EPISODE 168 - Winner Take All

"Well?  I'm waiting,"  says Tripp.  "What's this big secret?"

"No way,"  Katherine says.  "The pleasure of making Ann Ewing squirm and eventually bringing down her house of cards is going to be ALL mine."

"Katherine, I'm not gonna ask you again.  Now you either tell me what you know about the Ewings........or I call the cops, right now.  It's your choice," Tripp says sternly.  As Katherine remains silent, Tripp takes his cell phone from his pocket and begins to dial.  

"Alright,"  Katherine says, rushing over to him and attempting to grab his phone.  "I'll tell you.  There's a secret that Ann has been keeping from Bobby.  A secret that, when he finds out, he'll never forgive her for.  Kevin Channing wasn't the father of Emma's baby.  Bobby's son, Lucas, is the father, and Ann has known that from the very beginning.  She's been keeping the truth about Bobby's grandchild from him."

Tripp smiles upon hearing the revelation.

 "I bought it for me and Amanda, when I thought the two of us were gonna have a future,"  Justin says.  

The smile disappears from Jimmy's face as he lowers his head and sighs.

"I'm sorry.  I shouldn't have brought her up.  After all, we agreed never to talk about her."

"We can't just pretend Amanda never existed."

"I'd sure like to try,"  Justin says.  "Especially right now.  We're sittin' out here on this nice spring evenin', drinkin' a couple cold ones, so let's not kill our buzz by talkin' about her.  I'm sorry I ever mentioned her name."

Jimmy looks at him.  "You're absolutely right.  So, what do you feel like doing for dinner?"

"We could throw somethin' on the grill."

"Only trouble with that is, it'd have to thaw out and that could take a while,"  says Jimmy.

"Oh, yeah, I forgot.  Don't we have some of those TV dinners in the freezer we can microwave?"

"Or we could drive into Braddock and have dinner at McDonald's or something."  Jimmy says.

"I've had a long day, I really don't feel like drivin' into town.  Besides, we both been drinkin', so we don't need to drive."

"True."

"Hey, wait, what am I thinkin'?"  Justin asks.  "Jimmy, we got some burgers and hot dogs in the freezer.  I bought them last week.  So, let me finish off this beer, and I'll fire the grill up."

"Okay, burgers and dogs sounds great,"  Jimmy says as they hear the sound of a car drive up on the other side of the house.  "You expecting anybody?"

"No, not at all.  Wonder who that could be."

"Justin?"  Alex's voice calls from around the house.

"Alex, we're back here!"  Justin says.  

Alex walks into the backyard.  "Hey, guys," he says.

"Hey, Alex, how's it goin'?"  Jimmy asks.

"Goin' okay,"  Alex replies, walking onto the porch.  

"So what brings you over?"  Asks Justin.

"Well, glad you came over,"  Justin says.  

"Yeah, Justin and I were just about to fire up the grill and throw on some burgers and hot dogs for dinner."

"Oh, cool.  Perfect timing, since I haven't had dinner yet,"  Alex says with a smile.

"Typical teenager,"  says Justin.  "Okay, Alex, you help Jimmy with the grill, and I'll go in the house and get the burgers and hot dogs."

"Sure,"  Alex says.  "Umm, Justin, can I have a beer?"

"Hello, no you can't have a beer.  You're only 18, and the legal drinkin' age is 21."

"Come on, dude, we're just hanging out here at your house, no one's gonna know."

"Justin, come on, let the kid have a beer,"  says Jimmy.

Justin pauses at the doorway.  "Okay, just ONE.  If John Ross finds out, he'll kill me,"

"John Ross let's me have a beer once in a while,"  Alex says.

"I'll be back,"  Justin says, going into the house.

Jimmy walks over and takes a large tarp off the propane grill.  "So how are things with you and your girlfriend?"  He asks Alex.

The boy smiles.  "Things are awesome."

"Really got it bad for her, huh?"  

"Dude, Bridget makes me feel like I never have before.  I wanna be with her all the time.  And when I am with her, I feel........alive.  And I feel like I can be myself around her.  I've never felt this way about anyone before, not even when I was with........with Ashley."

"Well, sounds like you're in love,"  Jimmy says.

"Yeah, I guess I am.  Bridget just makes me feel.........I dunno."

"Alive?"

"Yeah, I guess that's the best word for it."

"Then you're DEFINITELY in love,"  says Jimmy.  "Congratulations."

"Thanks.  And how about you?  Any special lady in your life?"

"No,"  Jimmy replies in a sad tone.  "And after my last experience.........the single life looks pretty good."

Southfork....later....

Ann is returning from a walk at Southfork at sunset that evening when Bobby comes out of the house.  Spotting his wife, he walks out to the driveway to meet her.  "Hi, there,"  he says.  "Jacob and I came back from riding and you were gone.  Maria said you'd taken a walk."

"I did.  You know how I love the ranch at dusk,"  Ann says.

"Yes, I do.  So do I."

"How was your ride?"

"It was fine.  Jacob has become quite a good horseback rider since he's been here,"  Bobby says.  

"He had a good teacher in Christopher, who in turn had a good teacher in you."

Bobby puts his arms around his wife and gives her a quick kiss.  

"What was that for?"  Ann asks.

"Because I love you."

"I love you, too, Bobby."

"Honey, this afternoon when I came home from the office, somethin' was botherin' you.  You looked like you had just gotten some bad news."

"No.  No, I was just........you just startled me when you came in, that's all,"  Ann says nervously.  

"Honey, you looked like you'd seen a ghost,"  Bobby says.  "You've been awful jumpy the last few weeks."

"I'm sorry, Bobby.  I don't mean to be.  

"I think I understand.  With all this talk about Katherine, it's bound to make you nervous.  And I know how you feel about Katherine bein' found and brought back here.  So, from now on, I won't mention her to you again."

"Does that mean you're droppin' this investigation into findin' her?"

"No, honey, that's not what I mean,"  Bobby says.  "It just means that I'm not gonna pressure you anymore about Katherine.  I'm still not gonna rest until I find her."

 

 

 

"It's gettin' chilly out here,"  Ann says.  "I'd like to go inside now."   She walks past Bobby and heads toward the house.  A worried Bobby watches his wife as she walks away from him, wondering just why Ann is so dead set against Katherine Wentworth being caught and punished for her crimes.  After a few seconds, Bobby follows his wife to the house and goes in behind her.  

 

As Bobby and Ann enter the house, they are met by Lucas.  "Hey, I'm glad you guys are back."

 

"Why, son, what's wrong?"

 

"It's on the news.  They found Austin Wentworth."

 

Bobby and Ann exchange looks, then Bobby hurries into the living room where Christopher, Courtney, Heather, Krystina, and Lucy are gathered in front of the TV.  Bobby, Ann, and Lucas join them as a news report tells of the capture of Katherine's son, Austin Wentworth:  

"To recap our top story, Austin Wentworth, the 23-year-old former CEO of Wentworth Industries, who had been missing since late last summer, has been found alive and has been arrested on suspicion of acting as an accomplice to his brother, Brian Manning, who is wanted in connection with the deaths of  three people stemming from an explosion at the home of newspaper magnate Richard Channing in Tuscany Valley, California in 2016.  A bomb delivered in a gift box to the wedding of Channing's son Kevin, to Miss Emma Ryland, formerly of Dallas, exploded at the Channing home and claimed the lives of Pilar Cumson, Rev. Paul Monroe, and Mark Smith, the uncle of Emma Ryland.  Manning had been on the run from the police for months, when he and his brother Austin Wentworth, disappeared from Dallas together last summer, along with their mother, Katherine Wentworth Channing and their sister, Katelyn Spencer.  Katherine Wentworth Channing is also wanted on a number of charges, including the 1984 murder of Renaldo Marchetta and the 1985 murder of Veronica Robinson, who was a witness in the Marchetta case.  Longtime Dallas residents may remember the Marchetta murder, when Marchetta's wife, Dallas resident Jenna Wade, was arrested and convicted of the murder of her husband.  However, Jenna Wade was exonerated when the true killer of Marchetta and Robinson was revealed to have been Andre Shuman, a professional assassin.  New evidence has now come to light after more than three decades, that implicates Katherine Wentworth as the person who hired Shuman to kill both Marchetta and Veronica Robinson.  Austin Wentworth and Brian Manning were found by police at a remote farm about 17 miles from Texarkana late last night.  After a stand off with police, in which three hostages were involved, Wentworth was taken into custody.  Manning, however, escaped, and is still at large.  Manning is described as a white male, 23-years-old, stands 6'3, of slim build, brown hair, hazel eyes, and is 

considered armed and extremely dangerous.  Police believe Manning could still be in the vicinity of Bowie County, Texas, and is driving a stolen 2001 Ford Ranger pickup, license plate BCL-89.  If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Brian Manning, or has seen this man, please call the Bowie County Sheriff's Department at area code 903, 798-4932, or the nearest FBI office.  Police are cautioning citizens that if they spot Manning,  do NOT approach him, and contact the authorities immediately.  The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward to anyone with information on Manning's whereabouts.  In the meantime, Manning's br9ther, Austin Wentworth, is being held at the Bowie County Sheriff's department in Texarkana tonight.  No bail has been set as of yet for Wentworth, who served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Wentworth Industries in Dallas from 2015 until his disappearance last summer.  We will continue to follow this breaking news story as it unfolds and will have further updates as they become available."

 

"Wow,"  Lucy says.  "Well, at least the cops have got one of them."

 

"Dad, now that Austin is in custody, I'm sure it's just a matter of time before Katherine and Brian and Katelyn are found, too,"  Christopher says.

 

"I hope you're right,"  says Bobby.  "But Austin is small potatoes.  Katherine, Manning, and her daughter Katelyn are the three who NEED to be in custody."

Meanwhile....Jeremy Wendell's penthouse....

After hearing the news report of Austin's arrest and Brian still being at large, Katherine switches off her television.  "Oh my God," she says quietly to herself.  "Austin."  A knock sounds at her bedroom door, and a moment later, Tripp walks in.  

 

"I just heard on the news that your son Austin has been arrested,"  he says.

 

"Yes."

 

"Well, now you can rest easy about him.  At least now you know he's alive and safe."

 

"Safe?  My son is in jail for something he didn't do.  He wasn't Brian's accomplice, Brian kidnapped him and took the Wentworth jet."

 

"Well, since you're here and can't tell the authorities that.......unless Brian is found and tells them Austin had nothing to do with his crimes and his escape, then I guess all Austin has going for him is his word."

 

"I have to help him,"  Katherine says.  "I have to tell them the truth."  

 

"You know you can't,"  says Tripp.  "You contact the cops, and they'll be able to trace you here."

 

"I cannot and I WILL not stand by while my son suffers for something he had no control over.  For something he didn't do.  Something that was my fault."

 

"I'll take care of Austin."

 

"Meaning what?"  Katherine asks.

 

"I'll get him the best lawyer money can buy."

 

Katherine looks at him.  "Why?  Why would you offer to help my son?  What's in it for you?"

 

"Your continued cooperation,"  Tripp replies.  "Plus, after that little secret you let me in on about Ann Ewing and Emma Ryland, the least I can do is help your son out.  And, I'd like nothing better than to see Austin back at the helm at Wentworth and Jonathon Lord out on his ass."

 

"Why?"  Katherine asks.  "What have you got against Jonathon?"

 

"Oh, that's right I guess you haven't heard.  Your firstborn who's now running Wentworth Industries, has just given Ewing Oil exclusive rights for the use of Wentworth's newest drill.  I put in an offer to Jonathon for that drill, and he turned around and struck a deal with John Ross Ewing instead."

 

"He did WHAT?"  

 

"You heard me."

 

An angry look comes over Katherine's face.  "I can't believe Jonathon would do business with the Ewings."

 

"Well, obviously your oldest son doesn't have the same loyalty to you as Austin would.  Nor the same history with the Ewings."

 

Katherine turns to Tripp.  "Can you help Austin?  If you can get him out of this, I'll do anything."

 

"I'll do what I can,"  Tripp says.  "I'll go make some calls.  Why don't you slip into something a little more........ comfortable, and I'll be back in about half an hour.  We can spend an evening celebrating the news about Austin."  Tripp smiles at her, then leaves the room, closing the door behind him.  

 

Katherine walks over to her bed and takes a seat.  Reaching over to the table beside the bed, she picks up a 

"I'm sorry, Wentworth, but this isn't a dream,"  the female FBI agent says.  "This is as real as it gets."

"What.....what about my father, Jeremy Lord?"  Austin asks, his voice shaky.

"Your father is nowhere to be found, either.  We've had a nationwide manhunt out for him for the last several months."

"My company,"  says Austin. "I have to get out of here.  My company has probably gone under by now."

"You really HAVEN'T heard any news or even seen a newspaper in quite a while, have you?"  Asks one of the county officers.

"No, I haven't.  I told you, I was on that farm, I had no access to a television, or radio, or a cell phone, or even a newspaper.  I have no idea what's been going on in the world since last summer."

"Well, you'll be happy to know that Wentworth Industries is in the very capable hands of your brother, Jonathon Lord."

"What?  No.  Jonathon Lord is running Wentworth?  How the hell did THAT happen?"

"No idea.  Nor do I give a crap.  All we care about here is finding Brian Manning."

Austin looks across the table at the man.  "Well, you're gonna have to do that without my help.  Now what about the three Harper kids?  I know that Josh was taken to the hospital after he was shot, but, what about Casey and Corey?  Where are they, and are they okay?"

"They're fine,"  the woman replies.  "They're also being questioned, as we speak.  We've also had  man at the hospital questioning Josh Harper, if his doctor says he's able to talk.  And if the kids corroborate your story, that will go in your favor."

"And if they don't?"  Austin asks.

The male FBI agent looks at him and slightly smiles.  "If they don't.......then you're gonna need to hire yourself the best damned lawyer your money can buy, because, if those three kids don't corroborate the story you told us, then you're lookin' at a number of charges, including accessory to murder, and aiding and abetting a fugitive, possibly kidnapping of the Harper kids.  Any one of those charges could get you a LOT of years in prison, Wentworth.  So you'd damned well better hope those three kids speak up for you."

Austin's heart pounds with fear upon learning his future rests with three kids who had held him captive for months!

Southfork....the next morning

 Lucas, Heather, and Michael walk into the dining room at Southfork the next morning as the rest of the family are seated and having breakfast.  The first thing Lucas notices is the morning newspaper on the table beside Bobby 

with the big headline about Brian Manning still being at large.  Lucas stops and looks down at the newspaper for a moment.  "Think they'll ever catch him?"

Lucas asks.  

"Oh, they'll catch him, alright,"  replies Bobby.  "Just a question of when, and I hope it's before he hurts anyone else."

"Catch who?"  Michael asks.

"That guy Brian Manning,"  says Alex.  "Katherine Wentworth's son."

"Who's Katherine Wentworth?"  Jacob asks.

"She's Christopher's Aunt, so I guess that makes her your great-aunt, right Christopher?"  Michael asks.

"Katherine Wentworth was my mother's sister, yes, but she's a relative we don't claim,"  Christopher.

"Thank God she wasn't my aunt,"  John Ross says.

"Yeah, you only got stuck with Kristin Shepard as an aunt, a woman who shot your father,"  Lucy says, then immediately regrets her words as she looks across the table at Christopher.  "Oh, Ummm, Christopher, I'm sorry, I didn't mean......"

"Lucy, it's okay,"  Christopher says.

"Who's Kristin Shepard?"  Michael asks.

"I'll explain later,"  Lucas replies.  

"Courtney, how are you feeling this morning?"  Krystina asks.

"A little nauseous."

"Are you takin' anything for the mornin' sickness?"  Ann asks.

"No.  But I have to see my doctor this afternoon and I'm gonna ask if he can prescribe something for the nausea,"  says Courtney.  

"Well, I gotta get going,"  Alex says.

"This early?"  John Ross asks.

"Yeah, I have a test first period, and I need to do a little studying with Shawn before the test."

"Alex, why don't you asks Shawn over this weekend?"  Ann asks.  "Been a while since he's been out to Southfork, and I miss seein' my nephew."

"I sure will, Aunt Ann.  I'll see you all later."

"Hey, wait, did you ever make that appointment with the eye doctor?"  John Ross asks.  

"No. I haven't had a headache in a couple days, and my eyes are fine."

"Alex, either you make that appointment or I'm gonna have to do it for you,"  says John Ross.

"Okay, I'll make the appointment,"  Alex says.

"Today?"

"Fine, TODAY."

"Okay, don't forget,"  says John Ross.

"How can I?"  Alex asks sarcastically as he walks out of the dining room.  As he walks through the foyer and into the living room, he is again seized by a headache.  He stops and leans against the wall for a few seconds, In a moment, the pain begins to subside just a little, and Alex picks up his book bag and leaves.

Downtown Dallas....

Justin and Jimmy are coming out of a cafe in downtown Dallas that morning after having coffee and donuts for breakfast.  "What time is your meeting over at SMU?"  Justin asks.

"Not sure.  I'm supposed to be there by nine.  Depends on how long it takes to meet with my former adviser and get registered for summer classes."

"I'm really happy for you, that you're finally goin' back to school to finish up after what happened?  Are you gonna have to retake all your classes from last year, since you didn't get to finish that semester?"

"Unfortunately......yes,"  replies Jimmy.   "Thanks to being kidnapped by crazy Katelyn I missed the last two weeks of school, and all my finals, so I was dropped from the courses before the semester ended."

"Well, at least you're doin' it now."

"Yeah, I feel like I'm ready after all these months.  I can't just sit around anymore.  It's time I got my life back on track."

"Well, if ya want somethin' else to do in addition to college studies. you can always come to work with me at Ewing Records,"  Justin says.

Jimmy stops and looks at him.  "You really mean that?"

"Of course, I mean it.  Jimmy, you and I have come a long way the last few weeks.  I'd like to have you at Ewing Records.  You'd be invaluable to the company."

Jimmy smiles.  "Well, thank you.  That really means a lot.  I'll definitely think about it," he says as his phone rings.  Taking his phone from his pocket he looks at it.  "Oh, it's my Mom.  Hold on a second."  Jimmy quickly takes the call.  "Mom, hey, what's up?  You're calling awfully early in the morning."  Justin looks on as Jimmy listens to his mother 

on the other end of the line.  "Really?  When?"  Jimmy continues.  "Mom, yeah, that's great.  Of course I'm happy to hear that.  When will you be here?  Okay, yeah.  I'll pick you all up from the airport.  Yeah.  I love you too, Mom.  I'll see you soon."  Jimmy ends the call and puts his phone away.

"So your folks are comin' for a visit?"  Justin asks.

"Yeah, they are.  You know, I told you that Ashley wants to attend SMU in the fall after she graduates from high school this spring.  So, Mom, Dad, and Ashley are coming to Dallas to take a tour of the campus, and to see me."

"When are they comin'?"  

"They'll be here early tomorrow afternoon,"  Jimmy replies.  "Ashley is on spring break this next week, so they're gonna be staying a few days."

Justin smiles.  "That's great.  I hope they're bringin' my little niece Eve with them.  I've only seen her once since she was born."

"Oh yeah, they're bringin' the baby."

"Jimmy, you don't seem too happy about the news that James,, Debra Lynn, and Ashley are comin' for a visit.  What's goin' on?"

"It's just that, my life is kind of a mess right now.  I was hoping I'd have my crap a little more together by the time my parents back to Dallas for a visit again.  I don't even have my own place."

"What are you talkin' about?  You're stayin' at my ranch.  That's your home until you don't want it to be anymore.  And, your folks can stay there while they're in town, too."

"Thanks,"  Jimmy says.  As he looks past Justin's shoulder, he sees a man standing on the sidewalk reading a news-

 paper with a picture of Brian Manning on the front page and a story about him still being on the loose.  "Great,"  Jimmy says.  "That's ALL I needed, to be reminded that the people who held me prisoner and tortured me, are still on the loose.  Justin, I'm gonna let you get to work, and I need to head on over to the campus and get ready for this meeting."

"Alright, man, I'll see you this evenin',"  Justin says.  Jimmy turns and walks away from him.  As Justin turns around, he bumps directly into Pamela, both of whom are stunned to see each other.  

"Justin," she says softly.  

"Hello, Pamela."

"How........how are you?"  Pamela asks.

"I'm........okay.  How are you?"

"Surviving.  The boys really miss you."

"I miss them, too,"  Justin says.  

"And what about me?"

"I miss you too, Pamela.  Every second of every day."

"We did,"  Justin says.  "It's just not gonna work.  Sometimes, love just isn't enough."

"I don't understand that at all,"  Pamela says.  "Things were going so great between us, and then all of a sudden, you turned cold.  And then the next thing I knew, you broke up with me.  If someone didn't influence you to do that, then WHY?  Don't you think I deserve an explanation besides it's just not gonna work?"

"Pamela."  Justin says, then hesitates for a moment.  "You and I, we..........like I said, sometimes love just isn't enough.  I'm sorry."

Before Pamela can say anymore, Cliff and Afton walk up to them.  "What is going on here?"  Cliff asks.

"Pamela, are you alright?"  Afton asks.  

"I'm fine, Mom."

"Is he bothering you?"  Cliff asks.

"No, Daddy, everything is just fine,"  Pamela says, her voice shaky.

"Pamela, come on,"  says Afton.  "Let's go get some breakfast."  Putting her arm around her daughter, Afton leads Pamela down the street, then turns back to the two men.  "Cliff, are you coming?"

"Yeah, I'll be there in a minute.  You two go on ahead."

Aftton nods, then Cliff and Justin watch as the two men go into a cafe down the street.  Cliff turns back to Justin.

"Let me give you a piece of advice, young man,"  Cliff says.  "Look, I've got nothing against you, per say.  I suppose as Ewings go, you're one of the better ones of the bunch, but you're still J.R. Ewing's son, and I want you to stay the hell away from my daughter.  Don't come near her, don't speak to her, don't contact her in any way."

"Don't you think that should be up to Pamela to tell me that, and not you?"

"No.  No, y'see, because I know my daughter, and I know she won't do that,"  says Cliff.  "If you care anything about her at all, you'll stay away.  You've already broken her heart by running out on her one time, and I'll be damned if I'm gonna let that happen again.  So just keep your distance from Pamela, or you're gonna have ME to deal with."  Cliff turns and walks away from Justin, leaving him both angry and sad that 

 things had ended up this way with Pamela.  "I'm so sorry, Pamela,"  Justin says quietly to himself.  "I did what I had to do, but I promise you, we WILL be together again.  Just soon as that son of a bitch Tripp McKay is out of my way, and there's not a damned thing your daddy or anybody else can do about it."

Bowie County, Texas Sheriff's Department....later....

Austin is sitting in a visitation room at the Bowie County Sheriff's Department in Texarkana later that morning waiting, when the door opens.  He is surprised to see Tripp walk in.  "Hello, Austin,"  Tripp says with a smile.

"McKay?  What are you doing here?"  Austin asks.

"I'm here to help you.  I brought with me one of the top criminal attorneys in the state of Texas.  But I asked to be allowed to see you first."

"Why?  Why would YOU hire an attorney to help me?"  Austin asks.  "Why would you even give a damn what happens to me?"

"Well, you and I DID use to be related by marriage,"  says Tripp.  "You're my ex-wife's first cousin.  So, I'm interested in what happens to you, especially if you're innocent."

"I am innocent.  So much is happening, and so much is going on that I'm so confused about.  They told me that my brother, Jonathon Lord, is running Wentworth Industries."

"That's right, I'm afraid he is.  With pretty much your whole family missing and wanted by the police, Jonathon Lord was the only person with Wentworth blood in his veins who your company's board of directors could turn to.  Of course my former father-in-law, Cliff Barnes, wanted the job, but the board voted for your brother instead."

Austin sighs as he runs his hands through his long, shaggy hair.  "I've got to get out of here."

"I know,"  says Tripp.  "That's why I'm here, to try and help you get out of here.  Look, when you do get out, we can talk more.  But not here.  You're gonna be arraigned this afternoon, I believe, and hopefully the judge will set bail."

"If the Harper kids can corroborate my story of how I got to their farm, and what Brian did, then, I should be cleared of all this."

"Harper kids?"  Tripp asks.

"Yeah, they owned the farm where my plane crashed.  I was there for months.......I don't even know exactly how long.  The days and nights, they just, all kind of ran together on that farm.  Tripp, I don't even know where they took Josh, Kasey, and Corey Harper after they arrested me."

"Okay, well, I'll see if I can find that out.  Meanwhile, I'm gonna send in the lawyer who's gonna be representing you.  He's from Dallas, and his name is Drew Demarest.  You've heard of him?"

"Of course, I have."

"Okay.  I'll send him in."  Tripp stands, and walks to the door and opens it.  Drew Demarest walks into the room.  

"Mr. Wentworth, I'm Drew Demarest, and I'll be representing you in this case."

"Thank you,"  Austin says.

Drew takes a seat at the table across from Austin as Tripp leaves the room.  "Now, then,"  Drew says.  "Suppose you tell me your story.  What exactly happened to you and how did you end up on that farm in the middle of Bowie County?"

Ewing Oil....afternoon....

 Sue Ellen is looking over some papers and contracts at her desk that afternoon when she comes across something in one of the papers that catches her attention.  An angry look comes over her face, then she buzzes her secretary's desk.  "Sally, would you please ask John Ross to step into my office immediately?"

"Yes, Mrs. Ewing."

Sue Ellen puts the papers down on the desk in front of her and sighs.  A moment later, John Ross walks into the office.  "Sally said you wanted to see me."

"Yes, I do.  Close the door."

John Ross does as he's told, closes the door and walks over to his mother.  "You're upset about somethin'."

"You could say that.  John Ross, what do you have to say about THIS?"  Sue Ellen angrily asks, holding out one of the papers from her desk to him.

"So you know about the Wentworth drill,"  John Ross says.  

"Yes, I know,"  Sue Ellen says.  "John Ross, how could you?  After Bobby SPECIFICALLY told you NOT to do business with Wentworth Industries.  What were you thinking?"

"I was thinkin' how much money this drill is gonna bring us in the next couple years.  Mama, I know what Uncle Bobby said, but he's so blinded by his hatred of Katherine and Austin Wentworth, that it's all he can see.  Not the benefit this drill has for this comp'ny."

"Maybe you think Bobby is a little irrational when it comes to Wentworth, but he has every right to be.  And have you forgotten that Katherine and Austin took Ewing Global away from us?"

"No, I haven't forgotten,"  John Ross says.  "But in retrospect that looks like a blessing in disguise, because had they not taken Ewing Global and turned it back into Wentworth Industries, then we never would've bought back our own fam'ly comp'ny, Ewing Oil.  And, not only that, Katherine is on the run and is bound to be caught and locked up any day now, and Austin has already been arrested.  Jonathon Lord is nothin' at all like his mother and his brother.  And once Uncle Bobby sees how profitable this new drill will be and how it's gonna set Ewing Oil above even Westar in the oil industry, he'll thank me.  Hell, if we never did business with any comp'ny that we had a problem with their leadership in the past, then we'd never do business with anybody in this town."

Sue Ellen nods in agreement.  "Well, you're right about that.  But you know how Bobby feels.  You should've respected his wishes and never gone behind his back."

"Maybe you're right, but I did what I thought was best for Ewing Oil."

"What's done is done,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Alright, I can try and keep Bobby from finding out about this for as long as possible.  He has enough on his mind right now without being hit with this."

"Enough on his mind?"  John Ross asks.  "Why, what's goin' on?  This about the spy?"

Sue Ellen sighs.  "Partly, yes.  John Ross, I wasn't going to tell you about this just yet, but, I feel you have a right to know.  Just please don't say anything to Bobby or to Jill yet."

"Sure.  What's happenin'?"

"Christopher and I know who our spy is,"  Sue Ellen says.  "And we've already set a trap for her."

"For her?  Then it's a woman?"

"Yes."

"Mama.........is it........is Jill the spy?"

Sue Ellen looks at her son.  "No, John Ross.  Jill isn't our spy.  It's Janice."

"What?  Janice?"

"I'm afraid so.  Ruling out Jill and one of us, Janice was the next logical suspect.  I had Bum tail her for a while, and the other day, he followed her all the way to Fort Worth on her lunch hour.  She met with  Tripp McKay there.  I also set a trap for both her and McKay.  I had an old friend, Jeffrey Grayson, help me.  Grayson owns some old fields that have long since been depleted of their oil reserves.  I created a bogus deal for Ewing Oil to buy those fields from Grayson, letting Janice think that the fields are extremely rich in crude.  She took the bait and relayed the information to Tripp McKay.  Jeffrey phoned me this morning with the news that McKay has already called him to set up a meeting."

John Ross smiles, then begins laughing.  "Well, I'll be damned.  I'll JUST be damned," he says.  "Mama, I couldn't have done that any better myself."

"Well, we did both learn about setting traps for enemies from the best, didn't we?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "Now remember, not a word about this to anyone.  Not Bobby, or Jill, not even Krystina, until we're ready to expose Janice."

"Not a word,"  John Ross says.  "But Janice? Damn.  Hard to believe."

"Yes it is.  McKay must have either had something on her, or been paying her very handsomely to betray us.  But no matter which it was, Janice's betrayal is unforgivable.  We lost several very big deals because of her.  And when the  time is right, I intend to deal with her myself."

"Good, she's all yours, then.  Oh, umm, you heard anymore about when Peter Love's sentencing hearing is gonna be?"

"Yes.  Peter's attorney had the hearing put off yet again.  It's scheduled for early next week.  I'm so ready to get this over with."

"How do you feel about him pleadin' guilty by reason of insanity?"  John Ross asks.  "He could be sent to a mental hospital instead of prison."

"I have mixed feelings.  Of course there won't be a long, drawn out trial, and that's a good thing for everyone involved.  As for Love being sent to an institution instead of prison.........even if he is, he'll be there for years, and at least he'll be out of our lives for a long time to come."

"Maybe with any luck the son of a bitch'll even die there,"  John Ross says.  "Well, I got some calls to make.  Talk to you later.  And.......thanks for not sayin' anything to Uncle Bobby about that drill yet."

"I won't be able to keep it from his forever but, hopefully until this whole spy business blows over,"  Sue Ellen says.

John Ross smiles at her, then leaves the office.

Wadley Regional Medical Center, Texarkana, Texas...

Drew Demarest is pacing around in a waiting room at Wadley Regional Medical Center in Texarkana that afternoon.  He walks to the window and looks out.  A few seconds later, a uniformed sheriff's officer comes to the door.  "Excuse me, Mr. Demarest?"

Drew turns around.  "Yes?"

The deputy leads Kasey and Corey Harper into the room.  "Mr. Demarest, these are the Harper kids, Kasey, and Corey."

"Kids,"  Drew says.  "Please, come in and sit down."

Nervously, Kasey and Corey walk over and take seats on the sofa.  

"How are you guys doing?"  Drew asks.

"Fine.  A little scared,"  Kasey replies.

"There's nothing at all to be afraid of.   How's your brother?"

"Doin' better.  Doctor said the bullet went clean through his shoulder.  He should be outta here in a couple days."

"What's gonna happen to Josh?"  Corey asks.  "Is he goin' to jail?"

"Well, son, I really don't know.  I'm not exactly sure what charges the police have against your brother, if any."

"You are gonna help him, aren't you?"  Kasey asks.  "That policeman said you was a lawyer."

"Yes, I am.  But I'm not here to talk to you about your brother.  I'm here to ask you some questions about Austin Wentworth."

"What kinda questions?"  Kasey asks.

"How did you kids meet Austin?"  Drew asks.

"His plane crashed on our farm,"  Kasey reluctantly replies.  "My brother found him and brought him back to the house."

"When was this?"  

"Not real sure.  Months ago."

"And what about the pilot?"  Drew asks.

Kasey and Corey look at each other, then both lower their heads, remaining silent.

"It's okay, kids, you can tell me.  I'm here to help you.  And I also wanna help Austin."

"Because Josh said they'd take us away from him, and he wanted to keep us together.  That's what our Mama wanted."  

"They're gonna split us up now, aint they?"  Corey asks in tears.

"I don't know,"  replies Drew.  "But Austin has asked me to help you, and I promise, I'll do everything I can."

Kasey looks at her younger brother and smiles, then reaches over and takes Corey's hand.

 The Barbara Davis Hagman Center, Fort Worth....

That afternoon at the Hagman Center for Alcohol And Drug Rehabilitation in Fort Worth, Dylan is sitting in group therapy with 9 other young men and women, with group leader Josh heading the session as one young man of about 19 is sharing his story:  "And so, I ended up in the hospital near death from an overdose of alcohol and pills," the young man says.  "I decided right then and there that I had to get help, or, I was gonna die.  My parents had kicked me out, I'd pushed all my friends away. I had no one.  That's when I ended up here."

"Thank you, Chris,"  Josh says.  "I'm afraid that's all we have time for today.  But I will see you all back here day after tomorrow for our next group session, and some of you I'll see tomorrow for our individual sessions.  That's all for today.  We have refreshments at the table, so help yourselves."

As Josh adjourns the group, everyone stands from their seats and goes to the refreshment table, Josh watches Dylan as he stands and lowers his head, not making eye contact with him or anyone else in the group.  Josh is concerned for Dylan as he watches him go to the refreshment table and pour himself a cup of punch.  Josh walks over to him.

"Uh, Dylan, can I have a word with you?"  Josh asks.

"Sure, I guess,"  Dylan says.  He follows Josh across the large room to a corner away from the others.

"Oh, dude, if you could help, that'd be great,"  Eric says.  "But I wasn't gonna ask.  I mean, after spending all day at the office yourself, I'm sure the last thing you wanna do is spend another couple hours in ANOTHER office helping me unpack."

"No problem.  Really.  Besides, I have a few hours to kill.  I'm hanging out with Conner for a while tonight.  He's been real down in the dumps ever since Dylan has been gone to rehab, so I thought maybe I could cheer him up.  You wanna come along?"

"Thanks but, maybe another time.  I have a ton of paper work I need to plow through tonight."

"Okay,"  C.J. says with a smile.  As he digs into one of Eric's boxes on the desk he pulls out a photo of a little boy.  "Hey, is this you?"  He asks, show Eric the picture.

"Your Honor,"  says the assistant D.A. of Bowie County, who stands from his seat.  "The two Harper children simply repeated a story told to them by Austin Wentworth, this isn't evidence that Mr. Wentworth was kidnapped by his brother.  This is all hearsay.  As we know, Brian Manning is a very dangerous criminal who is wanted not only by state law enforcement agencies here in Texas, but in California, as well, for the murders of three people and an unborn child.  Mr. Manning is also wanted by Federal Authorities.  Katherine Wentworth Channing, the mother of both Mr. Austin Wentworth and Brian Manning, is also a fugitive wanted by both state and Federal authorities on a number of charges."

"Your Honor, I must object,"  Drew says, standing.  "The fact that my client's mother and brother are wanted, is no indication that Mr. Wentworth was in any way involved in the crimes of his family members."

"Your Honor, Mr. Wentworth is a young man of VERY considerable resources.  He is a very wealthy young man with literally unlimited resources to flee, which is exactly what his mother did in 1984 after her arrest for the attempted murder of Bobby Ewing in Dallas."

"So now my client is to be punished for something his MOTHER did a decade before he was even born?"  Drew asks.

"I'm merely stating that Mr. Austin Wentworth, like his mother, has unlimited resources to flee the country, if he is released on bail,"  Lewis says.

"Your Honor,"  says Drew.  "My client is willing to do anything the court says in exchange for being granted bail.  He has already endured many months of a nightmarish ordeal.  Mr. Wentworth is willing to have the authorities freeze all his major assets so as to make fleeing the country impossible.  We only ask that Mr. Wentworth be granted enough financial resources to live on until such time as he is cleared of these charges.  He is also willing to wear an eletronic ankle monitor.  All he wants is to return to his home in Dallas."

 "Oh, man, that was delicious,"  C.J. says after finishing off the last piece of pizza and tossing what's left of the crust onto the pizza box, sitting on the Krebbs coffee table.

"Yeah, I am absolutely STUFFED,"  Conner says.

"Me too.  So what movie you wanna watch?"

"Well, let's see what we got here,"  Conner says, standing to his feet.  He walks over to a cabinet holding at least 50 DVDs and Blue Ray discs.  "Hey, how about the new IT movie?"

"Oh, man, yeah, I haven't even seen that one yet."

"Really?"  Conner asks.

"Yeah, remember, you and I had planned on going last year, but something came up, and we didn't go.  So, I never got to see the movie."

"Okay, that's what we'll watch, then,"  Conner says, taking the movie from the cabinet.  He walks over to the blue  

ray player, opens it, and puts the disc in.  "C.J. I wanna thank you for coming to spend the night with me tonight and keeping me company.  With Ray and Donna down in Austin visiting Margaret, I really didn't wanna be here alone."

"Hey, what are best friends for?  And cousins?"  

"Yeah, you're right,"  Conner says, retaking his seat.

"Yeah, man,"  replies Conner.  "I've never even had a traffic ticket, and here I am, about to have to go to court on a charge of reckless driving and injuring two teenagers.   I'm scared to death."

"I think it'll be alright.  You have your clean record going for you, not to mention a lot of people who'll speak up for you in court.  You have Ray, Donna, me, my Dad, and I'm sure Bobby Ewing would."

"And I really appreciate that, but it's the one person who's gonna speak AGAINST me that I'm worried about."

"John Ross?"  C.J. asks.

"Oh, yeah.  The guy hates me, and he wants to see me sent to prison for a long time for causing this accident."

"John Ross needs to learn that he can't ALWAYS have his own way.  Conner, just try and focus on everything you have going for you.  Like you said, you've never even had a traffic ticket.  That's sure to count for something.  I just can't see a judge giving you anything more than maybe a few months' probation or a suspended license."

"I hope you're right,"  Conner says.  

"I'm always right.  Now, let's try and take our minds off this, and enjoy a good movie."

"Yeah.  I'll turn the movie on."  

"You want another beer?"  C.J. asks.

"Yeah, can you grab us a couple?"  

"Sure."  C.J. gets up and goes into the kitchen.  He takes two bottles of beer from the refrigerator, then heads back into the family room, noticing a photo of sitting on the bookshelf.  "Here's your beer,"  he says, handing the beer to Conner.

"Thanks.  I'll hit 'play' on the movie any time you're ready."

"Okay,"  C.J. says.  "Umm, Conner, this is Dylan, right?"  He asks, picking up the photo.

"Yeah.  That's Dylan when he was, I think about 10 or so,"  Conner replies, looking at the picture.  "Just look at that smile.  He looked so happy then.  I really wish I'd known Dylan when we were growing up.  I missed so much time with my brother."

"I know what you mean.  Same with me and Eric,"  C.J. says.  "Time we can never get back.  Speaking of Eric, I have a picture of my brother when he was a kid, and I want you to see this."  C.J. picks up his jacket from the chair and takes the photo of Eric out of the pocket.  "Here.  Take a look at this."

Conner takes the photo and looks at it with a smile.  "How old was he here?"

"12."

"He was a cute little guy."

"Yeah, but take a good look at Eric's picture, and then at Dylan's."

Conner looks at both photos and nods.  "Okay, I'm lookin' at both.  So?"

"Bro, don't you see it?  Look closely at those two pics,"  C.J. says.  "Look at how much my brother and your brother

 looked like each other when they were children."

"Yeah,"  says Conner.  "You know, you're right.  The resemblance is.......bizarre.  Uncanny.  But, I mean, lots of people look alike.  Doesn't mean anything.  Just a coincidence.  They're not even related."

"I know, which is weird,"  says C.J.  "But just look at them.  Dylan and Eric look more like brothers than either of us look like them."

Conner again looks at the photos of Dylan and Eric.

The Wentworth Mansion....

Austin unlocks the front door of his home in Dallas, and he and Drew walk in.  He turns the light switch just inside the door, but the light doesn't come on.  "Well,"  Austin says.  "I never thought about that.  Since I was gone, and my Mom, too, there was no one to pay the electric bill.  So, my house has no electricity."

"I'm sorry, Austin,"  Drew says.  "Come on.  I'll get you a room at the Omni Hotel."

"On a measly $700 a week the court is allowing me to have?"  Austin asks.  "Yeah that might get me one night at the Omni."

"Don't worry about the money.  I'll take care of it."

Austin looks around the darked living room of his home, remembering the last time he was here, months ago, the night he was kidnapped by Brian.  

"Austin?"  Drew says.  

"Yeah, okay.  Let's get out of here."  Austin takes one more look around, then leaves with Drew.  

Southfork....

 Maria comes into the foyer at Southfork to answer the ringing doorbell.  She opens the door to Drew Demarest.  "Mr. Demarest," she says.  "Please, come in."

"Thank you.  Is John Ross at home?"

"Yes, he is.  I'll get him for you,"  Maria says.  The maid smiles, then goes up the stairs.  

Bobby and Ann come into the foyer.  "Drew, good evening,"  Bobby says.

"Evening, Mr. Ewing."

"What on Earth brings you out here this time of night?"  Ann asks.

"I need to speak to John Ross."

"Well, well, Drew Demarest,"  John Ross says, coming down the stairs.  "Maria said you wanted to see me."

"Yes, John Ross.  I need to get in touch with your former stepmother, Cally Harper, or her son Justin.  It's very important."

"What the hell you need to get in touch with Cally or Justin for?"  John Ross asks.

"It's a rather private matter.  About a family member of theirs in Bowie County."

"Alright,"  John Ross says.  "Justin should be home now.  His ranch itn't far from here."

"Yes, it's over on Gray Lane, about three miles from here,"  Bobby says.  "You can't miss it."

"Thanks, Bobby."

"Hey, Demarest,"  John Ross says.  "What's this all about?"

"Like I said, John Ross, it's a private matter,"  Drew replies.  "I'm sure your brother will tell you about it.  Thank you again, and I'm sorry to have disturbed you folks this late."

"It's no problem, Drew,"  says Bobby.

"Goodnight, folks,"  Drew says, then quickly leaves.

"Now what could that have been about?"  John Ross asks.

"As Drew said, I'm sure Justin will tell you all about it, later,"  Bobby says.  He smiles and looks at Ann.  "Come on, honey, let's go up to bed."

"Good idea.  I'm pretty tired." 

"Night, John Ross,"  Bobby says, he and Ann heading up the stairs to their bedroom.

"Yeah, night,"  John Ross says, a look of curiousity on his face, wondering why Drew Demarest wanted to get in touch with Justin and Cally.

Justin's ranch house.....

 Justin comes onto the front porch of his ranch house that night and looks up at the clouds in the darkened sky.  His thoughts turn to Pamela and he takes his cell phone from his pocket.  Opening his contacts, he scrolls down to Pamela's name.  Looking at her photo beside her name in his phone, Justin has to fight the urge to dial her number.  A tear falls down his cheek and his heart is filled with sadness over their breakup, but the sadness is quickly replaced with anger when he thinks about the reason for the breakup.  "Damn you, McKay," Justin says angrily.  "Pamela and I WILL be together again, and there's nothing you will be able to do about it.  And I promise you that you will pay for threatening the woman I love.  If John Ross doesn't destroy you.......I will."  Justin's train of thought is interrupted when a car pulls into the driveway and comes to a stop.  Justin wonders who could be coming by at almost 10 at night.  

Drew gets out of his car and approaches the house.  "Justin Ewing?"  

"Yes, I'm Justin Ewing.  Can I help you?"

"Mr. Ewing, I'm Drew Demarest, and I'm an attorney in Dallas."

"Oh yes, you're the attorney who was handling Christopher and Courtney's custody case,"  Justin says.

"Yes, I was until an unfortunate accident forced me to step down from the case."

"Well, what can I do for you, Mr. Demarest?"

"Mr. Ewing, I need to get in touch with your mother, Cally Harper,"  Drew replies.

"My mother?"

"Yes.  It's about her brother, Japhet Harper."

"Japhet.  That's a name I haven't heard in years.  My mother had not spoken to or seen either one of her brothers in years.  In fact, I never even met either of my uncles.  And from everything I heard about them, I'm glad I never had that chance.  What's this about?"

"I take it you're unaware that your Uncle Japhet Harper passed away a few years ago?"  Drew asks.

"No.  I didn't know that.  My mother must not have known, either.  She never mentioned it."

"Well, your uncle and his wife are both deceased.  And, they left behind three children.  Two sons and a daughter."

"I'm sorry to hear that,"  Justin says.  "But what does this have to do with me?"

"Well, Mr. Ewing, you and your mother are the only living blood relatives those children have in the world.  Their mother had no family that they knew of."

"Only livin' blood relatives?  What about my Mama's other brother?  Ummmm, what was his name?  Boaz?"

Drew smiles.  "Umm, your other Uncle, Boaz Harper, is in prison serving five years on a felony assault charge."

"Oh, wow,"  Justin says.  "How old are Japhet's kids?"

"The oldest, Josh, is 17,"  Drew says.  "The girl, Kasey, is 16, and the youngest boy, Corey Harper, is 12.  They had been living on their family's farm near Texarkana for the past couple of years all alone, ever since their mother died."

"Alone?  How?"

"Their farm is literally in the middle of nowhere.  It's a very isolated, rural community.  Kinda place where people mind their own business.  Those three kids were able to live out there on that farm all alone for two years, and nobody even knew."

"My God.  That's really incredible."

"Look, it's a long story.  I know it's late, but, you really need to hear this.  Would you mind if we went in the house and sat down and talked?"

"Of course,"  Justin says.  "Please, come in."

"Thank you,"  Drew says.  He walks onto the porch and into the house, followed by Justin.  

Jeremy Wendell's penthouse....

Katherine is standing at the window in the living room of Jeremy's penthouse when Tripp walks in.  "Tripp, you're back,"  Katherine says, walking over to him.  

"Yeah, I just got back a little while ago."

"I've been calling you all day, why didn't you answer or return my calls?"  

"Because you're a fugitive on the run from the law, Katherine, and I didn't think it would be smart for us to communicate by phone."

"Well how did it go in Texarkana?"  Katherine asks.  "Is my son alright?"

"Austin's fine.  In fact, he's back home in Dallas tonight.  He and I flew back this evening from Texarkana with Drew Demarest."

"He's out on bail.  Thank God."

"Yes.  He's out on bail."

"Tripp, thank you so much for helping him.  What about Brian?  Did you hear any news about him?"

"Your other son is still on the loose.  There's a huge manhunt for him in that whole region of Texas and into Arkansas.  It's only a matter of time before he's found."

"That's what scares me,"  says Katherine.  "Brian will never allow himself to be taken alive.  I hate this.  I wish I could help him."

Tripp looks at her.  "You really do mean that, don't you?"

"Of course, I do.  Brian is my son."

"Well now, isn't this interesting?  The cold, calculating Katherine Wentworth actually has feelings for someone other than herself.......or Bobby Ewing.  I didn't know you had it in you."

"I do love my children, and I would do anything for them."

Tripp smiles.  "Yes, and you proved that when you agreed to do whatever I wanted in exchange for helping Austin.  Well, time for me to collect on that first payment," he says, touching Katherine's face.  She tries to pull away, but Tripp pulls her closer to him.  "Hey, now.  We have a deal.  I help Austin, and I get the exclusive use of your services any time I want them."

"You really are disgusting,"  Katherine says.  

"I've been called worse,"  Tripp says, pulling her into a kiss as Jeremy Wendell quietly walks into the room.  Seeing his grandson with Katherine, Jeremy pauses at the door and watches the two kiss for several seconds.  

"Well, isn't this a surprise?"  Jeremy asks, startling both Tripp and Katherine, who turn to look at him.  "Isn't anybody going to welcome me home?"

Tripp looks at him and smiles.  "Well, well, hello, Grandfather.  Welcome home.  As you can see, I've discovered your little secret here."

"Yes, so you have."

Jeremy's butler, William, walks into the room.  "Mr. Wendell, you're home."

"Yes, William, I'm home,"  Jeremy says.  "Would you fix me a drink, William?  Then you and Mrs. Channing leave us alone.  My grandson and I have some things to talk about."

Katherine walks past Jeremy and leaves the room.  

"What the hell are you doing here, Tripp?"  Jeremy asks.

"Taking over,"  replies Tripp.  "This little secret of yours, namely, that lovely lady who just walked out of here, gives ME the upper hand in this whole situation."

"You think so, do you?  And what about you?  Doesn't knowing Katherine is here and not turning her in to the authorities make you just as complicit as me?"

"Maybe it does.  But I'm not worried.  Because I know you would never risk going to prison again at your age just to squeal on me.  So, while we both could be implicated in aiding and abetting Katherine Wentworth, you have FAR more to lose than I do.  So from now on, Grandfather, you're gonna do exactly as I say.  Or, I'll make sure you spend what little is left of your pathetic life  rotting away in a prison cell."

Jeremy looks at his grandson with anger, his mind already thinking of a way to pay his grandson back...

END OF EPISODE 168....