EPISODE 121 - Fathers And Sons, Mothers And Daughters

 

 

 

The front yard of Scott Van Buren's cabin near Rainy River, Ontario, is covered with police vehicles, as well as two ambulances just after daybreak in the aftermath of the terrible events that took place at the cabin the night before.

 

 

Various police are gathered around as the crime scene is investigated.

 

 

Inside the bedroom that had been occupied by Pamela, the bloody body of Scott Van Buren lies near the door while a police photographer takes pictures of the body and the scene.  

 

Across the room, a deeply traumatized Pamela sits on the bed, staring blankly at Scott's body on the floor a few feet away, almost as if she is in a catatonic state.  Afton and Cliff sit on each side of their daughter and try to comfort her. 

 

Standing nearby, two police officers question Steven and Mitch.

 

"And what did you say that this guy's name is?"  One of them asks.

 

"His name is......WAS......Scott Van Buren,"  replies Steven. "He was wanted back in the States, in Texas, for murder, and for the kidnapping of Miss Afton Cooper and her daughter, Pamela McKay."

 

"And your name is Steven Jones, and you are a detective with the Dallas Police Department?"  

 

"Yes, that's right.  And this is Dr. Mitchell Cooper, the brother of Miss Afton Cooper."

 

"Thank you,"  the officer says.  "Now, let's go through this again.  You said that the victim, Scott Van Buren, had locked you both in a tool shed out back?"

 

"Yes,"  Steven replies.  "Along with Mr. Barnes and Tripp McKay."

 

"So neither of you actually saw who fired the shots that killed Van Buren?"  The other officer asks.

 

"No,"  Mitch replies.

 

"We were coming onto the front porch of the house, and we heard two shots.  I drew my weapon, and made my way to this bedroom, and when I walked in, Scott was lying on the floor, Miss Cooper and her daughter, Mrs. McKay, were on the bed, along with Mrs. McKay's husband, who had been shot and wounded."

 

"And the gun?"

 

"The gun was on the floor at the foot of the bed."

 

"We'll be able to find any prints that were on the gun."

 

Meanwhile, Cliff and Afton continue to try to console a distraught Pamela when a female officer walks over to them.  "Miss Cooper, I'm going to need to ask you and your daughter some questions."

 

"Can't this wait?"  Afton asks.  "My daughter has been extremely traumatized by all this, and her husband has been injured.  She really needs to go to the hospital right now."

 

"Look, you can ask me all the questions you want,"  Cliff says.  "Just let my daughter be taken to the hospital and checked out.  Afton, too."

 

The officer looks at them for a moment, then at Pamela.  "Alright, we'll get her to the hospital.  But we will need to ask her some questions soon."

 

"Fine,"  Afton says.  "Pamela, come on, sweetheart.  We're going to the hospital now." Afton

puts her arm around her daughter.  "Sweetheart," she says.  "Let's go."

 

Pamela continues to sit in silence, staring at Scott's body on the floor.  

 

"Honey, come on,"  Cliff says as he stands and takes his daughter by the hand.  "You need to get to the hospital now."

 

"Tripp?"  Pamela says.  "Where's Tripp?"

 

"He's been taken to the hospital, sweetheart,"  replies Afton. 

 

"Come on, baby,"  Cliff says, helping Pamela up.  

 

"Mr. Barnes," one officer says.  "We're going to need you to hang around here.  We need to ask you some questions."

 

"Look, I really need to go to the hospital with my daughter and her mother."

 

"I'm sorry, but this is important."

 

"Cliff, we'll be alright,"  says Afton.

 

"Are you sure?"  Cliff asks.

 

"Yes."

 

"Okay, then,"  Cliff says as Afton and Pamela are led from the room by the female officer.  As Cliff watches them leave the room, Pamela having to be helped by Afton and the officer, Cliff is happy that his daughter and Afton have been found safe, but at the same time, he is terribly worried about Pamela, who seems to be deeply traumatized by the horrors she suffered at the hands of Scott Van Buren.

"I really don't think so, right now,"  Bobby replies.

 

"Be sure and tell Ann how sorry we are,"  Heather says. 

 

"I will, Heather, and thanks."

 

"Where's Uncle Ray?"  Christopher asks.

 

"He's comin',"  Bobby says.  

 

"He seemed real upset earlier this morning,"  Lucas says.  "Did he say what happened last night when he went to the jail to see Allen?"

 

Bobby looks at his son.  "Yeah, but I think I'm gonna let Ray tell ya about that."

 

"Here he comes,"  Heather says as Ray is walking across the parking lot and joins them.  

 

"Ray, all set to head back?"  Bobby asks.  

 

"Bob, listen, I think I'm gonna stick around here for another day or so."

 

"Why, Ray?"

 

"Because I need answers.  I need to find out if what Peyton Allen told me was true."

 

 

 

"What'd he tell you?'  Christopher asks.

 

Ray hesitates for a moment before answering, then looks at Christopher.  "That Heath is my son," he replies, to the stunned looks of Christopher, Lucas, and Heather.

 

"You believe him?"  Christopher asks.

"I dunno,"  Ray says.  "I guess it's possible.  After all, I did sleep with Mary Lou, and Heath would be about the right age to be my son.  All I know is, I have to find out the truth.  Soon as y'all leave, I'll call Donna and tell her I'm stayin' here for another day or so."

 

"What are you gonna tell her, Ray?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I'll think of somethin'.  I'll see y'all back at Southfork in a couple days."

 

"Come on, munchkin, let's get in,"  Heather tells Michael.  The two get into Bobby's car, followed by Lucas.  

 

Christopher gets into the front passenger seat of the car, then Bobby turns to his brother.  "Ray, I wish you'd come back with us.  I have a feelin' that Peyton Allen is just messin' with your head."

 

"Maybe so, Bob.  But you didn't see Heath.  I mean, the boy even looks like me, a little.  And if he is my son.......then I need to know."

 

"How do you think Donna's gonna feel about that?  The two of you just got remarried a few months ago, then you took in Conner and Dylan before you two really had a chance to get use to bein' married again.  Now you wanna spring THIS on her?"

 

"Donna's a strong woman,"  says Ray.  "And our marriage is solid this time.  But I can't just go back and forget what Peyton told me.  Not without findin' out the truth.  Now I ask you, Bob, wouldn't you do the same thing?  If someone told you that you might have a son, wouldn't you wanna know for sure?"

 

"Yeah,"  Bobby replies after thinking about the question for a moment.  "Yeah, I guess I would.  Listen, call me tonight.  And if you need me, I'll come back down here."

 

"I appreciate that."

 

Bobby smiles, pats Ray on the shoulder, then walks around to the driver's side of his car and gets in.  As Ray watches, Bobby starts the car and they drive off.

bourbon.  He takes a sip, then sits his glass down.  Taking his cell phone from his pocket, he dials a number and waits for an answer as he walks over to the window and looks out over the sprawling city of Dallas. On the fourth ring, someone answers.

 

 

After getting off the phone with Ray, Donna stands alone in the Krebbs kitchen, deep in thought, when Conner and Dylan walk in.

 

"Donna,"  Conner says.

 

"Hey, you two."

"Is everything alright?"  Conner asks.

 

"Yes.  Everything is......fine.  I just got off the phone with Ray."

 

"Oh?  When's he coming home?"  Dylan asks.

 

"Not until at least tomorrow.  Maybe the next day,"  Donna replies.

 

"Tomorrow or the next day?"  Conner asks.  "I thought he was coming home today, now that that guy who kidnapped Michael has been arrested."

 

Donna sighs. "Yeah, well, Ray said that he has some business to attend to in Waco.  He wouldn't tell me what it was.  Said he'd tell me when he gets home.  So, can you guys continue to take care of things on the ranch until Ray gets home?"

 

"Yeah, sure,"  Conner replies.  "No problem."

 

"Thank you.  Well, I think that I'm going to drive into Dallas for a while.  I have some errands to run, and I think I'll probably drop by and see Mavis Anderson while I'm in town.  Maybe take her to lunch."

the minister steps forward and begins to speak:  "Thank you all for joining us here this beautiful afternoon to mourn the passing of Mark Smith, and to offer comfort to the Smith family.....his beloved wife Sharon, son Shawn, his mother Marian; and sister, Ann, as they grieve.   Mark's mother Marian and his wife Sharon have asked me to read from the 23rd Psalm:  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.  Amen."

 

As the minister speaks, Marian Smith begins to cry.  Ann looks over at her mother, then reaches out to take Marian's hand, but the bitter woman pulls away from her daughter, a gesture Bobby happens to witness.  Bobby puts his arms around his wife as she cries, mourning the loss of her brother and hurt over her mother's cruel rejection.

 

A short time later, the graveside service has come to an end.  Marian stands with Sharon and Shawn as friends pass by and greet them, offering their condolences.  Ann and Bobby stand apart from them, Ann watching her mother, tears streaming down her face.  After watching the scene for a few minutes, Ann walks over to Marian.  Bobby follows her.

 

"Mama,"  Ann says.  "Mama, I'm so sorry."  

 

"What are you doing here?"  Marian asks.

 

"What?"

 

"You heard me.  Why are you here?"

 

"I'm here because Mark was my brother.  Mama, I LOVED him."

 

"Loved him?  This is all YOUR fault."

 

"MY fault?"  Ann asks.

 

"Yes, your fault."

 

"Now wait just a minute,"  Bobby says.

 

"And who are you?"  Marian asks.

 

"I'm Bobby Ewing, Ann's husband, and I'm not gonna let you talk that way to my wife."

 

"Mr. Ewing, this is between my daughter and me, so I would thank you to mind your OWN business,"  the bitter woman says.

 

"You really hate me that much?  Even NOW?"  Ann asks.

 

"Your brother's death is only the latest in a long list of things you've done to hurt me, Annie.  Why was Mark in California?  He was there because of YOU, and he's dead because of you, just like your father is dead because of you!  Now do us both a favor.  Go back to Dallas with this rich husband of yours, live your life and stay the hell out of mine.  I never want to see you again. Sharon, take me home."  Without saying another word to her daughter, Marian walks past Bobby and Ann, and heads toward Sharon's car, with Sharon and Shawn following.  

 

"Honey, are you alright?"  Bobby asks, placing a comforting hand on his wife's shoulder.  

 

Ann turns to him.  "I'm just fine, Bobby, and you know why?  Because I am sick and tired of worryin' about what that woman thinks of me.  She never wants to see me again?  That's fine with me, because I have no intention of ever seein' her again, either.  As far as I'm concerned, she's dead to me, and you, your sons, and Emma are my family.  The only family I need."  

 

Bobby puts his arms around Ann.  She looks at her brother's flower draped coffin one last time, then she and Bobby leave.

"Damn right, I would've, boy,"  says Peyton.  "But, because of you, here I sit in this jail."

 

"Because of me?"  Heath asks.  "You're a delusional old bastard.  You're here because of YOU, not because of me.  You're here because you're no good, and you're never gonna change."

 

Peyton begins laughing.  "Oh, there's where you're wrong, boy. Y'see, I HAVE changed.  I've changed a lot.  You called me a bastard.  Well, SON, far as I see it, the only real bastard in this room........is you."

 

"You son of a bitch,"  Heath says angrily.

 

Peyton again laughs at the insult.  "Didn't I teach you to have some respect for your daddy?"

 

"As far as I'm concerned, you're not my father."

 

"Oh, you're right about that, boy.  I aint your daddy."

 

Heath gives Peyton a puzzled look.  

 

Peyton leans back in his chair and looks at Heath with a smile.  "That's right, boy.  You ever wonder why you 'n me never really hit it off?  Why you don't look a thing like me?  It's because you aint got my blood flowin' through your veins.  Not one drop.  You wanna know who your real daddy is?"

 

"I don't wanna hear another word that comes outta that lyin' mouth of yours,"  says an angry Heath.

 

"I aint lyin', boy.  Not this time.  Y'know that big cowboy that was at the house? That Ray Krebbs? He's the one you really ought to be callin' 'daddy'."

 

Heath looks at Peyton, stunned.  

 

Peyton smiles at him again.  "Why don't you go find your daddy, boy?"

 

Heath stands to his feet and looks down at him.  "You son of a bitch.  I hope you ROT in here."  Heath glares angrily at Peyton for a second, then turns and walks out as Peyton laughs.

Breathing hard from anger, Heath thinks back to Peyton's words at the jail less than half an hour earlier.  Is it possible?  He thinks to himself.  Could this stranger, this Ray Krebbs......a man he'd never laid eyes on before a couple days ago.......be his father? Heath walks into his bedroom and looks at a framed photo of his late mother sitting atop the table beside his bed.  Heath sighs deeply.  Anger builds up inside of him until he hurls Mary Lou's photo into the wall, shattering the frame.  He then walks to his closet, opens it, and takes out his suit case. He quickly begins packing his clothes.

 

Ten minutes later, Heath has finished packing his suitcase as well as another travel bag.  Zipping the bag, he picks it up in one hand and the suitcase in the other, and walks out of the bedroom.  Seconds later, Heath proceeds through the living room, and as he opens the front door of the house to leave, he comes face to face with Ray, who is about to knock.

 

"Hello, Heath,"  Ray says.  

 

"What in the hell are you doin' here?"

 

"I was hopin' we could talk."

 

"Talk?  Talk about what?  About whether or not you're my father?"

 

"So you know about that?"  Ray asks.  "Peyton told you?"

 

"Yeah, he told me.  So is it true?"

 

"Heath, I really don't know.  It could be true.  Your mother and I, we.......we were only together that one night.  But it could be true.  There's only one way to find out.  We take a DNA test."

 

"A DNA test?"  Heath asks.

 

"Yes."

 

"No way in hell."

 

"Heath, that's the only way we're gonna know for sure whether or not you're my son."

 

"Yeah, well, y'know what?  I REALLY don't give a damn whether or not you're my father, or that old son of a bitch back at that jail is my father.  I just don't care."

 

"Heath....."

 

"Just get out of my way,"  Heath says.

 

Ray looks down at the two bags Heath is carrying.  "You goin' somewhere?"

 

"Yeah, I'm goin' somewhere.  As far away from here as I can get."

 

"Heath, come on,"  Ray says.  "Don't go.  At least not until we know for sure if I'm your father or not.  Please.  Just take a DNA test."

 

Heath looks at Ray for a moment.  "You go to hell," he says, then brushes past Ray and walks out of the house.  A deeply disappointed Ray stands on the front porch and watches as Heath walks to his truck, parked on the street in front of the house.  Heath gets into the truck and drives off.  Ray sighs deeply and shakes his head in frustration.  

"Why should I?"  C.J. asks.  "I haven't seen or heard from you in five years, Mom.  So why would I want to now?"

 

"Darling, I know that you're still hurting.  But I'd like the chance to at least explain."

 

"Explain what?  How you walked out on Dad, and on me?  Explain where you were all this time, and why not once, in five long years did you even bother to try to contact me?  Or do you wanna explain why you suddenly showed up here in Dallas, just as Dad had found happiness with someone else?"

 

"C.J., no matter what you might think of me, you're my son and I love you,"  Brittany says.  "When I left five years ago, I felt I had no choice."

 

"No choice?  How could you NOT have a choice?"

 

"Sweetheart, it's complicated.  Just believe me when I say that I love you, and that I'm sorry.  I hope now that we're all here, together, in Dallas, we can start over.  Forget the past and be a family again."

 

"Be a family again?"  C.J. asks.  "You, me, and Dad?  Mom, that's NOT gonna happen.  Dad has moved on with Sue Ellen.  He's going to get his divorce from you, and it's time for you to move on, as well."

 

"I really don't think your father has moved on as easily as you think he has."

 

"Trust me, Mom.  He HAS.  He's in love with Sue Ellen now."

 

"And you're fine with that?"  Brittany asks.

 

"Yes, I am.  I like Sue Ellen.  She's a really terrific lady, and it's plain to see that she cares very deeply for Dad.  So just leave them alone, and I'd appreciate it if you'd leave me alone, too.  I've gone the last five and a half years without a mother.  I can do just fine from now on."  C.J. walks past his mother and starts to leave.

 

"C.J.,"  Brittany says.

 

He stops and turns back to her.

 

"I know you hate me now.  But I will always love you, and I will always be here whenever you decide to let go of that bitterness and talk to me.  I'm not going anywhere, and I'm not letting my family go this easily."

 

C.J. looks at his mother for a moment, then turns and walks away from her.  For the first time since arriving in Dallas, Brittany Peterson Ewing begins to show human emotions as her eyes fill with tears after her confrontation with her son.  

 

As C.J. exits the bar, John Ross is looking on from a distance.  He watches to make sure C.J. gets onto the elevator, and once the elevator doors close, John Ross walks into the bar and approaches Brittany.  

 

"When I told you to meet me here, DISCREETLY, I had no idea that you'd be meetin' your son here,"  says an irritated John Ross.

 

"That wasn't a planned meeting,"  says Brittany.  "Catlin, Jr. was just sitting at the bar, so I came over to try and talk to him."

"And I take it it didn't go well?"

 

"Not at all.  He's still very angry with me for walking out on his father.  And for walking out of his life."

 

"Well, I really don't have any time to discuss your fam'ly problems, Brittany.  You and I have some business to discuss."

 

Brittany looks at him.  "You're ALL heart, John Ross."

 

"Let's go upstairs.  We'll take the back elevator to make sure that son of yours duttin' see us."

 

"Business?  When you asked to see me tonight, I was kind of hoping this was pleasure instead of business," Brittany says, placing her hands on his chest.  

 

"Well, why don't we take care of the business first, and then.......we can move on to the pleasure?"  John Ross asks in a soft, seductive voice.

 

Brittany smiles.  "Sounds like a good plan to me.  So let's stop wasting time here in this bar."

 

John Ross looks at her and flashes a sly smile, then he and Brittany leave the bar together.

 

Bobby comes down the stairs at Southfork the next morning and looks into the dining room, then the den.  He sighs deeply as he is wondering where Ann is.  As he starts to walks into the living room, he meets the family's maid, Maria, as she walks into the foyer.

 

"Maria, have you seen my wife this mornin'?"  He asks.

 

"Mrs. Ewing is on the patio,"  Maria replies.

 

"Thank you,"  Bobby says, then walks out.

A moment later, Bobby walks onto the patio and finds Ann setting the table for breakfast.

 

"Honey," he says.

 

Ann looks at him and smiles.  "Good mornin'," she says.

 

"You didn't sleep at all last night, did you?"

 

"No, I didn't.  I kept thinkin' about Mark, and about his son.  And about......."  Ann stops talking and lowers her head.

 

"About your mother?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Yes,"  Ann says.  "About my mother."

 

"Honey, I'm so sorry she treated you that way."

 

"It's alright, Bobby.  I'm use to that kind of treatment from her, but now, I've made my peace with the fact that I'll never have a relationship with that woman, and I'm okay with that.  I spent all night doin' a lot of thinkin', and I realize that it's best I just forget about it, and forget about her."

 

"You sure you're gonna be able to forget that easily?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I have to, Bobby.  You heard her at Mark's funeral.  She's blamed me for my father's suicide for years, and now, she blames me for Mark's death.  I have to forget all about her."

 

Bobby and Ann's conversation is interrupted when a car drives up to the house and comes to a stop beside Bobby's car in the parking area.  "Who could that be this early in the morning?"  Bobby wonders aloud.

 

Sharon Smith and her son, Shawn, get out of the car and walk over to Bobby and Ann on the patio.  "Hello, Ann.  Bobby,"  Sharon says.

 

"Mornin', Sharon," says Bobby.

 

"Hello, Sharon.  Shawn,  says Ann.  

 

"What brings you two out here so early?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I hate to ask this, but, I really need a favor,"  Sharon says.  "And Ann, you did say that if I needed anything, I could call on you."

 

"Of course, Sharon.  I meant that."

 

"Good, because, I was hopin' you would let Shawn stay here for a few days.  I need to go to Canada.  My son, Tripp, was shot and he's in the hospital in Ontario."

 

Bobby and Ann exchange shocked looks.  "Tripp was shot?"  Bobby ask.

 

"Good Lord, what happened?"  Asks Ann.

 

"I see you haven't been keepin' up with the news."

 

"No, we haven't,"  says Ann.  "After the explosion, and Mark's death, we haven't been keepin' up with much of anything."

 

"Well, I just heard this morning, myself,"  Sharon says.  "Tripp's wife, Pamela, and her mother were kidnapped."

 

"Yes, we did know that much,"  Bobby says.  

 

"Tripp and Pamela's father, Cliff Barnes, and I think the news said Afton Cooper's brother and the police managed to track Pamela and her mother down in Canada, and during some altercation, Tripp was shot."

 

"Is he gonna be alright?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I don't know.  That's what I need to go and find out.  I'm ashamed that, with everything else that's been happening, I didn't even have a clue what was going on in my own son's life.  So, I would really appreciate it if Shawn could stay here while I'm gone, since I don't have any other family here in Dallas.  I actually thought about leavin' him with your mother, but......"

 

 

"But, I can't stand that old bat,"  Shawn says, interrupting his mother.

 

Ann looks at her nephew and smiles.  "Shawn, you and I have somethin' in common.  Sharon, of course Shawn is more than welcome to stay here for as long as you need him."

 

"This itn't necessary,"  the boy says.  "I'm perfectly capable of stayin' by myself."

 

"No, I don't feel good about that,"  Sharon says.  "Especially since I don't know how long I'll be or how badly your brother is injured.  I'm worried enough about Tripp, I sure don't need to be worryin' about you, too."

 

"He'll be in good hands,"  Ann says.

 

"I know.  Thank you.  Well, honey, go get your bags out of the car.  I need to get to the airport."

 

"We were just gettin' ready to have breakfast, so you're just in time,"  says Ann.  "Sharon, got time for a bite?"

 

"Thank you, Ann, but no.  I need to be going.  And thank you again."  Sharon turns and walks away.

 

Ann looks at Bobby while Sharon and Shawn walk out to her car.  "Bobby, are you okay with this?"

 

"Yeah, I'm fine with it.  Honey, I'm not gonna have time for breakfast, I'll just grab a quick snack at the office.  I've been away from Ewing Oil for so long that I'm sure I have a mountain of work to catch up on, and Sue Ellen has been shouldering the burden for long enough.  I'll see ya tonight."

 

"Have a good day, Bobby,"  Ann says.  

 

"I will, honey.  You, too,"  Bobby says.  He kisses his wife, then walks away.  

"Oh, absolutely,"  Brittany says, moving closer to John Ross.  "And, what are your thoughts on older women?"

 

John Ross kisses her.  "Well, I can definitely say that, from my experience......just like that old country song says.......older women know just how to please a man."

 

Brittany smiles.  "Experience, darling.  And, uh, how about I show you some more of that experience right now?"

 

"Breakfast is gonna get cold."

 

"Well, we do have a microwave,"  Brittany says, untying the towel wrapped around John Ross's waist.  The towel falls to the floor as the two begin kissing passionately.

"Donna, I'm home,"  Ray says as he walks into the house.  

 

Donna walks into the foyer, followed by Conner and Dylan.  "Ray," she says, greeting him with a hug.  

 

"Welcome home, Ray,"  Conner says.  "And congratulations, we hear you're kind of a hero."

 

"Me?  A hero?  No way."

 

"Well, we're glad you're home,"  Donna says.  "Now, how about telling me about that business that kept you in Waco for an extra day?"

 

"Yeah.  We do need to talk, Donna."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conner and Dylan exchange looks of concern.  

 

"Well, I guess that's our cue to get lost, huh?" Dylan asks.

 

 

 

 

"Yeah, we have some work to do, anyway,"  Conner says.  "So, we'll get goin'.  Ray, great to have ya back."

 

"Thanks, fellas,"  Ray says as Conner and Dylan leave.

 

After the brothers are gone, Donna looks at her husband.  "You're home earlier than I expected."

 

"Yeah, I took a real early flight outta Waco.  I was anxious to get home."

 

"So, whatever this is you wanted to talk to me about, it sounds serious,"  Donna says.  

 

"It is."

 

Donna sighs.  "I'm starting not to like the sound of this, Ray, so, just get it over with and tell me.  What's wrong?"

 

"I'm not sure I'd call it anything wrong, Donna,"  Ray says.  "But I do have some news that might be a little shocking."

 

"And does this have anything to do with what happened in Waco?  With Michael's kidnapping?  Or.......is it about Peyton Allen?"

 

"Yeah, it's about Peyton.  Or rather.......oh, hell, Donna, I don't know how to say this except to just come right out with it.  But the fact is.......I may have a son."

 

"A son?"  Donna asks.

 

"Yeah.  Heath Allen.  He's Mary Lou's son."

 

"Ummm, Ray, you told me that you spent one night with this Mary Lou person over 38 years ago.  And you never saw or heard from her again, other than Peyton and his brother-in-law showing up here at Southfork looking for revenge."

 

"That's right.  But, you and I both know that it only takes one time for a pregnancy to happen."

 

"And what makes you think that this young man is your son?"

 

"A couple things.  The other night, Peyton asked me to come visit him at the jail, so I went."

 

"And let me guess,"  says Donna.  "Peyton told you that this.....what's his name, Heath?  is your son?"

 

"Yeah, he told me, and before you say anything........I KNOW the man is a criminal and a con artist.  But Donna, I met Heath.  Talked to him.  He looks like me.  He reminds me of myself when I was younger.  And Donna, I can't explain it, but, when I met Heath I felt this connection."

 

"And does Heath know about all of this?"

 

"Yeah, he knows.  And he's gone."

 

"Gone?"  Donna asks.

 

"Yeah.  I went to see him last night, after Peyton told him he wasn't his father and that I was.  I asked him to take a DNA test."

 

"And what did he say?"

 

"No,"  Ray replies.  "He refused, and then he left.  Left Waco.  Said he wanted to get as far away as possible.  But Donna, I have to find him.  Somehow, I have to find Heath and convince him to take that DNA test so we can know for sure whether or not he's my son."

 

"Ray, look, I know how much you have ALWAYS wanted a son of your own.  But is it really worth it now?  It's obvious this young man doesn't want to have anything to do with you, so why push him?  Why complicate his life any more than it's already been complicated?  Why complicate OUR lives?  Ray, we just got remarried a few months ago.  We have Conner and Dylan living with us, and our daughter Margaret is about to give us our first grandchild pretty soon.  Do we really need a new complication right now?"

 

"I need it, Donna,"  Ray says, somewhat annoyed at his wife's insensitivity to his situation.  "I may have a grown son out there, and damn it, I need to know for sure.  And I hope you can understand that.  But even if you can't, this is somethin' that I have to do, for me."  Without another word, Ray walks up the stairs, leaving Donna alone in the foyer, worried about how this new complication will affect their lives.

John Ross leans down and kisses her, then walks to the door.  He turns back to Brittany and smiles.  "I'll be in touch," he says.

 

"I'm definitely looking forward to that."

 

"And Brittany......do remember the business we discussed last night,"  John Ross says.  "I want the relationship between my Mama and Catlin Ewing to end.  And it's up to you to make that happen.  Take care, darlin'."  John Ross smiles, then walks out of the suite.  

 

Meanwhile, just as John Ross is 

leaving the suite, Krystina steps off the elevator at the end of the hall after returning from her usual morning run.  She sees John Ross as he leaves the suite and heads down the hall in the opposite direction.  A look of worry and sadness comes over Krystina's face as she wonders what her estranged husband is doing at the Omni, or rather, who he was here with.

"She's........as well as can be expected after all she's been through," Cliff replies.  

 

"I wanna see her."

 

"She's resting right now."

 

"Tripp, how are YOU feeling?"  Afton asks.

"I feel really lucky to be alive," Tripp says.  

 

"We're ALL very lucky,"  says Afton.

 

"Yes, we are.  When I was out there with Van Buren, I really thought I was gonna die.  I was sure he was gonna kill me."

 

"And he almost did," Cliff says.  "That psycho would've killed all of us.  I'd say we're all pretty lucky."

 

Tripp looks at them.  "I'd like to go see Pamela.  If she's resting, I promise, I won't disturb her.  I just need to see her for myself.  To make sure she's alright."

"Take our word for it, son, she's fine,"  Cliff says.  "At least physically."

 

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

 

"Pamela is pretty traumatized by what happened,"  replies Afton.  "The doctor has had to keep her sedated."

 

A look of anger comes over Tripp's face.  "Van Buren, that son of a bitch.  I hate him for what he did to Pamela.  And to you, Afton."

 

"Well, we don't have to worry about Scott Van Buren ever again,"  Cliff says.  "That maniac is dead, and may he never rest in peace for what he did."

 

At that moment, a knock comes on the door, then Steven walks in.  "Hey," he says.  "How're you feeling, McKay?"

 

"Hurting a little,"  says Tripp.  "Probably gonna be sore for a hell of a long time."

 

 

"Y'know, I'm glad you're gonna be alright, McKay, but, I've gotta tell you that I am SO pissed off at you right now that if you weren't in that hospital bed, I'd beat the hell out of you."

 

"Where the heck is that coming from?"  Afton asks.

 

"Your son-in-law the hero completely ignored me when I told him that we would wait until morning to make our move on Scott.  Instead, this guy slips off on his own in the middle of the night to try to be a hero, and as a result he almost got us all killed up there."

 

"What was I supposed to do, Detective?"  Tripp asks.  "My wife was in that cabin.  Van Buren completely snapped, and there's no telling what would've happened before morning."

 

"He snapped because of YOU,"  says an angry Steven.  "Because you went in there and that threatened this imaginary little world of his."

 

"Come on,"  Cliff says.  "Scott Van Buren was a total nutcase, and if the guy wasn't already dead, I'd probably kill him myself for what he did to Afton and my daughter."

 

"This wasn't ALL Scott's fault,"  Afton says.  

 

"Afton, how can you say that after what that guy did to you and our daughter?"  Cliff asks.

 

"Something happened to Scott, when he was a little boy, that turn him into the monster he became."

 

"When we were out there in those woods,"  Tripp says.  "Van Buren told me that his father had hurt him when he was a kid."

 

"Yes,"  says Afton.  "Harrison.........he sexually abused his son when Scott was growing up."

 

 

"Oh my God,"  Cliff says.  "Harrison molested his own kid?"

 

"Yes.  The reason Scott was so messed up was because of his abuse, and........."  Afton pauses a moment as she chokes back tears.  "And he blamed me."

 

"Blamed you?"  Steven asks.  

 

Afton begins to cry.  "I couldn't live with Scott's father any longer.  Harrison was a horrible man, so I took Pamela and I left.  I left that innocent little boy there to fend for himself with a monster.  Scott asked me why I didn't take him with me when I left his father.  My God, if only I had taken him out of there, maybe none of this would've happened.  Maybe that boy's life wouldn't have been ruined and he wouldn't be dead right now."

 

"Afton, this is NOT your fault,"  Cliff says.  "You cannot blame yourself for what happened to that kid."

 

"You had no idea that Harrison was molesting Scott?"  Steven asks.

 

"No. None."

 

"Then you aren't to blame if you didn't know about the abuse.  Besides, you not being Scott's biological mother, there was very little you could've done."

 

"I should've done something,"  Afton says.  

 

"Well, thankfully, this whole nightmare is over now,"  Cliff says.

 

"I'm afraid not,"  Steven says.  

 

"What do you mean?"  Tripp asks.  

 

"I wanted to come and tell you all myself before you hear it from the Canadian authorities.  I spoke to the Crown Attorney, which is Canada's equivalent to a district attorney.  The police will be asking you some questions, Miss Cooper, today, as well as your daughter, and you, too, McKay.  They want to know what happened, and which one of you fired the gun that killed Scott Van Buren.  Hopefully, the police will see it as a clear case of self defense, but....."

 

"But......what?"  Afton asks.

 

"But, if they don't, whoever killed Scott could be looking at a charge of manslaughter at the very least."

 

 

"You have GOT to be kidding me!"  Cliff says angrily.  "Van Buren was a psychopath who kidnapped and terrorized Afton and my daughter.  And now you're telling me that whoever took him down could face charges of manslaughter or worse?"

 

"Yes, I'm afraid so,"  Steven says.

 

Afton and Tripp exchange looks between them, both with worried expressions on their faces.