EPISODE 216 - Blood Ties

 Christopher rushes out of the Oil Baron's Ball to find an upset Courtney.  John Ross follows him into the hallway.  "Christopher!"  He calls to him.

 

Christopher stops and turns around to face his cousin.  "What do you want, John Ross?"

 

"What'd you mean when you said I'd better be ready to deal with the consequences?"

 

"Just what I said.  I warned you what would happened if you exposed the truth about Shawn,"  Christopher says.  

 

"I had nothin' to do with that!"

 

"Oh, come on, John Ross.  You had to tell Alex about Shawn, or how else would he have known?"

 

"Just for your information, cousin, Alex is the one who told me that Shawn was your wife's illegitimate half-brother, and I had no idea he was gonna blurt that out here.  So if you're thinkin' about tellin' Uncle Bobby and my Mama about my deal with ColbyCo, I hope you realize just what that would do to them, and to Ewing Oil."

 

"John Ross, the only one you're concerned about is yourself.  Okay, maybe you didn't know Alex was gonna spill the truth.  Well, don't worry, I'm not gonna blow you out of the water.  At least not yet.  But the first time you give me a reason, I WILL go to my father and Sue Ellen and tell them.  And you'll find yourself out of Ewing Oil faster than you can spit."  Christopher turns and walks away, leaving John Ross angry.

 

Back in the ballroom, Alex and Bridget are talking when Bobby and Ann walk over to them.  "Alex,"  says an angry Ann.  "How could you do this HERE, of all places?"

 

"Ann, I'm sorry,"  Alex says.  "Shawn just pushed me too far and it just came out."

  

"Alex, how do you even know this information about Shawn, anyway?"  Bobby asks.  

 

"I overheard Christopher and Courtney talking one day."

 

"You were eavesdroppin' on a private conversation?"  Ann asks.

 

"NO, I wasn't eavesdropping,"  says Alex.  "I was walking by their bedroom and the door wasn't closed all the way.  They were talking about it."

 

"Alex, I hope you understand the ramifications of what you've done,"  Bobby says.  "I know you were angry with Shawn, but a lot of people are gonna be hurt by this, a lot of INNOCENT people."

 

Just then, Ann sees Sharon return to the ballroom.  Angrily, she walks over to confront her former sister-in-law.  "Sharon!"  She says.

 

"I don't know where Shawn is.  I can't find him,"  Sharon says in tears.  

 

"You cheated on my brother with his best friend?"

 

"Ann, don't start in on me right now, I'm already upset as it is."

 

"Well, I don't give a damn how upset you are,"  Ann says.  "I want the truth!  You and Andy?  You had an affair with Andy behind Mark's back?"

 

"Yes, damn it, I did!  Ya happy now!"

 

"Did Mark know?  Did he know that Shawn wasn't his?"

 

"No, he didn't,"  Sharon replies.  

 

"How could he not have?"  Ann asks.

 

"Because Mark was in prison when Shawn was conceived.  He got out a few days after I found out I was pregnant, and later I lied to him and told him that Shawn was 5 weeks premature, and he believed it.  So, the truth is out and I guess you're thinkin' everything you ever believed about me is true.......that Sharon is nothin' but trash.  She slept with her husband's best friend while her husband was in prison, and then she lied about the paternity of her child."

 

"No, you're not everything I ever believed you were.......you're WORSE!"   Ann says.

 

"Well, let me tell you somethin' miss High and Mighty!  I was lonely while your brother was in prison.  Andy Murray was there for me.  And I lied to keep from hurting Mark, because, despite what you might think, I did love your brother, and I stuck by him through it all......his arrests, his drinkin', his time in prison.  Yes, I lied, because it would have destroyed Mark if he had known the truth. Not only that, he would've gone after Andy and then ended up right back in prison."

 

"So, you think that exonerates you?"  Ann asks.  "You still cheated on my brother while he was locked away."

 

"Don't you dare judge me for what I did, Ann Ewing!  What about you?  You cheated on your first husband, Harris Ryland.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that how you ended up with your daughter Emma?"

 

"Why you......"  Ann starts to slap Sharon,but Bobby walks up and grabs her hand in mid-air.  

 

"Not here,"  Bobby says.  "There's been enough drama and fighting here for one night."

 

Meanwhile, Michelle McKinnon is standing alone looking around the ballroom when Bridget walks up to her sister.

 

"Well, I'm surprised you're not out looking for your boyfriend after what happened,"  Bridget says.

 Michelle wakes up in Clay's bed early the next morning, just at dawn, and finds him gone.  Getting out of bed, she wraps a sheet around her body and leaves the bedroom.  "Clay?"

 

"In here,"  he says from the kitchen.

 

Michelle walks into the kitchen and finds Clay sitting at the table, his right hand in a bowl of ice.  "What are you doing?"

 

"Hurt my damned hand last night when I punched your boyfriend,"  Clay says.  

 

"Well, that's what you get for jumping into that brawl.  That had nothing to do with you."

 

"Maybe not, but that's the most fun I've had in a long time, and it sure felt good sluggin' that arrogant little punk,"  Clay says.  

 

"Except for your hand, huh?"

 

"You know what they say, no pain, no gain.  But it WAS fun."

 

Michelle shakes her head.  "Boys,"  she says.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Justin and Pamela's apartment....

 Pamela is feeding Randall as Hunter is making a small mess eating his breakfast when Justin walks into the kitchen that morning.  Pamela looks at him, then continues feeding Randall.  "Mornin',"  Justin says, opening the refrigerator.  

 

Pamela remains silent as she continues to feed her son.  Justin pours himself a glass of milk, then takes a seat at the table.  

 

"Still mad about last night, huh?"  Justin asks.  "Pamela, what was I supposed to do?"

 

"Oh, I dunno, Justin, maybe........stay OUT of it?"

 

"I had to help my family."

 

"By fighting with my brother,"  Pamela says.  "You all acted like a bunch of little boys instead of grown men."

 

"Well, your brother didn't have to jump into that fight, either,"  Justin says.  "He just used it as an excuse to slug it out with John Ross."

 

"And the Barnes-Ewing feud starts up again."

 

"I didn't know it ever ended,"  Justin says, taking a sip of his milk.  "One good thing did come out of last night, though.  Shawn Smith finally got taken down a peg or two.  Can ya believe that?  Shawn is actually Courtney's half-brother. I never would've guessed that in a million years."

"Yeah, that's a strange........coincidence,"  Pamela says, feeling awkward at the mention of Shawn.

 

"I just can't help but wonder what all the repercussions of that little revelation are gonna be,"  Justin says.

 

  Shawn is sitting up in bed that morning, a book in his hand, trying to concentrate on reading, but he is unable to, his mind constantly flashing back to the night before and what had happened at the ball.  Shawn's mind is racing, and he is filled with several different emotions at one time.......anger, confusion, sadness.  In one split second, his entire life changed, his world crumbled by a terrible truth that had been kept from him his entire life. His cell phone on the bed beside him starts to ring.  He glances over at the phone and sees that it's his mother, Sharon, calling for the 12th time since last night.  Touching the 'ignore call' button on the screen, Shawn returns to his thoughts.  He is so lost in his thoughts that he doesn't even hear his doorbell ring.  Shawn continues to stare at the page of the book he holds in his lap, having read the same sentence at least 10 times.  The doorbell rings a second time, then a third.  Shawn finally hears the third ring.  The bell rings a fourth time.  Shawn ignores the bell, not wanting to see anyone this morning.  When the bell rings a fifth time, Shawn finally gets out of bed and goes into the living room to answer the door out of simple frustration.  "Go away!"  He yells to the person on the other side of the door.

 

"Shawn, let me in.  It's Courtney!"

 

Shawn sighs deeply, then finally opens the door.  "Well, if it isn't big sister.  Go away.  I don't wanna see you."

 

"Shawn, please, we have to talk."

 

"About what?  How everyone lied to me my whole life?"  Shawn turns and walks back into the apartment.  Courtney follows, closing the door behind herself.

 

"Shawn, I'm sorry.  I am SO sorry that you had to find out like that."

 

He turns around to face her.  "How long have you known?  Did you know about this when I used to come out to Southfork when Alex and I were friends?"

 

"No.  I had absolutely no idea then,"  Courtney says.

 

Shawn walks over and takes a seat.  

 

Courtney walks over to him.  "Shawn, are you alright?"

 

"Am I alright?  Well, that's a good question, isn't it?  I just found out that my whole life has been a lie from the day I was born.  My mother is a whore. The man I loved as my father was no relation at all, and a man I've never met before is my real father.  Yeah, I'm just great.  Thanks for asking.  Now you can leave."

 

"Shawn, I understand how you feel,"  Courtney says.

 

"How could you possibly understand how I feel?  I was humiliated in front of everyone........my board members, people who work for me, almost everyone connected with the oil industry, and what do you wanna bet this ends up in the papers.  Damn that Alex for what he did to me."

 

"I know you're angry with Alex, but if you wanna blame anyone, blame me.  I found out a few months, and, I should have told you the truth.  If I had, none of this would've happened."

 

"Who else knew?"  Shawn asks.

 

"Just me, and Christopher, and Gavin."

 

"Christopher.  And I suppose he told John Ross and Alex."

 

"No,"  Courtney says.  "I have no idea how Alex found out."

 

"I'll bet they all had a good ol' laugh at my expense.  I'll bet you all did.  Shawn the bastard.  Shawn the clueless.  The damned Ewings.  Then they waited until just the right time to drop this little bombshell on me.......when they knew it would do the most damage and hurt me the most."

 

"It wasn't like that."

 

"Get out.  Just get out, Courtney."

 

"Shawn, please, I......"

 

"Just GET OUT!"  Shawn angrily says.  "I don't wanna see anyone.  Especially someone who's lied to me.  Just leave."

 

Courtney nods, then without saying another word, she leaves the apartment.  

 

After she's gone, Shawn stands to his feet and walks over to a table in the living room.  Feeling the anger rising up inside of him, Shawn picks up a vase and throws it against the wall, shattering it, as well as a framed photo on the wall the vase hits.  "Damn you, Alex,"  he says.  "And you, John Ross.  You'll pay for what you did to me if it's the last thing I ever do.  I'm gonna make Westar the most powerful oil company in Texas, and I'll crush not only Ewing Oil.......but the Ewing family, too."

Southfork....later....

 Courtney's car drives up to Southfork and comes to a stop behind Christopher's car in the parking area.  Christopher is waiting for his wife as she gets out of her car.

 

"Hi, sweetheart,"  Christopher says.  "How's Phyllis?"

the couple walks into the foyer just as Alex is coming down the stairs.  They all stop and look at each other awkwardly for a couple of seconds.  

 

"Courtney, look, I wanna say that I'm sorry you got caught in the middle of that mess last night,"  Alex says.  "I'm sorry you and your Mom got hurt."

 

 

"A few months ago, I overheard the two of you talking about it,"  Alex says.

 

"You what?"  Christopher asks. 

 

"Oh my God, you were spying on us when we were having a private conversation?"  Asks Courtney.

 

"No one was spying on anyone," says John Ross.  "Maybe you two should learn to either close your bedroom door when you have your little so called private conversations, or keep your voices down."

 

 

"Y'know, John Ross, I guess it's really fitting that Alex is about to change his last name from Walton to Ewing,"  Christopher.  "Because he's your son, alright......from head to toe, and you've trained him well.  Come on, Courtney."  Christopher and Courtney brush past Alex and John Ross and go upstairs.

 

"Well, pretty self righteous, aren't they?"  Alex asks his father.

 

"Yeah, well, my cousin Christopher's always been that way.  Actin' like he's just short of perfect when he's far from it.  But, son, listen, it's not a real good idea to antagonize Christopher right now.  He could cause us a lot of trouble."

 

"Trouble?  What kind of trouble?"

 

"I can't explain right now.  Now look, Alex, Remember what we were talkin' about the other night at dinner with your grandmother and Catlin?  Uncle Bobby's been talkin' a lot lately about officially retirin' from Ewing Oil after his heart attack.  Now that's gonna leave him in need of a successor as president of the comp'ny.  I've been doin' a damned good job as actin' president the last few months, and with Christopher showin' less and less interest in Ewing Oil, then I stand the best chance of bein' Uncle Bobby's successor.  But until that happens, we both need to walk a fine line with both him and Christopher.  We rock the boat with Christopher too much and he might just decide to come back to Ewing Oil and try to claim that presidency for himself.  That's the kinda thing he'd do just to spite me."

 

"Don't worry, I won't get on Christopher's bad side again,"  Alex says.  "You really wanna be president of Ewing Oil a lot, don't you?"

 

"More'n anything,"  John Ross replies, putting his hand on his son's shoulder.  "It's what my Daddy groomed me for when I was a kid, and it's what I'm groomin' you for now."

 

Alex nods his head and smiles.  

Perry's Steakhouse And Grille....that night....

 

 

"Good evening, Mr. Winthrop,"  the hostess at Perry's greets as Cass, Lila, and Cory Winthrop walk into the restaurant.

 

"Good evening Melanie,"  Cass says.  "Table for 3."

 

"This way,"  the girl says with a smile.  She grabs a menu from the bar and leads the Winthrops across the crowded restaurant to  a table.  "Here you go,"  Melanie says.  "Can I start you all off with something to drink?"

 

"I'll have white wine,"  says Lila.

 

"I'll have the same,"  Cass says.

 

"Same,"  says Cory.

 

"Umm, he'll have coke,"  Cass says.

 

Melanie smiles.  "Yes, sir.  Your server will be right with you."

 

"Thank you, Melanie."

 

"You're welcome, Mr. Winthrop.  Enjoy your dinner,"  the girl says, then walks away.

 

"This is a really nice place,"  Lila says.  "And they know you here by name?"

 

"Well, I've been coming here a lot since I moved yo Dallas. The food's delicious and the service is great."

 

"Mom, Dad, this is pretty awesome,"  Cory says. "A family dinner out.  The three of us together like this.  Mom staying at the apartment.  It was the best Christmas in a long time, and this has been the best New Years."

 

Cass and Lila exchange looks.  "Well, it has been nice, Cory, but your mother and I don't want you to get the wrong idea.  Your mother will probably head back to Bay City soon."

 

"Not necessarily,"  Lila says.  "After all, Sue Ellen Ewing is gonna introduce me to that private eye friend of hers who I plan to hire to find information on my mother, and possibly find out who my father was.  I've already got some promising leads on Ancestry.com.  

 

"Mom, does that mean you might be staying on in Dallas permanently?  Or at least for a while?"  Cory asks.  

 

Lila looks at her son and smiles.  "Maybe.  I really have no reason to go back to Bay City anytime soon, and every reason to stay in Dallas.  Your father is here, and you're gonna be going to school in Austin, only a couple hours away.  So why not stay in Dallas for the time being?"

 

"What about Jasmine?"  Cass asks.

 

"Jasmine is 21 and has her own life, Cass.  She doesn't need her mother around so much anymore.  She proved that when she decided to spend Christmas skiing with her friends instead of with me."

 

"Mom, that's great.  It's been awesome having you around, right, Dad?"

 

Cass hesitates  a ,moment before answering.  "Yes, it has."

 

"Thank you, Cass,"  Lila says.  

 

 

 

 

"No reason, Dad,"  Cory replies.  "I'm just happy we're all together."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 Michael is coming into the living room at Southfork the next morning when someone knocks on one of the French doors leading onto the back porch.  The boy walks over to the door and opens it to find ranch hand Ricky Hernandez.  "Oh, hi, Ricky,"  Michael says.  "Come in."

 

"Thank you, Michael, good morning.  Is your grandfather at home?  I have some feed bills for him."

 

"Yeah, he's upstairs.  I'll get him.  Be right back.  Make yourself at home,"  Michael says, then leaves the room.  

 

After Michael leaves the room, Ricky looks around.  When he is sure no one else is around and likely to walk in, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small round device not even as large as a dime.  It is a small listening device, also known as a bug, Ricky holds in his hand.  He looks around the room for a perfect spot in which to plant the bug.  He listens to see if he hears anyone coming, then he walks over to a table beside the sofa, and 

 A white pickup truck pull into the parking lot of the old Collin Creek Mall in Plano, Texas, not far from Braddock, a short while later.  Part of the old mall has been demolished, but the truck pulls into the parking lot of the side of the mall that is still standing.  The only other vehicle in the abandoned parking lot is an expensive sports car.  Ricky Hernandez gets out of the white truck and looks around.  In the distance, he spots Shawn 

standing near the building, waiting for him.  Ricky walks over to him.  

 

"Well, did you do it?"  Shawn asks.

 

"Yes,"  Ricky replies.  "I planted the bug inside of Southfork, just as you instructed, in a place they will never think to look and find it."

 

"Good.  I know the Ewings sometimes discuss business in the living room just before, or after dinner.  I remember that from all the nights I use to spend there."

 

"So, this bug I planted will help you to destroy the Ewing family's company?"

 

"If I can find out what they're up to in business, yes,"  Shawn says.  "Now, I just have to find a way to plant a bug at Ewing Oil, which is gonna be harder.  But my brother did it.  I'll find a way, too."

"This plan of yours,"  Ricky says.  "It sounds as if it will take a long time to come to fruition.  I want the Ewings destroyed soon.......NOW.  I want my revenge."

 

"Ricky, you're gonna get your revenge,"  says Shawn.  "And so will I, but we're gonna have to be patient."

 

"Patience is not one of my strengths."

 

"Neither is it one of mine,"  says Shawn.  "After what the Ewings did to me at the Oil Baron's Ball, don't you think I'd like nothing better than to bring that damned family crashing down right now?  Don't you think I wanna take everything from them like they've done to me?  But in order for this to work, we're gonna HAVE to be patient.  I don't want this to fail."

"Neither do I,"  says Ricky.  "Christopher Ewing killed my father and destroyed my family.  I will destroy his."

 

"The Ewings took both of our fathers away from us,"  says Shawn.  "Albeit in different ways, but we will BOTH be avenged.  But there's one thing we need to get straight, Ricky.  I am in charge of this plan.  You'll do as I say, and you won't do anything to jeopardize this plan.  Because

if you do endanger my plan, or if you get in my way.........I'll destroy you right along with the Ewings.  Because I have more reason now than ever to completely destroy the Ewings, and no one.......NO ONE.......will stand in the way of my doing that, by any means necessary.  Do I make myself clear?"

 

Ricky remains silent as he looks away from Shawn.

 

"I said.....do I make myself clear?"

 

"Yes,"  Ricky  replies.  "Very clear."

 

"Good,"  Shawn says.  "Now you'd better get back to Southfork before someone becomes suspicious."

 

Ricky nods, then turns and walks back in the direction of his truck as Shawn watches him.

Perry's Steakhouse And Grille....early afternoon....

 Bum is sitting at a table at Perry's early in the afternoon when Sue Ellen walks in.  She is greeted at the door by a young male host who leads her across the room to Bum's table.  "Hello Bum,"  Sue Ellen says with a smile.  "I'm sorry I'm a little late."

"You're not at all, Sue Ellen,"  Bum says, standing and greeting her with a kiss on the cheek. "Happy New Year to you."

 

"Thank you, Bum, and Happy New Year to you,"  Sue Ellen says, taking her seat across from him.  

 

"Can I get you anything to drink, Mrs. Ewing?"  The host asks.

 

"Yes, I'll have an ice tea."

 

"Yes, ma'am.  Your server will be with you shortly."

 

"Thank you, "  Sue Ellen says as the young man walks away.  

 

"Sue Ellen, how've you been?"  Bum asks.

 

"Oh, Bum, never better.  Everything has finally begun to fall into place for me and for my family."

 

"That's wonderful.  This friend you wanted me to meet........"

 

"Yes, there she is now,"  Sue Ellen says, looking over as Lila is led to the table by the host.  

 

"Sue Ellen, I am SO sorry that I'm late, but I'm still learnin' my way around this big city."  Lila says.

 

"Oh, it's no problem, Lila," Sue Ellen says.  "Lila Winthrop, this is a very old and dear friend of mine, Bum Jones, the best private investigator I know."

 

"Mr. Jones, it's a pleasure."

 

"Pleasure's all mine, Mrs. Winthrop, please, call me Bum."

 

"Alright.......Bum, and I'm Lila."

 

"Bum, I told Lila that, if anyone could help her find out information about her mother, it's you,"  says Sue Ellen.  

 

"Well, thank you, Sue Ellen,"  Bum says.  "Miz Winthrop........Lila, what is it that you need me to find?"

 

"If you both will excuse me, I'll let the two of you have some privacy to talk,"  Sue Ellen says, getting up from the table.

 

"Thank you, Sue Ellen,"  Lila says as Sue Ellen leaves.  "Bum, I'd really like to thank you for agreeing to help me with this."

 

"Well, don't thank me until the job is done.  What is it exactly that I'll be looking for?  Sue Ellen said that you wanted me to find some information about your mother?"

 

"Yes,"  Lila says, opening a folder she brought with her.  "This is all the information I have.  My mother was a...... ......well, she was a prostitute.  Her name was Jessica Hart, but everyone called her Jessie.  I was born in New Orleans, and, what I'd really like to find out is.........who my father was.  Recently, I've been using Ancestry.Com, and I took their DNA test.  I haven't gotten the results yet but,when I do, hopefully that will help."

 

Bum takes the folder and looks at the information Lila gave him, including some photos.  "Your mother was a very beautiful lady.  I take it she's no longer alive?"

 

"No,"  Lila replies sadly.  "She was killed.......murdered......by one of her exes when I was just 8-years-old.  After that I was raised by my grandmother."

 

"It says here that your mother once lived in Dallas,"  Bum says, reading from one of the papers.  

 

"Yes. Briefly, when I was very little."

 

Bum nods.  "Well, that should make at least part of my job relatively easy.  Let's have lunch and talk some more, and I'll get started on this right away."

 

Lila smiles.  "Thank you,"  she says.

Mitch Cooper's apartment....

 

 

Meanwhile, at Mitch's apartment, Daniel is in the dining room setting the table for lunch, when Cory walks in, only a towel wrapped around his waist and his hair still slightly wet from a shower.  The two share a brief kiss.  "You have a nice shower?"  Daniel asks.

 

"Yeah, it was great.  Hey, that looks good,"  Cory says.

 

"Something my Grandma Arliss Cooper use to make when I was little. Taco rings.  She taught me and my sister how to make them before she got sick."

 

"Today was nice.  I'm glad I saw you last night at Perry's."

 

"Yeah, but that was kinda awkward, wasn't it?"  Daniel asks.  "Me seeing you there with your parents."

 

"They never suspected anything. My Mom has decided she's gonna stay in Dallas.  I'm happy about it, but it really complicates things for me."

 

"How so?"

 

 

"Because of this whole school thing,"  Cory says.  "It was gonna be hard enough keeping the truth from my Dad,  but with my Mom staying in Dallas, it'll be next to impossible. I have no idea what I'm gonna do."

 

"Dude, why not just tell them the truth?"  Daniel asks.

 

"Tell them I got kicked out of school and lost my scholarship to the University of Texas?  No way!  Me attending UT was the main reason my Dad decided to accept Mr. Smithfield's job offer and move here to Dallas in the first place.  Now if I tell them that I WON'T be going to the university........."  Cory pauses and sighs.  

 

 

"How long do you think you can keep the truth from your parents, man?"  Daniel asks.

bedroom and walks into the living room. Lucy and Daniel come face to face.  

 

Lucy looks at her stepson with a sly smile.  "So.  What have YOU been doing while your father and I were gone on our honeymoon?" She asks.

 

Daniel gives her an angry look.

 

 

 

 

A bar in Braddock....that night....

"No, it's fine,"  Courtney says. "I found out last summer. Gavin and I both did. We didn't want our Mom hurt, so that's why we didn't say anything."

 

"Well, if anybody knows what Shawn's feeling right now, it's me,"  Lucas says.  "I went through the same thing when I found out that Bobby, and not Ray, was my biological father.  It really threw me for a loop, and I didn't find out in such a public way."

 

"Shawn's so angry right now,"  Courtney says.

 

"Well, I think that's to be expected,"  Heather says.

 

"Shawn's not one of my favorite people, but,I really felt bad for him the other night,"  Justin says.  "In a way I can kinda understand why Alex did what he did when Shawn pushed him like that, but, nobody deserves to be humiliated in front of hundreds of people like that."

 

Pamela lowers her head as she takes a sip of her drink, unable to find it in herself to feel any sympathy for Shawn after all he has done to her, and she is also hoping that Shawn's finding out who his real father is has bought her a reprieve from his demand that she get Justin to sell his Westar shares.  

 

"Well, hi,"  Ashley says as she and Dylan walk over to them.  

 

"Ashley, Dylan, hey,"  Justin says.

 

"Fancy running into all of you here,"  Dylan says.

 

"Yeah, well, we're just enjoying a night out on the town," says Christopher.

 

"Won't you two join us?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Sure we'd love to,"  Dylan replies.  He and Justin grab two more chairs from a nearby empty table and bring them over, and Dylan and Ashley take seats.

 

"So how're you guys doin'?"  Heather asks.

 

"We're great,"  Ashley replies.  "I have a feeling that 2020 is gonna be an AWESOME year."

 

A sad look comes over Dylan's face as Ashley talks about believing that 2020 will be a great year, in his mind thinking about how Ashley will take it when she learns her mother is dying of cancer.  He lowers his head.

 

"Hey, you okay, buddy?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Oh, yeah, sure, I'm fine,"  Dylan says.

 

"Dylan, are you sure you're okay being here?"  Lucas asks.

 

"You mean because of my being an alcoholic,"  Dylan says. 

 

"Yes."

 

"Guys, I'm fine, REALLY.  I know that I'm an alcoholic and I know that I can't ever take another drink.  And in fact, I don't even crave alcohol anymore, and not taking a drink, even in a bar, is easy for me as long as I have Ashley by my side.  Because I know I have something worth staying sober for."

 

Ashley looks at him and smiles.  "See why I love him so much?"

 

"Dylan, you're a lucky guy, just like I am,"  Justin says.  "But let me tell ya, you'd better be real good to this little niece of mine.  She's pretty special to me."

 

"That's not something you have to worry about, Justin,"  says Dylan.

 

"We missed you two at the Oil Baron's Ball on New Year's Eve,"  Lucas says.  

 

"Well, after what happened to me at the Ball last year.......I really didn't wanna go,"  Ashley says.  "Bad memories. Besides, Dylan and I babysat for Justin and Pamela while they were at the ball.  And, we heard about the fight, and about what happened with Shawn.  That's really something, Courtney, Shawn turning out to be your brother."

 

"Yeah, it's something,"  Courtney says.

 

"How is Shawn?"  Ashley asks.  "I mean, how's he taking everything?"

 

"He's hurt and angry."

 

"Shawn hurt me, but I really feel for him,"  Ashley says.  "I can't think of anything worse than finding out that people who supposedly love you have been lying to you about something important.  I know I'd be hurt and angry,

too, if I found out I'd been lied to."

 

Dylan looks at Ashley as she speaks, worried about how she will react when she finds out the truth about Debra Lynn, and the guilt over keeping the secret of her mother's illness from her eating him up inside.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shawn's apartment....the next morning....

 

Shawn is pacing around his living room the next morning as he talks on his cell phone.  "Yeah, Brad, I'm fine, I just need a couple of days to myself, so I need for you to take care of things at Westar for me.  I'll be back in the office on Monday, but in the meantime, I'll be working from home today and this weekend.  You can handle the meeting with Bill Johnson this afternoon.  Yes, I'm sure I'm fine.  Just keep me posted on what's going on, and you can fax me a report on the meeting with Johnson sometime this evening.  Okay, I'll talk to you later."  Shawn ends the call and tosses his cell phone onto the coffee table as he takes a seat on the sofa.  No sooner has he sat down than his doorbell rings.  He sighs deeply, still not wanting to see anyone.  The doorbell rings a second time.  "Damn,"  he complains.  Getting up, he goes to the door and opens it to find his mother standing before him.  

 

"Well, it's about time,"  Sharon says.  "I've been calling you for the past two and a half days."

 

"And yet you didn't take the hint that I don't wanna talk to you."

 

"Shawn, you have to let me explain."

 

"Explain?  Explain how you cheated on Dad with his best friend, and that I'm the product of that sordid little affair?"

 

"Sweetheart, please......"

 

"Okay.  I'm willing to listen.  Let's hear it, Mom.  Let's hear your explanation for how I happen to get here."

 

"Shawn, that was a very difficult time in my life,"  Sharon says.  "Your father..........Mark.........was in prison.  He'd been in prison for nearly two years, and I was SO lonely.  Andrew Murray was there for me at a time when I needed a friend."

 

"And a lover?"  Shawn asks.

 

"Yes, damn it!  And a lover.  Neither of us meant for the affair to happen.  Andy was married, and I was married to his best friend.  And what started out as two friends who were simply supporting each other emotionally, turned into something more.  And then one night, it just happened.  Andy and I, we............we became intimate.  And then it happened again a few more times after that.  And then, I found out that Mark was being released from prison almost a year early on good behavior, and because the prison was so overcrowded that they needed to release as many non-violent offenders as they could.  I was so happy.  My God,was I happy.  Mark was coming home.  But, right before Mark was released, I found out that I was pregnant with you.  I was a few weeks along when Mark came home."

 

"Did he know?"  Shawn asks.  "Did Dad know the truth?"

 

"No."

 

"How did you keep it from him?  When I was born just........what?..........8 months after he came home, he had to know SOMETHING.  He had to know he wasn't my father."

 

"He didn't.  When you were born, I told him that you were 6 weeks premature."

 

Shawn nods his head, a look of disgust on his face.  "So, not only did you cheat on the man, but you lied to him, too.  Well, Mom, congratulations.  You pulled it off.  I'm sure Jeremy Wendell will be very proud of his daughter when he finds out.  You always prided yourself in NOT being like your father, but you've proven that you're JUST like him."

 

"Don't say that.  I am NOTHING like Jeremy Wendell.  And neither are you."

 

"That's where you're wrong, Mother.  I am like my grandfather.  Only I plan to become more powerful than he ever was, and I won't make the same mistakes he made with the Ewings."

 

"Sweetheart, you're really scaring me.  This fight of yours with the Ewings...........it'll end up destroying you, the way it did your brother and the way it did my father."

 

"No, it won't,"  Shawn says. "The only ones who are gonna be destroyed are the Ewings.  Them, and anyone who gets in my way."

 

"Shawn......"

 

"Get out, Mom."

 

"Baby......"

 

"I said get out.  Just go.  I don't wanna see you."

 

Sharon reaches out to touch her son's face, but Shawn grabs her hand.  "I said get out of here,"  he angrily says.  "Get out!"

 

Frightened by her son's tone and angry look, Sharon holds back her tears.  After a pause of a few seconds, she turns and leaves the apartment.  Getting onto the elevator, she breaks down crying, realizing that she has lost Shawn just as she lost Tripp.

 

Back in his apartment, Shawn picks up his cell phone and dials Michelle's number.  The phone rings several times, but there is no answer.  In frustration, Shawn throws his phone against the wall, smashing it.

Clay's apartment....

 

Meanwhile, Michelle is looking at her phone as it rings, Shawn's number showing up on the screen.  She ignores the call, not wanting to talk to him as she is still angry at Shawn.  After a moment, Clay walks into the living room, dressed in a suit.  

 

"Was that your phone or mine I just heard ringing?"  Clay asks.

 

"It was mine.  It was Shawn again."

 

"You'd think that guy would give up.  Maybe you should answer next time he calls and  tell him where he can go."

 

"Maybe I should,"  Michelle says.

 

Clay looks at her.  "You don't still have feelings for Shawn Smith, do you?"

 

"The only thing  feel I feel for Shawn is pity.  And anger."

 

"Good.  Listen, I'll be back in a little while," Clay says, putting his arms around Michelle.  "Wish me luck on this interview."

 

"Good luck, but you won't need it.   I just know you'll get this job."

 

"Me, too, I really need it,"  says Clay.  "Being out of work the last few months has put a serious den in my finances.  I mean, I'm not gonna starve anytime soon or end up homeless, but, I'm definitely having to pinch my pennies."

 

"Well, here's a good luck kiss,"  Michelle says. kissing Clay.  

 

"Hmmmm, I could do with a few more of those,"  Clay says.  "Unfortunately, I have to go or I'll be late for my interview."

 

"Well, I'll just save a few of those kisses for you when you come home."

 

Clay smiles and kisses her again.  "I'll take you up on that.  I'll be back in a couple of hours."

 

"I'll be waiting,"  Michelle says.  Clay gives her another quick kiss, then leaves.  Almost as soon as he is out the door, Michelle's phone rings again.  She sighs, sure that Shawn is calling again.  She walks over to the coffee table and picks the phone up, and she is pleasantly surprised to see it's not Shawn calling, but Bridget.  Smiling, she answers the call.  "Well, hey, sis."

 

"Hey, Michelle, I was just wondering if you're free for lunch this afternoon."

 

"This afternoon?  Ummm, yeah, I suppose,"  Michelle says.

 

"Great.  How about meeting me at Le Petite Maison?  About 1:00?"

 

"Uh, let's make it 12.  Clay just went out on a job interview, and I'd like to spend the afternoon with him, celebrating if he gets this job."

 

"Sounds like you and Clay Beaumont are getting kinda serious,"  Bridget says.

 

"Clay treats me a whole lot better than Shawn ever did.  Well, I'll see you at noon.  Bye."  Michelle ends the call and smiles.

Ewing Oil....

 

 Sly buzzes John Ross's office.  "John Ross, Congressman Glenn Wheeler is on line one for you."

 

"Thank ya, Sly,"  John Ross says.  He picks up his phone and presses the '1' button to take his call.  "Glenn, well, long time, no see, Congressman.  How's it goin'?"

Meanwhile....

 

"Goin' good, John Ross,"  Glenn Wheeler says.  "But, I have some news for you that I don't think you're gonna like very much."

 

"Bad news, huh?  Okay, well, let me have it.  What's the trouble, Glenn?"

 

"Well, it seems that plans for the creation of the Oil Regulatory Commission are back on track.  The Senate committee that originally created the commission are now in the process of choosing its members."

Ewing Oil....

"Damn,"  John Ross says.  "I was hopin' that thing had been tabled permanently.  You sure about this?"

 

"Absolutely,"  Glenn says.  "I figured you'd wanna know."

 

"Glenn, have they picked any members of the commission yet?"

 

"Only two.  Uh, Steve Whitaker and Terri Dukes.

 

"Know anything about 'em?"  John Ross asks.

 

"No, but I can find out."

 

"Good, you do that.  I appreciate the heads up.  Keep me posted.  Thank ya, Glenn."  John Ross hangs up his phone and lets out a deep sigh.  "Damn.  That's all I need right now."  After a few seconds, he picks his cell phone up from the desk and speed dials Bum's number.  On the second ring, Bum answers.  "Bum,"  John Ross says.  "I need some information on someone.  Meet me at my office at 6:30 tonight."

Le Petite Maison....

 Michelle and Bridget walk into the Le Petite Maison French Restaurant in Dallas early in the afternoon.  A young female hostess greets them and leads them to a table.  "Thank you,"  Bridget says as the two sisters take their seats.

 

"Would you ladies like to start with something to drink?"  The hostess asks.

 

"I'll have an iced tea,"  Bridget says.

 

"Lemonade for me,"  says Michelle.

 

"Coming right up.  Your server will be with you in just a moment,"  the young woman says, and walks away.

 

"I was really surprised when you called and invited me to lunch,"  Michelle says.

Bridget knows.  "Hi, Bridget,"  he says.

 

"Tyler, hi.  I didn't know you worked here."

 

"Yeah, I just started last month.  How are you?"

 

"I'm great,"  Bridget says.  "Tyler, you remember my sister, Michelle?"

 

"Sure, I do.  Hi, Michelle."

 

"Hi."

 

"Well, here are your drinks,"  Tyler says, placing the two drinks on the table.  "Are you ready to order?"

 

"Not yet, Tyler, can you give us a few minutes?"  Bridget asks.

 

"Suee, take as long as you need.  How's my boy Alex doin'?"

 

"He's doing great, he's working at Ewing Oil and taking classes at SMU."

 

"Awesome.  Tell him to give me a call.  Maybe we can all hang out one weekend."

 

"I will,"  Bridget says.

 

"Just let me know when you're ready to order,"  Tyler says.  He smiles, then walks away.

 

"Now, what was I saying before Tyler came over?"  Bridget asks.

 

"I think you were about to tell me the real reason you asked me to lunch."

 

"Oh, yes.  I just wanted to know what's going on with you.  Specifically with you and Alex's cousin, Clay Beaumont."

 

"Why the curiosity about me and Clay?"  Michelle asks.

 

"Well, I'm just concerned, that's all.  I mean, on New Year's Eve, you came to the Oil Baron's Ball with Shawn, who you've been in a relationship with and practically living with for the better part of a year, and then, after all that stuff went down between Alex and Shawn, you left with Clay Beaumont, and you've been at his place ever since. I was just curious what happened between you and Shawn."

 

"Well, not that it's any of your business, but, Shawn turned out to be a real jerk.  I had not been happy with him for a while, and then, he cheated on me."

 

"Oh, Michelle, I'm so sorry,"  Bridget says.  

 

"It's okay.  He claimed it was business.  The slut he had sex with was some big important female oil tycoon, a Samantha Chambers, or something like that.  Shawn had treated me like one of his possessions.  So, I paid him back."

 

"You paid him back?  By sleeping with Clay?"

 

"By LEAVING him for Clay."

 

"Michelle, how well do you even know Clay Beaumont?  Or do you know him at all?"

 

"What I know is that Clay treats me with respect.  Sure, it started out as revenge sex, but, I really do care for him."

 

"Isn't he a little old for you?"  Bridget asks.

 

"I'm 20, and he's 28.  It's not like there's this big generational age difference between us.  Besides, Shawn proved himself to be nothing more than a little boy.  Clay is a man.  A REAL man, and that's what I need."

 

"Well, it sounds like you know what you want."

 

"I do."

 

"Just be careful, okay?  Michelle, I don't wanna see you get hurt again. I don't really know Clay Beaumont, but I do know that he's done some pretty underhanded things, and he's estranged from his own family."

 

"I know.  Clay told me all about it,"  Michelle says.  "Bridget, don't worry.  I know what I'm doing.  I'm going into this with my eyes wide open.  If it works out, it works out.  If not, then, there's someone else out there for me.  Who knows, Clay might be for me what Alex has been for you."

 

"I hope so, Michelle.  I really hope so,"  Bridgetsays, a tone of concern in her voice.

Sparkman-Hillcrest Cemetery in Dallas....afternoon....

 Shawn's car pulls up to Sparkman-Hillcrest Cemetery in Dallas late that afternoon and comes to a stop.  Getting out of the car, Shawn walks into the cemetery and goes to the grave of his late brother, Tripp.  Shawn looks down at the grave for a few seconds, then takes a seat on the ground in front of Tripp's headstone.  "Well, big brother,"

me."  Shawn pauses and looks over at the headstone of his other brother.  "Y'know, Hunter, I'm actually sorry I never knew you.  Would've been interesting to have known what kind of person you were and how you compared to Tripp.  And who knows.  Maybe if you had lived and we'd met, the three of us might've even been close and had a real relationship as brothers, something Tripp and I never had.  Maybe........or maybe not.  Guess we'll never know.  Oh, well.  Rest in peace, boys."  As Shawn turns and starts to walk back to his truck, he comes face to face with Gavin Murray.  

 

"Hi, Shawn"  Gavin says.  "I'm not sure if you remember me, but I'm......"

 

"Because we're brothers,"  Gavin says.  

 

"Brothers?"  Shawn asks with a smile.  "I had two brothers, and both are laying right there.  I don't need or want another.  So you can just forget trying to cash in because you found yourself a rich brother, because it aint gonna happen."  Shawn walks past Gavin and goes back to his car.  Gavin watches him as Shawn gets into his car and  drives away.

 

 

 

 

Cass Winthrop's apartment....late afternoon....

 Lila walks into the living room of Cass's apartment.  She goes to the sofa and takes a seat, then opens her laptop on the coffee table in front of her.  As Lila turns the computer on, Cory comes down the hall and into the living room.

 

"Mom, I'm going out for a while,"  Cory tells his mother.

 

"Okay, honey, are you gonna be home in time for dinner?"  Lila asks.  "I'm cookin' tonight."

 

Cory looks at his mother and smiles.  "Sure you wouldn't rather just be alone with Dad for a romantic dinner?"  He asks, then leaves, still smiling. 

 

Lila laughs at her son's comment, then looks at her laptop.  Noticing she has a new email notification, Lila clicks to open up her email on the computer, then waits for it to load.  After several seconds of waiting, Lila sighs impatiently.  "Honestly, Cass, your wifi sucks,"  she says to herself.  Finally the email page opens and she smiles, pleasantly surprised at one particular message.  "Oh, great.  My DNA results,"  she says, opening the email.  Reading the email, Lila clicks on the link to take her to her Ancestry.Com profile.  Once there, she begins reading the results of the DNA test she had taken several weeks ago, before she came to Dallas.  A look of surprise comes over he face.  "What?  That can't be,"  she says, still looking curiously at the computer screen. 

Shawn's apartment....

 

 

Shawn steps off the elevator in the small enclosed room just outside of his apartment.  He opens the door to the apartment and walks in.  As he is about to walks into his living room, he is surprised to see Kenneth, Jeremy Wendell's henchman, sitting on the sofa.

 

"Well, about time you got home,"  Kenneth says.

 

"What the hell are you doing here and how'd you get in?"  Shawn asks.

 

"You know I have my ways,"  Kenneth says, standing.  "You've been a hard man to reach the last couple of days.  Taking a vacation from work, are we?"

 

"I needed some time.  And I don't owe you any explanations."

 

"Maybe not.  But there is someone you DO owe an explanation to."

 

To Shawn's utter shock, his grandfather, Jeremy Wendell, walks into the living room from the bedroom.  "Hello, Shawn,"  Jeremy says.  

 

"Grandfather,"  Shawn says.  "What are you doing here?  You're taking an awful chance.  What if someone sees you?  What if the cops see you?"

 "Bum, come in,"  Lila says, welcoming Bum into Cass's apartment.  

 

"You said you've discovered something that might help you in the search for your father?"  Bum asks.

 

"Yes, that's right."

 

"Well, that's good.  I've also managed to find some information about your mother."

 

Lila smiles.  "Well, that was really fast.  Sue Ellen said that you were good at what you do."

 

"Well, I certainly do my best,"  Bum says.  "Let's see what you've discovered."

 

"You remember me telling you that I took one of those Ancestry DNA tests a few weeks ago?  Well, I just got the results this afternoon."  Lila walks over to the coffee table and picks up some papers.  "Here.  I had this printed out.  It's the results."

 

Bum takes a seat and begins reading the papers Lila gave him.  After reading halfway down the first page, a stunned look comes over his face.  He looks up at Lila.  

 

"Well?"  She says.  "Do you think this will help?"

 

Bum remains silent as he continues reading.  "It just might,"  he says, a tone of uncertainty in his voice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ewing Oil....later....

 John Ross is standing at the window of his office looking out at the night skyline of Dallas that evening when Bum walks into Ewing Oil.  He knocks on John Ross's open door.  "John Ross?"

 

"Come in, Bum."

 

Bum walks into the office.  "You wanted to see me?"

 "Sure did,"  John Ross says as he pours two glasses of bourbon.  "Got a job for you.  A real important job.  Have a drink."  John Ross hands Bum a glass.

 

"Thank you.  What's the job?"

 

"Need you to find me some information on a Steve Whitaker and a Ms. Teri Dukes.  I have it on very good authority that those are two appointees to the new Oil Regulatory Commission.  I need any info you  can find on 'em.  Any skeletons in their closets goin; all he way back to elementary school."

 

"Okay, I'll get on this as soon as possible."

 

"Right away, Bum,"  John Ross says.  "This is real important to me, and to Ewing Oil."

 

"Understood.  John Ross, I'm actually glad you wanted to see me this evening, because I have somethin' I need to talk to you about."

 

"Okay, so talk,"  John Ross says, taking a seat on his desk.  "And make this quick, would ya?  I'm anxious to get home.  I told Krystina I wouldn't be too late."

 

"Well, trust me, you're gonna wanna hear this,"  Bum says. 

 

 "Sounds kinda urgent," John Ross says.

 "Well, it could be,"  Bum says.  "You know Lila Winthrop?"

 

"Lila Winthrop?  Yeah, sure, that's Jay Smithfield's new partner, Cass Winthrop's wife, or ex-wife or somethin'."

 

"That's right."

 

"Okay, what about her?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Your mother recommended that Lila hire me to find out some information on her mother, and I found something.  Lila's mother was a prostitute named Jessica, or Jessie Hart.  She was based in New Orleans for several years during the late 1960s and 1970s.  At one point, she moved to Dallas."

 

"So?  Bum, what does any of this have to do with me?"  

 

"Just hear me out,"  Bum says.  "Jessie Hart went by a number of aliases during her time as a prostitute.  At one time she used the name Amber Hart, Amber Roberts, Jessica Roberts, and Leanne Rees.  It was the name Leanne Rees that she used when she lived here in Dallas around late 1978 and early 1979.  For a while, she also gave her daughter Lila an assumed name, Sarah Hart."

 

John Ross sighs.  "Bum, could you get to the point, please?  What the hell does all this have to do with me?"

 

"J.R knew Lila's mother, and was pretty close to her for a while. J.R. met Jessie Hart, or Amber hart as she then called herself, in New Orleans around 1970.  This is a photo of her."

 

 

John Ross takes the photo and looks at it.  "Real beautiful lady.  Lila looks a hell of a lot like her.  You said that she and J.R. were........friendly?"

 

"That's right.  In fact, he used her to pull a couple sting operations on powerful men he needed to control.  You know, set Amber up with them, have photos taken of them in a compromisin' position, then use it for blackmail."

 

John Ross laughs.  "Yeah, ol' J.R. was always doin' stuff like that.  Kind of a strange coincidence though that one of his hookers was Lila Winthrop's mama."

 

"It's more than a coincidence, John Ross.  Lila took a DNA test through that Ancestry.Com before she came to Dallas.  She got the results today and she showed them to me.  John Ross, did you know that Alex had also taken one of those DNA tests?"

 

"Yeah, I know he's been interested in that stuff for a while,"  John Ross says.  "He even gave Uncle Bobby a membership to that site and a DNA kit for Christmas."

 

"John Ross.......Lila's DNA tests show that she has a very close blood relationship..........to your son, Alex."

 

John Ross looks at him, surprised by what he is hearing.  "What?  Bum, how's that possible?"

 

"John Ross, don't you get it?"  Bum asks.  "J.R. was close to Lila's mother, first in New Orleans, then in Dallas.  Knowing J.R. the way we both knew J.R., I'd bet my life that relationship wasn't always platonic.  John Ross, it's not only possible, but PROBABLE, that J.R. was Lila Winthrop's father."

 

 

 

 

John Ross looks at Bum, his mouth open in shock.  "Bum, you're tellin' me that Lila Winthrop.......could be my half-sister?"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

END OF EPISODE 216....