EPISODE 225 - When Push Comes To Shove

 A Southfork pickup truck turns into the front gate at the ranch, and, a few seconds later, comes to a stop in the parking area in rear of the house.  Bobby, Christopher, Lucas, Michael and Jacob get out of the truck, the Ewing men returning from their weekend camping trip to Martin Creek Lake in East Texas.  Ann, Courtney, and Heather come out of the house to meet them.  "Welcome home,"  Ann says, greeting Bobby with a hug and kiss.

 

"Thank you."

 

"Did y'all have a good time?"  Heather asks.

 

"It was awesome,"  replies Michael.  "Even when me and Jacob fell in the creek and almost drowned."

 

"What?"  Courtney asks, stunned.

 

"Michael, what are you talking about?"  Heather asks.

 

"It's a long story, and we'll explain,"  Lucas says.

 

"And as you can see, the boys are fine,"  says Christopher.

 

"Well, I can't wait to hear all about this,"  Courtney says.  

 

"Neither can I,"  says Heather.  "Come on, let's get y'all inside."

 

"How's Alex?"  Lucas asks.

 

"He's still feelin' real bad, but his fever's broke,"  Heather replies as the group walks toward the house.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

 Debra Lynn is packing her things in her room at the hospital, with Ashley helping.  "I just brought some of the things I thought you might need for the short term,"  Ashley says.  

 

"Thank you, sweetheart."

 

"Mom, I don't like this.  I don't like this at all.  I wanna come with you and Jimmy to Miami."

 

"Ashley. we've been all through this,"  Debra Lynn says.  "You need to stay here and continue with school.  Your brother will be with me, and he'll let you know if..........if anything happens and you need to come.  Only thing is, I don't like leaving you here alone."

 

"Mom, I won't be alone,"  Ashley says.  "I have Dylan, and Clay, and Uncle Ray, Aunt Donna, Uncle Bobby, Aunt Ann, and all the rest of the Ewings."

 

"I know.  That's the only reason I'm letting you stay here.  I know you'll be well taken care of.  But honey, I do wish that you didn't insist on staying at the house all alone."

 

"I'll be fine,"  Ashley says as Jimmy and Clay walk into the room, Jimmy holding little Eve. 

 

"Mommy!"  Eve says, running to her mother.

 

"Hey, baby,"  Debra Lynn says, embracing the child.  

 

"We're going on a trip,"  Eve says.

 

"Yes, baby, we are.  Are you all packed?"

 

"Aaalllll packed,"  the little girl replies.  

 

"Mom,"  Jimmy says.  "Dr. Philbin says we'll be leaving in just a few minutes."

 

Debra Lynn nods.  "Alright.  Hello, Clay."

 

"Hi,"  Clay says.

 

"I talked to Justin,"  Jimmy says.  "He's gonna take over running Ewing Records again while I'm gone."

 

"Jimmy and I were talking outside,"  says Clay.  "And, we're both a little worried about Ashley staying way out at the house by herself.  So, Ashley, I'd like very much if you would come stay with me while Jimmy and your mother are gone."

 

"Clay, I really appreciate the offer, but, no,"  Ashley says.  "You have your own life, and I don't want to intrude on that."

 

"You wouldn't be intruding."

 

"Thanks again, but, I'll be fine at the house."

 

"Ashley, sweety, I really wish you'd take Clay up on his offer,"  says Debra Lynn.  "It would make me feel much better."

 

"Me, too,"  Jimmy says.  "Since I won't be here to look out for you, I'd feel a lot better if you were with Clay."

 

Ashley looks at her two brothers.  "Well, this is a switch.  The two of you agreeing on something."

 

"Yeah, who'd have thought that when I first came to Dallas two years ago, huh?"  Clay says.

 

"Well, certainly not me,"  says Jimmy.  "But, I do know that you care an awful lot about our little sister here, and I know she'll be in good hands with you.  So, Ash, for ALL our sakes, and for our peace of mind, take Clay up on his offer.  Please?"

 

"My apartment is plenty big enough for both of us."

 

Ashley looks at Clay and nods.  "Okay, fine.  I'll come and stay with you."

 

Clay smiles.  "Great."

 

"Well, we'd better get Mom checked out of here and get to the airport," Jimmy says.

 

Ashley walks over to her mother and embraces her.  "Mom, this treatment is gonna work.  I just KNOW it."

 

"I hope so, baby.  I got you and Jimmy raised, and I wanna be there to see your little sister grow up, too.  And to see my grandchildren."

 

A knock comes at the door.  Clay walks over and opens the door to find Justin.  "Hey, come in."

 

"Thanks,"  Justin says, walking into the room,  "I'm glad I caught y'all before you left for the airport.  I just wanted to see Debra Lynn and Jimmy and say bye to y'all."

 

"That means a lot, Justin,"  says Debra Lynn.  

 

"I also wanted to say bye to this sweet little niece of mine,"  Justin says, picking Eve up in his arms. 

 

"Well, I've had a lot of visitors this morning,"  Debra Lynn says.  "Dylan, and Ray and Donna came by.  So did Lucy, and Bobby and Ann, and Krystina.  They all came to wish me luck.  And Justin, thank Pamela for the phone call."

 

"I will.  You know you got the whole fam'ly pullin' for you, and we're all gonna be prayin' real hard that this treatment works and that you come back to Dallas healthy as a horse in a few months."

 

Debra Lynn smiles.  "Thank you."

 

"Mom, we better go,"  Jimmy says.

 

"Yes."

 

Jimmy turns to Justin, who puts Eve down.  "I'm really gonna miss you, man,"  Jimmy says.

 

"I'm gonna miss you, too.  You hurry back here, real soon.  I need my best friend."

 

"You bet."

 

"Debra Lynn......my prayers go with you,"  Justin says, hugging her.

 

"Thank you, Justin.  And, you help Clay look after my little girl, will you?"

 

"Count on it."

 

"Well, let's go,"  Debra Lynn says.  Jimmy picks up her bags, and then he, Debra Lynn, Ashley, and Clay leave the room.  Justin stays behind, a worried look on his face as he watches them go.

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport....later....

 Jimmy, Ashley, Debra Lynn, Clay, and Eve arrive at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport with Dr. Myron Philbin.  "We're at terminal C,"  Jimmy says.  

 

"Yes, we'd better hurry,"  Dr. Philbin says.  "Debra Lynn, I already have a room waiting for you at my clinic as soon as we arrive in Miami."

 

"Dr. Philbin, I can't thank you enough for what you're doing for my Mom,"  says Ashley.

 

Dr. Philbin smiles.  "Well, Miss Beaumont, you can thank me AFTER the treatment is successful."

 

"Well, I guess this is it,"  Debra Lynn says, turning to her daughter.  "I'm gonna miss you so much, sweetheart."

 

"I'm gonna miss you too, Mom.  I'm gonna come down and visit next weekend, as soon as you're settled."

 

Debra Lynn smiles.  "I'm gonna be expecting you.  Honey,. I'm glad that you and Dylan worked things out.  It wasn't his fault.  It was unfair of me to put him in a position of having to keep my secret from you.  Y'know, when I first arrived in Dallas, I had my reservations about Dylan.  But not anymore.  He's a wonderful young man, and I can see that he loves you with all his heart.  And I couldn't ask for anything more for my daughter."

 

Ashley begins to cry.  "Mom  I wanna come with you."

 

"Now, Ashley, we've already discussed this.  You're going to stay here and continue with school.  You can come to Miami whenever you want.  And we can Facetime or Skype every night before bed."

 

"Yeah, and Uncle Bobby said that you can use the Ewing jet any time to come to Miami,"  Jimmy says.

 

Ashley looks at her brother.  "Jimmy, I expect regular updates from you on Mom's treatment, and on how fast Eve is growing, everything."

 

"Don't worry.  You're probably gonna be talking to me more now than you did when we lived in the same house."

 

"Mom, I love you so much,"  Ashley says in tears, embracing her mother.

 

"I love you, too, baby."

 

"And you, little sis,"  Ashley says, kneeling down to Eve.  "Can I get a big hug?"

 

Eve looks at her older sister and smiles, then hugs Ashley tightly around the neck.  

 

"I love you,"  Ashley says to the child.  

 

"Debra Lynn, Jimmy, we have to go,"  Dr. Philbin says.

 

"Alright,"  Debra Lynn says.  

 

"Call me when you guys get to Dr. Philbin's clinic,"  Ashley says.

 

"We will. Clay, thank you for letting Ashley move in with you,"  Debra Lynn says.  "I'll feel a lot better knowing she's with you and not alone."

 

Clay looks at her, nods, and smiles.  

 

Jimmy grabs Ashley and pulls her into an embrace.  "I'm gonna miss you."

 

"I'm gonna miss you so much,"  she says. 

 

"I love you,"  Jimmy says.  "Clay, you'd better take real good care of our little sister here, or, you'll have me to deal with."

 

"You can count on it, Jimmy,"  Clay says.  

 

Jimmy walks over to Clay and shakes his hand.  "When you first to Dallas, we didn't hit it off."

 

"Boy, that's an understatement."

 

"I'm glad that we've finally been able to put a lot of that behind us and at least be civil to each other."

 

"So am I,"  says Clay.  "And who knows, maybe one day, we might even get to the point where we can be real brothers."

 

"Tell ya what,"  Jimmy says.  "You take real good care of our little sister, I'll think about it."

 

Clay smiles.  "You got it."

 

Ashley embraces her mother again.  "I love you, Mom."

 

"I love you, baby."

 

After a few seconds, Ashley pulls out of the embrace and walks over to Jimmy.  The two look at each other for a moment, then hug.  "Take care of Mom and Eve,"  Ashley says.

 

"I will.  Hopefully, if all goes well, this won't be for long."

 

"I'm gonna pray every night that Mom's treatment works and the three of you will be back here by this summer."

 

"I hate to break this up, but we really do have to go,"  Dr. Philbin says.  

 

As Ashley watches in tears, Jimmy, Debra Lynn, Eve, and Dr. Philbin walk away from them and head to the terminal to board the private chartered jet that would take them to Miami.  Clay puts his arm around Ashley as she cries watching her mother, brother, and little sister walk away.

 Clay comes out of his bedroom one morning two weeks after Debra Lynn and Jimmy left, and finds Ashley standing on the balcony, looking out over the Dallas sunrise.  He finds that Ashley has already made breakfast, which is on the table.  Clay picks up a glass of orange juice and takes a sip, then walks through the living room and onto the balcony.  "Morning,"  he says.

 

"Good morning."

 

"Breakfast looks good.  But you don't have to keep fixing me breakfast every morning."

 

Ashley looks at him.  "It's okay, I don't mind.  Besides, when I can't sleep, it helps to do something to take my mind off things."

 

"It's only been two weeks since your Mom went to the clinic,"  Clay says.  "It's too early to tell whether the treatments are working yet."

 

Ashley sighs.  "I know.  I'm just......anxious,"  she says, walking back into the apartment.

 

"I know.  But you've gotta be patient.  Well, let's have some breakfast."

 

"Oh, that's right, you're starting your new job at Ewing Oil today,"  Ashley says as they take seats at the table.

 "And here is where we keep all of our files, containing contracts, information on all of Ewing Oil's fields, and a list of companies we're currently doing business with,"  Sly says as she gives Clay a tour of the Ewing Oil offices.  

 

"Yeah, I remember,"  he says.

 

"Oh, Clay, I'm sorry.  I forgot that you used to work at Ewing Oil."

 

Clay smiles.  "Well, that WAS quite some time ago, so, I could use a refresher course."

 

"Well, don't worry,"  Sly says.  "Alex and my son Cole will be here in a couple of hours, as soon as they get out of class, and they'll be glad to give you the full tour, and show you where everything is in the new offices."

 

"Thanks, Sly, and I appreciate all your help."

 

John Ross comes out of his office carrying a file folder and some other papers.  "Sly, file this for me, would ya?"

 

"Sure, John Ross,"  Sly says, taking the folder from him.

 

"And, uh, I need about 20 copies of this right away,"  John Ross says, handing Clay the other papers. 

 

"Don't you have copy boys or someone to do that sort of thing?"  Clay asks.

 

 

"Yes, we do,"  John Ross replies.  "We have YOU.  Now get me those copies."

 Cass's secretary buzzes his office.  "Mr. Winthrop, Mrs. Winthrop is here to see you."

 

"Lila?"  Cass asks.  "Thank you, Doris, send her in."  Cass gets up from his desk and walks over to the door to greet Lila as she walks in.

 

"Well, hello, Cass.  My, my, I love this office and what you've done with it."

 

"Thank you.  Lila, what are you doing here?"  

 

"I wanted to talk to you,"  Lila says.

 

"Couldn't we have talked at home?"  Cass asks.

 

"Well, I wanted to talk to you in private, and, you know, Jasmine's almost always at the apartment.  It's a legal matter."

 

"Alright, sit down."  

 

Lila takes a seat in one of the chairs in front of Cass's desk.  Cass sits down on the edge of his desk.  

 

"Okay, what can I do for you?"  He asks.

 

"Cass, I was just wonderin'........I've been thinkin' about this a lot ever since we went to that big family dinner out at Southfork several weeks ago, and especially since I met my sister Jill when she was in town.  What I was wonderin' is........if I wanted to.......well, as J.R. Ewing's daughter, what are the chances that I might be entitled to part of his estate?"

 

"Well, that all depends."

 

"Depends on what?"  Lila asks.

 

"On J.R.'s will.  On how his estate was divided up in the will, and what provisions were made for his heirs."

 

"So, how do we find out?"  

 

"Well, Jay would probably know,"  Cass replies.  "I'm fairly sure that Smithfield and Bennett probably handled the will, since they've been handling Ewing affairs for the better part of 80 years now. We'd need to get a look at the will.  Lila, are you seriously thinking of doing what I THINK you're thinking of doing?  Going after part of J.R.'s estate?"

 

"I'm entitled, Cass.  J.R. Ewing was my father,. same as he was John Ross's, Justin's, and Jill's."

 

"Lila, if you do this, it could get messy.  You're just getting to know your new family.  Why stir up a pot of trouble?"

 

"Because of John Ross,"  Lila says.  "Ever since I first set foot on Southfork, John Ross has treated me like trash.  And the things he said to me that night we went out there for dinner......"

 

"Lila, I know, but......"

 

"No buts, Cass.  If I am legally entitled to any part of my father's estate........then I want it.  And I want YOU to help me get it.  If you won't do it for me, then do it for our son.  This could be Cory's inheritance, too."

 

Cass looks at her for a few seconds, then lets out a deep sigh as he runs his hand across his face.  "Okay.  I'll look into it."

 

"Today?"  

 

"Yes, today,"  Cass  replies, nodding.  "I'll let you know by tonight what I find."

 

Lila smiles as she stands.  "I knew I could count on you, Cass.  I always could."

 

"Uh-huh,"  Cass says, looking at her.  

 

"I'll see you at home tonight."  Lila kisses him on the cheek, then turns and leaves the office.  

 

"Oh, boy,"  Cass says, realizing that Lila's pursuit of part of J.R. estate could lead to big trouble.  

Westar Oil....

 Shawn and Samantha Chambers lay on the sofa in his office at Westar after an early afternoon lovemaking session.  Shawn smiles.  "I sure never thought that would happen again after the last time," he says.

 

"Neither did I, but, since we're gonna be doing business together, I figured we might as well throw some pleasure in on top of it,"  Samantha says.  "Your body's kinda hard to resist."

 

"Hmmm, so's yours,"  Shawn says.  

 

"You know, we really should be getting up and finalizing our deal,"  Samantha says.

 

Shawn laughs.  "I thought that's what we were doing........sealing the deal.  But, you're right.  We do have to be getting up.  I have an appointment with our OTHER partner in this deal, Brandon Harwood, in about fifteen minutes, and it sure wouldn't do for him to show up and us still here like this, now would it?"

 

"Nope, it wouldn't,"  Samantha says, getting up.  "I'm just curious about something, Shawn.  You, me, and Harwood are all goin' in this deal together.  So why did you arrange for our meeting to be an hour and a half before your meeting with Brandon?"

 

Shawn looks at her and smiles.  "Well, aren't you glad I did?"

 

"You sound like you knew that we were gonna end up makin' love."

 

"Let's just say.......I was hopin'."

 

"You really are somethin' else.  Well, I have a few other things to do this afternoon before I head back to my office, so, I'm gonna get dressed and go."

 

"In a minute,"  Shawn says, grabbing Samantha and pulling her back into a passionate kiss.

A few minutes later....

Brandon Harwood is waiting in Shawn's secretary's office when Samantha comes out of Shawn's office.  Brandon stands to his feet as Samantha comes out of the office.

 

"Thank ya, darlin'," John Ross says, sitting at his desk.  "You're doin' a good job.  Just keep Smith on that hook until we're ready to reel him in."

 

"John Ross, I really don't like playing double agent like this,"  Samantha says.  

 

"Well, nevertheless, you're gonna keep doin' it.  Don't forget, I could send that brother of yours to prison for a real long time.  And not only that, you're gonna help us nail Shawn Smith because you got a grudge against him yourself for Westar undercuttin' Chambers Oil.  So everybody wins here.  I'll be in touch."  John Ross puts down his phone and smiles.  

A farm in Coke County, Texas....afternoon....

"Well, Mr. and Miz Ewing, you've pretty much seen the whole place,"  says farmer Jim Murdock, as he shows Sue Ellen and Catlin his farm in Coke County that afternoon.  

 

"You certainly have a beautiful farm here, Mr. Murdock,"  Catlin says.

 

"Thank ya.  But, I'm afraid you folks made the trip down here for nothin'.  Like I told you on the phone, Miz Ewing, I'm still not interested in sellin'."

 

"Mr. Murdock, if you'll hear my offer, I'm sure I can persuade you to do business,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Ewing Oil is prepared to deal very generously with you.  We'll pay you 10% above market value for the 200 acres of your farm, and of course, you'll also share in the profits of any oil pumped out of this land."

 

Murdock smiles.  "Well, that IS a very generous offer, Miz Ewing.  It's real easy to see why Dusty felt the way he did about you."

 

Sue Ellen smiles.  "Thank you.  Dusty always spoke very highly of you, too, and your father."

 

"I'm real glad Dusty bought back the Southern Cross,"  Mudock says.  "Y'know, Miz Ewing, I grew up right here on this farm.  I remember when I was a little boy back in the early 70s, I use to ride my bike over to the Southern Cross and watch Dusty practice for the rodeo circuit.  My Daddy was good friends with Clayton and Dusty.  Miz Ewing, your offer is real temptin', but, I have a lifetime of memories here on this old farm.  Real good memories, and it'd be hard to part with a place I grew up on, and spent my whole life on, ya understand?"

 

Sue Ellen looks at the man for a moment, then smiles.  "Yes, Mr. Murdock.  I understand.  Well, thank you for your time, and for the tour of your farm.  And if you change your mind, please, give me a call."

 

"If I change my mind, I will, but, that aint likely to happen.  You take care, Miz Ewing.  Mr. Ewing."

 

"Murdock,"  Catlin says as Murdock walks away from them.  

 

Sue Ellen takes one more look around the beautiful farm, with its majestic horses running across the pasture.  "We'd better go,"  she says.

 

"Wait, you're, uh, you're giving up, just like that?"  Catlin asks.

 

"I completely understand Mr. Murdock's feelings about his family's home.  It's very much the way that Miss Ellie felt about Southfork.  And maybe she was right.  Just look at that, Catlin.  That beautiful landscape  Maybe farms like this, and ranches like Southfork and The Southern Cross should remain as they are, and never be destroyed by oil rigs and drilling, tearing up and destroying the land.  Ewing Oil will just have to find another source of new crude."

 

Catlin looks at his wife and smiles.  "I'm very proud of you.  You're putting peoples' feelings, and their love of the land, above money and profit.  Very rare in the oil business."

 

"Well thank you, my darling.  Let's go by the Southern Cross for a little while before we head back to Dallas."

 

"I have an even better idea,"  says Catlin.  "How about we spend the night there?"

 

Sue Ellen nods.  "That's a good idea.  And it'll give me time to think of what I'm going to say when I tell John Ross we didn't get the Murdock farm."

 

"Come on,"  Catlin says.  He puts his arm around her as they begin walking back to their rental car parked near the Murdock farmhouse.

Southfork....the cottage....that night....

 Miguel and his younger brother, Antonio, are playing a video game on their Xbox that night while Lucia is clearing the dinner dishes. 

 

"Ah ha!"  Antonio happily says.  "Now I've got you!  I'm going to beat you again!"

"Hi,"  he says.  "I'm REALLY sorry I'm so late with this, but, I got those things you said you needed from town."

 

Lucia smiles.  "Christopher, thank you.  Come in."

 

Christopher walks into the cottage and smiles at the boys.  "Hey, guys."

 

"Hi, Christopher,"  Miguel says, but Antonio is too consumed with the game that he doesn't even notice Christopher's presence.

 

"Like I said, I'm sorry I'm so late getting these to you, but, I took Courtney and Jacob into town for dinner, and then we decided to see a movie afterward."

 

"It is fine,"  says Lucia.  "You could have waited until tomorrow to bring this."

 

"Oh, it's no problem at all.  Courtney's on the phone with her Mom right now, and sometimes those two can talk for an hour or more,  What they find to talk about for that long when they just saw each other today is beyond me."

 

Lucia laughs.  "Well, would you like some dinner?  The boys and I just finished, but I could....."

 

"Oh, no, thanks.  Like I said, we had dinner in town, and then a bucket of popcorn at the movies," replies Christopher.  

 

"Well, a drink, perhaps?"

 

"A drink would be nice."

 

Lucia smiles at him, then walks into the cottages small kitchen.  

 

"OH, ALMOST GOT YOU!"  Antonio yells from the living room.  

 

Christopher looks at the boy and smiles.  "They're sure enjoying that Xbox, aren't they?"  

 

"Yes.  Thank you for bringing it to them."

 

"Not a problem.  It was one Jacob doesn't use anymore and I figured Antonio and Miguel could put it to good use."

 

Lucia hands him a drink.  "Christopher, I cannot thank you and your family enough for what you have done for my sons and I."

 

"Lucia, you're more than welcome."

 

"It is all very kind of you, after what Nicolas did to you, and, after Miguel came here to cause you and your family harm.  You could have easily pressed charges and had my son in jail."

 

"Miguel was very angry and hurt, and scared.  He's just a kid, Lucia.  Nothing would've been gained by having him locked up.  Especially since Heather's little brother Bryce is okay."

 

"If I had only told the boys the truth about their father from the beginning, rather than letting them think of Nicolas as some kind of hero, perhaps none of this would have happened."

 

"Hey, I understand.  You wanted your sons to remember their father in a favorable light."

 

"It was so much easier for Antonio,"  Lucia says.  "He was always more of a mama's boy.  But Miguel.......he and Nicolas were very close.  Miguel worshipped the ground his father walks on.  And he spent five years being very angry and bitter over Nicolas's death."

 

"It is not your fault.  You did what you had to do.  Nicolas would have ended up dead, eventually.  Especially with the men he chose to involve himself with.  That kind of life never ends well.  But now, his sons and I are still paying for his sins.  The Mexican government seized our home, our land, and almost all of Nicolas's bank accounts.  And I and the boys are left with nothing.  I do not know what I am going to do."

 

Christopher walks over to her.  "Lucia, listen to me.  I've told you.  You're more than welcome to stay right here for as long as you and the boys need to.  And if you decide you're too cramped here, I'll be glad to help you find a place in town.  A house."

 

"I cannot ask that..  You have done so much already."

 

"Listen, I OWE you that much,"  Christopher says.  "In the meantime, there are a couple things that we really need to get taken care of."

 

"Such as?"

 

"Well, first of all, we need to get you and the boys extended visas for you to stay here in the United States. My father has a couple friends in the state department who owe him favors, so I can pull some strings and get that done without a problem. And, then, we need to see about getting Antonio enrolled in school in Braddock. The school year still has about 3 and a half more months to run here."

 

Lucia looks at him and smiles.  "Christopher, you have been so kind to us.  And even though I still have my reservations about Miguel helping you with this head of Westar Oil, I will not speak another word of disapproval.  Miguel wants to help you, and it is only right after what you have done for us.  You are one of the finest men I have ever known, Christopher Ewing.  And your wife is a very lucky woman."

 

 

As Lucia touches Christopher's hand, Miguel comes to the doorway separating the kitchen from the rest of the cottage.  A look of both surprise and displeasure comes over the boy's face as he sees his mother with Christopher.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southfork.....Christopher and Courtney's bedroom.... the next morning....

 Courtney is straightening the pillows on her and Christopher's bed when Christopher walks in from the bathroom after taking his morning shower.  "Boy, that shower felt so refreshing,"  he says.  

 

"I'm sure it did,"  Courtney says, an angry tone in her voice.  

 

Christopher looks at her.  "Honey, I'm sorry that you were asleep when I came back in last night."

 

"Christopher, I was on the phone with my mother for approximately an hour and five minutes.  Then I waited for you to come home for another hour before I went to sleep.  Does it really take over two hours to deliver a bag of groceries only about a thousand feet from our house?"

 

"Courtney, I'm really sorry.  I started talking to Antonio about Grand Theft Auto, and, net thing I knew, I ended up playing a couple games with him."

 

"Is that all?"  Courtney asks.

 

"I had a couple drinks with Lucia."

 

"A couple drinks?  You had a couple drinks with Lucia."

 

"Courtney, it's not what you think.  Lucia was feeling particularly bad last night, and she started talking about Nicolas.  She just needed someone to talk to."

 

"And why does that someone have to always be you?"  Courtney asks.  

 

"Lucia doesn't have any other friends here.  She doesn't know anyone else here, Courtney.  What am I supposed to do, just abandon them to fend for themselves?  Miguel is, after all, helping us to......."  Christopher stops talking and turns away from her.

 

"Helping you to?"  Courtney asks.  "Help you to WHAT, Christopher?  You can go ahead and say it.  Lucia's son is helping you set a trap for my brother."

 

"Courtney, you know how important this is.  You know how Shawn has been going after Ewing Oil.  He had Miguel plant a bug right here in our home to eavesdrop on our conversations, and he used that to steal an important deal right out from under Ewing Oil.  Are we supposed to just sit still for that and not fight back?"

 

"No, of course not.  But because Lucia's son is helping you with this, why does that mean that you had to move her whole family onto Southfork and then act as their personal guardian angel?  You spent all that time last night playing video games with Lucia's younger son, but have you even spent any real time with Jacob since you came back from your camping trip two weeks ago?"

 

"Of course, I have."

 

"When, Christopher?  Five minutes in the evenings, when you're not over at the cottage keeping Lucia company or playing video games with HER sons?  Jacob was so proud when you came back from your trip and he told me that he'd started calling you 'dad.'  I was so proud."

 

"And you have no idea how proud that makes me, too."

 

"I have to wonder about that,"  Courtney says.

 

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

 

"Our son is growing up, Christopher.  He's changing every day, and he needs his father there to talk to.  But instead you seem more interested in Lucia Trevino's family than in your own lately."

 

"That's not true!"  Christopher angrily says.

Meanwhile....

Ann is standing in the doorway leading from the living room into the hallway, as Courtney and Christopher's angry voices are traveling all the way from their bedroom at the end of the hall to the living room.  Bobby walks into the living room.  "Annie?"  He says.   

 

"I wasn't tryin' to eavesdrop, but, Christopher and Courtney are fightin' again,"  Ann says.

 

Bobby sighs as he looks down the hallways toward their bedroom.  "Y'know, honey, I'm real worried about those two."

 

"So am, I.  It's been this way between them ever since Lucia Trevino has been here.  Bobby, maybe it was a mistake to invite her to stay here at Southfork."

 

"I was thinkin' the same thing, but, try tellin' that to Christopher.  He seems to have made Lucia and her sons his personal good deed project.  I can understand him wantin' to help her, but, I think it's more'n that.  I think Christopher is trying to ease his conscience over Nicolas Trevino's death."

 

"Christopher killed that monster in self defense,"  Ann says.  "He has nothin' to be guilty about."

 

"I know that as well as you do.  I just wish Christopher could see that.  And I also hope that Lucia itn't using Christopher's guilt to take advantage of him and hjs good heart."

 

At that moment, Courtney storms out of the bedroom, slamming the door behind her.  She comes down the hall and into the living room, stopping short when she sees Bobby and Ann.  "Oh, good morning,"  she says.

 

"Morning, Courtney,"  Bobby says.

 

"Is everything alright?"  Ann asks.

 

Courtney looks at her sadly.  "Yeah, everything's fine,"  she says, unconvincingly.  She quickly leaves the room and goes into the foyer.  Bobby and Ann exchange worried looks.

Jeremy Wendell's penthouse....

 Jeremy pours two glasses of  scotch and hands one to Shawn at his penthouse that morning.  

 

"Thank you, Grandfather,"  Shawn says.

 

"You're welcome.  Shawn, I can't tell you how proud I am of all you've accomplished at Westar, and pulling off this deal with Chambers and Harwood Oil is a true masterpiece.  Especially for someone so young as you.  You've proven your dedication to Westar, and proven yourself worthy to be my heir."

"Well, thank you, Grandfather,"  Shawn says.  "I can't tell you how much this means to me."

 

"Just make sure that you don't let me down,"  Jeremy says.  "I won't take that kindly, Shawn."

 

"Don't worry, Grandfather.  I won't let you down."

 

"I know you won't,"  Jeremy says, taking a sip of his drink as he looks sternly at his grandson.  "I know you won't."

Westar Oil....later....

 A smiling Shawn walks into Westar's offices a short while later and approaches his secretary's desk.  "Good morning, Carol,"  he says, cheerfully.

 

"Good morning, Mr. Smith."

 

"Any messages?"

 

"Ms. Chambers called and wants you to call her back as soon as possible, and Brad Barnes is waiting for you in your office."

 

"Thank you,"  Shawn says, still smiling.  He walks over to his office door, pauses, then walks in and finds Brad sitting on his sofa.  "Bradley, good morning."

 

"Shawn."

 

"Sorry I'm a few minutes late for our meeting, but I had to go see my grandfather earlier, and then stop back by my apartment to change."

 

"That's quite alright, I've only been here a few minutes."

 

"Great,"  Shawn says.  "Let's get down to business, shall we?  You all set up in your new office?"

 

 

"Yes, I am,"  Brad replies.  "I'm all settled in at both my offices.  I have an office here in Dallas where I can handle the day to day workings of the Commission, and one in Austin I'll be using whenever I have to go down there for meetings."

 

Shawn looks at him and smiles.  "Well, congratulations, Brad.  You finally got what you always wanted.......one of the most powerful positions in the state."

 

"And I couldn't have gotten there without you and your grandfather."

 

"That's right, you couldn't have.  And I sure hope that you always remember that, Brad.  And remember something else, as well."

 

"And what might that be?"  Brad asks.

"Just remember that, as easily as that position was given to you, it can be taken away,"  Shawn says.  "Make sure that you never give us any reason to regret placing you in such a position of power.  I trust that Westar will never have any trouble or run into any opposition from the ORC."

 

"None at all."

 

"Good,"  Shawn says.  "We have one goal here, and that's to destroy Ewing Oil.  To make it so that they won't be able to drill anywhere in the state of Texas and drive them out of business."

 

"Of course, I'm gonna have to real subtle about this.  Senator Matt Culver is gonna be watching me very closely.  If he even suspects that I'm using my position as head of the ORC to go after Ewing Oil, he'll be on me like a fly on honey."

 

"Well, then, maybe we should get Culver out of the way,"  Shawn says.  

 

"How?"  Brad asks.

 

Shawn walks over and takes a seat at his desk.  "Matt Culver is a politician.  A United States Senator who's up for reelection this year.  And politicians can easily be brought down by the right kind of scandal."

 

Brad laughs slightly.  "Yeah, well, good luck with that.  Matt Culver is about as clean as they come and as straight as an arrow.  There's not even a hint of scandal in his life, going all the way back to elementary school.  Believe me, I already dug into his life, hoping to find something I could use."

 

Shawn smiles.  "Brad, I learned a lot from John Ross back in the day, and one of the most important things I learned was........if there's not a scandal in someone's life, then you create one and put it there."

 

Brad looks at Shawn, smiles, and nods.  

Southfork....

 Christopher is working on one of the fences in the front pasture at Southfork early in the afternoon when a Southfork pickup truck drives up and comes to a stop, a ranch hand driving, with Bobby in the passenger seat.  

"Hey, Christopher,"  the ranch hand says as Bobby gets out of the truck.

 

"Hey, what's up, Jack."

 

"Jack, I appreciate it,"  Bobby."

 

"Sure thing, Mr. Ewing.  I'll see y'all later.  I'm gonna go help Bill check the herd," Jack says, then drives away.

 

"Give me a hammer and a handful of those nails there, son,"  Bobby says.

 

Christopher picks up a hammer and gives it to him.  "Dad, what are you doing out here?"  Christopher asks.  "I thought Lucas was coming to help me with this fence."

 

"I asked Lucas to let me come instead,"  replies Bobby.  "I thought maybe you and I could talk while we worked."

 

Christopher nods.  "Okay.  Anything in particular you wanna talk about?"

 

"Yes, there is.  Son, I'm worried about you.  I'm worried about you and Courtney."

 

"Courtney and I are fine, Dad,"  Christopher says, returning to his work on the fence.  

 

"Are you, son?  Christopher, I have always tried my damndest to never meddle in your relationships.  And I'm not trying to interfere now, but, I see the tension between you and your wife growing every day, and that concerns me.  Especially since I think I know what the problem between you is."

 

"Okay, Dad.  What do you think our problem is?"  

 

"You know as well as I do.  Lucia Trevino."

 

"Dad......"

 

"Son, you've been spending an awful lot of time with Lucia since she's been here.  Lucia's a VERY attractive woman, so can ya blame Courtney for bein' a little bit jealous?"

 

"Dad, there is NOTHING going on between me and Lucia,"  Christopher says.   "She's just a friend who I'm trying to help."

 

"Well, my next question is this........are you sure that you're helping Lucia out of friendship, or out of guilt?"

 

 "Now you're sounding just like Courtney," says Christopher.  "Why does everyone think that my helping Lucia is because I feel guilty about something?"

 

"Itn't it?"  Bobby asks.  "Christopher you've been carrying around your guilt over Nicolas Trevino's death for years.  I honestly thought that you had come to terms with that a long time ago when you in therapy with Ryan Benson."

 

Christopher sighs.  "Yeah, I thought I had too, until I found out that Ricky Hernandez was really Miguel Trevino, and why he was here. Dad, that night in the cabin, when we were holding Miguel after we found out he was Nicolas's son.........that night I really saw the effects of what I had done.  Yes, I killed Nicolas in self defense, but, it was only his life I took.  There was also his wife and his sons.  Dad, I destroyed that family."

 

"No, Christopher, you didn't,"  Bobby says, placing his hand on his son's shoulder.  "If anybody destroyed that family, it was Nicolas Trevino himself.  He got involved with that drug cartel, and with Cliff Barnes in an attempt to take our company away from us.  He got into bed with some very dangerous men in that cartel, without any regard for his wife and sons.  Trevino was an out and out MONSTER."

 

"Yeah, Dad, he was.  But Lucia and the boys had nothing to do with that.  Dad, maybe you're right.  Maybe I am doing all this for Lucia and her boys because I feel guilty.  But this is the only way I know how to make up for the pain they've gone through.  Pain they went through because of me."

 

"Christopher....."

 

"Dad, please, just drop it."

 

"Alright, I'll drop it.  But let me just say one more thing.  Son, don't let this come between you and Courtney.  Your wife loves you very much, and I don't wanna see either one of your get hurt."

 

"Don't worry, Dad,"  Christopher says.  "I love Courtney and Jacob, and I'm not gonna let my helping Lucia come between me and my family."

 

Bobby nods as he manages a slight smile, but the look on his face is one of grave concern.

Dallas Love Field Airport....early afternoon....

 Catlin and Sue Ellen make their way through the crowded Love Field Airport as they arrive back in Dallas from their trip to Coke County.  "You gonna head straight to Ewing Oil?"  Catlin asks his wife as they walk through the crowd.  

 

"Oh, yes.  I have to talk to John Ross, and give him the news that we didn't get the Murdock property,"  Sue Ellen says.  

 

"How do you think he'll take that news?"

 

"Oh, about like he takes all bad or disappointing news,"  Sue Ellen replies.  Just then, the two almost bump into none other than Donna Love and her two granddaughter, Michelle McKinnon.  

 

"Oh, Catlin, hello,"  Donna Love says when she sees the couple.  "Sue Ellen."

 

"Hello, Donna," Sue Ellen says.

 

"Donna, what on Earth are you and the girls doing here?"  Catlin asks.

 

"Are you taking a trip?"  Sue Ellen asks.  

 

"No, quite the contrary,"  Donna replies.

 

"Actually, Grandmother is just returning to Dallas from a trip,"  Michelle says.

 

"Oh?"  Catlin asks.

 

"Yes, I went to Bay City for a week to visit my daughter, Marley, and to take care of a little unfinished business I had there,"  Donna says.  

 

"And how is Marley?"  Catlin asks.

 

"Oh, she's fine. Catlin, I'd very much like to get together with you sometime this week, if it's convenient.  I have some business I need to talk to you about."

 

"Well, alright.  Just give me a call, maybe tomorrow."

 

"Umm, Catlin, we really should be going,"  Sue Ellen says.  

 

"Oh, yes, we should.  We have a busy afternoon ahead of us."

 

Donna Love smiles.  "Well, fine, I'll call you first thing in the morning."

 

"Okay, I'll talk to you, then."

 

"Yes."

 

"Catlin, let's go,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"Donna, Michelle, nice seeing you both,"  Catlin says, and he walks away with Sue Ellen.  

 

"Nice seeing you,"  says Donna.  

 

Michelle smiles.  "Mrs. Ewing didn't look too pleased to see you, Grandmother."

 

"Believe me, darling,the feeling is mutual."

 

"Why, Grandmother!  You had a thing with Catlin Ewing, didn't you?"

 

"Michelle, that was a LONG time ago.  And I do mean a LONG time."

 

"But you're still interested in him, aren't you?"

 

"How about we just go get my bags and get out of this airport?"  Donna says.  

Downtown Dallas....early afternoon....

 Ashley and Jasmine are coming out of Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas early in the afternoon carrying several shopping bags each.  "I can't believe I spent so much money,"  Ashley says.  

 

"Ah, don't worry about it,"  says Jasmine.  "It's only money."

 

"I can't believe YOU spent so much.  How do you afford all that?  Your father's a lawyer, don't tell me he also owns an oil company."

 

"Cass isn't my father, he's my stepfather."

 

"Oh, that's right, I'm sorry.  I forgot,"  Ashley says.

 

"It's okay.  My real daddy, Matt Cory, is very rich, AND very generous where I'm concerned."

 

"Jasmine, that's got to be very confusing.  I mean, your last name is Cory, and your brother's FIRST name is Cory. How in the world did that ever happen?"

 

Jasmine smiles.  "Well, you see, Cass has always been pretty close to my Daddy's family, the Corys, who were Bay City's leading family.  And by the time my brat of a brother was born, Cass, my Mom, and my Daddy were pretty good friends, despite some ugliness I heard happened between my parents before.  So, when my brother was born, they named him after my Daddy's family."

 

Ashley nods.  "Makes sense."

 

"Ashley, can I ask you a question now?"

 

"Sure, anything."

 

"How long have you and Dylan been dating?"  Jasmine asks.

 

"A little over a year now."

 

"Well, Dylan and Conner are Ewings, right?"

 

"That's right,"  Ashley says.  

 

"And we're Ewings.  So, doesn't that make you and Dylan cousins?"  Jasmine asks.

 

"DISTANT cousins, yes.  Dylan and Conner are from a different branch of the Ewing family than us."

 

"I see,"  Jasmine says with a sly smile.  "So, what about Conner?"

 

"What about him?"  Ashley asks.

 

"Does he have a girlfriend?"

 

"No, he doesn't.  In fact, as long as I've known him, I've never known Conner to have a girlfriend."

 

"You.......you don't think he's gay, do you?"  Jasmine asks, somewhat awkwardly.

 

Ashley laughs at the question.  "No, I really don't think Conner's gay."

 

Jasmine breathes a sigh of relief.  "Good."

 

Ashley stops walking and turns to her.  "Oh my God," she says with a smile.  "Jasmine, you like Conner, don't you?"

 

"Well, umm, he IS awful handsome.  They both are, but, Dylan's already taken."

 

"Well, then, why don't you get to know Conner?"  Ashley asks.

 

"That's a good idea, cuz.  You said they were working out on their ranch?  I have an idea.  Let's take a picnic lunch out there and surprise them."

 

Ashley nods.  "Okay.  That's a great idea."

 

"Then let's go,"  Jasmine says.  The two giddy girls hurry to Ashley's car parked down the street.

Ewing Oil....

 

Sue Ellen steps off the elevator and walks into Ewing Oil half an hour later. 

"Sue Ellen, welcome back,"  says Sly.  

 

"Thank you, Sly."

 

"Welcome back, Mrs. Ewing,"  says Sally.  

 

"Thank you, Sally.  Sly, is John Ross in his office?"

 

"Yes, he is."

 

Sue Ellen smiles at her, then walks over to John Ross's office.  As she does, Clay comes out of Bobby's office. 

 

"Hi, Sue Ellen,"  Clay says.

 

"Hello, Clay.  I had almost forgotten that to were starting work here this week.  How are things going so far?"

 

Clay smiles.  "So far, so good.  Alex has been a big help to me."

 

"Good,"  Sue Ellen says.  She pauses a moment, and braces herself before she walks into John Ross's office.  "John Ross,"  she says.

 

"Well, Mama,"  John Ross says, standing from his seat at his desk.  "Welcome home.  How was your trip to Coke County?  Successful I hope.  So, tell me the good news.  Murdock accepted our offer?"

 

"No, John Ross,"  Sue Ellen replies.  "I'm afraid we didn't get the Murdock land."

 

"And why the hell not?  Did you up our offer?  Did you tell Murdock that he'd share in the profits of any oil pumped off that farm of his?"

 

"Yes, I did.  And, Murdock still wasn't interested in selling."

 

"Damn,"  says a disappointed John Ross.  "Okay.  All is not lost.  Time to lean a little heavy on the good farmer."

 

"No, John Ross."

 

"What?"  

 

"I said, no.  I don't want to lean on Murdock and strong arm him into selling his farm to us."

 

"Mama, need I remind you that YOU were the one who told me about the Murdock property in the first place, and that you were sure we could get it?"

 

"I know, and I'm sorry,"  Sue Ellen says.  "I was sure that Murdock wouldn't be able to turn down such an offer."

 

"Then why DID he?"

 

"Because he has a love of the land that runs much deeper than his love or need for money.  His family has lived on that farm for generations.  He grew up there.  He talked about riding his bike over to the Southern Cross when he was a boy and watching Dusty practice for rodeos.  I know that you were too young to remember when you and I lived at the Southern Cross, but, do you realize that, when we lived there with Dusty and Clayton, Seth Murdock was just a boy on his family's farm down the road?"

 

"Mama, what's gotten into you?"  John Ross asks.  "You didn't use to be this sentimental about land and the past."

 

"Maybe I didn't when I was younger, but I am now.  John Ross, Seth Murdock feels about his farm the way that Miss Ellie and Bobby always felt about Southfork.  I never really understood that before, but.......but I do now."

 

"Well, if this don't just beat all.  We have a chance to tap into a VERY rich pool of oil, and you won't even take it?"

 

"John Ross, my mind is made up,"  Sue Ellen says.  "We're just going to have to find another source of crude."

 

"Well, I'm not givin' up on Murdock just yet.  I'll fly down and talk to that man myself."

 

"John Ross, NO!  I do NOT want you to go down to San Angelo and try to strong arm or threaten Seth Murdock out of his farm.  I won't hear of it. Now promise me you'll leave Seth Murdock alone."

 

John Ross looks at his mother for a moment.  

 

"John Ross, PROMISE me that you'll leave that man alone,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

He sighs and turns his head,.  "Alright, if it means that damned much to you."

 

Sue Ellen smiles.  "It does.  Thank you, John Ross.  And don't worry.  We'll find some place else.  There are untapped fields all over Texas and surrounding states."  Sue Ellen kisses her son on the cheek, then turns and leaves the office.  

 

"And, here we are,"  John Ross says to himself after she leaves.  "Right back to that tired old battle of preservin' the land vs. drillin' for crude.  Well, damn it, I'm in the oil business and I've got no time for sentimental foolishness.  And promises are made to be broken."  Walking over to his desk, John Ross picks up his cell phone 

and dials a number.  He waits for an answer.  "Hello, Frank.  This is John Ross Ewing. You still have your office down in San Angelo?  Good.  I have a job for you.  There's a guy down there, a farmer by the name of Seth Murdock I want you to do a check on.  Find out anything you can about him and get back to me as soon as possible. Yes, this is real important.  I appreciate it, Frank."  John Ross ends the call and tosses his phone back onto the desk, then turns and looks out the window over the city skyline.

 

 

The Krebbs Ranch....

 Conner and Dylan are busy unloading some hay from a trailer in one of the pastures on the Krebbs Ranch when Ashley's car drives out to them and comes to a stop.  Ashley and Jasmine Cory get out of the car and walk over to them.  "Hi,"  Ashley says.

 

"Hi, yourself,"  says Dylan.  

 

"Have you boys had lunch yet?"  

 

"NO, we haven't,"  Dylan replies.  "My brother the slave driver wouldn't even let us break for lunch."

 

"Hey, come on, now,"  Conner says.  "I told you as soon as we got this load done, we'd break."

 

"Well, you boys have GOT to eat,"  Jasmine says.  "So, time to take a break."

 

 

"Well, Jasmine, you're a real angel of mercy, aren't you?"  Conner asks.

 

"I sure am.  Hope you like fried chicken, potato logs, and biscuits."

 

"God, you just made my mouth water.  You cook all that?"

 

"Actually, we stopped by this KFC on the way out here,"  Ashley says.

 

"Yes, but I DID pay for it," Jasmine says.  

 

Dylan and Conner laugh.  "Well, what are we standing around here talking for?"  Dylan asks.  "Why aren't we eating?"

 

"We stopped by my house and picked up some blankets to eat on,"  says Ashley.  "They're in the backseat."

 

"I'll get 'em and spread out right here in front of the truck,"  Dylan says.

 

Conner looks at Jasmine and smiles.  "Thank you.  You're a lifesaver."

 

"Anytime,"  Jasmine says in a flirtatious tone as she returns his smile.  

Smithfield, Bennett, and Winthrop....late afternoon....

 "Come on in, Lila,"  Cass says, welcoming his former wife into his office late in the afternoon.    

 

"Well, since you didn't have any news for me when you got home last night about my father's will, since you called me down here this late in the afternoon, you must have found out somethin'."

 

"Yes, I did.  Sit down.  Would you like a drink?"

 

"I don't know.  Am I gonna need one?  The way you're actin' tells me I AM gonna need one."

 

Cass walks to the bar and pours two drinks.  He hands one to Lila.  "Sit down,"  he says.  As Lila takes a seat in the chair across from Cass's desk, he sits down in the chair beside her and looks at her.  "I did find something.  I got a look at your father's will, and, I don't think you're gonna like it."

 

"Just tell me,"  Lila says.  

 

"Your father left a codicil to his will that made a provision for Justin,"  Cass says.  "The codicil stipulated that upon Justin learning that he was J.R.'s son, he would inherit some shares in Westar, and shares in a computer software company called Jensen Technologies.  The Jensen stock was purchased in the late 70s by your grandfather, Jock Ewing.  The Westar and Jensen stock were to be divided equally among J.R.'s three sons, James, John Ross, and Justin, upon Justin learning that he was a Ewing. Or, upon Justin's 25th birthday, whichever came first.  Unfortunately, no provision was made for either of J.R.'s daughters in his will because, at the time the will was written, he had no idea that either you or Jill existed."

 

"So, in a nutshell, I'm not entitled to anything from my father's estate,"  Lila says, bitterly.  

 

"There might be a way.  But, it would be taking a very drastic step."

 

"What way?"

 

"Just forget it, Lila, it's not worth it,"  Cass says.  

 

"Cass, just tell me."

 

"Look, you've spent YEARS wanting to know who your father was, and if you had any family anywhere.  Well, you've FOUND them, Lila.  You've found your family.  Sure, your father's dead, so you'll never get to know him, but you have two brothers, a sister, nieces and nephews, uncles and cousins you can build a relationship with.  Cory and Jasmine can get to know the Ewings, too. Jasmine is already becoming friends with James's daughter, Ashley.  Lila, you don't need the money, so just.........let it go.  Enjoy getting to know this family you've always wanted."

 

"You're right,"  Lila says.  "You're absolutely right, Cass.  I don't need the Ewing money, and I have a whole family I'm dying to get to know better."

 

Cass looks at her, smiles, then places his hand on hers.  "That's my girl," he says.  

 

Lila returns his smile, but privately she is still thinking about the Ewing money she feels she should be entitled to.  

 

 

Sue Ellen and Catlin's home....that night....

"Quite frankly, no, I don't,"  Sue Ellen replies.  "I know my son very well.  When John Ross wants something, he'll stop at nothing to get it.  And he wants that Murdock farm for the oil underneath.  And, if John Ross tries to strongarm or hurt Seth Murdock to get that farm, it'll be my fault."

 

"Sue Ellen, that's ridiculous."

 

"No, it's not, Catlin.  I'm the one who told John Ross about the Murdock farm in the first place.  I should have known better.  I should have flown down there and talked to Murdock first before I said anything to John Ross.  How could I have been so stupid?"

 

Catlin leans over and puts his arms around his wife.  

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

Krystina comes into her and John Ross's bedroom from the bathroom the next morning as John Ross is talking on the phone with someone.  "Paul, I don't want any damned excuses,"  John Ross angrily says to the person he's on the phone with as Krystina looks on.  "I want that well up and runnin' again ASAP.  Which means YESTERDAY.  I don't give a damn what the ORC says, you find a way to get Ewing 38 pumpin' again or your ass is gonna be lookin' for another job tomorrow.......IN ALASKA!"  John Ross ends the call.  "Damn."

 

"What's wrong?"  Krystina asks.  "One of Ewing Oil's fields is shut down?"

 

"Uh huh. Ewing 38, one of our richest fields.  And on top of that, my good samaritan mother let one of the biggest sources of crude in the whole state go because some redneck farmer got sentimental about a dirt farm. That son of a bitch Brad Barnes itn't two weeks in office, and he's already shuttin' down our fields.  Somethin' about some safety violations or some such nonsense."

 

"Well, John Ross, maybe that's the truth,"  Krystina says.  "Those things DO happen, ya know."

 Catlin walks into his secretary's office later that morning and approaches her desk.  "Morning, Diane,"  he says.

 

"Good morning, Mr. Ewing."

 

"Has my son come in yet?"  

 

"Yes, he's in his office.  And, you have a visitor waiting for you in YOUR office."

 

"Oh?  Who?"  Catlin asks.  

 

"Donna Love,"  Diane replies.  "I told her she would have to wait for you out here, but, she insisted on waiting in your office.  I'm sorry."

 

Catlin sighs.  "It's alright, Diane.  Ms. Love can be very.......demanding.  Thank you."  Catlin walks to his office door, pauses for a few seconds, then walks into the office to find Donna Love standing at his desk looking at a framed photo of him and Sue Ellen.  "Hello, Donna,"  he says.

 

"Good morning, Catlin.  My, what a lovely photo of you and Sue Ellen."

 

"Thank you."

 

"I know you told me to call you this morning, but, I figured I'd stop by personally instead.  Our offices ARE in the same building, after all."

 

"Yes, they are.  You said you had a business problem to talk over with me,?"  Catlin asks.

 

"Yes, that's right,"  Donna replies.  "You know me, even though you tutored me in business, I'm still such a lame brain when it comes to modern business practices.  There's a deal that Love International was offered by a foreign company based out of London.  And I was wondering if perhaps you could check it out for me."

 

"Yes, of course,"  Catlins says.  

 

Donna smiles.  "Good."

 

"So, tell me about this deal."

 

"Oh, darling, I really can't right now.  I have a meeting in my office in about ten minutes, and I'm tied up all morning.  But, why don't I treat you to lunch, say, about 1 o'clock?"

 

"Sure, that would be fine."

 

"Wonderful.  Well, I will just come down here to your office, and we can decide then where we want to eat.  I'll see you at 1 o'clock."

 

"Sure, Donna,"  Catlin says as the woman quickly leaves the office.  After she's gone, Catlin lets out a deep sigh and shakes his head.  

 

Meanwhile, as Donna walks out of Catlin Oil's offices and into the hallway, she pauses and smiles deviously, then walks away.  

Dallas Immigration Services....

 Christopher, Lucia, Miguel, and Antonio come out of the U.S. Immigration office in Dallas late in the morning.  Lucia smiles as they walk down the front steps of the building to the sidewalk.  "Christopher, I can't thank you enough for what you have done for the boys and I,"  she says.  "I thought this would be much more difficult for us to obtain permanent residency."

 

"Yes, so did I,"  says Miguel.  "I thought that it usually takes much longer to become a permanent resident of the United States."

 

"Well, normally it does,"  Christopher says.  "But, the Ewings have a lot of connections, and the Ewing name carries a lot of weight.  That immigration official who helped us is an old friend of my father's.  He owed Dad a couple favors,  so, I cashed one of those favors in."

 

"You used the Ewing name and money to help us obtain permanent residency here?"  Miguel asks.

 

"Yes."

 

"Why?  Why would you do that for us?"

 

"Miguel,"  Lucia says.  "What a question to ask."

 

"No, it's fine, Lucia, it's a fair question,"  Christopher says.  "Miguel, this is the least I can do for your mother, and for you boys."

 

"And we are very grateful, aren't we. boys?"  Lucia asks.

 

"Yes, thank you, Mr. Ewing,"  Antonio says.

 

"You're welcome, buddy, and you call me Christopher."

"Sure......Christopher,"  Antonio says.  

 

"Now we have to see about getting Antonio enrolled in school,"  Lucia says.

 

"Mama, do I have to go to school?"

 

"Of course, you have to go to school, Antonio.  And, Miguel, you really should go back to school and finish your final year."

 

"Miguel, I thought that you had finished school,"  Christopher says.

 

"No.  I left school when I came to Texas a few months ago."

 

"All the more reason for you to go back,"  says Lucia.  "You were so close to finishing."

 

"Hey, is anybody besides me hungry?"  Christopher asks.  

 

"I am,"  replies Antonio.  

 

"You are always hungry,"  Miguel says.

 

"Your brother is a growing boy,"  says Lucia.

 

"Well, how about we go to lunch before we head back to Southfork?"  Christopher asks.

 

"That is a lovely idea,"  Lucia replies.

 

"Okay, where do you all wanna eat?  What's everybody in the mood for?  As long as it's some place we're not likely to run into Shawn Smith."

 

"How about Chick-Fil-A?"  Antonio asks.  "I love their sandwich."

 

"Okay, Chick-Fil-A it is,"  says Christopher.  "There just happens to be one not far from here, so let's go."  Christopher, Lucia and the boys head to Christopher's car in the parking lot.  

A few minutes later....

 Heather and Courtney are driving down North Central Expressway in Dallas in Heather's vehicle.  "Thanks for goin' with me, I really appreciate it,"  Heather says.  

 

"Oh, no problem at all,"  says Courtney.  "I didn't really have a whole lot else to do today, it gave me a chance to do some shopping.  What time are you meeting your mother for lunch?"

 

"1:30.  Courtney, why don't you join us?"

 

"No, you and your mother need to spend some time together."

 

"Well, to tell you the truth, Courtney, I really would RATHER you join us.  I think I'd feel more comfortable with you there."

 

"Are things still that awkward between you and your mother?"  Courtney asks.  

 

Heather sighs.  "Yes.  Of course I haven't had a relationship with my Mama in years, so things are bound to be awkward.  But she really is tryin'.  The thing is, when we're alone together, I just don't know what to say to her.  So, I figured with three of us there, it might be a little less uncomfortable.  At least for me.  So, do I drop you off at your mother's, or, will you join me and mine for lunch?  Please, I'll owe ya big time."

 

Courtney looks at her and smiles.  "Okay, you talked me into it.  I'll have lunch with you and your mother."

 

"Courtney, THANK you.  You are the BEST sister-in-law ever.  And I definitely owe you one."

 

"Oh, don't worry, I'll definitely collect some time,"  Courtney says.  She and Heather laugh, then as they pass by a

  Chick-Fil-A restaurant on North Central Expressway, Courtney glances over and sees Christopher, Lucia, Miguel, and Antonio  getting out of Christopher's car in the restaurant's parking lot.  The smile instantly disappears from Courtney's face as she watches her husband all smiles as he walks to the restaurant's front entrance with Lucia Trevino and her boys and go in, looking as if they are a family.

 

"Courtney,"  Heather says.   "Wasn't that Christopher and......"

 

"Lucia Trevino and her sons,"  Courtney says.  "Yes."

 

"Are you alright?"  

 

"Yes, I'm fine,"  Courtney replies, a sad and worried look on her face that shows her grave concern over her husband spending so much time with Lucia and her sons.

Ewing Oil....

 Sly pours herself a cup of coffee while Sally works at her desk at Ewing Oil, when the phone rings on Sally's desk.  Sally quickly answers.  "Good afternoon, Ewing Oil.  Yes, she is.  Hold, please."  Sally presses the 'hold' button on her phone, then buzzes Sue Ellen's office.  

 

"Yes, Sally?"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"Mrs. Ewing, Howard Barker is on line one."

 

"Oh, thank you, I've been expecting his call.  Sally, Lila Winthrop is coming and we're going to lunch.  When she arrives, if I'm still on the phone with Mr. Barker, ask her to wait and tell her I'll be finished soon."

 

"Yes, ma'am,"  Sally says.  

 

"Boy, I'll be glad when we can get out of here and go to lunch,"  Sly says,  "I'm starving.  I overslept this morning and didn't have time to have breakfast."

 

"Why'd you oversleep?"  Sally asks.

 

"I was up late last night helping Cole cram for a big test he has tomorrow in history, which is NOT my son's best subject.  Mine, either, in fact, so it was like the blind leading the blind."

 

As Sally laughs at Sly's comment, Lila steps off the elevator and walks into the office.  "Hello," she says with a smile.

 

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Winthrop,"  Sally says.  

 

"Could you please let Sue Ellen know I'm here?  We're havin' lunch together."

 

"Oh, Mrs. Ewing is on the phone right now, but she said to tell you that she should be finished with her call soon, and you should wait for her."

 

"Oh, alright,"  Lila says with a nod.

 

Clay comes down the hall and walks into the secretaries' office carrying some papers.  "Lila,"  he says with a smile.

 

 

"Well, if itn't my handsome nephew, Clay, how are you?"

"I'm just fine, Lila.  Or should I call you AUNT Lila?"

 

"Don't you dare,"  Lila says with a smile.  "Just call me Lila.  AUNT Lila makes me sound old."

 

"Well, old is one thing you are definitely not,"  Clay says.

 

"Why, thank you."

 

"Hey, I was just about to go grab some lunch.  Would you care to join me?  It'll give us a chance to get to know each other better.  After all, we are family."

 

"Clay, thank you, I'd love to, but I'm actually here to go to lunch with Sue Ellen,"  Lila says.  "But I'll take a raincheck."

 

"Sure, anytime,"  Clay says.  

 

Sue Ellen buzzes Sally's desk.  "Sally, has Lila Winthrop arrived yet?"

 

"Yes, ma'am, she's here."

 

"Thank you, I'll be right out."   A moment later, Sue Ellen comes out of her office.  "Hello, Lila, I am so sorry, but 

I'm afraid I'm gonna have to take a raincheck on lunch today.  Something has come up, and I'm going to have to take a conference in a few minutes.  But, I'll tell you what.  If you and Cass have no plans tonight, Catlin and I would love it if you'd come over to our house for dinner tonight."

 

"Well, thank you, Sue Ellen, I'm sure that I speak for Cass as well as myself when I say we'd love to."

 

"Wonderful,"  Sue Ellen says.  "We'll expect you around 7?"

 

"That'll be fine."

 

"Alright, see you then.  I have to run,"  Sue Ellen says, then she quickly returns to her office, closing the door behind her.

 

Lila turns to Clay.  "Well, young man if that offer to take me to lunch is still open, then I accept."

 

"Great, just let me file these contracts away,"  Clay says.  He walks over to the filing cabinet, opens it, and begins putting the contracts away.  

 

John Ross comes out of his office, and he is not happy to see Lila there.  

 

"Hello, John Ross,"  Lila says.

 

John Ross sighs.  "Well, well.  As if my day couldn't get any worse.  What the hell are you doin' here?"

 

"Not that it's any of your damned business, but I came by to have lunch with Sue Ellen."

 

"But something came up with Sue Ellen, so I'm taking Lila to lunch,"  says Clay.

 

"Oh, that'll be perfect.  Kinda like a meetin' of the Dallas losers club.  Or maybe the Ewing blacksheep club."

 

"Why, you arrogant son of a........"  Lila angrily says.  "You know, you really are the most miserable human bein' that I've ever met, and believe me, I've met some miserable ones."

 

"Well, then, maybe you'd be happier goin' back to Bay City and livin' far away from me if you find me so miserable."

 

"You're not gonna get rid of me that easily, little brother,"  Lila says as Clay, Sly, and Sally look on awkwardly.  "I'm here in Dallas to stay."

 

"Hmmm......kinda like a wart, huh?"  John Ross asks, sarcastically.  

 

"You're  real piece of work,"  Lila says.  "Clay, I'm sorry.  But we're gonna have to have that lunch another time.  I've lost my appetite."

 

"I completely understand,"  Clay says, looking angrily at John Ross.

 

"Lost your appetite, huh?"  John Ross asks. "Well, now, that's just a damned shame."

 

"Usually happens when I smell garbage,"  Lila says.  She turns and starts to leave, but pauses a second and turns back to John Ross.  "I'm real glad that I came by here today,"  she says with a smile.  "But even more than that, I'm glad that I ran into you, John Ross.  You've just helped me make a very big decision I've been wrestlin' with.  Thank you for that."  Lila walks over to the elevator and presses the button. A second later, the elevator doors open and Lila steps on, then the doors close.

 

"Do you ALWAYS have to be such an ass to everyone, including your own sister?"  Clay asks.  

 Catlin and Donna Love are having lunch at Perry's, and Catlin is looking over some papers for Donna.  "Well, what do you think of this deal?"  Donna asks, after a few minutes of silence.  

 

"I'm very impressed.  I think this deal would be very beneficial to Love International.  Could be a real money maker."

 

Donna smiles.  "Catlin, that's wonderful.  I can't thank you enough for checking it out for me.  You know, you've been a real life saver.  Things have changed and progressed so much in the business world since I was last a part of it.  I don't know what I would do without your help."

 

"No problem, Donna.  I did agree to help you when you bought Love International from Eric."

 

"And I feel I couldn't be in better hands,"  Donna says.

 

Meanwhile, Heather, Courtney, and Heather's mother, Connie Richardson, walk into Perry's.  The three women 

"Donna, I'm sorry, but I........I could swear I just saw a ghost,"  Catlin says.

 

"A what?  Did you say a ghost?"

 

"Yes.  Over there.  I saw a woman who looks exactly like........like Sally."

 

"Sally?"  Donna asks.  "Catlin, you can't mean........"

 

"Yes.  Sally.  My WIFE, Sally.  Or at least, what Sally would look like today if she had lived."

 

"Catlin, Sally has been dead for more than 30 years,"  Donna says.

 

"I know that,"  Catlin says.  "But, she looks so much like Sally.  Oh my God, I must be losing my mind."  Catlin continues to stare at Connie across the room as his mind flashes back to the image of his late wife, Sally Frame Ewing.....

 

 

Smithfield, Bennett, and Winthrop....

 Cass's secretary buzzes his office.  "Mr. Winthrop, Mrs. Winthrop is here to see you."

 

"Oh?  Thank you, send her in,"  Cass says.  He stands from his seat and walks over to greet Lila as she walks in.

 

"Hello, Cass,"  Lila says, closing the office door.

 

"Hi.  What brings you down here?"

 

"Cass, I've been doing some thinkin' about what we discussed the other day."

 

"You man about your father's will?"  Cass asks.

 

"Yes. Cass, you mentioned that there might be a way for me to get what I feel I deserve,"  Lila says.  "I'd like to know what that is."

 

"Lila, I thought we had settled this already, and that you had decided not to pursue this."

 

"I know, but things have changed.  Just tell me, Cass.  What can I do?"

 

Cass sighs deeply.  "Well, there might be a way to......to contest J.R.'s will.  But you wouldn't be able to do it alone."

 

"What do you mean?"  Lila asks.

 

"This would mean suing J.R.'s other heirs......your brothers.......and going to court to contest the will.  But you would need Jill's help."

 

"Why would I need her help?"

 

"Because you were both excluded from your father's will,"  Cass replies.  "If the two of you presented a united front and contested the will together, there might be a chance that the will would be overturned and you and Jill might......just MIGHT.......stand a chance of being awarded part of J.R.'s estate."

 

"No chance I could do this alone?"  Lila asks.  "I mean, without Jill?"

 

"Yes, but you would stand a much better chance with your sister at your side, presenting a united front, going after what you both feel you deserve."

 

Lila nods.  "Alright.  I'll talk to Jill, but even if she won't do this with me.........I'm gonna go ahead with it myself."

 

 

 

"Lila, are you ABSOLUTELY sure you wanna go through with this?"  Cass asks.  "Because once you set this in motion, there's no going back.  Just take some time and think about it."

 

"Oh, I have thought about it long and hard, Cass,"  Lila says.  "And I've made my decision.  I'm sick and tired of John Ross Ewing treatin' me like trash, and it's time little brother found out that I am JUST as much a child of J.R. Ewing as he is.  I'm goin' after what's rightfully mine.  And if Jill won't do this with me......then I'll do it on my own."  Lila's determination is just as strong as J.R.'s ever was, and Cass looks at her with concern, worried that Lila might just be starting a war within the Ewing family!

END OF EPISODE 225....