John Ross stops Ellie coming down stairs in the bright morning. “Why did I get a call from Dan Luce this morning saying his son didn’t come home from the party last night and he got a call from him, brought in by the police, found naked and addle brain in Belle Isle Park, in Detroit.”
“Cold time a year to be going naked up north.”
“What happened to that boy?”
“He offered me my drink I’d sat down and I just asked him to drink it instead.”
“Your drink.”
“I handled it daddy.”
John Ross laughs, “Well Luce is pissed but I guess he can just stay pissed.
Ellie and John Ross step out onto the patio, laughing, as Louise sets the breakfast out. Lucy asks, “What’s so funny.”
“Dan Luce’s boy tried to slip something in Ellie’s drink last night and she switch up on him. He was so out of it, ended up in Detroit.”
“You’re kidding. Oh that is funny. But really, what are you doing letting a boy like that over here? What kind of monster is he?”
“Good point. I’ll have Mateo put a tail on him. Catch him with some evidence next time and take care of the situation.”
“Good idea. You can’t let someone like that out in the world. Ellie you’re lucky you didn’t end up drinking it. God knows that some like that could do to you. I’ve been in that situation.”
“I know you have and you taught me well,” Ellie says. “Never trust a man handing you a glass.”
“Are you OK?”
“Of course I am.”
“Well if you’re sure. And John Ross, make sure you handle this right. Have Mateo kept an eye on him, but let the police handle the situation. No Ewing dirty tricks.”
“Yes Lucy. Everything will be legal and above board. I promise. If he’s stupid enough to try such a think with my daughter, god knows who he’ll hurt.”
“Who’s that?” Steven asks.
“Dan Luce’s boy.”
“Avery?”
“You know him?”
“Of course. Everyone knows Avery. Real jerk. Thinks he’s gods gift to man kind.”
“Your sister had an issue with him last night,” Lucy adds.
“She would. Most girls don’t tell Avery no. And El wouldn’t give someone like that the time of day.”
“A pervert?” Lucy asks.
“No. An idiot. He’s as dumb as a box of rocks but thinks he isn’t. Spots all this entitlement crap and capitalism. She couldn’t tell you who Adam Smith was let alone read one word he wrote. I tried once talking to him about it. He just made crap up.”
“Who we talking about?” Jack asks stepping out of the house.
“Avery Luce,” John Ross answers.
“Oh hell. That piece of crap. Asked me once if I’d ever meet my ‘spic mother.”
“What did you tell him?” Lucy asks.
“No, but I’ve meet every part of his momma.”
Sitting down to lunch they all laugh.
“What happened?” John Ross asks.
“We got in a fight. Beat the crap out that pansy. Then his friends jumped in. Then my friends. Big brawl and we avoid each other ever since. That was probably six years ago.”
“Right after high school?”
“Yea. Summer before college.”
Lucy says, “well let s not waste any more time on that little bastard. Speaking of college, Steven. Your announcement.”
“You have an announcement?” John Ross asks.
“Yes. Miss Lucy was snooping when I opened the letter.”
“What letter?”
“I got into Michigan’s Nuclear Engineering Ph.D. Program.”
The family lays on congratulations. Lucy announces she expects Steven home on weekends. John Ross asks him if he’ll finish up his internship for the company and that if he wouldn’t be better doing an internship for Ewing Energy in one of their nuclear power plants. Ellie mentions that Ewing Industries is also invested in businesses which are engaged in nuclear waste disposal, reactor manufacturing, nuclear fuel manufacturing and even uranium mining. Jack says he’s got an old school friend at the The Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Amy and Karin having joined the family for breakfast out by the pool, John Ross stands and says, “Well I’ve spent way too much time this morning lollygagging around. I’m starting feel like Ellie. I might just end up reading a book.”
Jack laughs, “Please, we all know you’ve already been out to the barn, meet with Mateo and who ever else in your den and over the phone with your assistant before you even sat down to eat.”
Steven standing says, “I’m running late myself to get in by nine.”
Lucy adds, “Can I get a ride with you? I hate rush hour traffic and I’ve got foundation meetings from ten on.”
Amy says, “I’ve got a meeting with the Oil Barons Ball Committee later today and then go over the catering, I could bring you home.”
“Perfect. Thank you.”
Karin says, “Can I tag along too? I’ve got to meet with some lawyers the whole family’s coming together to go after West Star. See what can be salvaged I guess. Maybe we can have lunch.”
Lucy says, “Sure. Etienne’s?”
“That I’d be perfect.”
Jack says, “Well looks like everyone has a full day of work then since I’ve got campaign stuff that’ll take me right past diner tonight. Everyone but Ellie. Remind me what it is you do again sister dearest.”
Ellie pushes him into the pool. As he comes up laughing she answers, “I teach you to keep on guard brother darlin’.”
Jack splashes her and the rest laugh.
In his campaign office a young girl walks in and Jack eagerly greets her. “Jolie. How are you? You come by to volunteer?”
“Oh god no. Can you imagine the look on my father’s face?”
“How is your father?”
“Well considering West Star cost him billions
And he blames your father, he’s his usual.”
“It’s a terrible situation.”
“For some. Not all.”
“Missed you at the engagement party.”
“I thought it best not to show. Heard about Avery ending up in Detroit.” They laugh. “I cann’t stand him but then no one really can. Anyway I did come to ask a favor.”
“For my favorite Texan. Go ahead. Shoot.”
“You might not want to offer that option to a Wendell right now. Anyway, you know I’m involved in the Carroway House, right?”
“Of course . . . Oh. You want my family to help out.”
“They’re in a panic over my family’s financial constraints.”
“Of course we will. Tell them not to worry. Have them contact the Ewing Farlow Foundation tomorrow. I’ll talk to Lucy tonight. We’ll replace anything and then some. Promise.”
“Thank you Jack. You really are the one decent Ewing.”
“There is more than one of us, but thank you.”
They hug.
