching off the bathroom light.  "I just can't believe Sue Ellen,"  Jill angrily rants.  "The nerve of that woman.  You should have seen the way she lit into me today.  Like she was accusing me of something."

 

"Uh-huh,"  Jay says, continuing to read and barely paying attention to his wife.

 

 

"I love working at Ewing Oil, but I really hate having to work with that woman.  She's always had it in for me, ever since she found out that J.R. was my father."

 

 

"Uh-huh,"  he says again. 

 

Jill looks at him.  "Jay, you're not even listening to me."

 

"What?  Oh, honey, I'm sorry, I was looking over Conner Ewing's case."

 

"Can't Conner Ewing wait?  I was trying to share with you about my problems with Sue Ellen."

 

 

Jay puts his papers down and looks at his wife.  "Oh, sweetheart, I'm sorry.  You're right.  This can wait til tomorrow.  Now what were you saying about Sue Ellen?"

 

"She was being a real bitch to me at the office today.  That woman has had it in for me ever since she found out that J.R. was my father, like I had any control over that."

 

"I think she's jealous, and a little bitter.  Your mother's affair with her husband destroyed Sue Ellen's marriage to J.R."

 

"I know that.  But that's  not MY fault.  I didn't ask my father to sleep with Sue Ellen's husband so I could be conceived."

 

"I know, and you're right,"  Jay says.  "It's totally wrong of Sue Ellen to take it out on you.  But there's one thing I know for sure."

 

"Oh yeah?  What's that?"

 

"That you can handle Sue Ellen Ewing.  You're just as strong and just as tough as that lady is."

 

Jill smiles.  "You're so sweet.  Now I know why I married you."

 

"Why, because I a great flatterer?"  Jay asks, pulling Jill into his arms.

 

"Because you always know the right thing to say,"  Jill replies, kissing him.  As the two begin to kiss passionately, and Jill falls onto the bed, Jay on top of her, his cell phone begins ringing on the table next to the bed.  

 

Jay pulls out of the kiss and sighs deeply.

 

"Ignore it,"  Jill says.  

 

"I can't.  It could be important,"  Jay says.  He reaches over, picks up his phone and looks at it.  "Honey, I'm sorry, I gotta take this."  He quickly answers the call.  "Yeah, Carl, what's up?  Oh?  What, tonight?  Yeah, I know this is very important."

 

As Jay continues his call, a frustrated Jill gets off the bed and slips her robe back on as she walks to the dresser and looks at herself in the mirror.  

 

"Okay, Carl, okay,"  Jay says.  "Yeah, give me half an hour and I'll be there.  Bye."  He ends his phone call, puts his phone down and sighs.  

 

"Let me guess.  You have to go out."

 

"Yeah, I have to meet with Carl Grimes."

 

Jill turns around and looks at her husband.  "You're meeting with a character from The Walking Dead?"

 

"Carl Grimes is an attorney who's working with me on a very important case,"  Jay says as he gets out of bed.  This case is due to go to court next week, and it's a very complicated case, so we have to work over time to put together a defense for this client.  And with my Dad away right now, it's just me and Carl at Smithfield And Bennett to handle ALL our cases.  Jill, I wouldn't go if this wasn't important."

 

"Yeah, it's important.  And spending an evening with your wife isn't?"

 

Jay walks over to her.  "Honey, I'm sorry."

 

"That's what you always say.  Do you know how long it's been since we've actually spent any time together?  Either you're gone, working on cases or handling stuff for clients, or you're too tired when you ARE home to spend time with me."

 

"Look, I'm sorry.  Things'll get better soon, I promise.  I have to get dressed."  

 

An angry and frustrated Jill watches her husband as he walks over to the closes, opens it, and takes out a shirt and pair of pants.  She shakes her head and fights back tears, wanting to scream at Jay for the lack of attention he's been paying her for the past few months.

Southfork....the next morning

 By the next morning, only small amounts of snow remained at Southfork, as most of the white stuff had melted the previous day when the sun came out and temperatures rose to the upper-30s.  In the dining room, Bobby, Ann, Christopher, Courtney, Jacob, Lucas, Heather, Michael, and Lucy are gathered in the dining room for breakfast when John Ross and Krystina walk in.

 

"Good morning, everyone,"  Krystina says with a smile as she and John Ross take their seats at the table with the others.

 

"Good mornin',"  Ann says.

 

"Krystina, I think  you get more beautiful every day,"  Lucas says.

 

"Well, thank you, Lucas."

 

"And I have to agree,"  Bobby says.

 

"There's just somethin' about when a woman is pregnant that makes her glow,"  Heather says.  "I remember when I was pregnant with Michael, I couldn't stop glowin', especially as the time neared for me to give birth."

 

"Well, I only have a couple more weeks before this little one makes his or her appearance,"  Krystina says.

 

"I can't believe you and John Ross didn't wanna know whether it was gonna be a boy or a girl,"  Courtney says.

 

Krystina looks at her and smiles.  "Well, John Ross and I wanted to be surprised."

 

"Excuse me,"  Lucy says.  Unable to handle the conversation about pregnancy and giving birth, Lucy puts down her fork, gets up from the table and rushes out of the dining room.  

 

"Well now what the hell was that all about?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I'll, uh, be right back,"  Ann says, getting up from the table.  She looks at Bobby, then leaves the room.  A moment 

later, Ann finds Lucy in the kitchen, standing at window looking out.  After a brief pause, Ann walks over to her.  "Lucy, are you alright?"

 

"I'm fine,"  Lucy replies in tears. 

 

Ann sighs.  "No, you're not.  I'm sorry, about all that talk about Krystina's baby. I could tell it was gettin' to you."

 

"I shouldn't let it.  I'm happy for John Ross and Krystina.  Really, I am.  It's just that......."

 

"You wish that it was you."

 

"I can't help it, Ann.  I just feel so empty.  What you, and Heather, and Courtney have experienced.......and what Krystina is experiencing now.......pregnancy, and childbirth..........I missed out on, and I'll get to experience.  I can't help but feel how unfair that is."

 

"You're right, Lucy,"  Ann says.    "It is very unfair."

 

"I keep thinking about Pam, and how similar our situations are, but, yet so different.  She wanted a baby so much that it drove her crazy.  And she couldn't have one.  But then, she and Bobby adopted Christopher.  Pam was a wonderful mother, and she loved him so much.  But then that horrible accident happened, and then she got sick.  Pam didn't have long to enjoy being a mother before it was cruelly taken away from her.  But at least she did have the chance for a while."

 

"Lucy, I'm so sorry.  I wish there were somethin' I could say to you to make you feel better, and to make all this pain go away."

 

"I have no one to blame but myself,"  Lucy says.  "I've always felt that, my not being able to have a baby was my punishment for the two biggest regrets of my life.  I could've had a chance to be a mother, but I decided to have an abortion instead.  And then, if that wasn't bad enough, I kept Mitch's son from him for all those years until his son was gone and it was too late for Mitch to even know him.  Those two decisions will haunt me for the rest of my life."

 

Ann places a reassuring hand on Lucy's shoulder.  

 

"Ann, have you ever done something that you regretted?"  Lucy asks.  "I'm not talking about a small regret.  But something that could change your whole life and the lives of a lot of people around you?  When you keep a secret like I kept from Mitch, that he had a son with Joanna, it's like you're playing God with someone else's life.  No one has  the right to do that, and it almost ALWAYS backfires and blows up in your face.  God, if I could turn the clock back, I never would've denied Mitch the right to know his son."

 

Ann lowers her head and struggles to hold back her tears as she is reminded of her own terrible secret about Logan's paternity.  "You did what you thought was best at the time," she says.

 

"Best for who?"  Lucy asks.  "I was the only one it was best for.  I placed my own selfish needs ahead of Mitch and ahead of his son.  And I guess this is my karma.  Having to feel like a failure as a woman every time I hear another woman talk about having a baby, or every time I see Krystina or any other pregnant woman.  Ann, I wanted a baby so much."  Lucy begins to cry.  "My son or daughter would be 35-years-old.  I might even be a grandmother by now."

 

Ann embraces Lucy as she cries.

 

Meanwhile, in the dining room, the family continues with their morning meal as Bobby begins to wonder what's taking Ann so long.

 

"Jacob, you better hurry up and finish your breakfast, or you'll be late for school,"  Courtney tells her son.

 

"You, too, Michael,"  Heather says.

 

"I can't wait til this afternoon,"  Michael says with excitement.

 

"What happens this afternoon?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Mom and Dad are gonna take me into Dallas, and sign my contract with Justin at Ewing Records.  And I get to see the studio where I'm gonna be recording my songs."

 

"Well, that's great, Michael."

 

"I'll bet you're real excited, huh?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Oh yes!"

 

Jacob puts down his glass of milk.  "Can I be excused?"  He asks.  

 

"But you're not finished eating,"  Courtney says.  

 

"I'm not hungry."

 

Christopher and Courtney exchange worried looks.  "Okay, you can be excused,"  Courtney says.  "Take your book bag and wait for me in the living room."

 

The boy does as he's told.  He picks up his bag and quietly leaves the room, a sad look on his face.  

 

"Alex is sure lucky,"  says Michael.  "He doesn't have to go to school this week."

 

"Your cousin Alex is recovering from a very serious operation,"  says Lucas.

 

"And, besides, Alex will be headin' back to school on Thursday,"  John Ross says.  He looks at his watch.  "Well, speakin' of my son, I'm gonna go upstairs and check in on him, see if he's eatin' his breakfast, then I have to head on in to the office."

 

"The office?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Why so early, John Ross?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Just a few things I need to take care of, Uncle Bobby,"  John Ross replies, standing to his feet.  

 

"If you guys need me to come in, I will,"  Krystina says.  "I feel terrible staying at home so soon after you all welcomed me into the company."

 

"Nothin' doin',"  John Ross says.  "It's too near time for you to have the baby."

 

"John Ross is right, Krystina,"  says Bobby.  "Ewing Oil will still be there after you have the baby and when you're ready to come back."

 

John Ross leans down and kisses his wife.  "I love you.  I'll give you another kiss before I leave."  He smiles, then walks out of the room and heads upstairs.

Meanwhile....Alex's bedroom....

he sits it down.  He hesitates for a moment, his head beginning to swim.  As he looks down at the tray on his desk, his vision becomes blurry and he is suddenly stricken with another terrible headache similar to the one he'd had the day before.  He rubs his eyes, thinking that would help, but it doesn't.  Alex feels as if the entire room is spinning, and he realizes he has to get back to the bed to sit down or he would fall.  The boy staggers as he makes his way back to the bed, where he sits down, literally falling onto the bed.  The spinning of the room begins to make him feel nauseous.  He again rubs his eyes, and slowly, his vision begins to clear.  He lets out a deep sigh of relief as a knock sounds at his door.  "Come in," he says.

 

 

John Ross walks into the room, and he becomes concerned when he sees his son sitting on the bed rubbing his eyes.  "Hey, Alex, you okay?"

 

"Yeah, I'm fine, John Ross.  I just have a headache, that's all."

 

"Well, doctor said some headaches could be expected for a while.  You eat your breakfast?"

 

"Not much of it.  I just wasn't hungry."

 

"Yeah, I see that,"  John Ross says, looking at the tray.  "Well, you really do need to eat so you can get all your strength back."

 

"Don't worry, I will."

 

"Well, I'm headin' to the office.  Just wanted to check on you before I left.  You take it easy today, and I'll see ya this evenin'."

 

"Okay,"  Alex says.  

 

"If you need anything, Krystina will be here all day, and I guess Ann will, too.  And Maria."

 

"Alright."

 

"Okay.  Love ya,"  John Ross says.

 

"Love you too, John Ross,"  Alex says as John Ross leaves the room.  Once John Ross is gone, Alex places his hands on each side of his face and begins rubbing his temples, hoping to alleviate the pain of this headache.  

A Starbucks in Dallas....

 "Bum, thank you for agreeing to meet with me for coffee and donuts this early in the morning,"  Sue Ellen says as she and Bum take seats at a table inside a Starbucks that morning.  

 

"Sue Ellen, I never turn down an invitation from a beautiful woman,"  Bum says.  "Besides, it's been quite a while since we've seen one another."

 

Sue Ellen smiles.  "Yes, it's been too long.  We missed you at the wedding."

 

"I'm sorry I couldn't make it, but I spent Christmas with my son.  Steven and I have been workin' on building a real father and son relationship, and it's goin' very well."

 

"I'm so glad to hear that."

 

"Me, too.  Now then, what can I do for you, Sue Ellen?"  Bum asks.

 

"I have a job for you.  Of course I'll pay you very well for this job, but, I have one condition."

 

"Oh?  Just name it."

 

"Well, I know how close you and John Ross are, and I also know how loyal you are to my son.  But I want this job to remain just between us.  I don't even want Catlin to know about this."

 

"Whole thing sounds very mysterious,"  Bum says.  

 

"Well, my finding out what I need to know requires the utmost secrecy, which is why I asked you to meet me here in this out of the way Starbucks,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"You can count on me, Sue Ellen.  My lips are sealed."

 Conner steps off the elevator on the fifth floor at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital later that morning and spots Mitch coming out of Dylan's room.  Conner approaches him.  "Dr. Cooper," he says.  

 

"Oh, good morning, Conner,"  Mitch says.  

 

"How's my brother?"

 

"Dylan is improving every day.  He's awake if you'd like to see him."

 

"Yes, thank you.  Umm, Dr. Cooper, how much longer do you think Dylan will be in the hospital?"

 

"At least another few days.  I wanna make sure the pneumonia is completely cleared and gone from both of his lungs, and he's gotten some strength back."

 

"Thank you,"  Conner says.  He walks over to Dylan's door.  He hesitates for a moment, then walks in.  At first, Dylan appears to be asleep, but he opens his eyes and looks at his brother.  "Hey,"  Conner says.

 

"Hey,"  Dylan says in a weak, somewhat raspy voice.  

 

"Dr. Cooper says you're on the mend.  That's great.  I've been really worried about you.  Only thing I want is for you to get back on your feet and get well again."

 

"Only thing I want right now is a drink,"  Dylan says.

 

"I know,"  Conner says in a sad tone.  "Dylan, do you remember anything about New Year's Eve?"

 

"New Year's Eve?"

 

"Yeah.  Like, do you remember what happened that night?"

 

Dylan looks straight ahead and thinks for a moment.  "No.  I.......I remember I was drinking.  Why?  Did something happen?  Was that the night I got beaten up?"

 

"Yeah, it was,"  Conner says.  

 

"I don't......I don't really remember anything."

 

"It's okay.  Maybe it's best if you don't."

 

"Why do you say that?"  Dylan asks, looking at him curiously.

 

"Well, maybe you don't need to know how you got all beaten up and stuff."

 

"I just wish I could remember what happened to me.  And who did this to me."

 

"Right now, Dylan, you just need to concentrate on getting your strength back.  The rest can wait."

 

"Conner, can I PLEASE have a drink?"  Dylan asks, his voice shaky and weak.

 

"Dylan, you already know the answer to that."

 

"Please.  If you care anything about me at all, you'll help me.  Conner, I'm begging you, as my brother.  I feel like I'm gonna die if I don't get a drink soon."

 

"Dylan you almost died BECAUSE of alcohol.  I'm not gonna let that happen again,"  Conner says.

 

"You......you don't care about me at all, do you?"  Dylan asks, trying to sit up in bed.

 

"Dylan, come on, just calm down."

 

"No.  You won't help me.  I'll get a drink myself,"  Dylan says.  He attempts to get out of bed, but he's too weak, and he falls back into the bed.  He looks up at Conner as he struggles to breathe.  "What......what have you done to me?"  He asks.  "What did you do?"

 

"Dylan, I didn't do anything?"  Conner replies, now in tears seeing his brother in this condition.

 

"You......you drugged me or something.  I can't get up.  I can't breathe."

 

"Dylan, you have pneumonia.  You're in the hospital.  You have to stay in bed and you have to stay calm."

 

"No.  No...."

 

"Dylan, I'll get Dr. Cooper."

 

"No,"  Dylan cries.  "You won't help me.  You won't get me a drink.  Just get out of here," he says, struggling for breath as he takes his oxygen tubes out of his nose.

 

"Dylan, don't do that, you need your oxygen,"  Conner says, trying to put the tubes back into Dylan's nose.  

 

"No,"  Dylan says, fighting at Conner and pushing him.  "GET OUT!  JUST GET OUT OF HERE!!!"  Dylan says as loudly as he can, his voice still very weak.

 

Conner breaks down in tears as he watches his brother, then he flees from the room.  Mitch is standing at the nurse's station down the hall.  Conner runs over to him.  "Dr. Cooper, please......Dylan needs you.  Please help him,"  Conner begs in tears.  

 

"Alright, Conner, just stay here,"  Mitch says.  "Nurse Franklin, come with me."  

 

A frightened Conner watches as Mitch and the nurse rush into Dylan's room, the sounds of Dylan's screams audible through the entire hall.

Ewing Oil....

 Christopher is working at his desk, looking over some reports.  When he comes across something that catches his eye, he continues to read on down the page with interest.  After a few seconds, he presses the button on his intercom.  

 

"Yes, Christopher?"   Janice says.

 

"Janice, would you asks John Ross and Sue Ellen to meet me in my father's office, please?"

 

"Of course."

 

"Thanks,"  Christopher says.   He stands to his feet, picks up the paper he was reading, then leaves his office. 

 

A few seconds later, Bobby is working at his desk when Christopher knocks on his door.  "Come in,"  Bobby says.

 

Christopher walks into the office.  "Dad, we need to have a meeting, and I've asked Sue Ellen and John Ross to join us.  Hope this isn't a bad time."

 

"No. not at all,"  Bobby says as Sue Ellen and John Ross walk in. 

 

"What's going on?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Well, I guess we're about to find out,"  Bobby replies.  "Christopher?"

 

"Take a look at this,"  Christopher says, handing his father the paper he'd carried in his hand. 

 

Bobby takes the paper and reads it.  "I'd already heard about this."

 

"What the hell is it?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Wentworth Industries has developed a new, advanced, computerized drill to be used in offshore drilling, and in some cases, onshore drilling,"  says Bobby.

 

"This drill would be invaluable to us, and I think we should be the first to benefit from its development,"  says Christopher.  "This drill is the first of its kind, and it hits the market in THREE weeks."

 

"No,"  Bobby says.  "We're not gonna deal with Wentworth Industries."

 

"Dad, come on.  This drill is what  we've been waiting for for years.  We'd be crazy not to jump at this chance."

 "Christopher, Ewing Oil is NOT dealing with Wentworth Industries as long as a member of the Wentworth family is running that company, and that's final,"  Bobby says, adamantly.

 

"Dad, Katherine is not running Wentworth anymore.  She's long gone. So is Austin.  Both of them are wanted by the police."

 

"Katherine's other son, Jonathon Lord, is running Wentworth Industries, and since he IS Katherine's son, I don't trust him any more than I trust Katherine or Austin.  Ewing Oil has done very well without this drill up until now, and we'll continue to survive without it."

 

"And we just let Westar and maybe even Stone-Barnes grab the drill and lunge ahead of us in technology and drilling?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Christopher, I've made my decision, and it's final."

 "Uncle Bobby, I think Christopher's right,"  John Ross says.  "We can't afford to pass this up just because we don't like Wentworth Industries or the Wentworth fam'ly.  Mama, tell him."

 

"I'm sorry, John Ross, Christopher,"  Sue Ellen says.  "But, I support Bobby in his decision."

 

"I don't believe this,"  John Ross says, standing.  "Just because Uncle Bobby hates everything connected to Katherine Wentworth, Ewing Oil has to remain in the 20th century instead of movin' into the 21st, which this drill would do for us.  We're gonna be behind Westar and every other independent in Texas."

 

Bobby stands from his seat.  "John Ross, that's enough,"  he says angrily.  "My decision STANDS, and I don't wanna hear anymore about Wentworth Industries. They aren't the only company that develops new drilling technology.  Now this meeting is over."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Well, cousin, if you won't........then I will,"  John Ross says to himself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

 Ray, Donna, and Conner are waiting anxiously in Mitch's office at the hospital, when Mitch walks in.  "Thank you all for waiting so patiently,"  Mitch says.

 

"How is he, Mitch?"  Ray asks.

 

Mitch looks at them.  "We had to sedate him before we could get him calm.  Conner, what exactly happened in there when you went to see Dylan?"

 

"Nothing.  He asked me to get him a drink.  I told him I couldn't.  And then he just........he just sort of lost it."

 

"It's obvious that Dylan has a very serious problem with alcohol,"  Mitch says.  "And I'm afraid that problem is only going to get worse if it's not treated NOW.  Dylan has been extremely lucky twice now, first when he was attacked and beaten on New Year's Eve, and now with this pneumonia.  He may not be this lucky again.  If Dylan doesn't get help for his drinking, this young man could die, or.......God forbid, end up getting in an accident and killing someone else."

 

"We have talked about this among the three of us,"  says Donna.  "And you're right.  This can't go on."

 

"Ray, Donna, I realize that the two of you have acted as sort of guardians for Dylan for the past couple of years, but what about his real family?  Now, I understand his father was your cousin, Jack Ewing?"

 

"That's right,"  replies Ray.  

 

"I've met his brother, Todd Baxter,"  Mitch says.  "What about Dylan's mother?"

 

Ray and Donna exchange looks.  "She is in Europe somewhere,"  Donna says.  "Apparently she's very fragile emotionally and has been ever since her husband went to prison for Jack Ewing's murder.  Todd doesn't seem to want to burden his mother with this."

 

"So, in other words, Dylan's mother is basically out of the picture?"  Mitch asks.

 

"Donna has been more of a mother to both Dylan and I in the last two years than either of our own mothers ever were,"  Conner says.

 

"Alright, then the decision rests with the three of you, and with Dylan's other half-brother, Todd Baxter."

 

"What do you suggest we do for the boy, Mitch?"  Ray asks.

 

"Dylan is going to be released from the hospital in a few days,"  says Mitch.  "My recommendation is that he be placed in an alcohol and drug treatment facility for at least two to three moths, maybe longer.  It's the only way that he's going to get help for this.  We have some very fine ones right in this area."

 

Conner begins to cry.  "He's gonna hate me even more than he already does."

 

"Sweety, your brother doesn't hate you,"  Donna says.

 

"You didn't see him, Donna.  You didn't hear the things he said.  He actually accused me of drugging him to make him too weak to get out of bed.  He didn't even believe that he had pneumonia.  He thought it was something I did to him."

 

"Conner, your brother is a very sick young man,"  Mitch says.  "That wasn't him talking, that was the illness.  Addiction is a very real and very dangerous illness that a lot of people don't understand.  The person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol will often lash out at the person they're closest to.  They are so consumed by their need for whatever they're addicted to that nothing else matters to them, at least, at the moment.  Conner, it may seem that your brother hates you right now, but the most important thing is getting him the help he needs.  Once Dylan is whole and healthy again, and sober, he won't feel that way anymore, I can promise you.  Now, I can contact some of these facilities nearby if you want me to, and find the best one."

 

"Conner?"  Donna asks, looking at him.

 

"I guess we don't have a choice, do we?"  

 

"No, we don't,"  Ray replies.  

 

"Alright, Dr. Cooper,"  says Conner.  "Please try and find some help for my brother."

 

Mitch nods. "I'll make some calls."

Perry's Steakhouse and Grille....

 Jonathon Lord walks into Perry's Steakhouse for lunch, and is  greeted by one of the hosts, a young man, who leads him across the crowded restaurant to a table occupied by Tripp McKay.  "Here you go, sir,"  the host says.

 

"Thank you,"  Jonathon says, taking a seat across from Tripp.  

 

"What would you like to drink, sir?"

 

"I'll have an ice tea."

 

"Yes, sir.  Your server will be with you gentlemen shortly."

 

"Thank you, Tyler,"  Tripp says.

 

"You're welcome, Mr. McKay,"  the young man says, then walks away.  

 

"Jonathon, I appreciate you agreeing to meet with me for lunch,"  Tripp says.  "I know you have a busy schedule.  But, I thought it would be nice to have a meeting in a more relaxed setting, outside of a stale and boring office setting."

 

Jonathon smiles.  "Well, I like the way you think, Mr. McKay."

 

"Please, call me Tripp.  After all, in a sense, we're kind of related, since I was married to your cousin Pamela."

 

"Oh, that's right, I'd forgotten."

 

"That's why I'm hoping that you and I can do business.  Westar and Wentworth have done business before in the past."

 

"I assume you wanted to meet with me about our new drill,"  Jonathon says.  

 "Yes,"  replies Tripp.  "Wentworth's new, fully computerized drill is going to revolutionize the oil and gas industry, and Westar would like to be the first company to test the drill in the field."

 

"You and every other independent in Dallas," says Jonathon.  

 

"But how many of those other independents can afford to pay you what Westar can?"  Tripp asks.  "After all, we ARE the largest independent in this part of the state.  And we're willing to pay above market price for the drill."  

 

"That would run into a LOT of money, Tripp.  This drill will not come cheap."

 

"I know that.  But, what we pay for the drill Westar will quickly regain in profits from its use.  I'm willing to strike a deal with you today, Jonathon, and we can have the contracts drawn up immediately."

 

Jonathon smiles.  "You're very anxious, aren't you?"

 

"Yes, I am."

 

"Tripp, look, I can promise you I will give Westar's offer every consideration.  But I won't just go with the first company that makes an offer.  In fact, you AREN'T the first company to make me an offer on the drill.  I plan to take a look at all the bids, and take them to my board and then make a decision."

 

"That's fair enough.  Just out of curiosity, who was the first company to make an offer?"  Tripp asks.

 

"Stone-Barnes,"  Jonathon replies.

 

"Stone-Barnes?"  Tripp asks.  "Stone-Barnes is a fairly new company, and they hardly have the capital to make such a purchase as Wentworth's new drill."

 

"Well, as I said, I intend to look over all the bids from each company when they're made."

 

"Okay, fair enough,"  Tripp says as their server, an attractive young blonde, comes over.

 

"Are you gentlemen ready to order?"  She asks.

 

"I am,"  Tripp replies.

 

"So am I."

 

"I'll have the........."  Tripp suddenly stops talking when he looks across the room and sees someone he thinks he knows, a young man who is getting up from his table to leave the restaurant.  Tripp watches the young man chat

with one of the restaurant hostesses.  Tripp can't believe his eyes, and for a moment, he thinks he must be seeing things.  The young man he is watching looks exactly like his deceased fraternal twin brother, Hunter.  

 

"Sir?"  The young server says.

 

"Tripp, are you okay?"  Jonathon asks.  

 

"Excuse me for a minute,"  Tripp says, quickly getting to his feet.  "I'll be right back."  He rushes across the crowded room, but a party of restaurant customers impede both his progress and his view of the young man he'd seen.  "Excuse me, excuse me," he says, pushing his way through the crowd.  But unfortunately, by the time he reaches the front of the restaurant, the young man is gone.  Tripp looks around, but the mystery man is gone.  He rushes out of the restaurant and looks around for the stranger.  He finally spots the young man getting into a red 

sports car.  Tripp runs to the parking lot, but by the time he gets there, the red sports car is driving away.  He attempts to read the license plate, but the car is new, and doesn't yet have a license plate, only a plate with the name of the dealership....... Raymond.  He watches the car as it exits Perry's parking lot, turning right onto the street and heading back toward the city of Dallas.  Tripp is confused.  His brother has been dead for almost four years.  So who was this mysterious young man he had just seen in the restaurant?  

Southfork....afternoon....

 Ann comes down the stairs at Southfork that afternoon as Maria comes into the foyer and meets her.  "Mrs. Ewing," the maid says.

 

"Yes, Maria?"

 

"This came for you in the mail,"  Maria says, handing Ann a large envelope.

 

"Oh, thank you, Maria."

 

"You're welcome.  Lunch will be ready soon."

 

 

"Thank you,"  Ann says as the maid leaves the foyer.  She pauses for a few seconds, then looks at the envelope in her hand, curious as to who had sent it.  She looks at the envelope that has her name and address:  'Mrs. Ann Ewing, 3700 Braddock Rd., Braddock, Texas, 75086.'  But the package has no return address.  Curious where it came from, Ann quickly opens the envelope and finds a single piece of paper inside, along with something very strange.......the photo of a tiny baby sock.  Confused and now even more curious, Ann takes the piece of paper out and looks at it, and immediately, her heart sinks!

 begins to cry as she looks at the note and the photo in her hands.  She wonders if Katherine could have sent the note, or, is it possible that someone else knows the secret of Logan's paternity?  And if so......who?  

Meanwhile....

In a semi-darkened room, a pair of gloves hands is writing something on a similar envelope.  The mystery person is writing Ann's name and address on the envelope:  'Mrs. Ann Ewing, 3700 Braddock Rd., Braddock, Texas, 75086.'  

Once they are finished, the person reaches onto a desk and picks up a piece of paper containing a message that   consists of letters and words obviously cut from a book or magazine.  The message is the same as the note Ann had just received at Southfork.  The gloved hands pick up the message and put it into the envelope, sealing it.  The person places the envelope on a desk next to some pictures............