EPISODE 229 - Rise And Fall

  Shawn, his mother Sharon, Jeremy's former henchman Kenneth, former butler and longtime friend William, and three other people, a man and two women, are sitting in the office of attorney Neil Prescott in Dallas when Justin and Pamela walk into the office.  Shawn looks at the couple, surprised to see them at the reading of his grandfather's will.  "What the hell are you two doing here?"  He asks.

 

"We were asked to be here,"  Pamela replies.  "I would imagine, because of Hunter."

 

"Pamela's son WAS Jeremy Wendell's great-grandson, Shawn,"  says Justin.  "In case you've forgotten that.  Who knows?  Maybe your grandfather left his entire estate to Hunter.  Wouldn't that be somethin'?"

 

"Keep on dreaming, Ewing,"  Shawn says.  

 

 

Just then, attorney Neil Prescott walks into the office.  He looks at the assembled group, then takes a seat at his desk.  "Good morning.  Thank you all for coming. Each of you were asked to be here because you all have some relevance to Jeremy's will."

 

"Yes, I think we kinda figured that out,"  Shawn says.  "Can we get on with this, please?"

 

"Careful, Shawn, your greed is showing,"  Pamela says.

 

"Let's move on, please,"  Neil Prescott.  "This is the reading of the last will and testament of Jeremy Wendell.  I'll dispense with all of the wherefores and hereto's and summarize much of the content of this will, since it is such a long and complicated document.  'I, Jeremy Wendell, an adult being of sound mind and body, do hereby declare this to be my last will and testament, and do hereby revoke all will and codicils heretofore made jointly or severally by me.  I further declare that this Last Will and Testament reflects my personal wishes without any undue influence whatsoever.  I hereby nominate and appoint my loyal friend, Kenneth Hamilton, as Executor/Personal Representative of this Last Will & Testament. Should the aforementioned individual be unavailable, unable or unwilling to serve as Executor/Personal Representative when needed, then I nominate and appoint William Sanderson as the alternate Executor/Personal Representative of this Last Will & Testament.  Immediately following my death, the Executor/Personal Representative will be authorized to exercise all provisions of this Last Will & Testament and to use the assets from my estate to make necessary arrangements, without any unnecessary delay, for the payment of personal debts, obligations and funeral expenses.' And there's a lot of legal jargon in here that isn't relevant, so we'll move on to Mr. Wendell's bequests.  'After payment of all of personal debts, expenses and liabilities, I request and direct that my property be bequeathed as follows:  I give, devise and bequeath to my grandson, Shawn Smith, 35 shares of stock on Westar Oil Company.  I also give, devise, and bequeath to my grandson, Shawn Smith, the sum total of $755 million, as well as a separate trust for any future heirs and children my grandson Shawn may have.  I also give, devise, and bequeath to my grandson Shawn my penthouse apartment located in the Chase Building at 2200 Ross Avenue in downtown Dallas.  To my great-grandson, Hunter McKay, I give, devise, and bequeath the sum total of $50 million, to be held in trust until his 21st birthday.  This trust is to be administered by his mother, Pamela Rebecca Barnes Ewing, until such time that my great-grandson reaches his 21st birthday.  Also, to my great-grandson, Hunter McKay, I leave 5 shares of stock in Westar Oil Company, also to be administered by his mother, Pamela, until Hunter reaches the age of 21.  Pamela will thus have a seat on Westar's board of directors."  As Prescott reads Jeremy's bequest to Hunter, Shawn angrily looks over at Pamela, furious that he will have to share even a small portion of his grandfather's fortune with his nephew and former sister-in-law.  Pamela returns his angry gaze while Prescott continues:  "To my loyal and faithful servant, William Sanderson, I leave the sum total of $100,000, and my undying gratitude for the many years of service, and friendship he gave me.  William, we met more than 50 years ago when we were both young men, and you have served me ever since, even returning to my employ following my release from prison years ago.  And I thank you.  To my loyal friend, Kenneth Hamilton, I also leave the sum total of $100,000, and my undying gratitude for your loyalty and devotion to me these last 7 years.  To my former secretary, Janet Hughes, to my former assistant Hugh Thompson, and to Eleanor Wilson, my former maid, I leave the sum total of $20,000 each.'  And there is a special section of the will addressed to Mr. Wendell's daughter, Sharon Smith, should she choose to attend the reading of this Last Will and Testament.  I'll read this now.  'Sharon, I realize that you have hated me from the moment we first met back in 1987, and you learned that I was your father.  From that time on, you have made it clear that you wanted nothing whatsoever to do with me or with my fortune, so, for that reason, I have chosen not to include you in my will.  Since your sons Hunter and Tripp have pre-deceased me, I am leaving the bulk of my estate to your youngest son, my grandson, Shawn, and your grandson, my great-grandson, Hunter McKay II.  But despite the differences we may have had over the years, please know that I have always loved you, and that I cared for your mother as well.  And that is the main text of the document."

 

Shawn smiles.  "Well, Grandfather was very generous with us all, wasn't he?" 

 

"Yeah, especially with you,"  Justin says.  "That will basically gives you majority control of Westar."

 

 

Shawn looks at him and smiles.  "Yes, it does, doesn't it?  Well, I never had any doubt that my grandfather would be very generous to me, and I was right."

 

Sharon looks over at her son, tears falling down her face, not over the fact that her father had cut her out of his will, but for the fact that she has lost her son to the same greed and ruthless ambition that had taken her two older sons from her.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ewing Oil....

  Chad Bennett walks into the offices at Ewing Oil that morning and approaches Sly's desk.  "Mr. Bennett, good morning,"  Sky says.

 

"Good morning, Sly.  Is John Ross in?"

 

"Yes, he is.  I'll let him know you're here."

 

"Thank you,"  Chad says.

 

Sly buzzes John Ross's office.  "John Ross, Chad Bennett is here."

 

"Thank you, Sly, I'll be right out."

 

Chad walks over to the wall and looks at a portrait of Jock Ewing on the wall.  A few seconds later, John Ross comes out of his office.

 

"Chad,"  he says.

 

"Morning, John Ross.  I was just admiring this portrait of your grandfather."

 

"Yes.  I'm tryin' my best to live up to his image.  Somethin' you should know all about, havin' the Bennett legacy to live up to."

 

"You're right.  My grandfather left quite a legacy,"  Chad says.  "But, it's even harder for Jay, trying to live up to the both the Bennett AND Smithfield names.  Anyway, John Ross, the reason I came by, we have a court date.  Our case is on the calendar for one week from today."

 

"A week from today, huh?  Well, well,"  John Ross says.  

 

Justin is standing at the window of the living room of his and Pamela's apartment in the morning, staring out at Turtle Creek Park, deep in thought.  Pamela comes into the room.  She pauses at the door, watching him for a few seconds before walking over to him.  

 

"I would say something like, 'penny for your thoughts,' but I think that phrase has been used to the death over the years,"  she says.  "You're thinking about the court case, aren't you?"

 

Justin nods.  "That's all I've been able to think about all week.  On one hand, I understand Lila's need to do this.  Jill, not so much.  And on the other hand, I'm worried about what this is gonna do to the family.  I just can't understand Jill sidin' with Lila on this."

"Okay.  I can respect that,"  Justin says as he stops running to catch his breath.  

 

"What about you, Justin?  I don't have to guess too hard to figure out what's weighing so heavily on your mind this morning.  It's the trial, isn't it?"

 

Justin sighs.  "Yeah, it is."

 

"Justin, I know that you and John Ross are probably worried about losing part of your inheritance from Grandpa J.R.  But, I think Lila and Jill both deserve part of that inheritance.  After all, Grandpa was their father, too, same as he was yours, John Ross's, and my Dad's."

 

"Darlin', I know all that, and I agree.  Look, I would gladly give both my sisters a share of what I inherited if I thought it would keep this thing outta court.  The thing I don't understand is why Jill got involved in this.  But I'm pickin' her up at the airport when she arrives today, so I intend to find out."

 

"Why does life always have to be so complicated?"  Ashley asks.  

 

Justin looks at her with a smile.  "Sweetheart, when you find out the answer to THAT question, please let me in on it."

 

"Deal.  Hey, I'd better get going.  I have class in an hour."

 

"Yeah, and I have to go and shower, and get ready to go to the airport to pick Jill up.  Race ya back."

 

"If you think you're up to it.  You're 29, practically an old man."

 

"Yeah?  I'll show you an old man,"  Justin says, then takes off running. 

 

"Hey, you cheated!"  Ashley says, running after him.

Dallas-Love Field Airport....later....

 Justin is waiting at Dallas Love Field Airport later for Jill to arrive.  As he is looking through the crowd, he happens to spot Lila, who is also at the airport waiting for Jill.  Justin decides to walk over to her.  "Lila,"  he calls to her through the crowd.  "LILA?"

 

Finally, she hears Justin calling to her and looks over to see him.  She smiles, somewhat apprehensively, as he walks up to her.  "Well, hey, Justin,"  she says.

 

"Lila, hello.  I had no idea you'd be here."

 

"Well, I knew that Jill was arriving today, so, I thought I'd surprise her and meet her at the airport,"  Lila says.  "Least I could do since she's comin' to Dallas on my behalf, pretty much.  I didn't know you were meetin' her here."

 

"Yeah, I wanted to meet Jill here and drive her to her hotel,"  Justin says.  "Thought maybe it would give me some time to spend with her."

 

Lila looks at him.  "To talk her out of goin' through with this lawsuit with me, right?"

 

"I never said that."

"You didn't have to,"  Lila says.  "Justin, I realize how you must feel about me right now.  How the whole family must feel.  But I'm doin' what I have to do.  You saw what John Ross did to me at that Ewing Rodeo."

 

"Lila, I DO understand that.  What I can't understand is Jill gettin' involved in this."

 

"She's had her issues with John Ross, too.  And maybe she thinks I'm right."

 

"Lila, I will gladly give you part of what I inherited from J.R. if you just won't go through with this."

 

"No, Justin,"  Lila says.  "That's not what I want."

 

"So it's a matter of principle with you?"  Justin asks.

 

"Yes, it is.  John Ross had made it clear time and again that he thinks of me as pure trash because of what my Mama did for a livin'.  Yes, my Mama was a prostitute.  But J.R. Ewing was my FATHER, same as he was John Ross's father, and yours.  And damn it, I would like to think that if my father had known about me when he was alive, that he would have named me in his will.  I can't expect you to understand.  You had a mother growin' up.  I didn't.  When I was 8-years-old, I watched this man stab my Mama to death right in front of me.  I still think about that every night when I go to bed.  I was raised by my grandmother, and when I was a little girl, I use to dream about findin' my father.  I use to fantasize about what he might be like.  I always pictured my father as rich and handsome.  Little did I know he really WAS rich and handsome."

 

"I use to think about that, too,"  says Justin.  "Wonder what he was like."

 

Lila smiles.  "Seems like we were all cheated, weren't we?  All of us........except John Ross.  The only one of J.R.'s kids who actually grew up with him as a father.  But at least our father did know about you, and about James, and he was able to acknowledge both of you.  Jill and I didn't have that."

 

"Well, hello, you two,"  Jill says, walking up to them with her son Casey.  "I never expected to see both of you here together like this."

 

Justin and Lila turn to her.  "Well, I wanted to come and meet you."

 

"Yes, we both had the same idea,"  says Lila.

 

"Hi, Casey,"  Justin says.  "Jill, I'm surprised you brought Casey, because of school."

 

"Craig and I agreed that Casey can miss a few days of school.  We cleared it with his teachers."

 

"Yeah and they gave me my assignments to work on while I'm here,"  Casey says.

 

"Craig won't be joining you?"  Lila asks.

 

"No, he couldn't get the time off from the department,"  Jill says.  "Well, which one of you is gonna take me to my hotel?  I made reservations at the Omni."

 

"Jill, you know you don't have to stay in a hotel.  You can stay at Cass's apartment with us."

 

"Thanks, Lila, but, the hotel will be fine.  I think Casey will love it there, with the pool and everything."

 

"Well, I'll tell you what,"  says Justin.  "Casey, why don't you ride with me?  And, Lila........you can take Jill?"

 

Lila looks at him and nods.  "Sure, that'll be fine."

 

"Great, well, let's get our bags,"  Jill says.  

 

"Casey, I think you get taller every time I see you,"  Justin says, putting his hand on his nephew's shoulder as they walk toward the baggage claim area.  "When are you gonna stop growin'?"

University Of Texas Campus Bookstore, Austin, Texas....

 Cory is working at his job at the bookstore on the campus of the University of Texas Bookstore, placing some books on a shelf, when his boss approaches him.  

 

"Hi, Cory,"  the man says.

 

"Oh, hi, Mr. Gellman."

 

"How's it going?"

 

"Just fine, thanks."

 

"Good.  Cory, I have one more small case of books I need you to put out on that shelf over there.  It's the new history textbooks for summer semester, and when you finish putting those out, you can go on to lunch."

 

Cory smiles.  "Thank you, sir."

 

"Cory, I have to say that I've been very impressed with the work you've been doing here these last few months.  I think it's a darn shame that a smart young man like yourself with such a love of books isn't attending school here."

 

"Well, thank you, Mr. Gellman, but, as I told you, I just can't afford the tuition."

"I know.  It's a darn shame you lost that scholarship.  Look, I have a lot of influence with the dean.  Let me see what I can do.  I might be able to get the board of regents to reconsider their decision and give you back that scholarship next fall."

 

"You really think you could?"  Cory asks.

 

"I don't know, but it's worth a try.  Now get those books out and go to lunch."

 

"Yes, sir,"  Cory says with a smile as Gellman walks away.  Cory walks over and picks up the box full of textbooks Gellman had indicated he wanted Cory to stock.  He carries them over to the shelf, and as he puts them down, his cell phone vibrates in his pocket, indicating an incoming text.  He takes his phone from his pocket, looks at it, and 

 Cory walks into the Olive Garden Restaurant 25 minutes later.  "Hello, sir, and welcome to Olive Garden," the young hostess greets him.

 

"Hi."

 

"How many in your party?"

 

"I'm actually meeting someone.  Daniel Cooper."

 

"Oh, yes, he's waiting for you,"  the hostess says.  "This way."

 

"Thanks,"  Cory says.  He follows her through the crowded restaurant to the booth he and Daniel had shared the last time they were here several days ago.  Daniel is seated at the booth, holding his menu in front of his face.  

 

"What can I get you to drink?"  The hostess asks.

 

"I'll have a diet coke,"  Cory replies.  The girl smiles and walks away, and Cory takes a seat across from Daniel.  "Boy, you really surprised me with your text.  I had no idea you were planning to come down today.  Daniel?"

 

Cory is stunned beyond belief when the menu is lowered from in front of the person's face to reveal not Daniel, but John Ross instead.  "Well, hello, Cory."

 

"John Ross? What.......what are you doing here?"

 

"Well, I came here to see you,"  John Ross says.  "You are my nephew, after all, and I think it's time we got to know one another better, don't you?"

 

"I, I was supposed to meet someone....."

 

"Oh, you mean Daniel Cooper?  Yeah, I'm sorry about that, but, I figured you wouldn't come if you knew it was me you were meetin'."

 

"But, I don't understand.  How?  I got a text from....."

 

"From Daniel, yes, I know.  But, that wasn't Daniel.  See, I just had a tech saavy friend of mine clone Daniel's cell phone.  It's real easy if ya know how."

 

"So you sent me that text?"  Cory asks.  

 

"That's right, I did."

 

"Okay, man, you went to all this trouble to get me here, so what's this all about?  What do you want?"

 

"Like I said, I think we should get to know one another better.  You can probably guess by now that I know all about you and young Daniel Cooper."

 

"I......don't know what you're talking about,"  a nervous Cory says.  "Daniel and I are friends."

 

"Friends?"  John Ross asks.  Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out an envelope and tosses it onto the table.  

 

"What's this?"  Cory asks.

 

"Open it and find out."

 

Cory looks at John Ross, then down at the envelope.  Nervously, he picks the envelope up and opens it.  He takes out the photos Bum had given John Ross of Cory and Daniel.  Looking at the photos, Cory's bottom lip begins to tremble.

 

"Now those photos show two young men who seem to be a bit more than just friends, wouldn't you say, Cory?  A LOT more than just friends."

 

"Why?"  Cory asks.  "What do you want from me?"

 

"Cory, I am glad you asked me that.  Because I do believe that you and I can help each other here.  I mean, we ARE family, and what are families for but to help each other.  Now what I want from you is cooperation.  And in exchange, yours and Daniel's little secret will remain just that......a secret.  And so will your other secret.......you know, the secret you're keepin' from your folks about losing your scholarship to the University because you got caught cheatin' at your school in Bay City."

 

Cory looks at him.  "How'd you find all this out?"

 

John Ross smiles.  "Cory, when I wanna know somethin' about somebody, I find out.  And if they have  a weak spot, I make it a point to find it."

 

"Look, John Ross, please.  You can't tell my parents any of this.  Please, I'm begging you.  Especially not the part about me losing my scholarship."

 

"Whether or not they find out, is all up to you, Cory."

 

Cory looks down at the photos on the table in front of him, then looks at John Ross again.  "What do you want from me?"

 

"In exchange for your secret remaining a secret, I want your help to prevent your Mama from takin' what's mine."

 

"You want me to side against my own mother with you?  No way."

 

"Well, I guess you don't care as much as you said you didn't about your parents findin' out not only that you're gay and carryin' on with Daniel Cooper, but that you got kicked out of college in Bay City and you've been lyin' to them all these months about comin' to school here in Austin."

 

"Well, I'm not gonna do it.  No way would I side with you against my own mother.  She'd never forgive me."

 

"And do you think she and your father would forgive you lyin' to them all these months about bein' in school?  Cory, I can't imagine how disappointed Lila and Cass would be.  And then there's this little thing about you bein' gay."

 

"Go ahead and tell them.  They'd forgive me for that a lot faster than they would if I sided with you against them."

 

"And what about poor Daniel Cooper?"  John Ross asks.  "I know Mitch Cooper, and I know that he's a REAL conservative guy.  Always has been.  I wonder how this news about his son could change their relationship.  I also wonder if your relationship with Daniel could survive that."

 

"You'd really do that?"  Cory asks, "You'd blow my life apart and Daniel's, too, just to get me to side with you against my Mom?"

 

"In a heartbeat,"  John Ross replies.  

 

"Everything I've heard about you really is true, isn't it?"

 

John Ross smiles.  "Now, Cory, don't go believin' everything you hear.  In fact, the reality is a lot worse than whatever you've heard,"  he says.

Ewing Oil....late afternoon....

 Sue Ellen is sitting at her desk at Ewing Oil that afternoon when Sally buzzes her.  "Yes, Sally?"

 

"Mrs. Ewing, there's a Bill Jackson on line one for you."

 

"Bill Jackson?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "Thank you, Sally."  Sue Ellen picks up her phone.  "Bill, hello how are you?  

Oh, I'm fine."  Sue Ellen is silent for a moment as she listens to the man speak on the other end of the line.  "Yes, Bill, I am aware that John Ross made an offer on your company.  I admit I was very surprised when I heard you were retiring.  Well, John Ross is out of the office for the day."  Again, Sue Ellen listens to Bill speak for a moment, a look of worry coming over her face.  "But, Bill, I thought that you and my son had a deal.  That you were going to sell Jackson Oil to us.  Yes, I know you hadn't signed a contract yet, but, Bill, we go way back.  Bobby and I have done a lot of business with you over the years, and John Ross said that he had your word.  Can you at least tell me WHO made you a better offer?  Westar?  Bill, you've got to be kidding.  You sold out to Westar?  Yes, well, apparently, your word is no better than anyone else's these days.  Good bye, and.......ENJOY YOUR DAMNED RETIREMENT!"  Sue Ellen agrily slams the phone down.  She pauses a moment to collect her thoughts, then picks up her cell phone from the desk.  She dials John Ross's number.  After several rings, his voicemail answers.  Frustrated, Sue Ellen ends the call and tosses he phone back onto the desk.  Shaking her head, she gets up from her desk and walks into the outer office, making her way over to Sly's desk.  "Sly, do you have any idea if John Ross will be coming it at all today? Or do you know where he is?"

 

"No, Sue Ellen, sorry, but I don't,"  Sly says.  "He just said that he had some personal business to take care of and that he wasn't sure if he would be coming in today.  You might ask Alex.  He might know."

 

"Thank you,"  Sue Ellen says as Alex comes out of John Ross's office.  

 

"Ask me what?"  

 

"Alex, do you know if your father is coming in at all today?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"I have no idea,"  Alex replies.  "Why, Grandma, what's wrong?"

 

"Alex, were you aware that John Ross had made an offer to Bill Jackson to buy his company?"

 

"Yeah, he told me about it."

 

"Well, Jackson instead decided to sell to another company, one of our competitors,"  Sue Ellen says.  "He said that he had tried to get ahold of John Ross, but couldn't reach him."

 

"Which of our competitors did he sell to?"  Alex asks.

 

"That's the worst part.  Jackson sold his company to Westar."

 

"What?  WESTAR, are you KIDDING me?  Oh, wow, my Dad is gonna be pissed."

 

"Yes, well, I'm not too happy about this myself.  John Ross should have been here, or at least made himself available today in case someone needed to get in touch with him."

 

"Damn Westar and damn that jerk Shawn Smith,"  Alex angrily says.  "John Ross said that this Jackson deal was really important to Ewing Oil."

 

"Yes,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Jackson is one of the smaller independent companies but it also has some of the richest fields in East Texas."

 

"How do you think Shawn found out about Jackson?"

 

"Alex, Dallas may look like a big city, but in many ways, it's really a small town, especially where the oil business is concerned.  And like in any small town, word gets around."

 

"He did this to hurt Ewing Oil."

 

"Alex, you don't know that.  It could've been any other company that snatched Jackson Petrol out from under us.  It just happened to be Westar."

 

"Come on, Grandma, you don't believe that any more than I do,"  Alex says.  "Shawn said he was coming after Ewing Oil, and he's already started.  Well, he's not gonna get away with this."  Alex walks away from his grandmother and goes to the elevator.  

 

"Alex, where are you going?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"To see my ex-best friend."

 

"No.  Alex, you cannot go over there as angry as you are right now.  I forbid it."

 

"Grandma, I'm sorry, and I mean no disrespect.  But I'm 20-years-old, not a child.  You can't forbid me to do anything."  The elevator doors open and Alex gets on.  A worried Sue Ellen watches as the doors close.  

Westar Oil....a few minutes later....

"Well I still don't like it,"  Brad says.  "I AM head of the ORC and my picture is in the paper a lot, so that secretary of yours is bound to find out who I am."

 

"Stop your worrying.  Kayla isn't smart enough to figure anything like that out, or what you're doing here."

 

"If she isn't that smart, then why'd you hire her as a secretary?  And what happened to your old secretary, anyway?"

 

"You saw Kayla and you have to ask that?  Let's just say Kayla keeps me happier than the last one did."

 

Brad shakes his head and smiles.  "Ah, those 20-year-old hormones.  Glad I don't have to deal with that anymore."

 

"Come on, you're not exactly an old man.  What are you?  40?  Don't tell me your hormones have died already."

 

"No, but when you get a little older, you learn how to control them.  Unless you're John Ross Ewing, of course.  Takes after his old man on that one.  Anyway, enough small talk.   Why'd you ask me over here?"

 

"Because I wanted to talk to you about what I asked you to do,"  Shawn says.  "I want every drilling variance Ewing Oil applies for denied."

 

"For how long?"  Brad asks.

 

"At least until the fall.  By that time, significant damage should be done to Ewing Oil to make them extremely vulnerable."

 

"Until the fa......are you out of your mind?  If i deny every variance Ewing Oil applies for, don't you think the rest of the Commission, not to mention the Senate committee who set up the ORC, will get suspicious?  Matt Culver is already breathing down my neck to make sure everything stays on the up and up."

 

"Okay, well, just deny enough variances from other oil companies to make it look good.  Deny one from Westar.  Not a real one, of course, but I'll apply for a fake variance."

 

"I don't like this.  I wanna get the Ewings just as much as you do, and I will if it's the last thing I ever do, but this is risky."

 

"This is also the fastest way to cripple that damned company,"  Shawn says.  "I don't wanna wait another year or two.  I wanna see the Ewings go down before the end of THIS year.  Just do what I tell you, Brad."

 

"Y'know, I am REALLY gettin' sick and tired of taking orders from a kid young enough to be my son........."

 

"Don't forget who got you that position as head of the ORC in the first place,"  Shawn says.

 

Before Brad can say anything else, the sound of loud voices can be heard coming from the outer office.  "No, wait, you can't go in there!"  Shawn's secretary Kayla says from outside his office.  "STOP!  YOU CAN'T GO IN THERE!

 

"You wanna bet?"  Alex says as he barges into Shawn's office.  Shawn and Brad are both stunned by the intrusion, especially Brad, who, not wanting to be seen, especially by a Ewing, had not had time to make his get away out Shawn's private office exit.  

 

"Mr. Smith, I'm sorry,"  Kayla says.  "I tried to explain you couldn't be disturbed, but this guy just barged in."

 

"It's alright, Kayla.  That'll be all for now, but, stand by,"  Shawn says.  "I may need you to call security."

 

Kayla nods, then leaves the office, closing the door behind her.

 

"What the hell do you think gives you the right to come barging into my office like this?"  Shawn asks.  

 

Alex looks at Shawn, then at Brad.  "Well, now,"  he says.  "Brad Barnes, what are you doing here?  Never mind, I think I know.  I guess that old saying really is true.  Birds of a feather flock together."

 

Shawn laughs.  "That the best one you can come up with?  Real corny, dude.  Now get outta my office before I have security toss you out."

 

"I'm not leaving until I say what I came here to say........to BOTH of you.  And if you think security can throw me out, then call 'em.  But I can guarantee you a one way ticket out that window, head first."

 

Shawn smiles.  "I don't know about you, Brad, but that sure sounded like a threat to me."

 

"Did to me, too,"  says Brad. 

 

"Yeah,"  says Shawn.  "A death threat."

 

"You can take it any way you want."

 

"Why are you here?  Looking for a job?  They finally kick your sorry ass out of Ewing Oil?"

 

"I came here to give you one final warning,"  Alex says, moving closer to Shawn.  "I know that you stole Jackson Petrol right out from under Ewing Oil."

 

"Did I, now?  Oh, was Ewing Oil interested in that company?"

 

"You know DAMNED well John Ross had made an offer to Bill Jackson to buy that company."

 

"That's just how it works in the oil business, kid,"  Brad says.  "And if you're gonna stay in this business, then you're gonna have to learn that."

 

"And just what are YOU doing here, anyway? The head of the Oil Regulatory Commission visiting one of the oil companies he's charged with regulating?  Talk about crooked business and conflict of interest."

 

"Just so happens, Brad's here on a personal matter," Shawn says.  "Not that it's any of your business, but he and I do share a nephew, Hunter.  His birthday is coming up, and we were just talking about doing something special for the little guy."

 

"You expect me to believe that load of bull?"

 

"I don't give a damn if you believe it or not.  Who I meet with in MY office is my own business, NOT yours.  Now get the hell out of here before I toss you out myself."

 

"I'm not gonna warn you again.  If you're hell bent on starting a war with Ewing Oil, then you'd better be ready for the mother of all wars,"  Alex says.  He looks at Brad.  "And let me give you a warning too, Barnes.  If you're here scheming with this piece of scum against Ewing Oil and my family.........then we'll break you, too.  After this meeting, you might can just kiss your position as head of the ORC goodbye."

 

"Get out of here, Ewing!"  Shawn angrily says.  "GET OUT!"

 

Alex looks angrily at Shawn one last time, then storms out of the office, slamming the door behind him on his way out.

 

Brad sighs.  "Wow.  He really has become a true Ewing, hasn't he?"

 

"I can't wait to crush those Ewings,"  Shawn says.  "And Alex is gonna be the first."

 

"Yeah, well, right now, we'd better worry about what he's gonna do.  I told you it wasn't idea for me to be here in your office, and now the last person on the face of the Earth we needed to see me here has.  That kid is gonna go right back and tell John Ross, and probably Bobby, that he saw me here.  This could compromise my job as head of the ORC."

 

"You just let me worry about Alex Ewing," Shawn says with gritted teeth.

Braddock Feed And Seed Store....late afternoon....

 Conner and Dylan wheel several large bags of cattle feed out of the Braddock Feed & Seed store late in the afternoon on a pallet.  "Think we got enough?"  Dylan asks.

 

"We got what Ray had on the order,"  Conner replies.  "If we need anymore, we can always come back."

 

"True,"  Dylan says.  He tries to open the tailgate of the truck, but it won't open.  "Darn, this stupid tailgate is stuck again."

 

"Oh great,"  says Conner, also trying to open the tailgate, but with no better luck.  "I forgot it keeps sticking on this truck." 

 

"We should've brought one of the other trucks,"  says Dylan.

 

"Here, I'll get on the truck and place them.  You hand 'em up to me."  Conner climbs onto the bed of the pickup truck.  Dylan begins handing the bags up to him.

 

"Damn, these things are heavy,"  Dylan complains.  

 

"Yeah, but just think......you're building your muscles."

 

 

 

Dylan slightly laughs, and continues to hand the feed bags up to Conner, who strategically places them on the bed of the truck.  Once they've loaded all 8 bags, Dylan takes his cell phone from his pocket and looks at it.  "Hey, it's already after 5 o'clock.  You hungry?"

 

"Yeah, I could eat,"  says Conner.  "We didn't eat much for lunch."

 

"What do you say we leave here and go grab a bite at the Golden Chick?"  Dylan asks.  "It's only about half a mile down the road here."

 

"I haven't eaten there in months.  Sure, that sounds good."

 

Dylan smiles.  "Great."

 

Conner jumps down from the bed of the truck.  "Let's go then.  My mouth's watering for some of that chicken."

 

"Yeah, mine, too,"  Dylan says as the two Ewing brothers get into the truck, Conner driving.  Conner starts the truck and backs out onto the street, then drives off in the direction of the restaurant.

 

 

The Golden Chick Restaurant....a few minutes later....

 Ashley and Jasmine are sitting in a booth at The Golden Chick in Braddock.  "Ashley, why did we have to drive all the way to Braddock to eat?"  Jasmine asks.  "There are a few good places to eat in Dallas, you know."

 

"I know, but trust me, you'll be glad I brought you here,"  Ashley says.  "The food is definitely worth driving all the way from Dallas for."

 

Jasmine sighs.  "Well, I guess I don't have anything better to do these days."

 

Ashley looks up and sees Conner and Dylan walk into the restaurant.  She smiles.  "Hey, Jasmine, look who's here."

 

Jasmine looks up and sees Conner and Dylan.  The brothers spot the two girls and walk over to their table.  

 

"Hi, guys,"  Ashley says.

 

"Hey,"  says Dylan.

 

"Ashley, what's going on here?"  Jasmine asks.   "You and Dylan set this up, didn't you?"

 

"What makes you think that?"

 

"What else are we supposed to think?"  Conner asks.

 

"Yeah, and why else would you drive us all the way out here to Braddock?"  Jasmine asks.

 

"Well, hey, look, now that we're all here, we may as well have dinner, right?"

 

Conner looks at his brother, then at the girls, and nods.  "Sure, I guess."  He and Conner take their seats with the girls, Dylan beside Ashley, and Conner beside Jasmine on the other side of the booth.  A few seconds of awkward silence follows, and then Conner looks at Jasmine.  "How've you been?"  He asks.

 

"I've been good,"  Jasmine replies.  "How about you?"

 

"I've been okay."

 

Another awkward silence follows.  Ashley and Dylan exchange looks.  "Come on, you guys,"  Ashley finally says.  "Don't you think it's time you both stop acting this way and made up?"

 

"It's obvious you guys care about each other a lot, and that you're miserable without each other,"  Dylan says.  "I can't speak for you, Jasmine, but I know that my big brother has been just about impossible to live with this past week."

 

Jasmine looks at Dylan, then at Conner and smiles.  "Is that true?"

 

"Sure, it's true,"  Dylan says.

 

"Dylan, I can speak for myself,"  says Conner.  He looks over at Jasmine.  "I miss you.  I miss the fun we had."

 

"I miss you, too.  I'm sorry that I got so angry."

"I'm sorry, too,"  Conner says.  "Jasmine, I like you.  A lot."

 

"I like you, too, Conner."

 

"Then, can we just forget the fight we had and get things back to the way they were?"

 

Jasmine nods.  "I'd really like that, Conner."

 

"So would I."

 

"There, now that wasn't that hard, was it?"  Ashley asks.

 

Jasmine smiles.  "No, it wasn't."

 

"Okay, ummm, well, this whole thing started out as a ploy to get you two together again, but, I reall AM starving, so, why don't we order some food?"  Dylan asks.

 

The others laugh.

 

 

Ewing Oil....later....

 The elevator door opens at Ewing Oil and a smiling John Ross steps off.  He approaches Sally's desk.  "Well, evenin', Sally,"  he says.  "I'm surprised to see you here so late."

 

"I was finishing typing up these contracts for your mother, and I'm about to leave,"  Sally says.  "John Ross, where have you been all day?"

 

"Just takin' care of a little business, darlin'."

 

Sally gets up from her desk and picks up the contracts. "Well, your mother has been trying to reach you all day."  Sally goes to Sue Ellen's office and knocks on the door. 

 

"Come in,"  she hears Sue Ellen say.  

 

 

Sally walks into the office.  "Here are those contracts, Mrs. Ewing."

 

"Thank you, Sally."

 

"You're welcome, Mrs. Ewing, and John Ross is here."

 

"John Ross?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "Thank you, and, Sally, I'm so sorry I kept you so late.  I didn't realize what time it was getting to be. You can go on home now."

 

Sally smiles.  "I'll see you in the morning, Mrs. Ewing."

 

"Fine, goodnight, and would you ask John Ross to step into my office?"

 

"I will, and goodnight,"  Sally says as she leaves the office.  

 

Sue Ellen stands from her seat at her desk.  A moment later, John Ross walks in.  

 

"Sally said you wanted to see me," he says.

 

"Yes.  John Ross, where have you been all day?  I've been trying to reach you.  Didn't you have your cell phone on?"

 

"Yes, but, I forgot to take the damned thing off silent, so I had no idea anybody had called me until I phoned Krystina on my way back."

 

"On your way back from where?"  Sue Ellen asks.  

 

"Let's just say I was securin' a weapon to use against Lila Winthrop in court."

 

"A weapon?  John Ross, WHAT are you talking about?"

 

"You'll find out soon enough.  Now, what was it that was so important that you needed to reach me?"

 

"I had a phone call today while you were away,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Bill Jackson phoned.  He said that he had tried to reach you as well."

 

"And?  What'd he want?"

 

"He's decided to sell his company to Westar.  Which means that Ewing Oil has lost yet another important deal to Westar, not to mention some very rich tracts."

 

"Well, that IS  a shame,"  John Ross.

 

"John Ross, what's the matter with you?  You don't seem at all upset that you lost this Jackson deal to Westar."

"I'm not,"  John Ross says.  

 

"John Ross, I don't understand you at all.  Any other time you'd be furious.  What's really going on here?"

 

"Let's just say that, everything is workin' out just like I planned,"  John Ross says.

 

Sue Ellen looks at him, confused and wondering what her son is up to.  As she is about to say something, a knock comes at her door, then Alex walks in.

 

"Dad, I'm glad you're back,"  Alex says.

 

"Alex, I didn't know you were still here,"  Sue Ellen says. 

 

"I was working on something, and I called the ranch a little while ago and Krystina told me Dad was coming by the office before he goes home."

 

"What's goin' on?"  John Ross asks.

 

"After I found out today that Shawn stole another deal from Ewing Oil, I went over to Westar to see him."

 

"You did?"

 

"Yeah, and you'll never guess who I saw over there, right in Shawn's office,"  Alex says.

 

"Who?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Brad Barnes."

 

"Brad Barnes?"  Sue Ellen asks.  

 

"That's right.  I asked what Barnes was doing there and Shawn lied and came up with some BS about Barnes being there to talk about their nephew, Hunter."

 

John Ross smiles.  "Well, well, well.  This day just keeps gettin' better and better.  The head of the ORC in the office of the CEO of Westar Oil.  I smell collusion."

 

"I didn't wanna wait until you got home to tell you.  I tried calling you several times.  Where were you?"

 

"Just buyin' us some insurance for our upcoming court case,"  John Ross says.  "And now, you findin' that snake Brad Barnes over at Westar schemin' with that other snake, Shawn Smith.  This could be just what we needed to get Barnes kicked off that Commission.  Like I said, this day just gets better all the time.  It's almost 8:30.  Come on, let's all get out of here and go home."

 

"You coming, Grandma?"  Alex asks.

 

"Yes.  It's been a long day, and I'm exhausted,"  Sue Ellen says.  She switches off the light in her office, and leaves with John Ross and Alex.

The Omni Hotel....the next morning....

 

 

Casey, Jacob, and Michael are swimming in the pool at The Omni Hotel early the next morning before Jacob and Michael have to get ready to go to school.  Michael climbs out of the pool, gets on the diving board, and dives into  the pool on his back.

 

"Man, this is great!"  Michael says.  

 

"Yeah, I'm glad you guys could come over and spend the night,"  says Casey.

 

"Me, too,"  Jacob says.  

 

"I wish I could stay in this pool all day,"  Michael says.  "This pool's better than the one at Southfork."

 

"Yeah, a LOT better,"  Jacob agrees.  "But still, it is nice to have our own pool at home, though."

 

Joseph Gioberti comes out of the hotel.  Looking around, he spots the boys and smiles.  A moment later, Jill comes out of the hotel and stands beside him.  "Morning,"  Joseph says.

 

"Morning."

 

"The boys are sure having a lot of fun.  I hate to make them get out of the pool."

 

"Ah, come on, Joseph, can't we stay in a few minutes longer?"  Michael asks.

 

"No, you've gotta get ready for school, it's getting late, so come on."

 

"Can we come back after school?"  Michael asks.

 

"That's up to your parents,"  Joseph replies. "Now come on."

 

"You, too, Casey,"  Jill says.  

 

As the boys get out of the pool and grabs towels to dry themselves off, Courtney comes onto the hotel patio and walks over to Joseph and Jill.  "Hi,"  she says.

 

"Well, good morning,"  says Joseph.  "I just made the boys get out of the pool."

 

"Good,"  Courtney says.  "Jacob!  Michael!"

 

"Hi, Mom,"  Jacob says, walking over with Michael and Casey.  

 

"Hi, honey.  You and Michael hurry up and get dressed.  We're gonna be pushed for time to get yo guys to school by 8:15, so HURRY."

 

"Okay,"  Jacob says. 

 

"Here's the key to my room,"  Joseph says, handing Jacob his card key.  

 

"And here's our key, Casey,"  Jill says, giving Casey her card. 

 

Joseph, Jill, and Courtney watch as their sons go into the hotel.  

 

"They're growing up so fast,"  Jill says.

 

"Yes, they are,"  agrees Courtney.  "Jill, how've you been?"

 

"Just fine.  How about you and Christopher?"

 

Courtney looks at her with a sad expression.  "We're okay," she replies as Joseph looks at her, knowing that Courtney and Christopher's marriage is far from okay.

Shawn's apartment....

 Shawn and his secretary, Kayla, are getting dressed in his bedroom that morning.  "I think last night was the best night ever,"  Kayla says as she puts on her earrings.  

 

"Yes, it was pretty great, wasn't it?"  Shawn asks.

 

Kayla walks over to him.  "The weekend's coming up.  I don't have any plans,"  she says, putting her arms around him from behind.  "I could spend the weekend here, and we could spend the weekend in bed."

 

Shawn looks at her.  "Kayla, I thought I had already explained this to you.  Our arrangement is that you will be available whenever I want you to be.  Not the other way around.  Now when you start assuming that I would be available like this weekend........then we have a problem.  You see, I don't like that.  So if we're going to continue this little arrangement, and if you're gonna continue to enjoy all the benefits with being my friend with benefits, then you're gonna have to learn that I decide when we have sex, and when you come over here.  NOT you.  Do I make myself clear?"

 

"Yes.  Very clear,"  Kayla says, taken aback by Shawn's angry reaction to her making herself available to him this weekend.  

 

"Good.  Now, while I finish getting dressed, why don't you make yourself useful and, uh, go fix me some breakfast?"

 

Near tears, Kayla nods, then leaves the bedroom.  As she walks into the living room, the doorbell rings.  

 

"Kayla, get that for me!"  Shawn says from the bedroom.

 

"Great, not only am I his secretary and on-call lover, now I'm his housekeeper,"  the young woman mumbles to herself as she walks to the door.  She opens the door to Kenneth, who seems surprised to see her.

 

"Kayla,"  he says.

 

"Kenneth.  Come in.  Mr. Smith is in the bedroom."

 

"Thank you,"  Kenneth says, entering the apartment.  "I would ask what you're doing here at 7:30 in the morning, but........I think it's pretty obvious."  Kenneth smiles at her, then goes over to Shawn's bedroom door and knocks, then walks in to find Shawn slipping on his pants.  "We need to talk,"  Kenneth says.

 

 

 Courtney and Joseph are walking in one of Dallas's scenic parks later.  "Dallas sure is a beautiful city, I'll say that about it,"  Joseph remarks.  

 

"Yes, it is.  I love it here."  

 

"Courtney, I've been doing some thinking."

 

"Thinking about what?"  Courtney asks.

 

"I'd really like to spend more time in Dallas.  Maybe rent an apartment or a house here."

 

 A depressed Cory is standing at the living room window of his apartment that night looking out, his mind on the threat that John Ross had made to him.  Cory had been placed in an impossible situation........either he betray his mother and side with John Ross in this court case, or his parents find out that he has been living a lie all these months.  And then there's Daniel to consider.  Cory knows that if he doesn't do what John Ross wants, Daniel's life could also be affected.  Cory's train of thought is broken when his cell phone begins to ring, startling him.  He walks over to the coffee table, picks up the phone, and looks at it.  He sees that it's Lila calling.  Cory sighs, then answers the call.  "Hi, Mom,"  he says.

 

"Hi, sweetheart, how are you?"  Lila asks on the other end of the line.

 

"I'm.......fine, Mom.  Uh, what can I do for you?"

 

"Well, do I need a reason to call my own son?"

 

"No, I guess not."

 

"Cory, honey, what's wrong?  You sound upset about somethin'."

 

"No, I'm not upset.  It's just that you kinda caught me at a bad time.  I was.......studying.  I have a big test coming up."

 

"Well, the test isn't tomorrow, is it?"

 

"No.  It's on Monday."

 

"Oh, good.  Then you'll be here tomorrow for court?"

 

"Yeah, I'll be there,"  Cory replies.  "I'm gonna leave early, which means I should probably get some sleep."

 

"Alright, honey, I just wanted to call and make sure you were comin' and if it was alright for you to miss classes tomorrow.  But I'll let you go so you can get some sleep.  Cory, are you sure everything's alright?"

 

"Yes, everything's fine, Mom.  Goodnight."  Cory ends the call and puts his phone down.  He sighs deeply.  He pulls up a photo on his phone of himself and Daniel and looks at it.  "My God, what am I gonna do?"  He quietly asks.  

 

 

 

 

George Allen Courthouse in Dallas....the next morning....

 Bobby, Ann, Christopher, John Ross, Krystina, and Alex all walk into the George Allen Courthouse the next morning, where they are besieged by reporters hurling questions at John Ross.  

 

"Mr. Ewing, do you think your sisters, Lila Winthrop and Jillian Anderson have any chance of winning this case?" One reporter asks.

 

"Mr. Ewing, how confident are you that you're gonna win this case?"  Another asks.

 

"I'm REAL confident........my brother and I are gonna win,"  John Ross replies.

 

"Mr. Ewing, do you think, had he lived, that your father would have changed his will to include your sisters?"  One female reporter asks.

 

"I can't speculate on that,"  John Ross says.  

 

"Hey, there are Lila Winthrop and Jillian Anderson now!"  A reporter shouts.

 

John Ross, Krystina, and Alex turn and see Lila, Cass, Jasmine, Jill, and Casey getting off the elevator.  Jill and Lila both exchange looks with John Ross across the crowd, as the horde of reporters descend upon them.  

 

"Mrs. Winthrop, Mr. Winthrop, what do you think your chances are of winning this case?"  One reporter asks.

 

"We're GOING to win,"  Cass replies.

 

"Mrs. Winthrop, what do expect to gain by challenging your father's will in court?"  

 

"I expect to finally be acknowledged as a daughter and heir of J.R. Ewing once and for all,"  Lila says.  

 

Justin and Pamela step off the elevator and look around.  "Geez, what a circus,"  Justin says as he and Pamela head to the courtroom.  Arriving behind them are Sue Ellen and Catlin, followed by Clay, Ashley, and Dylan.  Each of them take their seats in the courtroom. 

 

Sitting on the opposite side of the courtroom from the other members of the Ewing family are Lila, Jasmine, Jill, and Casey.  Lila leans over and whispers to her daughter.  "Jasmine, WHERE is your brother?  I thought you talked to him when he was on the way here a little while ago."

 

"I did, Mom.  Cory said he was almost to Dallas then, but, maybe he got caught in morning rush hour traffic.  Don't worry, I'm sure he'll be here."

 

Just then, the bailiff steps to the front of the courtroom.  "All rise,"  he says.  The entire courtroom stands to their feet.  "Court is now in session, the Honorable Judge Milton Cavanaugh presiding."

 

Judge Cavanaugh enters the courtroom and takes his seat on the bench.  "Please be seated," he says.  "This is the case of Lila Hart Winthrop and Jillian Cryder Anderson versus John Ross Ewing III, Justin Randall Ewing, and the heirs of the late James Richard Beaumont......James Richard Beaumont, Jr., Ashley Lynn Beaumont, Eve Vanessa Beaumont, and Clayton James Beaumont....."

Meanwhile....

"Just.......I AM, it's just not a good time right now.  Daniel, I really have to get into the courtroom.  And, you should probably go."

 

"Well, am I gonna be able to see you later, after court?"  Daniel asks.

 

"I don't know, maybe.   I have to go."

 

"Will you text me later?"

 

"Yeah, I'll try,"  Cory says as he walks past Daniel and heads down the hall to the courtroom, leaving Daniel with a confused look on his face, wondering why Cory was acting so strangely toward him.  

 

Cory walks into the courtroom just as the case is getting under way.  Seeing her brother enter the courtroom, Jasmine whispers to her mother.  Lila turns and looks at her son, and smiles at him.  Cory nods to his mother, then takes a seat in back of the courtroom.  John Ross also has seen Cory walk in, and he smiles.  

 

"Mr. Winthrop, are you ready to present your case?"  The Judge asks.

 

"Yes, sir, Your Honor,"  Cass replies, standing from his seat.  He makes his way to the front of the courtroom.  "Your Honor, this is a very complex case before us.  We are here today to determine the fate of the Last Will And Testament of John Ross Ewing, Jr., better known to everyone as J.R.......

A few minutes later....

"Your Honor, the Plaintiff calls Ms. Anita Smithfield to the stand,"  Cass says, calling his first witness a few minutes later.

 

All eyes fall on Anita as she stands from her seat near the back of the courtroom and makes her way to the witness stand, where she is met by the bailiff.  "Place your left hand on the Bible and raise your right hand.  Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you, God?"

 

"I do,"  Anita says, then takes her seat on the stand.

 

Cass approaches her.  "Good morning."

 

"Good morning."

 

"Please state your name and occupation for the record."

 

"Anita Smithfield, and I'm an attorney."

 

"Ms. Smithfield, you were formerly employed by the law firm of Smithfield And Bennett, which was co-founded by your uncle, Harv Smithfield, here in Dallas, weren't you?"

 

"Yes, I was employed at my Uncle's law firm from 1995 until 2009,"  Anita replies.  

 

"And J.R. Ewing was one of your clients, is that correct?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Ms. Smithfield, you were the attorney who originally drew up J.R. Ewing's will, correct?"

 

"Yes, that's correct.  J.R. had me draw up a new will in 2005."

 

"And, what about the codicil to J.R.'s will?  The one that made provision for his youngest son, Justin?"

 

"Yes, I also drew up the codicil to the will a year later, in 2006."

 

"Ms. Smithfield, why did J.R. have that codicil drawn up?"  Cass asks.  "I mean, J.R. Ewing had never had a relationship with his youngest child, had he?"

 

"No, he hadn't,"  Anita replies.  "J.R.'s former wife, Justin's 

 mother, had never wanted J.R. to have a relationship with their son, and J.R. had decided to abide by her wishes."

 

"That had to have been hard for him,"  says Cass.

 

"Yes, it was.  J.R. agonized over that decision many times."

 

"Did he ever try to contact his son or his son's mother?"

 

"Yes.  He met with Cally, his former wife, just before I drew up his new will in 2005.  And Cally still insisted that J.R. not be a part of their son's life."

 

"Then why did J.R. add the codicil to his will?"

 

"Because he wanted to leave something to his son.  Justin was 15 at the time I drew up the codicil, and J.R. stipulated in the codicil that Justin was to receive his inheritance upon turning 25, or at which time the boy learned that J.R. was his father."

 

"J.R. must have loved his son very much,"  Cass says.  

 

"He did.  He talked about Justin all the time.  He kept up with the boy's life through newspaper clippings from the newspaper in Tampa, where Justin lived with his mother.  The boy played varsity football in high school, and J.R. saved every newspaper clipping with Justin's name in it."

 

Sitting in the courtroom and hearing Anita speak of how much his father loved him, Justin wipes a tear from his eye.  

 

"So, Ms. Smithfield, in your opinion, J.R. Ewing was a man who deeply loved his children, is that correct?"

 

"Yes, he did."

 

"Objection, Your Honor, what is the relevance of this line of questioning?"  Chad Bennett asks.

 

"Your Honor, I am attempting to show that J.R. Ewing, despite his many flaws, was a man with a deep love for his children, thus, making my case that his daughters Lila and Jillian would have had a place of equal importance in Mr. Ewing's life as his three sons."

 

"Objection overruled,"  the Judge says.  "Continue, Mr. Winthrop."

 

"Thank you, Judge.  Ms. Smithfield, in both your personal AND professional opinion as not only J.R. Ewing's friend and confidant for a number of years, but also as his attorney, do you believe that Mr. Ewing, had he had knowledge of the existence of two daughters that he had sired, would have changed his will to include those two daughters?"

 

"Absolutely,"  Anita replies. 

 

"Thank you, Ms. Smithfield,"  Cass says.  "No further questions."

 

"Mr. Bennett, do you wish to cross examine?"  Judge Cavanaugh asks.

 

"I most certainly do,"  Chad replies, standing from his seat.  He approaches Anita and smiles.  "Hello, Anita, it's been a long time.  I beg the court's indulgence, but I've known Ms. Smithfield since I was a boy, and it would feel strange calling her MS. Smithfield."

 

"Whatever makes you......comfortable.......counselor,"  the Judge says.  "Just get on with it, please."

 

"Of course, Your Honor,"  Chad says.  "Anita, how long did you know J.R. Ewing?"

 

"I first met J.R. in the fall of 1995."

 

"Around the time that you went to work for Smithfield and Bennett?"

 

"That's right."

 

"And you became very close to Mr. Ewing, is that correct?"  Chad asks.

 

"Yes, I did."

 

"In fact, isn't it true that, for quite a number of years, you and J.R. Ewing were lovers?"

 

"Objection, Your Honor,"  Cass says.  "Ms. Smithfield's private life has no bearing on this case."

 

"Objection sustained.  Mr. Bennett, stick to the subject at hand."

 

"Yes, Your Honor, my apologies.  Anita, what would you say that you were one of J.R. Ewing's primary confidants?  He shared things with you, very private things?"

 

"Yes, that's right, he did."

 

"Did Mr. Ewing ever discuss his past affairs with you?"

 

"I'm not sure what you mean,"  Anita says.

 

"J.R. Ewing had quite a reputation as a ladies' man, did he not?  He slept with a lot of women over the years."

 

"Objection, Your Honor,"  Cass says.  "J.R. Ewing is not on trial here.  The man is dead, and unable to even be here to defend himself."

 

"Your Honor, I beg to differ,"  Chad says.  "This entire trial is to contest Mr. Ewing's Last Will and Testament.  Therefore, almost every aspect of Mr. Ewing's life is on trial here."

 

"I'll allow the questioning, but proceed with extreme caution, Mr. Bennett."

 

"Yes, sir, and thank you, Your Honor.  Anita, did Mr. Ewing ever mention his past sexual conquests to you?"

 

"Not to me, no.  Other than his two wives, Sue Ellen and Cally.  And he did talk about Sue Ellen's sister from time to time."

 

"Kristin Shepard?"  Chad asks.

 

"Yes, Kristin Shepard."

 

"Did Mr. Ewing ever discuss with you the possibility that he could have had more children somewhere, given his many sexual conquests over the years?"

 

Anita sighs.  "J.R. did bring up the fact that he could have fathered more children besides James, John Ross, and Justin.  In fact, he even mentioned Kristin's son, Christopher Ewing."

 

"Really?  In what way?"

 

 

"J.R. had been..........involved........with Kristin Shepard at one time."

 

"You mean he had an affair with her?"

 

"Yes.  And for a time, he believed Kristin's son, Christopher, to be his child."

 

As Anita recounts this story, Bobby looks on angrily, bad memories from that time so long ago flooding his mind.  Christopher looks on, saddened by the details of his early life.  

 

"Did J.R. express any regrets that Christopher was NOT his biological child?"

 

"Sometimes, he would get this sad look on his face when he talked about Christopher, but then he said it was probably for the best that the boy turned out not to be his son."

 

"And why is that?"  Chad asks.

 

"J.R. use to say that, with all the women he'd been with who had simply walked out of his life for one reason or another, he probably had several more illegitimate children out there in the world somewhere, but he felt that it was best he didn't have any more children because he didn't have the best track record in that department.  He didn't know about James until he was a young adult.  His relationship with John Ross at times became estranged, and he never had any part of Justin's life at all."

 

"Did J.R. ever express a hope that, if he had any other children, he would never find out about that fact?  That he preferred not to learn that he had any more children?"

 

"And why is that?"  Chad asks.

 

"J.R. felt that he was too old to establish a relationship with anymore offspring,"  Anita says.  "I also believe that, losing out on having a relationship with Justin soured J.R. on the prospect of fatherhood."

 

"Thank you, Anita.  No further questions."

 

"You may step down, Ms. Smithfield,"  Judge Cavanaugh says.

 

Anita leaves the witness stand.  As she passes by Sue Ellen in the courtroom, the two women exchange looks, then Anita proceeds out of the courtroom.

Westar Oil....

 Shawn is reading over some reports at his desk when his secretary Kayla buzzes his office.  "Mr. Smith, Samantha Chambers is here to see you."

 

"Great.  Send Ms. Chambers in,"  Shawn says.  Smiling, Shawn stands to his feet and walks over to greet Samantha as Kayla shows her into the office.  "Samantha,"  he says.

 

"Hello, Shawn."

 

"Can I get you anything, Ms. Chambers?"  Kayla asks.

 

"No, thank you, I'm fine,"  Samantha replies.

 

"Just leave us alone, Kayla,"  Shawn says.

 

Kayla gives Shawn, then Samantha an angry look, jealous of the two.  

 

Shawn looks at her.  "Kayla, is there anything else?"

 

"No......sir,"  Kayla says.  

 

"Then leave us alone."

 

Kayla nods, then leaves the office.

 

Samantha smiles.  "That new secretary of yours is a little........"

 

"Sexy?"  Shawn asks.  

 

"No, I was gonna say.......inquisitive."

 

Shawn laughs.  "Yes, but that's one of her many assets."

 

"So is she as good in bed as I am?"  Samantha asks.

 

"Now what makes you think I'm banging my secretary?"

 

"Because, darling, I know your sexual appetite, and, despite her seeming to have very little in the way of brains, that girl is quite beautiful."

 

"Are you jealous?"  Shawn asks.

 

"Jealous?"

 

"Yeah.  If I were sleeping with Kayla, would that bother you?"  He moves closer to Samantha and puts his arms around her.  

 

"Why should it?  Our relationship is just sex, nothing more.  So that means both of us are free to sleep with whoever else we want."

 

"We could change that, y'know.  Make things a little more......exclusive."  Shawn begins kissing her.

 

After a moment, Samantha pulls out of the kiss,  "But why would we?  Things are great just the way they are, and just the way I like it......no strings."

 

"Yeah, me, too,"  Shawn says.  "No strings.  But, now that you're here, I'm feeling like telling Kayla not to disturb us for the next hour."

 

"I came over here to discuss business, NOT pleasure,"  Samantha says.

 

"Sweetheart, I always say........pleasure before business."  He kisses her, then walks over to his desk and buzzes Kayla's desk.  "Kayla, Ms. Chambers and I don't wanna be disturbed for the next hour,"  he says.  He walks over to the door and locks it, then begins kissing Samantha passionately.

 

Meanwhile, at her desk, a sad look comes over Kayla's face after Shawn has told her not to disturb them for the next hour.  Kayla fights back tears as she realizes that Shawn is in his office now making love to Samantha Chambers.

George Allen Courthouse....

 

 

"The Plaintiff calls Lila Hart Winthrop to the stand,"  Cass says as court continues.  

 

Lila gets up from her seat and makes her way to the witness stand, where the bailiff meets her, holding out a Bible.  Lila places her right hand on the Bible and raises her left.  "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you, God?"

 

"I do,"  Lila replies, and takes her seat on the stand as Cass walk over to her.  

 

"Please state your full name for the record,"  Cass says.  

 

"Lila Hart Roberts Cory Winthrop."

 

"Mrs. Winthrop, you are one of the Plaintiffs in this case, and you are also the biological daughter of J.R. Ewing?"

 

"Yes, I am."

 

"Mrs. Winthrop, when did you first learn that J.R. Ewing was your father?"  Cass asks.

 

"It was this past winter, through Ancestry.com.  Actually through one of those DNA tests."

 

"Your DNA matched with that of a member of the Ewing family, is that right?"

 

"Yes.  Alex, John Ross's son."

 

"Alex, being a grandson of J.R. Ewing's, correct?"

 

"Yes,"  Lila says.

 

"Your mother had a relationship with J.R. Ewing, is that right?"

 

"My mother and J.R..........they were friendly."

 

"Friendly?  They'd have to be more than friendly to conceive a child,"  says Cass.  "Mrs. Winthrop, I really hate to ask you this, but, your mother, Jessica Hart, aka Leanne Rees, was a call girl, wasn't she?"

 

Lila looks at him and pauses before answering.  "Yes, she was."

 

"And that's how your mother met J.R. Ewing?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Did your mother ever mention J.R. Ewing to you?"  Cass asks.

 

"No.  My mother died when I was 8-years-old.  I was raised by my grandmother."

 

"I'm very sorry to hear that.  Mrs. Winthrop, your mother died without ever telling you who your father was, is that right?"

 

"Yes, that's true,"  Lila says.  

 

"Were you ever curious as to who your father was?"

 

"Curious?"  Lila asks, wiping tears from her eyes.  "I was much more than curious.  I desperately longed to know who my father was.  To know who I was.  I spent so much of my life lonely and depressed, with no identity.  I was haunted by the memory of seeing my mother stabbed to death in front of me when I was 8-years-old, and by the deep desire.......the deep NEED to know who my father was."  

 

"Did you search for the truth about your father?"

 

"Oh yes.  But with no luck until just a few months ago."

 

"Mrs. Winthrop, isn't it true that, your own half-brother, John Ross Ewing III, learned that the two of you shared a father and kept this news from you?"

 

A tear falls down Lila's face as she looks past Cass and at John Ross in the courtroom.  "Yes, it's true. John Ross tried to keep me from findin' out that J.R. was my father."

 

"Objection, Your Honor, this is pure speculation on the part of the witness,"  Chad says.

 

"Speculation?"  Cass asks.  "The witness is simply stating what happened.  John Ross Ewing knew the truth, that his son Alex and Mrs. Winthrop had matched each other through the Ancestry.com DNA testing, and that he kept that truth from Mrs. Winthrop for weeks."

 

"Objection overruled,"  the Judge says.

 

"Thank you, Your Honor,"  says Cass.  "Mrs. Winthrop, would you please tell the court how you felt when you learned that J.R. Ewing was your father, and that your own brother had tried to keep you from learning the truth?"

 

"I was heartbroken, and angry.  I had spent a lifetime longing for an identity, and then I finally had one, and my own brother attempted to keep me from havin' a place in his precious family."

 

"And since learning the truth of your parentage, what has your relationship been like with the Ewing family?  Particularly with your siblings and their families, their kids and such?"

 

"My brother Justin has been just wonderful to me,"  Lila says.  "And so has his wife, Pamela.  My Uncle Bobby, my cousins, Christopher and Lucy, and Lucas, have also welcomed me into the family with open arms.  And so has my sister, Jill.  I've grown very close to Jill and her son, Casey."

 

"You mentioned everyone but your brother, John Ross,"  Cass says.  "What has your relationship been like with him?"

 

"There hasn't BEEN  relationship with John Ross."

 

"And what do you mean by that?"

 

"Ever since the day I found out that I'm a Ewing, John Ross has treated me like trash.  I've tried to reach out to him, tried to be friends with him, but he's been nothin' but rude to me, and to my family."

 

"Thank you, Mrs. Winthrop.  No further questions,"  Cass says.  He turns and goes back to his seat.

 

Chad Bennett stands and approaches Lila.  "Mrs. Winthrop, you stated that your mother was a prostitute, is that correct?"

 

"Yes, that's correct,"  Lila says.  

 

"Is it possible, Mrs. Winthrop, even LIKELY, that your mother never even knew the identity of your father?"

 

"Yes, it's possible."

 

"Would you say that, with so many 'Johns', it's even likely she didn't know?"  Chad asks.

 

"Yes."

 

"Mrs. Winthrop, you've been married 3 times, haven't you?"

 

"I have."

 

"Your second husband, the father of your daughter, is a man named Matthew Cory, is that correct?"

 

"Yes, Matt Cory was my second husband."

 

"Isn't it true that the Cory family is very wealthy?  That Matthew Cory's stepfather, MacKenzie Cory, owned one of the largest publishing companies in the Midwest?"

 

"Yes, that's true."

 

"When you married Matthew Cory, did you love him?" Chad asks.

 

"Objection, Your Honor,"  Cass says.

 

"Objection sustained."

 

"I'll rephrase the question.  Mrs. Winthrop, you and Matthew Cory were only married a short time, is that correct?  And then your marriage was annulled?"

 

"Yes, the marriage was annulled,"  Lila says.  

 

"Mrs. Winthrop, money has always been very important to you, hasn't it?"  Chad asks.  "And before answering, remember, you're under oath."

 

"Well, I would never turn it down, if that answers your question."

 

Chad walks up to Lila and looks her in the face.  "Did you married Matthew Cory for his money?"  Chad asks, much to the horror of not only Lila, but also Jasmine, seated in the courtroom.

 

"Objection, Your Honor!"  Cass angrily says, standing from his seat.

 

"Objection sustained,"  the Judge says.  "Mr. Bennett, I'll not warn you again."

 

"No further questions, Your Honor,"  Chad says, smiling.

 

"You may step down, Mrs. Winthrop."

 

In the courtroom, John Ross smiles.  Krystina leans over to him.  "Wow, Chad Bennett made Lila sound look like a real gold digger,"  she whispers to her husband.

 

"That's his plan,"  John Ross says.  "Make her look as bad as possible in the eyes of the judge."

 

As Lila makes her way back to her seat, she and John Ross exchange looks of contempt.

Westar Oil....

 

"Now aren't you glad I talked you into pleasure before business?"  Shawn asks Samantha after they've made love in his office.  

 

"I definitely am,"  Samantha replies.  "I can't think of a better way to have spent an afternoon."

 

"Yes and the best part is, we were having a great time, while John Ross is at this moment in court, fighting to hang on to his inheritance."

 

"What?  Shawn, what are you talking about?"

 

"You mean you haven't heard?"  Shawn asks.  "John Ross's new sister, Lila Winthrop.......and his old sister, Jill Anderson, are suing him and Justin to contest their father's will.  Lila Winthrop apparently feels like she's entitled to a piece of that Ewing pie."

 

"Can't say as I blame her."

 

Shawn laughs.  "I hope Jill and Lila win that case.  I'd love nothing better than to see John Ross lose everything.  And he will......soon."

 

"What do you mean by that?"  Samantha asks.

 

"Just wait and see."

 

"You're up to something, aren't you?"

 

"Aren't I always?"  Shawn asks.  

 

"Care to fill me in?"

 

"Sorry, sweetheart, but, no."

 

"I thought we were supposed to be partners......both business, and otherwise."

 

"We ARE,"  Shawn says.

 

"But you don't trust me."

 

"Samantha, I can't afford to trust ANYONE.  I'm building an empire here, and I'm not gonna let anyone or anything stand in the way of that."

 

Samantha stands and walks over to him.  "I don't wanna stand in the way of your empire.  I would just like to be a part of it.  And, haven't I proven myself a loyal friend and lover?  I've brought you these deals that Ewing Oil and the Cartel were interested in.  I put myself in a very bad situation with the Cartel.  If they ever found out that I was secretly working with you......."

 

"Okay, you've made your point,"  says Shawn.  "You remember when Brad Barnes was appointed head of the ORC?"

 

"Of course, I remember. John Ross was furious."

 

"My grandfather was the one who pulled the strings to get Barnes that appointed.  The head of the ORC is in my pocket, and he'll do anything I tell him to do.  Anything like.......denying Ewing Oil any permits to drill anywhere in the state of Texas."

 

Samantha smiles.  "And that would essentially cripple them if they can't drill."

 

Shawn nods.  "That's right.  It's basically the same tactic John Ross used to put Cliff and Brad Barnes's company out of business a couple years ago."

 

"Wow.  That really is impressive for one so young."

 

"By the end of the year, Ewing Oil will be so far in debt, with no profits coming in, and no way out of the hole I'm digging for them.  And with this deal you just brought me today, it's gonna make Westar hundreds of millions of dollars."

 

"And Chambers Oil, too,"  Samantha says.

 

"Oh, yes, definitely,"  Shawn says, kissing her again.  "Now, how about a repeat of earlier."

 

"You said an hour.  That hour is up, and, I do have to be going.  I have a meeting back at my office at 2:30, and it's 2:15 now."

 

"Cancel it."

 

"I can't.  I still have an oil company of my own to run, and Chambers Oil is nowhere near as big as Westar so I can't just miss or cancel appointments."  Samantha walks over to the sofa, picks up her clothes, and begins to get dressed as Shawn watches.

 

"Damn, you are soooo freaking HOT,"  Shawn says.  "Older women are definitely where it's at."

 

Samantha looks at him and smiles.  

A few minutes later....

Samantha comes out of Shawn's office.  As she passes by Kayla's desk, she smiles triumphantly at the young secretary, then leaves the office, Kayla watching her with a look of disgust on her face.  

 

Leaving the Westar offices, Samantha goes to the elevator down the hall and presses the 'down' button.  A few seconds later, the elevator doors open and Samantha steps on.  She is startled when she looks up and a man also gets onto the elevator.  The man is Shawn's henchman, Kenneth.  The elevator doors close.  The two spend a few seconds on the elevator in silence, then Samantha finally speaks and breaks that silence.  

 

"He bought it,"  she says.  

 

"He fell for another phony deal?"  Kenneth asks.

 

Samantha lets out a slight laugh.  "He jumped in with both feet."

 

"Good."

 

"Kenneth, why are you doing this?"  Samantha asks.  "Given your loyalty to Jeremy Wendell all these years, why are you turning against his grandson?"

 

"Because Shawn Smith is NO Jeremy Wendell.  Not only is he a cocky, snot nosed kid, but he's working hard to drive Westar into the ground and he's too stupid to realize it.  He has to be stopped, or in a couple of years it won't be only Ewing Oil that's destroyed, but Westar will be, too.  I won't let that happen."

 

Samantha smiles.  "Now I think I understand,"  she says, looking at him.  "You want him ousted as CEO, in hopes that the board will turn around and give the job to you."

 

Kenneth remains silent, failing to answer Samantha's question.  The elevator doors open.  Samantha smiles at Kenneth, then she exits the elevator.

George Allen Courthouse....

 "Mr. Bennett, you may call your next witness,"  Judge Cavanaugh says.  

 

"Thank you, Your Honor,"  Chad says.  "I call Cory Winthrop to the stand."

 

Audible gasps are heard from the courtroom upon hearing John Ross's attorney call Lila's son as a witness.  Cass, Lila, and Jasmine are all particularly stunned.  "Cass, what's goin' on?"  Lila leans over to Cass and whispers.  "Did you know John Ross's lawyer was gonna call our son?"

 

"No, I had no idea,"  replies Cass.  

 

"Why would he call Cory?"

 

"I don't have any idea, but there's nothing I can do about it."

 

All eyes fall on the young man as he stands to his feet and reluctantly walks to the witness stand, where the bailiff meets him holding out a Bible.  "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you, God?'

 

"I......I do,"  the young man answers nervously.  He takes his seat on the stand.  

 

Chad walks up to the witness stand.  "Afternoon, Cory.  Please state your full name for the record."

 

"Cory Michael Winthrop."

 

"Cory, you are the son of the Plaintiff, Lila Winthrop, and of her attorney, Cass Winthrop, is that correct?"

 

"Yes, sir."

 

Chad smiles.  "Fine.  Cory, let me ask you, how did you feel when you discovered who your mother's father was?"

 

"I was happy for her.  My Mom had wanted to know who her father was for as long as I could remember."

 

"So far, how has YOUR relationship been with your new family, the Ewings?"  Chad asks.

 

"I really haven't been around them much, but, when I have, they've been great."

 

"So you're happy to have found that part of your family?"

 

"Yes.  It was really nice to finally have cousins, and uncles and aunts on my Mom's side."

 

"Any of your new cousins you've grown particularly close to?"

 

"Yeah, umm, Casey,"  Cory replies.  "He's my Aunt Jill's son."

 

"It's nice to have family, isn't it?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Cory, be honest.  Would you please tell the court how you felt when you learned that your mother was suing her new family to contest her father's will?" 

 

"I'm not sure what you mean."

 

"Well, were you happy?  Concerned?  Apprehensive?"

 

"I guess you could say I was........apprehensive," Cory replies.  

 

"And why is that, Cory?"  Chad asks.

 

"Because I........" Cory pauses for a second.  "Because I didn't think my Mom should be doing this and turning everyone in the Ewing family against us, especially since we just met them."

 

"In other words, Cory, you didn't want your family to become enemies with your new relatives?"

 

"Yes, that's right,"  Cory replies.  

 

"Cory, did your mother ever tell you why she was going to court to contest your grandfather's will?  Or did you ever hear her say in so many words why she was taking such a drastic action, especially now?  I mean, it's been months since you and your family met and got to know the Ewings.  Any reason why she would take this action after so long?"

 

"Objection, Your Honor,"  Cass says.  "Calls for speculation."

 

"Objection overruled."

 

"Cory,"  Chad says.  "Do you know why your mother would wait all these months before pursuing legal action to contest your grandfather's will?"

 

Cory looks over at his mother, and then his father, torn apart and disgusted by feeling like he is betraying them.   A tear falls down the boy's face, then he looks over at John Ross on the other side of the courtroom.  Cory remembers

In the courtroom, John Ross smiles happily as Krystina and Alex hug him.  

 

Justin looks over at Jill and Lila, both of whom look sad.  He and Pamela stand from their seats as John Ross, Krystina, and Alex walk over to them.

 

"Well, little brother,"  John Ross says.  "We won."

 

Again, Justin looks over at his sisters.  "Did we, John Ross?  Did we really win anything?"  He walks away from John Ross and goes over to Lila, Jill Jasmine, and Cass, who are talking on the other side of the courtroom.  "Jill, Lila,"  Justin says.  "Can I talk to you two for a minute?"

 

"Of course,"  Jill says.

 

"I'm sorry that things turned out the way they did."

 

Lila looks at him through her tears.  "I really believe you mean that."

 

"I do mean it.  And I'd like to make things right,  I wanna give each of you a third of my inheritance I received from our father."

 

"Justin, you don't have to do that,"  Jill says.

 

"No, but I want to.  That judge was right."

 

"I can't talk about this right now,"  says Lila.  "I have to go and find Cory.  Justin.....thank you."  Lila hugs him, then she, Jasmine, and Cass leave the courtroom.  

 

In the hallway outside the courtroom, the Winthrops look around.  "Cass, did you see the look on Cory's face when he left court?"  Lila asks.

 

"Yes, I did."

 

"Where could he have gone?  Cass, we have to find him."

 

"There he is,"  Jasmine says, pointing down the hall.  Cass and Lila look and see Cory sitting on a bench at the far end of the hallway.  The three walk down the hall to the boy.  

 

Seeing his family approaching him, Cory quickly stands to his feet to face them.  "I know you all must hate me,"  he says.

 

"No, baby, we could never hate you,"  Lila says.

 

"Cory, how could you do that?"  Jasmine asks.  "How could you turn against Mom like that and testify against her?"

 

"Jasmine, it wasn't like that."

 

"Then why?"

 

"Jasmine, don't,"  says Lila.  "All your brother did was tell the truth.  Because, whether I wanted to admit to myself or not, this whole thing was more about hurting John Ross than anything else.  I still wanna pay him back for all the insults and the way he's treated us since we came here, but I'll find another way."

 

"Come on,"  Cass says.  "Why don't we all go home?"

 

"Good idea,"  Lila says.

 

As the family starts to head to the elevator down the hall, Clay and Ashley approach them.  "Hi,"  Ashley says.

 

"Hi, sweety,"  says Lila.

 

 

"We're really sorry that things turned out the way they did,"  Clay says.  "I for one, was rooting for you to win.  I know what it's like to be treated like an outsider in this family."

 

Lila smiles.  "Well, from one outsider to another, thank you, Clay."

 

"Mom, Cass, why don't you guys and Cory go on home?"  Jasmine asks.  "If Ashley is free this afternoon, maybe she'd like to see if Conner and Dylan can hang out for a while."

 

"I'd like that,"  Ashley says.

 

"Me, too,"  says Jasmine.

 

"Alright, but, try not to be too late,"  Lila says.  "I'd like us to spend some time together as a family tonight."

 

"Okay, Mom, I won't be late."

 

Lila kisses her daughter on the cheek, then she, Cass, and Cory walk away.

 

"Well, I'm gonna head over to Ewing Oil,"  Clay says.  "I have a little work I have to get done so I don't have to bring it home with me over the weekend."

 

"I'll see you at home later, Clay,"  Ashley.

 

"You bet.  See you, Jasmine,"  Clay says, and walks away.  

 

"Bye, Clay,"  says Jasmine.  "Well, let's get out of this damned courthouse.  I can't wait to see Conner."

 

"Let's go,"  Ashley says.

Meanwhile....

John Ross, Krystina, and Alex step off the elevator on the ground floor of the courthouse.  As they are making their way through the lobby toward the exit, John Ross's cell phone rings.  He takes his phone from his pocket and looks at it.  "Darlin', you two go on ahead."

 

"Are you sure?" Krystina asks.

 

"Yeah, I gotta take this, it's business.  It'll only take a minute.  Y'all go on and get the car and pick me up around the side of the building."

 

"Alright,"  Krystina says.  She and Alex walk away.  

 John Ross answers his phone as he leaves the courthouse through a different exit than his wife and son.  "Samantha,"  he says.  "What can I do for you?"

 

"John Ross, I've been trying to reach you most of the day,"  Samantha says.

 

"Darlin', I've been in court all day, securin' a victory over one of my enemies."

 

"Yes, I heard about your court case.  So, I take it from the sound of your voice that you won?"

 

"Of course, I won.  Now, what was so important?"

 

"Everything's all set,"  says Samantha.  "I took that latest fake deal to Shawn and he jumped at it.  This deal, along with that bogus sale of Bill Jackson's company should just be enough to convince the Westar board to garner enough votes to kick Shawn OUT as CEO.  These fake deals and all the money he's pouring into them would bankrupt Westar within a year."

 

 

"Excellent news, this day just gets better and better,"  John Ross says.  "Part of me wants to be patient, wait around, and let that little punk ass hang himself by runnin' Westar into the ground, but, the other part of me doesn't wanna wait around that long.  I want that little bug outta my hair NOW."

 

"And you'd be very wise to get rid of Shawn right now, for your own sake."

 

"And what does that mean?"  John Ross asks.

 

"I got Shawn to tell me his big plans for destroying Ewing Oil.  He told me that his grandfather, Jeremy Wendell, had gotten Bradley Barnes appointed as head of the ORC.  And that Barnes is a puppet for him and Westar.  The plan is to get the ORC to deny any and all drilling permits Ewing Oil applies for in the near future.  If you can't drill, you can't make money, and if you can't make money, then you can't stay in business."

"Well, now, not very original, is he?"  John Ross asks.  "That's the same scheme I used on ol' Brad and Cliff Barnes to put that little upstart comp'ny of theirs out of business."

 

"I know,"  Samantha says.

 

"Alright, time to set things in motion and pull the rug right out from under that cocky little cockroach's feet. Get in touch with our guy and tell him to contact everyone on the Westar board to call an emergency meetin'."  John Ross ends the call and puts his phone away.  He walks down the steps of the courthouse to the street, where Krystina and Alex are waiting for him in John Ross's car.  John Ross smiles as he gets into the car.

 

"Well, that phone call must have been good news," Krystina says.

 

"The best.  We scored one victory already today, and now, we're about to score another one even bigger,"  John Ross says with a smile.  "Let's get home.  Been a long day."

The Krebbs home....that evening....

 Conner, Dylan, Ashley, and Jasmine are grilling by the pool on the Krebbs patio that night.  "Oh those smell so good,"  Jasmine says as Conner takes the last hamburger off the grill.

 

"Thanks., I hope they taste as good as they smell,"  says Conner.  "My Dad taught everything I know about grilling."

 

"Where are Ray and Donna tonight?"  Jasmine asks.

 

"They went to dinner at Southfork,"  Dylan replies.  

 

"I'm kinda glad,"  says Ashley.  "I mean, I love Uncle Ray and Aunt Donna, but it's nice, the four of us having the house and the patio and all to ourselves tonight."

 

"Yeah, it is,"  Conner agrees, he and Jasmine placing the burgers on the table on the patio.

 

"How about after we eat, we all go for a swim?"  Dylan asks.  "I love midnight swims.  I'm SO glad Ray and Donna finally had a pool put in."

 

"That sounds nice, but, Jasmine, don't you have to get home?"  Ashley asks.  "Your Mom wanted you home early."

 

"Don't worry about that.  I already called home and told them I'd be home late.  Besides, this is Friday night, I wanna be with my friends.  I have all weekend to spend with my family."

 

"Well, I'm glad you both could come over tonight," Conner says.  "I kinda think that's why Ray and Donna decided to take Bobby up on his invitation to dinner at Southfork, so the four of us could be alone."

 

"And I thank them for that,"  Jasmine says.

 

"Well, let's eat."

 

The four take their seats at the table, and begin fixing their hamburgers and hot dogs.  "Conner, you're gonna have to teach me how to grill like this,"  Jasmine says.

 

"Conner is the best,"  says Ashley.  

 

"Well, thank you."

 

"You guys keep on, you're gonna give my brother a swelled head,"  Dylan says.

 

Jasmine takes a bite of her burger.  "Oh my God,"  she says.  "This is the BEST burger I've ever tasted,"

 

"As I said, mine and Dylan's Dad taught me everything about grilling, and how to season the burgers just right,"  says Conner.  "It was just me and Dad, so we did a lot of grilling."

 

"Oh, darn,"  Ashley says, holding a ketchup bottle.  "There's not much ketchup in this bottle."

 

"Oh, I'm sorry, I meant to bring both bottles out, but I had my hands full and I forgot to get the other one,"  Jasmine says.

 

"I'll get it,"  Conner says, getting up from the table.  

 

"Hey, bring some more napkins and that bag of potato chips in the food pantry out, would you?"  Dylan asks.

 

"Sure, anything else?"  Conner asks, pausing at the door.

 

"I'll help you,"  Ashley says, getting up from the table.  "I'll get the chips."

 

"Thanks,"  Conner says.as he and Ashley go into the house.  The two walk into the kitchen.  "I'll get the ketchup and napkins.  The chips should be right inside the pantry."

 

"Okay,"  Ashley says.  She walks into a separate room full of food and snacks, and begins looking for a bag of potato chips.  "Conner, I can't find those chips,"  she says after a moment.  

 

Conner walks into the pantry.  "They should be on the shelf,"  he says, looking around.  "But......they're not.  Oh,

yeah, look behind you, next to the door."

 

Ashley turns around and sees the chips on the shelf beside the door.  "Ah, just what we came for,"  she says, grabbing the bag.

 

"I guess Dylan must have put them there.  Well, I guess we can get back out there now."

 

"Conner, wait,"  Ashley says.  

 

"Yes?

 

 

 

"I just wanted to tell you how happy I am that you and Jasmine have patched things up, and that you guys are back together."

 "Well, y'know, that's all thanks to you,"  Conner says.  "Ashley, I really appreciate you being such a great friend.  And for making my brother so happy."

 

"Thanks, Conner, you're a good friend, too.  Really good."

 

"I have to say, my brother is one lucky guy."

 

"So is Jasmine,"  Ashley says.  "We're both pretty lucky."

 

Conner smiles.  For several seconds, he and Ashley stare into each others' eyes in silence, the physical attraction between them impossible to ignore.  Finally, unable to fight the attraction any longer, the two draw closer together 

 until their lips meet in a kiss.  

 

 

 

Unfortunately, neither Conner or Ashley are aware that, as they kiss, Jasmine has come into the house and starts to walk into the food pantry.  She stops in the doorway when she sees Conner and Ashley kissing, her mouth falling   open in shock.  For a moment, Jasmine stands at the door watching her boyfriend kissing her cousin, the girlfriend of his own brother.  Then Jasmine quietly walks back into the kitchen.  She chokes back tears, deeply hurt over what she has just seen, but in a few seconds, that hurt evolves into anger at being betrayed by the two people she trusted most.  And in her mind, Jasmine begins plotting her revenge in true Ewing style.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

END OF EPISODE 229....