EPISODE 221 - The Family Dinner

 A car turns into the drive at Southfork on a Monday afternoon.  A moment later the car pulls into the parking area in rear of the house and comes to a stop.  A driver gets out of the front, and Alex out of the back of the car as John Ross and Krystina come out of the house to meet him.  

 

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

 

"Alex, welcome home,"  Krystina says, greeting her stepson with a kiss on the cheek.

 

"Thanks."

 

"So how was the trip?"  John Ross asks.

 ''Oh, it was great,"  Alex replies.  ''Steven and I struck a deal for Frame Technologies to handle all of Ewing Oil's tech needs, and supply all of our computers, and whatever else we need.  He's gonna be in Dallas in a few days to sign the contract."

 

John Ross smiles.  ''Well, damn, that's great.  Krystina, didn't I tell ya? Didn't I tell ya this boy of mine is gonna make one hell of a great businessman one day?"

 

"You did,"  Krystina says. 

 

"So how's Charlie doin'?"  John Ross asks.  

 

''She's fine.  Her job is keeping her real busy, though, but she said she was gonna try and come for a visit soon.  She ,misses Grandma and Lucas and Michael."

 

"Well, I hope she can come,"  says Krystina.

 

''Me, too.  Dad, can I talk to you for a minute?"

 

"Yeah, sure,"  John Ross says.

 

"Well, that is my cue to get lost,"  Krystina says.  "I need to check in on Ellie anyway, she's been really fussy today."

 

''Thanks, Krystina," Alex says as his stepmother heads back to the house.

 

''So what's up?"  John Ross asks his son.  "Somethin' about the deal with Frame?"

 

"Well, not exactly.  You're never gonna guess who I saw in New York."

 

"Who?"

 

"Amanda,"  Alex replies.

 

"Amanda?"  

 

"Yeah.  Amanda, your ex-wife."

 

"Really?"  John Ross asks.  "Well how the hell did that happen?  You just accidentally bump into her or somethin'?"

 

"Nope.  You're never gonna believe this.  Amanda......is Steven Frame's WIFE."  Alex says, much to John Ross's shock.  

 

Lucy, Mitch, and Daniel are having a quiet breakfast at their apartment three mornings later when the doorbell rings.  "I'll get it,"  Daniel says.  "I have to go anyway."

 

"You're leaving for school so earl?"  Mitch asks.

 

"Yeah, I have a big test in my Biology class at 9 this morning, and some of us are meeting in the library to study for an hour or so before the test,"  Daniel says, getting up from the table.  

 

''Have a good day,"  Lucy tells her stepson as Daniel is about to leave the kitchen.  The young man simply looks at her, says nothing, and walks away.  

 

"Daniel, Lucy told you to have a nice day,"  Mitch says.  

 

"Yeah, I heard,"  Daniel says.  He walks into the living room, grabs his book bag, and goes to the door, opening it to find Bobby.  

 

"Oh, morning, Daniel,"  Bobby says.

 

''Morning.  My Dad and Lucy are inside.  I'm on my way to school."

 

"Okay, see ya,"  Bobby says as Daniel leaves.  As Bobby walks into the apartment, Lucy and Mitch come into the living room from the kitchen.

 

''Bobby,"  Lucy says.  "What a nice surprise."

 

"Hello, Lucy,"  Bobby says, kissing his niece.  "I'm sorry to come over so early, but I wanted to catch you both before you left for the hospital."

 

"That's no problem, Bobby, but I do have to go,"  Mitch says.  "I''m due for a consultation in half an hour."

 

''Mitch, this will only take a second,"  Bobby says.  "I'd like to personally extend an invitation for the three of you to come to Southfork for dinner this Saturday night."

 

"Well, I just happen to be off Saturday, so we'd love to,"  Mitch says.  "But I really do have to go.  Honey, I'll see you at lunch."  Mitch kisses Lucy, then grabs his coat.  "Bobby, good to see you."

 

"Yeah, you too, Mitch, see you on Saturday."

 

"Sure thing," Mitch says, rushing out of the apartment.

 

"Well, is it any better bein' married to a busy doctor now than it was years ago?"  Bobby asks Lucy.

 

"No.  But, I'm just use to it now.  Besides, working at the hospital myself as a volunteer, I get to see Mitch a lot during the day on our breaks."

 Alex and Bridget are walking across campus at Southern Methodist University that morning.  "Bridget, you okay?"  Alex asks.  "You've been awfully quiet this morning.  I should think you'd be happy, what with your brother coming to Dallas in a couple days to seal that deal with Ewing Oil."

 

"I AM happy that Steven's coming, it's just that, I'm worried about how I did on that Biology test just now."

 

"I'm sure you did fine,"  says Alex.

 

"I'm not so sure,"  Bridget says.  

 

''Well, how about after my next class, I buy you a cup of hot chocolate?"

 

Bridget smiles.  "Sounds good.  Oh my gosh,"  she says as she suddenly stops walking.

 

''What is it?"

 

"I don't believe it.  Jasmine Cory,"  Bridget replies, looking across the way, seeing Jasmine.  ''What on Earth is she doing here?"

 

Walking across campus looking through a school catalogue, Jasmine looks up and spots Bridget.  She smiles, then hurries over to her and Alex.  ''Oh my God, Bridget McKinnon!"  Jasmine says excitedly.  "I knew you went to school here, but what a coincidence running into you here."

 "Jasmine, hi,"  Bridget says.  "I had no idea you were even in Dallas.  What are you doing here at SMU?"

 

''Well, I'm moving here to Dallas to be with my family, and I was thinking about taking some classes here next semester, so I'm on campus to get a catalogue and some information about the school, what courses and majors they offer, that sort of thing,"  Jasmine says.  

 

"Oh, I see."

 

Jasmine looks at Alex.  "Bridget, aren't you gonna introduce me to your very handsome friend?"

 

"Sure.  Jasmine, this is Alex.  Alex.....Jasmine."

 

"Hi,"  Alex says, still unaware that the girl he has just been introduced to is his cousin.

 

''Hi, yourself,"  Jasmine says.  "Are all the guys on this campus as gorgeous as you?  Sure hope you're single."

 

"Jasmine, you can reel in your claws,"  Bridget says.  "It just so happens that, not only is Alex taken.......by ME........but he's also your cousin."

 

"My what?"  Jasmine asks.

 

"Cousin?"  Asks Alex.

 

"Yes.  Alex, Jasmine Cory here is Lila Winthrop's daughter."

 

"So, if we're cousins, then, you must be........"

 

''Alex Ewing, yes,"  Alex says.  

 

''Figures,"  says Jasmine.  "Well, it's nice to meet you, anyway.  My Mom has been wanting to find out who her father was, and if we had any family anywhere, and, I'm glad she finally found the answers she was looking for."

 

"Yeah, so am I."

 

"Oh my goodness,"  Bridget says.  "I'm about to be late for my next class, so I have to go.  Alex, I'll see you in an hour."

 

"Yeah, okay."

 

"Nice seeing you, Bridget," says Jasmine.

 

"Yeah, you, too,"  Bridget says, hurrying away, rushing to make it to her next class on time.

 

Jasmine looks at Alex.  "And what about you?  Do you have to rush off to class, too?"

 

"No, actually, I have an hour free."

 

Jasmine smiles.  "Well, then, would you like to show me around campus?  We could talk, and you can fill me in a little on this new family I have that I've never met before.''

 

"Uh, yeah. sure, okay,"  Alex says with an awkward smile.

Ewing Oil....

''What?  You have GOT to be kiddin' me!"  John Ross angrily says to someone on the phone in his office at Ewing Oil.  ''Roberson, Ewing Oil offered you top dollar on that land, and I thought we had a deal!  Yeah, well, you can go to hell!"  John Ross slams his phone down on the desk as Sly comes to his slightly open office door.  Seeing that he is upset, Sly walks in.

''John Ross, are you alright?"  Sly asks.  "What's going on?"

 

''Lowell Roberson,"  replies John Ross.  

 

"The farmer who's land you're trying to buy in Harris County?"

 

"Yeah.  Damned fool sold his farm."

 

"He sold it?"  Sly asks.  "But I thought you all but had that deal in the bag."

 

"That's what I thought, too.  And you'll never guess who the old man sold to."  John Ross goes to his bar and pours himself a drink.

 

"Who?"

 

"Westar."

 

"Westar?  But, how?  I thought no one else knew that you were after the Roberson property,"  Sly says.

 

"That's what I thought.  Only ones who knew about this deal were you, me, and Jack Turner, the guy I had in charge of securing this deal for me.  I know I didn't say anything to anybody and I'm sure Turner didn't because I told him how important it was to keep this quiet.  Sly, you didn't by any chance let it slip, did you?  About this deal?"

 

"No, of course not,"  Sly says.  

 

"Then how?  How in the hell did Shawn Smith know that I wanted that land in Harris County?"

The Cattlemen's Club....early afternoon....

 ''Honey, I'm sorry I'm late, "  Bobby says, greeting Ann with a kiss at lunch at The Cattlemen's Club early in the afternoon as their waitress stands by.  "But my meeting with Peter Ellis ran later than I expected."

 

"Oh it's fine, I've only been here about ten minutes,"  Ann says.  

 

''Are you ready to order yet, Mr. and Mrs. Ewing?"  The waitress asks.

 

''I already know what I want,"  Ann says.

 

"Yeah, so do I,"  says Bobby.  "Honey?"

 

"I'll have the Dallas Filet, with baked potato,"  says Ann.  

 

"And what would you like to drink?"

 

"Sweet tea,"

 

"And you, Mr. Ewing?"  The waitress asks.

 

"I'll have the same, and with a small bowl of rice on the side."

 

"And to drink?"

 

"I'll have sweet tea."

 

The waitress smiles and takes their menus.  "Your food will be out shortly.  And I'll be right back with your drinks."

 

"Thank you,"  Ann says as the girl walks away.  

 

Bobby looks at his wife and smiles.  "Well, Lucy and Mitch are on board for dinner Saturday night."

 

"Good.  I also spoke to Donna and they're comin', too.  So are Debra Lynn and her kids."

 

"Great.  This is gonna be a real Ewing family dinner."

 

"I think it's a real nice gesture to welcome Lila into the family,"  Ann says.  

 

Bobby is about to say something when he looks past Ann and sees Jeremy Wendell walking over to their table.  A look of anger crosses Bobby's face upon seeing Jeremy.

 

"Well, hello, Bobby.  Mrs. Ewing,"  Jeremy says.

 

"Wendell,"  Bobby says.  "What the hell are you doin' here?"

 

"Oh, I'm sure you heard my good news that the District Attorney decided not to pursue charges against me in that Katherine Wentworth case,"  Jeremy says.  

 

"And just how much did you have to pay out in bribe money to get out of that one?"

''The D.A. simply realized he had no case,"  Jeremy replies.  "So I'm a free man, Bobby.  Free to come and go as I please, so you might as well get use to seeing me around.''

 

''Dallas is a big town, Wendell.  Long as you and that grandson of yours stay the hell away from me and my family, we shouldn't have a problem."

 

Jeremy smiles.  ''It's not going to be that easy, Bobby.  You see, I have one mission left in my life, and that's to see Ewing Oil, and the Ewing family, destroyed once and for all."

 

Bobby stands to face his longtime enemy.  "Wendell, I'm only gonna say this once, and you had better listen good.  If you come after Ewing Oil or any member of my family, it'll be the gravest mistake you ever made.  I stopped you once before, Wendell, and if need be, I'll do it again."

 

''Your junkyard dog, J.R., isn't here to help you this time, Bobby.  Do you really think Sue Ellen or that nephew of yours, John Ross, are up to the job of beating Westar?  Dream on, Bobby."

 

"Wendell, if you or Shawn try anything, then you're both gonna find out just how formidable an enemy the Ewings can be.  Now get the hell out of my sight before I forget just how old you are and really lose my temper."

 

Jeremy looks at Bobby and laughs, then walks away.  Still seething with anger, Bobby retakes his seat.

 

"Bobby, are you alright?"  Ann asks.

 

"I'm fine.  It's just that, seeing that son of a bitch walkin' around free makes my blood boil after everything he's done."

 

"You really think he was serious about trying to destroy the Ewings?"  

 

''If he is, we'll take care of him.  I beat Wendell before, and I'll sure as hell do it again,"  Bobby says.

Southfork....that evening....

 John Ross's car comes to a stop at Southfork that evening.  John Ross quickly gets out of the car and heads to the house.  Meanwhile, Bobby, Christopher, and Lucas are having drinks in the living room and talking when John Ross walks in, an angry look on his face.  

 

''Looks like you could use a drink,"  Christopher says.

 

"I sure could, and a strong one,"  replies.

 

"John Ross, what's goin' on?"  Bobby asks.

 

John Ross sighs deeply as he pours himself a glass of bourbon.  ''Ewing Oil lost a very important piece of land I had my eye on.  A piece of very oil rich land down in Harris County."

 

"Oh?"  Bobby asks.

 

"That's right.  I had my eye on this farm in Harris County owned by an old man named Lowell Roberson, and it's one of the richest tracts of land in this part of the state.  Roberson was holdin' out, but I had him all ready to sell with the offer I made.  He said he needed some more time to think it over, and like a damned fool, I gave it to him."

 

''So what happened?"  Bobby asks.  "This Roberson decide not to sell to us?"

 

''Worse than that, Uncle Bobby,"  John Ross says.  "Roberson sold his land to Westar."

 

"Westar?"  Christopher asks.

 

''Yes, Westar.  Just like they've done before, Westar just swooped in and stole that land deal right out from under us, and that can't be a coincidence."

 

"Who else knew about this deal?"

 

"Just me, Sly, and Jack Turner,"  John Ross says.

 

"Jack Turner has been with us for years, so it's not likely that he would betray us to Westar, and of course Sly is out.  No way would she ever do anything to hurt Ewing Oil."

 

"Is this a big loss for Ewing Oil?"  Lucas asks.

 

''ANY loss is a big loss, Lucas," John Ross says.  ''The revenue from that field would've been a tremendous asset for us."

 

"You think it's possible there's another spy in the company?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I've thought about that,"  replies John Ross.  ''On my home, I also called Bum to have him do a sweep of all the offices for bugs."

 

"That's a good idea,"  says Christopher.

 

"With all those workers in and out of the new offices the last few weeks, anybody could've planted a bug anywhere."

 

''Well, we'd damned sure better get on top of this,"  Bobby says.  "I ran into Jeremy Wendell when Ann and I were having lunch at the Cattlemen's Club today, and he made a threat that he was making it his mission in life to destroy Ewing Oil and the Ewing family."

 

"Wendell is always making threats,"  says Christopher.

 

"Yeah, well with that grandson of his as CEO of Westar and Wendell pullin' the strings, we can't be too careful, especially with Brad Barnes possibly being appointed to the ORC,"  John Ross says.  "We could be facing attacks from all sides, and as Uncle Bobby said, we'd best be ready."

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

 

Drying himself off in his bedroom after a shower, Shawn is listening to the Ewing men talking via the listening device he had Ricky plant in the living room at Southfork.  ''So, you think you're about to face attacks from all sides, huh, John Ross?  You have absolutely no idea how right you are about that, and no idea what you're about to face,"  Shawn says.  He smiles, then tosses his towel onto the floor.  He walks over to his bed and picks up his cell phone.  He quickly types a text and smiles.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southfork....the bunkhouse....

 

 

 

Meanwhile, in his room at the Southfork bunkhouse, Ricky opens up his microwave, takes out a bowl of General Tso's Chicken he had heated up, and brings it over to his table.  As he is about to sit down to eat his dinner, his cell phone vibrates, indicating an incoming text.  Picking up his phone, he looks at it and sees that the text is from Shawn: "Need to see you.  Meet me at midnight.  I'll send you the location."

 

Ricky looks up and sighs.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cass Winthrop's apartment....the next morning....

 Cass and Lila are having breakfast the next morning when Jasmine walks into the kitchen.  "Morning,"  Lila says to her daughter.

 

"Morning,"  Jasmine says.  She takes a seat at the table and pours herself a glass of orange juice.  

 

"How did it go at SMU yesterday?"  Cass asks.  "You find any classes you might be interested in taking next semester?"

 

"Yeah, I found a few that were interesting.  I also ran into a couple of very interesting people on campus."

 

"Oh?"  Lila asks.  "Like who?"

 

"One of them was Bridget McKinnon.  The other was her very handsome boyfriend, Alex, who, I found out, happens to be one of my new cousins."

 

"John Ross's son,"  Cass says.

 

"That's right."

 

"So, you met my half-brother's son, huh?"  Lila asks.  "What do you think of him?"

 

"He's very nice,"  Jasmine replies.

 

"In contrast to his father,"  Lila says.  "By the way, honey, the Ewings have invited us out to Southfork Saturday night for dinner, which is perfect because Cory's coming home this weekend.  Cass, I hope you don't have any plans."

 

"Well, of course not, but, that invitation also includes me?"

 

Lila looks at him.  "Well, sure it does.  We may be divorced, but you ARE still a very important part of my life, bein' my son's father and all."

 

''Boy, you guys sure act like you're still married,"  Jasmine says.  ''You're living together, and probably even sleeping together."

 

"JASMINE!"  Lila says.  

 

''Come on, you guys, I'm not a child," Jasmine says.  

 

''Well, for your information, your mother and I are just........roommates,"  Cass says.  

 

Jasmine smiles.  "If you say so, Cass."  

 

"Well, I hate to run, but I have an early meeting,"  Cass says, getting up from the table.  "I'll see you both tonight." 

 

"Have a good day, Cass,"  Lila says as Cass leaves.  

 

Jasmine looks at her mother, still smiling.  "Mom, come on.  I can tell you still love Cass and he's crazy about you, so why don't you two just go ahead and get remarried?"

 

Lila smiles.  "Cass and I have gotten a lot closer lately, so, who knows?  Maybe one day.''

Ewing Oil....

 

 

''John Ross, we did a real thorough sweep of all the Ewing Oil offices, both the main offices here and the other offices downstairs, including accounting, geology, PR, and records departments,"  Bum tells John Ross in John Ross's office later that morning.  "And we didn't find anything.  So, just to be absolutely sure, I had my men go over the place again with a fine tooth comb, and, just like the first time, they didn't find any bugs."

 

''And you're absolutely positive there are no bugs anywhere in any of these offices?"  John Ross asks, staring out the window of his office.

 

''Absolutely positive,"  Bum replies.  

 "Then how, Bum?"  John Ross asks, turning to face him.  "How did Shawn Smith find out that I was after that land in Harris County?"

 

"Well, I think it's probable that you have a spy here in the company again."

 

"Bum, the only people in this office who knew I was after Lowell Roberson's farm were me, Sly, and Jack Turner."

 

"I did a comprehensive background check on Turner a while back and I found him to be clean,"  Bum says.  

 

"Exactly.  Jack Turner worked for Ewing Oil when Mama and Uncle Bobby first started runnin' the company more'n 20 years ago.  He's trustworthy."

 

"Okay, well, then that leaves Sly."

 

"No,"  John Ross says.  "No way in hell would she ever betray Ewing Oil.  Sly came to work for my father way back in 1981 and worked for him for YEARS.  If there's any employee of this comp'ny who can be trusted, it's Sly."

 

"Well, maybe one of them  accidentally let it slip, or, if you left somethin' in writing, somebody in the office got a hold of it and found out.  Hell, John Ross, those are the only explanations I can come up with.  The only thing I'm sure of is that there's no bug in these offices."

 

 

"Then how?"  John Ross asks, walking across the room.  Then, suddenly, a curious look comes over his face.  "Hey, wait a minute.  Wait a damned minute."

 

"What is it?"  Bum asks.

 

''There's no bugs here in the office, but, what if........what if there's a bug at Southfork?"

 

"At Southfork?  Is that possible?  Has there been anyone in the house besides the family?"

 

''Hell if I know,"  John Ross says.  ''But that's the only explanation.  And there was one mornin'.........I was talkin' on the phone to Jack Turner about that Roberson land in Harris County, and I told him how much I wanted it.  I'll be damned.  Bum,that's gotta be it.  There's a bug in the livin' room at Southfork.  Come with me."  

 

Bum follows John Ross out of his office.  

 

"Sly, I gotta leave the office for a while,"  John Ross says as he and Bum walk out into the secretaries' office.  

 

''But, John Ross, what about your meeting with Henry Jamison?"  Sly asks."It's in 20 minutes."

 

"I'll be back.  Just tell Jamison I'll be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, ask my Mama to keep him entertained."  John Ross and Bum get on the elevator, and  before Sly can say anything else, the doors close.

Southfork....later....

 John Ross drives his car up to Southfork and comes to a screeching halt a short time later.  Bum's truck pulls up behind John Ross and comes to a stop.  The two men get out of their vehicles and rush toward the house just as Bobby and Christopher are coming out of the house onto the patio.

 

"John Ross, what are you doing home at 11:30 in the morning?"  Bobby asks, surprised to see his nephew.  ''And Bum, what are you doing here?  What's wrong?"

 

"Uncle Bobby, Christopher, I think we got a real problem,"  John Ross says.

 

''What kind of problem?"  Christopher asks.

 

''I think we might know how Shawn Smith found out about that land I was after down in Harris County."

 

"How?"  Bobby asks.

 

"A bug here at Southfork."

 

"What?"

 

"Bum, would you check the livin' room, please?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Sure thing,"  replies.  He walks into the house, Bobby, Christopher and John Ross following.  The three men go into the living room, where John Ross motions for Bobby and Christopher to be quiet.  Bum takes  out his RF spy bug detector, and begins going over the living room.  After going over the fireplace and mantle, then the shelves and photos hanging on the walls Bum moves over to the lamp sitting on the table beside one of the sofas in the 

living room.  Finding nothing, Bum moves to the lamp beside the other sofa, and suddenly, his detector begins to beep, indicating the presence of a bug.  Bum motions to John Ross and the others that he has found the bug.  He removes the lamp shade, finds the bug and removes it. Bum takes the small device down the hall to the downstairs bathroom.  A second later, Bobby and the others hear the sound of the toilet flush, then Bum returns.  He motions for the other men to follow him onto the back porch.  The four men walk onto the patio by the pool. 

 

 

 

"This is absolutely unbelievable,"  says an angry Christopher.  "Southfork, our own home, BUGGED!"

 

"Who knows how long the damned thing's been there, or what Shawn Smith has heard through that thing,"  John Ross says.  

 

"And, who could have planted it?"  Christopher asks.

"Bum, can you take care of this for us?"  asks Bobby.

 

''Sure, I'll do a sweep of the entire house,"  Bum says.

 

"Good, I'd appreciate it if you'd do it now.  Ann and Krystina took Little John and Ellie into Dallas, and I think Courtney is spending the afternoon with Phyllis and Lucas went with Heather to a doctor's appointment.  I'd like this done before they all get back.  I don't want the rest of the family to know anything about this."

 

"I'll get started now, Bobby,"  Bum says.

 

"Good, thank you,"  Bobby says as Bum goes back into the house.  

 

"So how are we gonna find out who did this?"  Christopher asks.  "Who's been in the house in recent weeks besides the family?"

 

''Well, there IS one person I can think of who is in this house in recent weeks besides family,"  John Ross says.  "Or rather, three people."

 

"Who, John Ross?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Lila Winthrop, her ex-husband, and her son."

 

"John Ross, that's ridiculous, Lila IS family."

 

"She didn't know that when they were all over here for Christmas.  None of us did."

 

"Why on Earth would Lila or Cass plant a bug in Southfork for Shawn Smith?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Itn't it obvious, Christopher?  Money."

 

"John Ross, Cass Winthrop is a lawyer with Smithfield And Bennett,"  Bobby says.  "He's not exactly hurtin' for money."

 

"Uncle Bobby, you know as well as I do that people will do just about anything if the price is right."

 

"Well I still say that's ridiculous to think that Cass or Lila planted that bug."

 

"Okay, well, what about their boy?"  John Ross asks.  

 

"John Ross, you gotta be barking up the wrong tree,"  says Christopher.  "Shawn would have no way of knowing that Cory Winthrop was gonna be at Southfork on Christmas Eve, or that he was in any way connected to this family."

 

"Alright, then you tell me who.  Who the hell planted that bug?" John Ross asks.

 

"I dunno.   Who else has been in the house?"

 

"Well, there's that other kid...........Heather's brother,"  John Ross says.  "No, wait, couldn't be him.  He wasn't even in the house until after I talked on the phone to Jack Turner about that Roberson land in Harris County.  Then, damn it, WHO?"

 

''I can't think of a single person who's been at Southfork other than the family in a while now, except for Maria,"  Bobby says.  "And........."

 

Christopher looks at his father.  "And who, Dad?"

 

"And Ricky Hernandez.  There was one day he came over not too long ago for me to look over some feed bills and he was alone in the living room for a couple of minutes."

 

''You think this kid could be workin' for Shawn Smith?"  John Ross asks.  "What do y'all know about him?"

 

"I'm gonna pull Ricky's employee file and take a look at it,"  says Bobby.  "See what I can find out about this kid. In the meantime, Christopher, you keep a close eye on Ricky."

 

''Will do,"  says Christopher.

 

"I'm gonna go pull Ricky's file right now.  I have a copy of it in my office,"  Bobby says, going into the house.  John Ross and Christopher exchange worried looks.  

The Krebbs Ranch....that evening....

  ''Well, I'm facing a real tough challenge in my re-election campaign,"  Matt Culver says as he, Margaret, Ray, Donna, Conner, Dylan, and Ashley are sitting down to have dinner at the Krebbs home that night.  My opponent, Karen Hughes, is gaining a lot of support among women, and undecided voters who lean more toward the liberal side.  She's pro-choice, anti-second amendment, and she has the backing of some very powerful feminist groups."

 

"But look at everything YOU have going for you,"  says Donna.  "Not only the Culver name, which still carries a lot of weight in this state, but you also have a very good record of your own.  You've got the support of average, hard working Texans who still hold conservative values and who aren't quite ready to elect a senator as liberal and far left as Karen Hughes, and  that record is gonna take you a long way."

 

''I sure hope you're right, Donna,"  Matt says.  

 

"My Mom IS right,"  says Margaret.  "The people of Texas know you, and they know you're gonna continue to fight for them if they re-elect you to the senate."

 

"Well, you know you got all our support,"  Conner says.

 

Matt smiles.  "Thanks, Conner.  That means a lot to have the family's support."

 

"Speaking of support,"  says Donna.  "You know you've got that campaign fund raiser coming up soon.  That should gain you enough money to keep the campaign going for the duration, AND, hopefully, win you some more support among undecided voters."

 

''Matt, maybe you should think about running for president in 2024,"  Dylan says.  

 

''Now wouldn't that be somethin'?"  Ray asks with a smile.  "Havin' a son-in-law who's President of the United States."

 

Matt laughs.  "Well, I sure appreciate all the support, y'all.  And who knows?  I've always thought my beautiful wife would make a wonderful First Lady."

 

''Well, I'd have to agree,"  says Ray.

 

Margaret smiles.  "Thanks, Daddy, but enough politics for tonight.  Matt and I had another reason for coming to Dallas besides him campaigning."

 

"Oh?"  Donna asks.

 

''Yes, we have some news,"  says Matt.

 

"Well, come on, you, two, let's hear it,"  Ray says.  ''Don't keep us in suspense."

 

Margaret looks at both of her parents and smiles.  "Mom, Dad, you are going to be grandparents again."

 

"What?"  Donna happily asks.  "Margaret, you're......."

 

"Yes, I'm pregnant.  I just found out day before yesterday."

 

"Ethan's gonna have a little brother or sister,"  Matt says.

 

''Well, that's just great,"  Ray says.

 

"Congratulations, guys,"  says Conner.

 

"That's really wonderful,"  says Ashley.

 

"Oh, I couldn't be happier,"  Donna says.  "This is going to be YOUR year.  A new baby, and Matt getting re-elected to the Senate."

 

"What are you guys hoping for, a boy or a girl?"  Dylan asks.

 

"I don't really care as long it's healthy,"  Matt says.

 

"Me, I'd love a little girl,"  says Margaret.  

 

''How long are you two gonna be in town?"  Donna asks.

 

"Til Sunday,"  Matt replies.  

 

"Well, that's perfect,"  says Ray.  "The two of you can come with us to dinner at Southfork tomorrow night.  Bobby wants the whole family there for a special family dinner."

 

"Oh, what's the occasion?" Margaret asks.

 

''It's to welcome a new addition to the family,"  replies Donna.  

 

"What new addition?"

 

"Well, darlin', you, uh, you have a new cousin nobody knew about til now,"  says Ray.  "Lila Winthrop, a daughter J.R. had out of wedlock that the family just found out about."

 

"Oh really?  What's she like?"  Margaret asks.

 

''We only met her once,"  Ray says.  "She seems nice enough.  She has two kids, from what I understand, a boy and a girl."

 

"How old are they?"

 

"Oh, I dunno,"  Ray says.  "They're gonna be at Southfork tomorrow night, so I guess we'll meet 'em then."

 

Margaret looks at her father and smiles.  

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

 Bobby is walking by the fence at Southfork in the direction of the stables the next morning when Lucas, who is working in the stables, sees his father and walks out to him.  "Hey,"  Lucas says.

 

"Hello, son."

 

''You come out to help, or you just out for a stroll?"

 

Bobby sighs.  "I'm just out for a little walk to do some thinkin', clear my head."

 

"Dad, what's wrong? I could tell somethin' was botherin' you last night at dinner.  Come to think of it, John Ross and Christopher didn't have much to say, either."

 

''Lucas, I'm gonna tell you somethin', but I don't want ya to breathe a word of this to anybody, not even Heather.  I don't want to alarm the rest of the family."

 

"Boy, this sounds serious,"  Lucas says.

 

"It could be.  Yesterday, we found a bug hidden in the living room at Southfork."

 

"A bug?  You mean like a.......listening device?  The kind you spy on people with?"

 

"Yes,"  Bobby says.  "Westar.......Shawn Smith......stole an important deal out from under Ewing Oil just like Westar has done before, and, at first we thought there might be another spy in the company.  John Ross had Bum sweep all the offices for bugs and the place came up clean, so we had him do the same here at Southfork, and he found one small bug hidden in one of the lamps in the living room."

 

''Who do you think could've put it there?"  Lucas asks.

 

"I dunno, and that's why we have to be extra careful right now.  Far as I know, the only two people in the house besides the family in the last few weeks were Bridget, and she's out, Maria, and Ricky Hernandez."

 

"You really think it could be Maria or Ricky?"

 

''Well, son, I honestly can't see it being Maria.  And that leaves Ricky.  After all, we really don't know anything about that young man.  I pulled Ricky's employee file and, unfortunately, there's nothin' it in that would stand out.  Son, you've been workin' pretty close with Ricky lately.  I want you to keep a close eye on him.  I guess it also wouldn't hurt to have Bum put a tail on Ricky.  Find out where he goes whenever he leaves the ranch."

 

"It's hard for me to believe it could be Ricky,"  says Lucas.  "Seems like such a good kid, and he's a hard worker."

 

''Maybe so, but this itn't the first time we've hired on a hand who had ulterior motives for workin' here.  That's how Austin Wentworth was able to worm his way into our lives before he and Katherine took Ewing Global away from us, by getting a job here at Southfork and masquerading as a loyal, hard working ranch hand.  We just can't take any chances, and Ricky is the logical suspect right now.''

 

Lucas nods.  "I'll keep a close watch on him,"  he says.

 

"Good, son,"  Bobby says, placing his hand on Lucas's shoulder.  

Ewing Oil....early afternoon....

  "Steven, come on in,"  Alex says, welcoming Steven Frame into John Ross's office at Ewing Oil that afternoon as John Ross and Jay Smithfield look on.  "You remember my father, John Ross Ewing?"

 

"Yes, of course I do,"  Steven says with a smile.  "Hello, John Ross."

 

"Steven, welcome, this is our company's attorney, Jay Smithfield."

 

"Jay,"  Steven says, shaking the attorney's hand.

 

"Steven, nice to meet you."

 

"And thank you for comin' all the way to Dallas to make this deal between our two companies," says John Ross.

 

"Oh, it's it's no problem.  It gives me a chance to see my sisters again and to visit my grandmother."

 

"Well, then, since it's Saturday and I'm sure you wanna spend some time with your family, why don't we get on with it?"  Jay suggests.  "Steven, I've drawn up the contract between your company, Frame Technologies, and Ewing Oil.  We faxed you and your attorney copies of the contract yesterday.  I trust you've had a chance to look it over."

 

''Yes, I have and so has my attorney,"  Steven says.  "I also looked the contract over again on the plane this morning. It looks fine to me, and my attorney has given me the green light."

 

"Fine,"  Jay says.  "Now this contract is for three years, at the end of which, both Ewing Oil and Frame Technologies can renegotiate, and choose to either renew the contract or end it.  As per the contract, Frame Technologies agrees to supply Ewing Oil with all of its computer and technological needs, including desktop and laptop computers, calculators, printers, fax machines, copiers, and other office supplies such as pens, pencils, paper, etc."

 

"Sounds good to me,"  Steven says.  

 

"Steven, do you have any questions about the terms of the contract, or the financial agreement between your company and Ewing Oil?"  Jay asks.

 

''No, I have no questions,"  Steven replies.  "Everything looks good."

 

"Okay, then, are we ready to sign?"  John Ross asks.

 

"All set,"  Steven says.  

 

''Alright,"  says Jay.  "Steven, you sign right here, on all three pages."  Jay hands Steven a pen, and he signs his name on the three pages of the contract.  ''John Ross, you sign here,"  Jay says.

 

Taking a pen from his desk, John Ross signs his name to each page of the contract.  After he's finished, he hands the contract to Jay.  

 

"Alright,"  Jay says.  "Ewing Oil and Frame Technologies are now in business together for the next three years."

 

"John Ross, I look forward to serving your company's needs,"  Steven says, again shaking John Ross's hand.

 

"Thank ya, Steven, I look forward to it, too."

 

Steven smiles.  "Good."

 

"Steven, did Amanda come to Dallas with you?"  Alex asks.

 

"That's right, Alex tells me you're now married to my former wife,who also happens to be my brother's former wife, too,"  says John Ross.  

 

Steven looks at him awkwardly for a few seconds.  "Umm, yes, that's right, Amanda is my wife.  And, yes, Alex, she did come to Dallas with me.  She had something she needed to take care of this afternoon, but I'm sure you'll be seeing her while we're in town."

Brad Stone's apartment....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Meanwhile, Brad is working out in his apartment that afternoon, doing sit ups, when his doorbell rings.  Annoyed by the interruption, he stands to his feet, takes a sip of a bottle of water, then grabs a towel and wipes the sweat from his face and chest.  The doorbell rings a second time.  Brad sighs, then walks over to the door and opens it.  He is stunned to see Amanda. For a few seconds, he stares at her, unable to believe she is really there.

 

 

''No, of course you didn't,"  Brad says.  "I was just working out.  Amanda, you look well.  Beautiful as always."

 

"Thank you.  Brad, I heard about your father.  I'm so sorry."

 

"Thank you.  It was very sudden.  None of us expected it,"  Brad says, then pauses for a moment.  "So, where have you been all this time. And, what are you doing back in Dallas?"

 

''Well, to answer your first question, I've been in New York.  I met a man there, and........well, Brad, I'm married."

 

"Married?"  Brad asks.

 

"Yes."

 

"I see."

 

"I'm in Dallas with my husband,"  Amanda says.  "I'm here with my husband.  He has business in town."

 

"So, tell me about your husband.  What's he like?"

 

"He's wonderful.  His name is Steven.  Steven Frame."

 

"Steven.........Frame?  As in, Frame Technologies, the big computer and tech company?"

 

Amanda nods with a smile.  "Yeah, that's him."

 

"Oh, wow.  You really DID do well for yourself after you left Dallas."

 

"In more ways than one.  Steven is such a wonderful man.  He's kind, and gentle, and loving."

 

"Sounds like a great guy,"  Brad says.

 

"He is.  He helped me through a very difficult time in my life.  Brad, I need to tell you something.  Something I've wanted to tell you for a long time, but, at the same time I've also dreaded the day that I would see you again and tell you."

 

"Oh?  Are you gonna tell me why you walked out on me when I thought things were so good between us?"

 

"Brad I made so many mistakes here in Dallas.  Hurt so many people.  I knew that if I stayed I would only hurt you, and I couldn't do that."

 

"You wouldn't have.  Amanda, I loved you."

 

''I came here to tell you something.  And I don't quite know how to say this."

 

"Well, whatever it is, just say it."

 

"Brad, when I left Dallas............I was pregnant."

 

''Pregnant?"  Brad asks, stunned by the news.  "You......you were PREGNANT?"

 

"Yes.  I gave birth to a son, Brad."

 

"A......a son?"  Brad asks with a smile.  "I have a son?  Well, Amanda, where is he?  Did you bring him with you?"

 

"No."

 

"Why the hell not?  Amanda, I wanna see my son."

 

Amanda begins to cry.  "Brad, I'm so sorry.  I'm so sorry to tell you this, but......"

 

"Amanda, where is he??"  Brad asks, walking closer to her.  "Where is my son?"

 

"Brad, he........he died."

"He died?  He's dead?"  Brad asks, the news cutting through him like a knife.  

 

"I named him Jack, after my mother, Jackie.  At first, he seemed healthy.  But then, when Jack was a little over four months old, he started to get sick.  I took him to a doctor, and he said it wasn't serious.  He gave me some medicine for the baby, but it didn't help.  So, I took him to another doctor, and they ran some tests."  Amanda pauses for a moment as she cries.  After a few seconds, she continues.  "There was nothing that could be done for him."

 

Tears begin falling down Brad's face.  "Why?  Amanda, what was it?  What did our son die of?"

 

Amanda looks at him.  "They diagnosed him with Neurofibromatosis."

 

"Neuro..........oh my God.  That's the disease that runs in the Barnes family.  My father told me about it when I found out I was his son.  Oh God.....no."  Brad begins to cry.  Amanda embraces him and she and Brad cry together over the loss of their child, a child Brad had never had the chance to lay eyes on.  

Southfork....that evening....

 That evening, the living room at Southfork is crowded with Ewing family members..........Bobby, Ann, Christopher, Courtney, Jacob, Lucas, Heather, Michael, John Ross, Krystina, Alex, Sue Ellen, Catlin, Lucy, Mitch, Daniel, Justin, Pamela, Ray, Donna, Margaret, Matt, Conner, Dylan, Debra Lynn, Jimmy, Ashley, and Clay.......are all gathered for the big family dinner.  They are having drinks as they wait for the Winthrop family to arrive.  Various conversations are going on around the crowded room.  Justin is pouring himself a drink at the bar when John Ross walks over to him.  

 

''Well, I wonder where our new sister and her little family are at,"  John Ross says.  "Thought they'd have been here by now."

 

"It's still early John Ross.  I'm sure they'll be here."

 

"Maybe they decided to go back to Bay City."

 

Justin looks at his brother.  "John Ross, what is your problem?  I spent some time with Lila one day and she's really very nice.  If you'd give her a chance and get to know her, you might end up likin' her."

 

"I've spent all the time with her I want to, thank ya."

 

"John Ross, you're one of a kind," Justin says as Pamela walks over.  "Hey, darlin',"  he says.

 

"Well, if y'all will excuse me,"  John Ross says, walking away from the couple.  

 

"Pamela, is somethin' wrong?"  Justin asks.

 

"I'm not sure.  I've been trying to call Brad all evening, but,it just goes straight to his voicemail."

 

"I'm sure it's nothin'.  He's prob'ly just busy, that's all. He might have even had a hot date tonight."

 

"Maybe so,"  Pamela says.  "Anyway, I'll try to reach him again after dinner, and if I can't, I might wanna stop by his apartment on the way home, see if he's alright."

 

"Okay,"  Justin says.

 

Across the room, Bobby and Ann are chatting with Ray, Donna, Matt and Margaret, who have just told Bobby and Ann the good news of Margaret's pregnancy. "Margaret, congratulations, that's wonderful news,"  Ann says, hugging the younger woman.  

 

"Thank you, Ann."

 

"Matt, you must be on cloud nine,"  says Bobby.  "A new baby on the way, and you're a shoe in to win re-election in November."

 

"I sure hope you're right, Bobby, but I have a pretty strong opponent in Karen Hughes.  Gonna take a lot to beat her,"  Matt says.

 

"Don't listen to him, Uncle Bobby,"  says Margaret.  "My husband is modest to a fault, but I have no doubt he's gonna win by a landslide in November."

 

"I'll drink to that,"  Donna says. 

 

"Well, Matt,, you have a lot of support,"  Bobby says as the front doorbell rings.  "Oh, that must be the Winthrops.  Excuse me.''  Bobby walks into the foyer and opens the front door to Cass, Lila, Jasmine, and Cory.  ''Well, good evening.  Come in."

 

"Evenin', Bobby,"  Lila says.

 

"Thank you, Bobby, and good evening,"  says Cass.

 

"Bobby, you met my son, Cory, at Christmas.  And this is my daughter, Jasmine."

 

Bobby smiles at the young lady.  "Jasmine, it's a pleasure to meet you, and welcome to Southfork. I see you inherited your beauty from your mother, here."

 

Jasmine smiles.  ''Well, thank you."

 

"Come on, everybody's in the livin' room.''  Bobby walks back into the living room, followed by Cass, Lila, Jasmine, and Cory.  "Hey, everybody, look who's here,"  Bobby says.  "The guests of honor have arrived."

 

The rest of the family gathers around.  ''Cass,Lila, welcome,"  Ann says.  

 

"Lila, and Cass, you of course know my wife Ann, my son Christopher, and Lucas, and their wives, Courtney and Heather,"  Bobby says.  "Courtney and Christopher's son Jacob, and Lucas and Heather's son Michael."

 

"Hello,"  Lila says.

 

"Lila, Cass, welcome,"  Courtney says.

 

''And of course, you met my brother, Ray, and his wife Donna,"  Bobby says.  "And this is their daughter, Margaret, and her husband, Senator Matt Culver."

 

"Margaret, it's nice to meet you,"  Lila says.

 

"It's great to meet you, too, I've heard a few things about you since my Dad told me about you."

 

"Any of 'em good?"  Lila asks.

 

"Oh, all good."

 

"Senator Culver, I've been wanting to meet you for quite some time,"  Cass says, shaking Matt's hand.  "I've heard a lot about you from my partner, Jay Smithfield."

 

''Well, great, I've heard a lot about you, too."

 

"Lila, I'm glad that you came,"  Justin says, walking over and giving Lila a kiss on the cheek.  "Hello, Cass."

 

"Justin, good to see you."

 

"Justin, these are my kids,"  Lila says.  "Jasmine and Cory, this is my half-brother, Justin Ewing."

 

"Hello,"  Justin says.

 

"Hi,"  Jasmine says.

 

 

Debra Lynn walks over to them with Jimmy and Ashley.  "Lila,"  Debra Lynn says.  "I'm Debra Lynn Beaumont, I'm.......I WAS James's wife."

 

"James?  Oh, yes, my oldest brother.  Justin told me about him.  I'm very sorry."

 

"Thank you,"  Debra Lynn says.  "This is my son, Jimmy, and my daughter, Ashley."

 

"Very nice to meet you both,"  says Lila.  "My son, Cory, and my daughter, Jasmine.  And this is Cass."

 

"Hi,"  Ashley says.

 

Clay walks over.  ''And, I'm Clay Beaumont, James's other son."

 

"Hello, Clay.  Wow, this really IS a big family, itn't it?"

 

"Yeah, it sure is, but you get use to it after a while," Jimmy says.

 

Jasmine spots Alex standing by the fireplace talking to Conner and Dylan, and walks over to them.  "Well, hello, Alex," she says.

 

''Hello, Jasmine,"  Alex says, smiling.

 

"I wanna thank you again for that tour of SMU the other day.  I really enjoyed it, and getting to know you."

 

"Yeah, no problem, so did I.  Oh, Jasmine Cory, this is Conner Ewing and his brother, Dylan."

 

 "Hi, guys,"  Jasmine says.  

 

"Jasmine, very nice to meet you,"  says Dylan.

 

"Thank you,   You're......"

 

"Dylan."

 

Jasmine smiles.  "Yes, Dylan, and you're Conner."

 

"Yes, I am,"  Conner replies, shaking hands with Jasmine, the two of them exchanging looks indicating a clear attraction between them.  This does not go unnoticed by Alex and Dylan, who exchange knowing looks and smiles between them.  

 

 

Meanwhile, across the room, Cass and Lila approach Mitch, Lucy, and Daniel.  "Good evening, Dr. Cooper,"  Cass says.  "Mrs.  Cooper."

 

''Hello, Cass,"  Mitch says.  "And please, it's Mitch and Lucy."

 

"That's right,"  says Lucy.  "After all, we're family now.  Lila, I've been looking forward to the chance to get to know you."

 

"Well, thank you, Lucy.  I hope we can become good friends," says Lila.

 

"So do I.  I'm sure we will."

 

"This is our son, Cory,"  Lila says.

 

"Hello, Cory,"  says Mitch. 

 

"And this is is my stepson, Daniel Cooper,"  Lucy says with a sly smile.  

 

"Yes, we've actually met Daniel before, at Perry's, where he works,"  says Cass.  "He was our server at dinner one night."

 

"Well, isn't that nice?"  Lucy asks.  "Say, I just thought of something.  Daniel and Cory, you guys are about the same age.  Maybe the two of you can hang out sometime.  Daniel, maybe you could show Cory around Dallas and what there is for young people to do here these days."

As the rest of the family leaves the room, Cory and his sister Jasmine hang behind.  "Well, sis, what do you think of our new relatives?"  He asks.

 

"Well, one thing's for sure, this family definitely has an abundance of handsome men,"  Jasmine says.

 

"Yeah, well, just keep in mind that those handsome men are our cousins."

 

"Don't be disgusting, Twerp,"  Jasmine says as she and Cory leave the room.  

 

Meanwhile, as Debra Lynn, Ashley, and Dylan cross the foyer to the dining room, Debra Lynn suddenly has a stabbing pain in her stomach and begins to feel faint, so much so that she has to grab the banister to the stairs  to keep from falling.

 

"Mom, what's wrong?  Are you okay?"  Ashley asks, grabbing her mother by the arm.

 

"Uh, yeah, honey, I'm fine.  I just, I didn't have any lunch today, so my stomach is a little upset and I just felt kinda weak.  I'll feel better once we eat."

 

"Come on, I'll help you."  Ashley takes her mother by the arm and helps her into the dining room, Dylan looking on, both worried that Debra Lynn's health is starting to decline, and feeling guilty for continuing to keep the secret of Debra Lynn's illness from Ashley.  

Later....

As dinner is winding down, the large crowd of assembled Ewing family members carry on numerous conversations around two tables in the dining room joined together to accommodate all the extra people.  

 

"So, Jasmine, how do you like Dallas so far?"  Krystina asks.

 

"So far, I love it.  Nice city."

 

"You plan on staying,or are you going back up north?"  Conner asks.

 

Jasmine looks at Conner, seated two chairs down from her, and smiles.  "Well, I'm definitely here to stay for now, since ,my family is here, and now I have all these new relatives to get to know."

 

"Jasmine, if you'd like, I could show you around some,"  Ashley says.

 

"Thank you, I'd like that, ummmmm....."

 

"Ashley."

 

"Oh, yes, Ashley," Jasmine says.  "You'll have to forgive me, I'm terrible with names, but I'll learn everyones' eventually."

 

"Well, it's not easy with a big family like this,"  Alex says.

 

"And gettin' bigger all the time,"  John Ross says, his words laced with bitter sarcasm.  

 

Lila looks down the table at him.  "Yes, well, I always did wanna be a part of a great big family.  I'm really glad I was able to find mine."

 

"And what a stroke of luck for you that the fam'ly you found turned out to have a lot of money, huh?"  John Ross asks.

 

Lila gives him an angry look.  "Money is the last thing on my mind, John Ross.  I'm just happy to have found my family."

 

"And we're very happy you did, too Lila,"  Donna says.  

 

"Thank you, Donna."

 

"You're welcome,''  Donna says with a smile. 

 

''So, now that I've met my two brothers, when do I get to meet this sister of mine I've heard about?"  Lila asks.  

 

"Well, Jill lives out in California, and I'm sure she'd love to come home to meet you soon,"  Justin says.  

 

"Or you could always take a trip out to California to meet her,"  John Ross says.  "Who knows.  You might even like it enough out there to stay."

 

"John Ross, why don't you stop being such a jackass?"  Catlin asks.  

 

"No, that's quite alright, Catlin,"  Lila says.  "If my little brother has somethin' to say to me, he needs to just come right on out and say it."

 

''You really sure you wanna hear what I got to say?"

 

"Yeah, damn right, I do."

 

"Lila, come on, it's not worth it,"  Cass says.  

 

"John Ross, that's enough,"  Bobby says.  "Lila and Cass are not only our guests, but also part of this family."

 

"Lila, fair warning,"  Clay says.  "John Ross can't help himself.  He has a chronic running off at the mouth disease, so you'll have to just ignore him.  He treats everybody like crap."

 

"Only those who deserve it,"  John Ross says.

 

"Alright now, that's enough,"  Bobby says, beginning to lose his patience wit his bickering brood.  

 

''Cory, what are you majoring in at the University?"  Alex asks.

 

 

 

 

 

As everyone gets up from the table and begins to leave the dining room, Lila approaches John Ross.  The two stay behind after everyone else leaves the room.  She gives him a harsh look.  "Just what is it that you have against me?  Ever since you found out that you and I are brother and sister, you've been nothin' but nasty to me, and I wanna know why."

 

"I just don't like outsiders hornin' in on what's mine,"  John Ross says.

 

Lila looks at John Ross and smiles.  "Then I was right about you all along.  You're scared to death that I'm gonna lay claim to part of what's yours, namely that precious Ewing fortune.  Well, little brother, until now, that was the farthest thing from my mind."

 

"So that's changed now?  My, my, what a surprise."

 

"Maybe I will lay claim to what's rightfully mine,"  Lila says.  "I mean as a daughter of J.R. Ewing, I'm sure I'm entitled to somethin'."

 

"Let's get one thing straight, darlin',"  John Ross says.  "You are NOT a daughter of J.R. Ewing.  My Daddy never laid eyes on you and he never even knew you existed.  What you are, is simply one of his mistakes he made by hookin' up with a common whore, and that does not make you an heir to anything around here."

 

''Justin told me how you treated him when he first came here,"  Lila says.  "How you tried to overturn J.R.'s will to keep him from inheriting what J.R. had left him.  Well, now I think that I will fight you for my rightful place in this family, and my rightful place among J.R.'s heirs.  And I do mean FIGHT.  Because, DARLIN', you aint been in a fight until you've tangled with the daughter of a common whore."  Lila smiles at him again, then brushes past John Ross and leaves the room.  John Ross fumes with anger.

Meanwhile....a remote dirt road not far from Southfork....

  Ricky drives his Ford Ranger down a remote country dirt road a couple of miles from Southfork tat night.  Spotting another car parked on the side of the road just ahead, Ricky pulls up alongside the car and comes to a stop.  He gets out of his truck, and Shawn gets out of the car.  ''What did you want to see me about?"  Ricky asks.

 

"We have a problem," Shawn says.

 

"What problem?"

 

"That bug you planted at Southfork, it's not working anymore."

 

"But why?"