DALLAS The Legacy

Pamela, Chris and Ian pulled up at South Fork and got out of their car. Pamela looked at the familiar surroundings and then over at Chris.

Ian stood back apprehensively, letting them both lead the way. Pamela walked through the patio doors and into the kitchen. Immediately she saw Lucy who was just perusing the buffet that was all but prepared.

“Hey guys,” Lucy said and embraced all three of them warmly. “I'm so glad you came,” she said touching Pamela's arm and giving Chris and Ian a wink. “Come on and let me get you a drink, you'll probably need it.”

“Yes, Donna and the others should be here soon and Charlie and Dean were coming over straight form the club.”

Theresa walked back into the lounge with their drinks closely followed by Bobby.

The two men shook hands and once again silence descended. Lucy was just about to say something to ease the tension when Ian preempted her.

“Hello Mr. Ewing, I am Ian. Nice to meet you.” Ian held out his hand, and he and Bobby held eye contact for several seconds. Bobby finally held out his hand in reply and Ian shook it firmly.

“What,” Lucy exclaimed? “I thought you had been told in no uncertain terms that he wasn't going to wake up, especially after loosing so much oxygen when his heart stopped.”

“I know, it's nothing short of a miracle. The doctors seem to think that when they were dealing with his cardiac arrest, the shock treatment they gave him to get his heart started must have started some brain activity and today he just woke up.”

“We are, that's why Becky isn't here. She told me to tell you all that she's staying at the hospital. I think she's scared if she leaves, Cliff will slip back into his coma.”

JR stood at the entrance, listening to the conversation that was taking place and decided now was the time to reveal his presence. “Now that really would be a miracle,” he said entering the room, and walking straight for the bar.

“I would tell you where to go JR, but since I am a guest in your home I will refrain from doing so,” she said.

“It's not yours while Momma is still alive, so don't go counting any chickens just yet honey,” JR spat back at Lucy, as he finished fixing his drink. He turned to face the others, taking a healthy sip of his bourbon.

JR surveyed the young man addressing him. He looked him up and down, and finally said, “That's right, I am. Who the hell are you?”

Ian, suddenly felt quite nervous, but vowed not to let JR see it. Ian stuck out his hand for JR to shake and said, “I'm Ian. I have heard a lot about you sir. It's nice to meet you.”

Ignoring his hand, JR replied, “Well, I've heard absolutely nothing about you. Why is that, Bob,” he asked, glancing toward Bobby? Bobby looked back at JR but didn't say a word.

“Ian is my boyfriend, JR,” Chris chimed. “Have you got a problem with that?”

“No more of problem than with you sleeping with my son's wife,” JR seethed, all the anger and resentment he felt towards Christopher over John Ross's death suddenly welling up inside him. JR gritted his teeth, and flexed his jaw, struggling to maintain control of his emotions. “So tell me Chris, I'm very interested to know. Who wears the pants in your little ‘family'?”

"What do you mean," asked Christopher, his face reddening. He thought he'd prepared himself for this....for facing JR, but now he wasn't so sure.

“I think you know exactly what I mean,” JR replied calmly, knowing he was getting the best of him. “Please, enlighten us. I've always been interested in the lifestyle of the spoiled and sissified.”

“God,” JR said, “I don't think we ought to bring God into this, because we all know about Sodom and Gomorrah and what God did to those sinners.”

Chris moved towards JR. Ian restrained him, and Chris said, “Well, you should know. You are the South Fork expert on sinnin' JR.

JR moved within inches of Chris' face, “Well this I know for sure. If you could've figured out you little problem sooner, my boy would still be alive.” Chris backed off slightly, feeling a deep sense of regret and guilt overcoming his anger.

Before anything else could be said, Sue Ellen entered the room. “Hi everyone,” she said. “Chris it's so nice to see you. You're looking very well.”

“Pamela, it's good of you to come. I'm sure Miss Ellie will be thrilled to see you.”

“I don't know what makes you think that darlin. I seem to recall the last time Ms. Barnes was on our property, Momma kicked her out of here, but like the bad penny she is…”

Sue Ellen shot JR an annoyed glance, unobserved by the other members of the family. JR saw her, but pretended to ignore her. Bobby walked back with Sue Ellen's drink and as she took it from him, she smiled and turned to face JR. “JR,” she said sweetly, taking hold of his arm, “could you help me in the kitchen? I think one of the caterers misunderstood your instructions.” Before he could say anything, Sue Ellen pulled him out of the room.

Chris and Pam exchanged surprised looks before bursting into laughter. Ian looked confused, and said, “What was that all about?”

Chris grinned at his mom, and slapped Ian on the back. “Well, let's just say that it would appear that JR Ewing has just been handled.”

Pam and Bobby shared a tension-relieving laugh, while Ian just smiled, not fully comprehending Chris' comment. Bobby continued laughing, “And it's been happening a lot lately.”

Sue Ellen moved closer to him, and kissed him on the lips. JR felt himself becoming lost in the passion of it, when she abruptly pulled away. Giving her a confused look, he started to speak, but Sue Ellen's finger hushed him. “Now that I have your undivided attention, shut up and listen. When we go back out there, you will not make any more snide comments to Pamela or to OUR nephew or his friend. That is unless you want to be sleeping alone again.”

"Sue Ellen,” JR replied, “why should I care if they don't like hearin' the truth? You know how I feel about her.... and them."

"What if I said," whispered Sue Ellen, "that I have a surprise in store for you. For being a good boy."

Sue Ellen whispered her secret into his ear, letting her finger trace his lips. "How does that sound, darlin'," she smiled wickedly?

JR returned her wicked smile. "In that case,” he whispered, “I promise to be on my best behavior.”

Miss Ellie climbed out of the car, stretching and yawning. She surveyed the property, inhaling deeply. “There is nothing like South Fork,” she thought. “It feels good to be home.”

Thomas climbed out of the car, and looked around. He'd never seen anyplace so beautiful, or so lavish. He took in every part of the grounds, and appraised the intimidating size of the house itself. Suddenly, a feeling of uneasiness crept up inside him. “Miss Ellie,” he said nervously, “are…are you sure this is a good idea?”

Miss Ellie looked over at Thomas and smiled softly, “Yes Thomas. I'm quite sure. Now, if you don't mind, why don't you carry your stuff inside. I'll be right behind you, but I want a few minutes just to take in being home.”

Thomas nodded his agreement, and silently picked up his bags and entered the house. He walked into the foyer, taking in the lavish surroundings with awe and timidity.

JR walked out of the kitchen upon hearing the door open, and stopped dead in his tracks, face to face with Thomas. “Who the hell are you,” he asked, looking him up and down, “and what the hell are you doing in my house?”

Thomas looked at the floor nervously, and mumbled, “I'm a guest of Miss Ellie's.”

“What,” JR exclaimed. “I don't think so,” he said grabbing Thomas by the arm. “Boy, I don't know what your little game is, but you've got about two seconds to haul your ass off this property,” he continued, pushing the young man toward the door.

JR froze. He was keenly aware of that tone of voice, and his mother hadn't used his full name since he was a little boy. “Thomas is my guest, and this is my house, and I am still your mother. Now you will let go of him.

“Grandma,” Lucy said excitedly, announcing Miss Ellie's presence to everyone's attention. Bobby and Chris followed her into the foyer. After the hugs and hello's died out, Miss Ellie said, “Everyone, I'd like you to meet a friend of mine. This is Thomas. He is going to be staying with us.”

JR kept a firm hold of Thomas' arm, and turned to glare at his mother. “Momma, have you gone senile? What's going on around here? Are we running some kind of bed and breakfast? We already have the fairy twins, and the wicked witch of the South, now we're gonna have Uncle Tom?”

Thomas, angered by JR's comment, clenched his free hand into a fist and connected squarely with JR's jaw, knocking him backwards into the table causing the flower arrangement and the phone to fall to the floor.

Instinctively, Bobby and Chris flew into action. Chris grabbed Thomas before he could pounce on JR, while Bobby stood between Thomas and JR. JR recovered from the blow and straightened his jacket. “You see Momma. This is what happens when you let riff-raff in, and I will not stand for this. You've lost your ever-loving mind!”

Chris pulled Thomas into the kitchen to cool off. Lucy followed the two of them.

“Hi, I'm Chris,” Chris smiled, extending his hand. “This is my cousin Lucy.”

Thomas eyed them suspiciously, finally shaking Chris' hand. “Thomas. Man, what's his problem?”

Lucy smiled and rolled her eyes, “Oh that's just JR. Don't let him get to you. He makes everybody miserable, but Grandma can handle him. When she gets finished, he won't give you any more trouble. You can count on that. Just listen.”

“Momma,” Bobby said, “Unfortunately, as much as I hate to, I have to agree with JR about your new friend. I mean, what do we know about him?”

I know all I need to know. He needed my help, and he is gonna get it. Now you listen to me, both of you. Thomas is my guest in this house and he is welcome to stay as long as he likes as long as he follows the guidelines he and I have agreed to. And, while he is a guest here, you will both treat him with the respect you give me or I will take you out to the barn and teach you some respect. Do you understand me?”

“Fine momma. You do what you want, but don't expect me be to be happy about it.” JR rubbed his jaw, walked into the living room to fix himself a drink, and glaring at Thomas as he, Lucy and Chris walked back into the hall way, “I'm gonna keep a close eye on you, boy. So you'd just better watch your step.”

As they all walked back into the living room, Ian, Sue Ellen and Pamela stood awkwardly.

“Well, before we do anything, I think Thomas and I need to get settled into our rooms. Come on Thomas,” Miss Ellie said warmly, “I'll show you to your room and then we can come back down and you can meet everyone properly and enjoy the rest of the party.”

Ellie gave JR and Bobby a look that only she could, as she led Thomas out of the room.

Alison sat in her office engrossed in a pile of paperwork, unaware of the noise from the Christmas celebrations taking place in the main office. Her concentration was broken by the sound of someone knocking on her door. Looking up, Alison watched Brett walk into her office and smiled.

“Thought you might have been out with Pamela,” Alison replied trying to keep the jealousy from her voice.

“Nope, there is only one lady with whom I spend my Christmas Eve and by the looks of things I have gotten here just in the nick of time. You know you are the only one still working.”

“Well I may have had a break in the Ewing case, things this important don't stop for Christmas.”

“The Ewing case? God, Ally you need to give this up. You got your man, the case is closed why are you still on at it?”

“But that's just it. I've got transcripts here from the cartel members headed up by Elizabeth Benson. They are all consistent that they know nothing about the Ewing incident and also more then one of them throw doubts that Wendell had the capacity to plan such an incident. You see he was their sitting duck, the decoy, apparently Wendell had the beginnings of dementia and was pretty much pie in the sky. Elizabeth just manipulated him, using his hatred for the way the Oil business had treated him and especially JR Ewing. But as far as we can see, the cartel has no knowledge about the accident that killed John Ross. I think who ever caused the accident that killed John Ross saw Wendell as a perfect cover up and planted evidence to make it look like he was guilty.”

“If what you are saying is true though, then who, Brett said? “ You had Chris Ewing as suspect number one but he was out of the country before the bomb blast. Meaning that whoever planted the evidence on Wendell did it after his death. So that would make Christopher out of the country at the time.”

“Well, we know his mother was desperate to protect him at any cost. But, like you say with the timing, Pamela was already in custody at the time for obstructing justice. But I am more certain now then ever that whoever killed John Ross Ewing is still out there.”

Pam, and Miss Ellie stood at the Christmas tree reminiscing of Christmases past. Pam spied Sue Ellen exiting the room, and heading down the stairs. She'd been looking for the opportunity to speak with her privately all night. Now was her chance. “Miss Ellie,” Pam said, “would you excuse me for a minute?”

Pam thanked her and immediately hurried up the stairs. “Sue Ellen,” she called out as she reached the top of the stairs. Sue Ellen stopped and turned, completely surprised by Pam's presence. “Could we talk for a minute, privately,” Pam said, a bit of nervousness in her tone.

“I suppose so,” Sue Ellen said coldly. “I was just about to check on Jock,” she said opening the door. The pair entered the room, and Pam closed the door. Pam watched as Sue Ellen picked Jock out of his crib, and cradled him close to her, her mind flashing back to the first time Sue Ellen had held John Ross. A sense of sadness flooded her memory. “I remember the first time I saw you do that. It broke my heart.”

Sue Ellen just stared back at her. She knew instantly Pam was speaking of John Ross. She knew how Pam felt about him. As she changed Jock, she remembered how many times Pam cared for John Ross in the early months of his life, but still, that didn't give Pam the right to say the things she said when Sue Ellen was only trying to be a friend to her and Becky. Sue Ellen recalled just how badly Pam had hurt her feelings, how she had cried the whole drive home, and finally responded, “Is there a point to this conversation?”

“Yes,” Pam replied curtly, “I came up here to thank you and to apologize for our last conversation, but I think I may have been too hasty. I don't know why I bothered. Whenever you go back to that lying, cheating, conniving snake, you become a completely different person. So, just forget it, Sue Ellen,” she said turning to leave the room.

Pam's words stung Sue Ellen. She thought for a moment about how she always shunned Pam whenever she and JR were together. “Not this time,” she thought, a sense of regret overwhelming her. “Pam,” Sue Ellen called, “wait. Would you like to hold your nephew for a bit?”

Pam turned around and looked at Sue Ellen with surprise and suspicion. Sue Ellen's expression softened as she handed Jock to Pam. Pam cradled him close to her, feeling her emotions welling up inside her. She looked from Jock to Sue Ellen. “He really is a beautiful little boy, isn't he?”

Sue Ellen smiled sadly and nodded. An awkward silence filled the room as they both watched Jock, and listened to the sound of his breathing.

Finally, Pam broke the silence, “Sue Ellen, I really am sorry about the things I said.”

“I've seen how you've been treating Becky, and how you've been handling JR,” Pam said. Smiling, she continued, “And you have my compliments. You must give me your secret for keeping him in line.”

Pam returned her laughter, grasping Sue Ellen's hand, “I'd really like for us to be friends again Sue Ellen. I think we could both use one.”

Sue Ellen smiled warmly, “I'd like that too Pam. Now, we'd better get back downstairs before somebody sends a search party for us.”

Pam nodded, and the two of them placed Jock back in his crib and returned to the party.

Returning to the party the two women saw that the rest of the guests had arrived.

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