Christmas with the Ewings

[Ray_Krebbs]

Westar Oil; the Board Room – Afternoon

Mac stepped before the majority shareholders of Westar stock at the long table, nodding to them nervously. “Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I know I called you all here on such sudden notice, but there’s an important matter we need to discuss… immediately. I’ve come to the decision that I’m becoming far too old to keep going on as chairman, and I plan to sell my shares to my younger brother.”

Soon, Richard appeared into the room and smiled at each person.

“This is Richard McKay, and I strongly hope you consider voting him in as my replacement. Before each of you is a resume of his work history and accomplishments. He ran one of the top-ten-rated oil companies in the Northwest, so I feel that he is a worthy candidate to serve as my successor,” Mac stated as he privately glared at Richard.

Richard stepped closer. “I have lots of hopes and dreams for Westar. I know that if I’m given the chance, I can take this company very far….”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

“Yeah. He threatened to kill me…. He said he was going to murder you all, too. I thought for a minute he minute he might’ve gotten to you….”

“No. I’m happy to say we’re all alive and-“

All of a sudden, the entire Southfork mansion blew up in a ball of flames. Nothing of the estate was left standing….


J.R. flew up in his bed, beads of sweat streaming down his face. “Oh, my God!”

Cally woke up at J.R.’s cry and rose up to comfort him, stating, “What in the world?! J.R., what’s wrong?”

“I just had the freakiest nightmare just now…. Tony Orlando was alive and doing some kind of business transaction with me, and he… Oh, God, Cally! What if it was some kind of Omen that he’s still alive?!”

“J.R., that’s a load of nonsense! We all saw Orlando fall into the waters. He never did come back up, did he?! And, it’s been several months now!”

“That doesn’t mean a thing…. Cally, this nightmare was so real, and I’ve really had nightmares that were like déjà vu! What if he’s out there somewhere, plotting to get back at us?!”

“Honey, you should just lie back down and rest. There’s nothing to worry about,” Cally said in an assuring voice.

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Southfork Ranch; Gary and Val’s Guestroom – Evening

Val snuggled up to her husband in bed and tenderly caressed his face. Grinning, she said, “You know, I still can’t believe how smoothly this trip has gone so far!”

“You mean with J.R.?” Gary questioned, placing his novel on the side table.

“Who do you think?”

“I have to admit, I can’t believe the change in him. I don’t think anyone can…. We were so hesitant to come when Auntie Phyllis invited us all for the holidays, but… she’s quite a persuasive woman,” Gary said with a laugh.

“That she is….” Val sensed that something was on her husband’s mind. “Gary… what is it?”

His eyes beginning to fill with tears, Gary answered, “Tomorrow… Bobby, J.R. and I are going to see Momma’s grave over by the lake. This is our first Christmas without her.”

“Oh, Gary, I’m so sorry…. Do you want me to-“

“No, Val,” Gary insisted. “This is something my brothers and I have to do alone.”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Southfork Ranch; the Kitchen – Morning

Val sauntered into the kitchen in her robe and noticed Miss Phyllis, who sat on one of the stools at the kitchen counter. “Good morning, Miss Phyllis. I didn’t realize you’d be up so early!”

“Hello, Valene,” Miss Phyllis said with a faint grin, holding her cup of Earl-Grey tea. “I’m always up by five. Would you like to join me? It gets kind of boring all alone at this hour.”

“Sure.” Val poured herself a cup of orange juice and joined Miss Phyllis’ side. “You know that the men are going to Miss Ellie’s grave today, don’t you?”

“Yes, I’ve heard that….”

“I’m just kind of worried for Gary. He and his momma were so close. I hate for him to be out there without me,” Val admitted worriedly.

“This is something the boys have got to do; otherwise, they’re not going to have any closure over what happened!”

“I guess I’ll take your word on that….” Val’s tone still showed signs of uncertainty.

Miss Phyllis set down her mug and turned completely towards her company. “Valene, a thought recently came to mind, and I’m glad I have a moment alone with you.”

“Well, what is it?”

“…I’ve been quite a fan of your novels for a number of years now, and it was certainly a surprise when I found out you were my nephew’s wife. Well, what I’m trying to say is, I want to turn my life’s story into a book, but I’ve never been good at writing. Valene… would you be at all interested?”

Val’s mouth fell open in shock as she said, “Oh, my goodness, Miss Phyllis! It would be an honor and privilege!”

“Are you sure? I understand you’ve got other projects, and-“

“Don’t be silly! If this is what you want, then I’m more than happy to give it a shot,” Val assured.

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Macy’s at Galleria Dallas; Michelle’s Office – Morning

After falling flat on her face in 1991, Michelle left Dallas and found her sister Allison, who had been living in New York City with her daughter Alexis. There, Michelle began work at Macy’s, and her ambitious, yet somewhat ruthless, spirit elevated her to the position of manager. When she returned to Dallas with Allison and Alexis, the Macy’s at Galleria Dallas was quick to assign her the same position.

Michelle’s thoughts appeared to be on anything but paperwork as she sauntered over to the window. She looked down at her diamond engagement ring, admiring it with a grand smile. Finally, everything she had hoped for in life, love and success, were in the palm of her hands.

“Miss Stevens?” called the voice of Michelle’s secretary over the intercom.

Coming out of her trance, Michelle hurried over to the intercom. “What is it?”

“There’s a gentleman out here who wants to see you, but he won’t tell me who he is….”

“Well, tell him I want to know!”

After a moment of silence, the secretary responded, “I’m sorry, Ma’am, but he still won’t reveal his identity. He insists on seeing you.”

“Damn it!” Michelle stormed out of her office, exclaiming, “All right, sir, what in the hell do-“

“Hello, Michelle,” James said with a cheeky grin.

Noticing her boss’s frozen, puzzled expression, the secretary asked, “Should I call security?”

“No… that won’t be necessary. It’s only my… ex-husband,” Michelle answered firmly. “James, let’s go into my office.”

James studied his surroundings. Nodding in approval, he said, “You’re really doing well for yourself.”

“I’m not in the mood for games. Just what do you think you’re doing here?”

“…I’m here in Dallas for the holidays, and I figured it would only be right to check up on you,” James replied.

“It took a mighty long time to get you out of my head,” Michelle said. “I wish you didn’t come here.”

“Look, can’t we put the past behind us? That happened so many years ago!”

“You really hurt me, James… more than you even realize,” Michelle answered as her blue eyes became glossy from tears.

“I had to follow my heart, and that was with Debra Lynn.” James looked down at Michelle’s ring. “Wait a second! Is that an engagement ring?!”

“As a matter of fact… yes. Your daddy’s cousin and I are getting married,” Michelle said proudly.

“That’s great! Third time’s a charm, right? I really am happy that things turned around for you.”

“You know, I was going to go to Southfork and shove it in J.R.’s face that I was marrying into his family again, but… that doesn’t really matter to me now…. Oh, and speaking of which, I’m only working till lunchtime before heading to Nolan’s Christmas party, so….”

“Ah. You need me to leave. Well, I hope things in your life continue to go your way.” With his last statement, James left the office.

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Southfork Ranch; the Patio Area – Noon

A stretch limo pulled up to the ranch, and Miss Phyllis emerged from the house in a brown business suit. She was soon joined by J.R.’s presence, however.

“Auntie Phyllis, are you sure you don’t want me to take you over to Nolan’s since it seems I can’t talk you out of this?”

“No. If you want to do me any kind of favor, just make sure you go with your brothers to your momma’s grave, all right?” After kissing J.R. on his right cheek, Miss Phyllis stepped into the back of the limo which pulled onto the main road.

“You know what, J.R.?”

Spinning around, J.R. turned to Sue Ellen, who was leaning against the house with folded arms.

“I think I finally know why you hate Nolan Darth so much….”

“What are you going on about, Sue Ellen?”

“It’s simple, really. You see the man who used to be in your former uncle in yourself, and it just eats you up inside whenever his name is brought up,” Sue Ellen said.

“Don’t you have somewhere to go, people to see… or something?”

“Oh, you can deny it all you want to, but we both know that’s what it is… Darlin’. For your sake and the sake of the rest of the family, especially John Ross, I hope you get these issues resolved.”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

A Limo En Route to the Airport in D.C. – Afternoon

Donna sits alone in the back of her stretch limo, staring at all the stores as it passes through. Suddenly, her phone rings. “Hello?”

“Vice President Dowling?”

“Yes, what is it?”

“I’ve been doing some looking up of Tony Orlando, just like you asked,” the person replied.

“All right. And, what have you found?”

“I don’t think you’re going to like it….”

Sitting still for a few moments, Donna’s body tightens up, and her eyes nearly bulge out of her head. “My God… this… this can’t be true! I’ve got to get a hold of Ray and the Ewings!” Before she attempts another call, she realizes that her limo missed the exit for the airport and becomes frustrated. “Driver, you missed the exit….”

The chauffer ignores Donna, which causes her to pound on the glass that separates the two of them. She soon comes to the conclusion that something is very wrong and attempts to open the doors which are both locked.

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

commented from his brother’s tone.

“I’m not doing too well, J.R. Not damned well at all. I’ve got bad news,” Bobby said grimly.

“Well, get on with it already!”

“Momma came home from Maine with Auntie Phyllis and her son-“

“Auntie Phyllis? My God, are you serious? It’s been almost a lifetime since I’ve seen her!”

“Well, I’m afraid - I guess the trip was too much on Momma,” Bobby said tearfully.

“What’re you saying now?” J.R. asked, as if knowing what he was going to say.

“Momma’s dead, J.R. She had a heart attack at home here….”

J.R. closed his eyes and fought back tears. He almost dropped the phone and struggled to keep it held to his ear. “When… when did it happen?”

“It happened a couple hours ago. I would’ve called you sooner, but there was so much confusion, calling 911 and having her taken off the ranch, Bobby answered.

“I’m just putting to bed something my lawyer and I are working on, but I’ll be right on home, Bob!”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

The Krebbs Ranch; the Lounge – Noon

Ray entered the lounge while wiping his sweaty face with a rag following his morning rounds on the property. He saw Allison, who was watching the news on the T.V. It just became apparent to him that she was taking on a more maternal, homelier look than before. In just a few months, he’d have another chance at fatherhood - something he missed out on with Maggie.

“Don’t tell me you’re going to sit down and get the sofa all sweaty!” Allison exclaimed with a laugh.

“No. You don’t have any worries about that,” Ray assured. “I was just checking up on you.”

“I’m doing fine, Ray. Just watching T.V….”

“Good. Well, I’m going to take a shower, and maybe I’ll put some steaks in the oven for tonight. How does that sound?”

“I thought we were meeting your family for dinner?”

“Well, we’ve been doing that quite a bit lately,” Ray answered. “I thought we could enjoy a little time to ourselves.”

“That would be lovely….”

Suddenly, the newscaster returned to the television screen, saying, “We’ve just received breaking news: It appears a limo carrying Vice President Donna Dowling to Ronald Reagan National Airport has mysteriously vanished. Dowling’s last-known attempt at contact came when she dialed 911. Before her line was cut off, she told the dispatcher that she was in some kind of distress.”

“Oh, my God!” Ray exclaimed, running over to the phone.

“Who are you calling, Ray?” Allison asked without receiving a response.

The sound of Maggie’s crying came over Ray’s phone. “Daddy, is that you?”

“Allison and I just saw about your mother on the news. Are you okay?!”

“I’m so scared, Daddy! Who could have done this?!”

“I don’t know, honey, but I’m going to be there for you, you can count on that!”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Nolan’s Mansion in Turtle Creek – Afternoon

The limo carrying Miss Phyllis pulled up the curved driveway. Arriving at the door, she was ushered in by Nolan’s housekeeper.

“Mr. Darth is expecting you in the lounge.”

Miss Phyllis appeared in the doorway and paused to take a look around the modern architecture of the vast home. Finally, she noticed Nolan, who was enjoying a beverage at the bar. “Well… I half expected to find you with a 20 year old attached to each arm.”

“Phyllis, you’ve arrived!” Looking at his watch, he said, “Michael and Michelle are due to pull up at any moment. Why don’t you have a seat?”

After sitting on one of the beige lounge chairs, Miss Phyllis asked, slightly annoyed, “Aren’t you going to offer me anything to drink?”

“Umm… aren’t you forgetting your excessive drinking habits, my dear?”

“I am not and never was an alcoholic. Sure, I may have had more than I should have at times, but don’t you put that label on me!”

Nolan raised both arms in defense. “Hey… it’s up to you. What will you have?”

“Whatever red wine you have available,” Miss Phyllis answered.

“And the more bitter the better, right? I remember your preference….”

Soon, they were joined by Michael and Michelle. Miss Phyllis was eager to embrace her son, but she was noticeably distant from the latter. The four of them all engaged in conversation and drinks.

“Oh, Mother, Father,” Michael began, “I’ve got a very special announcement to make. We’re all here together, so this makes it even more special.”

Miss Phyllis perked up in interest. “Oh, I’m eager to hear about whatever this is.”

Michael took Michelle’s hand. Gazing lovingly into her eyes, he finally turned back to his parents. “Michelle means an awful lot to me, and well, we decided to get married.”

Nolan jumped from his seat and happily congratulated the couple. Miss Phyllis, though, remained in her seat and took a large gulp of her wine….

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

An Abandoned Warehouse in Washington, D.C. – Afternoon

Donna, who had been tied to a chair, slowly began to come to. Although her vision hadn’t completely recovered, she could tell she was surrounded by several suited men. “W-what’s going on? What do you want from me?”

A particular man stepped through the others and stared at Donna with a superior grin. It was none other than the believed-deceased Tony Orlando, who had spent the earlier part of the year making the Ewings’ lives a living nightmare. “Tsk, tsk, tsk…. Vice President Dowling, you shouldn’t have been sticking your nose where it didn’t belong; otherwise, you wouldn’t be in this mess.”

“You’re Tony Orlando,” answered Donna groggily, as she recognized his image from news reports and personal research. “Are you going to kill me?”

“What, me kill the vice president of the United States? Only a complete imbecile would turn down a chance on an incredible ransom such as this! But, until then… you’re going to have to stay here. Don’t worry, though. You will be well taken care of.”

“What is it you’re waiting for?”

“You know what, there’s no way in hell you could attempt an escape plan, so I guess I’ll indulge your curiosity a little bit…. When J.R. and his former wife Cally remarry on Christmas Eve, well… let’s just say it’s going to go out with a bang. BOOM!”

“Oh, my God! What are you going to do?!”

“I’m sorry, but that’s all I’m at liberty to say right now. You’ll just have to wait and be surprised,” Orlando answered sinisterly before he disappeared into the darkness of the vast warehouse.

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Nolan’s Mansion in Turtle Creek – Afternoon

Miss Phyllis stood by the fireplace, her shoulder leaning against the mantle. She took a sip of her Falcon-Crest-branded wine as Michael strode over. Michelle and Nolan were engaged in conversation in another room.

“You could have at least pretended to be a little more supportive about my engagement!” Michael retorted bitterly as he joined his mother’s side.

“I knew you and that Stevens woman were becoming friendly recently, but I never thought it would go this far. Michael, that woman is nothing but trouble!”

“Oh…. I guess you’re basing all of this on things J.R. has told you, right?”

“So, what if I am? He’s known her a lot longer than you have. You had a wonderful wife in Jill. I still can’t believe you let her go!”

“Oh… why are you bringing Jill into this?!”

“You love her… still, don’t you?”

“I will always love her, but I also love Michelle! There’s a lot more to her than you seem to realize,” Michael exclaimed.

“There’s only so much I can say…. The rest is up to you. Just remember your marriage to Jill hasn’t been dissolved yet, so you’ve still got time to reconsider your decision!”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

Southfork Ranch; the Lounge – Afternoon

J.R., Gary and Bobby entered to find Ray, who had been explaining about Donna’s disappearance to the rest of the family. They knew from everyone’s expressions that something was amiss.

“What’s going on?” Bobby asked.

Ray turned to Bobby, saying, “There’s trouble up in Washington, Bobby. A limo carrying Donna to the airport went missing.”

“Oh, my God!”

“I’m about ready to fly up to be there for Maggie and to find out just what in the hell is going on…. Would it be a problem if Allison stayed here for a while?”

“Not at all, Ray. You know that! Do they have any sort of clues on what happened to Donna?”

“Not a damned thing. I just wonder if it could have been terrorists,” Ray answered worriedly.

“Do you want us to come with you?”

“No… please, no. I don’t know what I’m going up against here, and I don’t want to jeopardize the safety of the family!”

“Don’t you remember when you and Bobby saved me…barely, from Calhoun… and when we hunted down Orlando together?” J.R. asked. “What if you’re in a similar situation here?”

“Just let me handle this my own way,” Ray answered in a frustrated manner. “If I need you guys, I’ll let you know.”

 

[Ray_Krebbs]

The McKay Residence; the Living Room – Afternoon

Mac and Rose have just finished watching the news coverage about Donna and are in disbelief….

“Poor lady,” Rose said, shaking her head. “I sure hope they find her safe and sound. She’s one politician that I like.”

“I’m not sure if you know this or not, but her ex-husband is Ray Krebbs. You remember him, don’t you?”

“Are you kidding me?! How could I forget him?! He’s the one who sold you that piece of land for millions of dollars that proved to be worthless to us in the first place! We almost lost everything!”

“Yes…. Thank God the Ewings bought it back from us… full price! Of course, that land was very valuable to only them in the first place,” Mac answered.

“You keep going around this-“

“Oh… here we go!”

“Yes, I am bringing it up again! Your brother comes to town, and all the sudden you’re ready to hand Westar over to him. You two revealed your past conflicts, but there’s definitely more to it, Mac. I’m not stupid.”

“Rose, how many times do I have to tell you? I’m no young man anymore. I want to enjoy the last years of my life… in relaxation. Richard is quite a bit younger than me, is certainly qualified, and can run the whole show!”

Tracey stepped into the room with a suspicious look. “Yes, Dad…. I’m wondering the same myself. I like my Uncle Richard and all, but I don’t trust him.”

Rising from his chair, Mac retorted, “Now, I’m getting it from both of you? Well, if you don’t want to believe the truth, that’s up to you. I’m heading into town to have a drink!”