EPISODE 169 - The Revelation

 Bobby, Ann, Lucy, John Ross, Krystina, Lucas, Heather, and Michael are enjoying breakfast on the patio on a warm spring Saturday morning.  "Where are Christopher, Courtney, and Jacob this morning?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Christopher and Courtney are sleeping in,"  Bobby replies.  

 

"Michael, Jacob itn't comin' down to breakfast?"  Ann asks.

 

"Nope, said he wasn't hungry."

"I think Alex had the same idea,"  says John Ross.  "Boy stayed out real late last night with Bridget."

 

"I think Alex and Bridget make a lovely couple,"  Heather says.  

 

"So do I,"  agrees Krystina.

 

"Oh, I think so, too,"  John Ross says.  "He just spend too much of his time with that girl lately."

 

"What's the matter, John Ross?"  Lucas asks with a smile.  "Afraid Alex is gonna make you a grandpa before you turn 40?"

 

"Lucas, if you ever think about havin' plastic surgery like your Mama did, I seriously hope you'll consider havin' your mouth sewed up,"  John Ross says.

 

Lucy laughs at the comment.  "Wow.  It's scary.  Some days it's almost like having J.R. back in our lives."

 

Bobby smiles.  Just then Justin's car drives up and comes to a stop in the parking area.  "Well, it's Justin,"  Bobby says.

 

Justin gets out of his car and walks over to the others. "Mornin'."

 

"Hello, Justin,"  Krystina says.

 

"Sit down and have some breakfast,"  Ann says.

 

"Thanks, Ann, I'd love to, but, I can't this mornin',"  Justin says.  "I'm on my way to Texarkana."

 

"What the hell are you goin' there for?"  John Ross asks.  "Especially with James and Debra Lynn comin' to town today."

 

"Where's Texarkana?"  Michael asks.

 

"It's a town on the Texas/Arkansas border,"  Justin tells the boy.

 

"Don't you remember, sweety?"  Heather asks.  "I worked on a ranch there when you were about 5, before we came here to Southfork."

 

"Is this about Drew Demarest's visit last night?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Yes, it is."

 

"What was that all about?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Well, Demarest came to see me about my Mama's brother, Japhet Harper,"  replies Justin.  "He died a few years."

 

"I'm sorry to hear that,"  says Bobby.  

 

"It's okay, Uncle Bobby, I never even knew the man.  And, apparently Mama didn't even know he was dead because she never mentioned it to me.  But, anyway, his wife died a while back, too, and they have three kids.  I tried to get in touch with Mama last night, but she's in New York showin' off some of her paintin's at an art gallery there. and since I'm their only livin' blood relative available right now, Demarest asked me to go and see them."

 

"How did Drew Demarest get involved?"  Lucas asks.  

 

Justin smiles.  "Well, THAT is a long story.  But, the short version is.......months ago, when Austin Wentworth and that nutcase of a brother of his left Dallas on the Wentworth jet, it crashed........on my uncle's farm.  That's where Wentworth has been all this time."

 

"You're kidding,"  Lucy says.

 

"No, I'm not.  Real crazy coincidence."

 

"Is that the farm where Austin Wentworth was arrested a couple days ago?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Yes, sir, it sure is."

 

"You still haven't told us how Drew Demarest, a Dallas lawyer, got involved in this situation with your cousins,"  Bobby says.

 

"Well, apparently, Demarest is representin' Austin  Wentworth,"  Justin says.

 

"He's what?"  

 

"Someone hired Demarest to represent Wentworth.  In fact, he got Wentworth out on bail yesterday and they flew back to Dallas last night."

 

"Who hired him?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I dunno, he wouldn't tell me that,"  Justin replies.  "Those three kids, my cousins, are now in state custody until someone can provide them a foster home."

 

"You gonna bring 'em back here, to your place?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I dunno.  I'm gonna have to meet 'em first, and then decide.  Well, anyway, I have to get goin'.  I just wanted to let y'all know what was happenin'."

 

"When will you be back?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Hopefully this afternoon.  If not, then tomorrow.  I'll see y'all later."

 

"Bye, Justin,"  Lucas says.  

 

As Justin leaves, Alex comes out of the house.  "Hey, was that Justin?"

 

"Yes it was,"  Bobby replies.  

 

"You have fun over at Justin's house last night?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I sure did.  Well, I gotta go, I'll see you guys later."

 

"Where in the world are you off to so early on a Saturday?"  Krystina asks.  

 

"I'm going to play tennis with Bridget,"  Alex replies.

 

"Tennis?  YOU?"  Asks a skeptical Lucas.

 

"Yes, me.  I actually like the game since Bridget introduced me to it."

 

"You and Bridget McKinnon have gotten really close, huh?"  Lucy asks.

 

"Yes, we have,"  Alex says with a smile.

 

"I think my son's in love,"  says John Ross.  "And I have an idea.  Why don't you invite Bridget and her grandmother Donna out here for dinner one night?  Or better yet, why don't we have a little party here at Southfork?  Maybe a cookout or somethin'?"

 

"John Ross, I think that's a great idea,"  Bobby says.  

 

"So do I,"  says Krystina.  "It would give us a chance to get to know Bridget and her family a little better.  Alex, why don't you ask Bridget and Ms. Love today?  Let's see, we could do it tomorrow afternoon?  Ann?  Bobby, would that be a problem?  James, Debra Lynn, and Ashley are gonna be in town, so we could invite them, too."

 

Alex lowers his head as John Ross clears his throat.  An awkward moment of silence follows.

 

"Did I say something wrong?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Yeah, it sure got quiet all of a sudden,"  Heather says. 

 

"Ummm, I'll invite Bridget and Ms. Love, and her Aunt Marley if she's in town,"  Alex says.  "See you all later."

 

"Bye, and be careful,"  John Ross says as his son leaves.  

 

"Okay, what was that all about?"  Krystina asks.  "Why this awkward silence when I mentioned James and his family coming?  Is there something that I don't know about?"

 

"Yeah, darlin', it wasn't so much James and Debra Lynn, but Ashley's name that caused things to get awkward."

 

"I don't understand."

 

"There's a history there.  Somethin' that happened before you joined the fam'ly.  Y'see, Alex and Ashley dated for a while."

 

"Yeah, they even fell in love,"  Lucas says.

 

"What?"  Heather asks.  "But......they're first cousins.  Or, half-first cousins, anyway."

 

"That was before anybody knew about that,"  replies John Ross.  "Before anybody knew that Alex was my son.  Anybody but your husband, that is it."

 

"Let me get this straight,"  says Krystina.  "Alex dated and fell in love with James and Debra Lynn's daughter, and then they found out they were related?"

 

"That's right."

 

"When the kids found out, they were both devastated,"  says Bobby.  

 

"Maybe we shouldn't ask the Beaumonts, then,"  Krystina says.

 

"No, I think it'll be alright.  That was three years ago, and I think both Alex and Ashley have moved on,"  says John Ross.  "He's real happy with Bridget now, so go ahead and ask my big brother and his fam'ly over."

 Dallas-Love Field Airport.....later....

 Jimmy is waiting at Dallas-Love Field Airport later that morning, when he spots his parents and sister through the crowd.  He begins waving to them.

 

"Hey, there he is,"  Ashley Beaumont tells her parents.   The three Beaumonts make their way through the crowd to Jimmy, who meets them. 

 

 

                       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alex and Bridget are enjoying a very rousing game of tennis at Dallas's scenic Athletic Club late that morning.  Bridget scores her final 10 points, bringing her score to 40, and wins the game.  "Well, told you I was gonna beat the pants off of you, Walton," she says.

 

"Wow.  You weren't kidding when you said tennis was your best game,"  says an out of breath Alex.

 

"What's it look like?  I'm working."

 

"You're working here?" Alex asks.  "Since when?"

 

"I just started today.  And, since my mother decided that I needed to get a job and be more...........self sufficient, as she calls it.  So what can I get for you?"

 

"I'll have a cheeseburger and fries,"  Bridget says.

 

"I'll take the chicken salad,"  says Alex.  

 

"And drinks?"

 

"We'll both have coke,"  replies Alex.

 

"Comin' right up,"  Shawn says.  He turns and walks away.  

 

"I'll be right back,"  says Alex.  Getting up from his seat, he hurries to catch up to his friend.  "Shawn," he calls.

 

Shawn stops and turns to face him.  "Yeah?"

 

"Dude, I had no idea that your Mom was pressuring you to get a job."

 

"Yeah, well, she just started last week.  Dr. Cooper brought me an application from here.  I filled it out, brought it back, and the next day the manager called me to come in for an interview."

 

Alex smiles.  "I'm surprised she made you get a job since both your brother and your grandfather are billionaires."

 

"Well, bro, my family isn't as awesome as the Ewings,"  Shawn says in a bitter tone.  "My brother never even comes around or contacts me anymore, and as far as my grandfather goes.......I've never even met him, and I think my Mom would rather we both starve to death than ever take a dime from Jeremy Wendell.  I gotta get back to work.  I'll bring your orders out when they're ready."

 

"Thanks,"  Alex says as Shawn walks away from him.  After a brief pause, he walks back over to the table and takes a seat across from Bridget.

 

"Wow, Shawn was about the last person I ever expected to see working here,"  Bridget says.

 

"Yeah, no kidding.  And I don't think he's real happy about it, either,"  Alex says.

Texarkana, Texas 

 Justin is waiting in a conference room at Wadley Regional Medical Center in Texarkana that afternoon when the door opens, and a woman and a police officer walk into the room, followed by Justin's cousins, Kasey and Corey Harper.

 

"Mr. Ewing?"  The sheriff's deputy asks.

 

"Yes?"

 

"I'm Deputy Conway with the Bowie County Sheriff's Department, and this is my wife, Tina."

 

"Hello."

 

"And this is Kasey and Corey,"  Tina Conway says.  

 

"Kasey.  Corey,"  Justin says to the two frightened and nervous kids..

 

"Kasey and Corey have been stayin' with us since day before yesterday,"  the deputy says.  

 

"That's good."

 

"Well, we'll just leave the three of you alone for a little while,"  Tina says.  She and her husband look at Justin, and at the children, then leave the room, closing the door behind them.  

 

Justin looks at the two kids nervously.  "So, how're you guys doin'?"

 

"Fine,"  Kasey replies in a soft voice.

 "I'm your cousin, Justin."

 

"Deputy Conway told us,"  Kasey says.  

 

"So your Mama is our aunt?"  Corey asks.

 

"That's right.  She was your Daddy's sister.  I'm real sorry about your parents."

 

"Thank you,"  says Kasey.  "You didn't even know about us, did you?"

 

"No.  I didn't,"  replies Justin.  

 

"It's kinda weird havin' a cousin we didn't know about,"  says Corey.

 

Justin smiles.  "Yeah, it is kinda weird.  But y'know what?  I'm real glad that I know about you guys now, and it's really good to meet you."  He walks over to the two and extends his hand.

 

Kasey and Corey look at their cousin's extended hand for a moment.  Finally, Corey shakes Justin's hand, then Kasey shakes his hand as well.  As Justin smiles at them, Kasey and Corey begin to feel more comfortable with their newly discovered cousin and return Justin's smiles.  Meanwhile, standing outside the room watching through the window, Deptuty Conway and his wife also smile, hoping that Kasey and Corey will be okay now.

Later....

Justin emerges from the conference room a little more than an hour later.  Deputy Conway and his wife approach him.  Justin smiles.  "They seem like great kids," Justin says.

 

"They are,"  Tina says.  "Just a little shy, and not too well educated."

 

"Well, Mr. Ewing?  You've met Kasey and Corey, and the three of you seem to hit it off pretty well,"  says Deputy Conway.  "Will you be able to take the children?"

 

"If I don't take them, what will happen to them?"  

 

"Foster care, prob'ly.  My wife and I would like to take the kids, but, Tina's health itn't the best, and I'm workin' a lot, so, we just wouldn't be able to."

 

"Mr. Ewing,"  Tina says.  "I can understand if you wouldn't want this responsibility.  After all, you're a young man, and have your own life, and before today you'd never layed eyes on these kids before."

 

"Yeah.  Before last night, I never even knew they existed,"  Justin says, watching the kids through the window into the conference room.  "I'll take them.  After all, they're my kin.  My Mama is in New York for a couple weeks.  Kasey and Corey can come back to Dallas with me, and stay.  Then when my Mama is finished with her business in New York I'll talk to her and see if she would like to take the kids.  She lives alone in Florida, so, she could give them a good home, and a whole lotta love.  I do have a question, though."

 

"What is it?"  Deputy Conway asks.

 

"What about their brother, Josh?"  Justin asks.  "I haven't ,met him yet, but I understand he's still here in the hospital?"

 

"Yes, he is."

 

"So what happens to him now?  Is he gonna have to face charges"

 

"Well, Austin Wentworth said he itn't gonna press any charges for Josh holdin' him at the farm all those months.  But unfortunately, Josh will have to answer for Kasey and Corey.  For keepin' those kids there for the past two years with no adult supervision, and not sendin' them to school.  Now I'm gonna put in a good word for him.  And since Josh won't turn 18 til next month, he's bein' charged as a juvenile, so that'll go better for him."

 

"What do you think's gonna happen?"  Justin asks.  

 

"He'll prob'ly have to do a few months in youth detention."

 

"I'll do whatever I can to help him.  And I'd like to meet him, if that's okay."

 

"Sure, I'll arrange it,"  says Deputy Conway.  "And I'll also contact Judge Hattaway and see about arrangin' for you to take the kids back to Dallas with you."

 

"Thanks,"  Justin says  "I'll tell the kids."  He walks into the conference room.  "Hey guys," he says to Kasey and Corey.  "Looks like you two will be comin' back to Dallas with me."

 

"And what about Josh?"  Kasey asks.

 

"Well, we'll have to see."

 

A worried Kasey and Corey exchange looks.

Donna Love's home....

 That afternoon, Donna Love walks her visiting nephew Eric to the door of her new home on the outskirts of Dallas, as he is about to leave.  "Eric, I wish you wouldn't rush off so soon,"  Donna tells him.

 

"Well, I wouldn't, Aunt Donna, but I'm having lunch with C.J. and his Dad in town, and I'm already running late.  I just wanted to stop by and see the new house."

 

"And what do you think?"

 

"I love it.  It's beautiful."

 

"You know, darling, I really wish that you would take me up on my offer and move in here with Bridget and I.  With Marley splitting her time between Dallas and Bay City, it's just Bridget and I in this great big house, and we have more room than we know what to do with."

 

Eric smiles.  "Well, thank you, Aunt Donna, but I really need my own place.  That's why I need to move out of C.J.'s apartment."

 

"I understand.  You're young, and single, and you need your privacy.  But, just know that, if you change your mind, the offer is always opens."

 

"Thanks, I appreciate that,"  Eric says, giving his aunt a hug.  "I'll see you in a couple days at my Dad's sentencing hearing."

 

"Alright.  I love you."

 

"Love you, too,"  Eric says.  As he opens the door to leave, Bridget and Alex are standing there.  

 

"Eric, hi,"  Bridget says.

 

"Hey, Bridget, how's it going?"  

 

"Going great.  I hear you've moved to Dallas, too."

 

"Yeah, well, with my Dad about to be.......you know.......there was nothing keeping me in San Francisco, especially all my family is here now."

 

"Well, that's great,"  Bridget says.  "You remember my boyfriend, Alex Walton?"

 

"Sure, I do.  How ya doin', Alex?"  

 

"Fine,"  Alex says, shaking hands with Eric.

 

"Well, I really do have to go.  I'll see you guys later,"  says Eric.

 

"Bye, sweetheart,"  Donna says as her nephew leaves.  She closes the door behind him.

 

"I really feel so bad for him,"  Bridget says sadly.  "His Dad about to go to prison for killing his Mom."

 

"More than likely, Peter will go to a hospital, where he'll get the help that he needs,"  Donna says.  "Well, did you two have fun?"

 

"Yes, ma'am, we sure did,"  Alex replies.

 

"Grandmother, Alex's family is having a cookout at Southfork tomorrow evening,"  Bridget says.  

 

"Oh, is that right?"

 

"Yes, ma'am, and you and Bridget are invited,"  Alex says.  "My family would love to have you."

 

"Thank you, Alex, and what time would this be?"  Donna asks.

 

"I think around 5 or so?"

 

"We'll be there,"  Donna says, coldly.  

 

"Cool.  Well, I'm gonna head on home,"  Alex says.  "Still on for dinner tonight?"  He asks Bridget.

 

"Of course."

 

"Great, I'll pick you up at 6:30."

 

"Alright,"  Bridget says, kissing him.  "Bye."

 

"Bye.  Ms. Love."

 

"Alex,"  Donna says as the boy leaves.  She closes the door behind him.

 

"Grandmother, why can't you be nicer to Alex?"  Bridget asks.

 

"Darling, I don't know what you're talking about, I'm VERY nice to him."

 

"No, you're not.  Every time you speak to him it sounds like you're talking DOWN to him, like you think he's not good enough for us or something."

 

"Well, I'm sorry, I had no idea I was doing that,"  says Donna.  "And darling, don't you think you're spending just a little too much time with that boy?"

 

"I'm in love with him, Grandmother."

 

"Sweetheart, you're much too young to know what true love is."

 

"Really?  Weren't you younger than I am now when you fell in love with my grandfather, Michael Hudson?"  Bridget asks.

 

"Well, yes, I was, but......"

 

"And your father also disapproved of THAT relationship, didn't he?"

 

"Yes, but....."

 

"I rest my case,"  Bridget says.  "Please just be happy for me and don't interfere the way your father did.  We both know how well THAT turned out, don't we?  I'm gonna go take a shower."  The girl kisses her grandmother on the cheek, then heads up the stairs, Donna shaking her head.

Southfork....afternoon....

 At Southfork that afternoon, Bobby, Ann, John Ross, and Krystina are sitting on the back porch visiting with James, Debra Lynn, Ashley, and Jimmy.  Debra Lynn has little Eve sitting on the table, Little John sitting on the table beside Eve playing with her, and Krystina is holding baby Ellie.  

 

"John Ross, you've got yourself a beautiful little daughter,"  James says.

 

"Well, thank ya, James.  I think so, too.  And your little girl is as cute as a button, herself."

 

"Eve has brought so much joy into our lives,"  says Debra Lynn.  "And I was really when I found out I was pregnant about having a baby at my age.  But this little miracle has turned out to be one of the three best things that have ever happened to James and I."

 

"Oh yeah? What were the other two?"  Jimmy asks with a smile.

 

"As if you didn't know,"  James says.  

 

"Krystina, can I hold the baby?"  Ashley asks.

 

"Sure,"  Krystina replies.  She stands with Ellie and then gently hands her to Ashley.  

 

"Oh, she's sooo cute,"  Ashley says.

 

"Krystina, I'm sure that you're probably gonna hire a nurse for little Ellie, but, if you're ever in the need for a sitter, call Ashley once she moves back to Dallas for college.  She's great with kids."

 

"Debra Lynn, we'll prob'ly take her up on that,"  says John Ross.  

 "James, how's everything goin' for you back east?"  Bobby asks.  "You're doing well in that business you started up?"

 

James smiles.  "To tell you the truth, Bobby, things couldn't be much better.  And yes, Beaumont Construction is doing VERY well.  Now that the economy has improved, there's a big building boom in and around Boston, and I'm taking full advantage of it.  In fact, if things keep going as well as they have been I just may open up a Dallas branch of the business and put my son in charge."

 

Jimmy laughs.  "Thanks, Dad, but I really don't have any interest in going into the construction business."

 

"Well, neither did I until I was older."

 

"From what I hear, Jimmy might be joinin' our baby brother at Ewing Records,"  John Ross says.  

 

"What's this?"  James asks.

 

"Well, yeah, Justin did ask me about coming to work at Ewing Records,"  says Jimmy.

 

"Are you gonna do it?" Ashley asks her brother.

 

"I probably am."

 

"Wow, that'll be really exciting.  Maybe when I move here, I can get a part time job there."

 

Meanwhile, Alex's Ford Escape drives up and comes to a stop.  The boy gets out of the car and walks over to where the others are sitting on the porch.  

 

"Well, there's my boy,"  John Ross says.

 

Alex and Ashley exchange looks.  "Hi, everyone," he says.

 

"Alex, good to see you again," says James.

 

"Thanks, you, too."

 

 

 

 

 

"Yeah, you, too,"  Ashley says as Alex goes into the house.  Fighting back tears, Ashley gives the baby back to Krystina and takes a seat, a look of sadness and heartbreak on her face.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Justin's ranch house......night....

 

Justin unlocks the front door of his home that night, and walks in with Kasey and Corey.  He switches on the light in the living room.  "Well, y'all, this is it.  Home."

 

"You live here all by yourself?"  Corey asks.

 

"Well, no, my nephew, Jimmy, he lives here, too.  But he's gone out to dinner with his parents and his sister.  They're here visitin' from Boston for a few days."

 

"He's your nephew?"  Kasey asks.  "So he's our cousin?"

 

"No.  Umm, you see, Jimmy's father and I, we had the same father, but not the same mother.  So, Jimmy's not related to you guys.  Well, look, you two just make yourselves at home.  My house, is your house.  And, you can go upstairs and unpack.  Kasey, you can take the bedroom all the way at the end of the hall, and Corey, you can have the bedroom in the middle, next to mine."

 

The two siblings exchange sad looks between them, both looking as if their entire world had crashed and they really didn't want to be here.

 

Justin walks over to his cousins.  "Y'know, guys, this whole thing here, is, really new to all of us.  I know y'all are scared.  You feel like your world has been turned upside down.  I understand.  But I want you to know, everything's gonna be alright."

 

"What about Josh?"  Kasey asks.

 

"I'm gonna do all I can to help Josh,"  Justin says.  "I promise.  Now, look, it's been a real long day, so why don't you two go on up to your rooms, and get unpacked, and get some rest soon."

 

"I am kinda tired,"  Corey says.  

 

"Bathroom is last door on the left down the hall."

 

Kasey and Corey nod, and start to head up the stairs.  Kasey pauses, and turns back to Justin.  "Thank you," she says.

 

Justin looks at the girl and smiles.  "You're welcome, honey, now you you go on and get some sleep.  Night."

 

"Night,"  Kasey says, then follows her little brother up the stairs.

 

Justin walks into the living room and takes a seat in a chair beside the fireplace.  He lets out a deep sigh as he runs his hand through his blonde hair and wonders what he's gotten himself into.  Can he really handle the responsibility of taking care of these two troubled, orphaned kids, two cousins he had no idea even existed until about 24 hours ago.

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

Bobby is sitting at the patio table the next morning, talking on the phone to Justin, when Ann comes out of the house.  "Well, that's good, I'm glad to hear,"  Bobby says to his nephew.  "Listen, you just bring those kids over to the party at Southfork this evening, and they can swim and have fun with the other kids, and I'm sure they'll fit right in.  Alright, we look forward to seein' you.  Yeah, around 5.  Okay, Justin.  Bye."

 

"How'd his trip to Texarkana go?"  Ann asks, taking a seat at the table and pouring herself a cup of coffee.

 

"It went fine.  He brought back two of his cousins.  The girl, Kasey, and the younger boy."

 

"I can't wait to meet 'em."

 

"Neither can I."

 

"Bobby, why didn't you wake me earlier?  It's after nine."

 

"Because you tossed and turned most of the night, like ya do most nights lately, and you were FINALLY sleepin' so soundly this morning, I didn't wanna wake you."

 

"Sue Ellen is comin' over to help with some of the party preparations.  She'll be here any time."

 

"Honey, why haven't you been sleepin'?  Does it have anything to do with Brian Manning still being on the loose?"  Bobby asks.

 

Ann looks at her husband.  "Of course it does.  Brian Manning killed my brother."

 

"So you'd like to see him locked up for the rest of his life, but not Katherine?"

 

"I never said that.  I'd like nothin' better than for Katherine Wentworth and that whole damned family to be out of our lives for good.  To never even hear their names again."

 

"At least we agree on that,"  Bobby says.  Just then, Sue Ellen's car drives up and comes to a stop in the parking area.  She gets out and walks over to them.

 

"Good morning, Bobby, Ann," she says.

 

"Morning, Sue Ellen.  Ann tells me you're helping her with the big get together this afternoon."

 

"I'm here to do what I can.  Bobby, Catlin said that he'll be along in a little while, and the two of you can visit."

 

"Oh, good.  It's been a while since he and I talked."

 

"Bobby, have you talked to Ray?"  Ann asks.  "Are he and Donna gonna be able to make it?"

 

"No, they're still in Austin visiting Matt and Margaret,"  Bobby replies.  "Donna has some business with the Railroad Commission tomorrow, and Ray's gonna stay over one more night to spend more time with Margaret and the baby."

 

"Sue Ellen, would you like some breakfast?"  Ann asks.

 

"No, thank you, I've already eaten, but I would love some coffee."

 

"Sure, help yourself."

 

"Well, if you ladies will excuse me, I'm gonna go out and see if I can help Lucas on that fence that needed mendin',"  Bobby says, getting up from the table.  "I'll see you both later.  Sue. shoot me a text when Catlin's on his way."

 

Sue Ellen smiles.  "I will," she says.  Bobby smiles at the women, then leaves.  

 

 

 

 

"Sue Ellen, thank GOODNESS you came along when you did,"  Ann says.

 

"Why, is something wrong?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Not really.  It's just that, I can't seem to have a conversation with Bobby these days without the subject of Katherine Wentworth or one of her children comin' up."

 

 

"Ann, I see what this secret is doing to you,"  Sue Ellen says.  "I see how it's tearing you apart.  You have to tell Bobby the truth about Emma's baby before he finds out some other way."

 

Ann looks at her.  "Sue Ellen, I can't do that."

 

"Ann, you and I both know from painful experience, that secrets like this always find a way of coming out when we least expect it.  And when they do, they always cause an untold amount of damage.  The best thing that you can do is tell Bobby the truth now, before it comes out.  You said yourself that Katherine knows, and that you've been receiving those strange letters in the mail.  Ann, that HAS to be Katherine doing that, if no one else knows but her, Emma, and the two of us.  What if Katherine finds a way to reveal the truth to Bobby?"

 

"That's a fear I live with durin' my every waking moment,"  Ann says, fighting back tears.

 

"Then wouldn't it be better if he finds out from you, than from her?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "Yes, he'll be upset.  But Bobby loves you, and he's always forgiven you."

 

"But will he forgive me for this?  For keepin' the paternity of his grandson from him for so long?  For keepin' Lucas's own child away from him for over a year?"

 

"You were trying to protect Emma, as well as Lucas's marriage to Heather.  Bobby will understand that."

 

Ann wipes a tear from her face, then looks at her friends.  "Maybe you're right.  Maybe it's time the truth did come out, before it does even more damage.  But first, I have to talk to Emma.  I have to make sure that she's okay with this."

 

Sue Ellen reaches over and takes her friend by the hand.

Southfork....that evening....

 

 

At Southfork that evening, a large crowd of people, including much of the Ewing family and numerous friends, are gathered at Southfork.  Several couples are dancing near the pool as singer Dustin Lynch's hit song Hell Of A Night is playing over loud speakers set up on the patio.  Bobby watches from the patio as Christopher and Courtney, and Lucas and Heather dance to the song.  Catlin walks over to him carrying a bottle of beer.

 

"Great party, Bobby,"  Catlin says.

 

"Well, thank you.  I think so, too, given it was kinda thrown together on such short notice."

 

"This music, umm, is this supposed to be country?"  Catlin asks.

 

"That's what they tell me, anyway, although it's really not my cup of tea,"  Bobby says.  "But, the young people seem to like it, and they chose the music for this."

 

"It's not my cup of tea, either.  I don't even know who this guy is.  I'm more into George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Earl Thomas Conley, myself."

 

Bobby laughs.  "You and me both.  It's amazing how music has changed.  I guess we're just gettin' old."

 

"Yep, I guess so.  Well, here's to the good old days,"  Catlin says, raising his bottle.  Bobby raises his and the two toast.  

 

Meanwhile, across the patio, Alex and Bridget have been dancing as the song comes to a close.  "I love that song,"  Bridget says as the dance ends.  

 

"Yeah, me, too,"  says Alex.  

 

"Hey, let's go get some punch."

 

"Wouldn't you rather have a beer?"

 

"Of course I would, but, y'know, Grandmother is here and she'd have my hide,"  Bridget says as Ashley walks up to them.  

 

"Hi, Alex,"  Ashley says.  

 

"Ashley, hey.  Enjoying yourself?"

 

"Yeah, I am, this is a lot of fun.  So.....aren't you gonna introduce us?"

"Ann's.  I'm Shawn Smith."

 

"Hi, Shawn.  I'm Ashley Beaumont."

 

"Beaumont?  Oh, you must be Jimmy's little sister."

 

"Yes, I am,"  Ashley says.

 

Shawn looks at the girl and smiles.  "Well, it is VERY nice to meet you, Ashley."

 

"And you, too,"  Ashley says, returning Shawn's smile as the two shake hands while Alex watches from a distance.  

 

Across the crowd, Donna Love is standing alone and watching Bridget and Alex as the two dance by the pool to the next song that's playing, Little Big Town's Better Man.  Catlin walks up to her.  "Evening, Donna," he says.

 

"Hello, Catlin."

 

"Kinda surprised to see you here tonight, Peter's sentencing coming up tomorrow."

 

"I don't see what one thing has to do with the other,"  says Donna.  

 

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean that to sound insensitive."

 

"Tact never was your strong suit, was it, Catlin?"  

 

He smiles.  "No, I suppose not."

 

"You and Sue Ellen seem very happy together,"  says Donna.

 

"We are.  Sue Ellen's the best thing that ever happened to me."

 

"Well, after Brittany, that wouldn't be a hard feat.  Lucrezia Borgia would've been an improvement over Brittany Peterson."

 

Catlin smiles.  "Y'know, Donna, you really should find yourself a man.  Maybe then, you wouldn't be so bitter."

 

"I don't need a man in my life to make me happy."

 

"Really?  Well, if that's true then you've sure changed since the old days.  As I recall, you had a very healthy umm .......appetite for men, especially younger men."

 

As Catlin and Donna are talking, Sue Ellen is standing on the patio watching them across the crowd, an irritated look on her face at seeing her husband having a seemingly intimate chat with the sister of the man who had caused them so much pain over the past year.  Krystina approaches her.  

 

"Sue Ellen," she says.  "Is anything wrong?"

 

 

"No.  Everything's just fine,"  Sue Ellen replies.  

 

Krystina looks over and sees Catlin talking to Donna Love.  "Sue Ellen, you're not jealous of Catlin and Donna Love, are you?"

 

"No, of course not.  Krystina, would you excuse me, please?"

 

"Sure,"  Krystina says as her mother-in-law walks away.  

 

A few seconds later, Sue Ellen approaches Catlin and Donna.  "Well, am I interrupting anything?"  

 

"Not at all,"  Catlin says.

 

"Yes, your husband and I were just rehashing old times,"  Donna says.  "Well, if the two of you will excuse me, I think I'll go and find my granddaughter."  Donna flashes a smile, then walks away.  

 

"She's, uh, a very interesting woman,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"Well, I guess you could call it that,"  replies Catlin.

 

"What were the two of you talking about?"

 

"Just......old times, like Donna said."

 

"Hey, Catlin,"  Lucas says, he and Heather walking over.

 

"Lucas, Heather, how're you guys doing?"

 

"Just fine.  Why didn't C.J. come tonight?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Well, he and his half-brother, Eric are over at Ray and Donna's hanging out with Conner.  Ray and Donna are out of town, and, well, since Conner isn't welcome here because of Alex and Bridget's accident, C.J. didn't wanna leave him alone.  So, the three of them are having a guy's night."

 

"Well, tell him we missed him,"  says Heather.

 

"I sure will.  Good to see you both,"  Catlin says as the couple walks away.  He turns to his wife.  "You wanna join the young folks on the dance floor?"

 

Sue Ellen smiles.  "Dance?  To THIS music?"

 

"Come on.  Maybe we can catch on,"  Catlin says, taking her by the hand.  

 

Meanwhile, Justin is standing on the patio, leaning against one of the columns taking a sip of his drink watching Kasey and Corey as they sit near the pool and  talk to Jacob and Michael.  James walks over to him.  

 

"Justin,"  James says.  "How're the kids doing?"

 

"Hard to tell.  They're both real quiet.  Shy."

 

"So they're father was Cally's brother?"  James asks.

 

"That's right."

 

"Yes."

 

"You were lovers?"  

 

Catlin is silent for a moment, then looks at her.  "Donna and I had an affair.  We were lovers, once, yes."

 

"I see."

 

"Sue Ellen, that was a long, LONG time ago.  More than thirty years ago.  Look, we both had other lives, and other lovers before we ever met, and we both knew that."

 

"I know,"  Sue Ellen says.  "I know I'm just being silly."

 

"Sue Ellen, since I met you, I have not so much as looked at another woman, much less entertained the idea of cheating on you.  I want you to believe that."

 

Sue Ellen looks at him and smiles.  "I do believe that.  I do.  But, sometimes, I do wonder if........if the difference in our ages.........if it bothers you.  You're a good deal younger than I am, and you could've had any woman in the world."

 

Catlin puts his arms around her.  "I have the ONLY woman in the world I want.  And if the slight difference in our ages makes a difference to either of us, then.........it would have to be you, because it's not something I've ever even thought about.  Sue Ellen, I want you to listen to me very carefully.  I know all the hell you went through when you married to J.R.  His constant cheating and emotional abuse.  And your second husband, Don Lockwood, also cheated on you.  But I am NOT those men.  All of my life I have waited for a woman like you.  For a relationship like we have.  I'm happier right now, than I have EVER been in my entire life.  Donna Love was a LONG time ago.  She doesn't even appeal to me now, in fact, I don't even like the woman.  So I want you to stop worrying."

 

Sue Ellen smiles and nods.  "I love you so much, Catlin Ewing.  And I'm sorry for being foolish."

 

"You're not being foolish,"  Catlin says.  "You're a woman who hasn't had a whole lot of reasons to trust men before.  So all I can do, is prove to you that not all men are like J.R. Ewing or Cliff Barnes or Don Lockwood."  Catlin looks down at her, smiles, and then the two begin kissing passionately.

Southfork....

 

 

John Ross and Krystina walk onto the patio for breakfast that morning as Bobby, Ann, Christopher, Jacob, Lucas, Heather, Michael, and Lucy are having breakfast.  "Mornin',"  John Ross says.

 

"Good morning, John Ross,"  says Bobby.  "Are you goin' to court this morning for Peter Love's sentencing?"

 

"Damn right, I am,"  John Ross replies, taking his seat at the table.  "I can't wait to see that SOB get what's comin' to him.  I just hope they send him to prison and not some nut house he'll be released from in two years."

 

"Well, I don't see that happening,"  Christopher says. "Not considering his crime and then framing Sue Ellen.  That in itself shows the guy knew exactly what he was doing.

"Yeah, but the law is a funny thing,"  Lucy says.  "Sometimes the criminals we think deserve the harshest sentences get off with a slap on the wrist."

"Well, I sure that duttin' happen with Peter Love,"  Ann says.  "I don't think Sue Ellen could handle that."

 

"Christopher, where's Courtney this morning?"  Krystina asks.

 

"She wasn't feeling well.  Still having bouts of morning sickness, despite the doctor giving her some medicine for it.  So she's still in bed."

 

Alex comes out of the house.  "Morning," he says.

 

"Well, good morning to you,"  says Bobby.  "I'm surprised to see you up this early the first day of your spring break."

 

"I have to go into Dallas and meet Bridget."

 

"This early?"  Lucy asks.

 

"Yep.  You know prom is this coming Saturday night, so, I have to go get fitted for a tux and Bridget for her dress.  We're supposed to be there at 9:30, so, I don't have time for breakfast."

 

"Why on Earth would they have prom on the Saturday night right after spring break?"  Ann asks.

 

"No idea," the boy replies.  "Well, gotta go."  He grabs a biscuit from a plate on the table and starts to walk away.

 

"Be careful,"  John Ross says.  "And don't forget your eye appointment at 11:30."

 

"How can I, when you keep reminding every 30 minutes?"  Alex says as he walks toward his car.

 

"I guess I'd better get going, too,"  Christopher says, getting up from the table.  "I have that meeting this morning at 9 with Chet Murray."

 

"You sure you don't want me to come in?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Nope, Jill and I can handle it.  You and John Ross need to be there in court for Sue Ellen at Love's sentencing.  I'm gonna go check on Courtney and get going."

 

"Alright, I'll be into the office as soon as Love's hearing is over,"  Bobby says as his son walks into the house.

Wentworth Industries....later....

 Jonathon Lord walks into his office at Wentworth Industries a short time later.  "Good morning, Vanessa," he says to his secretary.

 

"Mr. Lord, you have a visitor in your office,"  Vanessa says.  

 

"A visitor?  Did I have an appointment first thing this morning?"

 

"No sir.  It's your brother, Austin Wentworth.  I told him he would have to wait out here, but, he insisted, and I couldn't stop him.  I didn't know if you would want me to call security."

 

Jonathon lets out a deep sigh.  "Thank you, Vanessa," he says.  He goes over to his office door, hesitates a moment as he braces himself to see his brother, then walks into the office to find Austin sitting at his desk, his back to the door, looking out the window.  "Austin?"  Jonathon says.  

 

Austin slowly turns around in the swivel chair and looks at him.  "Well, if it isn't my big brother, the usurper.  The job stealer."

 

"I didn't steal your job, Austin."

 

"Then what would you call it?"  Austin asks.

 

"The board voted unanimously to install me as CEO.  It was either me, or Cliff Barnes, and I know you sure wouldn't want our uncle in control of Wentworth.  And, would you mind getting out of my chair?"

 

Austin smiles bitterly, then stands to his feet.  "YOUR chair?  This use to be MY chair.  Mom installed me as  CEO."

 

"Yes, and you left that post, and the company with no one to run it."

 

"I was kidnapped,"  says Austin.

 

"Yeah, I know.  I heard.  So, I'm guessing the police don't believe you?"

 

"No, but soon I'm gonna prove that I was kidnapped by our psychotic brother."

 

"Good,"  Jonathon says.  "I sure hope that you can prove your innocence and be cleared of all these charges."

 

"Do you REALLY hope that, Jonathon?"  Austin asks.

 

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?  Of course I hope that you're cleared.  You ARE my brother, after all."

 

"Since when have you EVER treated me like a brother?  You couldn't wait to take advantage of my absence to take over this company.  Well, I have news for you, big brother.  I'm back, and I intend to occupy this office again as CEO of Wentworth Industries."

 

"Well, first you're gonna have to clear your name of the charges against you,"  says Jonathon.  And second........ unless the board removes me and gives this job back to you, then I am CEO of Wentworth."

 

"Then I'm calling a board meeting for as soon as possible,"  Austin says.

 

"That's your right, as a major stockholder and a member of the Wentworth family."

 

Austin nods.  "I'm gonna get my company back, Jonathon.  I'm gonna take back EVERYTHING that's been stolen from me, and you can bet on that.  So if I were you, I'd start packing up to move out of this office."  Austin turns and leaves the office.  

 

"Damn,"  Jonathon says with a sigh.  "Well, I'm sorry, little brother, but, I can't let you do that."

Dallas County Courthouse....

 Later that morning, crowds fill the courtroom at the George Allen Criminal Courts Building in Dallas, where Peter Love is to be sentenced for the murder of Brittany Peterson Ewing.  Catlin, Sue Ellen, C.J., Bobby, Ann, John Ross, and Krystina walk into the courtroom as hordes of reporters throw questions at them.  The group of Ewings makes their way into the courtroom and take their seats.  A moment later, Donna Love and her daughter, Marley Hudson, and Peter's son Eric Love walk into the courtroom, as they, too, are being shouted questions from reporters asking for a statement or their feelings on Peter's sentencing.  Entering the courtroom, the Loves take seats on the opposite side of the courtroom from the Ewings. 

 

Catlin reaches over and takes Sue Ellen by the hand.  "This is all gonna be over soon,"  he says to her.  "Peter will be out of our lives for good."

 

Sue Ellen nods.  "I certainly hope so."

 

All eyes turn toward the front of the courtroom as Peter Love is brought in, handcuffed, and chains around his ankles.  Sue Ellen feels a chill upon seeing the man who had framed her for the murder of Brittany Ewing more than a year ago.  Shortly after Peter is brought in, he turns and looks back at his sister Donna and son Eric in the crowd.  Donna Love flashes a quick smile at her brother, while Eric simply looks at his father with contempt and sadness, then turns his gaze away from Peter.  

 

Assistant District Attorney Todd Baxter, who was in charge of prosecuting Peter's case, enters the courtroom with another man.  A moment later, a bailiff walks to the front of the courtroom.  "All rise," he says.  The crowd in the courtroom all stand.  

 

The Judge enters the courtroom from a back room and takes his seat on the bench.  "Everyone, be seated, please."  The Judge looks at a paper in front of him.  "This is the case of the People of the State Of Texas Vs. Peter Love. Mr. Love pleaded guilty to the murder of Brittany Peterson Ewing.  However, Mr. Love entered a plea of guilty by reason of insanity.  This is the sanity phase of this case to determine whether Mr. Love was in his right frame of mind at the time of the murder of Mrs. Brittany Ewing on the night of December 31, 2016, after which we will go straight into the sentencing phase.  Mr. Ron Beckett, you are the attorney for the defendant?"

 

"Yes, Your Honor,"  Beckett replies.  

 

"And Mr. Baxter, you are representing the State?"

 

"Yes, I am, Your Honor,"  Todd says. 

 

"Mr. Baxter, do you have any witnesses who can offer testimony as to the state of mind of the defendant at the time of the murder?"

 

"We do, Your Honor,"  replies Todd.  "We call Dr. Gary Cash to the stand."....

A few minutes later....

"And, Dr. Cash, is it your professional opinion that Mr. Love was in control of all his faculties at the time of the murder of Mrs. Ewing?"  The Judge asks.

 

"Yes, sir.  I do believe that Mr. Love was fully capable of understanding exactly what he was doing at the time of the murder,"  Dr. Cash replies.  "The fact that he tried to hide his crime, even going so far as to frame Mrs. Sue Ellen Ewing for the murder, indicates that the defendant was in full control of his faculties, and the situation."

 

"Thank you, Dr. Cash, you may step down,"  the Judge says.  

 

The doctor nods at the judge, then leaves the witness stand as a nervous Sue Ellen looks on, hoping that the Judge in the case would find that Peter Love was legally sane at the time of Brittany's murder.  

The Wentworth mansion....

 Austin opens the door of his home and lets another man in.  "Paul, thank you for stopping by,"  Austin says.

 

"No problem, Austin.  It really is good to see you back in Dallas,"  Paul says.  

 

"Thank you.  It hasn't been easy.  All my accounts have been frozen by the court, so, for now, I'm living on a $700 a week allowance.  Took most of that for me to get my electricity and phone turned back on here at the house."

 

"Well, I hope you're cleared of these charges soon.  Now, what is it I can do for you?"

 

"Paul, I need your help,"  Austin says.  "I need for you to call an emergency meeting of the Wentworth board, as soon as possible.  Now that I'm back, I want to be re-installed as CEO of Wentworth."

 

"That might be a bit tricky, Austin.  Since he's been serving as interim CEO, your brother Jonathon Lord has done an exceptional job.  He's very popular with the board, and very well liked."

 

"My life was stolen from me, Paul,"  Austin says.  "I was kidnapped, I was in a plane crash and nearly killed, then I was held prisoner for months in the middle of nowhere by a crazy teenager on a power trip.  Then I come back here after all that to find that my company has been taken over by my brother, who never had anything to do with Wentworth before?  No, Paul.  I'm not gonna stand for this.  I want my company back and my position as CEO, and I'm gonna get it.  So call a meeting of the board as soon as possible.  Then give me a call and let me know when.  I plan to address the board myself."

 

"Austin....."

 

"Paul, just DO IT.  You owe me a couple favors, and now's the time to pay up."

 

Paul looks at Austin and pauses for a moment.  He nods, then quickly leaves.  Austin closes the door behind him, more determined than ever to reclaim what was once his.

George Allen Criminal Courts Building....

 "My brother Peter,"  Donna Love says after taking the stand at Peter's hearing.  "Peter, well, he's a very complicated man.  You see when Peter was young, he only had one goal in mind, and that was pleasing our father, who wasn't an easy man to satisfy.  All his life, Peter was made to feel like a failure by our father.  And when he met Brittany Peterson, well, I believe that was his downfall.  He loved her.  I truly believe that, but, Brittany was the type of woman who could push anyone to do anything."

 

"Including murder, Ms. Love?"  Peter's attorney, Ron Beckett, asks.

 

"If you had known Brittany, you wouldn't even have to ask that,"  Donna replies to mild laughter in the courtroom.  

 

"Ms. Love, do you believe that your brother could have been  driven to this act of murder by temporary insanity?"

 

Donna hesitates before answering as she looks at Peter.  "Yes.  I do  I truly do.  And I do not believe that my brother belongs in prison, where he won't be able to receive the help that he needs."

 

"Thank you, Ms. Love,"  Beckett says, then returns to his seat.  

 

"You may step down, Ms. Love,"  the Judge says.  

 

"Thank you,"  Donna says.  She gets up and slowly makes her way off the stand, smiling at Peter as she passes by him on her way back to her seat.  

 

The Judge looks at the crowd.  "Over the course of nearly three hours, we've heard testimony from three different psychiatrists, from Mr. Catlin Ewing and his wife, Mrs. Sue Ellen Ewing, and from the Dallas County Sheriff, as well as from Mr. Love's sister, in regards to the defendant's state of mind at the time of the murder of Brittany Peterson Ewing.  The insanity defense is never an easy one to prove, or disprove, in a court of law.  However, in this case, I'm inclined to agree with the District Attorney's office.  Mr. Love killed his former wife, Brittany Peterson Ewing, in cold blood by stabbing her to death.  He then had the presence of mind to plant evidence implicating Sue Ellen Ewing in the crime that he had just committed.  Those are not the actions of a man incapable of understanding right from wrong, and the consequences of the crime he had just committed.  Therefore, it is the opinion of this court that the defendant, Peter Love, was NOT insane at the time of the murder.  The killing of Brittany Peterson Ewing was a cold, and calculated crime committed by a desperate man, a man fearful that his other crimes of illegally selling arms to terrorist groups were about to be exposed by the victim.  Mr. Love, stand and face the court."

 

Peter stands, a stoic look on his face.  

 

The Judge looks at him.  "Peter Love, you have been charged and have pleaded guilty to one count of murder in the first degree, of Brittany Peterson Ewing.  Of two counts of obstruction of justice.  Of one count of kidnapping of Catlin Ewing, Jr., and two counts of attempted murder.  Do you have anything to say before this court passes sentence on you?"

 

"Umm, no, Your Honor,"  Peter replies quietly.

 

"Peter Love, having pleaded guilty to the aforementioned crimes, this court sentences you to life in prison, with the possibility to become eligible for parole after a period of thirty years.  You will be transported to the Coffield State Prison in Anderson County, Texas, to begin serving your sentence immediately.  This court is adjourned."

 

In the crowd, Sue Ellen breathes a sigh of relief, feeling that this long nightmare is finally over.  She begins crying tears of joy.  Meanwhile, across the crowded courtroom, Donna Love is also crying, but her tears are far from joyful.  Eric stands beside his aunt, watching as his father is led from the courtroom by two armed police officers. A single tear falls down the young man's cheek.

A short time later....

Peter Love is sitting at a table in a room in the courthouse, his wrists handcuffed and his ankles chained.  A deputy opens the door and Donna Love walks in.  She looks at her brother for a moment, then walks over and takes a seat across from him at the table.  "Peter," she says.  "I'm glad that you wanted to see me before they took you away."

 

"I had to, Donna,"  Peter says.  "I had to tell you how sorry I am.  I disgraced the family name, yet again.  I guess Father was right.  I was always no good."

 

"Peter, that simply isn't true."

 

"Donna, I don't have much time.  They told me I could see you, but only for a couple of minutes, so, I need to say what I have to say while I still can."

 

"Peter, if this is about Eric, I want you to know, you never have to worry about him,"  Donna says.  "I promise, he will always be taken care of."

 

"Well, I have no doubt of that,"  says Peter.  "I do wanna talk to you about Eric, and about Brittany.  There's something I didn't tell anyone.  Something I found out long before Brittany was killed.  One of the reasons my love for her turned to hate."

 

"What is it?"  Donna asks.

 

"One of the reasons I killed her.  And one of the reasons Sue Ellen Ewing taking the blame for her murder was so perfect.  I was killing two birds with one stone, so to speak.  Taking both of the women Catlin Ewing loved away from him."

 

"Peter, you're not making any sense."

 

"Catlin always took everything away from me,"  Peter says.  "Everything.  He took Brittany away from me.  Peter, Jr., better known as Catlin, Jr.  He took Brittany away from me a second time when she left me to go back to him, again.  But then........then he took the one thing that I always thought was mine.  The only thing I had."

 

"Peter, please.  Tell me what you're talking about.  What has Catlin taken from you?"

 

Peter looks at his sister.  "My son."

 

"I don't understand,"  Donna says.  "Eric?  Peter, Catlin hasn't taken Eric from you."

 

"Yes, Donna.  He has.  One of the things I left out when I told about the night I killed Brittany was........one of the things we argued about.  It was more than just her threatening to expose my illegal arms sales to the authorities.  We also argued about Eric.  And about how I felt betrayed by her, again.  How history had repeated itself.  You see, Donna, years ago, Eric had to have an emergency operation.  He needed a blood transfusion.  I was going to donate, but, my blood was the wrong type.  Eric also didn't have Brittany blood type, either, as I'd found out her blood type years earlier."

 

"Well, that doesn't mean anything,"  says Donna.  "Children don't necessarily HAVE to share the same blood type as their parents."

 

"Oh, but it did mean something.  Curious, I had a DNA test done.  And the test showed that Eric is NOT my son.  I loved that boy so much, it didn't matter to me much.  I continued to love him as my own, but that night.......the night Brittany was killed, when we argued, I confronted her with the fact that Eric wasn't mine.  And she told me........ Eric is Catlin's son.  Brittany let me believe that Eric was mine simply because she didn't want to raise another child.  Didn't wanna be tied down by another baby.  The irony is, she cheated Catlin out of a son, same as she cheated me out of one."

 

"Oh my God,"  Donna says.  "Peter, why are you telling me this now?"

"Because I have nothing left to lose, Donna.  I, uh, I've already lost Eric.  I saw the way he looked at me in that courtroom.  Knowing that I murdered his mother.  I have nothing left to lose.  I'll probably die in prison.  I give you this information, and you can do with it what you want to.  Since I've already lost Eric for good, maybe Catlin Ewing can be a father to him since I can't.  Or you can choose to keep this to yourself, and let Eric go on believing that he's a Love.  Your choice, Donna."

 

Before she can say anything, the door opens and a deputy walks in.  "Time's up, Love," he says.  "Time to go."

 

"I love you, Donna," Peter says.  "I always have.  And tell my........tell Eric that I've always loved him.  No matter who's DNA he carries."  Without another word to his sister, Peter stands, and is led out of the room by the deputy, to now be transported to the prison that will be his home, possibly for the rest of his life.

 

Still sitting at the table, Donna is too stunned to speak.  Instead, she begins crying.  What will she do with this news, this revelation, that Eric is Catlin's son and not Peter's?  

END OF EPISODE 169....