EPISODE 172 - Playing For Keeps

 

 

"Damned sure is,"  John Ross says with a smile as he proudly watches his tall teenage son go into the house.

 

"Well, now that Alex is home and getting settled, I really have to get back to the office,"  Sue Ellen says.  "John Ross, are you coming in today?"

 

"Yeah, just as soon as I go up and change I'll be in."

 

"Fine, I'll see you soon," she says.  

 

"Bye, Sue Ellen,"  Ann says as Sue Ellen goes to her car.

 

"And I have to get back to work, too,"  says Lucas.  "This ranch itn't gonna run itself. I'll see y'all later."  Lucas kisses Heather, then walks away.  

 

"And I need to get with Maria and start plannin' dinner,"  Ann says.  "Christopher and Courtney are due home today, too." Smiling, she goes into the house, followed by Heather and Lucy, leaving John Ross and Krystina.  

 

"I didn't think you were going to the office this afternoon,"  Krystina says.

 

"Normally, I wouldn't, but, I can't afford to be away from the office any more'n I can help it and leave Uncle Bobby there by himself.  That increases the likelihood of him findin' out about that deal I made with Wentworth for that drill.  So, I need to get goin'."  John Ross puts his arm around his wife and the two go into the house together.

A private plane en route to Dallas....

 Meanwhile, Christopher and Courtney are aboard a private jet flying back to Dallas from San Francisco.  As Courtney sits staring silently out the window, Christopher looks at her.  Finally he reaches over and takes his wife's hand.  "You haven't said three words since we left San Francisco," he tells her.

 

"What is there to say?  Chase blatantly refused our request to allow you to adopt Jacob.  I sure created a mess with this lie about Chase being my son's father, didn't I?"

 

"None of this is your fault, Courtney."

 

"Then who's fault is it?"  Courtney asks, looking at him.  "I should've known that lies only make a bad situation worse.  And now Chase wants to pursue his custody suit to get Jacob."

 

Christopher takes his wife's hand.   "Listen to me.  We're not gonna let that happen.  I'M not gonna let it happen.  I won't let our family be torn apart."

 

"How can we prevent it, Christopher?"  Courtney asks.  "If we fight Chase in court, then the truth could come out, and if that happens, Joseph could take Jacob away from us."

 

"The court is not gonna give custody of a child to a guy who was 24 years old and had sex with a 15-year-old girl......"

 

"A 15-year-old girl who lied to him about her age,"  Courtney says.  "God, I feel like this is a no win situation, no matter what happens."

 

"Courtney, it's gonna be okay.  I promise.  I love you and I love Jacob.  As far as I'm concerned, he's MY son, and I will do whatever I have to do for us to keep him.  Even if that means playing dirty with Mr. Chase Gioberti.  I'll use the full weight of the Ewing money and power."

 

Courtney looks at her husband with love, then lays her head on his shoulder.

Southfork.....night....

 Christopher is pouring himself a drink that night in the living room at Southfork when Bobby walks in.  "Mind fixin' me one of those?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Not at all.  What'll you have?"

 

"Bourbon,"  Bobby replies.  

 

Christopher proceeds to pour his father's glass of bourbon, then hands it to him.

 

"You wanna talk about what happened in California?"

 

Christopher sighs, then takes a sip of his own drink.  "Just what we told you when we got back.  Chase Gioberti refused to sign the papers allowing me to adopt Jacob.  Not only that, he said that he's going through with his plans to sue for custody."

 

"He's not gonna win,"  says Bobby.

 

"Damned right he's not."

 

 

"Is there somethin' more you're not tellin' me, son?"

 

 John Ross and Krystina walk into their bedroom later, John Ross angrily slamming the door.  "Damn it!  That's ALL I need.  Lucas at Ewing Oil, breathin' down my neck."

 

"John Ross, I don't see what the problem is,"  Krystina says.  "Lucas is just filling in for Christopher, which means, that if he wasn't taking some time off, CHRISTOPHER would be at the office, so what's the difference?"

 

"Difference is, Christopher is easily preoccupied.  Plus, he's kinda come to trust, even if it's just a little bit.  Havin' Lucas there will be like havin' a watchdog lookin' over my shoulder all the time, just waitin' to catch me doin' somethin' he can run back and tell his daddy about.  It's bad enough I gotta put up with that guy at home, now I gotta deal with him all day at the office, too?  I'll lose my damned mind."

 

"Don't give him the satisfaction,"  says Krystina.  "Just do your job and ignore Lucas, and everything will be fine."

 

"Fine?"  John Ross asks.  "Fine, with Lucas Ewing in the office right next to mine.  Yeah, right."

The Krebbs Ranch....the next morning....

 Ray and Donna are having breakfast the next morning when Conner walks into the kitchen.  "Mornin',"  Ray says.

 

"Morning.  Sorry, I overslept,"  Conner replies.

 

"No problem."

 

"You didn't sleep well last night, did you?"  Donna asks.

 

"No, I didn't,"  says Conner.  "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to keep you guys up."

 

"No, you didn't,"  Donna says.  "I was up late studying a couple proposals that the commission is expecting me to give them an answer on, and I heard you.  One time, around 1 a.m., I went downstairs for a glass of milk and I saw your light on."

 

"It's Saturday.  Visitation at the Hagman Center."

 

"Conner, I'm not sure why I understand how come you treat visiting your brother like it's a chore ya hate doin', instead of actin' like you wanna see Dylan,"  Ray says.

 

"It's just hard, that's all.  When Dylan looks at me, I see the resentment in his eyes.  He  hates me, hates ALL of us for leaving him there.  He's been there for a couple months now, and it's like nothing's changed.  Except that he's sober now, and that's only because he doesn't have access to booze at the center.  His whole attitude is the same as it was before.  I just wonder if that place is a waste of time and money."

 

"I have to admit, I had hoped for a little more progress in this amount of time, myself,"  Donna says.  

 

"Come on, now,"  Ray says.  "Dylan has had a lifetime of problems to work through.  He was a real mess when we took him to the center.  Can't expect everything to be fixed in just a few weeks."

 

Conner sighs.  "I guess you're right," he says as the phone rings.

 

"I'll get that,"  Donna says.  She gets up from the table, walks over to the phone on the wall and picks it up.  "Hello?  Matt, hi, how's it going?"

 

Meanwhile, at the table, Ray reaches over to Conner and puts his hand on his shoulder.  "You just keep your head up.  Dylan's gonna be alright.  You'll see."

 

"I hope so,"  Conner says.   The doorbell rings.  "I'll get that,"  he says, standing to his feet.  "I'm not real hungry, anyway."  

 

As Conner leaves the kitchen to answer the ringing front doorbell, Donna hangs up the phone and walks over to Ray.

 

"How are things with Matt and Margaret?"  Ray asks.

 

"Just fine.  They're comin' up this weekend,"  Donna replies, retaking her seat at the table.  "Matt said he has something real important he needs to talk to me about."

 

"I wonder what that is."

 

"I dunno, I guess we'll find out.  They're comin' up this afternoon,"  Donna says as Conner returns, followed by Heath.

 

"Well, hope I didn't interrupt your breakfast,"  Heath says with a smile.

 

"Not at all.  Take a seat and have some,"  Ray says.  "I'll be ready in just a minute."

 

"Ready?  Ready for what?"  Donna asks.

 

"Oh, I forgot to tell ya.  Heath and I have a meeting in Braddock this mornin' with Pat Powers about a new development project we're hopin' to get in on."

 

"Really?"  Donna asks, looking at Heath.  "My, you two are becoming quite the real estate moguls, aren't you?"

 

"Yeah, Ray's taught me an awful lot,"  Heath says.

 

"I'm sure he has,"  says Donna, in a less than pleased tone.  

 

"Well, I'm done, I guess we can go now," Ray says, getting up from the table.  "You sure you don't want any breakfast?"

 

"Oh, no, I grabbed some coffee and a donut before I left home."

 

"Will you be back in time to go with us to visit Dylan?"  Donna asks.

 

 

"Sure.  This meetin' shouldn't take more'n an hour or so, and I'll be back in plenty of time."

 

Donna nods.  "Alright."

 

"I'll see you both in a little while,"  Ray says, then he and Heath leave, Heath flashing a somewhat sinister smile at Donna and Conner as he leaves the room with Ray.

 

"Donna, I'm sorry,"  Conner says.  "I know Heath is Ray's son and all, but, I REALLY don't like that guy."

 

Donna sighs.  "Yeah.  That makes two of us."

 

 

 

 

 

Justin's ranch....afternoon....

 Justin and Jimmy are hard at work in the barn on Justin's ranch that afternoon, stacking some hay on one side of

"No,"  replies Justin.  "If Pamela knew the truth, she never would've let me do it.  She'd wanna fight McKay, and that would just make things worse right now.  John Ross is gonna destroy McKay."

 

"John Ross?"

 

"Yeah.  He hates McKay every bit as much as I do, if not more.  I don't know how, Jimmy, but, if John Ross doesn't get that guy, then I will.  Come on, let's get back to work."

 

Jimmy looks at Justin as Justin resumes his work with the hay.  After a momentary pause, Jimmy also gets back to work.

The Krebbs Ranch....that night....

 Ray, Donna, Conner, Matt, Margaret, and Heath are finishing their dinner at the Krebbs home that night.  As Ray, Heath, and Matt carry on a conversation, Donna, Margaret, and Conner sit silently, neither of them wanting Heath there, but not wanting to hurt Ray.

 

"Well, if everyone is finished, why don't we adjourn to the family room?"  Donna finally asks.

 

"Yeah, good idea,"  Ray agrees.  Each of them get up from the table and make their way into the large family room, next to the den. 

 

As the others go on ahead, Margaret detains her mother behind.  "I didn't know Heath was gonna be here,"  Margaret says.

 

"Neither did I,"  says Donna.  "Your father invited him after we found out you and Matt were coming.  Just try and make the best of it."

 

"I'll try.  He's so damned cocky.  Reminds me so much of John Ross.  Do the two of them hang out, by any chance?"

 

Donna laughs at the comment. 

 

"Hey, Donna,"  Matt says.  

 

"Yes, Matt."

 

"I'd like to get down to the reason I needed to see you."

 

"And I thought it was just because ya missed us,"  Donna says.

 

"Well, of course Margaret and I missed you, but I really am here on business for the Bureau of Land Management,"  Matt says.  

 

"Uh-oh,"  Donna says.  "This is about what was discussed in our meeting last week, isn't it?"

 

"Yes.  The Bureau is very concerned about the volume of oil some of the companies like Ewing Oil and Westar are pumping.  Ewing just opened two new fields down near Galveston, and, unless they're stopped.....they're set to begin drilling very soon.  And, rumor has it that Ewing Oil now has a new, state of the art drill that was developed by Wentworth Industries that's capable of pumping more than twice the amount of crude as a regular drill."

 

"And the Bureau of Land Management wants me, as Railroad Commissioner, to put a stop to it, is that it?"  Donna asks.

 

"Yeah."

 

"Uh-oh,"  Ray says.  "Here we ago again, Donna, with you on the opposite side as the Ewings."

 

"Well, it's not really the EWINGS I'm worried about causing trouble.  Bobby and Sue Ellen and Christopher, I'm sure, will understand."

 

"But not John Ross,"  Matt says.  

 

"What do YOU think?"  Donna asks.

 

"I think John Ross will hit the roof, and then try to find a way to persuade you come over to his side of the issue, by any means necessary."

 

"Y'know, I've only met cousin John Ross briefly, in passing,"  says Heath. "I don't think we've ever exchanged a single word, but he sounds like a real interesting guy.  Someone I wouldn't mind gettin' to know."

 

"I'm sure you and John Ross would get along JUST fine,"  Margaret says sarcastically.

 

"Sounds like we both usually get what we want,"  says Heath.  

 

 

"Well, let me give you a piece of advice, Heath,"  Ray says.  "You'd do best to just steer clear of John Ross.  He's a lot like his daddy.  He finds peoples' weaknesses and then use that weakness against them."

 

"Donna, I don't mean to put pressure on you,"  says Matt.  "Nor do I wanna put you in the middle of this.  But, you do have the deciding vote on the Land Management Committee, and there's a lot of pressure to force these oil companies to cut back on their pumping of so much crude for a while."

 

"Well, alright,"  Donna says.  "Just give me a couple days to think about this, and to talk to Bobby.  Hopefully I can convince him and Sue Ellen to voluntarily stop pumping so much oil."

 

Matt smiles.  "Good.  If you can do that, it might just avoid a showdown between the Bureau and the oil companies."

 

Heath smiles.  Margaret looks at her half-brother with suspicion, wondering what he's up to.

Pamela's apartment....the next morning....

 Pamela is folding some laundry on her sofa the next morning when her doorbell rings.  Folding the last item of clothing for one of the babies, Pamela goes to the door and opens it, surprised to see that Jimmy Beaumont is her visitor.  "Jimmy," she says.  

 

"Hi, Pamela.  Can I come in?"

 

"Sure,"  Pamela says.  Jimmy walks into the apartment and she closes the door.  

 

"I hope I didn't come at a bad time."

 

"No, not at all.  What can I do for you?"  

 

"I'm here about Justin,"  Jimmy replies.  "And because I think you deserve to know the truth."

 

"Truth about what?"  

 

"About the real reason why he broke up with you."

 

"It's obvious to me why he ended our relationship,"  Pamela says.  "It's because he doesn't want me.  He doesn't wanna be with me."

 

"Pamela, that's just not true."

 

"Then why?  Why did he suddenly break up with me out of the blue?  He swears that neither my father nor the Ewings did anything to sway his decision to end our relationship."

 

"And that's true, they didn't.  But your ex-husband, Tripp McKay, did,"  says Jimmy.

 

"What?  Tripp?"

 

"That's right.  McKay made a threat to Justin that if he didn't stop seeing you, he would sue you for custody of Hunter, and make things real ugly for you.   He broke up with you to spare you and your kids.  Pamela, Justin is still crazy about you.  He thought he was doing what was best for you."

 

Pamela walks to the window and looks out.  "Does he know that you're here?"

 

"No, he doesn't.  But I thought about this all night, and you deserve to know the truth.  And not only that,  but  Justin deserves some happiness in his life after what Amanda and I did to him."  Jimmy looks at her, but Pamela remains silent as she continues staring out the window.  "Well, thanks for listening,"  he says.  He walks to the door and starts to leave.

 

"Jimmy?"  Pamela calls to him.  He turns back to face her.  "Thank you," she says.   Jimmy nods at her, then leaves.  Pamela walks over to the sofa, a look of anger on her face that quickly turns to hate.  "Tripp," she says in a soft voice.  "Damn you.  You're not getting away with this.  No way!"

Brad Stone's apartment building.....the pool....later

 Brad is relaxing by the pool at his apartment building early in the afternoon when Ben Chambers, a member of the Cartel, comes out of the building and looks around the pool area.  Spotting Brad, Chambers walks over to him.  "Stone," he says.

 

Brad looks up at him.  "Well, Ben, thank you for seeing me on a Sunday afternoon."

 

"What's so important that couldn't have waited until tomorrow?"  Ben asks, taking a seat on the lounge chair beside Brad.  

 

"I thought it best that we talk in a more relaxed environment, outside the hustle and bustle of the work week.  Some of my best business has been done right here by this pool."

 

 

 

"I can't imagine what business you and I could possibly have to talk over,"  Ben says.  

 

"Oil business, Ben.  I hear that you and the Cartel are going in on a deal to buy some leases down near Galveston.  The Denton Field."

 

"That's right."

 

 

"My father and I want in on those fields,"  Brad says.  "And you were the only member of the Cartel who would return my phone calls."

 

"Brad, I'm sorry.  But there's no way Stone-Barnes Oil is comin' in on that Galveston field."

 

"Why is that, Ben?  You and I did a lot of business together before, and now, you don't even wanna talk to me.  It's because of Ewing, isn't it?"

 

"Yeah, Brad, it is.  The Ewings have very strong ties to the Cartel, and now that they've joined, no one in the Cartel will do business with Stone-Barnes.  Bobby Ewing made it very clear that a condition of Ewing Oil joining the Cartel was that we don't do business with you and your father."

 

"Damn it, Ben, that just isn't right,"  says an angry Brad.  "You're letting Bobby Ewing and Ewing Oil dictate who you do business with?  I can't believe this!"

 

"Ewing Oil is one of the biggest independents around, and it's the biggest independent we have in the Cartel.  We've wanted Ewing to join the Cartel for more than a year now, and it's finally happened.  And no one in the Cartel will do anything to jeopardize that.  Not me, and not the other boys.  I'm sorry, Brad, but, I sure wouldn't wanna be in your shoes right now."  Ben stands from his seat.

 

"What do you mean by that, Chambers?"  Brad asks.

 Justin is working on his ranch that afternoon when Pamela walks into the field.  She pauses for a moment and watches him as he works, then walks over to him.  "Justin," she says.

 

 

 

Looking up from his work, Justin is surprised to see her.  "Pamela,"  he says.  "What in the world are you doin' here?"

 

"I came to see you.  Your cousin told me you were out here.  We need to talk," she replies, waking over to him.  

 

"I thought that we had said everything we needed to say."

 

 

 

 

"No, we haven't,"  says Pamela.  "Not by a long shot.  Justin, I know the truth."

 

"What truth?"

 

"You know what truth I'm talking about.  Justin, I know that Tripp is the reason you broke off our relationship. I know about the threat he made about suing me for custody of Hunter."

"How'd you find out?"  Justin asks.

 

"Jimmy came to see me this morning, and he told me."

 

Justin sighs.  "Damn it, he should've stayed out of it."

 

"I'm glad he told me.  At least now I know why you broke things off with me.  It's true, isn't it?  Tripp threatened you?"

 "McKay didn't threaten me,"  Justin says.  "If he had, then I would've handled him right then and there.  But he threatened YOU, Pamela.  I wasn't about to let that son of a bitch take your son away from you and drag you through the mud."

 

"You loved me that much?"

 

"Pamela, I love you more than anything else in the world,"  Justin says.  "And I would do anything for you.  Even lettin' you go if it means it'll spare you even one minute's pain."

 

"You won't have to let me go.  Because Justin Ewing, I love you, too, and I am NOT willing to let you go."

 

"What about McKay's threat?  Pamela, that guy could cause you a LOT of trouble.  If he takes you to court and makes good on his promise, a custody battle could get ugly.  REAL ugly."

 

"I won't let Tripp run my life,"  says Pamela.  "And I especially won't let him tell me who I can and can't have in my life."

 

"So what are we gonna do?  How are we gonna be together and get around McKay's threat?"

 

"We keep our relationship quiet, for now,"  replies Pamela.  

 

"Sneak around like a couple of teenagers whose parents forbid them to see each other?"  Justin asks.

 

"Just for a little while.  There has to be some way to beat Tripp at his own game."

 

"If there's a way, we'll find it.  Pamela, I'm glad Jimmy told you the truth.  I've been miserable without you these last several weeks."

 

"And so have I."

 

"Pamela, I'm so sorry I hurt you,"  Justin says.  "But I promise you, here and now, I'll never hurt you again.  And neither will Tripp McKay.  I love you."

 "And I love you,"  Pamela says, then the two kiss across the fence.

Southfork....that night....

 Courtney comes onto the patio at Southfork that night and walks over to the pool.  She takes in a deep breath as she looks out over the darkness blanketing the ranch and breathes in the sweet smell of honeysuckle in the air.  A tear falls down Courtney's cheek as her mind focuses on the problem at hand........Chase Gioberti's plan to seek custody of Jacob, a child who, unbeknownst to Chase, isn't even his.  Christopher comes out of the house.  Seeing his wife standing by the pool, he walks over to her.

 

"Warm night," he says.

 

"Uh-huh."

 

"It'll be summer soon.  Jacob'll be out of school, and I was thinkin' maybe the three of us could take a vacation.  Maybe Florida, or, or anywhere else you wanna go.  Is there any place you've always wanted to visit but never got a chance?"

 

"Hey, you don't really think that Gioberti has a chance of winning custody of Jacob, do you?"  Lucas asks.

 

"I dunno, man.  A few years ago, I would've said no way.  But the way the laws are now, everything's changing, so, anything's possible.  But one thing I can tell you is, I'm gonna do everything in my power to make sure that doesn't happen.  Since Jacob has been here, I've come to love that kid like he was my own, and that's how I think of him.  And no way in HELL am I gonna let anyone take my son away.  Look, Lucas, I'm sorry, man, I don't mean to be rude or anything, but, I'd really like to be by myself right now, if you don't mind."

 

"Yeah, sure,"  Lucas says.  "Christopher, if you ever need to talk, or need anything, I'm here."

 

"I appreciate that, man.  I really do."

 

"That's what brothers are for.  I'll see you in the morning, man."

 

Christopher nods.  Lucas turns and goes into the house.  Christopher looks off into the darkened horizon of the ranch, then up at the starry night sky, more determined than ever not to let Chase Gioberti win custody of Jacob.

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

 

 

Bobby and Ann are on the patio early the next morning, Maria serving them breakfast, when Lucas, Heather, and Michael come out of the house.  "Good morning,"  Lucas says cheerfully.

 

"Mornin',"  Bobby greets.  "You ready to start your first day at Ewing Oil?"

 

Lucas smiles as he takes a seat at the table.  "All set.  In fact, I'm kind of excited about it."

 

"I can't believe my Dad is gonna be a Ewing Oil executive."

 

"And don't forget, your Mom is gonna be a rancher,"  says Heather.

 

"You sure it's rancher and not 'ranchess'?"  Lucas jokes.

 

"You think you're funny, don't you?"  Heather asks as Lucy, Christopher, Courtney, Jacob, and Krystina all come out of the house at the same time.

 

"Ann, you're awfully quiet this morning,"  Lucas says.  

 

"I'm sorry, I......I just didn't sleep well last night,"  says Ann.

 

Bobby looks at his wife.  "Or the night before, or the night before that.  Honey, what's been botherin' you lately?"

 

"I told you, Bobby, it's nothin'."

 

"It has to be somethin'.  Honey, you've been mopin' around here for weeks, not sleeping."

 

"If I'd known I was gonna have to face an inquisition, I'd have had breakfast in my room,"  Ann snaps, getting up from the table.  Without another word, she goes into the house.  Bobby starts to go after her.

 

"Dad,"  Christopher says.  "Maybe you shouldn't.  Just let her some time."

 

"I've given her time."

 

"What do you suppose is wrong with Ann?"  Krystina asks.  "I've noticed she hasn't been herself for quite some time."

 

"I've noticed it, too,"  says Lucy.  "She's been very distant lately."

 

"I wish I knew,"  Bobby says.  "Whatever is on her mind is weighin' real heavy on her, and, I kinda get the feeling it has somethin' to do with Emma."

 

"Maybe it's Katherine Wentworth,"  says Lucy.  "Ann's mood seemed to get even stranger after she found out about Katherine's son, that awful Brian Manning, was still on the loose and that Austin Wentworth was back in Dallas."

 

John Ross comes out of the house.  He grabs a piece of bacon, then walks over to Krystina.  "I'll see you tonight, darlin'," he says, kissing her.

 

"You're not having breakfast?"  Christopher asks.

 

"No.  I have things to do," he says, then looks at Lucas.  "Besides, I don't have much of an appetite this mornin'.  So I'm gonna head on to the office and get some paper work done."

 

"Planning to shred some evidence this morning, John Ross?"  Lucas jokingly asks.

 

John Ross looks at him.  "Y'know, Lucas, why don't you just do us all a favor and stay away from Ewing Oil?  Leave the fam'ly oil comp'ny to the experts, those of us who actually know how to run an oil comp'ny.  You're much better suited to the OTHER fam'ly business, runnin' Southfork.  I'm sure you're a whole lot more comfortable around the smell of manure and a bunch of cows than with civilized people."  John Ross smiles, then walks away as Michael and Jacob laugh at the humorous exchange.  

 

"Ya know, son, you did kinda ask for that one,"  Bobby says.  "Excuse me, I'm gonna go see if Ann is okay."  

 

"Excuse me for a minute," Krystina says, getting up from the table.  A few seconds later, she catches up to John Ross as he is getting into his car.  "John Ross?"

 

"Yeah, darlin'?"

 

"I have some shopping to do today.  Are you free for lunch?"

 

"I can arrange to be.  Why don't you come by the office at, oh, say 12:30?"

 

Krystina smiles.  "I'll see you then.  Bye."

 

"Bye,"  John Ross says, then drives off.

 

Meanwhile, Ann is standing at the window in her and Bobby's bedroom when he walks in, her back to him.  Bobby watches his wife for a few seconds, then walks over to her.  "Honey, I wish you'd talk to me,"  he says.  "There's somethin' that eatin' you up inside and anything that's costing my wife this much peace of mind is somethin' I wanna know about.  I wanna try and help you if I can."

 

"You can't, Bobby.  Because there's nothin' to help me with."

 

Bobby grabs Ann by the shoulders and turns her around to face him.  "I know that's not true.  I don't think I've

 ever seen you like this before.  You're jumpy, you're moody.  You're not sleeping at night.  Annie WHAT is it?"

 

"Bobby, I keep tellin' you, it's nothing,"  Ann says, almost in tears.

 

"I know you do, and I don't believe that for a minute.

"You're accusin' me of lyin'?"

 

"It wouldn't be the first time you've lied or kept secrets from me, would it?"

 

"I cannot believe you just said that to me,"  says an angry Ann.  

 

"I'm just tryin' to get to the bottom of whatever it is that's eating you up inside!  You keep saying it's nothing, but yet every day you walk around this house like you've lost your best friend or you're carryin' around somethin' weighting so heavy on your mind that you're near tears all the time.  And then when I try and touch you, you go cold.  I'm your husband, I have a right to know what's goin' on with my wife!"

 

"I am NOT ready to talk about it!"  Ann says.

 

"Alright, fine,"  Bobby angrily says.  "Whenever you feel you ARE ready to talk about it, then let me know!"  He turns and storms out of the room, leaving Ann in tears.

Justin's home.....

 Meanwhile, Justin and Pamela are laying in bed at his ranch that morning, having spent their first night together since their breakup several weeks ago.  "I really don't want this to end, us here together like this, you in my arms."

 

"Who says it has to end?"  Pamela asks.

 

"Well, darlin' I DO have a record comp'ny to run.  And I have to make preparations for Michael's recording session, which is day after tomorrow, AND get everything set up to shoot his second video for that song he wrote."

 

"I know,"  Pamela says with a sigh.  "I really miss working with you at Ewing Records."

 

"I miss you bein' there, too.  I can't wait for the day this whole situation with Tripp McKay is taken care of and you and I can resume a relationship out in the open."

 

"Me, too.  I could strangle Tripp for the hell he's put us through."

 

"That makes two of us,"  Justin says.  He looks at her.  "It was so great havin' you here last night. Holdin' you in my arms, makin' love.  This feels so right, Pamela, and I'll be damned if I let your ex-husband or anybody else come between us ever again."

 

Pamela looks at him and smiles.  "I'm gonna hold you to that."

 

"It's almost 8 o'clock.  I have to get up, get a shower, have some breakfast, and get to work."

 

"Yeah, and I should get my parents' apartment and pick up the boys.  Randall is teething, so I hope he didn't keep my Mom up all night."

 

Justin smiles, then kisses her.  "Well, we're not gettin' anywhere layin' here," he says, throwing the covers back and getting out of bed.  Pamela watches him as he slips on his boxers.  "I wish that I could ask you to come have lunch with.  But I know I can't."

 

"Not right now, we can't,"  says Pamela.  "But soon, we will be able to go out in public and Tripp won't be a problem anymore."

 

Justin takes a seat on the bed and looks down at her.  "I love you SO much."

 

Pamela smiles, then raises up in bed to kiss him.

Stone-Barnes Oil....

 Brad walks into the offices of Stone-Barnes Oil that morning.  "Good morning, Mr. Stone,"  his new secretary says.

 

"Morning, Debbie, umm, would you get Brandon Harwood at Harwood Oil on the phone?"  Brad asks.

 

"Yes, sir."

 

Brad proceeds into his office and closes the door.  He takes a seat at his desk and turns on his computer.  A moment later, Debbie buzzes his office.

 

"Mr. Harwood's secretary said that he's out of the office for the  day,"  Debbie says.

 

"Out of the......how the hell can a man run an oil company when he's out of  the office all the time.  Thank you, Debbie.  Oh, Debbie, has my father come in yet?" 

 

"Yes, he came in about ten minutes before you, Mr. Stone."

 

"Could you ask him to step into my office?"

 

"Yes, sir."

 

Brad looks at his computer for a moment, then shakes his head in frustration, an angry look on his face.  Cliff walks into the office.  "Hey, Debbie said you wanted to see me."

 

"We have a problem.  A MAJOR problem."

 

"Oh?  What problem?"  Cliff asks.

 

"The Cartel,"  Brad replies.  "I had a meeting yesterday with Ben Chambers."

 

"Ben Chambers?"

 

"Yeah, President and CEO of Chambers Oil.  I went to school with him, for a while at least."

 

"Okay, so what's the problem?"  Cliff asks.

 

"No one in the Cartel will deal with us or even talk to us,"  replies Brad.  "I've tried Chambers, I've tried Peter Ellis, and even Brandon Harwood.  Harwood won't even take my calls, his secretary keeps saying he's out of the office, ever since last week."

 

"And I don't have to guess too hard why the Cartel suddenly won't deal with us.  It's the Ewings," says Cliff.

 

"Damn right it's the Ewings,"  Brad says.  "Chambers admitted that to me yesterday.  Ewing Oil has joined the Cartel, and as a result, we're OUT.  Chambers told me that Bobby Ewing made it clear that a condition of Ewing coming into the Cartel was that the Cartel never do business with Stone-Barnes."

 

"Damn it,"  Cliff says.  "Those Ewings have been a thorn in my side my whole life.  They had me sent to prison for a murder I didn't commit, and now they're trying to destroy our company.  Well I am NOT gonna just lie down and take this."  Cliff walks to the door.

 

"Hey, where are you going?"  Brad asks.

 

"I'm gonna go see Bobby Ewing.  The Ewings have just declared war on our family, AGAIN, and this time........the Barnes family is NOT gonna just lay down and accept defeat!"  Cliff storms out of the office.

Ewing Oil....a short time later....

 

 

Cliff steps off the elevator into the main office at Ewing Oil twenty minutes later, an angry look on his face and blood in his eye as he walks quickly to the secretary's desk.  "I need to see Bobby Ewing," he says.

 

"Mr. Barnes,"  Janice says.  "I believe Mr. Ewing is busy at the moment."

 

"I don't care how busy he is, I'm here to see Bobby, and I'm not leaving until I do."

 

"I'll see if Mr. Ewing is available,"  Janice says.  She buzzes Bobby's office.  "Mr. Ewing, Cliff Barnes is here to see you."

 

Sitting at his desk, Bobby is surprised to hear of his unwelcome visitor.  "Cliff Barnes?  Tell him I'm busy and to get lost,"  he says, then returns to his work.  A few seconds later, he hears a commotion and the voices of Cliff and Janice just outside his door.  Then Cliff bursts into the office, followed by Janice.  

 

"I'm sorry, Mr. Ewing, I tried to stop him,"  she says.

 

"That's alright, Janice, Mr. Barnes was never famous for his manners."

 

"You can leave now,"  Cliff tells the secretary.

 

"Should I call security, Mr. Ewing?"

 

Bobby stands from his seat.  "No, thank you, Janice.  If there's any trouble I will enjoy bouncing Mr. Barnes out of here myself."

 

Janice nods, then leaves, closing the door behind her.

 

"I'm not going anywhere until I say what I came here to say.  You're not gonna get away with this, Bobby.  All my life I've been a punching bag for the Ewings, first for J.R., and then for you and John Ross, but no more! I am NOT going to let you get away with this one.  You think you can stop me from doing business in Dallas?"

 

"We already have, Cliff,"  says Bobby.  "None of the Cartel will do business with you or with your son, and if they do, they know that Ewing Oil will withdraw from the Cartel.  Face it, Cliff.  Without those 5 companies in the Cartel to do business with in Dallas, Stone-Barnes might as well pull up stakes and move someplace else, but you don't have a chance of staying in business here."

 

"Those 5 companies in the Cartel, and Ewing Oil aren't the only oil companies in this part of Texas to do business with.  You're not gonna beat us. You want a war, Bobby.... ........okay, then you've got it.  What's gone on before in this 80-year old feud between our families will look like child's play compared to what's coming now."

 

"Cliff, this isn't a war that you can win.  You started this.  The Barnes-Ewing feud could have ended years ago, but you're the one who kept it going.  And you escalated the feud when you killed my grandchildren.  If it were up to me you'd still be rotting in that Mexican prison for the rest of your miserable life.  YOU want this war to continue?  Fine.  But consider this a warning..........if you or your son come up against this company or any member of my family..........we'll destroy you, once and for all."

 

"You framed me for murder,"  Cliff says.  "Thought you were rid of me then.  But fortunately, I got out of that dungeon you put me in.  How many times did J.R. try to destroy me over the years?  But he could never get rid of me permanently, and neither can you.  Because even if something happens to me, my son will continue this fight until every single one of the Ewings is destroyed, by any means necessary."

 

"You're a damned fool, Cliff.  You've tried before, and you've never been able to get the best of us Ewings.  If anyone is gonna be destroyed, it's gonna be the Barnes family.  Now get the hell outta my office before I do lose my temper and take great pleasure in tossing you out myself, preferably from this window."

 

"This isn't over, Bobby,"  Cliff says.  "The Barnes-Ewing feud has only just begun."  Cliff looks angrily at Bobby for a couple of seconds, then turns and walks out, leaving Bobby furious.  As he leaves Bobby's office, Cliff runs into Sue Ellen and John Ross.  

 

"Barnes, what in the HELL are you doin' here?"  John Ross asks.  "Don't you know better'n to show your ugly face around here?"

 

"I came here to give Bobby a warning, and now I'll just give that same warning to the two of you."

 

"Cliff, nothing you have to say could of any interest to us,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"Well, this will,"  Cliff says.  "I'm putting you Ewings on notice.  By trying to destroy mine and my son's company, you've made a big mistake.  Because now, I'm declaring all out war on your family, and this company."

 

"Barnes, you're positively delusional if you think that you, your bastard son, and that ragtag establishment you call an oil comp'ny is any match for us Ewings,"  John Ross says.

 

"Well I have something going for me that the Ewings don't, and that is a friendship and alliance with Westar, one of the biggest and most powerful oil companies in the state of Texas, and together, Stone-Barnes and Westar are gonna CRUSH Ewing Oil, and you can take that to the bank.  Sue Ellen, always a pleasure to see you,"  Cliff says, then walks away.

 

John Ross watches as Cliff goes to the elevator and gets on.  As he watches the doors close, John Ross smiles.  "That man never does learn, does he?"  He asks.

Det. Craig Anderson's apartment....afternoon....

Jill and Detective Craig Anderson are laying in bed at his apartment that afternoon, following an intense lovemaking session.  Craig looks over at her and smiles.  "I think our lovemaking gets better each time," he says.

 "You havin' a sudden attack of conscience, Jill?"  Craig asks, watching her put on her bra.

 

"I'm still married, Craig, and I AM still in love with my husband."

"Takes two to save a marriage, Jill,"  says Craig.  "If Jay itn't willin' to meet you half way, then your marriage itn't worth saving."

 

"I have to go, Craig.  I have to get back to Ewing Oil, and you should get back to the department."

 

"I love you, Jill.  And spending this time with you these last few days, I believe you still love me.  The passion we have itn't just about great sex.  It's about a genuine connection we've had since we were kids."

 

Jill buttons her blouse,then slips on her shoes.  "Goodbye, Craig," she says, then quickly leaves.  

 

"I'm willin' to wait, Jill,"  Craig says to himself after she's gone.  "For as long as it takes for you to wake up and realize that we've always belonged together."

A couple of minutes later....

 As Jill exits Craig's apartment building, Tripp is watching her from his truck.  He waits until she arrives at her car, then gets out of his truck and rushes over to her.  Jill gets into the car, and she is startled when Tripp opens her passenger door and gets in.  

 

"Hello, Jill,"  Tripp says.  "Fancy meeting you here."

 

"Tripp, what are you doing here?"  Jill nervously.

 

"I'm here to see you.  I thought we could have a little chat about your new.........extramarital activities.  Detective Craig Anderson, huh?"

 

"How in the hell did you........"

 

"How'd I know about you and the good detective?"  Tripp asks.  "Simple.  One day last week I saw you in Warren Park.  Sometimes, I go running there during lunch.  Helps to have my own private bath and  shower back at the office when I work up a sweat.  But anyway, I saw you there with this guy who is NOT your hubby.  It aroused my curiosity."

 

"So, what?  You had me followed?"  Jill angrily asks.

 

"Yes, Jill.  Yes, I did.  Like I said, I was curious.  And when I found out where you were spending your afternoons, I did some checking and found out who you were spending them with.  Detective Marvin Craig Anderson, age 30.  Born in Dallas on October 30, 1987, son of Tim and Carol Anderson, grandson of Punk and Mavis Anderson.  Joined the Dallas Police Department in 2009, and made the rank of detective in 2015, at age 28, one of the youngest detectives in the department.  Shall I go on?"

 

"What do you want, Tripp?"

"What do I want?"  Tripp asks.  "I want your cooperation, Jill."

 

"Cooperation?  Cooperation to do what?"

 

"To help me bring down Ewing Oil.  Since you've been working there, you must know a lot of inside secrets.  Things Ewing Oil is  up to, and specifically........John Ross."

 

"You have GOT to be out of your mind if you think for one second that I would ever help you do anything to hurt my family and Ewing Oil."

 

Tripp sighs.  "Well, Jill, here's the situation you're in now.  You're gonna have to decide which is more important to you.  Ewing Oil and a family that only just tolerates you, or your husband and marriage.  From everything I know about Jay Smithfield, he would NOT take his wife cheating on him very well."

 

"Craig Anderson and I are old friends.  We went to high school together."

 

"And you were also lovers in high school.  So, you're expecting me to believe that now the two of you are meeting every day for a couple of hours in his apartment to talk over old times........platonically?  Jill, you can do better than that.  I'd be more inclined to believe that you and the handsome detective were meeting to discuss plans to save a park or something.  Now you have two choices here, Jill.  You can either do as I say and let me know everything that brother of yours is up to, or..........refuse to help me and lose your husband."

 

Jill looks at him angrily.  "You bastard," she says.  "I can't believe I ever thought of you as a friend."

 

"There was a time you thought of me as much more than a friend,"  Tripp says with a sly smile.  "Y'know, Jill, if you wanted to cheat on your husband, if he wasn't satisfying you in the bedroom, you should've called me.  We did have some great times together back in the day."

 

"Tripp, don't do this,"  Jill says, tears running down her cheeks.  "I made a mistake, okay?  Jay is a good man.  This would kill him.   If you ever cared anything about me at all, you won't do this to me."

 

"If this would kill him, then I guess you hold your husband's life in your hands.  Jill, I do care about you.  And I'm not heartless.  That's why I am gonna give you a couple days to think about it.  To make your decision, and I hope you'll come to the right one.  Last thing I wanna do is destroy your marriage, but, if you don't help me go after Ewing Oil.........then you can say goodbye to your marriage.  Hope you have a great rest of the day, Jill."  Tripp smiles at her, then gets out of the car.  

 

Jill breaks down in tears.  "Damn you, Tripp," she says.  "Damn you to hell!"

Southfork....early evening....

Christopher walks into his and Courtney's bedroom early in the evening.  Courtney comes into the room from the adjoining bathroom.  The two look at each other for a moment.  "How was your day?"  Courtney asks.

 

"It was fine.  Being out there, workin' on the ranch today helped me clear my mind a little," he replies.  "Courtney, I'm sorry for the things I said last night.  But I am NOT sorry for wanting to do everything in my power to try and keep Gioberti from getting Jacob."

 

"Christopher, I know that you would do anything to keep Jacob with us.  So would I.  I just don't know what to do anymore."

 Christopher takes a seat on the bed.  "Neither do I," he says sadly.  "I've gone over and over this in my mind, and, I don't know what to do, either.  At least, not without using some of John Ross's tactics.  That's why I hired a Bum today."

 

"Bum?  Why?"  Courtney asks.  "Why would you need to hire a private detective?"

 

"To check into Chase Gioberti's background and his family.  If there's anything there we can use......."

 

"You mean for blackmail?"  Courtney asks.  "If Bum finds anything in Chase's past, or anything about his family that could hurt them, you would use that information to blackmail Chase into backing down?"

 

"Can you think of a better way?"  Christopher asks, standing to his feet to face his wife.  Courtney we talked to the guy.  You and I both tried to reason with him, to get him to drop this custody suit, and he refused.  Courtney, the guy isn't even Jacob's father.  There's no way I'm gonna let him get custody of that boy."

 

"What are you hoping to find?"  Courtney asks.

 

"I dunno.  ANYTHING.  Anything that could embarrass Chase or his family, that I can use to get him to back down."

 

"Christopher I don't like using those kind of methods."

 "Neither do I,"  says Christopher.  "But I'm grasping at straws, Courtney.  I wanna keep our family together.  And I'll do whatever I have to in order to keep Jacob with us."  Without saying another word to her, Christopher goes into the bathroom and closes the door.

 

Courtney closes her eyes, and a tear falls down her face as she worries about how this mess will play out.

Southfork....night....

 Ann is standing at the window of her and Bobby's bedroom that night, looking out at the darkness, when Bobby walks in.  "Everyone missed you at dinner tonight," he says.  

 

"I wasn't hungry."

 

"That seems to be a regular thing with you these days, doesn't it?  You skip meals to avoid spending anymore time with me and the rest of the family than you can help."

 

"Bobby, please,"  Ann says.  "I really don't feel like havin' another fight tonight."

 

"Neither do I,"  says Bobby. "I don't like this distance between us.  In fact, I hate it.  I just don't know what to do about it.  I see somethin' bothering you. Somethin' that's got you on edge all the time.  Whatever's goin' on, it's drivin' a wedge between us."'

 

"I'm sorry,"  Ann says.  "Bobby, I've never asked a lot of you durin' almost 13 years of marriage.  All I ask is some space.  This hasn't been an easy time for me.  I lost my brother, and then my mother not even five months apart.  Then what I went through with Katherine Wentworth..........it was horrible.  I still have nightmares about that, and it's not helpin' me that you are hell bent on findin' that woman and bringin' her back here to Dallas.  And on top of that, the man who killed my brother is out there somewhere, still at large.  Yes, I'm on edge.  But can you blame me?"

 

"No, honey, I can't.  Annie, I'm sorry.  I know I haven't been very understanding or supportive lately.  You're right, you have been through two years of hell, and I'm sorry for puttin' so much pressure on you."

 

"I just need a little space, Bobby.  That's all I'm askin'.  Time and space to........to come to terms with everything."

 

Bobby puts his hand on his wife's face.  "I love you.  And you can have that space.  I won't pressure you anymore to talk to me about what happened.  And if it'll help you, I'll back off on tryin' to find Katherine......for NOW."

 

Ann looks at him and manages a weak smile.  "Thank you, Bobby.  Thank you."

 

"It's late.  Why don't we try and get some sleep?"

 

Ann nods, then she and Bobby embrace.

The Krebbs Ranch....the next morning....

 Ray and Conner come downstairs the next morning and walk into the kitchen to find Donna reading over some papers at the kitchen table.  "Well, you were up and outta bed early,"  Ray says.

 

"Morning.  Your breakfast is on the stove.  I have to fly down to Austin this morning,"  Donna says.  "I have a meeting with the Bureau of Land Management right after lunch."

 

"About that over pumping thing you were talking about the other night?"  Conner asks.

 

"That's right."

 

"You ever talk to Bobby about that?"  Ray asks.

 

"No, not yet.  I am going to meet with the Bureau, and hear their recommendations, and then talk to Bobby and Sue Ellen, and hopefully they can talk to the other members of the Dallas Cartel."

 

"What about the other independents all over Texas doin' the same thing?"  Ray asks.  

 

"I'm not concerned about them.  I just don't want Ewing Oil to get into trouble with a state agency for pumping too much crude."

 

"And what if John Ross was runnin' Ewing Oil by himself and Bobby and the others weren't involved in the company?"  Ray asks with a smile.  "Would ya still care?"

 

"You know the answer to that,"  replies Donna.  "I wouldn't care how much hot water John Ross got into.  I'd just hate to see Bobby and the others reprimanded if I can do something about it."  The doorbell rings at that moment.  "Who can that be this early?"  Donna wonders.

 

"Prob'ly Heath.  We have a breakfast meeting with Pat Powers and Dan Frazier in Dallas."

 

"About that new development project?"  

 

"That's right.  I'll get the door."  Ray gets up from the table and leaves the room.

 

"Wow, Ray sure is getting into one real estate venture after another with Heath,"  Conner says.

 

"Yes, and it worries me,"  Donna says as Ray returns to the kitchen with Heath.

 

"Heath, have some coffee?"  Ray asks.

 

"Sure, I'd love some."

 

"Just help yourself."

 

"Donna, how's it going?"  Heath asks.

 

"Just fine,"  Donna replies as her cell phone rings.  Picking the phone up from the table, she looks at it.  "It's Matt.  I'll take this in the living room."

 

"You just gonna leave all this committee stuff here on the table?"  Ray asks.

 

"I'll pick it up when I get back,"  Donna says, leaving the room to answer her phone.

 

"What committee stuff is that?"  Heath asks.

 

"Oh, this stuff from the Bureau of Land Management, the group that's tryin' to put a cap on how much crude these oil comp'nies are pumpin' right now."

 

"Oh, you mean that thing Donna and Matt were talkin' about after dinner the other night,"  says Heath.  "That thing John Ross wouldn't be too happy about."

 

"Yep,"  Ray says.  "Donna's hopin' to head off trouble by seein' what the Bureau is plannin' to do, and then hopefully she can get Bobby to cooperate."

 

"I guess John Ross wouldn't wanna cut back on pumpin', huh?"  

 

Ray looks at his son and smiles.  "Are you kiddin'?  That's another way John Ross is just like his daddy.  He's pump every drop of oil outta this whole state if he thought he could make a dime off it.  Well, just let me run upstairs and grab my wallet and we can go."

 

"I gotta be going, too,"  Conner says.  "We gotta move that heard this morning over to the north pasture before it gets too hot, and repair that fence."

 

"Okay,"  says Ray.  "I'll be back in a couple hours, just as soon as this meetin's over, and I'll be out to help ya."

 

"Okay," Conner says as Ray leaves the room to get his wallet upstairs.  Conner starts to leave, too.

 

"Not gonna say bye, or tell me to have a nice day or anything?"  Heath asks him.

 

Conner stops in the doorway and turns back to him.  He manages to fake a smile.

 

"How's that brother of yours doin' in the......what is it?  The Hagman Center for alcohol and drug abuse?  Or is it really another funny farm like he was in before?"

 

"Y'know what, Heath?  Why don't you go to hell?"  Conner angrily says, then turns and walks out of the room.

 

Heath laughs, confident that he had gotten under Conner's skin.  Just like his cousin John Ross, Heath Allen knew the right things to say to push a person's buttons.  Alone in the kitchen, Heath walks over and looks at the papers Donna has left scattered on the table.  Something in those papers piques his interest.  Taking his cell phone from his pocket, Heath opens his camera and then makes sure no one is around.  He takes photos of two of the papers, but one, of special interest, he picks up.  Hearing Ray coming back, Heath quickly shoves the paper into his pocket just as Ray walks into the room.  

 

"Had to look for my wallet,"  Ray says.  "Well, all set to go?"

 

"Ready when you are,"  Heath says with a smile.

 

"C'mon, let's go then,"  Ray says, he and Heath leaving together.

Stone-Barnes Oil....later....

 "Damn it!"  Brad yells as he slams his phone down on his desk later that morning just as Cliff walks into his office.

 

"I sure don't like the sound of that,"  Cliff says.  "What's going on?"

 

"I just got off the phone with the Dallas Bank And Trust.  They refused to extend our loan to keep our Ellis County field open, and, won't even talk to us about another loan until this one is paid in full, which, is gonna have to be done in three weeks, or we default on the loan.  And that's not even ALL the bad news this morning."

 

"What's the other?"  Cliff asks.

 

"Before I talked to the bank, I called your nephew, my so-called cousin, Jonathon Lord, about Wentworth's new computerized drill, which is ready for us this very week, and, guess what?"

 

"Please don't tell me Jonathon Lord won't negotiate a deal with us for that drill?"

 

"Better than that,"  Brad says.  "He's already made a deal with another company to grant them EXCLUSIVE rights to that drill for the next two years."

 

"What company?"  Cliff asks.

 

Brad stands and walks over to his bar.  "Who else?  Ewing Oil.  Jonathon closed the deal with John Ross, secretly, several weeks ago."

 

 

 

 

"You've gotta be kidding me!"  Cliff says.

 

 

"Do I look like I'm laughing?"

 

"So the Ewings not only block us from being able to do business with any other independent in Dallas, and because of that, the bank won't extend our loan, but they also swept in and got Katherine's son to sell them that new drill? Unbelievable!"

 

"What's so unbelievable about it, Cliff?"  Brad angrily asks.  "The Ewings are trying to put us out of business.  They're trying to destroy us.  And what better way than to cut off our ability to get a loan, and block our ability to do business with the Cartel?"

 

"So, with that ten million dollar bank loan coming due in just three weeks, if we can't make deals and do business, and we don't have the money to keep pumping oil.........unless a miracle happens, Stone-Barnes Oil could be out of business soon,"  says Cliff.

 

Filled with rage, Brad angrily takes his hand and sends everything on his desk flying across the room in one swift 

 Sally buzzes John Ross's office.  "John Ross, Steve Todd from the Dallas Bank And Trust is on line one."

 

"Thank ya, Sally,"  John Ross says  He picks up his phone and presses the '1' button.  "Steve, hope ya got some good news for me."

 He picks up his phone and again presses the '2'.  "Heath, what can I do for ya?"

 

"John Ross, how's it goin'?"  Heath asks on the other end of the line.

 

"Goin' fine, but I'm real busy, so could we get to the point of why you're callin' me?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I got my hands on some information that you might find real interesting, and very much to your advantage.  Can we meet for lunch today?"

 

"Suppose you tell me what kind of information this is you think I'd be interested in."

 

"No, John Ross.. Not over the phone.  But let's just say this is somethin' I got from my darlin' stepmother Donna Krebbs, and it could mean the difference in Ewing Oil makin' money, or losin'money, and I'm talkin' millions."

 

John Ross rolls his eyes.  "Alright.  Cattlemen's Club.  One o'clock."

 

"I look forward to it,"  Heath says, then hangs up.

 

John Ross closes the file he was looking at and tosses it onto his desk, curious what kind of information Ray's illegitimate son could possibly have for him.

The Krebbs Ranch....early afternoon....

 Conner drives up to the front of the Krebbs home early in the afternoon on a four wheeler and comes to a stop.  Jay Smithfield is standing by his car in front of the Krebbs home, waiting for him.  "Jay,"  Conner says, getting off the four wheeler.  

 

"Conner, I'm sorry for taking you away from your work, but I needed to see you,"  says Jay.

 

"Sure, no problem.  I needed to come in for lunch, anyway.  When you called, it sounded urgent.  Is this about my case?"

 

"Yeah, it is.  I wanted to come out and tell you this in person before you heard it some other way, and I didn't wanna tell you on the phone."

 

"Jay, you're, uh, you're kinda scaryin' me,"  Conner says.  

 

"The Grand Jury in Braddock handed down an indictment against you for causing the accident that injured Alex Walton and Bridget McKinnon on New Year's Eve.  And I talked to Todd.  Now that you've been indicted, the D.A.'s office is proceeding at full speed with this case.  Todd wants to push this along as fast as possible.  Jury selection could begin as early as one week."

 

"One week?  Wow, that's pretty soon."

 

"Yes, it is.  I could ask for a delay, but, that would be up to the judge.  We need to get together over the next several days and discuss your defense."

 

Conner looks at him and nods, his heart pounding with fear upon receiving this new.

Donna's office in Austin....

 "Well, that was a lot of fun,"  Donna sarcastically says as she pours two cups of coffee in her office in Austin.  She hands one to Matt.

 

"Were you expecting it to be a picnic?"  Matt asks.

 

Donna sighs.  "No.  But, I also didn't expect the Bureau wanted the oil companies to give up so much."

 

"My question to you, Donna, is, when the time comes, will you be able to act impartially and without favoritism?"  Matt asks.

 

Donna looks at him.  "Of course.  You don't think I'm capable of being impartial?"

 

"Of course I do.  I trust your judgement implicitly.  But, it's not me, your favorite son-in-law that you have to worry about.  It's the other members of the committee, and Commissioner Bush.  Maybe even the governor.  It's no secret that you're very fond of Bobby Ewing and you're very close to him.  And that he's your brother-in-law."

 

"That will not affect my decision at all,"  says Donna.

 

Matt smiles.  "I knew it wouldn't.  I just don't wanna see you get caught up in the middle of a big battle between the Bureau of Land Management and the independent oil companies of Texas.  Of course, if you could use your charm and convince Bobby to cut back on Ewing Oil's production for a while, then that'd solve that part of the problem at least."

 

"I'm sure that I'll be able to convince him.  Bobby is always very reasonable.  But, anyway, are you hungry?  Because I am FAMISHED.  I didn't eat breakfast this morning."

 

"I'm pretty hungry myself,"  Matt says.

 

"Good, because I wanna take you and Margaret to lunch.  My treat.  So why don't you call your wife and ask her to meet us someplace?"

 

"Will do.  I never turn down a free lunch with two beautiful women,"  Matt says.

Back in Dallas.....The Cattlemen's Club....

 

 

"Can I get you gentlemen anything else?"  The waitress at The Cattlemen's Club as John Ross and Heath after bringing their lunch.  

 

"No, thank ya, darlin', we're fine,"  replies John Ross.  The waitress smiles and walks away.  

 

"Man, this sure looks good,"  Heath says.  "This place has the best steaks."

 

"Yeah, now, then, Heath, why are we here?"  John Ross asks.  "You said on the phone you had some information for me.  Or was that just a ploy to get me here and weasel a free lunch outta me?"

 

Heath looks at him and smiles.  "You're kinda suspicious of everybody, aren't you?"

 

"Never had any reason not to be."

 

"Well, you can relax, cuz,"  Heath says.  "I'm not here to put one over on ya.  After all, John Ross, we ARE fam'ly."

 

"Sharin' DNA does not necessarily make us fam'ly."

 

"But it does.  After all, my Daddy and your Daddy were brothers."

 

"HALF-brothers,"  John Ross corrects.

 

"Hell, half-brothers, whole brothers, it don't make any difference," says Heath.  "Point is, Jock Ewing was my grandfather, same as he was yours.  And I'd hate to see the company he started hurt by anyone."

 

"Okay, would ya stop beatin' around the bush and get to this point?  WHY are we here havin' lunch?"

 

Heath puts a piece of his steak into his mouth and chews.  "Well, John Ross, we'll get to that.  But first, let's discuss terms."

 

"Terms?  You mean money?"

 

Heath smiles.  "That's right.  Ya see, by givin' you this information I have, I could be savin' you and Ewing Oil a LOT of money.  I just want a small token of your appreciation in return, that's all."

 

"Okay, how much?"

 

"Ten thousand, for a start.  And, if I could get more info for you, another ten grand each time, of it helps you."

 

John Ross laughs.  "Well I'll be damned.  You really do have Ewing blood flowin' in your veins.  Alright, I'll bite.  Now, for MY condition.  If this information turns out to be as important and helpful as you say it is, then I'll give you the ten thousand.  If it's worthless, you get nothin'.  Deal?"

 

"Deal,"  says Heath.  He reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out the piece of paper he had taken from Ray and Donna's kitchen earlier.  He hands it to John Ross, then sits back and smiles as John Ross looks over the paper.

 

"So, the Bureau of Land Management is wantin' to force oil comp'nies to cut back on production?"

 

"That's right.  I also took these photos of some other documents Donna had,"  Heath says, showing John Ross the pictures on his phone.  

 

John Ross looks at the photos for a moment.  "Well, Heath, thank ya for these.  I think these will come in real handy."

 

"So are they worth the ten thousand?"  Heath asks.

 

"Alright.  I'll give you the ten grand.  I think I can use these, and, the names on this list of these committee members."

 

"Wonderful.  Anything I can do to help the family business, is my pleasure,"  Heath says with a devious smile.  

 

"You just make sure to keep this between us,"  says John Ross.  "And this information does end up helpin' me, I might have use of your skills in sneakiness at sometime in the future."

 

"Anytime, John Ross,"  Heath says.  "I think we should have a toast.  To an alliance between cousins."

 

John Ross raises his glass, and he and Heath toast.  Meanwhile, across the room, Justin and Lucas are having lunch, and the waitress has brought refills on their drinks.

 

"Thank you,"  Lucas says.

 

"You're welcome, Mr. Ewing," she replies.  "Let me know if you need anything else."

 

"We will, thanks,"  Justin says.  The waitress smiles and walks away.  Justin looks across the table at his cousin and smiles.  "Well, how is it bein' back at Ewing Oil after all this time?"

 

"Too soon to tell."

 

"John Ross behavin' himself?"  Justin asks.

 

Lucas laughs.  "Again, too soon to tell.  I haven't seen much of John Ross since I came back to work there, and I like it that way.  Now, enough about me and Ewing Oil.  What's goin' on with you?  You seem unusually chipper today.  More so than I've seen you in months."

 

Justin smiles.  "Well, for the first time in a long time, I actually feel like I got somethin' to smile about."

 

"Okay, now you've gotta tell me what that means," Lucas says.

 

"Pamela and I are seein' each other again."

 

"Well, now that's great news.  Congratulations, man.  When did that happen?"

 

"Sunday.  But, look, Lucas, for now, no one else can know about this,"  Justin says.

 

"But why, man?"

 

"Because of Tripp McKay,"  replies Justin.  "It was because of him that I broke things off with Pamela.  Long story, and I don't wanna get into it right now.  I'll fill you in on the details later.  But, just for now, Pamela and I have to keep our relationship a secret, at least until I find a way to get McKay out of the picture once and for all."

 

 

"Well, you can count on me,"  Lucas says.  "My lips are sealed, and if I can do anything else to help, just let me know."

 

"I sure do appreciate that, cousin,"  Justin says.  Looking over Lucas's shoulder, he spots John Ross and Heath having lunch across the room.  "Well, now, wonders never cease," he says.

 

"What?"

 

"Over there,"  Justin says.  "It's John Ross with Uncle Ray's son, Heath."

 

Curious, Lucas turns around in his chair and looks in the direction Justin is pointing and sees John Ross and Heath.  "Wow, that's........strange,"  Lucas says.  "I had no idea that John Ross ever hung out with him."

 

"Neither did I.  I only met Heath once, but he didn't seem like the type of guy my big brother would sit down to lunch with."

 

"Yeah, see, that's the thing,"  Lucas says, his curiosity aroused even more.  "Heath Allen ISN'T the type of guy John Ross would hang out with over lunch at The Cattlemen's Club, relative or not.  I just wonder what's goin' on between those two."

Westar....

 

 

 

Tripp's secretary buzzes his office.  "Mr. McKay, Brad Stone is here to see you."

 

"Send him in,"  Tripp says.  

 

A moment later, Brad walks into the office.  "Tripp," he says.

 

"Brad.  What can I do for you?"

 

"I need your help,"  Brad says.  

 

"My help?  What kind of help?"

 

Brad sighs.  "My father and I have a very serious problem.  And that problem is the Ewings."

 

Tripp smiles.  "When are the Ewings NOT a problem?"

 

"Bobby Ewing has forced the Cartel into ostracizing Cliff and I.  None of the Cartel members will even talk to us, much less do business with Stone-Barnes."

 

"Well, what can I do about that?"  Tripp asks.

 

"Westar is very powerful and has a lot of influence.  Maybe you could apply pressure on those 5 companies.  Because of the Ewings blocking us from dealing with any other independent in Dallas, the bank has refused to extend our loan.  It's due in three weeks.  Cliff and I don't have the money to continue drilling without available capital.  The Ewings are out to put us out of business.  We need your help to keep that from happening."

 

"So, you want me to put pressure on the other companies in the Cartel to deal with Stone-Barnes?  Is that it?"

 

"No,"  Brad replies.  He hesitates a moment.  "I need a loan, Tripp.  Fifteen million.  Ten to pay off our bank loan, and then another five so we can keep drilling."

 

"Brad, I'm not a bank."

 

"I know that, but you DO have the money.  And, you were married to my sister."

 

Tripp looks at him and smiles.  "And you think THAT is gonna convince me to loan you and Cliff fifteen million dollars?  Pamela and I didn't exactly part ways as friends."

 

"No, but, that has nothing to do with us,"  says Brad.   "You and I have a shared enemy, the Ewings.  Both of us wanna see the Ewings destroyed and their company in pieces.  Together, we can make that happen."

 

Tripp stands to his feet, and smiles again.  He walks to his bar and pours two glasses of scotch, then hands one to Brad.  "Alright.  I'll loan you and Cliff the money.  At 15% interest."

 

Brad's mouth drops open in shock.  "15%?  Tripp, that's ridiculous."

 

"Take it or leave it, Brad.  That's my best offer."

 

Brad is silent for a moment as he thinks about his options.  "Alright.  I'll take it.  I have no choice."

 

"Fine.  I'll have my attorney draw up the papers and we can sign them tomorrow.  Then you'll have your loan."

 

Brad nods, then takes a sip of his drink, worrying whether or not he's making the right decision in getting a loan from Tripp McKay at such a high interest rate.  What if he and Cliff can't pay back the loan?  But Brad is going on the hope that Tripp would not drive them out of business.

Southfork....evening....

 John Ross and Krystina are in the living room that evening having drinks before dinner when Lucas and Heather walk in.  "Hey, guys,"  Heather says with a smile.

 

"Hi,"  says Krystina.  "Where's everyone else?"

 

"Christopher and Courtney took Jacob out to a movie and dinner, to spend a little time together as a family," replies Heather.  "I think Lucy had dinner plans with one of her friends.  Michael will be down soon.  He's finishing up some homework."

 

"And my Dad and Ann are getting ready for dinner and they'll be down soon,"  Lucas says.  "Where's Alex?"

 

"Said he was gonna have dinner in his room.  He's video chattin' with Bridget and doin' some homework,"  John Ross says.  

 

"Lucas, how's it going, now that you're working at Ewing Oil?"  Krystina asks.

 

"I'm actually enjoying it, believe it or not."

 

"Well, I wouldn't get too comfortable there,"  John Ross says.  "It's only temporary until Christopher decides to come back once he works through whatever personal crisis he seems to be goin' through this time."

 

"You're all heart, John Ross.  By the way, speaking of Ewing Oil, I found out somethin' today that I'm not sure I understand, so maybe you can explain it to me."

 

"And what's that?  How to work the copy machine?"  John Ross asks.

 

"You'd love that, wouldn't you?"  Asks angry John Ross.  "Get rid of me first, then my Mama, and then maybe Jill.  Then you and Christopher could have Ewing Oil all to yourselves."

 

"You're the only one with ambitions to have Ewing Oil to yourself."

 

"Yeah, because I was RAISED to one day run that comp'ny!  Ewing Oil was founded by John Ross Ewing and made into the power it became by my father, J.R. Ewing.  That company should by RIGHTS belong to me, but instead I get saddled with Uncle Bobby's bastard son tryin' to tell me how to run my business!  A son that never even showed his face around here until you thought Christopher was dead and you wanted a piece of the Ewing pie!"

 

"What the HELL did you just say to me!?"  Asks an angry Lucas, walking toward John Ross.

 

"Alright, I think that we should just stop this right now, before it goes too far,"  Krystina says.

 

"Krystina's right, Lucas,"  says Heather.

 

"John Ross, you're a lying, scheming, manipulative........."

 

Meanwhile, Bobby and Ann comes down the stairs and enter the foyer just as the doorbell rings.  "Oh, that must be Sue Ellen and Catlin,"  Bobby says, walking to the door and opening it.  "Well, good evening, come in,"  he says.  

 

"Evening, Bobby, Ann,"  Sue Ellen says, she and Catlin walking into the room.  

 

"We're glad you could come,"  Ann says, just as the loud argument can be heard coming from the living room.  

 

"What the hell is that?"  Bobby asks.  The four quickly hurry into the living room.

 

"You don't belong around here, boy,"  John Ross says to Lucas.  "Not at Ewing Oil and not at Southfork, so why don't you just go back to the Krebbs side of the fence?!"

 

"YOU SON OF A BITCH!!"  Lucas yells as he lunges at John Ross, punching him in the mouth as the women scream.

 

"HEY, STOP IT!!"  Bobby yells, he and Catlin rushing over and pulling the two feuding cousins apart.  "Lucas, John 

John Ross looks at Bobby, but remains silent.  

 

"Well ONE of you had better tell me what's goin' on before I get REALLY mad!"  Bobby says.

 

"John Ross negotiated that deal with Wentworth behind your back,"  Lucas says.  "Ewing Oil now has a contract for exclusive rights to that new Wentworth drill for the next two years."

 

 

 Bobby angrily looks at his nephew.  "John Ross.......is that true?  You went behind my back and did business with Wentworth Industries after I specifically told you not to?"

 

"Yes, I did,"  John Ross replies, nervously.  "But I did it in the best interest of Ewing Oil, Uncle Bobby.  You gotta believe that."

 

"John Ross, you never do anything in the best interest of anyone but yourself!"  Lucas says.

 

"You shut the hell up!"  John Ross says.  "You've caused enough trouble around here tonight!"

 

Bobby looks at Sue Ellen.  "Did you know about this?"

 

"Yes.  But not until after the fact," she replies.

 

"Don't blame her, this was all my idea," says John Ross.

 

"Yes, I'm sure it was.  But the fact remains that Sue Ellen still knew and said NOTHING to me!  I think it's time for some changes at Ewing Oil."

 

"What do you mean by that?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 "Maybe it's time I started running Ewing Oil myself,"  Bobby says, looking at John Ross.

 

"John Ross and I own part of that company,"  says Sue Ellen.

 

"You see the kinda mess you created around here by shootin' off your mouth?"  John Ross asks Lucas.

 

"No, YOU created this mess all by yourself with your underhanded way of doin' business!"  Lucas says.

 

"You're nothin' but a troublemakin' little bastard!"

 

"You're about to spit some teeth!"  Lucas says, lunging at John Ross again, this time punching him in the stomach.  

 

"STOP IT!"  Krystina yells.

 

"Lucas, that's ENOUGH!"  Bobby yells, he and Catlin again separating the two.

 

"John Ross, you cool it, too!"  Catlin says.

 

"What's going on?"  Michael asks, he and Alex walking into the living room. 

 

"Yeah, why are you fighting?"  Alex asks.  "We could hear you all the way upstairs."

 

Lucas gives John Ross an angry look.  "Heather, Michael, come on," he says.  "We're havin' dinner in town.  I can't stand to be in the same room with him!"

 

"There's an easy fix to that,"  John Ross says.  "Why don't you get the hell off Southfork?" 

 

Lucas pauses, his fists clinched, and takes a step toward his cousin.  Bobby puts his hand on his son's chest to hold him back.  

 

"John Ross, one more word and I'm liable to beat the hell out of you myself!"  Bobby says.  "Lucas, take your family to dinner and cool off."

 

Lucas again looks at John Ross with anger, then leaves with his wife and son.

 

"Annie,"  Bobby says to his wife.  "I think that we should go out to dinner, too, because the way I'm feelin' right now" .........he pauses a moment........."Let's just get the hell out of here for a couple of hours," he says.  He and Ann then leave.  

 

Catlin sighs.  "Well, so much for a nice, family dinner," he says.  "Thanks a lot, John Ross.  Sue Ellen, I think we should go."

 

"I don't wanna leave John Ross."

 

"I'll be fine, Mama.  I'll call you later."

 

Sue Ellen looks at her son.  "I warned you about this," she says.  "When will you EVER learn to listen?"  Sue Ellen picks up her purse, and leaves with Catlin.

 

"What was that all about?"  Alex asks.

 

"Nothin' for you to worry about,"  replies John Ross.  

 

The disgusted teenager shakes his head, then turns and leaves the room.  

 

"John Ross, are you sure you're alright?"  Krystina asks.  

 

 "I'm fine.  Just mad as hell.  I can tell you one thing.  One way or another, I'm gonna find a way to get Lucas out of Ewing Oil, out of this house, and outta my hair once and for all.  He's caused me problems for the last time,"  John Ross says, an angry look on his face....

END OF EPISODE 172....