EPISODE 132 - Keep Your Brothers Close, Your Frenemies Closer

 

Courtney looks at her and smiles.  "Well, we found my little boy."

 

"Really?"  Krystina asks.  "Oh, Courtney, that's wonderful."

 

"Thank you."

 

"I'm......really happy for you,"  Lucy says, her voice filled with sadness.

 

"Thanks, Lucy."

 

"So, is he okay?"  Asks Krystina.

 

"Well, the woman who adopted Courtney's son, Jennifer Reed, wasn't very happy to see us," replies Christopher. "But Jacob is okay."

 

"So what are you gonna do now?"  Lucy asks.  

 

"I've  made a decision."  says Courtney.  "Christopher and I talked this over, and, we're going to hire a lawyer and sue the Reeds for custody of my little boy."

 

"Courtney, are you sure you know what you're doin'?"  Ann asks.

 

"Yes.  Ann, I want my son back."

 

 

 

"Jill?"  Bobby says, coming out of his office.  

 

"Hi, Uncle Bobby."

 

"Well, what brings you over to Ewing Oil?"

 

"I'm here to see John Ross,"  replies Jill.

 

"I'll let him know you're here,"  Janice says.

 

"Thanks."

 

"So how are you Jay doin'?"  Bobby asks Jill while Janice buzzes John Ross's office.

 

"We're doing fine.  Jay is keeping pretty busy these days."

 

"Mrs. Smithfield, John Ross said you can go right in,"  says Janice.

 

"Thank you, Janice, and please, call me Jill.  Uncle Bobby, it was really nice seeing you."

 

"Great seein' you too, Jill.  Say listen, you and Jay come out to Southfork for dinner real soon, okay?"

 

Jill smiles.  "We'll definitely plan on it," she says, walking over to John Ross's office.  After a brief pause, she walks in and finds John Ross standing at the window, texting someone.  "Hello, John Ross."

 

"Jill, well, come in, come in,"  John Ross says.  "So what can I do for my favorite little sister?"

 

"I'm here to take you up on your offer,"  Jill replies.  "If it's still open, that is."

 

John Ross smiles.  "My offer for you to join Ewing Oil?"

"Yes, your offer of a job here at Ewing Oil."

 

"Darlin', you have just made me one happy man," says John Ross.  "And we are gonna have a drink to celebrate."  John Ross walks to the bar and pours two glasses of bourbon, one of which he hands to Jill.

 

"Thanks.  So, are Uncle Bobby, Christopher, and Sue Ellen okay with me joining the company?"  Jill asks.

 

"They'll be fine with it."

 

"They'll BE fine with it?  John Ross, you did tell them that you asked me to come to work at Ewing Oil, didn't you?"

 

 

 

"Have a seat,"  John Ross says, sitting down at his desk.  Jill takes a seat across from him. "Jill, I want you as an ally around here when I come up against Westar and Stone Oil."

 

"Stone Oil?"  Jill asks.  "Brad Stone's company?"

 

"That's right.  The night of the Oil Baron's Ball, Brittany Ewing drugged Mama to make it look like she'd been drinkin'."

 

"What?  Oh my God.  So that's why Sue Ellen passed out on stage?"

 

"Yep.  And Brad Stone helped that bitch Brittany with her plan to make everybody think that Mama had started drinkin' again. And I sure as HELL am not gonna let that bastard get away with that."

 

"Of course, I don't blame you.  What are you gonna do?"  Jill asks.

 

"I'm gonna destroy Brad Stone, AND his comp'ny.  I've already got a plan in motion to deal with Stone."

 

"And how does Westar fit into all this?"

 

John Ross looks at her for a moment.  "You and I both have a score to settle with Westar, and in particular........with Tripp McKay.  So why bot team up to settle our scores together?"

 

"Brother and sister team, huh?"  Jill asks.

 

"We are both children of J.R. Ewing, and together, we'll make an unbeatable team.  Can I count on you?  Join me here at Ewing Oil, and we take the men who have made themselves our enemies?"

 

Jill raises her glass of bourbon and smiles.  "Why don't we seal this deal with a toast?  To a new alliance."

 

John Ross raises his glass.  "To a new alliance," he says.  "And to revenge. As our Daddy was fond of sayin'.........revenge is the single most satisfying feelin' in the world."  He and Jill clink their glasses together in a toast.

"Yes, yes, it has been a while,"  says Todd.

 

"So, how did you enjoy your time away from Dallas?"

 

"It was very much needed, and very much enjoyed.  Hawaii is a beautiful place.  I hated to leave there, but, I realized it was time for me to get back home to Dallas once I got my head together."

 

"How long have you been back?"

 

"Couple weeks."

 

"You've been back in Dallas for a couple of weeks and you didn't even let me know, or come by to see me?"  Jay asks.

 

"Yeah, well, I needed a little time before I faced you or anyone else in the family," Todd says. "I just let my mother know I was back yesterday, and I haven't even been out to see Dylan yet."

 

"So what are your plans now?"  

 

"My plans, umm.....actually, cousin, that's why I stopped by."

 

"Is that also why you're all dressed up in a suit?"  Jay asks with a smile.

 

"Yes.  During my time in Hawaii the past several months, I did a LOT of thinking.  And a lot of decision making about what I wanna do with the rest of my life.  And I decided that my life is in law.  Being an attorney is what I was born to do, and what I as meant to do.  So, after two years, I'm ready to get back in the game."

 

 

 

"You're ready to resume your law career?"  Jay asks with a smile.  "Oh, man, I can't tell you how happy I am to hear that.  You're office is still here.  So when can you come back?  You can start today as far as I'm concerned."

 

"Ummm, Jay, no,"  says Todd.  "I'm not coming back to Smithfield And Bennett."

 

"You're not?"

 

"No.  In fact, I already have a new job.  This morning, I accepted a position in the District Attorney's office."

 

"Oh?  You joined the D.A.'s office?"  Asks a surprised Jay.

 

"Yeah, I did. I applied online a few weeks ago and sent them my resume.  They were impressed, and being the grandson of Harv Smithfield and Kyle Bennett didn't hurt, so they called me for an interview.  They gave me the job on the spot.  So, cousin, you are looking at the newest assistant district attorney for Dallas County."

 

"Well, congratulations,"  Jay says.  "I know our grandfather would be very proud.  So would your grandfather Bennett."

 

Todd smiles.  "Thank you.  I hope this will be a way I can start to redeem the name of Baxter in this town after both I and my father disgraced it so badly."

 

"You didn't disgrace your name, Todd.  Uncle John did that all on his own.  When do you start this new job?"

 

"The first of next week, and I really can't wait.  I'm really looking forward to working in the D.A.'s office."

 

"Even if that means that you and I may come up against each other in court sometime?"

 

Todd laughs.  "Well, yeah, even then."

 

"I'm very happy for you.  I haven't seen you this excited about anything, or this happy about anything in a very long time,"  Jay says as his secretary buzzes his office.  He walks over to the desk and presses the button on his intercom. "Yes, Kathy?"

 

"Mr. Smithfield, Christopher Ewing and Courtney Wapner are here for their 3 o'clock appointment."

 

"Thank you, Kathy.  Could you give me just a minute?"

 

"Yes, sir."

 

"Christopher Ewing, huh,"  Todd says.

 

"Yeah."

 

"Well, I'll get outta here and let you get to your meeting.  I wish there was another way out.  A Ewing is the last person I wanna run into.  I'll see you later, Jay."

 

"I'll call you,"  Jay says.

 

Todd turns and goes to the door, then walks into the outer office, where Christopher and Courtney are waiting.  He stops and looks at Christopher for a moment.

 

"Todd," Christopher says.  "I didn't realize you were back in Dallas."

 

"Well, I am."

 

"It's good to see you."

 

Todd looks at him.  "Sorry I can't say the same," he says, then walks away, exiting the office.

 

"Wow, who was that?"  Courtney asks.

 

"That was Todd Baxter, Jay's cousin."

 

"He doesn't seem to like you very much."

 

"Not just me.  Todd Baxter hates ALL the Ewings.  Long story.  I'll fill you in later."

 

Jay comes out of his office.  "Christopher, Courtney, come in,"  he says.

 

"Thanks,"  Christopher says as he and Courtney walk into Jay's office.  Jay closes the door behind them.

 

"Can I get either of you a drink, or anything?"

 

"No, thank you, we're fine."

 

"Jay, thank you for seeing us on short notice,"  Courtney says.

 

"It's no problem at all, glad to do it.  So, this is about a custody case?"

 

 

 

 

"That's right,"  Courtney replies.

 

"Your child?"

 

"Yes.  When I was 15, I got pregnant.  I was so young, and so scared.  I had the baby not long after I turned 16, and I gave him up for adoption."

 

 

 

"Courtney and I have had a private investigator searching for her son for months, and recently, we tracked the child down to his adoptive family in Los Angeles,"  Christopher says.  

 

"And Courtney, you want to sue this adoptive family for custody of the child?"  Jay asks.

 

"Yes."

 

"That might be very difficult."

 

"Why?" Christopher asks.  "Courtney is the child's biological mother."

 

"I know.  But, if the child is in a loving, safe home, with two loving parents, it might be hard for the birth mother, who is single, to win custody.  Unless there's some evidence that the adoptive parents are unfit."

 

"We may have that evidence," says Christopher.  "I had my P.I. do some investigating of Courtney's son's adoptive parents, Adam and Jennifer Reed.  And, Adam Reed has past ties to organized crime."

 

"I see,"  says Jay.  "Courtney, tell me everything."

 

"Okay,"  Courtney says.  "Where do I start?"

 

"Start from the beginning of when you got pregnant.  And tell me about the baby's father."

 

Courtney and Christopher exchange looks, a worried expression on Courtney's face at the mention of Jacob's father.

 

 

 

 

In a barn, Catlin grabs Brittany by the arm and the two struggle.

 

"Catlin, let go of me!"  Brittany yells, attempting to break free of his grasp.  

 

Catlin looks at her for a few seconds with an angry expression.  Then he walks past Brittany and to the door.  He turns back to Brittany.  She makes an attempt to walk past him and make her way out, but Catlin again grabs her, refusing to let her leave.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Catlin!  Now come on, let me go!"  Brittany says.

 

 

 

and picks her up.  "CATLIN!"  Brittany screams.  "STOP IT, NOW, COME ON!  THE BABY!"

 

"I'm not gonna hurt the baby,"  Catlin says as he carries Brittany across the room and places her on a pile of hay.  He pins her down.

 

"You get off me,"  Brittany says.

 

"This is it, Brittany," says Catlin.  "In the hay, just like this, we made a baby."

 

 

 

"Why should you even care?"  Brittany asks.

 

 

 

"What kind of person would I be if I didn't care?"  Catlin asks.  "Now, I'm not leaving, and you're not leaving until you start talking."

 

 

 

 

 

 

***********************************************************************************

Catlin snaps out of his flashback.  He finishes off his drink, then walks over to the bar and pours another.  As he takes a sip, Sue Ellen comes to his open office door.  

 

"Catlin," she says, walking in.

 

"Sue Ellen, hey, what are you doing here?"

 

 

 

"I was worried about you,"  Sue Ellen replies.  "And I thought I would come by we could go to dinner."

 

"Dinner does sound nice.  I didn't have any lunch."

 

"You haven't eaten all day?"

 

"No,"  Catlin replies.  "It was a busy day.  With C.J. taking some time off from the office, I had several meetings today."

 

"You have a lot on your mind, don't you?  Brittany?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Before you came in, I was thinking back,"  Catlin says.  "WAY back, actually.  To when Brittany was pregnant with C.J.  She was married to another man then, but, it was a troubled marriage to say the least, and I was about to marry Sally Frame.  I knew the baby Brittany was carrying was mine, so one day I confronted Brittany at her husband's estate.  Forced her to tell me.  Brittany and I shared a lot of history together.  Most of our lives.  I've also been thinking a lot about the first time I mourned for her, when I thought she was dead."

 

"You thought Brittany was dead once before?"  Sue Ellen asks, surprised to hear this.

 

"Yes.  She and our firstborn son, Evan, were thought to have drowned, but Brittany survived."

 

"But your son died?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Yes.  Evan was only 13 months old."

 

Sue Ellen walks over and puts her hand on Catlin's shoulder.  "My darling, I am SO sorry for all the pain you've been through."

 

Catlin turns, looks at Sue Ellen, and puts his arms around her.  "It's alright.  All that stuff is in the past.  I have you, now, Sue Ellen.  And I don't ever intend on letting you go."

 

Sue Ellen looks at him and smiles.  "I don't ever want you to let me go.  But how can we move forward with this hanging over our heads?  This question of who killed Brittany?"

 

"Let's not talk about that now.  Right now, all I wanna do is get out of this office, take my lovely lady to dinner, and then go home and make love to you."

 

Sue Ellen smiles at him again, and they kiss, then leave the office together, Catlin closing his door.

 

 

"I sure did!"  Michael says happily.

 

"I'll say he did,"  Bobby adds.  "This kid nearly drove me crazy askin' when you two were comin' home."

 

"Welcome home, you guys,"  says Christopher.

 

"Thanks, bro,"  Lucas says, he and Heather taking their seats at the table.  

 

"So tell us all about Hawaii,"  Ann says.

 

"Yes, I'm DYING to hear," Courtney says.  "I've always wanted to go there."

 

"Hawaii was GORGEOUS," says Heather.  "I've never seen a more beautiful sunset than the one we saw every evening from our balcony.  And I have TONS of pictures to show you guys."

 

"And what's been going on here since we've been gone?"  Lucas asks.

 

As Bobby is about to answer his son's question, John Ross and Krystina walk in.  "Well, as I live and breathe," John Ross says.  "The happy honeymooners have returned."

 

"Welcome back, you two,"  says Krystina.

 

"Thank you,"  Heather says.

 

"And how were the gorgeous beaches at Waikiki?"  Asks John Ross.

 

"Absolutely breathtaking."

 

Christopher looks at Courtney and smiles.  "Y'know, since you've never been to Hawaii, maybe we should go there on OUR honeymoon."

 

"Your honeymoon?"  Ann asks.

 

 

"Is there somethin' we should know about?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Yes, do tell," says John Ross.  "Are we gonna be seein' another weddin' in the fam'ly soon?"

 

Christopher and Courtney look at each other and smile, then Christopher looks at his father.  "That's definitely a possibility," he says.

 

 

"Brenda, are you alright?"  Brad asks, noticing her nervousness.  "You seem kinda jittery this morning."

 

"No, I'm fine.  I just didn't get much sleep last night, that's all."

 

"Oh, I see.  Well, I need you to call Tripp McKay's office and see if he's free for lunch,"  says Brad.  "If he is, make an appointment with him with, oh, say 1 o'clock, here in my office.  And call that Hibachi restaurant down the street, and order us in lunch for two, to be delivered at one."

 

 

"Right.....away, Mr. Stone," Brenda says.  

 

"Thank you,"  Brad says, then walks into his office.  

 

Brenda watches as Brad goes into his office and closes the door behind him.  Brenda dreads having to spy on her boss, but at the same time, she realizes she has no choice but to do as John Ross asks, for her son's sake.  She takes out her cell phone and sends a text.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coming out of his office, John Ross takes his cell phone from his pocket and looks at the text he just received from Brenda:  'Mr. Stone has a 1 o'clock meeting with Tripp McKay from Westar.'

 

 

 

"I actually think this is a good idea," Christopher says.  

 

"Well, I may faint," John Ross says.  "Christoper and I actually agree on somethin', for a change."

 

"I guess miracles really do happen sometimes," Christopher says.  "Besides, I've always liked Jill."

 

"Sue Ellen, are you gonna be okay with this?"  Bobby asks, looking at her.  "I know that Jill is still a painful reminder of J.R.'s affair with Kimberly Cryder."

 

"I'll be fine, Bobby,"  Sue Ellen says.  "You're right.  Jill would definitely bring a lot to Ewing Oil."

 

 

"Well, what do y'all say?"  John Ross asks. "Do we do this?  Do we bring my sister in as a partner in Ewing Oil?"

 

Bobby looks first at John Ross, at Christopher, then at Sue Ellen.  "So, are we all in agreement?  Jill comes into the company as an equal partner, and we each give up 5 percent of our shares of Ewing Oil to her?"  

 

"I say we do it," Christopher says.

 

"Yes,"  Sue Ellen says.  

 

"Alright,"  Bobby says.  He presses the button on the intercom on the table.  "Janice, could you have Jill come into the conference room, please?"

 

"Yes, Mr. Ewing."

 

"Jill didn't tell me she was comin' over,"  John Ross says.

 

"I called her a little while ago and asked her to come by and wait in my office while we discussed this among ourselves,"  Bobby says.

 

Jill walks into the conference room.  "Janice said you wanted to see me."

 

"Yes,"  replies Bobby.  "Jill we've been discussing you coming on board here at Ewing Oil as a partner in the company since you're no longer with Westar."

 

"And, everybody agrees with me," says John Ross.  

 

"Jill, I'll be the first to say it......welcome to Ewing Oil," Christopher says.  

 

Jill smiles.  "Thank you, Christopher.  Thank you all, and I will do my very best to never let any of you down."

 

"Well, Jill, we'll have Jay draw up a contract that gives you 20 shares of the company, 5 shares from the 4 of us,"  Bobby says.  "And all 5 of us will then have 20 shares each."

 

"I think that, to celebrate, I'm gonna take my sister out to lunch later," say John Ross.

 

"You're on," Jill says.  As she hugs John Ross, Jill looks over at Sue Ellen, still seated at the table looking at them, a less than pleased expression on her face at the thought of Ewing Oil's newest addition.

 

 

Shawn Smith walks into one of his classes at Braddock High School.  As he makes his way to his desk, his cell phone vibrates in his pocket.  Taking the phone out, he looks at it and sees the text is from John Ross:  'I need to see you after school.'

 

Shawn immediately types a reply:  'Sure.  I'll see if I can come to Southfork this afternoon with Alex.'

 

As Shawn takes his seat at his desk, Alex walks into the classroom and takes a seat in the desk beside Shawn.  

 

 

 

"How'd your English test go this morning?" Alex asks.

 

"Huh?  Oh, it went okay.  I probably didn't make an A, but, maybe a B plus.  Hey, bro, you wanna hang out today after school?"

 

"Yeah, sure, dude, I'd love to."

 

"Awesome,"  Shawn says.  "How about we go over to Southfork and ride?"

 

"Yeah, that should be okay,"  says Alex.

 

Shawn smiles, wondering what new assignment John Ross would have for him, and how much money he was going to get paid.

Stone Oil....early afternoon

"Umm, you can go right in, Mr. McKay,"  says a nervous Brenda.

 

"Thanks,"  Tripp says with a smile.  

 

Brenda watches as Tripp walks over to Brad's door, knocks, then walks in.  Before the door is closes, she sees Brad greet Tripp with a smile and a friendly hand-shake, then Brad closes the door.  Brenda knows that, somehow, she has to find out what that meeting is all about so that she can report back to John Ross.

Southfork....afternoon

"Uh, my Mom just texted me," replies Shawn.  "She wants me to come home."

 

"I hope nothin's wrong,"  Ann says.

 

"No, I don't think so," says Shawn.  "It's just a school night, and she just wants me home on a school night."

 

"Since when?"  Alex asks.

 

Shawn looks at his friend.  "Since.....now."

 

"Well, Shawn, we're glad you came over and had dinner with us," Ann says.

 

"Yes, and I'm sure John Ross will be sorry he missed you," says Krystina.  "I thought he would be home by now."

 

"Well, he did say he was gonna stop by Sue Ellen's after he left the office," Bobby says.

 

Shawn stands to his feet.  "Well, thanks for dinner, Aunt Ann."

 

Ann smiles at her nephew.  "You're more'n welcome, sweety.  Come back again soon."

 

"Yeah, I will, thanks."

 

"I'll walk you out," Alex says as he starts to get up from the table.

 

"No," Shawn says quickly.  "You haven't finished your dinner.  I'll just see you in school tomorrow.  Night."

 

"Yeah, see you tomorrow, "  Alex says as his friend leaves.

 

Shawn grabs his jacket from the foyer and brushes his hair back with his hand as he makes a hasty exit.

 

 "I wonder what that was all about,"  Alex says.

 

"I guess his mother just wanted him home,"  Lucas says.

 

 

 

"No way,"  Alex says.  "Shawn's Mom never cared whether he was home on a school night or not, especially since she started dating Dr. Cooper."

 

A look of concern comes over Ann's face as she wonders why her nephew suddenly had to leave.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile....

 

 John Ross's car turns into the front gate as Shawn's car is heading down the driveway road. The two cars come to a stop side by side on the road.  John Ross gets out of his car, as does Shawn.

 

 

 

 

 

"I feel like I'm in a spy movie or something," Shawn says.  "I thought you'd be home earlier, like, for dinner.  Why meet me out here like this?"

 

"Shawn, given the clandestine and secret nature of our business, I felt it best that we not be seen together," replies John Ross.  "Not even seen together talkin' in secret at Southfork, that's why I was purposely late gettin' home, and that's why I told you to meet me out here like this."

 

"You really think of everything, don't you?"  Shawn asks with a smile.

 

"I didn't get where I am today by bein' stupid."

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Okay, so why'd you wanna see me?"  Shawn asks.

 

 

"Whatever I have to do, huh?"  Shawn asks.

 

"That's right,"  John Ross says, reaching into his pocket.  He pulls out a large, sealed envelope and opens it, showing Shawn a large sum of cash inside.  "WHATEVER you have to do.  Even if you have to steal a key and break into your brother's office or somethin'."  

 

Shawn grabs the envelope full of cash. "Consider it already done," the boy says.

 

"Good,"  John Ross says, nodding.  "Now you better get on home."

 

"Yes, sir,"  Shawn says.  

 

As Shawn stuffs the envelope into the pocket of his jacket, John Ross gets back into his car.  Shawn watches as John Ross drives off, headed up to the house.  Shawn can't believe his good fortune.  He couldn't wait to get home and into his room to count that money.  From the look of it, there must have been at least six or seven hundred bucks in that envelope!  Shawn gets into his car and drives off, turning left onto Braddock Road and heading in the direction of Dallas.

 

 

Southfork....three days later

 

 

"It sure is,"  says Krystina.  "Southfork truly is about the most beautiful place I've ever seen.

 

"And just think........we own one half of this beautiful ranch.  And one day, Alex and Little John will own a piece, right alongside our son."

 

"Our SON?"  Krystina asks.  "What if we have a daughter?"

 

"Oh, we will.  But a son first."

 

Krystina smiles.  "I'll definitely see what I can do about that."

 

"Well, then, we'd best get started,"  John Ross says, putting his arms around his wife.  "We got some work to do if we're gonna have the next Ewing heir on this ranch by the end of this year."  He kisses her.

 

After a moment, Krystina pulls out of the kiss.  

 

"Darlin', what's wrong?"

 

"There's something that we should talk about.  Something we've been avoiding like the plague for a while now.  John Ross, this whole thing with Brittany....."

 

 

"Darlin', why would you even go there?" John Ross asks.  "We were havin' a perfectly nice morning, and you bring up Brittany?"

 

"John Ross, this is something we HAVE to talk about eventually.  This woman came into our lives and wreaked havoc.  You had an affair with her, and now she's dead."

 

"Krystina, I know all that, and I don't need to be reminded of what happened between me and Brittany.  And I don't need to be reminded of the fact that she's dead. Look, darlin', I know everything that happened with Brittany was MY fault. I brought that woman to Dallas, and now I'm sorry that I ever heard the name Brittany Ewing.  I'm sorry for my affair with her, I'm sorry for what that bitch did to my Mama and to us. And talkin' about it......talkin' about HER is not gonna change a damn thing."  John Ross turns and walks back into the house, leaving Krystina alone on the balcony.

The Krebbs Ranch....later

 

 

 

Dylan looks up and sees a car driving up the road.

 

The car turns into the pasture and drives up to where Conner and Dylan are working.  Dylan is surprised to see his other brother, Todd Baxter, get out of the car.

 

"Dylan,"  Todd says.

 

"Todd, what are you doing here?"  Dylan asks.

 

Todd closes the door of his car and walks over to them.  "I came out to see you.  I stopped up at the house and Mrs. Krebbs said you were out here working."

 

"Yeah, Mom told me you got back to town a few days ago.  Why didn't you let me know?"

 

"Because I wanted to come see you.  Hello, Conner."

 

 

"Todd,"  Conner says. "Welcome back."

 

"Thanks.  Listen, could I have a little time with my brother alone?"

 

"You mean OUR brother," says Conner.  "But yeah, sure.  Dylan, I'm gonna go work down on the other end.  Todd, take it easy."

 

"Yeah,"  Todd says, his tone quick and rude as Conner walks away.  Todd shakes his head.

 

"You really don't like him, do you?"  Dylan asks.

 

"Nope, I don't,"  Todd replies.

 

"Why?  Conner's never done anything to you."

 

"I have no reason TO like him, and a couple good reasons to NOT like the guy."

 

"What reasons, Todd?"

 

"For one thing, his last name is Ewing."

"I'm a Ewing, too, Todd," Dylan says.  "You always seem to forget that."

 

"You're a BAXTER, Dylan.  You'll always be a Baxter to me, no matter who your biological father was.  And if it wasn't for the Ewings, our family never would've fallen apart like it did......"

 

"Damn it, Todd, how many times are you gonna rehash that?  The Ewings had NOTHING to do with the Baxter family's disintegration.  The Baxters did that to themselves.  Mom had an affair with Jack Ewing, and got pregnant with me.  John Baxter couldn't stand the fact that his wife cheated on him, so he murdered Jack Ewing, my real father.  And as for what John Ross did to you, Todd, if you had just been honest about being gay, then John Ross never would've been able to blackmail you."

 

Todd sighs.  "Dylan, I didn't come here to argue with you.  I wanted to see my little brother, and share my good news with you."

 

"Good news?  What good news?"  Dylan asks.

 

"I accepted a position with the D.A.'s office in Dallas.  I officially start on Monday as an assistant district attorney."

 

Dylan smiles.  "Todd, that's......that's awesome.  Dude, I'm so happy for you."  Dylan hugs his brother.

 

"Thanks, bro,"  Todd says.  "I'm excited and nervous at the same time."

 

"No reason to be  nervous.  You're gonna be fine.  I'm really glad that you're gonna resume your career in law."

 

Todd smiles as he scratches his brow.  "Yeah, well, I just hope that, with our dysfunctional family, I don't have to prosecute anyone I'm related to.  So keep your ass outta trouble."

 

Dylan looks at his brother with a smile.  "You don't have to worry about that, big bro.  I'm done with trouble."

 

"Well, I have to get outta here.  Let you get back to ranching, or whatever it is you do out here,"  Todd says.  "Let's get together for lunch one day next week."

 

"I'd really like that, Todd.  I've missed you.  A lot."

 

"I've missed you, too.  Dylan, I did a lot of thinking a reevaluating my life during my time away from Dallas.  I think I've finally gotten my head together.  And I want my little brother back in my life."

 

Dylan nods.  "And I want my other big brother back in my life, too.  And I really wish that you would get to know Conner.  Todd, you're both my brothers, and I love you both.  If you just gave him a chance, you'd see how cool he really is."

 

Todd looks down the length of the fence, where Conner is working at the far end, a good distance from he and Dylan.  "I can't promise, little brother.  My father murdered his father, Dylan.  I seriously doubt Conner and I will ever be best friends.  But I'll try.  For you.  Listen, call me in a couple days, or text, or message me on Facebook, and we'll plan a lunch date.  Or you could just drop by my office anytime."

 

"I'll do that."

 

"I'll see ya, little bro,"  Todd says.  He smiles, then walks back to his car, gets in, and drives away.

An apartment in Dallas....afternoon

 Tripp and Shawn walk into Tripp's new apartment in Dallas that afternoon.  "Come on in, make yourself at home,"  Tripp tells his brother.

 

"Man,"  Shawn says.  "Really nice apartment."

 

"Thanks."

 

 

"Tripp, I really appreciate you hangin' out with me today, and letting me spend the night."

 

"You're welcome, man.  I'm really glad that you and I have been able to move past the tension that existed between us at first, and that we can be real brothers."

 

"Yeah, me too," says Shawn.  "Tripp, mind if I ask you something?"

 

"Not all.  Go ahead."

 

"Since you moved out and rented this new apartment, does that mean that your marriage to Pamela is over?"  Shawn asks.

Tripp is silent for a moment as he thinks about the question he was just asked.  "I really wish I knew, Shawn, but to be honest, I have no idea.  I hope not."

 

"So what happened between you and Pamela?"

 

"Shawn, look, I don't mean to be rude about it, but, I really don't wanna talk about this."

 

"Oh, yeah, sure, no problem,"  Shawn says.  "I wasn't tryin' to be nosy or anything, it's just, you're my brother and I was concerned, that's all."

 

"No, it's okay.  I appreciate the concern.  I just don't wanna talk about Pamela or the state of our marriage right now."

 

"Okay.  But, just so you know, I may only be 17, but, we are  brothers, and I'm a great listener.  So, if you ever need someone to talk to about stuff, even though I am a lot younger than you.......I'm here for you."

 

"I really appreciate that, Shawn,"  Tripp says.  "And I'm not THAT much older than you."

 

"Dude, you're like, 30, that's a LOT older than me."

 

Tripp smiles.  "Okay, how about we change the subject AGAIN?"

 

"Sure."

 

"How about a soda?"  Tripp asks.

 

"I'd rather have a beer."

 

"Yeah, ask me again when you're 21,"  Tripp says, walking to his refrigerator and opening it. "Here," he says, tossing Shawn a can of soda.  "Have a Dr. Pepper."

 

"I hate Dr. Pepper."

 

"Oh,"  Tripp says.  "Well, I have coke and Mountain Dew, too."

 

"Coke,"  Shawn says.  

 

Tripp takes a can of coke.  "Heads up."

 

"Thank you.  So Tripp, tell me about your business."

 

"My business?"  Tripp asks.

 

"Yeah.  You're CEO of one of the biggest oil companies in Texas, or even in the United States.  There must be a lot to tell.  You workin' on any big deals right now?"

 

"As a matter of fact, yes, I am working on a couple big deals."

 

"Like what?  Who with?"

 

"Shawn, why all the questions about business?"  Tripp asks.

 

"Because, bro, I'm interested.  I might wanna go into the oil business myself one day."

 

Tripp laughs.  

 

"Hey, why not?"  Shawn asks.  "After all, my brother is head of one of the biggest independent oil companies in Texas.  My aunt is married to an oil man.   And your grandfather was in the oil business.  My Dad even worked on an oil rig, so I'm surrounded by oil people."

 

"Well, if that's what you wanna do with your life, then great."

 

"So, who's your big deal with?"  Shawn asks.  "Ewing Oil?"

 

"Oh, hell no.  I can tell you that Westar will NEVER be doing business with Ewing Oil as long as I am CEO."

 

"Oh, I forgot.  You and the Ewings don't get along.  But would that stop you from doing business with them?"

 

"Yes, it would, because I don't trust the Ewings.  In fact, I'd like nothing better than to get Westar out of a partnership in some oil wells in California that we jointly own with Ewing Oil.  And one day, I'm gonna find a way to do that."

 

As Shawn is about to say something, Tripp's cell phone rings.  Tripp picks the phone up from the coffee table and looks at it.  

 

"Shawn, would you excuse me?"  Tripp asks.  "I gotta take this."

 

"Oh, yeah, sure, go head."

 

"Why don't you pick out a movie you'd like to watch?"  Tripp suggests, then he hurries into the bedroom and answers his call.  Shawn gets up, quietly walks over to the bedroom door, and listens outside as Tripp talks to the person on the phone:  "Yeah, I've already put our plan in motion,"  Tripp says.  "Look, don't worry, Cliff.  Everything is gonna work out.  Just 

trust me.  We plant a spy inside Ewing Oil, and we have the scoop on everything they're up to.  And Brad and I have already set the plan in motion.  Listen, I can't really talk right now.  My little brother is in the next room.  I'll call you tomorrow, or better yet, why don't we meet?  My place, tomorrow evening, around 7?  Okay, great. Cliff, don't worry.  This will work.  Soon, we're gonna know every move the Ewings make over at Ewing Oil.  We'll know enough to take 'em down."

 

Shawn nods after hearing Tripp tell Cliff that they will be able to take the Ewings down.  He knows that this piece of information could be worth quite a lot to John Ross.

 

 

 

"Yes, I remember Mr. Lindsey,"  Steven says. "We questioned you the night Brittany Ewing was found dead.  How can I help you?" Steven asks.  "You said this is concerning the Brittany Ewing case?"

 

 

"Detective, one of my maids, Miss Wilson here, found something,"  John Lindsey replies.  

 

"This knife,"  Officer Russell says, holding up a knife in a transparent plastic bag.  

 

"I was doing some cleaning in one of the laundry rooms down the hall from the ballroom,"  the young woman says.  "And I found this knife hidden.  It was under one of the dryers.  Like someone just tossed it there in a hurry.  I didn't think much of it at first, when I swept it out, but, as I was about to pick it up I saw those stains on the blade and the handle.  It looked like blood, so I went and got Mr. Lindsey."

 

"We didn't touch it,"  John Lindsey says.  "I took a napkin, and picked it up and placed it in this plastic bag."

 

Steven takes the bag, holds it up, and looks at the knife with stains that definitely look like blood on both the blade and the handle.  "Thank you, Mr. Lindsey, Miss Wilson.  This may be exactly what we've been looking for.  I think you've probably found the knife that killed Brittany Ewing on New Year's Eve.  Soon as we run tests on the blood, we'll know for sure."