EPISODE 127 - Out With The Old, In With The New

"At least through the new year," Sandy replies.  

 

"Yes, I've taken a two week vacation from my job and I convinced my husband to do the same,"  Blaine says.  "I thought that during the holidays it would be great to spend some time with my brother and my nephew, and get to know Sue Ellen better, as well as my other Dallas relatives."

 

"And how about you, Alex?"  Bobby asks.  

 

"I will probably have to get back to San Francisco

 

"Well, we definitely look forward to seein' you again while you're in town,"  Bobby says. 

 

"Maybe we could get together for dinner one evening,"  Blaine suggests.

 

"We would love that,"  says Ann.

 

Catlin, Sue Ellen, come into the foyer, Catlin helping his Aunt Corrine to the front door.  "Bobby, tonight was absolutely beautiful,"  Catlin says.

 

"Thank you, Catlin, and I do agree.  And Corrine, I can't tell you how happy we are that you were able to make it tonight."

 

"Bobby, Ann, I can't remember when I've had a lovelier evening,"  Corrine says.

 

"Well, we would love for you to come back and visit us again,"  Ann says.

 

"I'll certainly take you up on that."

 

"And I would really love to hear some of the stories you must have about the Ewings, and about our heritage,"  Bobby says. "Daddy never talked about his family or his past."

 

"Aunt Corrine has a LOT of stories to tell,"  Catlin says.

 

"And I'll be happy to share them,"  Corrine says as John Ross, Krystina, and Alex walk into the foyer, Krystina holding Little John.  The elderly woman looks at the baby and smiles. "It's so nice to see this newest generation.  Sue Ellen, you have a very handsome son."

 

Sue Ellen smiles.  "Thank you, Corrine, I think so, too."

 

"And John Ross, you have a lovely family."

 

"Thank ya, ma'am."

 

"We'd better be going,"  says Catlin.

 

"Oh, I almost forgot Selena,"  Corrine says.

 

"Last I saw of her, Aunt Corrine, she was hanging out with a very handsome young man," Blaine says.

 

"Yes, that would be Conner,"  says Bobby.  "Which is Uncle Jason's grandson."

 

"I'll get her, Aunt Corrine,"  Catlin says.  He leaves the foyer.

 

"In the meantime, why don't we go on out to the car?"  Sandy Cory says.  "Bobby, Ann, thanks again."

 

"You're welcome,"  Bobby says.

 

As Blaine, Sandy, their son Alex leave, Sue Ellen walks over to her son and daughter-in-law.  "Krystina, I'm so happy that you changed your mind and decided to come tonight."

 

"I'm happy I did, too, Sue Ellen."

 

"So, does this mean that you two are gonna try to work things out and get back together now?"  Alex asks.

 

John Ross and Krystina exchange looks.  "Well, I sure am hopeful about that,"  John Ross says.

 

"I think I'm gonna go put Little John to bed," says Krystina says, an uncomfortable look on her face. She turns and heads up the stairs with the baby.

 

"I found 'em,"  Catlin says as he returns to the foyer, followed by Conner and Selena.  

 

"Well, Selena, are you ready to go?"  Corrine asks the girl.

 

"Umm, actually, Grandma, would it be okay if I stayed for a while?"  Selena asks.

 

"I'll be happy to drive Selena back later," says Conner.

 

"Well, it's fine with me," Corrine says.  "But, not too late, alright?"

 

"Oh, no ma'am," Conner says.

 

"Thanks, Grandma,"  Selena says, kissing her great-great-grandmother on the cheek.

 

"Remember, not too late,"  Corrine says as she leaves with Catlin and Sue Ellen.

 

 

Afton walks into her bedroom, where she finds Pamela with baby Hunter.

 

"Well, everyone is getting ready to leave," Afton says.

 

"I guess Tripp will be ready to leave soon, too. I was just getting the baby ready.  But I hate to wake him."

 

"Darling, I hate that you're feeling so bad on Christmas," Afton says.  "And I know that Sharon's remark about you gaining weight didn't help."

 

"No, it didn't,"  says Pamela.  

 

"That's why you have to tell Tripp about the pregnancy."

 

"Mom, please don't start that again."

 

Meanwhile, downstairs, Mitch, Daniel, Sharon, and Shawn are all getting ready to leave.  As Cliff walks Sharon to the door, their sons are eating another piece of pie.  "Sharon, you and Shawn have a very Merry Christmas,"  Mitch says.  

 

Sharon smiles.  "Thank you, Mitch, and it was wonderful to see you here tonight.  What are your plans for tomorrow?"

 

"I suppose we'll have dinner over here again.  Afton invited us."

 

"Nice to have family, isn't it?"  Sharon asks.  "Shawn, honey, come on, we'd better be going."

 

"Yeah," the boy says.  "Oh, wait, I left my jacket upstairs."

 

"Well go and get it, and hurry."

 

Shawn runs up the stairs, and as he is heading down the hall to the guest bedroom where he left his jacket, he passes by the slightly open door of Afton's bedroom, where Afton and Pamela are still talking.  Curious, the teenager stops and listens.

 

"Pamela, soon, your pregnancy is going to be VERY noticeable, to everyone, especially to your husband."

 

"Mom, I know,"  Pamela says.  "I know I have to tell him, but, after Christmas.  I just wanna get through this holiday without any dram before I tell my husband that I'm carrying another man's baby."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Listening outside the door, Shawn can hardly believe what he just heard.  His brother's wife is pregnant with another man's child?  The wheels begin to turn in the boy's head as he tries to think of how this piece of information could be used to his advantage.

"Poor baby,"  Krystina says in a whisper.  "He was exhausted.  "He was asleep as soon as I put him down."

 

"Just look at him, Krystina," John Ross says. "Itn't he beautiful?"

 

"He sure is."

 

"Every time I look at him, I can't help but smile.  I also can't help but to wish....... that you were his mother, instead of Elena."

 

 

 

"I can't tell you how many times I've wished that same thing,"  Krystina says.

 

"Remember all the babies you and I planned to have?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Of course.  How could I forget?"

 

 

 

"What the hell happened to us, Krystina?"  John Ross asks, his voice shaky.

 

Krystina looks at him.  "Brad Stone happened. And then, Brittany Ewing happened," she replies as she begins to cry.

 

"Darlin' lemme ask you somethin'.  When you slept with Stone.....did that mean anything to you?  Were you in love with him, or really attracted to him?"

 

"No.  I did it because I was so hurt.  I was vulnerable and I let Brad manipulate me."

 

"And when I went to bed with Brittany Ewing, it didn't mean a damn thing,"  John Ross says. "Krystina, I was hurt, too.  For months, I been hurt, thinkin' about you and that.......son of a bitch.  His hands all over my wife's body.  That's why it's been so hard for me to let it go. Krystina, I love you.  With all my heart, I love you, even after all that's happened between these past few months."  John Ross moves closer to her.  "And I truly believe that you still love me.  If you didn't, you wouldn't have come here tonight."

 

"I came here for the boys, and for your mother," Krystina says in tears.

 

"And for me, too,"  John Ross says.  "No matter what you say, Krystina, I know you still love me.  You and me, we........darlin', we're meant to be together.  Come home, Krystina.  Come home to Southfork, and to me, where you belong."

 

"John Ross, I have to go...."  Krystina says.  As she starts to walk past him and leave the room, John Ross grabs her and pulls her into a passionate kiss.  After a moment, Krystina pulls out of the kiss and slaps John Ross's face.  "Damn you," she says in tears, then begins kissing him again....

 

 

 

 

"I say we should skip breakfast this morning,"  Lucas suggests with a smile. "I'm not very hungry, anyway.  At least not for food."

 

"But if we skip breakfast, what would we do with our morning?"  Heather asks in a seductive voice.

 

"Come here, and I'll show you a couple ideas I have about how we can spend our morning,"  Lucas says.

 

Heather smiles, slips off her blouse, then leans over and begins kissing Lucas.

 

 

 

 

 

"Courtney, I guess you must have officially moved in here at Southfork with my cousin, since you're here all the time," John Ross says.

 

 

 

"Whether Courtney has moved in with me or not is none of your damned business, John Ross,"  Christopher says, annoyed.

 

"Don't get your panties all in a wad, Christopher,"  says John Ross.  "I was just makin' polite conversation.  "I think it's real nice.  You and Courtney in that bedroom downstairs, and your ex-girlfriend sleepin' with your brother upstairs."

 

"John Ross, you really are pushing......"

 

 

"It just so happens, that I have NOT moved into Southfork,"  Courtney says, interrupting Christopher before the argument goes further.  "I just got here.  I came out to have breakfast with Christopher and help Ann and Heather plan Heather's wedding."

 

"So you're helpin' your boyfriend's ex-girlfriend plan her weddin' to your broyfriend's brother?"  John Ross asks sarcastically.  "It's real nice you all get along so well."

 

"Yes, it is,"  Courtney says.  "Real nice."

 

"Now, if y'all will excuse me, I gotta head into town, so I won't be joinin' the fam'ly for breakfast this mornin'."

 

"Oh, I'm real disappointed about that,"  Christopher says.

 

John Ross looks at his cousin, smiles, then walks out.  

 

Christopher shakes his head.  

 

"Just ignore him,"  Courtney says.  

 

"Easier said than done."

 

Christopher and Courtney walk into the dining room, where Bobby, Ann, and Lucy are seated for breakfast.  

 

"What was that all about?"  Bobby asks. "That little scene with you and John Ross just now?"

 

"Just John Ross being his usual, charming self."

 

"Well, I think John Ross should be congratulated,"  Ann says.

 

"Congratulated, for what?"  Lucy asks.

 

 

 

"He behaved himself all through Christmas,"  Ann says with a smile, her comment causing the others to laugh.

"John Ross, the other night was wonderful," Krystina says.  "Being at Southfork with the family at Christmas, and watching the boys open their gifts, it was great."

 

"And then what happened afterward......"

 

"Yes.  Our lovemaking was also great.  But don't you think we're moving a little fast?"

 

"No, darlin', I don't,"  John Ross says.  "Krystina, we been separated for months.  We both made a lotta mistakes this year.  And we both had a lotta time to think. 2016 is almost over.  A new year is about to begin in just a few days.  What better time for us to start off fresh?"  John Ross moves close to her and takes her face in his hands.  "Can you honestly look me in the eye and tell me that what we shared on Christmas Eve was not magical?  That it was not the best night you've had in a LONG time?"

 

"No.  I can't tell you that, because it was.  John Ross, I still love you.  With all my heart, I love you, and I want to come back.  But part of me continues to wonder........can I trust you?"

 

"Don't you think part of me has had that same fear about you?  Krystina, you went to bed with a man whose guts I hate.  If I can get past your sleepin' with Brad Stone, then you should be able to forgive me for my affair with Brittany Ewing.  Let me take you home, Krystina, to Southfork, where you belong.  Let's start over.  New year, new beginnin'."

 

Krystina looks at him, then nods.  "Yes.  I'll come home with you.  But John Ross, I can't go through this again.  If you EVER cheat on me again........we're done."

 

"That's not somethin' you're gonna have to worry about,"  John Ross says, kissing her.

"I remember when I was a little girl, Jason Ewing came to our house in Claxton once,"  Corrine says.  "He came to borrow money from my father, and I remember Jason was cursing Jock like there was no tomorrow.  I guess that must have been around the time of their falling out.  Daddy gave him the money, Jason left, and we never saw or heard from him again, and Daddy never got his money back."

 

"I'm not surprised, from everything I've heard about Jason Ewing.  He was a bit of a wanderer,"  Sue Ellen says.  

 

"Yes, that's why they called him Tumbleweed,"  Corrine says.  "Oh, after Jason failed to return and pay that money back, Daddy was highly upset and angry with him.  I can recall him telling Mama that if that no account nephew of his ever set foot on his land again, he was gonna beat the you-know-what out of him."

 

Sue Ellen and Blaine laugh.

 

"That young man who was at Southfork on Christmas, the one Selena was so taken with.  That's Jason's grandson?"  Corrine asks.

 

"Yes, Conner."

 

"He seems like a very nice boy,"  Blaine says.  "Handsome, too.  Just like all the Ewing men."

 

"Hey, you talking about me?"  Catlin asks, walking into the room with Blaine's husband, Sandy Cory.

 

"We were just talking,"  Blaine replies.  "Ladies talk," she continues as her cell phone rings.  She takes the phone from her pocket and looks at it.  "Oh, excuse me, I have to take this," she says, then leaves the room.

 

As Sandy takes a seat on the sofa and begins looking at the family album with Corrine, Sue Ellen walks over to Catlin.  "Is everything alright?"  She asks.

 

"Everything is great,"  Catlin replies. "Better than great.  I went to see Jay Smithfield this morning, and I asked Sandy to go with me.  Brittany should be receiving her divorce papers sometime today, with a very generous settlement offer she'd be crazy to turn down."

 

 

 

 

"That was a job offer,"  Blaine replies.  "And a very tempting one, at that."

 

"You don't seem very happy about it,"  Catlin says.

 

Blaine sighs.  "I'm just not sure I can, or SHOULD take this job."

 

A moment later, they walk into the foyer as Krystina is coming down the stairs.

 

"Krystina,"  says Christopher.

 

"Hi, guys."

 

"Krystina, it's good to see you," Courtney says.

 

"Thanks."

 

"I'm kinda surprised to see you here," says Christopher.

 

"Well, get use to it,"  John Ross says, coming down the stairs.  "Krystina's back home to stay."

 

"Yeah, I moved back in today," Krystina says.

 

"Well, that's GREAT,"  Courtney says, hugging Krystina.  "I'm really glad you guys worked things out."

 

"Thank you," Krystina says.

 

"Congratulations, John Ross," Christopher says.  

 

"I appreciate that.  We were just headin' out.  We're gonna pick up Alex at Charlie's, go into town and pick up Ann's nephew Shawn, and take the boys to the movies to see the new Star Wars."

 

"Sounds like a fun night,"  says Courtney.  "That's a really good movie.  Christopher and I saw it the other night."

 

"Well, see y'all later,"  John Ross says as he and Krystina walk out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Is it my imagination, or was John Ross being uncharacteristically nice just now?"  Christopher asks.

 

 

"Yeah, he was not his usual snide self.  Y'know what?  I think it's Krystina.  She's a good influence on him."

 

"Well, then I hope she really IS back home to stay for good this time,"  Christopher says as his cell phone rings.  He takes the phone from his pocket and looks at it.  "It's Bum," he says, then answers the call.

 

"Yeah, Bum, what's up?"  Christopher asks.  "Oh, really?  Where?  Yeah, we'll be there in twenty minutes."  He ends the call and looks at Courtney.

 

"What is it?"  She asks.

 

"Bum has found some information on the people who adopted your little boy.  He wants us to meet him  in town."

 

"Well, what are we waiting for?"

 

"Not a thing.  Let's go,"  Christopher says, he and Courtney rushing out.

"Yeah," Bum says.  "The couple who initially adopted your son, Brian and Karen Fisher, left the Houston area shortly after the adoption.  They settled in Springfield, Illinois, and later moved to Los Angeles when Brian Fisher got a job transfer there.  But, I'm afraid I have some bad news."

 

"What?"  Courtney asks.  "Bum, what is it?"

 

"On June 11, 2010, the Fishers were killed in a car accident.  This was about six months after they moved to L.A."

 

"A car accident?  Oh my God,"  Courtney cries. "My son....."

 

"No,"  Bum says.  "The child was not in the car when the Fishers were killed."

 

"Oh thank God,"  Courtney says, breathing a sigh of relief.

 

"So what happened to the boy after his adoptive parents died?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Unfortunately, the Fishers had no family, except for Karen Fisher's sister.  Both her parents and Brian's parents had died by then, so for a while the little boy lived with Karen Fisher's sister, Mariah Crawford.  But, Mariah was about as unfit as they come as far as parenting goes."

 

"What does that mean?"  Courtney asks.

 

"Mariah Crawford was a meth addict.  And she would do literally anything to feed her habit, and pay for it.  She turned to prostitution, did a couple low budget porn films, and eventually, when the courts found out what kind of an environment your son, whose name is Jacob, child protective services stepped in and took the child.  He was placed in foster care, and eventually adopted again."

 

"Who adopted him the second time?"  Christopher asks.

 

"I'm still workin' on that,"  replies Bum.  "The court records were sealed, and they're gonna be hard to get."

 

"Bum, I don't care what it takes, or how much it costs,"  says Christopher.  "I want you to keep digging until you find the people who adopted Courtney's little boy, Jacob.  Pay off anyone you have to in order to get those records."

 

Bum nods.  "I'll keep digging.  I just thought you'd wanna know what I'd learned so far."

 

"Bum, thank you,"  Courtney says in tears.  "Thank you so much for this.  At least, now I know my son's name.  Jacob."

 

"Courtney, I told you.  We're gonna find Jacob,"  Christopher says, putting his arm around her.

"Nah, I'm not worried about that," Shawn replies.  "Whatever's goin' on between my Mom and Dr. Cooper..... it aint gonna last."

 

"Oh yeah?  How do YOU know?"

 

"Because I'm not gonna let it," Shawn replies smoothly.  "I already had one father.  I don't need another.  But that's not the only thing on my mind."

 

"So what else is going on?"  Alex asks.

 

"My brother.  That's what's goin' on."

 

"Tripp McKay?  What about him?"

 

"Tripp has been gettin' pretty chummy with my Mom lately."

 

"Well, just like I don't need another father, I don't need an older brother comin' into my life, telling me what to do, either.  But, I think I may have found something to keep big brother Tripp outta my way, at least for a while."

 

"Meaning what?"  Alex asks.

 

"Meaning.......I know a little secret about Tripp's lovely wife, Pamela.  Alex, what can you tell me about her?  She was married to your Dad, wasn't she?"

 

"Yeah, she was, but that before I ever came here and before I even knew John Ross was my real father,"  says Alex.  "So, I can't really tell you anything about her.  What's this big secret you know?"

 

Shawn slips on his shirt and then looks at his friend.  "Well, don't tell anyone about this, but, Pamela cheated on my brother."

 

"No way!"  Alex says, almost in excitement.  "Dude, how do you know?"

 

"I overheard Pamela and her Mom talking about it on Christmas Eve.  Pamela got knocked up with this other guy's kid, and Tripp doesn't even know she's pregnant.  And when he finds out....."

 

"Shawn, dude, this is really gonna him,"  says Alex.  "It could even break up his marriage."

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Yeah,"  Shawn says.  "That's what I'm countin' on."

 

 

 

 

"Y'know, John Ross, I'm really getting tired of being summoned like this," Christopher says.

 

"John Ross, what is it you wanted to talk to us about?"  Bobby asks.

"You fellas hear what we were talkin' about?"  John Ross asks.

 

"No, we didn't,"  Shawn replies quickly.

 

"You sure 'bout that?  Alex?"

 

"No, we didn't hear anything," Alex lies.

 

"Yeah, like we said, we just came in," Shawn says.  

 

"Ummm, can we still go to the mall?"  Alex asks.

 

"I'm a little busy right now, but, Alex, can I trust you to take my car and be real careful?"

 

"Yeah, you bet."

 

John Ross reaches into his pocket and takes out his keys.  He tosses them to Alex.  "Here. Now remember, that car itn't a toy.  You drive the speed limit and not a mile over.  Just go to the mall, hang out for a couple hours, and come right back, understand?"

 

"Yeah, we got it," Alex says.  "We'll be real careful," he says, then he and Shawn head up the stairs.

 

"Think they heard what we were saying?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Even if they did, what difference does it make?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Shawn is Tripp McKay's kid brother.  He could run back and tell Tripp what he heard."

 

"Don't worry about that,"  says John Ross.  "I'll take care of Shawn."

As Brad's doorbell rings, he comes out of his bedroom, just getting out of the shower, a towel wrapped around his waist and his hair and upper body still wet.  He makes his way across his living room as the doorbell rings again.  "I'm coming, hold on," he yells.  He opens the door and finds Brittany in the hall.

 

"Brittany," he says, surprised to see her.

 

Brittany looks at Brad's body and smiles.  "Well, hello.  You must have known I was coming."

 

"No, I just got out of the shower.  Come in."

 

"Thank you,"  she says, walking into the apartment.  

 

Brad closes the door and turns to her.  "What brings you over?  Not that I'm complaining."

 

"I was just wondering.......is that offer of a place to stay still open?" 

 

"Of course."

 

"Good.  I'm sick and tired of staying in a hotel, and John Ross has certainly made good on his promise that I wouldn't be able to find a place to live in Dallas.  I've tried everywhere, and no one will rent an apartment to me."

 

"That is descrimination, and against the law,"  Brad says.  

 

"John Ross.....that son of a bitch, and I do mean that in the most LITERAL sense......I'm gonna make him sorry for messing with me."

 

"Hey, don't worry,"  Brad says, moving closer to her.  "I have money, power, and influence, too.  If you wanna stay in Dallas......"

 

"Of course I wanna stay in Dallas,"  Brittany says.  "My son is here."

"Good.  Then I'll help you any way I can.  And you're more than welcome to stay here as long as you like."

 

Brittany places her hands on Brad's bare chest.  "And, how much would you charge me for rent?"

 

"No rent,"  Brad says.

 

"So what's the price of room and board?"  Brittany asks, seductively.

 

Brad looks at her for a second, smiles, then kisses her.  After a moment, he looks at her again.  "Oh, I think that we can make this a mutually beneficial arrangement, Mrs. Ewing.  We can play, and we can conduct business, all from right here in this apartment."

 

"Business?  What.....business?"

 

"Getting even with John Ross."

 

"Have I ever told you that I find a desire revenge VERY sexy in a man?"  Brittany asks.

 

 

Brad pushes Brittany down on the sofa, then removes the towel from his waist, dropping it to the floor.  As Brittany smiles, Brad leans down over her, then begins kissing her passionately. Still locked in the kiss, Brittany begins to undress as she and Brad begin to make love.

 

"Oh, no, not at all," Shawn replies.  "It's about my brother, Tripp.  Alex and I lied to you earlier today.  We did hear some of what you and your uncle and cousin were talking about."

 

"I had a feelin' you did," John Ross says. "So what exactly did you hear?"

 

"We heard you talking about my brother and how you didn't want him as a partner in some oil wells or something.  It's pretty obvious you don't like my brother."

 

"Yeah, well, that's an understatement if there ever was one,"  John Ross says.  

 

"Good.  I feel the same way,"  says Shawn.  "I don't like Tripp, either.  Maybe I can be of some use to you.  If we put our heads together, we can come up with a way to get Tripp out of both our hair."

 

"Shawn, McKay is your brother," John Ross says.  "You really expect me to believe that you'd work with me against him?"

 

"Tripp and I may share the same mother, but, I really don't want or need a big brother. And to prove to you that I'm on the up and up, I know a little secret about Tripp's wife, Pamela, your ex-wife."

 

"Really?  And what secret might that be?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Before we get to that, I'd like to know what's in it for me if I help you.  I mean, other than getting my brother out of my hair for a while."

 

"Well, why don't you just share this little secret with me, and we'll decide what your help is worth to me."

 

Shawn nods.  "Pamela's pregnant, and my big bro doesn't even know it yet."

 

"So?  How the hell is that a secret that's gonna help me?"  John Ross asks.

 

Shawn looks at him and smiles slightly.  "Well, see here's the thing.  Tripp isn't the father of Pamela's baby.  My brother's wife cheated on him and got knocked up by another guy.  I guess he wasn't doin' his job in the bedroom."

 

"You sure 'bout this?"  John Ross asks.  "How do you even know this?"

 

"I heard Pamela and her Mom talking on Christmas Eve.  Pamela was really upset and worried about how she was gonna tell Tripp she's pregnant with another man's kid.  And from the looks of things at Christmas, Tripp and Pamela's marriage is under a LOT of strain. Anyone could see it by the way they acted.  Something like this could just push those two over the edge.  Now, I know that your company and my brother's company are bitter rivals, so, if Tripp were having a lot of personal problems at home, such as his wife getting pregnant by someone else, and his marriage crumbling........then he'd be too distracted to concentrate on business."

 

John Ross walks over to the boy.  "You really hate your brother enough to screw up his marriage?"

 

"Yeah, I do.  Tripp grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth.  He never wanted for anything. And now, he's running his own damned oil company.  When my Mom first came to Dallas to see him, he treated her like CRAP.  He thought he was better than both of us.  So yeah, I think it's time Tripp was brought down a notch."

 

"I knew there was a reason I like you, kid. Now, granted, this little secret of Pamela's could be useful in gettin' McKay a little distracted from business, but maybe you could be useful to me in another way, and of course I'd make it worth your while."

 

"So, what do you have in mind?"  Shawn asks.

 

"I want you to get close to your brother."

 

"What?"

 

"Get close to him.  Bond with him.  Don't let on that you know anything about this little secret of Pamela's.  Shawn, I want you to become your big brother's best friend.  And while you're bondin' with Tripp..........spy on him.  Find out all you can about what he's up to at Westar.  Find out what deals he's workin' on, that kinda thing.  And, most important, find out if Cliff Barnes is workin' with your brother."

 

"You mean.....Pamela's Dad?"  Shawn asks.

 

"That's right.  Now that his son-in-law is in power at Westar, I wouldn't put it past Barnes to use that, and use your brother, to once again come after Ewing Oil and my fam'ly.  If that happens, I wanna know about it in advance."

 

"Consider it done,"  Shawn says.  

 

"Good, good."

 

"Oh, and John Ross.......you said you'd make it worth my while?"

 

"That's right,"  John Ross says. "You do this little job for me, and you'll be well paid.  At 17, I'm real sure you could use a steady source of income, especially the kinda income I'm willin' to pay you for doin' this."

 

"Yes, sir. I sure could use the money."

 

"Then we have a deal,"  John Ross says, extending his hand.  Shawn shakes his hand, then John Ross pulls him close and puts his arm around the boy.  "Oh, and one other thing, Shawn.  You're a smart kid.  REAL smart, so, I'm trustin' you to know better than to try and double cross me.  You breathe a word of this to your brother, your mama, or anybody, and that includes Alex.....then you and your mama may as well just start packin' and get as far away from Dallas as you can, because I'll make both your lives a livin' hell.  You're my son's best friend, and I'd sure hate for us to become enemies.  Do I make myself clear?"

 

 

"Oh yeah.  Real clear,"  Shawn says.  "Don't worry, I have no intention of crossin' YOU, John Ross.  Alex is a lucky guy, havin' you for a father.  He could learn a lot from you, and I think I can, too.  I loved my Dad, but he never really taught me anything because he was in jail or prison most of my life."

 

John Ross places his hand on the boy's shoulder and nods.  "Alex should be outta the shower by now.  It's gettin' late.  You go on in to bed."

 

"Goodnight,"  Shawn says.

 

"Night," John Ross says as Shawn walks back into the house.  John Ross smiles.