EPISODE 205 - One Stormy Night

 Emma remains blindfolded and tied to a chair in a dingy room somewhere in Dallas when the door to the room opens, and Brian walks in with Jonathon Lord, who is shocked to find a bound, gagged, and blindfolded Emma in the room. Brian forces Jonathon onto a chair across from his female hostage.  "Well, Emma,"  Brian says, removing the gag from her mouth.  "I brought you some company."

 

"What?"  Emma asks.

 

Brian removes the blindfold, and Emma sees a frightened Jonathon sitting across from her.  The two look at each other.  

 

"Well, now, isn't this just as cozy as can be?"  Brian asks.  "Emma, I'm sure you know my older brother, your other cousin, Jonathon Lord?"

 

"Emma, are you alright?"  Jonathon asks.  "Has he hurt you?"

 

"No, of course I haven't hurt her,"  Brian says, touching Emma's face with his finger.  "I wouldn't hurt my little meal ticket."

 

"How long are you gonna keep us here?"  Emma asks.

 

"Here?  Not long.  Now that the police know that I'm alive, it's not safe for us to stay here.  And now that the police have probably warned my brother Austin about me, I'll have to find another way.......and another time to take care of him.  But in the meantime, the three of us will have to get as far away from Dallas as possible.  And Jonathon, maybe you'll be useful to me, after all.  Depending on how much you're worth to our beloved daddy."

 

Jonathon and Emma exchange looks of fear between them.

 Lucas is anxiously pacing around the patio at Southfork as the sun begins to come up over the ranch, when Bobby comes out of the house.  "Did you get any sleep at all, son?"  Bobby asks.

 

"How the hell can I sleep when my son is out there somewhere, God only knows where?  What if that maniac Brian Manning has Logan.  He could......he could......"

 

"Just calm down and try not to imagine the worst," Bobby says, placing his hand on his son's shoulder.  

 

"If Manning gets desperate, there's no telling what he'll do.  He has Emma, and possibly my son.  This guy has already killed several people."

 

"I know.  Lucas, we're doing everything humanly possible to get Emma back, AND find Logan.  Heather doesn't know anything about this yet, does she?"

 

"No.  She slept good all night, so I didn't wanna wake her.  But I know I'm gonna have to tell her."  Ann comes out of the house at that moment.  Lucas looks at her, then at his father.  "I'm gonna go and see if Heather's awake,"  he says.  He walks past Ann and back into the house.  

 

Ann looks at him as he goes into the house, and closes the sliding glass door behind him.  Bobby walks over to his wife.  "Did you get any rest at all?"  He asks.

 

"No, I couldn't.  Every time I tried to close my eyes, all I could think of was Emma and how frightened she must be.  And Logan.  Dear God, Bobby, where is our grandson?"

 

"The police are doing everything they can to find Manning.  They have a dragnet around the city, so any traffic coming in and out of Dallas will be checked.   All the private airports are on alert, as well.  There's no way Manning is getting out of Dallas."

 

"But if he's cornered, what will he do?  Manning is dangerous, Bobby.  Maybe even more dangerous than that crazy mother of his. He killed my brother, and now he has my daughter."

 

"And we're GOING to get Emma back, Annie.  You have to keep believing that."

 

"I'm really tryin', but it's so hard,"  Ann says.  "Now than Manning has that ransom money, he has no reason to keep Emma alive."

 

"Except as a bargaining tool,"  says Bobby.  "Honey, Manning must know by now that the authorities know he's alive, so he'll need some kind of leverage.  Something to bargain in order to get safely out of town."

 

Ann nods.  "I hope you're right. 

 

"I am.  Manning NEEDS Emma, so he won't harm her.  You have to believe that."

 

"I'll try.  I think I'll go and fix some breakfast.  You want bacon or sausage?"

 

"Honey, you don't have to do that.  Maria will take care of breakfast."

 

"Bobby, I need to keep myself busy,"  Ann says.  "Because if I don't, I think I'll lose my mind."

 

"I understand.  Sausage."

 

"Alright,"  Ann says.  Bobby kisses her on the forehead, then Ann turns and goes into the house.  

Omni Hotel, Dallas....later....

  "I just can't believe my brother's alive,"  Austin says, pacing around his hotel suite later that morning as Craig Anderson looks on.  "I mean, how's that even possible?  He fell from that bridge into the river, AFTER he was shot."

 

"Well, no body was ever found, Mr. Wentworth, so, apparently, your brother made it downstream, and somehow managed to get himself out of the river.  It's even possible someone found him and tended his wound.  Nursed him back to health."

 

Austin walks to the window and looks out.  

 

"Mr. Wentworth, I think you should try your brother, Jonathon Lord again,"  Craig says.

 

Austin looks at him and nods.  He walks over to a table and picks up his cell phone, dialing Jonathon's number.  After a moment, he puts the phone down.  "Again, no answer,"  he says.  "Goes straight to voicemail."

 

"And that's a cause for concern.  Your brother wasn't home last night, and he hasn't answered his calls or messages."

 

"You think Brian got to him?"  Austin asks.  "Did something to him?"

 

"It's a definite possibility."

 

"Y'know, Detective, this might sound cruel, or even heartless,"  says Austin.  "But when I first heard that my brother had fallen off that bridge and into the river and that he was presumed dead, I was relieved.  Brian had caused so much damage to so many peoples' lives, including mine.  I was happy that his reign of terror was finally over and that he could never hurt anyone ever again.  Now, it's like this nightmare is starting all over again, and I can't help but wish that Brian had died when he fell into that water.  Does that make me a terrible person, Detective Anderson?  Wishing that my own twin brother was dead?"

 

"No, that doesn't make you a terrible person at all,"  Craig replies.  "Just like you said, your brother has caused a lot of harm to a lot of people.  He kidnapped you and tried to kill you.  I think what you're feeling is perfectly normal.  Mr. Wentworth, we're gonna have two uniformed officers with you at all times until your brother is captured.  In the meantime, my advice is to stay here in your hotel room.  Don't leave unless you absolutely have to."

 

"You really think Brian is still in Dallas?"  

 

"We have a dragnet around the city, and an APB out on your brother and on Emma Ryland.  If they're still in Dallas, we'll find them.  I have to be going.  I'll be in touch if we have any news.  And, you might wanna contact your father in San Francisco and let him know what's going on.  He may have even heard from your brother Jonathon."

 

"Thank you, I will,"  Austin says.  Craig nods at him, then leaves.  After he's gone, Austin again walks to the window and looks out.  He shakes his head.  "Damn you, Brian.  How the hell did you survive that fall?  Well, if you come for me.........I hope you DO come for me.  Because this time, I'll be ready."

Dallas Police Department....

 Allison Jones is brought into a visitation room at the Dallas Police Department, where John Ross is waiting to see her.  Allison pauses at the door when she sees him waiting.  "What in the HELL are you doin' here?"  She asks.

 

"Well now, is that any kinda way to talk to someone who's come all the way over here to the jail to see you?" John Ross asks, his words laced with sarcasm.  "Have a seat, Ms. Jones."

 

"Whatever BS you're sellin' today, John Ross, I'm not interested."

 

"Allison, ya might wanna listen to what I have to say, because I'm about to offer you a get out of jail free card."

 

Reluctantly, Allison walks over and takes a seat at the table across from him.  "Okay, I'll bite.  What do you want?"

 

John Ross smiles.  "Now, that's what I like to hear.  What I want, Allison, is simple.  You see, I have a certain amount of influence in this town, and that comes from bein' J.R. Ewing's son.  My Daddy knew a LOT of people, and most of those people were real influential, including Judge Hooker, who, I understand, is the judge who denied your bail.  Now, if you and I can strike I deal, I might be persuaded to use my influence with Judge Hooker to get him to reverse his decision so you can get out of this dirty jail and back home, at least until your trial."

 

Allison looks at him angrily.  "Well, I guess that explains it.  That explains why that judge denied me bail.  It was because of YOU, you son of a bitch.  You PERSUADED him to keep me locked up in here, didn't you?  So how'd ya do it, John Ross?  Blackmail?  You set the old judge up with some hooker, no pun intended, and then snap some photos and threaten to expose him as a dirty old pervert?"

 

John Ross slightly laughs.  "Nope.  Didn't have to.  Judge Hooker and my Daddy went WAY back, and, he still owed my Daddy a few favors, so he was more'n happy to do a favor for me out of his regard for J.R.  So, how about it, Allison?  Do we strike a deal?"

 

"What is it you want, you bastard?"  Allison asks.

 

"Well, first of all, I'd like ya to dial back the name callin' just a tad.  Second of all, what I REALLY want......is the truth.  I wanna know what secret you and Kimberly Cryder have between you.  And don't tell me it's nothin' because, darlin', I wasn't born yesterday, and I don't have straw for brains.  You've had several secret meetings with Kimberly over the past few months, and she paid your sister's funeral bill.  So I wanna know why the two of you are such unlikely allies."

 

"What difference does it make to you, anyway?  Especially now.  I'm out of your hair.  I'm off the ORC, and out of city government.  So why is it still so damned important for you to know my connection to Kimberly Cryder, not sayin' I have one.  I'm no threat to you anymore."

 

John Ross leans forward and looks at her.  "No, you're right about that, you're no threat to me at all.  In fact, I don't give a damn about you.  But Kimberly Cryder, now there's a different story.  Y'see, Kimberly has somethin' I want.  Somethin' I NEED."

 

"And what might that be?"  Allison asks.  

 

"A substantial amount of stock in Westar Oil, the company her daddy helped to build into the power it is today."

 

"So that's it?  You want information on Kimberly to use to blackmail her out of her Westar stock."

 

"Now you're catchin' on,"  John Ross replies with a smile and a wink.  

 

"And if I refuse?"

 

"If you refuse.......then I'm afraid you're just gonna have to sit here in jail until your trial date comes up.  And, from what I hear, the Dallas court calendar is pretty damned full for the rest of this year, so, it might even be sometime next year before your case even comes up.  Hell, I've even heard it sometimes bein' up to two years before a case goes to trial, for one reason or another.  What do you think's gonna happen to that young nephew of yours while you're sittin' in here, waitin' for a year or two to go to trial, and then be sentenced to.......what is the maximum sentence for illegal insider tradin'?  20 years, I do believe?  So, you could be lookin' at a total of 22 years behind bars unless someone real influential pulls some strings.  What's your nephew's name?  Casey?  He'll be a grown man prob'ly with a wife and kids of his own by the time you get out.  IF you can survive that long in prison."

 

Allison looks at him, tears in her eyes.  "I'd heard some things about your daddy.  About how he use to strong arm people into doin' what he wanted, and if they didn't, he'd ruin their lives.  You're even a worse scoundrel than he was."

 

"What's it gonna be, Allison?  Give me what I need against Kimberly......or you rot away in jail."

 

"Can I at least have some time to think about it?"

 

"Sure.  I'll give you.......24 hours.  And, if you're plannin' on callin' Kimberly Cryder and warnin' her about my plans.......you can forget that.  Because you won't be makin' any calls from the jail for the next 24 hours."

 

"You can't do that.  I have a RIGHT to contact my lawyer any time I need to."

 

"Well, that is, unless you've broken some real and need disciplining......a rule such as attempting to contact someone you don't have permission to contact.  24 hours, Allison.  And after that.......well, this offer will be expired, you'll spend a long, LONG time in jail, and, it may take me some diggin' but I will still find out what you and Kimberly are hidin'.  I'll be back this time tomorrow.  Think long and hard about my offer."  John Ross stands to his feet and motions to the guard, who walks over to take Allison back to her cell.  

 

"I swear, you'll live to regret this, John Ross,"  Allison says as she stands, ready to be led away by the guard.

 

John Ross smiles deviously as Kimberly is taken out of the visitation room.  

A couple of minutes later....

As John Ross is leaving the visitation room at the jail and heading down the hall toward the main lobby of the police department, he meets attorney Cass Winthrop in the hallway.  The two men exchange looks, as if they each have a tiny hint of recognition for the other, but continue walking in opposite directions.  Cass walks into another visiting room and takes a seat at a table.  No sooner has he sat down than another door opens, and Katherine is brought in by a female guard.  "Hello, Katherine,"  Cass says.

 

"Cass.  Is something wrong?"  Katherine asks, walking over and taking a seat at the table across from him.  "When they told me that my lawyer was here, I......I felt something had to be wrong.  We didn't have an appointment to meet today, did we?"

 

"No, we didn't, and no, nothing's wrong.  But I do have some news I wanted you to hear from me rather than from someone else, or on the television."

 

"News?  About my case?"

 

"No, nothing like that,"  Cass replies.  "Katherine, the news I have is about your son, Brian Manning."

 

"What?  News about Brian?  They've finally found his body?"

 

"No.  Quite the contrary, as a matter of fact.  Katherine, I don't quite know how to tell you this, but, your son, Brian Manning,is very much alive, and the police think he's here, in Dallas."

 

"Alive?  The police think that Brian is.....alive?"

 

"They're sure that he's alive, and, that he's taken your niece, Emma Ryland, hostage.  There's a young boy Manning had working for him.  The boy positively identified Manning from photographs.  Manning demanded ransom money from Ann Ewing for her daughter's safe return."

 

"Oh dear God.  Why?"  Katherine asks.  "If Brian is alive and he had a chance to get away, and start a new life somewhere else, why in God's name would he come back here and kidnap that little twit, Emma Ryland?"

 

"Who knows why someone does the things they do?  Point is, your son is considered a very dangerous fugitive, and he's on the run, with one hostage......possibly two."

 

"Two?"  Katherine asks.  "And, who's the other hostage besides Emma?"

 

Cass pauses for a moment before answering.  "Katherine, your other son, Jonathon Lord, has been missing since late yesterday.  No one has been able to get in touch with him.  No one at Wentworth Industries has heard from him and he seems  to have just disappeared without a trace.  The police have reason to believe that Brian may have taken his brother hostage, as well as Emma Ryland."

 

Katherine begins to cry as she places her hands over her face.  "Oh my God.  Jonathon.  And Austin?  What about Austin?"

 

"Austin is fine.  I've spoken to him personally not half an hour ago.  I told him I was coming here to inform you of what's happening.  The police have armed guards all around Austin in case Brian tries to get to him, too, so you can rest assured, he's safe."

 

"I hate this!"  Katherine angrily says through tears.  "I'm stuck in a damned jail cell while my children are out there in danger."  As she begins to cry again, Cass reaches over and gently touches her arm in an attempt to comfort his client.

Justin and Pamela's apartment....

 Pamela walks into the living room of her and Justin's apartment to answer the ringing doorbell.  She opens the door to Afton.  "Hi, sweetheart,"  Afton says, greeting her daughter with a kiss.  

 

"Hi, Mom,"  Pamela says, closing the door.  "Thanks for coming over."

 

"Honey, it sounded urgent.  What is it?  What's wrong?"

 

"Haven't you been watching the news?"  Pamela asks.

 

"No, I haven't?  I was busy last night at the lounge, and then today I've just been curled up reading.  Pammy, what is it?"

 

"Brian Manning is still alive, and the police think he's at large somewhere in Dallas."

 

"Brian Manning?  KATHERINE'S son?"

 

"Yes.  And that's not the worst of it, Mom.  Justin spoke to Lucas a little while ago, and Manning has kidnapped Emma, and possibly, her son Logan."

 

Afton's mouth falls open in shock.  "What?  He's kidnapped Emma?  What was she even doing in Dallas?  I thought she was on the run from the police.

 

"She was.  But, according to Lucas, Ann said that Emma heard about Daddy dying, and she returned to Dallas for the funeral."

 

"But, Pammy, Emma wasn't at your father's funeral,"  says Afton.  "At least I didn't see her there."

 

"No one did.  I dunno, maybe she didn't make there.  When she got to Dallas, Manning apparently kidnapped her and demanded ten million in ransom from Ann."

 

"And did Ann pay the ransom?"  

 

"Yes.  But Manning still hasn't released Emma, and Ann is frantic.  I'm worried, too, Mom.  I know that Emma has done some terrible things, including to me......"

 

"Yeah, like sleeping with John Ross when you were married to him,"  Afton says.

 

"Yes, but that was five years ago.  Despite that, Emma is still my sister, and I'm worried about her.

 

"I know.  And I'm sorry that this is happening."

 

"So am I,"  Pamela says.  "But more than being sorry, I'm terrified.  With a maniac like my cousin Brian Manning at large.......no one is safe.  No one in this entire city, but especially the people he thinks he has to seek revenge against, like his brother Austin, and.......and maybe the Ewings."

 

Afton puts her arms around her daughter and embraces Pamela.

Southfork....late afternoon....

"Thought maybe a walk would kinda clear my mind,"  Cameron says.  

 

"Did it work?"

 

Alex lowers his head.  "No, it didn't.  I really messed up.  Put my Mom and my sister in all kinds of danger, just trying to help them. Boy what a dummy I am."

 

"Dude, you're not a dummy,"  Alex says.  "You made a mistake by trusting the wrong person.  Cameron, are things really that bad?  Money wise, I mean?"

 

"My Mom, she worked at this pharmaceutical company until a couple months ago.  But, they had to lay a bunch of people off, and she was one of them.  We had some savings for a while, but,that's running out."

 

"And she wasn't able to find another job?"

 

"No, not yet."

 

"Your Mom said she use to work for my grandmother,"  Alex says.  "Why didn't she come to her?  I know my Grandma Sue Ellen would've given her a job."

 

"I dunno, man, my Mom is real proud."

 

"What about your father?"  

 

"He died two years ago,"  Cameron says.  "Cancer."

 

"I'm sorry, man.  I know what that's like.  To lose a father."

 

"But, I thought John Ross was your Dad."

 

"He is.  John Ross is my biological father, but the man who raised me......the man I THOUGHT was  my father, he died when I was 14.  It was after that that I found out John Ross was my father."

 

"Oh, wow.  I'm sorry,"  Cameron says as a rumble of thunder sounds overhead.  A drizzle starts to fall from the sky again.  

 

"Sounds like it's about to storm,"  says Alex.  "Hop in, I'll give you a ride back to the cottage."

 

"Thanks,"  Cameron says.  He walks around and gets into the passenger side of Alex's car.  

The Krebbs Ranch....

Meanwhile, Dylan and Ashley are in a pasture on the Krebbs Ranch, Ashley watching Dylan as he repairs a section of fence, when they two hear the loud rumbles of thunder in the distance, indicating that a storm was approaching or was nearby.  Dylan looks up and sees the dark, ominous storm clouds gathering in the western sky.  "Uh-oh,"  he says.  

 

"Uh-oh is right,"  Ashley says, looking to her left and also seeing the clouds.  

 

"From the look of that sky, this is gonna be a bad storm,"  says Dylan.  "Come on, we'd better head back."  Dylan quickly gathers his tools and he and Ashley run for the four wheeler they had driven out to the pasture on.  "Damn, we should've brought the truck, but it was sunny when we came out here."

 

"Dylan, I don't think we're gonna make it back to the house,"  Ashley says as it begins to sprinkle rain on them.

 

"Then we'll head to the barn.  Main thing is we find shelter."  The two climb onto the ATV.  Dylan starts the engine, and they speed away toward the nearest barn as the rain begins to fall.  

 

A few minutes later, Dylan and Ashley reach one of the barns.  As the rain pours down on them and thunder crashes overhead, the young couple gets off the four wheeler and rushes into the barn, both drenched by the time they reach shelter.  

 

"Oh, God, it's so cold!"  Ashley says, rubbing her arms.  

 

"Yeah, it the temperature dropped when it started raining,"  says Dylan.  "Of course, it doesn't help that we're soaked to the skin.  Ash, I'm so sorry you got caught out in this."

 

"Don't be silly, it wasn't your fault."

 

"Yeah it kinda WAS, since you were out there hanging with me."

 

"Well, it's okay,"  Ashley says.  "I wouldn't miss this for anything."

 

"Maybe we'd better get out of these wet clothes.  I think there's some old workman's clothes hangin' up in one of the stalls.  We keep 'em here in case we get dirty......or wet like this."

 

"Good idea, because I am FREEZING."

 

"Yeah, me, too,"  Dylan says, his voice trembling from the cold.  He quickly removes his shirt and tosses it onto a stack of hay in the barn.  As he takes off his pants, Ashley begins to undress out of her wet clothes, too.  Dylan 

this whole relationship thing, it's all new to me.  You know you're the first real girlfriend I've ever had.  The first relationship I've ever had. I know that sounds pathetic at my age, but, it's true."

 

"No, it doesn't sound pathetic, Dylan,"  Ashley says, gently placing her hand on his bare chest.  "You were robbed of so much when you were younger, and that includes being able, or being allowed to feel normal.  But that's in the past.  Now you have a normal life, and, you have a girlfriend who's absolutely crazy about you.  So stop letting the past get in the way of what's here and now, Dylan.  You aren't the person you were a few years ago."

 

Dylan nods.  "I know.  And you're one of the things that's made me a better person this year,"  he says. then kisses her.  After a few seconds, he pulls out of the kiss and looks at her.  "Ash, do you want to.......I mean.......we're all alone here, so, do you want to....."

 

Ashley looks at him, places her hands on each side of his face, and nods.  "Yes, Dylan, I do.  I want to make love with you, right here, right now."

 

"I'd kinda pictured our first time together being a little more romantic than this, and not in a barn,"  Dylan says.

 

"Dylan, we're here in this barn all alone.  It's storming outside, so no one is gonna walk in on us. There's the sound of rain on the roof.  I can't think of a more romantic setting, especially since I'm here with the only guy I wanna be with."

 

"Ash, I'm not really very experienced.  I've only slept with one other girl before."

 

"That doesn't matter,"  Ashley says.  "Just do what comes natural."  The two begin to kiss passionately, then they 

 

As thunder crashes overheard and rain pours down on the Krebbs home late in the afternoon, Donna is standing at the kitchen window watching the storm when Ray walks into the room.  

 

"Boy, it's really comin' down out there now,"  he says.

 

"Yes, it is,"  says Donna.  "And I'm worried."

 

"Worried?  About what?"

 

"Dylan went out to finish working on that fence this afternoon, and Ashley went with him.  They haven't come back yet.  They must've gotten caught out in this storm."

 

"I wouldn't worry if I was you,"  says Ray.  "Those two prob'ly found shelter somewhere on the ranch, likely in the old barn.  It's not too far from the fence Dylan was supposed to fix."

 

Donna sighs.  "I hope you're right,"  she says, walking away from the window just as lightening flashes outside.  

 

"Donna, is everything alright?"  Ray asks.

 

"I dunno, you tell me."

 

"Now what's THAT supposed to mean?"

 

"Ray, last night, I had this romantic evening planned for us.  We haven't had one of those in a long time.  And all you wanted to do was go to sleep."

 

"Donna, I was tired.  It had been a long day."

 

"Yes.  Another long day of you working yourself to death on this ranch when you have Conner, Dylan, and a whole slew off ranch hands to do the work for you."

 

"Damn it, Donna, don't start this again,"  Ray says.  "Not now."

 

"Ray, all I wanted was ONE night with my husband.  Now, excuse me if I'm wrong,but I don't think that's too much to ask for."

 

Ray turns away from her, walks to the window and looks out.  

 

"Ray, what is it?"  Donna asks.  "What on Earth is wrong here?  You and I are not going to be able to fix what's wrong with our marriage as long as you won't even talk to me about it.  As long as you won't even DISCUSS what's wrong."

 

"There's nothin' wrong with our marriage!"  Ray angrily says, turning back to face her.  

 

"If you truly believe that, then you're a damned fool.  We haven't made love in MONTHS, Ray.  We haven't even been intimate.  We haven't talked like married people do, and I'd like to know why.  Have you grown tired of me in the three years since we remarried, is that it?"

 

"Of course not."

 

"Then why won't you even touch me anymore?  Why do you turn away from me when I touch YOU?"

 

"Would you listen to yourself?  Would you just LISTEN to how you're sounding?"

 

"And how am I sounding, Ray?"  Donna asks.

 

"Like a young school girl and not a woman of your age."

 

Donna looks at him, a hurt expression on her face.  "A woman of my age?"

 

"Donna, couples our age.......we don't have to act like we're 35 to..........well, couples our age just don't........"  Ray pauses and looks out the window at the falling rain again.  

 

"Don't what, Ray?  Don't make love anymore?  Since when did couples of a certain age stop being intimate with one another?  Ray, if you're just not attracted to me anymore, then just tell me."

 

Before Ray is able to say anything, Conner walks into the room.  "Wow, that's some storm out there,"  he says.  

 

"Hey, did Dylan get back yet?"

 

"No, he didn't,"  Donna replies.  

 

"What?  You mean he and Ashley may be caught out in this storm?"

 

"I'm sure they found shelter in one of the buildings,"  says Ray.  

 

"Excuse me,"  Donna says.  "Think I'll go upstairs and lie down."  She quickly brushes past Conner and leaves the room.  

 

"Ray, is everything alright?"  Conner asks.  "Seems like I interrupted something."

 

Ray looks at him and sighs.  "No, Conner.  You didn't interrupt anything.  Least, nothin' that didn't need interruptin'."

A barn on the Krebbs Ranch....

 

 

Back at the barn, Dylan and Ashley are laying on top of a canvas, Ashley's head resting on Dylan's bare chest, both of them breathing hard after making love.  Ashley smiles as she looks up at him.

 

Dylan returns her smile.  "Wow,"  he says.  "That was.........amazing."

 

"Yes, it definitely was,"  she agrees.  

 

"Really?  It was good for you?"

 

Ashley props herself up on her elbow and looks at him.  "Dylan, you were great.  You did everything just right."

 

His face turning a slight shade of red, Dylan's smile grows wider upon hearing Ashley praise his love making skills.  "Wow, I was really kinda worried that........that it would be terrible."

 

"Not a chance,"  Ashley says as she leans over and kisses him.  A loud crash of thunder is heard over head, loud enough to make the barn shake.

 

"I don't think this storm is gonna let up anytime soon,"  Dylan says.  

 

"Well, that would be just fine with me, because, I'm right where I wanna be.  Maybe it'll storm like this all night and we'll have to stay here."

 

Dylan looks at her and laughs slightly.  "Y'know, I just thought about something.  They're probably worried about us back at the house, so we should at least try and call and let Ray, Donna, and Conner know we're okay."

 

"Yeah, and I guess I should call Jimmy, too.  Tell him that I might not be home tonight."

 

Dylan smiles as he wraps his arms around Ashley and the two begin kissing again. 

Southfork....evening....

Sue Ellen makes her way through her living room and into the foyer to answer her ringing doorbell.  She opens the front door to her son.  "John Ross, come in,"  she says, ushering him into the house.  

 

"Nasty night out there,"  he says, closing his umbrella and leaving it in the corner.

 

"Yes, it is.  What on Earth are you doing here on a night like this?"

 

"I have some news, that I just couldn't wait to share with you,"  John Ross says.  "And, since it's stormin' so bad, I didn't really wanna drive all the way out to Southfork,so I figured I'd take shelter here until the storm passes."

 

Sue Ellen smiles.  "Well, I'm glad you did.  Catlin and I were actually about to sit down to dinner.  I hope you'll join us, if you haven't eaten."

 

"I'd love to,"  John Ross says as Catlin walks into the foyer.

 

"Well, John Ross, this is a surprise,"  Catlin says.  

 

"Catlin."

 

"John Ross, you said you had some news you couldn't wait to share?"  Sue Ellen asks.

 

"Yes, I do,"  John Ross replies, looking at Catlin.

 

"Okay, well, I can take the hint.  I'll leave you two alone.  I'll hold dinner."

 

"Thank you, we'll be in shortly,"  Sue Ellen says.  Catlin kisses her, then leaves the room.  After he's gone, Sue Ellen turns to John Ross.  "So what's this news?"

 

"I think that I have found a way for us to get a foot back in the door at Westar, and, maybe even for you to get a little revenge on an old enemy."

 

"And old enemy?  And who would that be?"

 

"None other than Kimberly Cryder, the woman who destroyed your second marriage to my father."

 

"Well, now I'm intrigued,"  Sue Ellen says.  "What's your plan?"

 

"Plan's already set in motion.  As you already know, Allison Jones was arrested the other day on charges of illegal insider trading."

 

"Yes.  And?"

 

"AND Allison was denied bail at her arraignment by none other than Judge Thomas Hooker."

 

"Judge Thomas Hooker?  That name sounds very familiar."

 

"It should.  Judge Hooker was an old friend of Daddy's."

 

"Yes, now I remember,"  says Sue Ellen.  "He was one of the judges your father had in his pocket for years.  I had no idea he was still on the bench."

 

"Well, the old geezer IS still on the bench, and luckily for us, he's still loyal to Daddy.  Loyal enough to do a huge favor for me."

 

"Is, umm, is THAT why he denied Allison Jones's bail?  As a favor to you?"

 

"Bingo."

 

"But why?"  Sue Ellen asks.  "John Ross, I don't understand what that has to do with Kimberly Cryder and Westar."

 

"Mama, don't you remember a while back when we were talkin' about Kimberly and Allison havin' these secret, clandestine meetings, and that those two women were obviously hidin' somethin' real important."

 

"Yes, I remember."

 

"Well, I paid Allison a visit today in jail, and I took her an ultimatum.  See, Allison is facin' up to 20 years in prison for insider trading.  She has a young nephew to think about providin' for if an when she does go away for a long time.  I simply told her that I would be willin' to use my influence with Judge Hooker to get him to reverse his decision on her bail, IF she tells me the secret she and Kimberly Cryder share.  Otherwise, she just might be sitting in jail for at least a year, maybe even two, before her case comes to trial.  Then what would happen to that poor little nephew of hers?  And once Allison gives me the information I need, I use that to force Kimberly to sell me her shares of Westar stock, and we can use that to fight Shawn Smith."

 

"And you're sure that this secret is explosive enough to use to blackmail Kimberly?"

 

"Oh, hell yes.  Otherwise, why would those two women have been meeting in secret the way they did, and why would both of them go to such great lengths to hide their connection with each other?"

 

Sue Ellen smiles.  "Well, John Ross,"  she says.  "You have once again proven that you are your father's son.  J.R. couldn't have handled this any better himself."

 

"Thank you, Mama.  I consider that the greatest of compliments,"  John Ross says with a smile.  "Now, what's for dinner?  I'm starved."

Brian's hideout in Dallas....

"No one is getting out of this.  If I die, then the two of you will be joining me and we'll enter hell together.  Just one big, happy family.  And I know exactly where the final act of our little Greek tragedy should be played out.  With people who are a big part of this story.  The people who are really at fault for this whole mess."

 

"What the hell are you talking about?"  Jonathon asks.

 

"The perfect place for us to hide out.  If we can get there, that is."

 

"Where?"  Emma asks.  

 

"Why, with your family, Emma......the Ewings, at Southfork Ranch.  The place is big, and isolated.  Only problem is, can we get there?  Radio said the cops have all the roads blocked off in and out of Dallas County, and Southfork is in the next county if I remember right.  Emma, you lived there.  You must know a way to get us to Southfork."

 

"No, I won't,"  Emma says.  "I won't put my mother and all those other people in danger."

 

Brian walks over to her, pulling out his gun.  He kneels down beside Emma and places the gun directly against her left cheek.  Terrified, Emma begins whimpering.  "I don't believe I heard you right, cousin.  I said, you're gonna take us to Southfork, or.........that kid of yours, how old is he now?"

 

"He's.......he's 2,"  Emma replies in tears.  "Well, all I have to do is make one phone call, and your kid never lives to see his third birthday, now is that what you want?"

 

A terrified Emma continues to cry, failing to answer Brian's question.

 

"I said.......is that what you want?"  Brian impatiently asks again.

 

"No."

 

"Leave her alone, you son of a bitch,"  Jonathon says.  

 

Brian looks at him and laughs.  "Son of a bitch?  Well, yeah, I guess technically, I am.  But if I'm a son of a bitch, then so are you, since Katherine is YOUR mother, too.  Okay, then, here's the plan.  The three of us are gonna go out to the car and get in.  And Emma, you're gonna get us out of Dallas and drive us out to Southfork while my brother and I sit in the back seat.  He'll have his hands and feet tied.......or better yet, he'll have his hands and feet tied, AND he'll be unconscious, and I'll have a gun to your back.  I'll also have this cell phone of yours in my hands, ready to send a text giving the order for your son to be killed if anything goes wrong on our way to the Ewing ranch.  So you'd better make damned sure that we don't get caught or stopped by a road block."

 

"How am I supposed to do that?"  Emma asks.

 

"That's YOUR problem.  You figure it out,"  Brian replies.  Emma and Jonathon exchange frightened looks between them, both facing the terrible realization that they probably won't make it through this night alive.

Mitch's apartment....

 As the torrential rain that had been falling for hours began to slow to a mild downpour, Emma is driving Jonathon's car down a rural road just over the county line into Braddock County, with Brian hunched down in the backseat next to a bound and gagged Jonathon, who is unconscious, courtesy of a blow to the head from the butt of Brian's gun.  "Can't you drive any faster?"  An impatient Brian asks.

 

"The roads are wet and slippery, and it's still raining. I'm going as fast as I can in this weather."

 

"Turn the radio on,"  Brian orders.

 

"What?"  

 

"Turn the radio on.  I wanna see if the news is on."

 

Emma reaches over and switches on the car radio.  "Need a new car, a used car, ready for an upgrade? Then come to Billy Bobs Auto Warehouse at 2457 North Stemmons Freeway in Dallas. You name, it we’ve got. From Chevy’s and Fords to Nissans and Toyotas. We’ve got the best deals in town! You won’t believe these prices! Come down, take a spin and let’s make at deal. Billy Bobs Auto Warehouse on the corner of Smith and Wells.  Taxes, fees and hidden cost may apply.  Paid for by Billy Bob's Auto Warehouse, Dallas."  As soon as the advertisement is over, the hourly news broadcast begins:  "And now, our local news from station WDFW, serving all of Dallas and Fort Worth and surrounding areas.  This is Frank Elliott reporting.  In our lead story this evening, the largest manhunt in Dallas history continues tonight for escaped fugitive and murder suspect Brian Manning, who is believed to still be in the area, and who is considered armed and extremely dangerous.  Manning may be accompanied by two hostages, Emma Ryland, and Jonathon Lord, CEO of Wentworth Industries, who is also Manning's brother.  The three may be traveling in Lord's vehicle, a 2018 Lexus LS 500, license plate Texas JLOR 189.  Lord has been missing since late yesterday, and his automobile has also been reported missing, and police have reason to suspect that the Wentworth CEO may have been abducted by his brother."

 

"DAMN IT!"  Brian angrily yells, startling Emma.  "They know we're in Jonathon's car.  I should've known the cops would trace the damned car! Stupid, stupid, STUPID! Alright, pull over."

 

"What?" Emma asks.  

 

"I said pull over.  Or better yet, find one of these little side roads to turn onto.  We gotta ditch this car and make it the rest of the way on foot."

 

"On foot?"

 

"YES, ON FOOT!  You lived around here, you must know this area.  Are we anywhere near Southfork?"

 

"Yes, I, no, I dunno."

 

"Well, you'd best be figuring it out, cousin,"  Brian says.  "There, isn't that a side road ahead?  Take a right on it."

 

Obeying her kidnapper's command, Emma turns the car off the main road and onto a smaller dirt road that leads 

 

 

 into a pasture.  As Emma drives slowly down the road through the pasture, it begins to rain hard again.  "I can hardly see where I'm going,"  Emma complains.  

 

"Just shut up and keep driving. We have to stay off the main.  The cops are on the lookout for this car, and nothing is gonna stop me before I get to Southfork."

 

"Why Southfork?"  Emma asks.

 

"Because.......I have a score to settle there."

 

"What kind of score?  What did the Ewings ever do to you?  Haven't you hurt them enough?"

 

"Not by a long shot,"  Brian replies.  "As for what they did to me.......the Ewings ruined my family.  They ruined my LIFE!"

 

"How?  That doesn't make any sense.  You don't even know them."

 

"Just shut up and drive!  This.......this place, from what I can see, it looks like a ranch or something.  Is this part of Southfork?"

 

"I don't know,"  Emma answers.

 

"Well, just keep driving as far as this road goes or until I tell you to stop."

 

At that moment, Emma hits a mud hole in the road, and the front left tire gets stuck, bringing the car to an abrupt halt in the middle of the road, the jolt of which arouses Jonathon from his unconscious state.  He opens his eyes and looks around.  Emma presses the accelerator, but the tire only spins in the mud.  

 

"What the hell's going on?"  An angry Brian asks.  "Why aren't we moving?"

 

"Because we're stuck,"  says Emma.  

 

"Well, you get us UN-stuck."

 

"I'm trying,"  Emma says, continuing to press the accelerator, but again, the wheel simply spins in the mud, digging in deeper.  

 

"Well try harder, damn it, unless you want a bullet in the back of your brain!"

 

"It's no use, this car is not going anywhere,"  Emma says as she begins to cry.

 

"What's going on?"  Jonathon asks, waking up.  "Where are we?"

 

"Well, looks like we're gonna be walkin'," says Brian.  "Come on.  Let's get out.  Let's go."

 

"It's pouring rain out there,"  Emma says.

 

 

"You afraid of a little rain water?"  Brian asks.  He points the gun at her.  "Get out of the car,"  he tells Emma.  "You, too,"  he says, looking at Jonathon.  "Let's go."  Brian opens the rear driver door of the car and steps out into the rain.  "Get out slowly, on this side."

 

As he points the gun at them, Emma and a slightly disoriented Jonathon get out of the car.  

 

"Looks like we're in luck,"  Brian says.  "That looks like a barn off in the distance.  Come on."

 

"Brian, I don't think I can,"  Jonathon says, rubbing his head.  "I'm dizzy."

 

"Well, that's just too damned bad.  Now GO!"

 

"You hit him pretty hard, he's still weak and woozy,"  Emma says.

 

"Then help him.  Carry him if you have to, but we're moving, now GO!"

 

"Come on,"  Emma says, putting her arm around Jonathon to help him.  

The barn on the Krebbs Ranch....

Meanwhile, in the barn on the Krebbs Ranch, Dylan and Ashley are still laying in each others' arms.  "Maybe we should've made a try for the house when the rain slowed down some.  I think it's pouring again now,"  Dylan says.

 

"Maybe, but, we were a little busy then," Ashley says.

 

Dylan looks at her and smiles.  "Yes we were."

 

"I think the rain's letting up a little now.  If not, it should be.  It's been storming for HOURS."

 

"Yeah, well, I think I'll take a look outside and see what it looks like out there.  See how dark the sky is."  Dylan stands to his feet and begins to get dressed.  He slips on his boxers, then his jeans and zips them.  He smiles at Ashley then goes to the barn door.  As he approaches the door, he and Ashley hear a thumping sound from outside.  Dylan looks at Ashley, then cautiously moves closer to the door as a 

loud rumble of thunder sounds overhead.  Opening the barn door, Dylan steps out, and is immediately greeted by Brian standing in the rain, pointing a gun directly at him.  

 

"Hold it,"  Brian says.  "Don't move."

 

"What the.......who are you?"  Dylan asks.

 

"Get back in the barn.  MOVE!"

 

Frightened, Dylan does as he's told and slowly backs into the barn.  

 

"Dylan, what's going on?"  Ashley asks, covering herself with her shirt.

 

Brian forces a soaking wet Emma and Jonathon into the barn at gunpoint.  

 

"Emma?"  Ashley asks.  "Emma Ryland?"

 

Brian looks at Dylan, then at Ashley in their state of undress and smiles.  "Well, now, what did we interrupt here?"

 

"Who are you and what do you want?"  Dylan asks.  

 

"It's Brian Manning,"  replies a frightened and tearful Emma.

 

"Brian Manning?"  Dylan asks.

 

"Oh my God," cries Ashley.  

 

"What do you want here?"  Dylan asks.

 

"Well, apparently you two have heard of me.  Now, who are you?"

 

Dylan and Ashley exchange looks, both remaining silent.  

 

"I said, who are YOU?"  Brian repeats, pointing the gun at the terrified young couple.  

 

 

"Dylan Ewing.  And this is Ashley Beaumont."

 

"Ewing?"  Brian asks with a smile.  "Well, now, how about that.  A Ewing.  So, this is Southfork we're on?"

 

"No,"  Dylan replies.  "No, this is the Krebbs Ranch."

 

"How close are we to Southfork?"

 

"Couple miles."

 

"Couple miles, that's good,"  says Brian.  "You got a car?"

 

"No.  Not here,"  Dylan replies.  "Just a four wheeler outside.  We got caught in the storm."

 

"Where's your car?"

 

"At......at the house."

 

"How far's that?"  Brian asks.

 

"Just over the ridge,"  replies Dylan.

 

"Okay, well, let me tell ya what's about to happen, sport.  You're gonna take that four wheeler and you're gonna go and you're get that car, and you're gonna come right back here without anyone seeing you, and without you telling anyone about any of this.  And if you do tell anyone, or if you don't come back in fifteen minutes......"  Brian pauses as he points the gun at Ashley's head.  "......I put a bullet in your girlfriend's brain.  Now get going."

 

"I......."

 

"Go.  Get the car,"  Brian says.  "And remember what I said........you tell a single soul, or if you don't come back here with that car.......your girlfriend here dies."

 

Shaking with fear, Dylan looks at Ashley, who is now crying.  He picks up his shoes and quickly slips them on, then leaves the barn.  

 

Brian looks at Jonathon and Emma.  "You two get over there with the girl,"  he says.  

 

Reluctantly, Jonathon and Emma move over to Ashley and sit down on the ground beside her.  Brian looks at them and smiles.  

 

"Isn't this cozy?"  He asks, his three terrified hostages looking at each other.

 

 

Meanwhile, outside in the pouring rain, Dylan rushes to his four wheeler parked near the barn.  Dylan pauses very briefly, fighting back his tears, then climbs onto the four wheeler.  His heart pounding with fear, his body now drenched from the rain, Dylan was terrified of how the rest of this night would unfold.......if he didn't return to the barn with his car as Brian had ordered, or if he involved anyone else, then Manning would probably kill Ashley, and maybe the other two hostages.  If he did return, then there was a chance that they all could die before morning anyway, including himself.  But unwilling to take a chance with Ashley's life, Dylan starts the vehicle and speeds off in the direction of the Krebbs home.  

The barn....later....

 

After nearly twenty minutes have passed, Brian begins anxiously pacing around the barn as a terrified Emma, Ashley, and Jonathon sit together in one corner.  "Where the hell is that boyfriend of yours?"  Brian asks Ashley.

 

"He'll be back,"  Ashley says in tears.  "He will."

"You'd better hope he does, sweetheart, or you'd best be saying your prayers,"  Brian warns, waving the gun at the terrified girl.  

 

"Brian, come on, just let them go,"  Jonathon says.  "I told you, you need a hostage, then take me, but let Emma and this girl go, and the boy, too."

 

"That's a mighty fine offer, brother.  Ladies, wasn't that a fine offer my brother just made? What a hero, huh?  Thanks, brother, but no thanks.  We're all in this together."

 

"What are you gonna do with us?" Ashley asks, crying.

 

"That all depends,"  Brian replies.  

 

"On what?"  Emma asks.

 

"On a lot of things, now just shut up, all of you."

 

Suddenly, the lights from a car can be seen through one of the small windows of the building.  

 

"Sweetheart, you'd better hope that's your boyfriend."

 

"So what happens when you get us to Southfork Ranch?"  Jonathon asks.  "You just kill everyone there, including all of us?"

 

"I told you to shut your damned mouth,"  Brian says.  He walks over to the door, his gun drawn and ready.  Cautiously, he opens the barn door, and a soaking wet Dylan walks in.  "Good, you made it back,"  says Brian.  "We were gettin' worried."

 

Dylan rushes to Ashley and embraces her.  "Are you okay?  Did he hurt you while I was gone?"

 

"No, I'm alright,"  the girl replies.

 

"You tell anybody about us bein' here?"  Brian asks.

 

"No."

 

"Anybody see you?"

 

"No, no one saw me.  I had a spare key to my car."

 

"Good.  Okay, everyone, let's go."

 

"Where are we going?"  Dylan asks.

 

"I thought I already told you.  We're going to Southfork, and you're gonna drive us there, sport.  Now move.  EVERYONE!"  

 

Very reluctantly, the group moves out of the barn and into the rain outside.  They get into Dylan's car, Dylan in the driver's seat, Ashley next to him, with Jonathon and Emma in the backseat with Brian, his gun on them.  

 

"Okay, now, sport, you're gonna drive us to Southfork," Brian says.  "And you try anything funny, like trying to run us off the road, or something stupid like that........remember I'll have this gun pointed directly at the back of your girlfriend's head, so be extra careful.  Don't hit any potholes."

 

Dylan and Ashley look at each other, expression of both fear and defeat on their faces.  Dylan starts the car, and they drive off headed for their destination.

Southfork....

 At Southfork, Bobby, Ann, Lucas, Christopher, and Courtney are in the living room, Christopher standing at one of the French doors leading onto the patio looking out at the lightening and heavy rain still falling.  "I don't think this storm's ever gonna let up,"  he says.

 

"If this rain keeps up, we could be in for some major flooding on some areas of the ranch,"  says Bobby.

 

"Well, I think I'm gonna go to bed,"  Courtney says, getting up from her seat on the sofa.  "It's been a long day."

 

"That, it has,"  agrees Bobby.

 

Christopher sighs as he turns away from the window.  "Yeah, I think I'll join you.  It's getting late.  We'll see you all in the morning."

 

Bobby nods.  "Goodnight, son, Courtney."

 

"Night,"  Courtney replies.  

 

"Lucas, why don't you go on to bed, too?"  Bobby asks.  "Like Christopher said, it's been a long day, and we're all exhausted."

 

"I don't think I could sleep even if I tried.  I'm too worried about Logan.  But, I think I will go in and check on Heather,"  Lucas says as the front doorbell rings.  

 

"Bobby, who on Earth could that be at this hour?"  Ann asks.

 

"I dunno.  Only one way to find out,"  replies Bobby.  He walks into the foyer to answer the door, with Ann, Christopher, Courtney, and Lucas following.  Bobby goes to the door, pauses a second as he looks back at his wife, then he opens the door.  He is immediately surprised when he sees Dylan and Ashley at the door, Dylan shirtless and barefoot, and both young people looking frightened.  "Dylan?  Ashley?  What's goin' on?  What's happened?"

 

"That's a good question, Mr. Ewing,"  Brian replies as he steps out of the shadows, much to the shock of Bobby and the others.  Brian shoves Dylan and Ashley into the house, then forces Jonathon and Emma in behind them.

 

"EMMA!"  Ann says, seeing her daughter.

 

"Mom!"  Emma says, the mother and daughter rushing to embrace each other.  

 

"What the hell IS this?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Manning,"  says Bobby.  

 

"That's right, Mr. Ewing,"  Brian says.  

 

"Emma, my God, are you alright?"  Ann asks her daughter.

 

"Yes, I'm fine.  Just really scared."

 

"Of course, she's fine,"  Brian says.  "She's been in the best possible hands."

 

"Manning, what the hell are you doing here?"  Bobby asks.  "What do you want?"

 

"Revenge, Mr. Ewing.  Good old fashioned revenge."

 

"Revenge?  Revenge for WHAT?"

 

"The Ewings destroyed my family."

 

"What the hell are you talking about?  You're out of your mind!"  Christopher says.  

 

Brian looks at him.  "Well, now.  You've gotta be my cousin Christopher.  We've never met, but I've seen pictures of you.  Nice to finally meet face to face."

 

"Yeah, too bad I can't say the same about you."

 

Brian laughs at the comment, but then he is startled when Michael and Jacob come running down the stairs.  "Hold it!"  He says.  

 

The two boys stop in their tracks at the bottom of the stairs when they see Brian with the gun.  

 

"Well, look what we have here,"  says Brian.  "Kiddos."

 

"Michael, Jacob, go to your fathers,"  Bobby tells the two boys.  They do as they are told, Michael walking over to Lucas, and Jacob going over to Christopher and Courtney.  

 

"Alright, now I'm gonna ask a question, and I'd better get the truth,"  says Brian.  "Who else is here in this house tonight?  And remember.......the TRUTH.  You lie to me, and I WILL find out, and that would be very bad.  Who's home?"

 

Bobby looks at him and reluctantly answers.  "My nephew John Ross's wife, Krystina, his son Alex.  They're upstairs."

 

"Anyone else?"

 

"My wife Heather,"  replies Lucas.  "She's asleep in our bedroom."

 

Brian smiles and nods.  "Good.  Cousin Christopher, this must be your lovely wife.  And......your son?"

 

"That's right,"  Christopher replies.

 

"Okay.  Now here's what's gonna happen.  Christopher, you're gonna go and you're gonna round up everyone else in this house, and bring them in this room here, and we're all gonna spend the night together.  So get going.  Get everyone, and bring them in the living room.  And Christopher.........you try anything funny, anything at ALL, like calling the cops, or anything stupid like that.......and your wife and son are gonna die.  And let me have your cell phone before you go.  Come on."  Brian holds out his hand.

 

Christopher looks at Courtney, and Jacob, both of whom have expressions of fear on their faces.  He slowly takes his phone from his pocket and hands it over to Brian.  

 

"Now go get everyone.  And hurry."

 

Christopher heads up the stairs.

 

"Now, Emma, you collect everyone else's cell phones and put them on the table next to the door."

 

Emma looks at Brian, then does as she is told, and collects the phones from Bobby, Ann, and Lucas.  

 

"How about yours?"  Brian asks Courtney.

 

"I left my phone in the other room."

 

"Then get it, and remember......your kid is gonna be my target if you're not back here in like ten seconds."

 

Very quickly, Courtney hurries into the living room and picks up her phone from the coffee table, then returns to the foyer and hands the phone to Brian.  

 

"Thank you,"  he says.  

 

"Where is my son?"  Lucas asks.  "Emma, WHERE is Logan?"

 

"Lucas, I.....I don't know.  He said that......"

 

"Your kid is fine,"  Brian says.  "And he'll stay that way as long as you people don't do anything to make me unhappy."

 

Christopher returns downstairs, followed by Alex and Krystina, both of whom stop short at the bottom of the stairs when they see him. 

 

"Oh my God, Manning,"  Alex says.

 

Brian looks at him and smiles.  "Well, well, well.  Alex.  We meet again.  You two, hand over your cell phones. NOW!"

 

Fighting back tears, Krystina takes her phone from her pocket and gives it to him.  Alex does the same.  

 

"Okay, now everyone move into that room,"  Brian orders, pointing to the den.  The reluctant group of hostages all go into the den and form a line near the fireplace.  "Wait, we're missing someone.  You,"  Brian says, looking at Lucas.  "You said your wife was home."

 

"Yes, but she's in bed, asleep."

 

"Go and wake her.  Bring her in here."

 

"Look, my wife's pregnant and she's in bed under doctor's orders,"  Lucas frantically says.  "She's no threat to you."

 

"Perhaps you didn't hear me,"  Brian says, pointing the gun at Michael.  "Get your damned wife in here NOW!  Or I put a bullet in your kid's head."

 

"Alright, alright,"  Lucas says.  "I'll get her."

 

"Bring her cell phone, too."

 

Lucas nods, then leaves the room.  

 

"You're all soakin' wet, and you must be freezin',"  Ann says to Emma, Jonathon, Dylan, and Ashley.

 

"Yeah, we are,"  Dylan replies.  

 

Ann looks at Brian.  "Could I please get them some blankets?"

 

"And what about ME, Mrs. Ewing?"  Brian asks, taking off his wet shirt.  "I'm just as wet as they are."

 

"Alright, I'll get you a blanket, too."

 

"No, thank you, I think we're all good."

 

"S...speak for yourself.  I'm literally FREEZING,"  Dylan says, shivering.

 

"He was out in that pouring rain and he's soaked to the skin,"  Ashley says.  "He could catch pneumonia."

 

"Doesn't matter.  He'll probably be dead by this time tomorrow night, anyway."

 

"So what are you gonna do, Manning?"  Bobby asks.  "Are you gonna kill us all?  Just slaughter us here like animals?"

 

Brian laughs.  "Dramatic much, Mr. Ewing?  Or maybe I should call you UNCLE Bobby, since you use to be married to my Aunt Pam."

 

"Brian, this is ridiculous,"  says Jonathon. "Just let these people go.  Whatever problem you have is with ME, not with the Ewings."

 

"Oh, that's where you're wrong, brother.  My problem is with you, yes.  But also with these........Ewings.  Speaking

of which, one of you is missing."  Brian walks over to Krystina as a loud rumble of thunder can be heard outside.  "You're John Ross's wife, aren't you?"

 

"Yes,"  a frightened and tearful Krystina replies.

 

"Where is he tonight?"

 

"He......he got caught in the storm.  He's spending the night at his mother's house in town."

 

"Too bad.  I was hopin' he'd be here to join our little party."

 

"What are you gonna do to us?"  Jacob asks.

 

"How about we let that be a surprise, kid?"

 

Lucas returns with a sleepy Heather and they walk into the room.  

 

"Well, you must be ANOTHER Mrs. Ewing,"  Brian says.  "What's your name?"  

 

"Heather."

 

"Pleasure to meet you, Heather.  I'm Brian.  Now get over there with the rest of the family.  All of you sit down.  Make yourselves comfortable because this is gonna be a long night."

 

"Mom,"  Michael says.

 

"Oh, baby,"  Heather says, walking over and embracing her son.  

 

"I saw you fall off that bridge and into the river, AFTER you were shot,"  Alex says.  "How could you have survived that?"

 

"I'm tough.  Or maybe God wasn't finished with me yet.  Maybe He had more work for me to do here on Earth."

 

"You've got the NERVE to mention God's name after all the people you've killed?"  Ann asks.  "All the people you've terrorized?"

 

"Everyone must have a reckoning,"  Brian says.  "Tonight is the Ewing family's reckoning."

 

"What the hell is your problem with this family?"  Christopher asks.  "No one in this room has ever done anything to you!"

 

"That's where you're wrong, cuz.  This whole thing, this whole nightmare........is partly the fault of your old man here."

 

"Now just how do you figure THAT, young man?"  Bobby asks.

 

"My mother fell in love with you.  But you just tossed her aside like a piece of trash.  Your drove her over the edge, and your piece of filth brother blackmailed her and destroyed her life."

 

"Your mother was a psychotic bitch who broke up my marriage to her own sister, and then wreaked no end of havoc on a lot of peoples' lives."

 

"And you drove her to that, UNCLE Bobby.  Because of the way the Ewings treated Katherine Wentworth, she lost her mind.  She had live most of her life in hiding, and on the run.  And because of that, she gave me and my sister away when we were born.  Katie and I grew up in a LIVING HELL!!  AND IT'S  ALL BECAUSE OF THE DAMNED EWINGS!  And now my sister is locked up in a mental hospital, and she'll probably never recover."

 

"I think your whole family needs to be in a mental hospital,"  Lucas says.  

 

Brian points his gun directly at Lucas's head.  "Y'know, you're REALLY making it easy for me to decide which one of you dies first."

 

"No, don't!  Don't hurt my Dad!" Michael pleads. 

 

Brian looks at Michael, then looks back at Lucas and smiles. "You're lucky I have a soft spot for kids."

 

"I wanna know where my son is,"  Lucas says.  

 

"Like I told you before, he's fine, and in good hands."

 

"And I'm supposed to trust your word on that?"

 

"You don't have a choice."

 

"Alright, so what the hell are you gonna do with us?"  Christopher asks.  "You know you're not gonna get away with this."

 

"Why did you even come back here?"  Alex asks.  "Everyone thought you were dead.  You could've gotten away."

 

"And for what?  To keep running for the rest of my life, the way my mother did? You wanna know somethin'?  When I got shot and I fell into that river, the current carried me way downstream.  Miles and miles.  I hung on to this tree for dear life.  The current took me to this little cove, and I climbed out, half dead, still bleeding and nearly frozen to death.  For a while I even hoped I would die.  Even prayed to die, can ya believe that?  But I didn't.  And I spent the next few months thinking.  And being angry.  And letting that anger fester, and grow inside me.  I was angry at my mother for throwing me and my sister away when we were born."  Brian looks over at Jonathon.  "I was angry at my brothers for the lives they got to have while Katie and I were stuck in a literal nightmare.  I hated them all, and wanted them all to pay.  Then I got to thinking about who really set this whole chain of events in motion.  And it all started with the Ewings.  More specifically, the Ewing brothers, Bobby and J.R.  One used my mother to get what he wanted, and then tossed her away like a piece of garbage, and the other rejected her love and destroyed her.  Destroyed all of us.  We're all here tonight because of you, Bobby Ewing. You and your brother and the way you treated my mother all those years ago."

 

"Oh, just stop it, just SHUT THE HELL UP!"  Jonathon angrily says.  "Katherine Wentworth made her own choices and so did you.  But just like our crazy mother, you keep blaming other people for your failings.  You're my younger brother, and I'm REAL sorry you and our sister had such a crappy life.  No one deserves what the two of you went through at the hands of your adoptive parents.  But you had a choice.  You could've chosen to overcome your past and to make something of your life.  But instead, you lashed out at the world and became a cold blooded killer.  YOUR choice!  You can't blame anyone else for the pathetic way your life turned out."

 

 

"EASY FOR YOU TO SAY, CONSIDERING HOW YOU GREW UP!"  Brian yells.  "Lap of luxury.  Getting any and everything you ever wanted.  Living in mansions, being raised by your real father.  OUR FATHER! Did you ever go to bed so hungry that you cried yourself to sleep?  NO, of course you didn't."

 

"Oh, you're just breaking my heart,"  Christopher says sarcastically.  

 

"You know something, Manning?"  Bobby asks.  "You're just as crazy and twisted as your mother ever was, maybe even more so.  And ya where that got her.  Katherine is gonna spend the rest of her natural life in prison, and so will you."

 

"Oh, that's where you're wrong, Uncle Bobby.  That's where you're VERY wrong.  There's a reason why I came here tonight.  Y'see, I figure there's only two ways out of this for me, one being getting caught and, like you said, spending the rest of my life in prison.  The other way out.......is  death, and I'll be damned if I'm going to prison, to be locked in a cage like an animal.  I made my peace with dying.  I've accepted the fact that I'll be spending an eternity in hell for the things I've done.  I hope all of you have made your peace, too, because when this all ends tonight,or in the early morning hours, I'm gonna be taking some of you out with me.  Jonathon, you and UNCLE Bobby will be joining me in death for sure.  But who else should join us, Uncle Bobby?  One or both of your sons?  Your wife?  Dear cousin Emma?"  Brian looks around the room, his eyes coming to rest on Alex.  "Since John Ross isn't here, I guess J.R.'s grandson will have to pay for HIS sins against my mother.  So, Bobby, Jonathon, and Alex.  I suggest you three make your peace with your Maker.  But who else should we take out?"  As Brian talks, the women, as well as Michael and Jacob begin to cry and sob in fear.  

 

"You're really enjoyin' this, aren't you?"  Ann asks.  "Torturin' us.  Makin' us suffer.  Terrorizin' innocent people.  I thought Katherine Wentworth was a monster, but you make your mother look like a saint in comparison.  You're nothin' but pure EVIL."

 

"Well, thank you for the compliment, Mrs. Ewing,"  Brian says sarcastically.  "Now, do me a favor.....SHUT UP!"

 

Bobby looks at Brian, then looks over at Christopher and Lucas, his facial expression indicating that an idea has come to his mind.  Just then, one of the cell phones laying in the pile of phones on the table in the foyer begins to ring, with the ringtone of the song Every Little Honky Tonk Bar, by George Strait.  The ringing phone belongs to Krystina.

 

"Looks like someone is trying to get through,"  Brian says.  "Now who would be calling one of you at this hour of the night?  It's almost 12:30 a.m."

 

"That's my phone,"  replies Krystina.  "That's my ringtone."

 

Brian smiles.  "Nice ringtone.  You a George Strait fan?  He's one of my favorites.  Good ol' Texas boy.  Why don't we just go see who's calling?"  Still smiling sadistically, Brian walks into the foyer, picks up Krystina's phone and looks at it.  "Well, now, how 'bout that?  It's your hubby, John Ross."

Meanwhile....Sue Ellen's home....

John Ross is in the guest bedroom at Sue Ellen and Catlin's house trying to call Krystina.  Her phone rings several times, then goes to voicemail.  After the beep, he decides to leave her a message:  "Hey, darlin', it's me again.  I was just checkin' in, but I guess you must be asleep by now.  Well, I'll be home as early as I can in the mornin'.  Night, sweetheart. Love you."  John Ross ends the call and tosses his phone onto the bed.  Then goes to the window and looks out as lightening flashes in the window, 

 illuminating the entire room, followed by a loud crash of thunder.  "Is this damned storm ever gonna end?"  John Ross asks himself as he looks out at the heavy rain that is once again falling.

Southfork....

Krystina is sitting with Alex, Heather, and Michael.  "Y'know that John Ross is one lucky guy.  You're a real hot little number,"  he says, looking at Krystina.  "You originally from Texas?"

 

"No."

 

"Where you from?"  

 

"Colorado.  Denver."

 

"Well, like I said, John Ross is sure lucky.  I'll bet you're terrific in bed."  Brian reaches over and touches Krystina's face, and the feel of his hand makes her skin crawl.  "I'd sure like to find out.  It's been a long, LONG time since I've been with a woman, and right now, I'm about to just burst.  How about we tie up the rest of these losers, and you and me take this party in the next room, huh, baby?"  

 

Krystina begins to cry as Brian runs his hand up her cheek, and then through her hair.

 

"Leave her alone, you son of a bitch!"  Alex angrily says as he stands to his feet.

 

Brian turns and looks at him.  He laughs.  "Oh, now this is just rich.  Comin' to the rescue of your daddy's wife, Junior?  Well, why don't you just try that?  And you'll be the first to die here tonight."  Brian points the gun at him.  "Sit your little punk ass down, or these two kids here are gonna see somethin' they will NEVER be able to get out of their fragile little minds, and that's your brains splattering against that wall."

 

"Alex, please,"  Krystina says in tears.  "Please, sit down."

 

Alex looks at Brian, and, trembling with fear, he reluctantly retakes his seat on the other sofa next to Dylan, Ashley, and Jonathon.  

 

Brian returns his attention to Krystina.  "Now, then, where were we, beautiful?  Oh, yes.  I was just about to have someone tie the rest of these losers up real good, so that you and I could have a little party of our own.  How about you?  Lucas, right?"

 

"Umm, Brian, look, why don't you tell me a little about yourself first?"  Christopher asks, in a desperate attempt to divert Brian's attention away from Krystina.

 

"What?"

 

"Well, as you said, we ARE cousins, and I don't even know anything about you."

 

Brian laughs.  "Christopher, how stupid do you think I am?  I know damned well you're not the least bit interested in knowing anything about me, so just save the crap."

 

"That's not true,"  says Christopher.  "Our mothers were sisters, and, aside from Uncle Cliff, I don't know much about my family on that side.  It's just interesting to find cousins I've never known before."

 

"Yeah, especially one who's a killer, right?"  Brian asks.  "Well, if you wanna know your cousins on your mommy's side, then there are two more right here in this room,"  he says, pointing to Jonathon and then to Emma.  "My big brother there'd be real interesting to get to know."

 

"What made you turn into a killer like this?"  Jacob asks.  

 

"Jacob, don't,"  says Courtney.

 

"No, wait,"  Brian says.  "That's a great question, kid.  Well, you see, the day I was born, my mother gave me away.  She didn't want me and my sister, so she gave us away.  My sister and I were raised in foster care, until we were adopted by these people who were real.......well, let's just say they weren't nice people.  They beat me.  Almost every night.  Whenever my sister Katie did something wrong, I'd take the blame to protect her from being punished.  I took Katie's punishment, and my own.  And these adoptive parents of mine, they weren't content with just beating me until my back bled.  Oh, no.  They use to lock me in a dark closet.  Make me go to bed without supper.  I lived in that hell while my two brothers were raised in the lap of luxury."

 

"Sounds like a real cop out to me," Jacob says.  

 

"What'd you say, kid?"  Brian asks.

 

"I said that sounds like a real cop out.  Just because your adoptive parents abused you is no reason to grow up hating other people,and hurting other people.  My adoptive Dad use to abuse me, too.  He beat me.  But I don't hate everyone else because of it.  I don't even hate him."

 

"Yeah, well, that's the difference between you and me, kid.  I guess hate is in my genes.  In my blood.  Now enough of this stalling.  The rest of you shut your mouths.  Lucas, I want you to find something, and I want you to tie everyone in this room up.  NOW!"

 

"Manning, what the hell are  you planning on doing?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I'm gonna have me a little well deserved, and LONG over due fun with John Ross's hot little wife here."

 

"Oh God, please, no,"  Krystina cries.  

 

Brian laughs.  "I just love a woman who begs.  Go find some rope or something, Lucas, or I shoot your pregnant wife,"  he says, pointing the gun at Heather, who also begins to cry.  

 

"Alright, alright,"  Lucas says.  "Just don't hurt her."

 

"Come on, get up,"  Brian says, grabbing Krystina by the arm and forcing her to her feet.  "You and me are gonna have a REAL good time."

 

"Please, you don't have to do this,"  Krystina says in tears.

 

"Baby, you don't know what it's like goin' over two years without.  I'm about ready to explode."

 

Sitting across the room, Alex is enraged as he watches Brian grope his stepmother.  He has to muster all his will to keep himself from getting up and rushing Brian.  

 

Lucas returns with some rope.  "I found some rope."

 

"Good.  Tie everyone up.  Start with your old man, and make sure those ropes are tight and secure."

 

Lucas looks at him for a second, then walks over to Bobby, who exchanges looks with Christopher.  As Brian continues to grope Krystina, holding the gun in one hand and touching her breasts with his other hand, Krystina cries and pleads with him to stop.  As Brian slowly moves his free hand down her body toward her private area, Krystina feels as if she is about to pass out.  Seeing an opportunity, and unable to take this monster's hands on her body any longer, Krystina quickly elbows Brian in the ribs, causing him to bend over in pain and release her from his grip.  Taking the only chance he would get at disarming him, Christopher lunges at Brian, grabbing him around the waist and forcing him against the wall.  The two struggle over the gun.  Bobby and Lucas also rush for Brian, who holds onto the gun with all his might.  As Lucas attempts to force the gun from Brian's hand, Brian manages to squeeze the trigger.  The gun fires, and a bullet strikes Heather in the right shoulder, knocking her to the floor as she screams out in pain!

 

"MOM!!"  Michael yells.

 

Seeing that his wife has been shot, Lucas lets go of Brian and rushes over to Heather.  Mass chaos erupts in the room as Bobby and Christopher struggle to get the gun away from Brian, the women scream in terror and everyone attempts to dodge for cover in case Brian fires another shot.  Brian does manage to fire two more shots, one bullet striking Dylan in the arm, and another hitting Jonathon in the abdomen.  Ashley screams as she watches Dylan fall, and Jonathon crumples to the ground, bleeding from his abdominal wound.  Finally, As Christopher begins to choke Brian, Bobby grabs his hand, forcing him to let go of the gun.  The weapon falls to the floor.  Jacob immediately rushes over, picks up the gun, and points it at Brian just as Christopher punches Brian in the face, knocking him backward against the wall.  

 

"Jacob!"  Courtney yells out.  Christopher turns around and sees the boy holding the weapon.  

 

"Jacob, give me the gun," Christopher says, holding out his hand.  "Jacob, come on, let me have the gun."

 

Just as Jacob is about to hand the gun over to Christopher, Brian punches Bobby, knocking him to the floor, then grabs Christopher by the throat.  As Christopher struggles against his grip, the two move closer to Jacob.  Jacob takes a step back, and as he does, he trips, falls backward to the floor, and the gun goes off in his hand!  The sound of a shot is heard, followed immediately by the bone chilling screams of Courtney!

END OF EPISODE 205....