EPISODE 167 - To Catch A Spy!

"Oh my God," Tripp says in disbelief as he comes face to face with Katherine in Jeremy's penthouse office.  "I know who you are ........you're Cliff Barnes's sister, Katherine Wentworth."

"How did you get in here?"  Katherine asks.

"That should be my question to you.  What the hell are you doing here in Jeremy Wendell's apartment?"

"Mrs. Channing, I'm very sorry,"  says Jeremy's butler, William.  "I tried to stop him."

"That's fine, William,"  says Katherine.

"Yes, William,"  Tripp says.  "That's fine.  Now leave Mrs. Channing and I alone."

"But, Mr. McKay......"

"NOW, William,"  Tripp says forcefully.  

The elderly butler looks from Tripp  to Katherine, then he turns and leaves the room.  

"So what are you going to do?"  Katherine asks.  "Call the police and tell them I'm here?"

Tripp walks over to her.  "Not yet.  First, I want some answers.  Where's my grandfather?"

"Jeremy isn't here."

"When will he be back?"  Tripp asks.

"I have no idea.  He's gone out of town on business."

"You're lying."

"I'm not LYING,"  says Katherine.  

"Alright, now for my next question.........why are YOU here, in my grandfather's apartment?"

Katherine looks at the young man, unsure of how she was going to get out of this, or stop Tripp from going to the police!

John Ross's car drives up to Southfork and comes to a stop.  He pauses for a moment before getting out, and looks out over the ranch, a triumphant smile on his face.  After a while, he gets out of the car and walks to the house.  

Meanwhile, a tired and sweaty Lucas is walking to the house from the stables, he and John Ross meeting on the patio. 

"John Ross,"  Lucas greets.

"Well, hello, Lucas.  How's life out on the range?"  John Ross asks, cheerfully.

"Wow, you're in an unusually good mood this afternoon,"  says Lucas.  "So who'd ya screw over today?"

Krystina is standing at baby Ellie's crib that night, looking down at her newborn daughter sleeping.  Krystina smiles at the sleeping infant, then looks over at Little John, who is also asleep in his crib.  John Ross comes to the door and looks in at his wife and children.  He smiles watching, then walks over to Krystina, putting his arms around her from behind. 

"They're both sound asleep," she says.    

"So I see."

"Isn't she beautiful, John Ross?"  Krystina asks, looking at Ellie.  

"She is for a fact.  Just like her Mama.  Both my babies are adorable."

"Sometimes when I look at Ellie, I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming.  Sometimes I can't believe she's real."

"Oh, she's real, alright."

"I've wanted a child of my own for so long.  Oh, of course I love Little John like my own, but, every time Elena's visitation with him comes around, I'm reminded that she's his mother and I'm not.  But little Eleanor Blake......she's all mine.  All OURS."

"I don't think there's a man on Earth any happier than I am tonight,"  John Ross says.  "It's like lately, everything is workin' out just right.  Alex has recovered from the accident, Ellie is here with us, and..........today, I scored one of my biggest successes in business."

"Tell me,"  Krystina says.

"I met with Jonathon Lord again, and Ewing Oil is getting the first use of Wentworth Industries' new drill.  Darlin' that's gonna make us a whole lot richer."

Krystina smiles.  "John Ross, that's wonderful," she says, embracing him.  After a few seconds she looks at him.  "Do Bobby. Sue Ellen, and Christopher know about this yet?"

"No, not yet.  They will soon enough."

"How do you think Bobby's gonna react after he specifically told you NOT to do business with Wentworth?"

"He'll get over it,"  John Ross says.  "Especially when he sees how much money this new drill is gonna mean for Ewing Oil.  This is gonna shoot us to the top.  We'll be bigger than even Westar, especially after I'm done with Tripp McKay."

"What are you up to with McKay?"  Krystina asks.

"I'm gonna take him down.  McKay's the one responsible for Justin and Pamela breakin' up.  And I'm gonna make sure McKay is soon neutralized so he never bothers a member of this fam'ly ever again."

"You're actually doing something to help Justin and Pamela?"  

"Krystina, I don't want Justin with Pamela, and that's no secret.  But I'll be damned if I let a scumbag like Tripp McKay mess with my baby brother.  If anybody's gonna break those two up, it's gonna be me."

Krystina kisses him.  "Well, enough business and family talk tonight.  Let's go to bed."

"Darlin', you read my mind,"  John Ross says.  The two look at the children one more time, then quietly leave the nursery, turning off the light on their way out.

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

Bobby, Ann, Lucas, Heather, Michael, and Lucy are sitting on the patio the next morning as Maria serves them breakfast, when Christopher, Courtney, and Jacob come out of the house, followed by Alex, carrying his book bag.  

"Morning, everyone,"  Christopher says. 

"Just some orange juice this morning, Maria, thank you,"  Courtney says.

"Courtney, are you not hungry?"  Heather asks.

"My stomach is just a little upset."

"Yeah, she was feeling pretty sick earlier,"  says Christopher.

"Hope you're not comin' down with somethin',"  Bobby says.

"I don't think so.  Probably just something I ate.  By the way, Bobby, I talked to my mother last night, and she told me to give you and Ann and the rest of the family her best."

Bobby smiles.  "Well, that's wonderful, how's she doin'?"

"She's fine.  She's FINALLY following doctor's orders and taking it easy, for a change."

"You'll have to ask her to come for a visit soon,"  says Ann.

"I will,"  Courtney says, again feeling waves of nausea.  "Oh, goodness, I thought this had passed."

"You feelin' sick again?"  Christopher.

"Just a little queasy."

"Courtney, you haven't been gainin' weight, have you?  And when exactly did this mornin' sickness start?"  Heather asks.

"Morning sickness?"  Courtney asks.

"That's what it sounds like to me."

"Y'know, Heather could be on to somethin',"  Ann says.

Lucas looks across the table at Christopher and smiles.  "Well, now, is it possible that I'm gonna be an uncle again, soon?"

"An uncle?"  John Ross asks, he and Krystina coming out of the house.  "Courtney, you on the nest?"

"I don't think so.  Just feeling a little nauseous this morning."

 

 

 

"And you were feelin' some sickness yesterday morning, too,"  Christopher.

 

"Courtney, maybe you should take a pregnancy test," Krystina says.  

 

 

 

 

 

"Jacob, maybe you're gonna have a little brother or sister," Michael says with a smile.

 

Jacob ignores the other boy's comment and looks at his mother.  "Can I be excused?"  He asks.

 

"But you haven't eaten anything,"  says Christopher.

 

"I'm not hungry."

 

"Alright,"  Courtney says.  "Go get your book bag and wait for me.  I'll drive you to school.  I can't eat anything this morning, either.  But we'll stop by a store on the way to school and get you a snack.  I want you to eat something."

 

The boy nods, then gets up from the table and goes into the house.

 

"Courtney, if you're not feeling well, I could drive you and Jacob,"  Lucy says.  "I have a few errands I need to run in Braddock this morning, anyway."

 

"Lucy, thank you, that would be great.  I'll get my purse,"  Courtney says, getting up from the table. 

 

"Sure you're gonna be okay?"  Christopher asks.

 

"I'll be fine.  But I am gonna pick up a pregnancy test from the drug store to find out, one way or another."  Courtney kisses her husband, then goes into the house.

 

"Well, now, you don't seem too happy for a man who might be about to become a father in a few months,"  John Ross says.

 

"I'm just not sure now is the right time,"  says Christopher.  "Courtney and I have wanted to have a baby of our own since we got married, but with Jacob still having issues adjusting and feeling like he's part of this family, now may be the worst possible time for this to have happened."

 

Bobby looks at his son with concern.

Jeremy Wendell's penthouse....

Tripp takes a key from his pocket and unlocks Katherine's bedroom in Jeremy's penthouse suite that morning.  Katherine is getting dressed, and is startled when Tripp walks in on her.  "Don't you know how to knock?"  She angrily asks.  

 

 

"Why should I knock?  You were my grandfather's guest, but you're not mine."

 

"So what am I?"  Katherine asks.  "Your prisoner?"

 

"You and I are now partners, Ms. Wentworth."

 

"MRS. Channing,"  Katherine says angrily.

 

Tripp smiles.  "Why don't I just call you Katherine, since we're now partners."

 

"Partners?"

 

"That's right,"  says Tripp.  "Partners in taking down a mutual enemy......the Ewings.  And, we could be partners in, uh, other ways, as well," he says, moving closer to her and reaching out to touch her hair.

 

Katherine pushes his hand away.  "You have GOT to be kidding," she says.  

 

"No, I'm not kidding,"  Tripp says.  "And why not?  After all, you're still a VERY attractive woman for your age.  And as you know, I've been divorced from your niece Pamela for quite some time now, and you've been separated from your husband for several months.  So why shouldn't we fulfill each others' needs?"

 

"You're disgusting,"  Katherine hisses.

 

"No, what would REALLY be disgusting is if you're getting it on with a 90-year-old man, provided, of course, that my grandfather is even still capable of engaging in that sort of activity.  Does Viagra still work at 90?"

 

"If you think I'm gonna go to bed with you, then you are SADLY mistaken."

 

Tripp smiles.  "Katherine, let me explain something to you.  You see, you're a wanted fugitive.  Not only are the police looking for you, but Bobby Ewing is looking for you, as well.  So if you wanna remain a free woman, then you'll do everything I say.  And I do mean.....EVERYTHING."

 

"How long do you think you can keep me prisoner?"  Katherine asks.  "Jeremy will be back in a few days."

 

 

"And when he does come back, that old man is gonna have to answer for the pure HELL he put me through by hiring someone who looks exactly like my dead twin brother to gaslight me."

 

"Why the hell would Jeremy do that to you?"  Katherine asks.

 

"Because he's a sadistic old bastard who gets his kicks messing with peoples' heads.  And what about you?  Just how long do you think my grandfather is gonna keep hiding you from the cops?  He'll turn you in so fast your head will spin as soon as your usefulness runs out."

 

"And I'm supposed to just trust that you won't do the same?"  Katherine asks.

 

"I won't.  Not as long as you do EVERYTHING that I say.  We destroy the Ewings, together, and then we take down Jeremy Wendell once and for all.  After that, I'll help you get safely out of the country and you can go somewhere that they'll never be able to track you down or extradite you."

 

"I'm not leaving the country until I find my sons and know that they're safe.  Austin and Brian have been missing for months."

 

"Alright then, as part of our deal, I'll do what I can to find them,"  says Tripp.  Now I have to leave today to go to work at Westar.  But I'm gonna make sure that you don't go anywhere.  I'm having a man on guard outside this door until I get back here this evening, and if you try to leave this apartment........he'll stop you, and I'll call the police and tell them exactly where Katherine Wentworth has been hiding all this time."  Tripp walks to the bedroom door, then turns back to her.  "I'll be back around 5 this evening.  And then you and I are gonna spend a very relaxing and enjoyable evening together, enjoying each others' company, among other things."  He smiles at her, then leaves, closing the door behind him.  

 

"That low life punk has no idea who he's messing with,"  Katherine says with gritted teeth after he's gone.  "Somehow, I have to find a way to get out of here."

 

Meanwhile, as Tripp walks into the living room of the penthouse, he sees Jeremy's butler.  "William," Tripp says.  "Don't even entertain the idea of helping Ms. Wentworth leave the apartment today, or of leaving here yourself.  I'll have a friend of mine stationed outside the door to prevent that from happening.  And if you care anything at all for my grandfather's well being.......you won't contact him to tell him what's happening here.  Because the longer Jeremy stays away, the better it'll be for him.  Am I understood?"

 

"Yes, Mr. McKay.  Quite understood,"  the nervous butler replies.

 

"Fine. You take good care of Ms. Wentworth while I'm at work today, William,"  Tripp says, then leaves.

 

William shakes his head and lets out a deep sigh.  "Oh, dear," he says to himself.  "Mr. Wendell isn't going to like this one bit."

Fountain Place in Dallas....later....

C.J. Ewing and his half-brother, Eric Love, are walking around in an empty office at Fountain Place, the building

 

that houses Catlin Oil, later that morning.  "Well, what do you think?"  C.J. asks.

 

"What do I think about what?"  Eric asks.

 

"The office.  You like it?"

 

"Yeah, I do.  It's a beautiful office, and the view of the city from here is amazing.  But why are we here?"

 

"Well, I thought this would be a perfect office,"  says C.J.

 

"But you already have a very nice office upstairs.  You moving to this one?"

 

C.J. smiles.  "Not for me.  For YOU."

"For ME?"  Eric asks.

"Yeah.  I mean, you're gonna be moving Love International to Dallas, right?"

"To tell you the truth, C.J., I haven't even really thought that much about it in a while.  Everything right now is up in the air until my Dad's sentencing hearing.  Since he pleaded guilty, there won't be a trial."

"Yeah. sparing us the nightmare of a trial is probably the only decent thing Peter Love ever did,"  C.J. says, then immediately feels bad.  "Look, man, I'm sorry.  I shouldn't have said that."

"No, it's okay.  You're absolutely right.  I'm glad he at least spared all of us a trial by pleading guilty to.......to murdering our mother."

"Well, Eric, come on, what is there for you in San Francisco?"  C.J. asks.  "Your whole family is right here in Dallas..... I'm here, your Aunt Donna.  And, despite a rocky start, over the last few months you and I have really bonded as brothers.  Growing up, I always wanted a brother, and you told me that when you were growing up, you were lonely and wished you had a brother, too.  Now we've both got that, so why go back to San Francisco?"

"You're right.  You're right,"  says Eric.  "There is nothing for me in San Francisco."

"Then put down new roots here, where your family is,"  C.J. says.  "If you'd like, we can call the landlord right now, and ask about you renting this office."

"Okay, I'll stay in Dallas.  But, I think it's time I found my own apartment."

"You're tired of rooming with your big brother?"

Eric laughs.  "Not at all.  But, if I'm gonna be living here permanently, we're both gonna need our own space, and some privacy."

"Okay, then I'll help you look for an apartment.  So, do we call the landlord about this office?"

Eric looks at him and smiles.  "Yeah, let's do it.  I like this office, and I think it'll be perfect for Love International's new headquarters."

C.J. smiles and puts his hand on his brother's shoulder.

Southfork....early afternoon....

Courtney comes out of her and Christopher's bathroom early in the afternoon and takes a seat on the bed, holding

Bobby, Ann, John Ross, Krystina, Alex, Christopher, Courtney, Lucas, and Heather get up from the dining room table and make their way across the foyer into the den that evening for after dinner drinks, the family carrying on various conversations, while Michael and Jacob head upstairs to complete their homework.  

"Boy, that dinner sure was good,"  Lucas says.  

"I agree,"  Krystina says.  "I think Maria's cooking is getting better and better.  That beef wellington was delicious."

"Where's Lucy tonight?"  Heather asks.

"She's havin' dinner in town with Ray, Donna, Conner, and Ray's son, Heath,"  Ann replies.  

"I invited them over here for dinner, but, Ray declined."

"Good thing, too, since they probably would've brought Conner Ewing over here,"  says John Ross.

"Ray knows the situation with Conner, John Ross,"  says Bobby.  "I don't think he would've brought him over here knowin' how you feel about his role in Alex's car accident?"

"Boy, talk about a whole blacksheep side of the fam'ly,"  John Ross says.  "I mean, you got Conner, who almost killed my son, and ya got Dylan Baxter, Jack Ewing's bastard son who deliberately tried to kill me by runnin' me down in his car three years ago.  Sometimes I can't even believe we're related to those two losers."

"John Ross, that'll be enough of that,"  Bobby says.   

"If Dylan's a bastard, the what does that make me?"  Alex asks, an awkward silence falling over the room.

"What?"  John Ross asks his son.

"You're always calling Dylan Jack Ewing's bastard son and Lucas Uncle Bobby's bastard son.  But you never refer to me as YOUR bastard son.  So what makes me any different from them?"  Alex quickly turns and leaves the room, heading upstairs.  

"Alex, wait,"  Krystina calls after him.  

"Now what in the hell was that all about?"  A clueless John Ross asks.

"Nice goin', John Ross,"  Lucas says.  "Once again, that mouth of yours strikes like a weapon of mass destruction."

John Ross puts down his drink and leaves the room, going upstairs.   A couple of minutes later, Alex is laying on

"And what about Lucas?"  Alex asks.  

 

"Yeah, well, y'know, me and my cousin Lucas.......he and I have never gotten along from the minute he set foot on Southfork and we prob'ly never will."

 

"How come?"

 

"I don't know, we just always kinda rubbed each other the wrong way, I guess.  But look, son, what I'm tryin' to say is, when I refer to them as bastard sons, I'm not talkin' about them bein' born outside of marriage.  I use it as referrin' to them as........outsiders."

 

"How can Lucas be an outsider?  He's Uncle Bobby's son."

 

"It's kinda hard for me to explain,"  says John Ross.  "But just know that when I use the word bastard, I don't mean any circumstances of birth.  Sometimes I just shoot my mouth off without thinkin'.  My Daddy was the same way.  Mama and Uncle Bobby are always sayin' I inherited J.R. Ewing's mouth, and I guess they're right about that.  But anyway, I'll make a deal with ya.  From now on, I won't refer to Lucas as Uncle Bobby's bastard son."

 

"And what about Dylan?"

 

"Well, I would prefer not to have to refer to him at all.  I'd like to just forget he and his brother exist."

 

A look of pain comes over Alex's face as he sits up on the bed and rubs his temples.

 

"Hey, you havin' another one of those headaches?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I think my eyes are strained.  From so much reading for school."

 

"Well, maybe we'd better make you an appointment with the eye doctor.  Been about a year since you've been.  You comin' back downstairs?"

 

"Nah, I still have to finish reading a chapter for AP history."

 

"Okay, then, I'll let you get at it.  Just wanted to make sure you were okay, and we're good."

 

"Yeah, we're good,"  Alex says.

 

John Ross smiles, then leaves the room.  After he's gone, Alex again rubs his head, a look of severe pain on his face as he experiences another one of his terrible headaches.

 

Meanwhile, downstairs, Courtney walks into her and Christopher's bedroom, and he follows her.  "Courtney, is everything alright?"  He asks.  "The way you rushed out of there.........and you were real quiet during dinner."

 

"I was really hoping you would be home before dinner so we could talk alone."

 

"I'm sorry.  I got held up at the office.  Sue Ellen and I had a meeting that ran a little late.  You took that pregnancy test today?"

 

Courtney nods, her back to him.

 

"And?"  Christopher asks, walking over to her. 

 

Courtney turns to face him.  "And........I'm pregnant," she says.  "Christopher, I know this comes at the worst possible time.  Jacob is still having problems, and........."

 

 

"Maybe this doesn't come at a bad time,"  Christopher says.  "This could be the perfect time for a new baby."

 

"Perfect?  I don't see how, with everything else we have going on, and with Jacob still having problems.  And we still have to deal with Chase when we decide to tell him about your plans to adopt Jacob."

 

"A new baby could mean a new start for our little family.  I'll adopt Jacob and he'll see that even a new baby couldn't make either of us love him any less."

 

"I feel so terrible,"  Courtney says.  "I should be thrilled right now because you and I have wanted a baby for a long time.  Now that I'm pregnant, instead of feeling thrilled, I feel nervous.  Apprehensive."

 

"It'll be okay,"  says Christopher, putting his arms around her.  After a moment he looks at her and smiles.  "I couldn't be happier about this.  We're gonna have a BABY!"

 

Courtney smiles.  "A baby.  Hearing you say it makes it seem more real.  Should we go tell the family?"

 

"No, wait.  Before we tell the rest of the family, we need to go upstairs and break the news to Jacob.  We don't want him to hear it from someone else. And I think we should do it now.  We can tell the rest of the family tomorrow morning at breakfast."

 

"I love you so much, Christopher,"  she says.  

 

"And I love you,"  Christopher says, kissing her.

Jeremy Wendell's penthouse....

Tripp and Katherine are laying in bed after making love at Jeremy's penthouse that night, Tripp smiling as he looks

 at Katherine laying beside him looking none too thrilled.  "Hey, smile,"  Tripp tells her.  "You have every reason to right now."

 

Katherine gives him an angry look, then gets out of bed and puts on her robe.   

 

"Don't tell me you didn't enjoy that as much as I did,"  Tripp says.

 

"I don't particularly like being blackmailed into sex."

 

"Come on, Katherine, after being married to Richard Channing, I'm sure it's been quite a while since you've been with a man my age."

 

 

 

 

"You're way too sure of yourself." 

 

"I didn't get as far as I have WITHOUT being sure of myself,"  says Tripp.  "Why don't you come on back to bed?"

 

"You got what you wanted,"  Katherine says.  "Just leave it at that."  She walks to the door and starts to leave, but turns back to look at Tripp.  "And by the way, not to burst your little bubble, but........that was nothing special.  You may have youth going for you, but I give you a D on experience," she says, then walks out.

 

Christopher, Courtney, and Jacob come onto the patio the next morning as Bobby, Ann, Lucas, Heather, Michael, and Lucy are already seated for breakfast.  John Ross, Krystina, and Alex follow them out.

"Another beautiful morning,"  Krystina says, taking her usual seat at the table.

"Yes it is,"  Lucy agrees.  "Early spring was always my favorite time at Southfork, when the trees and everything is just starting to come back to life after a long, cold winter."

"Well, maybe it's just me, but this winter didn't seem long at all,"  John Ross says.  "Seems like it was just Christmas."

"Maybe you're just startin' to get old, John Ross.  I hear the older ya get, the faster time flies,"  Lucas says to the laughter of almost everyone at the table.

"I'm gonna just let that pass,"  says John Ross.

Lucas laughs.  "Oh, Dad, the equipment for the new irrigation system is supposed to be delivered this morning, and a crew is gonna be here right after to install it."

"Well, that's great,"  Bobby says.  "Alex, you feelin' better this mornin'?"  

"I feel fine."

"I think you ought to make an appointment today to see the eye doctor,"  John Ross says.  "Maybe he can see you after school, and find out if your eyes are what's causin' those headaches."

"You're still having headaches, Alex?"  Lucas asks.

"Yeah.  Every once in a while."

"Yeah, like almost every day,"  John Ross says.

"John Ross is right, Alex, you should find out what's causing them,"  says Krystina.

"Okay, I'll call and make an appointment."

"For after school?"  John Ross asks.

"I can't today, I'm hanging out with Bridget after school."

"Christopher, you and Courtney are awfully quiet this morning,"  Bobby says.

"Well, we have some news," says Christopher.  "News we'd like to share with the family."

Ann smiles.  "This is about the pregnancy test, itn't it?  Did you take one yesterday?"

"Yes, I did.  And........."  Courtney looks at her husband.

"And, we are gonna have a baby,"  Christopher says, finishing his wife's sentence.

"Oh my gosh!" Ann says with a smile.

"Well, congratulations, you two!"  Says a happy Bobby.

"Courtney, that's wonderful,"  Krystina says.  

"I'm so happy for you both,"  says Heather.

"Jacob, how does it feels knowing you're gonna be a big brother?"  Michael asks.

Without saying a word, Jacob gets up from the table and goes into the house, the boy's actions immediately killing the jubilation felt at the table by the others over the news.

"What's up with him?"  Michael says.

"Looks like he's jealous,"  Alex says.

"Excuse me,"  says Christopher, getting up from the table.  "I'd better go talk to him."

"Son, wait, would you mind if I talked to Jacob?"  Bobby asks.

"Of course not."

Bobby nods at his son, then gets up from the table and goes into the house.  Christopher and Courtney look at each other with worry.  

 Janice buzzes John Ross's office.  "John Ross, Peter Ellis is on line one."

"Thank ya, Janice,"  John Ross says.  Picking up the phone on his desk, he presses the '1' button.  "Peter, hello, thank you for returnin' my call.  Yeah, I'm doin' just fine.  Pete, listen, the reason I called earlier was to invite you to lunch. We haven't had a chance to sit down and talk for quite some time, and I have a deal I'd like to pitch to you.  So, you free for lunch today?  How's Perry's, at, oh, say, one o'clock?"  John Ross listens to his friend on the line for a moment, then smiles.  "Fine.  I look forward to it.  Okay, I'll see ya then.  Bye, now."  John Ross puts down the phone as a knock sounds at his door.  "Come in," he says.

Janice walks into the office carrying some papers.  "John Ross, here are those contracts you wanted."

"Thank ya, darlin'."

"Would it be alright if I take an early lunch?  I have a doctor's appointment."

"Yeah, sure, that'll be fine.  Is everything okay?"  John Ross asks.

"Everything is fine.  It's just a checkup, that's all,"  Janice replies. 

"Okay, well, you go on ahead, and take as much time as you need.  And I'll let the others know."

Janice smiles.  "Thanks.  I've already asked Sally to fill in for me."

"Okay, take off then."

"I'll see you later this afternoon,"  Janice says, then leaves the office.  As she comes out of John Ross's office, Sue 

Ellen watches from her own office doorway as Janice goes to her desk, opens the bottom drawer, takes out her purse, and then says something to another secretary, Sally, and goes to the elevator.  She continues to watch as Janice gets on the elevator and the doors close.  Then she steps back into her office, closes the door and takes out her cell phone.  She types a text message and sends it to Bum's phone:  'Janice is leaving the office.'  

A few minutes later....

Janice comes out of the front entrance of Renaissance Tower, which houses Ewing Oil, a few minutes later.  As Janice makes her way down the street to where her car is parked, Bum is sitting in his own car watching her.  She gets into her car and drives away.  Bum immediately pulls off and begins following her down Elm Street.

Oakmont Park in Fort Worth....later....

Tripp is sitting in his truck in the parking lot at Oakmont Park in Fort Worth when Janice's car pulls in forty-five minutes later and comes to a stop beside him.  The two get out of their vehicles.  "Come on," Tripp says.  "Let's walk.  I don't want us to be seen from the street."

A moment later, Tripp and Janice are walking beside a creek in the park.

"Okay, what have you got for me, and this had better be good,"  Tripp says.

"It is,"  says Janice.  "Ewing Oil has a big deal in the works with Grayson Oil and Gas out of Houston."

"Grayson?  That's one of the biggest independent companies in South East Texas.  They're almost as big as Westar."

"That's right.  Ewing is partnering with Catlin Oil on the deal, and it's supposed to be worth a LOT of money to both companies, and Grayson, too.  They're having a meeting with Jeff Grayson next Monday."

"You know any other details?"  Tripp asks.  

"The deal concerns some offshore wells Grayson owns.  Ewing and Catlin Oil wanna buy those wells, which are supposed to be some of the richest in the Gulf."

"I did hear a rumor that Grayson was planning to sell off some of their offshore tracts,"  says Tripp.  "I just never figured Ewing would try to buy them.  And, I thought it was just a rumor.  Well, interesting to find out it's not.  You know how much Grayson is asking for those wells?"

"No idea.  But I can probably find out."

"I don't want any probablies, Janice,"  Tripp says as he stops walking, grabs her arm and turns to face her.  "I wanna know the details on each and EVERY deal the Ewings have in the works, especially the big ones.  You find out just how much Jeff Grayson is asking for those wells, and how much the Ewings are offering to pay.  And I wanna know BEFORE that meeting the Ewings are having with Grayson."

"Alright.  I'll do it.  Now, when do I get some time with you?"  Janice asks.

"I'll let you know,"  Tripp coldly replies.  "You just continue to do your job for me, and I'll take care of your......... needs, financial and otherwise."  Janice attempts to kiss him, but Tripp stops her.  "Get me that information first, Janice.  Business before pleasure."  Without saying another word to her, Tripp turns and walks away.  

A few minutes later, Tripp's truck pulls out of the parking lot and heads back toward Dallas while Bum sits across the street watching.  Soon afterward, Bum watches Janice get into her own car in the parking lot across the street.  She drives out, also heading back in the direction of Dallas.  Bum takes out his cell phone and dials Sue Ellen's number.  After the second ring, she answers.  "Sue Ellen, looks like we were right.  I followed Janice all the way to Fort Worth, where she just had a meeting with Tripp McKay.  She took the bait."

Ewing Oil....

 

 

 

"Thank you, Bum,"  Sue Ellen says.  "I appreciate everything you've done.  I'll talk to you soon."  She ends the call, puts her phone down, and sighs deeply, a look of anger on her face.  After a moment, Sue Ellen gets up from her desk and leaves her office.  

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Christopher is working at his desk when a knock sounds at his door.  "Come in,"  he says.

 

Sue Ellen walks into the office.  "You busy?"

 

"No, come on in.  What's up?"

 

"I just got off the phone with Bum,"  Sue Ellen says.  "I'm afraid it's true.  Janice is our spy."

  "You're absolutely sure?"  Christopher asks.

"Oh, yes.  Bum followed her to Fort Worth, where she just met with Tripp McKay."

"Damn,"  Christopher says angrily.  

"She took the bait, and now, let's hope McKay does,"  Sue Ellen says.

"So what do we do now?  Do we let my Dad and John Ross and Jill in on this?"

"We're gonna have to.  But not just yet.  First, let's wait a few days until McKay actually falls into our trap.  And once he's purchased those worthless wells that Jeffrey Grayson has, then........then we'll take care of Janice."

"Y'know, Aunt Sue Ellen, I'm very impressed,"  says Christopher.  "The way you handled this, setting a trap for both Janice and McKay, it's just like something J.R. or John Ross would've done."

Sue Ellen smiles.  "Well, I didn't spend all those years married to J.R. and not learn something about how to catch a spy and a traitor."

"I really hate that it's Janice, but I have to admit,I'm glad it's not Jill."

"And I have to admit......so am I,"  Sue Ellen says, a tone of reluctance in her voice.  

Perry's Steakhouse and Grille....afternoon....

 John Ross is having lunch at Perry's early that afternoon with an old Ewing friend, Peter Ellis, an older man in his early 60s.  After finishing lunch, the two men share a drink and talk over old times.

"I tell you what, John Ross, nobody could cut a deal like your Daddy,"  Ellis says.  "J.R. was one of the smartest businessmen I've ever run across, and word has it that you're just like him."

"Well, thank ya, Peter, I take that as a sincere compliment."

"And it was sure meant as one,"  Peter Ellis says in a thick, Texas accent.  

"So now, Peter, about this deal.  Can I count you in?"  John Ross asks.

"Well, John Ross, I'm inclined to say yes, on account o' your Daddy, and your Granddaddy.  But, I'd like to run this deal by the new Cartel.  I think some of them would like to get in on this."

"That's fine by me.  But I do have one condition."

"And what's that?"  Peter asks.

"That Cliff Barnes and Brad Stone NOT be included in this deal,"  John Ross replies.  "I know that Stone-Barnes Oil has been doin' a little business with the new Cartel, and I want it made perfectly clear that Ewing Oil will NEVER do any business with Barnes and Stone."

"Well, now, John Ross, I don't think that would be a problem.  I think most of the Cartel would agree with me that they'd rather have Ewing Oil in the new Cartel than Cliff Barnes or Brad Stones.  After all, Ewing Oil was a formidable member of the old Cartel my Uncle Andy Bradley and your Granddaddy Jock Ewing helped start decades ago."

"And so was Brad Stone's mother, Marilee, and his Granddaddy, Martin Hurst."

"Martin Hurst,"  Peter says with a laugh.  "He was a snake in the grass, and so is that daughter of his.  Besides, Marilee has been out of the oil business for close to thirty years and none of us in the Cartel have much use for her son, or for Cliff Barnes.  You and your Uncle Bobby come to the next Cartel meetin', John Ross.  We're welcomin' back......"  Peter stops talking and looks past John Ross as a woman and a young man walk into the restaurant.  

"Peter, what is it?"  John Ross asks.  

"Well, as I live and breathe,"  Peter says as the woman and young man walk toward them.  "Holly,"  he calls to the woman.  "Holly Harwood?"

The woman stops, turns, and smiles when she sees Peter.  She and the young man walk over to them.  

"Land sakes, Holly Harwood,"  Peter says, standing to greet her with a kiss.  

"Peter Ellis, how are you?"  Holly asks.  "My, it's been a long time."

"Yes, it has, close to twelve years.  Holly, I heard you were back in Dallas.  Back runnin' your comp'ny?"

"I'm back in Dallas to OVERSEE the transition from my current CEO to my new one, but no, I won't be running Harwood Oil,"  Holly replies.  "The new head of my company will be this handsome young man right here, my son, Brandon Harwood."

"Well, now, hello, Brandon."

"Sweetheart, this is Peter Ellis, an old friend of mine from WAY back,"  Holly says.  

"Mr. Ellis,"  Brandon says.

"Pleasure to meet you, boy.  Holly and Brandon Harwood, this is John Ross Ewing III."

The smile disappears from Holly's face when she hears John Ross's name.  "John Ross Ewing III?  You're.......J.R. and Sue Ellen's son?"

"Yes, ma'am, I sure am,"  replies John Ross.

"It's a real pleasure to meet you, gentlemen,"  Brandon Harwood says.

"Likewise,"  says John Ross.

"Brandon, I'm sure we'll be seein' a lot of you around, especially with Harwood Oil about to join the Cartel,"  Peter says.

"I certainly look forward to that, Mr. Ellis."

"Oh, call me Peter."

"Of course, Peter."

"Well, we'll let you gentlemen get on with your lunch,"  Holly says.  "Brandon, shall we?"

"Yes, Mother.  Peter, John Ross, again, it was nice to meet you both."

"Yeah, same here,"  says John Ross.  "Ms. Harwood."

"John Ross,"  Holly says.  "I take it your mother is doing well?"

"She's doin' JUST fine.  I'll tell her you asked about her."

"Maybe you'd better not.  Take care, now,"  Holly says, then walks away with her son.

"Interestin', runnin' into Holly and her son, when I was just about to mention to you that Harwood Oil would be joinin' the Cartel,"  says Peter.

"Is that right?"  John Ross asks, watching Holly and Peter as they take their seats at their table across the crowded restaurant.  "So.........that's the woman who almost destroyed my Mama and Daddy's marriage."

Meanwhile across the room, Brandon Harwood looks over at John Ross and Peter's table.  "So that's J.R. Ewing's son?"  He asks.

"Yes.  J.R.'s son,"  Holly replies, remember back to the time of her affair with J.R. many years ago.....

Lucas walks into the foyer at Southfork that afternoon with a stack of envelopes just as Ann comes down the stairs.  

"Lucas, you get that new irrigation system installed?"  Ann asks.

"Almost.  The boys are still workin' on it.  Here, I had to go into Braddock to pick somethin' up from the hardware store, and I stopped at the mailbox and got the mail on my way back in." 

"Thank you,"  Ann says in a worried tone as Lucas hands her the stack of mail, and she sees that the one on top is addressed to her.  She stares at the envelope for several seconds.

"Ann, are you okay?"  Lucas asks.

"Yes, I'm fine.  Thank you, Lucas."

"Well, I'm gonna go up and get a shower, and drive into Braddock with Heather and pick Michael up from school.  I'll probably take 'em both out for ice cream or somethin'."

"Yeah, sounds nice,"  Ann says.  Lucas heads up the stairs.  Ann again stares at her letter for a few seconds, then slowly tears the envelope open.  Taking out a folded piece of paper, she hesitates, then opens the paper.  To her