EPISODE 204 - A Killer At Large

Nervously looking around her, and looking over her shoulder, Ann cautiously makes her way from her car to the spot Brian had specified in his note to her......the spot where she was to leave the money.  Even though it was late spring, it was an unseasonably cold night, with temperatures in the mid-50s.  Even though she is wearing a coat, Ann shivers in the cold night air, more out of fear than out of actual cold.  Reaching the destination spot, Ann leaves the two briefcases on top of each other inside a large and full bush next to the footbridge at the park, just as Brian had instructed.  Unknown to Ann, Bum is watching from nearby.  Not far from him are three more of his 

Across the street, Brian opens his eyes suddenly, snapping out of his "daydream."  Raising the binoculars to his eyes, he again looks across the street at the park. He picks up Emma's cell phone from beside him and quickly dials the number of his teenage minion, realizing he has to stop the boy before he comes to pick the money up and falls into a trap.  After the first ring, the boy picks up.  "Where are you?"  Brian asks.

 

"Heading into the park now,"  the boy replies.

 

"Well DON'T,"  Brian orders.  "Turn around and leave, NOW.  It's a trap."

 

Meanwhile, across the street, the boy stops as he is about to enter the park.  "Dude, what do you mean a trap?"  He asks Brian on the other end of the line.  

 

"Just turn around and get the hell out of there as fast as you can.  I'll call you to meet me in fifteen minutes.  I'll tell you where to meet when I call back."  Brian quickly hangs up.

 

Looking around him nervously, the teenager quickly turns and runs away from the park as fast as he can, heeding Brian's warning.  Meanwhile, in the park, Bum and his men remain in place, watching for anyone who will come and pick up the ransom money, completely unaware that their cover has been blown....

 "Come in,"  Bobby says, welcoming Bum and one of his men into the living room at Southfork at daybreak the next morning.  

 

"Bobby, I just don't understand it,"  says Bum.  "We waited there ALL night."'

 

"And no one showed up?"

 

"Nope.  Not a soul.  We figured we'd better retrieve the money and get the hell out of there before daylight and before people started comin' to the park."

 

"What the hell could've gone wrong?"  Bobby asks.  "Bum, is it possible this kidnapper, or whoever was supposed to pick up the ransom could've seen you or one of your men?"

 

"I don't think so, Bobby.  We were real careful."

 

"Still, anything's possible,"  the other man says.

 "Okay, so what do we do now?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Only thing we CAN do is sit tight and wait to see if this kidnapper contacts Ann again,"  Bum replies. 

 

"Could be that this whole thing was a test,"  says Bobby.  "That kidnapper, IF he's real, could've been out there waiting and watching all night.  He could've seen you come out and pick up that ransom money.  And if that's the case.......then in his mind, Ann failed his test.  And that could mean......."  Bobby pauses for a moment as a worried look crosses his face and he sighs.  "That could mean he might hurt Emma for revenge, or worse."

 

Bum and Bobby exchange worried looks.

A secluded, abandoned school on the outskirts of Dallas....

 Brian is sitting on top of an old desk at an abandoned elementary school building just on the outskirts of Dallas that morning eating an apple when he hears someone enter the building.  Taking his hand gun from his pocket, he cautiously walks to the door of the room he's in and waits.  The teenage boy who has been working with him walks in.  "Hey, what the hell?"  The boy asks when he sees Brian with the gun.

 

"It's about time,"  Brian says.  "Where the hell have you been?  What took you so long?"

 

"Sorry, dude, I had to wait for my Mom to leave for work.  Why did you wanna meet here?"

 

"Because this place is secluded, and abandoned.  Okay, so, we're gonna have to come up with a new plan since last night's plan was........derailed."

 

"Look, bro,"  the boy says.  "I really don't wanna do this anymore.  I don't even know what this is about."

 

"You know all you need to know, which is that I paid you real good to deliver that note to Ann Ewing, and to pick up those two briefcases for me last night, which, unfortunately, you never got to do."

 

"I know you did, and I could really use the money, but, all this cloak and  dagger crap......it makes me nervous.  I mean, I know you paid me well to do this stuff for you and to not ask any questions, but, I really don't wanna get in any trouble.  I don't even know who you are.  For all I know, you might be a drug dealer or a human trafficker or something, which would explain all this secrecy.  I just want out. I'm sorry I ever agreed to take that lady that note for you."

 

  

Brian looks at the boy angrily.  "Let me tell you somethin', kid,"  Brian says.  "You're out of this when I say you're out of it. Understood?"

 

"Nah, man,"  the boy says.  "That's it.  I'm not doin' this anymore."  He takes some money from his pocket and holds it out to Brian.  "Just take your money back.  I don't need it that bad.  I'm outta here."  The boy lays the money on a desk, then turns and starts to leave.  

 

Brian angrily goes after the boy, grabbing him and forcing him against a wall.  "Now you listen to me, you little punk,"  Brian says, his hand around the boy's throat.  "You WILL do as I ask, unless you want somethin' REAL bad happening to your family.......your mom and your sister."

 

"What?"  The boy asks, struggling to breathe with Brian's hand around his throat.

 

"I know where you live because I followed you yesterday,"  Brian says.  "I know all about your mom and your sister.  I have a couple friends working with me, and one word from me, and somethin' awful will happen to your family, and then to you.  So, you and I are gonna make us a new deal.  You're gonna do exactly as I say, for however long I tell you, and you're not gonna say a word about this or about me to ANYONE, and I let you and your mother and sister live.  You refuse to do as I say, or if you tell a single soul, or betray me in any way, and I'll make sure that you and your family are cut up into so many pieces they won't even be able to identify you.  Do I make myself clear?"  Using his free hand, Brian holds up Emma's cell phone and shows the boy a photo on the  phone.......a photo of his house.  He then scrolls to a photo of a young girl, taken from afar, obviously the boy's sister.

 

"Dude, please, don't hurt my mom or my sister,"  the terrified teenager pleads in tears.  

 

"Then you'll do everything I say?"  

 

"Yes.  I'll do what you say, just please don't hurt them."

 

Brian looks at him and  smiles.  "Now, that's much better,"  he says, releasing his grip on the boy's throat.  "Right now, you go on back home, and wait for me to call you.  Once I get in touch with Ann Ewing, we're gonna try this thing again.  And you're gonna help me.  So go on, take your money and get out of here.  I'll call you in a little while."

 

Tears falling down his face, the boy picks up the money from the desk where he had lain it and starts to leave.

 

"Cameron?"  Brian says to him.  The boy stops and turns back and looks at him.  "Just remember, that I or my friends can get to your mother and sister any time.  So don't try and double cross me.  Don't even THINK about it."

 

The boy looks at him and nods, then runs out of the room.  Brian hears the door down the hallway leading outside open and close as Cameron leaves, then he laughs.  

 

"Well,"  Brian says to himself.  "I guess I'd better get in touch with Ann Ewing again."

Southfork....

 Ann is standing at the French doors in her and Bobby's bedroom looking out over the ranch when Bobby walks onto the bedroom.  He pauses for a moment and watches his wife.  "Annie?"  He finally says.  

 

"Oh, Bobby, you startled me."

 

"I'm sorry."

 

"Why haven't I heard anything, Bobby?  I delivered that ransom money at 11 o'clock last night, the exact time the kidnapper told me to.  Why haven't I heard anything?  Why hasn't the kidnapper or Emma contacted me to let me know that she's alright and that's she's been released?"

 

Bobby looks at her and sighs.  "Because the kidnapper never showed up to collect the ransom."

 

"What?  Bobby, how could you know that?"  Ann asks.

 

"Because I had Bum and some of his men follow you last night when you went to deliver the money to the park."

 

"You did what?  Bobby, how could you do that?  Don't you realize that you've probably put Emma's life in danger?  That kidnapper probably saw those men and......"

 

"Bum assured me that they were careful."

 

"Careful?  Then why didn't the kidnapper show up to get the money he asked for?"

 

"I don't know,"  Bobby says.  

 

"I can't believe that you would do that."

 

"Honey, I had to.  I had no way of knowing whether or not you were walkin' into a trap, so I had to protect you."

 

"Oh my God, Bobby,"  Ann cries.  "What if the kidnapper knew I was followed to the park?  What if he's already hurt Emma, or worse?"

 

"Honey, I think we should contact the police."

 

"No.  If Emma is still alive, I can't.......I WON'T take that chance.  Bobby, you've already interfered enough.  Please, do me a favor and just stay OUT of it,"  Ann says, then walks past Bobby and leaves the room.  

Pamela and Justin's apartment....

 "Brad, come in,"  Pamela says, welcoming Brad into her and Justin's apartment that morning.  

 

"Thank you,"  Brad cheerfully says as he walks into the apartment.  "So how's my favorite sister this morning?"

 

"Boy, you're sure in a good mood this morning."

 

"I have every reason to be,"  Brad says.  "I've filed a petition with the court to legally change my name from Stone to Barnes."

 

"Really?"  Pamela asks.

 

"You sound surprised," says Brad.  

 

"Truthfully, I am."

 

"You shouldn't be.  After all, it was what our father wanted in his will.  For me to change my last name from Stone to Barnes and TRULY become a member of this family."

 

"I'll bet Marilee was just thrilled with your decision,"  Pamela says.

 

Brad lets out a laugh.  "Yeah, she wasn't too happy."

 

"I have a feeling there's more to your good mood than just changing your last name."

 

"There is.  I have some more good news.  I have a job, finally."

 

Pamela smiles.  "Well, that's great.  A job where?  Doing what?"

 

"Doing what I know best.........the oil business,"  Brad says.  "My job is at Westar."

 

"At Westar?"  Pamela asks, surprised.  "You got a job at WESTAR working for Shawn Smith?"

 

"More like working WITH  Shawn."

 

"Brad, are you out of your mind?  This is such a bad idea."

 

"Why?  I need a job, and so I went to the kid and offered him my services."

 

"Your.......services?"  Pamela asks.  "Meaning what?"

 

"Meaning......Shawn Smith is just a kid.  And real green, at that.  He doesn't know the first thing about running a company like Westar.  So, that's where I come in.  I'm gonna help him run the company, and teach him the ropes of the oil business."

 

"In exchange for what?"

 

"In exchange for this opportunity, and for getting back on my feet again."

 

"This doesn't have anything to do with the Ewings, does it?"  Pamela asks, as Justin walks into the living room.  

 

"Hey, I hear my name?"  Justin asks, kissing Pamela.  "Mornin', Brad."

 

"Justin,"  Brad says in a cold tone.  

 

"What's goin' on?"  Justin asks.

 

"My brother was just telling me about his new job at Westar,"  replies Pamela.  

 

Justin looks at his brother-in-law.  "You got a job at Westar?"

 

"I sure did."

 

"Well, congratulations."

 

"Thank you."

 

"Well, I hate to run, but I have a meetin' downtown with Jay Smithfield," says Justin.  "He wants to talk about Tim Martin's case.  Jay's got a new trial date scheduled for Tim."

 

"That's great.  Give Jay my love,"  Pamela says.

 

"I will.  I'll be back soon."  Justin kisses his wife again.  "Brad, take care."

 

"Yeah, uh-huh,"  Brad rudely says as Justin leaves.  "Tim Martin?  Who's that?"

 

"He's a young inmate at the prison where Justin was wrongly incarcerated.  He's helping Tim get a new trial."

 

Brad smiles.  "So your husband's interested in social work now, huh?"

 

"Just trying to help a friend who got a raw deal,"  Pamela says.  "Now, about this new job of yours.......Brad, this is a terrible idea.  I cannot stress to you enough how terrible an idea this is for you to work for Shawn Smith."

 

"Why, Pamela?  Why does it bother you so much? The kid needs my help and my experience.  Besides, with Clay Beaumont working at Westar, Shawn is gonna need all the help he can get to keep an eye on Beaumont because, as I pointed out to Shawn, Clay Beaumont has Ewing blood in his veins and when push comes to shove, Beaumont's gonna side with the Ewings."

 

"What this is really about isn't you getting a job to get back on your feet, is it?"  Pamela asks.  "This is about you using Westar as a means to fight the Ewings."

 

"I don't know what you're talking about,"  Brad says.

 

"Oh, I think you know exactly what I'm talking about.  I'm talking about you continuing this ridiculous feud with the Ewings that should end now that our father is dead.  Brad, don't follow that same road that Daddy followed all those years.  Let this stupid feud rest in peace, and tell Shawn Smith that you can't work for him."

 

"Now why would I wanna tell him that?  Pamela, I need a job.  And no one else has been beating my door down to give me one."

 

"Then I'll talk to Justin.  Jimmy runs Ewing Records but Justin still owns it.  He could get you something there."

 

"At a record company, are you KIDDING me?"  Brad asks.  "Pamela, I'm an oil man, I don't know the first thing about the record business, nor do I want to.  Besides, I would never take a job from a Ewing.  So, thanks, but no thanks.  Anyway, I have to go.  I just stopped by to share my good news with you, and I'd hoped you'd be more enthusiastic for me than this."

 

"Brad, I am happy for you.  I'm just not thrilled with you working for Westar, because you're gonna be put right in the middle of Westar's war with Ewing Oil."

 

"And I can't think of a more fun place to be,"  Brad says.  "I'll see you later, sis.  I love you."  Brad kisses Pamela on the cheek, then walks to the door.  "Give my nephews a kiss for me," he says as he leaves.

 

Pamela sighs deeply after Brad leaves.  Shaking her head, she walks over to the coffee table and picks up her cell phone and dials Afton's number.  On the second ring, Afton answers.  "Mom, are you busy?  Yes, like, right now.  I need a favor.  I need you to come over and sit with the boys for a little while.  As soon as you can get here."

Westar....a short time later....

 Shawn and Clay are having a meeting in Shawn's office at Westar when Shawn's secretary buzzes him.  "Yes?"  He says.

 

"Shawn, Pamela Ewing is here to see you,"  the secretary says.  

 

Shawn and Clay exchange curious looks.  "Pamela Ewing?  Okay, send her in."

 

"Now what in the world could Pamela Ewing want?"  Clay wonders.

 

"Who knows?  Maybe she's bringing me some new pictures of my nephew, Hunter,"  Shawn replies.  A moment later, Pamela walks into the office.  She looks at Shawn, then at Clay.  "Well, Pamela, how nice to see you.  I'm sure you know Clay Beaumont, since you're related by marriage now."

 

"Hello, Pamela,"  Clay says.

 

"Clay."

 

"Umm, Clay, we'll finish our meeting in a little while,"  Shawn says.

 

"Sure,"  Clay says.  "I have some phone calls I can return in the meantime."  Clay smiles at Pamela, then leaves the office.  

"Pamela, this is a pleasant surprise, I must say.  May I offer you a drink?"

 

"This isn't a social call, Shawn,"  Pamela says.

 

"Yeah, I didn't think it was.  So what are you doing here?"

 

"I understand that you've given my brother a job here at Westar."

 

"That's right.  Brad came to me asking for a job, and, I can definitely use his experience.  Do you have a problem with your brother working here?"

 

"Damn right, I have a problem with my brother working here after what you did to me."

 

"After what I did to you?"  Shawn asks.  "Pamela, I didn't do  anything to you.  You and I simply conducted a business deal.  We both got something out of it."

 

"You blackmailed me into giving you those shares of Westar stock so you could become majority shareholder and take over this company."

 

"And let me guess.......you're afraid that with me working in such close proximity with your brother Brad, that I might let what the fact that you and I slept together slip out, is that it?  Well,don't worry.  We made a deal.  I got Westar, and you have my word that our little affair will forever remain our little secret."

 

"Good, I'm gonna hold you to that.  But let me warn you, Shawn.  If you're just bringing my brother into Westar to use him to help you hurt the Ewings, then don't."

 

"Or what, Pamela?"  Shawn asks.  "You really think that you're in any position to threaten me or give me ultimatums?  Just because I gave you my word I won't reveal our little sexual tryst, doesn't mean that I won't reveal it if you dare to cross me.  Besides, your brother is a big boy.  He can take care of himself."

 

Pamela moves closer to him.  "Shawn, you wanna continue to hold our affair over my head?  Well, let me give YOU a warning.  If you say one word about it, then I'll just say you raped me."

 

Shawn laughs.  "Oh, come on.  Who the hell would believe that?"

 

"Plenty of people.  My husband, for one.  And Justin Ewing has one hell of a temper.  In fact, if Michelle Stevens hadn't killed your brother that night.......Justin very well might have with his bare hands, so, if you wanna take the chance of being beaten half to death before you're arrested for rape, then go ahead........spill your guts.  But I can promise you that you're the one who's gonna be hurt the most by it, and I do mean literally."

 

Shawn looks at her angrily.  "Get out of my office,"  he says.

 

"Just think about what I said.  Don't use my brother in this war you have going with the Ewings, and keep your mouth shut about what happened between us.....or else."  Pamela turns and walks out of the office.  

 

"You little bitch,"  Shawn says quietly after she leaves.  "You really think you can scare and intimidate me like that?  Well, I think your brother is gonna be the PERFECT tool in my quest to destroy your husband's family, and there's not a damned thing you can do about it."

Dallas Police Department....

 Allison Jones is led down a hallway in the Dallas Police Department later that morning and into a visitation room where her former husband, former state senator Mike Morgan, is waiting.  "Mike," she says, taking a seat at a table across from him.  

 

"Allison,"  Mike says.  "Allison, what the hell happened?  I spoke with the detectives who arrested you.  Insider trading?"

 

"Mike, I.........I'm really scared.  Can you get me out of here?"

 

"I'm workin' on it.  Your arraignment will be this afternoon, and I'll try and get bail set."

 

"Thank you.  Thank you for coming, and for agreeing to represent me."

 

"That's no problem, but Allison, you are gonna HAVE to tell me the whole truth."

 

"I will,"  Allison says.  "But first, Mike, what about Casey?  How is he? WHERE is he?"

 

"Casey's fine.  He's at my house.  I picked him up from his friend's house this morning."

 

"Does he know about........about my arrest?"

 

"Yes.  It was all over the news this morning,"  Mike says.  "Casey had a lot of questions.  Right now, we need to concentrate on getting you out of here so you can talk to him yourself."

 

"I was set up.  I know I was."

 

"Set up? By who?"

 

"Most likely candidate......John Ross Ewing."

 

"Ewing?  Why?"  Mike asks.

 

"John Ross wanted me to resign from my job, and to leave Dallas.  When he saw that I probably wasn't gonna do that, this was his revenge.  His SICK revenge."

 

"Alright, look, don't worry about that right now,"  says Mike.  "Allison, as your attorney, I'm gonna need you to tell me everything. The police say they have irrefutable evidence against you, that you were involved in illegal insider trading, that you knew that Apex Oil stock was gonna double before you bought it.  Allison, is that true?"

 

Allison looks at her former husband and remains silent for a moment.  "Mike, I......."  she pauses and begins to cry.

 

"Oh my God, it IS true, isn't it?  Damn it, Allison....."

 

"Mike I only did it for Casey.  To provide a future for him.  Mike, what am I gonna do?"

 

"Try not to worry.  First order of business is to get you out on bail.  Then, we'll worry about the rest."

 

Allison looks at him.  Try not to worry, he says?  Easier said than done, she thinks to herself.

Southfork....

 Ann is standing at the kitchen counter, pouring herself a cup of coffee, when her cell phone rings.  Picking the phone up from the counter, she looks at it, and sees it's a restricted number calling.  She quickly answers.  "Emma?"

 

"Close Mrs. Ewing, but not quite,"  Brian says on the other end of the line.

 

"Is my daughter alright?"  A frantic Ann asks.

 

"Emma's fine......for now.  But that was a very stupid thing you did last night, Mrs. Ewing.  VERY stupid."

 

"Look, I didn't have anything to do with that, I swear to you."

 

"Whether you did or not, you still had to have told someone, your husband, perhaps.  Otherwise those men would not have been there waiting for me to pick up the money.  I'm going to give you one last chance, Mrs. Ewing.  You will bring that money tonight, to a location that I am going to text to you.  Once again, I will have someone watching, and if anyone else shows up and anything goes wrong, I will give the orders for Emma to die a very painful death.  Do I make myself clear, Mrs. Ewing?"

 

"Yes,"  Ann replies, crying.  "Yes, I understand."

 

"Good.  Now I'm going to hang up, and send you a photo of Emma, and the address of the location you are to bring the money to.  And I warn you again.......anything goes wrong, ANYTHING at all, or I see anyone else around, or for whatever reason I do not get that money.....then Emma dies and you will never see your grandson again."

 

 "Wait,"  Ann says, but Brian hangs up.  Ann cries as Bobby walks into the kitchen.  

 

"Annie?"  He says, walking over to her.  "Honey, what is it?"

 

"Nothin', Bobby, it's.......nothin',"  Ann replies in tears.  Just then, her phone vibrates, indicating an incoming text message.  She immediately looks at the phone, Brian's text having arrived with a photo of a bound and gagged Emma, and the address where she is to bring the money that night.  

 

Bobby quickly grabs the phone from her and looks at it.

 

"Bobby, give that back!"  Ann frantically says.  

 

"So the kidnapper is giving you another chance to deliver that ransom?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Bobby, listen to me,"  Ann says.  "You CANNOT interfere this time.  My daughter's life is at stake and I won't let you put Emma in any more danger than she's already in."

 

"Honey, we HAVE to call the police, it's the only sane thing to do!"

 

"No.  I won't take a chance on Emma's life, and I won't let you do it, either.  Now, I know you can't stand Emma, but do you really wanna see her die at the hands of this kidnapper?"

 

"No, of course not!"

 

"Then stay out of this and let me do this on my own."

 

"I'm just worried about you,"  Bobby says.  "I don't want you going out there alone to deliver that money.  And what guarantee do we even have that this kidnapper will let Emma go after he gets the ransom."

 

"That's just a chance that I have to take,"  says Ann.  "This kidnapper knew that Bum and those other men were at that park last night, and that's why the ransom money wasn't picked up.  He said that if anything goes wrong this time, he'll kill Emma.  Bobby, if you wanna do anything to help me, then support me."  Ann takes her phone back 

from him, then hurries out of the kitchen.  

 

Bobby lets out a deep sigh of frustration, worried that his wife might be walking into a trap, and feeling powerless to stop her, because once Ann has made up her mind about something, there's no talking her out of it.

 

 

 

 

The Krebbs Ranch....afternoon....

 Ray drives up in front of his home in his pickup truck that afternoon and comes to a stop.  As he and Conner get out of the car and start to walk onto the front porch, Donna's car drives through the front gate and up to the house, parking in front of the house, facing Ray's truck.  Ray and Conner watch as Donna gets out of her car.

 

"Well, hey,"  Ray says, walking over to greet his wife. 

 

"Hey, yourself," Donna says as they kiss.  

 

"Welcome home.  Good to have ya back,"  says Ray.

 

"Thanks.  You two just comin' in for lunch?"

 

"Yep."

 

"Conner, has he been workin' himself too hard?" Donna asks.

 

"Oh, no more than usual,"  Conner replies.  "I'll get your bags."

 

"Thank you,"  Donna says.  

 

As Conner goes to Donna's car to retrieve her bags, Ray and Donna walk onto the porch and go into the house together.  "So how'd it go down in Austin?"  Ray asks.

 

"It went real well.  Senator Bill Watson assured Matt, me, and Governor Abbott that he will personally oversee the Oil Regulatory Commission and make sure that it operates above board."

 

"And you trust him to do that?"

 

"I do.  Bill Watson is an honorable man.  He's been in the State Senate for decades, and Sam and Dave both always thought very highly of him."

 

"Sounds like a rare politician these days.....one that can actually be trusted."

 

 

"Very true,"  Donna says.  "So how did things go here while I was away?"

 

"Things went just fine.  We moved one of our herds yesterday over to the north pasture."

 

"And I'll just bet you were right there in front, leading the way,"  Donna says sarcastically.  

 

"The hell's that supposed to mean?"  Ray asks.  

 

Donna looks at him.  "I can see how tired you look.  And it's pretty evident how hard you've been workin'."

 

"You been gone a couple days and now you come back and the first thing you wanna do is pick a fight?"  

 

Donna sighs.  "I don't wanna fight, Ray."

 

"Neither do I.  I'm gonna go and fix some lunch and then get back to work.  I got a lot to get done today,"  Ray says, then walks out of the foyer and into the kitchen.  

 

Donna shakes her head in frustration.  She turns around and finds Conner standing in the door way, a sad look on his face, having heard part of the argument between Ray and Donna.  

Dallas County Courthouse....afternoon....

 At the George Allen Criminal Courts building in Dallas, Allison's arraignment hearing is about to begin.  Allison sits nervously, her former husband and attorney Mike Morgan at her side, when the bailiff approaches the front of the courtroom.  "All rise,"  the bailiff says.  The entire courtroom stands to their feet.  "Criminal court of Dallas County is now in session.  The Honorable Judge Thomas Hooker presiding."

 

The judge, an elderly man in his late 70s, walks into the courtroom and takes his seat on the bench.  "Be seated,"  he says.  "Good morning.  First case up this morning is case number 7-3984, the State of Texas Vs. Allison Renee Jones.  This is a simple arraignment hearing.  Would counsel present please identify themselves for the court?"

 

Assistant District Attorney Gail Copeland stands and addresses the court:  "Good morning, Your Honor.  Gail Copeland for the State."

 

"Michael Morgan for the defense, Your Honor," Mike says.  

 

"Ms. Copeland, you may proceed."

 

"Thank you, Your Honor,"  Gail says.  "This case involves a crime that strikes at the very heart of our legal system.  A case of illegal insider trading.  Ms. Allison Jones, a highly placed and highly respected official with the City of Dallas, did willfully engage in insider trading.  Ms. Jones allegedly purchased several hundred shares of stock from Apex Oil Company, located in Fort Worth, with inside information that this stock would soon double then triple in value.  Ms. Jones stands accused of embezzling funds from the treasury of the City of Dallas to purchase these shares of stock.  Late yesterday, at the time of her arrest, Allison Jones was all packed and ready to leave town.  In light of her attempt to flee these charges, the State is requesting that the defendant be held without bail until trial."

 

"Mr. Morgan?"  The Judge says.

 

"Your Honor, my client, as Ms. Copeland has stated, was a very highly placed and highly respected official here in this City of Dallas for a number of years.  She has no prior record of any kind, and no prior arrests.  My client also has a 13-year-old nephew, who was recently orphaned, that she is taking care of.  My client has no reason to leave Dallas and is certainly not a flight risk."

 

"Then why was she packed and ready to leave Dallas yesterday when the police arrived at her apartment?"  Gail asks.

 

"My client was simply planning to take a short trip with her nephew."

 

"You said that your client does not pose a flight risk?"  Gail asks.  "I beg to differ.  Ms. Jones has already proven that she is a flight risk when she was about to leave town upon realizing she was about to be arrested for her crimes.  She also has no family remaining here in Dallas, other than her nephew, so, she has no ties to this city and nothing to keep her here."

 

 

Judge Hooker looks at Gail, then at Mike and Allison.  "Mr. Morgan, I am inclined to agree with Assistant D.A. Copeland," he says.  "I do believe that your client would pose a flight risk, therefore, bail is denied, and Ms. Jones is remanded into custody until trial."

 

"What?  NO!"  Allison cries out.  "Mike, you have to do something!"

 

"Allison, calm down,"  Mike tells her.  "I'm sorry, but the judge has made his decision.  Just sit tight and I'll do my best to get a speedy trial."

 

Two deputies, one male and one female, approach Allison and place handcuffs on her.  "Tell Casey that I love him,"  she says in tears as she is led away, Mike watching, heartbroken that he wasn't able to get his former wife out on bail.

Ewing Oil....later....

John Ross is standing at his window looking out over the skyline of the city of Dallas, as he does so often on afternoons such as this, when his cell phone rings.  Taking the phone from his pocket, he looks at it, then answers without hesitation.  "John Ross Ewing here,"  he says.  

 

 

 

Judge Hooker's office....

"John Ross, it's done,"  Judge Thomas Hooker tells John Ross, on his phone in his office.  "Allison Jones's bail has been denied, and she'll sit in jail until her trial."

Ewing Oil....

"Well, thank ya, Judge Hooker, you did the right thing,"  John Ross says.  "My father always said that you were a man who could be counted on.  And you know I never forget my friends.  You can expect a very hefty campaign contribution in your next election, and a hefty contribution to your son's campaign for State Senate."

 

"Thank you, John Ross,"  Judge Hooker says.  "Anything that I can do for J.R.'s son, I'm always glad to do it, if I can."

 

"I'll remember that, and I'll be in touch,"  John Ross says, then ends the call with a devious smile.  

  Brian is pacing nervously around an empty classroom in the same abandoned school building he had met with his teenage minion earlier,

 

Meanwhile, outside the building, the boy, Cameron, arrives.  As he starts to enter the building, Cameron pauses at the front entrance, his mind traveling back in time to earlier, when he was sitting in his room......

Flashback.....earlier that day....

Cameron is in his bedroom, thinking about the mysterious man who is having him do all these strange jobs for him.  Somehow, Cameron can't shake the feeling that he has seen this man somewhere before.  He looks so familiar, but Cameron can't place where he had seen the man.  He reaches over and picks up his laptop from his bed and opens the lid.  "I know I've seen that dude somewhere before,"  the boy mutters to himself.  "But where?"  He closes his eyes and thinks for a moment.  Finally, he opens his eyes, a look of surprise on his face.  "Wait a second,"  he says.  "No, it can't be him.  Or can it?"  Cameron pulls up a search engine on his computer, and types something.  He waits for the web page to load, and when it does, he looks at the page, and at a photo at the top of the page.  His mouth falls open in shock.  "Oh my God,"  he says.  "It is him.....Brian Manning, the escaped killer.  But.......he's supposed to be dead."  At that moment, his cell phone vibrates on the bed next to him.  Picking it up, he looks at it and sees that he has a text message from Brian, demanding that he meet him.  The boy tosses the phone onto the bed and fights back tears.  He had inadvertently gotten himself involved with a dangerous killer....

Return to the present....

Standing outside the school, Cameron braces himself before he enters the building.  Meanwhile, Brian is still pacing around the classroom down the hall when the boy walks in. 

 

"Well, about time you showed up,"  Brian says.  "For a while I was afraid you weren't going to, and that would've been VERY bad for your mother and your sister."

 

"Look, I had to wait for my Mom to leave the house.  But I'm here now, so just chill."

 

"Okay, here's what I want you to do,"  Brian says.  "Tonight, you're gonna come back here to this old school."  He reaches into his pocket and hands the boy a piece of paper.  "Those same two briefcases you were supposed to retrieve from the park for me last night will be here, hidden in this room.  Just follow those instructions, and send me a text when you've got the cases, then meet me where I tell you."

 

"Look, dude, I REALLY don't like this,"  the boy says.  

 

Brian moves closer to him and looks the boy in the eye.  "Do you recall me asking you whether or not you like this?  Because I sure don't recall asking you.  Cameron, if I didn't make myself clear last time, you'd better listen up now.  You're gonna do EXACTLY as I say, or your family pays the price.  You think about double crossin' me, just remember, I have someone watching your family at all times, and they can get to them.  Do as I say, and we all come out of this just fine.  Not to mention, you'll be a whole lot richer.  Now, go on, get outta here.  Follow those instructions and show up here at midnight."

 

Cameron looks at him and nods, then turns and walks out.  After he walks out of the old building, the boy stops, leans against the wall, and begins to sob, wishing he had never agreed to help Brian for the money in the first place.  

 

Back inside the school building, Brian walks to the window and looks out.  "Alright, Mrs. Ewing," he says.  "You get one more chance to get me that money.  You screw up again.........and your daughter dies."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeremy Wendell's apartment....night....

  A blindfolded Shawn steps off the elevator in Jeremy's apartment that night, Jeremy's henchman Kenneth leading him by the arm down the hall and into Jeremy's office, where Jeremy is seated in his chair, his back to them as they walk in.  "Boss?"  Kenneth says as he removes Shawn's blindfold.

 

Slowly. Jeremy turns around in his chair and faces his grandson.  

 

"Why'd you summon me here this time, Grandfather?"  Shawn asks.

 

"Y'know, you really disappoint me, Shawn,"  Jeremy says.  "I had hoped that you would have more sense than to go against me yet again."

 

"Okay, so what'd I do this time?"

 

"Bradley Stone.  That name ring a bell?  It wasn't enough that you brought J.R. Ewing's grandson into my company, but now.......Cliff Barnes's son?"

 

"Brad Stone came to me begging for a job.  He knows a lot about the oil business.  He could be invaluable.  He could teach me a lot."

 

"That is what I have Kenneth there for,"  Jeremy says.  "To teach you all you need to know about the oil business.  You didn't need Bradley Stone there."

 

"Isn't it better to keep people like Brad Stone close?  That way I could keep an eye on him."

 

"You're an ignorant young fool,"  says Jeremy.  "Bradley Stone could be very dangerous.  He's not only Cliff Barnes's son, but Marilee Stone's son as well, and those are two people I wouldn't trust as far as I could pick up and throw this building."

 

"Grandfather, I don't know what you want from me.  You had me placed in the CEO's chair at Westar so I could run it for you, but, you said that you would be giving me more and more freedom as time passed to make my own decisions where the company is concerned.  Well, I've been running Westar for a few months now, and I still can't hire whoever I want?  I'm your grandson, and you still don't even trust me enough to let me come here without being blindfolded.  And I can't even go to the bathroom without this goon of yours by my side."

 

"You'd better watch your mouth, boy,"  says an angry Kenneth.

 

"Shawn, I'm quickly losing my patience with you," Jeremy says.  "And you're running out of chances.  From now on, you will do as I say.  From now on, no more hiring outsiders without my approval.  And especially not Ewings and Barnes. One more slip up..........and you're out of Westar, and don't think that I can't arrange that.  Kenneth will be watching you much more closely from now on. That'll be all."

 

"Okay, blindfold back on,"  Kenneth says, placing the blindfold over Shawn's eyes again.  "Okay, let's go."

 

"Kenneth, take him outside, and then step back in here for a moment,"  says Jeremy.

 

"Yes,boss,"  Kenneth says.  "Let's go, sport."  Kenneth leads Shawn out of Jeremy's office.  A couple of seconds later, he returns, and closes the door behind him.  "You wanted to see me?"

 

"My grandson is becoming quite a problem,"  Jeremy says.  "He could even become a liability."

 

"And that kinda trouble we don't need."

 

"That's why I want you to keep an extra close eye on him, as well as on Clay Beaumont and Bradley Stone.  I wanna know everything those three are up to.  And every move they make."

 

"You got it, boss,"  Kenneth says.  

 

"Good.  Now take my grandson home."

 

Kenneth nods, then walks out.  

Shawn's apartment....later....

 Shawn walks into his apartment after returning home that night.  Still angered by his visit to see his grandfather, he walks straight to his bar and pours himself a drink.  As he takes a sip, Michelle McKinnon walks into the living

room.  "Hey, babe,"  she says, walking over to kiss him.  "I'm glad you're home.  I thought maybe we could order some dinner, and then just relax with a good movies, followed by......"  Michelle stops talking and begins kissing him.

 

"Umm, Michelle,"  Shawn says.  "Look, I'm sorry, but, tonight, I'm just not in the mood.  In fact, I think you should go home tonight."

 

"You want me to go home?"  

 

"Yeah, to your grandmother's house."

 

"But why, Shawn?"  Michelle asks.

 

"Because I have a lot on my mind, and I have a lot of thinking to do tonight,"  Shawn replies.  "I need some time to myself, that's all."  

 

"Oh, well, okay, then.  I'll just go.  But, if you need someone to talk to, I could stick around for a while....."

 

"Thanks, but, I don't,"  says Shawn.  

 

"Okay.  I'll get my purse,"  Michelle says.  She goes into the bedroom and returns a moment later with her purse.  "Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow, then?"

 

"Yeah, tomorrow,"  Shawn says.  

 

Michelle looks at him, hoping he will change his mind and ask her to stay.  But, after several seconds of silence, Michelle realizes it's not going to happen, so she quietly leaves.  

 

After she's gone, Shawn walks over to his sofa and takes a seat.  He picks his cell phone up and dials a number, then waits for an answer.  Finally, someone picks up on the other end of the line.  "Brad, it's Shawn.  We need to have a meeting, but not at the office.  Can you come over to my apartment, like, in half an hour?  We need to make a plan.....a plan to take control of Westar from my grandfather.  I'm sick and tired of being his stooge, and I want that old man out of my life once and for all.  I want total control of Westar, and if you help me like you promised, I'll make you COO of Westar, and you'll have enough power that we can take down the Ewings together."

Brad's apartment....

 

 

 

 

"You've got yourself a deal,"  Brad says.  "And a partner.  First, we take care of Jeremy Wendell, and once he's out of the way, we go after the Ewings and take them down.  I'll be over in twenty minutes."  Brad ends the call and puts his phone away.  He walks to his bar and pours himself a drink, then goes over to his mantle and looks at a framed photo of Cliff.  He takes the photo 

down and looks at it.  He takes a sip of his

 Mitch and Lucy are laying in bed in his apartment that night, Lucy's head resting on Mitch's chest as he strokes her blonde hair.  For a while, the two lay in complete silence.  "Lucy, is everything alright?"  Mitch finally asks, breaking the silence. 

 

"Yeah, why do you ask?"

 

"Because you've barely said ten words all evening.  You were quiet all through dinner, and even quieter since.  Is, uh, is everything alright between you and Daniel?  I mean, I know my son isn't too happy about the two of us seeing each other again.  Has he been giving you any trouble?"

 

"Mitch, I can handle your son,"  Lucy says.  "It's not Daniel that's bothering me.  Not really, anyway."

 

"Now what's that mean?"  Mitch asks.

 

Lucy sits up in bed and sighs.  "I've just been feeling down lately, Mitch."

 

"Down?  Why?"  Mitch asks, sitting up beside her.  "Lucy, talk to me, what's going on?"

 

"Mitch, I.......well, you know that Lucas's wife, Heather, is pregnant, right?"

 

"Yes, I do.  Is that what's bothering you?  Heather being pregnant?"

 

"I know it sounds foolish,"  Lucy says.  "But it's so hard for me to be around Heather, knowing that in a few months she'll be giving birth to a little baby boy or girl.  It just hurts, knowing that I've never experienced that and never will.  All because of the worst decision I've ever made in my life.  When I had that abortion, Mitch, I was so young.  I had my whole life ahead of me, and I thought at the time, I'll have other children.  I have plenty of time. And that doctor even told me that I'd be able to have other children."  Lucy pauses as she begins to cry.  "When I found out that I couldn't have other children after we were married again, because of the abortion.......Mitch, it nearly killed me."

 

"Yes, I remember,"  Mitch says.  "It nearly killed both of us.  We both wanted children so badly by that point in our lives."

 

"Leaving you that second time was the kindest thing I could've done for you, Mitch,"  Lucy says in tears.

 

"Lucy, why do you say that?"

 

"Because look at how your life turned out with me OUT of it.  You went on to get married again, and you had Daniel and Jessica.  You eventually had the children that I was never able to give you. I suppose it was karma for the terrible things I did."

 

"Lucy, stop right there,"  says Mitch.  "You are NOT a terrible person.  Have you made bad choices?  YES.  We ALL have."

 

"Bad choices?  God, you're being too kind.  I made the choice to kill my baby, Mitch."

 

"A child that was conceived in rape, Lucy."

 

"That doesn't matter.  Yes, what Roger Larson did to me was HORRIBLE, but that baby should not have had to pay the price for what Roger did.  And then, I kept your son from you.  All those years, you could've been a part of Jesse's life, but I took that away from you when I paid Joanna Pearce off to leave Atlanta when she was pregnant with your child."

 

"Lucy, don't,"  Mitch says, getting off the bed and walking to the window.  "I don't wanna talk about this."

 

"But Mitch, don't you understand?  We HAVE to talk about this.  We have to somehow get past this if we're going to have any kind of future together.  And that's what I want, Mitch.  A future.....a LIFE.....with you.  But how can we have that if we have this horrible thing from the past standing between us?"

 

Mitch turns and looks at her.  "Lucy, I forgave you for that quite some time ago.  If I hadn't, do you really think we would be here like this, right now?  Do you think I would've let you back into my life if I hadn't?  Was I angry?  Yes, damn it, I was angry.  But I'm not angry anymore.  When I look at you, Lucy, I see the woman that I love.  The woman I have loved for most of my life."

 

"Love?  Mitch, did you say........"

 

"Yes, Lucy,"  Mitch says, walking over to her.  "I love you.  I've never stopped loving you."

 

Lucy stands and looks at him.  "Do you know how long I've wanted to hear those words?  Mitch, I love you, too."

 

Mitch and Lucy begin kissing passionately, then fall back onto the bed, still locked in the kiss.

Southfork....

 In her and Bobby's bedroom that night, Ann places the two briefcases filled with money on top of the bed.  Opening the cases, she looks at all the cash.  "Please, God,"  she says quietly.  "Please don't let anything go wrong tonight.  And please let Emma be alright."  Ann closes the two briefcases as Bobby walks into the bedroom.  She looks at her husband, then turns away.  

 

"Still determined to go through with this, huh?"  Bobby asks.  

 

"I don't have a choice."

 

"Alright, but I'm not lettin' you go alone without some kinda protection."  Bobby walks to the closet and goes in.  Reaching onto the top shelf he takes down a box.  He opens the box and takes out a revolver, which he takes over to Ann and gives to her.  "I want you to take this with you."

 

Ann nods as she takes the revolver.  

 

Bobby puts his arms around his wife.  "Honey, please be careful."

 

"I will.  I'd be lyin' if I said I wasn't scared.  I am."

 

"Then let me come with you,"  Bobby says.  "I'll stay out of sight. I'll hide in the backseat of the car, but I do NOT like the thought of you goin' out there by yourself."

 

"I know, and I hate it, too.  But Bobby, that kidnapper said if I didn't follow instructions to the letter, that he'd kill Emma.  I can't take a chance of my daughter getting hurt.  I'll be alright.  I have this,"  Ann says, holding up the revolver.  "And I'll use it if I have to."

 

"I know you will,"  Bobby says, hugging her.  

 

"I have to go,"  says Ann.  

 

"Call me as soon as you drop off that ransom and get out of there."

 

"I will."  Ann places the revolver in her purse, then picks up the two briefcases.  "I'd better leave by the back way so nobody will see me."  She kisses her husband, then leaves the bedroom through the double French doors leading from their bedroom onto the rear balcony.  Ann pauses on the balcony for a few seconds, bracing herself for the task she has ahead of her.  She makes her way down the steps from the balcony to the patio and heads to her car, unseen by the rest of the family.  

 

Bobby takes his phone out of his pocket and dials Bum's number.  "Bum, she just left.  Make sure you and your men aren't spotted this time.  Stay back, and don't move in unless you see something has gone wrong."  Bobby ends the call and puts his phone away, a worried look on his face.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The old abandoned school building....

 Ann brings her SUV to a stop outside of the old abandoned elementary school Brian had instructed her to bring the money to.  Getting out of the vehicle, Ann looks around.  Making sure she has Bobby's revolver in her purse, she takes the two briefcases from the backseat and slowly makes her way to the building.  Finding one of the doors slightly ajar, she opens it and goes in.  Cautiously, she moves down the hallway and to the third classroom on the left, where Brian had instructed her to leave the money.  Ann walks to the middle of the room, where an old desk sits.  As per Brian's instructions, she places the two briefcases on top of the desk, then quickly turns and walks out.  A few seconds later, Ann emerges from the old school building and hurries back to her car.  She gets into the SUV and drives away.  

 

Almost as soon as Ann leaves, Cameron, Brian's teenage henchman, emerges from his vehicle parked behind another building next to the old school house.  As Cameron enters the building, Bum is watching through a pair of binoculars, parked in his car across the street.  He watches as the boy goes into the building, then comes out several seconds later, carrying the two briefcases.  Bum picks up his cell phone and dials Bobby's number.  

Cameron drives his 2007 Toyota Corolla up to an abandoned old warehouse on the outskirts of Dallas a few minutes later.  Bum stops his car just down the street from the old warehouse.  He watches as Cameron gets out of the car and carries the two briefcases inside the building.  Bum picks up his cell phone and dials a number.  A man answers immediately after the first ring.  "An old warehouse at the end of Duffy Avenue,"  Bum says.  "The kid took the ransom inside.  Now he's coming out."  Bum watches as Cameron hurries out of the building, without the two briefcases, gets in his car, and drives away.  "I need you to follow the kid.  He's driving a blue, 2007 Toyota Corolla, Texas license plate ACN 872.  Keep me informed on where the kid goes, and I'll let you know what I want ya to do."  Bum puts his phone down and continues to watch the front entrance of the old warehouse.  

Meanwhile....

 

Cameron is driving his car down a street in Dallas, one of Bum's men following behind him.  Cameron's Corolla turns down another street and into a suburban neighborhood, coming to a stop on the street in front of a lower middle class home. Bum's man turns off the lights of his car, then parks in front of a house on a street across from Cameron's house. Cameron pauses for a moment before getting out of his car, as he thinks about the task he has just completed, delivering what was probably money to a murderer like Brian Manning.  But he had no choice, Cameron thinks to himself.  Manning has already killed people, and he threatened to kill Cameron's mother and sister, as well as Cameron himself.  Now that he has done what Manning wanted, hopefully, he will never see or hear from him again.  After almost a full minute, Cameron gets out of his car, and as he starts toward his house, he is startled when Bum's man steps out of the shadows.  "Hey, who are....."  Cameron starts to ask.

 

"Don't make a sound, kid,"  the man says, pointing what appears to be a gun at the boy.  

 

"What is this?  What's going on?"  Cameron asks, his heart pounding with fear.

 

"You're coming with me.  Don't make a sound, and  don't try anything funny, and you won't be hurt.  Now let's go."

Left with no choice, Cameron walks ahead of the man to his car across the street.  

Back at the warehouse....

Bum is still sitting in his car watching the old warehouse from a distance, as no one has still shown up to collect the ransom money.  The passenger door of Bum's car opens, and another man gets in.  "Still no sign of anyone?"  The other man asks.

 

"Nope,"  Bum replies.  "I've been here goin' on twenty minutes, and not a sign of anyone since the kid dropped the money off."  Just then, Bum's phone rings.  He picks it up and quickly answers.  "Yeah?"  

 

"I've got the kid,"  a man says on the other end of the line.

 

"Good,"  says Bum.  "You know where to go.  I'll meet you there in twenty minutes."  Bum ends the call, then dials Bobby's number.

Southfork....

 

Bobby is sitting at his desk in his office at Southfork when his cell phone vibrates on the desk in front of him.  He immediately picks it up and answers.  "Bum?"

 

"The kid who picked up the ransom dropped it off at an old warehouse in North Dallas,"  Bum says.  "One of my men followed him and picked him up.  I knew you'd wanna know.  So far, no one's picked up the ransom from the warehouse yet, but I have a feeling this kid might hold the answer as to who is holding Emma Ryland."

 

"Alright, thanks, Bum,"  Bobby says. "You know where to have this person brought.  I'll meet you there."  Bobby ends the call and puts his phone down, an angry, yet worried look on his face.  After a brief pause, Bobby gets up from his seat at the dest and leaves his office.  

 

Meanwhile, Ann is upstairs in their bedroom, pacing around anxiously, checking her phone every couple of seconds for a message, hoping to be notified that the kidnapper has picked up the ransom and that Emma is safe.  She goes to the window and  looks out.  A second later, Bobby walks into the bedroom.  Ann turns and looks at him.  "Bobby, what is it?"  She nervously asks.

 

"I need you to come with me, Annie,"  Bobby says.

 

"Where?  Bobby, what's goin' on?"

 

"I'll explain.  Just downstairs with me."

 

Ann looks at her husband, worried why Bobby is being so mysterious, and fearful that this has something to do with Emma's kidnapping.

The cottage at Southfork....a short time later....

 Bobby and Ann are waiting at the Southfork cottage later, when Bum walks in.  Ann looks at him, confused.  "Bum?"  She asks.  "Bobby, what's goin' on here?  Is this about Emma?"

 

"Yes, honey, it is.  I had Bum follow you tonight."

 

"You did WHAT?  Bobby, after what happened the other night...."

 

"Ann, don't worry,"  says Bum.  "No one saw me this time.  This kid, a teenager, picked up the ransom from that old school buildin' where you left it."

 

"A teenager?"  Ann asks.

 

"That's right.  I followed the kid, and he then took the money to a second location, an old abandoned warehouse on the north side of Dallas.  He left the money there, and so far, no one has picked it up yet.  But we do have the kid.  One of my men followed him to this house, and picked him up.  He's bringin' him here.  They should be here any minute."

 

"Bringin' him HERE?" Ann asks.

 

"Yes,"  replies Bobby.  "We're hoping we can get some answers from this kid.  Obviously some teenage boy itn't the mastermind behind Emma's kidnapping, or whatever the hell's goin' on here, so, maybe he can tell us who is."

 

Ann is about to say something when a knock comes at the front door of the cottage.  Bum walks over and opens the door.  His henchman enters the cottage, leading the boy, who is handcuffed and with a hood over his head, by the arm.  "Well, here he is,"  Bum's man says.

 

"Bring him over here and sit him down,"  Bobby says.  

 

The man leads Cameron across the room to a chair and forces him to sit.  

 

"Let's get that hood off him,"  says Bobby.  

 

Bum walks over and removes the hood from the boy's head, and Ann looks at the boy in shock.  "Oh my God,"  she says.  "You?"

 

"Honey, do you know this boy?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Yes,"  Ann replies.  "This is the young man who delivered the ransom note to me in the park the other day.  You were in on my daughter's kidnapping from the beginning?"

 

"No, ma'am, I SWEAR, I'm not!"  Cameron says.

 

"Alright, son,"  Bobby says.  "Now you're gonna tell us everything we need to know before we turn you over to the police."

 

"No, please!  I didn't have anything to do with any kidnapping.  I SWEAR on my life!"

 

"Alright, young man,"  Bobby says.  "You're gonna tell us what we wanna know, and you're gonna tell us the truth.  If you cooperate, then we'll help you.  If not, then I'll use every resource at my disposal to make sure that you're charged with kidnapping and extortion."

 

"I didn't kidnap anyone,"  Cameron protests,  "Look, I'll tell you what you wanna know."

 

"Son, how old are you?"  Bobby asks.

 

"17."

 

"How did you get mixed up in this?"

 

"I was in the park the other day, and this guy approached me," Cameron says.  "He offered me some money if I would deliver an envelope to Mrs. Ewing when she came to the park.  I needed the money, so I agreed.  I thought that would be the end of it......I would give Mrs. Ewing the envelope, and the dude would give me the rest of the money he promised me and I'd go home and never see him again."

 

"And so what happened after you gave me the note?"  Ann asks.

 

"The guy gave me the rest of the money, but then he said he had another job for me.  He said he's pay me a lot more, like five hundred dollars if I would do this......if I would go to Haggard Park that night and pick somethin' up for him."

 

"Didn't this strike you as a bit odd?"  Bobby asks.  "Some random stranger approaches you and offers you money to do these secret little errands for him?"

 

"It did, but, my family doesn't have much money, so I was desperate."

 

"And what happened when you were supposed to pick up this......package.......the first night?"  Bum asks.

 

"I was on my way to the park when the guy called me and told me to get out of there fast, because it was a trap.  I got scared and I ran.  He called later and wanted to meet me.  Then he......he threatened me.  I told him I didn't wanna do this anymore, and he said he would kill my mom and my sister and me if I didn't. And I knew that he would because.......because I remembered that this guy looked familiar.  So, when I went home, I went on the internet, and I was right.  I was right about where I'd seen him before.  When I found out who this guy was, I knew he was serious when he said he'd kill me and my family."

 

"And who is this man?"  Bobby asks.  "Who hired you to deliver that note to my wife and pick up that ransom money?"

 

Cameron begins to cry.  He looks up at Bobby and Ann.  "I'd seen him on the news months ago.  He's a killer.  Brian Manning."

 

Bobby's and Ann's mouths drop open in shock.  "Brian Manning?"  Bobby asks.  "That's impossible.  Brian Manning is dead.  He was killed last year when he fell off a bridge."

 

"No,"  Cameron cries.  "The dude's alive.  I was so scared."

 

Bum pulls out his cell phone and begins typing something.  He then shows Cameron a photo of Brian Manning on the internet.  "Is this him?  Is this the guy?"

 

"Yes,"  Cameron replies, looking at the picture.  "Yes, that's him."

 

"Are you sure?"  Ann asks.  "Are you ABSOLUTELY sure that THIS is the man who paid you to deliver that note to me?"

 

"Yes, ma'am.  I'm positive.  That's him."

 

"Oh, my God, Bobby!"  Ann says.  "Brian Manning.  Katherine's son.  That monster is alive and he has Emma!"

 

"Was Manning supposed to pick that money up at the warehouse?  Tonight?"  Bum asks.

 

"Yes,"  replies Cameron.  

 

Bum immediately takes out his cell phone and dials a number.  The phone of the other person rings several times, then goes to voicemail.  "No answer,"  he says.

 

"Who were you calling?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Jack, my man I had watchin' the warehouse for someone to pick that ransom money up.  I need to warn him not to approach Manning if he shows."  Bum again dials Jack's number and waits for an answer.

 

"Bobby, what are we gonna do?"  A frantic Ann asks.

 

"Honey, calm down."

 

"Jack's still not answering,"  Bum says.  He then dials another number.  After the first ring, someone answers.  "Hank, it's Bum.  I need ya to go over to the warehouse on Duffy Avenue and check on Jack.  I hope to God I'm wrong, but I'm afraid he may be in trouble."

Meanwhile....

 

Bum's man Jack is in his car, parked near the old warehouse in Dallas, slumped over in the driver's seat, dead and bleeding from a bullet wound to his head.  Laying in the passenger seat, his phone begins vibrating as Bum attempts to call Jack a third time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A room in Dallas....

Emma remains tied to a chair in a darkened room somewhere in Dallas.  Blindfolded and gagged, she struggles against the ropes that bind her hands behind her.  Unable to get her hands loose, Emma begins to cry.  Suddenly, she hears the door to the room she is in being unlocked, then open and close.  Brian enters the room carrying the two briefcases full of ransom money and walks over to Emma.  He takes the blindfold from her eyes, then removes the gag from her mouth.  "Well, how's my favorite cousin doing?"  He asks.  

 

"You.......you got the money you wanted?"  Emma asks.

 

Brian smiles.  "I sure did.  Ten million bucks right here,"  he says, holding up one of the briefcases.  "With this, you and I are gonna get far away from Dallas."

 

"You and......and I?"  Emma asks, her heart pounding with fear.  

 

"That's right, Emma.  I'm getting the hell out of this crazy city, and you're coming with me."

 

"But.....but you said if my mother gave you the money, you'd let me go."

 

"Yeah, well, I kinda had a change of heart.  I always hated travelling alone.  Been all alone these last several months now.  Besides, you're on the run from the law yourself, so, here's your chance to get a long way from here, too.  But first, there's one thing I've gotta take care of before I leave Dallas."

 

 

"And what is that?"  Emma asks.

 

"My brothers,"  replies Brian.  "Jonathon and Austin.  They're both right here in Dallas.  I heard on the news that Katherine's trial is comin' up soon, so, Austin is in town to support Mommy Dearest.  And I just couldn't leave town without payin' him a visit."

 

"What are you gonna do?"  Asks a frightened Emma.

 

"What am I gonna do?  I'm gonna invite Austin to come along with us,"  Brian says.  "Won't that be fun?  And then, when we get someplace far away from Dallas........poor Austin is gonna have a very nasty, and very fatal accident."

 

Emma begins to cry.  "Dear God, you would kill your own brother? Your own TWIN brother?"

 

"Austin Wentworth has never been anything to me.  I should've finished him off when I had the chance.  The son that my bitch of a mother decided to keep.  The son she liked the best.  Damned right, I'm gonna kill him.  And you're gonna help me.......cousin Emma."

 

"No.....no, I won't."

 

"Oh, yes, you WILL.  If you don't want somethin' real bad to happen to that little boy of yours.  When the time comes, you're gonna slit Austin's throat for me, or I'll just call my friend who has your son and tell him to slit Logan's throat.  Now wouldn't you much rather your cousin Austin die than your own precious little boy?  I'll be back soon.  After I pay my brother a visit."  Brian replaces the gag over Emma's mouth, then blindfolds her again as she cries hysterically.  "I'll be back soon with our other traveling companion.  Don't go away, now." Brian laughs, then picks up the two briefcases and leaves.

Southfork.... 

 Back at Southfork, Braddock's Sheriff, Derrick, is in the den talking to Bobby, Ann, and Bum while Dallas PD Detectives Steven Jones and Craig Anderson are sitting at the dining room table across the foyer questioning young Cameron about Brian Manning, while Lucas, Christopher, Courtney, and Alex look on from the foyer.

 

"Look, the thing you folks should've done was to notify the police as soon as Manning contacted you for ransom,"  Derrick tells Ann.

 

"Derrick, we understand that, but Emma's life was at stake,"  says Bobby.

 

"Manning said that he would kill Emma if I told anyone,"  Ann says in tears.

 

"And you had no idea at all that this kidnapper who contacted you demanding ransom for Emma was Brian Manning?"  Derrick asks.

 

"No.  No idea at all.  He disguised his voice somehow."

 

Detective Craig Anderson walks over to them.  "Well, I think we got all we can out of this kid,"  Craig says.  "I'm convinced he's tellin' us the truth and he had no idea at first he was working for Manning."

 

"So, does that mean that Cameron itn't gonna get in any trouble for helping Manning?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Not unless we uncover some evidence that says he was a willing accomplice from the start.  It also helped that you and Mrs. Ewing vouched for the boy."

 

"And what about Cameron's family?"  Ann asks.  "Since he has spoken to the police, aren't they in danger from Manning?"

 

"We've sent a squad car over to the boy's home, and we'll be keeping a close eye on all of them until Manning is captured."

 

"And what about my daughter and my grandson?"  Ann asks, crying.

 

"Mrs Ewing, I can assure you that we are doing everything humanly possible to track down Brian Manning and find your daughter and return her safely to you.  Unfortunately, we have very little to go on.  Right now, we're trying to keep this quiet.  We don't want Manning being alive to hit the news just yet because if Manning knows we're on to him, then he'll know the boy talked, and, that could put Emma's life even more in danger."

 

"So what do we do?"  Bobby asks.

 

"For now, all we can do is hope that Manning keeps his word and lets Emma go now that he has that ransom."

 

"But why WOULD he?"  Lucas asks, walking over to the group.  

 

"Lucas, what do you mean?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Manning has that ransom.  What would he have to gain by letting Emma go now?"

 

"I'm afraid Lucas may be right,"  Craig says.  "Manning may just decide to hold on to Emma in order to guarantee his safe passage out of Dallas.  With a hostage, he knows he has something to bargain with."

 

"What was Emma doing back in Dallas?"  Lucas asks.  "Ann, did you know she was here?"

 

"NO, of course not."

 

"But you had been in contact with her besides that day she called your phone?"  

 

Ann looks at her stepson and cries.  "Emma heard the news about Cliff's death, and she contacted me.  You were here, remember?  You came rushin' into the room and grabbed the phone from me and Emma hung up."

 

"And that was the only time you talked to her?"  Bobby asks. 

 

"Yes."

 

"You have no idea where Emma was callin' from?"  Derrick asks.

 

"No,"  Ann replies.  "She called from a burner phone.  The number didn't show up on my phone, and she wouldn't tell me where she was, only that she and Logan were fine."

 

"And what about my son?"  Lucas angrily asks.  "What if that maniac has my son, too?  Damn it, Ann, if you had told us what was going on, maybe this wouldn't have happened."

 

"Alright, Lucas, that's enough,"  Bobby tells his son as Detective Steven Jones walks into the room.  

 

"Well, I tried to call Austin Wentworth, but he didn't answer his cell phone, and there was no answer at the Wentworth home."

 

"I think we'd better send a patrol car over there to check on him,"  Craig says.  "His brother kidnapped him once before, and until Manning is caught, Austin Wenwtorth's life could be in danger."

 

Meanwhile, in the foyer, Christopher, Courtney, and Alex are standing near the door talking.  "I can't believe it,"  Shawn says, shaking his head.  "I can't believe that freaking psychopath is still alive.  How the hell did he survive that fall from the bridge?"

 

"Well, I guess the old saying really is true,"'  says Christopher.  "Cats and psychopaths have nine lives."

 

"Excuse me,"  Alex says.  He walks into the dining room, where Cameron is still sitting at the table, sipping on a glass of milk.  "Hey, dude,"  Alex says to the boy.  "You want anything else?  Something to eat?"

 

"No, thanks,"  Cameron replies with a sigh.  "All I want is for this nightmare to be OVER."

 

"Look, man, how did you ever get involved with a killer like Brian Manning in the first place?"

 

"I was just riding my skateboard in the park the other day, and this guy came up to me, and he offered me some money to deliver a note to a lady when she came to the park."

 

"Didn't that kinda freak you out a little bit?"  Alex asks.

 

"Yeah, it did, but, I needed the money, dude.  I don't live in a big place like Southfork or have the money the Ewings have.  But I sure wish I'd have ran away from that creep.  I didn't even know who he was until later, when, I looked on the internet and saw his picture.  Then when he threatened to hurt my Mom and my sister......."  Cameron pauses and begins to cry.  "I didn't know what else to do except what he told me to do."

 

"Hey, man it's okay,"  Alex says, putting his hand on Cameron's shoulder.  

 

Back in the den, Detective Steven Jones is just getting off his cell phone.  He walks over to his father.  "I'm sorry," he says.  "I'm sorry about your guy Jack."

 

"Thanks,"  Bum says.  "I guess if you're done askin' questions, I need to go and tell Jack's wife that he's been killed."

 

Steven nods.  "Yeah, we're done.  I'll give you a call later in the day."

 

"Yeah,"  Bum says.  Steven gives his father a quick hug, and Bum leaves.  

 

Just as Bum is leaving, two uniformed police officers arrive with a woman and a teenage girl.  "Excuse me,"  the woman says to Christopher as she, walks into the foyer with the girl and the two officers. "I'm looking for Cameron Harris,"  the woman says.  

 

"Yeah, he's in here,"  Christopher says, pointing to the dining room.

 

"Mom,"  Cameron says as his mother and sister walk into the room.

 

Cameron's mother walks over to her son and embraces him.  "Cameron, thank God,"  she says.  "When the police came to the house and told me about this mess you were in, I......"

 

"Mom, I'm sorry.  I'm sorry I got us into this."

 

"It's okay, baby, it's okay."

 

Bobby and Ann walk into the room.  "Hello,"  Bobby says.  "You must be Cameron's mother."

 

"Yes.  Debbie Harris."

 

"I'm Bobby Ewing, and this is my wife Ann."

 

"Hello."

 

"Ms. Harris, we're real sorry your son got dragged into this,"  says Ann.

 

"Kelly Harris, and this is my daughter, Tiffany."

 

Kelly's teenage daughter looks at Alex and smiles.  He returns the smile.

 

"Could we offer you some coffee or anything?"  Courtney asks.

 

"Yes, thank you, that would be nice.  I'm so nervous right now.  Cameron, how on Earth did this happen?"

 

"It's a long story, Mom.  I'll explain."

 

"Look, Mrs. Harris,"  Bobby says.  "Until Brian Manning is captured, I think it would be a good idea for you and your family to stay away from your house."

 

"Well, the police said that they would provide round the clock protection,"  Kelly Harris says.

 

"But still, I think you'd all be safer if you stayed here at Southfork.  We have a cottage out back.  It's small, but comfortable, and we'll have armed guards here at the ranch."

 

"Bobby's right,"  Ann says.  "Manning is extremely dangerous, and obviously very resourceful.  You'd be a lot safer here than at home."

 

"Thank you,"  Kelly says.  "You know, this is all a very strange coincidence.  I have a past connection to the Ewings, or at least one of the Ewings."

 

"Oh, is that so?"  Bobby asks.

 

"Yes, Sue Ellen Ewing.  I use to work as her secretary, many years ago when she owned Valentine Lingerie."

 

"Really?"  Alex asks.  "Sue Ellen's my grandmother."

 

"Oh my gosh.  Don't tell me you're John Ross's son."

 

"Yes, ma'am."

 

"Well, how is Sue Ellen, I haven't seen her in years?"

 

"She's fine,"  Alex replies.  "She actually runs Ewing Oil with my Dad and my Uncle Bobby, and she's married again."

 

 

 

Back in the den, Steven Jones approaches his partner, Detective Craig Anderson.  "I still can't reach Austin Wentworth,"  Steven says.  "His brother, Jonathon Lord, is living at the Wentworth home now. I sent a patrol car over there."

 

"You think he could be in danger from Manning, too?"  Craig asks.

 

"Brian Manning kidnapped and tried to kill his own twin brother, Austin Wentworth.  Jonathon Lord is his brother, too,"  Steven replies.  "If he went after one brother, who's to say he won't go after the other one now that Lord is living in Dallas?"

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile....the Wentworth mansion....

 All is quiet at the Wentworth mansion late that night as Jonathon Lord is in bed, sleeping soundly after a long day. Meanwhile, downstairs, the mansion's library is dark and eerily quiet when, suddenly, that quiet is pierced by the sound of someone tampering with one of the windows of the room.  Slowly, the window begins to raise open as someone is prying it open with a crowbar.  Then a gloved hand raises the window all the way on up.  A second later, Brian climbs through the window and into the library.  He looks around the elegant room of the home that once belonged to his mother, but now is the home of his brother.  Looking around the room of this beautiful mansion, the anger rises up inside of Brian, as he thinks about his two brothers being raised in the lap of this kind of luxury while he and Katelyn had to live like paupers in an abusive foster home.  Brian takes his gun from his pocket and moves slowly across the room, then into the darkened hallway connecting the library with the rest of the main floor of the house.  As he moves slowly down the dark hallway, he accidentally bumps into a table, and a vase falls from the table to the floor, shattering.  

 

Upstairs, the sound of the breaking vase downstairs awakens Jonathon from his sleep.  Opening his eyes quickly, he sits up in bed and looks around his bedroom in the dark.  Getting out of bed, dressed only in boxer shorts, Jonathon moves to the door of the bedroom and peaks into the hall.  He is startled by the sound of movement downstairs.  Grabbing the nearest thing he can find to use as a weapon, a fireplace poker, Jonathon leaves his bedroom and slowly moves down the hall to the staircase.  Again, he hears the sound of movement downstairs.  Instead of returning to his bedroom to get his cell phone and call the police, Jonathon continues slowly down the stairs carrying the fire poker.  Reaching the bottom of the stairs, he starts through the living room when he hears a noise.  His heart begins to beat faster and faster with fear.  He raises the fire poker as he moves quietly through the living room.  Realizing that he could be walking into terrible danger with very little protection, and that the smart thing to do would be return to his bedroom and call the police, Jonathon turns around and begins to make his way back toward the stairs when Brian emerges from a doorway leading from a hallway.  

 

"Hold it,"  Brian says, pointing his gun at Jonathon's back.  "Don't move.  Drop that poker and turn around........ REAL slow."

 

Jonathon stops in his tracks, drops the poker as Brian instructed, and slowly turns around to face his intruder.  A look of shock comes over his face when he sees that his intruder is none other than his own presumed dead brother.  "Oh my God," he says.  

 

"Well, hello, big brother,"  Brian says.  

 

"No.  It can't be,"  Jonathon says.  "This is impossible."

 

"Aren't you gonna welcome me back from the dead, big brother?"

 

"How?  We were told that you fell off some bridge last year and into the river.  How did you......."

"How did I what, big brother?"  Brian asks.  "How did I survive a fall off that bridge that should've killed me?  Just lucky, I guess.  Or, maybe I survived because of pure will.  Because I have some unfinished business that I have to take care of before I bust those gates of hell wide open.  By the way, I borrowed this shirt from the laundry room.  Perfect fit.  I assume it's yours."

 

"Business?  Like what?"  Jonathon nervously asks.

 

"Like........my brothers.  Speaking of which, I'm real surprised to find you here.  I came here lookin' for Austin.  So where is he?  Upstairs?"

 

"I have no idea where Austin is.  He doesn't live here anymore."

 

"Oh?  Well, now, isn't that interesting?"  Brian says.  "I read that you were running Wentworth Industries.  So, you not only took the company away from brother Austin, but you took the house, too.  Good for you."

 

"Okay, so, now that you know Austin's not here, why don't you just leave?"  Jonathon nervously asks.  

 

"Leave?  And miss this chance at getting to know  my oldest brother?"

 

"What do you want from me?"

 

Brian moves closer to him.  "What do I want?  Oh, only a couple things.  First, I wanna know where Austin Wentworth is."

 

"I've already told you, I don't KNOW where he is.  Austin hasn't even been living in Dallas for more than a year.  He's only back here for Katherine's trial."

 

"He hasn't been living here?  Then where's he been living?"

 

"In California, with Dad."

 

"Oh, I see.  So now Austin is getting to know Daddy Dearest, huh? Well, itn't that nice.  I take it you and Austin aren't close?  You guys haven't bonded as brothers without me?"

 

"Austin hates my guts, and the feeling is pretty mutual."

 

"So, there's not much chance if you got Austin on the phone and told him what a fix you're in right now, that he'd come over and join this little family reunion, then, huh?  Even if he knew your life were in danger?"

 

"No,"  Jonathon replies.  

 

Brian looks at him and smiles.  "Well, now that IS disappointing.  And here I thought by now my two brothers would be BFFs and going fishing together, and doing all those brotherly things that brothers do.  Guess that's too much to ask in this screwed up family, huh?"

 

"Look, if it's money you need, I can give you some.  Just........please leave."

 

"Nah, I don't think so.  Not until we see Austin and have a nice little reunion of the Lord brothers.  Or is it the Wentworth brothers?  Or......wait, isn't our father actually a Channing?  The family's so messed up I don't even know what our real last name is supposed to be,"  Brian says with a laugh.  After a few seconds, his mood becomes serious again and he looks at his brother.  "Okay, here's what we're gonna do.  You're gonna find a way to get Austin over here."

 

"He'd never come."

 

"Then you best find a way to MAKE him come over,"  Brian says, pointing the gun at his brother's head.  "Or else your maid is gonna be real busy scrapin' your brains off these pretty walls come morning.  Call him."

 

"My.....my phone's upstairs,"  Jonathon says, his voice trembling with fear.  "I have to get it. I have his cell number stored on it.  I.....I don't know his number by heart."

 

"Then let's go get that phone and give our brother a call shall we?"

 

Nervously, Jonathon nods, then walks past Brian.  He heads up the stairs, Jonathon following closely behind him, holding the gun to his back.  The two reach the top of the stairs, then proceed down the hallway and into Jonathon's bedroom.  "Just.....let me get some clothes on,"  Jonathon says.

 

"You won't need any clothes on,"  Brian says.  "Just get the phone and make the call."

 

"But....."

 

Jonathon points the gun at his brother's head again.  "Get the damned phone and make the call to Austin, or, when I pull this trigger, it's not gonna be between the eyes.  I'm gonna aim a lot lower and make you wish I had blown your brains out instantly."  Brian then lowers the gun, pointing it at Jonathon's crotch. 

 

Sweating profusely and shaking with terror, Jonathon walks over to his nightstand and picks up his cell phone, his knees feeling weak as if they are about to buckle under him.  

 

"Okay, let's go,"  Brian says.  Pointing his gun at him, Brian leads Jonathon out of the bedroom, down the hallway and back down the stairs.  "Okay, go ahead,"  he says.  "Call our brother.  Get him over here."

 

As Jonathon pulls Austin's number up on his contact list and starts to call the number, the doorbell rings, startling both he and Brian.  

 

"Who in the HELL is that?"

 

"I.....I have no idea.  It's almost 1 in the morning, I can't imagine who that could be at this hour,"  replies Jonathon.  

 

The doorbell rings as second time, then a third as Jonathon and Brian remain still and quiet near the bottom of the 

 staircase. After a few more seconds, a knock sounds at the door.   

 

"Come on,"  Brian orders.  He forces Jonathon back up the stairs, and into a bedroom facing the front of the mansion.  He forces Brian over to the window, then peaks out the window.  He sees a police car parked on the street in front of the house.  "The cops!"  He angrily says.  "Damn!"  He points the gun directly at Jonathon's temple.  "You make one sound, and I'll kill you just as sure as we're both standin' here."  Jonathon peaks through the curtain one more time as the doorbell rings again downstairs.  Then, another knock.  

 

"MR. LORD!"  A male voice calls loudly from outside,  "MR. LORD, THIS IS DETECTIVE CRAIG ANDERSON WITH THE DALLAS POLICE DEPARTMENT!  WE NEED TO TALK TO YOU.  IT'S URGENT!  IT'S ABOUT YOUR BROTHER, BRIAN MANNING!"

 

"Damn,"  Brian says.  "The cops must know I'm alive, and that I'm in Dallas."

 

"Yeah, I guess so,"  Jonathon says.  "Then, the best thing for you to do is just give yourself up, or get out of here.  You can leave through the back way.  I'll stall the cops while you get away."

 

"You really think I'm stupid?"  Brian asks.  "Just shut the hell up, and maybe the po po will go away."

 

Meanwhile, downstairs on the front porch, Detective Steven Jones rings the doorbell again.  "The guy's obviously not home,"  Steven says.  

 

"Alright,"  says Craig.  "Let's go.  We'll try Lord's cell phone again, and maybe some people at Wentworth Industries close to him.  Maybe he's out of town on business,or he's spending the night someplace else."

 

"Craig, you don't suppose we're too late, do you?"  Steven asks.  "You think maybe Manning already got to his brother?"

 

"Let's hope not.  Let's keep trying to reach him before we jump to conclusions.  Meanwhile, we need to find Austin Wentworth and warn him that his brother's alive.  Let's find out how to get in touch with their father. Jeremy Lord in California.  Maybe he'll know where his sons are."

 

"Let's get outta here then,"  Steven says.  

 

Back in the bedroom upstairs, Brian watches through the window as the two detectives return to their car, get in, and drive away.  He breathes a sigh of relief.  "Well, they're gone,"  he says.  "I guess we're safe, for now.  But chances are they'll be back.  Which is why we're getting out of here.  So come on, bro.  Make that call to Austin and ask him if you can come over and see him.  Tell him that you're ready to give Wentworth Industries back to him.  I guarantee that'll make him wanna see you.  Then you and I are gonna go and meet with our other brother."

 

"And then what?"  Jonathon asks, tears streaming down his cheeks.

 

"And then........one of you dies,"  Brian says.  "I haven't decided yet which one of you I'm going to kill, and which one I'm gonna take along with me as insurance.  So if you behave, you might get to be the one who lives........at least for a few more days."

 

 

Jonathon looks at his brother, then turns his gaze away from him, afraid of what his psychotic brother was going to do, and terrified that he would not make it out of this alive!

 

 

 

 

END OF EPISODE 204....