EPISODE 129 - Another Who Done It?

Two young women let out blood curdling screams as they walk into the ladies' room and discover the body of Brittany Peterson Ewing lying on the floor in front of the sink, her eyes open, staring straight up at the ceiling, bleeding from two knife wounds to the abdomen. 

 

"Oh my God,"  one of the young women cries as a security guard rushes in.

 

"What's the screaming about, what happ....."  The guard starts to ask, then he stops short  upon seeing Brittany's body on the floor.

 

"She's dead,"  the other young woman says.

 

"Alright, just calm down,"  the security guard says.  He walks over to Brittany and feels for a pulse.  Detecting none, he takes his cell phone from his pocket and calls someone.  They answer after the first ring.  "This is George.  We have a serious problem.  There's a woman in the restroom.  She's dead.  We need the police ASAP!"

 

Meanwhile, back in the ballroom, the Oil Baron's Ball continues.  Christopher and Courtney are standing near the bar when John Ross walks up.  "Gimme a bourbon," he says harshly to the bartender.

 

Christopher senses that his cousin is nervous about something, and notices John Ross's hands are shaking when the bartender hands him his drink.  

 

 

 

 

"John Ross, is everything okay?"  Christopher asks.  "How's Sue Ellen?"

John Ross takes a sip of his drink, then looks at his cousin.  "Everything's just fine, Christopher," he replies in a strange tone. 

 

"You sure you're alright, man?"  Christopher asks.

 

"I just told you.  Everything's just fine," John Ross says, then turns and walks away from them.  

 

"Wow, what was THAT all about?"  Courtney asks.  "Do you suppose Sue Ellen's alright?"

 

"No idea.  But did you see how weird he was acting?"

 

As John Ross makes his way through the crowd, he sees Krystina and pushes through the crowd to her.  

 

"John Ross, where have you been?"  She asks.  "I've been looking all over for you."

 

Caught off guard by his wife's question, John Ross looks at her for a second.  "I was lookin' for you, too.  Where'd you get off to?"

 

Before Krystina is able to answer, Bobby and Ann walk over to them.  "John Ross,"  Bobby says.

 

"Is your mother alright?"  Ann asks.  

 

"I guess she is.  Catlin's takin' care of her.  He told me to get out."

 

"Maybe we should check on her,"  Ann says to Bobby.

 

As they start to walk away from John Ross and Krystina, they see several police officers and security guards rush down the hall to the restrooms.  Bobby and Ann exchange curious looks.  "Wonder what in the world's goin' on in there,"  Bobby says.

 

"Bobby, you think it could be Sue Ellen?"  Ann asks.

 

"I dunno."

 

As they watch the police go in, followed by the guards, John Ross and Krystina both have worried, almost frightened expressions on their faces.  The four Ewings see a man in a suit walk past them and approach Josh Bannister, the Ball's Master of Ceremonies, and speak to him.  Bannister nods, then approaches the stage with the man in the suit.  As Bannister walks onto the stage and takes the podium, police begin to cordon off the hallway to the restrooms.  Those in the immediate vicinity know that something is going on, but across the room, people continue to dance to the music, blissfully unaware of the brutal murder that had taken place in the women's room.....at least until Bannister takes the stage and the music abruptly stops.

 

"Ladies and gentlemen,"  Bannister says.  "Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?"

 

"Is it time for the Oil Baron of the year award?"  Ray asks Donna as the two are on the dance floor.

 

"Not yet, according to the program,"  Donna replies.

 

"Everyone, I'm sorry to interrupt your evening,"  Bannister says.  "But I'm afraid there's been an accident.  And we have to ask that you all please find your seat and remain seated for the time being.  Please do not leave your seat for any reason.  Thank you for your cooperation."  As Bannister leaves the stage, the crowded ballroom comes alive again with gasps and whispers as the Ball attendees wonder among themselves what had happened.  

 

"Do you think that was about Sue Ellen?"  Ann asks.

 

"I dunno," replies Bobby.  "John Ross, when was the last time you saw your mother?"

 

"I told you.  She was in an office layin' down and Catlin told me to get out, that he'd take care of her."

 

Christopher and Courtney walk over to them.  "Do you guys know what's goin' on?"  Asks Christopher.

 

"No idea,"  Bobby replies as a police detective approaches.  

"You folks need to find your seat," the detective says.

 

"Excuse me,"  Bobby says.  "I'm Bobby Ewing.  Can you please tell us what's goin' on here?"

 

"Ewing, you say?"  The detective asks.

 

"Yes, that's right."

 

"Would you excuse me for a moment?"  The detective walks away from the Ewings and goes over to a group of what appears to be other detectives, one of whom is Detective Steven Jones, Bum's son.  The detective who had been talking to Bobby whispers something to Steven.  Steven nods to the man, then walks over to Bobby and the others.

 

"Mr. Ewing?"  Steven asks.

 

"Yes?"

 

"I'm Detective Steven Jones, Dallas PD."

 

"You're Bum's son?"  John Ross asks.

 

"Yes, that's right,"  Steven replies.  "Is Brittany Ewing a relative of yours?"

 

"Brittany?"  Bobby asks.  "Well, she's the soon to be ex-wife of my cousin Catlin. Why?"

 

"Is your cousin here?"  Steven asks.

 

"Yes, he's here someplace."

 

"Detective, what's this all about?"  Ann asks.

 

Steven looks at Bobby.  "Mr. Ewing, I need to find your cousin."

 

"He was with my sister-in-law, Sue Ellen Ewing, in an office.  John Ross, which office did Catlin take your mother to?"

 

"The hotel manager's office, just down the hall,"  replies a visibly nervous John Ross.

 

"Thank you,"  Steven says.

 

As Steven is about to turn and walk away, Bobby looks over Steven's shoulder and sees Catlin.  "Detective, there's Catlin."

 

"Would you come with me, please, Mr. Ewing?"  Steven asks.

 

"Of course,"  says Bobby.  He follows Steven over to where Catlin has just entered the ballroom from an exit leading to a hallway.  "Catlin,"  Bobby says.

 

"Bobby, what's going on?"  Catlin asks.

 

"Where's Sue Ellen?"

 

Catlin sighs.  "I don't know.  I left her for just a moment and when I went back, she was gone.  What's happening?"

 

"Catlin, this is Detective Jones with the Dallas PD,"  Bobby says.

 

"Mr. Ewing, was Brittany P. Ewing your wife?"  Steven asks.

 

"Yes.  My soon to be ex-wife."

 

"Mr. Ewing, I have some news.  I'm very sorry.  Your wife is dead."

 

A look of shock comes over Bobby's face, but Catlin seems strangely calm upon hearing the news, almost as if he isn't surprised.  "Dead?"  Bobby asks.

 

"My God,"  Catlin says after a pause.  "What happened?"

 

"Mrs. Ewing's body was discovered in the women's restroom a little while ago.  It appears that she was stabbed."

 

"Stabbed?"  Bobby asks in shock.

 

"I.........I have to tell my son about this before he hears it from someone else,"  Catlin says.  "But, I have to find Sue Ellen."

 

"Catlin, don't worry about Sue Ellen,"  says Bobby.  "You go find your son and take care of him.  I'll find Sue Ellen."

 

"Thank you, Bobby,"  Catlin says, then walks away.

 

"Mr. Ewing, I'm going to have to ask that you find your seat and stay there,"  Steven says.

 

"Detective Jones, I really need to find my sister-in-law.  She was very sick earlier.  Look, I promise, I'm not gonna leave."

 

"Fine, but as soon as you find, go back to your table, and stay there.  It's gonna be a long night, and, since it looks as if Mrs. Ewing met with foul play, we're gonna need to question every person here."

 

A worried Bobby nods, then walks away.  

 

Meanwhile, Catlin returns to his table, where C.J. is sitting with his date.  

 

"Dad, what's going on?"  C.J. asks as his father takes his seat.  "Is Sue Ellen okay?"

 

"Son, I need to have a word with you.  In private."

 

C.J. and his date exchange looks, curious as to what serious occurrence had taken place.  "I'll be back, Marcy," C.J. says to the young woman.  He and Catlin get up from their seats and make their way across the room to an office.  

 

Going in, Catlin closes the door behind them.  Placing his hand against the door, Catlin pauses for a moment.

 

"Dad, something's wrong,"  C.J. says.  "Is it Sue Ellen?"

 

Catlin turns to his son.  "No, C.J.  It's not Sue Ellen.  It's your mother.  I'm sorry to have to tell you this, son...........Brittany is dead."

 

"Dead?  Dad, what are you.........what are you talking about?  Dead?  She was just here, at the ball.  How could she be dead?"

 

"They found her body in one of the restrooms,"  Catlin replies.  "It looks like someone killed her.  I'm sorry, son."

 

"Dead?  She's.......dead?"  C.J. asks in tears.

 

Catlin places his hand on his son's shoulder.  "Son......I........I don't know what to say."

 

C.J. walks across the room.  "Dad, could you leave me alone for a while?"  He asks, his back to his father.  

 

"C.J., I don't think you need to be alone right now."

 

"Please, Dad.  I need some time.  Please go and tell Marcy what happened, and that I'm sorry."

 

"Alright,"  Catlin says with a nod.  Unsure of what else to say to his son, Catlin turns and walks out of the room.  

"No,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Bobby, I haven't had anything to drink tonight but club soda.  I swear.  Bobby, I don't know what happened to me.  I feel......I feel as if I've been drugged or something."

 

"Come on,"  says Bobby.  "Let's get you up and I'll have a doctor check you out."

 

As Bobby takes Sue Ellen by the hand and begins to help her up, he feels something wet and sticky in her hand.  Looking down, Bobby opens the palm of Sue Ellen's hand and sees blood.  

 

"Sue Ellen, what happened?  Are you hurt?"

 

"I.....I don't know.  I don't think so."

 

Bobby quickly checks her, but finds no wound nor any blood anywhere else.  "Alright, come on,"  Bobby says, helping Sue Ellen up.  As he helps her over to a sofa and sits her down, he takes his cell phone from his pocket and texts someone.

 

Back in the ballroom, at the Ewing family's table, John Ross's cell phone vibrates.  Taking the phone from his pocket, he looks at the screen and sees that Bobby is texting him.  He leans over to his cousin.  "Christopher, come with me.  Uncle Bobby needs our help."

 

Christopher looks at John Ross curiously and nods.  The two cousins get up from the table and promptly leave as Ann, Krystina, and Courtney look on, wondering where the men are going.  As the two cousins are about to head down the hall to the office where Bobby and Sue Ellen are, Steven Jones approaches them.  

 

"Mr. Ewing, where are you going?"  Steven asks.  "Everyone was asked to remain in their seats."

 

"Look, Detective, my Mama is sick.  My cousin and I were just goin' to check on her."

 

"Alright, I'll come, too."

 

John Ross and Christopher exchange looks, then John Ross looks at Steven and nods.  The three men head down the hall together, and a few seconds later, walk into the office where Bobby is handing Sue Ellen a glass of water.

 

"Mama,"  John Ross says, rushing over to her.  

 

"John Ross,"  she says.

 

"How you feelin'?"

 

"Groggy.  Dazed.  Confused.  I don't know what happened."

 

"Mrs. Ewing, I'm Detective Steven Jones, Dallas PD," Steven says.  

 

A frightened Sue Ellen looks at Bobby, then at her son.  "The police?  What......what's happening?"

 

"Mama.......Brittany Ewing is dead,"  says John Ross.

 

"What?  Brittany's dead?  How?"

 

"We don't really know."

 

"Mrs. Ewing, where were you approximately 35 to 45 minutes ago?"  Steven asks.

 

Sue Ellen looks at the young detective, seemingly confused by his question.

 

"Detective, do we really have to do this right now?"  Bobby asks.  "My sister-in-law became very ill earlier, and she still isn't feeling herself.  Can this wait?"

 

"Mr. Ewing, I wish it could.  But I have a dead body and a likely murder on my hands here."

 

"Look, we're not goin' anywhere.  Just give Sue Ellen some time before you try to question her."

 

"Okay then,"  says Steven.  "We'll start with you.  I need to ask you a few questions."

 

"I'm not sure what help I would be,"  Bobby says.  "I didn't even know Brittany Ewing.  I only met her once before tonight."

 

"Anything that you could tell me would help,"  Steven says.  "Let's go in another room."

 

Bobby nods.  He looks at Sue Ellen, John Ross and Christopher sitting on either side of her on the sofa.  Extremely worried about her, Bobby walks out of the room with Steven.

 

Back in the ballroom, as the crowd grows increasingly restless seated at their tables, Josh Bannister, the Ball's MC, again walks onto stage with another man.  Bannister takes the podium again, the other man beside him.  "Ladies and gentlemen," he says.  "Let me have your attention again for a moment, please.  This is Lt. Edward Saunders of the Dallas Police Department."

 

"Ladies and gentlemen,"  Saunders begins. "I'm sure you're wondering why this evening's festivities have come to a halt and why you've all been asked to remain in your seats.  A woman has been killed here tonight."

 

Upon hearing the news of a death at the Ball, audible gasps immediately erupt all over the room.  

 

Lt. Saunders continues:  "Please, we're asking everyone to remain calm, and remain seated.  An investigation is underway by our department, and no one will be permitted to leave until everyone has been questioned.  We just need to ask everyone a few preliminary questions.  Now I realize this is New Year's Eve, and I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but everyone just sit tight and we'll try to move our questioning along as fast as possible. Once you and everyone in your party has been questioned, you will be permitted to leave.  Thank you."

 

As Saunders and Bannister exit the stage, seated in the ballroom, Brad and Marilee exchange suspicious looks between them, while Cliff looks around and moves restlessly in his seat, wondering what's going on.  

 

Over at the Ewing table, Ann begins to become frantic.  "A woman has been killed," Ann says, almost in tears.  "Dear God, what if it was Sue Ellen?"

 

"Ann, I'm sure that we would've heard something by now if it were," says Lucy.

 

"Lucy's right,"  Courtney agrees.

 

"But where are Bobby, Christopher, and John Ross?"  Ann wonders.

 

"I'm gonna text Christopher, and see where he and John Ross ran off to," says Courtney.

 

"Krystina, are you alright?"  Lucy asks.  "You look awfully pale."

 

"I'm fine, Lucy.  Just fine," Krystina replies, unconvincingly.

 

Across the room at the Wentworth table, Katherine sighs deeply.  "I wonder who it was," says Austin.

 

"I don't know,"  Katherine says.  "But I don't understand why they have to detain all of us here.  Surely it couldn't have been anyone we know."

 

"Well, considering some of the people we know, Mom, I wouldn't be too sure."

At 3:30 in the morning, Bobby, Ann, Lucy, and Krystina walk into the den at Southfork, finally making it home after the police had finished questioning the family in the murder of Brittany Ewing.  Bobby takes off his jacket, then heads straight to the bar and pours himself a drink.

 

"Wow, that was quite some night, huh?"  Lucy asks.

 

"I don't think we've ever had an Oil Baron's Ball quite like that one,"  Bobby says, handing Ann a drink.  "You two want a drink?"  He asks Lucy and Krystina.

 

"No, thank you, Bobby,"  Krystina replies.

 

"I'm fine," says Lucy.

 

"Poor C.J.," Ann says.  "I feel so bad for him."

 

"Yeah, so do I," says Bobby.  "I'm also real worried about Sue Ellen, too."

 

"Well the doctor said she was alright, didn't he?"  Ann asks.

 

"Yeah he did.  Krystina, has John Ross texted you or anything since we left the ball?"

 

"Yes, he said that he and Catlin got Sue Ellen into bed, and he was gonna stay with her for a while to make sure she was okay."

 

"Krystina, you look exhausted,"  says Lucy.  

 

"I am.  It's been a long and rough night.  And since it's after 3:30 in the morning, I'm going up to bed and try to get some sleep."

 

"I'm gonna go the same thing," Lucy says.  "I can't keep my eyes open any longer.  Night Bobby, Ann."

 

"Goodnight, you two,"  Ann says as Lucy and Krystina leave the room and head upstairs.

 

"Like Lucy said.......some night, huh?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Oh, yes.  Heck of a way to ring in 2017."

 

"That's right.  I'd almost forgotten, it's a new year.  And I didn't even get to give my lovely wife a kiss at midnight."  He puts his arms around Ann and kisses her.  After a moment, he pulls back and looks at her.

 

"Who do you suppose killed her, Bobby?"  Ann asks.  

 

"I don't know," he replies quietly.

 

"So many people were angry with that woman......Catlin, Sue Ellen, even John Ross and Krystina.  And Lord knows who else.  But I just can't see a member of our family as having done this.  Or anyone we know."

 

"Neither can I."

 

"Bobby, it's awful late, and I am just completely wiped out.  Why don't we head up to bed?"

 

"Alright,"  Bobby says, trying to manage a smile.  "You head on up, I'll get the lights down here and be right behind ya."

 

"Okay,"  Ann says.  She gives Bobby a quick kiss, then turns and walks out of the room. After Ann leaves him, Bobby's mind flashes back to earlier that night, when he was with Sue Ellen in the office at the hotel after he had found her unconscious.  He remembers the blood on her hands.  He also remembers cleaning the blood from her hands before anyone else saw it.  Bobby finishes off his drink, a worried look on his face, then puts his glass down.  After turning off the lights in the den, he heads upstairs.

 

"John Ross, contrary to what you think, I was NOT drinking last night,"  Sue Ellen says.

 

"Then how the hell do you explain the way you were actin'?  The way you passed out drunk on stage?"

 

"I.......I don't know.  John Ross, I don't know what happened.  All of a sudden, I started to feel strange.  Intoxicated.  It was almost as if I had been drugged or something."

 

"Drugged?  So you're gonna use that excuse now? Mama, I have been through this with you before. I know exactly how you act when you've been drinkin', and I know how you try to hide it."

 

"You can believe what you want, John Ross.  But I swear to you, I was NOT drinking."

 

Before John Ross can say anything else, Catlin and Blaine walk into the foyer.  "Sue Ellen,"  Catlin says, walking over to her.  "Are you alright?  How do you feel?"

 

"I'm alright.  Catlin, I don't remember much about last night at all.  Is it true?  Is Brittany dead?"

 

Catlin hesitates a moment before answering as he and his sister exchange looks.  "Yes, Sue Ellen,"  Catlin finally replies.  "It's true.  Brittany's dead."

 

"Oh my God.  Catlin, I......I'm so sorry,"  Sue Ellen says, her bottom lip trembling.  "How is C.J.?"

 

"About as well as you'd expect."

 

"Where is he?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"He's at his apartment.  I tried to get him to come back here last night with the rest of us, but he insisted on going home.  I wanted to stay with him, but he wanted to be alone."

 

"Well, now that I see you're alright and in......'good' hands.......I'll be headin' home to Southfork to check on Krystina,"  John Ross says.  

 

"Alright, I'll be fine."

 

"Yeah, no thanks to your boyfriend here."

 

"What the hell is that supposed to mean, John Ross?"  Catlin asks.

 

"It means that we wouldn't be in this mess right now and last night wouldn't have turned out the way it did had it not been for you and that crazy damned wife of yours."

 

"Now you wait just a minute,"  Catlin says.  "YOU'RE the one who brought Brittany to Dallas, NOT me.  So if anyone is to blame for this, it's you."

 

"Well if you'd just told the truth about still bein' married to her......."

 

 

 

"You can't blame my brother for any of this,"  Blaine says.  "If you had stayed out of his and your mother's relationship, none of this would've happened."

 

"This is really none of your business,"  John Ross says.

 

"Catlin is my brother, so that MAKES it my business."

 

"Everyone, please STOP!"  Sue Ellen begs, rubbing her aching temples.  "John Ross, please, just go home."

 

John Ross looks his mother, and at Catlin, then grabs his coat from the coat wrack and leaves abruptly.

 

"Sue Ellen, I'm sorry, it's just when your son started to blame Catlin for this mess, I......"

 

"Blaine, it's alright,"  says Sue Ellen."I need to go back up to bed.  I'm not feeling well."

 

"You want me to come with you?"  Catlin asks.

 

"No.  Thank you, though."

 

"Sue Ellen, the police might be wanting to ask you some questions today."

 

"The police?  Questions?  About what?"

 

"About Brittany.

 

"About......about Brittany?  I don't understand."

 

"They wanted to question you last night, but, you were in no condition,"  says Catlin.  "So, Bobby and I convinced them to wait until today."

 

"How did Brittany die?"  Sue Ellen asks, nervously.

 

Catlin and Blaine exchange looks.  "She was.......stabbed to death in the women's restroom during the Oil Baron's Ball last night."

 

"Stabbed?  Dear God,"  Sue Ellen says as she begins to cry.  

 

"Sue Ellen, come on,"  Blaine says.  "I'll take you upstairs."

 

"Look, I'm gonna go and check on C.J.,"  Catlin says.  "Blaine, please, stay with her."

 

"Don't worry, little brother.  I will."

 

"And please, call me if the police do come to question Sue Ellen.  I'd like to be here."

 

"Sure."

 

Catlin nods, then quickly leaves as Blaine helps an upset Sue Ellen upstairs to her bedroom.

C.J. walks into his apartment that morning, a dazed expression, the fact that he had not slept since the previous morning very evident on his face.  He stands in the middle of his living room for a moment, simply staring into space, this morning, the entire previous night feeling like a long nightmare.  C.J. is unable to believe the terrible events of the previous night.  His mother is dead.  A mother who walked out of his life more than five years ago, only to walk back into it several months ago.  As he stands there, his doorbell rings. At first, C.J. either doesn't hear the bell, or simply pays no attention to it.  The bell rings a second time.  Finally, he walks over and opens the door to find Conner and Selena.

 

"C.J.," Selena says, throwing her arms around her cousin's neck and embracing him.  

 

"Hey, man,"  says Conner.  "Can we come in?"

 

C.J. pulls out of Selena's embrace, says nothing, and simply nods.  He turns and walks back into the living room.  Conner and Selena walk in, closing the door behind them.

 

"C.J., I couldn't believe it when I heard about your Mom," says Selena.  "I'm so sorry."

 

"Yeah, we both are," Conner adds.

 

"Thanks, guys, I appreciate it," C.J. says quietly, taking off his coat.

"Thank you,"  C.J. says.  "I really don't know how I feel right now. I don't even know how I'm supposed to feel.  My Mom walked out of my life five years ago.  No explanation, nothing. One day she was just.....gone. Sure, I know I was already an adult then, but, it still hurt. All this time I had gotten use to her not being around, not being in my life.  I was angry with her for so long. Then, all of a sudden, she comes back into my life, all because John Ross didn't like my Dad dating his Mom."

 

"John Ross,"  Conner says.  "Yeah.  That guy has the greatest talent for causing trouble than anyone I've ever known."

 

"I don't understand,"  Selena says.  "John Ross.....that's Sue Ellen's son, right?"

 

"Yeah.  John Ross was the one who brought my Mom to Dallas to break up my Dad and Sue Ellen. And John Ross ended up having an affair with my Mom.  Y'know, I really hate that guy. He's caused my family so many problems."

 

"You think John Ross could've had something to do with your Mom's death?"  Conner asks.

 

C.J. looks at him for a moment, then as he's about to reply, his doorbell rings.  "Excuse me," he says, walking over to the door.  He opens the door and Catlin walks in.

 

"How are you feeling this morning, son?"  Catlin asks, stopping short when he sees Conner and Selena.  "Oh, Selena, I didn't know you'd be here."

 

"Hi, Uncle Catlin," the girl says.

 

"Yeah, we wanted to see how C.J. was doing," Conner says.

 

"Dad, you know Conner Ewing, right?"  C.J. asks.

 

"Yes, we've met."

 

"Well, we'd better get going," Conner says.  "C.J., i meant what I said."  He takes a piece of paper from his pocket and hands it to C.J.  "Here's my cell number.  If you ever need someone to talk to, or ever wanna just hang out, call or text me."

 

"I really appreciate that, Conner, thank you,"  C.J. says.  "And thanks for dropping by, guys."

 

"We'll see you later,"  Selena says as she and Conner leave.

 

Catlin looks at his son.  "Are you okay?"

 

 

 

 

 

C.J. begins to cry.  "I don't know, Dad.  I really don't know what I feel right now."

 

Catlin puts his arms around his son and embraces C.J. as he cries.

 

 

Ann comes down the stairs at Southfork in the afternoon and looks around.  She sees Bobby sitting alone in the den, seemingly deep in thought.  Ann watches him for a moment.  Her husband, this man who carries the weight of the entire Ewing family on his shoulders most of the time.  After a few seconds, she walks in to him.  "Bobby," she says.

 

"Have a nice nap?"

 

"Yes.  Would've been nicer if you'd been there with me."

 

"I didn't wanna wake ya."

 

"Bobby, you didn't sleep all night, and you haven't been to bed today,"  Ann says.  "What's on your mind?  You thinkin' about last night?  About Catlin's wife?"

 

Bobby sighs as he takes a sip of the drink he holds in his hand. "Yeah."

 

Ann takes a seat on the sofa beside him.  "Poor C.J.  Have you spoken to Catlin today?"

 

"Yeah.  C.J.'s doin' about as well as anybody could expect, under the circumstances."

 

"And Sue Ellen,"  Ann says.  "I'm real worried about her.  What do you suppose made her fall off the wagon and start drinkin' again after all this time? And after what it almost cost her last time?"

 

"I dunno,"  Bobby replies.  "Maybe all the stress she's been under lately, dealin' with Brittany."

 

"I can answer that question,"  John Ross says as he and Krystina walk into the room. "Catlin Ewing is the reason that my Mama started drinkin' again."

 

"And just how do you figure that?"  Ann asks.  "Sue Ellen loves him and Catlin's been real good for her."

 

John Ross was saying.  Meanwhile, fighting back tears, Krystina turns and rushes from the room.  As she heads up to her bedroom, she pauses on the stairs and begins crying.

 

 

"Well, it's about time you decided to come home,"  Afton says.  "My daughter has been worried sick about you since yesterday."

 

"Afton, I really don't need or want a lecture right now," says Tripp.

 

"Well you're damned sure gonna get one," says Afton.  "How dare you treat Pamela that way when she needs you the most."

 

"Pamela obviously doesn't need me.  Not when she has YOU to tell everything to."

 

"And what is THAT supposed to mean?"

 

"I should've been the one Pamela came to about this pregnancy.  I'm her husband."

 

"She didn't come to you because she didn't wanna hurt you anymore, and because she feared your reaction.  And by the way you treated her when you found out, I can't say as I blame her."

 

"You just said, Afton.  I FOUND out my wife is pregnant by the man who raped her.  But NOT from her.  I found out in a damned email!"

 

"What?  An email?"  Afton asks.  

 

"Yeah.  Someone sent me an email with a copy of Pamela's medical records, including her visit with Dr. Miller a couple days ago."

 

"Who, Tripp?"  Comes Pamela's voice from behind him.  Tripp turns around and sees his wife standing there.  "Who sent you an email with my medical records?"

 

"I have no idea,"  Tripp replies.  

 

"Who would do something like that?"  Afton asks.  

 

"And who, other than Dr. Miller, would have access to my medical records?"  Pamela wonders.  

 

"Tripp, what was the name on the email account?"  Afton asks.

 

"There was no name.  Just a bunch of letters and numbers.  After I saw the message, I tried looking up that email, and the account had been deleted, so there's no way of knowing who sent it."

 

"Who would do something like that, so cruel, so EVIL?"  Afton asks.  "And who would know about all of this?"

 

"I think you're overlooking the real issue here," says an angry Tripp.  "The real issue is that my wife kept this from me for months, and if she'd just been honest with me in the first place, this wouldn't have happened.  So, whoever sent that email, I'm grateful to them!"

 

"Mom, could you please leave us alone?"  Pamela asks.  

 

Afton looks at her daughter for a second, then at Tripp.  After a short pause, she walks over to a chair and picks up her purse and coat.  She walks over to Pamela.  "I love you," she says, kissing her daughter on the cheek.  "Call me if you need me."

 

"I will,"  Pamela says.  

 

Afton looks at Tripp for a moment, then leaves.  After she's gone, Tripp walks over to the bar and pours himself a drink.

possible."

 

"Thank you."

 

"Mrs. Brittany Ewing was your date for the Oil Baron's Ball last evening?"  Steven asks.

 

"Yes, she was."

 

"And she was also staying at your apartment?"

 

"That's right."

 

"How long had you known Mrs. Ewing?"

"Umm....a couple of months, I guess," Brad replies, his nervousness evident in his voice.

 

"And how did you and Brittany Ewing meet?"

 

"We met at a restaurant.  I was having lunch with my father one day, and I happened to run into Brittany there.  We started talking, and became friends."

 

"Were you and Mrs. Ewing more than friends?"  Steven asks.

 

"Detective, if you're asking me if Brittany Ewing and I were lovers, then the answer is yes," Brad says.  "Brittany and I were, I guess what you would call friends with benefits."

 

"I see.  Is that why she was living with you?"

 

"No.  Brittany was living with me because that jackass John Ross Ewing had her kicked out of her apartment, and then he used his power and influence to make it impossible for her to rent another place anywhere in Dallas."

 

"John Ross Ewing?"

 

"I assume you've questioned him,"  says Brad.

 

"We did ask Mr. Ewing a few preliminary questions last night."

 

"And did he tell you about his affair with Brittany?  And that he's the reason Brittany was in Dallas in the first place?"

 

"No, he didn't,"  Steven says.  "So why don't you tell me?"

 

"Okay, I will.  John Ross couldn't stand the idea of his mother being in a relationship with Catlin Ewing, so he had that private detective of his track down Catlin Ewing's wife and bring her here to Dallas to break up Catlin and Sue Ellen.  And he ended up having an affair with her.  An affair that ended very badly."

 

Steven listens intently to Brad's story.

 

"How much do you know about the relationship between John Ross Ewing and Brittany Ewing?"  Steven asks.

 

"Relationship?"

 

"Come on, Bum.  I know that John Ross hired you to find Brittany Ewing and bring her to Dallas.  Why exactly did John Ross want her here?"

"Steven, John Ross hired me to do a job, in confidence.  A confidence I can't break."

 

"Bum, this is a homicide investigation."

 

"And I really don't think that I could tell you anything that would help solve that investigation," Bum says.  "John Ross hired me to find Brittany Ewing.  I did, and I paid her a very handsome sum of money to come to Dallas to meet with John Ross, and that was pretty much the end of my involvement.  Anything else you need to know, then I suggest you ask John Ross."

 

"I intend to do just that,"  says Steven.  "But in the meantime, I think you might be able to help me."

 

"How?"  Bum asks.

 

"By telling me all you were able to find out about Brittany Ewing.  Where was she when you tracked her down?"

 

"She was living in Baltimore."

 

"Alone?"

 

"Yes."

 

"What about her associates?  Was she involved with anyone?"  Steven asks.

 

"Yes, she was.  She was involved with a man, or rather, she HAD been involved with a man. The relationship had recently come to an end."

 

"Do you know this man's name?"  Steven asks.

 

Bum looks at his son and nods.

"Don't you think I KNOW that?"  Asks a tearful Pamela.  "I'm the one who lived it!"

 

"Honey, I know, and I'm sorry," says Cliff.

 

"I am NOT terminating this pregnancy.  This baby inside of me is a living human being. It's part of me.  This is YOUR grandchild.  Just the same as Hunter is, and just the same as the twins I lost."

 

"Pamela, you're right,"  Afton says.  "You're right, baby, and I'm sorry that I ever suggested you end this pregnancy."

 

Cliff looks at his daughter for a moment.  "I'm sorry, too, sweetheart," he says, kissing Pamela on the forehead.

 

Heather smiles as she sits up in bed.  "I'd like nothing better, but we DO have a reservation for dinner, and I am starving. We didn't have any lunch, remember?"

 

Lucas smiles.  "No, we didn't.  We were busy," he says.

 

"Yes, we were,"  Heather says.  She looks at her new husband for a moment.  "Happy?" She asks.

"Last night's annual Oil Baron's Ball in Dallas was brought to an abrupt end with the discovery of a dead body at the famed Hyatt Regency Hotel, which has hosted the Ball for the past three years. The victim, identified as Brittany Peterson Ewing, was the estranged wife of Catlin Ewing, Sr., president and CEO of Catlin Oil Company here in Dallas.  The body was discovered by two women in one of the restrooms in the ballroom of the hotel.  Police declined to comment on the cause of death of Mrs. Ewing, but a spokesman said they are treating the death as a homicide.  Richard Hartman, CBS News, Dallas."

 

Lucas switches off the TV.  

 

"Oh my God,"  says Heather.  

 

"I think I'd better call my Dad,"  Lucas says.  He takes a seat on the bed and picks his cell phone up from the table beside.  

how's everything going?"  Bobby asks.  "You and Heather enjoying your honeymoon?"

 

"Yeah, we are," Lucas replies on the other end of the line.  "Heather and I just heard on the news that C.J.'s Mom is dead."

 

"Yeah.  It's true.  Brittany was killed last night, at the Oil Baron's Ball, of all places."

"Yes," Bobby says.  "Brittany was found stabbed to death in a bathroom at the hotel.  The police questioned everybody there, but, so far I don't think they have a prime suspect in mind yet."

 

"I'm really sorry to hear that.  How's C.J. doing?"

 

"I haven't spoken to him directly, but I did talk to Catlin earlier, and he said that C.J. is taking the news as well as can be expected.  Of course this was a shock to him as it was to everybody."

 

"Do you need for us to come home?"  Lucas asks.

 

"No, son, of course not.  You and Heather enjoy your honeymoon and have a good time, and don't worry about Michael.  He's doing fine.  Alex is here, and he and Michael have been in Alex's room playing video games all afternoon.  And your mother is picking Michael up tomorrow to spend the day with him.  Alright, Lucas.  I'm glad you called, son.  You take care and enjoy yourselves.  Give our love to Heather.  Alright.  Bye."  Ending the call, Bobby puts his phone down.

 

"Lucas and Heather enjoyin' themselves?"  Ann asks.

 

"Yeah, they are,"  Bobby says, a hint of worry in his voice.  "They heard on the news about Brittany."

 

"Well are YOU alright?"

 

"I'm fine."

 

"No, you're not.  Bobby James Ewing, I know you all too well.  And I know when somethin's botherin' you.  And I get the feelin' it's more than Brittany's death."

"But NOT Sue Ellen,"  says Ann.  "Bobby, I've known her for years, and you've known her most of your adult life.  You can't honestly tell me you think Sue Ellen could be capable of cold blooded murder, even if she WAS drinkin' last night."

 

Bobby pauses a moment, his mind thinking back to the previous night when he found Sue Ellen, and the blood on her hands that he had cleaned off before anyone else saw it.  

 

"Bobby?"  Ann says.

 

"What?"  Bobby asks, snapping back to reality.  "No, of course not.  Sue Ellen isn't capable of cold blooded murder.  It was ridiculous of me to even think that."

 

"I think that in the mornin', we really need to go over and see her.  And we should also drop by and check on C.J."

 

"Good idea,"  Bobby says.  

 

"It's gettin' late, and since neither of us got much sleep at all last night, why don't we go on up to bed?"

 

"Okay.  You go on ahead.  I'm just gonna make myself a drink and then I'll be right up."

 

"Don't be too long,"  says Ann.  "You look exhausted."

 

"I'll be up in five minutes."

 

Ann kisses him, then turns and leaves the room.  Left alone in the living room, Bobby walks over to the fireplace and places his hand on the mantle.  Once again, he thinks back to the night before, and to seeing the blood on Sue Ellen's hands.  Bobby knows it wasn't her blood, because she had no visible injury.  Bobby hates to even entertain the thought that the blood might belong to Brittany Ewing, a woman Sue Ellen hated.  He walks out of the living room and into his office.  Walking over to his wall safe, Bobby use his combination to unlock the safe.  Opening it, he reaches in and pulls out a handkerchief.  Opening the handkerchief up, there is blood on it.  A lot of blood.  This is the piece of cloth Bobby had used the night before to clean the blood from Sue Ellen's hands.  After pausing a moment, Bobby returns to the living room and walks back over to the fireplace.  Making sure that no one is around, he moves the grill from in front of the fireplace, then tosses the handkerchief into the flames. Using a poker, he makes sure the entire handkerchief is consumed in the flames.  Bobby  

the hallway, she sees a woman.  Squinting her eyes, Sue Ellen can see that the woman is Brittany.  Sue Ellen watches her for a few seconds, as Brittany goes into another room.  

 

In her bed, Sue Ellen continues to toss and turn restlessly as she moans in her sleep.

 

Back in the dream, her mind seems to be playing tricks on her.  The hallway begins to spin and she becomes increasingly dizzy, and she begins to feel as if she is going to throw up.  Sue Ellen leans against a wall.  She feels sleepy.  All she wants to do is find some place to lay down.  She closes her eyes for a moment, her head, her surroundings spinning.  After what seems in her mind to be a long time, she opens her eyes.  She can feel something in her hand.  Something wet.  She looks down in her hand and sees a knife.........the knife and her hands are covered in blood.  Sue Ellen opens her mouth.  She tries to scream, but no sound will come out......

 

Suddenly, Sue Ellen awakens from her nightmare and sits bolt upright in bed.  "NOOO!!!"  She cries out in tears.  Looking around, she realizes she is in her own bed, in her own darkened bedroom.  "Oh my God," she cries to herself.  "Could I have?  Could I have been the one who killed Brittany?"  Sue Ellen lays her head back on her pillow, then turns over on her side as she begins to cry uncontrollably, terrified that she could now be a murderess!