EPISODE 136 - His Father's Son

"Well, Shawn?"  Alex asks.  "Are you gonna tell me the truth, bro?  Where did you get all this money?  And did John Ross give it to you?"

"And what the hell are YOU doing going through my things?"  Asks an angry Shawn. "You been spying on me?"

"What am I supposed to think?  I saw you coming off Southfork before school one morning, followed by John Ross.  Then the other morning, I see the two of you together in the exercise room downstairs. Both of you were acting weird.  Come on, Shawn?  What's going on?"

"This is NONE of your damned business, Alex, and I resent the hell out of your spying on me and going through my things!  What kind of a best friend does that?"

"The kind of best friend who's worried about you,"  Alex says.  "You said this is none of my business?  Well it IS when something weird is going on between my best friend and my Dad, and when it involves this much money.  Shawn, dude, I hate to ask this but, is something going on between you and John Ross?  Something..... sexual?"

"WHAT?  Oh my God, dude, I CANNOT believe you just asked me that.  You think John Ross and I are having sex?  And you think he's paying me for sex?  You really think that I do that?  Or that your own father would pay your best friend for sex?  Dude, the guy has a super hot wife and you think he's paying a 17-year-old boy to sleep with him?"

"Dude, look, I'm sorry,"  says Alex.  "You're right, that was absolutely nuts.  I don't know what I was thinking.  So.....you didn't get this money from John Ross?"

"No, of course not,"  Shawn lies.  "John Ross has been nothing but kind to me.  He's been like a father to me since my Dad died.  What you saw was John Ross being a father figure.  I needed some advice and so I asked him to meet me that morning."

Alex sighs.  "Okay.  I believe you.  And I'm really sorry I went through your stuff.  I just didn't know what to think.  But dude, where did you get this money?  And don't tell me you worked for it, because I know you don't have a job."

"Actually, bro, I did work for it,."  Shawn says.  

"Doing what?"  Alex asks.

"Alright, I'll tell you,"  Shawn says.  "But you gotta promise not to tell anyone, and I mean ANYONE."

"Okay, I promise."

Shawn picks up his duffle bag and unzips one of the compartments.  He pulls out a small   

clear plastic bag and shows it to his friend. "This is what I've been doing."

Alex looks at the bag.  "Oh my God, dude. You've been selling weed?  Shawn, there's a LOT of money in that envelope, and you've been buying a lotta new clothes and stuff lately.  Are you gonna tell me you got THAT much money from selling weed?"

"Yeah,"  Shawn says.  "Weed and other stuff."

"Like what?"  Alex asks.

"Like.....Xanax,"  replies Shawn.  "My Mom, she gets prescriptions.  She hardly ever takes them anymore, so she doesn't miss them."

"Wow, man, you're selling drugs?  Shawn, are you out of your mind?  That's a crime, dude.  Anybody finds out and you could go to jail."

"Don't you think I know that?  That's why I asked you not to tell anyone.  Alex, if you're really my friend you'll keep your mouth shut.  So can I count on you?"

"Bro, of course you can count on me.  But Shawn, dude, you gotta be careful with this."

"Definitely.  Hey, tonight when we get back from dinner, how about we slip outside and enjoy some of this?"

Alex looks at the bag and smiles.  "Yeah, good idea."

Shawn puts the bag of marijuana back into his duffle bag, and puts it down.  "Well, we'd better get those showers before John Ross and Krystina leave without us."  Shawn smiles at his friend, then leaves the room.

Alex looks at Shawn's bag on the floor.  While Shawn's story sounded convincing, in his own mind, Alex isn't sure he believes it.

Sue Ellen's home....

"Bobby, it's so good to see you,"  Sue Ellen says as Bobby greets her with a kiss.

"Good to see you too, Sue Ellen.  How are you?"

"I'm fine.  How is Ann?  I'll bet she's absolutely ecstatic over that new grandchild."

Bobby smiles.  "She certainly is," he says as Catlin comes down the stairs.

"Bobby, hello,"  Catlin says, greeting his cousin with a handshake.

"Catlin, how's it goin'?"

"Well, all I can say is.....it's going.  How are you?  We heard about what happened in California.  That was crazy."

"Yes, it certainly was."

"And no one was hurt?"  Sue Ellen asks.

"No, everyone is fine, but it was a scary situation for a while,"  Bobby says.

"I'm glad everyone is alright."

"Sue Ellen, what about you?"  Bobby asks.  "How ya holdin' up?  Christopher told me about your arrest.  I can't believe it."

"Yes, this whole thing has been like one long nightmare that I can't wake up from,"  Sue Ellen says.  "If only I could remember the events of that night.  I might be able to remember whether or not I really killed Brittany."

"You would be able to remember what happened that night if Brittany hadn't drugged you,"  Catlin says. "But I know that you did NOT kill Brittany that night."

"I only wish I were as sure.  I've been wracking my brain trying to remember, but all I get are bits and pieces,"  Sue Ellen says.

A look of worry comes over Bobby's face as he thinks back to New Year's Eve.....the night of the Oil Baron's Ball and Brittany's murder, when he found Sue Ellen, with blood on her hands, and cleaned her up before anyone else saw.

"Bobby?"  Catlin calls, snapping him out of his daydream.  

"Huh?"

"Are you alright?"  Catlin asks.  "You looked as if you were deep in thought about something."

"No, I'm fine.  Sue Ellen, as hard as it is, try not to worry.  Jay is a wonderful lawyer, and I'm sure that everything is gonna be alright."

"Thank you, Bobby."

"Sue Ellen, is there anything I can do for you?"  Bobby asks.  "For either of you?"

"Just you're being here helps."

"Well, I'm glad,"  Bobby says with a smile. 

"Bobby, I remember......you were with me that night,"  Sue Ellen says.  "Is there anything that you remember?  Anything that might help fill in the gaps of what I'm unable to remember?"

"Sue Ellen, no, I can't think of anything.  When I found you, you were dazed and very confused.  I took you into an office and tried to get you sobered up."

"Did I say anything?  Did I maybe mention Brittany's name?"

"No, Sue Ellen, you didn't,"  Bobby says, a strange look on his face, a look that does not go unnoticed by Catlin.

Perry's Steakhouse and Grille....

"No, it's fine,"  Pamela says.  "It's just hard to talk about."

"Then ya don't have to.  If you ever are ready to talk, I'm here."

Pamela looks at him for a moment.  "It's really amazing."

"What's amazing?"

"How different you are from the rest of your family.  It's hard to believe that you and John Ross are brothers.   You're nothing like him."

Justin smiles.  "Well, thank you.  But, I have been known to have a few 'John Ross' moments."

At that moment, Pamela flinches, seized by a brief pain.  

"Pamela, are you alright?"

"Yeah, I just......I just had this pain."

"Do you need me to take you home?"  Justin asks.

"Yes.  I think I do need to go home and lie down.  I'm not feeling very well."

"Okay.  Just hold on.  I'll get the check and then we can go."

A worried Pamela places her hand on her stomach, wondering if something could be wrong with her baby.

Katelyn Spencer's apartment....

Katelyn smiles.  "Well, thank you.  I'm glad you liked it."

"I loved it.  Best spaghetti I've ever had,"  Jimmy says. "I'm actually glad that you offered to cook dinner rather than us going out to eat.  Where on earth did you ever learn how to cook like this?"

"Certainly not from my mother,"  Katelyn says, sadly.

"Oh, Katie, I'm sorry,"  Jimmy says.  "You never talked much about your family."

"Because there really isn't much to talk about.  My family is definitely nothing special."

"You're not close to your parents?"

"No, not at all,"  Katelyn replies, her voice laced with sadness.

"I'm really sorry."

"No need to be sorry, Jimmy.  My parents were, shall we say.......not the most loving people.  And my family, well, dysfunctional would be a good word.  Hey, how about desert?" Katelyn asks, quickly changing subjects.

Jimmy smiles.  "I couldn't possibly right now.  Umm, I guess I really should be going."

"Why?  It's still early, and it's Saturday night, so it's not like we have class tomorrow."

"Yeah, you're right.  Okay, I guess I could hang out for a while."

"We could watch a movie,"  says Katelyn.  "I'm sure with all you must have on your mind, you could use a distraction."

"A movie sounds awesome.  And you're right, I definitely do need a distraction."

"Well, why don't you go in the living room and turn on the TV.  Pull Netflix up and find a movie you wanna watch.  Meanwhile, I'll clear the table."

"No,"  Jimmy says with a smile.  "I have a better idea.  Since YOU cooked this wonderful dinner for me, why don't I clear the table and YOU go find us a movie to watch?"

"Well, Jimmy Beaumont, you really are the perfect guy.  Even offering to clear the table for me."

"Go on,"  Jimmy says, standing to his feet.  Find a movie, and I'll have these dishes cleared and loaded in your dishwasher in no time."

"Sure,"  Katelyn says, getting up from the table.   She and Jimmy look at each other for a moment, then Katelyn kisses him, to Jimmy's surprise.  "Jimmy, the dishes can wait,"  she says, then kisses him again.  

After a moment, Jimmy pulls out of the kiss and looks down at her.  "Katie, I......"

"Shhhh.....,"  Katelyn says, putting her hand to his lips.  "Jimmy, please don't say anything.  Right now, all I want is for you to make love to me."

"Katie, I don't think we should do this.  We agreed we were gonna take things slow, remember?  Y'know......see how things go."

"Jimmy, I really don't care how things go after tonight.  I don't wanna think about next week, or next month, or even tomorrow.  Right now, I just want you."

Jimmy looks at her for a moment, then kisses her passionately.  After a few seconds, he looks at her.  "Katie......," he says quietly.  "I want you, too."

Placing her hand on the back of Jimmy's head, Katelyn pulls him back into a kiss.  Within seconds, the two are moving into Katelyn's bedroom, still locked in the kiss, as they proceed to undress each other.  Jimmy pulls his shirt off over his head and tosses it to the floor. Katelyn unbuckles Jimmy's belt and unzips his pants.  Katelyn lays on the bed on her back, Jimmy on top of her, the two still kissing, as they proceed to make love for the first time....

Pamela's apartment....

"I'll try,"  Pamela says.  

"Here, I'll help you,"  Justin says.  "Put your arm around my shoulder."

Pamela does as Justin tells her and places her left arm around him.  He helps her to the door, then suddenly, Pamela stops and falls to the floor in pain.  "Justin, I don't think I can make it," she says.  

"Okay, look, you just hang tight," he says, gently touching her face.  "I'm gonna call 911.  

"Justin.......oh God, I'm scared,"  Pamela cries, almost hysterical.

"Shhhhh.......Pamela, there's no need to be scared.  You're gonna be okay, and so's your baby.  I promise."  

Pamela again screams out in pain as Justin takes his cell phone out and immediately dials 911.  A dispatcher quickly answers.  "911, what is your emergency?"

"Yes, I have a woman here who is in labor, and she's in a lot of pain."

"How far apart are her contractions?"

"Ummm, I don't know,"  Justin replies.  "Pamela, how far apart are your contractions?"

"UGH!!!!  About.....3 minutes,"  she replies.

"About 3 minutes apart,"  Justin tells the dispatcher.  

"What is your address?"

"Umm......"  Justin thinks for a second......."3329 Turtle Creek Blvd., apartment 1503."

"1504!"  Pamela yells.

"Sorry......1504.  Send an ambulance.  And please HURRY!"

As Pamela cries out in agonizing pain again, Justin drops his phone and moves over to her.  

"It's okay, Pamela, you're gonna be okay," he says, rubbing her face.

"Justin, I don't know why this is happening so soon,"  Pamela says in tears.  "But this baby is about to come, and if that ambulance isn't able to get here.......you're gonna have to do this."

"Do.......do what, Pamela?"  Asks a fearful Justin.

"You're gonna have to deliver this baby, Justin."

"Pamela.....I......I don't think I can do that.  I've never....."

"Justin....you have to!"  Pamela begs.  "Please.  I'm so scared something is wrong.  Please, you HAVE TO!!"

"Okay, okay.  I will.  I'll do my best.  I've seen this enough on TV I should be able to do this. What the hell am I sayin'?  This itn't TV.  Nothin' in real life works like it does on TV."

A bar in Dallas....

"Y'know, Bob, I'm real glad you asked us to hang out with ya tonight,"  Ray says.  "There's somethin' I wanted to talk to you about."

"I'm all ears, Ray."

"Well, it's about Heath.  Bob, I really want you to meet him.  And I want the rest of the fam'ly to meet him. I was thinkin' about maybe havin' some sorta fam'ly get together to introduce my son to the rest of the Ewings."

Bobby smiles.  "In much the same way that Daddy introduced you as his son to the family?"

Ray laughs.  "Yeah.  Somethin' like that."

"I think that's a great idea, Ray,"  Bobby says.  "And whenever you're ready to have this little get together, we can do it at Southfork."

"Thanks, Bob, I'd like that."

"You're welcome, Ray,"  Bobby says, noticing the look of concern on Donna's face.  He wants to question her about her feelings where Heath is concerned, but he knows he can't in front of Ray.

"Well, well,"  comes the familiar and unwelcome voice of Cliff Barnes from behind Bobby.  "They'll let just anybody in these bars, won't they?"  Cliff asks, walking up to their table with Afton.

"And you're sure proof of that, Barnes,"  Ray says.

Cliff laughs at the comment.  "That's very funny."

"What the hell do you want, Cliff?"  Bobby asks.

"I wanted to ask about my daughter.  How is Emma?  She should be about ready to have her baby, shouldn't she?"

"Emma already HAD the baby, Cliff.  A couple days ago.  She had a little boy."

The smile quickly disappears from Cliff's face.   "What?  You've GOTTA be kidding me.  My daughter had a baby and neither you nor your wife, her MOTHER, thought it important enough to inform me?"

"It's not that we didn't think Emma having the baby was important enough, Cliff,"  Bobby says.  "It's just that we didn't think that YOU were important enough."

"Still think you're high and mighty, don't you?"  Cliff asks, angry.  "But ya know what, Bobby?  One day very soon, you Ewings are gonna get what's comin' to ya, and I'm gonna be the one to make sure that happens."

"Cliff, you've been makin' that same threat for forty years, and every time you've tried coming up against us Ewings, you're the one who's ended up getting what was coming to you, so I'd advise you NOT to try and wage war against me or my family again."

"Is that a threat?"

"Cliff, come on, let's go to our table,"  Afton says.

"Why don't you just listen to the lady, Barnes, and move along, before there's trouble?"  Ray asks.

"Oh, there's definitely gonna be trouble,"  says Cliff.  "But it's gonna be for you Ewings, NOT for me."

"Afton, I really am surprised you're still hangin' around with this guy after all this time,"  Bobby says. "I thought you had better taste than that."

"Yeah, you go to hell!"  Cliff says angrily.

"Cliff, come on,"  Afton says, taking him by the arm.

"Have a miserable evening,"  Cliff says, then walks away with Afton.

"Is it my imagination, or does Cliff Barnes become more and more of a jerk the older he gets?"  Ray asks.

"It's definitely NOT your imagination,"  Donna says.

Meanwhile, Cliff and Afton take seats at their table.  "Was it really necessary to antagonize Bobby like that?"

"Well that really ticks me off that he and that wife of his didn't think I had a right to know that my grandchild had been born."

"Does that really surprise you, given how both Bobby and Ann feel about you, Cliff?"

"Yeah, well, with the help of my son and Tripp, soon I'm gonna knock the Ewings down off their high horse, and I cannot WAIT for that day."

Pamela's apartment....

"I know, I know it hurts, sweetheart, but come on,"  Justin says.  "Give me a good push."

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!"  Pamela screams as she makes another attempt to push.

"Okay, Pamela, you're doin' great,"  Justin says.  "Now, I need you to give me one more big push."

"I.......Justin, I'm scared,"  Pamela says, breathing hard.  

"It's okay,"  Justin says.  "You're doin' just great.  Nothin' to be scared of.  I won't let anything happen to you, or your baby.  You just gotta give me one more good push."

Pamela cries out in agony as she gives one final push.

As Pamela's tiny baby enters the world, Justin grabs the infant and picks the child up.  "Pamela.....he's beautiful," Justin says as the baby begins to cry.  "You have a beautiful little boy."

Pamela begins crying.  "My baby......is he alright?"  She asks as the child cries.

Justin looks at the infant and smiles.  "He's fine.  Pamela, he looks perfect."  Justin grabs a towel and gently begins cleaning the baby, then he brings the baby to Pamela and lays him in her arms.  

"My little boy,"  she says in tears.  

At that moment, there is a knock at the door.  Justin stands to his feet, walks over, and opens the door to the paramedics.  "Come in,"  Justin says.  "You're just in time."

The paramedics walk in and see Pamela lying on the floor, a blanket and Justin's shirt under her, holding her newborn son.  "Well, looks like we're a little late," one of the young paramedics says.

"Nope, you boys are right on time,"  Justin says.  

"Well, we'll check the baby out and make sure everything is okay, then we'll take the mother and child to the hospital,"  the paramedic says.  

A smiling Justin looks on as the second paramedic take the baby from Pamela and begins to examine him.

Katelyn Spencer's apartmemt....the next morning

"What's going on?"  Pamela asks, waking up.

"Sweetheart, are you alright?"  Afton asks, rushing to her daughter's bedside.

"Mom?  Daddy?"

"Yes, Pammy, we're here,"  Cliff says.

"I'm glad you're here.  Have you seen the baby?"

"No, we haven't,"  Afton replies.  "We came straight here when the hospital called."

"It wasn't the hospital that called you,"  says Justin.  "It was me."

"YOU called us?"  Afton asks.

"Now maybe you'll answer my question,"  says Cliff.  "What the hell were you doing with my daughter last night, and why did you spend the night here in her room?"

Pamela looks up at Justin.  "You.....you stayed all night?"

"Yeah, I sure did.  I slept very comfortably right there in that chair."

"Okay, now you can go."  Cliff says.

"No,"  Pamela says.  "I want him to stay."

"Pamela, what is going on here?  WHY is J.R.'s son here?"

"Daddy.....if it hadn't been for Justin, I don't know what would've happened last night.  I went into premature labor.  Justin was there for me.  He delivered my baby."

Afton looks at the young man.  "You delivered my grandson?"

"Yes, I did."

"Thank you."

"My pleasure.  It was a real miracle,"  Justin says looking at Pamela with a smile.  Cliff and Afton take note with concern as Pamela returns Justin's smile.

The Krebbs Ranch....

"Morning, guys,"  Conner says.  "My God, you both look TERRIBLE."

"Thank you,"  Donna says sarcastically.

"What did you guys do last night?"  

"Ray thought that it would be a good idea to go out on the town with Bobby, the way we all use to do when we were younger."

"Aren't you guys a little old for that?"  Conner asks.

"Now ya tell us,"  Ray says.  

Conner laughs at the comment.

"Did you and Dylan have fun at the movies last night?"  Donna asks.

"Yes, we did.  We saw the movie, then went and played some miniature golf for a while.  It was a real nice evening.  And it was fun spending time with my brother, just the two of us, for a change."

"I'm glad that you did that,"  says Donna.  "And speaking of Dylan, is he still asleep?"

"Yeah, I think so,"  replies Conner.

Meanwhile....Dylan's bedroom upstairs...

After a moment, he walks over to his dresser and pauses for afew seconds, then opens the top drawer. Reaching under some clothes, he pulls out a bottle. 

Dylan stares at the bottle in his hand for a long time.  Finally, he opens the bottle and takes a sip.  After a pause, he takes a second drink, then a third and a fourth.  Placing the cap on the bottle, he sighs deeply.  He puts the bottle back into his drawer, then after another brief pause, takes the bottle out again, takes another sip, then replaces the cap and walks over to his closet.  

"This is EXACTLY what I want,"  Christopher says.  "I want us to be a family, Courtney.  You, me, and Jacob, and since you don't want Joseph Gioberti, or Chase Gioberti to know that Joseph is Jacob's father, then I'm the logical choice to be a father to him."

"It's no wonder I fell in love with you,"  Courtney says.  "You know what I think?"

"No.  What do you think?"

"I think.......no, I don't think.  I KNOW that my son could not ask for a better, more loving father, and I couldn't ask for a better husband."

Christopher grabs Courtney and pulls her into a kiss.

Southfork....early afternoon....

"Yeah, even Lucas and John Ross seem to be getting along better today,"  says Lucy.

"It's good to see the boys playing nice for a change,"  Krystina says.

"Amen to that," says Heather.

Bobby comes out of the house and waves to the woman.  He smiles when he sees his son and grandson playing basketball with J.R.'s son and grandson right here at Southfork, the family home for generations.  Bobby's smile is one of both relief and pride-------relief that his son Lucas and nephew John Ross seemed to be putting aside their differences to enjoy a game with their sons, and pride as he thinks about all the Ewings of the generation under him, and the generation under that one.  The Ewing family and the number of Jock and Miss Ellie's descendants had grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, and Bobby was confident that, when the time comes for his generation to pass on, the family, the Ewing name, and the legacy that his mother and father had left would continue on for a long time to come.  Bobby knew that Jock and Miss Ellie would be proud at the thought of the sheer number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren they now had. Then there were other branches of the family that had now come into their lives.....his cousin Jack's two boys Conner and Dylan, and Bobby's distant cousin Catlin Ewing and his son had now become close to the family as well.  

A car drives up and comes to a stop a distance from the basketball court, breaking Bobby's train of thought.  Charlie gets out of the car, and John Ross and the other stop their game.

"Mom," Alex says, meeting his mother.  

"Hi, sweetheart."

"What are you doing here?  I'm not due to be home until tonight."

"I know that.  Relax.  I came over to talk to John Ross."

"Charlie,"  Bobby says, walking out to her.  

"Hi, Bobby,"  Charlie says, greeting her one time father figure with a kiss.

"How are ya?"

"I'm just fine,"  Charlie replies.  

"Hey, sis,"  Lucas yells, waving at his sister.

"Hi, Lucas."

"Charlie, what brings you over today?"  John Ross asks, approaching them.

"I need to talk to you."

"Sure thing.  So talk."

"In private, John Ross,"  Charlie says.

"Mom, what's going on?"  Asks a nervous Alex.  "Am I in some kinda trouble?"

"No, honey, of course not,"  Charlie replies.  "I just need to talk to John Ross about something, that's all.  it's nothing for you to worry about."

"Let's take a walk,"  John Ross says.

"Charlie, after you're finished talking, let's visit for a while and catch up," says Bobby.  

"I'd love to, Bobby,"  Charlie says.  As Bobby heads back to the house, John Ross and Charlie walk away from the others, Alex watching his parents with worry and curiosity.  

Meanwhile, Charlie and John Ross are walking and stop near the house.  "Okay, so what'd you wanna talk to me about?"

"It's about Alex."

"So what's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong,"  Charlie says.  She pauses a moment and sighs.  "John Ross, I got a phone call last night from a friend of mine in New York.  I've been offered a job."

"A job?"  John Ross asks.  "In New York?"

"Yes."

"And you're plannin' on takin' Alex with you?"

"That's what I came to talk to you about."

"Damn it, Charlie, I just started gettin' close to my son not too long ago, and now you wanna take him back to New York?"

"John Ross, just listen to me,"  Charlie says.  "This job is a wonderful opportunity for me.  One that would be very hard for me to pass up.  It's only for about six months.  And here's the thing.  As far as Alex is concerned, he's 17.  So, I'm gonna let him choose what he wants to do.......come to New York with me, or stay here with you.  John Ross, in all honesty, as much as I want my son with me, I'd rather he stay here with you."

"You serious?"  John Ross asks.

"When wwe lived in New York, after Phillip died, Alex was running with a bad crowd.  He was in trouble, getting suspended from school on a monthly basis, and he had an attitude from hell.  That's one reason I wanted to leave New York, aside from my cancer, was to get Alex away from that environment.  Since he's been here, he's changed so much.  He's like a completely different kid from the one I brought here a little over two years ago.  He has good friends like Shawn, and his whole family is here, including Lucas and my mother.  I'm gonna leave the decision up to him, but, I think he would be better off staying here.  I also don't wanna uproot him this close to the end of the school year, and especially since he'll be a senior next year."

"Alright,"  John Ross says.  "I think that's a great idea.  Sure, I would love for Alex to stay here at Southfork with me and Krystina."

"You sure this will be alright with Krystina?"  Charlie asks.  "I mean you have Little John and I'm sure the two of you have been thinking about starting a family of your own."

"Krystina loves Alex and he's crazy about her, so yes, it'll be fine with her."

"Good.  John Ross, don't say anything to Alex about this.  I'm gonna talk to him tonight when he comes home."

"I won't say a word."

"Thank you,"  Charlie says.

"Charlie......thank YOU.  We sure have come a long way in the last two years,"  John Ross says. "From you not even wantin' me to know that Alex is my son, to you lettin' him spend time with me, and now, you're gonna let him live with me."

Charlie smiles.  "Well, John Ross, you've proved me wrong.  I had a lot of concerns about you having a relationship with Alex, but, you've really been a good father to him.  Alex has also told me how you've become like a father figure to Shawn since his own father died.  Just..... please don't prove me wrong about this and make me regret leaving my son here with you."

Sue Ellen's home....late afternoon

"Jay, please, tell me the truth,"  Sue Ellen says.  "How bad is this for me?"

Jay looks at her and sighs.  "Sue Ellen, I wish I could be more optimistic.  I'm gonna be completely honest with you.  Right now, things look bad, for a number of reasons.  Number one, you had a very bad history with the victim, Brittany Ewing.  The two of you'd had several public confrontations. Number two, Brittany Ewing was the only thing standing in the way of you and Catlin truly being together since she was fighting the divorce. Number three, the night Brittany Ewing was murdered at the Oil Baron's Ball, you were totally out of it."

"That's because Sue Ellen had been drugged by Brittany,"  Catlin says.

"I know that.  But the drugs in Sue Ellen's system caused her to either lose all memory of what happened that night, or........"  Jay pauses a moment.

"Or what, Jay?"  Sue Ellen asks.

"Or, something happened that night while you were in a drugged and confused state that was so traumatic that it caused you to block out all memory of the event."

"Something traumatic?  Something like killing Brittany?"  Sue Ellen asks in tears.

"Come on, Jay, you can't honestly believe that Sue Ellen killed Brittany,"  says Catlin.

"It doesn't matter what I believe, Catlin,"  Jay says.  "What matters is what a jury believes. The grand jury convenes this week, which means that, unless we can come up with some evidence to prove Sue Ellen didn't kill Brittany.......or unless we can find SOMEONE who saw you that night and can provide an alibi.........you're probably gonna be indicted, Sue Ellen. I just wanna prepare you.  Now, with that said, I do not believe that you killed Brittany Ewing in cold blood.  I'm not even convinced you killed her at all.  We have our work cut out for us. But I can guarantee that I'm gonna fight like hell to win you an acquittal."

Sue Ellen looks at the young lawyer and nods.

Southfork....that night

Bobby, Lucas, Heather, John Ross, Krystina, and Lucy are gathered in the den at Southfork after dinner that evening for drinks.  Bobby pours a drink and hands it to Lucas.  "Thank you,"  Lucas says.

"You're welcome, son."

"So Lucas, did Charlie tell you when she would be starting her job in New York?"  Krystina asks.

"In a few days,"  Lucas replies.  "She's gonna be flying up there day after tomorrow, and then, I guess she'll probably leave by the end of the week."

"John Ross, you must be happy that Alex is gonna be stayin' here,"  says Heather.

"I am.  If he decides to stay."

"I'm sure he will,"  Bobby says.  "Alex seems to be very happy here."

"True, he is, and nothin' would make me happier than to have my son livin' here at Southfork."

At that moment, Christopher and Courtney enter the foyer, holding hands, then walk into the den.  "Good evening," Christopher says with a smile.

"Well, look who's back,"  Lucy says.

"Welcome home, you, two,"  Bobby says.

"Thanks, Dad."

"So how'd it go in L.A.?"  Heather asks.

Christopher and Courtney exchange looks and smile at each other.  "Things actually went better than we ever could've imagined," replies Courtney.

"Really?"  Lucas asks.

"Does that mean you're gonna get custody of your son?"  Krystina asks.

"We're working on that,"  says Christopher.  "We confronted Adam and Jennifer Reed with what we know about Jacob's illegal adoption, and first thing tomorrow the Reeds are gonna be served with court papers.  But, what Courtney meant when she said that things went better than we could've expected is........well, we have some news."

"What kind of news?"  Bobby asks.

"Some really good news, Dad.  Courtney and I were married last night."

The assembled Ewings all react with pleasant shock at the news.  "What?"  Asks a happy Heather.

"You two got married?"  Lucy happily asks.

"Yes we did."

"Oh my God, CONGRATULATIONS, big brother!"  Lucas says, giving his brother a hug.

"Thank  you, thank you,"  Christopher says.

Bobby walks over to his son and new daughter-in-law.  "Congratulations to you both," he says, hugging his son.  "Courtney, welcome to this crazy family."

"Thank you, Bobby."

John Ross and Krystina walk over.  "Well, congratulations, cousin," John Ross says, shaking Christopher's hand.

"Thanks, John Ross."

"Courtney, 'bout time you made this cousin of mine an honest man,"  John Ross says, kissing the bride on the cheek.

"Courtney, I'm so happy for you,"  Krystina says.  "You're a welcome addition to the family."

"Thanks, guys."

"Well, we've got a little celebratin' to do,"  says Bobby.  "Courtney, have you called your mother?"

"Yes, I called her when we were on the way from the airport.  She's flying in to Dallas in a couple of days to see us."

Bobby smiles.  "Well, that's wonderful.  It'll be great to see Phyllis, especially now that we're in-laws.  Oh, and I have to call Ann, too."

"Dad, let me do it,"  says Christopher.  "I'd like to be the one to tell her."

"You bet, son,"  Bobby says, giving Christopher a smile and a wink.

Brad Stone's apartment....the next morning

Brad is sitting in his living room the next morning drinking coffee and reading the Dallas Morning News when his doorbell rings. "Coming," he says as he stands and walks to the door. He opens the door and Marilee barges in.

"Mornin'," she says.

"Mother, please.....DO come in," Brad says, annoyed at his mother's intrusion so early in the morning.  

"I have some news,"  Marilee says.

"Well, since you came barging over here this early, it had better be good news."

"It is.  I have a friend in the district attorney's office who told me that the grand jury is meeting this week."

"Yeah.......so?"  Brad asks.

"Sooo......chances are Sue Ellen Ewing will be brought up for indictment in that little witch Brittany's murder,"  says Marilee. "I mean the evidence against her must be overwhelming."

"And your 'friend' in the D.A.'s office told you this?"  Brad asks.  "Isn't that information supposed to be confidential or classified or something?  Must be a REALLY good friend you have.  Never mind, Mother, I don't wanna know."

"Well, my darling, if Sue Ellen is indicted for that woman's murder, then you and I would no longer be considered suspects.  It stands to reason.  We gain from this."

Brad smiles.  "You're ALL heart, Mother.  I thought you and Sue Ellen use to be friends."

"That was YEARS ago,"  Marilee says.  "Besides, friend or no, better Sue Ellen Ewing go down for this than you or I."

"Should I ask?  Do you have something to hide, or more importantly, something to fear as far as Brittany's murder is concerned?"  Brad asks.

"Of course not.  But, I still believe in having all my bases covered.  With Sue Ellen on the hook, everyone else is off."

"Well, as much as I would love to continue this lovely conversation, I have to get dressed for work.  I have an early meeting."

"So what's going on with Stone Oil?  What's your meeting about?"

"Mother, you've been out of the oil business for many years,"  says Brad.  "You thinking about getting back in the saddle?"

"Well, you know I could be invaluable to you at the company,"  Marilee says.

"Thanks, Mother, but, NO thanks.  Now, if you'll excuse me, as I said, I have an early meeting."

"Well, you could at least tell me who you're meeting is with."

"The meeting is with my father, Cliff Barnes," Brad says.  "Remember him?  The father you kept me from knowing about for almost 38 years?"

"You're doing business with Cliff Barnes? Or are you letting him into your company?"

"That's none of your business, Mother. Now, excuse me, please, I have to finish getting ready for work, then I'm stopping by the hospital to see Pamela on my way to the office.  She had her baby Saturday night."

"Well, I'll talk to you later, then,"  Marilee says.  "I just wanted to share the news with you of Sue Ellen's impending indictment."  Marilee smiles at her son, then quickly leaves.

Braddock High School....

"She told me that she has a new job,"  Alex replies.  "Back in New York."

"New York?  Your Mom got a job in New York?  So she's gonna be moving?"

"Yeah.  Probably by the end of the week."

"Oh, dude, that sucks,"  Shawn says.  "So, you're gonna be moving, too?"

Alex close his locker and looks at his friend.  "No.  My Mom said that she was gonna let me decide whether I wanted to go back to New York with her or stay here with John Ross.  I decided to stay.  I'm gonna be moving into Southfork."

"Bro, that is AWESOME,"  says an excited Shawn.  "Ya had me scared there for a minute that I was gonna lose my best friend."

"Yeah,"  Alex says sadly.  "Well, all my friends are here now, and all my family.  And you.  Plus, I don't wanna change schools now, ya know?"

"You don't seem too happy about being able to stay,"  Shawn says.

"I am.  I'm just really gonna miss my Mom, dude,"  Alex says.

Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital....

"You're gonna name him after me?"  Justin asks.

"Who else?   I would name him Justin, but, that might be a little confusing.  Justin if it weren't for you, my baby might not be here. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't been there.  The labor was so fast, the ambulance never would've made it in time."

"I'm glad I was there.  And I'm very honored that you wanna name the little guy after me, but don't you think his father might object?"

A sad expression crosses Pamela's face as she lowers her head.  "That won't be a problem."

"Well, I know that you and your husband are separated, but......"

"Justin.......Tripp isn't the baby's father."

"Oh, I see.  Pamela, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to......"

"No, it's fine.  This is very difficult for me to talk about, but, I think you have a right to know. Several months ago, my Mom and I were kidnapped.  We were held captive for days and days."

"Yeah, I remember hearin' about that,"  Justin says.

"The man who kidnapped us, Scott Van Buren, was the son of my Mom's ex-husband. He was really sick and twisted. Justin.......he raped me.  Scott Van Buren is Randall's father, the man who raped me."

"Oh my God,"  Justin says, taking a seat beside her. "Pamela, I'm so sorry.  That had to be awful."

"It was."

"Is that why you and Tripp are separated?"  Justin asks.

"Yes.  Tripp couldn't accept the fact that this child was Van Buren's.  He wanted me to have an abortion.  And when I refused, he......"

"Oh my God,"  Justin says.  "He left you because you refused to abort your unborn child?  What the hell kinda man does that?"

"I wondered that, myself.  Which is why.......I don't think my marriage can ever be repaired now."

"I'm so sorry.  God, what a jerk."

At that moment, a quick knock comes at the door, then Tripp walks in.  He stops in the doorway, surprised to see Justin.  "Pamela,"  Tripp says.

"Tripp.  What are you doing here?  Is Hunter okay?"

"Yeah, Hunter's fine,"  Tripp says, looking at Justin harshly.  "He's with your mother.  So how are you?"

"I'm fine."

"And the baby?"

"He's fine, too.  As if you even care."

"Pamela, can we talk?"  Tripp asks.  "In private?"

"Pamela, if you want me to stay,"  Justin says.

"No, it's okay,"  Pamela says.  

"What the hell are you even doing here, anyway?"  Tripp asks.  

Justin looks at Pamela, then at Tripp.  "I'm being here for your wife.  Somethin' YOU should be doin'," he says, then walks past Tripp and out of the room.

"Who the hell does that guy think he is?"  Tripp asks after Justin leaves.  "And what is John Ross Ewing's brother doing here in the first place?"

"Just what he said.  He's been here for me when you weren't.  Justin was with me when I went into labor Saturday night.  He delivered my baby."

"He was WITH you?  Meaning what, Pamela?"

"Tripp, why do you even care?  You left me, remember?  You walked out on me when I needed you."

"And you know why."

"Yes, I do,"  Pamela says.  "Because you tried to force me to choose between you and my child, and you couldn't handle it when I chose my child.  So as far as I'm concerned, you and I have nothing more to say to one another.  And you have no say in what I do or who I choose to see."

"If you feel that way, then I guess we really don't have anything else to say.  I see no reason for us to drag this out any longer."

"Meaning what?" Pamela asks.  

"Meaning, maybe we should think about just ending this marriage now,"  says Tripp.

"Maybe we should.  And I think you should leave."

"Fine.  But just know one thing, Pamela.  If we are gonna end this marriage, you'd better think long and hard before you hook up with John Ross's brother.  Because there's no way in hell I'll let him or any other Ewing anywhere near my son."

"Get out, Tripp.  Just get THE HELL OUT OF HERE!!"

Tripp angrily storms out of the room.  As he heads down the hall, he sees Justin and approaches him.  "Look, I want you to stay the hell away from my wife," he says.

"Your wife?"  Justin asks.  "You hadn't treated Pamela like your wife in a long time.  She told me how you just walked out on her when she refused to have an abortion at your command. What the hell kind of a man are you, anyway, to demand that your wife kill her baby?"

"Listen to me, you son of a bitch,"  Tripp says.  "You don't wanna start somethin' with me."

"Oh, I don't?"  Justin asks.  "Is this where I'm supposed to be scared?  Let me tell you somethin', McKay.  I'm J.R. Ewing's son.  Maybe I never met my Daddy, but, I still learned all of his tricks, and how to fight usin' his rules, so if you wanna start somethin' with ME........I'll more'n happily oblige."

Tripp looks at him for a moment.  "This isn't over, Ewing.  I don't give a damn what you do with Pamela, but if I ever catch you around my son, I'll make you regret the day you were born."

Justin smiles.  "Oh, I'm real scared now, McKay."

"You'd better be,"  Tripp says, then turns and walks away.

"Jackass,"  Justin says.

Southfork....early afternoon