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Honkytonkangel
Telly Talk Fan
Happy JR is willing to check out what Sue Ellen said, even if he doesn't think it's a real memory.
I can't wait for JR to find out everything. Jerry and Mark need their arses nailed to the wall.
And so do princess and scuzzball -(her attitude is REALLY starting to piss me off)
She needs to stop obsessing over JR and think about poor Christopher.
If only we could ALL forget her.
CeeCee72
Telly Talk Star
I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.
This fic is an alternate timeline where the dream season wasn't a dream. It picks up of after the last episode of season 9.
***
Life Is But a Dream
Part 16:
***
Jerry read the newspaper story again and cursed under his breath. The police had finally identified the bodies of both Elena and the lab assistant. The authorities were thoroughly investigating the background of both women.
Jerry had called Dr. Ellis repeatedly this morning, but there had been no answer. He needed to be sure that nothing in Elena's past would lead the police back to Graison Research. "Damnit, Ellis, where the hell are you?"
"I can answer that question."
Jerry looked up and saw a tall, dark skinned man standing in his doorway. "Who are you?" He demanded.
"My name is Leo Daughtry. I'm a senior agent with an organization that I call The Company. You probably know it as the CIA."
"What do you want?"
"Oh, Dr. Kenderson," Leo's voice was low and mocking. "I think you know exactly what I want." He walked fully into the office and took a seat without being invited. "I think you'd better get Mr. Graison in here. The three of us have a lot to talk about."
***
"Oh, Donna! You must be so happy!"
"I really am," Donna smiled. "Ray and I finally have the family we've always dreamed of."
"I wish I could remember Tony," Sue Ellen frowned.
"You will," Donna assured her. "Just give it some time."
"I'm sure you're right," Sue Ellen nodded. "I'm so glad you're here. Maybe you can talk Ray into going home and getting some rest. JR is getting worried about him."
"I'll do my best," Donna laughed. "But you know Ray. Stubborn as a mule."
"I don't.. I don't remember much about him," Sue Ellen sighed. "I know who he is of course, but…"
"It will all come back," Donna reached out to squeeze her hand. "You just need to be patient."
"Donna...do you know why Pam hasn't come to see me? My memory is so fuzzy, but she and I are very close, aren't we?"
"Yes you are," Donna confirmed. "I haven't spoken to her recently. But Cliff..her brother is very upset right right. His wife...passed away."
"Cliff?" Sue Ellen turned the name over in her mind. Suddenly all the blood drained from her face when a memory flashed before her eyes.
"If it turns out Barnes fathered that bastard you're carrying, I'll see you walking the streets!"
"Sue Ellen?" Donna leaned forward, her voice full of concern. ""Are you okay?"
"Cliff Barnes," Sue Ellen said shakily. "Oh, my God, Donna!"
Donna saw Sue Ellen's heart rate spike on the heart monitor. "Shhhh," she soothed, "deep breaths. It's okay."
"But JR…" Sue Ellen couldn't go on.
"JR loves you. You both made some horrible mistakes, but you made it through and you've forgiven each other."
Sue Ellen cried softly and nodded her head. She accepted the comfort of her sister-in-law and was grateful for it. But she didn't understand how JR could have ever forgiven her.
***
"Nothing?"
"Unfortunately not, JR," Harv sighed. "Those tapes have been classified as top secret. No one short of the Attorney General could help us get our hands on them, and he isn't taking my calls."
"I'm telling you," Ray grumbled. "This has got the CIA written all over it."
"What about the two dead women?" JR asked.
"Nothing, " McSweeb sighed. "Neither family had seen or heard from them in years. They have no paper trail either. Neither had licences or bank accounts. It's like they graduated from college then just disappeared."
"How is that possible?" JR snapped.
"It's not," McSween admitted. "I'd bet the CIA had something to do with erasing their history."
"Now what, JR?"
"I don't know," he sighed heavily. "I just don't know…"
"Excuse me," Donna poked her head into the conference room, "JR, you'd better get back to Sue Ellen's room. She needs you."
"What happened?" He stood up and moved quickly to the door.
"I'm sorry, JR. I was thoughtless enough to bring up Cliff Barnes.."
"How much does she remember?"
"That you thought he was John Ross's father. She's scared you haven't forgiven her. I'm so sorry, JR. We were talking about Pam and his name just slipped out…"
"This isn't your fault, Donna," JR said, hurrying down the hallway to Sue Ellen's room. "It's mine. All mine."
***
"So we understand each other?" Daughtry asked the two men. "You get your research. We'll allow you to keep operating. You can continue to practice Dr. Ellis's methods on critically ill patients. But no more kidnapping. No more unwilling subjects. We get Ellis and Bobby Ewing and it will be as if they never existed. The two of you stay out of jail and keep your research center. Everything that happened with Sue Ellen Ewing will be blamed conclusively on Angelica Nero and she will meet an untimely end. You walk. Both of you. Do we have an agreement?"
"Yes," Kenderson said without hesitation.
Mark was silent for a few minutes but finally nodded. "I don't see any other choice."
"That's because they're isn't one, Mr. Graison," Daughtry informed him coldly, standing up. "And remember, if either or you talk or cause us any problems at all, The Company will burn your lives and everything in it to the ground. Are we clear?"
"Yes," Mark and Jerry said in unison.
"Good. You gentlemen have a nice day."
Mark waited until Daughtry was out of the room, then turned his furious eyes on Jerry. "Are you happy with yourself?"
"I don't know what your problem is," Jerry shot back. "You get to go on living your perfect, fairy tale life. You get to keep your wife. I'm the one who lost the woman I love."
"You don't love Sue Ellen ," Mark said lowly. "You're obsessed with her. And your sickness may very well destroy us all."
***
Jordan Lee sipped on his bourbon and turned Cliff Barnes' offer to the cartel over in his mind.
It was a good deal. And normally, Jordan would have jumped at the chance to make so much money.
But JR Ewing was a dangerous enemy to have. Jordan knew if the cartel joined forces with Cliff and Pam, they could hurt Ewing Oil very badly.
But they couldn't completely destroy it. And they couldn't take JR out for good.
As long as JR was upright and breathing, there would always be a chance that he'd figure out a way to make them pay.
Money was important, but survival was even more important.
"I need to talk to JR," he muttered to himself. "And the sooner, the better."
***
JR looked up when the door to Sue Ellen's hospital room opened and a nurse came inside. He shook his head at her and raised his hand to wave her away. She nodded her silent understanding and walked back out of the door.
JR was sitting on Sue Ellen's hospital bed, holding her in his arms. Her head was buried in his chest and she was sobbing softly.
She'd remembered her affair with Barnes and that there was some doubt about John Ross's paternity. He'd patiently explained that he had forgiven her for that long ago and that the whole thing had been his fault. He'd told her that his neglect and mistreatment of her had been the cause of her affair and that he didn't blame her at all for it any more.
"JR, this hurts so much."
JR tightened his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. "I know, sweetheart. And I wish I could tell you this will be the last bad memory you have of our marriage, or even the worst one. But it's not."
"Why are we like this? We love each other so much!"
"Yes," JR whispered into her ear. "We do. Sue Ellen," he shifted her slightly so that he could look down into her eyes. "We aren't like that. Not anymore anyway. And in the past...the reason we were like that is all because of me. I was a horrible husband. I took you for granted. I lied. I cheated. Every bad thing that happened between us is my fault and mine alone. But I have always loved you. And I won't ever do those things to you again."
He paused and lowered his head to kiss her gently on the lips. "I changed my ways, Sue Ellen. You believed me. You forgave me. We started over. And honey, we've been so happy. The past is ugly and I hate that you're going to have to remember it all again for the first time. But it is the PAST. Our future is going to be so full of love. I promise you that."
She snuggled closer against him and hugged him tightly. "Yes, JR," she whispered against his chest. "I know. It just hurts so much right now."
"I know, honey," he murmured against her hair, "but I won't ever cause you pain ever again. I swear it on my life."
He felt her nod and stroked her back soothingly.
Suddenly he hated himself so much. He had almost destroyed her. He was so lucky to have been given another chance. And God help him, he was never going to need another one.
***
This fic is an alternate timeline where the dream season wasn't a dream. It picks up of after the last episode of season 9.
***
Life Is But a Dream
Part 16:
***
Jerry read the newspaper story again and cursed under his breath. The police had finally identified the bodies of both Elena and the lab assistant. The authorities were thoroughly investigating the background of both women.
Jerry had called Dr. Ellis repeatedly this morning, but there had been no answer. He needed to be sure that nothing in Elena's past would lead the police back to Graison Research. "Damnit, Ellis, where the hell are you?"
"I can answer that question."
Jerry looked up and saw a tall, dark skinned man standing in his doorway. "Who are you?" He demanded.
"My name is Leo Daughtry. I'm a senior agent with an organization that I call The Company. You probably know it as the CIA."
"What do you want?"
"Oh, Dr. Kenderson," Leo's voice was low and mocking. "I think you know exactly what I want." He walked fully into the office and took a seat without being invited. "I think you'd better get Mr. Graison in here. The three of us have a lot to talk about."
***
"Oh, Donna! You must be so happy!"
"I really am," Donna smiled. "Ray and I finally have the family we've always dreamed of."
"I wish I could remember Tony," Sue Ellen frowned.
"You will," Donna assured her. "Just give it some time."
"I'm sure you're right," Sue Ellen nodded. "I'm so glad you're here. Maybe you can talk Ray into going home and getting some rest. JR is getting worried about him."
"I'll do my best," Donna laughed. "But you know Ray. Stubborn as a mule."
"I don't.. I don't remember much about him," Sue Ellen sighed. "I know who he is of course, but…"
"It will all come back," Donna reached out to squeeze her hand. "You just need to be patient."
"Donna...do you know why Pam hasn't come to see me? My memory is so fuzzy, but she and I are very close, aren't we?"
"Yes you are," Donna confirmed. "I haven't spoken to her recently. But Cliff..her brother is very upset right right. His wife...passed away."
"Cliff?" Sue Ellen turned the name over in her mind. Suddenly all the blood drained from her face when a memory flashed before her eyes.
"If it turns out Barnes fathered that bastard you're carrying, I'll see you walking the streets!"
"Sue Ellen?" Donna leaned forward, her voice full of concern. ""Are you okay?"
"Cliff Barnes," Sue Ellen said shakily. "Oh, my God, Donna!"
Donna saw Sue Ellen's heart rate spike on the heart monitor. "Shhhh," she soothed, "deep breaths. It's okay."
"But JR…" Sue Ellen couldn't go on.
"JR loves you. You both made some horrible mistakes, but you made it through and you've forgiven each other."
Sue Ellen cried softly and nodded her head. She accepted the comfort of her sister-in-law and was grateful for it. But she didn't understand how JR could have ever forgiven her.
***
"Nothing?"
"Unfortunately not, JR," Harv sighed. "Those tapes have been classified as top secret. No one short of the Attorney General could help us get our hands on them, and he isn't taking my calls."
"I'm telling you," Ray grumbled. "This has got the CIA written all over it."
"What about the two dead women?" JR asked.
"Nothing, " McSweeb sighed. "Neither family had seen or heard from them in years. They have no paper trail either. Neither had licences or bank accounts. It's like they graduated from college then just disappeared."
"How is that possible?" JR snapped.
"It's not," McSween admitted. "I'd bet the CIA had something to do with erasing their history."
"Now what, JR?"
"I don't know," he sighed heavily. "I just don't know…"
"Excuse me," Donna poked her head into the conference room, "JR, you'd better get back to Sue Ellen's room. She needs you."
"What happened?" He stood up and moved quickly to the door.
"I'm sorry, JR. I was thoughtless enough to bring up Cliff Barnes.."
"How much does she remember?"
"That you thought he was John Ross's father. She's scared you haven't forgiven her. I'm so sorry, JR. We were talking about Pam and his name just slipped out…"
"This isn't your fault, Donna," JR said, hurrying down the hallway to Sue Ellen's room. "It's mine. All mine."
***
"So we understand each other?" Daughtry asked the two men. "You get your research. We'll allow you to keep operating. You can continue to practice Dr. Ellis's methods on critically ill patients. But no more kidnapping. No more unwilling subjects. We get Ellis and Bobby Ewing and it will be as if they never existed. The two of you stay out of jail and keep your research center. Everything that happened with Sue Ellen Ewing will be blamed conclusively on Angelica Nero and she will meet an untimely end. You walk. Both of you. Do we have an agreement?"
"Yes," Kenderson said without hesitation.
Mark was silent for a few minutes but finally nodded. "I don't see any other choice."
"That's because they're isn't one, Mr. Graison," Daughtry informed him coldly, standing up. "And remember, if either or you talk or cause us any problems at all, The Company will burn your lives and everything in it to the ground. Are we clear?"
"Yes," Mark and Jerry said in unison.
"Good. You gentlemen have a nice day."
Mark waited until Daughtry was out of the room, then turned his furious eyes on Jerry. "Are you happy with yourself?"
"I don't know what your problem is," Jerry shot back. "You get to go on living your perfect, fairy tale life. You get to keep your wife. I'm the one who lost the woman I love."
"You don't love Sue Ellen ," Mark said lowly. "You're obsessed with her. And your sickness may very well destroy us all."
***
Jordan Lee sipped on his bourbon and turned Cliff Barnes' offer to the cartel over in his mind.
It was a good deal. And normally, Jordan would have jumped at the chance to make so much money.
But JR Ewing was a dangerous enemy to have. Jordan knew if the cartel joined forces with Cliff and Pam, they could hurt Ewing Oil very badly.
But they couldn't completely destroy it. And they couldn't take JR out for good.
As long as JR was upright and breathing, there would always be a chance that he'd figure out a way to make them pay.
Money was important, but survival was even more important.
"I need to talk to JR," he muttered to himself. "And the sooner, the better."
***
JR looked up when the door to Sue Ellen's hospital room opened and a nurse came inside. He shook his head at her and raised his hand to wave her away. She nodded her silent understanding and walked back out of the door.
JR was sitting on Sue Ellen's hospital bed, holding her in his arms. Her head was buried in his chest and she was sobbing softly.
She'd remembered her affair with Barnes and that there was some doubt about John Ross's paternity. He'd patiently explained that he had forgiven her for that long ago and that the whole thing had been his fault. He'd told her that his neglect and mistreatment of her had been the cause of her affair and that he didn't blame her at all for it any more.
"JR, this hurts so much."
JR tightened his arms around her and kissed the top of her head. "I know, sweetheart. And I wish I could tell you this will be the last bad memory you have of our marriage, or even the worst one. But it's not."
"Why are we like this? We love each other so much!"
"Yes," JR whispered into her ear. "We do. Sue Ellen," he shifted her slightly so that he could look down into her eyes. "We aren't like that. Not anymore anyway. And in the past...the reason we were like that is all because of me. I was a horrible husband. I took you for granted. I lied. I cheated. Every bad thing that happened between us is my fault and mine alone. But I have always loved you. And I won't ever do those things to you again."
He paused and lowered his head to kiss her gently on the lips. "I changed my ways, Sue Ellen. You believed me. You forgave me. We started over. And honey, we've been so happy. The past is ugly and I hate that you're going to have to remember it all again for the first time. But it is the PAST. Our future is going to be so full of love. I promise you that."
She snuggled closer against him and hugged him tightly. "Yes, JR," she whispered against his chest. "I know. It just hurts so much right now."
"I know, honey," he murmured against her hair, "but I won't ever cause you pain ever again. I swear it on my life."
He felt her nod and stroked her back soothingly.
Suddenly he hated himself so much. He had almost destroyed her. He was so lucky to have been given another chance. And God help him, he was never going to need another one.
***
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I wonder what the CIA's got planned for Bobby?
I want him to be found too but it seems like Sue Ellen is his only hope since she knows what she saw.
Poor Sue Ellen remembering all the bad things, like Cliff Barnes and the paternity suit. It must be painful for her to deal with all of that again.
I want him to be found too but it seems like Sue Ellen is his only hope since she knows what she saw.
Poor Sue Ellen remembering all the bad things, like Cliff Barnes and the paternity suit. It must be painful for her to deal with all of that again.
CeeCee72
Telly Talk Star
I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.
This fic is an alternate timeline where the dream season wasn't a dream. It picks up of after the last episode of season 9.
***
Life Is But a Dream
Part 17:
***
"Thanks for agreeing to have lunch with me."
Jenna looked up from her menu and smiled. "Of course, Jack. I was happy to hear from you."
"Really?" Jack said doubtfully.
"Of course," Jenna smiled. "I told you before that I value our friendship. How are you holding up?"
"I'm doing about as well as I can," Jack sighed. "I miss Jamie so much. I dread the funeral tomorrow."
"Is there anything I can do for you?"
"You're already doing it," Jack smiled at her. "I'm happy to be able to see you and talk to you."
"I'm happy to see you too," Jenna shifted nervously. "Is your friend April still in town?"
"Yes," Jack told her truthfully. "And you should know, Jenna - she's not really my friend. She's my ex-wife."
"Ex-wife?" Jenna breathed out. "I didn't realize you'd ever been married, Jack."
"Yeah, well, I don't talk about it much. It was a very short marriage and it ended badly."
"But she came to visit you?"
"Yeah," Jack chuckled. "To be honest, not sure why. I thought she hated my guts."
"She obviously doesn't if she came to see you when she heard about Jamie."
"True. And I won't lie. Having her here has brought me a lot of comfort. She knew Jamie and it's nice to talk about her. Cliff is too angry and upset to do anything besides plot revenge."
"Revenge against who?"
"JR," Jack growled. "He blames JR for Jamie's death."
"Oh, I see… Do you?"
"What? Blame JR?" Jack asked, then shrugged. "Yeah. Some. Everyone, including Sue Ellen, warned him to stop yanking Angelica's chain. But.."
"But what?"
"But JR didn't plant the bomb that killed my sister. And I know deep down that he would never have kept up with Angelica if he really believed his family could get hurt. Plus, I feel…"
"What?" Jenna pressed him.
"I feel like Cliff is using Jamie's death as an excuse to do what he promised her he wouldn't do while she was alive."
"Go after JR?"
"Yeah. And I'm worried, Jenna. I'm worried that Miss Elie and Sue Ellen are going to get caught in the crossfire."
"What are you going to do?"
"I don't know," he confessed, "but I know I have to do something to stop Cliff before he goes too far. Too many people are going to end up as collateral damage. And I just can't be a part of that."
***
"Are you sure this is the best way to handle things? Yes. I understand. No. Don't worry Graison and Kenderson won't be a problem. Alright. Let me know when it's done and I'll go see Ewing. Alright. Talk soon."
Daughtry hung up the phone and absently rubbed his temples.
Bobby Ewing was to continue his life as Richard Rice. Dr. Ellis would stay on as his doctor and continue his research for the CIA. Ellis seemed to be relieved to be out from under Kenderson's control and Bobby would never have to know the truth.
Angelica was being disposed of. Whatever value her superiors thought she had paled in comparison to the worth of Bobby Ewing and Dr. Ellis. The Company had manufactured enough evidence to prove beyond any doubt that she was responsible for Sue Ellen Ewing's kidnapping as well as for the bomb that injured her and the one that killed Jamie Ewing.
Once Angelica was dead, it was up to Daughtry to go see JR Ewing and convince him to accept their story and walk away.
Daughtry prayed Ewing wouldn't put up a fight. If he did, The Company wouldn't hesitate to dispose of him too.
***
"How much longer are you staying in Dallas?" Sue Ellen asked.
"A few days at least," Lucy answered. "At least until you're able to come home from the hospital."
"I wish you could stay forever," John Ross pouted.
"I know. Me too. But I have to get back to Mitch. He needs me too."
"Mitch…" Sue Ellen repeated. She turned the pages back on the photo album Lucy had brought her until she found a picture of Lucy and her husband on their first wedding day. She took a deep breath and tried desperately to hold on to her composure. "He has a sister..," her eyes moved to a picture of Lucy with her bridesmaids. "Afton, right?"
"Yes," Lucy answered and cast a nervous look at JR.
"You remember her, honey?" JR asked softly.
"Vaguely," Sue Ellen answered in a small voice.
"Why do we need a new mattress?"
"The old one's been used too much."
"Sue Ellen?" JR's voice penetrated the fog around her mind and interrupted her memory. "I'm fine, jR," she told him in a shaky voice.
"Remember this?" John Ross asked, turning the page and pointing to a different picture. Sue Ellen looked at what he was pointing at and smiled. "Yes,* she smiled. "Your first pony."
"You and Daddy gave him to me on my birthday. We went riding together. Daddy wouldn't go though. You teased him about being scared of horses."
"I'm not scared of horses," JR protested, "I just don't particularly like being on one."
"Why?" Sue Ellen asked him.
"They stink," he shrugged. "They smell like a stable."
Everyone laughed and Sue Ellen gifted him with a beautiful smile. "I'd better get John Ross back to Southfork," Lucy said, standing up. "It's late and it's a long drive back."
John Ross hugged his mother and hopped off her bed. "I'll be back tomorrow, Mama, okay?"
"Okay, baby. I love you."
"Love you too," the little boy walked over and hugged JR. "Love you too, Daddy."
"Love you, back," JR patted his head. "See you tomorrow. You too, Lucy. Thanks for bringing him by."
"Anytime," Lucy waved at Sue Ellen and led John Ross from the room.
JR watched them leave then moved to sit beside Sue Ellen. "We need to talk about Afton?" he asked her.
"No," she sighed. "But if you ever bring another woman into our bed…"
"I won't," he cut her off with a kiss. "You're the only woman I'll ever take to bed with me for the rest of my life."
She nodded and leaned against him, continuing to look through the photo album. She settled on a picture of her and a young woman sitting by the pool. "Jamie… she...she was Cliff's wife. Donna said...oh, my God, JR! She's gone?"
"Yes. I'm sorry, Sue Ellen. You loved her very much."
"Yes...I can feel that. What happened to her?"
"Someone put a bomb in her car. The same person who had you kidnapped and hurt."
"But you're going to make them pay, aren't you, JR?"
"Yes, I am," he promised her softly. "I promise you I am."
***
"Marilee is in for sure," Cliff said. "Jordan hasn't given me an answer yet."
"He'll be with us," Pam told him. "There's too much money to be made for him to walk away."
"I hope you're right. We need him if this is going to work."
"He'll be with us," Pam said again. "Cliff, I've been thinking. I'm going to the hospital to see Sue Ellen in the morning."
"What? Why?"
"Because JR deserves to have more than his business destroyed. I want him to lose the one thing other than Ewing Oil that means anything to him."
"And what's that?"
"His family. I want him to suffer the pain of losing John Ross and Sue Ellen."
"How are you going to turn Sue Ellen against him?"
"With the truth," Pam said evenly. "I'm sure JR hadn't told her that he's responsible for what happened to her or for Jamie's death."
"You sure you want to do that?" Cliff pressed her. "You care a lot about Sue Ellen. This will really hurt her."
"Yes, but it will save her in the end. We both know JR will hurt her again anyway. Better to get it over with. Besides, if her being hurt makes JR suffer, then it's all worth it. I don't want him wounded, Cliff. I want him destroyed. And I'll do whatever I have to to see that he is."
***
April sipped her wine and stared out the window at the skyline.
Dallas really was a beautiful city. She could learn to love living here.
She glanced over at the folder on the table in the sitting room and frowned. Eventually she was going to have to tell Jack the real reason for her visit.
A judge had given her the right to half of Jack's income for the next five years. She'd already been planning to come to Dallas and break the news to him before she'd heard about Jamie. She hadn't felt right about hitting him with the bad news while he was still dealing with Jamie's death.
But she had to tell him. And soon.
And she knew he wasn't going to be happy about it. Not one little bit.
***
JR glanced over at his wife and smiled when he saw she was still flipping through the photo album. "Anything else coming back?"
"Yes," she sighed. "A lot. Too much."
"Want to talk about it?"
"Not really. I don't want to dwell on the bad things. I want to focus on the happy memories."
"We have had some very good times," he told her.
"Yes. There's a magic between us. I know it and so do you."
"That sounds like something I said to you once."
"I know. I remember. It made me feel…"
"What?"
"It made me want you," she blushed and dropped her eyes to the sheet on her bed.
JR chuckled and moved to sit beside her on the bed. "Is that so, Miss Texas?" His voice was low and teasing.
Sue Ellen's blush grew darker and she swallowed hard. "This picture," she pointed at a photo of John Ross and Christopher in what looked like a gym lifting tiny little weights.
"What about it?"
"It made me remember. You and me. In a gym or exercise room…"
"Oh yeah?" JR's voice dipped even lower. "Now I know for a fact that's a good memory. A damn good one."
Sue Ellen shivered involuntarily. "I remember what you did to me on that weight bench."
"I remember too, honey," he bent his head to nuzzle at her neck. "And I can't wait to do that to you again."
"JR…" She sucked in a shaky breath.
"Hmmm?"
"I love you."
"I love you too, Miss Texas. And I can hardly wait to get you home so I can show you exactly how much."
***
This fic is an alternate timeline where the dream season wasn't a dream. It picks up of after the last episode of season 9.
***
Life Is But a Dream
Part 17:
***
"Thanks for agreeing to have lunch with me."
Jenna looked up from her menu and smiled. "Of course, Jack. I was happy to hear from you."
"Really?" Jack said doubtfully.
"Of course," Jenna smiled. "I told you before that I value our friendship. How are you holding up?"
"I'm doing about as well as I can," Jack sighed. "I miss Jamie so much. I dread the funeral tomorrow."
"Is there anything I can do for you?"
"You're already doing it," Jack smiled at her. "I'm happy to be able to see you and talk to you."
"I'm happy to see you too," Jenna shifted nervously. "Is your friend April still in town?"
"Yes," Jack told her truthfully. "And you should know, Jenna - she's not really my friend. She's my ex-wife."
"Ex-wife?" Jenna breathed out. "I didn't realize you'd ever been married, Jack."
"Yeah, well, I don't talk about it much. It was a very short marriage and it ended badly."
"But she came to visit you?"
"Yeah," Jack chuckled. "To be honest, not sure why. I thought she hated my guts."
"She obviously doesn't if she came to see you when she heard about Jamie."
"True. And I won't lie. Having her here has brought me a lot of comfort. She knew Jamie and it's nice to talk about her. Cliff is too angry and upset to do anything besides plot revenge."
"Revenge against who?"
"JR," Jack growled. "He blames JR for Jamie's death."
"Oh, I see… Do you?"
"What? Blame JR?" Jack asked, then shrugged. "Yeah. Some. Everyone, including Sue Ellen, warned him to stop yanking Angelica's chain. But.."
"But what?"
"But JR didn't plant the bomb that killed my sister. And I know deep down that he would never have kept up with Angelica if he really believed his family could get hurt. Plus, I feel…"
"What?" Jenna pressed him.
"I feel like Cliff is using Jamie's death as an excuse to do what he promised her he wouldn't do while she was alive."
"Go after JR?"
"Yeah. And I'm worried, Jenna. I'm worried that Miss Elie and Sue Ellen are going to get caught in the crossfire."
"What are you going to do?"
"I don't know," he confessed, "but I know I have to do something to stop Cliff before he goes too far. Too many people are going to end up as collateral damage. And I just can't be a part of that."
***
"Are you sure this is the best way to handle things? Yes. I understand. No. Don't worry Graison and Kenderson won't be a problem. Alright. Let me know when it's done and I'll go see Ewing. Alright. Talk soon."
Daughtry hung up the phone and absently rubbed his temples.
Bobby Ewing was to continue his life as Richard Rice. Dr. Ellis would stay on as his doctor and continue his research for the CIA. Ellis seemed to be relieved to be out from under Kenderson's control and Bobby would never have to know the truth.
Angelica was being disposed of. Whatever value her superiors thought she had paled in comparison to the worth of Bobby Ewing and Dr. Ellis. The Company had manufactured enough evidence to prove beyond any doubt that she was responsible for Sue Ellen Ewing's kidnapping as well as for the bomb that injured her and the one that killed Jamie Ewing.
Once Angelica was dead, it was up to Daughtry to go see JR Ewing and convince him to accept their story and walk away.
Daughtry prayed Ewing wouldn't put up a fight. If he did, The Company wouldn't hesitate to dispose of him too.
***
"How much longer are you staying in Dallas?" Sue Ellen asked.
"A few days at least," Lucy answered. "At least until you're able to come home from the hospital."
"I wish you could stay forever," John Ross pouted.
"I know. Me too. But I have to get back to Mitch. He needs me too."
"Mitch…" Sue Ellen repeated. She turned the pages back on the photo album Lucy had brought her until she found a picture of Lucy and her husband on their first wedding day. She took a deep breath and tried desperately to hold on to her composure. "He has a sister..," her eyes moved to a picture of Lucy with her bridesmaids. "Afton, right?"
"Yes," Lucy answered and cast a nervous look at JR.
"You remember her, honey?" JR asked softly.
"Vaguely," Sue Ellen answered in a small voice.
"Why do we need a new mattress?"
"The old one's been used too much."
"Sue Ellen?" JR's voice penetrated the fog around her mind and interrupted her memory. "I'm fine, jR," she told him in a shaky voice.
"Remember this?" John Ross asked, turning the page and pointing to a different picture. Sue Ellen looked at what he was pointing at and smiled. "Yes,* she smiled. "Your first pony."
"You and Daddy gave him to me on my birthday. We went riding together. Daddy wouldn't go though. You teased him about being scared of horses."
"I'm not scared of horses," JR protested, "I just don't particularly like being on one."
"Why?" Sue Ellen asked him.
"They stink," he shrugged. "They smell like a stable."
Everyone laughed and Sue Ellen gifted him with a beautiful smile. "I'd better get John Ross back to Southfork," Lucy said, standing up. "It's late and it's a long drive back."
John Ross hugged his mother and hopped off her bed. "I'll be back tomorrow, Mama, okay?"
"Okay, baby. I love you."
"Love you too," the little boy walked over and hugged JR. "Love you too, Daddy."
"Love you, back," JR patted his head. "See you tomorrow. You too, Lucy. Thanks for bringing him by."
"Anytime," Lucy waved at Sue Ellen and led John Ross from the room.
JR watched them leave then moved to sit beside Sue Ellen. "We need to talk about Afton?" he asked her.
"No," she sighed. "But if you ever bring another woman into our bed…"
"I won't," he cut her off with a kiss. "You're the only woman I'll ever take to bed with me for the rest of my life."
She nodded and leaned against him, continuing to look through the photo album. She settled on a picture of her and a young woman sitting by the pool. "Jamie… she...she was Cliff's wife. Donna said...oh, my God, JR! She's gone?"
"Yes. I'm sorry, Sue Ellen. You loved her very much."
"Yes...I can feel that. What happened to her?"
"Someone put a bomb in her car. The same person who had you kidnapped and hurt."
"But you're going to make them pay, aren't you, JR?"
"Yes, I am," he promised her softly. "I promise you I am."
***
"Marilee is in for sure," Cliff said. "Jordan hasn't given me an answer yet."
"He'll be with us," Pam told him. "There's too much money to be made for him to walk away."
"I hope you're right. We need him if this is going to work."
"He'll be with us," Pam said again. "Cliff, I've been thinking. I'm going to the hospital to see Sue Ellen in the morning."
"What? Why?"
"Because JR deserves to have more than his business destroyed. I want him to lose the one thing other than Ewing Oil that means anything to him."
"And what's that?"
"His family. I want him to suffer the pain of losing John Ross and Sue Ellen."
"How are you going to turn Sue Ellen against him?"
"With the truth," Pam said evenly. "I'm sure JR hadn't told her that he's responsible for what happened to her or for Jamie's death."
"You sure you want to do that?" Cliff pressed her. "You care a lot about Sue Ellen. This will really hurt her."
"Yes, but it will save her in the end. We both know JR will hurt her again anyway. Better to get it over with. Besides, if her being hurt makes JR suffer, then it's all worth it. I don't want him wounded, Cliff. I want him destroyed. And I'll do whatever I have to to see that he is."
***
April sipped her wine and stared out the window at the skyline.
Dallas really was a beautiful city. She could learn to love living here.
She glanced over at the folder on the table in the sitting room and frowned. Eventually she was going to have to tell Jack the real reason for her visit.
A judge had given her the right to half of Jack's income for the next five years. She'd already been planning to come to Dallas and break the news to him before she'd heard about Jamie. She hadn't felt right about hitting him with the bad news while he was still dealing with Jamie's death.
But she had to tell him. And soon.
And she knew he wasn't going to be happy about it. Not one little bit.
***
JR glanced over at his wife and smiled when he saw she was still flipping through the photo album. "Anything else coming back?"
"Yes," she sighed. "A lot. Too much."
"Want to talk about it?"
"Not really. I don't want to dwell on the bad things. I want to focus on the happy memories."
"We have had some very good times," he told her.
"Yes. There's a magic between us. I know it and so do you."
"That sounds like something I said to you once."
"I know. I remember. It made me feel…"
"What?"
"It made me want you," she blushed and dropped her eyes to the sheet on her bed.
JR chuckled and moved to sit beside her on the bed. "Is that so, Miss Texas?" His voice was low and teasing.
Sue Ellen's blush grew darker and she swallowed hard. "This picture," she pointed at a photo of John Ross and Christopher in what looked like a gym lifting tiny little weights.
"What about it?"
"It made me remember. You and me. In a gym or exercise room…"
"Oh yeah?" JR's voice dipped even lower. "Now I know for a fact that's a good memory. A damn good one."
Sue Ellen shivered involuntarily. "I remember what you did to me on that weight bench."
"I remember too, honey," he bent his head to nuzzle at her neck. "And I can't wait to do that to you again."
"JR…" She sucked in a shaky breath.
"Hmmm?"
"I love you."
"I love you too, Miss Texas. And I can hardly wait to get you home so I can show you exactly how much."
***
CeeCee72
Telly Talk Star
I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.
This fic is an alternate timeline where the dream season wasn't a dream. It picks up of after the last episode of season 9.
***
Life Is But a Dream
Part 18:
***
Mark laid awake in the dark, tortured by his guilt.
He had never meant for ANY of this to happen.
He'd been in a research facility, getting Dr. Ellis's blood replacement therapy when Kenderson had called him about Bobby Ewing.
Bobby had been in an accident. He was very badly injured and was going to die. The hospital didn't have the technology to save him...but Graison Research did.
Mark had approved Jerry's plan to pay off the hospital staff to fake Bobby's death. He'd been given a high dosage sedative which depressed his heart rate and respiratory function to the point that they were barely detectable. The machines in his room were rigged to flatline. His family watched him "die." Then when the Ewings left the hospital, Bobby was whisked away to one of their research facilities.
Mark had always intended to reunite Bobby with his family. But it had taken months to heal his physical injuries. Then Jerry had informed him that all of Bobby's memories had been destroyed and he would never remember Pam, Christopher, or anything else at all about his previous life.
Once Mark's own disease had been eradicated, he'd sought Pam out. He'd wanted to tell her the truth, but once he'd seen her, he just couldn't bring himself to do it.
And now…
Now the CIA had given him a complete and total out. Pam would never find out.
But she blamed JR. It wasn't his fault but she blamed him. And her hatred and need for revenge was threatening them all.
***
JR squinted against the sudden glow of the light and set up straight on his cot. "Who's there?" He demanded.
"My name is Leo Daughtry," a deep voice said. "I'm with the CIA. Come with me."
"Where?"
"Someplace private. We need to talk."
***
Donna sighed and pulled her robe tightly around her body. Ray had finally agreed to come home to rest, but he couldn't seem to sleep. "Ray, you're not going to fall asleep sitting here in the kitchen drinking coffee."
"It's not coffee," Ray held the cup out for her inspection. "It's whiskey."
Donna shook her head and moved to take a seat beside him at the table. "Want to talk about it?"
"What?"
"Whatever it is that's keeping you awake."
Ray shrugged and took another gulp from the cup. "She's going to remember everything," he finally said.
"Yes," Donna agreed. "So what? Isn't that a good thing?"
"Mostly I guess," Ray muttered. "But…"
"But what?"
"Donna, you saw how she reacted when she remembered about her and Cliff. How do you think she'll react when she remembers…" he couldn't bring himself to say it.
"Are you afraid she'll tell JR?"
"A little," Ray confessed. "Mostly I just don't want to be the cause of any pain for her. She's been through enough."
"She'll be alright, Ray."
"I hope so, Donna. Because that woman has been to hell and back and God knows she deserves some peace."
"Come to bed," she reached out and stroked his cheek. "You need to rest."
"I need to hold you," he corrected her.
"Then come to bed," she smiled at him. "Hold me close and feel my love."
Ray sat down his cup, stood up, took her hand, and led her to the bedroom. He needed to love her and to be loved.
***
"Satisfied?"
JR flipped back through the file that Daughtry had given him and growled. "How can I be sure you're telling me the truth? It all seems a bit too neat and tidy."
"I can take you to see her body if you'd like," Daughtry shrugged. "But you'd have to leave your wife."
JR focused on the picture of Angelica dead and in a morgue. "No. I believe she's dead. I just don't understand why she took Sue Ellen and why she was in a medical facility."
"Angelica knew she couldn't travel with your wife. She also knew Mrs. Ewing needed medical attention. It would have been hard to bargain with a dead body."
"And this facility, you said it was funded by terrorists?"
"Yes. To develop bioweapons and also to treat their wounded operatives and soldiers."
"I've never heard of such a thing," JR sighed.
"These facilities aren't as uncommon as you'd think. You haven't ever heard of them because the CIA is very good at what it does. Mr. Ewing, the bottom line is that Angelica Nero is dead. There's no longer any threat to you or your family. The Company had a vested interest in keeping the details of this case secret. Do you understand what I'm telling you?"
"Yes," JR said evenly. "You want me to stop digging."
"Exactly, Mr. Ewing. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you how difficult we can make your life if you refuse to cooperate."
"No, I don't," JR said, standing up. "I'm keeping this file."
"Of course," Daughtry nodded. "Just remember, Mr. Ewing, I gave you this information as a courtesy. If you make any trouble, the consequences for you will be swift and serious. Do we understand each other?"
"I understand you," JR growled. "Now you be sure you understand me. I'll keep your dirty little secrets and I'll stay out of your way. But if I find out you're lying or if my wife is in any danger, I'll be the biggest problem you ever had. We clear?"
"Crystal clear, Mr. Ewing."
"Good."
Daughtry sighed as JR stalked away from him and headed down the hallway towards his wife's room.
He headed in the opposite direction, found a pay phone and made a call. "It's done."
"Is he going to back off?"
"Time will tell."
"He'd better," the voice replied. "Because if he doesn't, you know what you have to do."
"Yes," Daughtry agreed. "Let's just hope he doesn't force me to do it."
***
"Sue Ellen, when you agreed to take me back, I promised myself I'd never lie to you again. But that means I need your trust when I make certain decisions."
"I love you. I don't want to risk losing you now."
"I'd never let it come to that. Will you go along with me?"
"You have to promise me the minute you sense any danger you'll go to the police."
"You have my word."
"Tell me I won't regret this."
"You won't."
Sue Ellen's eyes snapped open and her dream faded away.
Angelica Nero.
JR had promised her...but…
Angelica was responsible for it all - her kidnapping, Jamie's death…
Sue Ellen sat up and looked over at JR's cot. He was sound asleep. He'd promised her no one would get hurt. But he'd been wrong. So wrong.
"Oh, JR," she whispered in the darkness. "What did you do to us?"
***
This fic is an alternate timeline where the dream season wasn't a dream. It picks up of after the last episode of season 9.
***
Life Is But a Dream
Part 18:
***
Mark laid awake in the dark, tortured by his guilt.
He had never meant for ANY of this to happen.
He'd been in a research facility, getting Dr. Ellis's blood replacement therapy when Kenderson had called him about Bobby Ewing.
Bobby had been in an accident. He was very badly injured and was going to die. The hospital didn't have the technology to save him...but Graison Research did.
Mark had approved Jerry's plan to pay off the hospital staff to fake Bobby's death. He'd been given a high dosage sedative which depressed his heart rate and respiratory function to the point that they were barely detectable. The machines in his room were rigged to flatline. His family watched him "die." Then when the Ewings left the hospital, Bobby was whisked away to one of their research facilities.
Mark had always intended to reunite Bobby with his family. But it had taken months to heal his physical injuries. Then Jerry had informed him that all of Bobby's memories had been destroyed and he would never remember Pam, Christopher, or anything else at all about his previous life.
Once Mark's own disease had been eradicated, he'd sought Pam out. He'd wanted to tell her the truth, but once he'd seen her, he just couldn't bring himself to do it.
And now…
Now the CIA had given him a complete and total out. Pam would never find out.
But she blamed JR. It wasn't his fault but she blamed him. And her hatred and need for revenge was threatening them all.
***
JR squinted against the sudden glow of the light and set up straight on his cot. "Who's there?" He demanded.
"My name is Leo Daughtry," a deep voice said. "I'm with the CIA. Come with me."
"Where?"
"Someplace private. We need to talk."
***
Donna sighed and pulled her robe tightly around her body. Ray had finally agreed to come home to rest, but he couldn't seem to sleep. "Ray, you're not going to fall asleep sitting here in the kitchen drinking coffee."
"It's not coffee," Ray held the cup out for her inspection. "It's whiskey."
Donna shook her head and moved to take a seat beside him at the table. "Want to talk about it?"
"What?"
"Whatever it is that's keeping you awake."
Ray shrugged and took another gulp from the cup. "She's going to remember everything," he finally said.
"Yes," Donna agreed. "So what? Isn't that a good thing?"
"Mostly I guess," Ray muttered. "But…"
"But what?"
"Donna, you saw how she reacted when she remembered about her and Cliff. How do you think she'll react when she remembers…" he couldn't bring himself to say it.
"Are you afraid she'll tell JR?"
"A little," Ray confessed. "Mostly I just don't want to be the cause of any pain for her. She's been through enough."
"She'll be alright, Ray."
"I hope so, Donna. Because that woman has been to hell and back and God knows she deserves some peace."
"Come to bed," she reached out and stroked his cheek. "You need to rest."
"I need to hold you," he corrected her.
"Then come to bed," she smiled at him. "Hold me close and feel my love."
Ray sat down his cup, stood up, took her hand, and led her to the bedroom. He needed to love her and to be loved.
***
"Satisfied?"
JR flipped back through the file that Daughtry had given him and growled. "How can I be sure you're telling me the truth? It all seems a bit too neat and tidy."
"I can take you to see her body if you'd like," Daughtry shrugged. "But you'd have to leave your wife."
JR focused on the picture of Angelica dead and in a morgue. "No. I believe she's dead. I just don't understand why she took Sue Ellen and why she was in a medical facility."
"Angelica knew she couldn't travel with your wife. She also knew Mrs. Ewing needed medical attention. It would have been hard to bargain with a dead body."
"And this facility, you said it was funded by terrorists?"
"Yes. To develop bioweapons and also to treat their wounded operatives and soldiers."
"I've never heard of such a thing," JR sighed.
"These facilities aren't as uncommon as you'd think. You haven't ever heard of them because the CIA is very good at what it does. Mr. Ewing, the bottom line is that Angelica Nero is dead. There's no longer any threat to you or your family. The Company had a vested interest in keeping the details of this case secret. Do you understand what I'm telling you?"
"Yes," JR said evenly. "You want me to stop digging."
"Exactly, Mr. Ewing. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you how difficult we can make your life if you refuse to cooperate."
"No, I don't," JR said, standing up. "I'm keeping this file."
"Of course," Daughtry nodded. "Just remember, Mr. Ewing, I gave you this information as a courtesy. If you make any trouble, the consequences for you will be swift and serious. Do we understand each other?"
"I understand you," JR growled. "Now you be sure you understand me. I'll keep your dirty little secrets and I'll stay out of your way. But if I find out you're lying or if my wife is in any danger, I'll be the biggest problem you ever had. We clear?"
"Crystal clear, Mr. Ewing."
"Good."
Daughtry sighed as JR stalked away from him and headed down the hallway towards his wife's room.
He headed in the opposite direction, found a pay phone and made a call. "It's done."
"Is he going to back off?"
"Time will tell."
"He'd better," the voice replied. "Because if he doesn't, you know what you have to do."
"Yes," Daughtry agreed. "Let's just hope he doesn't force me to do it."
***
"Sue Ellen, when you agreed to take me back, I promised myself I'd never lie to you again. But that means I need your trust when I make certain decisions."
"I love you. I don't want to risk losing you now."
"I'd never let it come to that. Will you go along with me?"
"You have to promise me the minute you sense any danger you'll go to the police."
"You have my word."
"Tell me I won't regret this."
"You won't."
Sue Ellen's eyes snapped open and her dream faded away.
Angelica Nero.
JR had promised her...but…
Angelica was responsible for it all - her kidnapping, Jamie's death…
Sue Ellen sat up and looked over at JR's cot. He was sound asleep. He'd promised her no one would get hurt. But he'd been wrong. So wrong.
"Oh, JR," she whispered in the darkness. "What did you do to us?"
***
Honkytonkangel
Telly Talk Fan
I don't like this. Mark and Jerry should have to answer for what they've done. I can't remember but did Sue Ellen see them when they had her?, because what if she remembers?.
And Princess' vendetta is gonna hurt her even more (I hate her sooo much).
I just want Sue Ellen to have the love and peace she deserves.
And Princess' vendetta is gonna hurt her even more (I hate her sooo much).
I just want Sue Ellen to have the love and peace she deserves.
CeeCee72
Telly Talk Star
Mark and Jerry never went to the lab where Sue Ellen was being held, so she never saw them.
Honkytonkangel
Telly Talk Fan
Didn't think they did, but I wasn't sure (old brain lol).
I still want hell to rain down on their heads. It's sick to mess with people's minds like that.
CeeCee72
Telly Talk Star
I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.
This fic is an alternate timeline where the dream season wasn't a dream. It picks up of after the last episode of season 9.
***
Life Is But a Dream
Part 19:
***
JR flipped off the TV and glanced over at his wife. She was still asleep, but he knew the nurses would wake her up soon for breakfast. Angelica's death was all over the news. She was going to see it and he was going to have a hell of a lot of explaining to do.
Agent Daughtry had given him a stern warning about continuing to dig, but he couldn't stop. He'd promised Sue Ellen that he'd look into her memory about seeing Bobby.
Plus…
There was something about Daughtry's whole story that rang false. Angelica might be dead, but there were still so many unanswered questions. How did she even know which ambulance Sue Ellen was in? How did she move her so quickly? What exactly happened to Sue Ellen in that lab and why had it been done?
"I'm sorry, JR," a soft voice broke through his thoughts. "Is it too early for a visit?"
JR looked up and frowned when he saw his ex-sister-in law. "Pam... no. She'll be very happy to see you."
"I'm sorry to come so early, but the funeral is today…"
"It's fine," JR stopped her. He walked to Sue Ellen's bed and bent down to kiss her softly. "Wake up Miss Texas and see who came to see you."
Sue Ellen's eyes fluttered open and she smiled weakly. "JR…"
"Pam is here," he whispered, kissing her again.
Sue Ellen's smile grew wider and she let JR help her sit up. "Pam! I'm so happy to see you!"
"You remember me?"
"Yes. Miss Ellie brought me some pictures. When I saw yours I remembered we're friends and very close."
"Yes, we are," Pam smiled at her.
"Come on over here and sit beside her," JR told Pam. "I'll leave the two of you alone to talk."
He turned his attention back to his wife and bent to kiss her yet again. "I'm going to call Ray and then go to the cafeteria. Be back soon, I promise. You enjoy your visit."
"Thank you, JR," Sue Ellen squeezed his hand.
"Pam," JR nodded at her on his way out the door.
Pam nodded back then moved to take the seat beside Sue Ellen's bed. "How are you feeling?"
"Physically, I'm fine. I'm ready to get out of here and go home. Mentally and emotionally - that's another story."
"Still having trouble remembering?"
"Yes. Things are coming back faster now. But I mostly can't remember actual events, just bits and pieces - and how I felt. Thank God for JR. He's been so loving and patient with me."
Pam dropped her gaze to the floor, suddenly unable to meet Sue Ellen's eyes. "JR loves you, Sue Ellen. He always has."
"I know," Sue Ellen smiled. "I love him too. Very much."
"Sue Ellen...I came here to tell you some things; things you're not going to want to hear."
"What things?"
"About JR. He DOES love you. But that's never stopped him from hurting you whenever it suited him. And he hasn't changed."
"Of course he has!" Sue Ellen protested.
"Really?" Pam asked her doubtfully. "Then why is he still lying to you? Why hasn't he told you the truth about what happened to you?"
"What are you talking about, Pam?" Sue Ellen demanded.
"I'm talking about the truth, Sue Ellen. And it's time someone told it to you. JR is the one who's responsible for your kidnapping and for Jamie's death. And he needs to pay."
***
"I can be there in a couple of hours. No, that's fine. I'll swing by the ranch and pick him up. You want me to round up McSween? Alright. See you then."
Ray put down the phone and picked up his coffee cup.
"Was that JR?" Donna asked as she watched him come back to the kitchen table and take a seat.
"Yeah," Ray sighed. "I have to go to the hospital."
"Why? Angelica is dead. It's over."
"JR doesn't seem to think so."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm not sure, Donna. He said he couldn't talk about it over the phone. But I have the feeling JR isn't done digging around."
"But the news said the case was closed."
"Yeah. Like I said, I don't know exactly what's on JR's mind, but whatever it is, I'm with him. You know that, right?"
"Yes, Ray," Donna reached over to cover his hand with hers. "You're with him. And I'm with you."
Ray smiled at her and leaned over to kiss her cheek. "Thank you."
"You know, Jenna has been asking about going to see Sue Ellen. Maybe she and I will go visit her while you talk to jR."
"That's a good idea. Sue Ellen will be glad to see you both."
"Ray?"
"Yeah?"
"Don't let JR get you killed."
"I'll be careful, honey. I promise. But JR needs to know Sue Ellen is really safe. And if it was you, I'd be doing the exact same thing."
***
"Are you sure you don't want to go to the funeral? She was your cousin too."
"I didn't even know her, Grandma," Lucy shrugged. "I'll stay here with John Ross and Tony."
"Raoul and Teresa will be here with them."
"I know. Look, I hate funerals and like I said, I didn't even know her."
"Ellie," Clayton interrupted them, coming in and taking a seat at the breakfast table. "I'm riding to the hospital with Ray this morning."
"Why?"
"Don't know," he shrugged. "JR wants to see us."
"Can't it wait, Clayton?" Ellie sighed. "Jamie's funeral…"
"Oh, I'll be back in plenty of time for that," Clayton assured her.
Lucy listened quietly as Ellie and Clayton discussed their plans for the day, relieved that Miss Ellie was distracted. She didn't want to have to explain why she was so determined not to go to Jamie's funeral.
The truth was that she didn't want to see Cliff Barnes.
It would just be too awkward to look him in the eye knowing what she knew.
Lucy intended to get out of Dallas and back to Atlanta without ever laying eyes on that man.
***
Jack put down his coffee and went to answer the doorbell. He smiled when he opened the door and saw April on the other side.
"I brought breakfast," she grinned at him. "Your favorite. Bacon and egg biscuit with cheese."
"I would never turn away a beautiful woman carrying good food," he laughed, standing aside so she could get into the apartment. "Come on in."
April moved past him and took a seat on the couch. "How are you doing this morning?"
"Dreading the funeral," Jack sighed, sitting down next to her. "Dreading having to have a conversation with Cliff even worse."
"Have you made up your mind about helping him?"
"Yeah. I just can't do it. He's going to be furious."
"I'm sorry, Jack."
Jack sank back into the couch and studied her face carefully. "April... it's not that I don't appreciate you being here. I do. But why?"
"Why what?"
"Why are you here? You and I… well, you know how ugly things got between us when we split."
"Yes," April said softly. "Jack, the truth is I was on my way to see you already when I heard about Jamie."
"Why?"
April took a deep breath and turned her head away so he couldn't see her eyes. "It doesn't matter. Not right now. Let's just get you through the day and we'll talk about it later, alright?"
"But April…"
"Please, Jack," she pleaded.
"Alright," he finally agreed. "Come on. Hand over that biscuit. I'm starving!"
***
"Are you done?" Sue Ellen asked, her voice low and even, when Pam finally finished talking.
"Yes. I'm sorry, Sue Ellen. I know how hearing this hurt you, but I hope you understand why I had to tell you."
"Oh, yes, Pam. I understand just fine."
"I hope you know that you don't have to go back to Southfork with him when you're discharged. You and John Ross can come stay with me and Mark."
Sue Ellen closed her eyes and silently counted down from ten. She could feel her heart rate rising and feel a fresh and heavy pounding in her head. "When I'm discharged, I'm going back home with my husband."
"But Sue Ellen…"
"Stop it, Pam!" Sue Ellen cut her off. "I know how you hate him. I know you have good reasons - even if I can't remember exactly what they are. But coming here and telling me all this for no other reason than to hurt him? That's an awful thing to do!"
"Sue Ellen, I honestly just thought you should know…"
"I do know, Pam!"
"What?"
"I remember about Angelica. I remember asking him to be careful and to go to the police. I know he didn't and that's why I was hurt and Jamie was killed."
"Then why are you still with him?"
"Do you think he meant for any of this to happen? Do you think he's not suffering already? Do you think it doesn't hurt him in his soul to know I was hurt because of his scheming?"
"Sue Ellen…"
"I'm still with him because I know he would NEVER deliberately put me or anyone else in danger. He made a mistake. We're all suffering the consequences - including JR. He is my husband. I love him and he loves me. I forgive him and will never leave him again."
"You're not thinking clearly, Sue Ellen."
"Oh yes I am. And I want you to leave. Now."
"Please, if you'd just listen and be reasonable…"
"NOW, Pam. Get out!"
"Sue Ellen?"
Both women turned their heads at the sound of JR's voice to see him standing in the doorway.
"Everything's fine, JR," she reached her hand out to him. "Pam was just leaving."
JR walked past Pam, took Sue Ellen's hand in his, and sat down beside her on the bed.
"I'm sorry I upset you for nothing, Sue Ellen," Pam mumbled, standing up.
"It WAS for nothing," Sue Ellen shot back.
"I know," Pam nodded and hurried from the room.
"What the hell was that all about?" JR asked once they were alone again.
"It doesn't matter," Sue Ellen sighed. "JR, I want to go home."
"I know honey. But the doctors…"
"The doctors aren't doing anything but watching me. You can do that at Southfork."
"But honey…"
"Please, JR. I want to be in our own room, in our own bed. I want you to hold me while I sleep. I want you to make love to me. I need to be with you, JR. Desperately."
JR's eyes darkened with his own need in reaction to her words. "Okay, Miss Texas. I'll see what I can do."
"Then I'll be out of here in no time. You can do anything if you put your mind to it."
JR smiled and pulled her closer to him. "You've always had so much faith in me. I don't deserve it."
"You most certainly do."
"Sue Ellen, I need to tell you something. About what happened to you. Who took you from me and why…"
"I don't want to talk about Angelica."
"You...you know?"
"I remembered last night. A dream. And that's why Pam was here. To tell me."
"Honey, I hope you know I never would have done anything to hurt you…"
"Of course I know that, JR. And I told you I don't want to talk about it!"
"Alright," JR gave in. "What do you want to talk about then?"
"I don't want to talk at all. I just want to be with you and have you hold me."
JR tightened his arms around her and allowed himself to relax. "That would be my pleasure, Miss Texas."
***
This fic is an alternate timeline where the dream season wasn't a dream. It picks up of after the last episode of season 9.
***
Life Is But a Dream
Part 19:
***
JR flipped off the TV and glanced over at his wife. She was still asleep, but he knew the nurses would wake her up soon for breakfast. Angelica's death was all over the news. She was going to see it and he was going to have a hell of a lot of explaining to do.
Agent Daughtry had given him a stern warning about continuing to dig, but he couldn't stop. He'd promised Sue Ellen that he'd look into her memory about seeing Bobby.
Plus…
There was something about Daughtry's whole story that rang false. Angelica might be dead, but there were still so many unanswered questions. How did she even know which ambulance Sue Ellen was in? How did she move her so quickly? What exactly happened to Sue Ellen in that lab and why had it been done?
"I'm sorry, JR," a soft voice broke through his thoughts. "Is it too early for a visit?"
JR looked up and frowned when he saw his ex-sister-in law. "Pam... no. She'll be very happy to see you."
"I'm sorry to come so early, but the funeral is today…"
"It's fine," JR stopped her. He walked to Sue Ellen's bed and bent down to kiss her softly. "Wake up Miss Texas and see who came to see you."
Sue Ellen's eyes fluttered open and she smiled weakly. "JR…"
"Pam is here," he whispered, kissing her again.
Sue Ellen's smile grew wider and she let JR help her sit up. "Pam! I'm so happy to see you!"
"You remember me?"
"Yes. Miss Ellie brought me some pictures. When I saw yours I remembered we're friends and very close."
"Yes, we are," Pam smiled at her.
"Come on over here and sit beside her," JR told Pam. "I'll leave the two of you alone to talk."
He turned his attention back to his wife and bent to kiss her yet again. "I'm going to call Ray and then go to the cafeteria. Be back soon, I promise. You enjoy your visit."
"Thank you, JR," Sue Ellen squeezed his hand.
"Pam," JR nodded at her on his way out the door.
Pam nodded back then moved to take the seat beside Sue Ellen's bed. "How are you feeling?"
"Physically, I'm fine. I'm ready to get out of here and go home. Mentally and emotionally - that's another story."
"Still having trouble remembering?"
"Yes. Things are coming back faster now. But I mostly can't remember actual events, just bits and pieces - and how I felt. Thank God for JR. He's been so loving and patient with me."
Pam dropped her gaze to the floor, suddenly unable to meet Sue Ellen's eyes. "JR loves you, Sue Ellen. He always has."
"I know," Sue Ellen smiled. "I love him too. Very much."
"Sue Ellen...I came here to tell you some things; things you're not going to want to hear."
"What things?"
"About JR. He DOES love you. But that's never stopped him from hurting you whenever it suited him. And he hasn't changed."
"Of course he has!" Sue Ellen protested.
"Really?" Pam asked her doubtfully. "Then why is he still lying to you? Why hasn't he told you the truth about what happened to you?"
"What are you talking about, Pam?" Sue Ellen demanded.
"I'm talking about the truth, Sue Ellen. And it's time someone told it to you. JR is the one who's responsible for your kidnapping and for Jamie's death. And he needs to pay."
***
"I can be there in a couple of hours. No, that's fine. I'll swing by the ranch and pick him up. You want me to round up McSween? Alright. See you then."
Ray put down the phone and picked up his coffee cup.
"Was that JR?" Donna asked as she watched him come back to the kitchen table and take a seat.
"Yeah," Ray sighed. "I have to go to the hospital."
"Why? Angelica is dead. It's over."
"JR doesn't seem to think so."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm not sure, Donna. He said he couldn't talk about it over the phone. But I have the feeling JR isn't done digging around."
"But the news said the case was closed."
"Yeah. Like I said, I don't know exactly what's on JR's mind, but whatever it is, I'm with him. You know that, right?"
"Yes, Ray," Donna reached over to cover his hand with hers. "You're with him. And I'm with you."
Ray smiled at her and leaned over to kiss her cheek. "Thank you."
"You know, Jenna has been asking about going to see Sue Ellen. Maybe she and I will go visit her while you talk to jR."
"That's a good idea. Sue Ellen will be glad to see you both."
"Ray?"
"Yeah?"
"Don't let JR get you killed."
"I'll be careful, honey. I promise. But JR needs to know Sue Ellen is really safe. And if it was you, I'd be doing the exact same thing."
***
"Are you sure you don't want to go to the funeral? She was your cousin too."
"I didn't even know her, Grandma," Lucy shrugged. "I'll stay here with John Ross and Tony."
"Raoul and Teresa will be here with them."
"I know. Look, I hate funerals and like I said, I didn't even know her."
"Ellie," Clayton interrupted them, coming in and taking a seat at the breakfast table. "I'm riding to the hospital with Ray this morning."
"Why?"
"Don't know," he shrugged. "JR wants to see us."
"Can't it wait, Clayton?" Ellie sighed. "Jamie's funeral…"
"Oh, I'll be back in plenty of time for that," Clayton assured her.
Lucy listened quietly as Ellie and Clayton discussed their plans for the day, relieved that Miss Ellie was distracted. She didn't want to have to explain why she was so determined not to go to Jamie's funeral.
The truth was that she didn't want to see Cliff Barnes.
It would just be too awkward to look him in the eye knowing what she knew.
Lucy intended to get out of Dallas and back to Atlanta without ever laying eyes on that man.
***
Jack put down his coffee and went to answer the doorbell. He smiled when he opened the door and saw April on the other side.
"I brought breakfast," she grinned at him. "Your favorite. Bacon and egg biscuit with cheese."
"I would never turn away a beautiful woman carrying good food," he laughed, standing aside so she could get into the apartment. "Come on in."
April moved past him and took a seat on the couch. "How are you doing this morning?"
"Dreading the funeral," Jack sighed, sitting down next to her. "Dreading having to have a conversation with Cliff even worse."
"Have you made up your mind about helping him?"
"Yeah. I just can't do it. He's going to be furious."
"I'm sorry, Jack."
Jack sank back into the couch and studied her face carefully. "April... it's not that I don't appreciate you being here. I do. But why?"
"Why what?"
"Why are you here? You and I… well, you know how ugly things got between us when we split."
"Yes," April said softly. "Jack, the truth is I was on my way to see you already when I heard about Jamie."
"Why?"
April took a deep breath and turned her head away so he couldn't see her eyes. "It doesn't matter. Not right now. Let's just get you through the day and we'll talk about it later, alright?"
"But April…"
"Please, Jack," she pleaded.
"Alright," he finally agreed. "Come on. Hand over that biscuit. I'm starving!"
***
"Are you done?" Sue Ellen asked, her voice low and even, when Pam finally finished talking.
"Yes. I'm sorry, Sue Ellen. I know how hearing this hurt you, but I hope you understand why I had to tell you."
"Oh, yes, Pam. I understand just fine."
"I hope you know that you don't have to go back to Southfork with him when you're discharged. You and John Ross can come stay with me and Mark."
Sue Ellen closed her eyes and silently counted down from ten. She could feel her heart rate rising and feel a fresh and heavy pounding in her head. "When I'm discharged, I'm going back home with my husband."
"But Sue Ellen…"
"Stop it, Pam!" Sue Ellen cut her off. "I know how you hate him. I know you have good reasons - even if I can't remember exactly what they are. But coming here and telling me all this for no other reason than to hurt him? That's an awful thing to do!"
"Sue Ellen, I honestly just thought you should know…"
"I do know, Pam!"
"What?"
"I remember about Angelica. I remember asking him to be careful and to go to the police. I know he didn't and that's why I was hurt and Jamie was killed."
"Then why are you still with him?"
"Do you think he meant for any of this to happen? Do you think he's not suffering already? Do you think it doesn't hurt him in his soul to know I was hurt because of his scheming?"
"Sue Ellen…"
"I'm still with him because I know he would NEVER deliberately put me or anyone else in danger. He made a mistake. We're all suffering the consequences - including JR. He is my husband. I love him and he loves me. I forgive him and will never leave him again."
"You're not thinking clearly, Sue Ellen."
"Oh yes I am. And I want you to leave. Now."
"Please, if you'd just listen and be reasonable…"
"NOW, Pam. Get out!"
"Sue Ellen?"
Both women turned their heads at the sound of JR's voice to see him standing in the doorway.
"Everything's fine, JR," she reached her hand out to him. "Pam was just leaving."
JR walked past Pam, took Sue Ellen's hand in his, and sat down beside her on the bed.
"I'm sorry I upset you for nothing, Sue Ellen," Pam mumbled, standing up.
"It WAS for nothing," Sue Ellen shot back.
"I know," Pam nodded and hurried from the room.
"What the hell was that all about?" JR asked once they were alone again.
"It doesn't matter," Sue Ellen sighed. "JR, I want to go home."
"I know honey. But the doctors…"
"The doctors aren't doing anything but watching me. You can do that at Southfork."
"But honey…"
"Please, JR. I want to be in our own room, in our own bed. I want you to hold me while I sleep. I want you to make love to me. I need to be with you, JR. Desperately."
JR's eyes darkened with his own need in reaction to her words. "Okay, Miss Texas. I'll see what I can do."
"Then I'll be out of here in no time. You can do anything if you put your mind to it."
JR smiled and pulled her closer to him. "You've always had so much faith in me. I don't deserve it."
"You most certainly do."
"Sue Ellen, I need to tell you something. About what happened to you. Who took you from me and why…"
"I don't want to talk about Angelica."
"You...you know?"
"I remembered last night. A dream. And that's why Pam was here. To tell me."
"Honey, I hope you know I never would have done anything to hurt you…"
"Of course I know that, JR. And I told you I don't want to talk about it!"
"Alright," JR gave in. "What do you want to talk about then?"
"I don't want to talk at all. I just want to be with you and have you hold me."
JR tightened his arms around her and allowed himself to relax. "That would be my pleasure, Miss Texas."
***
Honkytonkangel
Telly Talk Fan
THAT'S MY GIRL....... IN YOUR FACE PRINCESS.
Now I more than ever I want her to find out what HER husband has done.
I knew JR would be suspicious about what really happened after Sue Ellen told him what she remembered, no matter what he was told.
I just hope that he won't be hurt trying to get to the truth so he doesn't break his promise to her.
One more thing.... can Ray and Sue Ellen's fling stay buried because Ray rocks in this fic and I love the relationship that's developing between them.
CeeCee72
Telly Talk Star
I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.
This fic is an alternate timeline where the dream season wasn't a dream. It picks up of after the last episode of season 9.
***
Life Is But a Dream
Part 20:
***
"I hate it you can't go to the funeral," Donna sighed. "I know you and Jamie were very close."
"It's for the best," Sue Ellen said quietly. "My presence might upset Cliff. And Pam."
"I still can't believe Pam came by here and said those things to you," Jenna grumbled.
"She's hurting," Sue Ellen shrugged. "She blames JR and she wants him to hurt too."
"It was an awful thing for her to do!" Jenna insisted. "Selfish and mean."
Donna and Sue Ellen exchanged knowing glances and Donna decided to change the subject. "How is Jack holding up?"
"As well as can be expected, I guess. He and I had lunch together. He's holding it together."
"Any chance you two might give things another go?" Donna asked.
"No,"Jenna laughed. "We're just friends. Good friends. But friendship is all there is between us. Besides, his ex-wife is in town. He didn't come right out and say so, but the way he was talking, I think he still has feelings for her."
"Ex-wife?" Donna repeated. "Jack was married?"
"Yes. And it seems as if he is taking comfort in her presence in his life right now."
"Does that bother you?" Donna prodded.
"No. It doesn't. Jack is a wonderful man, but I'm not ready to have a romantic relationship with him or anyone else. I need to stay on my own for a while."
"Well, you may be on your own, but you'll never be alone," Sue Ellen smiled at her. "Not so long as Donna and I are around."
"I know that," Jenna smiled back at her. "I'm so glad you're okay, Sue Ellen. And I'm truly happy that you and JR are together and strong."
"Thank you, Jenna. Now, tell me all about Charlie and this new private school!"
***
"I don't know, JR," McSween shook his head. "I don't like the idea of defying the CIA like that."
"I have to," JR insisted. "Their story doesn't add up. I have to know what really happened or I can never be sure that Sue Ellen is safe."
"But what can we do?" Clayton wondered. "We can't get our hands on those tapes and the CIA has erased the existence of those two women at the lab."
"And with Lowell dead, it's not like we can beat the truth out of him," Ray growled.
"True," JR conceded. "But Lowell hasn't been erased, has he? We know who his family are. We know where he worked. We might not be able to listen to those tapes, but Harry can get his phone records, both at the office and at home. His bank records too. I say we start with Lowell and try to connect the dots from there."
"And if the CIA finds out you're still poking around?" Clayton asked.
"They won't," JR replied in an even voice, "not so long as we're quiet and careful. That's why the three of you are here. I trust you. No one else gets brought into this. Not even Harv. Understand?"
"Yeah," Ray nodded. "I'm in, JR."
"Me too," Clayton pledged.
"Same here, I guess," McSween shook his head.
"Good," JR stood. "Some of you have a funeral to go to and I need to see a doctor about discharging my wife. We'll meet again at Southfork tonight after dinner to settle the details. The four of us are going to figure this all out. One way or another."
***
"Well, Pam, I don't know why you're so surprised. Sue Ellen has always been incredibly stupid when it comes to JR."
Pam looked up at Cliff with sad eyes. "Yes. You're right. I should have never gone to see her. I hurt for nothing."
"Maybe not for nothing," Cliff shrugged. "Maybe you planted a seed of doubt that will fester and grow until she snaps."
"I don't want her to snap, Cliff," Pam sighed.
"Why not? If it hurts JR, then a mental breakdown by Sue Ellen is a good thing. Oh," he said pulling on his jacket and straightening his tie, "that reminds me. The lawyer will be coming by the evening with a rough draft of motion to overturn the sale of Christopher's stock to JR. Don't forget to lay on the mental distress act thick."
"Tonight?" Pam gasped. "But, Cliff! We have Jamie's funeral…"
"The funeral will be over long before the meeting."
"Yes, but...Cliff it seems disrespectful…"
"Disrespectful?" Cliff repeated, exasperated, "To who? Jamie?"
"Doing business on the day of her funeral…"
"Isn't nearly as disrespectful to her as getting her blown to bits by a hair brained scheme! JR Ewing is going down, Pam. I'm going to see to it myself and I'm not going to waste one minute of time until it's done!"
Pam turned away from him and didn't answer. She wanted JR to suffer as badly as Cliff did, but she was starting to have serious doubts If she had what it took deep down to hurt everyone else around her to make it happen.
***
"I still believe that Mrs. Ewing could benefit from a few more nights of observation."
"She wants to go home," JR insisted to the doctor. "And if all you've doing is observing her, I don't see the point of making her stay. Besides, you said yourself familiarity would help her memory. Just seeing the family has already brought back so much. Being at home might hurry the whole process along."
"That's true," the doctor sighed. "Alright, Mr. Ewing. But she needs to go see her OBGYN as soon as possible. We still don't know if all the medication harmed the baby and the pregnancy will need to be closely monitored."
"Alright," JR agreed.
"And I'm giving you the name of a therapist that specializes in helping her patients recover from memory loss after brain injury or trauma."
"Why? Sue Ellen seems to be getting her memories back on her own."
"Yes, but we don't know if that will continue. And there's the issue of the false memory about seeing your brother."
"What about it?"
"Mr. Ewing, it would be very unusual for a patient to experience only one false memory. It's very possible - likely even - that more will come. She'll need help sorting through what's real and what's not."
"I don't think she had a false memory," JR told him.
"You said yourself that it wasn't possible for her to have seen your brother."
"Yes. But I believe she saw something. Maybe someone who looked like him. I don't know. She was drugged and confused. But she saw something."
"If that's the case, then this therapist can help her remember exactly what she saw."
"Alright," JR nodded his understanding.
"Good. I'll get started on her discharge paperwork."
"Thank you," JR watched the doctor turn and walk down the hallway then moved back into Sue Ellen's room.
"Well, Miss Texas," he sat down in the chair beside her bed, "you're out of here."
"They're letting me go home?" She asked hopefully.
"Yes, ma'am," he bent down and kissed her forehead.
"Oh, thank you, JR!" She smiled at him. "Why do you call me that?"
"Call you what?" He asked, momentarily confused.
"Miss Texas," she replied. "I know I… I like it when you call me that. I know it makes me feel… wanted. But I don't remember why you call me that."
"The Miss Texas pageant of 1967. I was a judge. You were a contestant. You were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. You won. We met for the first time that night. After the pageant, I went backstage and congratulated you. Then I asked you to have dinner with me. You tried to blow me off, but I wouldn't take no for an answer."
"I was a beauty queen?" She asked doubtfully.
"Yes, ma'am. And I courted you like crazy. I had to wait for you to finish your reign - a whole year - before you'd get serious about me. It was torture."
Sue Ellen closed her eyes and concentrated. Memories started flowing through her mind. JR asking her to dinner. The two of them dancing. Him softly whispering to her that he would wait until she was free from her responsibilities and not one minute longer.
Then, another memory. A newer memory. The two of them sitting on a couch watching a tape of the pageant and kissing. "JR…"
"I used to call you Miss Texas when I was mad or frustrated. Over the years it just turned into a habit."
"You call me that when you want me," she whispered shakily.
"Yes," he told her. "And since I want you all the time, I call you that very frequently."
Her eyes darkened and she felt a heaviness deep inside the center of her body. "I can't wait to get home."
JR chuckled and moved closer to her. "And I can't wait to get you home, Miss Texas."
***
"Bobby, it's me, Sue Ellen!"
Richard moaned in his sleep and rolled over. It was so hot. There was fire everywhere. She was coughing. There was shouting. A man screaming her name from somewhere behind him.
"Sue Ellen! My God! SUE ELLEN!"
Richard shot up off the bed, his eyes wide and wild.
He struggled to control his breathing. His doctor's had trained him long ago that disturbing dreams couldn't hurt him.
But… this seemed like so much more than a dream. It seemed so real...like a real memory.
"Could I know her?" He breathed out. "Could Sue Ellen be someone I once loved?"
***
*It was a lovely service," Ellie sighed. "But so sad. Poor Jamie. She was so young."
"Yes," Donna squeezed Ellie's hand. "Such a waste. Are you sure you don't want to go speak to Cliff and Jack before we leave."
"No," Ellie shook her head. "I know how angry they are at JR right now. I don't want to upset them."
"Alright," Donna nodded. "Let's get Clayton and Ray and get out of here."
"Miss Ellie?"
Ellie turned and saw Jack standing behind her. "Hello, Jack. I'm very truly sorry for your loss. Jamie was a wonderful girl."
"Yes. She was. Thank you, Miss Ellie. And thank you for coming."
"Of course," Ellie said softly. "We all loved Jamie very much."
"I know that Miss Ellie. She knew it too."
"We were just leaving," Ellie told him. "Please come by Southfork when you have some time. I hope you know you're always welcome there."
"Of course I do," Jack smiled at her. "And I may take you up on your offer."
"Good," Ellie gave him a quick hug before letting Donna lead her away.
"Who was that?" April asked, suddenly appearing beside Jack.
"That was Miss Ellie Ewing. My Aunt."
"JR's mother?"
"Yes," Jack sighed. "I'm going to have to go see her and warn her about Cliff."
"Have you told him you're not getting involved in his scheme yet?"
"No," Jack groaned. "And I dread it, April. I dread it down deep in my soul."
***
Cliff gulped down his fourth drink, then threw the empty glass across the room. It hit the wall and shattered into dozens of tiny pieces.
"Damn them," he snarled to himself. "Damn them all."
He needed Jack's ten percent in Ewing Oil to make his plan work. He needed Ray's too - and the only way he would ever get his hands in Ray's shares was if Jack helped him convince Ray to throw in with them.
But Jack was getting cold feet. After the funeral he'd casually informed Cliff that he didn't want to be any part of getting even with JR.
Then there was Pam. Her performance with the lawyer had been totally unconvincing. There was no way they could overturn the sale of Christopher's shares of Ewing Oil to JR if Pam didn't convince a judge she only sold because she was under such mental and emotional distress. Tonight she hadn't sold that story at all.
He also hadn't heard back from the cartel, and he knew Jordan Lee was the hold out.
They were all cowards. All so afraid of JR Ewing. It was disgusting.
But he would show them. Before he was done, it would be clear to them all that Cliff Barnes was a man who deserved to be feared. He was going to make JR look like a pitiful school yard bully in comparison.
They'd all fall in line soon enough.
And then he would see personally to the complete and total destruction of JR Ewing.
He could hardly wait.
***
"Alright, son," JR ruffled John Ross's hair affectionately. "That's enough for now. Your mama needs to rest."
"Okay, Daddy," John Ross jumped up off the bed. "I'll come back and say goodnight, Mama."
"See you then," Sue Ellen smiled at him.
JR waited until John Ross was out of the room then turned his attention back to his wife. "You comfortable? Need anything?"
"Just you," she told him.
JR growled under his breath and sat down beside her. "You have me, honey. Being home and in your own bed jog any memories?"
"A few," she blushed. "We've spent a lot of time together in this bed."
"Yes we have," he chuckled lowly. "A lot of quality time, if you know what I mean."
Sue Ellen's blushed darkened and she took a deep breath. "JR?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm trying not to focus on the bad memories."
JR took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He reached out to take her hand and brought it up to his mouth for a kiss. "It's true we've had some knock-down-drag-out fights in this room. But we've also had a lot of love and happiness here."
"Yes. I know, JR."
"You sound sad."
"I guess I am a little," she confessed. "I can't remember so much. But I know we wasted so many years."
"We did. But I promise we won't waste one more minute of the rest of our lives together."
"You have a meeting soon, don't you?"
"Yes. About figuring out what happened to you."
"Will it take long?"
"I don't think so. Why?"
"Because I want you to come back to me quickly."
"Is that so?" His voice took on a teasing tone.
"Yes. We have a lot of lost time to make up for. I can't wait to get started."
"Love you, Miss Texas. And I'm going to love you so good that you never doubt that ever again. Rest up, honey. You're not going to get a lot of sleep tonight."
***
This fic is an alternate timeline where the dream season wasn't a dream. It picks up of after the last episode of season 9.
***
Life Is But a Dream
Part 20:
***
"I hate it you can't go to the funeral," Donna sighed. "I know you and Jamie were very close."
"It's for the best," Sue Ellen said quietly. "My presence might upset Cliff. And Pam."
"I still can't believe Pam came by here and said those things to you," Jenna grumbled.
"She's hurting," Sue Ellen shrugged. "She blames JR and she wants him to hurt too."
"It was an awful thing for her to do!" Jenna insisted. "Selfish and mean."
Donna and Sue Ellen exchanged knowing glances and Donna decided to change the subject. "How is Jack holding up?"
"As well as can be expected, I guess. He and I had lunch together. He's holding it together."
"Any chance you two might give things another go?" Donna asked.
"No,"Jenna laughed. "We're just friends. Good friends. But friendship is all there is between us. Besides, his ex-wife is in town. He didn't come right out and say so, but the way he was talking, I think he still has feelings for her."
"Ex-wife?" Donna repeated. "Jack was married?"
"Yes. And it seems as if he is taking comfort in her presence in his life right now."
"Does that bother you?" Donna prodded.
"No. It doesn't. Jack is a wonderful man, but I'm not ready to have a romantic relationship with him or anyone else. I need to stay on my own for a while."
"Well, you may be on your own, but you'll never be alone," Sue Ellen smiled at her. "Not so long as Donna and I are around."
"I know that," Jenna smiled back at her. "I'm so glad you're okay, Sue Ellen. And I'm truly happy that you and JR are together and strong."
"Thank you, Jenna. Now, tell me all about Charlie and this new private school!"
***
"I don't know, JR," McSween shook his head. "I don't like the idea of defying the CIA like that."
"I have to," JR insisted. "Their story doesn't add up. I have to know what really happened or I can never be sure that Sue Ellen is safe."
"But what can we do?" Clayton wondered. "We can't get our hands on those tapes and the CIA has erased the existence of those two women at the lab."
"And with Lowell dead, it's not like we can beat the truth out of him," Ray growled.
"True," JR conceded. "But Lowell hasn't been erased, has he? We know who his family are. We know where he worked. We might not be able to listen to those tapes, but Harry can get his phone records, both at the office and at home. His bank records too. I say we start with Lowell and try to connect the dots from there."
"And if the CIA finds out you're still poking around?" Clayton asked.
"They won't," JR replied in an even voice, "not so long as we're quiet and careful. That's why the three of you are here. I trust you. No one else gets brought into this. Not even Harv. Understand?"
"Yeah," Ray nodded. "I'm in, JR."
"Me too," Clayton pledged.
"Same here, I guess," McSween shook his head.
"Good," JR stood. "Some of you have a funeral to go to and I need to see a doctor about discharging my wife. We'll meet again at Southfork tonight after dinner to settle the details. The four of us are going to figure this all out. One way or another."
***
"Well, Pam, I don't know why you're so surprised. Sue Ellen has always been incredibly stupid when it comes to JR."
Pam looked up at Cliff with sad eyes. "Yes. You're right. I should have never gone to see her. I hurt for nothing."
"Maybe not for nothing," Cliff shrugged. "Maybe you planted a seed of doubt that will fester and grow until she snaps."
"I don't want her to snap, Cliff," Pam sighed.
"Why not? If it hurts JR, then a mental breakdown by Sue Ellen is a good thing. Oh," he said pulling on his jacket and straightening his tie, "that reminds me. The lawyer will be coming by the evening with a rough draft of motion to overturn the sale of Christopher's stock to JR. Don't forget to lay on the mental distress act thick."
"Tonight?" Pam gasped. "But, Cliff! We have Jamie's funeral…"
"The funeral will be over long before the meeting."
"Yes, but...Cliff it seems disrespectful…"
"Disrespectful?" Cliff repeated, exasperated, "To who? Jamie?"
"Doing business on the day of her funeral…"
"Isn't nearly as disrespectful to her as getting her blown to bits by a hair brained scheme! JR Ewing is going down, Pam. I'm going to see to it myself and I'm not going to waste one minute of time until it's done!"
Pam turned away from him and didn't answer. She wanted JR to suffer as badly as Cliff did, but she was starting to have serious doubts If she had what it took deep down to hurt everyone else around her to make it happen.
***
"I still believe that Mrs. Ewing could benefit from a few more nights of observation."
"She wants to go home," JR insisted to the doctor. "And if all you've doing is observing her, I don't see the point of making her stay. Besides, you said yourself familiarity would help her memory. Just seeing the family has already brought back so much. Being at home might hurry the whole process along."
"That's true," the doctor sighed. "Alright, Mr. Ewing. But she needs to go see her OBGYN as soon as possible. We still don't know if all the medication harmed the baby and the pregnancy will need to be closely monitored."
"Alright," JR agreed.
"And I'm giving you the name of a therapist that specializes in helping her patients recover from memory loss after brain injury or trauma."
"Why? Sue Ellen seems to be getting her memories back on her own."
"Yes, but we don't know if that will continue. And there's the issue of the false memory about seeing your brother."
"What about it?"
"Mr. Ewing, it would be very unusual for a patient to experience only one false memory. It's very possible - likely even - that more will come. She'll need help sorting through what's real and what's not."
"I don't think she had a false memory," JR told him.
"You said yourself that it wasn't possible for her to have seen your brother."
"Yes. But I believe she saw something. Maybe someone who looked like him. I don't know. She was drugged and confused. But she saw something."
"If that's the case, then this therapist can help her remember exactly what she saw."
"Alright," JR nodded his understanding.
"Good. I'll get started on her discharge paperwork."
"Thank you," JR watched the doctor turn and walk down the hallway then moved back into Sue Ellen's room.
"Well, Miss Texas," he sat down in the chair beside her bed, "you're out of here."
"They're letting me go home?" She asked hopefully.
"Yes, ma'am," he bent down and kissed her forehead.
"Oh, thank you, JR!" She smiled at him. "Why do you call me that?"
"Call you what?" He asked, momentarily confused.
"Miss Texas," she replied. "I know I… I like it when you call me that. I know it makes me feel… wanted. But I don't remember why you call me that."
"The Miss Texas pageant of 1967. I was a judge. You were a contestant. You were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. You won. We met for the first time that night. After the pageant, I went backstage and congratulated you. Then I asked you to have dinner with me. You tried to blow me off, but I wouldn't take no for an answer."
"I was a beauty queen?" She asked doubtfully.
"Yes, ma'am. And I courted you like crazy. I had to wait for you to finish your reign - a whole year - before you'd get serious about me. It was torture."
Sue Ellen closed her eyes and concentrated. Memories started flowing through her mind. JR asking her to dinner. The two of them dancing. Him softly whispering to her that he would wait until she was free from her responsibilities and not one minute longer.
Then, another memory. A newer memory. The two of them sitting on a couch watching a tape of the pageant and kissing. "JR…"
"I used to call you Miss Texas when I was mad or frustrated. Over the years it just turned into a habit."
"You call me that when you want me," she whispered shakily.
"Yes," he told her. "And since I want you all the time, I call you that very frequently."
Her eyes darkened and she felt a heaviness deep inside the center of her body. "I can't wait to get home."
JR chuckled and moved closer to her. "And I can't wait to get you home, Miss Texas."
***
"Bobby, it's me, Sue Ellen!"
Richard moaned in his sleep and rolled over. It was so hot. There was fire everywhere. She was coughing. There was shouting. A man screaming her name from somewhere behind him.
"Sue Ellen! My God! SUE ELLEN!"
Richard shot up off the bed, his eyes wide and wild.
He struggled to control his breathing. His doctor's had trained him long ago that disturbing dreams couldn't hurt him.
But… this seemed like so much more than a dream. It seemed so real...like a real memory.
"Could I know her?" He breathed out. "Could Sue Ellen be someone I once loved?"
***
*It was a lovely service," Ellie sighed. "But so sad. Poor Jamie. She was so young."
"Yes," Donna squeezed Ellie's hand. "Such a waste. Are you sure you don't want to go speak to Cliff and Jack before we leave."
"No," Ellie shook her head. "I know how angry they are at JR right now. I don't want to upset them."
"Alright," Donna nodded. "Let's get Clayton and Ray and get out of here."
"Miss Ellie?"
Ellie turned and saw Jack standing behind her. "Hello, Jack. I'm very truly sorry for your loss. Jamie was a wonderful girl."
"Yes. She was. Thank you, Miss Ellie. And thank you for coming."
"Of course," Ellie said softly. "We all loved Jamie very much."
"I know that Miss Ellie. She knew it too."
"We were just leaving," Ellie told him. "Please come by Southfork when you have some time. I hope you know you're always welcome there."
"Of course I do," Jack smiled at her. "And I may take you up on your offer."
"Good," Ellie gave him a quick hug before letting Donna lead her away.
"Who was that?" April asked, suddenly appearing beside Jack.
"That was Miss Ellie Ewing. My Aunt."
"JR's mother?"
"Yes," Jack sighed. "I'm going to have to go see her and warn her about Cliff."
"Have you told him you're not getting involved in his scheme yet?"
"No," Jack groaned. "And I dread it, April. I dread it down deep in my soul."
***
Cliff gulped down his fourth drink, then threw the empty glass across the room. It hit the wall and shattered into dozens of tiny pieces.
"Damn them," he snarled to himself. "Damn them all."
He needed Jack's ten percent in Ewing Oil to make his plan work. He needed Ray's too - and the only way he would ever get his hands in Ray's shares was if Jack helped him convince Ray to throw in with them.
But Jack was getting cold feet. After the funeral he'd casually informed Cliff that he didn't want to be any part of getting even with JR.
Then there was Pam. Her performance with the lawyer had been totally unconvincing. There was no way they could overturn the sale of Christopher's shares of Ewing Oil to JR if Pam didn't convince a judge she only sold because she was under such mental and emotional distress. Tonight she hadn't sold that story at all.
He also hadn't heard back from the cartel, and he knew Jordan Lee was the hold out.
They were all cowards. All so afraid of JR Ewing. It was disgusting.
But he would show them. Before he was done, it would be clear to them all that Cliff Barnes was a man who deserved to be feared. He was going to make JR look like a pitiful school yard bully in comparison.
They'd all fall in line soon enough.
And then he would see personally to the complete and total destruction of JR Ewing.
He could hardly wait.
***
"Alright, son," JR ruffled John Ross's hair affectionately. "That's enough for now. Your mama needs to rest."
"Okay, Daddy," John Ross jumped up off the bed. "I'll come back and say goodnight, Mama."
"See you then," Sue Ellen smiled at him.
JR waited until John Ross was out of the room then turned his attention back to his wife. "You comfortable? Need anything?"
"Just you," she told him.
JR growled under his breath and sat down beside her. "You have me, honey. Being home and in your own bed jog any memories?"
"A few," she blushed. "We've spent a lot of time together in this bed."
"Yes we have," he chuckled lowly. "A lot of quality time, if you know what I mean."
Sue Ellen's blushed darkened and she took a deep breath. "JR?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm trying not to focus on the bad memories."
JR took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He reached out to take her hand and brought it up to his mouth for a kiss. "It's true we've had some knock-down-drag-out fights in this room. But we've also had a lot of love and happiness here."
"Yes. I know, JR."
"You sound sad."
"I guess I am a little," she confessed. "I can't remember so much. But I know we wasted so many years."
"We did. But I promise we won't waste one more minute of the rest of our lives together."
"You have a meeting soon, don't you?"
"Yes. About figuring out what happened to you."
"Will it take long?"
"I don't think so. Why?"
"Because I want you to come back to me quickly."
"Is that so?" His voice took on a teasing tone.
"Yes. We have a lot of lost time to make up for. I can't wait to get started."
"Love you, Miss Texas. And I'm going to love you so good that you never doubt that ever again. Rest up, honey. You're not going to get a lot of sleep tonight."
***
Honkytonkangel
Telly Talk Fan
RUN CLIFF RUN! and take princess with you. Ugh he's delusional, PLEASE let JR crush him. And they BOTH better stay away from my girl.
I knew JR wouldn't be convinced to let things go, I hope he can figure it out AND keep everyone (but especially Sue Ellen) safe.
Happy he's got Ray and Clayton to back him up, and that Jack seems to be coming round too.
CeeCee72
Telly Talk Star
I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.
This fic is an alternate timeline where the dream season wasn't a dream. It picks up of after the last episode of season 9.
***
Life Is But a Dream
Part 21:
***
"We already had all Captain Lowell's phone logs from the station," Harry said, pushing a manilla folder across the table toward JR. "I'll have his phone records from his house by tomorrow afternoon."
"The only call of concern from the office was to the hotel where Angelica's man was staying, right?" Ray asked.
"Correct," Harry informed him. "Everything else looked normal. The only other calls that seemed to be connected to Sue Ellen were to Graison Research."
"He called over there a lot," JR said thoughtfully, studying the phone logs.
"Yes. But it probably was about the ambulance and the drivers," Harry said.
"Probably isn't good enough," JR growled. "I think tomorrow I'll go over there and have a casual conversation with Graison, just to be sure."
"That's a good idea," Clayton nodded. "Also, we might be making a mistake assuming that the man calling Angelica from that hotel was Angelica's man."
"What do you mean?" Ray asked.
"The CiA is obviously up to their necks in this mess. We don't know when they came into the case or when they started communicating with Angelica."
"You think the guy at the hotel might be CIA?" Ray breathed out.
"It's possible," Clayton shrugged.
"I have his picture from the hotel's security camera. That's it. We don't even have a real name."
"Give me the picture," Clayton told him. "I have a friend from the old days with some connections. I'll see if he can help me."
"He can't know why you want to know," JR warned him.
"I understand," Clayton nodded. "And he won't ask."
"Harry, can you get phone records from the jail?" Ray changed the subject.
"Shouldn't be a problem," Harry shrugged. "Prisoners have no expectation of privacy. Why?"
"It might be helpful to know who Lowell called once he got arrested," Ray said. "Also, we should check out the prisoner that killed Lowell in that fight. You already said you thought it was a set up. We find out who had Lowell killed, it might lead us to the truth."
"Another good idea," JR said. "But remember, keep it all quiet. We don't want it getting out we're still poking around."
"Understood, JR," Clayton assured him.
"Good. So we're all clear - Clayton will talk to his contact and try to identify the man from the hotel. Ray and Harry will work on the phone records from Lowell's house and the jail. I'll go see Graison about Lowell's repeated calls. Any questions?"
The other three men shook their heads and JR nodded solemnly. "Be careful. All of you. The CIA won't take kindly to us interfering. I can't have any leaks or suspicions. At least not until we gather enough evidence to back Mr. Leo Daughtry into a corner."
***
Lucy put the phone down and growled under her breath.
She was running out of excuses not to go home.
Sue Ellen was out of the hospital and Jamie was in the the ground. She'd managed to convince Mitch that she needed a couple more days to be with Miss Ellie, but he was adamant she get back to Atlanta as soon as possible.
She DID miss him. Very much. She loved her husband deeply. But…
She hated the constant drama. She hated having to live in the thick tension of a daily lie. She hated having to deal with Afton on a daily basis.
She was going to stay at Southfork with her family for as long as possible. The Ewings had their problems, but at least she didn't feel like she was walking through a field of landmines every single minute of her life.
"Lucy? Can we watch a movie?"
She looked up and saw John Ross standing in her doorway giving her a hopeful look. "We sure can," she smiled at him. "Did you tell your Mama goodnight?"
"Yeah. But she's pretty tired. Grandma said she should rest."
"Grandma's right," Lucy told him. "Come on. Let's get some soda and make some popcorn."
John Ross smiled at her and took her hand. Lucy walked down the stairs with him towards the kitchen and sighed inwardly.
She wished she could stay here with him forever.
***
"Are you alright?" Mark asked, his voice full of concern.
"Yes," Pam smiled at him. "The funeral was lovely, wasn't it?"
"Yes," Mark agreed. "It was a beautiful send off for Jamie. But something tells me it's not just the funeral that's bothering you."
"You're right," Pam confessed. "I feel just awful about upsetting Sue Ellen today."
"You knew when you went over there she was going to get hurt," Mark reminded her.
"Yes, and I admit I thought it had to be done. But now…"
"Now what?" He pressed her.
"Sue Ellen knows JR caused all this. She's forgiven him. And Jack told Cliff he wasn't interested in revenge against JR either."
"And?"
"And...oh, I don't know, Mark," Pam let out a frustrated groan, "Jack and Sue Ellen were the ones hurt the most. If they don't want to make JR pay, who am I to demand he does?"
"Who, indeed."
"Maybe I should just let this whole revenge scheme go."
"That's the first sense I've heard you talk since Jamie died."
"Cliff will be furious," she muttered.
"That's his problem. Not yours."
Pam nodded and gave him a sad smile. "I think I'll go out to Southfork tomorrow, apologize to Sue Ellen, and beg for her forgiveness."
"I think that's a wonderful idea."
"Thank you for putting up with me, Mark."
He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly, relief flooding through his whole body. If she was really ready to let go of her scheme to get even with JR, maybe everything could still work out well after all.
***
"I'm sorry to bother you at home, JR," Jordan apologized. "I know your wife just got out of the hospital. I hope you know I wouldn't be here if it wasn't important."
"Well, get to it," JR barked, fixing and handing Jordan a drink.
"It's about Ewing Oil."
"What about it?"
"JR, there's no easy way to tell you this, so I'm just going to come right out with it. Cliff Barnes is plotting with Pam to take over your company. They have most of the cartel on board already and Jack Ewing too."
JR snarled involuntarily and pointed to a chair. "Sit," he commanded softly. "And tell me everything you know."
***
"Tell me, JR. What slut will you be staying with tonight?"
"Whoever it is, she's got to be better than the slut I'm looking at."
Sue Ellen held back a sob and shook the memory away.
There were so many painful memories. So many arguments. So much hurt.
She thought she'd be strong enough to handle it all, but now she wasn't so sure. The memories were coming back quickly how - and most of them weren't good ones.
She wished JR would finish his meeting and come back to her. She needed to see him, to be with him, to assure herself of his love and faithfulness.
She didn't know how many more bad memories she could take. She felt as if she were going to have a nervous breakdown.
***
JR took a long pull on his drink and tried to calm himself.
Barnes was moving against him. That didn't worry JR. After all, Barnes was an idiot.
But Pam..Pam was smart as hell and had enough money at her disposal to give him a real fight.
He needed to work out a strategy to deal with them both. Jack was the key. Without him, their devious scheme could never work.
He glanced at his watch and grimaced. He didn't realize it had gotten so late. Sue Ellen and John Ross were probably both asleep.
He gulped down the last of his bourbon and admitted to himself that he actually HOPED Sue Ellen was asleep. As much as he loved her and wanted to be with her, it had been a long, exhausting day and he didn't feel like dealing with her emotions and memories tonight.
He loved her with all his heart.
But he needed a break. He needed to rest. And he needed just one night of peace and calm.
***.
"No one can ever know about this."
Jerry looked up from the file in front of him and narrowed his eyes on the doctor. "No one will. But you've been well compensated for your trouble so don't try to make demands."
The doctor nodded nervously as Jerry turned his attention back to Sue Ellen's hospital records.
"She's still pregnant," he snarled angrily. "Ellis told me he took care of that."
"No one took care of it," the doctor confirmed. "The pregnancy seems normal and the fetus looks healthy."
"Why did you discharge her? I told you to keep her there as long as possible."
"Mr. Ewing insisted and there wasn't any real medical reason for me to refuse."
"You gave him the name of the therapist?"
"Yes. He promised to make an appointment as soon as possible."
"The pregnancy complicates things," Jerry growled. "I may have to accelerate my plans."
"That has nothing to do with me," the doctor reminded him. "You paid me for her files and the referral to your therapist. I'm done."
"Oh, my dear doctor," Jerry flashed him an evil grin. "You're not done until I say you are."
***
JR smiled faintly when he saw Sue Ellen curled up into a ball, snuggled beneath the covers on their bed. Her breathing was deep and even. She was sound asleep.
He undressed, careful not to make a sound. He didn't want to wake her.
He moved silently to the bed and slipped under the covers. He wanted to reach for her, to hold her, but he didn't want to take the chance that he'd disturb her sleep.
He rolled over onto his side and closed his eyes tightly. He frowned when he heard her breathing change and felt the bed shift as she turned onto her back.
"JR?" She breathed out, her voice thick with sleep.
He rolled over to face her and gave her a small smile. "Sorry I woke you, honey."
"I needed you tonight, but you never came back," she softly accused.
"My meeting ran long, then Jordan Lee showed up…"
"Who is Jordan Lee?" She asked him. "Ewing Oil business?"
"Yes," he sighed. "I'm sorry, Sue Ellen. I've been out of the office for days and I couldn't put it off…"
"JR," she interrupted him, "do you love me?"
"You know I do," he growled at her.
"Show me," she commanded softly. "Hold me, JR. Show me you love me."
JR reached for her without another word. He pulled her close against him and bent his head to capture her lips is a slow, gentle kiss.
She kissed him back, gradually increasing the pressure until passion overcame his intention to be slow and gentle with her.
"I need you, JR," she whispered against his mouth. "I need to feel you inside of me."
He shifted their bodies, moving on top of her and resting his thighs between her legs. He looked down into her eyes and saw raw, desperate need. He kissed her again, a deep, searching, sensual kiss that went on and on. She moaned and lifted her hips against his in silent urging.
He dropped his head to kiss and nip at her neck, then moved lower to her breasts. She squirmed beneath him, her body pleading with him to give her what she craved. "JR, please," she moaned.
JR slipped his hand under her bottom and lifted her to meet him. He entered her with one smooth thrust. He held still for a few moments, reveling in the feel of being surrounded by her softness. "My God," he ground out, burying his head against her neck. "You're perfect."
"Tell me you love me," she demanded.
"I love you, Sue Ellen," he moaned, thrusting in and out of her slowly, "I love you!"
They made love to one another until they exploded together in a burst of pleasure. He rolled off her and pulled her close against his chest as they recovered from their intense orgasms. "I love you," he said again, kissing the top of her head gently.
"I love you too, JR," she whispered back in the darkness, relaxing completely in his arms and surrendering herself to sleep.
***
This fic is an alternate timeline where the dream season wasn't a dream. It picks up of after the last episode of season 9.
***
Life Is But a Dream
Part 21:
***
"We already had all Captain Lowell's phone logs from the station," Harry said, pushing a manilla folder across the table toward JR. "I'll have his phone records from his house by tomorrow afternoon."
"The only call of concern from the office was to the hotel where Angelica's man was staying, right?" Ray asked.
"Correct," Harry informed him. "Everything else looked normal. The only other calls that seemed to be connected to Sue Ellen were to Graison Research."
"He called over there a lot," JR said thoughtfully, studying the phone logs.
"Yes. But it probably was about the ambulance and the drivers," Harry said.
"Probably isn't good enough," JR growled. "I think tomorrow I'll go over there and have a casual conversation with Graison, just to be sure."
"That's a good idea," Clayton nodded. "Also, we might be making a mistake assuming that the man calling Angelica from that hotel was Angelica's man."
"What do you mean?" Ray asked.
"The CiA is obviously up to their necks in this mess. We don't know when they came into the case or when they started communicating with Angelica."
"You think the guy at the hotel might be CIA?" Ray breathed out.
"It's possible," Clayton shrugged.
"I have his picture from the hotel's security camera. That's it. We don't even have a real name."
"Give me the picture," Clayton told him. "I have a friend from the old days with some connections. I'll see if he can help me."
"He can't know why you want to know," JR warned him.
"I understand," Clayton nodded. "And he won't ask."
"Harry, can you get phone records from the jail?" Ray changed the subject.
"Shouldn't be a problem," Harry shrugged. "Prisoners have no expectation of privacy. Why?"
"It might be helpful to know who Lowell called once he got arrested," Ray said. "Also, we should check out the prisoner that killed Lowell in that fight. You already said you thought it was a set up. We find out who had Lowell killed, it might lead us to the truth."
"Another good idea," JR said. "But remember, keep it all quiet. We don't want it getting out we're still poking around."
"Understood, JR," Clayton assured him.
"Good. So we're all clear - Clayton will talk to his contact and try to identify the man from the hotel. Ray and Harry will work on the phone records from Lowell's house and the jail. I'll go see Graison about Lowell's repeated calls. Any questions?"
The other three men shook their heads and JR nodded solemnly. "Be careful. All of you. The CIA won't take kindly to us interfering. I can't have any leaks or suspicions. At least not until we gather enough evidence to back Mr. Leo Daughtry into a corner."
***
Lucy put the phone down and growled under her breath.
She was running out of excuses not to go home.
Sue Ellen was out of the hospital and Jamie was in the the ground. She'd managed to convince Mitch that she needed a couple more days to be with Miss Ellie, but he was adamant she get back to Atlanta as soon as possible.
She DID miss him. Very much. She loved her husband deeply. But…
She hated the constant drama. She hated having to live in the thick tension of a daily lie. She hated having to deal with Afton on a daily basis.
She was going to stay at Southfork with her family for as long as possible. The Ewings had their problems, but at least she didn't feel like she was walking through a field of landmines every single minute of her life.
"Lucy? Can we watch a movie?"
She looked up and saw John Ross standing in her doorway giving her a hopeful look. "We sure can," she smiled at him. "Did you tell your Mama goodnight?"
"Yeah. But she's pretty tired. Grandma said she should rest."
"Grandma's right," Lucy told him. "Come on. Let's get some soda and make some popcorn."
John Ross smiled at her and took her hand. Lucy walked down the stairs with him towards the kitchen and sighed inwardly.
She wished she could stay here with him forever.
***
"Are you alright?" Mark asked, his voice full of concern.
"Yes," Pam smiled at him. "The funeral was lovely, wasn't it?"
"Yes," Mark agreed. "It was a beautiful send off for Jamie. But something tells me it's not just the funeral that's bothering you."
"You're right," Pam confessed. "I feel just awful about upsetting Sue Ellen today."
"You knew when you went over there she was going to get hurt," Mark reminded her.
"Yes, and I admit I thought it had to be done. But now…"
"Now what?" He pressed her.
"Sue Ellen knows JR caused all this. She's forgiven him. And Jack told Cliff he wasn't interested in revenge against JR either."
"And?"
"And...oh, I don't know, Mark," Pam let out a frustrated groan, "Jack and Sue Ellen were the ones hurt the most. If they don't want to make JR pay, who am I to demand he does?"
"Who, indeed."
"Maybe I should just let this whole revenge scheme go."
"That's the first sense I've heard you talk since Jamie died."
"Cliff will be furious," she muttered.
"That's his problem. Not yours."
Pam nodded and gave him a sad smile. "I think I'll go out to Southfork tomorrow, apologize to Sue Ellen, and beg for her forgiveness."
"I think that's a wonderful idea."
"Thank you for putting up with me, Mark."
He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly, relief flooding through his whole body. If she was really ready to let go of her scheme to get even with JR, maybe everything could still work out well after all.
***
"I'm sorry to bother you at home, JR," Jordan apologized. "I know your wife just got out of the hospital. I hope you know I wouldn't be here if it wasn't important."
"Well, get to it," JR barked, fixing and handing Jordan a drink.
"It's about Ewing Oil."
"What about it?"
"JR, there's no easy way to tell you this, so I'm just going to come right out with it. Cliff Barnes is plotting with Pam to take over your company. They have most of the cartel on board already and Jack Ewing too."
JR snarled involuntarily and pointed to a chair. "Sit," he commanded softly. "And tell me everything you know."
***
"Tell me, JR. What slut will you be staying with tonight?"
"Whoever it is, she's got to be better than the slut I'm looking at."
Sue Ellen held back a sob and shook the memory away.
There were so many painful memories. So many arguments. So much hurt.
She thought she'd be strong enough to handle it all, but now she wasn't so sure. The memories were coming back quickly how - and most of them weren't good ones.
She wished JR would finish his meeting and come back to her. She needed to see him, to be with him, to assure herself of his love and faithfulness.
She didn't know how many more bad memories she could take. She felt as if she were going to have a nervous breakdown.
***
JR took a long pull on his drink and tried to calm himself.
Barnes was moving against him. That didn't worry JR. After all, Barnes was an idiot.
But Pam..Pam was smart as hell and had enough money at her disposal to give him a real fight.
He needed to work out a strategy to deal with them both. Jack was the key. Without him, their devious scheme could never work.
He glanced at his watch and grimaced. He didn't realize it had gotten so late. Sue Ellen and John Ross were probably both asleep.
He gulped down the last of his bourbon and admitted to himself that he actually HOPED Sue Ellen was asleep. As much as he loved her and wanted to be with her, it had been a long, exhausting day and he didn't feel like dealing with her emotions and memories tonight.
He loved her with all his heart.
But he needed a break. He needed to rest. And he needed just one night of peace and calm.
***.
"No one can ever know about this."
Jerry looked up from the file in front of him and narrowed his eyes on the doctor. "No one will. But you've been well compensated for your trouble so don't try to make demands."
The doctor nodded nervously as Jerry turned his attention back to Sue Ellen's hospital records.
"She's still pregnant," he snarled angrily. "Ellis told me he took care of that."
"No one took care of it," the doctor confirmed. "The pregnancy seems normal and the fetus looks healthy."
"Why did you discharge her? I told you to keep her there as long as possible."
"Mr. Ewing insisted and there wasn't any real medical reason for me to refuse."
"You gave him the name of the therapist?"
"Yes. He promised to make an appointment as soon as possible."
"The pregnancy complicates things," Jerry growled. "I may have to accelerate my plans."
"That has nothing to do with me," the doctor reminded him. "You paid me for her files and the referral to your therapist. I'm done."
"Oh, my dear doctor," Jerry flashed him an evil grin. "You're not done until I say you are."
***
JR smiled faintly when he saw Sue Ellen curled up into a ball, snuggled beneath the covers on their bed. Her breathing was deep and even. She was sound asleep.
He undressed, careful not to make a sound. He didn't want to wake her.
He moved silently to the bed and slipped under the covers. He wanted to reach for her, to hold her, but he didn't want to take the chance that he'd disturb her sleep.
He rolled over onto his side and closed his eyes tightly. He frowned when he heard her breathing change and felt the bed shift as she turned onto her back.
"JR?" She breathed out, her voice thick with sleep.
He rolled over to face her and gave her a small smile. "Sorry I woke you, honey."
"I needed you tonight, but you never came back," she softly accused.
"My meeting ran long, then Jordan Lee showed up…"
"Who is Jordan Lee?" She asked him. "Ewing Oil business?"
"Yes," he sighed. "I'm sorry, Sue Ellen. I've been out of the office for days and I couldn't put it off…"
"JR," she interrupted him, "do you love me?"
"You know I do," he growled at her.
"Show me," she commanded softly. "Hold me, JR. Show me you love me."
JR reached for her without another word. He pulled her close against him and bent his head to capture her lips is a slow, gentle kiss.
She kissed him back, gradually increasing the pressure until passion overcame his intention to be slow and gentle with her.
"I need you, JR," she whispered against his mouth. "I need to feel you inside of me."
He shifted their bodies, moving on top of her and resting his thighs between her legs. He looked down into her eyes and saw raw, desperate need. He kissed her again, a deep, searching, sensual kiss that went on and on. She moaned and lifted her hips against his in silent urging.
He dropped his head to kiss and nip at her neck, then moved lower to her breasts. She squirmed beneath him, her body pleading with him to give her what she craved. "JR, please," she moaned.
JR slipped his hand under her bottom and lifted her to meet him. He entered her with one smooth thrust. He held still for a few moments, reveling in the feel of being surrounded by her softness. "My God," he ground out, burying his head against her neck. "You're perfect."
"Tell me you love me," she demanded.
"I love you, Sue Ellen," he moaned, thrusting in and out of her slowly, "I love you!"
They made love to one another until they exploded together in a burst of pleasure. He rolled off her and pulled her close against his chest as they recovered from their intense orgasms. "I love you," he said again, kissing the top of her head gently.
"I love you too, JR," she whispered back in the darkness, relaxing completely in his arms and surrendering herself to sleep.
***
Honkytonkangel
Telly Talk Fan
SOMEONE.......ANYONE needs to sort Jerry out before he tries to do something else that gets my girl hurt.
And I don't believe princess is gonna let anything go, or that she's really sorry for hurting Sue Ellen.
I feel really bad for Lucy. I hope she stays with her family as long as she can.
And I don't believe princess is gonna let anything go, or that she's really sorry for hurting Sue Ellen.
I feel really bad for Lucy. I hope she stays with her family as long as she can.
Miss Texas 1967
Telly Talk Addict
CeeCee72
Telly Talk Star
Sorry! Been busy with work!
CeeCee72
Telly Talk Star
I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.
This fic is an alternate timeline where the dream season wasn't a dream. It picks up of after the last episode of season 9.
***
Life Is But a Dream
Part 22:
***
JR slipped on his jacket and studied his wife carefully. "Are you sure you'll be alright without me for a few hours?"
Sue Ellen gave him a small smile and nodded. "Yes. Miss Ellie and Lucy will both be here if I need anything."
JR moved to the bed and sat down beside her. "I'm sorry about last night, honey. I got caught up and lost track of time. I wasn't deliberately ignoring you."
"I know that JR. And I know all this is almost as hard on you as it is on me. But we have to stay honest with each other about how we're feeling. I have to process all those horrible memories. You have to deal with my reaction. It's not going to be easy, but we can get through it all together."
"Yes," he said softly, bending down to kiss her, "I know we can. And we will."
"I hope you know that no matter what I remember, it won't change how I feel about you now."
"How can you be so sure, Sue Ellen? I've hurt you so badly, so many times."
"Yes," she reached up and cupped his face in her hands. "But, oh, it's so hard to explain, JR. When I first woke up after the explosion, I had no memories at all. I didn't even know my own name. But I felt you. Somehow, I knew you were out there, that you loved me, and that you were coming for me. I felt your love. And I still feel it. All around me. Whatever happened between us in the past, I KNOW I love you and trust you NOW."
"I'll try to be better to you, honey. I swear it."
"JR, just love me. That's all I'll ever need from you."
"Well, that," JR kissed her again, "is the easiest thing I'll ever have to do."
***
"And Pam is on board?"
"I won't lie to you," Cliff said evenly, "she's wavering a bit. But I'll take care of that."
"How?"
"She's my sister," Cliff shrugged. "I know how to push her buttons. Trust me, by the end of the day, she'll be so furious at JR that she'll be ready to jump back in with both feet."
"And Jack Ewing?"
"Jack will do exactly what I tell him to do."
"You're sure?"
"Absolutely."
Jeremy Wendell sat back in his chair and studied Cliff's face. "Alright, Barnes. Show me Pam and Jack are with you and you have yourself a deal."
"Good," Cliff stood and offered his hand to the other man to shake. "JR doesn't stand a chance."
***
"Alright, Clayton. I'll show the picture around and see what I can find out."
"Thank you, Carl. And remember, be discreet. I don't want anyone to know I'm asking."
"Understood," the other man nodded. "And in return, if I find out who he is, no one ever knows how you got the information, right? My name can't ever come up."
"Absolutely," Clayton agreed.
"I spent a lot of time and money getting out of intelligence and starting a new life. I don't want that messed up."
"I know. And I wouldn't ask you if it wasn't important."
"Yeah. I know. Someone is messing with your family. Something has to be done."
"How did you know…"
"I was in the game for a long, long time," Carl reminded him. "What happened to your daughters-in-law was all over the news. The explosion, the kidnapping, the dramatic rescue from an off the grid medical lab? No way Angelica Nero pulled all that off alone. I smell a cover-up by The Company."
"Yes," Clayton nodded solemnly.
"Be careful, old friend. If the CIA had secrets to keep here, they'll do whatever they have to to keep them. Watch your tail. I'd hate to wake up one morning and read about your death in some mysterious car accident."
"Yes," Clayton sighed, "I'd hate that too."
***
"It was just a dream, Richard."
"I know that," he snapped. "But it seemed so real."
Dr. Ellis shook his head and moved closer to his patient. "That woman surprised you, appearing out of nowhere and insisting she knew you. Your brain turned that shock into a very vivid dream."
"What happened to her?" Richard asked.
"Her family came and got her and took over her medical care. She'll be fine."
"Good. For some reason, I want her to be okay."
"She will be," Ellis assured him. "Now, I need to draw some blood."
"Will I be able to leave soon and start living a real life?'
"Well, Richard," Ellis dropped his head so the other man couldn't see the sour look on his face. "One day at a time. Let's see what your bloodwork says."
***
"JR," Mark stood up to greet his visitor, "I'm surprised to see you here. I thought you'd be home taking care of Sue Ellen."
"I'm heading back soon," JR informed him. "Just taking care of a little business this morning."
"I see," Mark gestured at a chair across from his desk. "Have a seat. How is Sue Ellen doing?'
"Better than anyone has any right to expect," JR told him.
"Glad to hear that. Can I get you anything?"
"No thank you, Mark."
"Alright. Well. What can I do for you, JR?"
"I just have a few questions about the investigation into Sue Ellen's kidnapping and Graison Research's involvement."
"Alright."
"Captain Lowell was supervising the investigation. He called Graison Research repeatedly. Did you ever talk to him?"
"No," Mark answered honestly. "The only one from the police I ever spoke to was Harry McSween."
JR pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and pushed it across the desk toward the other man. "Lowell called the same number almost a dozen times. Can you tell me who that extension belongs to?"
Mark bit back a groan when he saw the number. "That extension belongs to Jerry Kenderson."
"Kenderson?" JR snarled. "Why would Lowell need to call him so much? He doesn't run the private ambulance company, does he?"
"Not exactly," Graison shrugged. "But he is my Chief Operating Officer, so in a way he is the final word on all of our companies. Maybe Lowell was calling to make sure Jerry had instructed everyone to cooperate fully."
"Seems like an awful lot of calls just to get cooperation."
"Maybe," Mark shrugged again. "But those calls could have very well been of a personal nature."
"Personal?"
"Look, I know you don't want to hear this, but Jerry cares a lot about Sue Ellen. Could be he asked Lowell to keep him updated."
JR's eyes darkened with anger and jealousy, "Kenderson is quite the lovesick fool, so that's possible I guess." JR stood up and nodded at Mark. "Thanks for your time."
"You're welcome, JR. Please give Sue Ellen my best."
"I'll do that," JR growled. "Just a friendly warning, she doesn't need Kenderson creeping around her. You keep Kenderson away from my wife."
"I'll do what I can, JR."
Mark watched as JR walked from his office and shut the door behind him. "Damn you, Jerry," he muttered to himself. "God damn you."
***
"Sue Ellen," Pam's voice was full of relief, "I wasn't sure you'd see me."
Sue Ellen let Ellie guide her from the foyer to the living room and help her get settled on the couch. "Of course I want to see you," Sue Ellen said softly. "You're my friend."
"Yes. But at the hospital.."
"Like I told you then, I know there's bad blood between you and JR. I just hope you understand now that I won't be turned against him. No matter what."
"Yes, I understand that Sue Ellen. And that's why I'm here. To apologize to you for hurting you. And tl promise you that I won't ever run JR down to you again. I hope you can forgive me."
Sue Ellen smiled brightly at her friend. "I already have forgiven you, Pam."
"I'm glad," Pam smiled back. "Really, glad."
***
"I don't care what you're doing, it's not more important than what I need you for."
Cliff frowned as he listened to the reply.
"No more excuses. Get your ass on a plane and get to Dallas. Be here tonight. We're having dinner with Pam and Mark. You're going to tell her everything."
Cliff listened for just a moment, then snapped. "Get here Cantrell. Now!"
He slammed down the phone and took a gulp of his whiskey.
Pam was wavering. She needed a fast...and brutal reminder of how disgusting of a man JR Ewing really was.
And Matt Cantrell was exactly the person to get the job done.
***
Sue Ellen held the glass of water up to her lips with shaky hands. She took several sips then handed it back to Pam.
"Better?" Pam asked her.
"A little," Sue Ellen said in a weak voice. "It was all just so… vivid."
"I'm so sorry, Sue Ellen. Of all the memories you have of us together, I don't know why that one had to be the one to come back."
"I'm the one who should be sorry, Pam. How awful I was to you!"
"You were very upset, Sue Ellen. You lashed out at me because…"
"Because JR had hurt me so badly and I took it out on you," Sue Ellen finished for her.
"Sue Ellen, back then… you and JR…"
"I know, Pam. I remember. Our marriage was so awful. I thought a baby would make things better between us. But since he refused to even touch me…"
"It was a long time ago," Pam told her. "JR loves you desperately now."
"I loved her desperately then too," a deep voice came from the foyer behind them. "Hello, Pam," he nodded at her, walking into the room and taking a seat across from where they sat on the living room couch. "Honey?" he asked Sue Ellen in a gentle voice.
Sue Ellen looked over at him, studying his face intently for a moment before dropping her gaze to the floor. "I tried to buy a baby. You stopped me."
"Yes," he confirmed softly.
"We were so unhappy."
"Yes," he said again. "I couldn't…" he glanced at Pam and hesitated.
"I should give you two some privacy," she started to stand, but Sue Ellen reached out and put a hand on her arm to stop her. "Please stay. I need my friend."
"Do you want me to leave you alone?" JR asked her.
"Yes," Sue Ellen told him, a single tear leaking out of her eye and onto her cheek . "Just for a little while."
JR sighed, stood, and walked over to her. He squatted down in front of her and gave her a quick, soft kiss. "Come get me when you're ready."
Pam watched him walk from the room, shaking her head. "I actually feel bad for him."
"Yes. It's hard. He and I have worked through all this before. Now we have to do it again."
"Oh, Sue Ellen. I wish there was something I could do to help you."
"There is. And you're already doing it. Just sit with me a while. Please?"
"Of course," Pam reached out and took Sue Ellen's hand. "I'll stay as long as you need me to."
***
"Now what?" Ray's voice was little more than a frustrated groan. The prison's phone logs didn't reveal any new information at first glance.
"Now we talk to the detective handling Lowell's death, see what he has, and figure out if he knows anything we can use."
"How are you going to do that without raising suspicions?" Ray asked. "He's going to want to know why you're asking questions."
"I'll tell him it's my own curiosity," McSween shrugged. "After all, Lowell was my commanding officer for years. Stands to reason I'd want to know what happened to him."
"Just be careful," Ray warned. "If anyone gets too curious…"
"I know," Harry sighed. "Believe me, I know."
***
Richard was so frustrated he was tempted to punch the wall. They'd told him he was ready to be released, to have his own apartment, to get a job, and live a normal life. But then they'd said there were new "abnormalities" in his blood work, so they'd brought him back to a hospital. Dr. Ellis was poking and prodding him as frequently as he ever had. And no one could or would tell him exactly what was wrong with him or what they were looking for.
He wondered for the millionth time why no one had come for him. He understood that his family had been killed in the car accident that had injured him, but it was unbelievable to him that there wasn't one friend, one co-worker, one distant relative that wondered what happened to him.
Dr. Ellis and his counselors had told him he and his family had been living in Europe for several years and had only recently returned to the states. Richard had accepted that explanation for a while, but now… now it just didn't ring true anymore.
No matter how few friends he had, how new he was in the country, he'd had a job. He knew people. Someone had to wonder where he was - especially when his family was killed and buried and he wasn't.
It suddenly dawned on him. He didn't know why he hadn't thought of it before. But it made perfect sense.
If no one from his life was looking for them - it's because everyone thought he was dead.
He closed his eyes and concentrated on the memory of the woman in the hallway.
The look on her face. It was pure shock - it was as if she were seeing a ghost.
"I DO know her," he murmured, suddenly sure of that fact in his heart. "And she thought I was dead."
***
JR sat alone in what had been his father's study, his eyes closed and a scowl of his face.
Jerry Kenderson.
Why had he talked to Captain Lowell so many times during Sue Ellen's kidnapping?
Even if Graison was right, and it was because Kenderson wanted updates for personal reasons, that was way too many calls. Hell, JR was her husband and he hadn't gotten near that many updates from the police.
Angelica planted the bomb. JR had no doubt about that. But she couldn't have possibly known which ambulance was carrying Sue Ellen to the hospital.
But Kenderson would have known.
JR was starting to believe that Sue Ellen's accident and abduction were two separate crimes.
Angelica was responsible for the first.
He wondered if Jerry Kenderson might be responsible for the second.
***
"Are you alright?"
Jack looked up from his burger and shrugged. "I guess. She's in the ground now. I guess it seems more real now."
"I still can't believe she's gone," April said softly.
"I know. It's so surreal. Everytime the phone rings, I half way expect it to be her."
"Are you going to stay in Dallas?"
"I don't know," Jack said thoughtfully. "I have family here. But you know me, April. I'm a rolling stone."
"Yes," she grumbled under her breath, "I know that all too well."
"Why are you here?"
"What?" She asked, momentarily confused.
"You said you were on your way to see me even before you knew about Jamie. Why?"
"Oh," she dropped her eyes to her plate of food, "not now, Jack."
"Why not?" The funeral is over. May as well spill it and he it over with."
"Jack…."
He studied her face carefully as he watched her struggle with her emotions. "I tell you what," he finally said. "I'm going to Southfork this evening to see Miss Ellie. Afterwards, I'll come by your hotel room and you can tell me all about it."
She looked up at him and smiled faintly, "Alright, Jack."
"Let's just enjoy our lunch," he said, taking another bite of his burger. "Don't worry about telling me whatever you have to tell me. I know you, April. If you were coming to see me, it wasn't about anything I want to hear."
***
"Can I come in?"
JR looked up and smiled at the sight of his wife standing in the doorway. "Of course you can, honey. Did Pam leave?"
"Yes," Sue Ellen nodded and moved fully into the study. "I remembered a lot of things while she was here."
"Really? Anything good at all?"
"Yes. Right before you and I reconciled,she and I took the boys to the park. I told her I loved you and was coming back to you."
"Oh?"
"She wasn't thrilled. But she was happy for me in her own way. She knows how much I love you and that I can only be truly happy if I'm with you."
"I want to make you happy for the rest of our lives."
"I know," Sue Ellen smiled at him. "And I believe you will."
JR stood up and pulled her into his arms. "I will," he vowed, dipping his head to capture her lips in a soft kiss.
"Sorry to interrupt," Clayton cleared his throat. "Carl Castle is here. He has some information for us."
"What kind of information?" JR asked, reluctantly releasing Sue Ellen.
"About the man who called Angelica from the hotel."
"I'll go upstairs and see if John Ross and Tony want to go out to the pool," Sue Ellen kissed JR on the cheek and walked gracefully from the room.
"He already get an ID?" JR asked, following Clayton out of the study and into the living room.
"Yes. It didn't take long at all."
Clayton introduced the two men and they all sat down. "Tell us what you know, Carl."
Carl leveled his eyes on JR's face. "As Clayton knows, I spent a lot of years in intelligence. I've been out of the game for a while, but I still have a few contacts. I showed his picture around. Didn't take me long to find someone who knew him."
"Well?" JR snapped. "Who is he?"
"A very bad man," Carl warned lowly. "Former special forces, a commando. A part-time mercenary. A full-time bully and enforcer for the CIA. Look, if he's involved, best thing you can possibly do is walk away."
"I can't do that," JR said.
"No," Carl sighed. "I guess you can't." He handed a manilla folder to JR and sat back in his chair. "Everything my contact knows about him is in there."
"What's the guy's name?" Clayton asked.
"Calhoun," Carl answered, "his name is B.D. Calhoun."
***
This fic is an alternate timeline where the dream season wasn't a dream. It picks up of after the last episode of season 9.
***
Life Is But a Dream
Part 22:
***
JR slipped on his jacket and studied his wife carefully. "Are you sure you'll be alright without me for a few hours?"
Sue Ellen gave him a small smile and nodded. "Yes. Miss Ellie and Lucy will both be here if I need anything."
JR moved to the bed and sat down beside her. "I'm sorry about last night, honey. I got caught up and lost track of time. I wasn't deliberately ignoring you."
"I know that JR. And I know all this is almost as hard on you as it is on me. But we have to stay honest with each other about how we're feeling. I have to process all those horrible memories. You have to deal with my reaction. It's not going to be easy, but we can get through it all together."
"Yes," he said softly, bending down to kiss her, "I know we can. And we will."
"I hope you know that no matter what I remember, it won't change how I feel about you now."
"How can you be so sure, Sue Ellen? I've hurt you so badly, so many times."
"Yes," she reached up and cupped his face in her hands. "But, oh, it's so hard to explain, JR. When I first woke up after the explosion, I had no memories at all. I didn't even know my own name. But I felt you. Somehow, I knew you were out there, that you loved me, and that you were coming for me. I felt your love. And I still feel it. All around me. Whatever happened between us in the past, I KNOW I love you and trust you NOW."
"I'll try to be better to you, honey. I swear it."
"JR, just love me. That's all I'll ever need from you."
"Well, that," JR kissed her again, "is the easiest thing I'll ever have to do."
***
"And Pam is on board?"
"I won't lie to you," Cliff said evenly, "she's wavering a bit. But I'll take care of that."
"How?"
"She's my sister," Cliff shrugged. "I know how to push her buttons. Trust me, by the end of the day, she'll be so furious at JR that she'll be ready to jump back in with both feet."
"And Jack Ewing?"
"Jack will do exactly what I tell him to do."
"You're sure?"
"Absolutely."
Jeremy Wendell sat back in his chair and studied Cliff's face. "Alright, Barnes. Show me Pam and Jack are with you and you have yourself a deal."
"Good," Cliff stood and offered his hand to the other man to shake. "JR doesn't stand a chance."
***
"Alright, Clayton. I'll show the picture around and see what I can find out."
"Thank you, Carl. And remember, be discreet. I don't want anyone to know I'm asking."
"Understood," the other man nodded. "And in return, if I find out who he is, no one ever knows how you got the information, right? My name can't ever come up."
"Absolutely," Clayton agreed.
"I spent a lot of time and money getting out of intelligence and starting a new life. I don't want that messed up."
"I know. And I wouldn't ask you if it wasn't important."
"Yeah. I know. Someone is messing with your family. Something has to be done."
"How did you know…"
"I was in the game for a long, long time," Carl reminded him. "What happened to your daughters-in-law was all over the news. The explosion, the kidnapping, the dramatic rescue from an off the grid medical lab? No way Angelica Nero pulled all that off alone. I smell a cover-up by The Company."
"Yes," Clayton nodded solemnly.
"Be careful, old friend. If the CIA had secrets to keep here, they'll do whatever they have to to keep them. Watch your tail. I'd hate to wake up one morning and read about your death in some mysterious car accident."
"Yes," Clayton sighed, "I'd hate that too."
***
"It was just a dream, Richard."
"I know that," he snapped. "But it seemed so real."
Dr. Ellis shook his head and moved closer to his patient. "That woman surprised you, appearing out of nowhere and insisting she knew you. Your brain turned that shock into a very vivid dream."
"What happened to her?" Richard asked.
"Her family came and got her and took over her medical care. She'll be fine."
"Good. For some reason, I want her to be okay."
"She will be," Ellis assured him. "Now, I need to draw some blood."
"Will I be able to leave soon and start living a real life?'
"Well, Richard," Ellis dropped his head so the other man couldn't see the sour look on his face. "One day at a time. Let's see what your bloodwork says."
***
"JR," Mark stood up to greet his visitor, "I'm surprised to see you here. I thought you'd be home taking care of Sue Ellen."
"I'm heading back soon," JR informed him. "Just taking care of a little business this morning."
"I see," Mark gestured at a chair across from his desk. "Have a seat. How is Sue Ellen doing?'
"Better than anyone has any right to expect," JR told him.
"Glad to hear that. Can I get you anything?"
"No thank you, Mark."
"Alright. Well. What can I do for you, JR?"
"I just have a few questions about the investigation into Sue Ellen's kidnapping and Graison Research's involvement."
"Alright."
"Captain Lowell was supervising the investigation. He called Graison Research repeatedly. Did you ever talk to him?"
"No," Mark answered honestly. "The only one from the police I ever spoke to was Harry McSween."
JR pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and pushed it across the desk toward the other man. "Lowell called the same number almost a dozen times. Can you tell me who that extension belongs to?"
Mark bit back a groan when he saw the number. "That extension belongs to Jerry Kenderson."
"Kenderson?" JR snarled. "Why would Lowell need to call him so much? He doesn't run the private ambulance company, does he?"
"Not exactly," Graison shrugged. "But he is my Chief Operating Officer, so in a way he is the final word on all of our companies. Maybe Lowell was calling to make sure Jerry had instructed everyone to cooperate fully."
"Seems like an awful lot of calls just to get cooperation."
"Maybe," Mark shrugged again. "But those calls could have very well been of a personal nature."
"Personal?"
"Look, I know you don't want to hear this, but Jerry cares a lot about Sue Ellen. Could be he asked Lowell to keep him updated."
JR's eyes darkened with anger and jealousy, "Kenderson is quite the lovesick fool, so that's possible I guess." JR stood up and nodded at Mark. "Thanks for your time."
"You're welcome, JR. Please give Sue Ellen my best."
"I'll do that," JR growled. "Just a friendly warning, she doesn't need Kenderson creeping around her. You keep Kenderson away from my wife."
"I'll do what I can, JR."
Mark watched as JR walked from his office and shut the door behind him. "Damn you, Jerry," he muttered to himself. "God damn you."
***
"Sue Ellen," Pam's voice was full of relief, "I wasn't sure you'd see me."
Sue Ellen let Ellie guide her from the foyer to the living room and help her get settled on the couch. "Of course I want to see you," Sue Ellen said softly. "You're my friend."
"Yes. But at the hospital.."
"Like I told you then, I know there's bad blood between you and JR. I just hope you understand now that I won't be turned against him. No matter what."
"Yes, I understand that Sue Ellen. And that's why I'm here. To apologize to you for hurting you. And tl promise you that I won't ever run JR down to you again. I hope you can forgive me."
Sue Ellen smiled brightly at her friend. "I already have forgiven you, Pam."
"I'm glad," Pam smiled back. "Really, glad."
***
"I don't care what you're doing, it's not more important than what I need you for."
Cliff frowned as he listened to the reply.
"No more excuses. Get your ass on a plane and get to Dallas. Be here tonight. We're having dinner with Pam and Mark. You're going to tell her everything."
Cliff listened for just a moment, then snapped. "Get here Cantrell. Now!"
He slammed down the phone and took a gulp of his whiskey.
Pam was wavering. She needed a fast...and brutal reminder of how disgusting of a man JR Ewing really was.
And Matt Cantrell was exactly the person to get the job done.
***
Sue Ellen held the glass of water up to her lips with shaky hands. She took several sips then handed it back to Pam.
"Better?" Pam asked her.
"A little," Sue Ellen said in a weak voice. "It was all just so… vivid."
"I'm so sorry, Sue Ellen. Of all the memories you have of us together, I don't know why that one had to be the one to come back."
"I'm the one who should be sorry, Pam. How awful I was to you!"
"You were very upset, Sue Ellen. You lashed out at me because…"
"Because JR had hurt me so badly and I took it out on you," Sue Ellen finished for her.
"Sue Ellen, back then… you and JR…"
"I know, Pam. I remember. Our marriage was so awful. I thought a baby would make things better between us. But since he refused to even touch me…"
"It was a long time ago," Pam told her. "JR loves you desperately now."
"I loved her desperately then too," a deep voice came from the foyer behind them. "Hello, Pam," he nodded at her, walking into the room and taking a seat across from where they sat on the living room couch. "Honey?" he asked Sue Ellen in a gentle voice.
Sue Ellen looked over at him, studying his face intently for a moment before dropping her gaze to the floor. "I tried to buy a baby. You stopped me."
"Yes," he confirmed softly.
"We were so unhappy."
"Yes," he said again. "I couldn't…" he glanced at Pam and hesitated.
"I should give you two some privacy," she started to stand, but Sue Ellen reached out and put a hand on her arm to stop her. "Please stay. I need my friend."
"Do you want me to leave you alone?" JR asked her.
"Yes," Sue Ellen told him, a single tear leaking out of her eye and onto her cheek . "Just for a little while."
JR sighed, stood, and walked over to her. He squatted down in front of her and gave her a quick, soft kiss. "Come get me when you're ready."
Pam watched him walk from the room, shaking her head. "I actually feel bad for him."
"Yes. It's hard. He and I have worked through all this before. Now we have to do it again."
"Oh, Sue Ellen. I wish there was something I could do to help you."
"There is. And you're already doing it. Just sit with me a while. Please?"
"Of course," Pam reached out and took Sue Ellen's hand. "I'll stay as long as you need me to."
***
"Now what?" Ray's voice was little more than a frustrated groan. The prison's phone logs didn't reveal any new information at first glance.
"Now we talk to the detective handling Lowell's death, see what he has, and figure out if he knows anything we can use."
"How are you going to do that without raising suspicions?" Ray asked. "He's going to want to know why you're asking questions."
"I'll tell him it's my own curiosity," McSween shrugged. "After all, Lowell was my commanding officer for years. Stands to reason I'd want to know what happened to him."
"Just be careful," Ray warned. "If anyone gets too curious…"
"I know," Harry sighed. "Believe me, I know."
***
Richard was so frustrated he was tempted to punch the wall. They'd told him he was ready to be released, to have his own apartment, to get a job, and live a normal life. But then they'd said there were new "abnormalities" in his blood work, so they'd brought him back to a hospital. Dr. Ellis was poking and prodding him as frequently as he ever had. And no one could or would tell him exactly what was wrong with him or what they were looking for.
He wondered for the millionth time why no one had come for him. He understood that his family had been killed in the car accident that had injured him, but it was unbelievable to him that there wasn't one friend, one co-worker, one distant relative that wondered what happened to him.
Dr. Ellis and his counselors had told him he and his family had been living in Europe for several years and had only recently returned to the states. Richard had accepted that explanation for a while, but now… now it just didn't ring true anymore.
No matter how few friends he had, how new he was in the country, he'd had a job. He knew people. Someone had to wonder where he was - especially when his family was killed and buried and he wasn't.
It suddenly dawned on him. He didn't know why he hadn't thought of it before. But it made perfect sense.
If no one from his life was looking for them - it's because everyone thought he was dead.
He closed his eyes and concentrated on the memory of the woman in the hallway.
The look on her face. It was pure shock - it was as if she were seeing a ghost.
"I DO know her," he murmured, suddenly sure of that fact in his heart. "And she thought I was dead."
***
JR sat alone in what had been his father's study, his eyes closed and a scowl of his face.
Jerry Kenderson.
Why had he talked to Captain Lowell so many times during Sue Ellen's kidnapping?
Even if Graison was right, and it was because Kenderson wanted updates for personal reasons, that was way too many calls. Hell, JR was her husband and he hadn't gotten near that many updates from the police.
Angelica planted the bomb. JR had no doubt about that. But she couldn't have possibly known which ambulance was carrying Sue Ellen to the hospital.
But Kenderson would have known.
JR was starting to believe that Sue Ellen's accident and abduction were two separate crimes.
Angelica was responsible for the first.
He wondered if Jerry Kenderson might be responsible for the second.
***
"Are you alright?"
Jack looked up from his burger and shrugged. "I guess. She's in the ground now. I guess it seems more real now."
"I still can't believe she's gone," April said softly.
"I know. It's so surreal. Everytime the phone rings, I half way expect it to be her."
"Are you going to stay in Dallas?"
"I don't know," Jack said thoughtfully. "I have family here. But you know me, April. I'm a rolling stone."
"Yes," she grumbled under her breath, "I know that all too well."
"Why are you here?"
"What?" She asked, momentarily confused.
"You said you were on your way to see me even before you knew about Jamie. Why?"
"Oh," she dropped her eyes to her plate of food, "not now, Jack."
"Why not?" The funeral is over. May as well spill it and he it over with."
"Jack…."
He studied her face carefully as he watched her struggle with her emotions. "I tell you what," he finally said. "I'm going to Southfork this evening to see Miss Ellie. Afterwards, I'll come by your hotel room and you can tell me all about it."
She looked up at him and smiled faintly, "Alright, Jack."
"Let's just enjoy our lunch," he said, taking another bite of his burger. "Don't worry about telling me whatever you have to tell me. I know you, April. If you were coming to see me, it wasn't about anything I want to hear."
***
"Can I come in?"
JR looked up and smiled at the sight of his wife standing in the doorway. "Of course you can, honey. Did Pam leave?"
"Yes," Sue Ellen nodded and moved fully into the study. "I remembered a lot of things while she was here."
"Really? Anything good at all?"
"Yes. Right before you and I reconciled,she and I took the boys to the park. I told her I loved you and was coming back to you."
"Oh?"
"She wasn't thrilled. But she was happy for me in her own way. She knows how much I love you and that I can only be truly happy if I'm with you."
"I want to make you happy for the rest of our lives."
"I know," Sue Ellen smiled at him. "And I believe you will."
JR stood up and pulled her into his arms. "I will," he vowed, dipping his head to capture her lips in a soft kiss.
"Sorry to interrupt," Clayton cleared his throat. "Carl Castle is here. He has some information for us."
"What kind of information?" JR asked, reluctantly releasing Sue Ellen.
"About the man who called Angelica from the hotel."
"I'll go upstairs and see if John Ross and Tony want to go out to the pool," Sue Ellen kissed JR on the cheek and walked gracefully from the room.
"He already get an ID?" JR asked, following Clayton out of the study and into the living room.
"Yes. It didn't take long at all."
Clayton introduced the two men and they all sat down. "Tell us what you know, Carl."
Carl leveled his eyes on JR's face. "As Clayton knows, I spent a lot of years in intelligence. I've been out of the game for a while, but I still have a few contacts. I showed his picture around. Didn't take me long to find someone who knew him."
"Well?" JR snapped. "Who is he?"
"A very bad man," Carl warned lowly. "Former special forces, a commando. A part-time mercenary. A full-time bully and enforcer for the CIA. Look, if he's involved, best thing you can possibly do is walk away."
"I can't do that," JR said.
"No," Carl sighed. "I guess you can't." He handed a manilla folder to JR and sat back in his chair. "Everything my contact knows about him is in there."
"What's the guy's name?" Clayton asked.
"Calhoun," Carl answered, "his name is B.D. Calhoun."
***
CeeCee72
Telly Talk Star
I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.
This fic is an alternate timeline where the dream season wasn't a dream. It picks up of after the last episode of season 9.
***
Life Is But a Dream
Part 23:
***
"JR? You're awfully quiet. What are you thinking about?"
JR looked up at his brother and shrugged.
They were sitting out by the pool, watching their wives sunbathe and their sons swim.
"Something isn't right, Ray."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean whatever is going on with the CIA, it's bigger than Angelica Nero and Sue Ellen's kidnapping."
"I don't understand."
"You heard what Clayton's contact said about Calhoun. They guy is a serious operative. Hard to control. A loose cannon. If the CIA is willing to get into bed with him, there's a damn good reason."
"We don't know what Angelica was really involved in though. Could be she was into something that seriously threatened National security."
"Maybe," JR said lowly. "But Angelica is dead. So why is the CIA trying so hard keep me from digging around about Sue Ellen's kidnapping? If it was all Angelica…"
"Then anything you would find would lead back to her," Ray sighed.
"Yeah. There's something else going on here. "
"What's our next move?'
"I'm not sure yet," JR admitted. "But I need to check out Jerry Kenderson."
"Why?"
JR leveled his eyes on Ray's and explained his suspicions about the bombings and the kidnapping being separate crimes and about Kenderson being involved in the latter.
"I don't know, JR," Ray shook his head doubtfully when JR finally stopped talking. "That's pretty farfetched."
"Maybe, but it's possible. "
"It is," Ray agreed. "What's next."
"I haven't decided yet. But when I do, I need to know if I can count on you."
"Of course, JR. How could you even doubt that?"
"This could get messy - family wise. Kenderson is Mark's partner. Pam is married to Mark."
"If Kenderson hurt Sue Ellen, I'll help you kill him myself. Pam and her husband be damned."
JR nodded solemnly. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that. But if it does, I'm glad to know you have my back."
***
"I appreciate the tea, Miss Ellie. And the condolences."
"Jamie was a very special person to me. She was special to us all, Jack. I know you blame JR for her death, but please don't ever doubt how much this family loved your sister."
"I don't doubt it at all," Jack smiled at his aunt. "And as for JR, yeah...I guess I blame him for everything that happened with Angelica, but I know he wouldn't have ever done anything to harm Jamie on purpose. He made a lot of mistakes. Seems to me already paid a pretty steep price for them. And to be honest, that's why I'm really here, Miss Ellie."
"I'm afraid I don't understand, Jack."
"I need to warn you about something, Miss Ellie."
"Warn me?" Ellie's eyes widened slightly. "About what?"
"Not what," Jack sighed. "Who. I'm sorry Miss Ellie, I hate to be the one to give you even more bad news but…"
"What, Jack?" Ellie's voice was irritated and impatient, "just tell me!"
"Cliff Barnes," Jack said, his voice flat, "he's coming after JR. And he won't stop until he destroys everything JR cares about...including this family."
***
"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?"
Sue Ellen smiled sadly at her sister-in-law. "Honestly, Donna, I think I would prefer to have you with me. But JR is insisting he be the one to take me."
"But that's not what you want?"
"I don't...oh, Donna, I just don't know. The goal of the therapy is to help me recover more memories. I know most of them will be bad ones. I'm afraid.. "
"What?" Donna pressed her. "Are you scared you'll react badly to JR if you remember more bad things about him?"
"I know whatever I remember won't make me lose faith in our marriage or in him, but yes. I guess I'm worried that I might need some time to gather myself before I face him."
"Have you told him that?"
"No," Sue Ellen shook her head. "I don't want him to doubt how much I love him."
"Sue Ellen," Donna chose her words carefully, "I won't sit here and pretend that you and I have ever been particularly close or that I am JR's biggest fan, but…"
"But what?"
"You and JR had finally seemed to get to a really good place in your marriage. The two of you have always been madly in love, but there was always so much anger and distrust. You guys finally learned how to be honest with each other. I just think you should be honest with him now. Tell him how you feel. He loves you. He'll understand."
"I just don't want him to think I'm not sure about how I feel about him…"
"I won't think that honey," JR's deep voice came from behind her.
"JR!" Sue Elleb jumped in guilt and surprise.
"Let Donna take you to your appointment. I'll be right here waiting for you when you get back."
"Are you sure?" Sue Ellen looked up at him with hopeful eyes.
"Absolutely, sure," he bent down and kissed her cheek. "I want you to get better. I'll do whatever I have to to help make that happen."
"I love you," she reached out to stroke his cheek.
"Hey, Dad!" John Ross yelled from the pool. "Come see what me and Tony can do!"
"Fatherhood calls," JR laughed. He kissed her again, this time gently on her lips. "Love you too, Miss Texas. "
Donna and Sue Ellen watched as he walked away from them and towards the pool.
"Told you so," Donna smiled.
"Yes," Sue Ellen smiled back at her. "Yes, you did."
***
Richard groaned and rubbed at his aching temples. "Concentrate!" He snapped at his reflection in the mirror.
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
"Sue Ellen," he repeated the name over and over, picturing her face in his mind. "Who are you? Did you love me?"
It came to him so fast. There she was sitting by a swimming pool. She was laughing. There were two little boys with her. She was pointing at something.
"Daddy! Daddy, dive in!"
Richard's eyes snapped open and he felt as if he were going to faint.
"Christopher," his voice was a choked whisper. "Oh, my God! Christopher!"
***
"I don't see how anything I have to tell Pam will help you one bit," Cantrell said, taking the drink he was being offered and sinking down into a chair. "Pam already knows all about the emerald mine and how JR tried to cheat her."
"Come on Cantrell," Cliff gave the other man a knowing grin, "don't try to con a fellow con man. You and I both know there's more to that whole emerald mine fiasco than Pam knows. But that's not why I want you to talk to her."
"Well, if you're not interested in what I have to say about the emerald mine, I don't see how I can help you. That's the only one of JR's schemes I was involved in."
"I just told you not to try to con me, Matt," Cliff's voice was low and menacing. "You have two choices; you can talk to me and Pam about what you know, or you can talk to the police."
"Talk about what I know about what?" Matt asked suspiciously.
"Our baby sister, of course," Cliff said cooly. "You're going to tell us all about Katherine and how you and JR got the crazy bitch out of the country after she shot Bobby and skipped bail. And you're not going to spare a single gory detail."
"I don't know what you're talking about, Cliff."
"Really?" Cliff challenged him. "The shaking in your voice says differently. Maybe I'm not making myself clear here, Matt. You can either tell us what you know or you can rot in jail. JR made damn sure nothing traced back to him. Shame you didn't do the same."
Matt took a long gulp of his drink and dropped his gaze to the floor. "What do you want me to do?"
"Help me destroy JR. Are you in or out?"
Matt shook his head slowly from side to side. "I guess I don't have a choice, Cliff," he finally mumbled. "Count me in."
***
"What time is her appointment?"
"Tomorrow morning at ten."
"You know what to do?"
"Yes. Start with the sister. Make sure she remembers the affair and the pregnancy. Then lead her to more recent events and plant the memories of you."
"Good. Make sure she's upset when she leaves. Make sure she has doubts about her marriage and especially about having that baby. You understand me?"
"Yes."
"Good. Call me as soon as she leaves your office."
Jerry hung up the phone and smiled. Sue Ellen didn't stand a chance. Her new therapist would make sure she remembered all of JR's dirty deeds in excruciatingly vivid detail and at the same time plan false memories of love and devotion for him.
He would have her after all; and since he couldn't get rid of JR's baby while he had the chance, he would make sure she ended up hating JR so much she'd get rid of it herself.
***
This fic is an alternate timeline where the dream season wasn't a dream. It picks up of after the last episode of season 9.
***
Life Is But a Dream
Part 23:
***
"JR? You're awfully quiet. What are you thinking about?"
JR looked up at his brother and shrugged.
They were sitting out by the pool, watching their wives sunbathe and their sons swim.
"Something isn't right, Ray."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean whatever is going on with the CIA, it's bigger than Angelica Nero and Sue Ellen's kidnapping."
"I don't understand."
"You heard what Clayton's contact said about Calhoun. They guy is a serious operative. Hard to control. A loose cannon. If the CIA is willing to get into bed with him, there's a damn good reason."
"We don't know what Angelica was really involved in though. Could be she was into something that seriously threatened National security."
"Maybe," JR said lowly. "But Angelica is dead. So why is the CIA trying so hard keep me from digging around about Sue Ellen's kidnapping? If it was all Angelica…"
"Then anything you would find would lead back to her," Ray sighed.
"Yeah. There's something else going on here. "
"What's our next move?'
"I'm not sure yet," JR admitted. "But I need to check out Jerry Kenderson."
"Why?"
JR leveled his eyes on Ray's and explained his suspicions about the bombings and the kidnapping being separate crimes and about Kenderson being involved in the latter.
"I don't know, JR," Ray shook his head doubtfully when JR finally stopped talking. "That's pretty farfetched."
"Maybe, but it's possible. "
"It is," Ray agreed. "What's next."
"I haven't decided yet. But when I do, I need to know if I can count on you."
"Of course, JR. How could you even doubt that?"
"This could get messy - family wise. Kenderson is Mark's partner. Pam is married to Mark."
"If Kenderson hurt Sue Ellen, I'll help you kill him myself. Pam and her husband be damned."
JR nodded solemnly. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that. But if it does, I'm glad to know you have my back."
***
"I appreciate the tea, Miss Ellie. And the condolences."
"Jamie was a very special person to me. She was special to us all, Jack. I know you blame JR for her death, but please don't ever doubt how much this family loved your sister."
"I don't doubt it at all," Jack smiled at his aunt. "And as for JR, yeah...I guess I blame him for everything that happened with Angelica, but I know he wouldn't have ever done anything to harm Jamie on purpose. He made a lot of mistakes. Seems to me already paid a pretty steep price for them. And to be honest, that's why I'm really here, Miss Ellie."
"I'm afraid I don't understand, Jack."
"I need to warn you about something, Miss Ellie."
"Warn me?" Ellie's eyes widened slightly. "About what?"
"Not what," Jack sighed. "Who. I'm sorry Miss Ellie, I hate to be the one to give you even more bad news but…"
"What, Jack?" Ellie's voice was irritated and impatient, "just tell me!"
"Cliff Barnes," Jack said, his voice flat, "he's coming after JR. And he won't stop until he destroys everything JR cares about...including this family."
***
"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?"
Sue Ellen smiled sadly at her sister-in-law. "Honestly, Donna, I think I would prefer to have you with me. But JR is insisting he be the one to take me."
"But that's not what you want?"
"I don't...oh, Donna, I just don't know. The goal of the therapy is to help me recover more memories. I know most of them will be bad ones. I'm afraid.. "
"What?" Donna pressed her. "Are you scared you'll react badly to JR if you remember more bad things about him?"
"I know whatever I remember won't make me lose faith in our marriage or in him, but yes. I guess I'm worried that I might need some time to gather myself before I face him."
"Have you told him that?"
"No," Sue Ellen shook her head. "I don't want him to doubt how much I love him."
"Sue Ellen," Donna chose her words carefully, "I won't sit here and pretend that you and I have ever been particularly close or that I am JR's biggest fan, but…"
"But what?"
"You and JR had finally seemed to get to a really good place in your marriage. The two of you have always been madly in love, but there was always so much anger and distrust. You guys finally learned how to be honest with each other. I just think you should be honest with him now. Tell him how you feel. He loves you. He'll understand."
"I just don't want him to think I'm not sure about how I feel about him…"
"I won't think that honey," JR's deep voice came from behind her.
"JR!" Sue Elleb jumped in guilt and surprise.
"Let Donna take you to your appointment. I'll be right here waiting for you when you get back."
"Are you sure?" Sue Ellen looked up at him with hopeful eyes.
"Absolutely, sure," he bent down and kissed her cheek. "I want you to get better. I'll do whatever I have to to help make that happen."
"I love you," she reached out to stroke his cheek.
"Hey, Dad!" John Ross yelled from the pool. "Come see what me and Tony can do!"
"Fatherhood calls," JR laughed. He kissed her again, this time gently on her lips. "Love you too, Miss Texas. "
Donna and Sue Ellen watched as he walked away from them and towards the pool.
"Told you so," Donna smiled.
"Yes," Sue Ellen smiled back at her. "Yes, you did."
***
Richard groaned and rubbed at his aching temples. "Concentrate!" He snapped at his reflection in the mirror.
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
"Sue Ellen," he repeated the name over and over, picturing her face in his mind. "Who are you? Did you love me?"
It came to him so fast. There she was sitting by a swimming pool. She was laughing. There were two little boys with her. She was pointing at something.
"Daddy! Daddy, dive in!"
Richard's eyes snapped open and he felt as if he were going to faint.
"Christopher," his voice was a choked whisper. "Oh, my God! Christopher!"
***
"I don't see how anything I have to tell Pam will help you one bit," Cantrell said, taking the drink he was being offered and sinking down into a chair. "Pam already knows all about the emerald mine and how JR tried to cheat her."
"Come on Cantrell," Cliff gave the other man a knowing grin, "don't try to con a fellow con man. You and I both know there's more to that whole emerald mine fiasco than Pam knows. But that's not why I want you to talk to her."
"Well, if you're not interested in what I have to say about the emerald mine, I don't see how I can help you. That's the only one of JR's schemes I was involved in."
"I just told you not to try to con me, Matt," Cliff's voice was low and menacing. "You have two choices; you can talk to me and Pam about what you know, or you can talk to the police."
"Talk about what I know about what?" Matt asked suspiciously.
"Our baby sister, of course," Cliff said cooly. "You're going to tell us all about Katherine and how you and JR got the crazy bitch out of the country after she shot Bobby and skipped bail. And you're not going to spare a single gory detail."
"I don't know what you're talking about, Cliff."
"Really?" Cliff challenged him. "The shaking in your voice says differently. Maybe I'm not making myself clear here, Matt. You can either tell us what you know or you can rot in jail. JR made damn sure nothing traced back to him. Shame you didn't do the same."
Matt took a long gulp of his drink and dropped his gaze to the floor. "What do you want me to do?"
"Help me destroy JR. Are you in or out?"
Matt shook his head slowly from side to side. "I guess I don't have a choice, Cliff," he finally mumbled. "Count me in."
***
"What time is her appointment?"
"Tomorrow morning at ten."
"You know what to do?"
"Yes. Start with the sister. Make sure she remembers the affair and the pregnancy. Then lead her to more recent events and plant the memories of you."
"Good. Make sure she's upset when she leaves. Make sure she has doubts about her marriage and especially about having that baby. You understand me?"
"Yes."
"Good. Call me as soon as she leaves your office."
Jerry hung up the phone and smiled. Sue Ellen didn't stand a chance. Her new therapist would make sure she remembered all of JR's dirty deeds in excruciatingly vivid detail and at the same time plan false memories of love and devotion for him.
He would have her after all; and since he couldn't get rid of JR's baby while he had the chance, he would make sure she ended up hating JR so much she'd get rid of it herself.
***