DALLASTALK presents

 

 

EWING EMPIRE

 

 

STARRING:

(in alphabetical order)

 

PATRICK DUFFY (BOBBY)

LINDA GRAY (SUE ELLEN)

SUSAN HOWARD (DONNA)

STEVE KANALY (RAY)

KEN KERCHEVAL (CLIFF)

VICTORIA PRINCIPAL (PAM)

TED SHACKELFORD (GARY)

CHARLENE TILTON (LUCY)

JOAN VAN ARK (VAL)

 

CO-STARRING:

 

OMRI KATZ (JOHN ROSS)

CHRISTOPHER DEMETRAL (CHRIS)

DEBORAH KELLNER (BECKIE)

DAVID MARSHALL GRANT (WILL)

SCARLETT JOHANSSON (MAGGIE)

JENSEN ACKLES (BOBBY)

 

SPECIAL APPEARANCES BY

 

JESSICA LANGE (BARBARA)

 

and

 

HALLE BERRY

as

DEBBI PORTER

 

 

 

Episode 11:  "BARBECUE´01”

 

 

 

Three weeks later. Southfork Ranch, Braddock, Texas. Summer of 2001.

The Ewings´ black limo drove through the arc over the ranch´s entry, featuring letters S and F rounded by a circle. Though the property had been under major changes during the last fifty years, that arc stayed as a proud welcome from its owners...

At the breakfast table by the pool, were reunited almost the whole Ewing family, as a Saturday tradition. There were Bob, Pam, Chris, Gary, Val, Betsy, Ray, Donna and Maggie, besides Lucy and her little son Peter.

They were waiting for welcoming the new married couple James and Cally, together with their kids. They had been away in Europe for a few months, after his mother Vanessa died at Michelle Beaumont´s hands.

The first to get out were the kids, 12-year-old Jimmy, and 10-year-old Ellie. Their parents followed them.

-         Welcome home Jimmy! – said Bob as he walked to him smiling, and shaking his hand. James sadly smiled him back.

-         Oh Bobby! We missed you so!.- said sincerely Cally as she held him.

Pam, Lucy and Val also embraced Cally, more beautiful than ever, and the kids soon began to play with 7-year-old Peter.

-         The reading of the testament was quickly over, but then we thought that it would be a great chance for the children to know Europe.

-         How exciting! Where did you go, exactly? – asked Maggie.

-         We´ll tell ya all once we´ve made ourselves comfortable.

-         Your bedroom is ready and we hope that you make this house your home from now on – added honestly Pamela, while Donna and Val nodded at once.

-         Sure. Family is important...What about John Ross?

-         James, he asked me to apologize for him, he had some business to do, but he´ll be here for lunch...

 

John Ross was driving his sportscar with plate Ewing 8 towards the new WKB Studios. There he was going to meet Debbi Porter, still head manager of the station.

-         Hello Debbi! – he said, as he walked into her office.

-         Hello John Ross! – she answered, looking at the bunches of flowers placed all around the office – It´s been really kind from you...

-         It´s not! Just a way to welcome you back. I knew that you´d be interested in your job at the station. My mother and my uncle Cliff came to an agreement when they almost went to court because of the famous, not to say infamous, trashy report.

-         I do thank you for trusting me and defend me before them. I had nothing to do with that mess...

-         Right, it all was part of a revenge plot made up by Alan Beam to put down my family´s and Ewing Oil´s reputation...Some people just can´t admit their mistakes and overcome them. Now the station belongs to my mother, since Cliff wanna get rid of everything he can´t control on his own.

-         And are you sure that your mother will ever trust me? – shyly asked Debbi.

-         If you let her know your inner-self and you come at tomorrow´s barbecue, she probably will.

-         All right...John Ross. I think I owe you one, maybe a big one. Perhaps it´s time for us to meet each other...

 

At the Ewing Building, not very far away from there, Sue Ellen and Cliff were signing the contract to give her away the station.

-         Never thought I might get to do business with you Cliff.

-         Sue Ellen, you know this is not a business, I´m saving my neck. That Beam bastard had it planned all the way to ruin the Ewings and make the feud with the Barneses start over at once...but it backfired on him...Did you track him down?

-         I...I am not sure but I think he might be in California. He and the two millions he got for closing a fake deal for Westfork with that presumptuous winemaker from San Francisco...

-         Have you heard anything from him...what´s his name...that Channing?

-         Gary talked with him by phone a couple of times, but he couldn´t get anything definite. Alan faked Gary´s signature on the pre-contract, and he considers that his company didn´t commit with the pipeline business at all.

-         Never trust anyone on the other side of the line, especially if it´s a cell phone. Look at poor Debbi, she spent months believing she was following my orders, when actually she was talking with Alan.

-         Well Cliff, glad to see you, and sorry to make you come on Saturday, but I wanted to work this out before James´s return...You´ll be welcome at the barbecue and hope that Afton will fully recover...

 

Back at Southfork, James and Cally were emptying their suitcases with Teresa´s help. Once she finished, quietly exited.

-         How are you feeling honey?

-         Maybe it´s the jet lag...but I´m feeling just as if I didn´t know where I am, as if I couldn´t recognize this house or these people.

-         It´s logical, we´ve been exchanging hotels for months and touring in Europe...I´m glad that Ellie and Jimmy get along so well.

-         They´re swell kids...I wonder how John Ross must be...

James took out a picture of Vanessa and put it on the bedtable. Cally noticed it and caressed his cheek with her hand:

-         James, you´re soon gonna feel better, do not feel guilty for your mama´s death. You had nothing to do with that, Michelle was crazy...and Vanessa´s death was probably accidental...

-         I´m o.k. now. Now I only care about you: my family. And Ewing Oil.

 

Gary and Val were walking around the Southfork lands, and noticed that their son Bobby was helping the ranchhands in the stable. They waved at him.

-         I can´t believe how Bobby´s changed in the last month...

-         Since he had that accident, really.

-         Since we talked about his homosexuality...

-         ...And my alcoholism. Do you think he´s seeing someone?

-         Well, in a way, I was beginning to think the same. Betsy seems to be a little jealous because they don´t go to the movies together as they used to.

-         He ain´t late at high school nor goes out on Saturday nights, nor has had any kind of trouble at all.

-         What really calls my attention is that he´s writing again. You know, drawing and writing always were his favorite hobbies...Since about one month ago, I´ve often found him writing, though he doesn´t let me read what...

-         Perhaps that´s his real vocation. Perhaps we got another writer in the family.

-         I wouldn´t mind at all. I wish Betsy were more focused now, the way Bobby is...

 

At the Krebbses´, near the main house, Donna and Maggie were moving some boxes filled with old papers. Maggie picked up one of them and, when she walked into the kitchen, several letters fell down. Below one of them, appeared a book reading “Diary. 1946”.

-         Is everything o.k. sweetheart? – asked Donna, from the storeroom.

-         Yeah mum. – Then she took the diary and kept it in the bag she had left on the table.

-         Well we oughta quit for today. I´m exhausted...and you too babe.

-         May I make you a personal question about dad?

-         Like when did he learnt that he was a Ewing and not just a foreman?

Donna came out by the pool along with her daughter and sat down comfortably:

-         It was back in 1981. The one everyone thought was Ray´s dad came up one day and gave proofs to Grandpa Jock about his being his real father.

-         Who was his mother?

-         A nurse from Kansas that he met overseas during the War whose name was like yours, Margaret.

-         So you named me after her?

-         Yes indeed. Though your dad and I were divorced already when you were born, it seemed to me a good idea to tribute his mama. She died when Ray was just 15...

-         What a romantic story! Jock and Margaret falling in love during the War...Tell me more...

-         Sorry but the rest is top secret...Maybe someday someone will write a book about it, but I doubt it...

Donna walked into the house as Maggie looked pensive. What could there be behind that diary she had found?

 

Half-way between the stables and the houses, Bobby took his cell out and made a call:

-         Hi Will.

-         How are you?

-         Fine but can´t talk right now. Meet you tomorrow at the barbecue...

-         May I call you tonight?

-         I´ll love that...

Bobby pressed the end call button and took a deep breath, and then smiled and ran off home...

 

(Fade out)

 

At lunch time, the Ewings gathered again.

 

-         We have delayed the barbecue a couple of weeks for you to attend – said Val.

 

-         That´s very kind from you – added James.

 

-         Hope everything just went the way you expected in Vienna, James – indirectly asked Bob.

 

-         Yes, everything was worked out for once and all. Though I never thought that my mother had diversified her investments so much...

 

-         Vanessa´s friends and lawyer were very sweet to us Bob. I couldn´t help remember our holiday trip with J.R.

 

Pam looked out of the corner of her eye at Bob...He smiled a too happy smile.

 

-         Yeah, we had fun after all.

 

It was then when Cally realized that she oughtn´t have said that. April´s memory for Bob would be linked to Vienna forever.

 

-         Have you invited to the barbecue any young executive? – said a provocative Lucy.

 

-         No, Lucy, just the usual friends: the old oil barons, their sons and grandsons, and some friends we haven´t seen for a long time.

 

-         I invited Will, Lucy – she smiled, pretending to be surprised.

 

-         Your cousin Will Monahan? – asked Gary.

 

-         Yes. He´s been here for awhile and, Lucy aside, he doesn´t have many friends out of the financial circle...

 

-         Is there any special reason? – intervened Betsy.

 

-         Not that I know, but you can ask it to him yourself honey.

 

-         I sure will little sister – said Betsy.

 

 

At the Wentworth Manor, Cliff was calling to Houston, to the hospital where Afton was checked in. He was passed on to Mitch, who was accompanying her.

 

-         Hi Mitch. Glad you´re there. Tell me, how´s Afton evolving? Really? It would be great that she could forget chemo completely...What about the last tests? Fabulous. Do me a favor, give me my daughter Becky. Too bad. Then I will call her at her mobile phone. I think it´s time to go back to normal. Say to Afton that I called, as soon as she´s out of chemo.

 

Cliff served himself a glass of iced tea and looked all over that luxurious place, once bought by her mother Rebecca. After so many years, he was still feeling as insecure as he was feeling when she died at a plane crash, though he could eliminate his guilty...

 

 

At the Southfork Manor, it was time for the last cocktail after the lunch...

 

-         I hope that Dusty will be able to come over this year, Barbara feels like seeing her daughter Carrie again – commented Lucy.

 

-         Why did she leave so suddenly yesterday? – asked Val.

 

-         She didn´t leave. She had a meeting with her broker, obviously it´s trendy to make your business on Saturday...

 

-         Speaking of business – said Cally – I want to make you an offer...

 

-         O.K. Would you like to swim with the kids in the pool?

 

-         All right, I´m gonna change...

 

Bob, Gary and James had their own talk subject: business.

 

-         James, I want you to know that I´ve finally understood why you left us to move on Ewing Oil. Count on me for any question...

 

-         And me too – added Bob – Oil industry is very unstable: today we can be at the top, but tomorrow something might happen that´ll put us down.

 

James finished his bourbon.

 

-         I guess I should take that as a gesture of encouragement and support to join back Ewing Oil...

 

-         We meant that – said Bob.

 

-         What I just don´t get is why this is coming from my uncles instead of my brother and partner in business...

 

-         James, don´t worry, John Ross must have had some sort of unavoidable commitment, you know how young men are at that age...

 

Suddenly, they heard the roaring motor of J.R.´s heir´s car, and he parked near the pool. He said hello to the women and kids and then walked into the house to meet his brother...

 

-         Speaking of the Devil,.. – joked Bob.

 

-         Hi little brother – said John Ross, while he took his sunglasses off.

 

James turned around to him and, after some tense moments, they embraced each other endearingly...

 

 

That night, in her bedroom, Maggie opened the Diary she had found dated in 1946. She soon realized that it was her grandmother´s Diary and very often mentioned her grandfather Jock...

Maggie fell asleep, holding the Diary with her hands...

 

 

At that very moment, at the Ewing-Clemmens´ house, Betsy had slipped into his brother´s bedroom while he was showering. She looked for his cell phone and began to press buttons, until she reached the “realized calls” option: there she found a number often redialed that she quickly memorized. Afterwards, she silently left. At her own room´s privacy, Betsy modified her cell´s settings so it wouldn´t be showing its number, and called the number she had memorized.

 

-         Good evening, I´m calling from the Yellow Pages´ Customer Service, we are checking out if your number appears correctly assigned to your name in the professional section. Am I talking to Mr. Matthew Ackles, aren´t I?

 

He cleared his throat and eventually answered:

 

-         Well, I think you´re mistaken, young lady: my name is Willard Monahan, and I am a financier.

 

 

(Fade out)

 

 

The next morning Chris was turning the pages of the newspaper before to get back at his apartment and his office, both in the same Dallas building. Pam and Bob joined him right away along with Lucy.

 

-         Any interesting news, Chris?

 

-         Well dad, apart from the oil prices going down, the Middle West crisis and the holes in the ozone layer, yeah, one things has called my attention...

 

Chris gave to his father the paper wide opened by the specific page. The headline said “SMU professor involved in net sex scandal.”

 

-         Was he your professor, Chris? – a curious Lucy asked.

 

-         No, actually I didn´t attend SMU...but I´d say that John Ross did know him.

 

-         My God, it must be horrible to be involved in such a scandal and lose your reputation at his age... – Pam remarked.

 

-         Anything wrong Chris? Look kinda worried... – his dad noticed.

 

-         No, not all...I gotta go. – Chris stood up, kissed his parents and said goodbye to his cousin Lucy. Then he grabbed his briefcase and got into the car with the “Ewing 9” plate.

 

-         So, must be leaving too – said Lucy – Want me to drive you to Dallas, Pam?

 

-         No – she answered – I´m going to stay home to help Val and Donna with the last arrangements of the barbecue.

 

 

At the Krebbses´, Maggie kept reading fervorously his grandma Margaret´s diary. Suddenly, the door was opened and Maggie quickly covered the book with a magazine. It was her mother

 

-         Hi honey. If you don´t leave now, you´ll be late at school. Want me to drive you?

 

-         Yeah, yeah, oh thank you, I´ll be ready in a minute. – Donna left and Maggie took the diary and put it in a music box she locked afterwards.

 

-         Mum – she asked her on the way to school - do we have any relative, apart from the Ewings, I mean from the Krebbs´ family side?

 

-         No, your daddy´s aunt Lil died a few years ago and her son Mickey was very unlucky himself too... – Donna chose carefully her words because she didn´t want to explain her daughter Mickey Trotter´s tragic story in Dallas. - And, well...

 

-         Go on... – said the girl with interest.

 

-         Though they weren´t his children, Ray always considered Jenna´s kids Charlie and Lucas as if they were his own...

 

-         Had she been married before?

 

-         Yep... – Donna hated the possibility of her daughter thinking that she didn´t fully relied on her so she decided to tell her a secret – I want you to know something, but it must be kept between you and me. Lucas, Jenna´s daughter, was actually your uncle Bobby´s baby.

 

-         But how could that happen...? Wasn´t he married to Pam?

 

-         Pam and Bobby were divorced for a couple of years and, on their second wedding´s day, they learnt that Jenna was carrying Bobby´s baby. I want you to know the truth because these kind of things sometimes happen, and we don´t have to be worse persons for that.

 

-         Does...Christopher know that he has a stepbrother...?

 

-         Don´t know Maggie. Maybe yes, maybe not...

 

 

Far away from there, in Houston, Barbara Baxter was receiving a visit at her luxurious apartment.

 

-         Hello mother.

 

-         Hello babe. Come on in... – said Barbara as she held a glass with her hand – And don´t worry about this, it´s only Perrier with lemmon...

 

-         I gave up intruding your life a long time ago, mother. I´m here to talk about other stuff.

 

-         All right, make yourself comfortable - Barbara sat down in the coach and her daughter Carrie in the armchair next – How´s your sweet husband?

 

-         Steven and I...are getting a divorce.

 

Barbara stood up and pointing at the liquor cabinet, she asked:

 

-         Maybe you oughta have something heavier than my Perrier...

 

-         One bourbon, and make it double...

 

 

At the same time, John Ross was having dinner with Debbi at a very fashionable restaurant in Dallas.

 

-         I never thought I´d get to see you out of that station office...

 

-         Nor that I could survive to what happened with the fake report. I´m very grateful to you and your mother for keeping me in the job when you bought the station, despite I was partly responsible of it.

 

-         You were no less cheated than me or Cliff Barnes, though in Barnes´s case, it´s already a habit...

 

-         I made the mistake to feel almighty because I came from California, so different from Dallas...to Texas. Things are done here in a big way, but in the deep, many things still are like they are in a small town.

 

-         Obviously you saw through us. I want to invite you to come at the barbecue we will be holding at my family´s ranch next Saturday.

 

-         I don´t know if it would be a good idea to be seen together there...at least by now. I understand that the Ewings fiercely protect each other from the outsiders...sorry if my comment bothers you.

 

-         You´re completely right Debbi. Even so, I want you to come. We´re going to celebrate my graduation at SMU and it´s going to be a special occasion. It would mean to me a lot you coming over...

 

Debbi smiled, slightly blushed by the young man´s sincerity.

 

-         O.k. then...but, don´t you think that your mother could be resented to me for what I had to do after that airing?

 

-         Are you talking about her appearance on that talk show and her speech on behalf of A.A. and against the wife abuse? – Debbi nodded. – My mother had been looking for an excuse to do something like that for centuries. She´s been sober for many years but never turned to A.A. nor had made any public statement neither.

 

-         So, how could she stop drinking?

 

-         She replaced alcohol with something much more effective: revenge.

 

 

Back at Houston, Barbara and Carrie kept on talking...

 

-         You must know that this puts me in a very complicated situation...

 

-         Of course I do mother. But you won´t believe that I´m going to back up just to make your life less complicated...

 

Barbara looked at the liquor cabinet:

 

-         Wanna another drink?

 

-         Why not? – the younger woman answered. She was about 40 years old.

 

-         I can´t do anything but taking care of that lonely ranch all day long. I miss my job and Steven and I can´t talk without beginning to shout each other...

 

-         What about your new stepmother? – at last she asked what she wanted to know since she came in.

 

-         Don´t know, she looked kinda bored at Southern Cross and only stayed for supper. The next morning, after Clayton argued with his son, they packed up and hit the road...

 

-         Where to? Do you know?

 

-         Switzerland I think. At least, that woman couldn´t stop talking about her dear Switzerland...But, why are you worried about Madeleine?

 

-         Hope to be wrong, but I think that what your grandfather´s marriage is not what it seems to be, and this could affect all of us Ewings and Farlows...

 

 

At Sue Ellen´s Turtle Creek mansion, she was welcoming her former sister-in-law Valene.

 

-         It´s a wonderful house, Sue Ellen...You must be so happy to live here with your son...

 

-         Well – she answered – maybe it´s too big for one person. John Ross has a condo of his own at downtown, so I don´t see him around many nights. Besides he also stays the night at Southfork...

 

Sue Ellen made her guest come outside to the pool patio and offered her iced tea...

 

-         I´ve asked you to come, first, to thank you the right way for telling me your meeting with Kristin...It was such a hard time for me: I was divorcing from J.R. and couldn´t believe that my sister had been so out of control...

 

-         I do understand you. When we settled down in Knots Landing, Gary hit the bottom a couple of times, but, luckily, he´s been sober for many years. He was so panicked to lose control again and ruin our relationship one more time...

 

-         I´ve been reading all your books, Val – Sue Ellen went inside the house and brought them over: “Capricorn Crude”, “Nashville Junction”, “Hostage”...You´ve got a very straightforward style that could fit in my plans right now...

 

-         Are you looking for a writer – asked Val.

 

-         Not really, I´m looking for a female writer to research the past of two very dear people...

 

Val wide-opened her eyes, while she stared at her...

 

-         I´d like you write for my publishing company a biography of Jock and Ellie Ewing´s, beginning with the early years. As a tribute to them and their love story, quite unusual for their times. But, you ought to use their real names and do a research with my help, in whatever possible way...

 

Val got up and walked to the tennis court at the downside area of the property. Sue Ellen followed her, intrigued.

 

-         I´m so flattered, Sue Ellen. But I just gotta say no. A long ago another person asked me to investigate the beginnings of someone close to her, and what I found out, might have ruined their lives forever, so...I´d rather refuse your offer...Thank you for recalling me...It was so admirable your statement after that awful report about John Ross...and I´d love us to be friends, but no, I can´t write that book...

 

After while Val got into her car as she recalled the moment when she made that discovery and understood what it really meant, hesitant about telling someone or refusing her proposal. That time, she had told Donna what she had found out. But this time around, with Sue Ellen, things would be different: she wanted Jock´s and Ellie´s memory to be kept the way it had become through the years, once forgotten the old resentments: two persons who were the most important thing for each other, and who loved each other until the last day they were together...

 

 

(Fade out)

 

 

The Ewing Annual Barbecue was welcoming its first guests...

 

-         Hi Punk, Mavis, we´re so glad you could make it... – Pam gently said.

 

-         I wouldn´t miss it for anything in the world. Where´s that husband of yours...?

 

-         He´s inside Punk, with Ray – a smart Donna answered.

 

Punk and Mavis entered the house to say hello, while Val came by the two women.

 

-         All looks really fantastic girls. I hope everybody will have a great time...

 

-         Sure they will Val, thanks to you and Donna. My new job at the publishing company is letting me a little free time – commented Pam.

 

-         Isn´t that your cousin Will? – asked Donna, looking at a handsome 40 in his early forties, who had just walked in, dressed in jeans, a striped shirt and a gray cowboy hat.

 

-         Yeah, he is.

 

At other corner of the area accommodated for the barbecue, Bobby had also noticed Will´s arrival. He stared as him until Will smiled, and then Will lost him of sight when Pam warmly embraced him.

 

Sue Ellen came with John Ross, both dressed in Texan attire for the occasion.

 

-         Ready for another Ewing  Bar-b-q, mother?

 

-         Yep, I missed them badly in these last years...Southfork always was my home, despite of everything.

 

-         I´ve invited a girlfriend myself, hope you it won´t bother you.

 

-         No, not at all – she said, smiling – do I know her?

 

-         Yeah, look over there – John Ross pointed at a young, pretty woman with dark skin, surrounded by several young men who were trying to invite her to dance.

 

-         Did you invite Debbi Porter...? – Sue Ellen was speechless.

 

-         Well, if my uncles can invite their secretaries, I don´t see why I can´t invite Debbi, who´s our employée now at the station...but please, no business talk...

 

John Ross walked towards the woman and she kissed his cheek. Afterwards, she innocently waved his hand at Sue Ellen.

 

-         You didn´t tell me that she´d be here...

 

-         My mother missing a Southfork barbecue? Also we´re gonna celebrate my graduation, and I decide who´s coming at my parties...

 

Val and Donna kept on welcoming the newcomers. Now it was time for Marilee Stone and her grandson Johnny Lee.

 

-         Hope you´ll enjoy the barbecue. Make yourself comfortable – kindly said Val.

 

-         Where´s Betsy? – anxiously asked Johnny Lee.

 

-         She´s by the pool I think. She´ll come over right away.

 

-         I´d better go for her...

 

A self-satisfied Marilee looked at her grandson and then at the two women:

 

-         Ain´t be great if these two would tie the knot someday? – right after that, she walked forward to ask for a drink.

 

-         That woman makes me chill...- said Val.

 

-         Believe me, you´re not the only one, and what´s more, she must be angry: Sue Ellen and she had a horrible fight at the Oil Barons´ Ball. If I do know her, she´s come with a revenge in mind...

 

Val looked at her astonished. As she was seeing, there was a lot of people in Dallas who belonged to the same kind of J.R.´s.

 

John Ross was showing Debbi Porter the main house pool when they found Betsy and Johnny Lee in a compromising position, on a deck chair.

 

-         I told you it´s over! – the girl suddenly stood up and jumped into the pool.

 

-         Please ask Teresa for a bathing suit, otherwise my aunt Val is gonna have a heart attack if she sees any kind of show at the pool...

 

Debbi laughed about his remark and realized that she was liking more and more that young man. He was a few years older than her, maybe over 10, but he was treating her so respectfully and devotedly that she couldn´t refuse his invitations. Besides, he and his mother had saved her reputation when they declared on a press conference that Debbi had nothing to do with that faked broadcast report.

 

-         You wanna see my room?

 

-         Maybe next time, but now we could ask Teresa for bathing suits...

 

-         Could we? But you´ll gonna swim with me, ain´t you?

 

-         Not for us, for them...

 

Debbi pointed at Betsy and Johnny Lee, who were fooling around naked in the pool...John Ross was speechless.

 

 

At the Krebbses´, Maggie was giving herself the last touches to join the barbecue. She thought about the diary she had been reading, Margaret Hunter´s, her father´s mother. Probably there were more somewhere. She walked into her parents´ bedroom and snooped at the lower side of the closet. Her mother had been re-placing a lot of boxes during the last month. Then she went up to the attic, which was filled with packages with notes reading its contents. At last, she found one that read: “M.H.” She opened it and there, wrapped in paper, there were three more diaries written by Margaret. From 1947 to 1950. She picked them up and, when she was going to put them safe in her room, she heard Christopher´s voice.

 

-         Maggie! Are you up there? Aren´t you ready yet?

 

-         Right now Chris. You go ahead...

 

Barbara and Lucy were having a friendly chat but with plotting tones in it.

 

-         So when are we holding the meeting?

 

-         When the barbecue is over. We must report your family about our suspicions, Lucy, and contact Dusty. Things ain´t goin´ too good at Southern Cross...

 

-         Have you talked to your daughter Carrie?

 

-         Yeah, there´s trouble in paradise. Madeleine reportedly had a frozen reception there. Afterwards they flew back to Switzerland...

 

-         Sorry this is affecting so many people...

 

-         Lucy, this is gonna affect all of us if what we suspect is confirmed. The sooner we talk with the others, the better...

 

Sue Ellen and Marilee clashed into each other, as usual lately.

 

-         I´m sorry...- said Sue Ellen, before to see who it was...

 

-         I understand your condition honey – Marilee abruptly said.

 

J.R.´s ex-wife pretended to have not heard her and walked towards Pam.

 

-         So...ready for your journey to Italy?

 

-         Oh yes, Sue Ellen. I´m so excited. We had fun in Paris...and we´ve prepared a outstanding report, for both "Woman Today" and your new TV channel...

 

-         I´ve noticed Debbi Porter was John Ross´s date...What do you think of that?

 

-         I think it´s o.k. for now. He´s almost all grown up and she...was involved in something that might have hurt her.

 

-         Alan Beam´s personal vendetta almost works out...

 

-         Actually and please don´t tell anyone - she said in whisper – but I think a Richard Channing is rather angry with him and Westfork Industries...

 

-         Poor Gary...

 

 

At Gary´s and Val´s house, Bob was waiting for his brother to finish a phone call. He eventually did.

 

-         Gary, everyone´s asking for you...Are you ready for the Ewing barbecue?

 

-         Wait a minute Bob. Just want to tell you something – Bob changed his look as he arched his eyebrows – Remember that Richard Channing venture that Alan Beam had so hard wanted me to take?

 

-         You mean the California pipeline?

 

-         Right. Today I´ve found out that Richard Channing is blaming me for the contract breach. As it seems, Alan faked my signature on that pre-contract and faxed it to him the day he left Dallas. Channing told me that he had also transferred into an account I had in California...

 

-         California?

 

-         Yep, but...I cancelled all my accounts there long ago. Alan seems to have been posing as me to open an account and get that million as a first payment of the pipeline deal...

 

-         You´re not saying that Alan has conned Channing using your name, aren´t you?...

 

-         Not only that. As he told me, a second million was going to be paid to him if he got the deal closed. That million has been cashed by Alan at a Swiss bank...

 

-         I.e., we have Alan Beam running away from Dallas carrying a briefcase worth 2 million dollars...

 

-         That´s right, though not precise. The day he left, I was very nervous about Bobby´s crash. I told Alan to go ahead with the Channing deal. Later on, my secretary brought me a dossier about him that I had asked her to do: what I found in it scared me to death. Even if only half of it was true, that individual is not the best partner one can have...

 

-         What was it about?

 

-         Connections with a European multinational corporation with a terrorist past, also with a Mafia-like group called The Thirteen, his life was attempted several times, he was sentenced to jail for a few crimes and, even his second wife died mysteriously...So I backed down and rejected the deal. Tried to contact Channing but he wasn´t reachable and Alan was gone. You know the rest...

 

-         Do you mean that Channing might come back and demand you those 2 million dollars back?

 

-         Not only that Bob. He wants us to be his partners in the pipeline, at any price. I´m fed up with this business...Every day I´m more fed up with it, I mean it Bob...

 

 

Outside at the barbecue, Chris and Maggie were dancing.

 

-         Didn´t anyone tell you that you´re very mysterious lately?

 

-         Thanks, nice compliment. – Maggie hesitated.

 

-         What were you gonna say?

 

-         Nothing – the girl changed her mind. She remembered her mother´s words about Lucas´s existence. – Have you ever missed to have a brother, Chris?

 

-         Well, John Ross has been the closest to a brother to me, at least concerning the negative side... – both laughed the joke – Why are you asking?

 

-         Not long ago I learnt by chance that a friend of mine had a stepbrother he never met.

 

-         Must be hard to live isolated from your brothers and parents, especially as a child. My daddy, as far as I know, never had any other son but me, and I´m adopted. – Maggie looked at him tenderly, trying to decide what was the right thing to do.

 

-         Christopher, you have a brother, your dad had another son with Jenna Wade.

 

Christopher stepped back, looking confused. When the young woman began to stutter an apology, Chris ran off towards his father. Donna, who had been watching them, rushed by her daughter.

 

-         Darling, tell me you didn´t say it to Christopher...

-         I´m sorry, I thought he had to know...

 

Donna embraced her daughter and looked out for Bob, who was standing near to one of the tables, with Gary.

 

-         Seems like the old times, eh Gary?

 

-         More or less, only that we´re the daddies now...

 

-         I´m sorry Bob, may I talk to you for a minute?

 

Bob and Donna walked apart from them.

 

-         Some days ago, Maggie found an old diary of Ray´s mother, Margaret, and, when I was explaining to her about her grandparents backstory, I slipped out that you had another heir, Bob.

 

-         You mean Lucas?

 

-         Sure.

 

-         And?

 

-         Well, I thought that you never told Christopher so you didn´t have to explain the circumstances of your break with Jenna and your second wedding to Pam...

 

-         You weren´t living here any more Donna, but I did. When Jenna and Ray got married, Christopher and I talked about Lucas. In fact, he found about it by chance through Jenna´s daughter Charlie. It was too hard for him to accept it but I think he did. At those days he was suffering a big deal and put the blame of everything to his being adopted.

 

-         I had no idea...Then, why has he reacted so oddly when Maggie´s told so?

 

-         I´ll talk to him. Thanks for caring Donna – Bobby warmly kissed her in her lips.

 

 

Will and Bobby had finally said hello to each other, in the middle of the crowd of guests. Their faces didn´t show it, but what they were whispering expressed quite a lot. Not far from there, Betsy was watching over them.

 

-         I missed you a lot – Bobby broke the ice.

 

-         Me too. I got your letter...and your drawing – Will revealed – you´re good, with both things.

 

-         You too...

 

Will blushed up and asked him plainly:

 

-         When shall I meet you...in private?

 

-         Within fifteen minutes, at the Southern Stables. John Ross will make his big speech...

 

-         Something´s telling me that you don´t like him very much...

 

-         Chris and James are nice guys but John Ross always look at us, Betsy and me, as if we were two freaks, just for being twins...

 

Will raised his glass and toasted to Bobby. Then he walked to Pam. At the same time, Betsy got closer to her brother.

 

-         Interesting that cousin of Pam´s. Do you thing I´m his type?

 

-         You got Johnny Lee hang up on you. Let someone for the others...

 

Betsy smiled while her brother walked away. He couldn´t suspect that she knew how to lip-read and had “read” everything they have said to each other, including that about their meeting at the stables...

 

-         At the Ewing bar-b-q´s, the big point is: who´s gonna fall into the pool? – said a gay Marilee. – Hi  Bobby – she said impulsively.

 

-         Hi Marilee... – Bob scowled...

 

-         I´ve heard that Pam is away very often lately. If you´re feeling alone, call on me and we might have lunch together...at home.- Marilee wide-opened her big mouth.

 

-         You´re obviously having a great time, as usual. You haven´t seen my son Christopher, have ya?

 

-         No, he´s too young for me. But he´ll look terrific in a couple of years...

 

The thought of Marilee trying to seduce Chris was so panicking to Bob, and he couldn´t help laughing...

 

-         I said it´s over! – cried out Betsy.

 

-         Just a minute ago you didn´t think the same... – said Johnny Lee, both with their hair still wet after the pool swim.

 

-         I don´t wanna see you again, let me go. You haven´t got enough class for me, neither does your family.

 

Marilee´s eyes were popping out. She rushed over near the pool.

 

-         Take back your words right now, you spoiled brat... – demanded Marilee.

 

-         I don´t want to. You´re such a creepy old woman who have nobody to go with at a party and always has to go with your hick grandson hanging on...

 

Marilee raised her hand to slap her, but Bobby stopped her.

 

-         Let it go Mrs. Stone. Go back with the others.

 

The shouting had called the attention of several guests, and also family members like Will, Val, Lucy and Maggie.

 

-         You´re such an unfit slut just like your sister Lucy.

 

Lucy stood in front of Marilee, her arms firmly planted around her waist. She looked at Will with complicity and both of them pushed Marilee into the pool. An angry Johnny Lee tried to knock out Will but hit Bob instead. Will quickly reacted and punched Johnny Lee, who ended up joining his grandmother in the pool.

 

-         Keep it in mind, ´cause my granny always said that: “We the Ewings may be right or wrong but we keep together like a family and support each other.”

 

Once alone, Johnny Lee tried to help his grandma to get out of the pool, but she got rid of his hands while murmuring: “Damn Ewings, I´ll get even on them...”

 

When Marilee was walking out of the ranch towards the park lot, Sue Ellen ran off to say goodbye to her:

 

-         Oh darlin´. Just hope you got what you deserved. Your gown is obviously shrinking. Must be rather cheap...Read my mag so you´ll learn how to dress with class.

 

Sue Ellen turned around as Marilee was fuming...

 

 

Minutes later Ray loudly whistled to call the people´s attention. By his side were Bob, John Ross and Sue Ellen.

 

A little further were Maggie, Lucy, Betsy, James and Cally.

 

-         Friends and family – requested Bob in loud voice – Since we are reunited for this annual barbecue, we want to announce that my nephew John Ross has just got his degrees at SMU and will immediately join Ewing Oil, now as the CEO...

 

They all clapped, encouraged by Ray, Bob and Sue Ellen.

 

-         I´m very happy to be able to follow my dad´s and my grandpa´s steps, and return to the business that saved these lands, long time ago: oil.

 

Cally was curiously watching James. He looked at her and walked towards them. He congratulated his brother and added:

 

-         I´m so proud of John Ross, my dear little brother, not so little any more, able to reach such high places. Besides, I think that his mother Sue Ellen has something else to announce...

 

Sue Ellen was surprised at first, and then smiled and proudly stood up, as she said:

 

-         Yes I have. Very soon, I´m going to quit Ewing Oil and it will belong entirely to my son, and his brother James. They both will own the company 50%...

 

Now John Ross was the surprised one...Why had his mother kept that decision away from him, and also her new agreement with James?

The family and the guests clapped again.

 

 

Lucy and Barbara had decided to reunite the family and report them of their enquiries. Chris, Will and Bobby seemed to be missing.

 

-         You must trust him honey. Especially after his change he has been through lately.

 

-         And I do trust him, Valene. But I gotta find him. Sudden runaways are a bad sign...

 

-         I think he was heading to the stables the last time I saw him...- reported Betsy...

 

-         Thanks baby...

 

Betsy put her hand on her mother´s shoulder, as she smiled a bit wickedly.

James served a drink to Cally and they joined the others at the living-room.

 

-         What´s going on?

 

-         It´s something very important that you oughta know, but we better wait for Gary back...- remarked Lucy.

 

-         Believe me, James, darling: it´s worth awhile waiting to know what it is about...

 

-         Can´t you smell the old smell of conspiracy Ray? – asked Donna in a low voice. He reluctantly raised his eyebrows.

 

 

At the higher ground of the stable, Bobby and Will were talking, unaware of that...

 

-         I know only for a month and you´re like my family...

 

-         I´m actually from your family, by marriage though, Pam´s and Bob´s...

 

-         I feel so close to you. Maybe I shouldn´t tell you, but there was another person a few months ago...A professor from high school...I thought I felt something about him but I was fooling myself. Now I know that for sure...

 

-         I´m much older than you, Bobby, and you´re under age too...Honestly, do you think that we could have a future together? Aren´t I taking you away the opportunity to do other things, to meet people your age?

 

-         I only know that, right now, I wanna be with you...in more than one sense...

 

Will and Bobby kissed passionately, as they began to unbutton their respective shirts...

 

 

At the Southfork Manor, the elders kept on waiting as the young ones were having a swim in the pool, while the night was falling...

 

-         The boys have set up a good fight before, poor Marilee...

 

-         Poor, are you kidding? – ironically said Sue Ellen.

 

-         She always cheers the Ewing barbecues up. Many years ago, my cousin Jamie pushed her into the pool, at a barbecue too...

 

-         She was a very brave girl, cousin Jamie... – recalled Sue Ellen sympathetically.

 

-         Where´s she now? – asked James without thinking.

 

-         One day, we got a call from California. Jamie had been killed in a mountain-climbing accident, one year after that...- reported Pam.

 

-         My God, how terrible – said Cally, firmly holding James´s arm.

 

Suddenly, the telephone rang. Sue Ellen and Pam stared at each other. Bob caught the complicity gesture and walked out to answer the phone, strongly wishing they were good news.

 

Silence could be cut off when Bob began to talk. Ray kissed Donna, Cally held James even stronger, Barbara, Lucy and Val were watching the couple and Sue Ellen and Pam finally stood up, unable to wait any longer. Both women had felt a bad foresight...

 

Bob hang up. With tears in his eyes, he informed the family...

 

“It was Dusty, calling from Southern Cross...He has been reported from Switzerland, that Clayton has had a skiing accident...He had a fatal heart attack...He´s dead.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

END OF EPISODE 11

 

Guest Stars:

KEHLY GRAY (Kelly)

MORGAN WODWARD (Punk)

ALICE HIRSON (Mavis)

and

 

FERN FITZGERALD

as

MARILEE STONE

 

 

 

"EWING EMPIRE" is a web-based Fan-Fiction written and edited by PAM´S TWIN SISTER and TONI DÍAZ. The main characters of this net super soap were created by DAVID JACOBS for the shows "DALLAS" and "KNOTS LANDING".

 

This episode is affectionately dedicated to SolidSnake2003, for his sincere support to our fanfic.



Coming next, Episode 12: “THE STEPFATHER”

 

Only 3 episodes left for the Big Finale of

 

“EWING EMPIRE”