EPISODE 210 - The Trial Of Katherine Wentworth, Part 2

 Bobby and Ann are seated at the patio table having breakfast.  Maria pours Ann a cup of coffee.  "Thank you, Maria,"  Ann says.  

 

Christopher, Courtney, Jacob, and Michael come out of the house, the two boys carrying their book bags for school.  "Morning,"  Christopher says.

 

"Good mornin',"  Ann says as Lucas and Heather come out of the house to join them, followed by Alex, then John Ross and Krystina.

 

"Morning, everyone,"  Krystina cheerfully says.

 

"Morning, Krystina.  John Ross,"  Bobby says. 

 

"Dad, how much longer do you think the trial will last?"  Christopher asks.

 

"I can't say,"  Bobby replies.  "Jeremy Lord is gonna continue his testimony this morning, and I suppose it depends on how many more witnesses Gail Copeland is gonna call.  Then, Winthrop is gonna present Katherine's defense.  Could be another week or two at least."

 

"Speaking of Jeremy Lord,"  Krystina says.  "Alex, did you have a good time yesterday with his son when he came over to hang out?"

 

"Oh, yeah, we did."

 

Ann smiles.  "That Alex Lord is a nice boy."

 

"Couldn't have taken after his father,"  John Ross says.

 

"Oh my gosh,"  Courtney says.  "I just realized something."

 

"What's that, Courtney?"  Christopher asks his wife.

 

"Jeremy Lord's wife, Vicky, is Joseph's aunt, so that makes her Jacob's great-aunt."

 

"Really?"  Jacob asks.

 

"I didn't realize that,"  Bobby says.

 

"Yes,"  says Courtney.  "Vicky Lord is Joseph's father, Cole Gioberti's sister."

 

"Wow, then that makes Alex Lord Jacob's.......what?  Cousin?"  Alex asks.

 

"Yeah, that's right,"  Lucas says.

 

"Well, I have an idea,"  Ann says.  "Why don't we have the Lords out to Southfork for dinner this week so that Jacob can get to meet his great-aunt and his cousins?"

 

"Can we?"  Jacob asks with excitement.

 

"I'm not sure I'm too fond of the idea of having Jeremy Lord as a dinner guest,"  Bobby says.

 

"Why, Uncle Bobby?"  Alex asks.

 

"Because Jeremy Lord was married to Katherine Wentworth, and he knew who she was for years, yet he kept her identity a secret.  Katherine could've faced justice for what she did years ago had it not been for him protecting her.  Besides, if he and his wife come, I'm sure they'll bring Austin, and I really don't want Katherine's son in this house.  And don't forget, Austin has caused this family enough problems himself."

 

"Come on, Grandpa, please,"  Jacob begs.  

 

"Jacob, I'll think about it."

 

"Well, I can highly recommend against it,"  John Ross says.  "I've done business with the man, and Jeremy Lord is a snake in the grass just like his brother, Richard Channing."

 

"Says the pot calling the kettle black,"  Lucas says.

 

"Meaning what?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Meaning, that you're the last person who should go around calling someone else a snake."

 

John Ross looks across the table at his cousin.  "Y'know, Lucas, when I think about it, it's almost a shame that Uncle Bobby was able to track down Naldo Marchetta's real killer.  If Jenna had stayed in prison, you never would've been born."

 

"John Ross, that's a terrible thing to say,"  Ann says.  

 

"Yeah, I can't believe you said that,"  Alex adds.  

 

"Okay, I'm sorry,"  says John Ross.  "I won't say another word."

 

"That'll be a first"  Lucas says.  

 

"I think we also need to remember that Jeremy Lord is also Brian Manning's father,"  Bobby says.  "And I really don't think I'd feel comfortable having the father of the man who held this family hostage over for dinner.  Not only that, imagine how painful it would be for Jeremy Lord to see the spot where his son was killed."

 

"Excuse me,"  Christopher says, getting up from the table.  He starts to walk away.

 

"Christopher, where are you going?"  Courtney asks.

 

"I'm not hungry.  I'm going for a walk,"  he replies, and continues walking away.

 

"Courtney, is everything alright?"  Heather asks.

 

"I'm not sure.  Excuse me, everyone."  Courtney gets up from the table and hurries after Christopher, catching up

up to him.  "Christopher,"  she says.  "Hey, what's going on?"

 

He stops walking and turns to face her.  "I'm just not hungry, that's all."

 

"No, that's not all.  You were fine until the subject of Jeremy Lord and his family coming to dinner came up.  Christopher, please, tell me what's wrong."

 

Christopher hesitates for a few seconds before replying.  "Okay, you wanna know?  That whole conversation about Jeremy Lord's wife being Joseph's aunt and Jacob's great-aunt......."

 

"It bothers you?"  Courtney asks.

 

"You want the truth?  Yeah, it does.  Courtney, I've tried not to let it, but I can't help it.  Just when it seems like you, Jacob, and I have become a real family, along come these reminders that Joseph Gioberti is his father and not me.  And that Jacob has this whole, big family out in California.  Oh, that's right, SOME of his family are right here in Dallas now for Katherine's trial.  Kind of crazy, isn't it?  Joseph's aunt and my aunt were both married to the same man, Jeremy Lord."

 

"Christopher, I'm sorry.  I thought we had resolved this issue.  It doesn't matter that Joseph is Jacob's biological father.  YOU are the father who's there for him all the time.  The Ewings are Jacob's family, and mine.  But honey, ya know what?  There's enough room in Jacob's life for BOTH of his families.  You know how important family is to me now, especially with everything that's happened this year with mine.  I want Jacob to at least have a chance to know Joseph's side of his family.  But that doesn't take away the closeness, or the love he has for the Ewings.  Now why don't you come on back to breakfast?"

 

"You go on back,"  Christopher says.  "I'm still gonna take a walk.  I have a little bit of thinkin' to do."

 

Courtney nods.  "Okay."

 

Christopher turns and walks away from her, Courtney watching him, a worried look on her face.

 "Mr. Lord, when did you discover that your former wife, Katherine Wentworth, had lied to you, and that she had indeed given birth to triplets back in 1994?"  Gail Copeland asks as Katherine's trial resumes, with Jeremy Lord again taking the witness stand.

 

"About 3 or 4 years ago,"  Jeremy replies.

 

"I can imagine that must have made you pretty upset, to say the least."

 

"Upset?  Furious doesn't even begin to describe how I felt.  I had missed more than 20 years of the lives of 3 of my children.  Katherine had kept them from me.  I had  been led to believe that my son Austin had died shortly after he was born, and I didn't even know of the existence of my other two children, Brian and Katelyn."

 

"You mean Katherine never told you that she had given birth to triplets."

 

"No.  No, she did not."

 

"I object, Your Honor,"  Cass Winthrop says.  "I fail to see the point of this entire line of questioning."

 

"The purpose of my questioning Mr. Lord about his former wife's deception will become apparent, if I may be allowed to continue."

 

"Well, so far, counsel, all we've heard are questions about my client's relationship with this witness, which has nothing to do with the charges brought against my client,"  Cass says.

 

"Ms. Copeland, I must agree with Mr. Winthrop,"  says Judge Williams.  "If you have a point, make it.  Otherwise, move on."

 

"Yes, Your Honor,"  Gail says.  "Mr. Lord, the defendant was, until recently, married to your brother, Richard Channing, is that correct?"

 

"My half-brother, yes,"  Jeremy replies.  

 

"Mr. Lord, when you learned of the existence of your other children, did you confront your ex-wife?"  Gail asks.

 

 

"Yes, I did.  I flew to Dallas and confronted Katherine."

 

"And do you recall the exact date you came to Dallas?"

 

"I most certainly do.  July 28, 2017."

 

"Mr. Lord, please describe the events of that day, and evening, to the court,"  Gail says.

 

Jeremy takes in a deep breath as he prepares to recall that day.  "I went to Katherine's home here in Dallas....."

 

 

A park in Dallas....

 

Jimmy and Justin are jogging that morning in one of Dallas's numerous parks.  "Thanks for meeting me this morning,"  Jimmy says as the two jog.

 

"Yeah, no problem.  Been a while since we hung out.  And even longer'n that since we went joggin' together.  So is there somethin' on your mind?  Ever since we been here you been actin' like you wanted to talk about somethin'."

 

"Eh, to tell you the truth, there is somethin' on my mind I needed to talk to someone about,"  Jimmy says.

 

"So tell me what it is."

 

"I've been having those nightmares again."

 

"The ones about Katelyn Spencer?"  Justin asks.

 

"Yep.  I've had several nightmares in the last couple weeks."

 

"Same ones?  About when she kidnapped you?"

 

"Yeah.  Ashley and my Mom are convinced it's all the publicity about Katherine Wentworth's trial,"  Jimmy says. "And, get this......to make things worse, I've been called to testify."

 

"Well, ya had to know that was bound to happen," says Justin.  "Since Katelyn's mother knew she was holdin' you hostage in that basement, that makes her an accomplice."

 

"I know.  I'm just really not looking forward to taking that stand and reliving that whole nightmare.  I went to see Katelyn at the mental hospital."

 

"You did?  Wow, I'm surprised you would do that."

 

Jimmy sighs.  "I had to.  I thought maybe if I saw Katelyn and confronted her, it would help me to come to terms with everything she did to me.  And I guess I also wanted to see for myself that she was locked away in a secure place and was no longer a threat to me or anyone else."

 

"And how'd it go?"  Justin asks.

 

"It didn't go.  I never got to see Katelyn.  I did speak to her doctor.  Of course, she couldn't tell me a whole lot because of confidentiality laws, but, she did tell me that Katelyn has been in a catatonic state for the past years.  She hasn't spoken a word, or done anything but sit and stare."

 

"Did that ease your mind any?"

 

"Not really.  Since I went to the hospital and spoke to Katelyn's doctor, the nightmares have gotten worse.  Katelyn's doctor said that she may never get any better.  She may be a catatonic for the rest of her life."

 

"Well, that should put your mind at ease.  If she's lost all touch with reality, and locked away in a mental institution, then she's no threat anymore."

 

"Yeah, and that's the same thing everyone thought about Michael Myers, too, and you know how that turned out,"  Jimmy says.  

 

Justin laughs at the comment and the two resume their jog.  

Frank Crowley Courthouse....

 "Mr. Lord,"  says Cass Winthrop as he approaches the witness stand to cross examine Jeremy.  "You testified that my client deliberately kept your 3 younger children from you for 23 years."

 

"Yes, that's right."

 

"Mr. Lord, why do you suppose Katherine lied to you about your son Austin dying, and the existence of your other two children?"

 

Jeremy looks at Katherine harshly.  "Because Katherine Wentworth is a cold, evil, calculating bitch who wanted to hurt me."

 

"I object to that statement, Your Honor, and ask that it be stricken from the record,"  Cass says.

 

"Objection sustained,"  says Judge Williams.  "The  jury is instructed to disregard the witness's statement, and Mr. Lord, I caution you not to use that kind of language in my court again."

 

"Yes, I'm sorry, Judge."

 

"Moving on,"  Cass says.  "Mr. Lord, isn't it true that, in the last two years of your marriage, you and my client had a very stormy relationship?"

 

"That's putting it rather mildly."

 

"Is it not true that, on more than one occasion, you struck your wife, and threatened her?"

 

"No.  That is an absolute lie,"  Jeremy says.

 

"Oh, come now, Mr. Lord.  Are you saying that you never threatened Katherine when she was married to you?"

 

"Katherine threatened to take my son Jonathon away from me, and told me that I would never see the baby she was carrying when she was pregnant with Austin, or rather, with Austin, Brian, and Katelyn."

 

"And you told her that you would kill her if she tried to take your son away?"  Cass asks.

 

"Objection, Your Honor,"  Gail Copeland says.  "Counsel is badgering the witness."

 

"Objection sustained,"  says Judge Williams.  "Mr. Winthrop, tread carefully.  I'll not warn you again."

 

"Yes, Your Honor,"  Cass says.

Southfork....afternoon....

 Alex Walton and Alex Lord are riding horses on Southfork that afternoon.  "Man, this sure is a beautiful place,"  Alex Lord says  "And so peaceful.  I could spend the rest of my life out here and be happy."

 

"Oh, it's definitely peaceful, all right,"  Alex Walton says.  "At least out here, away from my family.  Sometimes, I ride out here just to think or be by myself."

 

"How big is this place, anyway?"

 

"Tell you the truth, I'm not real sure.  It's REALLY big, thought.  As long as I've lived on Southfork, I sometimes still get lost if I wander too far off by myself."

 

"I wouldn't mind getting lost out here,"  Alex Lord says sadly.  "Being here has really helped take my mind off things.  I really dread going back home.  All the memories."

 

"Nick?"  Alex Walton asks.

 

Alex Lord nods.  "Yep."

 

"You guys were extremely close, huh?"

 

"Yes, we were.  Nick was.........not only the best friend that I ever had, but he was also like the brother I never had."

"What?"  Alex Walton asks, confused by the statement.  "But, dude, you've got like, 3 brothers?  Or 4?"

 

"Not the same.  Jonathon is eleven years older than me, so I didn't grow up with him.  And, I just found out about Austin a couple of years ago, so I didn't grow up with him, either.  Same with Josh.  As for Brian Manning........he was a psychotic killer, so, I don't even consider him to be my brother.  Nick was the only one my age.  Only one I could talk to."

 

Alex Walton looks at him. "I understand what you mean.  And I'm sorry.  It's hard to lose someone you love.  It's a pain that stays with you a long time."

 

"Does it ever get better?"  Alex Lord asks.

 

"Oh, yeah, it gets better.  After a while the pain starts to get less, and you have all these great memories of the person.  You never stop missing them, but, the pain of their death does get better with time."

 

"I don't think this will."

 

"Trust me, it WILL. Y'know, maybe what you need is a complete change of scenery.  You've really enjoyed being here in Dallas, right?"

 

"Yeah, I have."

 

"And you said that you dread going back home to all the memories,"  Alex Walton says.  

 

"Yeah, I do."

 

"Then why go back there right now?  Why not stay here?"

 

"What?  Stay HERE?"  Alex Lord asks.  

 

"Yeah, why not?"

 

"Well, I have to start college in a couple of weeks, for one."

 

"SMU is a great school,"  says Alex Walton.  "I love it there.  And with your father's money, you could afford to go to school anywhere."

 

"I'm just not sure my parents would go for it."

 

"You're slightly over 18, so they couldn't stop you if you really wanted to.  It'd be great havin' you here.  You could get an apartment.  Hey, we could maybe even get an apartment and room together near campus."

 

Alex Lord looks around the pasture, then at his friend.  "Well, it's definitely something to think about.  I'll talk to my parents this evening when they get back to the hotel after court." 

 

Alex Walton looks at his watch.  "I guess we'd better head back to the house.  Bridget and Gabby should be back from shopping soon,"  he says as the two head off across the pasture on their horses.  

Southfork....that night....

 Bobby, Ann, Christopher, Courtney, Jacob, Lucas, Heather, Michael, Alex, Lucy, Mitch, Sue Ellen, and Catlin adjourn to the den at Southfork that night after dinner.  "Ann, that was a delicious meal,"  Mitch says.

 

"It certainly was,"  agrees Catlin.  

 

Ann smiles.  "Well, thank you, gentlemen.  But part of the credit also goes to Heather, who made the lasagna."

 

"Heather, it was delicious,"  Mitch says.

 

"Thank you, it was my Mom's recipe.  She use to make it all the time when I was growin' up."

 

"I was hoping John Ross and Krystina would be here tonight,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

An uncomfortable silence falls over the room.  "Yeah, umm they went out to dinner,"  Alex says.

 

"I see.  My son can't even stand to be in the same room with me,"  Sue Ellen says, sadness in her voice.

 

"Sue Ellen, I'm sure it's not that." says Ann.

 

"I'm sure that it IS."

 

"Sue Ellen, John Ross has been angry before and he's gotten over it,"  Bobby says.  "He will this time."

 

"I'm not so sure about that, Bobby.  He may never forgive me for voting against him in the Cartel."

 

"Y'know, I don't understand that, either,"  Alex says.  "How could you have voted for C.J. over your own son?"

 

"Sue Ellen had her reasons, Alex,"  Christopher says.

 

"Well, I'd like to know what those reasons are.  My father has worked really hard to prove himself to you, and to Uncle Bobby, and yet, you still don't trust him."

 

"Alex, you're very young,"  says Sue Ellen.  "You don't understand."

 

"I'm about to be 20-years-old in a couple of months.  I'm working at Ewing Oil and everyone around here still treats me like a child and always says I don't understand.  Well, tell me.  Maybe I WILL understand."

 

"Can we not talk about this right now?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I think now's the perfect time to talk about it, while we're all here,"  Alex says as the rest of the family looks on.  "Grandma, please tell me.......why didn't you want my father to be the head of the Cartel?"

 

"All right, you want me to tell you?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "Fine, then I'll tell you.  Alex, you weren't here five or six years ago.  You didn't know John Ross then.  Your father is a very ambitious man.  Even ruthless sometimes.  He gets that from his father."

 

"I know that."

 

"A few years ago, John Ross's ambition very nearly got the better of him.  He was so hungry for power, that's all he could he.  He was blinded to everything else.  He wanted total power, and he would destroy anyone who got in his way, and that included me.  That included your Uncle Bobby, and Christopher.  Even John Ross's own wife at the time, Pamela.  I was afraid of where John Ross's ambition was taking him."

 

"Alex, your grandfather, J.R., was cut from the same cloth,"  Bobby says.  "There was almost no limit to what J.R. would do to get what he wanted, and John Ross was going down that same path."

 

"Since his marriage to Krystina, I've seen a change in your father,"  Sue Ellen continues.  "A change for the better. John Ross is still ambitious and ruthless at times, but, he's mellowed a lot, and family had become his main focus rather than controlling Ewing Oil and conquering the world.  When I learned that he was wanting to become the official head of the Cartel, I was afraid that he would revert back to his old ways, with all that power.  And I didn't want that to happen."

 

"So, you stabbed him in the back to protect him from himself?"

 

"I wouldn't put it quite that way, but yes, I was trying to protect John Ross from his own driving ambition."

 

"Well, now what's goin' on in here?"  John Ross asks as he and Krystina walk into the foyer, returning from having dinner out.  "I hear my name?  Mama, you still tryin' to justify your betrayal?"

 

"John Ross, if you would just listen to me......."

 

"I told you, I've heard all I care to.  We'd have stayed out longer, but I thought you and your husband would be gone by now.  Excuse me, everyone.  Think I'll go up to bed."  He turns and heads up the stairs.

 

"John Ross,"  Sue Ellen says, starting after him.

 

Catlin grabs his wife by the arm.  "Sue Ellen, let him go."

 

"Sue Ellen, I'm sorry,"  says Krystina.  "I'll talk to him."  She follows her husband up the stairs.  

 

Alex looks at his grandmother, then he too leaves the room and goes upstairs.  

 

Meanwhile, Mitch and Lucy are standing near the fireplace watching the drama play out.  "Well, I see your family hasn't changed, even after all these years," Mitch says.

 "Ms. Copeland, you may call your next witness,"  Judge Williams says as Katherine's trial resumes the next morning.

 

"The State calls James Richard Beaumont, Jr. to the stand,"  Gail says.  

 

Nervously, Jimmy stands to his feet and makes his way to the front of the courtroom.  In court for moral support, Debra Lynn and Ashley watch as he places his hand on the Bible and is sworn in, then takes his seat on the witness stand.  

 

Gail approaches him.  "Please state your full name for the record."

 

"James Richard Beaumont, Jr."

 

"Mr. Beaumont, you dated the defendant's daughter for a short time, did you not?"

 

"Yes, I did."

 

"At the time you were dating Ms. Wentworth's daughter, Katelyn Spencer, did you know that Katherine Wentworth was her mother?"

 

"No.  I had no idea at all."

 

 

 

"Mr. Beaumont, in the early summer of 2017, you were kidnapped by Katelyn Spencer, is that correct?"

 

"Yes,"  Jimmy replies.  

 

"Please describe the events surrounding your abduction,"  Gail says.

 

 

"I discovered that Katelyn's brother was Brian Manning, a man who was wanted for murder.  When I found out who he was, Katelyn knocked me unconscious in her apartment.  She and her brother then carried me to Katherine Wentworth's house here in Dallas, and kept me prisoner in the basement.  As time went on, Katelyn became more and more unhinged, and eventually, she lost touch with reality."

 

"How long were you held prisoner in the basement of the Wentworth home?"  Gail asks.

 

"I really don't even know.  It seemed like forever.  It was weeks."

 

"Mr. Beaumont, during your captivity, was Katelyn Spencer the only person you saw?"

 

"No,"  Jimmy replies.  

 

"Who else did you see?  Who else knew you were being held against your will in the basement of the Wentworth home?"

 

"Katelyn's brother, Brian Manning, and.........her mother, Katherine Wentworth."

 

"So, you're saying that the defendant, Katherine Wentworth, knew that her daughter and son were holding you captive?"

 

"Yes, she did."

 

"And at any time, did Katherine Wentworth attempt to help you in any way?  Did she try and help you escape?"

 

"No, she didn't," Jimmy says, looking at Katherine.  "In fact, she helped Katelyn."

 

"So, you're saying that Katherine Wentworth was an accomplice to your abduction?"

 

"Yes, she was.  Katherine Wentworth was in on the whole thing.  She's just as guilty as her crazy daughter."

 

"No further questions, Your Honor,"  Gail says, returning to her seat.

 

"Mr. Winthrop, do you wish to cross examine?"  Judge Williams asks.

 

"No questions for this witness at this time, Your Honor,"  Cass replies, realizing that Jimmy's further testimony could only hurt Katherine's case.  "However, I do reserve the right to recall this witness later."

 

"Very well. You may step down, Mr. Beaumont."

 

Jimmy nods, then quickly exits the witness stand, relieved that his ordeal is over for now, but also surprised that he was only on the stand for such a short time.

 

"Ms. Copeland, call your next witness,"  says Judge Williams.

 

"The State calls Austin Wentworth to the stand."

 

Sitting in the courtroom, Austin's heart sinks upon hearing his name.  He hesitates for a second, then stands and walks slowly to the front of the courtroom.  As he passes by the defense table, he looks at his mother.  Katherine returns her son's look and smiles at him.  Austin is met by the bailiff.

 

"Do you swear to  tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you God?" The bailiff asks.

 

"I do,"  Austin replies, then takes his seat on the stand.

 

"Please state your full name for the court," Gail says, approaching the stand. 

 

"Austin Wentworth."

 

"You are the son of the defendant, Katherine Wentworth, and Jeremy Lord, is that correct?"

 

"Yes, that's correct."

 

"You are one of a set of triplets Ms. Wentworth gave birth to in 1994, correct?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Mr. Wentworth, would you please describe you childhood to the court?"

 

Austin looks at her curiously.  "I'm not sure I understand the question."

 

"What was your childhood like?"  Gail asks.  "Where did you grow up?"

 

"I grew up all over.  France, Switzerland, Germany, and a few other places."

 

"So, what you're saying is that you and your mother moved around a lot?"

 

"Yes, we did."

 

"And why is that, Mr. Wentworth?"

 

"Excuse me?"  Austin asks.

 

"Why did you and your mother move so much?"

 

Austin clears his throat before answering.  "Because my mother had to."

 

"She had to keep moving because she was a fugitive on the run from the authorities, correct?"

 

"Yes,"  Austin replies, looking at his mother.

 

"What was she wanted for at the time?"

 

"Umm, for shooting Bobby Ewing."

 

"So, during your childhood, your mother was a fugitive on the run for the attempted murder of Bobby Ewing here in Dallas, correct?"

 

"Yes,"  Austin replies, his heart breaking for having to testify against his own mother in court.

Downtown Dallas....later....

 Bridget McKinnon and Gabby Cumson walk out of Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas late that morning, carrying several bags.  "I can't believe I bought so much stuff in there,"  Bridget says.  "But, I did need some new clothes for school."

 

"If we keep shopping like this, I won't be able to carry all this stuff back to California with me,"  says Gabby.  

 

"I think you're right,"  Bridget says with a slight laugh.  

 

"Bridget, thank you."

 

"Thank me? For what?"

 

"Just for being so nice and hanging out with me every day like this,"  Gabby replies.

 

"Hey, it's no problem, I've really enjoyed it.  I'm really gonna miss you when you go back to California."

 

"Aww, I'm really gonna miss you and Alex, too.  Maybe you guys can come to the Tuscany Valley to visit soon."

 

"I'd like that," Bridget says.

 

"Good, we'll plan on it."

 

As the two girls round a corner, they almost bump into Shawn.  "Oh, Shawn,"  Bridget says, surprised to see him.

 

"Bridget, hi,"  Shawn says with a smile.  

 

"Hi."

 

"Fancy running into you here, I was just on my way to lunch at the little cafe down the street here."

 

"Oh, I see."

 

"So who's your friend?"  Shawn asks.

 

"Gabby Cumson, this is Shawn Smith,"  Bridget says.

 

"Hi,"  Gabby says.

 

Shawn looks at the beautiful girl and smiles.  "Hello.  Are you from Dallas?"

 

"No, I'm just here visiting from California,"  Gabby replies.

 

"Well, that's really a shame."

 

Bridget looks at Gabby, then at Shawn.  "Umm, so, Shawn, is my sister meeting you for  lunch?"  She asks.

 

"No. Michelle said something about having to register for classes, and then I think she's meeting your grandmother for  lunch."

 

"Well, we should be going,"  Bridget says.  "We don't wanna keep you."

 

"Of course,"  Shawn says.  "Gabby, it was nice meeting you."

 

"Yeah, you, too, Shawn."

 

"Bye,"  Shawn says, then walks away from them.  

 

Bridget shakes her head.

 

"So who was HE?"  Gabby asks.  "He's very handsome."

 

"Yes, I suppose he is.  He's actually my sister Michelle's boyfriend."

 

"Oh, I see.  I get the feeling you don't like him very much."

 

"I use to,"  Bridget says.  "In fact, Shawn use to be Alex's best friend and he dated Alex's cousin, Ashley.  The four of us use to have some good times together."

 

"So what happened?"

 

"Shawn changed after he became CEO of Westar Oil.  He's a different person now.  Ruthless, and his company is in competition with Ewing Oil."

 

"Wait a second,"  Gabby says.  "That young guy is CEO of an oil company?  But, he looks like he's our age."

 

"He is.  But, his grandfather I guess owns part of the company, and somehow Shawn was able to get his hands on a majority of the company's stock and insert himself as CEO in some hostile takeover. Probably orchestrated by his grandfather, who's currently off the grid hiding from the cops."

 

"Oh?  Why?"  Gabby asks.

 

"The old man was in cahoots with that lady who's on trial.......Katherine Wentworth.  Apparently, Shawn's grandfather was hiding her or something when she was on the run."

 

Gabby laughs.  "Wow.  Dallas is even more interesting than the Tuscany Valley,"  she says as she and Bridget continue down the street.

Frank Crowley Courthouse....late afternoon....

 "Austin,"  Cass Winthrop says as he begins his cross examination of Austin Wentworth.  "How would you describe Katherine Wentworth as a mother?"

 

"How would I describe her?"  Austin asks.  

 

"Yes.  Was she a good mother?"

 

Austin looks over at Katherine, who smiles at him.  "Yes, she was."

 

"You and your mother were close?"

 

"Very close."

 

"Would you say that Katherine was a loving mother?"  Cass asks.

 

"Yes.  My mother was very loving.  And always very kind to me."

 

"Rather hard to reconcile a kind and loving mother with a cold blooded, heartless killer being the same person,"  Cass says.  "Austin, how would you describe your mother's interaction with other people?  Did she get along well with others?"

 

"Yes, she did."

 

"So, in all the years you were growing up and moving around all over the world with your mother, did you ever once see her exhibit any violent or criminal behavior?"

 

"No, never,"  Austin replies.  

 

"Thank you, Austin.  No further questions, Your Honor."

 

"You may step down, Mr. Wentworth,"  Judge Williams says.  "In light of the late hour, court will adjourn until tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.  Court is adjourned."  The Judge bangs her gavel and the crowd in the courtroom all stand.  

 

As Bobby and Ann prepare to leave the courtroom with Lucas and Jenna, Ann looks over at Jeremy and Vicky Lord.  "Bobby,"  she says.  

 

"Yeah, honey?"

 

"Why don't we invite the Lords out to Southfork for dinner tonight?  It'd be nice for Jacob to meet his great-aunt."

 

Bobby sighs.  "Annie, you know how I feel about that."

 

"I know, but, it would mean so much to Jacob.  And their son Alex is a nice boy and he's such a close friend of our Alex."

 

Bobby looks at her.  "Alright, if it's that important to you, and to Jacob, then fine.  We'll ask the Lords to dinner at Southfork."

 

Ann smiles.  "Thank you.  Let's go ask them now."

Reluctantly, Bobby follows Ann through the crowd and into the hallway outside the courtroom, where Jeremy, Vicky, Austin, and Jonathon are waiting for the elevator.  They approach them.  

 

"Excuse us, Mr. and Mrs. Lord," Ann says.

 

"Yes, Mrs. Ewing,"  Jeremy says.  "What can we do for you?"

 

"We would like very much to invite you........and your family.........to dinner at Southfork tonight, if you don't have other plans."

 

"Dinner?  At Southfork?"  Jeremy asks, privately wanting to decline the invitation.  

 

"Yes.  It would give you a chance to meet your great-nephew, Jacob."

 

"Thank you.  Yes, we'd love to,"  Vicky replies, much to the disappointment of both Jeremy and Bobby.  

 

Ann smiles.  "Good.  Umm, 6:30?"

 

"6:30 is fine.  And thank you again,"  Vicky says.  "I've been wanting to meet Jacob ever since my brother told me about him."

 

"Well, tonight's your chance"  Ann says.  

 

"Does that invitation also extend to me?"  Austin asks.

 

"Yes, Austin, of course it does,"  Ann replies.  "Right, Bobby?"

 

"Oh, yes, sure,"  Bobby says, hoping Austin will turn down the invitation.

 

"Thank you."

 

"Well, we'll see you at 6:30 this evening, then,"  Jeremy says.

 

"Yes, we look forward to seein' you,"  Ann says, then she and Bobby walk away.  

 

"Victoria, why did you do that?"  Jeremy asks his wife after the Ewings have left.

 

"Why'd I do what?"

 

"Accept that invitation to have dinner with the Ewings."

 

"Because I wanna meet Jacob, and he lives there,"  Vicky replies.  "Jeremy, he's my brother's grandson.  Not only that, Alex is very good friends with John Ross Ewing's son.  And, Mrs. Ewing was kind enough to ask us.  So, I think it would be nice if we all go."

 

"Well, if you guys don't mind, I think I'm gonna pass on that dinner invitation,"  Jonathon says.  "I don't really have any desire to re-visit that place after what happened there."

 

"Oh my God,"  Vicky.  "I wasn't thinking.  Jeremy, is this gonna be too hard for you?  Visiting the house where Brian died?"

 

"No.  After all, I never even met my son.  I'll be fine,"  Jeremy says as the elevator doors open.  The Lords step into the elevator and the doors close behind them.

Southfork....that evening....

 

 

 

Bobby, Ann, Christopher, Courtney, Lucas, Heather, John Ross, Krystina, Alex Walton, and Bridget are gathered in the den at Southfork chatting as they await the arrival of their dinner guests.  Bobby is standing at the bar pouring himself a cocktail when John Ross walks up to him.  

 

 

"Can't believe you actually invited them here for dinner,"  John Ross says to his uncle.  

 

"John Ross, I don't like it anymore than you do, but, remember that Jeremy Lord's wife is Jacob's great-aunt, and Ann and Courtney both wanted Jacob to have the chance to meet and get to know her and her family.  So, we just have to make the best of it."

 

At that moment, the front doorbell rings.  "Oh, that must be the Lords,"  Ann says.  "I'll get it."  As Ann walks into the foyer, Jacob and Michael come bounding down the stairs, almost bumping into Ann.

 

"That's gotta be them!"  Jacob says excitedly.  

 

"Yes, it has, now you boys be careful,"  Ann says.  She opens the door to Jeremy, Vicky, Alex Lord, Austin Wentworth, and Gabby Cumson.  Ann smiles.  "Hello, please, come in."

 

"Good evening,"  Jeremy says, he and his family walking into the house.

 

"Hello, Mrs. Ewing, thank you again for the invitation,"  says Vicky.

 

"You're more than welcome, and please, call me Ann."

 

Vicky smiles.  "Alright.....Ann."

 

Bobby, Christopher, and Courtney come into the foyer.  "Mr. and Mrs. Lord,"  Courtney says.  "I'm Courtney Ewing."

 

"Well, it's certainly nice to finally meet you,"  says Vicky.

 

"And you, too.  This is Jacob,"  Courtney says, introducing Vicky to her great-nephew for the first time.

 

 

An hour later, Bobby, Ann, Christopher, Courtney, Jacob, Lucas, Heather, Michael, John Ross, Krystina, Alex Walton, Bridget, Jeremy Lord, Vicky, Alex Lord, Austin Wentworth, and Gabby Cumson are finishing dinner around the very crowded dining room table, and a second, smaller table that had been set up for the younger members of the two families.  It is a noisy affair, with various conversations going on around the dinner table.  Only Bobby, John Ross, and Christopher are quieter than the others, neither of the three very happy about having the Lord family at Southfork for dinner.

 

"Anybody want anything else?"  Ann asks.

 

"Thank you, Mrs. Ewing, but I honestly don't think I could hold another thing,"  replies Jeremy.

 

"Same here,"  says Austin.  "I'm stuffed."

 

"Well, if everyone is finished, why don't we adjourn to the living room for after dinner drinks?"  Bobby asks.  

 

"Sounds like a great idea,"  Lucas says.

 

Everyone noisily gets up from the table and exits the dining room.  A second later, the group walks into the living room, and Bobby and John Ross immediately go to the bar, where Bobby begins pouring drinks.  

 

"Jeremy, what'll you have?"  Bobby asks.  

 

"A scotch and water, thank you."

 

"Coming right up,"  Bobby says.  

 

"Hey, you guys wanna go out by the pool?"  Alex Walton asks Bridget, Gabby, and Alex Lord.

 

"Yeah, sure,"  Alex Lord replies, and the four young people walk out of one of the French doors leading onto the back porch.  Michael and Jacob follow, uninvited.

 

While Bobby, Jeremy, and John Ross, stand near the bar and chat, Lucas, Christopher, and Austin form their own group nearby and talk, and the women.......Ann, Krystina, Courtney, Heather, and Vicky......are sitting on the two sofas chatting.  

 

"Ann, that dinner was amazing,"  Vicky says.

 

Ann smiles.  "Well, thank you. But, part of the credit goes to Heather.  She made the chicken parmesan."

 

"Oh, it delicious."

 

"Thanks.  It was my Mama's recipe.  She use to make it a lot when I was growin' up, usually on Sundays,"  Heather says.  "If you'd like, I'll give you he recipe before you leave."

 

"Thank you, that would be great.  Courtney, Jacob seems like a wonderful boy, and very well adjusted for everything he's been through."

 

"Jacob is very resilient,"  Courtney says.  

 

Vicky smiles.  "Well, that's gotta be those Gioberti genes.  The Giobertis come from very tough stock, and we're all pretty resilient.  Y'know, I just can't get over how much Jacob looks like my father when he was a boy.  And I see a lot of my brother Cole in him, too,"  she says as Christopher, standing nearby, overhears, an irritated look on his face at all the  talk of how much Jacob is like his biological father's family.  

Southfork....later....

  Courtney is sitting at the dresser in her and Christopher's bedroom later that night brushing her hair, when Christopher comes in from the bathroom after taking a shower.  "Dinner was nice tonight, wasn't it?"  Courtney asks.

 

"I guess so," replies Christopher.

 

"The Lords seem like nice people."

 

"Yeah, I suppose."

 

Courtney turns around in her chair and looks at him.  "Christopher, what's wrong?"

 

"Nothing."

 

Courtney stands and walks over to him.  "I know something's bothering you.  You've been acting strangely ever since before dinner.  It's because of Jeremy and Vicky Lord coming over, isn't it?"

 

Christopher sighs.  "Courtney, I'm sorry, I can't help it.  All that talk about how much Jacob is like Joseph's family........it got to me."

 "Ms. Copeland, you may call your next witness,"  Judge Williams says the next morning, as Katherine's trial resumes.

 

"The State calls Mrs. Ann Ewing to the stand,"  Gail says.

 

Reluctantly, Ann gets up from her seat and walks to the front of the courtroom.  The bailiff meets her with the Bible.  Ann raises her right hand and places her left on the Bible.  "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?"

 

"I do,"  Ann replies, then takes her seat on the stand.  

 

Gail Copeland approaches her.  "Good morning."

 

"Good mornin'."

 

"Please state your full name for the record."

 

"Ann Smith Ryland Ewing."

 

"Thank you.  Mrs. Ewing, you are the wife of Bobby Ewing, is that correct?"

 

"Yes,"  Ann replies.  

 

"Mrs. Ewing, on the night of July 28, 2017, you went to the home of Katherine Wentworth here in Dallas, is that correct?"

 

"Yes, I did."

 

"Would you please tell the court why you went to the Wentworth house on that evening?"  Gail asks.

 

"I........I went to see Katherine."

 

"Why?  Were you and Ms. Wentworth friends?"

 

"No, not at all.  I went to confront her about my daughter and my grandson,"  Ann says.

 

"You went to confront Ms. Wentworth?  What about, Mrs. Ewing?"

 

Ann looks at the prosecutor.  "About a secret Katherine was threatening to expose about my daughter.......and about me.  My daughter had given birth to a son, Logan.  Logan's biological father is Lucas Ewing, but my daughter, Emma, was involved with a young man named Kevin Channing, and Kevin and everyone else thought that he was the father."

 

"And you knew who your grandson's true father was?"  Gail asks.  "Lucas Ewing, your stepson?"

"Yes,"  Ann reluctantly replies as Bobby, Lucas, and Jenna's eyes are locked on her.  "When I found out that Lucas was the baby's father, and not Kevin, I wanted to tell the truth, but Emma begged me not to.  She was terrified that if Kevin found out the truth, it would destroy her relationship with him.  And, Lucas had just gotten back together with the mother of his older son, Michael, and, I knew that if he and Heather found out that he was the father of Emma's baby, it would mean trouble for them, too.  So, I kept Emma's secret. But then, Katherine found out the truth, and she held it over Emma's head."

 

"Tell us about the night of July 28, 2017,"  Gail says.

 

"Emma called me that night and told me that Katherine was here in Dallas.  Emma was afraid that Katherine would tell Richard Channing about Logan.  I told Emma that I would take care of it.  That I would somehow keep Katherine from revealin' the truth.  So, I went to the Wentworth home that evenin' to confront Katherine."

 

"And what happened after you got to the Wentworth home that evening?"  Gail asks.

 

"Katherine and I argued,"  Ann replies.  "I told her to keep her mouth shut about my grandson's paternity.  She told me now that Richard.........Richard Channing, her husband at the time, and Jeremy Lord now knew of the existence of Katherine and Jeremy's other two children, Brian and Katelyn, that she had no reason to keep Emma's secret about Logan.  It was then that I figured out that Katherine's son, Brian, was really Brian Manning, the man who was wanted for blowin' up Richard Channing's home in California a year before......and explosion that killed my brother."

 

"And what did you do then?  When you learned that Brian Manning was Katherine Wentworth's son?"

 

"I told Katherine I was gonna call the police.  I started to leave, and Katherine got in my way, blockin' the front door.  She tried to keep me from leavin' to tell the police.  I took my phone out to call the police, and that's when our altercation turned physical.  Katherine grabbed my phone from my hand and smashed it on the floor.  I slapped her, and then she shoved me.  Next thing I knew we were wrestlin' around, fightin'.  It seemed like this was going to be a fight to the death.  Then, Katherine shoved me, and I lost my balance and fell.  I hit my head on somethin', and I was knocked out cold."

 

"You were knocked unconscious?"  

 

"Yes, for a long time."

 

"What's the next thing you remember, Mrs. Ewing?"

 

"When I woke up.........hours later.........I was in my car, and I was at the bottom of this ravine or somethin'.  My car was wrecked."

 

"Do you know how you got there?"  Gail asks.

 

"It was pretty obvious to me that Katherine had taken me there, put me in my car, and then staged it to look like an accident, hopin' I would be killed."

 

"I object Your Honor,"  Cass says.  "This is purely speculation on the part of the witness."

 

"Objection sustained."

 

"Mrs. Ewing, one final question,"  says Gail.  "Do you believe that, during your confrontation at the Wentworth mansion with the defendant.......do you believe that Katherine Wentworth was trying to stop you from calling the police concerning her son, or, do you think she was trying to do you serious bodily harm?"

 

Ann looks at Katherine sitting at the defense table.  She pauses a few seconds before replying.  "I believe with all my heart that Katherine was tryin' to kill me."

 

"No further questions."

 

"Mr. Winthrop,"  Judge Williams says.

 

Cass stands from his seat and approaches Ann.  "Mrs. Ewing, you testified that my client discovered a secret about the paternity of your little grandson, Logan, did you not?"

 

"Yes."

 

"This secret concerning the child's paternity........you kept this secret not only from the child's father, your stepson, but also from your husband for well over a year, did you not?"

 

"Yes, but......"

 

"So, in other words, you lied to your own husband and stepson about the child,"  Cass says.

 

"Yes."

 

"And how did your husband and stepson Lucas finally learn the truth that Lucas was the baby's father?"

 

"Tripp McKay told them,"  Ann replies.

 

"Tripp McKay.........and not YOU?"

 

"That's right."

 

"Mrs. Ewing, you were married before you met Bobby Ewing, is that correct?"

 

"Yes, I was."

 

"Mrs. Ewing, is it not true that you cheated on your first husband, Harris Ryland?"  Cass asks.

 

"I object, Your Honor,"  Gail says.  "Mrs. Ewing is not on trial here, and neither is her past."

 

"Let me rephrase,"  Cass quickly says.  "Mrs. Ewing, who is your daughter Emma Ryland's biological father?"

 

Ann hesitates for a moment before answering.  

 

"Please answer the question, Mrs. Ewing,"  says Cass.  "Who is your daughter Emma's biological father?"

 

"Cliff Barnes,"  Ann reluctantly replies.

 

"Cliff Barnes, the half-brother of the defendant, Katherine Wentworth, correct?"

 

"Yes."

 

"So, that would mean that, while you were married to Harris Ryland, you had sex with Cliff Barnes?"

 

Ann fights back tears.  "Yes."

 

"Mrs. Ewing, is it also not true that, almost 7 years ago, you gunned down your ex-husband, Harris Ryland, in cold blood in his own home?"

 

"I.......it was...."  Ann says.

 

"Answer the question, please,"  Cass says.  "Did you shoot Harris Ryland?"

 

"Yes,"  Ann replies in tears.  "But it was after I found out that......."

 

"So, let me get this straight, Mrs. Ewing.  You cheated on your first husband with my client's brother, getting pregnant and having a child by him; you shot Harris Ryland in cold blood and left him for dead in his own home; you lied to your husband, your stepson, and to everyone else about who the father of your own grandchild was, and yet you expect us to believe that you're telling the truth NOW?  You also want us to believe that my client placed you in your car and then somehow drove your car off the road to where it crashed, when you have no memory of this at all?  And just why SHOULD we believe you, Mrs. Ewing, when you have such a long history of dishonesty?  No further questions."

 

"You may step down, Mrs. Ewing,"  Judge Williams says.

 

In tears, an emotionally fragile Ann leaves the witness stand.  Instead of going back to her seat, she flees from the courtroom, humiliated by the answers she was forced to give under Cass's cross examination.  Bobby gets up and follows her.  He catches up to her in the hallway by the elevator.  

 

"Honey, are you alright"  Bobby asks placing his hands on her shoulders.  

 

"Bobby, that was awful.  What that jury must think of me."

 

"Annie, it doesn't matter.  You did fine, and you told the truth."

 

"But Cass Winthrop twisted everything around.  Bobby, I can't go back in there, at least not now."

 

"Okay, let's go someplace."

 

"No.  I know how much you wanna be here for every step of this trial.  You go back in.  I  just wanna be alone right now."  The elevator doors open and Ann steps in.  

 

"Honey......"

 

"Bobby, I'll be alright,"  Ann says as the elevator doors close.  Bobby sighs deeply, worried about his wife. 

 

Inside the elevator, Ann breaks down in tears.

 

Meanwhile, back in the courtroom, the trial continues.  "Ms. Copeland, you may call your next witness,"  says Judge Williams.

 

"Your Honor, the State rests,"  Gail says.  

 

"Fine.  Mr. Winthrop, is the defense ready to present its case?"

 

"We certainly are, Your Honor,"  Cass replies.  "The defense calls Dr. Edwin Brantley to the stand."

 

As Dr. Brantley, an older man in his sixties, rises to take the stand, Vicky Lord feels her cell phone vibrating in her purse.  She quickly gets up and leaves the courtroom.  In the hallway outside, she takes the phone from her purse and answers the call.  "Hello?  Josh, what's wrong?"  She says, speaking to her older son on the other end of the line.  Vicky listens for a moment as her son speaks to her, then a look of worry comes over her face.  "Yes, I understand,"  she says.  "Yes, we'll take the first flight out.  Thanks for calling."  Vicky ends the call, puts her phone away, and sighs, the look of worry growing more pronounced on her face.  She goes back into the courtroom.  As Cass begins his questioning of his first defense witness, Vicky walks over to where Jeremy is seated and whispers something to him.  A look of surprise immediately crosses his face, and he whispers to Austin Wentworth, seated next to him.  The three immediately get up and leave the courtroom.

Southfork....that evening....

 Ann is standing in the kitchen at Southfork looking out the window at the dusk and sipping on a glass of ice tea that evening when Sue Ellen walks in.  "Ann," she says.

 

Ann turns to face her.  "Oh, Sue Ellen.  What in the world brings you all the way out here?"

 

"I spoke to Bobby.  He told me how upset you were after your testimony in court this morning.  I thought you might could use a friend."

 

Ann smiles.  "You're right about that.  I could.  You want some ice tea?"

 

"I'd love some.  I'll get it." Sue Ellen walks to the cupboard, opens it, and takes out a glass, then goes to the refrigerator, gets some ice, and pours herself a glass of tea.    

 

"Today was a disaster,"  Ann says.  

 

"Now, why would you say that?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Because it's true,"  Ann says.  "When I was up on that stand, Katherine's attorney brought up every past indiscretion I ever committed.  From my one night stand with Cliff Barnes more than 30 years ago, right down to me shootin' Harris, and lyin' to Bobby and Lucas about Logan's paternity.  If I was on that jury listenin', I wouldn't know what to think of me.  I only hope I didn't hurt the prosecution's case.  Last thing in the world that needs to happen is for Katherine Wentworth to walk free."

 

"That is NOT going to happen,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Ann, we've all made mistakes.  We've all done things in the past.......embarrassing things.  I'm sure that jury will see that you were telling the truth about what Katherine did to you."

 

"I hope you're right.  But I think the worse part about the whole thing was lookin' out into that courtroom and seein' Bobby and Lucas's faces when my lie was brought up.  Bobby has forgiven me, or at least he says he has.  And Lucas and I had made peace.  But seein' the hurt on their faces.......in their eyes......when they had to relive that whole mess.  Well, it makes me wonder if we've really moved past it, or if we'll ever be able to."

 

"I know exactly what you mean,"  Sue Ellen says.  "That's just how I feel about this whole mess with John Ross.  Wondering if John Ross and I will ever get past this rift I've placed between us."

 

Ann sighs.  "Why does life have to be so complicated?  I always thought that, when we got older, life would begin to calm down and fall into place.  And that we would learn from our past mistakes, but, we never seem to.  At least I don't."

 

"Apparently, neither do I.  That's something that we both have in common.  We've both made some rather costly choices when it comes to our children.  But in the end, we've made those choices in order to protect them."

 

"If I hadn't kept Emma's secret for so long, maybe things wouldn't have gone so far,"  Ann says.  "Emma might not be sittin' in prison right now."

 

"Ann, that is NOT your fault.  Emma made her own bed, and she's the only one to blame for creating this whole mess.  You did what any loving mother would do, and that's stand by your child and try and protect her from harm.  It isn't your fault that she dug herself in deeper."

 

"Well, I might have made a lot of bad choices in my life, but, there's one choice that I will never regret because it's about the best choice I've ever made, other than marryin' Bobby."

 

"And what's that?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Choosin' someone so wise to be my best friend,"  Ann says with a smile.  

 

"Me, wise?  I wish that were true.  If I were that wise, my son would still be on speaking terms with me."

 

Ann places an arm around Sue Ellen to comfort her.

The Omni Hotel....the next morning....

 A knock comes at the door of a suite at the Omni Hotel the next morning.  Damian Marchetta comes out of the bathroom, dressed only in boxers as he dries his wet hair with a towel.  The person knocks again.  "Hold on, I'm coming,"  Damian says.  He picks up a pair of pants from the bed and quickly slips them on, then goes to the door and opens it to find Lucas there.  "Lucas,"  he says, surprised to see him.

 

"Hello, Damian, can I come in?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Yes, of course,"  Damian says.  He closes the door after Lucas walks into the suite.  

 

"I'm sorry, I hope I didn't catch you at a bad time,"  Lucas says.

 

"No, no, I just got out of the shower.  What can I do for you?"

 

"I wanted to talk to you before court this morning.  I spoke to Charlie last night on the phone and, and Damian, I told her about you."

 

Damian sighs.  "Lucas......."

 

 

"Damian, look, I know you said you had no interest in meeting Charlie, but......."

 

"I have no interest in knowing anyone connected with Naldo Marchetta."

 

"If you feel that way, then why do you keep the Marchetta name?"  Lucas asks.

 

"It's the name my mother gave me.  The name that's on my birth certificate.  By the time I was old enough to know what kind of man my father was, I had no interest in going through the trouble of changing it."

 

"Charlie feels the same as you do about Naldo,"  Lucas says.  "She barely knew the man, but she did know of him, she didn't like.  The man almost destroyed our mother's life."

 

"Well, he DID destroy my mother's life,"  Damian says.

 

"And why blame Charlie for that?  She's no more to blame for what Marchetta did than you are. Damian, you're Charlie's half-brother, same as me.  Aren't you the least bit interested in knowing her and Alex, your nephew?" 

 

"My Aunt Ann, Uncle Bill, and my cousins are the only family that I've ever known.  I don't need any more coming along now to complicate my life."

 

"Charlie and Alex would not complicate your life,"  Lucas says.  "Damian, I understand that you have  a lot of anger, and probably a lot of emotional scars.  After what's happened, that's only natural.  But all you're doing now is denying yourself a chance to get to know your sister.  OUR sister.  And trust me when I say this, Charlie is the best big sister anyone could ever hope to have.  She's 16 years older than me, but, despite that age difference, Charlie has always been there for me when I needed her.  If you don't at least meet her, you might regret that for the rest of your life.  So at least think about it.  And if you decide that you do wanna meet Charlie and Alex, call me."  Lucas reaches into his pocket and pulls out a pen and a wallet size photo  He writes something on the back of the photo, then hands it to Damian.  "Here's a picture of Charlie and Alex, and on back is my cell number.  I really hope that you'll call me.  If not........then you don't know what you're missing out on.  Guess I'll see you at the courthouse in a little while."  Lucas leaves the hotel suite.

 

After he's gone, Damian looks at the photo in his hand of Charlie, his half-sister, and her son.  Then he turns the card over and looks at Lucas's number..  He lets out a deep sigh, torn between whether he wants to open himself up to meeting his sister and nephew, or whether he wants to forget them, go back to California, and move on with his life.

Frank Crowley Courthouse....later....

 Katherine is sitting at a table in a small room at the courthouse later.  After she has been waiting for a few minutes, the door opens and Austin walks in.  Katherine stands and looks at her son.  "Austin,"  she says.

 

"Mom, they said I could have a few minutes alone with you." 

 

"I'm glad you came.  Darling, how are you?"

 

"I'm okay."

 

"You look really well, sweetheart,"  Katherine says.   "California must be agreeing with you."

 

"It is, Mom.  I really love it there.  I consider California my home now."

 

"And what about Wentworth Industries?"  

 

"Jonathon is running the company, and it's doing very well.  When I came back after Brian kidnapped me, I wanted Wentworth Industries back.  I wanted the house back, everything Jonathon Lord had taken from me while I was gone."

 

"And what about now, Austin?"  Katherine asks.  "Don't you still want the company back?"

 

Austin looks at her for a few seconds before answering.  "No, Mom, I don't.  I just don't care anymore."

 

"Austin, I groomed you to take over Wentworth.  We've been talking about it since you were very young.  It was for you that took the company back from the Ewings."

 

"I know that,"  Austin says.  "There was a time when Wentworth Industries was the most important thing in the world to me, but, I just don't want it anymore.  I'm happy in California."

 

"So, you're just gonna stay in California?"

 

"Yes, Mom.  After the trial is over,I'm going back to California, and I'm gonna stay there."

"Yes, I've spent many hours interviewing and evaluating Ms. Wentworth for the court,"  Dr. Langston replies.

 

"And, Dr. Langston, in your professional opinion, do you believe that my client acted under extreme duress when she attacked Ann Ewing?"

 

"Yes, I do.  Fear can make people act out in extreme ways, sometimes even prompting them to commit violent acts."

 

"Also in your professional opinion, Doctor, do you believe that my client can be rehabilitated?  Do you believe that, if she were returned to society TODAY, that Katherine Wentworth could live a happy and productive life as a functioning member of society?"

 

"Yes, I do,"  Dr. Langston replies.  "Ms. Wentworth managed to live for more than 30 years without committing any violent or criminal acts."

 

Cass smiles.  "No further questions,"  he says, and returns to his seat.

 

"Ms. Copeland, you may cross examine the witness,"  Judge Williams says.

 

Getting up from her seat, Gail approaches the witness and smiles at the man.  "Dr. Langston, you just told the court that you believe that Katherine Wentworth, if acquitted of these charges, could live a normal and productive life from now on.  You also stated that the defendant managed to function in society for over 30 years before this attack on Ann Ewing occurred.  However, Doctor, when Ms. Wentworth was provoked.......when she felt threatened and angry, or cornered for lack of a better word.........she lashed out violently.  She attacked Ann Ewing, and attempted to kill her by placing Mrs. Ewing in her car, putting the car in gear, and then sending it crashing down a ravine, hoping that her victim would not survive.  Now would you say that THOSE are the actions of a sane, productive member of society?"

 

"No.  But almost anyone is capable of extreme behavior when backed into a corner."

 

"So, you're saying that you yourself, or me, or Judge Williams, or anyone else in this courtroom is capable of knocking someone unconscious, placing them in an automobile, and staging an accident in an attempt to kill the person?"

 

"When pushed to the extreme, most people are capable of such violence,"  Dr. Langston replies.

 

"Dr. Langston, can you assure that Katherine Wentworth, at some point in the future, say, three years from now, were faced with another crisis........another confrontation such as the one she faced with Mrs. Ewing........that her anger would not erupt again and that she would not once again prove herself to be a danger to society?"

 

"Of course not.  But I couldn't assure you that anyone would not turn to violence when they feel they are cornered.  I do believe that, given the proper care and therapy, Katherine Wentworth can be rehabilitated and released back into society to live a normal and productive life."

 

"Until the next time she feels cornered,"  Gail says.

 

"Objection, Your Honor,"  Cass says.

 

"Objection sustained."

 

"Dr. Langston, what is the recidivism rate for violent crime in the United States, within the first three years of an offender's release?"  Gail asks.

 

"Within the first three years........about 68 percent."

 

"And that number grows by the ninth year, correct?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Doctor, what is the general rate of recidivism for violent offenders within, say nine years?"

 

The doctor hesitates a moment before answering.  "Approximately.......83 percent,"  he replies to the gasps of spectators  in the courtroom.

 

Gail smiles.  "No further questions," she says, returning to her seat.

 

"Mr. Winthrop, call your next witness,"  Judge Williams says.

 

Cass stands from his seat.  "Your Honor, the defense rests,"  he says.

 

 

"Given the hour, we will recess for lunch,"  Judge Williams says.  "Court will resume at 2 PM."  The Judge bangs her gavel, adjourning court for the lunch hour.  

 

As Bobby, Ann, Lucas, Jenna, and Christopher stand from their seats and make their way out of the crowded courtroom, they run into Richard Channing.  Richard looks at the Ewings and smiles slightly as they pass by him on their way out of the courtroom.  Bobby looks at him with disdain, but walks past Richard without saying anything.

 

"I'll bet you're really enjoying this, aren't you, Ewing?"  Richard asks as the Ewings pass by him.  

 

Bobby and Ann stop and turn back to him.  "Excuse me?"  Bobby says.

 

"Seeing Katherine on trial for her life.  I'm sure you're getting a big kick out of this whole thing."

 

"To be perfectly honest, Channing, yes,"  Bobby says.  "I am enjoying seeing Katherine FINALLY standing trial for all the crimes she's committed, but especially for what she did to my wife.  And I look forward to the end of this trial and the day Katherine is at least spending the rest of her life in prison where she belongs."

 

"You know, Channing, if you were smart, you'd go back to California and forget that you ever met my Aunt Katherine,"  Christopher says.  "You're lucky.  You escaped her with your life."  

 

Bobby looks at Richard, then walks away with Ann, Christopher, Lucas, and Jenna.  

Frank Crowley Courthouse....afternoon....

 After court resumes following the lunch break, Gail Copeland stands from her seat and approaches the jury to deliver her closing statement.  "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I would like to thank you for your time and attention throughout the course of this trial.  After hearing all of the facts in this case, you, ladies and gentlemen, are faced with the important job of deciding whether the defendant, Katherine Wentworth, is guilty of hiring professional assassin Andre Shumann to murder Renaldo Marchetta on the night of December 28, 1984, and Veronica Robinson a couple of months later.  You will also have the task of deciding whether or not Katherine Wentworth, on the night of July 28, 2017, violently attacked Mrs. Ann Ewing, rendering her unconscious, placing her in her car. and then sending the car crashing down a ravine in an attempt to kill Mrs. Ewing.  You have heard testimony from several witnesses, including the brother of Andre Shumann himself, who had a letter written in his own brother's hand, CONFESSING that he was hired by the defendant, Katherine Wentworth, to commit the murders of Naldo Marchetta and Veronica Robinson.  You heard the letter yourselves.  You heard the words of the assassin confessing that his job was to kill Naldo Marchetta, and then frame Jenna Wade Marchetta for her husband's murder.  And just what was the defendant's motive for these acts?  You heard testimony from Bobby Ewing, who testified to the fact that the defendant had fallen in love with him, but this was no ordinary love.  Katherine Wentworth had become obsessed with Bobby Ewing... ......obsessed to the point that she forged a letter she claimed was written by her sister, Pamela Ewing, to her husband, Bobby Ewing, telling him that she wanted out of their marriage.  Ms. Wentworth then read this letter to Mr. Ewing in the hopes that he and her sister would divorce, and she would become the next Mrs. Bobby Ewing.  However, that plan was foiled when Jenna Wade came back into Bobby Ewing's life and the two became engaged.  Rather than accepting that Bobby Ewing would never return her feelings of love, Katherine Wentworth decided to kill the object of her affection.  One dark night in May of 1984, the defendant shot Mr. Ewing, the man she claimed to love.  She later tried to inject him with poison in the hospital as he lay helpless, blinded from the shooting.  Unfortunately, Katherine Wentworth was pardoned for this crime and could not be tried for it.  So, after she failed to kill the man she was obsessed with, the defendant moved on to her next plan......after, of course, she skipped bailed and fled the United States.  It was while on the run, that Ms. Wentworth hired Renaldo Marchetta to come to Dallas and kidnap Jenna Wade and  her daughter Charlotte on the eve of Miss Wade's wedding to Bobby Ewing.  But Ms. Wentworth wasn't satisfied to stop at kidnapping.  She professional hitman Andre Shumann to murder Renaldo Marchetta and then frame Jenna Wade for the crime.  Katherine Wentworth was determined to get Jenna Wade out of Bobby Ewing's life forever, or anyone who stood between her and the man she was obsessed with.  And what of the other victim in this case, Veronica Robinson?  Ms. Robinson, unfortunately, was just collateral damage..........Renaldo Marchetta's lover, who simply knew too much and was murdered by Andre Shumann to keep her from testifying at Jenna Wade Marchetta's trial.  Now the defense would argue that this letter written by Shumann is not concrete proof of the defendant's guilt.  But I ask you, ladies and gentlemen.........why would Andre Shumann lie in a letter written some 27 years after the murders of Naldo Marchetta and Veronica Robinson........why would he lie and implicate Katherine Wentworth, a woman he supposedly had never met?  The defense also attempted to argue that the Shumann letter was a forgery, but you heard testimony from handwriting experts who examined the letter and stated under oath that the handwriting perfectly matches that of Andre Shumann himself...."

A few minutes later....

"Ladies and gentlemen, the evidence in this case clearly shows that the defendant, Katherine Wentworth, is a very dangerous woman.  A ruthless, manipulative, calculating, and very cunning woman who, when confronted by 

Ann Ewing, snapped and viciously attacked Mrs. Ewing, later leaving her for dead at the bottom of a ravine in the middle of nowhere.  You also heard testimony from James Beaumont, Jr., who testified that he was held prisoner in the basement of the home of Katherine Wentworth by her daughter, Katelyn Spencer, and that the defendant knew that her daughter was holding this young man prisoner.  Now the defense has argued that Katherine Wentworth can be rehabilitated.  That, with psychiatric treatment, she would no longer pose a threat and could be released back into society.  However, evidence in this trial, I believe, is clear:  Katherine Wentworth posed a threat to society in 1984 when she attempted to murder Bobby Ewing, and when she hired professional hitman Andre Shumann to murder Naldo Marchetta, and she STILL posed a threat more than 30 years later in 2017 when she attempted to murder Ann Ewing. So why should we believe......why should we trust that this woman would not still pose a threat to society if released in another 5 or 10 years?  The defense has argued that Ms. Wentworth attacked Ann Ewing while temporarily insane due to extreme stress.  However, the defendant clearly had the presence of mine to stage an accident......to take Mrs. Ewing out to the country in Mrs. Ewing's own car, place her behind the wheel of that car, and then send the car crashing down that ravine.  Now those are clearly not the actions of an insane person, but rather of a cold, calculating, and very dangerous killer....."

Later....

"Ladies and gentlemen,"  Cass says, delivering his closing argument later.  "I too wish to thank each and every one of you for your patience, your time, and your kind attention during the course of this trial.  In the case of the murders of Renaldo Marchetta and Veronica Robinson, the defense has presented insufficient evidence to convict my client.  And what of the evidence the prosecution presented?  A letter.  A letter supposedly written by a man who died 7 years ago.  A man who was a convicted murderer, a professional hit man who left a trail of victims a mile long.  So why should we believe this circumstantial evidence?  Is it true that my client had her issues with Bobby Ewing.  It's also true that she had developed an unhealthy obsession with Mr. Ewing....."

Later....

"So, as you can see ladies and gentlemen,"  Cass continues.  "There is no concrete evidence to prove that the defendant, Katherine Wentworth, was in any way connected to Andre Shumann.  Instead, there IS evidence and history suggesting that perhaps Bobby Ewing.........who had hated my client for many years........conspired with George Shumann to produce this 'letter' linking my client to Shumann's brother and to the murders of Naldo Marchetta and Veronica Robinson.  After all, my client's former husband. Richard Channing, testified to the fact that Bobby Ewing had vowed to see my client pay for her past crimes against him. And what better way than to try and connect her to two murders that happened more than 3 decades ago?  As for the accusations that my client attacked Ann Ewing and left her for dead......once again, all we have is Ann Ewing's word for this.  The word of a woman who HATES my client.  And, even if it were true, it's very obvious that my client was driven to her desperate act by the constant harassment and threats she received not only from Ann and Bobby Ewing, but also from Jeremy Lord, a man she was once married to, and deathly afraid of.  Who among us could not be pushed into doing something we regret if we are cornered and feel threatened?  We heard testimony from Dr. Ralph Langston, one of this country's foremost experts in psychiatry, testify that, given the proper care, my client could be released back into society to live a healthy and productive life.  Ladies and gentlemen, Katherine Wentworth committed a truly heinous act some 35 years ago when she gunned down Bobby Ewing.  And while yes, she was pardoned for that crime, she has paid for it every single day of her life since, and so has her family.   So have her children, as her son Austin Wentworth testified.  Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I implore you to have mercy on my client. Katherine Wentworth has paid for her past mistakes for 35 years.  Please......don't make her pay for the rest of her life.  Thank you."  Cass flashes the jury a quick smile, then returns to his seat.  

 

As Cass retakes his seat, Gail Copeland stands from hers and approaches the jury box to deliver her rebuttal, the final stage of the trial before the jury begins to deliberate Katherine's fate.  "Well,"  she begins.  "Mr. Winthrop has just delivered some very eloquent words and a very passionate plea on behalf of his client.  But it's the victims in this case who get the final word, and ladies and gentlemen, to allow a woman like Katherine Wentworth back on the streets would not only be a grave miscarriage of justice, but also a slap in the face to the three......no, FIVE.... victims in this case.....Naldo Marchetta, Veronica Robinson, Jenna Wade,  Ann Ewing, and James Beaumont, Jr. and their families.  I named Jenna Wade as a victim because she too almost had her life ruined by Katherine Wentworth.  And to suggest that Bobby Ewing conspired with Andre Shumann's brother George, a highly respected attorney, to forge a letter implicating the defendant is beyond ridiculous.  In addition, I believe that Katherine Wentworth is every bit as dangerous and unstable today as she ever was, and if released, would pose a threat to society.  Therefore, it is your duty as jurors to make sure that justice is served in this case.  And after hearing all of the testimony and examining all of the evidence, I'm certain that you will agree with me that justice can only be served by returning a verdict of guilty, and making sure that Katherine Wentworth is never free to harm anyone ever again.  Only then can Renaldo Marchetta and Veronica Robinson finally rest in peace nearly 35 years after their murders, and only then can their families receive justice.  Thank you."  Gail smiles at the jurors, then returns to her seat.

 

  "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury,"  Judge Williams begins.  "Now that you have heard all of the evidence, and the arguments of counsel, it becomes my duty to give you the instructions of the court concerning the law which governs this case.  It is your duty as jurors to follow the law as I shall state it to you, and to apply that law to the facts as you find them from the evidence presented in court...."

The Cattlemen's Club....later....

 Bobby, Ann, Christopher, Courtney, Lucas, and Jenna are all having an early dinner at The Cattlemen's Club later as they anxiously await news of the jury reaching a verdict.  "How long do you think it'll be before the jury reaches a verdict?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Who knows?"  Replies Bobby.  "Could be any time now, or the jury could deliberate all night and it might be tomorrow morning before we hear anything."

 

"The waiting is maddening,"  says Jenna.  "I know it's only been a couple of hours since the jury went out to deliberate, but it feels much longer."

 

"I know," says Bobby.

 

"For once, I agree with Jenna,"  Ann says.  "I hope the jury returns a verdict soon, and that it's a verdict of guilty."

 

"How could it not be?"  Christopher asks.  "The jury heard all the evidence and the witnesses.  There's no way they could've heard all that evidence and not see that Katherine is guilty as hell."

 

"Unfortunately, son, it doesn't always work that way,"  says Bobby.  "All it would take is one juror to have their doubts, and they could end up with a hung jury and this whole trial would have to be done all over again."

 

"If that woman is turned loose, I......I don't know,"  Ann says.

 

Christopher reaches over and touches his stepmother's hand.  "She WON'T be,"  he says.

 

"Lucas how'd it go when you went to speak to Damian Marchetta?" Bobby asks.

 

Lucas sighs.  "Well, he listened politely.  I gave him my number in case he changed his mind and wants to get in touch with Charlie.  But, so far I haven't heard anything from him."

 

"I really hope that Damian will decide to meet Charlie,"  Jenna says.  "She really does want to meet him."

 

"I feel so bad for Damian,"  Lucas says.  "He's had so much hurt in his life, all stemming from being Naldo Marchettas' son."

 

As Bobby is about to say something, his cell phone vibrates on the table next to him.  He picks up the phone and looks at it.  "Well, that didn't take long,"  he says.  

 

"What do you mean?"  Ann asks.

 

"The jury has reached a verdict,"  Bobby replies.  

 

Everyone around the table exchanges looks, each of them wondering if the jury returning a verdict so quickly is a good thing, or bad.

Frank Crowley Courthouse....a short time later....

 One hour later, everyone has reassembled in the crowded courtroom to await the return of Judge Williams.  As Bobby and the rest of the Ewings watch, the jury is brought in.  A moment later, the bailiff steps to the front of the courtroom.  "All rise.  Court is now in session, the Honorable Judge Tracy Williams presiding."

 

Judge Williams enters the courtroom from her chambers and takes her seat on the bench.  "Please be seated,"  she says.  "Due to the late hour, we'll need to move right along.  Has the jury reached a verdict?"

 

A female juror stands.  "We have,Your Honor."

 

"Please hand the verdict to the bailiff."

 

The bailiff walks to the jury box and the woman hands a piece of paper to him.  The bailiff then hands the paper to the judge, who looks at it.  

 

"I warn the spectators that I will not tolerate any outbursts after the reading of the verdict,"  Judge Williams says.  "How does the jury find the defendant?"

 

"We the jury, in the above entitled action, find the defendant, Katherine Wentworth, guilty of the crime of murder of Renaldo Marchetta and Veronica Robinson, and we do hereby find it to be murder in the second degree,"  the jury forewoman announces.  "We the jury, in the above entitled action, also find the defendant, Katherine Wentworth, guilty of the crime of the attempted murder of Ann Ewing."

 

"NO!!!"  Katherine screams upon hearing the verdict.  In the courtroom, Bobby, Ann, and Jenna smile happily, knowing that Katherine will now finally face justice and be out of their lives for good!

END OF EPISODE 210....