EPISODE 117 - AN EYE FOR AN EYE

the truck, Ray walks up to the patio, where Lucy is sitting alone at the table.

 

"Afternoon, Lucy,"  Ray says.

 

"Hi, Ray."

 

"Any word yet from Lucas and Heather?"

 

"No, not since they left for Waco the other day.  And I'm really worried, Ray.  This whole thing is all my fault."

 

 

 

 

"Now, Lucy, that's just ridiculous,"  says Ray.  "You're no more responsible for that little boy's kidnappin' than I am."

 

"If I hadn't let Michael go off on his own, without me, then this wouldn't have happened."

 

"C'mon, Lucy, ya know how kids are.  Turn your back for a second and they can disappear.  This coulda happened to anybody."

"But it didn't happen to anybody, Ray,"  Lucy says.  "It happened to ME.  And frankly, no I don't know how kids are, since I was never blessed with having any of my own.  I never should've suggested taking Michael to that water park.  After all, what do I know about children and keeping them safe?"

 

"Now you just stop right there, Lucy.  You're bein' way too hard on yourself."

 

"Come on, Ray, just face it,"  Lucy says.  "I'm a big screw up.  Especially lately.  Not only did I fail to protect Michael while he was in my care, but I'm also the cause of Mitch never getting to know his son.  And now, that son is dead, so he'll never get the chance to know him."

 

"Yeah, Donna told me about that,"  Ray says.  "I knew somethin' was goin' on, but she wouldn't tell me until she asked you first."

 

"So now you know the whole ugly, sordid truth about me.  I bet your opinion of me has changed now, hasn't it?"

 

"Not ONE bit,"  says Ray.  "Lucy, we all make mistakes and have things in our pasts that we aren't proud of.  Hell, I have enough mistakes under my belt to fill a railroad car.  Lucy you're no different from the rest of us.  You're human, you're gonna make mistakes."

 

Lucy looks at him and manages a slight smile.  "Thank you, Ray."

 

"You're welcome, now cheer up.  Lucas and Heather will find Michael.  I just know it.  Speakin' of which, I talked to Bobby on the phone late last night.  I didn't tell him about Michael.  Figured he had enough goin' on out in California with Ann's brother's death, and Emma bein' in the hospital.  No need to give him somethin' to worry about back here."

 

"You're right about that,"  Lucy says as the maid, Maria, comes onto the patio with the phone.

 

"Excuse me, Miss Lucy?"

 

"Yes, Maria?"

 

"Mr. Lucas is on the phone."

 

"Oh, thank you, Maria,"  Lucy says, taking the phone as Maria goes back into the house.  "Lucas, what's up?  Any luck in finding Michael?"

 

 

 

 

 

"Unfortunately, no, Lucy,"  replies Lucas.  "But, we may have a lead, which is why I'm calling.  I need to speak with Bobby.  I've tried calling his cell phone several times, and I just got his voice mail.  He hasn't even returned my calls.  I also tried Christopher, and same thing."

 

"That's good, Lucy, but, what are you talking about?"  Lucas asks.  "Look, never mind, I really don't have time to get into it right now.  Lucy, I really need to speak with someone.  Are you the only one there?" 

"What about.......his memory?"  Jimmy asks.  "Does he still not remember the accident or anything?"

 

"No,"  Amanda replies.  "Before they gave him something to help him sleep, he still didn't remember anything."

 

"Well, that's good,"  says Jimmy.

 

"Good?  Good for WHO, Jimmy?  Good for YOU?"

 

"For both of us.  And good for Justin, too,"  Jimmy says, walking over to her.  "Amanda, if Justin doesn't remember the accident, or remember seeing us together, then, that's good for him because he doesn't need that extra pain on top of what he's already going through."

 

"And what happens when he finally does remember?"  Amanda asks.  

 

"We'll cross that bridge when and if we come to it.  Hopefully, he won't remember."

 

"And then what, Jimmy?  We just go on as if nothing ever happened?  We act as though nothing happened between us, and like that fight between you and Justin never happened?  Jimmy, I'm not sure I can do that."

 

"Amanda........"

 

"Jimmy, just don't say anything.  I can't deal with you or with anyone else right now.  All I can think about is my husband lying in there, paralyzed from the waist down and unable to remember the events that put him in that hospital bed.  Excuse me, I have to get some air."  Amanda walks past Jimmy and leaves the room.

 

Jimmy sighs in frustration as he watches her walking down the hall away from him.

 

"Yeah, so do I,"  says Lucas.  

 

"Lucas, when ya go to meet this guy.......I wanna come with ya,"  Ray says.  

 

"No."

 

"Lucas, I'd really feel better if Ray was there,"  Heather says.

 

"No.  The guy said to come alone when he called again this morning.  If he sees anyone else with me, he may turn and run, and then we may lose any hope of finding Bo."

 

"Yeah, provided this fella even knows where Bo is in the first place,"  Ray says.  "Look, I don't like the idea of you goin' to meet this guy alone."

 

"I don't have a choice here,"  Lucas says, getting angry.  "I'm going alone."

 

"Alright, but I'm damned sure gonna be close by, watchin', just in case this fella tries to pull somethin'."

 

"Lucas, Ray's right,"  Heather says.  "At least let him keep a watch from a distance."

 

Lucas looks at her, then at Ray.  "Okay.  Okay."

 

Peyton Allen is in his bedroom getting dressed for his 10 a.m. meeting with Lucas.  As he buttons his shirt, the puts on his jacket, Peyton is happily singing the old classic Yellow Rose Of Texas when his son walks by his door.  Peyton's son stops in the hallway and watches his father as he slips on his jacket and looks at himself in the mirror.

 

"You mind tellin' me just what this is all about?"  The son asks.

 

"It's like I told ya last night, boy,"  replies Peyton.  "It's about gettin' what I finally deserve outta life.  It's about payback.  Somethin' I been waitin' a lotta years for."

 

"Old man, I'm tellin' you right now,"  Peyton's son says.  "If this is another one of your crazy, crooked schemes that's gone bring the law down on us like last time, then you can just keep that to your damned self.  I don't want no part of it."

 

"This aint like last time, boy.  Just trust me.  I know what I'm doin'.  I leave here dead broke, but when I come back, we're gone be ten thousand dollars richer, and that's only the beginnin'.  Pretty soon, we're gonna be rollin' in the cash."

 

"Well, you get in trouble again, POPS, just don't even bother comin' back," the son says, chewing on the end of a match stem.

 

"You need to have more faith in your old man," Peyton says.

 

"Yeah, right.  I got about as much faith in you as a I do a pit full 'o angry rattle snakes."  Without another word, the young man turns and walks away.

 

Peyton laughs.  "Well I'm just gone have to prove you wrong, Cody," he says, looking at himself in the mirror.  "Because this time, I got a feelin' luck is with ol' Peyton.  How else can ya explain one of the Ewings fallin' right into my lap after all these years?"  Peyton smiles, then picks up his cell phone and dials a number.  On the second ring, someone answers.  "Hey, it's Peyton.  You do what I asked you to do?  Now look, I told ya.......you help me with this, and there's gone be a lotta money in it for you."  Peyton listens to the other person for a few seconds, then smiles.  "Good, good," he says.  "And don't worry about a thing.  You're not gone get in no trouble over this.  Just trust me.  I'll be in touch after I get back." Peyton ends the call, puts his phone away, then smiles again, confident that his plan was falling into place.  He then grabs his keys and walks out.

 

"I have your money here,"  Lucas says.  "Ten thousand dollars, just like you wanted."

 

Peyton smiles.  "Well, now, Mr. Ewing......things have changed a little since we talked yesterday."

 

"What the hell do you mean, things have changed?"  Asks an angry Lucas. 

 

"Well, ya see, before, I just thought you needed to speak to Bo about somethin' else.  That was before I knew anything about a kidnappin'.  So now the stakes have, uh.......significantly increased, so to speak."

 

"So what does that mean?"  Lucas asks.  "You want more money?"

 

Peyton smiles.  "You're smarter than ya look, son."

 

"How much?"

 

"For the whereabouts of Bo and that little boy....... a hundred thousand dollars."

 

"A hundred thou.......are you out of your MIND?  I don't have that kind of money."

 

"You're a Ewing, aint ya?  Ewing Oil, Dallas, Texas?  Your family's got money money than just about anybody in the state of Texas.  Hunderd grand is just pocket change to the Ewings."

 

"You decrepit old son of a bitch,"  Lucas says, mustering all of his will not to tear Peyton apart.

 

Peyton laughs.  "I've been called a lot worse, boy......by my own son.  Now then.......do I get that hunderd grand, or does Bo McCabe just disappear with that kid?"

 

"Why the hell are you doin' this?  When you called me yesterday, you asked me about my Uncle J.R.  You knew him, didn't you?"

 

"Everybody in Texas knew who J.R. Ewing was, and how rich the Ewing fam'ly is, livin' on that great big Southfork Ranch there.  Shoot, I'm bein' kind.  If I was a greedy man, I'd ask for a couple million bucks."

 

"You're gonna have to give me some time."

 

"Alright, I'll give ya some time.  I'll give ya til tomorrow evening.  And when I get that money, you get the location where you can find Bo and the child.  In the meantime, I'll just take that ten grand for good measure."

 

"No way,"  Lucas says.  "You don't get a DIME until I get Bo's location."

 

"Fair enough.  I'll give you a call first tonight and you can let me know your decision.  Then we can set somethin' up.  And......no cops, and no tricks.  Anything happens to me, and my associates will make sure that kid is never returned alive.  And don't even THINK about followin' me.  I'll be talkin' to ya."  Peyton smiles at Lucas again, then turns and walks away.  

 

Meanwhile, sitting in the rental car, Heather and Ray watch curiously.  "What's goin' on?"  Heather wonders.  "Why didn't he take the briefcase with the money?"

 

"I don't know,"  Ray says.  He picks up a pair of binoculars and looks through them, watching Peyton as he returns to his truck and gets in.  "Somethin' 'bout that fella looks awful familiar."

 

"You KNOW him?"  Heather asks.

 

"I know him from somewhere.  I just can't place him."

 

Back at the gazebo, Lucas watches as Peyton gets into his truck and drives away.  After Peyton has gone, Lucas looks around, then runs over to where Ray and Heather are parked.  

 

"Lucas, what happened?"  Heather asks.

 

"Yeah, why didn't he take the money?"  Ray asks.

 

"We have a problem.  The son of a bitch wants a hundred thousand dollars."

 

"What?"  Asks a shocked Heather.  

 

"A hundred thousand?"  Ray asks.

 

"Yeah,"  replies Lucas.  "In exchange for Michael's safe return.  I'm not even sure that Bo still has Michael."

 

"You think this guy may have the boy?"  Ray asks.

 

"I dunno."

 

"Lucas, that fella........he didn't happen to give you a name, did he?"  Ray asks.

 

"No, he didn't."

 

"I know that man from someplace.  I just can't for the life of me figure out where."

 

"What are we gonna do?"  Heather asks in tears.

 

"I really don't know,"  Lucas says.

 

"Don't worry,"  says Ray.  "I get you that money."

 

"Ray, we can't ask you to do that,"  Heather says.

 

"It's worth it to get Michael back,"  says Ray.  "Just wish I could figure out where I've seen that man before."

"Unfortunately, no,"  replies Cliff.  "Still no word on where this madman has taken Afton and Pamela."

 

"I'm really sorry,"  says Brad.  "I'd hoped by now you'd have had some good news."

 

"Yeah, so was I.  Oh, Brad, I don't believe you've met Mitch Cooper, Afton's brother."

 

"No, I haven't, how's it goin'?"  Brad says, shaking hands with Mitch.

 

"It'd be better if my sister and niece were safely returned,"  Mitch says.

 

"Yeah, I understand.  Well, look, Cliff, is there anything at all I can do?"

 

"Thank you, Brad, but, I honestly can't think of anything right now."

 

"All we can do is wait, and pray,"  says Mitch.

 

"Wait, and pray?"  Tripp asks, anger in his voice.  "That's all we've BEEN doing.  For days.  And still, my 

wife and her mother are out there somewhere, in the hands of some psychotic murderer who was right under the cops's noses all the time!  And the cops are no closer to finding them than when they first disappeared."

 

"Tripp, the police are doing all they can to find Pamela and Afton,"  Mitch says.

 

"I don't believe that for one second,"  Tripp says. "This guy, this Scott Van Buren was one of them. A cop.  He was right there under their noses, investigating the murders that HE committed himself."

 

"The guy was just that good at covering his tracks,"  Cliff says.

 

"Well, from what I've heard about most psychopaths, they're really smart, some almost to the point of being geniuses,"  Brad says.  "Which is why they're so hard to catch."

 

"And this Van Buren guy was not only smart, he was slick,"  Cliff says.  "Working right under the radar."

 

"Well, hey, if there's anything that I can do, let me know,"  Brad says.  

 

"Thank you, we will.  And when all this is over, we'll get together for lunch,"  says Cliff.

 

"Sure thing.  And keep me posted."

 

"Will do,"  Cliff says as Brad leaves.

 

"Well I can't just keep sitting here doing nothing,"  says a restless Tripp.  

 

"And what do you propose to do?"  Mitch asks.  

 

"I don't know, but SOMETHING besides sitting around this damned apartment just waiting on the cops and that private detective and his son to find my wife!"

 

"Tripp, as much as I hate to admit it, there's nothing we can do,"  says Cliff.  "We have no idea where Van Buren is, or where he's taken Pamela and Afton.  So all we can do is wait."

 

Tripp shakes his head as he paces around the living room for a moment.  Finally, unable to control the restless rage he feels, Tripp angrily punches the wall, knocking a photo to the floor, shattering the frame.  "DAMN IT!"  He yells, then storms into the bedroom, slamming the door behind him.

 

"That poor guy,"  Mitch says with a sigh.  "If we don't get some word soon, I'm afraid Tripp is gonna completely break."

 

"Yeah, well, I know exactly how he feels,"  Cliff says sadly, deeply worried about his daughter and her mother.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conner comes down the stairs at the Krebbs home early in the afternoon to answer the ringing telephone in the foyer.  "Hello?"  He says, picking up the phone.

 

"Conner, hey it's me,"  Ray says on the other end of the line.  "Is Donna there?"

 

"Hey, Ray, what's up?"  Conner asks.  "Where are you?"

 

"I'm in Waco, Conner.  Listen, let me speak to Donna.  It's important."

 

"Okay, hold on,"  Conner says as Donna walks into the foyer.  Conner hands her the phone.  "It's Ray."

 

"Oh, thank you,"  Donna says, taking the phone.  "Ray, when are you coming home?"

 

 

"The whole damned place was blown apart,"  John Ross says, interrupting his cousin.  

 

"You were all lucky to get out of there alive,"  Charlie says.

 

"Unfortunately, not everyone did make it out alive,"  says Christopher.  "Ann's brother, the minister, and Kevin's cousin's wife were all killed."

"And what about Emma?"  Harris asks.  "How bad was she hurt?"

 

Christopher looks at him.  "Pretty bad.  The doctors are concerned she may lose the baby.  Dad and Ann stayed out there to be with her."

 

"Maybe I should hop a plane out there, too,"  Harris says.  "See what's goin' on myself."

 

"Harris, there's nothing you can do,"  Jenna says.

 

"Maybe not, but I can be there.  Let Emma know I still care.  Besides, with my experience I might be able to help with the investigation."

 

"John Ross do they have ANY idea what caused that explosion?"  Lucy asks.

 

"No.  None.  Obviously somebody that had a quarrel with Richard Channing or some member of his fam'ly."

 

"Well that could be just about anybody,"  says Harris.  "I've known Richard Channing for a number of years, and if there's one thing that man's not short on, it's enemies."

 

"Alex, honey, come on.  Let's get you home,"  Charlie tells her son.  

 

"Okay. I AM pretty tired."

 

Jenna looks at John her grandson, then at John Ross.  "Thank God Alex is alright,"  she says to John Ross.  "Charlie never should've allowed him to go with you to California.  I knew something bad would happen."

 

"Jenna, I'm REALLY not in the mood for this right now,"  John Ross says.

 

"Mom, let's just go,"  says Charlie.  "The sooner we get Alex home, the better."

 

"You're right."

 

"I'm gonna give Ann a call,"  Harris says to Christopher.  "See if there's anything I can do."

 

"Yeah, I'm sure she'll appreciate that."

 

"Alex, I'll see ya,"  John Ross says.  "Call me later."

 

"Yeah, I will, John Ross,"  the boy says, getting into Charlie's car.  

 

Charlie closes the passenger door of the car after Alex gets in,  then walks around to the driver's side of the car.  "John Ross, I'm glad you're all okay,"  she says, then gets into the car.

 

Jenna and Harris get into Harris's car, and follow Charlie and Alex as they drive away.

 

"Christopher, I think I wanna lie down for a while before you drive me home,"  Courtney says.

 

"Yeah, I'll come with you.  Lucy, what's been goin' on around here since we've been gone?"

 

"It's a long story.  Come on in the house and I'll fill you in."  

 

John Ross and Christopher grab their bags from the trunk of the car, and follow Lucy to the house.

second later, they walk into her living room.  

 

"Sure feels good to be home,"  Sue Ellen says.  

 

"I'll bet it does.  Sure feels great having you home."

 

"Thank you for picking me up at the airport."

 

"My pleasure.  As I said, I'm happy to have you home,"  Catlin says, kissing her.  

 

"You know, I've been doing a lot of thinking,"  Sue Ellen says.  "This tragedy, this.........explosion.  It could've been John Ross killed, or one of my grandsons."

 

"But it wasn't, Sue Ellen."

 

"No, but it COULD have been.  I feel so terrible for Ann.  Her brother's death is going to affect her in a tremendous way.  They were estranged from one another for so many years, and now that they had found each other again, he's lost to Ann forever."

 

"I know, it's very sad.  We should never take life, or our loved ones, for granted."

 

"You're absolutely right,"  Sue Ellen says.  "I feel so lucky to have you in my life, Catlin.  Lucky that you came along when you did, at a time when I was lonely, and hurting over Dusty's leaving."

 

"And you came along at exactly the right time in my life, too, Sue Ellen.  Which is why I don't intend to let Brittany stand in our way.  I'm going to go see her, and I'm going to demand a divorce so that I can get on with my life and she can get on with hers."

 

"What makes you so sure she'll give you a divorce?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "She wouldn't before."

 

"Then somehow, I have to convince her,"  says Catlin.  "Even if I have to offer her half of all my assets, I intend to get that divorce."

 

Sue Ellen places her hand on Catlin's shoulder.

"Good.  I spoke to Sharon a little while ago.  She's makin' the arrangements for Mark.  And he's gonna be taken back to Gilmer for the funeral and burial.  Bobby, I wanna go, but I don't wanna leave Emma."

 

"Honey, Emma will be fine,"  Bobby says.  "She's in good hands here."

 

"I'd feel better if she were back in Dallas."

 

At that moment, the door of the hospital room opens and Kevin walks in, pulling with him the pole that his I.V. hangs on.  

 

"Kevin, should you be out of bed?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I'm fine, Mr. Ewing,"  Kevin Channing says.  "The doctor said I could come see her."

 

"She almost woke up a little while ago, but then she fell right back to sleep,"  says Ann.

 

Kevin walks over, reaches down, and takes Emma's hand.  Ann and Bobby watch as the young man gently holds Emma's hand, a tear streaming down his face.

 

"You really do love my daughter, don't you?"  Ann asks.

 

"I always have, Mrs. Ewing,"  Kevin replies.  "I've loved Emma since the first day we met in London, years ago.  Could....could I please have some time alone with her?"

 

"Of course,"  Bobby says.  "Come on, Annie.  Let's go and grab a bite to eat."

 

Ann nods, then stands from her seat.  She leans down and kisses Emma on the head, then she and Bobby quietly walk out of the room.  

 

After they are gone, Kevin looks at his love.  "Oh, Emma.  I love you so much.  I don't think I really realized how much until now. Even now, laying there asleep in this hospital, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on.  And as soon as you get out of this hospital and get strong again, I can't wait to make you my wife.  And to make a life with you and our baby."

 

Emma moans.  Slowly, she begins to wake up.

 

"Emma?"  Kevin calls to her.  "Emma, can you hear me?"

 

She opens her eyes and looks up at him.  "Kevin?"

 

"Hey, beautiful."

 

"Kevin.....the baby......"

 

"Shhhhh.....the baby's gonna be okay.  And so are you, Emma.  Are you in any pain?"

 

"Some."

 

"Okay, I'll call the nurse and she can give you something."

 

  "No,"  Emma says.  "I don't want anything.  I wanna stay awake.  Kevin, what happened?  I was sort of awake one time, and I heard someone talking about an explosion.  Last thing I really remember, we were......we were at our wedding."

 

"There was an explosion, at the house.  I don't know exactly what happened, I've been sort of out of it the last couple days myself."

 

"Was.........was anyone else hurt, or, was anyone killed?"

 

"Emma, look, you don't have to worry about that right now.  You just get some rest."

 

"Kevin, no.  Please tell me,"  Emma says.  "Kevin, please, I need to know."

 

Kevin looks at her and sighs.  "Your Uncle Mark was killed, and so was my cousin Lance's wife, Pilar.  And the minister."

 

"Oh my God,"  Emma cries.  "Mark?  My mom's brother?"

 

"Emma, I'm sorry."  Kevin leans over and embraces Emma as she begins to cry.

"I think that's up to you, Courtney, and whether or not you want the guy to know."

 

"I honestly don't know what to do, Christopher.  I truly never thought that I would ever see Chase or his brother again.  You can't imagine my complete shock when I saw them at the wedding and found out that their uncle was the guy marrying your stepsister.  You know that old saying about it being a small world?  Boy, that's putting it mildly in this case.  This situation has to be one for the record books."

 

Christopher gets out of bed and walks over to her.  "Courtney, whatever you decide, I'll stand by you."

 

"I need you to help me make this decision, Christopher.  Because I have no idea what to do."

 

"Sweetheart, I can't.  I'll advise you, support you, listen to you.  Hold you when you need me to.  But I can't make this decision for you, especially since I don't even know this Joseph Gioberti.  I don't know what kinda guy he is, whether he's a decent guy or a total jerk."

 

"That's part of the problem.  I don't know, either,"  Courtney says.  "Christopher, I'm sorry."

 

"Sorry for what?"

 

"For THIS.  Sorry for dragging you into this.  I know about all the drama and stuff you went through with Elena, and Pamela.  Elena again, and then Heather.  I know how you got your heart broken by Charlie and that Erin girl.  I know when we first started dating, you thought you'd finally found a relationship free of all that.  No baggage, and then, here I come, dropping the bombshell on you that I had a child out of wedlock when I was a teenager and gave him up for adoption.  And now we have this added complication of seeing my son's father for the first time since the night he was conceived.  I'd understand if you just wanted to bail."

 

"THAT is not gonna happen,"  Christopher says, gently touching her face.  "Courtney, I love you, and whatever happens, I'm in this for the long haul.  And we're gonna find your little boy.  I promise."

 

Courtney looks at him and smiles.  "No wonder I fell in love with you, Christopher Ewing."

 

Christopher smiles back at her and the two embrace.

"Yes, Lucy, as a matter of fact, I have,"  John Ross says.  "Krystina came to see me in California yesterday, before we flew back to Dallas."

 

"Really?  Well I hope the two of you worked things out, or at least talked about it."

 

John Ross sighs.  "We did talk."

 

"And?"

 

"And.......I really don't see how this is any of your business, Lucy."

 

"Well, SO-RRY.  I was just concerned, that's all."

 

John Ross takes a sip of his coffee.  "Well, I hate to leave such pleasant comp'ny, Lucy, but I gotta go."

 

"Going into the office?"

 

"Yep, but first I'm gonna drop by the hospital and see my little brother.   And then I got a lotta business to take care of,"  John Ross says, standing to his feet.  "Like findin' out who caused that explosion that nearly killed all of us, and........takin' apart Brad Stone's life, piece by piece.  Have a nice day, cousin."  John Ross turns and walks away.

 

Lucy shakes her head as she watches John Ross walk to his car.  "Just lilke J.R.," she says with a smile.

 

 

 

 

"Krystina, look, I just wanna say I'm sorry."

 

"You're sorry?"  Krystina says.  "Sorry for WHAT, exactly, Brad?  Sorry that you tried to destroy my marriage, or sorry that I discovered your sick little plot?"

 

"Krystina, you have every right to be angry,"  Brad says.  "I was angry with John Ross, and I wanted to get back at him.  Krystina, do you know what he did? The guy blackmailed my mother into giving him some oil wells that my grandfather had opened up by using the secret of who my real father was.  And if that wasn't enough, he blackmailed ME."

 

"Brad, I don't care.  I don't give a damn what John Ross did, you had no right to use ME in this sick war the two of you have going on."

 

"I know,"  Brad says.  "I know, you're absolutely right.  I never should've involved you in this whole thing.  Never should've used you, but getting back at John Ross wasn't my sole reason for doing it, nor was it my main reason.  Krystina, I have been attracted to you since the first time I laid eyes on you.  I wanted you, and it just killed me that John Ross had you and I didn't."

 

"Oh, that's nice,"  Krystina angrily says.  "That is REALLY nice.  But it's also a load of bull.  The sole reason you had for that stupid little set up was to destroy mine and John Ross's marriage.  You wanted to hurt him, but, maybe you also did want me as the prize.  But only to hurt John Ross that much more."

 

"That's not true,"  Brad says.

 

"Get out,"  Krystina says.  "Just get out of here and I don't ever wanna see you again."

 

"Krystina....."

 

"I said.....get out, Brad.  Or I'll call hotel security.  And one other thing.........if I know John Ross, he'll pay your back for what you did.  But if, for some reason he doesn't.......then I will."

 

Brad looks at her and smiles.  "Well, you're sounding an awful lot like your husband right now.  But deep down inside, I don't think you're ever gonna be able to forget what happened between us, and how incredible our lovemaking was."

 

"Trust me, Brad, you're not all hard to forget.  Now get OUT!"

 

Without saying another word to her, Brad walks out of the suite.  Krystina closes and locks the door behind him. 

"He doesn't know, Justin,"  Amanda says.  "But hopefully, it'll be better soon."

 

"Really?  Is that the truth?"

 

"The doctor said you have some swelling around your spine.  And when the swelling goes down, the feeling will come back to your legs."

 

"I sure hope so,"  Justin says.  "I can't take bein' like this much longer."

 

"Well, try not to think about that,"  Amanda says, taking his hand.  "Just rest and concentrate on getting well.  I want you back home soon."

 

Justin looks at his wife, then reaches out and touches her hair.  "Hey.......your hair.  When did you dye it brown?"

 

"Ummm, I did it a few days ago.  While you were gone, the day of your accident.  I wanted it to be a surprise."

 

"Why'd you do it?"  Justin asks.

 

"I just wanted to do something different.  Do you not like it?"

 

"No, no.  I do.  I like it very much.  I think the brown looks really good on you."

 

Amanda smiles slightly, for the first time in days.  "Really?  You really like it?"

 

"I do."

 

"I'm glad."

 

"Amanda, has Jimmy been here?"  Justin asks.

 

"Jimmy?  Yeah, he has.  He's been here every day since the accident.  In fact, he was here all night the night that it happened, and all the next day."

 

Justin smiles.  "I dunno what I'd do without him.  So, I guess he was with me when I fell?"

 

"Yes,"  Amanda replies, holding her breath, terrified that Justin would remember the circumstances of his fall, and why he and Jimmy were fighting.  "You do remember any of it?"

 

"No,"  Justin replies with a sigh.  "Nothin'.  Wish I could."

 

"Maybe it's better if you don't.  I mean, I'm sure it was really traumatic experience.  Justin, you look tired.  Why don't you get some sleep, and I'll be back in a little while.  I have some errands to run."

 

"Okay, darlin'."

 

"Are you in any pain?"

 

"My arm hurts a little."

 

"Do you want me to stop by the nurse's station and ask the nurse to give you something for pain?"  Amanda asks.

 

"No.  I already can't feel the whole lower half of my body.  I sure don't wanna numb the upper part of it, too.  The pain just let's me know that I CAN feel somethin'."

 

Amanda's heart breaks upon hearing Justin's words.  She leans over and kisses him.  "I love you, Justin."

 

"I love you too, Amanda."

 

She gently touches his face, then turns and leaves the room.  In the hallway outside, Amanda breaks down in tears.  "Justin......I'm so sorry,"  she whispers, then walks away.

 

Meanwhile, Justin winces in pain as he reaches over to the table beside his bed and picks up the phone.  He thinks for a moment, then dials a number.

 

 

Jimmy walks into his apartment after returning from a morning jog.  He jogs into his kitchen, opens his refrigerator and grabs a bottle of water.  As he opens it and takes a sip, his cell phone rings.  He takes the phone from the pocket of his shorts, looks at the screen, then answers.  

 

"Hello?"  He says.

 

"Hey  man,"  Justin's voice says on the other end of the line.  

 

Jimmy is stunned to hear from him.  "Justin, ummm......hey man.  How are you?"

"You wanna see me, Justin?" Jimmy asks, nervous.

 

"Yeah, I do.  Could you come to the hospital in a little while? It's important."

 

Jimmy remains silent for a few seconds, not sure of what to say, but also knowing he wouldn't be able to get out of seeing Justin for fear or arousing his suspicion.  But what if Justin already remembered everything?  What if that's why he wanted to see him?  Jimmy thought to himself.

 

"Jimmy, ya there?"  Justin asks.

 

"Yeah, bro.  I'm here."

 

"So can ya come?"

 

"Yeah, I'll be there.  In about an hour?  I just came back from a run, so I have to shower first."

 

"Yeah, that'll be fine.  I'll be waitin'.  See ya soon, man."  Justin hangs up.

 

Jimmy slowly lowers his cell phone from his ear.  He sighs deeply.  "Oh my God," he says to himself.  "Has his memory come back?"

"I wanna know who planted that bomb in Channing's house,"  John Ross says.  

 

"You're sure it was a bomb?"

 

"There's no other explanation for that house just blowin' to bits with all of us in there.  I wanna know who did it, Bum.  I wanna know who the hell almost killed me and my fam'ly, and I wanna know ASAP."

 

"John Ross, right now, I'm involved deeply on another case, but I can have one of my men work on it."

 

"I don't want someone else workin' on this, Bum.  You're the only one I trust to get this done.  What other case are you workin' on, anyway?"

 

"The kidnapping of your ex-wife Pamela McKay and her mother, Afton Cooper,"  replies Bum.

 

"Kidnappin'?  Pamela and Afton?"

 

"I see you haven't heard.  Afton Cooper's stalker was finally discovered.  You knew about  my son's shooting."

 

"Yeah.  Afton's stalker?"

 

"Yep.  Turns out the stalker was Steven's own partner, the detective who was workin' on the case with Steven.  His real name is Scott Van Buren, and he's Afton's former stepson."

 

"Oh, damn,"  John Ross says.  "How's your son doin'?"

 

"He's recovering.  He had a real close call."

 

"I hadn't heard about any of this.  Been kinda preoccupied the last several days.  But listen, Bum, I really need you to do this for me.  I'll make it worth your while."

 

"Okay, I'll work on it."

 

"Good.  Start with any of Channing's enemies who mighta wanted to see him or any of his fam'ly dead. And, also, do some checkin' on a fellow private investigator.  A young guy by the name of Joshua McQueen.  McQueen was playin' both sides against the middle, meanin' he was betrayin' his old pal Michael Channing by workin' with me, and he was also doin' business with Jeremy Lord.  I found out what the son of a bitch was up and confronted him on it.  If anybody had a reason to wanna kill me, Channing, and Lord.......it was him."

 

"Alright, John Ross,"  Bum says.

 

"I really appreciate this, Bum."

 

"I'll be in touch, John Ross,"  Bum says.  

 

John Ross nods as Bum walks out.  John Ross closes the door behind his friend. 

 

"Honey, it was Bo on that tape from the water park, so we know it was him who took Michael."

 

"And what if Bo was workin' for this man all along, and just turned Michael over to him?"  Heather asks, crying.  "If Bo is on drugs and needed money really bad......."

 

"Heather, just calm down,"  Lucas says.  "I promise you, we're gonna get our son back."  At that moment, Lucas's cell phone, laying on a table across the room, begins to ring.  He rushes over and picks it up, answering quickly.  "Hello?  Yes, this is Lucas Ewing.  Yes.  We've decided.........to give you the money, in exchange for Michael.  But first, I need proof that you really have Michael.  Look, I'm not gonna play ball with you until I know for aa fact that you're not playing me for a damned fool.  I want proof that Michael is with you.  And then......you get the money."

 

 

 

"Well, what'd he say?"  Ray asks.

 

 

 

"He said he'd give me proof that Michael is with him later this afternoon,"  replies Lucas.  "So now, all we can do is wait.  AGAIN!"

 

Heather walks over and embraces Lucas.

 

 

"No problem, man,"  Jake says.  "When I called you yesterday and you told me you was in trouble......I just knew I had to help out.  After all, what are old friends for, anyway, huh?"

 

"Yeah, you're right about that,"  Bo says.  

 

"Don't you worry none, Bo,"  Jake says.  "Nobody's ever gone find you and the boy here."

 

 

 

 

 

Bo nods.  "Yeah, that's what I'm countin' on, Jake," he says.

 

 

"Dude, it's so good to see you awake, and alert, and everything.  You really gave us a scare."

 

"Yeah, I know."

 

"Ummm, so, you said you wanted to see me?  I mean, I was gonna come by and see you anyway, when I thought you'd be up for visitors."

 

"I really appreciate you comin',"  Justin says.

 

"No problem, bro.  So, what did you wanna see me about?"  Jimmy asks, fearing Justin's reply.

"We need to talk, Jimmy.  About the accident.  About how I fell off that cliff........and about my wife,"  Justin says, looking at him intensely.

 

Jimmy looks at Justin, his heart sinking, the fear on his face evident as he is sure Justin has remembered what happened the day he fell, and the events leading up to their fight on the cliff!