"It's really starting to feel like home around here, huh, Dad?"

 

"Having your brother here helps,"  replies Cole.  He puts a hand on Chase's shoulder.  "You must be exhausted after that long flight from Florida.  And hungry.  How about we fix you up something to eat, and then you can get some rest?"

 

 

 

"Now you're talkin', Dad,"  Chase says.  "I am pretty tired, and kinda hungry, too.  I had a sandwich on the plane but it tasted like it was left over from three flights ago."

 

"Well, let's go on in and get you settled,"  Cole says as he and his younger son walk into the house, Joseph watching his father and brother with a smile, happy to have his younger brother here.

 

 

"Emma, what's wrong?"  Kevin asks, sitting up in bed.  "Last night you were like an animal in heat, and this morning, you're like you have the weight of the whole world on your shoulders.  You never did tell me what you're REALLY doing in San Francisco.  Did something happen between you and this Lucas guy you're involved with?"

Emma takes a seat on the bed and looks at him.  "Lucas and I aren't together anymore," she says.  

 

"Oh, you're not?"

 

"Nope."  

 

"So what happened?"  Kevin asks.  "What did Lucas do?"

 

"What makes you think he did anything?" Asks Emma.

 

"Hmmmm, well, you show up here in San Francisco, and you didn't wanna talk about why you were really here......"

 

Emma reaches over and puts her hand on Kevin's leg.  "Last night, you were glad we didn't do much talking."

 

"Yes, yes, I was.  But ever since you've been here I've had a feeling something's wrong.  That you were running away from something.  I'd like to know what that something is."

 

Emma sighs.  "Well, you'd be right."

 

"Lucas?"

 

"Yep."

 

"So what'd he do?"  Kevin asks.

 

"He lied to me.  AGAIN."

 

Kevin smiles.  "Is that all?"

 

Emma stands and looks at him.  "What do you mean, IS THAT ALL?  Isn't that enough?  Kevin, he LIED to me."

 

"And you lied to him,"  Kevin says, standing to his feet to face her.  "Or have you told him about our little afternoon tryst that day in Dallas during my brother and Elena's custody battle with John Ross Ewing over his and Elena's son?"

 

Emma sighs deeply as she turns away from him.

 

"Yeah, I didn't think so,"  says Kevin.  "So you've basically done the exact same thing."

 

Emma turns back to him.  "Well it doesn't matter now, anyway.  Because Lucas and I are over."

 

"Well, I'm sure not sorry to hear that,"  Kevin says.  "But what does that mean for us?"

 

"What do you want it to mean?"  Emma asks.

 

Kevin looks at her for a moment, then he reaches down, grabs his jeans from the floor and slips them on.   "Emma," he says.   "I've never kept it a secret how I felt about you.  I've cared for you ever since I first met you in London a few years ago.  And when you left, I was hurt.  I'd like nothing better than for you to just pack up, leave Dallas, and move out here with me."

 

 

 

"That's a mighty tempting offer,"  Emma says.

 

"Then do it.  Don't even think about it, just DO it,"  says Kevin.  "What is there for you in Dallas, anyway?  This ex boyfriend you say lied to you and pissed you off enough for you to traipse half-way across the country for a night of passionate sex with me?  Parents you hardly get along with?"

 

"My mother is there,"  Emma says.  "And lately, I've been getting along better with her."

 

"You can visit her anytime."  Kevin moves closer to Emma, puts his arm around her waist, and kisses her.  "Look, I gotta go.  I have some stuff to take care of today.  Are you gonna be here this evening, when I get done?  Because I would dearly LOVE  a repeat of last night."

 

Emma smiles.  "I'll be here.""

 

"Awesome,"  Kevin says, kissing her again.  He picks up his shirt and slips it on, then slips his feet into his shoes.  "I hope you think about what I said, Emma.  Because from where I stand, there's nothing left for you in Dallas.  You and me.......we could be good together.  And I mean REAL good.  Hell, we already are.  I'll see you this evening."  Kevin kisses her one last time, then turns and walks out of the room, leaving Emma with a lot to think about.  

 

"Lance, I don't quite know how to say this, but, it's about your mother,"  Emma replies.

 

"My mother?"  Lance asks, a terrible fear coming over him.  "Emma, what.....what's wrong with my mother?  What happened?"

 

"Lance.......Julia is missing."

 

Lance and Pilar exchange worried looks upon hearing his Aunt Emma's news about his mother. 

 

While Lance and Pilar learn the news about Julia from Lance's Aunt Emma, Eric quietly slips up the stairs in the winery.  He looks around to make sure that no one is around to see him, and then he sneaks into the winery office at the top of the stairs.  Once inside the office, he hurries over to the desk, where he grabs a key from what appears to be a secret hiding place underneath the desk.  He unlocks the top drawer of the desk and opens it.  Sifting through several papers and files, he locates the folder he is looking for and takes it out.  He quickly looks it over, then moves to a second piece of paper, which he also reads over quickly.  

After reading the second paper, and then a third, he looks up and nods his head.  He had finally located what he was looking for.  "Bingo," he says, a serious look on his face.  "This is just what I need."  He hurriedly replaces the other papers back into the folder just as he had found then, puts the folder back into the desk drawer, locks it, and returns the key to its hiding spot under the desk.  Eric folds the paper he has stolen and puts it into his pocket, then walks over to the door.  Opening the door ever so slowly, he peeps out to see if anyone is around.  Seeing that the coast is clear, he leaves the office and closes the door behind him.  

"Emma, what do you mean my mother is missing?"  Asks a worried Lance.

 

"She's disappeared from the convent, Lance,"  Emma Channing replies.  

 

"Emma, are you sure?"  Pilar asks.

 

"Yes, I'm sure."

 

"When did you last hear from her?"  Lance asks.

 

"I last spoke to her about a week ago, and I could tell then that......."  Emma stops talking and walks across the room.

 

"Emma?  You could tell.....what?"  Lance asks.  

 

"I can't put my finger on it, but I could tell that something wasn't quite right.  Julia sounded strange.  Distant."

 

"Is it possible that Julia could've left the convent to take a trip or something?"  Pilar asks.

 

"No,"  Lance replies.  "My Mother lived at that convent for the last thirty years.  Only times she ever left it was when I would go pick her up to bring her home for a visit, or when she would leave with Emma.  Emma what did they say at the convent?"

 

"No one knows anything.  One night Julia was just.....gone.  That was four days ago."

 

"Well have you called the police?"

"Yes,"  says Emma.  "They're doing everything they can.  I had sort of hoped you might have heard from your mother."

 

"Not a word."  

 

"I'll check with Richard, too,"  says Emma.

 

"Julia wouldn't contact Richard and not Lance, would she?"  Pilar asks.

 

Lance sighs.  "Who knows?"  He asks, a tone of worry in his voice.

While Cole and Vicky sit on the patio watching, their sons Chase and Alex are playing a game of basketball in the backyard of the Gioberti home late that afternoon.  Cole smiles at his sister as they watch the boys play.

 

"Alex seems like a great kid,"  Cole says.

 

"Thanks, Cole.  I think he is.  And you've done a wonderful job raising Chase and Joseph, obviously."

 

"Yeah, they're both really great young men.  It was pretty hard for Chase after his mom died.  He was only 15."

 

"Tell me about her,"  Vicky says.

Cole sighs.  "Oh, Amy was wonderful," he says.  I really miss her.  It's hard to believe it's been nine years she's been gone.  I'm sorry you never got a chance to know her."

 

"So am I,"  says Vicky.  

 

"You know, Vicky, the years I spent married to Amy were the happiest of my life.  When I met her, it wasn't long after Mom died.  I was at a very low point.  I was living in Australia, my business wasn't doing so well.  I was a single father with a young son to raise.  Then along came Amy.  I can honestly say it was love at first sight.  When we were married, she grew to love and accept Joseph.  She raised him as her own son, and he loved her.  When we had Chase, that was the happiest day of my life.  I missed out on the first days of Joseph's life, thanks to Melissa and Lance, and with Chase, I had a chance to start fresh.  To really be a father to him from day one.  And Amy was the best mother I could ever have asked for my two boys."

 

"What kind of cancer did she die of?"  Vicky asks.

 

"Ovarian."

 

"Oh, Cole, I'm so sorry."

 

"Yeah,"  Cole says.  "She was only thirty-nine.  It happened so fast.  I mean, she seemed fine, no symptoms at all, at first.  Then one day she complained of pains in her stomach.  She thought it was a virus or something.  But it didn't get better.  She finally went to her doctor, who prescribed antibiotics and did some x-rays, but he didn't find anything.  This went on for a couple of weeks, and then one day, she was stricken with this terrible pain that made her double over and collapse.  I took her to a hospital in Miami.  They did a whole series of test and found the cancer.  It was already advanced.  She took a couple of chemotherapy treatments, but they made her so sick they had to stop giving them to her.  She didn't last long after that.  Only

about six and a half weeks after diagnosis, Amy died."

 

"Cole, I'm so very sorry,  Vicky says, reaching across the table and taking her brother's hand.  "I should've been there for you."

 

"It was very hard.  I never thought anything could hurt so much as losing the love of your life.  If it hadn't been for Chase, I think I would've given up a long time ago."

 

"What about Joseph?"  Vicky asks.

 

"He wasn't living with us then.  Joseph was 23 when Amy died, and he had left home the year before.  He was going through a rebellious stage."

 

"Gee, I wonder where he gets that from,"  Vicky says.

 

Cole looks at his sister and smiles.  "Yeah, I wonder."

 

At that moment, Joseph walks onto the patio.  "Hey, Dad.  Aunt Vicky."

 

"Well, speak of the devil,"  Cole says.  "We were just talking about you."

 

"Really?  No wonder my ears were burning."

 

"Oh, it was all good,"  Vicky says.

 

Chase and Alex, having finished their game, walk over to the group.  "Good game,"  Chase says, breathing hard from the vigorous basketball game.

 

"Yeah, you too, man,"  says Alex.

 

"So, who won, you guys?"  Vicky asks.

 

"Chase beat the crap outta me,"  replies Alex.

 

"And this must be my cousin Alex,"  Joseph says.

 

"Yes, Joseph, this is my son Alex,"  says Vicky.

 

"Hey man, what's up?"  Joseph says, shaking his younger cousin's hand.  "I can't believe it.  Last time I saw this kid, he was a little baby, and just look at him now."

 

"That's why I'm so happy Jeremy decided to move his corporate headquarters to San Francisco,"  says Vicky.  "It'll give us all a chance to get to know each other again, as a family."

 

I was really skeptical about moving back to this place when Joseph decided to move here, and I came to visit him,"  Cole says.  "But now that the whole family is here and back together again, I couldn't be happier."  He smiles as he looks at his sister.

 

 

"Richard, come in,"  Pilar says, opening the door to Richard at Falcon Crest that night.  

 

"Thank you, Pilar,"  Richard says.  "Emma's call sounded urgent.  Where is she?"

 

"She and Lance are in the living room.  Come in."

 

Richard follows Pilar into the living room.  "Richard, I'm so glad to see you,"  Emma says, walking over to him.

 

Richard embraces his sister.  "Now Emma, what's this all about?  It sounded urgent."

 

"Oh, Richard, it is."

 

"Apparently, my mother has gone missing from the convent,"  says Lance.

 

"Missing?  What do you mean.....missing?"

 

"I don't know how to make it any plainer than that, Richard,"  Lance says.  "She's disappeared."

 

"I had hoped that maybe Julia had contacted you,"  says Emma.

 

"No, I haven't spoken to Julia since you and she visited on Christmas."

 

"I.....I just don't know what to do,"  Emma says, frantically wringing her hands.

 

"Now, Emma, just calm down,"  Richard says, taking his sister by the hands and sitting her down on the sofa.  "Have the police been contacted?"

 

"Of course,"  Lance replies.  "I spoke with them earlier and they're doing all they can."

 

"I just know something must have happened to her,"  says Emma.

 

"Look, if it'll make you feel any better, I'll put some of my own people on it and try to find her,"  Richard says.  "I trust them a helluva lot more than I trust the police."

 

"Richard, thank you,"  Emma says.  "I've been so worried.  Julia never left that convent unless it was with me or Lance.  She never would've left on her own."

 

As the group is talking in the living room, Angela walks into the house.  Hearing the voices from the living room, she walks in.  "Hi, everyone,"  she says.  "Mom, Uncle Richard, what are you guys doing here?"

 

"Hello, Angela,"  Richard greets his niece.  

 

"So what's going on?"  Angela asks.

 

"Your Aunt Julia has disappeared from the convent,"  Emma replies.  

 

"Disappeared?"

 

"Yes, and your mother is very worried,"  says Richard.  "Emma, Lance, I'll go make a couple calls and get a couple of my private detectives to work on finding Julia."

 

Emma stands from her seat.  "Thank you, Richard.  I feel much better knowing that you're helping."

 

"Everything's going to be alright," Richard says, kissing his sister on the forehead.  "I'll be back in a few minutes."  Taking his cell phone from his pocket, Richard walks out of the room.  As he passes through the foyer and walks out of the house, Eric and Gabby come down the stairs and walk into the living room.

 

"Any news yet on Grandma?"  Gabby asks.

 

"No, honey, not yet,"  replies Pilar.  

 

Angela walks over to her mother and takes her by the hand.  "Mom, don't worry," she says.  "If anyone can find Aunt Julia, it's Uncle Richard."

 

Emma smiles.  "I know, you're right, darling.  I feel much better.  I just hope nothing's happened to her."

 

"Emma, listen,"  Pilar says.  "I'm sure there's a perfectly rational explanation for Julia's disappearance."

 

"Yeah, maybe Grandma just needed some time away,"  Eric says.  "Some time to herself, away from the convent."

 

Richard returns and walks into the living room.  "I have my best private investigator on it.  I gave him all the information, and he's gonna head to Oregon tonight and see what he can find out."

 

"Maybe I should head up there myself,"  Lance says.  "Talk to a couple of the nuns at the convent.  It's better than just sitting here waiting."

 

"Lance, that's not necessary,"  says Richard.  "My investigator Carl Lewis is going to do all he can, and he's the best in the business.  I told him to give this case top priority."

 

"My Grandmother, Angela Channing, built this place a long time ago,"  Kevin says.  "It's been in the family ever since."

 

"Nice."

 

"Here you go, Kevin,"  the bartender says, handing the two their margaritas.

 

"Thanks, Joe,"  Kevin says.  He turns to Emma.  "We'll finish our drinks and then play a game of tennis."

 

"Sounds great to me."

 

As he takes a sip of his margarita, Kevin looks over and sees Jonathon Lord. "Emma, would you excuse me for a minute?  I see a friend I wanna say hello to."

 

"Of course,"  Emma says.  Kevin kisses her, then walks away.  As Emma continues to sit at the bar and sip on her drink, Elena walks into the spa from the tennis court.  As she heads to the bar, she spots Emma.  Surprised to see her in the Tuscany Valley, Elena walks over.  

 

"Emma?  Emma Ryland?"  Elena says, waking up behind her.

 

Emma turns around to face her.  "Elena, hello.  How are you?"

 

 

"I'm.....fine.  I'm just surprised to see you.  What on earth are you doing here in the Tuscany Valley?"

 

"She's with me,"  Kevin says, walking over to the two women with Jonathon.  

 

"With you?" Elena asks.  "Oh, that's right, I had forgotten that the two of you know each other.  You met in London, right?"

 

"Yes we did, a few years ago when Emma was there with Harris Ryland,"  says Kevin.

 

"It really is a small world, isn't it?"  Emma asks.  "I've known Kevin for a long time now, and you ended up married to his brother.  And we both slept with John Ross Ewing."

 

The smile fades from Elena's face at the mention of her ex-fiance.  

 

"Why bring that up?"  Kevin asks.  "Anyway, Emma, this is Jonathon Lord."

 

"Hi."

 

"Hello, Emma,"  Jonathon says.  "I'm very pleased to meet you.  Kevin, I must say, you and your brother both have excellent taste in women."

 

Emma smiles.  

 

"Kevin, could I have a word with you?"  Elena asks.

 

"Can't it wait?  Emma and I are gonna play a game of tennis."

 

"This won't take long.  The tennis court isn't going anywhere.  It's family business."

 

"Okay,"  Kevin says.  "Emma, I'll be right back.  Jonathon, don't you dare run off with my girl, now."

 

Jonathon smiles.  "I can't promise, Kevin,"  he says as he and Emma look at each other.  

 

Kevin follows Elena onto the patio.  "Okay, now what's so important?"  He asks.

 

"Kevin, are you out of your mind?  Emma Ryland?  What is she doing here?"

 

Kevin sighs.  "She came to see me.  She just showed up a couple days ago."

 

"Is that where you've been the last couple of days?  With Emma?"

 

"Yeah."

 

"Kevin, that girl is TROUBLE."

 

"Elena......"

 

"No, just listen to me,"  Elena says.  "I've watched Emma Ryland wreck lives and marriages.  She's going to end up hurting you."

"What business is this of yours?"  Kevin asks.

 

"You're my brother-in-law.  I care what happens to you."

 

"Look, Elena, I appreciate your concern.  Really, I do.  But I'm a big boy, and I can take care of myself."  Kevin flashes her a slight smile, then turns and walks back into the spa.  He stops short in the doorway when he looks over at the bar and sees Emma and Jonathon talking and laughing together, and appearing to be getting friendlier than Kevin would like.  He watches them with a worried look on his face.

 

 

"Oh, hi, Alex,"  Gabby says.  "So how have your first few days at Tuscany Valley High been?  All settled into your class schedule yet?"

 

"Eh, pretty much,"  Alex replies.  "Of course this is nothing like my old school.  It was private."

 

"You went to school in London, didn't you?"  Gabby asks.

 

"Yep, sure did."

 

"That must have been something.  Listen, we should hang out sometime.  Get to know each other.  After all, we ARE related."

 

"Sure, I'd like that a lot."

 

Meanwhile, Gabby's boyfriend, Nick Fairchild, is making his way down the hallway when he sees Gabby talking to Alex and smiling.  His jealousy rising within him, an angry Nick marches over to them.  "Hey, what's goin' on here?"  He asks.

 

"I was just telling Alex that he should hang out with us sometime," Gabby says.

 

"I don't think that's such a good idea,"  Nick says.  

 

"Why not?"  Gabby asks.

 

Nick looks at Alex.  "Look, dude, since you're new here, let me enlighten you a little.  Gabby is MY girl.  That means YOU stay the hell away from her."

 

"Nick, what are you doing?"  Gabby asks.

 

"Just setting this new kid straight, that's all."

 

Alex looks at him and smiles.  "Think you're a tough guy, huh?"

 

"Tough enough to kick your ass,"  says Nick.  

 

"Care to try?"

 

"Hell, yeah, anytime."

 

"Would you both stop it?"  Gabby says, stepping between them.  "Nick, you're being ridiculous."

 

"Like hell, I am.  I've seen the two of you talking.  Flirting."'

 

"Dude, you need to chill,"  Alex says.

 

"And you need to stay the hell away from my girlfriend."

 

"Nick, stop it!"  Says an angry Gabby.  "Alex is my cousin."

 

Nick looks at her for a moment.  "He.....he's your what?"

 

"He's my cousin.  His mother, Vicky Gioberti, and my Dad are cousins."

 

"Oh, wow, well, why didn't you just say that in the first place."

 

"Maybe we would have if you'd just shut your mouth long enough,"  Alex says as the bell rings.  

 

"Come on, we're gonna be late for class,"  Gabby says.  "Alex, talk to you later."

 

"Yeah, sure,"  Alex says as Gabby and Nick walk away.  Alex laughs and shakes his head.

 

"Are you a friend of Angela's?"  Pilar asks.

 

"Not exactly.  We've run into each other a couple of times at Del Oro Spa.  And, I just was hoping to talk to her."

 

"I'm Pilar Cumson, Angela's cousin-in-law.  And you are?"

 

"Oh, I'm sorry.  I'm Jonathon Lord."

 

"Jonathon Lord?"  Pilar asks.  "So you're the son of Jeremy Lord?"

 

Jonathon smiles.  "Indeed, I am.  So, you've heard of my father?"

 

"Who hasn't?  His moving Lord Enterprises to San Francisco has been huge news lately.  And your stepmother is Cole Gioberti's sister, is that right?"

 

"Yes, Vicky."

 

"I haven't met her yet, but Vicky is my husband's second cousin."

 

"Oh, well, I guess we're all just one big family, huh?"

 

Pilar laughs slightly.  "Yes, I guess so.  You'll probably find Angela down in the winery.  She works there."

 

"Thanks,"  Jonathon says with a smile.  "It was nice meeting you."

 

"Nice meeting you, too, Jonathon."  

 

The young man smiles, then turns and leaves.  

 

"Look, Angela, I didn't come here to pick another fight, and I certainly didn't come to listen to anymore of your insults,"  Jonathon says.

 

"Then what ARE you doing here?"

 

"I came to apologize, for one thing.  I mean, I know you and I got off on the wrong foot.  And I'd like to say I'm sorry."

 

"Okay, fine.  Apology accepted.  Bye."

 

"What exactly have you got against me, anyway?"  Jonathon asks.

 

"You really wanna know?"  Angela asks.

 

"Yeah.  I do."

 

"Okay, here goes.  I think you're rude, arrogant, and incredibly sure of yourself."

 

"Hmmmm, and I always thought women liked men who were sure of themselves."

 

"There's a difference between being confident, and being conceited, and you are definitely."

 

"Okay, then,"  Jonathon says.  "Well, why don't we just forget all that, and wipe the slate clean?  Start all over again as if we're just now meeting for the first time.  Look, I'm really not such a bad guy once you get to know me.  I'm really funny, and nice, and I can be a total gentleman.  Not to mention the fact that I'm like, super hot."

 

Angela laughs at his comment.  

 

"See?  Told ya I was funny.  I even got you to laugh."

 

Angela looks at him and smiles.  "What is it you want from me?"

 

I'd like for you to join me for a drink.  Or maybe even dinner.  Come on, what have you got to lose?"

 

"I shudder to think.  Okay, if I go with you for a drink, will you promise to leave me alone?"

 

"Only if you want me to,"  Jonathon replies.  "Which, I can almost assuredly promise you......you're not gonna want."

 

"Meet me at the spa this evening at 6:30."

 

"I'll be there with bells on."

 

"Good, now will you please leave me alone now so I can get back to work?"

 

"See ya tonight, beautiful,"  Jonathon says.  He smiles, then walks out of the office.  After he's gone, Angela smiles and shakes her head.  As much as she hated to admit it to herself, Angela couldn't help but find herself attracted to the handsome young man.

darling,"  he says to her.

 

"Hi, sweetheart,"  Vicky says.  "Listen, I hope you don't mind, but I made dinner plans for us tonight."

 

"Oh?"

 

"Yes, Cole invited you, me, and the boys out to dinner at Del Oro Spa, which also has a restaurant, and if it's as good as it use to be, then we're all in for a real treat.  And Joseph and Chase are also coming, so it'll be a real family dinner."

 

"I would love to,"  Jeremy says.  "I look forward to getting to know your brother and his two sons, as well as other members of your family."

 

"By other members of my family, would you happen to mean Richard Channing?"  Vicky asks.

 

Jeremy stands from his seat at the desk and walks over to his bar. "Richard Channing is a very interesting man."

 

"Yes, he is,"  agrees Vicky.  "Very interesting, very complicated, and at times......very dangerous."

 

"Yes,"  Jeremy says, pouring two drinks, one of which he hands to his wife.

 

"Which is why I don't like this whole thing, Jeremy.  I know Richard Channing, and I know what he's capable of.  I watched my second husband self destruct after becoming involved with Richard, and I won't let that happen to you."

 

Jeremy walks over to her.  "My darling, Victoria.  You underestimate me.  I am a man who is just as wealthy and just as powerful as Richard Channing.  I know what I'm doing."

 

"Richard has already turned you down on buying the newspaper."

 

"Yes.  But there are other ways.  I plan to own that newspaper before long.  But not only that, I intend to own everything that Richard Channing and his family now owns, and then.......I intend to see Channing destroyed."  Jeremy turns and looks out the window of his high rise office as he takes a sip of his drink and Vicky looks at him with worry, afraid that her husband has bitten off more than he can chew in starting a war with Richard.

 

"Yes."

 

"I'm so sorry.  I can't even imagine.  Seems we have more in common than I thought."

 

"How's that?"  Jonathon asks.

 

"You lost your mother at an early age, and I never knew my father,"  replies Angela.

 

"Now I'm curious.  Did he die?"

 

"I honestly don't know.  My father was a criminal.  I didn't find this out until I was almost an adult, but, he tried to kill my mother when she was pregnant with me.  She shot him in self defense, and he disappeared that night.  It was on a Christmas Eve.  My mother never saw or heard from him again.  Shortly after that happened, my mother left the Valley and I was born in Oregon.  I don't know why I'm telling you all this, but, it's no secret.  What my father did is pretty common knowledge around here.  In a way, I'm glad I never knew him."

 

"Aren't you curious about him?"  

 

"I use to be.  Not anymore.  Heck, he's probably dead by now anyway."

 

Jonathon looks at her and smiles.  "Now you see?  This wasn't so very hard, was it?  You took a strong dislike to me at first, but now here we are, having a very nice evening, sharing our deepest hurts with one another."

 

"Well, I guess you're as big a creep as I first thought you were,"  Angela says.

 

While Angela and Jonathon enjoy their drinks, Cole, Joseph, Chase, Vicky, Jeremy, and Alex all walk into the spa's restaurant, where they are greeted by a hostess and led to a large table.  Each of them take their seats and are handed menus.  Then the hostess walks away.

 

"Cole, I hope the food is as good here as it was in the old days,"  Vicky says.  "I still remember how delicious Arthur's veal cutlets were."

 

"Arthur?  Who's Arthur?"  Alex asks.

 

"Arthur use to be the cook here a long time ago,"  Vicky replies.

 

"The food is great,"  says Cole.  "I'm really happy that we could all get together for this family dinner."

 

"So am I, Cole,"  Jeremy says.  "It's long overdue."

 

"I'm only sorry your stepson couldn't join us tonight."

 

"Me, too, but, Jonathon said he had other plans for this evening."

 

"Yeah, he had a hot date,"  Alex says.

 

"So, Alex, how are you liking Tuscany Valley High?"  Chase asks his cousin.

 

"It's okay.  I've met some pretty cool people so far.  It's definitely a lot different from my old school, that's for sure."

 

"And how about you, Chase?"  Vicky asks.  "Your father tells me that you've grown up to be quite the businessman, running Gioberti & Sons by yourself."

 

"Well, I enjoy business.  It gives me a rush."

 

"Yep, unlike his big brother,"  says Joseph.  "I'm more of a hands on kind guy."

 

"Chase definitely does have a real knack for business,"  says a proud Cole.

 

Vicky smiles.  "I guess he must take after our Dad.  Cole, you must have had a real premonition he'd be like Dad for you to have named Chase after him."

 

Jeremy looks across the room and sees Jonathon sitting at a table and having drinks with Angela.  "Well, well," he says.  "I never expected to see my other son here."

 

"What?"  Vicky asks.

 

"Jonathon.  He's sitting over there with a young woman."

 

Vicky and Alex turn and also see him.  "She's lovely,"  Vicky says.

 

"No wonder Jonathon didn't wanna have dinner with the family tonight,"  Alex says.  "Considering who he IS having dinner with."

 

"That's Angela St. James,"  Cole says, looking across the room at the couple.  

 

"Angela St. James?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"Cole, isn't that Emma's daughter?"  Vicky asks.

 

"Yeah, she is."

 

"Emma Channing?  Richard Channing's sister?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"That's right,"  Cole replies.  

 

"What's she like?"  Vicky asks.  "Anything like Emma?"

 

"No, not at all,"  says Cole.  "If anything, she's more like her grandmother, Angela Channing."

 

"Really?  That's about the last thing this Valley needs is ANOTHER Angela Channing."

 

"True.  And I get the feeling that young woman cannot be trusted."

 

Jeremy looks across the room at his son and Angela St. James, a young woman Jeremy is vastly interested in.

 

"Honey, she and Kevin met in London years ago, and they got......close.  They had a fling.  I guess they're just renewing that old fling."

 

"Kevin is gonna get hurt,"  Elena says.

 

"My brother can take care of himself.  Is it that you're worried about him, or that you just don't like Emma Ryland and don't want her here?"

 

"It's a little of BOTH, actually,"  Elena replies.  "I can't stand her.  Michael, if you only knew half the things that girl did back in Dallas, you'd be concerned for your brother as well."

 

Michael reaches over and touches her.  "Elena, as I said, Kevin is an adult.  He's never taken too kindly to anyone telling him what to do or even trying to give him advice.  It's just how he is.  If Emma is trouble, then Kevin will find that out for himself."

 

"I hope he never has to find out."

 

"Hey," Michael says.  "Are you gonna talk about my brother and Emma Ryland all night, or are you gonna have sex with your handsome husband?"

 

Elena looks at him.  "Well, if those are my choices, then I choose........sex with my incredibly handsome and sexy husband."

 

Kevin smiles.  "I thought you might," he says, kissing her.  Elena reaches over and turns off the light beside the bed....

 

 

Angela comes down the stairs at Falcon Crest the next morning and hears Lance in the living room on the phone.  

 

"Yeah,"  Lance says to the person on the other end of the line as he paces around the room with the phone in his hand.  "Just keep me posted on the investigation.  I wanna know everything.......if my mother had any visitors, or if she made or received any phone calls, anything.  And get back to me as soon as possible."

 

While Angela stands at the bottom of the stairs listening to Lance's end of the conversation, Eric comes down the stairs.

 

"Hey, what are you doing?"  He asks.

 

"Shhhhh," Angela says, then returns to listening.

 

"I appreciate it, Carl,"  they both hear Lance say.  "Just get back to me as soon as you have anything.  Bye."  Lance puts his cell phone into his pocket and walks into the foyer, where he finds Angela and Eric.  

 

"Any news on Aunt Julia yet?"  Angela asks.

 

Lance sighs deeply.  "No.  None yet.  I'm gonna get to work early this morning.  I need to keep my mind busy."

 

"You're not having breakfast, Dad?"  Eric asks.

 

"I'm not hungry.  I'll see you both at the winery soon."  Lance grabs his jacket and hurries out of the house.

 

"You know,"  Angela says.  "As much as I hate to say this, your grandmother's disappearance couldn't have come at a better or more opportune time."

 

"What do you mean?"  Eric asks.

 

"What better situation to keep your father distracted from his work at Falcon Crest than his own mother's disappearance?"

"Angela, are you KIDDING me right now?"  Eric asks.  "This is my grandmother we're talking about here, and she's missing.  Don't you even care about that?"

 

"Of course I care."

 

"Then act like it.  Look, I wanna put this plan to get Falcon Crest away from my parents into motion just as much as you.  But we're not gonna take advantage of my grandmother's disappearance to do it."  

 

"Of course,"  Angela says.  "Eric, you're right.  I'm sorry.  I don't know what I was thinking.  Of course Aunt Julia's disappearance is the most important thing right now."

 

"I think I'm gonna skip breakfast myself,"  says Eric.  He looks at his cousin, then walks out of the house.  

 

After he's gone  Angela smiles.  "Of course, Aunt Julia's whereabouts is important,"  she says quietly to herself once she's alone in the foyer.  "But it sure couldn't have come at a better time.  And I don't care what you say, Eric.  I intend to use this situation to my full advantage."  

 

 

As Vicky finishes dressing that morning, Jeremy stands at the window of their hotel suite, looking out over the city of San Francisco.  She walks over to her husband.  

 

"Jeremy, are you still thinking about last night?"  Vicky asks.  "About seeing Jonathon with Angela St. James?"

 

"Yes.  Thank God, at least they left separately."

 

"And what would you have done if they hadn't?  Would you have stopped them?"

 

"You know I would have.  I would've HAD to."

 

"How?  I mean, what would you have told your son?"

 

"Damn it, Victoria, I don't know.  Look, I have a lot on my mind this morning."

 

"Jeremy, you're gonna have to tell Jonathon the truth?"

 

"Victoria, you know that I can't,"  Jeremy says, turning to face her.  "It would jeopardize everything."

 

"Jonathon is your SON, Jeremy,"  Vicky says.  "You can trust him with the truth."

 

"I can't."

 

"And what are you going to do about him getting close to Emma's daughter?  And what if those two get even CLOSER?  Jeremy, you have GOT to tell Jonathon the truth about his and Angela's connection before this goes any further."

 

Jeremy again turns away from his wife and looks out the window, his anger rising inside of him.

 

"Look, dude, I just want to apologize for the other day," Nick says.  "For what I said, and for jumping to the conclusion that you were trying to steal my girl.  I had no idea that you and Gabby were cousins."

 

"Well, now ya know,"  Alex says.

 

"Yeah.  And, I feel bad for what I said.  So, what do you say, Lord?  Friends?"  Nick extends his hand to him.

 

Alex looks at the other boy for a moment, then looks down at his extended hand.  He smiles.  "Friends," he says, finally shaking Nick's hand.  

 

"It's very nice, Dad,"  the young man replies.  "But, what's it for?"

 

 

"For our new offices.  I figure we might as well get started.  After all, Jack can't run the office back in Miami forever."

 

Chase leans against a chair as he looks at his father.  "You're really thinking of moving out here permanently?"

 

"Yes, Chase, I am,"  Cole says.  "This was my home once, and it can be again.  It can be home for all of us.  Your brother decided this is where he wants to be, where not only his roots on our side of the family are, but also his mother's roots.  And my sister Vicky and her family have just settled here, so this is perfect."

 

"You always use to say that you never wanted to live here again.  That there were too many painful memories."

 

"I know, but things changed.  Now, with the whole family here, I finally have a reason to wanna put down roots here again."

 

Chase again looks around the office, then walks to the window and looks out at the beautiful view.  "Okay, then," he says.  "If you're sure, then, I'm willing to give San Francisco and the Tuscany Valley a try.  After all, there really isn't anything left for us in Miami, is there?"

 

"No, son,"  replies Cole.  "There really isn't."

 

"Then we should rent these offices before someone else does,"  Chase says.  "Welcome home, Dad."

 

"Welcome home, son,"  Cole says as father and son shake hands.

 

"Yes,"  says Michael.  "Emma Ryland is in town, and Kevin has been spending all his time with her."

 

"Emma Ryland, huh?"  Richard says.  "I remember your brother was always sweet on her."

 

"I just don't Kevin doesn't end up getting hurt,"  Elena says.  

 

"Why would you say that?" 

"I know Emma Ryland pretty well, and that girl is trouble from head to toe,"  replies Elena.

 

"Well, I'd appreciate it if the two of you would keep an eye on Kevin for me.  Right now I'm pretty tied up with this Julia thing, and with trying to find information on Jeremy Lord."

 

"Dad, I'm curious, why are you so interested in Jeremy Lord?"  Michael asks.

 

"Let's just say it's a hunch I have.  I don't believe for one minute that man moved his entire operation and his family all the way to San Francisco from London without some kind of agenda, and I intend to find out what that is.  You, uh, you know his son a little, don't you?"

 

"Jonathon?  Yeah, a little.  I've had a couple drinks with him, and played some tennis and pool with him.  Why?"

 

"I need you to pump that kid for information about his father,"  Richard says.  "Just, subtly, mind you."

 

"Dad, you want me to use Jonathon to get information on his father for you?"

 

"Like I said, just subtly ask some questions, like you're genuinely curious about his family.  After all, Jeremy Lord's marriage to Kevin's sister Victoria does make the Lords part of our family in a way.  Just act like you wanna get to know the Lords better.  Anyway, I think I'm gonna go over to Falcon Crest to see your Aunt Emma.  And Michael, I'd appreciate it you'd do this for me right away.  The sooner, the better."  Without another word to his son or Elena, Richard grabs his jacket and walks out.

 

Michael sighs deeply.  "How do you like that?"  He asks.  "My father wants me to spy for him.  And use a new friend to do it."

 

"Dad, why have I been summoned here like this?"  Jonathon asks, taking a seat in a chair across from his father.

 

"Oh, we just haven't spent any time together at all since the whole family's been in San Francisco, and I thought you and I should talk."

 

"Okay, let's talk.  I'm sorry that I haven't spent any time with the family, but, I've been otherwise......occupied."

 

 

"Yes, well, I'm sure that your little brother would appreciate you finding some time to spend with him to......what is it you young people call it these days......hang out?"  Jeremy says.

 

"Don't worry, Dad, I'll find some time to hang with Alex soon."

 

"Good.  He misses his big brother."

 

"Somehow, I get the feeling that isn't all you wanted to talk to me about,"  Jonathon says.

 

"You're absolutely right.  It's not.  When you said you had been otherwise occupied, does that mean with a young woman?"

 

"Well, there is one that I've been interested in since I came here.  Why do you ask?"

 

Angela St. James?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"How did you know that?"  

 

"We saw you last evening at the Del Oro spa restaurant having drinks with Miss St. James.  Victoria, Alexander and I had dinner there with Victoria's brother Cole and his two sons."

 

"Okay, well, why didn't you come over and say something?"  Jonathon asks.

 

"Didn't want to disturb you.  Jonathon, how close have you and this Angela St. James become?"

 

"Not as close as I'd like,"  replies Jonathon.  "But, in time, she'll have no choice but to give in to my incredible charms."

 

"No,"  says Jeremy, very calmly.  "That will not, and CANNOT happen."

 

"What?"  Asks a confused Jonathon.

 

"Jonathon, I need for you to trust me on this when I tell you that you need to stop seeing Miss St. James."

 

"But why?  I like her."

 

"There are literally thousands of eligible other young women of your age in this city and in the Valley.  Choose another.  Angela St. James is off limits."

 

"Dad, why?"  Jonathon asks, standing to his feet.  "You can't just tell me to not see Angela again and not tell me why."

 

"It's in your best interest, as well as the best interest of the family.

 

"Son, you're just going to have to trust me on this,"  Jeremy says.

 

"Well, I'm sorry, Dad, I can't do that.  Not without an explanation.  You don't even know Angela, and you're telling me to stay away from her?  Like she isn't good enough for me?"

 

"That's not it at all."

 

"Then WHY, Dad?"  Jonathon asks, raising his voice.  

 

Jeremy stands from his seat to face his son.  "Do not EVER use that tone with me again.  Am I understood?"

 

Jonathon remains silent.

 

"Am I understood?"  Jeremy repeats.

 

"Yes."

 

"Good.  Now, you will not see Miss St. James again."

 

"No, Dad.  I'm sorry.  I've always done pretty much everything you asked of me, but I'll be damned if I'll let you dictate my personal life.  Who I see is MY business."

 

"It is NOT just your business!"  Jeremy says, losing his temper.  "That young woman is the niece of Richard Channing."

 

"Yeah?  So?"

 

"Richard Channing is an evil man."

 

"Look, Dad, I know that you have a problem with Richard Channing, but that doesn't have anything to do with me, or any member of Channing's family.  Especially his niece.  I am 26-years-old, which means I am an ADULT, capable of making my own decisions."

 

"I came to San Francisco to DESTROY Richard Channing, and any member of his family that gets in my way,"  Jeremy says.  "Channing refused to sell that newspaper of his to me, so I will TAKE it from him."

 

"Why, Dad?"  Jonathon asks.  "Why is this so damned important to you?  You never even met Richard Channing until we came to San Francisco, yet you wanna destroy the man and take everything he has.  Why?  I am your son, and I think I deserve to know why you're so hellbent on destroying Richard Channing, especially since you just ordered me to stay away from Channing's niece."

 

Jeremy turns to his son and looks at him for a moment.  "That newspaper, The San Francisco Globe.......should have partly belonged to ME," he says.

 

"To you?  That doesn't make any sense.  Richard Channing's father started that newspaper like 70 years ago."

 

"Yes.  My father started that newspaper.  MY father.  Richard's father.  Yes, Jonathon........Douglas Channing was my father.  Richard is my half-brother.  His sisters, Julia and Emma, are MY half-sisters, which means that your new little........friend...... Angela St. James.......is your COUSIN."

 

Jonathon's mouth falls open  in shock.  "No way," he says.  "This can't be true."

 

"It's true.  My mother was Douglas Channing's mistress for a number of years.  He use to visit me in England when I was a boy, but he would never acknowledge me as his son because of the embarrassment it would bring to his precious name.  Because my mother was German born.  Then, as years passed, and I became a young adult, Douglas promised to acknowledge me as his son, but, before he could, he dropped dead of a heart attack, and Richard, the son he DID acknowledge, inherited everything that should have jointly belonged to ME!  Now, do you understand why destroying Richard Channing is so important to me.  And you........you are not to breathe a word of this to ANYONE.....not even to your brother.  Alexander has no idea about any of this.  Do you understand?"

 

Stunned speechless by what he has just heard, Jonathon again remains silent.  

 

Jeremy walks over to his son and touches his face.  "Do you understand?"  He asks again, this time much more aggressively.  

 

"I understand,"  Jonathon replies.

 

"Good, very good, son.  Now, I want you to leave this office.  I want you to stop seeing Angela St. James, and I want you to become closer friends with Richard's sons, Michael and Kevin."

 

"Why?"  Asks Jonathon.

 

"Because his family will be Richard's Achilles Heel,"  Jeremy replies.  

 

"Dad, I.......Michael and Kevin.......they're good guys.  They befriended me as soon as I came here.  I can't......I won't hurt them."

 

Jeremy moves closer to his son, his face just mere inches from Jonathon's, and looks him in the eye.  "Jonathon, now is the time you need to decide where your loyalties lie.  With your family.......or with the Channings, people who have never done anything for you other than steal your birthright.  If your loyalties lie with them, then you can walk out that door and never set foot in my sight again."

 

"You don't mean that,"  Jonathon says, near tears.

 

"I do.  Son, you can help me with this.  Help me take back what is rightfully OURS.....not for me, but yourself and your little brother, and your future children and his.  So do your loyalties lie with me.......or with your new friends, the Channings?"

 

Jonathon looks at his father, tears now streaming down his face.  "With you, sir."

 

Jeremy smiles.  "I'm very glad to hear you say that.  Turning a son of mine away is the last thing I would ever want to do. Now, then, you go back to room, and get some rest.  And then........then our work will begin.  Go."

 

Jonathon looks at his father again, then turns and quietly walks out of the office.  

 

After his son leaves, Jeremy smiles.  He takes his cell phone from his pocket and dials a number.  On the second ring, a man answers.  "How is our guest holding up?"

 

"Just fine, Mr. Lord,"  replies the man's voice on the other end of the line.  "The plan is falling into place very nicely.  Within a few days, she'll be ready."

 

"Wonderful news,"  Jeremy says.  "Keep me posted, and make sure nothing goes wrong with this plan, and no harm comes to our guest.  She will be the key to helping me get everything I came here for."  Jeremy ends the call and puts his phone away.  He walks to the window and looks out over the city and smiles.