Ellie meticulously set the breakfast table for another Ewing morning. Over the past week, family meals were becoming more and more important. Ellie found herself reminded of simpler days when the boys were young and Jock was still alive.

Ellie took her seat at the head of the table as Jenna and Charlie came downstairs.

“Good morning, Miss Ellie,” they said in unison as Teresa served eggs, bacon, and toast.

“It is a good morning isn’t it?” Ellie said with a smile.

“It’s a big morning for me,” Charlie said as she played with her cereal. “I’m going to high school for the very first time.”

“You’ll be fine,” Jenna promised, giving her daughter a squeeze on the hand.

“J.R., Gary, Bobby, and Lucy, all went to Braddock High School and they had a wonderful time,” Ellie said. “You’ll fit right in.”

“I hope so,” Charlie said.

“I’ll drive you to school myself on the way to the boutique,” Jenna said as Clayton came into the kitchen, dressed for the day as he took a seat next to Ellie.

“What are your plans for the day, Clayton?” Ellie asked.

“I was going to work with Ben Stivers today on the ranch,” Clayton said.

“Is it working out with him?” Ellie asked with interest. She had been reluctant to lose Ray as head foreman after years of service to the family, but Ray was adamant about having a ranch of his own, and having his horse cutting business with Clayton.

“He’s doing well,” Clayton said. “He takes direction, works hard; the other men seem to like him.”

“But he isn’t Ray,” Ellie argued. She had taken issue with the man after finding several of Jock’s belongings in his bunk, items that were cherished by her and her family. The explosion had prevented her from getting answers right away, no one else even knew of the findings, but that didn’t mean that Ellie wasn’t searching for answers.

“Ellie, I don’t think that you are going to love anyone as much as you loved Ray,” Clayton joked.

Ellie opened her mouth to speak, but John Ross came barreling down the stairs, with J.R. and Sue Ellen behind him.

“John Ross no running in the house,” Sue Ellen reprimanded with a tight smile. She was growing more accustomed to her loss of sight, relying on her other senses, especially her hearing, more and more.

“You don’t miss a thing do you, Mom?” John Ross asked as he took a seat by Charlie.

“You know what you were doing,” she smiled, taking a seat next to J.R., feeling for her utensils at their regular position. J.R. marveled at his wife as she dug into her breakfast. She had retained as much of her independence as she could despite her temporary dilemma, facing the problem head on. Through practice, she became self-sufficient in her routine, and though J.R. found her stubborn, he wouldn’t have his wife any other way.

“John Ross, how would you like a ride to school?” Jenna asked. “Your school is only a few blocks away from the high school.”

John Ross looked to his father for approval and nodded his head. “Thanks.” Kissing his mother and father goodbye, John Ross followed the Wade women out the door with his backpack.

Sue Ellen blotted her mouth with her napkin and traced her fingers on the tablecloth. Today she was going to the rehab center adjacent to Dallas Memorial Hospital. Dr. Armstrong had requested that Sue Ellen take weekly visits to monitor her progress. J.R., Miss Ellie, and Clayton insisted that she get accustomed to moving around the house before starting the program. Now she was itching to start something besides being around the house all day long. The family had been supportive of her as she grew found a new routine, but that didn’t make staying around the house any easier. She missed Graison Research, and though Pam had promised her that her position was still available, she hadn’t been able to go into the building yet.

“You ready Darlin’?” J.R. asked as he pulled her chair out for her.

Sue Ellen nodded her head, kissing Ellie and Clayton goodbye before heading for J.R.’s car out front.

“Dr. Armstrong seems to think you’ve been making progress,” J.R. said as he turned the engine on.

“Hmm,” Sue Ellen said absentmindedly, fingering the leather interior that she couldn’t see. “He thinks I’m ready to interact with others.” Sue Ellen sensed her husband’s hesitation. “You can’t keep me here forever, J.R. I need to get out.”

J.R. looked straight ahead as he merged into traffic. “I still don’t see why you need to be with complete strangers to deal with….”

“You can’t even say it, can you?” Sue Ellen said with a scornful smirk.

“It isn’t permanent.”

“So everyone keeps telling me,” Sue Ellen sighed.

J.R. placed one hand on Sue Ellen’s. “Just hang in there.”

Sue Ellen nodded her head. “Being at the rehab center will be good for me, J.R. I’ll be able to meet new people, talk to professionals about how life is going – it’s going to keep me grounded.”

“But you have a houseful of people to talk to Sue Ellen.”

“It also gets me out of the house,” Sue Ellen said with a smile. “Until I’m ready to go back to work at Graison Research with Pam and Jerry. Besides, I’ll only be at the center for one or two days a week at the most.”

J.R. grimaced at the mention of Dr. Jerry Kenderson, aka Dr. Feelgood, the man who had tried to court Sue Ellen while she was separated from J.R.

“You don’t have to frown like that,” Sue Ellen laughed lightly. J.R. gave her a quizzical look and she smiled. “Just because I can’t see doesn’t mean that I don’t know what you’re doing.”

J.R. squeezed his wife’s hand. “He must be happy to be getting you back at the research center – you were an excellent fundraiser.”

“I hope to do more this year.”

J.R. pulled in front of the rehab wing of Dallas Memorial Hospital and helped Sue Ellen to the reception center where she was greeted by Dr. Armstrong and ushered to the back offices. J.R. waited until she was out of sight before he left.

Putting the car back into drive, J.R. headed for mid Dallas, to examine the offices at the Ewing building. The contractors had been working round the clock to ensure that the building was up and running again, and J.R. was now ready to look at the progress.

Part of him was looking forward to seeing what was different, being able to have a fresh start with the company, make the Ewing name strong again. I’m going to make you proud of me daddy, J.R. vowed, you wait and see; but I’ll be doing things a little different this time.

-----

Donna dropped Tony off at Wood Grove, waving to him as he left to join his friends for another day of learning. Donna regretted resigning as parent volunteer at the school, but with the new house, and being a new mother, Donna had wanted to take some time off, maybe work on her writing.

Returning back to the ranch, she wasn’t surprised to see that Ray was already gone. After saying good morning to her and Tony, Ray left to go and finalize details with Jack and Clayton for the new horse cutting business. Ray had campaigned long and hard to get Jack to stay in Dallas, until he found something better, and now he was looking at a third partner for the venture.

Donna couldn’t help recalling Ray’s last mishap with business – land developing. It was an area that he was unfamiliar with, but Ray had always been a fast learner, and with Jock as a teacher, he was bound to succeed in time. But Ray moved too quickly – without Jock, and he had gotten hurt in the process – doubting himself and those who loved him.

It had taken time for Ray to bounce back from the setback, going back to ranching was healthy for him, and Donna knew that the two business scenarios were not the same. Ray had been raised around horses; he knew them better than anyone. Donna was sure that Ray would be successful this time, and that was what worried her: the success getting to his head, changing him from the down-to-earth cowboy she loved, to a business man. I don’t want him doing too much, Donna thought as she started her morning chores, he’s got a family now –that should be enough. Donna paused, wondering if she was being selfish or holding Ray back. She shook her head; she always had his best intentions at heart, whether he knew it or not.

-----

Pam perused the fruit and vegetable section of the Dallas grocery store. It was part of her quest to make Cliff eat and be healthier. He was still unresponsive since the news of the explosion; he hadn’t left the condo once since it had happened, and Pam was getting more and more concerned. Jack had been there to help when things were getting rough with Cliff, but Pam didn’t want to rely on him, she wanted to take care of Cliff herself – he was all she had left, and she wasn’t going to lose him too.

“Pam,” an overly friendly shopper came up behind her.

Pan turned around and was face to face with Cliff’s secretary, and her friend, Jackie Dugan. “Jackie,” Pam said, pulling her into a hug, “What are you doing here now? Shouldn’t you be at the office?”

Jackie slightly frowned. “The office has been pretty dead since Cliff hasn’t been coming in,” she admitted. “The different divisions are still functioning, but nothing can really be done without a company president.”

Pam took a step back. She knew that Cliff needed to get back to Barnes Wentworth, but she had no idea it had gotten this bad.

“I’ve left messages,” Jackie said, “on the machine, he never answers. He doesn’t answer letters written by any of the executive heads.”

“I didn’t know it was this bad,” Pam said. “I thought the company could run without him, everyone could keep working.”

“Without an executive to make decisions?” Jackie asked. “I’m saying this as a friend and coworker. You own stock in that company, it would be in your best interest to get Cliff going again, not only for the company – but for him.”

Pam and Jackie walked down the aisles. “He was so hurt by Jamie’s death – right when things were going so well for them.”

Jackie nodded her head. “The entire company sympathizes with him, but it’s been several weeks Pam. There’s a job to do.”

“You’re right,” Pam said, “I’m on my way over to the condo now, I’ll talk to him. He used to be so excited about business, ever since Gold Canyon 340 hit, he’s been on a winning streak.”

“Let’s hope he stays there,” said, squeezing Pam’s hand as she left.

Pam waved at her friend as she filled her basket and headed to the checkout counter. Cliff is due for an intervention, and I’m just the person to do it, Pam thought as she walked out. Her promise to her mother, before she died was to take care of Cliff. Rebecca Wentworth knew that her son was not as strong as his younger sister; he needed someone to look after him, help him when he was down. When Cliff was on top, he acted as if he didn’t need a person in the world, that he could handle everything himself. It was when Cliff faced a crisis that Pam became concerned. Losing Cliff on top of Bobby and Mark would destroy her – she needed someone to be there for her. All we have is each other, Pam thought again, putting the car into drive as she headed for the condo.

-----

J.R. was given the tour of the Ewing building by the contractors who were more than willing to take pride in a job well done. They truly had done a miraculous job, the rooms looked exactly the same, as if the explosion had never happened. The carpeting, the windows, the walls, the furniture were all intact and true to the original form.

“You did a wonderful job,” J.R. muttered, sitting behind his desk. He would call Sly as soon as he could and tell her that the offices were now up and running. He would find a position for Phyllis, not wanting to fire her because Pamela left. J.R. nodded to the men as they left, and Harry McSween came into the room.

“The place looks great,” he noted with as much enthusiasm as he could muster. J.R. had been one of his biggest supporters over the years, ensuring bank accounts and homes in various places, and he liked to think of the man as somewhat of a friend. He knew that J.R. would look out for him and see that he was provided for if anything ever did happen.

“Any more news on Angelica?” J.R. asked, skipping pleasantries.

“She’s being transferred from Texas to a permanent high security prison in Europe – you will never have to hear from her again,” Harry promised. “No court in the world is going to overturn her prison sentence without parole. She’ll rot in jail.”

“She should be done away with,” J.R. muttered, thinking of all the trouble she caused for his family. His anger was directed at her, and also himself for getting involved with her in the first place. If he had done a better background check on her, he could have gotten out of the deal. He could have even wedged his way out after hearing that Jack was intended to pose as Dimitri Marinos, but he never did. Greed took over his senses and he committed Ewing Oil to one of the shadiest deals in the company’s history. He was lucky that he came out alive, that the deal with Marinos Shipping came through and he was now getting his oil. Ewing Oil was bringing in millions and millions, but none of it mattered to him right now.

“Was there anything else you needed?” Harry asked tentatively.

J.R. shook his head. “You’ve done a good job Harry, making sure that woman had a quick hearing. You’ll be rewarded. I’ll call you if anything else comes up.”

Harry nodded his head. “Tell Sue Ellen that I’m thinking about her,” he said as he turned to leave.

J.R. pressed his hands against the back window. His wife was currently in the rehabilitation center going over his progress with doctors and ensuring her recovery. He wondered how much longer she would have to suffer. The doctors were so vague with the diagnosis, it was a relatively unknown disease, there was no way of predicting how long the blindness would last. I am going to make this up to her, he swore under his breath. It wasn’t enough that Angelica was locked away in prison, he needed to more to lose the guilt that he felt for his wife. Several times a day he wished it had been him instead of her, that he never came to the office that Sunday, that she never came to see him. He had told her that he would be back. “Damn it Sue Ellen, why did you have to check on me!” J.R. yelled as he pounded the glass wall.

-----

Pam hoisted a full bag of groceries on her hip and left two by her feet as she opened the door – not bothering to knock. Pam carefully sidestepped Chinese food containers, beer bottles and cans, old newspapers, and old clothes as she made her way to the kitchen.

Pam took a step back, sensing an unsavory smell coming from the refrigerator. Aligning the groceries on the counter Pam deliberately walked into Cliff’s bedroom in the back of the condo.

“Planning on going into work this morning?” Pam asked gently. Cliff was sprawled on the bed, fully clothed and gripping a carton of milk.

“I see no reason to,” he muttered. “Gold Canyon 340 brings in all the profits Barnes Wentworth needs.”

“That’s not true and you know it,” Pam reminded him, rummaging in his closet for the cleanest suit she could find. To her dismay, the closet was a hodgepodge of assorted garments, none intended for wearing.

“I find office work depressing,” Cliff slurred as he reached on the floor by his bed for another can of relief.

Pam promptly took Cliff’s drink away from him. “Cliff, there are things that need to be done at Barnes Wentworth – a company can’t run without a president.”

“And what kind of president was I?” Cliff countered, hoping that Pam would leave. “Gold Canyon 340 was a fluke, a set-up by J.R. that backfired on him. That was my one great contribution to the company.”

Pam shook her head and knelt on the edge of the bed. “You were a great president. You know that, I know that, the company knows that – Jamie knows that…”

“I don’t want to hear her name,” Cliff cut her off. “If I hadn’t of gotten involved in the oil business she wouldn’t have had her accident in the Gulf.” Cliff sat up, agitated. “And if you had never gotten involved with a Ewing – Jamie would still be alive today.”

Pam shrunk back. Cliff was holding the same degree of hate that he held years ago, that a month ago, at her wedding to Mark, he had promised to extinguish.

“You can’t think like that, Cliff. Jamie would want you to move on.”

“I told you not to mention her name!” Cliff shouted. “And if you are so concerned about the fate of Barnes Wentworth, why don’t you just run it yourself.”

Pam stood up. “There are groceries in the kitchen; I’ve hired a cleaning service to fix the place up. I’ll be back this afternoon.” Pam reluctantly left; there was no point in arguing with Cliff when he was too angry to think. Cliff often let his emotions get the best of him, and that led to rash, destructive decisions, his most recent one was marrying Jamie for her potential Ewing shares. Cliff didn’t thoroughly check to see if the claim was valid, or how Jamie felt about the inheritance, he married her to get what he wanted – and he wound up losing, risking Jamie in the process.

Cliff walked to the empty kitchen, shaking his head in disgust. The Ewings have done it once again – J.R., Jack, all of them. Cliff pounded his fist on the counter. My daddy was right; the only good Ewing is a dead Ewing.

-----

Sue Ellen Ewing sat in her seat opposite counselor Dr. Dagmara Conrad, Pamela’s counselor while she was in Brooktree after her breakdown. Dr. Conrad moved from Brooktree to Dallas Memorial when the rehabilitation wing was opened two years ago.

“You seem to be coping very well, Sue Ellen,” Dr. Conrad complimented her with a smile. “How are things at home?”

Sue Ellen brushed her skirt and attempted a small smile. “Everyone has been very supportive of me Dr. Conrad…”

“Dagmara,” the doctor reminded her with a grin.

“What frustrates me is that I don’t know when my sight will come back – or if it even would.”

Dagmara nodded her head. “How would you feel if you could never have your eyesight back?”

Sue Ellen frowned and squirmed in her chair. “Dr. Conrad, these past few weeks I haven’t been able to be myself – something is different, something that I can’t control. I can’t bring my eyesight back – the Ewing money can’t bring my eyesight back. I don’t know if I’d be able to go on in this state of waiting, wondering what my future holds.”

“Then it’s a control issue,” Dr. Conrad reasoned.

“My eyes are everything,” Sue Ellen said softly. “As a beauty contest – no one bothered to care what I was like on the inside, all they saw was this exterior, it was all I had. Now it’s damaged – and I don’t know how to live without it.”

“But you’ve come to rely on yourself quite a bit – Sue Ellen. Physically, you’ve adapted to nearly every challenge placed in front of you – right now you need to confront other areas.”

Sue Ellen sat puzzled at Dr. Conrad.

“How did you view yourself before the accident, Sue Ellen?”

“I didn’t realize analysis was part of the rehabilitation treatment,” Sue Ellen said scornfully.

Dr. Conrad appeared unphased and continued. “My medical roots began in psychology Sue Ellen. Studying the human mind is the key to finding a balanced lifestyle.”

“Did you know that I was a Miss Texas once?” Sue Ellen asked quietly. “Does that tell you anything about the life I was brought up in? My mother saw me as a glorified doll that she could dress and manipulate any way she wanted to. My entire life, people told me I was beautiful – that was the first thing they noticed about me. No one told me I was smart, or kind, or creative, I was just beautiful. It was my one trait that set me apart from others.”

Dr. Conrad nodded her head, making notes. “Did you believe them?”

“I didn’t have a choice. I was preconditioned to be a trophy wife for a wealthy gentleman – my mother made that decision the day I was born.”

“We make our own decisions, Sue Ellen,” Dr. Conrad said as she stood for the end of the session. “Do you want to give control to others for the rest of your life?”

“Right now I have no control,” Sue Ellen gestured, pointing to her eyes. “I’m at the mercy of the hospital and my family.”

“But not for forever,” the doctor reminded her. “This was a good session, I look forward to seeing you again,” she smiled, genuinely meaning her words. “Make sure to say hello to Pamela for me.”

“I will,” Sue Ellen said as Dr. Conrad led her out to the lobby. Sue Ellen turned a corner and was stunned to hear a familiar voice next to her.

“Sue Ellen Ewing.”

Sue Ellen turned around, recognizing the distinct voice behind her instantly. “Jerry,” she said breathlessly, caught off guard.

Dr. Jerry Kenderson was a close friend of Mark Graison, dating back to college years, and the friendship turned to business, the previous year when he was brought in to head Graison Research with Mark. He met Sue Ellen through the center and he found himself instantly attracted to her. At the time she was married to J.R. but living a separate life – a rule that wasn’t applying now, and Jerry knew it.

“How are you doing?” he asked anxiously, taking a seat next to her. He gave her a friendly hug.

“Fine,” Sue Ellen said with a small smile, grateful to see a friend. “I’m in therapy for the time being.”

“Is it working out?” Jerry asked.

“I’ll let you know after the next couple sessions,” Sue Ellen smirked.

Jerry took Sue Ellen’s hand. “You’re missed by everyone at Graison Research – the temporary chief fundraiser isn’t half as efficient as you are.”

Sue Ellen laughed, turning red. “I’m sure that’s not true.”

“We can’t wait for you to come back.”

Sue Ellen blushed, telling Jerry that she would be coming back soon. “It will give me something to do besides sit around at Southfork.”

Jerry chuckled at Sue Ellen’s comment. “All this time I thought Southfork was paradise.”

Sue Ellen nodded her head. “It’s a perfect home – but sometimes you can get too much of a good thing.”

“Understood,” Jerry replied.

Sue Ellen patiently listened while Jerry caught her up on the details at the research center, and she couldn’t help but think of all that she was missing. She had gained so much by getting a job of her very own – something that two years ago she had never dreamed of doing.

J.R. Ewing came into the hospital doors, ready to take his wife to lunch and narrowed his eyes at the scene before him – his wife with Dr Kenderson. What is that man doing here, he grumbled, hanging back for a brief moment. You’d think he have some pride after being shot down, he laughed, in an attempt to make himself feel better. There was a time when J.R. saw the honorable doctor as a threat to his relationship with his wife – but only for a moment. In an accidental conversation, Sue Ellen had indicated that her feelings for Jerry were strictly platonic. But that didn’t mean that Jerry felt the same way about her. Regardless of Sue Ellen’s feelings for him – J.R. wanted Dr. Kenderson out of her life – personally and professionally. He wasn’t looking forward to her return to Graison Research. Seeing that man for a couple hours a day, J.R. thought silently. I’m going to have to take care of that myself.

J.R. sauntered over to the couple and tipped his hat. “Keeping my wife company, Dr. Kenderson?” J.R. smirked.

Jerry turned a slight white at the sight of J.R. Ewing. Standing up, he extended his hand to his opponent. “Just finding out how she was doing,” responded. “I hope that’s alright with you?”

Sue Ellen stood and gave her husband a hug, hoping to diminish the tension. “You’re early, Darlin’.”

“I can see that,” J.R. said, glaring at the doctor. “We should be going – we don’t want to miss our lunch reservation.”

Sue Ellen nodded her head, waving goodbye to Jerry as she headed with J.R. for the car.

Jerry watched Sue Ellen leave with her husband – silently seething. He wished he had the courage to stand up in front of the almighty J.R. Ewing and tell him exactly what he thought of him. To tell Sue Ellen that he still had feelings for her, that he deserved a chance to show her how great they could be together. Or how her husband would only break her heart again.

“You didn’t have to do that,” she said as she buckled her seatbelt in the confines of J.R.’s Mercedes.

“Do what?” J.R. asked innocently.

“J.R. – I may be blind, but I have my other senses – and I know you. You were jealous of Jerry.”

“Jealous?” J.R. laughed as he paused at a red light.

“You know full well that I’m going to be working with him at the research center.” Sue Ellen squeezed J.R.’s hand. “And that my heart belongs to you,” she reminded him.

“I know,” J.R. smiled, massaging her hand he reminded himself of how lucky he was to be given another chance with his wife. Which was why he wasn’t going to let Sue Ellen’s blindness, Ewing Oil, or an amateur doctor get in the way. Old Harry still owes me a favor or two, J.R. smirked, knowing that his research on Dr. Kenderson had barely scratched the surface.

-----

Ellie Ewing strolled out the front door and headed to the bunk house to check on the new foreman Ben Stivers. She still needed an explanation as to how he could have acquired Jock’s possessions – items with him when he was in South America – that she assumed were lost forever. Ellie had chosen to deal with the matter herself rather than involve Clayton – who still resented Jock’s place in Ellie’s life, and her son, who was dealing with problems of his own. She had observed Ben’s behavior since the incident and he hadn’t done anything to rise her suspicion. He seemed to be able to get along with the other hands well – and he knew very well.

Ellie spied him by the stables and waved good morning.

“Morning ma’am,” Ben called, walking over to her.

Ellie flashed Ben a tentative small and rested against the ranch fence. “How are things working for you at Southfork?”

“I’m mighty happy, ma’am,” Ben nodded. “Feels like home here.”

Ellie nodded her head. “If you’ve got a moment, I’d like to talk to you about something very important.”

Ben’s face turned a slight white – he knew what was happening.

Ellie went inside his room and sat down on a chair. “You seem to have acquired some of my husband’s belongings.”

Ben went to his desk and pulled out the artifacts that once belonged to Jock Ewing: photographs – pictures of Jock, Ellie, the children, all at different stages; Jock’s old belt buckle with his insignia on it; letters that Ellie had written to Jock while he was away. “I was going to give these back to you ma’am – when the time was right, but you were so busy with the family….”

“How did you get them?” Ellie asked pointedly, cutting him off. “They were with him in South America when he died.”

Ben nodded his head. “I remember ma’am. I was with your husband in South America – as a hired worker – employed by the government.”

“You knew Jock,” Miss Ellie stammered.

Ben nodded his head, handing her all of the items. “We became somewhat close there – especially during his final days. He told me if anything happened to him, I was to take his things and bring them to you.”

Ellie stood up. “Jock Ewing died quite a few years ago.”

Ben stood and hesitated slightly. “I had wanted to give them to you sooner, but I was badly hurt in South America, I was in a missionary hospital in France for some time. When I finally recovered, I wondered if I should try to give you the letters back. So much time had passed – you had moved on with a new husband.”

Ellie grabbed the documents and turned around. “All of this time.”

Ben took off his hat. “If you want me to leave the ranch ma’am – I’d be more than happy to.”

“No,” Ellie said sharply. “You aren’t leaving yet.” Ellie turned to face him. “Is there anything that you haven’t given me or told me?”

“No ma’am,” Ben said. “His final message was that he loved you all very much – he wanted to make sure that his things – especially the letters – got back to you.”

“Tell no one about this,” Ellie said finally, turning to go. “If this causes trouble for my family – I’ll do more than fire you – I will make you sorry you ever came to Southfork!” Ellie stormed out of the house, clutching Jock’s possessions in her arms. This was another piece of her husband – something to keep his memory alive, something she should have had years ago. Ellie wanted to fire Ben Stivers – to yell at him for keeping information away from her for so long – but Ellie had a feeling that Ben knew something that he wasn’t admitting to – and Ellie wasn’t going to let him leave until she found out what that was.

Ben watched her go, his body shaking. He was pulling off one of the biggest hoaxes in the world after making a deal with the devil. He slowly walked over to the phone and dialed a number. “It’s me, she’s got the stuff….I don’t know whether or not she bought the story….I was as convincing as I could be....I still have the job, I don’t think she’s going to say anything yet….I don’t like what we’re doing!” Ben hung up the phone and angrily threw a glass against the wall. He was ready to leave, but there was something he still had to do.

-----

Sue Ellen sat across from J.R. as she sipped her water.

“I saw the offices this morning,” J.R. said. “They look amazing.”

Sue Ellen tucked a stand of hair behind her ear. “I’m happy you’re so pleased – J.R.,” she said, trying to hide her resentment. “I just don’t want you hurt again.”

“I won’t,” J.R. promised. “Angelica Nero is in the past.”

Sue Ellen sighed slowly.

“I’m thinking about making some changes at the office,” J.R. said. “So that I can spend more time with you and John Ross.”

“What kind of changes?”

“I was thinking of bringing in a partner of sorts –someone to stand in for me when I’m not in the office. The person wouldn’t own stock in the company – it’d be more of a figure-head position, to spread out the work.”

“You really want to spend more time at home?” Sue Ellen asked softly, not believing her ears.

J.R. nodded his head. “I lost you once Honey, I’ll be damned if that ever happens again.” J.R. kissed his wife on the cheek. “I’m not the same man I was a year ago.”

Sue Ellen smiled as she leaned into J.R.’s touch. Right now, despite her blindness, she was in heaven.

-----

J.R. returned to the office after lunch to do his final business-deal of the day. It was part of rectifying his past – starting over – and carrying on his father’s legacy, and even Bobby’s legacy, the right way.

“They’re here, J.R., - all three of them,” Sly called over the intercom.

“Send them in,” J.R. said as he pulled out three contracts – all holding the same terms.

The door opened and Jordan Lee, Marilee Stone, and Andy Bradley stood in the doorway, none of them pleased to see J.R. Ewing.

J.R. nodded hello and offered them a drink.

“I’ll skip the drink – thanks,” Marilee said coolly, leaving her purse on a chair.

The men nodded in agreement.

“We’re only here because we’re so curious about what you have to say,” Jordan added.

“After you made out once again with that Marinos Shipping deal – you must be pretty pleased,” Andy said spitefully.

“Now that is exactly what I wanted to talk to you about,” J.R. said as he handed each individual their contract. “I realize that you’re all disappointed with the way this deal turned out, but it’s not too late to change it.”

“These are the original contracts,” Marilee said, peering at the notes.

J.R. held a pen in his hand. “You’ll each once one-third of the Marinos Shipping deal – with 15% of your royalties going straight to Ewing Oil.”

“Why are you doing this?” Jordan asked, folding his arms. “You’re making a killing off this deal – why spoil it.”

“Well,” J.R. began, “Call it a PR move,” J.R. laughed.

“What’s the catch?” Andy asked. “You can’t expect us to believe that you’re doing this out of the goodness of your heart.”

“There is no catch,” J.R. said. “All I ask is that there will be no more talk of a consortium against Ewing Oil. My daddy and brother Bobby enjoyed a lot of deals with you over the years – and I would like to think that you all can do business with Ewing Oil once again – there are plenty more deals to be made in the future.”

Marilee shook her head. “How much are you selling these shares to us for?”

“Same price as before,” J.R. said. “You know it’s a good deal, now that those wells are running, it’s risk free.”

The Cartel members didn’t need to consult one another on this deal – they all knew the answer.

“How about that drink J.R.?” Marilee asked with a sly smile.

J.R. laughed and walked over to the bar, serving the Cartel.

“I have to tell you – this is the last thing I expected when I came here today,” Andy said as he signed the contract. “Thank-you J.R.”

Marilee left after Andy and Jordan stayed around for a minute.

“You’re daddy would have been proud of you today, J.R.,” Jordan said. “And probably a little shocked.”

J.R. smirked at Jordan. “You think I’d really cheat you all?”

“I don’t know what to think about you,” Jordan said. “Now that you’ve got us back, are you expecting us to turn our backs on Barnes-Wentworth?”

J.R. sipped his bourbon. “You were never that close with Barnes-Wentworth to begin with, Jordan. You’ve got a history with Ewing Oil.”

“True. Rumor has it that Cliff hasn’t been in the offices since the accident,” Jordan added.

“He misses his wife,” J.R. said slowly, feeling a tinge of sympathy for his rival.

“Speaking of wives, how is Sue Ellen holding up?”

“She’s getting better – the doctors are convinced that she’ll make a full recovery.”

“That’s wonderful,” Jordan said, getting ready to leave. “You take care J.R.”

“You too,” J.R. said. He turned to the window and looked at the Dallas skyline. I’m fixing everything daddy – one day at a time – I’ll put the family back together again.

Chapter 5: An Unlikely Homecoming

Ellie sat on her stool in the kitchen, furiously obsessing over her chocolate chip cookies. Her anger and frustration were misdirected at Ben Stivers, whose unlikely story had perplexed her for most of the afternoon. If anyone knows anything about Ben and what happened in South America, it would be Jock’s best friend Punk, Ellie thought, leaving her cookies to get to the house phone. She quickly dialed, hoping to bypass Mavis and talk to Punk right away. Mavis was her very best friend, but what Ellie wanted were answers, not companionship. She breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Punk’s booming voice.

“Hello Ellie,” Punk said jovially. “Would you like me to get Mavis for you?”

“No Punk. Punk, are you doing anything tomorrow afternoon?”

“There’s nothing I can’t move around for you Ellie.”

“Wonderful,” Ellie smiled. “It’s about Jock.”

“Jock?” Punk queried. “Is everything alright?”

“I don’t know,” Ellie admitted. “The most peculiar man – our new foreman, acquired several of Jock’s personal items from when he was in South America.”

“What’s his name?” Punk asked in a low voice.

“Ben. Ben Stivers – does that name ring a bell?” she asked urgently.

“Ben Stivers. There was a man named Ben Stivers on the crew in South America – but I don’t know how he knew Jock.”

“I need to see you tomorrow,” Ellie said. “I don’t trust this man.”

“Meet me at the house,” Punk agreed.

“Punk – please don’t tell anyone – not even Mavis – not yet anyway.”

“I won’t tell a soul,” Punk promised as he hung up the phone.

Ellie exhaled as John Ross, and Charlie came in through the door, back from school.

“How are you two doing?” Ellie asked with a smile.

“School was great grandma,” John Ross declared, eying the chocolate chip cookies.

“You’ll have to tell me something more than just ‘great’ in order to get a cookie,” Ellie teased.

“My new teacher is really neat – she’s taking us on a nature walk next week.”

Ellie smiled and slid two cookies next to John Ross, who gratefully took them and left. “How about you Charlie? How was your first day of high school?”

Charlie picked up a cookie and began to nibble. “It sure is big – and I still don’t know that many people – I’ve only in Braddock for a year.”

“Do you think you’d be happier in your old school district?” Ellie asked.

“It’s too soon to tell,” Charlie said. She looked at Miss Ellie, a woman that she almost considered a grandmother. “I have friends at school, but it doesn’t feel like home – I haven’t grown up with these people.”

“I understand,” Ellie nodded. “You just need to give it some time, and if you still aren’t happy, you may be able to go back to your old school district.”

“Really?” Charlie asked her eyes lighting up. “Do you think mamma would mind?”

“I know for a fact that your mother wants what’s best for you,” Ellie told her. “Even if that means attending a different school. But you have to give Braddock High a shot.”

“I will,” Charlie promised enthusiastically as she finished her cookie and waved goodbye.

-----

The family gathered in the living room for another evening of cocktails and conversation before dinner. Pamela had chosen to decline Miss Ellie’s invitation and keep a late night at Barnes Wentworth, getting the company back on track. Tony and John Ross played with model trains on the floor as Charlie observed them over the cover of her history book while she waited for her mother to come home from the boutique. Jenna had called that afternoon to say that everything was going well an business was still strong. Donna helped Ellie with dinner while Ray, Jack, and Clayton discussed the horse cutting business.

Sue Ellen sat at her vanity and ran her hairbrush through her curls, waiting for her husband to appear from the closet. “What did you do at Ewing Oil today?”

J.R. knelt next to his wife and kissed her on the cheek. “I had a meeting with the cartel.”

“I thought they weren’t speaking to you,” Sue Ellen said, reaching for J.R.’s hand.

“Let’s just say that I got myself back into their good graces – I’m sharing the wealth with the Marinos Shipping deal.”

Sue Ellen lowered her head at the mention of the deal that Angelica Nero had tried so hard to push and destroy.

“Honey our troubles with Marinos are over,” J.R. promised, squeezing her hand. “Those wells are pumping fine on their own; I’ve got a great crew monitoring them.” J.R. ran his fingers through Sue Ellen’s hair. “I won’t ever have to go back to Martinique ever again,” he promised.

Sue Ellen stood up to go to dinner. “Promise me there won’t be any more unpleasant surprises like Angelica Nero,” she said softly. “I want to be involved in every part of your life.”

“And you are.” J.R. opened the door to go down the hall. “In fact, I am going to be having a conversation with Cousin Jack about coming back to Ewing Oil on a more permanent basis.”

“Do you really think he’d be interested?” Sue Ellen asked. “When I last spoke to him, he seemed to be done with Ewing Oil.”

“He still has 10%,” J.R. pointed out. “And his father’s legacy to fulfill. Jack is big on family – he came through before.”

“What about the horse-cutting business that he has with Clayton and Ray?”

“He isn’t fully committed to that – it’s more Ray’s project.”

“Well I hope you get what you want,” Sue Ellen said.

“I always do, Sugar,” J.R. laughed. “One way or another.” J.R. led her down the stairs and fixed her a drink.

Jenna came through the front door, all smiles as she ran into Jack. She hadn’t been able to see very much of him over the past week, they had both been very busy and she had hoped to finally start from where they left off, with the promise of a relationship.

“Let me take your coat,” Jack offered, admiring Jenna’s figure.

“Hi mamma,” Charlie said, giving her a quick hug. “We weren’t sure if you’d make it before dinner.”

“You will not believe how busy the boutique is,” Jenna exclaimed, glowing with excitement. “The new designs are flying off the shelves, there are back-orders on several products – business is great.”

“That’s wonderful to hear,” Ellie said.

Jack and Jenna excused themselves and went into the kitchen.