EPISODE 222 - The Cold, Hard Truth

 Bobby is in the kitchen the next morning pouring himself a cup of coffee when Christopher walks in.  ''Morning, Dad."

 

"Morning.  Coffee?"

 

"I'd love some."

 

Bobby pours his son a cup of coffee and hands it to him.  

 

"Ann still asleep?"  Christopher asks.  

 

"Yeah.  She was exhausted after that dinner party last night."

 

"You get any sleep last night?"

 

Bobby sighs.  "Not much.  I keep thinking about that bug we found the other day."

 

"Yeah, me, too.  Y'know, Dad, I'd really hate to think that Ricky was the one who planted that bug.  He seems like such a good kid, and he's always been a hard worker.  He's one of the best hands we've got, even as young as he is."

 

"I know,"  Bobby says.  "But Ricky is the only one who could've planted that bug.  Now, we just have to find some way to prove it.  Some way to find out for sure if Ricky is workin' for Shawn Smith."

Meanwhile....the stables....

  One of the hands at Southfork finishes his early morning cleaning of the stables.  Once he is done, the ranch hand leaves the stables and begins walking back toward the bunkhouse.  After he's gone, Ricky emerges from behind 

 the building.  Looking in all directions to make sure that no one else was around, Ricky quickly makes his way into the stables, where he walks over to a wall where several saddles hang, each one belonging to a member of the Ewing family.  Locating Christopher's saddle on the wall, Ricky takes it down and looks at it.  Ricky is about to put his plan into motion to avenge his father's death and make Christopher pay.  He smiles as he begins to tamper with the saddle.

 

Brad is sitting alone in his living room, still reeling from the shock of the news Amanda had brought to him the day before.  Brad's quiet solitude is interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell.  Not wanting to see anyone, Brad ignores the bell even after it rings a second, then a third time.  Meanwhile, on the other side of the door, Pamela is becoming increasingly worried about her brother.  Finally, she knocks.

 

"BRAD!"  She yells through the door.  "BRAD, IT'S PAMELA.  I KNOW YOU'RE HOME, BECAUSE YOUR CAR'S DOWNSTAIRS.  PLEASE, LET ME IN!

 

Finally, Brad stands to his feet and walks to the door.  He pauses for a second, then opens the door to Pamela.

 

"Brad, I've been calling you since last evening,"  Pamela says, walking into the apartment.  "Why haven't you returned any of my calls or texts?"

 

 

"Sorry,"  Brad says.  "I wasn't up to seeing anyone."

 

"Brad, what's going on?  What's wrong?"  Pamela asks.  "You look terrible."

 

"Thanks,"  Brad says, then he walks back to the sofa and takes a seat.

 Pamela walks over to him.  "Brad, what's going on with you?  Please, talk to me."

 

"Amanda's back in town."

 

"Amanda........Shepherd?"  Pamela asks.

 

"Yeah.  She came to see me yesterday, and she told me something."

 

"What?  What'd she tell you?"

 

"When Amanda left Dallas, she was pregnant with my child,"  Brad replies.

 

"What?  She was pregnant?"

 

"Yeah.  She gave birth to my son."

 

"Oh, wow," Pamela says.  "And the baby?  Have you seen him?"

 

"No.  No, I haven't seen him, and I'll never get to.  He's dead, Pamela.  My son died."

 

"Oh my........Brad, I'm so sorry,"  Pamela says, taking a seat beside him on the sofa.  "What happened?"

 

"What happened?  Bad genes, that's what happened,"  Brad replies sadly.  "Pamela, my son died of Neurofibromatosis.  He was only 5 months old."

 

"Oh my God, Brad.  I........I don't know what to say."  

 

Brad stands and walks across the room.  "What is there to say?  My son is dead.  I keep asking myself, why.  This illness, this disease, runs in the Barnes family, and yet, our father had three healthy children, you, me, and Emma.  Both my sisters have healthy sons, so why in God's name was MY son chosen to have this awful disease?"  Brad pauses for a moment, then turns to her.  "Pamela, I'm sorry.  I didn't mean that the way it sounded.  I'm thankful that Hunter and Randall and Logan are all healthy."

 

"I know,"  Pamela says, standing and walking over to him.  "You're angry, and I'd feel the same.  Brad, I don't have any answers for you.  I wish I did.  From what I understand, this disease strikes randomly.  Our grandfather, Digger Barnes, fathered three children.  Two of them died as infants, and our father survived."

 

"It's so damned unfair, Pamela,"  Brad says.  "If only I had known.  If only Amanda had told me, I'd have been there.  I'd have been there for her, and for the baby.  Now, I'll never get the chance."

 

"Brad, I'm so sorry."

 

Brad looks at her.  "Y'know, I always wanted to have kids.  To be a father.  When I was younger, I use to coach a little league team back east, did I ever tell you that?"

 

"No, you didn't,"  Pamela says.

 

"I really enjoyed those kids.  I always wondered what it was like to have kids of my own.  A son of my own.  Now, I'll never know."

 

"Brad, don't say that.  You WILL know.  Some day......"

 

"No, Pammy,"  Brad says.  "I can't.  I WON'T.  I won't take that chance.  Getting someone pregnant and having a baby, only to have it get sick and die when it's a few months old.  I can't take the chance because of the child, nor will I do that to any woman that I end up with.  And what about you, sis?  Does Justin know anything about the Neurofibromatosis?  I know he loves Hunter and Randall, but, don't you think he's gonna want kids of his own one day?  You got really lucky with your two boys, but can you really risk having a third child, especially since we now know that this disease hasn't gone away.  It's just been dormant for a while.  Do you really think Justin will be happy with never having kids of his own?"

 

Pamela looks at her brother, fears that she had long ago pushed to the back of her mind again coming to the forefront.

Southfork....afternoon....

 Michael and Jacob walk out to the stables at Southfork early that afternoon with Bryce Richardson.  "Glad you could come over today, Bryce,"  Michael says.

 

"Thanks for inviting me,"  says Bryce.  "To tell you the truth, after everything that happened, and the way that Heather feels about Mom, I wasn't sure I'd ever be welcome here again."

 

"Sure you're welcome,"  Jacob says.

 

"Yeah, of course,"  says Michael.  "Bryce, do you know why my Mom is so mad at your.......at Grandma?"

 

"No idea,"  Bryce replies.  "All I know, it has something to do with something that happened when Heather was young."

 

"Yeah, that's pretty much all my Mom would tell me, too,"  says Michael.  "Said she'd tell me when I'm older."

 

"I hate when adults say stuff like that."

 

"Me, too."

 

"I still can't get over the fact that Bryce is Aunt Heather's brother,"  Jacob says.

 

 

 

 

"Me either, but I'm really glad,"  Michael says.  "We became pretty good friends, and now we're family."

 

"Hell yeah,"  Bryce says.  "I still can't get use to having a nephew who's only a year and a half younger than me, though.  Just don't go calling me Uncle Bryce or anything like that."

 

Michael laughs.  "I promise."

 

A young ranch hand comes out of the stables.  "Hey, fellas,"  he says.  "What y'all up to?"

 

"Oh, hey Jake,"  says Michael.  "We're just going out for a ride, so can you saddle our horses?"

 

"You bet."

 

"And, Jake, saddle Christopher's horse for Bryce,"  Jacob says.  "Christopher told Bryce he could ride him."

 

"Sure thing, Jacob,"  the young hand says, then goes back into the stables.

 

"We would let ya ride Ol' Bucky again,"  says Michael.  "But he's got a sore leg, so my Dad says he's out of commission for a while until his leg heals."

"Okay, it doesn't matter to me which horse,"  Bryce says.

 

Meanwhile, Jake, the young ranch hand, saddles Michael's horse, then Jacob's, and finally, he takes Christopher's saddle down from where it hangs on the wall and places it on Christopher's horse.  A few minutes later, Jake walks the horses out to the boys.  "Here y'all go,"  he says.  

 

"Thanks, Jake,"  Michael says.

 

"Aight, you boys be careful, now."

 

"We will, Jake,"  says Jacob as he and the other two boys climb onto the horses.  Jake watches as they take off riding toward the south end of the ranch.

The Omni Hotel, Dallas....

 Amanda stands at the window of her and Steven's Omni hotel suite that afternoon looking out, while Steven is taking a shower.  Her mind is on her visit to Brad the day before, and the terrible news she'd had to tell him about the death of their infant son.  Soon, Amanda turns from the window, walks over to the bed, and takes a seat.  After a brief pause, she reaches over and picks up her cell phone from the table beside the bed.  Amanda looks at the phone for a few seconds, then begins scrolling through her contact numbers.  Finding the number she is looking for, she dials it and waits for an answer.  After the other party's phone rings several times, Amanda is about to hang up, when the person answers.  "Hi, umm, this is Amanda.  Amanda Shepherd.  I'm in Dallas, and I'd really like to see you.  I NEED to see you.  Tomorrow?  Morgan's Cafeteria on Hawthorne, 1 o'clock?  Please, it's really important.  Okay, I'll see you then."  Amanda ends the call and puts her phone down just as she hears the bathroom door open.

 

"Boy that shower felt great,"  Steven says, coming out of the bathroom.  "But now, coming out of that warm shower, I'm FREEZING.  Amanda, what's the thermostat set on in this room?"

 

Amanda gets up, walks over, and looks at the thermostat mounted on the wall beside the door.  "It's 65, no wonder you're so cold.  I'll turn it up to 78."

 

"No, 80 until it warms up in here."

 

Amanda adjusts the thermostat, then turns to her husband.  "I guess I'd better start getting ready if we're going over to your grandmother's."

 

"We've got time,"  Steven says, drying himself off.  "Y'know, my grandmother really wanted us to stay with her while we're in town.  Now, I kinda wish we had, but, I had all those meetings yesterday and this morning, so the hotel was more convenient."

 

"Well, now that you're finished with most of your business, we could always check out of the hotel and stay at your grandmother's house the next couple of nights,"  Amanda suggests.  

 

Steven looks at her and smiles.  "Hey, now there's a good idea.  I'll call Grandmother and tell her we're taking her up on her offer.  I don't wanna just show up at her door with our bags."

 

"Fine,"  Amanda says, near tears.

 

"Hey, sweetheart, are you okay?  What's wrong?"  Steven walks over to her.

 

"Yeah, I'm fine.  It's just being back here in Dallas is making me a little emotional."

 

"Still thinking about your visit to Brad Barnes yesterday?"  Steven asks.  

 

"Yes, I am.  Telling Brad about the baby was the hardest thing I've ever had to do."

 

"I know,"  Steven says, putting his arms around Amanda and embraces her.  "I know, sweetheart."

Southfork....

 Meanwhile, back at Southfork, Michael, Jacob, and Bryce are out riding in one of the many pastures at Southfork.

"Hey, why don't we ride down to the pond and show Bryce?"  Jacob says.

 

"Yeah, okay,"  says Michael.

 

"Pond?  Any fish?"  Bryce asks.

 

"Yeah, Michael and I have pulled a few outta there,"  replies Jacob.

Bryce is unaware that the strap holding the stirrup on is beginning to break.  

 

Pulling ahead of the other two boys, Michael looks back and smiles.  But his jubilation at thinking he is winning is quickly dashed as Jacob catches up to him, and soon the two are dead even, with Bryce not far behind and catching up fast.  Unfortunately, as Bryce is about to catch up to Michael and Jacob, the strap on his stirrup has almost come completely detached.  Finally, the strap breaks, leaving only one edge attached to the saddle, and when it does, the stirrup falls, causing Bryce's foot to slip.  Bryce's foot is caught in the dangling stirrup, and, losing his balance, he is thrown from the horse, yelling as he falls.  Bryce hits the ground hard, and, as the horse continues to run, Bryce is dragged behind, his foot still caught in the stirrup.  

 

Hearing Bryce yell,. Jacob looks back and sees his friend fall.  "MICHAEL!!!"  He yells.  "BRYCE FELL!"

 

Michael stops his horse and turns around in time to see Bryce being dragged behind the racing horse.  After a few seconds, the strap finally breaks completely, and the stirrup falls off, leaving Bryce laying on the ground.  Michael and Jacob rush back to check on him.  "BRYCE!!"  Michael yells.  He and Jacob quickly get off their horses and run over to Bryce, who is laying face down, on his stomach.  "Bryce!!"  Michael calls to him again, this time gently touching the other boy's shoulder.  Realizing that Bryce has been knocked unconscious, Michael turns him over onto his back.  He and Jacob are horrified when they see a large gash on the side of Bryce head that is bleeding.  

 

"Oh my God,"  Jacob says.

 

"Jacob, he's hurt bad,"  Michael.  "Go get my Dad.  HURRY!"

 

Jacob runs back to his horse, quickly climbs on, and races off in the direction of the house while Michael takes off his coat and places it under Bryce's head.

Southfork, near the stables....a few minutes later....

 Lucas, Christopher, and Bobby are placing some small bales of hay into one of the pens for the horses when Jacob races up on his horse.  "LUCAS!  CHRISTOPHER!"  The boy yells.

 

"It's Jacob,"  Bobby says.  

"Michael's not with him,"  says Lucas.  "Somethin's wrong."

 

Jacob stops the horse next to the pen.  

 

"Jacob, what's wrong?  Where's Michael?"  Lucas asks, worried.

 

"There was an accident.  Bryce, he's hurt bad.  He's knocked out and his head's bleeding."

 

"Where?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Two Stick,"  Jacob replies.

 

"Show us!"  Lucas says, and Jacob climbs down from his horse. 

 

"Dad, call an ambulance,"  Christopher says as he, Lucas and Jacob run toward the stables.  

 

Bobby takes his cell phone out from his pocket and dials 911.  "I need an ambulance out at the Southfork Ranch,"  he says.  "This is Bobby Ewing.  We have a young boy who's been involved in some sort of an accident, with a possible head injury."

 

 

 

 

Two Stick Pasture....

 Lucas, Christopher, and Jacob arrive at the scene of Bryce's accident a couple of minutes later.  The three get out of the truck and rush over to Michael and Bryce, who is still unconscious.  "Michael, what happened?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Horse threw him."

 

Christopher looks at the bleeding wound on the boy's head.  "He could be hurt bad."

 

"Dad, we have to do something,"  Michael says in tears.

 

"Your Grandpa has called an ambulance, Michael.  It'll be here soon and we'll get Bryce to the hospital.  Don't worry, he'll be okay."  Lucas and Christopher exchange worried looks.

A short time later....

An ambulance pulls out of one of the side roads on Southfork and turns onto Braddock Road twenty minutes 

 Dressed in her hospital scrubs for work, Connie Richardson rushes into the emergency department at Braddock Medical Center later.  Seeing her mother come in, Heather and Lucas hurry down the hallway to meet her. 

 

"Mama,"  Heather says.

 

"Heather, where is he?  How bad is he hurt?"  Connie frantically asks.

 

"He's bein' examined right now.  All we know is, he has a head injury, maybe a concussion."

 

"Oh my God.  What HAPPENED?"

 

"He took a fall off a horse,"  replies Lucas.

 

"Well, what was Bryce doin' on a horse, anyway?"  Connie asks.  "My son was at your house, Lucas, and it was YOUR responsibility to look after him."

 

"Mama, it was an ACCIDENT,"  says Heather.  "Nobody's to blame for this."

 

At that moment, a female doctor comes through a set of double doors and approaches them.  "Connie,"  the doctor says.

 

"Dr. Barksdale, my son, how is he?"  Connie asks.

 

"Bryce has a concussion,"  the doctor says.  "I've ordered some X-rays, so we'll know more when I get the results.  He also has a pretty badly sprained ankle, and some bruised ribs.  I don't think any are cracked or broken, but again, we'll know more when I get the X-rays back."

 

"Will he be alright?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Yes, I think so.  I would like to keep Bryce in the hospital, at least for tonight, for observation.  Connie, try not to worry.  I'll let you know as soon as I get the results of the X-rays."

 

"Can I see him?"

 

"Yes, of course.  He's awake and in some pain, so I'm going to give him something for the pain and to make him sleep.  But first, I need to know if he's allergic to anything."

 

"No, he's never been allergic to anything,"  Connie says.  

 

"Good, then we can give him something for the pain.  Come on, I'll go with you to see him. I need to check on him again anyway"

 

Connie nods, then follows the doctor down the hall as Lucas and Heather watch.  Heather places her head on Lucas's shoulder.

 

"Honey, I think I'm gonna head on back to Southfork and let Michael and Jacob and the rest of the family know that Bryce should be fine,"  Lucas says. 

 

"Okay.  I'm gonna stay for a while, at least until the doctor gets the results of his X-rays."

 

"Alright.  Call me and let me know what's going on,"  Lucas says.  He kisses his wife, then leaves.  

Southfork....the stables....later....

 Bobby, Christopher, and Lucas are at the stables later in the afternoon when Ray walks up.  "Hey,"  Ray says.

 

"Oh, hello, Ray,"  Bobby says.  

 

"I heard Heather's little brother had an accident over here today."

 

"Yeah, he did,"  says Lucas.  "He was out riding with Michael and Jacob, and he took a fall off the horse."

 

"Hurt bad?" Ray asks.

 

"Not really.  He has a concussion and a sprained ankle and some bruises, but he'll be fine.  Doctor's gonna keep in in the hospital over night for observation."

 

"Well, that's good."

 

"Question is how this happened,"  Bobby says.  "The strap on the stirrup broke on Christopher's saddle, and that's how Bryce fell."

 

"Strap broke?"  Ray asks.  "Mind if I take a look at that saddle?"

 

"Sure, it's hangin' over on the rail,"  Christopher says.  

 

"Well, thank God the boy wasn't hurt any worse than he was,"  Bobby says as Ray walks over to examine Christopher's saddle.

 

"Yeah.  Maybe we better take a look and test all those saddles,"  Christopher says.  "Some of the are pretty old.  Mine's about 11 years old."

 

"That's a good idea,"  Bobby says.

 

"Hey, Bob,"  Ray says.  "Christopher, Lucas, y'all come here for a second."

 

"What is it, Ray?"  Bobby asks, he and his sons walking over to Ray.

 

"Take a look at the strap.  That didn't just break, it's been deliberately cut."

 

"Let me see that,"  says Christopher, taking the strap.  "Are you sure?"

 

"Sure am,"  says Ray.  "See how smooth that rip is?  Now if that had broken on its own, it'd be rougher, but it's smooth.  That strap was cut all right, and whoever did it, meant for an accident like this to happen."

 

"My God, Ray, you're right,"  Bobby says.  "And since this was Christopher's saddle, that means.......someone was targeting YOU, son."

 

"Who would wanna target me for something like this?"  Christopher asks.

 

"I think first thing we should do is go up to the house and find out from the boys who saddled those horses,"  Bobby says as Jake, the ranch hand, overhears.

 

"Good idea,"  says Lucas.  

 

"Excuse me, Mr. Ewing,"  Jake says, walking over to the men.  

 

"Yeah, Jake?"  says Bobby.

 

"Did I hear you say you wanna know who saddled the horses for the boys earlier today?"

 

"Yeah, we did."

 

"It was me,"  Jake says.  "I saddled the horses for the boys."

 

"You did?"  Christopher asks.  

 

"Yes, sir, but I didn't pay any attention to anything bein' wrong with that saddle.  If I had, I never would've used it."

 

"Jake, it wasn't your fault."

 

"Did you happen to see anybody messing around with any of the saddles today, or maybe yesterday?"  Lucas asks.

 

"No, I didn't, but you might wanna ask Ricky."

 

"Ricky?"  Bobby asks.  

 

"Yeah, I seen him down here by the stables this mornin'."

 

"Jake, think back, did you see Ricky go into or come out of the stables this morning?"  Christopher asks.

 

"As a matter of fact, yeah.  Ricky was comin' out of the stables when I seen him.  I thought that was kinda odd, this bein' his day off and all."

 

"Thank you, Jake,"  says Bobby.  

 

"Yes, sir, and Mr. Ewing?  I'm real sorry about that boy."

 

"Thanks, Jake, and like I said, it wasn't your fault.  By the way, Jake, do you know where Ricky is now?  Is he in the bunkhouse?"

 

"Mmmm, so sir.  He and a couple other hands that had the day off went to a movie in Braddock,"  Jake says.

 

"Alright, Jake, I appreciate it, you can go now, and I'd also appreciate it if you didn't say a word about this to Ricky or any of the other boys,"  says Bobby.

 

"Yes, sir."  Jake nods and walks away.  

 

"Ricky again,"  Lucas says.  

 

"But why would Ricky target Christopher, especially if he's workin' for Shawn Smith?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Christopher, this Ricky, is it possible you might know him from somewhere?"  Ray asks.  "That he could have some sort of grudge against you?"

 

"No.  Ricky's only 17, so, there's no way."

 

"The thing we gotta do is get into Ricky's room in the bunkhouse and look through his things," Bobby says.  "As much as I hate the thought of invadin' someone's privacy like that, there may be a clue as to why Ricky did this, or some kinda proof linking him and Shawn."

 

"Okay, then, let's go,"  Lucas says.

 

"No, we can't do it now,"  Bobby says.  "If Ricky went into town with some of the other boys, we don't know how long they'll be, and besides,there are other hands around who'll see us.  We need to do this when there's no chance of gettin' caught."

 

"I got an idea, then,"  says Ray.  "Tomorrow mornin', send Ricky over to my place.  Tell him I need an extra hand over there, and I'll have Conner keep him busy for however long you need."

 

"Thanks Ray,"  Bobby says.

 

"Sure, no problem, Bob.  I best be goin'.  Call me tonight and we'll work out the details."

"Will do,"  Bobby says as Ray walks away.  He, Christopher, and Lucas all exchange concerned looks, each of them worried that they may have not only a spy in their midst, but also someone who is targeting certain members of the family for some unknown reason.

Justin and Pamela's apartment....that night....

 Justin and Pamela are getting ready for bed.  As they turn the covers down on their bed, Justin notices that something is troubling his wife.  "Pamela,"  he says.  "What's goin' on, darlin'?"

 

"Going on?"

 

"Somethin's been botherin' you all day, ever since you went to see your brother this mornin'.  What happened over there?"

 

Pamela looks at him for a few seconds.  "Justin, actually there IS something I need to tell you.  Something that Brad told me."

 

"And what's that?"  Justin asks.

 

"Amanda's back in town,"  Pamela says.

 

"Amanda's back in Dallas?"  Justin asks.  

 

"Yes.  She paid my brother a visit yesterday.  I thought you should know, before you maybe bumped into her or something.  I'm not sure how long she's here for, but, Brad said that she's here with her husband, who has business in Dallas."

 

"Her......husband.  Amanda's married?"

 

"Yes.  And, that's something else.  According to Brad, Amanda is married to Steven Frame, Bridget McKinnon's brother."

 

"Bridget?  You mean Alex's girlfriend?"  Justin asks.

 

"Yeah."

 

Justin turns and walks across the room.  A few seconds of silence follows as he looks out the window.  

 

"Justin, are you alright?"  Pamela asks.

 

"I'm fine,"  he replies, continuing to look out the window.  After a second, he turns back to her.  "It's just that, hearing that Amanda is back, it just..........it brings back a lot of memories and emotions.  When she left, I thought she was out of our lives for good."

 

"I know.  I'm almost sorry I brought it up, but, I figured it would be best if I told you rather than have you run into her.  Dallas may look like a big city, but in many ways, it's more like a small town."

 

"You're right, it is.  And thank you, darlin'.  So......Amanda's back.  I'm glad I know."

 

"You still have a lot of unresolved issues with her, don't you?"

 

"Amanda hurt and betrayed me.  She betrayed me with Jimmy, which made it even worse.  Unresolved issues?  I guess there's always gonna be unresolved issues where she's concerned.  But that doesn't mean I wanna see her.  If I never see Amanda Shepherd again, it'll be too soon."  Justin walks over to his wife and gently touches her face.  Pamela kisses him, then the two embrace.  As Pamela lays her head against Justin's shoulder, she struggles to hold back her tears, afraid to tell him what's really on her mind...........the disease that could prevent them from having a child of their own.

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

 "So y'all are sure Ricky Hernandez is behind that accident yesterday?"  John Ross asks, as Bobby, Christopher, Lucas, and Ray fill him in on their suspicions about Ricky, and their plan, the next morning.  

 

"He has to be,"  Lucas says.

 

"And there's no doubt about it, the strap on that saddle was definitely cut,"  says Ray.

 

"Only one thing I don't understand,"  John Ross says.  "If this Hernandez kid is workin' for Shawn Smith, then why the hell would he target Christopher?  Christopher, you haven't been involved in Ewing Oil in several months, not to mention the fact that you're Shawn's brother-in-law."

 

"I know, this whole thing makes no sense,"  Christopher says.  "I was up all night wracking my brain trying to figure out if it's possible that I might know Ricky from somewhere, but I couldn't think of anything."

 

Just then, a knock comes at one of the French doors leading to the back porch.  "That must be Ricky now,"  Bobby says.  "John Ross, Christopher, you'd both better make yourselves scarce."

 

John Ross and Christopher nod, then quickly leave the room.  

 

Bobby walks over and opens the door.  "Ricky, good morning,"  he says.  "Come in."

 

"Good morning, Mr. Ewing,"  says Ricky.  "Jake said that you wanted to see me."

 

"That's right.  Ricky, this is my brother, Ray Krebbs.  Ray's gonna need some help over at his ranch this mornin', so I told him you could go over and work at his place today."

 

"Yeah, we're a little short handed at my ranch right now, and Bobby said you're one of the best hands he's got,"  Ray says.

 

"Ummm, thank you, but, Mr. Ewing, I am very happy here at Southfork, and I....."

 

"Oh, I know that, Ricky, and it's only for today,"  Bobby says.  "You'll still get paid your same wages."

 

"And plus a little extra for the work you do for me,"  says Ray.

 

Ricky looks at Ray nervously, then at Bobby.  "Alright, fine.  I will need to change."

 

"Okay, you go on and change and I'll pick ya up in front of the bunk house in about fifteen minutes,"  Ray says.

 

Ricky looks at him and nods, then quietly turns and walks out of the house.  Ray, Bobby,, and Lucas exchange smiles, happy that Ricky has taken the bait.  Meanwhile, on the back porch, Ricky pauses, a worried look on his face, then he begins walking toward the bunkhouse.

Mitch and Lucy's apartment....

 

"Lucy, that was wonderful,"  Mitch says, finishing up his breakfast that morning.  

 

"Glad you liked it."

 

"Now, if only you'd been able to cook this good the first time we were married, we might never have gotten a divorce."

 

Lucy laughs at the comment while Daniel rolls his eyes.  "But Mitch,"  Lucy says.  "If we hadn't gotten divorced, then you'd never have met Daniel's Mom and you wouldn't have two fine kids, now would you?"

 

"That's true.  Well, I have to get to the hospital."  Mitch stands from the table and grabs his coat.  

 

"Lunch this afternoon?"

 

"Oh, Lucy, I'm sorry, but I can't today.  I have meetings all morning, and then this afternoon, I two consultations, so I'm just gonna have to grab a quick sandwich on the go."

 

"Okay.  Well, I'll see you tonight, then."

 

"You bet,"  Mitch says.  He kisses Lucy.  "Daniel have a good day at school."

 

"Yeah, Dad,"  Daniel says as Mitch walks out of the kitchen.  A few seconds later, Daniel and Lucy hear the front for of the apartment open and close.  

 

"You want another waffle?"  Lucy asks her stepson.

 

"No,"  Daniel says, standing to his feet.  

 

"Have a good day,"  Lucy says as Daniel starts to leave the kitchen.  He stops and turns back to her.

 

 

"Lucy, what the hell was that all about the other night?"  Daniel asks.

 

"What was WHAT all about the other night?"  Lucy asks.

 

"Oh, come on.  You know damned well what I'm talking about. What was the idea of making such a big thing out of suggesting that Cory and I hang out and become friends?"

 Later in the morning, Christopher and Lucas use the passkey to open the room at the bunkhouse Ricky shares with another young hand.  "Okay, Ricky's stuff is over here,"  Lucas says.  

 

"Well, let's see if we can find something to link Ricky to Shawn and maybe find out why he cut the strap on my saddle."

 

Christopher and Lucas begin opening drawers and looking through Ricky's personal belongings.  "I hate doing this,"  Lucas says.  "Makes me feel like a burglar or something."

 

"Yeah, me, too, but this is the only way we're gonna find out what we need to know about Ricky Hernandez, if that's his real name."

 

The two continue searching for a few minutes in silence.  "Find anything yet?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Nope, nothing yet,"  replies Christopher.  Closing the drawer of Ricky's dresser, Christopher walks over to the bed, gets down on his knees and looks under the bed.  Spotting Ricky's trunk, Christopher reaches under the bed and pulls the trunk out.  Unfortunately, the trunk is locked.  "Damn."

 

"What is it?"  Lucas asks.

 

"A trunk.  But it's locked.  Maybe there's a key around here someplace."

 

"Wait, I think I saw,"  Lucas says.  He walks over to the dresser and looks around.  He opens the bottom drawer and finds a small screwdriver.  Walking back over to the trunk, he begins picking at the lock with the screwdriver.  "Now let's see if I still remember how to pick a lock."  Lucas works at the lock for a few moments, then, finally, it pops open.

 

Christopher is impressed by his younger brother's talent.  "Lucas, where'd you ever learn how to pick a lock like that?"

 

"A friend taught me how when I was in high school.  We use to pick the lock on his Dad's liquor cabinet all the time."

 

"Okay, now let's see what's in here,"  Christopher says.  He opens the trunk and finds some photos and old newspaper clippings.  He begins looking through them, and comes across a photo that causes his mouth to fall

open in shock.  "Oh my God,"  he says.  He looks through some more photos, then some papers.  "I don't believe this."

 

"Christopher, what is it?"  Lucas asks.

 

"I know who Ricky Hernandez really is."

 

"Who?"

 

"Come on.  I'll explain on the way up to the house," Christopher says as he rushes out of the bunkhouse, followed by Lucas.

 A couple of minutes later, Christopher and Lucas rush into the living room at Southfork where Bobby and John Ross are waiting.  "Dad,"  Christopher says.  

 

"You found something?"

 

"Oh, yeah, I definitely found something.  Dad, Ricky Hernandez is Miguel Trevino."

 

"Trevino?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Yes, he's Nicolas Trevino's oldest son,"  Christopher says.

 

"Nicolas Trevino?"  John Ross asks.

 

"That would explain why Ricky, or Miguel would go after Christopher,"  says Bobby.  "Because Christopher killed the kid's father."

 

"So now that we know who he is and what he's doin' here, I say we turn this kid over to the cops,"  Lucas says.  

 

"No, not just yet,"  says Bobby.  

 

"But Dad, this kid tried to kill Christopher, or at the very least, hurt him.  Bryce could've been killed."

 

"I know, but this still doesn't PROVE anything."

 

"Then what do we do?"  Christopher asks.  "I want him off Southfork, I don't want him anywhere near the boys."

 

 

 

"Don't worry, he won't be around the boys," says John Ross.  "I'll take care of Miguel Trevino, and, with any luck, this Trevino kid will be the key to us nailin' Shawn Smith."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Morgan's Cafeteria in Dallas....later....

 

 Amanda is sitting at a table at Morgan's Cafeteria in Dallas early in the afternoon.  She looks at her watch.  1:03 PM.  The person she is here to meet should have arrived by now.  A waitress approaches her table.  "Would you like another cup of coffee?"  The waitress asks.

 

"Yes, thank you,"  Amanda replies, and the waitress pours her another cup.  

 

Meanwhile, Dylan walks into the restaurant.  Looking around, he spots Amanda seated across the room.  After a brief pause, he walks over to her table.  The two look at each other.  "Hello, Amanda,"  he says.

 

"Hello, Dylan.  I wasn't sure you were coming."

 

"I almost didn't."

 

"Please, sit down,"  Amanda says.

 

Dylan takes a seat across from her.  

 

"Thank you for coming."

 

 Conner and Ricky load the last bale of hay onto the back of a trailer in one of the pastures at the Krebbs Ranch.  "There, that's the last one,"  Conner says.  "Ricky, really appreciate your help around here today."

 

"Oh, it is no problem,"  Ricky says.  "I am happy to help out today."

 

"Umm, I'm gonna just text Ray and ask if there's anything else he needs you to do,"  Conner says.  Taking his cell phone from his pocket, he types a text message, but not to Ray.  A few seconds later, Conner recieves a reply to his text.  "Well, Ricky, Ray said there is just one more little job you can help me with and then I'll drive you back to Southfork, okay?"

 

"Yes, sure, fine,"  Ricky says. 

 

"Good.  First we'll take these bales of hay over to the other pasture and unhook it.  Dylan and one of the other hands will unload it.  Then you and I can head over to that other job."  The two get into the truck and drive away. 

Afton's Lounge.... 

 Afton is rehearsing one of her songs at her club that afternoon with her pianist, Joe, when Pamela walks in.  Pamela listens to her mother as Afton rehearses one of her old songs:

 

"Be my secret lover

Come on baby cross the line

Love ain 't a crime

Let's run away together

Just for now it's you and me

We're finally free

Steal me away

So no one will know

When did I leave

Or where did I go

Oh steal me away

I won't tell a soul

If you just steal me away

And never let me go. oooh

Steal me away

So no one will know

When did I leave

Or where did I go

Oh steal me away

I won't tell a soul

If you just steal me away

And never let me go."

"Alright, Joe, that sounded much better,"  Afton says when she finishes the song.  "Much better than before."

 

"Wanna do it that way?"  Joe asks.

 

"Yes.  Joe, why don't you go ahead and take your lunch break?"

 

"You don't have to ask me twice,"  Joe says.  He gets up from the piano and leaves, passing Pamela on his way out.  

 

Pamela walks over to her mother.  "Hi, baby,"  Afton says.

 

"Hi, Mom.  Boy, I haven't heard you sing that one in a long time."

 

"That's because I haven't done it in years.  I thought I'd try something a little different and bring out some of my very old material, stuff I use to sing at the start of my career.  These old songs still stand the test of time."

 

Pamela sighs.  "Yeah, they sure do."

 

"Sweetheart, what's wrong?  You look like you need to talk."

 

"I do,"  Pamela says, nodding.

 

"Come on, let's sit down."  Afton and Pamela walk over to a corner table and take seats.  "Do you want some coffee, or how about some lunch?"

 

"No, thank you, Mom, I'm not hungry."

 

"What's bothering you, Pamela?"

 

"Amanda Shepherd is back in town, at least she's here for a few days with her new husband on business."

 

"Oh, I see."

 

"Amanda went to see Brad the other day, and she gave him some very bad news."

 

"What news?"  Afton asks.

 

"She was pregnant when she left Dallas.  Pregnant with Brad's baby."

 

"Brad's a father?  Well, darling, why is that terrible news?"

 

"Because........the baby died, Mom,"  Pamela says.

 

"What?  Oh my God.  I'm so sorry.  What happened?"

 

"Amanda told Brad that their son was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis when he was about 5 months old, and he died."

 

"Neurofibromatosis?"  Afton asks.  "Oh, good Lord.  That's a word I prayed I would never hear again, concerning this family.  I remember after you were born, I was absolutely terrified because I knew about the disease being passed on in the Barnes family.  So I had you tested, and you can't imagine my joy when the doctor told me that you were perfectly healthy."

 

"This disease, it obviously strikes so randomly.  Of course, I knew that Emma had some problems a few years ago and the doctors said that she was a carrier and could possibly develop it herself at some point.  But other than that, I haven't given it a second thought.  Both Hunter and Randall were born healthy, thank God.  And Justin and I had been talking about having a child of our own.  Justin wants a child of his own so badly, and that has nothing to do with how much he loves Hunter and Randall.  But Mom, how can I take the chance of getting pregnant again?  I took the chance with Hunter, and he was fine.  Randall was a surprise, but,  again, thank God, he was fine, too.  But what if I get pregnant again and my third baby isn't fine?  What if my next child is the unlucky one who will inherit this terrible disease?  Mom, how can I bring a child into the world knowing it might die?  And how do I possibly tell Justin that I can't give him the one thing he wants more than anything else in the world because I don't dare get pregnant again?  Mom what am I gonna do?"  

 

"Oh, baby,"  Afton says.  She reaches over and takes Pamela's hand as Pamela begins to cry.

A road on Southfork....

 Conner and Ricky are driving down a dirt road that cuts through one of Southfork's many pastures.  "Conner, isn't this part of Southfork?"  Ricky asks.

 

"Well, this section of Southfork adjoins the Krebbs place.  This is just a shortcut, that's all,"  Conner says.  A 

moment later, Conner's truck drives up to an old cabin beside a pond on Southfork and comes to a stop.  

 

"Umm, Conner, what are we doing here?"  Ricky nervously asks, beginning to become concerned about why Conner had brought way out here to this cabin.  

 

"We gotta pick up something inside for Ray,"  Conner replies.  "Come on."

 

"Sure,"  Ricky says.  The two get out of the truck and walk up to the cabin. 

 

Conner takes a key from his pocket and unlocks the cabin door.  He walks into the cabin, followed by Ricky.  As soon as Ricky walks in, John Ross and Alex step out from behind the door and closes it, startling Ricky, who turns around and is surprised to see John Ross.  

 

"Well, hello, Ricky," John Ross says.  

 

"John Ross, Alex, what is this?  What is going on?"  Ricky nervously asks.

 

"Thank ya, Conner, we appreciate this."

 

Conner nods, then leaves without saying another word.  

 

"What is this?"

 

"Have a seat in that chair, Ricky, or.........should I call you Miguel?"  John Ross says.

 

Ricky's heart sinks and begins to pound with fear as he realizes his true identity has been discovered.  "I.....I do not know what you are talking about."  he says in a last ditch effort to wiggle out of this trouble he's finding himself in.

 

"Cut the crap, kid,"  says John Ross.  "We know who you are.  We know that you're Nicolas Trevino's son, and that you cut the strap on Christopher's saddle yesterday."

 

"Heather's little brother, Bryce, could've been killed,"  Alex says.  

 

"Alright,"  Ricky says..  "So you know who I am.  What are you going to do with me?"

 

"Take a seat, Miguel,"  says John Ross.

 

Left with no alternative, Ricky, aka Miguel, does as he is told, and takes a seat in a chair in the middle of the room.  

 

"Alright, Alex, tie him up," John Ross says.

 

Alex pick up a rope and walks over to Miguel, then ties him to the chair.  

 

"Make sure the knots are good and tight,"  John Ross says.  "And then make sure to take his cell phone."

 

"This is kidnapping,"  Miguel says.  "When I am free, you will both be sorry.  You will both be in jail for kidnapping!"

 

"Just shut up,"  Alex says.

 

"Yeah, I guess technically, this IS kidnappin', but, what you did, cuttin' the strap on my cousin Christopher's saddle, well, that, uh, that right there, Miguel, is attempted murder.  Now you just relax and try and get as comfortable as you possibly can, because you're gonna be here for a while."

 

"What are you going to do with me?"  Miguel asks.

 

John Ross looks down at the frightened teenager.  "Well, Ricky, that's gonna depend on you.  You're gonna give us some answers we need.  First of all, you planted that bug at Southfork, didn't you?"

 

"I do not know what you are talking about."

 

"Are you working for Shawn Smith?"  Alex asks.  

 

"Shawn who?"  Miguel asks.

 

John Ross sighs.  "Well, I see it's gonna take a while before you decide to cooperate with us.  So we're just gonna give you some time to think about it."

 

"You will never get away with this," Miguel says.  "This is kidnapping, you and your son will end up in jail."

 

"Just shut up,"  Alex says.

 

"Oh, Miguel,"  says John Ross.  "You really should be grateful that you only been kidnapped.  Believe me, this would NOT have been my first choice of what to do to you.  Just sit there and think about what a fix you're in and decide whether or not Shawn Smith is worth protectin'."

 

"And no need to try and get away," says Alex.  

 

"HEEELLLPPPPP!!!!  Miguel yells out.  

 

John Ross laughs at him.  "Son, you can yell your head off and nobody's gonna hear you.  You see, this is a very remote little corner of Southfork that hardly anybody ever comes to anymore.  Nearest house is at least 4 or 5 miles away, and the walls on this old cabin my Granddaddy built are pretty thick.  Y'know, a person could just disappear out here and never be found.  The other hands would think you just ran off after cuttin' that strap on Christopher's saddle."

 

"Your pathetic attempt to scare me is not working,"  Miguel says.  

 

Alex looks at him and smiles.  "Maybe you're not afraid now, but by the time we're done with you.......you WILL be."

 

"Just think things over, son,"  John Ross says, then he and Alex leave the cabin, locking the cabin door behind them.

 

"Damn,"  Miguel says as he begins to struggle against the ropes.  

Braddock Medical Center....late afternoon....

 Bryce is sitting up in his bed at Braddock Medical Center that afternoon flipping channels on the television when someone knocks at his door.  "Come in,"  he says.

 

Heather, Michael, and Jacob walk into the room.  "Hey, you up for some visitors?"

 

"Yeah, you bet,"  Bryce says with a smile. 

 

"How do you feel?"  Michael asks.  

 

"My head hurts and so does my ankle a little."

 

"Man, you scared the crap out of us when you fell,"  says Jacob.

 

"YOU were scared?"  Bryce asks.  "How do ya think I felt.  I don't think I ever wanna get back on another horse again."

 

"Well, we're just glad you're okay,"  Heather says.  "You had us all real worried."

"So when can you go home?"  Asks Michael.

 

"Doctor says I have to stay in the hospital another night, but I can go home tomorrow."

 

"And you'll be back in school Wednesday?"  Jacob asks.

 

"I guess so."

 

Bryce and Heather's mother, Connie, walks into the room.  "Oh, hello, Heather, boys."

 

"Hi,"  Michael greets his grandmother.

 

"The boys wanted to come by the hospital after school and see how Bryce was doin',"  Heather says.  "I called the hospital before we came by because I wasn't sure if he'd been released yet or not."

 

"Well, no, the doctor wants to keep Bryce one more night just to be sure there are no complications from his concussion,"  Connie says.

 

"Bryce, you're lucky.  You get a couple days out of school,"  Michael says.

 

Heather smiles at her son's comment.  "Well, boys, I guess we'd better be goin'."

 

"Oh, Heather you don't have to leave on my account,"  says Connie.

 

Heather looks at her mother for a second.  "Well, the boys have a lot of homework.  And I'm sure that you wanna visit with Bryce."

 

"Yes, I'm on my break right now.  I have to get back to work downstairs in about fifteen minutes."

 

"Bryce, we'll see you in school,"  Jacob says.

 

"Yeah, bye,"  says Michael.  

 

"Bye, thanks for comin',"  Bryce says.

 

Connie smiles.  "Umm, Michael, if it's alright with your mother, perhaps you and I could go out for some ice cream or a sundae one day real soon?"

 

Michael looks at his mother.  "Sure, I'd like that."

 

"We'll see ya later, Bryce,"  Heather says, then she and the boys leave.  

The cabin at Southfork....evening....

 Almost four hours had passed since Miguel Trevino, aka Ricky Hernandez, had been brought to the cabin.  The terrified teenager continues to struggle to get his hands free from the ropes that bind him to a chair.  Miguel's heart skips a beat when he sees headlights through the window of the cabin.  Someone is coming.  A moment later, Miguel hears someone unlocking the door of the cabin.  Then, Christopher walks in, followed by John Ross, Alex, and Bobby.  

 

"Hello, Miguel,"  Christopher says.  "It's been a long time.  Last time I saw you, you were only about 10-years-old.  Which means that you're how old now?  About 15 or 16?"

 

"How'd you do it, son?"  Bobby asks.  "How did a kid like you create a whole fake identity, complete with a fake birth certificate and fake IDs?"

 

"You should know.  Money will get you anything that you want."

 

"So what are you doing here, Miguel?"  Christopher asks.  "You come here to get even with me for what happened to your father?"

 

"You MURDERED my father!"  The boy angrily says.

 

"I killed your father in self defense because he had tried to kill ME!"  Christopher says.  

 

"Your old man was a piece of filth,"  John Ross says.  "He was a criminal.  He shot Elena Ramos when she was pregnant with my son!  Both of the could've died.  If I had been there, I'd have put a bullet in his head myself."

 

"Shut up!  SHUT UP!!"  Miguel shouts.  

"Miguel, you were just a child, so I don't expect you to know what kinda man your father really was,"  Christopher says.  "But I'm gonna tell you exactly who Nicolas Trevino was.  He was a criminal who was involved with a very dangerous and ruthless Mexican drug cartel.  He was no better than a drug pusher on a street corner selling cocaine to kids."

 

"My father was a great man.  You are LYING!"

 

"Miguel, if you don't believe me, just ask your mother.  She knew what kind of a man Nicolas was."

 

"Alright enough of this Nicolas Trevino bullcrap,"  says John Ross.  "We know you came here to get revenge on Christopher for killin' that no account father of yours.  But what I wanna know now is.........have you been workin' for Shawn Smith, and did you plant that bug in our house for him?"

 

"You may as well talk to us, Miguel,"  says Bobby.  "Because you're not leavin' here until we get some answers."

 

"This is kidnapping,"  Miguel says.  "And since you know who I am, then you know that I am only 16, so you are kidnapping a minor.  A very serious offense."

 

"We haven't kidnapped you,"  Bobby says.  "We simply made a citizen's arrest.  We could turn you over to the sheriff right now and you'd be charged with attempted murder, also a very serious offense in the state of Texas.  You'd likely be charged as an adult.  So the best thing you can do is cooperate with us."

 

 

 "For what?"  Miguel asks.  "So that you can turn me over to the police anyway?  Well, you can all go straight to hell."

 

"Miguel, we have as much time as it takes to get you to talk,"  Bobby says.  "You, however, are gonna run out of time. You're gonna get mighty hungry at some point."

 

"And there are other ways to make you talk,"  John Ross says.  "Your mother and your kid brother, for example.  Now wouldn't it be a shame if anything were to happen to them?"

 

"John Ross,"  Christopher says.

  

"No, Christopher,  I'm done playin' nice with this little punk."  John Ross walks over to their young hostage.  "Trevino, you tried to kill, or at the very least, injure my cousin here by tamperin' with his saddle.  An innocent boy, a kid, got hurt instead.  Now the Ewings have an awful lot of power in these parts, and we can make things mighty rough for you.  And with a little effort, I'm sure I could also find your family in Mexico.  So the best thing for everybody is for you to just tell us the truth now."

 

"Miguel, I'll tell you what we're prepared to do,"  Bobby says.  "You cooperate with us, tell us the truth about you and Shawn Smith, and we won't turn you in to the sheriff.  We'll let you go."

 

John Ross looks at his uncle, shocked that Bobby would make such a suggestion.  

 

"You'd better take the offer, Miguel,"  says Christopher.

 

Miguel looks at him angrily and remains silent.  

 

"Why don't we just let him think about it over night?"  Christopher asks.  "I'm sure by morning, after all that time without anything to eat or drink, Miguel will see things differently."

 

"Good idea,"  says Bobby.  

 

"You all go on back to the house,"  Christopher says.  "I'm gonna stay here with him."

 

"Son, are you sure that's a good idea?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Don't worry, Dad.  We'll be fine.  I'm not gonna hurt him.  Miguel and I are just gonna talk.  So y'all go on to the house."

 

"Alright, let's go,"  Bobby says.

 

"Christopher, you need anything, give us a call,"  says John Ross.

 

"I will,"  Christopher replies.  John Ross, Bobby, and Alex leave the cabin.  After they're gone, Christopher walks over and takes a seat across from Miguel.

 

"You think you are going to frighten me?"  Miguel asks.  "Get me to crack?  Well, you are wrong.  You can go to hell, Christopher Ewing, and I WILL pay you back.  I will avenge my father's death if it is the last thing that I do."

 

"You really think you're smart, don't you?"  Christopher asks.  "But I've got news for you, Miguel, you're NOT.  You're just a dumb kid who has a hell of a lot to learn about the world, and about people.  You think Shawn Smith gives a damn about you?  You think he'd protect you the way you're protectin' him right now?  Hell, no.  He'd throw you under the bus and save his own skin.  You think your father was this great man who did no wrong?  Who told you that?  Did your mother tell you that?"

 

"I know my father!  He was a good man.  He was an excellent father!"

 

"Nicolas may have been a good father, but why don't you ask your mother what kind of  a husband he was? Why don't we just call Elena Channing in California and ask her what kind of a man he was?  Or I can tell you what kind of a man your father was."

 

"Shut up!  I will NOT listen to your LIES!"

 

"Oh, you're gonna listen, son,"  Christopher says, standing to his feet.  "You've got no other choice but to listen.

"Do you know why your father came here to Dallas in the first place?  He came here to destroy my family and to take our company away from us.  He was working for a Mexican drug cartel who wanted to use our company, Ewing Global, as a front for their operation.  This cartel was very dangerous.  They were evil, they murdered people.  Kidnapped people. Got kids hooked on drugs.  And that's just the tip of the ice berg.  They were even plotting to overthrow and take over the Mexican government.  These were the men that your SAINTLY father was working for. And Nicolas tried to kill me.  He had a bomb planted in my car, but thankfully, there was an informer inside the cartel who blew the whistle on Nicolas, and I wasn't in that car when the bomb went off.  But I had to fake my own death and go into hiding for weeks while my family grieved for me."

 

"STOP IT!  SHUT UP!"  Miguel yells, tears running down his face.

 

"No, YOU SHUT UP!  You're gonna listen to this.  Because you need to know everything your father did, the things he was capable of.  Well after I went into hiding, Nicolas found me.  He kidnapped me and Elena Ramos.  He shot Elena, and she was pregnant.  And then he was gonna kill me, but I managed to get my hands on a gun and I shot him before he was able to get me.  And THAT'S the kind of a man Nicolas Trevino, your father, was!"

 

Miguel begins to cry.  "The man that I remember........the man I knew as my father.......was a good, kind, and caring man.  And you took him away.  Away from his family, his wife, and his sons.  I remember my little brother crying himself to sleep every night for nearly two years after my Papa was taken from us.  I remember my Mama having to comfort him at night.  I remember having to comfort my little brother AND my Mama."

 

"Miguel, I'm real sorry about what you and your family went through,"  Christopher says.  "But I did what I had to do.  Now you can believe what I've told you about your father, or you don't have to.  You can ask your mother, or even go to the CIA.  They were in charge of the operation to take down Nicolas and the cartel.  It's all in the record."

 

Miguel looks up at Christopher, tears in his eyes.

 

"Y'know, for a long time, what I did haunted me,"  Christopher says.  "For months I had horrible nightmares about that night.  You can't even imagine how many times I thought about your mother, and about her two little boys, and them losing their father because of me.  I nearly lost my mind because I felt so guilty for killing the man who wanted to kill ME.  You want me to pay for taking your father's life, well, I already HAVE paid."  Christopher walks across the room, looks out the window, and after a pause, he turns back to Miguel, tears running down his own face.  He walks over to Miguel and begins untying the ropes that bind the boy.

 

"What are you doing?"  Miguel asks.  

 

Christopher unties Miguel.  "There,"  he says.  "Get up."

 

Unsure of what Christopher is up to, Miguel slowly stands to his feet, then turns and faces him with an angry look on his face.

 

"You want revenge for your father's death, Miguel?"  Christopher asks.  "Then I'm gonna give you a chance.  You can do whatever the hell you want to me, and I won't stop you, if you really want revenge that bad.  So come on.  Do whatever you will."

 

Miguel looks at him, staring silently at Christopher through his tears.  

 

"Well?  Come on!"  Christopher says.  "You came here for revenge.  So come on.  I'm giving you your chance, Miguel.  TAKE IT!  COME ON!  COME ON!!"

 

"YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!!!"  Miguel loudly yells as he charges at Christopher and begins beating him in the chest with his fists.  "YOU KILLED MY PAPA!!  YOU KILLED HIM!  YOU TOOK HIM AWAY AND YOU KILLED HIM!!!!!"  He screams as he continues to hit Christopher in the chest, crying.  After a ,moment. Miguel stops hitting his target, then collapses to his knees in front of Christopher, crying uncontrollably.  

 

Christopher's heart bleeds for the boy.  He kneels in front of Miguel and puts his arm around the boy.  Then Christopher pulls him into an embrace as Miguel continues to cry.  "It's okay, son,"  Christopher says in an attempt to comfort the boy.  "It's okay, just let it all out."  Sitting in the middle of the floor of the small cabin, Christopher holds Miguel in his arms as the boy finally releases all of his grief and anger in the form of tears....

The next morning....

 A southfork pickup drives out to the old cabin the next morning and comes to a stop beside the building.  Bobby, John Ross, and Lucas get out of the truck and walk up to the cabin.  Bobby knocks on the door, but no one answers.  "Christopher?"  He calls.  When he again receives no answer, he tries the door, and finds it unlocked.  The three walk into the cabin, and are shocked to find no one there,  Christopher and Miguel are gone.

 

"Where the hell are they?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I don't know,"  Bobby replies.  

 

"Hey, Dad,"  Lucas says, pointing to the rope on the floor, the rope that had bound Miguel earlier.

 

"I've got a bad feelin' about this,"  says Bobby.  "Come on."  The three Ewing men walk out of the cabin and look around.  "CHRISTOPHER!"  Bobby calls.

 

"OVER HERE!"  Christopher replies in the distance.  

 

Bobby, John Ross, and Lucas walk around to the back of the cabin and see Christopher and Miguel walking toward them from the small pond that sits behind the cabin.  

 

"We're okay,"  Christopher says as he and Miguel reach the other three.  

 

"Christopher, what's going on?"  Bobby asks.  "Why did you let him loose?"

 

Christopher looks at the boy, then at his father.  "It's okay, Dad.  Miguel and I had a long talk last night.  I explained everything to him, and, he's ready to help us.  Right, Miguel?"

 

"Yes,"  Miguel timidly replies.  "Shawn Smith paid me to place that bug at Southfork."

 

"And what about Christopher's saddle?"  John Ross asks.  "Smith pay you to mess with that, too?"

 

"He wanted me to do something, to cause an accident at Southfork that would hurt someone.  I chose Christopher because......"  Miguel pauses and lowers his head.  "Because of my father."

 

"Dad, everyone, let's go back up to the house, and we'll explain everything."

 

"Yeah, and then we can call the sheriff and have this little punk hauled off to jail."

 

"NO, John Ross,"  Christopher says.

 

"What the hell do you mean, no?  This kid tried to kill you."

 

"Like I said, let's go up to the house and we can talk.  Miguel and I could both use some breakfast."  Christopher and Miguel begin walking toward the truck as Bobby, John Ross, and Lucas exchanged puzzled looks, each of them bewildered by Christopher seeming to go so easy on a boy that had wanted to kill him.  Christopher and Miguel get into the back seat of the extended cab pickup.  After a few seconds, Bobby, Christopher and Lucas walk over to the truck, Bobby and John Ross getting in front, with Bobby driving, and Lucas getting into the back seat with Christopher and Miguel.  Then, Bobby drives off in the direction of the main house....

END OF EPISODE 222....