EPISODE 217 - Retribution

 

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

 

"That's exactly what I'm tellin' ya," Bum says.  

 

"Nah, there's gotta be a mistake.  This can't be.  That test, it's gotta be wrong."

 

"John Ross, DNA testing is VERY accurate, especially these days.  And it all does fit.  Lila Hart was born in New Orleans.  And J.R. use to tell me that Ewing Oil had business interests in New Orleans back in the 60s and 70s."

 

"Yeah they did,"  John Ross says.  "He use to tell me about trips he use to take down there.  Damn it, Bum, is it possible?  Could J.R. have fathered a child with a prostitute?"

 

"It's very possible, John Ross. Even likely."

 

"What about Lila's mother?"  John Ross asks.  "Jessie, or Amber, or whatever the hell her name is.  What happened to her?  She still alive?"

 

"No.  Jessie Hart was killed, stabbed to death by a jealous boyfriend when Lila was 8-years-old.  That wasn't long after she and Lila left Dallas and went back to New Orleans."

 

"Stabbed to death?  Damn."

 

"Worse part is that Lila witnessed her mother being murdered.  It greatly affected her emotionally for most of her life."

 

"I imagine it did,"  John Ross says.  "What happened to her after her mama was killed?"

 

"She lived with her grandmother until she was a teenager,"  Bum replies.  "Then she took up with some guy named Shane Roberts, and married him."

 

"You haven't said anything about this to Lila or anybody else, have you?"

 

"No.  I wanted to come to you with this first."

 

"Good.  Don't say anything just yet."

 

"John Ross, Lila has the results of that DNA test.  It's only a matter of time before she finds out Alex Walton is your son, and that she's a Ewing."

 

"Just give me some time, Bum.  I need to break this news to the family first, and I don't know how Mama's gonna take it.  When was Lila born?"

 

"September 19, 1972."

 

John Ross nods.  "Mama and Daddy had been married over a year by then, which means Lila is gonna be yet another reminder to her of J.R.'s cheatin', and that's all she needs right now."

 

"Well, John Ross, this secret itn't gonna keep forever.  So suggest you break the news to Sue Ellen and the rest of the family as soon as possible."

 

 

 

 

John Ross looks at him and nods again, then lets out a deep sigh as he walks to the window and again looks out over the city skyline.  

 As Bobby and Ann pour themselves drinks in the living room at Southfork that night, Justin and Pamela walk in.  "Uncle Bobby, Ann,"  Justin says.

 

"Evening, Justin, Pamela,"  says Bobby.

 

"You two care for a drink?"  Ann asks.  

 

"I'd love one,"  replies Pamela.

 

"Justin?"  Bobby says.

 

"Yeah, I'll take a bourbon.  Uncle Bobby, you know why John Ross wanted us to meet him here?"

 

"No idea.  He called from Ewing Oil earlier, and said he wanted to have a family meeting and he'd be home soon."

 

"Knowing John Ross, it could be just about anything,"  says Pamela.  

 

Krystina and Alex walk into the room.  "Justin, Pamela, nice to see you,"  Krystina says.

 

"Nice to see you,"  says Justin.  "Krystina, either of you know why John Ross wanted us to meet here?"

 

"No."

 

"He just said he had somethin' important he wanted to talk to us about,"  Alex says as the doorbell rings.  

 

"Well, whatever it is, I wish John Ross would get here soon,"  Ann says.  "I'm dyin' of suspense."

 

Jimmy and Ashley walk in.  "Hi, everyone,"  Ashley says.

 

"Well, hello, you two,"  Bobby says.  

 

"What are y'all doin' here?"  Justin asks.  "Don't tell me John Ross called you, too."

 

"Yeah, he did,"  replies Jimmy.  "Said he wanted us to come over here, he had something he needed to tell the family."

 

"This sounds more and more mysterious,"  Bobby says.  

 

"Krystina, are you sure you don't know what's going on?"  Pamela asks.

 

"I swear, I don't,"  Krystina says.  Just then, John Ross comes into the room.  

 

"Well, glad you all made it,"  he says.

 

"John Ross, what's this all about?"  Justin asks.

 

"Yeah, why'd you want us all to meet here like this?"  Jimmy asks.

 

"I've got somethin' important to tell y'all.  Somethin' that's gonna affect the fam'ly."

 

"Well, shouldn't the rest of the family be here?"  Bobby asks.  "Christopher and Courtney, Lucas and Heather?"

 

"No, because this itn't gonna really affect them."

 

"John Ross, you're not making any sense,"  Krystina says.  

 

"I found out somethin' earlier tonight.  Justin, it would seem that you and I have another sister."

 

Justin looks at him in shock.  "What?  Another sister?"

 

"That's right."

 

"John Ross, what do you mean?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Well, it would seem that yet another one of J.R.'s little..........indiscretions.........has arrived in Dallas and landed on our doorstep."

 

"So, what you're telling us is that J.R. has another kid?  A daughter?"  Pamela asks.

 

"That's right.  Someone that some of you in this room know, and you're not gonna believe who it is."

 

"Well, tell us,"  Alex says.  

"Lila Winthrop."

 

Bobby looks at John Ross.  "Lila Winthrop?  You mean Cass Winthrop's ex-wife?"

 

"Yep, that's the one."

 

"John Ross, how is that even possible?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Lila's mother was a prostitute,"  John Ross says.  "She operated down in New Orleans, and that's where Daddy met her, I guess on one of his many business trips down there in the early 70s.  The woman's name was Jessie Hart, but she went by a few other aliases.  She even moved here to Dallas in the late 70s and went by the name Leanne Rees."

 

Bobby's mouth falls open in shock.  "Leanne Rees?"

 

"Yep."

 

"Bobby, did you know her?"  Ann asks.

 

"I neve r met her in person, but I knew OF her.  She was a friend of Pam's and worked with her at The Store.  Leanne was  a model or something."

 

"That's right,"  John Ross says.  "Here's a picture of her,"  he says, taking the photo Bum had given him from his pocket.  He shows it to Bobby.

 

"Yes, that's definitely her.  She's not someone I'm likely to ever forget."

 

"Why's that, Uncle Bobby, if you never met her?"  Justin asks.

 

"Because J.R. used her to try and break up my marriage to Pam,"  Bobby says.  "To make a long story short, Pam and I were having problems at the time because of the stupid feud between her family and mine, and she moved off Southfork for a while.  She moved in with Leanne, who was one of the models at The Store, where Pam worked.  Well, anyway, Cliff Barnes had been appointed as head of the Office Of Land Management and he was usin' his position to cause Ewing Oil a lot of problems, so J.R. wanted to do somethin' about that.  The guy who'd gotten Cliff appointed was a man named Ben Maxwell, who was a bigshot in city government in Dallas back in those days.  J.R. got Leanne to set it up to look like she, Pam, and Ben Maxwell were involved in some sort of sexual threesome and had the whole thing photographed.  It ended up in the morning paper and caused a scandal.  J.R. had hoped that would drive Pam and I apart permanently."

 

"Dear Lord, that's terrible, even for J.R.,"  Ann says.

 

"Well, his little plan backfired, because what it did was push Pam and me back together.  She moved home, Leanne left Dallas, and Pam never heard from her again."

 

"Well, that's probably because she was killed about a year or so after she left Dallas,"  John Ross says.  

 

"Killed?"

 

"That's right.  Stabbed to death by a jealous boyfriend."

 

"My God,"  Pamela says.

 

Justin sighs.  "I can't believe it.  So we have another sister."

 

"John Ross, does Sue Ellen know about this yet?"  Ann asks.

 

"No.  I was gonna tell her before I came home, but she and Catlin went out to dinner and to the theater and wouldn't be home until late.  So it'll have to wait til tomorrow."

 

"I can't imagine how she's gonna take that," Ann says.  "It was hard enough for her to deal with Jill."

 

"John Ross are you absolutely sure about this?"  Krystina asks.  "You said that Lila's mother was a prostitute, which means she could've gotten pregnant by any number of men."

 

"Yes, but DNA proves Lila has a very close blood relationship to this family, and we can thank Alex for that."

 

 

"Me?  What'd I do?"  Alex asks.

 

"Remember that Ancestry DNA test you took a while back?  Well, Lila Winthrop took one, too, in hopes of finding a clue as to who her father was.  The irony is, my Mama recommended to Lila that she hire Bum to find out all about her parents, and Bum took the case.  He's the one who came to me with all this.  Lila got the results of her DNA test back today and she shared those results with Bum.  The test shows a very close blood relationship to you, Alex.

 

"This is incredible,"  says Bobby.

 

"Sure is,"  agrees John Ross.  "Lila Winthrop spent Christmas Eve right here in this house with her husband and son, none of us, not her, nor any of us had any idea whatsoever that she's a Ewing.  But that's beside the point.  The main problem facing this fam'ly right now is what we're gonna do about this."

 

"What do you mean, John Ross?"  Justin asks.  "Do about what?"

 

"About Lila Winthrop.  I met her on Christmas, and I can tell you that Lila Winthrop is just the kind of woman who would use this to her advantage."

 

"How so?"  Ashley asks.

 

"Money, darlin'.  Lila strikes me as money and power hungry.  And if we let her in the door, then she's gonna expect a big piece of that Ewing pie."

 

"John Ross, is that all you can think about, even now?"  Jimmy asks.  "You just found out you have another sister, and all you're concerned about is whether or not she's gonna want some of the Ewing money?"

 

"Yes, that's what I'm concerned about.  Because you know that old sayin', give 'em an inch and they'll take a mile?  Well, with a woman like Lila Winthrop it'll be give her a million and she'll demand 20 million."

 

"John Ross, I think that's terrible,"  Ann says.  "If Lila IS J.R.'s daughter and a member of this family, then she deserves to be treated as such, and that includes any inheritance due her."

 

"Well, then, Ann, you and Uncle Bobby can just give her part of your share of the Ewing fortune.  I, for one, don't intend to give her a damned thing."

 

The other assembled family members all exchange looks.

Sue Ellen and Catlin's home....the next morning....

 Sue Ellen's maid walks into the foyer the next morning to answer the ringing doorbell.  She opens the door and John Ross walks in.  "Mornin', Helen."

 

"Good morning, Mr. Ewing."

 

"Is my mother home?"

 

"She and Mr. Ewing are having breakfast.  You can go on in."

 

John Ross walks into the dining room, where he finds Catlin and Sue Ellen having their breakfast.  "Mornin'," he says.

 

"John Ross, good morning,"  Sue Ellen says cheerfully.

 

"John Ross, what brings you over so early on a Saturday morning?"  Catlin asks.

 

"Mama I need to talk to you.  It's private."

 

"John Ross, anything you have to say to me, you can say in front of my husband."

 

"No, it's fine, Sue Ellen,"  Catlin says, getting up from the table.  "I'm gonna be going.  I'm supposed to meet Eric and C.J. at the club at 9:30."

 

"You have a good day,"  Sue Ellen says as Catlin kisses her.

 

"I will.  You, too.  John Ross, later."

 

"Uh-huh,"  John Ross says as Catlin leaves the room.  

 

"Have some breakfast?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"No but I will take some coffee,"  John Ross says, taking a seat at the table.  He pours himself a cup of coffee.

 

"So what is so important, and private that you wanted to talk to me about?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

John Ross sighs.  "I'm not quite sure how to bring this up."

 

"John Ross, what is it?  Is something wrong?"

 

"Truthfully, Mama yeah, somethin's wrong.  I don't wanna do this, but you're gonna find out soon anyway, and I'd rather this news come from me.  I guess the only way to do this is to come right out and tell you."

 

"John Ross, you're starting to scare me.  What is it?  Is something wrong with one of the children?"

 

"No, no, nothin' like that.  Mama, last night I found out somethin'.  I found out that Daddy, uh, he has another child that none of us knew about.  Another daughter."

 

"J.R. has another daughter,"  Sue Ellen says.  "And I can only assume by the way that you're telling me, that this other daughter is the product of another affair that J.R. had while we were married?"

 Justin walks into his and Pamela's apartment that morning.  Hearing him enter the apartment, Pamela comes down the hallway into the living room.  "Hi,"  she says.  "I was worried."

 

"I'm sorry.  Didn't you get my text tellin' you I was goin' out for a run?"

 

"I did.  But I was still worried.  You've been so quiet ever since we left Southfork last night."

 

"I barely slept at all last night,"  Justin says.  "I just had to get out and go for a run while I try to wrap my head around what John Ross told us last night. I'm still havin' trouble believin' it."

 

"I don't see what's so hard to believe,"  says Pamela.  "J.R. Ewing was one of the biggest womanizers in the history of the state of Texas.  Who knows how many women that man slept with during his lifetime.  And for all we know, you might have 20 other siblings out there ready to show up at any time."

 

"Crazy thing is, my new half-sister was at Southfork with her family on Christmas Eve,"  Justin says.  "I never got to speak to her, there were so many people there, but Pamela, she stood like ten feet away from me at one point.  And John Ross is worried that she's gonna try to go after some of the Ewing fortune.  If that happens, it's gonna be ugly.  You remember how John Ross went after me over that codicil in J.R.'s will leavin' me that stock and money.  He tried to have the will overturned."

 

"And, John Ross being John Ross, I'm sure he'll try to find some way to get rid of Lila.  And what about you?"  Pamela asks.  "How do you feel about having another sister?"

 

"I don't really know."

 

"There are two people I really feel sorry for in all of this, and that's Sue Ellen and Lila.  Poor Sue Ellen, having to deal yet again with one of J.R.'s indiscretions."

 

"Well, one thing is certain,"  Justin says.  "Whatever happens, this is gonna have long lasting implications for the family."

 

Pamela is about to say something when her cell phone vibrates, indicating an incoming text message.  Taking her phone from her pocket she looks at it, and sees that the text is from Shawn.  Her heart sinks as she reads the text.

"Pamela?"  Justin says.  

 

"What?"

 

"You okay, darlin'?  You're as white as a sheet."

 

"No, I'm fine.  Umm, Justin, I have to go out for a little while."

 

"Out?  Where?"  Justin asks.

 

"My Mom wants to see me.  It shouldn't take long.  She wants to ask my opinion about something over at Afton's Lounge.  Can you watch the boys?"

 

"Sure."

 

"Thanks.  I'll be back soon."  Pamela kisses him, grabs her coat, and quickly rushes out before Justin can say anything else, leaving him confused as to why his wife suddenly began behaving so strangely after receiving that text.

Stephens Park in Dallas....later....

 Shawn is sitting on a bench in Stephens Park a short while later when he sees Pamela walking toward him.  Shawn stands to his feet and walks over to meet her.  

 

"Cold day, huh?"  Shawn asks.

 

"I didn't come here to exchange pleasantries about the weather,"  says Pamela.

 "Neither did I," Shawn says.  "I came to hear you tell me that you got your husband to part with those Westar shares.  Now tell me that you have."

 

"No, I haven't.  I tried, but Justin just won't budge.  He's not gonna sell them."

 

"Pamela, maybe I haven't been making myself clear.  I want those shares, and if you don't get them for me, then I'm just gonna have to go to Justin and tell him about our little affair last year while he was sitting in prison."

 

"I need more time,"  Pamela says.

 

 

"Mom, I don't know what I'm going to do,"  Pamela says as she anxiously paces around Afton's living room later.  "If Shawn tells Justin the truth, then my marriage could be over."

 

"And there's no chance of convincing Justin to sell those shares?"  Afton asks.

 

"No.  Believe me, I've tried, even before Shawn started making his threats.  But Justin is bound and determined to hold on to them because he thinks he's honoring Jill's request."

 

 

"Then, sweetheart, I'm afraid the only choice you have is to tell Justin the truth yourself,"  says Afton.

 

"What?  Mom, are you out of your mind?  I can't do that."

 

"Honey, you HAVE to.  Would you rather Justin find out the truth from you, or from that little weasel Shawn Smith?  Pamela it would be so much better coming from you."

 

Pamela turns to her mother in tears.  "Better?  Mom, there is no BETTER in this situation.  Either way, my marriage is over."

 

"Now you don't know that.  Pammy, Justin loves you.  And I really believe that your marriage is strong enough to withstand this."

 

"I pray to God you're right.  Mom, I love Justin so much, and I couldn't bear to lose him."

 

Afton puts her arms around her daughter and holds Pamela as she cries.  

Gold's Gym in Dallas....afternoon....

 

 

 

"Okay, so what's up?"  Brad asks as he continues to lift.

 

"You've heard of the Oil Regulatory Commission, right?  It's that commission the state legislature created about a year ago, but after that scandal involving Allison Jones, the commission was put on hold."

 

"I remember,"  says Brad.  "My father was supposed to be on that commission, until the Ewins conspired to keep him off."

 

"I know.  That's what I wanna talk to you about.  I want YOU on that commission."

 

Brad stops lifting and looks at him.  "You want me on the ORC?  Well, to be honest, I'd love to be on it, but, that'd never happen since I work at Westar, and no members of a commission overseeing the oil industry can be employed by an oil company."

 

"I know.  That's why you're gonna have to resign from Westar."

 

"What?"  Brad asks.  "You want me to quit a good job at Westar in hopes of being appointed to a commission I might not even get the appointment to?"

"That's right.  And he wants someone on that commission........at the HEAD of that commission.......who can cause the Ewings has much trouble as possible.  So do I.  As head of the ORC, you'd be a very powerful man, Brad.  You would basically have the final say on what oil companies get to drill, and where."

 

Brad smiles.  "I do like the sound of that.  You sure you can get me appointed to the commission?"

 

"Absolutely,"  Shawn replies.  

 

"Alright, then.  I'll have my resignation on your desk first thing Monday morning."

 

"Good, then we can start paving the way to get you on the ORC.  And we can start paying the Ewings back........for everything."

 

Brad smiles and nods.

Southfork....that night....

 

 

 

 John Ross walks into the living room at Southfork that night and pours himself a drink.  As he takes a sip, Alex walks into the room.  "Hey," he says.  

 

"Hey, yourself.  Thought you were goin' to the movies with Bridget tonight."

 

"We are.  I'm supposed to pick her up in a little while.  We're actually gonna be double dating."

 

"Oh?  With who?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Her sister Michelle and her new boyfriend."

 

"New boyfriend?  What, Michelle finally dump that jackass Shawn?"

 

"Yeah, she did.  And you're never gonna guess who she's with now."

 

"You're right, I won't,"  John Ross says.  "So why don't you tell me?"

 

"Clay,"  Alex says.

 

"Clay?  Clay who?"

 

"Your nephew, Clay Beaumont."

 

John Ross looks at his son.  "You're kiddin'.  Well, she ditched one sorry punk for another one."

 

"Come on, Dad.  Clay's okay.  He's not workin' at Westar anymore, and he did jump into that fight the other night on OUR side.  You see him deck Shawn?"

 

John Ross smiles.  "I did for a fact.  Well, maybe Clay's not so bad after all."

Meanwhile....Shawn's apartment....

 

Sitting in the bedroom of his apartment, Shawn is listening in on John Ross and Alex's conversation at Southfork via the tiny listening device Ricky had planted in the living room a few days earlier.  Hearing Alex tell John Ross that Michelle McKinnon is now with Clay, a look of sadness comes over Shawn's face, a look that soon turns to one of anger.

 

"So y'all are goin' to the movies, huh?"  Shawn hears John Ross ask.

 

 

 

 

Southfork....

"Yeah, we're going to see the new Star Wars," Alex replies.  "Neither Clay nor Michelle have seen it, and I'd like to see it again."

 

"Well, fine.  Have fun."

 

"We will.  Dad, how did Grandma take it when you told her about our new family member?"

 

"She was upset, not surprisingly."  John Ross says.  

 

"Decided yet how you're gonna handle Lila Winthrop?"  Alex asks.

 

"Not yet but I will."

 

Krystina walks into the room at that moment.  "Well, I gotta go,"  Alex says.  "I'll see you guys later."

 

"Have fun, Alex,"  Krystina.

 

"We will.  Night,"  Alex says as he leaves.

 

"House sure is quiet tonight, with Christopher, Courtney, Lucas, and Heather gone into Braddock, Bobby and Ann gone out to dinner and the theater with Catlin and Sue Ellen, Michael and Jacob spending the night at their friend's house for his birthday, and now Alex gone out.  It's just you, me, Little John and Ellie at home tonight, and the kids  are asleep."

 

John Ross looks at her and smiles.  "Hmmmm.....my darlin', are you tryin' to tell me that we pretty much have this house all to ourselves on a Saturday night?"

 

"That's exactly what I'm saying."

 

"Well, now that almost never happens,"  says John Ross.  

 

"I know, so I think we should take full advantage."

 

"Any ideas on how we can spend these next few hours?"

 

Krystina walks up to John Ross and kisses him.  "Oh I have a few things in mind,"  she says.  The two begin kissing passionately.

 

 

 

 

 

Shawn's apartment....

 Shawn switches off the listening device and stands to his feet.  "Well, so that's why you haven't been returning my calls or texts, huh Michelle?  You deserted me for Clay Beaumont?  Well, you're gonna be sorry for that.  Both of you, because you've joined the growing list of people I'm gonna pay back.  You just made one hell of a big mistake, Clay.  One HELL of a big mistake."  

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

 Ann is sitting alone at the dining room table the next morning having breakfast when Courtney comes down the stairs and walks in.  "Morning, Ann,"  she says.

 

"Good mornin'."

 

"Where is everyone?"  Courtney asks.  

 

"Well, it's Sunday mornin', so I guess the rest of the family decided to sleep in, and Bobby insisted on joinin' Christopher and Lucas out on the ranch. One of our heifers is about to give birth, and Bobby just had to be a part of that."

 

Courtney smiles as she takes a seat at the table.  "They're like little boys when it comes to the livestock."

 

"I just hope Bobby's not overdoin' it so soon after his heart surgery,"  Ann says.

 

"I'm sure Christopher and  Lucas will make sure he doesn't over do it.  Besides, the doctor did say that Bobby could start slowly getting back to his normal activities."

 

"I know, but I can't help but worry.  Courtney, you've seen Shawn since the Oil Baron's Ball?"

 

Courtney sighs as she takes a sip of her coffee.  "Yes, I have."

 

"And how is he?"

 

"Angry."

 

"I know that Shawn has done some bad things, and that he's made himself an enemy of this family,"  Ann says.  "But I really feel for him right now.  Havin' his entire world blow up like that, and in such a public way."

 

"I know.  I can't believe Alex did that."

 

"Well, Courtney, to be fair, Shawn did push Alex that night."

 

"You're right,"  Courtney says.  "I've been blaming Alex for telling Shawn the truth about who his father is, when in fact this whole mess is nobody's fault but my own.  If only I had told him myself."

 

"Courtney, why didn't you?" Ann asks.  "You and Gavin had known for months, so why did you keep this to yourselves?"

 

"Because of my Mom.  She was so deeply hurt when my father cheated on her with Susan, Ben's mother.  I just didn't know what it would do to her if she found out that he had been unfaithful to her even before Susan.  And, like Ben, Shawn was another reminder of my father's cheating."

 

"Courtney, secrets like that always have a way of comin' out.  Trust me, I know that better than anybody.  Look at all the damage the secret Emma and I kept about Logan caused."

 

Courtney sighs.  "Why is it that we never learn from past mistakes, Ann?  Either our own or other peoples'?"

 

"Sweety, I've been askin' myself that question for a long time, and I wish I knew the answer."

Meanwhile....

 "Okay, girl, you did real good,"  Lucas says, talking to one of Southfork's cows who had just given birth to her first calf.  "Yeah, you've got a beautiful little baby there."  

 

Standing by the iron fence, Bobby and Christopher watch as the new mother cow tends to her newborn.  "The miracle of life,"  Bobby says.  "This has always been one of my favorite things about ranchin'.......witnessing the birth of a new calf."

"Yeah, it's definitely something,"  says Christopher.  

 

"Y'know, son, I was thinkin'. Why don't we plan a huntin' and fishin' trip for one weekend real soon?  You, me, and Lucas could take the boys."

 

"Sounds great.  A real Ewing fathers and sons outing, huh?"

 

"Yeah.  It's been a long time since you and I have been on a trip like that,and we've never done anything like that with Lucas and the boys.  I think it'd be good for all of us."

 

"Then let's do it,"  says Christopher.  Maybe weekend after next?"  Christopher looks over at his father and sees that Bobby has a serious, almost worried look on his face.  "Dad, are you okay?"

 

"Well, truthfully, son, I do have somethin' on my mind," Bobby says.  

 

"Care to talk about it?"

 

"I guess I might as well tell ya, you're gonna find out soon,anyway.  You remember Cass Winthrop's ex-wife, Lila?"

 

"Yeah, I do, she came here for Christmas Eve with Cass and their son.  What about her?"

 

"Well, Christopher, as it turns out, Lila Winthrop is a member of this family.  She's technically a Ewing."

 

"Really?  So, she's a relative on Catlin's side of the family?"  Christopher asks.

 

"No.  Christopher, the truth is, Lila Winthrop........she's J.R.'s daughter."

 

Bobby looks at his father in shock.  "Dad, are you kidding?"

 

"No.  It's a long story how all this came about, but, John Ross found out a couple nights ago."

 

"Wow,"  Christopher says.  "So John Ross has another sibling to deal with."

 

"Yep, and he's not too happy about,"  says Bobby.  "He's afraid Lila is  gonna try and go after part of his inheritance.  But what worries me most is Sue Ellen.  John Ross told her about all this yesterday, and he said she didn't take it well.  J.R.'s still hurting her after all these years."

 

"Sue Ellen's a strong lady, Dad.  I'm sure she'll be fine."

 

"I sure hope you're right.  I'm just thankful she has Catlin now and doen't have to deal with this alone."

 

"Secrets really do always have a way of coming out, don't they?"  Christopher asks.  "No matter how long it takes."

 

"Yes, they do, and usually when they do, it's not very pretty."

Justin and Pamela's apartment....

 Justin and Pamela are sitting around their breakfast table that morning, Justin reading the Sunday edition of the Dallas Morning News, while Pamela is attempting to finish her breakfast, her mind on the threat Shawn had made yesterday, and on Afton's advice.  After a few minutes of total silence, Justin puts down the paper and looks over at his wife.  "Darlin', you been playin' in your grits for the last fifteen minutes and haven't taken a bite yet."

 

"I guess I'm just not hungry."

 

"You barely ate any dinner last night, either.  Pamela, what's wrong?"

 

Pamela looks at him.  "I.........."  she begins to talk, but she has to stop and struggles to hold back her tears.  

 

"Pamela, WHAT is it?"  Justin asks, reaching over and taking her hand.  "I know somethin's been botherin' you for a while now.  Whatever it is, you can tell me."

 

Pamela pulls her hand away and gets up from the table.  She walks into the living room.  Justin stands and follows her.  

 

"Pamela, please, tell me what's got you so upset."

 

She turns to face him, tears streaming down her face.  "You're right, Justin.  There is something I have to tell you.  And it's probably the hardest thing I've ever had to tell anyone."

 

"I'm listening,"  Justin says, worried about what his wife has to tell him.

 

"Justin, before I tell you what I have to tell you, I just want you to know that I love you very much.  And I hope that you love me enough to forgive me."

 

"Pamela, you're kinda startin' to scare.  Whatever it is, darlin', I love you.  Tell me what's got you so upset, and we'll deal with it together, whatever it is."

 

"I just hope you still feel that way after I tell you.  Justin, last year, after you were sent to prison, you remember I came to see you, and you turned me away?  You told me I should get on with my life and forget about you?"

 

"I remember,"  Justin says.  "That was the worst time in my life.  I thought my life was over, and I'd be spendin' the rest of it in that prison."

 

"I was so hurt, and so alone,"  Pamela says in tears.  "And I made the biggest mistake of my life."

 

"What mistake?  Pamela, what'd you do?"

 

"I slept with someone else.  But not just anyone else.  Justin........I slept with Shawn."

 

Justin looks at her, in shock.  "Shawn?  Shawn SMITH?  That.....that KID?"

 

"Yes.  I was so alone, and he was there for me, or at least I thought he was.  But he was just using me."

 

"Usin' you?"  Justin asks.

 

"He wanted the shares of Westar that Tripp had left to Hunter in his will.  Shawn came to me and he tried to pressure me into selling them to him.  When that didn't work. he seduced me when I was at my most vulnerable.  I gave him, and slept with him.  Afterward, he used that to blackmail me into selling Hunter's Westar stock to him."

 

"He.........that son of a bitch blackmailed you?"  Justin asks, the anger rising up inside of him.  "So that's why you sold Hunter's stock?"

 

Pamela nods.  "And now he wants the stock that you got from Jill."

 

"He's been blackmailin' you again, hasn't he?  That's why you been tryin' so hard to get me to unload that stock?"

 

"Yes.  He said that if I didn't get you to sell the shares to someone, that he would tell you that we'd had sex.  His plan was to hire someone to buy the stock from you, and then they'd sell it to him. Justin, I'm so sorry."  Pamela reaches out to touch him, but Justin grabs her hand and pushes it away, a look of pure rage on his face. 

 

He turns and walks to the door, grabbing his jacket from the coat rack.  

 

"Justin,"  she says, walking over to him.  "Justin, where are you going?"

 

"Where the hell do you think?  I'm gonna pay Mr. Shawn Smith a friendly little Sunday mornin' visit."

 

"Justin, no, please don't,"  Pamela says, grabbing his arm.  

 

"Pamela, let go of my arm,"  Justin says in a low, angry tone.

 

"Justin, please, don't go."

 

"I said let go of my arm,"  Justin says, pushing her away.  He quickly leaves the apartment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Oh dear God,"  Pamela cries after Justin storms out. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shawn's apartment....a short while later....

 Shawn comes into his bedroom from his bathroom and picks up a shirt from his bed.  He slips the shirt on, then grabs his jacket and slips it on.  He grabs his car keys from the dresser and leaves the bedroom.  Meanwhile, Justin steps off the elevator outside of Shawn's apartment.  Justin is about to ring the doorbell when Shawn opens the

door on his way out.  He is caught off guard coming face to face with Justin.  "What the hell are you doin' here?" He asks.

 

Without saying a word, Justin angrily shoves Shawn back into the apartment and closes the door.  As Shawn is about to say something, Justin punches him across the face hard enough to knock him off his feet, across a table, 

 

 and to the floor, stunned.  Before Shawn can recover from the punch, Justin is on top of him, punching him 

 a moment and looks back at Shawn, who is still laying in the living room unconscious.  Justin then leaves, getting back on the elevator quickly.  

Justin and Pamela's apartment....later....

 Pamela is anxiously pacing around the living room of her and Justin's apartment, her cell phone in her hand.  She looks at the phone, and dials Justin's number for the 8th time in the last hour.  "Justin, please, PLEASE pick up," she says.  After several rings, Justin's voicemail picks up.  Pamela puts her phone away and sighs in frustration.  She walks to the window and looks out.  She takes her phone out of her pocket again, and as she is about to dial Justin's number for the 9th time, he walks into the apartment.  Breathing a sigh of relief, Pamela rushes over to him.  "Justin, thank God," she says, reaching out to him.  Justin pushes her hand away, brushes past her and heads down the hall and into the bedroom.  Pamela follows him.  "Justin, what happened?"  She asks, entering the bedroom.  

 

Ignoring her, Justin rubs his right hand, which is hurting from the beating he had just given Shawn.

 

"Justin, what HAPPENED?"  Pamela asks again.

 

"I don't think Shawn Smith will be botherin' you again,"  Justin says.  "Of course, there's no reason for him to, now that I know the truth, is there?" 

 

"What do you mean?"  Pamela asks.  "Justin, what did you do?"

 

Justin looks up at her.  "I beat the crap out of the little punk.  And God help, me Pamela, I wanted to kill him.  And I don't like that.  I don't like feelin' that kind of anger, and I don't like losin' control the way that I did."

 

"I'm so sorry."

 

Justin walks to the closet, opens it, and pulls out his dufffle bag.  Placing it on the bed, he opens the bag, then begins putting some of his clothes in the bad.

 

"What are you doing?"  Pamela asks.  "Justin, what are you doing?"

 

"Pamela, I have to get out of here for a while."

 

"Wha.....what do you mean?"

 

"I can't stay here.  Not tonight."

 

"Justin......"

 

"I need some time to myself,"  Justin says.  "Time to think about everything."

 

"Do you need to think about us?"  Pamela asks.  "Is that what you need to think about?"

 

Zipping his bag, Justin looks at her.  "I just need some time to myself."

 

"Time away from me?"

 

Justin looks at her and remains silent.  

 

"Where are you going?"  Pamela asks.

 

"I don't know.  I just gotta get out of here for a while.  Tell the boys I love them, and I'll see them soon."  Justin picks up his bag and leaves quickly.  

 

"Justin,"  Pamela says in tears after he's gone.  "I'm so sorry."  She begins to cry.  

 

 

 

Shawn's apartment....

 

Shawn still lies unconscious on the floor of his living room.  

 

Meanwhile, Courtney steps off the elevator outside of Shawn's apartment.  Walking up to the door, she rings the bell.  When Shawn doesn't answer, she rings the bell a second time, then a third.  Realizing that Shawn must not be home, Courtney starts to leave, but she happens to look into the small window beside the door looking into the apartment.  She sees Shawn lying on the floor.  "Oh my God,"  she says. She pounds on the door, but Shawn doesn't respond.  Courtney tries the door and finds it slightly ajar, so she opens it and rushes into the apartment to him.  "Shawn?"  She says, kneeling beside him.  "Oh, God, Shawn?"  Courtney gently touches his face, and Shawn begins to regain consciousness.  "Shawn?"

 

Slowly, he opens is eyes.  "Courtney?"

 

"Shawn,just lay still.  I'm gonna call for an ambulance."

 

"No, I don't need an ambulance,"  Shawn says.  He tries to sit up, which he does with great difficulty.  

 

Taking a napkin from her purse, Courtney wipes blood from Shawn's nose and the corner of his mouth.  "Shawn, what happened?  Who did this to you?"

"I don't need a doctor, and I don't need any help."

 

"Shawn......"

 

"Courtney, just go away.  I don't need or want any help."

 

"Okay, then, fine,"  Courtney says.  "I'll leave you alone, then."  She walks to the door and turns back to him.  "Shawn, you know, you have two choices.  You can hold on to this anger and bitterness and let it consume you, or you can let go of it and let Gavin and I into your life.  Because like it or not, we ARE family."  Courtney leaves.

 

"Family?"  Shawn says to himself.  "What a joke.  And as for you, Justin Ewing........you're gonna pay for what you did.  You and Pamela both."

Southfork....

 Justin's car drives up to Southfork and comes to a stop.  Getting out of the car, Justin walks up to the house and knocks on the patio door.  A moment later, Michael comes to the door and opens it to let him in.  Meanwhile, Bobby and Ann are sitting by the fire in the living room enjoying a game of backgammon while Jacob, Heather, and Lucas watch.  Michael and Justin walk into the room.  "Hey, everybody, Justin's here,"  Michael says.  

 

"Well, Justin, this is a nice surprise,"  Bobby says.  

 

"Hello, everyone, I hope I'm not intrudin'."

 

"Of course not,"  says Ann.  "I was just beatin' your uncle here in a game of backgammon."

 

"Well, I haven't played this game in years, so it's not surprising that I'm losing,"  says Bobby.  

 

"Justin,is everything okay?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Umm, to be honest......no,"  Justin replies.  

 

Bobby looks at his nephew.  "What's the matter, son?"

 

"I was just wonderin', if it would be possible for me to stay here for a while,"  Justin says.  "A couple days.  I can stay out in the cottage.  I would've gone to my old house, but they're pretty full up over there with Debra Lynn and little Evie stayin' there."

 

"Justin, of course,"  Ann says.  "You know you're more than welcome."

 

"Pamela and Hunter and Randall gonna be staying here, too?"  Jacob asks.

 

"No, Jacob.  Just me."

 

"Well, there's no need for you stay in the cottage, you can sleep in Lucy's room,"  Ann says.

 

"Thank you.  I'll get my bag out of the car."  As Justin is about to leave the room to go to his car, Courtney walks in.  She and Justin come face to face.

 

"Well,"  she says.  "You're about the last person I expected to see when I got home."

 

"Courtney, is somethin' wrong?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Yes, Bobby, there IS something wrong,"  Courtney replies as Christopher comes into the living room.  

 

"Honey, what's going on?"  Christopher asks.

 

"I just came from Shawn's apartment, where I found him beaten to a bloody pulp."

 

"What?"  Christopher asks.

 

"And it was Justin who did it."

 

"Justin, is that true?" Christopher asks.

 

"Michael, Jacob, come on,"  Lucas says.  "Let's the three of us go out and play some basketball."

 

"Aww, come on, Dad, we wanna stay and hear this,"  says Michael.

 

"Yeah, we wanna stay,"  Jacob says.

 

"Jacob,you heard your Uncle Lucas,"  Christopher says.  "You and Michael go outside with him."

 

"I'd love to watch,"  Heather says.  "You boys get your coats, it's cold out."  Heather, Lucas, and the boys grab their coats and leave the room.  

 

"Justin, what happened?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Sorry, Christopher, but I don't wanna talk about it."

 

"You don't wanna talk about it?"  Courtney angrily asks.  "You nearly beat my brother to death and that's all you have to say?  You don't wanna talk about it?  Why, Justin?  Why did you attack him like that?"

 

"Because he had it comin',"  Justin says.  

 

"Well, that's not good enough.  I wanna know why you attacked my brother."

 

"Because that snake attacked my family, that's why!  Uncle Bobby, Ann, I'm sorry.  This was a mistake.  I'll go stay at a hotel."

 

"Justin, no, you don't have to do that,"  Bobby says, standing from his seat.  "You're part of this family, and you're welcome here."

 

Angry that Bobby has taken Justin's side, Courtney turns and walks out of the room.  Christopher turns to his cousin.  "What happened, man?  Come on, you owe some kind of an explanation."

 Justin walks onto the back porch at Southfork that night.  Walking to the edge of the porch, he leans against one of the columns.  As he looks out at the darkness surrounding the ranch and the starry night sky, his cell phone in his pocket begins to ring.  He takes the phone from his pocket and looks at it.   Seeing it's Pamela calling, he ignores the call and stuffs the phone back into his pocket as John Ross comes out of the house onto the porch.  "You sure were quiet durin' dinner,"  John Ross says.  

 

"Just nothin' to say, that's all."

 

"You wanna talk about what happened?" John Ross asks.  "Like why you're here and not at home with your wife?"

 

"No, John Ross, I don't."

 

"Okay, then how about why you beat the crap out of that punk Shawn Smith?"

 

"Because he had it comin',"  Justin says.  

 

"Given the fact that you have left Pamela, and you beat Shawn Smith to within an inch of his miserable life, just puttin' two and two together, I'd say this has somethin'  to do with somethin' Pamela did."

"John Ross, I really don't wanna talk about it."

 

"I tried to warn you, little brother, before you married her, that Pamela Barnes was nothin' but trouble."

 

"John Ross......"

 

"Pamela did somethin' that Smith used to blackmail her into sellin' him her son's shares, and tried to blackmail her into gettin' you to give over your shares.  If I had to guess, I'd say Pamela cheated on you."

 

Justin looks at his brother, then turns away from him.  

 

"Well, I'll be damned,"  John Ross says.  "That IS what happened, itn't it?  Justin, I'm sorry, but I tried to tell you....."

 

"John Ross, just shut the hell up unless you want the same thing Shawn Smith got."

 

"Hey, now, no need to get all huffy with me.  I'm on your side.  And I'd like to help you pay back back the little bastard."

 

"I already did that,"  Justin says.

 

"Yeah usin' your fists.  But bloody noses and bruises heal, Justin.  I'm talkin' about payback that'll last a long, LONG time.  I'm talkin' about bringin' him down for good, little brother.  Now you hold a substantial share of stock in Westar and that could cause Shawn Smith quite a bit of trouble in the future."

 

Justin looks at him and nods.  "I like the sound of that.  You got a plan?"

 

"Not yet, but let me sleep on it.  I'll come up with somethin'."

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

 Bobby, Ann, Christopher, Courtney, Jacob, Lucas, Heather, Michael, John Ross, Krystina, and Alex are seated around the dining room table having breakfast the next morning when Justin walks into the room.  "Mornin',"  Justin says.

 

"Good morning to you,"  Bobby says as Justin takes Lucy's old seat at the table.

 

"Justin, how'd you sleep last night?"  Krystina asks.

 

"Hardly slept at all.  Had too much on my mind."

 

"How's your hand?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Sore."

 

"I sure wouldn't have minded being there to see you punch Shawn around,"  Alex says, a comment that provokes an angry glance from Courtney.

 

"Jacob, Michael, you boys hurry up,"  Courtney says.  "You don't wanna be late for your first day back at school."

 

"I wouldn't mind,"  Michael says.  

 

"That'll be enough outta you young man,"  Heather tells her son.  "Hurry and eat your breakfast."

 

"I'm done,"  says Courtney.  "Boys, I'll wait for you in the car."  She quickly gets up from the table and leaves the room.

 

"She can't stand to be in the same room with me, can she?"  Justin asks.

 

"She's just upset,"  Christopher says.  "She feels caught in the middle between this family and her newly discovered brother."

 

"Courtney's just gonna have to figure out where her loyalties lie.......with us, or with that low life she calls a brother,"  John Ross says.  

 

At that moment, the front doorbell rings.  "I'll get that,"  Ann says.  Getting up from her seat, Ann walks into the foyer and opens the front door to find Braddock's Sheriff, Derrick, with two other men.

 

"Good morning, Mrs. Ewing,"  Derrick says.  "May we come in?"

 

"Of course, Derrick,"  Ann says, letting the three men in.  

 

Derrick and the other two men walk into the dining room, followed by Ann, who retakes her seat at the table. "Morning, everyone,"  Derrick says.  "Sorry to interrupt your breakfast."

 

"Mornin', Derrick, what brings you over so early?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Bobby, I'm here to see Justin,"  Derrick says.  "This is Officer Thomas and Officer McBurney from the Dallas PD."

 

"You wanna see me?"  Justin asks, knowing the police must be here about his attack on Shawn the previous day.

 

"Mr. Ewing, we need to speak with you,"  McBurney says.  "We went by your place and your wife told us you were here."

 

"Which is why I'm here,"  says Derrick.  "Justin, let's talk in the next room."

 

Justin nods, and stands to his feet.  Reluctantly, he follows the three men into the foyer.  "What can I do for you gentlemen?"  

 

"Mr. Ewing, we have a warrant for your arrest,"  Officer Thomas says.  "Shawn Smith is pressing charges against you for assault and battery."

 

"Place your hands behind your back,"  McBurney says.  "Justin Ewing, you are under arrest," McBurney says.  "You have the right to remain silent.  Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.  You have the right to an attorney.  If you can not afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you by the court."

 

Bobby and John Ross quickly get up from the table and walk into the foyer as Justin is being arrested.  "Derrick, what the hell's goin' on here?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Justin is being arrested for assault and battery in the beating of Shawn Smith."

 

"Alright, Mr. Ewing, let's go,"  McBurney says.  

 

"Justin, I'll call Jay and have him meet you at the police station,"  Bobby says.  Justin is led out of the house in handcuffs as the rest of the family looks on, all of them stunned by the morning's events.  John Ross and Bobby exchange worried looks.

Dallas Police Department....later....

 Justin is sitting at a table in a small conference room at the Dallas Police Department more than an hour and a half later when Cass Winthrop walks in.  "Justin, hello,"  he says.  "I'm not sure if you remember me, but I'm Cass Winthrop."

 

"Yes, I do remember you.  Mr. Winthrop, I was expecting Jay Smithfield."

 

"Yes, I know.  But Jay is tied up in court this morning on a corporate matter,"  Cass says.  "I'll be handling the bulk of the firm's criminal cases from here on in, while Jay will be concentrating on corporate and civil cases.  Now then, why don't we go over the details of your case?  Why don't you tell me exactly what happened?"

 

"Shawn Smith has been causin' trouble for my family for months now,"  Justin says.  

 

"Justin, I saw the police report, and according to Shawn Smith, you showed up at his apartment yesterday morning, completely unannounced, and without saying a word, you started punching him.  And you continued punching him until he was knocked unconscious.  Justin, you said that Shawn Smith had been causing your family problems for months.  And so far, you haven't denied being responsible for the kid's beating.  Are you admitting that you attacked Shawn Smith?"

 

"Yes, I did it,"  Justin says.  

 

"Justin, if I'm going to help you, I'm gonna need to know why you went after the Smith kid,"  says Cass. "Something had to happened to set you off."

 

Justin remains silent.

 

"Justin, if I'm going to help you, you're gonna have to tell me the entire truth,"  Cass says.  "Now I need to know.......why did you go after Shawn Smith?"

 

Justin looks at him and sighs.  "Because I found out he was blackmailin' my wife."

 

"Blackmailing your wife?  Blackmailing her with what?"

 

"He had some information on her that he was threatenin' to tell me if she didn't pressure me into sellin' my Westar stock so he could get his hands on it.  A year ago, he'd blackmailed her into sellin' her son Hunter's stock to him."

 

"Did Smith tell you this information he had on your wife?"

 

"No.  Pamela finally decided to tell me herself rather than continue to be blackmailed by the likes of him."

 

"And what was this information Shawn Smith had on Pamela?"  Cass asks.

 

"That's not important."

 

"Justin, it's VERY important, even crucial to your case.  I need to know everything.  And if you won't tell me, I'll just have to go to your wife and ask her."

 

"Alright.  I assume you know that, a little over a year ago, I was tried and convicted of a murder I didn't commit."

 

"Yes, I'd heard.  Tripp McKay, the former CEO of Westar and your wife's ex-husband, right?"

 

"Yeah.  While I was in prison, Pamela.....she had an affair with someone.  She and I weren't married then, and I had told her that I wanted her to move on with her life."

 

"I don't quite understand,"  Cass says.  "If the two of your weren't married, and, you had told her you wanted her to move on, then how could Shawn Smithuse that information to blackmail Pamela?"

 

Justin looks across the table at the attorney.  "Because the affair was with him.  That little bastard seduced Pamela when she was lonely and at her most vulnerable, and then used the affair to blackmail her into selling Hunter's shares his father, Tripp, had left him in his will."

 

"I see.  Justin, I have to be honest, what you just told me isn't going to help our case much. However, we can use the blackmail in our favor.  We can argue that Smith pushed you and Pamela to the point that it drove you to snap."

 

"Cass, can you get me outta here?"  Justin asks.

 

"I'll try and get you an immediate bail hearing, for this afternoon,if possible.  If the judge agrees to set bail, which I see no reason bail wouldn't be set, you could be out  of here by tonight.  I'll let you know in a bit."  Cass stands from his seat.  "I'll be in touch.  Try not to worry."

 

"Thank you, Cass."

 

"No problem,"  Cass says with a smile, then leaves the room.  

Clay's apartment....

 

Clay and Michelle are laying on one of the sofas in Clay's living room late that morning, Michelle resting on Clay's chest as he gently strokes her blonde hair.  "Y'know, it's after 11:30,"  Clay says.  "We really should be getting up."

 

"Mmmmm, I could lay here aaaalllll day like this," Michelle says.  

 

"So could I.  Just resting."

 

Michelle laughs.  "Well, you definitely deserve a rest after that marathon session last night......AND this morning.  You are definitely more of a man than Shawn ever was."

 

"Thanks for the compliment,"  Clay says.  He looks at his watch.  11:38.  We really SHOULD get up and get a shower.  Get the day started."

 

"But why?  Neither of us has anything pressing to do today, so, why can't we just laze here a little while longer?"

 

"Because.  I need to get back into the routine of getting out of bed at a reasonable hour.  After all, I'm probably gonna be a working man again soon.  Speaking of which, Barrett should be calling me today or tomorrow about that job I interviewed for."

 

"I just know you're gonna get it,"  Michelle says.  

 

"I'm sure I am.  Todd Barrett seemed pretty impressed by my credentials, and the fact that I'm related to the Ewings.  If I get that job at Barrett Industries, Michelle, it could mean big things for me.  A chance for me to really make it on my own and make a name for myself in this town.  Show the Ewings and Shawn Smith that I don't need any of them to make it.  I'm gonna go take a shower.  Join me?"

 

Michelle turns her head and looks at him. "Love to,"  she says, kissing him.  

The Cattlemen's Club....

 Dylan walks into The Cattlemen's Club, where he is greeted at the door by the hostess, who leads him across the crowded restaurant to a table where Debra Lynn is seated.  "Thank you,"  Dylan says to the hostess.

 

"You're welcome.  Just let me know when you're ready to order," the young woman says.

 

"Thank you,"  says Debra Lynn.  "We're gonna wait for my daughter to get here.  About ten minutes."

 

"Yes, ma'am,"  the girl says, then walks away.  

 

"Thank you for agreeing to meet me here early,"  Dylan says.  "I wanted to talk to you alone for a few minutes before Ashley gets here."

 

"I don't have to guess too hard what this is about."

 

"On Christmas, you promised me that, after the first of the year, after the holidays were all over, you were gonna tell Ashley and Jimmy the truth about your condition.  And here we are, already several days into the new year, and you still haven't told them."

 

"I know,"  Debra Lynn says.  "Dylan, it's.......when I look at my children, at how happy they are right now.......it's so hard.  Jimmy is busy running Ewing Records, and his life right now is happier and more settled than it's been in a long time.  I know Jimmy's 30-years-old, but, to me, he's still my son.  My little boy.  And Ashley, she's happier than I've seen her in a long, long time, and that's because of you, Dylan.  How do I take that happiness away from them?"

 

"You're going to HAVE to tell them."

 

"I know.  But I need more time."

 

"I absolutely hate lying to Ashley about this," Dylan says.  

 

"You're not lying to her.  You're just......not telling her about my illness."

 

"It's the same thing,"  Dylan says as Ashley walks up to their table.  

 

"Hi, Mom, Dylan,"  she says.  Dylan stands to his feet and kisses her.

 

"Hey,"  he says, he and Ashley taking their seats.  

 

"Did I interrupt something?"  Ashley asks.

 

"No, of course not,"  Debra Lynn replies.

 

"Well, you both just looked so serious when I walked up."

 

"We were just........talking,"  says Dylan.  "You're a little early."

 

"Yeah, my English professor let us out of class early today.  They usually do the first day of a new semester.  Well, I'm ready to order.  I'm starving."

 

"Alright, we'll order,"  Debra Lynn says, she and Dylan exchanging solemn looks between them.

Clay's apartment....

 Clay and Michelle walk into Clay's bedroom from the bathroom after taking a shower, both with a towel wrapped around themselves as they dry themselves off with another towel.  "Boy, that shower felt so good,"  Clay says.

 

"Yes it did,"  Michelle says.  Walking to the table beside the bed, she picks up her phone and looks at it.  "Oh damn.  My grandmother texted me.  I forgot I'm supposed to have lunch with her and Bridget at 1 o'clock."

 

"Well, it's only 12:15.  You can still make it."

 

"Yeah, I'd better get dressed,"  Michelle says.

 

Clay's cell phone on the table beside the bed begins to ring.  Clay rushes over and picks up his phone and looks at it.  An immediate smile comes across his face.  "It's Todd Barrett."

 

Michelle smiles.  "I just know he's calling to tell you you got the job."

 

"Yeah,"  says an excited Clay.  He quickly answers the call.  "Hello?  This is Clay."  He listens for  a few moments to the person on the other end of the line.  The smile abruptly disappears from Clay's face.  "What?  But, Mr. Barrett, the other day you said how impressed you were with me in our interview.  But, I don't understand.  No, but.........."  again, Clay is silent as he listens to the man, an angry look coming over his face now while Michelle looks on, concerned.  "Yeah.  I understand,"  Clay says.  "Thanks, anyway."  He ends the call and tosses his phone onto the bed.  "Damn it!"

 

"Clay, what happened?"  Michelle asks.

 

"I didn't get the job,"  Clay sadly replies.

 

"What?  Why?"

 

"I really don't know.  There's something weird here, Michelle.  Barrett all but said I had this job when I left that interview the other day, but just now, in that phone call, he acted like he'd found out that I'm a wanted fugitive or something.  He said I wasn't the right fit for his company."

 

"Maybe that's the case,"  Michelle says.

 

"No, no.  His whole tone was completely different.  The guy was short with me, even rude.  Nah, Michelle, something happened.  Something happened to change Barrett's whole attitude toward me."

 

"Clay. I'm sorry,"  Michelle says, putting her arms around Clay and embracing him.  

Meanwhile....Westar....

 Shawn is sitting at his desk, looking out his window at Westar, his face badly bruised and sore from the beating he took the day before from Justin.  His train of thought is interrupted when his secretary buzzes his office  "Mr. Smith, Todd Barrett is on line one."

 

"Thank you Carol,"  Shawn says.  He picks up the phone on his desk to answer the call.  "Todd,"  he says.

 

"It's done,"  Todd Barrett says.  "I just called Clay Beaumont and turned him down for the job."

 

"Good, you did the right thing,"  says Shawn.  "Barrett Industries and Westar have done business for a long time.  I don't think either of us would want our business association to come to an end, would we?"

 

"No.  Especially since Westar is our biggest client."

 

"Glad you see things my way, Todd.  And I'd appreciate it if  you'd put the word out with other suppliers not to hire Beaumont.  The guy's real trouble, and could end up costing them big if they do hire him."

 

"Will do."

 

 

"Thanks.  I'll be in touch."  Shawn puts down his phone and smiles, deviously, the smile causing his face to hurt.  "Well, Clay,"  he says.  "You're gonna wish you'd stayed out in California.  Because I'm gonna see to it that you never work in Dallas again, or anywhere in Texas.  Not unless you go crawling to the Ewings with your tail between your legs.  And if you align yourself with your family, well, you're just gonna go down in flames right along with them. And then Michelle's gonna come running back to me when you can't provide for her in the manner in which she's become accustomed."

 

At that moment, Shawn hears a commotion outside of his office.  "I've told you, you can't go in there,"  Shawn hears his secretary, Carol, say.

 

"Just watch me!"  Pamela says, pushing past Carol and barging into Shawn's office.  Shawn looks at her.

 

"Mr. Smith, I'm sorry, I tried to stop her."

 

"It's fine, Carol.  Leave us alone."

 

Carol looks at Shawn, and at Pamela, then turns and leaves the office.  

 

"Well,"  Pamela says.  "I just wanted to see for myself what kind of damage Justin did to you.  It's a shame it's not worse."

 

"You'd better be glad it's not any worse,"  Shawn says, standing from his seat.  "Or your husband could be facing attempted murder charges instead of simple assault and battery.  Although that's still a felony.  You made a huge mistake in telling that guy about us, and about my blackmail."

 

"The huge mistake that I made was getting involved with you in the first place,"  Pamela says.  "But that's over now.  Justin knows the truth, and you no longer have any hold over me."

 

"You really want the embarrassment of the scandal I can create?  Sex starved older woman, a cougar, seduces her dead ex-husband's teenage brother, and I WAS a teenager when you and I slept together, Pamela.  How bad would that make you look?  How would my little nephew look at his Mom knowing she took advantage of his uncle?"

 

"You listen to me and you listen good, you son of a bitch.  Go ahead and create that scandal if you want.  I've handled worse.  Do whatever you want, but I warn you, I can fight every bit as dirty as you.  Dirtier, even because I've had much more practice.  You keep messing with me and my family, and I promise you, Shawn..........not only will you end up just like your brother did, but getting your brains bashed in the way Tripp did would seem like merciful compared to what'll happen to you."

 

"Threatening my life, Pamela?  You trying to end up in a cell next to that psycho husband of yours?"

 

"It's not a threat.......like I said, it's a PROMISE.  Keep messing with me, and you'll see....Think about what happened to Tommy Sutter."  Pamela looks at him angrily for a second, then storms out of the office.

 

Feeling the anger rising up inside of him, Shawn angrily picks up a paper weight and hurts it across the room, hitting a framed photo on the far wall, shattering it.  It is becoming increasingly obvious that a rage is steadily building inside of Shawn that will one day be unleashed and wreak havoc on the lives of everyone Shawn comes in contact with!

END OF EPISODE 217....