Shot Through the Heart

[CryptCreeper72]

I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

This fic is an alternate timeline and features a totally different resolution to the "Who Shot JR?" plot.

The timeline breaks at episode four of season four of "Dallas."

***

Shot Through the Heart

Part One:

***

"JR? May I come in?"

JR sighed heavily. He didn't feel like talking to anyone; not even his mother. "Come in" he called out, plastering a blank look on his face.

Ellie walked into the bedroom and sat down on the edge of the bed. "JR, I'm very worried about you. I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you."

"I'm fine, Mama," he said shortly.

"JR… your own wife shot you "

"We don't know that for sure yet."

"Her fingerprints are on the gun."

"So? That gun has been around here forever. She might have touched it before."

"JR, I know it's hard to accept, but that gun was in this house. In a closet here in this room. Who else other than Sue Ellen…"

"Mama," JR held up his hand to stop her, "I know what the evidence is. All I'm saying is that we don't know for sure. But if you're worried about how I'll react if they prove she's the one who shot me, don't. I'll be fine."

"Alright, JR. What your father said downstairs at breakfast, about her bail…"

"What about it?"

"It's important for me to know I agree with him. Sue Ellen is very sick and possibly very dangerous. Jail might be the best place for her. At least she won't drink in there. And…"

"And what?"

"JR, if she should happen to make bail, she is not to step one foot into Southfork, do you understand me? She is dangerous to you and maybe to John Ross."

"She would never hurt that boy."

"Maybe, but I won't take that chance. You stay away from her, JR. Do you understand me?"

"Yes," JR growled. "I understand just fine."

"Good," Miss Ellie stood up and moved towards the door. "I'm sorry, JR. I know this is painful, but it's the way it has to be."

***

Sue Ellen wiped her tears away with a wadded up piece of toilet paper. She couldn't believe that JR and the family were going to just leave her here to rot.

She was terrified. She saw the way the other inmates were looking at her. They were just waiting for an opportunity to hurt her. Or worse.

And maybe she deserved to be hurt. If she was the one who shot JR…

It HAD to have been her. The gun was in her closet. Her fingerprints were all over it. She couldn't remember what happened that night. And she had been SO angry and hurt.

Sober, she never would have hurt him. But drunk? Who knows what she might have done.

"Oh, JR," she cried under her breath. "I am so, so sorry."

***

JR rolled over, sat up, and flipped on the lamp on his bedside table. No use in trying to sleep. His mind was spinning and refused to give him any peace.

Sue Ellen…

Maybe she was the one who shot him. It's not like she didn't have good reason. And she was always totally crazy when she was drunk.

How had it all come to this? They had once been so happy together. When they first married, their life together had been a dream come true.

But then…

The other women. The plots and schemes. The affairs. Barnes. The stinking. The paternity suit.

And Kristen.

Kristen had been the final straw.

"Whatever she may have done,"JR muttered, his voice thick with self disgust, "you had it coming, boy."

***

"Ewing!" A guard appeared in front of the cell. "Front and center!"

Sue Ellen stood up and walked to the front of the cell. "Yes."

"Get your stuff together if you have anything. You made bail."

"I… I did?"

"Yes. Now get your crap. I don't have all day."

"I don't have anything," Sue Ellen said softly.

"Turn around then."

Sue Ellen turned as ordered and stood completely still as the guard handcuffed her.

Who had paid her bail? The family had made it very clear they wanted no part of helping her, so who had done it?

***

"Did you hear?" Bobby asked his brother.

"It's all over the paper, Bob," JR snapped. "Of course I heard."

"Leave her alone, JR," Bobby warned.

JR narrowed his eyes to angry slits. "You worry about Ewing Oil. I'll worry about my wife."

"I mean it, JR. Don't you dare go after her…"

"Why so protective of the woman who shot your brother, Bob?" JR challenged him.

"I'd like to know that too," Jock said angrily, taking his seat at the breakfast table. "Bobby, I better not find out you paid that woman's bail."

"I didn't," Bobby said defensively. "But someone did. And we need to leave her be."

"I agree," Ellie spoke for the first time. "Sue Ellen will have her day in court. Until then, we all need to stay away from her."

"Fine," Jock sulked. "But if she comes here or tries to see my grandson…"

"Yes, Jock," Ellie sighed. "I know."

JR said nothing, he drank his coffee and brooded. His family could do whatever they wanted, but he would handle his wife. And he would do it in his own way.

***

 

[CryptCreeper72]

I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

This fic is an alternate timeline and features a totally different resolution to the "Who Shot JR?" plot.

The timeline breaks at episode four of season four of "Dallas."

***

Shot Through the Heart

Part Two::

***


"Kristen, I can't thank you enough for letting me stay here."

Kristen gave Sue Ellen a sweet smile and took her hand. "How could I not, Sue Ellen? We're sisters after all."

"I know, but there's been so much ugliness between us. I honestly didn't know if you'd be willing to help me."

"Sue Ellen, whatever happened between us was all JR's fault. I'm glad you shot him. I just wish you'd killed him."

Sue Ellen dropped her eyes to the floor. She fought the urge to deny she'd been the one who shot JR. The truth was that she just couldn't remember.

"Sue Ellen," Kristen pushed her when she didn't answer. "You DID shoot him, didn't you?'

"I can't remember," Sue Ellen confessed in a small voice. "But all of the evidence certainly points to me, doesn't it?"

"Yes. It does."

Sue Ellen started to tell her sister that she was deeply relieved JR was still alive, but before she could say it, the doorbell rang.

Sue Ellen sat quietly on the couch and waited for Kristen to return from answering the door. When she finally appeared again, there was a man with her.

"Sue Ellen Ewing?"

"Yes?"

The man nodded and handed her a business card. "My name is Jerry Kiefer. I've been hired to represent you."

"Represent me?" Sue Ellen repeated, confused.

"Yes. I'm.a defense attorney from Houston. I will be defending you against the charge of the attempted murder of JR Ewing."

***

"How in the hell could that woman afford this?" Jock roared. "She doesn't have a penny to her name! I saw to that personally!"

"I don't know, Jock," Harv Smithfield sighed. "But she had to have gotten the money somewhere. Mr. Kiefer doesn't work cheap."

"Bobby?" Jock barked at his youngest son. "You know anything about this, boy?"

"I don't," Bobby bristled. "And I would appreciate it if you'd stop assuming I went against your will to help Sue Ellen."

"Well, someone sure as hell is helping her!" Jock shot back.

"Yes," Harv agreed. "A million dollar cash bail, now one of the most expensive lawyers in the state? We have to assume that whoever is helping Sue Ellen is very wealthy."

"I want to know who it is," Jock told him. "Now."

"I'll do my best," Harv said and stood up. "Thank you for the coffee."

"I'll walk you out," Ellie stood up.

"You know," Pam said, putting her glass of orange juice down. "The name Kiefer is very familiar to me."

"He was the defense lawyer in the Berringer case," Bobby told her. "Remember? The woman who shot her husband dead in front of all those witnesses?"

"Oh yes," Pam mused. "Wasn't she found not guilty?"

"Yes," JR spoke for the first time. "Not guilty by reason of temporary insanity. Emotional stress of finding her husband in bed with another woman."

"JR," Jock growled, "you don't seem too upset about this!"

"Why should I be?" JR shrugged. "She's entitled to a lawyer."

"Not one that good, she's not."

"She's entitled to whatever she can afford," JR said flatly. "And it seems to me like she can afford a lot."

"Not for long," Jock seethed. "As soon as I find out who's footing her bills, I'll put a stop to it."

JR shrugged again and turned his attention back to his breakfast. He was done talking about it. Nothing could be solved at the Southfork breakfast table anyway.

***

"Mrs. Ewing, I'm sorry. I'm not at liberty to discuss your benefactor."

"All I want to know is who it is!"

"And I can't tell you. Do you clearly understand the terms of my representation?"

"Yes," she nodded. "Whoever hired you will pay the full cost of any defense as long as I accept the restrictions."

"And you understand those restrictions?"

"Yes."

"Repeat them to me, please."

"I stay away from Southfork, away from JR, and away from my son."

"That's right. Do you accept those terms?"

Sue Ellen fought back her tears and nodded her head. "Yes. I don't really have any other choice do I?"

"No you don't. Not if you want me to represent you. Do we have a deal?"

"We do," she said softly.

"Good," he pulled a legal pad and a pen out of his briefcase. "Now. I know this will be painful for you, but let's talk about your husband's extramarital affairs, shall we?"

***

"There you go," JR laid little John Ross back down in his crib and covered him with a blanket. "It's alright, son. I know you miss your mama."

"JR?"

He stiffened at the sound of Pam's voice. "What?"

"Nothing. I just came to check on John Ross."

"He's fine. I just changed him."

Pam watched JR ease himself back into his wheelchair. "You seem to be getting around a lot better."

"I do fine," he told her. "Pam, can you do something for me?"

"I guess that depends on what you want."

"Sue Ellen…." He hesitated for a minute, trying to figure out how to ask for the favor without sounding weak.

"What about Sue Ellen?"

"She doesn't have anything...can you pack a bag or two for her and take it over to Kristen's?"

Pam's eyes widened in shock. "JR… you…"

"Look, I just want her stuff out of this house. If you don't want to do it…"

"No!" Pam interrupted him. "No. I'll take care of it, JR."

"Thank you," he grunted and rolled from the room.

"You're welcome, JR," she muttered under her breath to herself, "you're very welcome."

***

"I wouldn't read too much into it, Pam. He probably just wants to get rid of her stuff like he said."

"Then why not just throw it all away?" Pam asked her husband. "Why go through the trouble of making sure she gets it all?"

"Who knows?" Bobby shrugged, "but I can promise you it's not because he gives a damn what happens to her."

"What about you?"

"What about me?"

"Do you care, Bobby? She's out there all alone and…"

"She's not alone, Pam. She has her sister. And her high dollar lawyer."

"Bobby, did it ever occur to you that she might be innocent?"

"Of course it did! But the evidence.." he paused and took a deep breath. "Pam, you know how Daddy feels. We have to put Sue Ellen out of our lives."

"Why? Because the high and mighty Jock Ewing has spoken?'

"Because she tried to kill my brother, Pam."

"We don't know that for sure!" Pam protested. "And even if she did, it's not like she didn't have good reason!"

"Sue Ellen is gone, Pam," Bobby told her. "You have to let her go."

Pam rolled her eyes and turned to walk from the room. "Oh no I don't," she grumbled. "And Jock Ewing can't make me."

***

"Who do you think it is?" Kristen asked. "Bobby?"

"No," Sue Ellen chewed at her bottom lip. "He wouldn't dare defy Jock that way."

"Pam then?"

"She would help me, I guess. But she doesn't have access to that much money without Bobby."

"Then who? Cliff Barnes?"

Sue Ellen laughed at that suggestion. "No way Cliff would put up a million dollars for my bail."

"So you have a truly secret admirer," Kristen said

"It seems so," Sue Ellen sighed. "But I doubt it will last long. Jock and JR will find out who it is and put a stop to it. Kristen, I am going to jail for a very long time. And there's absolutely nothing I can do about it."

***

 

[Ukdallasfan]

Ooh! I want the mysterious benefactor to be JR! This is a great start to your new story @CeeCee72

 

[Honkytonkangel]

Ooh! I want the mysterious benefactor to be JR! This is a great start to your new story @CeeCee72

ME TOO, ME TOO, ME TOO.

And I applaud you @CeeCee72 for giving us a Pam that I (so far) don't wanna slap. Love that she stood up for my girl.

Jerk and Golden Boy are totally about to get the Iron though.

And though I don't wanna physically hurt her I'm not happy with Miss Ellie either.

 

[Miss Texas 1967]

Fun! So far this is heading as the show did, with Dusty waiting in the wings perhaps...
I like that despite being shot JR doesn't seem to much care that Sue Ellen might have done it, that's just like the show, he at first didn't think she could be guilty until the family persuaded him otherwise.
If Sue Ellen did do it though, perhaps we're heading for drama and a reunion? I'll wait and see

 

[CryptCreeper72]

I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

This fic is an alternate timeline and features a totally different resolution to the "Who Shot JR?" plot.

The timeline breaks at episode four of season four of "Dallas."

***

Shot Through the Heart

Part Three::

***

"Oh, Pam! I can't thank you enough for this!"

Pam watched Sue Ellen carefully unpack the second of four suitcases. "JR is the one you should be thanking."

"JR?" Sue Ellen asked, puzzled.

"Yes. He's the one who asked me to bring you your things."

Sue Ellen's eyes grew as wide as saucers. "Why would he do that?"

"He said it was because he wanted your stuff out of his house, but I actually think he did it to be kind."

"Kind?" Sue Ellen laughed bitterly. "JR? To me? Not likely."

Pam almost argued with her but decided to let it go. "How is the defense case going?" she asked, changing the subject.

"Not well," Sue Ellen admitted. "I still can't remember anything about that night. Dr. Elby suggested hypnosis to help jog my memory, but my lawyer is against it."

"Why?"

"He's afraid I'll remember shooting JR."

"Oh, Sue Ellen…"

"I think I did it, Pam. I really do. I was so….angry with him…" her voice broke and tears streamed out of her eyes.

Pam moved forward and hugged her. "You had every right to be," she told her. "Here, I brought something else for you. I promise it will make you feel better."

She reached into her purse and pulled out a package of photos. "I took these a few days ago, just for you."

Sue Ellen took the packet and her eyes lit up when she saw so many photos of her little baby boy. "Oh, Pam! Thank you! Thank you so much!"

Pam smiled and stroked Sue Ellen's hair. She was glad to have been able to do even the tiniest thing to make the other woman happy...even for just a few minutes.

***

"Mrs. Ewing! Please put that picture down and pay attention!"

Sue Ellen didn't even look up.

"How long has she been like this?" the lawyer asked.

"A few days," Kristen shrugged. "Since that bitch Pam brought her those pictures."

"Is she eating?"

"Not really. She just sits around all day, either staring off into space or at those damn pictures. It's annoying as hell."

"Is she still seeing Dr. Elby?"

"Yes. But obviously it's not helping. She's gone totally round the bend."

Kiefer said nothing. Sue Ellen was almost useless to him. How was he supposed to defend her if he couldn't even get her to speak to him?


***

"I know what our agreement was," Kiefer sighed into the phone, "but Mrs. Ewing is barely functioning. She isn't assisting me with her defense at all. If you truly want her to have any chance of getting out of this, we have got to do something about her depression."

The lawyer was silent as he listened to the response from the other end of the line. "Listen, you hired me because I know what I'm doing. I'm telling you she isn't drinking, and she isn't dangerous to anyone but herself right now. If she doesn't see her son soon, I'm afraid she'll hurt herself."

He was silent again for a moment. "She won't hurt the child. Or anyone else. I guarantee it. With your permission, I'll draw up the paperwork. Good. Thank you."

He hung up the phone and rubbed his temples. He hoped the Ewings wouldn't fight him too hard about this.

Sue Ellen Ewing desperately needed to spend time with her son; and he was determined to make that happen for her.

***

"Have you lost your mind?" Jock growled. "I'm not letting that woman anywhere near my grandson!"

"Suit yourself, Mr. Ewing," Kiefer shrugged. "I'll file the request with the court then."

"Wat," JR held up his hand. He turned his gaze to his own lawyer. "Harv?"

Harv read over the papers and sighed heavily. "He has a good chance at getting at least supervised visitation. Sue Ellen has been charged, but not convicted. She's still the boy's mother and a judge might be inclined to let her see him."

"No," Jock insisted. "Over my dead body."

"Jock, please," Ellie pleaded. "Mr. Kiefer, you said you were worried she might hurt herself?"

"Good," Jock spat out. "I hope she does. Save the state of Texas the cost of a trial."

"Jock!" Ellie gasped.

"Everyone please be quiet!" JR raised his voice. "This is my decision after all."

"There's nothing to decide," Jock warned his son.

"Really? You heard Harv. If we go to court and lose then Sue Ellen will get to see John Ross anyway. And then the court will set the terms instead of us."

"JR," Bobby breathed out. "Are you actually seriously considering this?"

"He should be," Harv spoke up. "He's absolutely right. If we want to control the terms of visitation, our best bet is to work them out with her lawyer now."

"I won't have this!" Jock roared, standing up and slamming his hand on the table.

"Sit down, Jock," Ellie said sternly. "JR is right. It's his decision and we will support whatever he decides. This isn't about you. It's about what's best for John Ross. Do you really want to take the chance of Sue Ellen winning in court?"

Jock was seething in pure fury, but he sat back down, folded his arms across his chest, and didn't say another word.

"One hour, twice a week, Mr. Kiefer," JR finally said. "Supervised in your office by a person of my choosing "

"Fine," Kiefer agreed immediately. "Who do you designate to supervise?"

JR took a deep breath and looked away from his father. "Pam?"

"Me?' Pam had been silently watching the whole meeting.

"If...if you would be willing, I think you're the best choice," JR told her. "Sue Ellen won't feel threatened by you. And I know you'll do right by John Ross and keep him safe."

"Oh, JR…"

"Now wait just one damn minute," Jock's angry voice broke in. "Why not your mama?"

"Because she IS my mama," JR said softly, but firmly. "Sue Ellen won't be comfortable with her."

"Why should you give a damn about that woman's comfort?" Jock demanded.

'i don't," JR's voice was flat. "But I do care about my son's comfort. If Sue Ellen is upset he'll sense it. I don't want that."

"JR is right," Ellie spoke up again. "Pam is the best choice."

"Pam?" JR asked her again.

"Of course, JR. I'm happy to do it."

Jock didn't say a word, but got up and stormed away from the table. JR ignored him and fixed his gaze on Sue Ellen's lawyer. "Agreed?"

"Agreed," Kiefer nodded. "I'll have the agreement drawn up and sent to Mr. Smithfield this afternoon."

***

"The visitation agreement had been signed and returned. Mrs. Ewing will see her son at my office tomorrow afternoon. I think it will make a world of difference. Yes. I'll make sure nothing happens. Listen, we need to talk about Mrs. Ewing's living arrangements. Her sister is...well, not helpful to say the least. I actually think she's hurting to be honest."

Kroger sat back in his chair and listened to the reply. Sue Ellen's benefactor agreed not only to get her away from Kristen, but had some very interesting conditions.

"Alright. I'll work on it and get back to you tomorrow sometime."

He hung up the phone and stood up to look out of the window of his rented, temporary office. He wished he could tell his client who was paying all her bills. But he couldn't. So he had to move forward and pray that her being able to see her son and get away from her viper of a sister would be enough to snap her out of her depression.

Right now he had no case. If Sue Ellen wasn't able to give him something to work with soon, he was almost certain they were going to lose in court and she would be facing a very long prison sentence.

***

"See you soon," JR whispered and kissed his son's forehead. "Keep him safe, Pam."

Pam buckled John Ross into the car and stood up straight. "I will, JR," she promised.

He watched her get into the car and back out of the driveway. He hoped he wasn't making a huge mistake. If anything happened to that baby he would never forgive himself.

"Damn you for putting me in this position, Sue Ellen," he balled his fists at his side. "Damn you!"

***

"What do you think?"

Sue Ellen looked around the room and shrugged. She felt better than she had in days. Pam had brought John Ross to see her. It had only been for an hour, but she'd got to hold him in her arms and tell him that she loved him. "It's a nice apartment. But why are we here?"

"Your benefactor and I have decided it would be best for you to move out of your sister's apartment. This is your new home."

"What?" Sue Ellen gasped. "No. Absolutely not!"

Kiefer was taken aback by her reaction. He thought she would be pleased to have her own place. "Why not?"

"I don't want to be alone! Kristen is the only person I have!'

"Mrs. Ewing, that's not true. You have your son and you need to start thinking about him. If you are convicted of trying to kill his father, how do you think that will affect him? He needs his mother. And your sister isn't helping you. She's one of your husband's mistresses for God's sake!'

"I told you I wouldn't talk to you about that!" Sue Ellen snapped.

"Mrs. Ewing, I don't think you have a good grasp of your situation. The evidence against you is very strong. If you don't start talking to me about your sister and all of your husband's other affairs, you WILL go to prison. Do you understand me?"

"Who is paying you?' she asked him suddenly.

"You know I can't tell you that."

"Then why should I trust you? How can I when I don't even know who is pulling your strings and what their motivation is!"

"Because you don't have a choice," he told her. "Mrs Ewing, I'm the only friend you have in this world. You'd better get used to that idea and start helping me help you. Or so help me, I will tell your benefactor to shove the money and I will walk the hell away from this mess without a second thought. I'm done coddling you. Do as I say. Or take your chances on your own. Do you understand me?"

"Yes," Sue Ellen said stiffly.

"Good. Get comfortable here. I'll go by your sister's apartment and collect your things."

Sue Ellen said nothing as she watched him walk to the door. "And Mrs. Ewing?"

"Yes?"

"Your benefactor cares very deeply about what happens to you and only wants what's best for you."

***

JR walked slowly down the stairs, clutching the handrail for dear life. He was getting stronger every day. Soon he wouldn't need that damned wheelchair at all.

Sue Ellen had been behaving herself. She had followed their visitation agreement to the letter. Twice a week, Pam took John Ross into Dallas to see his mother and twice a week Pam brought him home right on time.

"Do you need any help, JR?"

"No," he growled at his brother who was standing at the foot of the stairs.

"Suit yourself," Bobby shrugged. "Pam should be back with John Ross soon."

"Yes. With John Ross and Sue Ellen's bastard of a lawyer."

"Why do you think he wants to see you?"

"How should I know?" JR barked, finally making it to the bottom of the stairs. "Hand me my cane, would you?"

"Here," Bobby handed the cane to him. "JR, you look pale. Let me help you."

"Get away from me, Bob," JR said stubbornly and slowly began making his way out to the patio.

"Whatever you say," Bobby sighed, following along behind his brother. "Whatever you say."

***

JR rubbed his temples while everyone else around him argued. "STOP IT!" he finally shouted when he couldn't take it anymore.

The table quieted down immediately. "Harv," JR finally said, "if she goes to court, what is likely to happen?"

"She's likely to win," Harv told him, his tone cautious. "She has abided by the current agreement to the letter. Almost any judge in Texas would look kindly on that and expand her visitation rights."

"We can fight this, JR!" Jock urged his son.

JR ignored his father. "Pam, does she seem stable to you?"

"Stable?"

"I think he means sober," Bobby muttered

"Yes," Pam answered without hesitation. "Absolutely. JR, no matter what she may or may not have done, she loves John Ross so much. She would never do anything to hurt him. And he loves her too. You should see how happy he is when she's holding him…"

"You stop that talk," Jock warned her.

"Why?" Pam asked him defiantly. "It's the truth!"

"Why you..."

"Stop, Daddy," JR held his hand up. "Please." He took a deep breath and leveled his icy blue eyes on Kiefer's face. "Tell my wife that if she wants longer visits with our son, I want to see her for myself first."

"JR," Miss Ellie spoke for the first time, "that's not a good idea."

"If she wants to be alone with my boy, I have to see with my own eyes that she's sane and sober."

"Mr. Ewing," Kiefer cleared his throat, "Mrs. Ewing's benefactor has strictly forbidden her to have any contact with you."

"Really?" JR's voice was suddenly low and threatening. "Well you tell Mrs. Ewing's benefactor that her HUSBAND insists."

"Alright," Kiefer gave in. "But you can't be alone with her."

"Then no deal," JR started to stand up.

"Wait," Kiefer stopped him. "I will allow the two of you to be alone in a room together. But I insist on being in the apartment."

"Set it up with Harv," JR instructed him. "Then get the hell off Southfork."

JR tried to stand on his own, but was clearly struggling. Pam stood up and walked over to him. "JR," she said, holding her arm out to him, "I was just going to check on John Ross. Would you like to go with me."

JR nodded, took her arm, and let her lead him into the house.

Jock was so furious he was shaking. "Bobby, I only want to have to say this once. Get your wife under control. She's leading JR down a dangerous road."

"JR is a grown man," Bobby snapped at his father, standing up. "John Ross is his son and Sue Ellen is his wife. He is perfectly capable of making his own decisions."

Ellie watched Bobby walk away from the table and sighed heavily. "Jock…"

"Don't you start with me," he told her. "This whole family had lost their minds. Seems to me you all need to be reminded who is the head of this house!"

***

"Bobby?"

Bobby looked at his brother skeptically, then at his wife, then back at his brother. "It's your decision, JR. I'll support you."

"And you'll come with us?"

"I don't see that I have a choice, JR," Bobby sighed. "It will be bad enough if all three of us go, but if you and Pam go alone, Daddy will lose his mind."

"This isn't any of his business," JR insisted.

"I know that, JR. But you and I both know he won't see it that way."

"Then let's not tell him," Pam spoke up. "Or Miss Ellie."

Bobby shook his head. He hated the idea of lying to his parents. "JR, do you believe Sue Ellen is the one who shot you?"

"I don't know what to believe," JR answered truthfully. "But it's high time I asked her. Face to face. I can't be talked out of this, Bobby. My son's future is at stake."

"Alright, JR. We'll go first thing in the morning."

"Thank you," JR let out a relieved sigh.

"Don't thank me yet," Bobby warned him. "You don't have any idea how this is going to turn out. It might be the worst decision you ever made."

"Maybe, Bob," JR replied evenly. "But it is MY decision. And I've made it. Whatever happens, at least I'll finally have some answers."

***

 

[Honkytonkangel]

This is making me sooooo sad, but it's sooooo good.
I really want to believe that JR is putting on an act for the family and he IS the mystery benefactor.
I don't want the saddle tramp to show up :tv: .

Also his disgusting attitude is making me wish that Sue Ellen had accidentally shot Jock instead.
I hate him.

 

[Karin Schill]

Great start. I am looking forward to see where you take this.
I also like the fact that the story includes Jock as it's quite rare to read fanfics with him.

 

[CryptCreeper72]

I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

This fic is an alternate timeline and features a totally different resolution to the "Who Shot JR?" plot.

The timeline breaks at episode four of season four of "Dallas."

***

Shot Through the Heart

Part Four::

***

"Your benefactor cares very deeply about what happens to you and only wants what's best for you."

Sue Ellen turned the phrase over and over again in her mind.

Her lawyer had been careful not to give her even the slightest clue about her benefactor's identity. He was even avoiding the use of pronouns.

That small fact alone might be a clue though. Could it be that Kiefer wasn't calling whoever was helping her a "he" because it was a woman?"

Sue Ellen didn't have any friends, she only had social contacts through the Ewings. She had Pam, but even if Pam was inclined to help her, there was no way she could spend that much money without Bobby knowing.

There was only one name that made sense to Sue Ellen - someone who cared for her but also cared enough about JR to make sure Sue Ellen wouldn't try to get close to or see him.

"Miss Ellie," Sue Ellen whispered to herself. "It HAS to be her. There's just no one else."

***

"Are you telling me you still don't know who is paying that woman's bills?"

"I'm sorry, Jock," Harv said nervously. *Whoever it is, they're being very careful. The bail was put up in cash."

"And the lawyer?" Jock demanded. "You get hold of his financial records?"

"I did," Harv nodded. "Unfortunately, he's being paid in cash as well."

"Is that legal?"

"Sure," Harv shrugged. "As long as he reports it as income."

Jock stood up and walked to the window. "Sue Ellen isn't a woman who has lots of friends. I think whoever is helping her is living under my roof."

"Jock…"

"I want you to go through Bobby's finances with a fine tooth comb. And find out if that wife of his somehow figured out a way to get that much money in her own name."

"Jock, I wish you wouldn't do this," Harv sighed.

"Then you're going to hate this," Jock told him evenly. "If you don't find anything suspicious on Bobby, I want you to check out my wife."

Harv dropped his eyes and nodded. "Alright Jock."

"And then JR."

"JR?" Harv's head snapped up. "Why would he help her? She tried to kill him!"

"She's still his wife and I don't like the way he's just rolling over like a trained dog and letting her see my grandson."

Harv thought the very idea was crazy, but he knew better than to argue with Jock Ewing. "Anyone else?"

"Not for now," Jock grumbled. "But I am going to find out who is defying me and cut them off at the knees."

***

Sue Ellen buried her head in her hands and cried softly.

Her session with Dr. Elby had been brutal. He'd forced her to talk about Kristen and JR. All of her hurt and betrayal and disgust had bubbled up to the surface.

She had known she was angry, but she truly hadn't realized how deeply heartbroken she was.

Before she'd left Dr. Elby's office, there had been no doubt in her mind that she could have shot JR. She had been drunk enough that any inhibitions or guilt would have been fully suppressed and she would have been glad to take her revenge.

She jumped in surprise when her doorbell rang. Her attorney was the only person who ever visited her, and she wasn't expecting him until later this afternoon.

She got up and walked to the door, looked through the peephole and smiled. "Pam!" She said opening the door. "What are you doing here? I'm not supposed to see John Ross until tomorrow!"

"I don't have John Ross," Pam said softly. "May we come in?"

"We?" Sue Ellen looked past Pam and saw Bobby for the first time. Her smile froze on her face and she turned ghost white when she saw who was standing beside her brother-in-law. "No," she gasped, her hand flying up to her mouth. "JR!"

***

Kristen opened her door and growled in annoyance when she saw Sue Ellen's lawyer. "What do you want?"

"To give you a warning," Kiefer told her.

*About what?"

"Your sister is starting to open up more and more. She's finally decided to fight for her freedom. I came here to tell you to stay away from her."

"Who is going to make me?" Kristen laughed at him. "You?"

"No. Not me."

"Sue Ellen's mysterious secret admirer?"

"Let's just say that Mrs. Ewing's benefactor finds you to be... repugnant."

"Well, that's a shame. But I don't follow orders from phantoms."

"Miss Sheppard, let's put all our cards on the table. You were having an affair with JR Ewing and he dumped you. You have as strong a motive for shooting him as anyone else."

"True. But it's not my fingerprints on that gun, is it?"

"Just stay away from Mrs. Ewing."

Kristen watched him turn around and walk away. She shut her door and laughed lightly.

"Big sister must be in even bigger trouble than I thought."

***

"Sue Ellen, no one is going to hurt you or yell at you. We just want to talk."

Sue Ellen fixed her wide eyes on her sister-in-law and shook her head. "How could you do this? How could you bring him here?"

"Because I want you to be able to see John Ross as often as you want and this was his only condition."

Sue Ellen considered slamming the door in their faces, but she so desperately wanted to see her son more often. She backed away from the door and motioned for them to enter and take seats in the living room. "Well," she turned her eyes to her husband.

"Sue Ellen, I only wanted to see for myself that you're sober," JR said. "You can't blame me for that, not if you want me to let you be alone with my son."

"OUR son," Sue Ellen snapped at him. "And why the surprise? The lawyers worked out a meeting for tomorrow morning at your request!"

"And knowing that would give you plenty of time to dry out," he growled. "Catching you by surprise is the only way I could be sure you weren't drowning yourself in booze."

"Well," Sue Ellen straightened her back and held her head high. "As you can see, I'm completely sober, JR. Satisfied?"

"You're not drinking at all?"

"No. Amazing how getting away from you lessened my urge to get drunk!"

"Sue Ellen," Pam cautioned her, "please let's be civil."

"Who's paying your bills, honey?" JR demanded suddenly.

"That's none of your business, JR," Sue Ellen said stiffly.

"Really?" JR let out a cruel laugh. "Last time I checked, you were still technically my wife. That big rock on your hand belongs to me. If you're earning your way in the world on your back, I think I have the right to know!"

"JR!" Bobby admonished his brother. "There's no call for that kind of talk!"

"It's alright, Bobby," Sue Ellen said with as much dignity as she could muster. "I don't expect any less from my dear, devoted husband."

"This was a mistake," Bobby muttered.

JR ignored his brother and focused his steely gaze on his wife. "Is a lover the one keeping you up, Sue Ellen?"

"No," she folded her arms across her chest defiantly. "I don't have a lover. But even if I did, you'd hardly be in a position to judge me, would you?"

"Did you shoot me?" He asked her, ignoring her accusation.

"I… "

"There's no lawyers here, Sue Ellen. No judges. Whatever you say will be just between the four of us. Did you try to kill me?"

Sue Ellen took a deep breath and lowered her eyes to the floor. "I honestly don't know, JR. I just can't remember."

JR rolled his eyes and stood up. "Suffering from a case of convenient amnesia I see." He looked her up and down and snorted in disgust. "You look awful Sue Ellen. Pale and weak. Like you haven't slept well in weeks. What's the matter, honey? Attack of your conscious?"

"Are you going to let me see John Ross more or not?" She asked him, determined not to let him bait her any further.

JR turned her question over in his mind for a few moments, then shrugged. "I don't see why not, so long as Pam is always present. He needs to spend some time with you so he'll have at least a vague memory of his mother before she gets shipped off to prison. Let's go," he barked at Pam and Bobby. "I've wasted enough of my life on this tramp."

***

 

[Honkytonkangel]

and I don't like the way he's just rolling over like a trained dog and letting her see my grandson."

But the hypocritical bastard expects the whole family to do that with his demands.
I really do hate him.

Feel so bad for Sue Ellen.

 

[CryptCreeper72]

I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

This fic is an alternate timeline and features a totally different resolution to the "Who Shot JR?" plot.

The timeline breaks at episode four of season four of "Dallas."

***

Shot Through the Heart

Part Five::

***

"I understand Mrs. Ewing had some visitors today," Kiefer said into the phone. He listened to the reply and grimaced. "I understand that. But given the present circumstances, I can't allow her to speak with anyone in the Ewing family if I'm not present. I've already made an exception for Pamela, and you know I'm not comfortable with even that. You're paying the bills, but SHE is my client. This can't happen again."

He listened again and shook his head. "Alright. Just make sure she doesn't have any more unexpected visits. I'm going over there tomorrow to cement our defense strategy. I'll make sure she understands. Thank you."

He hung up the phone and sighed heavily. Sue Ellen's benefactor was getting harder and harder to handle. Things were going to be difficult enough when he told her his defense strategy. She wasn't going to like it one bit. He imagined she would fight him. But his mind was made up. It was the only chance she had at a not guilty verdict. And if she or his benefactor refused to cooperate, then they could just find themselves a new lawyer.

***

"You shouldn't be here!" Sue Ellen gasped.

"I only need a few minutes of your time, Sue Ellen. It's important."

"I can't imagine I'd be interested in anything you have to say, Cliff."

"Please. It's for your own good."

Sue Ellen hesitated for a few minutes then moved away from the door so that he could come inside. "Say what you have to say, then get out."

Cliff nodded and entered the apartment. "I talked to the DA, Sue Ellen. He's confident that he can get a conviction on attempted first degree murder. He has a gun found in your closet with only your prints on it. He has years of marital strife between you and JR. He has my paternity suit. Hell, he even has a witness that will testify that JR told you he was going to put you in a sanitarium, divorce you, take your son, and leave you penniless. They have motive, means, and opportunity. He wants to nail you to the wall."

"So?"

"Sue Ellen, I'm a prosecutor. You know that. You know I was good at my job. I've rarely seen a case this air tight. You're going to be convicted and you're going to go away for a very long time."

"So? What's it to you?" Sue Ellen demanded angrily. "Honestly, Cliff, did you just come here to gloat?"

"Of course not!" He defended himself. "I came to give you some advice. As much as the DA would love to get a conviction on attempted first degree, he might take less if your lawyer offered to plead guilty."

"What?"

"Take a plea deal, Sue Ellen. You'll do less time and the DA will take it to avoid a trial and embarrassment of the rich and powerful Ewings."

"What are you talking about, Cliff?"

"If you go to trial, you're going to be convicted. This way, you can get a reduced sentence. All of your and JR's dirty laundry will stay buried."

Sue Ellen shook her head and backed away from him. "Our dirty laundry?" She repeated. "What about yours, Cliff? Is that why you're here? To convince me to go to jail so you won't be humiliated in public by our affair and your little paternity suit?"

"Of course not, Sue Ellen," he cried. "I'm here to help you! I'm hurt you'd think I had an ulterior motive!"

"Get out!" Sue Ellen seethed angrily. "And don't you ever come back here, Cliff!"

She watched as he shrugged his shoulders, walked to the door, and left her apartment. How dare he?

"How could I have ever thought I loved that man?" She muttered to herself. It was clear to her now that Cliff Barnes had been one more bad decision in a life long string of bad decisions.

***

Kristen hummed softly to herself as she carried her bags into the kitchen. She's had a very productive day.

The DA had called her this morning and asked her to come in for an interview. She'd told him everything, handing him her sister's head on a silver platter.

Sue Ellen was going to prison for a very long time. JR was half crippled and half a man. They were both getting what they deserved.

And Kristen was going to make sure she has a front row seat to it all.

***

JR couldn't sleep.

Why had he done that? Why had he started a fight with her? Why had he said those things…

He had wanted to know if there was a lover. He wasn't sure why he even cared, but he needed to know.

He still couldn't quite bring himself to believe she'd shot him. He knew he had treated her like garbage. He knew she'd been drunk. He knew she had every reason in the world to want him dead.

Still, he'd held out hope that it hadn't been her, and it had hurt him when she didn't deny it. She'd hurt him, and so he'd lashed out at her.

Just like always, they couldn't even seem to be in the same room for five minutes without being at each other's throats.

They had once been so happy and so in love. What had happened to them?

"YOU happened, JR," he mumbled to himself. "This is all on you."

***

"Do you understand what I've told you, Sue Ellen?"

She looked up at the lawyer with wide eyes and nodded. "Yes. But I don't understand. I thought we were going with temporary insanity."

"That was my original plan," Kiefer told her, "I've used that defense successfully in the past when a cheating husband was the victim. But in the Berringer case, I had the shock of a naive wife actually walking in and seeing her husband with another woman. With you, we have years of adultery. It'll be hard to convince a jury that you suddenly snapped after all those years."

"But…"

"Sue Ellen, all we need is one juror to have a reasonable doubt that you shot your husband. We are going to serve up half a dozen other suspects and scenarios. Half the people in Dallas wanted JR dead."

"My prints are the one on the gun," she reminded him.

"Yes, your prints are on the gun that was kept in your closet. I can explain that away. I also have a forensic expert who can testify that another person could have touched that gun with gloves on, not leaving any prints and leaving yours intact."

"I don't know," Sue Ellen hesiststed. "JR…"

"You can't think about JR. You can't think about the Ewing family. You can't think of anyone but yourself. You need to trust me. I know what I'm doing."

"Alright," she agreed softly.

"Good," Kiefer nodded in satisfaction. "Now, about Mr. Barnes, if he comes back here, call me immediately. Do not let him in this apartment. Or anyone else for that matter. Just Pam Ewing and your son. Do you understand me?"

"Yes."

"Alright," he glanced down at his watch. "Pam will be here with John Ross soon. We'll talk more after they leave."


***

"None of them?" Jock growled.

"That's right," Harv sighed. "No one in your house is missing any money whatsoever. Whoever is helping Sue Ellen, it isn't a Ewing."

"Then who?"

"I don't know, Jock. But a defense like the one Kiefer is mounting isn't cheap. Then there's the apartment and food and household bills. Someone is spending a fortune. Have you considered…"

"What?"

"JR has a lot of very wealthy enemies. Maybe one of them has decided to get back at him by footing Sue Ellen's bills?"

"Can you find out?"

"I can try," Harv told him. "But I can't promise anything."

"Let me know what you come up with. I want whoever is helping her exposed. I'll put a stop to it. One way or another."

***

"Yes? Yes. Pam and John Ross are with her now. They were planning to go to the park…" Kiefer stopped talking when the person on the other end of the phone broke out into a furious rant. He listened, his eyes narrowed with his own anger. "How exactly do you know that Cliff Barnes went to see my client? Yes. I know you had conditions. I've already spoken to her about it. It won't happen again."

Kiefer sat back in his chair and listened as the rant continued. "Listen," he finally interrupted, "that's not what's going on here. Barnes was in that apartment less than ten minutes before she kicked him out. I made it clear she was never to let him inside again. You have got to calm down and let me do my job! Yes. I understand completely. As I said, it won't happen again."

Kiefer hung the phone up and tried to calm himself down. This anonymous donor was getting out of control. He needed to figure out how to keep everyone calm and happy. If he didn't, Sue Ellen would lose everything - including her freedom.

***

 

[Miss Texas 1967]

For some reason I really thought JR was gonna ask Sue Ellen for a kiss to check she was sober. That's not where it went... I guess you've got the romantic tension written well :Clol:

 

[CryptCreeper72]

I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

This fic is an alternate timeline and features a totally different resolution to the "Who Shot JR?" plot.

The timeline breaks at episode four of season four of "Dallas."

***

Shot Through the Heart

Part Six:

***

"So soon?"

"Yes. I can't continue it any longer. The judge has made it clear there won't be any more delays."

"But," Sue Ellen chewed nervously on her lower lip, "we're not ready!"

"Yes we are, Sue Ellen," Kiefer reassured her. "The prosecutor has the gun and the fingerprints. He has witnesses to testify about the horrible state of your marriage. He has witnesses to talk about your drinking. He has Cliff Barnes and Kristen. But we have half a dozen other dumped lovers and swindled business associates. We're ready."

"Two weeks…"

"We're ready, Sue Ellen," he told her again. "Better to get it over with and get you on with your life. This trial is going to be a blessing. Once it's over, you won't be in limbo anymore. You can get your son, get a nice little divorce settlement from JR, and build a new future for yourself."

"When this is over, will you tell me who has been helping me all this time?"

"That depends on your benefactor and whether or not he wants you to know."

"He?" Sue Ellen breathed out. "I thought…"

"What?"

"I thought it might be Miss Ellie."

"No. I won't tell you who it is, but I will tell you it's not your mother-in-law."

"Then who…"

"Stop worrying about who is paying your bills and focus on the trial, Sue Ellen. Trying to solve a mystery that isn't solvable is a waste of your energy. Your life is at stake. That's the only thing that matters."

***

"TWO WEEKS?!" Jock roared at the DA. "We still don't have any clue who is paying for her defense!"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Ewing," the DA sighed. "That isn't my concern. The only thing I'm worried about is making sure all of you are properly prepared for your testimony."

"Are you sure there has to be a trial?" Ellie asked worriedly. "Things are bound to come out that will hurt this family."

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Ewing. I offered Kiefer a plea deal on two occasions. He flatly refused."

"What does he know that we don't?" Bobby wondered out loud. "The evidence against Sue Ellen seems pretty damning."

"He obviously believes that Mr. Ewing has enough enemies other than his wife to create reasonable doubt. And I'm afraid he's not wrong. That's why we need to prepare you all thoroughly to take the stand. I'd like to start with Mrs. Ewing," he said, pointing at Pam.

"Me?" Pam spoke for the first time. "I'll be testifying?"

"Yes, you're very important to our case. You're the only person in this house who has a friendly relationship with Sue Ellen. The jury will weigh your words very heavily."

"But I don't believe she did it," Pam protested.

"That doesn't matter. What matters is you have seen and heard enough of her erratic behavior to make it seem plausible that she did it."

"I don't want to do this, Bobby," Pam said shakily, looking at her husband.

"Tough," Jock told her. "You'll do it and you won't complain. This family is more important than your feelings. You're going to do whatever it takes to put that woman away for the rest of her life."

***

"Dr. Elby, I've changed my mind about hypnosis. I'd like to go ahead with it."

"Sue Ellen, you know how your lawyer feels about it. We don't know what we'll uncover."

"I understand that. But I feel…"

"What?" Dr. Elby pushed her.

"I feel like I'm losing my mind. I have to know what happened that night."

"And if you remember you shot your husband?"

"Then I'll have to deal with that. But I have to know, Dr. Elby. For the sake of my own sanity, I have to know the truth."

***

"I can't believe Daddy had our finances investigated!"

JR barked out a short laugh in reply. Jock had let it slip during the meeting with the DA that he'd checked to make sure no one in the family had been paying Sue Ellen's bills. Bobby was so naive. JR knew Jock would do exactly that, because it's what JR would have done himself. "Why so worried, Bob? Something to hide?"

"Of course not, JR," Bobby snapped. "But it's such an invasion of our privacy!"

"Excuse me," the DA came into the room, followed by Pam. "Mrs. Ewing and I are done," he looked at Booby. "Ready for your turn?"

Bobby nodded and followed the DA from the room.

"How did it go?" JR asked Pam.

"Just awful. I'm going to have to testify to a lot of things that'll make Sue Ellen look guilty."

"I imagine we all will," JR sighed.

"I don't believe she shot you, JR."

JR looked up at her and shrugged. "Part of me still doesn't believe it either. That's what the trial is for.'

"You don't seem very concerned that all of your dirty laundry is going to be washed in public."

"I don't like it," JR admitted. "It bothers me for Mama's sake. But I don't see any way around it."

"JR, I'm going to say on the stand that I think she's innocent."

JR nodded and stood up. "If that's what you think, then that's what you should do. Stick to your guns, girl. Don't let the DA or my Daddy bully you."

"What are you going to say, JR?" She asked him, surprised by his words. "When they ask you if you think she shot you, what will you tell them."

"The truth," he said evenly, "that I don't have the slightest idea whether my wife tried to kill me or not."

***

Sue Ellen sat on her bed and tried not to cry.

Dr. Elby had hypnotised her. She had a vague memory of getting the gun out of the closet.

But then….

The images in colors in her mind didn't add up. She HAD gone somewhere with the gun. But she was fairly certain she hadn't gone to JR's office. At least not at first.

But she'd had the gun in her possession. Of that she no longer had any doubt.

"I must have shot him," she muttered miserably. "Oh, JR. I am so, so sorry.

A tear finally slipped out of her eye. She wiped it away with the back of her hand and admitted to herself she needed help.

She was scared, guilty, and lonely and she had no one at all to talk to. She picked up the phone and dialed the number, praying the right person would pick up the phone. "Hello? It's Sue Ellen. Thank God you answered. I need to see you. Now. Can you come over? Thank you. See you soon."

She was taking a huge chance. If Kiefer found out, he'd be furious. But she needed to talk. She needed someone to help sort through everything with her. She needed a friend; consequences be damned.

***

"JR?"

"Yes, Mama?"

"I need you to do something for me."

JR put his drink down and lifted his eyes to meet hers. *What?"

"Talk to Sue Ellen."

"Have you lost your mind?" JR snorted. "Her lawyer won't let me within a mile of her, even if she wanted to talk to me , which she doesn't, he'd never allow it. Besides, I don't want to talk to her either."

"You have to, don't you see that?" Ellie pleaded with him. "If this trial happens it will destroy this family! You need to convince her to take a plea deal."

JR didn't reply for a very long time. He picked up his drink, took a gulp, and considered his answers carefully.

"JR, please!"

"Mama," he finally said in a low and steady voice, "you know how much I love you. It breaks my heart that you're going to be embarrassed by this trial. But the family has already been destroyed - at least mine has. My wife may have tried to kill me and my son may lose his mother. Nothing can change that now. And I won't ask her to give up her freedom without a fight just to make everyone in this house feel better."

"Why not?" Ellie asked him, "she shot you!"

"Did she?" He wondered out loud. "I don't know that for sure. And neither do you."

"JR…"

"I'm sorry, Mama. I would do almost anything for you. But I can't do this."

He still is up and slowly limped from the room. Ellie watched him and shook her head in wonder.

"Jock is right," she muttered to herself. "He still loves that woman."

***

 

[Ukdallasfan]

The embarrassment of trying Sue Ellen for JR’s shooting was never discussed on the show but you make a valid point about lining up the suspects and exposing how much he was hated by so many. That said, it’s out of order for Miss Ellie to suggest that JR tries to persuade Sue Ellen to enter a guilty plea

 

[CryptCreeper72]

@Ukdallasfan , tbh, that's always bothered me. For all the blustering everyone did about Sue Ellen being arrested, not one word about how it could affect and embarrass the family and JR. Wrote in here because the lack of addressing it didn't seem realistic to me.

***
I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

This fic is an alternate timeline and features a totally different resolution to the "Who Shot JR?" plot.

The timeline breaks at episode four of season four of "Dallas."

***

Shot Through the Heart

Part Seven:

***

"What are you going to do, Sue Ellen?"

"I have no idea," Sue Ellen sighed. "But thank you for coming over. I can't tell you how much it helps to be able to talk to someone other than my lawyer and my shrink."

Pam smiled and reached out to cover Sue Ellen's hand with hers. "I'm glad I could help."

"I just don't know what to think. I wish I could remember what happened that night!"

"You said you remembered colors. What colors?"

"Pink," Sue Ellen shrugged. "Blue. And for some reason red."

"You're right. That certainly doesn't sound like the offices at Ewing Oil "

"No. And I remember talking to someone and being very upset. But I don't remember who it was or why I was so angry!"

"Sue Ellen, that means that someone out there knows what happened that night!"

"Yes. And as well publicized as this case has been, I can't understand why they haven't come forward."

"Unless they're the one who shot JR," Pam said thoughtfully.

"I thought about that Pam. I just wish I could remember!"

"You're making good progress with Dr. Elby. I'm sure it will all come back to you."

"Maybe, but if it doesn't come back soon, I'll have to go to trial without knowing the truth. Pam, that scares the hell out of me. I'm afraid I'll be tried and convicted and that I will never know what actually happened that night. I'm truly terrified."

***

"Where's your wife?"

"She said she had an errand to run. Why?"

"I need to talk to the family. It's fine. We'll start without her."

JR watched as Jock, Ellie, and Bobby all took seats in the living room. "The DA prepped me for my testimony. He also told me who else was being called as witnesses."

"Well? Who?" Jock demanded.

"Cliff Barnes for one. His paternity suit. Goes to Sue Ellen's character and to the bad state of our marriage. Barnes is going to testify in open court that he had an affair with my wife."

"Is that true, JR?" Ellie asked him. "You and Sue Ellen both always swore Cliff was a liar."

"It's true," JR confessed.

"That slut," Jock grumbled.

"The defense is going to call a lot of women I cheated on Sue Ellen with. You should all prepare yourself to hear it. And it's all true."

"JR, none of us will be surprised," Bobby told him. "It's not like you ever bothered to hide your affairs."

"I hid one of them. And she's being called as a witness. Not by the defense, but by the prosecution."

"Who JR?" Ellie asked.

"Look, I need you all to know I'm not proud of this. If I could go back in time and take it back, I would."

"What did you do, JR?" Bobby asked suspiciously.

"I...I had an affair with Kristen."

"Oh my God," Ellie breathed out.

"You WHAT?" Jock yelled, his voice laced with disgust.

"You heard me," JR shot back.

"JR...Jesus!" Bobby shook his head. "Does Sue Ellen know?"

"Yes," JR admitted. "She's known almost since the beginning."

"More motive," Bobby mumbled

"Yes," JR sighed. "That's why the DA is calling Kristen as a witness."

"Oh, JR. How could you?" Ellie cried.

"Mama, you've always known I've never been faithful to Sue Ellen."

"Yes, JR. But her SISTER?" Ellie shuddered and buried her face in her hands.

"JR, I've always looked the other way about you playing around," Jock said solemnly. "Men are men after all, and we all know you haven't been happy with Sue Ellen for years. But this? This goes beyond anything I could ever accept. You're going to humiliate this entire family. And no man with an ounce of decency would sleep with his wife's own sister. That tells me everything about what kind of man you are that I ever needed to know."

Jock paused, stood up and shook his head. "I've been toying with the idea of making Bobby the permanent president of Ewing Oil for a while. This seals the deal for me.i don't want a man of such low character running my company. As for Sue Ellen, well, we'll stand by you in public through the trial, but after it's over you're done around here. And as far as I'm concerned? If she shot you, you damned well deserved it, boy."

Ellie choked down a sob as she stood to follow her husband from the room. "I'm sorry, JR," she said in a broken voice, "but I agree with your father."

Bobby and JR sat in silence, drinking their bourbon for a few minutes before Bobby finally broke the awkward silence. "Well, JR. You really did it this time, didn't you?"

JR drained the rest of his drink and shot his brother an icy glare. "So it would seem."

***

JR slammed down another drink and growled under his breath. His father was using his affair with Kristen to take Ewing Oil away from him.

He's lost everything now. He was still hobbled from the shooting. His wife was lost to him. Now his company.

Part of him blamed Sue Ellen. If she hadn't shot him, his family would have never needed to know about Kristen.

But another part of him knew this was all his fault.

"JR?"

JR looked up and saw his sister-in-law standing in the doorway. "What?" He growled at her.

"Bobby told me about Kristen."

"Don't act like you didn't already know. You and my wife are thick as thieves these days. That's where you've been, right? With Sue Ellen?"

"How did you know that?"

"Lucky guess," JR answered, getting up to make another drink.

"Yes," Pam admitted. "I've been with Sue Ellen. And yes, she told me about Kristen."

"Don't bother to call me a bastard," JR snarled. "Daddy has already done that better than you ever could."

"I know. JR...I…"

"What?"

"I believe now more than ever that Sue Ellen didn't shoot you. And even if she did, she was drunk and didn't know what she was doing. She feels so guilty knowing that she might have hurt you."

""Does she?" JR laughed. "I'd lay odds that the only thing she feels bad about is that she might go to prison."

"You're wrong about her, JR," Pam insisted. "You always have been."

"Are you trying to tell me you know my wife better than I do?"

"When it comes to Sue Ellen, you only see what you want to," Pam said, turning away from him. "I wish you would open your eyes and see her as she truly is."

"How do you see her, Pam?"

She turned back to face him and put her hands on her hips. "I see her as a good hearted woman who truly loves her son...and her husband. She's mixed up, confused, and she has a lot of problems. But of all the people in your life, jR, Sue Ellen is the only one who truly loves you as you are and forgives you for all your sins and abuse. She even forgives you for Kristen."

JR said nothing as he watched Pam leave the living room and head up the stairs. He chugged down the rest of his drink and made himself another.

Whatever Sue Ellen had in her head, he would never know…. unless….

"Maybe it's time I had a private talk with my wife," he muttered to himself. "And there's no time like the present."

***

"Hold on!" Sue Ellen yelled, hurrying from her bedroom and securing her robe around her, "I'm coming!"

She made it to the front door and looked out the peephole. "Oh, dear God…"

The banging started again. "Sue Ellen, open this damn door or so help me I'll kick in it!"

She almost walked away to call her lawyer. But she knew him. He'd stand out there and bang and yell until one of her neighbors called the police. She cautiously opened the door, intending to tell him he shouldn't be here and that he needed to leave. But she didn't have a chance. As soon as the door opened a crack, he pushed against it with all his might, causing her to stumble backwards and the door to fiy open.

"JR! You can't be here!"

"Why not?" He slurred. "You're still my damn wife."

"You're drunk!" She accused him.

"Yes, I am," he laughed at her. "Quite a change to have you be the sober one in our relationship, huh?"

"What relationship?" She snapped. "You need to leave."

"No," he said, taking off his jacket and loosening his tie. "Fix me a drink, honey," he ordered her, sinking down onto the couch.

"I don't have any alcohol, JR," she informed him coldly.

"Ah. Well, good thing I brought my own then," he fished a flask out of his jacket pocket. "So tell me, Miss Texas, you all ready for your trial?"

"I can't discuss that with you and you shouldn't be here!"

"Why not? You expecting someone else?"

"Of course not! And you KNOW why you have to leave."

"I'm not going anywhere," he said defiantly. "Not until I get some answers."

"JR, I already told you that I can't remember whether or not I shot you."

"Uh huh," he mocked her. "Let's pretend for a minute I believe that. What I want to know is if you're sorry I survived."

"What?" She gasped. "No, JR! Of course not. I'm relieved!"

"Why?" He demanded. "God knows you had reasons enough to want me dead."

"Yes. And I won't deny that I thought about killing you many times. But…"

"What?"

"I don't know," she chewed on her bottom lip, "when I saw you in that hospital bed and saw how badly you were hurt, all I wanted was for you to be okay."

He watched her face carefully. Her answer had sent a thrill through his entire body. "Come here," he commanded softly

"No."

He chuckled and raised his eyebrows. "I said come here, Sue Ellen. Don't make me get up and chase you."

"JR…"

"I'm not going to hurt you honey," he coaxed. "I just want to look into those big, beautiful brown eyes so I can see whether or not you're telling me the truth."

Sue Ellen sighed and moved to stand directly in front of him. "Satisfied?"

"Not even remotely close to it, honey," his voice got even lower. He took a drink from his flask as he studied her face. "You still look tired."

"I haven't been sleeping well."

"Is that right? Miss your husband beside you?"

"Oh please," she laughed bitterly. "We both know I've spent more nights without you than with you in the last few years."

"Then what's keeping you awake at night, Miss Texas?"

"I can't talk about it JR!"

He moved so fast she didn't have time to react. His hand snaked out and he snatched her arm, using it to forcibly pull her down onto his lap. "Stop struggling," he warned her. "We both know what will happen if you keep it up."

Sue stopped squirming immediately. "Let me up, JR."

"Let me see if I have this straight, Sue Ellen," he ground out, ignoring her demand. "You wanted me dead, thought about killing me, but are glad I survived. And you want me to believe that you really don't remember if you shot me or not. That sum it up, honey?"

"It's the truth JR!"

"Uh huh. And you don't know who is paying all your legal bills and keeping you here in the life of luxury?"

"I don't! My lawyer won't tell me who it is."

"And you can't figure it out on your own?"

"I.. I thought it was Miss Ellie...but it's not."

JR chuckled low in his throat. "Of course it's not Mama. It's got to be a man, honey. A man entranced by those eyes and brought to his knees thinking about those long legs wrapped around his body."

Sue Ellen blushed and lowered her gaze. "I told you, I don't have a lover, JR."

"Do you want one?"

"W... what?" She stammered.

"Are you lonely, honey? Do you miss the touch of a man?"

"The only thing a man's touch has ever brought me is pain, JR."

JR made no reply. He moved his hand to cup her face, forcing her eyes up to meet his. "You're so beautiful. Always have been."

"JR...what are you doing?"

"I really want to kiss you right now, Miss Texas. And don't bother to lie. I know you want me to."

He was silent for a few minutes, simply holding her on his lap and searching her eyes. "But we can't, can we?" He finally said, releasing her.

"No, we can't," she agreed, standing up on shaky legs. "JR, why did you come here tonight?"

"I needed to know something."

"What?"

"Nevermind. I should get going now."

"JR, you really shouldn't be driving."

"I didn't drive, Sue Ellen. I have a car and a driver waiting for me."

"Oh. Good."

"We probably shouldn't talk again until after the trial."

"Probably not," she sighed. "But after the trial, I'll probably be in prison."

"They won't put you in prison," he told her, his hand on the doorknob.

"Really?" She laughed. "What makes you think that, JR?"

"Simple, honey," he flashed her a smile on his way out the door. "I won't let them."

***

 

[Ukdallasfan]

Oh my heart! The romance

 

[Miss Texas 1967]

These two! When they're good they're so good. The tension is just great to read. I wanted that kiss to happen, but the anticipation is great too.

Question, is this a situation where JR as the victim could have dropped the charges and prevented the entire thing from going to court in the first place? Or is prosecution a matter that's out of his hands?
Jock will be steaming but JR is the one who was shot.

 

[CryptCreeper72]

These two! When they're good they're so good. The tension is just great to read. I wanted that kiss to happen, but the anticipation is great too.

Question, is this a situation where JR as the victim could have dropped the charges and prevented the entire thing from going to court in the first place? Or is prosecution a matter that's out of his hands?
Jock will be steaming but JR is the one who was shot.

I haven't checked Texas law specifically, but in most states, if it's a violent crime, the victim has no choice. The decision to prosecute is at the sole discretion of the DA. The victim can refuse to testify, but that opens up supoenas and contempt charges, if the DA wants to go that route.

 

[CryptCreeper72]

I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

This fic is an alternate timeline and features a totally different resolution to the "Who Shot JR?" plot.

The timeline breaks at episode four of season four of "Dallas."

***

Shot Through the Heart

Part Eight::

***

"What do you think he meant?"

Kiefer bit back a harsh reply and forced himself to calm down. "I have no idea, Sue Ellen, but I wouldn't read too much into it."

"Why would JR have any control over whether or not I go to jail?"

Kiefer finally snapped. "He wouldn't. It sounds to me that your husband is lonely and regrets treating you so badly. He'd probably say anything to get back in your good grades especially since…"

"Since what?"

"Rumor is your father-in-law didn't react well to finding out about JR and your sister. Jock kicked JR out of Ewing Oil.*

"Really?" Sue Ellen's eyes widened. "Well, I guess that explains it then."

"Explains what?"

"Why he was here and why he was being so nice," she told him. "It's just like always. JR gets hurt when one of his sins blows up in his face and he runs to me to make him feel good about himself. I guess I fell for it again."

"Sue Ellen, I need you to stop talking to your husband. You've been accused of trying to kill him. He's going to testify against you in court. I can't take the chance that you'll accidentally say something he can use against you. Do you understand me?"

"Yes," Sue Ellen nodded sadly. "Don't worry. I won't be talking to JR ever again."

***

"JR,, can we talk?"

"I can't see what we have to talk about, Bob."

"Ewing Oil, JR. I want you to know, I want to run the company. But I never wanted it to happen this way."

"Now see, Bob, that's exactly why you won't keep it very long. You got no killer instinct, boy. I take what I can get when I can get it and however I can get it. Then I hang on tight."

"I'm not you, JR. I can't operate like that."

"Yes. I know. And that's why you'll always be a loser."

"Seems to me like you're the only one around here that's lost everything."

"True enough," JR narrowed his eyes. "But don't you worry about me, baby brother. Once Sue Ellen's trial is over I'm going to get my company back. And if you get in my way, I'll run you right over."

"Is that a fact, JR?" Bobby challenged him.

"Hell, yes it's a fact," JR's eyes danced. "Bank on it, Bob. Your days as head of Ewing Oil are numbered. I promise you that."

***

"Would you calm down?" Kristen said into the phone. "She doesn't remember a thing. And even if she did, no one would believe her. She's a drunken lunatic and everyone knows it. Trust me. The trial starts next week. After it's done, Sue Ellen will be in prison and JR will do whatever I tell him too. It couldn't have worked out any better if I'd planned it this way. Everything is fine. I'll call you soon."

She hung up the phone and grinned. Very soon all of her dreams would come true - and Sue Ellen's dreams would explode in fire all around her, leaving her life in ashes and ruin.

"Couldn't happen to a nicer girl, big sister," she laughed.

She couldn't wait to see Sue Ellen get exactly what she deserved - complete and total destruction.

***

"She's ready. It will be hard on her, but I've prepared her as best I can," Kiefer told whoever was on the phone. "Listen, we need to talk about the possibility that you'll be outed at the trial. I'll keep your secret as long as I can, but if it's necessary in order to save her, I want you to know I'll tell the court who has been paying me and all her bills."

He listened to the answer and nodded his head. "Yes. I know. I won't do it unless it's absolutely necessary. We'll see how it goes. Alright. Thank you."

Kiefer hung up the phone and rubbed his temples. Three days until the trial. Sue Ellen was as ready as he could make her.

He prayed he hadn't made a mistake by not pleading temporary insanity. He hoped it wouldn't be necessary to out her benefactor.

But he would do whatever he had to in order to win. Sue Ellen Ewing didn't belong in prison. He was going to make sure she didn't end up there.

***

"Well it sounds like you're making progress," Pam told her sister-in-law. They were sitting on a park bench watching John Ross play with other children.

"I don't know if you can call it progress," Sue Ellen sighed. "But I do remember more than I did before."

"So, still the colors blue, pink, and red. Plus water. And something about a baby. It's quite a puzzle, Sue Ellen."

"Yes. But Pam, I also remember rage. Blind, overpowering rage."

"And hurt. You said you remembered being hurt."

"Yes," Sue Ellen said softly. "The funny thing is, I can't remember what I did, but I remember how I felt."

"Keep working on it, Sue Ellen.It will come back."

"Maybe. But it will be too late if it does. The trial starts on Monday. Pam, I need you to promise me something."

"Anything, Sue Ellen."

"If I'm convicted and sent away I need you to look after John Ross."

"Sue Ellen…"

"I mean it. He loves you. Please take care of him. And JR…"

"What about him?"

"He's just awful sometimes. I know that. But he's also…"

"What?"

"He loves his son. Look out for him too. I know it's asking a lot, but John Ross won't have his mother. He'll need his father."

Pam reached over and put her arm around her friend. "Alright, Sue Ellen. I promise."

"Thank you," a tear of gratitude slipped out of her eye. "Thank you for being such a wonderful friend."

***

JR closed the door to John Ross's room and started down the hall. He almost ran smack into Pam.

"Oh!" She cried. "I was just going to check on John Ross."

"No need," JR told her. "He's asleep."

"Good," Pam nodded. "Goodnight, JR."

"Wait," JR stopped her. "How is she?"

"Who?"

"Don't play dumb with me," he warned her. "You know who I'm talking about. You spent the whole day with her, didn't you?"

"Yes," Pam told him. "She's nervous and sad. She knows today might be the last day she ever gets to see her son."

"It won't come to that," JR said lowly.

"I hope not, JR. By the way, you should know…"

"What?"

"She asked me to look after John Ross if the worst happens."

"If the worst happens I'll look after him myself."

"Well you'll still be stuck with me, because she made me promise to look after you too."

JR was too stunned to reply. He watched Pam disappear down the hall into her bedroom in shocked silence.

"Well, well, Miss Texas," he finally said when his wits came back. "You're just full of surprises."

***

Sue Ellen finished brushing her hair, stood up, and took off her robe. It had been a long, emotional day and she was exhausted.

Her session with Dr. Elby this morning had left her with clues, but still no real memory of what had happened the night JR was shot. She wished to God she could remember. Even if she was guilty, she desperately wanted to know the truth.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of her telephone. She walked to her bed, sat down, and reached for the phone. "Hello?"

"Hello, darlin'," a deep voice floated across the line.

"JR!" She gasped in shock. "What do you want?"

"To talk to my wife," he chuckled. "John Ross is plum tuckered out. You must have had a good time with him today."

"Yes. I did," she answered shortly. "I'm not supposed to talk to you, JR. My lawyer…"

"Will never know unless you tell him," JR cut her off.

"What do you want?" She asked him again.

"Nothing. Just to talk. Believe it or not, I miss talking to you."

"Why? All we ever did was argue."

"It wasn't always like that," he reminded her. "And I don't want to argue tonight."

"I can't talk to you about the trial."

"Then don't. Talk to me about something else."

"Like what?"

"Your day with John Ross. What you had for dinner. What you watched on TV tonight. I don't care what you talk about. I just want to hear your voice."

"My lawyer said Jock turned Ewing Oil over to Bobby when he found out about you and Kristen."

"That's true," JR sighed. "But I'm not worried about Ewing Oil, honey. I'll get it back. You know Bobby is no match for me."

"No. He's not," Sue Ellen agreed. "He's too decent to get down and roll in the mud with you."

"I'm not decent," he laughed, "that's what you're saying, right?"

"JR…"

"I'm an indecent, stone cold bastard. That's what you think, isn't it?"

"I didn't mean…."

"Yes you did, honey. And it's alright. I know you feel that way and I don't blame you. The thing that makes me wonder though, knowing you despise me so much, is why you still love me."

"Who said I love you, JR?"

"Don't you?" He cajoled her. "Deny it then. If you don't love me, just say so."

"JR, why are you doing this?"

"Because I needed to know. And now I do."

"You know what?"

"That you still love me. You didn't deny it, honey."

"JR, have you been drinking again?"

"No. I'm stone cold sober. Goodnight, Miss Texas."

"JR, I don't understand you at all!"

"You understand me better than any other person on this earth, Sue Ellen."

"Please don't call me again, JR."

"I can't promise anything," he said softly. "And Sue Ellen?*

"What?"

"Believe it or not, I love you too, honey."

He didn't give her a chance to reply. The line went dead and she hung up the phone.

"Oh, JR," she cried to herself, "what kind of sick game are you playing now?"

***

"Where is everyone?" JR asked, taking his seat at the breakfast table.

"Out avoiding you," Lucy shot back at him angrily. "The trial starts tomorrow. Everyone is on pins and needles "

"It'll all work out."

"How can you be so sure?" Lucy demaded. "Kristen and Cliff are the first two witnesses! The whole world is going to know about you and Sue Ellen and your sick affairs."

"Good thing for me that I don't care what the world thinks then," JR grunted.

"JR, Grandma and Grandpa are so upset. Isn't there anything you can do to stop this?"

"Believe me, Lucy, if I could I would. But I can't. I tried like hell to get the DA to drop this. He wouldn't listen. Thinks this case will make him famous."

"If you sit back and let her go to prison, I swear I'll tell everything I know."

"It won't come to that," JR grunted.

"It had better not," Lucy warned him. "For your sake. Grandpa would disown you."

"Yes. And you too."

"So?" Lucy laughed."It's not like he ever treated me like a real Ewing anyway. You have a lot more to lose than I do, JR."

"Yes, I do," JR admitted. "And right now, I don't particularly care. And I need another favor, Lucy."

"Jesus. What now, JR?"

"Just listen. And know this is all for her."

"I'll listen, JR. But I don't believe even for a second that whatever you want is just for her. You only care about yourself. Don't confuse me with Sue Ellen. I know what you are."

"You going to help me or not?"

"Yes. I just want to make sure you understand that I'm on to you. Don't try to bullshit me."

"Fine, Lucy. Now just shut up and listen."

***

Sue Ellen couldn't stop crying.

This morning she'd had a session with Dr. Elby. She'd remembered being in a car. She wasn't driving, but she couldn't remember who was. She'd been so drunk. But she remembered feeling so hurt - and so ashamed.

The afternoon had brought a last meeting with her lawyer before the trial started tomorrow. He was confident, but the whole conversation had left her depressed.

Her doorbell rang, startling her. She wiped her tears away and walked to the door. She looked through the peephole and squealed with joy when she saw John Ross.

She flung open the door and held her arms out. "My baby!" She cried. "Oh, thank you so much, Lucy!"

"Don't thank me yet," Lucy grumbled, handing over John Ross. "I brought someone else too."

Sue Ellen kissed her son and looked past Lucy. "JR," she breathed out. "I told you I can't see you!"

"I just thought seeing John Ross would lift your spirits, I mean with the trial starting tomorrow..I figured if Lucy came with me, you'd be more comfortable."

"My attorney…"

"Will never know if you don't tell him."

"I honestly think he means well," Lucy cut in. "And I'll stay so you won't have to be alone with him."

Sue Ellen hugged John Ross tightly. "Alright," she gave in, moving to let them into the apartment. "As long as Lucy stays. But if you try anything underhanded, you're out of here, JR."

"It's a deal, Miss Texas," he said softly. "It's a deal."

***

"She's very good with him," Sue Ellen said, watching Lucy as she made a sandwich for John Ross.

"Yes, she is," JR agreed, sinking back onto the couch and getting more comfortable.

"I'm surprised to see the two of you together, You've never been each other's biggest fans."

"Lucy and I have come to a sort of understanding recently."

"About what?"

"You," he didn't bother to lie. "Neither of us want to see you sent away."

"Even if I shot you, JR?"

He turned his head so that he could look her in the eyes. "Sue Ellen, the way I see it is you were upset and drunk. I was awful to you that night. If you shot me, you weren't in control. And you said yourself you're glad I'm alive."

"You called me a drunk and an unfit mother," she reminded him. "And you said you were going to send me away to a sanitarium and then divorce me."

"Yes. I remember, Sue Ellen."

"And you're going to say that on the stand."

"I'll have to say I said it. But I'm also going to say I was wrong, that I regret it, and that I'm sorry for it."

"That won't help me, JR. The argument itself is motive."

"You had plenty of motive before that argument," he told her. "I was a rotten husband. Gave you plenty of reasons to kill me."

"Yes, that's true."

"But you still love me."

Sue Ellen didn't reply. She stood up and walked to join Lucy and John Ross in the kitchen.

JR watched the three of them beneath hooded eyes. John Ross clearly loved his mother, and she loved him. He wasn't going to let John Ross lose his mother. He'd see the DA in hell before he let him out Sue Ellen behind bars.

***

"Alright, Sue Ellen. We're ready. Try to get a good night's sleep and I'll see you at the courthouse tomorrow."

"I'm scared," Sue Ellen said into the phone.

"I know, Kiefer sighed. "And I won't lie. Tomorrow will be a rough day. Barnes and your sister are first up. Just remember what I told you, we only need one juror to have reasonable doubt. Just one.'

"I know."

"I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Sue Ellen put the phone down, then jumped in surprise when it rang again immediately. She picked it up and held it to her ear. "Did you forget to tell me something?"

"No," a smooth voice came across the line. "I'm pretty sure I told you that I still love you."

"JR!"

"Expecting a call from someone else this late at night, honey?"

"I just got off the phone with my lawyer. I thought he called back because he forgot something."

"Last minute trial talk?"

"I can't talk about that, JR."

"Right," he sighed. "Listen, I just called to say goodnight… and to tell you how much I enjoyed our day."

"I enjoyed it too, JR. Thank you for bringing John Ross to see me."

"You're welcome, Miss Texas," she could almost hear the smile in his voice. "You be strong tomorrow. Everything will be okay."

"Don't make promises that you can't keep, JR. I've had enough of that from you to last me a lifetime."

"Yes. I know. Just…"

"What?"

"Just know that I'm sorry, Sue Ellen. For everything."

"It's too late for that now, JR."

"Maybe. Maybe not. Goodnight, Sue Ellen."

"Goodnight, JR."

She put down the phone and shook her head. She didn't know what he was up to, but time and experience had taught her never to take anything JR said at face value.

Her trial started in the morning. She was on her own. JR couldn't help her. No one could.

***

 

[Honkytonkangel]

God sometimes those two REALLY make my head.... and heart hurt.
And I wish that Jerk and the Witch hadn't screwed their kids up so badly.
Lastly that little bitch Kristen better run cos I'm coming after her and I'm bringing the iron.

Ok I lied..... last thing is the fact that JR and Pam are being civil and almost NICE to each other is super weird........ as is Pammy not acting like a princess and me not wanting to smack her.

Keep going it's awesome.