EPISODE 122 - Case Closed

"Oh, thanks, man,"  Lucas says with a smile.  "Yeah, Michael's a great kid.  Heather and I are really proud of him."

 

"That's good.  Every kid needs a Dad who believes in him."

 

The smile fades from Lucas's face.  He lowers his eyes, then looks at the teen.  "Shawn, I'm really sorry about your Dad.  I can't even imagine how you're feeling right now, but, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here."

 

"Thanks,"  Shawn says.  "But you're right.  You can't imagine how I feel.  You still have your Dad.  So don't ever take him for granted.  Bobby seems like a really good guy. And as for your own son, if you don't mind some advice from a 17-year-old kid?"

 

"Not at all."

 

"Be someone he can be proud of,"  Shawn says.  "My father.....he spent most of my life in and out of jail or prison.  I loved my Dad and I miss him, but, he wasn't really someone I could be proud of."  Fighting back tears, Shawn turns and walks to the house.  Lucas watches him as he goes in.

 

Heather swims to the edge of the pool.  "Lucas?  What's wrong?"  She asks, noticing the sad look on Lucas's face.

 

Lucas looks at her and smiles.  "Nothing," he says, then runs and jumps over Heather, making a huge splash in the middle of the pool.

Meanwhile, as Shawn enters the house through the sliding glass patio doors, Bobby and Ann are coming down the hall, headed to the patio for breakfast.

 

"Well, good mornin',"  Ann says to her nephew.

 

"Morning."

 

"Out for an early swim, huh?"  Asks Bobby.

 

"Yeah,"  Shawn replies.  "I was on the swim team at school last year.  I may try out again this coming year, so I need to stay in shape."

 

"Well breakfast will be ready soon,"  Ann says.  "So why don't you go and get changed and then come on out?"

 

Shawn nods, then walks past Bobby and Ann and down the hallway.  

 

After he goes into the foyer, Ann turns to her husband.  "I'm worried about him," she says.  "He's so quiet.  So......moody."

 

"The boy just lost his father,"  says Bobby.  "I think his quietness and moodiness is normal under the circumstances.  But it's YOU that I'm worried about."

 

"Me?  Why would you be worried about me?"

 

"Because I know how much Mark's death has affected you.  Not only that, you haven't been sleeping, and I have a feelin' it's because of what your mother said to you at Mark's funeral."

 

"Bobby, I've already told you.  I really couldn't care less what that woman thinks of me."

 

"She IS still your mother."

 

"What kind of a mother says such horrible things to her own daughter?"  Ann asks.  "Bobby, you might as well face it.  Marian Smith is nothin' like Miss Ellie and never will be."  Ann opens the sliding glass door and walks onto the patio as a worried Bobby watches her.

Sue Ellen and Catlin Ewing walk into an almost empty office on one of the top floors of Fountain Place in downtown Dallas that morning.  

 

"Come on in,"  Catlin says as he opens the door to the office and they walk in.  "We'll make this kinda quick, because I know you have to get to your office at Ewing Oil,"  Catlin says. The two walk around the office, then to the window with its sweeping view of the beautiful Dallas skyline.  "Well, what do you think?"  He asks.

 

"It's lovely,"  says Sue Ellen.  "But, what are we doing here?"

 

 

 

"Sue Ellen, you are standing in the middle of what I hope will become the new offices of Catlin Oil."

 

Sue Ellen looks around and smiles.  "You rented these offices?"

 

"Not officially,"  Catlin says.  "My son is stopping by this morning.  I want him to take a look at the place, and if he likes it, I'll sign the lease later today."

Sue Ellen smiles.  "Living in Dallas really seems to agree with you," she says.  "You've made some wonderful changes since you moved here.  Even dyed the gray out of your hair, and now, renting an office."

 

"Life here in Dallas with YOU really agrees with me, Sue Ellen.  And since I've now made Dallas my permanent home and moved my company's offices here, I needed a place to set up shop.  As for my hair, well, I DID go prematurely gray, you know."

 

"Oh, I'm definitely not complaining.  I love the dark brown.  And I couldn't be happier that you're taking an office here.  It really makes it seem more......official."

 

"And the best thing about this particular office location is that it's right down the street from Ewing Oil.  And now that I've found the office I want, the next step is to find a place of my own so I can move out of that hotel."

 

"You know, you could always move in with me,"  Sue Ellen says.  

 

"Move in with you?"  

 

"Of course, why not?  You spend most of you time there anyway, and it's a big house for me to live there all by myself.  I would love nothing better than for you to move in.  And, your son is welcome, too."

 

Catlin puts his arms around Sue Ellen.  "You are the most incredible woman I have ever met. I cannpt wait to get my divorce from Brittany, and then, Sue Ellen, I plan on making a life with you."  The two smile at each other, then begin kissing.

 

Catlin's son, C.J., walks into the office.  He stops short in the doorway when he sees his father and Sue Ellen kissing.  After a moment, C.J. clears his throat to get their attention.

 

"Oh, son, come in,"  Catlin says, slightly embarrassed.

 

"You sure, Dad?"  C.J. asks.  "I can always come back later."

 

"No, it's fine,"  says Sue Ellen.  "I have to get to work anyway."

 

"Okay, how about lunch later?"  Catlin asks. 

 

"I'm afraid I can't today.  I'm meeting Ann for lunch.  I haven't seen much of her since the tragedy in California, and I want to spend some time with her.  Her brother's death has been very hard on her."

 

"Of course.  Dinner, then?"

 

"Dinner, it is,"  Sue Ellen says.  She kisses him again.  "C.J., it's very nice to see you."

 

"Thank you, Sue Ellen, it's nice to see you, too,"  C.J. says as she walks past him and leaves.  

 

Catlin smiles.  "So, what do you think of the offices?  This will be my office, and you can have the one next door."

 

"Very nice,"  C.J. says with little enthusiasm.

 

"Son, are you alright?"  Catlin asks.  "You seem a little down this morning."

 

C.J. sighs deeply.  "I saw Mom the other night.  I was at the bar in the hotel and she came in."

 

"Really?  And what'd she have to say?"

 

"She wanted to.........explain everything.  I guess she wanted to explain to me why she ran out on you and on me.  Why she didn't even bother to contact her own son in more than five and a half years."

 

"I'm sure that must've been hard, and awkward,"  says Catlin.

 

"Yeah, well, I put her out of my mind a long time ago.  I told her that you had moved on with Sue Ellen, and she should move on, too.  Maybe now she'll get over this delusion of ever getting back together with you and finally give you a divorce."

 

"I wouldn't count on that, son."

 

"Why not?"  C.J. asks.

 

"Because I think your mother has an agenda, and I think that agenda has NOTHING to do with actually wanting to get back together with me."

 

"What other reason could she have for not granting you a divorce?"

 

"C.J., I haven't wanted to say anything to you about this.  After all, Brittany IS your mother.  But,  think you have a right to know.  I believe that John Ross found your mother and paid her to come here."

 

"John Ross?"  C.J. asks.  "But why?"

 

"Why else?  To break up my relationship with his mother.  John Ross has never made it a secret that he neither likes nor trusts me.  You either, for that matter."

 

"Y'know, I've never been able to figure that guy out.  All the rest of the Ewings have been really great to us, and they've accepted us as part of their family.  Everyone except John Ross.  What the hell is his problem?"

 

"Well, the simple answer to that question is.....he's his father's son.  From what both Sue Ellen AND Bobby have told me, John Ross's father, J.R., was exactly the same way when it came to accepting outsiders, ESPECIALLY outsiders he thought were trying to insinuate themselves into the Ewing family."

 

"But we're not outsiders, Dad.  We're Ewings, just like John Ross."

 

"Son, John Ross even considers his own siblings as outsiders, so, it's not likely he's going accept distant cousins anytime soon, especially one who's romantically involved with his mother."

 

Angrily, C.J. turns and starts to leave.

 

"Hey, where are you going?"  Catlin asks.

 

"To see Mom.  I'm gonna find out exactly why she came to Dallas,"  C.J. replies as he walks out of the office.

"Doctor, it's been over three weeks since the accident,"  Amanda says.  "Shouldn't at least some of the sensation be coming back after all this time?"

 

"Our latest scans still show some swelling around Justin's spinal column."

 

"And what exactly does that mean?"  Cally asks.

 

"We had hoped the swelling would've gone down by now, at least some, but it hasn't."

 

"And how long before it does?"  Amanda asks.

 

"We just don't know,"  replies the doctor.

"HEY!"  Yells an angry Justin, startling the others.  "I'm right HERE, so how about you all stop talkin' about me like I'm not even in the damned room!  Now, Doctor, if you got somethin' to say, then say it to ME.  Am I ever gonna walk again?"

 

The doctor looks at Justin, then at Cally and Amanda.

 

"I think my brother deserves an honest answer,"  Jill says.

 

"I'm sorry.  But I just can't say.  The swelling could still go down on its own."

 

"And if it doesn't?"  Amanda asks.

 

The doctor remains silent for a few seconds.  "If it doesn't......"

 

"What about surgery?"  Justin asks.  "I've heard of operations they can do to relieve pressure or somethin' on the spine.  If I need an operation, then just do it."

 

"Justin, it's not that simple.  Given where the swelling is, surgery could make things worse.  You could end up in a worse condition than you are now."

 

"How in the HELL could I be any worse off than I am now?  I'm paralyzed from the waist down.  I can't feel my legs, or my feet.  I can't move anything from the waist down.  And, I can't even remember the accident that left me this way.  On top of that, I may never even be able to have sex with my wife again.  Now you tell me what could be any worse than that!"

 

"One small mistake during such a delicate operation, and you could end up permanently paralyzed with no hope of ever regaining use of your legs.  Or.......worse case scenario, any small mistake could cause more damage and you could end up paralyzed from the neck down."

 

"Oh dear God,"  Cally cries.  

 

"It sounds like you're not giving us many options.  Or rather, any options at all,"  Amanda says, her voice shaky.  

 

"I'm sorry.  I wish I could be more optimistic, but....."

 

"Get out,"  Justin says quietly.

 

"What, sweety?"  Cally asks her son.

 

"All of you.  Get out."

 

"Justin,"  Amanda says.

 

"JUST GET OUT!  ALL OF YOU!"  Justin cries.  "I wanna be alone.  Please, everybody just leave me alone."

 

"Come on, everyone,"  says the doctor.  "Let's leave so Justin can get some rest and have some time to digest this news."

 

Amanda walks over to her husband.  "Justin, I don't wanna leave you."

 

"Just go, Amanda.  I don't want you here.  Not right now.  Please, just go."

 

"Come on, sweetheart,"  Cally says, taking Amanda by the hand.  She leads her daughter-in-law from the room, followed by the doctor.

 

Jill leans down and kisses her brother on the cheek.  "I love you, and I will be back. Justin, I believe you're going to be alright.  I believe that with all my heart.  I love you, little brother."

 

Fighting back his tears, Justin nods.  Amanda turns and walks out of the room.  After she's gone, Justin breaks down and begins crying uncontrollably.

 

"Sorry to disappoint you, Mom, but I have a question, and I want an honest answer," says C.J.  "You owe me that much."

 

"Alright, what's your question?"  Asks Brittany.

 

"Did John Ross Ewing pay you to come here to Dallas to cause trouble between Dad and Sue Ellen?  Is that why you're refusing to give Dad his divorce?"

Brittany looks at her son for a moment.  "Of course not," she says nervously.  "Where would you get such an idea.  From your father?  Or from that woman he's sleeping with these days?"

 

"So you're denying it?"  C.J. asks.

 

"Of course I'm denying it, because it's ludicrous."

 

"Are you also gonna deny that you know John Ross?"

 

Brittany smiles at her son.  "You sound like a lawyer doing a cross examination in court."

 

"Do you know John Ross Ewing, Mom?"  C.J. asks.

 

"Well, even though Dallas is a large city, in many ways it's a small town.  Of course I HAVE met John Ross, very briefly, in passing.  But as far as this notion that he paid me to come here to Dallas, well.......that's just ridiculous, and it sounds like your father's paranoia.  Now, I hope you got the answer you came here looking for."

"Why don't you just start at the beginning,"  Nolan replies.  "Now, you were once married to Van Buren's father?"

 

"Yes, Harrison Van Buren."

 

"Was the marriage a good one?"

 

"No, not at all.  Harrison was a very cruel man.  He was abusive toward me, and toward his son."

 

"Abusive.....how?"  Nolan asks.  "Physically?  Emotionally?"

 

"Physically, emotionally, and......"

 

"And what, Miss Cooper?"

 

"And, Harrison abused Scott sexually,"  says Afton.

 

"Were you aware of this sexual abuse during your marriage to Van Buren?"

"No, I wasn't, or I would've tried to stop it."

 

"When did you become aware of the sexual abuse?"  Nolan asks.

 

"Just the other night, when Scott told me what had happened to him."

 

"The night he was killed?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Miss Cooper, I've had a chance to go through the files on this case, and I've spoken at length with Detective Steven Jones.  And, Scott Van Buren had been working with the Dallas Police Department since early 2014.  Do you think that Van Buren followed you to Dallas?"

 

"I don't know,"  Afton replies.  "I suppose it's possible.  I went to Dallas for my daughter's wedding."

 

"And your daughter, Pamela, was already living in Dallas?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Miss Cooper, let's move ahead to the last few months.  You began receiving mysterious gifts and phone calls?"

"That's right.  Flowers and gifts at first, from what seemed like a harmless secret admirer.  After a while, the gifts weren't so harmless anymore.  This mystery admirer seemed to know things about me.......about my family.......that no stranger could know.  And then, my assistant, Jan Pierce, was murdered.  And all that time, Scott was working on the case."

 

"You had no idea of his true identity?"  Nolan asks.  "No hint of recognition?"

 

"None at all.  I hadn't seen Scott since he was a little boy."

"After Jan was murdered, everyone suspected Jesse Matthews, the young man who played piano at my nightclub.  But it turned out that Jesse was only trying to protect me."

 

"Protect you, Miss Cooper?"  Nolan asks.

 

"Yes.  We found out after Jesse was murdered that he was the son of my brother, Mitch.  Jesse had come to Dallas to find me, and then all the flowers and gifts started to arrive.  Jesse's arrival was perfect for Scott because the timing made Jesse look guilty of being my stalker.  But when Jesse got too close to the truth....." Afton stops talking as she fights back tears.

 

"Van Buren had to eliminate him," says Nolan.

 

"Yes."

 

At that moment, a knock comes at the door.  Nolan gets up, walks over, and opens the door. Another man, a man of about 55, walks in.  

 

"Mind if I sit in?"  The man asks.

 

"Of course not,"  replies Nolan.  "Mr. Tremblay, this is Afton Cooper."

 

The hand extends his hand.  "Miss Cooper, I'm George Tremblay, Crown Attorney for Rainy River District."

 

"Hello,"  Afton says, shaking Tremblay's hand.

 

"Mr. Tremblay, Miss Cooper and I were discussing the events that led up to Scott Van Buren abducting her and her daughter, and then we'll move on to the night of Van Buren's death.

 

"Alright, that's fine,"  Tremblay says.  "Miss Cooper, please don't let my presence make you nervous.  I'm merely here as an observer representing the Crown Attorney's office so that we can determine exactly what happened that night at that cabin."

 

"I understand," says Afton.

 

"So let's move on to the day Van Buren abducted you and your daughter,"  Nolan says.

"And where was Van Buren all this time?" Tremblay asks.

 

"He was outside," replies Afton. "Pamela's husband, Tripp McKay, and her father, Cliff Barnes, along with my brother Mitch, and Detective Jones, had managed to find us.  I don't really know what happened, but, somehow, Scott found the men as they were trying to rescue us, and he locked Cliff, Mitch, and Detective Jones in the tool shed behind the cabin.  But Tripp, he.......Scott was going to kill Tripp.  He shot him, and left him for dead."

 

"Yes, we've already gotten statements from Mr. McKay, Mr. Barnes, your brother Dr. Cooper, and Detective Jones,"  Tremblay says.  "We know everything from them that happened up until Scott Van Buren was killed.  Now, perhaps you could tell us what happened inside the cabin in the moments leading up to Van Buren's death."

 

Afton looks at the two men and swallows hard.  "I was trying to get Pamela's bedroom door open, when Scott came in and caught me.  He was very upset.  Very angry."

 

"Did Van Buren react violently toward you?"  Nolan asks.

 

"Yes.  He accused me of abandoning him, again.  That's when he told me about his father sexually abusing him when he was a child.  I tried to explain to him that if I had known about the abuse, I wouldn't have left him there alone with Harrison, but he wouldn't listen. He was so angry.  He pulled his gun on me and he forced me into the basement.  He locked me in, and I kept begging him not to leave me in there.  I looked around the basement, and I found a hammer.  I used it to knock a hole in the door.  I heard my daughter Pamela screaming."

 

"What was Van Buren doing to Pamela?"  Tremblay asks.

 

"I don't know.  I got the door open, and she was screaming.  Once I got it open, I ran to the bedroom down the hall.  When I ran in, Pamela was on the bed, her clothes torn.  Her blouse off of her."

 

"Miss Cooper, do you think that Scott Van Buren raped your daughter?  Or that he was trying to?"  Nolan asks.

 

"I don't know.  I picked up something, I don't even remember what it was now, and I hit him with it.  I knocked the gun out of his hand."

 

"He had the gun on Pamela?"  Tremblay asks.

 

"I don't know,"  Afton replies in tears.  "Everything happened so fast.  The gun fell out of his hand, and then......"  For a few seconds, Afton is unable to continue.  

 

"And then?"  Nolan asks.

 

"I pushed Scott, and I ran over and picked up the gun.  I pointed it at him and told him to not come any closer.  He kept coming, and..........and I pulled the trigger.  Scott stumbled backwards, then started toward us again, and I.........I shot him again.  That time, he fell to the floor.  I did it.  I killed Scott Van Buren to protect my daughter."

 

Nolan stands to his feet and gives Afton a box of tissue.  

 

"Thank you, Miss Cooper,"  Tremblay says.  "I understand how difficult this ordeal has been for you, and for your daughter."

 

"We don't have any further questions for now, Miss Cooper, so you're free to go,"  says Nolan.

 

"Thank you,"  Afton says.  "When do you think that we might be able to leave to go back to Dallas?  We would like to leave as soon as my daughter and son-in-law are able to be released from the hospital."

 

"No more than a couple of days,"  Tremblay replies.  

 

"Thank you,"  Afton says, then leaves the office.  

 

Tremblay and Nolan exchange looks after she's gone.

"And how is Shawn doing?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"I really don't know, Sue Ellen. He's been very quiet.  And he's been stayin' pretty close to his room.  He didn't even come out to have dinner with the family last night, or breakfast this mornin'  I'm very worried about him."

 

"Losing his father had to be the most devastating thing in that young man's life.  It's going to take some time for him to come to terms with losing Mark."

 

"I know,"  Ann says.

 

"And, how are YOU?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Did, uh....did Bobby tell ya anything about what happened at Mark's funeral?  Between my mother and me?"  Ann asks.

 

"He did say that there was a little bit of a scene.  I kind of dragged him out of him.  I could tell something was weighing heavily on his mind.  Do you wanna talk about it?"

 

"Yes.......AND no,"  replies Ann.  "I can't deny that what she said to me hurts.  Oh, God, Sue Ellen, I just.........I just DO NOT understand that woman at all.  My Mama had three kids.  My two brothers, and me.  Both my brothers are gone now, and she's so bitter toward me that I honestly believe she wishes that I had been the one who died instead of Mark."

 

"Surely she isn't that horrible,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"Oh, she is.  My mother has two grandchildren......Emma, and Shawn.  She's never laid eyes on Emma because she's MY child, and Mark's son said that he can't stand her.  That's what her bitterness has gotten her, Sue Ellen.  Despised by what's left of her fam'ly, and now she's completely alone.  And maybe that's what she deserves.  All I know is, I am DONE tryin' to reach out to her.  At this point, I really don't ever wanna see her again."

 

"You can't mean that."

 

"Oh, but I DO mean it, Sue Ellen."

 

"Ann, I've told you a little about my mother,"  Sue Ellen says.  "She was very.......controlling, very bitter.  Very domineering.  I blame her for a lot of the troubles I've had in my life.  Mama always wanted the best out of life.  The biggest house, the finest clothes.  The most expensive jewelry.  But she married my father and had to settle.  My father drank, very heaily, and then he walked out on her when Kristin was just a baby.  Mama's dream of marrying a rich man eventually died, so, she turned that dream onto Kristin and myself.  Tried to live it through us.  She groomed to us find rich, successful husbands, and look at how that turned out.  I ended up with J.R., a man I did love, but who cheated on me every chance he got, and a man who drove me to drink.  And Kristin......she didn't fare so well.  My little sister turned into a drug addict who ended up dead in the pool at Southfork one terrible night.  For a long time, I blamed my mother for everything that went wrong in my life, as well as Kristin turning out the way she did.  So, believe me, Ann, I know all about how hurtful the relationship between a mother and a daughter can be."

 

"But, you told me that you eventually forgave your mother,"  Ann says.

 

"Yes, I did.  After many years of pain and estrangement.  And it wasn't until after her death in 2003, that I really let go of all that hurt.  And even now, some of it tries to creep back in.  Ann, if you truly believe there's no hope for you and your mother to reconcile, then you have to let go.  Let go of the pain, and let go of her.  Otherwise, you'll spend years hurting. But if you think there might be even the slightest chance the two of you can work things out and be a family, then you have to try to reach out to her.  If you don't, you'll end up hating yourself and regretting that lost time for the rest of your life."

 

Ann nods, realizing that what Sue Ellen was saying is true, but at the same time, Ann knows that she may never be able to penetrate through her mother's bitterness.

"Thinkin' about goin' to see your mother again?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I am,"  replies Ann. "I'm not sure it'll do any good, but I at least need to try."

 

"You sure that's what you wanna do?  I mean after what happened at Mark's funeral?"

 

Bobby, I'm not sure of anything, anymore,"  Ann says.  "But after talkin' to Sue Ellen.......she made me realize that I have to at least try to reach out to Mama one more time.  And when I've done all I can to make peace with her, and if she still refuses to meet me half way, then, there's nothin' more I can do, and I won't have anything to feel guilty about."

 

Bobby puts his arms around her.

 

Meanwhile, across the room, Christopher and Courtney are chatting with Lucy, Lucas, and Heather.

 

"Heather, where's Michael tonight?"  Christopher asks.

 

"He is in his room,"  Heather replies.  "He's been so quiet ever since he's been home.  I'm really starting to worry about him."

 

 

"Yeah, so am I,"  says Lucas.  "And this is all because of that son of a bitch Bo McCabe.  Peyton Allen is in jail, so he's gonna pay for what he did to Michael, but none of this would've happened if it hadn't been for Bo.  And if it's the LAST thing I ever do, I swear.......I'm gonna find Bo McCabe and make him pay for what he did to my son.  Excuse me."  Lucas puts his glass down and walks out of the room as Heather, Christopher, Lucy, and Courtney watch.

 

"Wow,"  Courtney says.  "I've never seen Lucas so angry."

 

 

 

 

"I'm afraid I have,"  Christopher says.  "And that's what worries me."

 

"Excuse me, y'all,"  Heather says.  "I think I'd better go talk to him."

 

"Heather, let me go,"  says Christopher.  She nods, and Christopher walks out of the room.  

 

 

A moment later, Christopher walks out of the sliding glass doors onto the patio.  Looking around, he sees his brother standing by the pool, staring off into the horizon.  Christopher pauses briefly, then walks over to him.  

 

"Are you okay?"  Christopher asks.

 

"If being so pissed off at someone that you could literally break their head if they were standing in front of you is considered okay, then I'm OKAY,"  Lucas says angrily.

 

"Look, little bro, I know how you feel......"

 

"No, Christopher, you DON'T know how I feel.  You don't know what it's like to see your son just sit and stare off into space, or to try to talk to him and all he says is 'I'm fine', when you know he's not.  You don't know what it felt like for me when Michael was missing.  And now, to know that the guy responsible for everything that innocent little boy went through has gotten away with it?  Can you even imagine how that makes me feel?  How ANGRY I am about that!?"

 

"No,"  replies Christopher.  "No, you're right, I don't have a kid, so I have no idea what it's like to have your kid taken from you and you don't know if they're safe or scared or hungry. Or if they'll ever be returned to you.  But I DO know what it's like to have someone I love taken from me like that. You feel helpless. Angry. You want REVENGE. Lucas, I GET that.  But walking around here pissed off at the world all the time, dwelling on finding Bo and making him pay for kidnapping Michael.........that's not helping anyone.  It's not helping you, it's not helping Heather, and it's sure as HELL not helping Michael."

 

"Then what do you suggest I do, big brother?  Just let it go?  Let Bo get away with what he did?"

 

"No, I'm not suggesting that at all,"  Christopher says.  "But what I AM suggesting is that you concentrate on taking care of Heather and your little boy.  The cops are looking for Bo.  He's a fugitive on the run, and eventually, he'll be found.  So let the law take care of him.  You just concentrate on what's important.......Heather, and Michael.  And you can't do that if you're angry and obsessed with revenge on Bo McCabe.  Look, why don't you call Ryan Benson.  He helped you with your anger when you were going to him before.  And, I think he can help Michael."

 

"Michael doesn't need a shrink.  What he needs is for this never to have happened to him in the first place.  Chris.......tell Heather I'll be back later.  I gotta be by myself for a while." Lucas turns and walks away from his brother.  A concerned Christopher watches as Lucas gets into his car and speeds away from Southfork.

of the car, John Ross begins to make his way to the house when he spots Lucas sitting on the back porch.  John Ross looks at his cousin for a few seconds, then walks over to him.

 

"Well, even'in, Lucas,"  John Ross says.  "Heather kick ya outta the bedroom?"

 

 

"John Ross, I'm really not in the mood for your crap tonight, so if you wanna keep your teeth, the best thing you can do is just go on in the house and leave me the hell alone,"  says a still angry Lucas.

 

John Ross looks at him.  "Y'know, Lucas, I really never have liked you, and if you weren't Uncle Bobby's bastard son, I'd have kicked you off Southfork a long time ago.  Keep pushin' me, and I WILL find a way to get you off this ranch."

 

Lucas stands to his feet to face his cousin.  "You wanna try it, John Ross?  You wanna just TRY kicking me off this ranch?"

 

"You got one hell of a temper, boy,"  John Ross says.  "But not a whole lotta brains.  Maybe that's why you've never amounted to anything.  You might have Ewing blood flowin' through your veins, but aside from that, you're ALL Krebbs....."

 

Without warning, Lucas grabs John Ross by the collar of his jacket and forces him back against the chimney, holding his arm up across John Ross's chest as he pins him against the chimney.  

 

"LUCAS!"  Heather says loudly as she walks onto the porch from one of the French doors leading into the living room.  "Lucas, let him go."

 

Lucas glares angrily into his cousin's eyes for a moment, then releases John Ross from his grip.  

 

"What's goin' on here?"  Heather asks.

 

"Heather, you'd better get this guy some counselin',"  John Ross says.  "He's crazy."

 

"John Ross, just leave us alone, please,"  says Heather.

 

John Ross walks to the door, then turns back to Lucas.  "This itn't over, cousin," he says.  "We'll finish this later."

 

"You just stay the HELL away from me!"  Lucas says angrily, as Heather places her hand on his chest to keep him away from John Ross, who walks into the house, slamming the French door behind him.  

 

 

"Alright, what was that all about?"  Heather asks.

 

"No one gets under my skin quite like John Ross."

 

"Don't you see, he WANTS to get under your skin.  That's why he's always makin' these smart ass remarks to you."

 

"Yeah, and one day, I'm gonna put my fist down his throat,"  Lucas says.

 

"And WHAT, exactly, would that accomplish?"  Heather asks.  "Other than to show your son that his father can't settle an argument without using his fists?"

 

Lucas sighs, then turns to her.  "Heather, I'm sorry.  I know that I've been a real ass lately, ever since we've been home.  But when I think about what that ex-husband of yours did, and now Bo's out there somewhere, free."

 

"Bo is NOT free, Lucas.  The cops are after him, and he's gonna have to keep runnin' from now on.  If he ever sets foot near Dallas again, the cops are gonna nab him.  Now how's that bein' free?  Lucas, I understand how you feel.  I feel the same way, BELIEVE me.  But right now, Bo McCabe is not what we need to be worryin' about.  Our little boy.......Lucas, there's somethin' wrong with him.  Somethin' wrong inside of him.  Somethin' broken.  Michael loved Bo, and he trusted him, and Bo betrayed that trust.  I'm worried that Michael is gonna be traumatized for the rest of his life because of this kidnappin'."

 

"No,"  Lucas says.  "I'm not gonna let that happen."  He takes Heather by the hand.  "We're gonna be there for Michael, whatever it takes, whatever he needs.  Heather, you're right.  So was Christopher.  I do need to let go of this anger, this........need for revenge.......against Bo, because unless I do, I can't be the kind of father Michael needs, or the kind of husband you need."

 

"Husband?"  Heather asks with a smile.  

 

"Yeah, husband.  You know, I did ask you to marry me the day Michael was kidnapped.  And then after that happened, we never had a chance to talk about it anymore.  So how about it? Shall I do this again?"  Lucas gets down on one knee and looks up at a smiling Heather as he holds her hand.  "Heather McCabe.......will you marry me, and become the next Mrs. Ewing?"

 

Heather looks down at Lucas, her smile growing wider.  "Yes, Lucas.  I'll marry you."

 

Smiling, Lucas stands to his feet and kisses her.  

 

"But there's one thing you forgot,"  Heather says.

 

"What's that?"  Lucas asks.

 

"Your last name is still Krebbs."

 

"Well, not for long.  I went to see Jay Smithfield today, and I asked him to petition the court to legally change my last name from Krebbs to Ewing.  And that's the name I want you and Michael to share with me."

 

"Heather Ewing.  Michael Ewing.  I really like the way those names sound."

 

"Not as much as I do,"  says Lucas, gently touching her face.  "Heather, I love you so much, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.  I want us to have more Ewing babies together.  I wanna be 90 years old and celebrating 60 wonderful years of marriage to you while we watch our great-grandchildren and our couple of great-great-grandchildren we'll probably have by then playing in our front yard."

 

Heather laughs.  "That sounds wonderful.  But in the meantime, do you know what I want?"

 

"No.  What is it you want?"

 

"I want my handsome man to take me upstairs to our bedroom and make love to me."

 

"Well, come on  then, future Mrs. Ewing,"  Lucas says.  Heather takes him by the hand and together, they go into the house.

"Always, little bro,"  Christopher says with a smile.  "Wanna go again?"

 

"No thanks.  I'm kinda tired after last night."

 

"Last night?"  Christopher asks as Lucas gets out of the pool.  

 

"Yeah, after I came home from driving around for a few hours to clear my head, Heather came out to the porch to talk to me.  I asked her again to marry me, and she said yes.  So, we went upstairs and made love.......for HOURS."

 

Christopher also gets out of the pool and grabs a towel on the table by the pool.  "Well I guess that explains the smile on your face this morning and the change in your attitude since last night.  So you and Heather are getting married?"

 

"Yeah,"  Lucas says, the smile disappearing from his face.  "Chris, I'm sorry.  I know this is kinda awkward, us talking about Heather, and about us getting married, considering your past with her."

 

"Nah, it's okay,"  Christopher says.  "Heather and I were over a long time ago.  I'm very happy with Courtney now, and I couldn't be happier for you and Heather."

 

"I appreciate that.  Means a lot,"  Lucas says as Bobby, Ann, and Shawn, come out of the house.  

 

"Mornin', boys,"  Bobby says to his sons as he and Ann take seats at the table.  

 

"Mornin', Dad.  Be right out for breakfast,"  Christopher says as he goes into the house.

 

"Lucas, where are Heather and Michael this mornin'?"  Ann asks.  

 

"They're both still asleep.  Michael hasn't been sleeping much at all since he's been home, and Heather's been exhausted, so I didn't wanna wake them up early.  Excuse me.  Be back in a few,"  Lucas says.  He starts into the house and meets John Ross coming out.  The two cousins stop and glare angrily at each other for a moment, then Lucas walks into the house. 

 

"John Ross,"  Bobby says as his nephew takes a seat at the table.

 

"Mornin', y'all.  Somethin' smells good."

 

"Maria's English muffins,"  says Ann.  

 

"So, Shawn, what are you gonna do today?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Alex is comin' over, and we're gonna hang out," Shawn replies. "Maybe go riding, do some swimming, whatever."

 

"If I'm back from Dallas by early afternoon, I'll take you boys into Braddock for lunch,"  John Ross says.  

 

"Yeah, okay, Mr. Ewing,"  Shawn says.

 

"Umm, you can call me John Ross."

 

Meanwhile, Charlie's car drives up to the house and comes to a stop.  Charlie kisses her son, then Alex gets out of the car carrying his travel bag.  As Charlie drives off, Alex walks over to where the others are having breakfast.  

 

"Heeey, Alex, my man,"  says John Ross.

 

"Morning."

 

"Have some breakfast?"  Ann asks.

 

"No, thanks.  Mom made waffles."

 

"Well if Charlie's waffles are as good as your grandmother's waffles use to be, then you're a lucky man, Alex,"  Bobby says.  He then looks at Ann, who has a displeased expression on her face at the mention of Jenna Wade.

 

"Hey, dude, you wanna go riding first?"  Shawn says.

 

"Yeah, that sounds good, man,"  Shawn says, standing to his feet. "Let's take your stuff inside, and change clothes."

 

"Listen, you fellas be careful when you're out ridin',"  Bobby says.  "It's been real hot and dry, so be on the lookout for rattlers and other snakes, okay?"

 

"Don't worry, we will,"  Alex says.

 

"Hey, Alex, I gotta run into Dallas for a while, but if I'm back by one o'clock, how about I take you boys to lunch in Braddock, and maybe over to the Braddock Fair this evenin'?"  John Ross asks.

 

 

 

"John Ross, I'd give anything to be YOUR age again," says Bobby.  

 

John Ross laughs.  "Well, I'll see y'all this afternoon," he says.  As he starts to walk to his car, Krystina's car drives up and comes to a stop in the parking area.  An annoyed look crosses John Ross's face, then he walks out to meet her.

"Hi, John Ross,"  Krystina says, getting out of her car and meeting him. 

 

"What are you doin' here?"  He asks.

 

"I came out to see Little John.  And to see you, as well.  I was hoping we could talk.  We haven't had a real chance to talk since California, and it doesn't help that you won't return my phone calls or texts."

 

"Well, that right there should tell you somethin'."

 

"All it tells me  is that I married a stubborn jackass,"  Krystina says.  "John Ross, I am SORRY.  I don't know how many times you want me to say it but I will spend the rest of my life saying it if you will just give a chance."

 

"You're sorry?  You're SORRY?"  John Ross asks angrily.  "Do you think sayin' you're sorry could wipe away the fact that you slept with a man whose guts I HATE!?"

 

"No, of course not,"  says Krystina. "Nothing can ever erase what I did.  But John Ross, I think you're being incredibly hypocritical."

 

"I'm bein' hypocritical?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Yes.  I made a MISTAKE because I was deeply hurt over something I thought you did.  Can you say that you had the same excuse when you cheated on Pamela with Emma Ryland?  And can you forget that you played a small part in what happened between me and Brad?"

 

"You're sayin' I'm to blame for YOU sleepin' with Brad Stone?"  John Ross asks.

 

"No, of course not.  That was MY mistake and mine alone.  But if you hadn't started that stupid feud with Brad and blackmailed him, then maybe none of this would've happened. Maybe he wouldn't have set us up."

 

John Ross looks at her for a moment.  "If you wanna see Little John, he's upstairs in the nursery," he says, then walks to his car and gets in.  

 

 

 

 

A hurt Krystina watches as John Ross drives away. She begins to cry as Bobby and Ann walk over to her.  

"Are you okay, sweety?"  Ann asks.

 

"No,"  Krystina says in tears.  "I'm really afraid my marriage may be over."

 

"John Ross is just angry right now,"  Bobby says.  "In time, he'll come around."

 

"I hope so,"  says Krystina.  "Because I can't stand the thought of living my life without him."

"I just came by to see Justin,"  replies Jimmy.

 

"Are you out of your mind?  Jimmy, you're the last person in the world who needs to be around Justin right now."

 

"Why?  Amanda, he doesn't remember anything about the accident or about seeing us together the night before."

 

"He doesn't remember NOW, Jimmy.  But eventually, he will."

 

"Or maybe he won't,"  Jimmy.  "Amanda, it's been WEEKS now since the accident and Justin still can't remember a thing about what happened.  I think if his memory about the accident were gonna come back, it would've by now."

"Jimmy, did you ever stop to think for one second that seeing you could very well trigger his memory?"  Amanda asks.

 

"So what do you want me to do, Amanda?  Just stay away from Justin all together?"  Jimmy asks.

 

"I think that would be best."

 

"And how would we explain THAT to him?  He's my best friend, Amanda.  Not only that he's my Uncle.  Don't you think he'd get a little bit suspicious if I just stayed away from him now and never visited him in the hospital after the accident."

 

Amanda sighs.  "I don't........I don't know.  This whole situation is just so messed up, and it's all OUR fault, Jimmy.  You and I, we did this to Justin.  He may never walks again because of us.  Because we couldn't control our stupid lust."

 

"Don't you think I know that, Amanda?"  Jimmy asks.  "Every time I look at Justin, I think about that.  I tell myself that I'm responsible for him being paralyzed.  And not only that, every time I close my eyes at night, I relive the events of that terrible day. I see Justin coming at me.  I see the hurt in his eyes, and I see him fall from that cliff. So you don't have to remind me that we're responsible for what happened to him."

 

"Jimmy, I want you to tell me the truth about what happened on that cliff that day,"  Amanda says.  "How did Justin fall?"

 

"I've already told you what happened.  Amanda, why are you asking me this again?  Unless........unless you think I was lying when I told you how Justin fell.  Is that it?  You think I was lying?"

 

"Jimmy, I don't want to think that, but........after what happened between us, and then you said that Justin attacked you.  You said he wanted to kill you."

 

Jimmy looks at her for a moment.  "You think I PUSHED him?  Amanda?  Oh my God.  You DO think I pushed him.  How could you even think that I'm capable of something like that?"

 

"Jimmy, I'm sorry, I........."  Amanda stops talking as she starts to cry.  "I just wanna understand how this happened.  That's all."

 

"I already told you the truth about what happened.  And if you think that I pushed him..... if you think that I'm capable of something like that, then........you can just go to hell,"  Jimmy says angrily, then walks past Amanda and into the parking lot as she watches him, tears in her eyes.  

 

Neither Jimmy nor Amanda were aware that their little confrontation was being watched from a distance by Jill, who was on her way to see Justin when she happened to spot her nephew and sister-in-law arguing outside the hospital.  Intrigued by what appeared to be an intense conversation, Jill had watched them.  After she sees Jimmy walk away from Amanda angrily, leaving her in tears, Jill began to wonder what was going on between the two, and if this argument had anything to do with Justin's accident. Could something sinister be going on between Jimmy and Amanda?  Jill wondered to herself.

"STAY AWAY FROM ME, YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!!!!!"  Pamela screams.  As she attempts to hit Scott, he grabs her arms, forces them behind her, then kisses her.  Pamela tries to fight him off, but Scott is too strong.  He forces her down on the bed and gets on top of her as she struggles.  "NOOOO!!!!!!!!"  Pamela screams.  

 

As Pamela continues to struggle and scream, Scott is on top of her, removing her clothes.  He is too powerful for Pamela to fight off.  She struggles and fights as hard as she can, even though she realizes that without a weapon, she has no chance.....

"Yes.  I can't even close my eyes without seeing him, and seeing what happened."

 

"Well, you don't ever have to worry about Scott Van Buren anymore,"  Cliff says.  "The guy is dead and he can never hurt you again."

 

"If only that were true, Daddy,"  Pamela says.

 

"Well, sweetheart, we do have some good news,"  Afton says.  "Your father and I spoke to the doctor, and he says that Tripp will be able to travel in a couple of days, and the police have also said we can leave, so, as soon as you and Tripp can travel, we're all going home to Dallas."

 

"I can't wait to get home,"  says Pamela.  "And I hope I never have to hear the name Rainy River or Scott Van Buren as long as I live."

 

"Well you won't have to, darling,"  Afton says.  "This long nightmare is finally over for us."

"Yes,"  Nolan replies.  "We've just wrapped up the investigation into the death of Scott Van Buren.  Our department is ready to close the case."

 

"Then you don't see any irregularities in Afton Cooper's story?"  Tremblay asks.

 

"No, none."

 

"But the police was never able to fully question Afton Cooper's daughter, Pamela McKay."

 

"No,"  says Nolan.  "Mrs. McKay was extremely traumatized by the events of that night.  We saw no need to cause her further pain.  There was nothing in Miss Cooper's statement that contradicted the evidence we found at the scene of Van Buren's death."

 

"I would still like to talk with Mrs. McKay at some point,"  says Tremblay.

 

"Look, Mr. Tremblay, I see nothing in the evidence that suggests that this was anything more than a self defense killing,"  Nolan says.  "Scott Van Buren was very disturbed man.  He had already murdered two people back in Dallas, one of whom was Afton Cooper's own nephew, and then he kidnapped Pamela and Tripp McKay's infant son and used the child to lure Afton Cooper and her daughter into his clutches.  He kept them locked away in that cabin for days and days.  And the night of his death, Van Buren had completely lost what was left of his mind.  Pamela McKay's clothing was torn, and she had bruises on her arms and legs, so it was obvious Van Buren was trying to attack.  Afton Cooper shot him to protect her daughter."

 

"So, then it is your professional opinion that this is an open and shut case?"  Tremblay asks.

 

Nolan looks at him.  "It is," he says.  "I say we close this case, and let these poor people get on with their lives.  They've suffered enough."

 

"Yes, but what about Scott Van Buren?"  Tremblay asks. "This kid was sexually abused by his own father.  He suffered both mentally and emotionally from that abuse, and now he's dead.  Seems to be that there should be some kind of justice for him.  After all, he was a victim in all of this, too despite his crimes."

 

"That's not our problem.  All we can do is turn this information over to the U.S. authorites.  But, my guess is the statute of limitations on Van Buren's abuse has expired by now."

 

"So, Van Buren's father just gets away with what he did to his son,"  Tremblay says in disappointment as he picks up the file on Scott's case from Nolan's desk and opens it.  "But still......something here just doesn't add up."

 

"What do you mean?"  Nolan asks.

 

"I'm not sure.  Call it intuition.  Nolan, let's close the case unofficially.  But, officially, I'd like to keep it open.  Examine the crime scene at that cabin again and go over Van Buren's autopsy report again with a fine tooth comb."

 

"But why, if we're closing the case?"

 

"As I said.......intuition.  Something in Afton Cooper's story just doesn't fit for me."