EPISODE 131 - Hello, and Goodbye

Meanwhile, Bobby, Ann, Christopher, Courtney, Krystina, and Lucy are gathered in the den for drinks before dinner, and Christopher is explaining to the family about Bum finding Courtney's son in California.

 

"So Courtney and I are gonna be flying out to L.A. tomorrow," Christopher informs them.

 

"Courtney, you must be so excited,"  Ann says.  

 

"Excited, and nervous at the same time.  I just can't believe that, tomorrow, I could see my little boy for the first time since right after he was born."

 

"Well, I'm very happy for you,"  Krystina says, hugging her.

 

"And so am I,"  says Ann.  "I remember how excited I was when I first found Emma again after all those years."  As she speaks, Ann notices Lucy, who is sitting alone on the sofa, not saying a word, a sad look on her face after hearing the news that Courtney may be reunited with her son.

 

This warm family moment is interrupted when John Ross walks in, still angry from his earlier confrontation with Brad Stone.  

 

"John Ross,"  Krystina says, greeting her husband with a kiss.  "You're late, I was getting worried."

 

"Sorry, darlin', didn't mean to worry you,"  John Ross says, walking to the bar to pour himself a glass of bourbon.

 

"Everything alright, John Ross?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Aside from bein' royally pissed off, I guess everything's alright,"  John Ross barks.

 

"What's wrong?"  Krystina asks.

 

John Ross looks at his wife, then at the others.  "You were right, Uncle Bobby.  Mama WAS drugged the night of the Ball, and it was Brittany Ewing that did it."

 

"Drugged?  Sue Ellen was DRUGGED?"  Lucy asks.  "That's why she was acting like she'd been drinking?"

 

"Exactly."

 

"You know this for a fact?"  Christopher asks.

 

"I do.  After I left the office today, I tracked down that young waiter who spilled the wine on Mama's dress.  He was paid to do that in order to create a diversion, just like Uncle Bobby said, so that Brittany could slip somethin' in Mama's drink to make a fool of her. And guess who paid that kid to do it."

 

"Who?"  Krystina asks.  "Brittany?"

 

"Uh-uh,"  replies John Ross.  "Brad Stone, the bastard son of Cliff Barnes and Marilee Stone."

 

"Oh my God,"  says Christopher.

 

"Then you were right,"  Bobby says.  "Stone was involved.  Damn."

 

"I can promise you all one thing right here and now,"  says John Ross.  "I'm gonna make Brad Stone sorry for the day he EVER crossed this fam'ly.  I'm gonna crush that man, and his comp'ny."

 

 

 

 

 

"No, John Ross,"  Bobby says. "WE are gonna crush Brad Stone and his company for what he did to Sue Ellen."

 

"Dad's right," says Christopher.  "No matter what differences we may have among ourselves, we're family.  Any outsider who messes with one of us, has messed with ALL of us."

 

 

 

John Ross looks at his uncle and cousin, and nods.

 

 

 

"Nope, that's not why we're here,"  Cliff interrupts.  "This is strictly business."

 

"Okay, good."

 

"I already took the liberty of ordering for you, since I've had dinner with you enough to know what your favorites are."

 

"So what's this all about?"  Tripp asks.  "And Brad, what are you doing here?"

"And what common goal is that?"  Tripp asks.

 

"Bringing down the Ewings," Cliff replies. "Something all three of us have wanted to do for a long time.  It's something your grandfather wanted, too, Tripp.  That's why he pulled some strings to get you in the CEO seat at Westar, so that you'd have the power you needed to take them down."

 

"Okay, I'm listening,"  Tripp says.  

 

"I suggest we pool our resources," Brad says.  "Our companies join forces.  Go after the Ewings with everything with we've got, and we could use the new cartel to do it."

"If Westar and Stone Oil join forces and go after the Ewings, there's no way they can survive," Cliff says.  "Your two companies would be an unbeatable team."

 

"So how about it, Tripp?"  Brad asks.  "What do you say?"

"I say let's do this,"  Tripp replies.  "Let's bring the Ewings to their knees."

 

Cliff smiles.  "I propose a toast," he says, raising his glass.  "To teamwork, and to me working toward achieving something I've wanted most of my life, with the help of my son and my son-in-law."

 

Tripp and Brad also raise their glasses and the three men toast to their newfound anti-Ewing alliance.

"I didn't love Brittany anymore, Sue Ellen," Catlin says.  "That died a long time ago. But, you're right, she WAS the mother of my son, so, for that reason, I did.....I DO.....feel something for her.  Sadness, even anger.  I feel angry that everything turned out this way.  I feel angry that my son is now without his mother, and that it's all because of me."

 

"Because of you?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "What do you mean?"

 

"Nothing,"  Catlin replies very quickly as the doorbell rings.  He walks over to the stove and pours himself a cup of coffee.

 

John Ross walks in.  "Mama," he says.

 

"Oh, John Ross, hello."

 

"John Ross,"  Catlin says, coldly.  

 

John Ross looks at the man but refuses to acknowledge his greeting, quickly returning his gaze to his mother.  "I need to tell you somethin'.  I'm real sorry that I didn't believe you when you said you hadn't been drinkin' the night of the Oil Baron's Ball."

 

"You believe me now?"  

 

"I do.  Uncle Bobby and Ann were right.  You were drugged that night, and Brittany was the one who did it."

 

"Are you absolutely sure about this?"  Catlin asks, walking over.

 

"I am.  That whole scene when that waiter spilled wine on you.......it was all set up.  That little scene created a diversion, durin' which Brittany slipped somethin' in your drink.  The waiter was paid to spill the drink.  I found him and got him to talk."

 

 

"So, Brittany paid that waiter to spill the drink?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Wuttin' Brittany," says John Ross.  "Brad Stone is the one who paid the waiter, but he did it helpin' Brittany."

 

"My God," Sue Ellen says.  "I never realized the lengths Brittany Ewing was willing to go to in order to hurt me."

 

"Neither did I,"  Catlin says.

 

"Don't you worry, Mama,  says John Ross. "I can promise you, Brad Stone won't get away with this.  Well, I gotta get to the office."

 

"John Ross,"  Sue Ellen says.  She walks over to her son.  "Thank you for telling me this."

 

John Ross nods, looks at Catlin, then turns and walks out.  Catlin walks past Sue Ellen and follows him.

 

"John Ross, wait,  Catlins says, catching up to him in the foyer.

 

John Ross turns back to him.  "What do you want?"

 

"Look, I know you don't like me at all, and I'm not very fond of you, either, so we'll probably never be friends," Catlin says.

 

"So tell me somethin' I don't already know."

 

"You and I do have one very important thing in common.  We both love your mother.  I have to go out of town today.  I'm flying up to Wyoming with my son for Brittany's funeral, which is tomorrow.  While I'm gone, take care of your mother."

 

"You don't have to ask me to do somethin' I plan to do anyway,"  John Ross says, then quickly leaves.

 

"She didn't seem real happy to see you, did she?"  Justin asks.  "Why is that?"

 

"No idea," a nervous Jimmy replies.

 

"Is everything okay between you and Amanda, Jimmy?"

"Of course,"  Jimmy says.  "Why wouldn't it be?"

 

"I dunno," Justin says.  "My wife has been actin' real strange lately.  Kinda nervous like.  Especially around me.  Maybe it's hormones, or maybe it's....."

 

"Maybe it's......what?" Jimmy asks.

 

"Maybe it's my condition.  A husband in a wheelchair........I'm sure that's kinda depressin' to her.  Especially since I can't fulfill my........well, you know......my duties as a husband.  She's stuck here with me all day and all night.  She must get pretty lonely.  Wouldn't you imagine, Jimmy?"

 

"Umm.....I guess.  Justin, why are we talking about this?  And why'd you ask me to come over?"

 

"Well, you're my best friend,"  Justin says.  "I hadn't seen you since Christmas, so I thought it'd be nice if we had a little visit."

 

"Yeah, it's been a while."

 

"So how've ya been?"  

 

"Just fine,"  replies Jimmy.  "How about you?"

 

Justin looks at him for a few seconds before answering.  "Well, still in a wheelchair," he says with a slight smile.  "All I can really do is sit around the house.  Nothin' much changed."

Again, Jimmy and Amanda exchange awkward looks as an uncomfortable silence follows Justin's exit from the living room.  "Amanda, I know that you'd rather me not be here."

 

"You're right about that," she says.

 

"Is this how it's ALWAYS gonna be between us?  Amanda, what happened between us was MONTHS ago."

 

"It may have been months ago, but every time I look at my husband, I'm reminded of what we did,"  Amanda says.  

 

Jimmy stands to his feet to face her. "Amanda, don't you think I feel the same way?  Why do you think that I've stayed away from you and Justin so much?  It's because I can't stand to see him in that wheelchair."

 

"Would you keep your voice down?"  Amanda says in a whisper.  "Jimmy I am SICK of this whole thing.  Sick of this secrecy.  But I know that Justin can never find out the truth.  I pray every day that he will never remember what happened that day, or why you and he were up there."

 

"So do I,"  says Jimmy.  

 

Meanwhile, now out of his wheelchair, Justin is standing inside the bathroom door listening to Jimmy and Amanda's conversation, plotting his revenge against his wife and his supposed best friend.

As Donna comes up the stairs early in the afternoon, the phone in her and Ray's bedroom begins to ring.  She hurries into the bedroom and picks up the phone.  "Hello?"  She says.

 

"Donna, hey, it's Matt," says Matt Culver on the other end of the line.

 

"Matt, hello.  Is anything wrong?"  Donna asks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Now, Donna, does anything have to be wrong for me to be calling my FAVORITE mother-in-law?"  Matt asks

 

 

 

 

"Unfortunately no, not this time," replies Matt.  "This is only gonna be a short trip, for several hours, and it's all business.  But we will visit soon, and I promise, when I come tonight I'll bring you lots of pictures of your grandson.  So would 8 be okay?"

Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles that afternoon and come to a stop. Christopher gets out of the car, followed a couple of seconds later by Courtney. They look at a house across the street from where they have parked.

"That's it," says Christopher.  "The one in the middle. 423 West Sycamore."

 

"It's a beautiful place," Courtney says, pausing to look at the home.

 

"You ready?"

 

Courtney sighs. "As ready as I'll ever be, I suppose."

 

"Come on,"  Christopher says, holding out his hand.  Courtney takes his hand, and together, the couple walk across the street to the house and walk onto the front porch.  Pausing again to brace herself, Courtney nods to him, and Christopher rings the doorbell.  After almost a minute, an attractive blonde woman comes to the door and opens it.

 

"Can I help you?"  The woman asks.

 

"Jennifer Reed?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Yes?"

 

"Mrs. Reed, my name is Christopher Ewing, and this is Courtney Wapner.  We were wondering if we could have  a word with you?"

 

"What's this about?"  Jennifer asks.

 

"If we could come in for a few minutes, we'll explain," Christopher says.  "And I promise we won't take too much of your time."

 

Jennifer looks at the couple.  "Well, you two look safe enough.  Come in."

 

"Thank you," Christopher says as he and Courtney walk into the modestly furnished home.

 

"Would you like some coffee?"  Jennifer asks.

 

"No, thank you."

 

"Please, have a seat."

 

Christopher and Courtney take seats on the sofa.  

 

"Now, then, what can I do for you?"  Jennifer asks. 

 

Before either Christopher or Courtney can answer her question, a little boy with brown, curly hair walks in.  "Mom," the boy, who appears to be about 9, says.

 

"Oh, hey, baby.  What's up?"  Jennifer asks the child.

 

"Can I go over to Tyler's?"  The boy asks.

 

"Alright, but only for a little while.  Oh, I'm sorry.  This is my son, Jacob."

 

Christopher and Courtney look at the child, Courtney with tears filling her eyes.  "Hello, Jacob.  I'm Christopher, and this is Courtney."

 

 

 

"Hello,"  Jacob says.  

 

"Come on, sweety, I'll walk you to the door."  

 

"It was nice meeting you,"  Jacob says, looking at the two strangers in his home.

 

"Nice meeting you too, Jacob,"  Courtney says as she fights back tears.  She and Christopher watch as Jennifer walks the child to the door, and onto the front porch.  A moment later, she returns to the living room and takes a seat.

 

"Jacob likes to go next door to visit his best friend, Tyler."

 

 

 

 

 

"He sure is a cute little guy," Christopher says.

 

"Oh, thank you," says Jennifer.  "We're very proud of him.  Now, then, what was it again, that you wanted?"

"Yes I do,"  Matt says.  "Donna, as you've probably heard, Tim Haskins, our Texas Railroad Commissioner, announced his resignation earlier this week due to family issues."

 

"Yes, I heard that on the news. His wife was diagnosed with cancer?"

 

Ray hands Matt his drink. "Thanks, Ray.  Yes, Karen Haskins was sadly diagnosed with colon and liver cancer, and Tim needs to be there for her.  Donna, I've been talking to the governor, and we would very much like for you to replace Haskins as the new Texas Railroad Commissioner."

 

Donna looks at him in shock, then she and Ray exchange looks.  "You.....you want ME to be the new railroad commissioner?"  Donna asks.

 

"Yes, we do.  Neither the governor nor I could think of anyone better suited, more qualified, or more ethical to head the commission."

 

 

 

 

Donna smiles.  "Matt, I......I really don't know what to say to that."

 

"Well, I certainly hope you'll say yes."

 

"I don't know, Matt, I....."

"Donna, I know that I just threw this at you out of nowhere, and I also realize that, since you and Ray were remarried a year ago, you've been enjoying a comfortable life here, out of the public eye," Matt says.  "And of course you and Ray are gonna wanna talk this over between you.  But can you honestly tell me that you haven't missed being a public servant?  Not even a little?"

 

"Well, of course, I have missed it.  Ray, what do you think?"

 

Ray looks at his wife and smiles.  "I think that, if it's what you want, you should do it."

 

"What about Conner and Dylan?"  Donna asks.

 

"Conner and Dylan are adults," Ray says.  "They can take care of themselves."

 

"You can have an office in Dallas, and of course you'd have to travel to Austin for meetings on occasion, but that shouldn't be a problem.  So how about it?"

 

Donna lets out a sigh.  "Do you absolutely need an answer tonight?"

 

"No, not necessarily, but we do need one as soon as possible,"  Matt replies.

 

"You'll have one.  Tomorrow.  I promise."

 

Matt smiles.  "Great."

 

"Matt, as long as you're here, I may as well let you in on somethin', too,"  Ray says.  "I was hopin' to tell you and Margaret at the same time, but long as you're here, I'll tell you.  You remember me tellin' you about Heath Allen?"

 

"Yeah, the man you think might be your son.  You'd hired a private eye to find him."

 

"That's right,"  Ray says.  "Well, my detective tracked Heath down.  I went to see him, and I brought him back to Dallas with me.  Got him checked into a hotel in town, and he's agreed to take a DNA test to find out if I'm his father or not.  I just wanted Margaret to be prepared, in case Heath does turn out to be my son.  Would you tell her for me?  I'd tell her myself, but, I didn't wanna break this kinda news over the phone, and it might be better comin' from you, anyway."

 

"Sure, Ray.  I'll tell her,"  Matt says.

 

"Okay, now, as I recall,"  Donna says.  "You, promised you were gonna bring lots of pictures of our grandson."

 

Matt smiles.  "And I didn't forget," he says reaching into his jacket pocket, pulling out a packet of photos.  

 

Donna opens the pack and takes out the photos.  Matt watches as Ray and Donna look through the photos, both beaming with love and pride as they look at their little grandson.

 

 

 

 

"Why are you doing this?"  Brenda asks.  "Why pick on MY son?  He's innocent!"

 

"I needed leverage, Brenda,"  John Ross says.  "Nothin' personal at all."

 

"Alright.  I'll help you.  And my son is released, right?"

 

"Right.  And of course, as part of our little ongoin'  deal, I'll have to hold on to a little leverage."

 

"What do you mean?"

 

"Your son won't be charged with anything tonight, pending an investigation.  And if you do as I say until I inform you otherwise, he won't be charged at all.  You'll also be paid well for your efforts.  But if, at any time while you're workin' for me, you double cross me in any way, such as tellin' your boss what we're up to, well, poor Eric....."

 

Tears begin streaming down Brenda's face.  "I'll do what you want."

 

John Ross smiles.  "I knew you'd see things my way.  You can go.  Bum, take the lady home. You have a good weekend, Brenda."

 

She looks at John Ross for a moment as he turns his back to her and returns his gaze out the window at the city skyline.  Brenda turns and she and Bum leave.  John Ross again smiles as he looks over the city, convinced that he would soon have Brad Stone exactly where he wants him.

Catlin and Blaine's sister-in-law, Clarice Ewing, widow of their brother Larry, walks over to them with her and Larry's daughter, Jeanne.  

 

"Oh, Catlin,"  Clarice says, hugging her brother-in-law.  "I am SO sorry."

 

"Thank you, Clarice."

 

She looks at him.  "Brittany was never one of my favorite people, especially after she left you the way she did, but, I'm really very sorry this happened to her."

 

"I appreciate it,"  Catlin says.  "And how are you doing?"

 

"I'm okay.  I still miss your brother like crazy.  Every day, I miss him."

 

 

 

 

 

Catlin smiles.  "I know.  I miss Larry, too."  Catlin turns to Jeanne, a young woman of 34.  "And, look at this niece of mine.  Jeanne, you get more beautiful every time I see you."

 

"Thank you, Uncle Catlin," Jeanne says.  "And C.J., I'm so sorry for your loss."  Jeanne hugs her cousin.

 

"Thanks, cuz, I really appreciate you being here."

 

"Call me if you need to talk," says Jeanne.  "My number's still the same, and I know what it's like to lose a parent."

"Thanks, I will,"  C.J. says.  "And you need to come and visit me in Dallas.  I've got a really nice apartment, with lots of room, and I'd love a visit from my cousin."

 

Jeanne smiles.  "You can count on it," she says, again hugging C.J.

 

"Jeanne, you ready to go?"  Clarice asks her daughter.  

"All set, Mom.  C.J., you take care, and remember what I said.  Call me."

 

"Sure thing."

 

Clarice exchanges hugs with Blaine and Sandy, then she and Jeanne walk away toward the cars parked nearby.  

 

"Well, why don't we all get out of here,"  Catlin says.  "Go back to the hotel, get warm, and unwind."

 

"Sounds good to me," says Sandy.  "It's freezing out here."

 

"Catlin, Sandy and I have been talking,"  Blaine says.  "And, we're both gonna take a leave of absence from our jobs so that we can stay in Dallas for a while, and be there for you and C.J."

 

"Blaine, I really appreciate it, but you guys don't have to do that,"  Catlin says.

 

"No, but we WANT to,"  Sandy says.  

 

"At least until Brittany's killer is caught,"  Blaine says.  

 

Catlin looks at his sister for a moment after hearing her words about Brittany's killer being caught, a blank expression on his face.  "Yes," he finally says, snapping out of it.  "Well, let's get out of here.  Son?  Ready to go?"

 

 

 

 

"Yeah,"  C.J. replies.  "Yeah, I'm all set, Dad."  

 

As the group heads to their cars, all parked in a row nearby behind a hearse, and the crowd of attendees begins to disperse, they are unaware that they are being watched from a distance by a man standing behind a tree a good distance away.  The man, dressed in a long black over coat, a black cap, and sunglasses, watches as the Ewing and Cory families get into their cars.  Then the man's eyes fall on Brittany's casket, sitting there, waiting to be lowered into the ground.  The mystery man begins to cry.

Ann comes into the foyer to answer the ringing doorbell at Southfork that Saturday afternoon.  She opens the door to find Donna on the porch.

 

"Donna, hello," she says.

 

"Hello, Ann," says Donna.

 

"Come in."

 

Donna walks into the house.  "Thank you.  Is Bobby around?  I need to talk to him."

 

"I am right here," Bobby says, walking into the foyer from the den.  "How are ya?"

 

"I'm fine.  I'm sorry to interrupt your Saturday, but I need your advice on something."

 

"Nonsense, you know I'm always happy to see you.   Let's go talk.  Let's go in the living room."

afternoon.  After sitting in the taxi for a few minutes, Courtney gets out of the car and looks at the house. While she watches, a car drives up and parks on the street in front of the house.  As Courtney watches, Jennifer Reed and little Jacob get out of the car.  Courtney watches the little boy with longing, her heart breaking, as she knows this is her son, her baby she gave up for adoption 9 years earlier.  Jennifer and Jacob take out some bags of groceries from the car, then go into the house.  Courtney's eyes fill with tears. She desperately wants to walk across the street and ring the doorbell of the Reed home, but she knows she can't.  She stands there, watching the house for what seems to her like a long time, but in reality, was only about a minute.  Finally, Courtney walks back to the taxi and gets in.  A couple of seconds later, the taxi drives away.

 

"You have no idea how hard,"  Courtney says.  "That's why I've made a decision. Christopher, I don't care what Jennifer Reed said.  I know Jacob is my little boy, and I want him.  I want him, Christopher.  I want my son back."

 

"If that's what you want, then we'll get him," Christopher says.  "We'll hire a lawyer, and we'll get your son back."

 

"You've already done so much for me, Christopher, how can I ask more of you?"

 

"Courtney, months ago, when you first told me you'd had a baby you gave up for adoption, I promised you we were gonna get him back.  I meant it then, and I mean even more now, especially after seeing Jacob, and seeing the love in your eyes when you saw him.  Courtney, don't worry........we're gonna get Jacob back.  I promise."

 

Tears in her eyes, Courtney puts her arms around Christopher and they embrace, both worried about the long journey ahead of them as they plan to get Courtney's son back from his adopted family.