EPISODE 163 - Collision Course

 Tripp McKay drives his car onto the Raymond Chevrolet dealership in Dallas late in the afternoon and comes to a stop.  Getting out of his car, he looks around until he sees someone.  A young man of about 25 approaches him.

 

"Good afternoon, sir, and welcome to Raymond Chevrolet,"  the young man says.

 

"Thanks."

 

"Is there anything in particular you're looking for, or would you just like to browse around?"

 

"Actually, there is something in particular I'm looking for,"  Tripp says.

 

"Fine, sir.  What type of vehicle is it you're interested in?"

 

"I'm not interested in a vehicle."

 

"Oh?"  Asks the confused young salesman.  "Then what can I do for you, sir?"

 

"I'm looking for some information,"  replies Tripp.  

 

"Information?"

 

"Yes.  Your dealership recently sold a red, 2018 Corvette Stingray.  The license plate was from here.  I'd like to know who bought that car."

 

"We've sold three of those recently,"  the salesman says.

 

"Well, I'd like to see your records, or if you have a list of the customers who bought those three red Stingrays."

 

The young salesman smiles.  "Sir, I'm very sorry, but I can't give out that information."

 

"What's your name?"

 

"Noah."

 

Tripp takes out his wallet, opens it, and pulls out a five hundred dollar bill.  "Well, Noah, I'll make it worth your while."

 

"I'm sorry, but I still can't give out that information."

 

  Ann is sitting alone in the living room at Southfork, still reeling from the mysterious note she received earlier.  She looks down at the note she still holds in her hands.  She begins to cry as she crumples up the paper.  Jimmy walks

into the room.  "Ann?"  He says.  "Are you okay?"

 

"I'm fine,"  Ann replies.

 

"You don't look fine to me.  Has something happened to upset you?"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"No, Jimmy, I said I'm fine!"  Ann snaps.

 

 

 "No, Ann, you're not FINE, and you're certainly not acting fine,"  Jimmy says.  "What's that in your hand?"  He asks, seeing the crumpled note she holds.  "Does this have anything to do with Katherine Wentworth or Katelyn Spencer?"

 

"No.  Just leave me the hell alone, Jimmy,"  Ann angrily says.  "Everything doesn't revolve around those two bitches, and you need to let this obsession you have with them go before it destroys you!"  Fighting back tears, Ann turns and rushes out of the room, carrying her crumpled letter with her, leaving Jimmy confused and wondering why his great-aunt was acting this way.  

 

 

 

 

Seeing the envelope on the floor next to the sofa, Jimmy walks over and picks it up.  Nothing inside, and only Ann's name and address on the envelope.  What was in that envelope that had Ann so upset?  Jimmy wonders.

 Tripp walks into his bedroom from his adjoining bathroom after a shower, a towel wrapped around his waist.  He walks to his dresser and looks at himself for a moment.  Tripp can't get the day before off his mind, when he had seen the man at Perry's Steakhouse who looked exactly like his dead twin brother, Hunter.  After almost a minute, Tripp opens the top drawer of his dresser and pulls out a folder...... the folder he had gotten from the car dealership yesterday.  Opening the file, he looks at the papers.  Again, as yesterday when he first saw the file, Tripp is stunned by the customer's name on the contract with the dealership.  "It can't be.  It's just not possible,"  Tripp says to himself as he looks at the name on the piece of  paper in his hand.  "What the hell is goin' on here?"  He wonders.  "My brother's dead.  I know he's dead.  So this has to be some mistake, or someone is playing a sick joke."  Tossing the paper onto the dresser, Tripp opens the second drawer and pulls out a pair of boxers, which he slips on, then drops the towel to the floor.  He then picks up a pair of dark pants hanging from the back of a chair and slips them on.  He is about to walk away from the dresser when the contract laying on top catches his eye again.  Tripp's eyes begin to fill with tears as they fall on a framed photo sitting on the dresser among several other 

photos.  Tripp picks it up and smiles slightly as he looks at the photo of two little boys, he and Hunter when they were small children.  Tripp picks the photo up and looks at it, his smile growing larger as he stares at himself and his brother from so long ago.  Tripp walks over to the bed holding the photo and takes a seat on the bed.  His tears begin falling on the glass frame.  "I'm sorry, Hunter," he says, looking at the photo and wiping his tears from the glass.  "I was never much of a brother to you, was I?  All you ever wanted was for us to be close.  For me to love the things you loved, but, back then I just couldn't.  God, you and I were so different it's hard to believe we were twins, even fraternal twins.  Even as children we wanted different things out of life."  

 

Tripp's mind wanders back in time to a day when they were 8-years-old......

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

****************************FLASHBACK****************************************************

The McKay home.......summer, 1995....

Tripp and Hunter are playing on the floor of the home of their grandfather, Carter McKay, on a hot July day in 1995. The two small boys are sitting with their backs to each other, Tripp playing with two toy trucks, while Hunter plays with a Nintendo Gameboy.  

 

"Hunter?  How come you never wanna play with my trucks?"  Tripp asks his brother.  "Or cops and robbers or 

 football or somethin' fun like that?  You're always carryin' that stupid game around with you."

 

"My game is fun,"  Hunter says.  "Besides, one day, I'm gonna make millions and millions of dollars playing games."

 

"What?  You're crazy!"

 

"Just you wait and see, Tripp.  I'm gonna be real rich and I gotta learn how to beat every game there is.  One day, I might even make games."

 

Tripp shakes his head.  "Boy you really are a weird one.  I can't believe you're even my brother."

 

***********************************RETURN TO PRESENT*********************************************

 

Tripp walks back to the dresser and replaces the photo of he and Hunter on top.  He continues to look at the photo for a few seconds, then walks back to his bed and picks up his cell phone.  He speed dials a number and waits for an answer.  "Jake, it's Tripp,"  he says.  "I have a job for you.  And I want you to make this top priority.  Meet me in my office in one hour."  Tripp ends the call and tosses his phone onto the bed.  

Southfork....the stables, later....

 Ann is placing her saddle on her horse and  at the Southfork stables later that morning when Sue Ellen's car drives up and comes to a stop.  Ann watches as Sue Ellen gets out of the car, both happy to see her old friend, but at the same time wanting to be alone with her thoughts.

 

"Mornin',"  Ann says.  

 

 

 

 

"Good morning,"  Sue Ellen replies.  "It sure is a cold one."

 

"Yes it is.  What brings you out here?"

 

"You and I haven't talked or spent much time together in a while, so I just came out for a visit.  Heather told me that you were out here."

 "Yes, I was just gonna go for a ride,"  Ann says.  "You wanna saddle up and join me?'

 

Sue Ellen smiles.  "No, thanks.  Maybe when the weather's a little warmer.  Is, umm, is everything alright, Ann?"

 

"Sure, why wouldn't it be?"

 

"I don't know, you tell me.  You seemed a bit distant when Catlin and I had dinner with you and Bobby the other night, and now you're out here in frigid cold weather about to go out horseback riding.  I know that you sometimes go riding when something's bothering you.  You once told me it helps to clear your head."

 

"It does,"  says Ann.

 

"So, what's bothering you?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "And, no need to tell me it's nothing.  We've had this conversation a while back.  I could tell something was on your mind then.  Is it the same problem?"

 

"Sue Ellen, you're the dearest friend I have in the whole world, and I do appreciate your concern.  But this is just somethin' I can't share with anybody, not even you."

 

"You don't think much of our friendship, do you?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Now what is THAT supposed to mean?"  

 

"Ann, you and I have known one another a long time.  I've known you even longer than Bobby has.  You've seen me through a lot of crises in my life, including J.R.'s death and my drinking relapse, not to mention my arrest and trial for Brittany's murder last year.  I'd like to offer you that same kind of support now.  Ann, whatever this is, it's eating away at you, and it has been for months now.  It's only going to continue eating at you until you talk to someone about it.  I might be able to help."

"No one can help me with this.  And if I confided in you, it would only be puttin' you right in the middle, and I can't do that to you.  It wouldn't be fair askin' you to keep this secret."

 

"Why don't you let ME decide that?  Ann, I'm worried sick about you.  I've seen you carry something around for months, and if you don't tell me........I'm only going to keep hounding you until you DO tell me."

 

Ann begins to cry as she nods her head.  "You're right.  Somethin' has been eatin' away at me for months.  Even longer.  And I feel like if I don't tell someone, I'm gonna explode."

 

Sue Ellen walks over to her friend and places a hand on Ann's shoulder.  "What is it, Ann?"

 

"You can't tell anyone about this.  Because if this comes out, a lot of lives will be affected.  Not just mine, but Bobby's, and others."

 

"I promise, I won't breathe a word,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Ann.......there isn't another man, is there?"

 

"No, of course not.  I've never even looked at another man since I married Bobby.  This is about Emma.  And it involved Lucas and Heather, as well."

 

"Emma, Lucas, and Heather?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "I think I'm beginning to understand.  When Emma was staying here after Kevin Channing's death, she and Lucas......."

 

"No, it's not that."  Ann says.  "Emma's relationship with Lucas has been over for a long time, but...........they do still share a bond.  A bond Lucas itn't even aware of.  Lucas is the father of Emma's son, Logan."

 

A look of surprise comes over Sue Ellen's face.  "I see.  And, Lucas has no idea?"

 

"None.  He and Emma broke up, and she went to California and, after she and Kevin became involved, she found out she was pregnant."

 

"Is she so sure that the baby is Lucas's?"  

 

"Yes,"  Ann replies.  "There's no doubt.  Emma learned that she was pregnant, but Lucas had already become involved with Heather.  Emma didn't want Kevin hurt, and she didn't wanna come between Lucas and Heather, so she let everyone go on believin' that Kevin was the father.  She begged me not to tell anyone, not even Bobby.  I've been carryin' this secret for so long, but, then things got even more complicated."

 

"How could it get any more complicated?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Katherine Wentworth found out the truth."

 

"KATHERINE?"  Sue Ellen asks, her mouth falling open in shock.

 

"Yes.  While she and Emma both lived at Falcon Crest.  That was why I went to Katherine's house last year, the night she attacked me.  I went to confront her and stop her from tellin' everyone the truth.  We got into a fight, and she knocked me unconscious."

 

"And she tried to kill you."

 

"Yes."

 

"Oh my God, Ann,"  Sue Ellen says.  "If Katherine knows the truth, and that witch is out there somewhere......"

 

"I know,"  Ann says with a nod.  "The thought of her somehow findin' a way to reveal the truth has scared me to death.  And then yesterday, I got this in the mail."  Ann reaches into her pocket and pulls out the note she had gotten in the mail.  She hands it to Sue Ellen.  

 

"I know your secret,"  Sue Ellen says, reading the note.  

 

"There's only one person who could've sent that note,"  Ann says.  "And that's Katherine Wentworth.  She's toyin' with me."

 

"Unless........"

 

Ann looks at her friend.  "Unless what?"

 

"Unless Katherine has revealed the truth to someone else."

 

Ann's heart sinks at the thought.  She had never considered the possibility that Katherine may have let her secret be known to someone else.  

Westar....

 Tripp is meeting in his office at Westar with his friend, private investigator Jake.  Tripp pours two drinks and hands one to his friend.  "Thanks, man,"  Jake says.  

 

"You're welcome."

 

Jake smiles.  "Hey, do you remember the time we spray painted that graffiti about Mr. Hammond in the boys' bathroom?"

 

"Oh, boy, do I,"  says Tripp.  "Man, we got in so much trouble.  My Grandfather grounded me for a month,"

 

"My old man grounded me for TWO months.  And it was all Hunter's fault because he's the one who squealed on us.  I could've beaten your brother's ass for that."

 

"Yeah, well I DID beat his ass for that one,"  Tripp says with a smile.  After a few seconds, his smile fades and his mood grows more serious.  "That's why I asked you here, Jake.  Because of Hunter."

 

"Oh?  I don't understand."

 

Tripp walks to his desk, opens a file on top, and pulls out a piece of paper, which he hands to his friend. 

 

Jake reads the paper, then looks at Tripp.  "I don't understand.  It's just a contract with Raymond Chevrolet.  Hunter bought a car from there before he died?"

 

"Take a look at the date on that contract,"  Tripp says.

 

Jake looks down at the paper in his hand, and a look of confusion comes over his face.  "January 2, 2018?"  He asks, looking at Tripp.  "I don't understand."

 

"Neither do I.  That's why I wanted you to look into this,"  Tripp says.  "But this isn't all, Jake.  It gets stranger.  I think I actually saw my brother, yesterday at Perry's."

"What?"  Asks a stunned Jake.  "Tripp, come on, that's........"

 

"Crazy, yeah, I know.  But I SAW him, Jake.  I was having lunch at Perry's and I saw him, or some guy who looks exactly like him.  I tried to catch up to him, but I was too late.  I saw him driving away in that new car, a 2018 Corvette Stingray.  So I went to the dealership yesterday afternoon and got that copy of the contract.  It has my brother's name on it, Jake, his signature, Hunter C. McKay."

 

"Tripp, I........this has to be some mistake or wild coincidence."

 

"A coincidence?"  Tripp asks.  "Someone who looks exactly like Hunter, with the exact same name?"

 

"Tripp I was at Hunter's funeral.  I saw him in his casket."

 

"Yeah.  That's why I asked you to look into this for me.  Not only are you one of the best P.I.s in Dallas, but you knew Hunter.  You went to school with both us, and you were at his funeral.  There's no one else I would trust with this."

 

"Alright, I'll get right on this today,"  Jake says.  

 

"I want frequent reports."

 

"You'll get 'em.  I'll start with the car dealership.  I'll find the salesperson who sold that Corvette to this guy and see if he or she can tell me anything useful."

 

"Thanks, Jake.  I really appreciate this."

 

"No problem, Tripp.  That's what old friends are for,"  Jake says.

Ewing Records....

 Justin is just getting off the phone in his office at Ewing Records early that afternoon.  He is sitting at his desk with a stunned look on his face when someone knocks on his door.  "Come in," he says.

 

 

 

Pamela walks into the office.  "Well, we have the studio reserved for Michael's rehearsal on Saturday, and a band and background vocalists lined up," she says.

 

"Well, that's great,"  Justin says.  

 

"Looks like things are moving right along."

 

"They sure are.  Little Michael is so excited about this."

 

"Admit it, you're just as excited as Michael is," Pamela says.

 

 

 

 

"Y'know what, I am,"  Justin says, standing to his feet.  He walks over to Pamela.   "I REALLY am.  I'm not only excited for Michael, I'm excited for us, too.  Because I just know that Michael's CD will be a huge seller.  That kid has got a voice like I've never heard before, and that voice coupled with his little kid adorableness..........how can he NOT be a winner?"

 

Pamela laughs.  "Little kid adorableness?"  She asks.  "Did you just make that up?"

 

"Well, he's a cute kid.  So sue me, I'm not real good with grammar, okay.  I'm just a simple country boy."

 

"I happen to love simple country boys,"  Pamela says, putting her arms around him.   "And I love it when you're excited about something."

 

"Know what I'm most excited about?"  Justin asks.

 

"What's that?"

 

"You.  I love you, Pamela.  And I wanna spend the rest of my life lovin' you."

 

"I love you, Justin, and I wanna spend the rest of my life with you, too,"  Pamela says, kissing him just as her cell phone rings.  "Oh, hold that thought," she says.  Taking the phone from her pocket she quickly answers.  "Tripp, 

"Why?"  Justin asks.

 

"I have no idea.  I guess I'll find out this afternoon,"  Pamela says.

 

"That guy really is a piece of work, itn't he?  He expects you to just drop everything and come runnin' when he calls, even though the two of you are divorced.  He still thinks he can control your life."

 

"Well he's not going to control anything."

 

"He already is,"  Justin says.  

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"You been puttin' off settin' a date for our weddin', and I know it's because of that threat McKay made to take you to court to try and get custody of Hunter if you married me.  And don't try tellin' me that's not the reason."

 

"Justin, Tripp is NOT going to keep the two of us from getting married.  I promise you that.  But he IS Hunter's father, and we have to deal with him very carefully."

 

"Pamela, there's no way in hell I"m ever gonna let that guy take Hunter away from you.  Don't you trust me?"

 

"Of course I trust you.  Justin this isn't about whether or not I trust you.  It's about the trouble that Tripp McKay can cause for us, and the last thing I want is to put my little boy in the middle of some ugly custody battle between me and Tripp."

 

"That's the last thing I want, too."

 

"Then please......let ME deal with Tripp,"  Pamela says.  

 

"Okay, fine,"  Justin says.  "I'll let you handle your ex-husband, but if he does anything at all to hurt you or Hunter, McKay's gonna have ME to deal with.  Agreed?"

 

Pamela looks at him and smiles.  "Agreed.  That's what I love most about you.  How fiercely protective you are of anyone you love."

 

Justin puts his arms around her.  "I will always be fiercely protective of you and the boys.  I can't wait until you're my wife, and Hunter is my stepson, and Randall.........I can't wait until I can legally adopt him after we're married."

 

"My marriage to Christopher was nothing but a farce, and I failed miserably with John Ross and Tripp,"  Pamela says.  "But boy, I sure did strike gold the fourth time."

 

Justin smiles, then begins kissing her.

A store in Braddock....

 

  Heather and Courtney are walking down a street in Braddock that afternoon carrying some bags of clothes they had bought at a local department store.  

 

no, is he alright?"  She asks, then listens to the person on the other end of the line for a moment.  "Yes, I understand.  Thank you.  I'll be right there."  Ending the call, Courtney puts he phone away and sighs. 

 

"What's up?"  Heather asks.  

 

"Jacob got into a fight at school.  He pushed another boy, and then punched him in the face."

 

"Oh no.  Come on, let's go,"  says Heather.  The two women head down the street to Courtney's car.

 

Braddock Elementary School.....

 A short time later, Courtney and Heather walk into the office at Braddock Elementary School, where they find Jacob sitting.  "Jacob,"  Courtney says, walking over to her son just as the school's principal, Susan Corrigan, comes out of her own office.

 

"Mrs. Ewing, thank you for coming so quickly,"  Mrs. Corrigan says.

 

"Of course."

 

"Could I have a word with you in my office?"

 

"Yes.  Heather, would you stay with Jacob?"

 

"Sure, I'll be glad to,"  Heather replies.

 

"Thanks,"  Courtney says, following the principal into her office.

 

Mrs. Corrigan closes her door.  "Have a seat, Mrs. Ewing," she says, taking a seat behind her desk.  "I'm really sorry 

to have had to call you down here again like this, but, I'm afraid that Jacob has reverted back to his old behavior he exhibited when he first came to Braddock Elementary.  Today, as the children were leaving the cafeteria after lunch, Jacob and another little boy got into some sort of altercation.  Jacob pushed the other child, and then punched him, giving him a bloody nose."

 

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Corrigan.  I thought Jacob was doing so much better,"  Courtney says.

 

"And he has been, until very recently."

 

"How recently?"

 

"The problems started a few days ago,"  Mrs. Corrigan replies.  "He's been disruptive in class.  He was given a verbal warning, but, yesterday and today he's become aggressive with other students.  Jacob seems angry.  I'm not trying to pry into your personal life, Mrs. Ewing, but is everything alright at home?"

 

"Yes, everything is fine,"  Courtney replies.  "Or at least I thought so.  I've been taking Jacob to his counseling sessions with Dr. Benson once a week.  Mrs. Corrigan, I apologize, and I assure you, my husband and I will deal with Jacob's behavior."

 

"I'm happy to hear that, Mrs. Ewing.  Far too many parents come in here and are simply unconcerned with their children's bad behavior.  However, I'm afraid that I have no choice but to suspend Jacob for three days."

 

"Three days?"  Courtney asks.

 

"Yes.  If this were Jacob's first time in trouble, I could just give him a warning.  But unfortunately, it's not his first time."

 

Courtney sighs.  "I understand.  Thank you, Mrs. Corrigan," she says, a sad and worried look on her face.

Renaissance Cafeteria..........later....

 John Ross and Justin are sitting down having coffee and a snack in the cafeteria adjoining Renaissance Tower that afternoon.  

 

"Alright, little brother,"  John Ross says as he and Justin take their seats.   "Now suppose you tell me what's got you so upset."

 

"I just needed somebody to talk to, John Ross,"  Justin says.

 

"Okay.  About what?  You Pamela havin'  a little trouble in paradise?"

 

"No, Pamela and I are just fine, John Ross.  At least as far as our relationship goes.  The problem is Tripp McKay."

 

"McKay?  What the hell's that jackass done now?"  John Ross asks.  

"Well, I already told you about that threat he made to Pamela back in December,"  says Justin.  

 

"You mean, if she didn't break up with you, he'd try to get custody of their son?"

 

"Yeah.  He called Pamela today, and demanded that she meet him this afternoon, with Hunter.  That's where she is right now."

 

"Any idea what he wanted to see her about?"  John Ross asks.

 

"No, but it can't be good.  Unless of course he's decided to take back the threat he made to her."

 

"Knowin' McKay......not a chance,"  says John Ross.   

 

"Then somehow, I have to find a way to neutralize Tripp McKay and keep him from followin' through on his threat to sue Pamela for custody of Hunter."

 

"Y'know, little brother, the easiest thing for you to do would be to just let Pamela go.  End things with her, and you won't have to worry about McKay anymore, and Pamela gets to keep her little boy without any trouble."

 

"Not a chance, John Ross.  Look, I know you don't like Pamela because of the way your marriage to her ended."

 

"And a few things that happened after that,"  says John Ross.

 

"Yeah, well whatever,"  Justin says.  "I don't care how you or anybody else feels about her, John Ross.  I love Pamela, and I wanna spend my life with her.  Now if you give a damn about me, you'll accept that.  When I first came to town, you remember how bad things were between us?  You didn't want me here.  You did everything in your power to get rid of me, John Ross, even trying to overturn J.R.'s will to keep me from gettin' the inheritance he left me in that codicil."

 

"Why the hell you bringin' that up now?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Just look at how far we've come in the last three years, John Ross.  Back then, you and me would never be sittin' around drinkin' coffee and talkin' to each other like this.  We've become real brothers.  And I need your help.  I need to find some way to get Tripp McKay off Pamela's back.  And preferably.......outta her life."

 

"That itn't likely to happen long as he shares a kid with her,"  says John Ross.  "Justin, I'll help you.  I got my own reasons for wantin' to take Tripp McKay down.  Now we can kill two birds with one stone.  Get him off yours and Pamela's backs, and make sure that he never again poses a threat to Ewing Oil."

 

"But how?"  Justin asks.

 

John Ross looks at his brother and smiles.  "You just let me worry about that.  I'll take care of Tripp McKay."

Meanwhile....Klyde Warren Park....

 Tripp and Pamela are walking in Dallas's Klyde Warren Park that afternoon, Tripp carrying little Hunter, until they come to a small table with two chairs near a vendor truck.  "Let's sit down here,"  Tripp suggests.  He and Pamela 

take seats, and Tripp sits little Hunter down on top of the table.  "There ya go, little man,"  Tripp says to his son.  "Thank you for bringing him to see me, Pamela."

 

"Tripp, we've been walking for almost five minutes now and you haven't told me why it was so important for me to meet you here today, and with Hunter."

 

"I just wanted to see my son.  Why's that so hard to believe?"

 

"Because I know you so well,"  Pamela says.  "What's really going on?"

 

"I wanted to talk to you," says Tripp.  "We haven't had a chance to really talk since that day at the apartment when......"

 

"When you threatened to take Hunter away from me if I marry Justin.  Yes, I remember that day very well,"  Pamela says, a tone of anger in her voice.

 

"That's what I wanted to talk to you about."

 

"Well, if you asked me here to apologize, then I'm listening,"  Pamela says.  

 

 "I didn't ask you to meet me so that I could apologize, Pamela,"  Tripp says.

 

"Then why, Tripp?  Why are we here?"

 

"Well, I really did wanna see Hunter.  And I also wanted to ask you if you've had a chance to think about what I told you a few weeks ago.  That if you go through with marrying John Ross's brother, I would sue for custody of Hunter."

 

I've thought of little else,"  says an angry Pamela.

 

"And what's your decision?  Are you gonna end this so-called relationship with your ex-husband's brother?  Or do I have to follow through on my threat?"

 

"You wanna know what my decision is?"  Pamela asks.  "Okay, then here it is.......you can take your threats and your ultimatums and go straight to hell.  There's no way that I will ever let you control my life or who I have in it."

 

"Then I'm sorry.  You leave me no choice.  I'm going after custody of my son.  I will not let Hunter be raised under a Ewing's roof.  And I can promise, I'll pull out all the stops."

 

Pamela stands from her seat.  "And let me give you a warning, Tripp.  If you try to take my son, you'd better be ready for the fight of your life, because there's no way in HELL you will take Hunter away from me.  You tried to force me into aborting my other son when you found out I was raped, and then you walked out on both me and Hunter.  Do you think any judge will give custody of a child to a man who treated his wife that way?  You want a fight, Tripp?  Then go for it.  And I'll drag you and your whole family through the mud."

 

"Family?"  Tripp asks, standing to face her.  "You wanna talk about dragging family through the mud?  This can get as ugly as you want it to, Pamela.  All the secrets from your ugly past will come out, and your father's.  You can keep that from happening.  All you have to do is get Justin Ewing out of your life, and out of my son's life."

 

Pamela picks Hunter up from the table, then angrily looks at Tripp.  "My answer is the same........you go straight to hell.  Come on, Hunter, we're leaving."

 

"I'm not gonna let this go, Pamela,"  Tripp says.  

 

"I'll see you in court,"  says Pamela.  "Oh, and by the way, you can forget seeing Hunter this weekend."

 

"You can't keep my son from me."

 

"Watch me,"  Pamela says, then turns and walks away. 

 

An angry Tripp watches her as she goes.   Then, as he turns and starts to leave, across the crowd, Tripp again sees 

the man who so closely resembles his late brother, Hunter as he has just bought a hot dog from a vendor down the street.  Tripp watches the man for several seconds, mesmerized.  Finally, he starts out through the crowd in hopes of catching up to the man.  Unfortunately, several people get in his way, impeding Tripp's progress, and by the time his path has cleared, the mystery man is once again gone.  Tripp looks around in all directions, but sees no sign of Hunter's look-a- like.  "Damn it,"  Tripp says in frustration, continuing to look around for the mystery man.

 

 

 

 

 

Southfork....that night

 Bobby, Christopher, and John Ross walk into the living room at Southfork that evening where the rest of the family.....Ann, Lucas, Heather, Michael, Courtney, Jacob, Lucy, Krystina, and Alex.......are gathered before dinner.  

 

"Well, there's our men,"  Krystina says as the three walk in.  She gives John Ross a kiss.

 

"We were starting to worry about you three,"  Courtney says.

 

"We had a lot to do at the office, and we had a meeting with our security team."

 

"Security team?"  Ann asks.  "Bobby, is everything alright?"

 

"Everything is fine, honey, it's just standard, especially given our current situation at the company."

 

Christopher sees Jacob sitting over by the fireplace, his head buried in a hand held video game.  He walks over to the boy.  "Hey, buddy,"  Christopher says.  "Your Mom called me and told me you had a little trouble at school today."

 

"He sure did,"  Michael says with a smile.  "He got suspended."

 

"Shut up,"  says Jacob.

 

"You DID get suspended.  He pushed Jaden Dennis in the hall."

 

"Thank you, Michael, I can handle this,"  Christopher says.  "Buddy, we're gonna talk about this after dinner, okay?"

 

Jacob remains silent, but nods his head.  

 

"You're gonna get it now, Jacob,"  Michael taunts.  

 

"Just shut up, jerk!"

 

"Michael, stop, leave Jacob alone," Lucas tells his son.  

 

Across the room, Bobby and Ann are looking on when John Ross and Krystina walk over to them.  "Uncle Bobby, that remind you of anything?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Yes, it sure does,"  replies Bobby.  "It's like watching you and Christopher all over again when you were their age."

 

"Did John Ross and Christopher fight a lot as children?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Oh, all the time,"  Bobby says.

 

Meanwhile, across the room, while Lucas and Heather quietly scold their son for Christopher walks over to Courtney.  "I'll go up and talk to Jacob,"  Christopher says.

 

"Good.  And, Christopher, please don't be so hard on him,"  says Courtney.  "Did you see the look on his face when you sent him up to his room?"

 

"You think I was being too hard on him?"  

 

"He needs our love and patience right now.  Not a tongue lashing every time he does something a little wrong."

 

Christopher nods.  "I'll take care of it,"  he says, kissing her.  He then leaves the room.

Upstairs......Michael and Jacob's bedroom....

 

 

Jacob is sitting on his bed in the room he shares with Michael when Christopher walks into the room.  Christopher looks at the boy for a few seconds and walks over to him.  "Okay, buddy, you wanna tell me what's goin' on with you?"  He asks.

 

"Nothing,"  the boy replies.

 

"Something must be,"  Christopher says.  "First this fight at school today, and now this little scuffle tonight with Michael."

"HE started it,"  Jacob says.  "He's a jerk!"

 

"Look, I know Michael has been kinda hard on you lately, but that's no reason for a fight.  And what about this kid at school today?  What happened there?  Was he messin' with ya?"

 

"No, not really,"  Jacob says.

 

"Then why, Jacob?"  Christopher asks.  "Why'd you push him?"

 

Jacob sighs and looks down at the floor.  "I dunno.  Just felt like it, that's all."

 

"Jacob, that's not good enough.  You can't just go around starting fights with people just because you feel like it.  Now you know we're gonna have to punish you for this, right?"

 

Jacob lowers his head again and nods.  

 

"Okay.  No TV and no games for a week.  And, no riding when you come in from school for a week.  Understood?"

 

The boy again nods, remaining silent as he continues to stare at the floor.  

 

"My Dad did,"  Jacob cries..  "My adopted Dad."

 

"Jacob, I'm not him,"  Christopher says, reaching out and touching the boy's arm.  "Listen to me.  Now we had this talk when you first came to live with us here at Southfork.  I would never, EVER hit you, and I would never hurt.  Not for anything in the world.  You believe me, don't you?"

 

"I guess,"  the boy says through his tears.

 

"Jacob, I swear to you.  I will never hit you, and I'll never let anyone hurt you ever again.  And I will never hit you.  Neither will your Mom or any other adult.  Not as long as I'm alive.  But I do have to punish you for getting in trouble, so, what we talked about still stands.  No games, no TV, and no riding for ONE week.  Now, about you and Michael.  The two of you are gonna have to learn how to get along, especially since you share a bedroom."

 

"Michael's a creep.  Always rubbing it in my face that Justin's gonna make him famous."

 

"Yeah, well, y'know, buddy, sometimes when something good happens to people, like with Michael, they let that success go to their heads for a while.  Whenever he says mean things to you, just ignore it."

 

"Do I have to sleep in here with him tonight?"

 

Christopher looks at him and sighs.  "Well, how about we see if we can put you in with Alex just for tonight?  But tomorrow, I wanna see you and Michael being friends again, okay?"

 

"I'll try."

 

"Good,"  Christopher says with a smile.  "Come on, dinner's probably on the table by now."

 

"Christopher?"

 

"Yeah, man?"

 

Jacob looks at his stepfather for a few seconds, his eyes again filling with tears.  

 

"Hey, what is it, buddy?"  Christopher asks, looking at the boy with a sympathetic smile.  

 

"I wish that you had been my Dad,"  Jacob says.

 

The boy's words cause Christopher's heart to melt, and tears of joy to come to his own eyes.  "Yeah, well, y'know what, pal?  I wish you had been my son all along too, but, you are now.  I couldn't love you any more if you were my own, and as far as I'm concerned, you are."

 

 

Jacob throws his arms around Christopher's neck and Christopher hugs his stepson tightly.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 Christopher is standing in front of the mirror in his and Courtney's bedroom putting on his tie the next morning when she comes in from their bathroom.  

 

"That talk you had seemed to have made a big impact on both you and Jacob last night," she says.  "What'd you say to him?"

 

"We just had a heart to heart father and son talk,"  Christopher says with a smile.  

 

"You absolutely glow when you refer to Jacob as your son."

 

"Because that's how I feel.  Courtney, I was awake last night for a long time, just layin' in bed thinking.  I was thinking about you and about Jacob, and about our future."

 

"What about our future?"  Courtney asks.

 

"Courtney, what would you think if I adopted Jacob?"

 

Courtney looks at her husband in surprise.  "You really mean that?  You want to adopt him?"

 

"Yes.  It was something Jacob said to me last night.  He said he wishes that I had been his Dad.  I can't tell you how great that made me feel.  I want Jacob to be my son."

 

Courtney walks over and puts her hands around her husband's neck.  "I want that too, Christopher.  More than just about anything.  But there's one thing we have to consider.  Someone who might stand in the way of you adopting Jacob."

 

"Chase Gioberti,"  Christopher says.

 

"Yes.  Chase agreed to back off for a while until Jacob was more settled here with us.  So far, he hasn't made any waves, and he agreed to wait for a while to see Jacob.  But I wouldn't bet money on him agreeing to this adoption."

 

"Yeah, you're probably right, but maybe he can be convinced."

 

"How?" Courtney asks.

 

"I don't know, maybe if we talk to the guy he can be reasoned with.  Maybe if he sees how happy Jacob is here with us, he'll do what's best for him."

 

"I wish it could be that simple.  But knowing Chase, he isn't going to be that reasonable.  But it's worth a try."

 

Christopher smiles at his wife as he puts his arms around her.  "Yeah, it's worth a try."

 

"This is what you really want?"  Courtney asks.

 

"It's what I really want."

 

"God, I love you, Christopher Ewing."

 

"And I love you, Courtney Ewing,"  he says, kissing her.

John Ross and Krystina's bedroom....

 

Meanwhile, upstairs, John Ross has laid out several of his ties on his and Krystina's bed, trying to decide on which one to wear to the office today, while Krystina sits at the dresser brushing her hair as she looks in the mirror.    

 

"Darlin', what do ya think?"  John Ross asks, holding up two ties.  "The plain gray tie or this purple one with the stripes?"

 

"I like the purple one,"  Krystina replies.

 

"Yeah, me, too.  Purple one, it is.  Hey you better hurry and get dressed so we can get down to breakfast.  I gotta leave a little early this mornin'."

 

"Early?  Why?"

 

"Darlin', don't you remember?"  John Ross asks as he puts on his purple tie.  "I told you about it last night.  I got that meetin' with Jonathon Lord this mornin', and if all goes well. Ewing Oil will be the first to use Wentworth Industries' new computerized drill."

 

Krystina looks at him.  "John Ross, are you sure you wanna do this?  If Bobby, Christopher, and your mother find out you went behind their backs, AGAIN, and met with Jonathon Lord after Bobby told you not to........"

 

"They won't find out,"  John Ross says.  "Not until this deal is closed and Ewing Oil is usin' that new drill.  And by that time, it'll be too late, and then when Uncle Bobby sees how effective that drill is and how much money it's makin' the comp'ny, he's not gonna care."

 

"Are we talking about the SAME Bobby Ewing?"  Krystina asks.

"Krystina, everything is gonna be fine, I promise,"  John Ross says.   "Uncle Bobby will thank me for this in the long run.  Now, how about we get down to breakfast?"

 

"I'm not very hungry."

 

"You alright, darlin'?  You look a little peaked."

 

"I'm just feeling a little nauseated, that's all.  Don't really wanna think about food right now."

 

"Havin' a little late mornin' sickness?"  John Ross asks, walking over to her.  

 

"It can't be that, it's way too late in my pregnancy for morning sickness."

 

"Well, you need me to stay home today?  Maybe take you to see the doctor?"

 

"No,"  Krystina replies, standing.  "I'll be fine, it's just a little upset stomach, that's all."

 

"You sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

 

"So, you're not comin' down for breakfast?"  John Ross asks.

 

"No.  I'll have Maria bring me up something a little later. Maybe something sweet will settle my stomach."

 

 

Bobby, Ann, Christopher, Courtney, Lucas, Heather, Michael, Lucy, and Alex are gathered at the dining room table for breakfast when John Ross walks in.  

 

"Mornin', John Ross,"  Bobby says.

 

"Mornin',"  John Ross replies, taking his seat.  

 

"Where's Krystina?"  Heather asks.  

 

"She wasn't feelin' so good, so she said she'd have Maria bring her up somethin' to eat later."

 

"I hope it's nothing serious,"  says Courtney.

 

"Nah, just a little nausea."

 

"Isn't it a little late for her to have mornin' sickness?"  Asks Heather.

 

"Could be just indigestion or somethin' she ate,"  Ann says.  

 

"Ann, Courtney, if y'all are gonna be home all day, I'd appreciate it if y'all would look in on her from time to time."

 

"Of course,"  Ann says.

 

"Sure, be happy to,"  says Courtney.  

 

 

John Ross looks across the table at Alex, who is rubbing his head and still hasn't eaten anything on the plate in front of him.  "Alex, you okay?"

 

"Yeah, just a bad headache,"  Alex replies.  

 

"You been havin' those headaches ever since you came home from the hospital."

 

"Doctor said I could expect some headaches."

 

"Yeah, but they should be gettin' better by now,"  says John Ross.  "Maybe you ought to stay home from school and go back and see the doctor."

 

"If you need me to, I can drive you to the doctor, Alex,"  says Lucy.  "I'm not doing anything today."

"Thanks, but, I really don't wanna miss anymore school."

 

"Especially now that your girlfriend is goin' to school there now, huh?"  Lucas asks.

 

Alex looks at his uncle and smiles, then rubs his head again.  John Ross looks at his son with concern.  

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....later....

 Conner is walking to the front entrance of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital later in the morning when Amanda Shepherd is coming out of the hospital.  Seeing Conner approach, Amanda pauses as he walks up to her.

 

 

 

"You asking because you genuinely care about Dylan?  Or just to ease your guilty conscience for the way you treated him?"

 

"I'm asking because I really care about him.  And for the record, Conner, I didn't seduce your brother.  We were two very lonely and very vulnerable people who took comfort in each other."

 

Conner smiles and suppresses a laugh.  "Vulnerable?  YOU?  Dylan was the vulnerable one.  You were just on the rebound from your marriage to Justin Ewing blowing up in your face.  And why was that?  Oh, that's right.  Because you slept with Justin's nephew, Jimmy Beaumont."

 

"You know what?  You just go to hell,"  Amanda says.  She turns and walks away from him.  

 

"Amanda?"  Conner calls to her.  She stops and turns back to face him.  Conner walks over to her.  "I'll tell you why 

 Dylan is here.  It's because my brother is an alcoholic.  On New Year's Eve, he disappeared for more than a day.  While he was missing and wandering around downtown drunk, someone robbed him and beat him up.  Before he was recovered from that, he left the hospital on his own and caught pneumonia.  That's why he's here now."

 

"Oh my God,"  Amanda says.  "Is he gonna be okay?"

 

"He'll be fine, so you can just relax your conscience."

 

"My conscience?  Are you trying to say that what happened to your brother is somehow MY fault?"  

 

"Partly,"  Conner replies.  "Dylan had some problems, Amanda, but those problems only got fifty times worse after he hooked up with you.  Dylan was vulnerable and in pain, and he fell in love with you.  And what did YOU do?  Just threw him over....."

 

"That is NOT true,"  Amanda says in tears.  "Look, I cared for Dylan, but he wanted more than I was able to give him. MUCH more.  He wanted a relationship.  He wanted me to love him back, but I couldn't."

 

"No, all you could do was have sex with the poor kid, and lead him on to think there was more to it than that.  Is that the same thing you did to Jimmy?  Or Justin?  How many other Ewing men have you slept with and left their lives in ruins when you walked out of it?"

 

Angry and unable to control herself any longer, Amanda slaps Conner across the face as hard as she can, then quickly walks away from him.  Conner rubs his stinging cheek as he watches her walk to her car.

Ewing Records.....

 The receptionist at Ewing Records buzzes Justin's office.  "Mr. Ewing, you have a call on line one," she says.  

 

"From who?"  Justin asks.

 

"He didn't give his name.  Just said it was important."

 

"Okay, thank you, Kim.  Transfer the call to my phone."  Justin picks up his phone.  "Hello, this is Justin Ewing," he 

says.  After a few seconds, a look of displeasure comes over his face.  "What the hell do you want?  Meet you?  You want me to meet with you?  No way.  You and I don't have anything to say to one another.  Just tell me what you have to say now.  Okay, fine.  Where?  Thanksgiving Square in half an hour.  Yeah.  And this had damned well better be good."  Justin ends the call and tosses the phone onto his desk.  A knock sounds at his door.  "Come in," he says.

 

His receptionist, Kim, walks into the office.  "Mr. Ewing, here are those contracts you wanted to look over, and a schedule of Michael Ewing's session on Saturday."

 

"Thanks,"  Justin says.  

 

"Mr. Ewing, are you okay?"  Kim asks.

 

"What?"

 

"I asked if you were alright,"  replies Kim, a young woman with glasses in her early twenties.

 

"Yeah, Kim, I'm fine.  I just, ummm, I just got a phone call from about the last person I ever expected to hear from.  And I can't help but feel like that phone call means nothin' but trouble."

 

 

 

 

Southfork....

 Ann walks into the living room at Southfork, where Courtney is sitting with Jacob by the fireplace playing a board game.  Ann smiles at the two, then Krystina comes into the room.

 

"Well, hi, everyone,"  Krystina says.

 

"Hey, there,"  Ann says.  "You feelin' better?"

 

"Much.  I don't know what was wrong with me this morning.  Bad case of nausea."

 

"Well, when I was pregnant with Emma, I had mornin' sickness right up to the last week of my pregnancy."

 

"Really?" Krystina asks.

 

"Yes, really."

 

"I thought morning sickness usually stoped after a couple months."

 

"Well, every woman's body is different, and every pregnancy is different,"  says Ann.  "Would you like some hot chocolate?"

 

Krystina smiles.  "I would love some."

 

"Good.  I was just about to make some.  Courtney, Jacob, you two want some hot chocolate?"

 

"Yes, thank you, Ann,"  Courtney replies.  

 

 

As Ann starts to head into the kitchen, Jimmy walks into the room, "Hey, everyone," Jimmy says.

 

"Hello, Jimmy,"  says Krystina.  

 

"How ya doin', Krystina?"

 

"Fine.  Just ready for this little baby to get here.  And what about you?  We don't see much of you around these days since you moved out to the cottage.  Why don't you come to the house for dinner sometime?"

 

"Oh, I may do that some night.  By the way, I was expecting something from my sister, so I took the liberty of picking up everyone's mail from the box."

 

"Thank you, Jimmy,"  Ann says.

 

"Ann, you got something, and Krystina, you got two pieces of mail, John Ross got one, and Courtney, here's Christopher's mail,"  Jimmy says as he hands out the mail to each of them.

 

"Oh, thanks, Jimmy,"  Courtney says, walking over to get her husband's mail.

 

"And Ann, you got this big envelope, too,"  Jimmy says.  

 

Ann's heart skips a beat as she looks at the large manila envelope Jimmy is handing to her.  She stares at the envelope for several seconds, arousing the concern of Jimmy, Krystina, and Courtney.  The three exchange worried looks.

 

"Ann, are you okay?"  Courtney finally asks.

 

"What?"

 

"Are you alright?"  Krystina asks.  "You look like you've seen a ghost."

 

"No, I'm fine,"  Ann replies, her voice shaky.  Reluctantly, she takes the envelope from Jimmy's hand.  

 

"Aren't you gonna open that?"   Jimmy asks.

 

"No.  I mean, not now.  I'll just put it upstairs and open it later."

 

"You sure you're okay, Ann?  You sure look pale,"  Jimmy says.

 

"I said I'm FINE!"  She snaps, taking not only Jimmy, but also Krystina and Courtney by surprise.  "I'm sorry, I just.... ........it's been a long week, and I didn't sleep well last night.  Excuse me, I think I'm gonna go up and rest for a while." Ann quickly leaves the room with her envelope.

 

"What in the world was that all about?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Beats me,"  replies Courtney.  "It was obvious that something upset her."

 

"It was that envelope,"  Jimmy says.  "Or......whatever she was afraid was IN that envelope."

Meanwhile....

Ann goes into her and Bobby's bedroom and closes the door behind her.  Walking over to the bed, she looks at the envelope in her hand, which, just like the first one she had received, only has her name and address, but not that of the sender.  Nervously, Ann rips open the envelope and pulls out a piece of paper, which she unfolds and looks at.  

 

 

 

"OOOOOUUUUUWWWW!!!!!!!!!"  Krystina screams in pain.

 

"Jimmy, call 911!"  Ann says.  "HURRY!  I think she's goin' into early labor."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wentworth Industries....

John Ross answers the call.  "Ann, what's goin' on?  What?  When?  Yeah.  Thanks for callin'.  I'm on my way."  He ends the call and puts his phone away, a look of worry on his face.

 

"John Ross, is anything wrong?"  

 

"Yeah.  Jonathon, I do apologize, but I'm gonna have to leave.  My wife has gone into labor, and she's a couple weeks early."

 

"Oh, well congratulations."

 

"Thank ya,"  John Ross says, standing.  "I really hate to rush off like this, but, is there any way we can have another meetin'?  Discuss this further?"

 

"Of course.  Just give my secretary a call and set up an appointment."

 

John Ross nods, then quickly rushes out of the office.  

Thanksgiving Square, Dallas....

 Justin is standing in Thanksgiving Square in Dallas, impatiently looking at his watch as he waits for the person he is supposed to meet here.  Finally, he sees the person approaching him.  Justin walks a short distance to meet the person.

 

"You called me to meet you here and said it was important,"  Justin says.  "Least you could do is be on time."

 

"Got here as soon as I could,"  Tripp McKay says.  

 

"Okay, we're here, so what the hell do you want, McKay?"

 

 

"You and I need to have a little talk about Pamela and my son,"  Tripp says.

 

"You and I have absolutely NOTHING to talk about as far as Pamela is concerned."

 

"Oh yes we do, Ewing.  We have quite a bit to talk about.  You say you love Pamela.  If you do, then you'll listen to what I have to say."

"I do love her, McKay,"  Justin says.  "More than you ever did."

 

"Well, if you love my ex-wife as much as you say you do, then you'll do what's best for her.  You'll do what it takes to protect Pamela."

 

"Damn right I will.  I'll protect Pamela from anyone or anything that ever tries to hurt her."

 

"Even from yourself?"  Tripp asks.

 

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

 

"If you love Pamela, then you'll do what's right for her and her sons," Tripp says.  "End this relationship with her and stay away from her and my son.  IF you know what's good for you, and for her."

 

"Are you threatening me, McKay?"  Justin asks, angrily.

 

"I'm making a promise, Ewing.  If you continue with this relationship, and if you marry Pamela, I can promise you.......I'll take her to court for custody of Hunter, and I'll win.  I'll pull out all the stops.  Pamela has a rather sordid history, as I'm sure you already know.  She was working with her father to steal Christoper's methane patent, and even married him under an assumed identity, Rebecca Sutter."

 

"I already know all that."

 

"How do you think a judge in a child custody case would feel about that?"  Tripp asks.  "Not to mention Pamela's rather shady connection to Tommy Sutter and his death.  And the fact that Pamela helped frame her own father for a murder he didn't commit and then left the poor old man to rot in a Mexican jail when she had his pardon right in her hand.  Is that the kind of woman a judge would grant custody to a child?  Heck, Pamela might even lose custody of her other son if it came out that Pamela killed the child's father."

 

 

"What the hell are you talkin' about, McKay?"  Justin asks.

 

"I'm talking about the night in Canada that Scott Van Buren was killed.  Pamela fainted, and didn't remember what happened when Van Buren was killed.  But I remember very well.  I was there, and I know what happened.  So does Afton.  Pamela is the one who killed Scott Van Buren."

 

"The bastard RAPED her, and he was tryin' to attack her again," says an angry Justin.  

 

"Yes, while that's true, maybe Pamela had been having an affair with Van Buren before he kidnapped her and Afton.  Maybe she didn't get pregnant from being raped.  Maybe she'd been sleeping with the guy for a while."

 

"You miserable son of a bitch, you KNOW that's a damned lie!"  Justin says angrily.

 

"I don't know anything of the sort.  Pamela had been acting strangely for a while, and I kinda suspected she was seeing someone else before she and her mother disappeared."

 

"You're lyin' through your teeth, McKay."

 

"Am I?  Come on, Justin, you're a smart guy.  Just how long do you think that Pamela is gonna stay faithful to you?  I mean, come on, she's already been through half your family.  First there was Christopher, who, although not by blood, is technically PAMELA'S first cousin, who she married under false pretenses.  Then your brother, John Ross.  And during that marriage, Pamela tried to kill herself with an overdose.  Then she moved on to me, and while 

has the power to stop that from happening.  End things with Pamela, and she gets to keep partial custody of Hunter, and they live happily ever after.  And hopefully one day Pamela will fall in love and get married again......... but not to  a Ewing.  Remember........two days, Justin."  Tripp smiles at him.  "You have a real nice day, now," he says, then turns and walks away.

 As Tripp walks away, Justin watches him, a rage building up inside of him and a hatred for this man like he had never felt for anyone before.  Were it not for making Pamela's situation worse, Justin would have liked to beat the hell out of Tripp McKay on the spot.  

Braddock Medical Center....

 John Ross rushes down the hall in the emergency department at Braddock Medical Center when he sees Ann and Jimmy in the waiting room.  He stops, and walks in to them.  "Ann, where the hell's my wife?"

 

"John Ross, she's in bein' examined by the doctor right now,"  Ann replies.

 

"We thought about bringing her to Dallas since her doctor is there, but, Braddock was closer,"  says Jimmy.

 

"Well has the doctor told y'all anything yet?"

 

"No,"  replies Ann.

 

John Ross turns and walks out of the room.  Ann and Jimmy exchange looks, then follow him down the hall to a nurse's station.  "Excuse me," he says to one of the nurses.

 

"Yes, may I help you?"  The nurse asks.

 

"My name is John Ross Ewing.  My wife, Krystina Ewing, was just brought in here a little while ago, in labor."

 

"Yes, Mr. Ewing, Dr. Peters wanted to see you as soon as you arrived.  I'll page the doctor."

 

"Thank ya,"  John Ross says.  He turns to Ann and Jimmy and runs his hand through his hair.  "What the hell happened, anyway?  This mornin', she was feelin'  a little nauseous, but, other'n that, she seemed fine.  And she's not due for another two and a half weeks."

 

"I don't know,"  Ann says.  "She seemed okay, and then I went upstairs.  Next thing I knew, I heard her yell.  I ran back downstairs, and she was doubled over in pain.  And bleedin'."

 

"Bleedin'?  She was bleedin'?  Oh my God, this can't be good."

 

"John Ross, I'm sure that everything is gonna be alright,"  says Jimmy.  

 

A second later, a female doctor comes through a set of double doors down the hall and approaches them.  "John Ross Ewing?"  She asks.

 

"Yes.  How's my wife?"

 

"Mr. Ewing, your wife has gone into early labor, and I'm afraid there are complications."

 

"Co.....complications?  What kinda complications?"  John Ross nervously asks.

 

"Your wife has developed a partial placental abruption, which means that the placenta has partially separated from the uterus," the doctor replies.  "Mr. Ewing, we have to have your consent to perform an emergency C-section.  If we don't, the separation of the placenta from your wife's uterus can result in oxygen deprivation for the baby and result in severe bleeding that could endanger the lives of both your wife and child."

 

"Oh God, you're......you're tellin' me that my wife and my baby could die?"  John Ross asks.

 

"If we don't do a Cesarean section right away.......yes, they could both die."

 

"Alright, fine.  Do it.  You do whatever you have to do, but you save them, you hear me?  You get the hell in there and you save my wife and my child."

 

"You have my word,we're going to do everything humanly possible.  I'll get you the forms to sign."

 

 As the doctor walks away, she leaves John Ross with a look of worry and fright on his face.  How could this be happening?  He wonders to himself as Ann and Jimmy flank him.  His bottom lip trembles as he fights back tears, the thought of losing not only Krystina but their child worrying him to death....

END OF EPISODE 163....