Standing in the hallway just off the restaurant at the Omni Hotel, Richard is stunned over the revelation Katherine Wentworth just laid on him......that Jeremy Lord is her ex-husband.

 

"What did you just say?"  Richard asks.  "Did I just hear you right?  You were married to Jeremy Lord?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Come on,"  Richard says.  "Upstairs.  NOW."  As the elevator door opens and three people get off, Richard forces Katherine into the elevator.  The doors close and they head upstairs to Katherine's suite.

"Well, you already know my earlier history,"  Katherine says.

 

"That you gunned down your sister's ex-hubby Bobby Ewing in 1984, then tried to poison him in the hospital after planting a gun in your brother Cliff Barnes's apartment to frame him, then you were arrested and skipped bail.  Yes, I know all that, so skip to the part where Jeremy Lord waltzed into your life."

 

"I met Jeremy Lord at the end of 1987 after I returned to Europe.  I was a fugitive, so I had to be careful.  I was of course using an assumed name.  Andrea Blake.  Blake, being my mother's maiden name.  Jeremy and I actually met at a New Year's Eve party in London.  I fell in love with him from the first moment I ever saw him."

 

"Oh?"  Richard asks.  "Was he the man that FINALLY made you fall out of love and forget your obsession with Bobby Ewing?"

 

"I knew that I would never have Bobby.  I knew I'd probably never see him again, nor did I want to.  Jeremy was so kind, so gentle.  So dashing and handsome.  How could I not fall in love with him?  He was London's most eligible bachelor at the time.  He fell in love with me, and he started pursuing me, but I knew it would never work.  After all, Jeremy didn't even know who I really was."

 

"And just when did he find out that you were a wanted fugitive?"  Richard asks.

 

"A few months after we started seeing one another, we finally made love for the first time.  I hadn't been with a man in so long. I couldn't believe it was really happening.  That night, Jeremy asked me to marry him.  I was so much in love, I said yes.  Without even thinking about it, I said yes to his proposal.  But there was the problem of the wedding.  Jeremy was already an up and coming business executive at the time, and there was bound to be publicity.  I couldn't afford that, so I left Jeremy.  Ran away to Rome.  But he followed me.  While we were in Rome, I found out that I was pregnant with Jonathon, and Jeremy again asked me to marry him and he demanded that I tell him why I wouldn't.  So, left with no alternative, I told him everything......who I was, and what I had done.  But Jeremy was in love with me, and I was carrying his child, so, he promised me that he would never tell a living soul my real identity.  We were married in a private ceremony in Rome, and then once we returned to London, Jeremy used every resource at his command to keep the media and the paparazzi away from me, to keep me safe.  It was a hard life.  Whenever Jeremy appeared in public, one of our servants went with him, and pretended to be his 'wife,' Andrea Lord.  It was even harder after Jonathon was born.  But I loved Jeremy and I was willing to be with him any way I could."

 

"Must've been mighty hard, keeping your real identity a secret, considering that Lord was an international business mogul."

 

"It was,"  Katherine continues.  "But, having a lot of money made it easier.  Jeremy took steps to maintain my anonymity, but after a while, the secret began to come between us.  Jeremy was........he was growing tired of having to live our lives in secret because his wife was a wanted fugitive.  And then I found out I was expecting Austin.  Things got to the point where all Jeremy and I did was fight, and that took a toll on Jonathon.  Eventually,  I couldn't stand my husband.  He came to hate me and blame me for everything.  For the mess our lives had become.  Finally, the marriage deteriorated to the point where Jeremy told me that, after the baby was born, he was going to banish me from their lives forever.  I wasn't about to let that happen.  When I was 8 and a half months pregnant, Jeremy and I got into a terrible fight one night.  I told him I was leaving him and taking Jonathon.  He swore to me that he'd never let that happen.  When I actually tried to leave our home, Jeremy grabbed me, and we struggled.  I fell and went into premature labor.  Jeremy phoned for an ambulance and I was rushed to the hospital.  Later that night, Austin was born.  Jeremy had posted guards outside of my door to keep me from taking our baby and leaving.  Unfortunately for him, the doctors and nurses in that hospital could easily be bought off."

 

"Bought off?"  Richard asks.

 

Katherine turns to face him.  "Yes.  A woman at the hospital had given birth to a baby boy the day before I had Austin.  The woman was unmarried and had developed some sort of complications.  Tragically, both she and her baby died.  I had a friend who knew about my past and had helped me a lot, so I called for her to come to London and to the hospital.  Of course my...........friend.........had to be paid off, as well, but it was worth it.  And she had some secrets of her own that she didn't want to come to the light.  She bribed my doctor and two of the nurses at the hospital to let her have my baby boy.  Jeremy was told that his son died.  He didn't believe it, and he demanded to see a body.  But I had covered all my bases.  The baby that had died was substituted for my son.  Once he believed our son was dead, Jeremy had no more use for me.  He told me to get out of London.  That he never wanted to see me again, and he threatened that if I ever attempted to see or contact him or Jonathon again, he'd have me arrested and he'd make sure that I spent the rest of my life in prison.  So I had no choice.  After I left the hospital, I met my friend in Paris, and she gave Austin to me.  Loraine stayed with me as Austin's nurse and was a loyal friend and companion until she died in 2008.  Austin and I moved around a lot, especially those first few years after we left London.  And as you know, it wasn't until last year that I finally came out of hiding when I was pardoned by the governor of Texas."

 

"That's a very interesting story,"  Richard.  "So, I suppose, after you told Lord that his child had died and he banished you from his and Jonathon's life, he told everyone, including Jonathon, that his wife had died in childbirth, along with the child."

 

"Yes.  You can't imagine how many times over the years I thought of Jonathon.  .  He was well taken care, and a few years later I heard that Jeremy had remarried, and then, I heard he and his new wife had a new son.  I went back to London in disguise and looked at them once when they were in a park.  Jonathon was 10-years-old, and he looked well, and happy."

 

"And Jeremy Lord still has no idea that his second son is alive?"  Richard asks.

 

"No."

 

"You put your son in charge of running Wentworth Industries, a company that is known throughout the world.  Now didn't it ever occur to you that he might find out Austin was his son."

 

Katherine smiles slightly.  "By that time, it never occurred to me.  There is NOTHING Jeremy Lord can do to me anymore.  I am now just as wealthy and powerful as he is, so I can match him threat for threat.  Austin is another story.  I never wanted him to learn who his father was, and Jeremy living here in San Francisco does complicate things."

 

"Not to mention the fact that Lord is currently married to my former stepdaughter, who happens to be the sister of my son Kevin."

 

Katherine looks at Richard with worry.

"Victoria, I don't want to talk about this,"  Jeremy says.

 

"Jeremy, in all the years we've been married, we've never kept secrets.  You've told me everything about your connection to Richard Channing, and your plan to take everything from him.  So why can't you trust me with this?  I know there's something bothering you, and I know it has to be about that woman who was with Richard.  You do know her, don't you?"

 

"Alright, YES,"  Jeremy says angrily.  "Yes, I know that woman.  There, Victoria, are you happy now?"

 

"Who is she?"  Vicky asks.

 

Jeremy remains silent as he walks across the room and takes a seat in a chair.   

 

Vicky walks over to him.  "Jeremy?  Who is that woman?"

 

Jeremy looks up at his wife.  "That........woman........is my former wife.  Jonathon's mother."

 

Vicky's mouth falls open in shock.

 

 

Lance walks into the foyer at Falcon Crest that night to answer the ringing doorbell.  He opens the door to find Jonathon standing on the porch.  

 

"May I help you?"  Lance asks.

 

"Is Angela here?"  Jonathon asks.

 

"Yes, she is.  ANGELA!"  Lance looks at the young man, not inviting him into the house.  

 

Pilar walks into the foyer.  "Oh, Jonathon," she says.

 

"Evening, Mrs. Cumson."

 

Angela comes down the stairs.  "Jonathon.  What are you doing here?"

 

"I need to talk to you.  Can we step outside?"

 

"Sure,"  Angela says.  She walks over to the door, grabs a jacket from the coat rack, then she and Jonathon go onto the front porch, Angela closing the door behind her.

 

"Who was that?"  Lance asks.

 

"Jonathon Lord, a friend of Angela's,"  replies Pilar. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, on the porch, Angela puts on her jacket.  "So what's up?  After the last time we talked, I didn't think I'd be seeing you again."

 

"Yeah, Angela, I'm really sorry about that,"  Jonathon says.  "Sorry that I was so rude."

 

"Forget it.  Is that all you wanted?"  Angela asks in an angry tone.

 

"No.  I wanted to let you know that I spoke to my father about Falcon Crest, and he's willing to help with a loan."

 

"Oh, I see,"  Angela says, her attitude toward the young man softening somewhat.  "Well, thank you."

 

"Look, umm, I also wanted to say that, my.......rejection of you, earlier, that wasn't what you think.  I mean it wasn't for the reason you think.  Angela, you are a very beautiful young woman."

 

"Yeah, sure.  A very beautiful young woman you have no interest in having sex with after you pursued from the moment you set foot in this Valley.  Yeah, that makes a lot of sense."

 

"I know that this sounds crazy, but, it has nothing to do with you.  It's all me."

 

"Well, judging from the way you hit on every woman you see, I can't believe that you're gay, so there must be another reason you turned me down."

 

Jonathon looks at her and smiles.  "No, I can definitely assure you that I'm NOT gay.  I just have a lot going on in my life right now, and I need to concentrate on that.  And on myself."

 

Angela looks at him for a moment.  "I guess that makes sense."

 

"But I would like it if we could be friends,"  Jonathon says, extending his hand.

 

Angela pauses for a few seconds, then shakes his hand.  "Friends."

 

"Great.  Okay, well, it's getting late, so I'm gonna get going.  I'll talk to you later, and let you know when you can meet with my father about that loan."

 

"Fine,"  says Angela.  "And thank you, Jonathon."

 

"You're welcome," he says with a smile.  "Goodnight."

 

"Night."  Angela watches him as he walks to his car and gets in, then she goes back into the house.

 

"You think Richard knows who she is?"  Vicky asks.

 

"What?  Of course he knows who she is.  He probably found her and brought her here to use against me somehow."

 

Before either of then can say anything more, the door opens and Alex walks in.  Seeing that his parents appear to be in a deep conversation, the boy looks at them for a moment.

"Mom, Dad,"  Alex says.  "Boy, you guys sure look serious.  I walk in on something?"

 

"No, of course not, sweetheart,"  Vicky says.  "Did you have a good time at Nick's house?"

 

"Yeah, I did."

 

"We didn't expect you home so early."

 

"Well, Nick boss called and asked him to come to work at 10.  He was supposed to work 3-9 tonight, but somebody called in sick or something, so his boss had to change his schedule."

 

"Oh,"  Vicky says.  She looks from her son to her husband, who has poured himself a drink of scotch and is again staring out the window.  Vicky worries about how the presence of Jeremy's ex-wife with Richard is going to affect their lives.  Or turn them upside down.

"So, where've you been keeping yourself?"  Angie asks.  "I hardly ever see you anymore."

 

"I know.  School keeps me pretty busy."

 

"I understand.  So, what brings you over?  Just to come to hang out for a while?"

"Actually, Angie, I need some advice, and I really didn't know who else to go to,"  Gabby says.  "I could've gone to our other cousin Angela, but, I don't exactly trust her."

 

Angie smiles.  "Well, I'm glad you came to me.  What's the point of having a girl cousin a few years older if you don't come to her for advice from time to time?  So, I'm guessing it's about a boy?"

 

"Yeah,"  Gabby says with a smile.

 

"And would that boy be Nick Fairchild?"  Angie asks.

 

"Yes it would."

 

"Hmmm, he's a real cutie.  If I were five years younger cousin, I'd give you some competition for him.  So tell me, what's the problem?"

 

Gabby lets out a deep sigh.  "Angie, Nick and I have been getting closer.  I mean......a LOT closer."

 

"Gabby, have you two had sex yet?"  Angie asks seriously.

 

"We've messed around a little, but, no, we haven't actually had sex.  But Nick wants to.  And so do I.  I'm just not sure I'm ready.  We've come close a few times.  Once, well, I told you about that day my Mom came home and caught us.  If she hadn't come home, we might've done it then.  Then, later, down at the lake, when I told my parents I was over here with you.  But......"

 

"But.....what?  Gabby, other than the time Pilar walked in on you and Nick, what keeps stopping you?"

 

Gabby hesitates a moment before answering, then looks at her cousin.  "Me.  I keep stopping Nick.  I just......I don't know if I'm ready yet to have sex.  I guess I'm just scared."

 

"Well, to be honest, Gabby, I'm really glad you're scared, and I'm proud of you for having the sense not to go through with it or letting Nick pressure you into doing something you don't wanna do."

 

"But I DO, Angie,"  Gabby says.  "I DO wanna have sex with Nick.  I'm SOOO attracted to him, and when I'm with him, it's all I think about.  But, I don't wanna end up getting pregnant like my Mom did.  Nick always brings protection, but, I know nothing is 100% safe."

 

"Well,"  Angie says.  "It sounds to me like you're really not ready."

 

"Angie, I'm about to turn 17.  Isn't that old enough?  I mean, I don't know many girls my age who haven't lost their virginity yet.  Sometimes, I feel like a freak."

 

"Oh, sweety, no,"  Angie says, walking over to her.  "You are definitely NOT a freak.  In fact, you're showing a lot more sense than most girls your age.  A lot of girls sleep with a lot of guys, and they end up pregnant or with some disease and their life is ruined.  Gabby, you'll know when the time is right for you.  And when the right person comes along.  Let me ask you a question......do you love Nick?"

 

"Yeah.  I do,"  Gabby replies.  "I'm just afraid I'm gonna lose him if I don't......."

 

"Gabby, has Nick ever tried to pressure you into sex?"

 

"No.  He's always been really understanding.  Disappointed, yes.......but, understanding"

 

Angie smiles.  "Then he sounds like a great guy, and a keeper.  And trust me, if he's worth keeping, then he'll continue to be understanding until you're ready."

 

"You really think so?"

 

"Yeah,  I do."

 

"I feel better,"  Gabby says.  "I was just really confused about what to do."

 

"Hey, if you're not busy, why don't we hang out today?"  Angie asks.

 

"Sure.  Nick was supposed to work tonight, but his boss called him in this morning, so I have the day free until 4:30.  So you wanna go grab a milk shake?"

 

Angie smiles.  "A milkshake?  At Dairy Queen, by any chance?"

"Well, they do have the best milk shakes in the Valley,"  Gabby says.

 

"Uh-huh.  And, doesn't Nick work there?"

 

"Yes, I do believe he does,"  Gabby replies.'

 

Angie laughs.  "Girl, you are TOO much," she says.  "Come on.  Let's go to Dairy Queen."

"What are you doing in San Francisco, Katherine?"  Jeremy asks.  "And more importantly, what were you doing with Richard Channing?"

 

"That is NONE of your damned business!"  Katherine says angrily.

 

Jeremy walks closer to her.  "It most certainly is my business, if you're conspiring with Channing against me."

 

"Conspiring with Richard against......."  Katherine begins laughing.  "Oh that is just marvelous, Jeremy.  You're as paranoid as you ever were.  Just how do you know Richard, anyway?"

 

"No, you see, I asked you first,"  Jeremy says.  "How do you know Channing, and why are you here?"

 

"Get out of here, Jeremy."

 

"Or what, Katherine?"  Jeremy asks, calmly as he grabs Katherine by the wrist.

 

"Let go of me, you son of a bitch."

 

"I had hoped that I would never lay eyes on you again," he says.  "Now, I see you're packing your little bags.  That's good.  That means you're leaving town.  Saves me the trouble of making sure that you leave."

 

Katherine pulls away from Jeremy grasp and looks at him.  "You know what?  I've changed my mind.  I actually like it here in San Francisco, especially since my SON is here."

 

"Katherine, I am warning you,"  Jeremy says.  "If you make any attempt to contact MY son, I will have you in prison faster than you can blink those lovely eyes of yours."

 

"Prison?"  Katherine asks with a laugh.  "Well, Jeremy, that's not going to happen.  You'll be unhappy to know that I was pardoned a year ago by the governor of Texas for my past.......indiscretions."

 

"Were you, now?"  Jeremy asks.  "Well, there are other ways to take care of you."

 

"You always did manage to look pathetic when you were threatening someone, Jeremy.  And the fact that there's' absolutely nothing you can do to me makes you look even more pathetic."

 

Jeremy smiles at her slightly.  "Nothing I can do to you?  I wouldn't be so certain of that, Katherine.  My resources are practically endless."

 

"And so are mine.  And combined with the resources of my new partner in crime Richard.......well, if you had any sense, you should be the one who's afraid."

 

"I'm not afraid of you, or that pitiful excuse for a man you've chosen to align yourself with."

 

"My,"  Katherine says with a smile.  "You really do have a hate on for Richard, don't you?  My question is......why?  He told me that you arrived in town and offered to buy his newspaper?  Why, Jeremy?  Why Richard's paper, when you could afford to buy any newspaper in the world?  And the fact that you're now married to Richard's former stepdaughter makes me even more curious why YOU'RE in San Francisco and why you wanted that newspaper."

 

"Katherine, you listen to me, and you listen GOOD, for your own sake.  Finish packing and get out of San Francisco.  Go back to wherever it is you came from, and never.......and I mean NEVER........let me lay eyes on you again."

 

"Or what, Jeremy?"  Katherine asks.  "Are you gonna kill me?  You already told our son that I'm dead.  How do you think Jonathon will feel when he finds out his father has lied to him since he was 5-years-old......"

 

Without warning, Jeremy suddenly grabs Katherine and shoves her down on the bed, then gets on top of her, his hands around her throat as she gasps for air.  "Listen to me, you bitch," he says.  "Come anywhere near my son, and I swear, I will kill you with my bare hands, and I can promise you, no one will EVER find your body."  After glaring down at her angrily for a moment, Jeremy finally releases his grip and Katherine begins coughing violently.  "I should have killed you years ago.  The way you killed my child."  As Katherine continues to cough from being strangled, Jeremy walks to the door and starts to leave. He pauses at the door and turns back to her.  "I want you as far away from San Francisco as possibly by this evening, Katherine."  After another brief pause, Jeremy leaves.  

 

Katherine manages to get off the bed and stand, still holding her throat.  "You son of a bitch," she says with gritted teeth.  "I'll make you regret that if it's the last thing I ever do!"

 

 

 

 

Lance comes down the stairs to answer the ringing doorbell at Falcon Crest that afternoon.  He opens the door to find a young Asian youth on the front porch.  

 

"Yes, may I help you?"  Lance asks.

"You are Mr. Cumson?  Mr. LANCE Cumson?"  The young man asks.

 

"Yes, I'm Lance Cumson.  Who are you?"

 

"I am Chang-Li.  And I am hoping I can have a job here."

 

"A job?"  Lance asks.  "Well, I don't know, son, umm....."

 

"My grandfather worked at Falcon Crest for many years."

 

"Your grandfather.......oh my gosh.  Are you Chao-Li's grandson?"

 

The young man smiles.  "Yes, I am.  My grandfather always spoke very highly of you and your family, and he once told me when he visited my mother and I that, he hoped that I could also serve this house when I reached the age of 18.  And, m 18th birthday was three weeks ago."

 

"I see,"  Lance says.  "Well, Chang-Li, please, come in."

 

"Thank you,"  Chang says, walking into the house.

 

"You know, your mother brought you here once, to see Chao-Li.  You were only about a year old."

 

"I am afraid I do not remember."

 

Lance smiles.  "Well, I'm not surprised.  Like I said, you were only about a year old then."

 

Pilar walks into the room. "Lance, what's going on?  Who's our visitor?"

 

"Honey, umm, this is Chang-Li, Chao-Li's grandson."

 

"Really?"  Pilar asks with a smile.  "Wow, well, the last time we saw you, you were just a baby."

 

Chang smiles.  "Yes, Mr. Cumson was just telling me."

 

"Pilar, Chang-Li was asking for a job here."

"A job?"  Pilar asks.  "Well, given our financial situation at the moment, Lance, I don't see how we could....."

 

"Yeah, I know,"  Lance says.  "Chang-Li, I'm very sorry, but, we're having some serious financial problems around here right now, so there's no way we could possibly hire any new employees."

 

"Well, that is fine, Mr. Cumson,"  Chang says.  "I would be more than happy to serve for nothing, until you and Mrs. Cumson are on a more solid financial footing."

 

Lance and Pilar exchange puzzled looks.  "You......you would wanna work here without pay?"  Lance asks.

 

"Yes.  My grandfather served this house and this family from his boyhood until old age.  He was always very happy here.  And I want to do the same.  As the next male heir in my family, it is my obligation to do so."

 

"Look, Chang-Li, we really appreciate this, but we can't....."

 

"Please, Mr. Cumson.  This is extremely important to me, to carry on my family's tradition, and since my grandfather had no son, it is left to me to do so."

 

"Do you have your bags?"  Lance asks.

 

"Yes, sir, on the porch."

 

"Well, bring them in, and you can stay in Chao-Li's old room for now.  And we'll talk about this later."

 

Chang smiles.  "Thank you, Mr. Cumson.  I knew I was making the right decision in coming here."

 

Lance and Pilar again exchange puzzled looks as the boy brings in two large suitcases.

"Did he?"  Richard asks, interested.  "Well, then, that means that seeing us together must have spooked him somehow, which also means that Jeremy Lord didn't come to me simply with a very generous offer to buy my newspaper.  That man has something else up his sleeve.  But what?  And I have to wonder if Vicky is in on whatever her husband has planned."

 

Katherine looks at Richard curiously.

 

Angela walks into Falcon Crest that night and hangs her coat on the coat rack beside the front door.  As she starts to walk upstairs, Chang-Li comes in from the dining room.

 

"Good evening,"  he says.

 

"Hello,"  Angela says, confused and wondering who this strange Asian boy is.

 

"You must be Miss St. James, Mr. Cumson's cousin and Miss Emma Channing's daughter?"

 

 

 

 

 

"Yes, I'm Angela St. James.  And just who are you?"

"I am Chang-Li.  I work here now."

 

"You........work here?"  Asks a surprised Angela.

 

"Yes, Miss St. James.  Mr. Cumson hired me this afternoon."

 

"I.......see."

 

"Angela, darling,"  says her mother, Emma, as she comes down the stairs.

 

"Hello, Mother.  Ummm, where is Lance?"

 

"Oh, he and Pilar went out to a movie or something, and maybe a late dinner.  They said not to wait up, and I assured them that Chang-Li and I could take care of everything around here while they were out."

 

"I see,"  says Angela, looking at Chang.  "Ummm, you may go now."

 

"Yes, ma'am,"  Chang says with a nod.  He then leaves the foyer.

 

"Well, what do you think?"  Emma asks her daughter.  "Nice, isn't he?"

 

"Yes, Mother, he's very nice, but WHO is he?"  Angela asks, annoyed.

 

"He's Chao-Li's grandson, darling.  And he's here to work for Falcon Crest, just like Chao-Li use to.  It's almost like having dear Chao-Li back."

 

Angela sighs as she throws her hands up.  "I don't believe this.  Falcon Crest is broke and on the verge of bankruptcy and Lance hires a new butler?"

 

"Darling, it's perfectly alright,"  says Emma.  "Chang-Li is gonna be working here for free until we're out of this hole."

 

"He's what?  Working for free?"

"Yes,"  Emma replies.  "Chang-Li is fulfilling his family's obligation.  You see, his grandfather Chao-Li served this house and this family from the time he was very young, right up until he died, right in the same bedroom where he had slept for so many years.  And Chao-Li's father served my grandfather here.  And now, Chang-Li, being the only male heir left in his family, is carrying on the tradition.  I think it's wonderful."

 

"Yes, well, I think I'm gonna go to bed.  I have to be up early in the morning.  Goodnight, Mother."

 

"Goodnight, Angela,"  Emma says as her daughter kisses her on the cheek.  Emma watches as her daughter heads up the stairs.

Lance, Pilar, Eric, Gabby, and Emma are seated at the dining room table the next morning as Chang-Li serves them breakfast.

 

"Mmmm, Chang-Li, these eggs are absolutely delicious,"  Lance says.

 

Chang smiles.  "Thank you, Mr. Cumson, it's a special family recipe," he says as Gabby looks at him with a smile of her own.

 

Angela walks into the room at that moment.  "Good morning, everyone," she says, taking her seat at the table.

 

"You're in an awfully cheery mood this morning, considering what a mess Falcon Crest is in,"  Eric says.

 

Angela looks at her cousin and smiles.  "Well, dear cousin, I for one, choose to think positively and believe that we're gonna come out of this just fine."

 

"Now that's the spirit,"  says Emma.  "Positive thinking can get you a long way in life."

 

"I only have time for some orange juice this morning,"  Angela says.

 

"Oh?  Where are you off to so early?"  Lance asks.

 

"I have a meeting."

 

"A meeting with who?"  Pilar asks.

 

"That's really MY business, isn't it?"  Angela asks, looking at her with a smile.

 

The conversation is interrupted by the ringing doorbell.  "Who can that be at 7:30 in the morning?"  Eric asks.

 

"That's probably Nick,"  Gabby replies.  "He's coming by to drive me to school."

 

Chang-Li walks into the foyer and opens the door to Nick, who is surprised to see a well-dressed Asian boy of about his own age.  "Umm, is Gabby ready?"

 

"Gabby?"  Chang asks.  "Oh, Miss Cumson.  She is having breakfast with the family.  Won't you come in?"

 

Nick walks into the house.  

 

"May I ask who is calling?"  Chang asks.

 

"No, never mind, I'll  ANNOUNCE myself," Nick says, walking into the dining room.

 

"Morning, Nick,"  Pilar says.

 

"Morning, Mrs. Cumson.  Mr. Cumson."

 

"Nick,"  Lance says.  "So, you're driving Gabrielle to school these days?"

 

"Yes, sir, Mr. Cumson,"  replies Nick.  "And you don't have to worry.  I'm a very careful driver."

 

"That's good to know,"  Eric says sarcastically.

 

"Come on, Nick,  I'm ready now,"  Gabby says, getting up from her seat at the table.

 

"Would you like some breakfast, Nick?"  Emma asks.

 

"No, thank you,"  Nick says.  "We'd better be going.  Bye everyone."

 

"Gabby, have a good day, sweetheart,"  Pilar says.  "And be sure to come straight home."

 

"I will.  Bye."  Gabby and Nick quickly leave.

 

"He seems like a very nice boy,"  says Emma.  

 

"Well, I have to be going, too, if I'm gonna make my meeting,"  Angela says, getting up from her seat.  "I'll see you all later."  The family watches as Angela walks out.  

 

Meanwhile, outside, Nick and Gabby get into Nick's truck, a 2015 Toyota Tacoma.  "Boy, your dad sure is uptight,"  Nick says.

 

"Don't worry about it,"  Gabby says.  "Once he gets to know you, he'll grow to love you, just like I do."

 

"Well, I hope not like you do,"  Nick jokes.  He leans over and kisses her, then starts the truck and they drive off to school.

"Miss St. James,"  Jeremy says, sitting behind his desk.  "My attorney, Paul Avery."

 

"Mr. Avery,"  Angela says.

 

"Angela, my father has already had his attorney draw up the papers,"  says Jonathon.  

 

"Thank you.  I assume Jonathon has already told you we need a very sizable loan for Falcon Crest to pay off our creditors and keep us afloat until business picks up."

 

"Yes, my son has already filled me in on......everything,"  says Jeremy.

 

Angela smiles.  "Good."

 

"Now, just so we understand, you do have the authority to speak for Falcon Crest?"  Jeremy asks.  "It is my understanding that your first cousin, Lance Cumson, runs the place."

 

"Yes, but my mother and I do own controlling interest in the company, so I have full authority to accept this loan on behalf of Falcon Crest."

 

Jeremy smiles.  "Well, that's just fine."

 

"Now then, Miss St. James,"  Paul Avery says.  "Here is the loan agreement."  Paul hands Angela the papers.  "It's a standard contract between you and Mr. Lord, stating that you have borrowed this amount from Mr. Lord personally, and that you agree to pay a set amount each month until the loan is repaid in full."

 

"If you would like, you could have your attorney look the contract over,"  Jeremy says.

 

"You drew this up, Mr. Avery?  And everything's in order?"  Angela asks.

 

"Yes."

 

"Well, Mr. Avery, I know of your reputation, and I'm impressed,"  says Angela.  "So, I see no need to have my own attorney look these over.  Just let me take a quick look."  Angela looks over the contract briefly as Jeremy and Jonathon exchange looks. "Okay, everything looks good," she says.  

 

"Miss St. James,"  Jeremy says, handing Angela a pen.  

 

Angela takes the pen and signs the contract, then hands the papers back to Paul.  

 

"And here is your copy,"  Paul says, handing two pages back to Angela.

 

"Thank you," she says.  "And thank YOU, Mr. Lord.  I really can't tell you how much I appreciate your help."

 

"Well, any friend of my son's is a friend of mine,"  says Jeremy.

 

Angela smiles.  "Well I can promise, you won't regret this.  Falcon Crest will come out on top and thrive again.  And you'll be repaid, in full."

 

"Oh, I have no doubt of that."

 

"I'd better be going,"  Angela says.  

 

"I'll walk you out,"  says Jonathon.  He smiles at his father, then he and Angela walk out of the office.

 

After they are gone, Jeremy stands and smiles at his attorney.  "Paul, I think this calls for a drink."

 

"Here, here."

 

"She said I won't regret this,"  says Jeremy, walking to his bar.  "I am quite certain that I won't.  But you will, dear Angela.  Oh, you will indeed regret this."  Jeremy smiles deviously.

 

Meanwhile, Jonathon walks Angela out of the Lord offices and to the elevator down the hall.  She turns to him.  "Jonathon, I can't thank you enough for convincing your father to help Falcon Crest.  I have to say, I never expected him to agree so easily."

"My father is nothing if not philanthropic,"  says Jonathon.  "But I was glad I could help.  And good luck, with everything."

 

"Well, again, I thank you,"  Angela says as the elevator doors open.  "I'll talk to you later."

 

"Bye,"  Jonathon says as she gets into the elevator.  Jonathon watches as the doors close, then he lets out a deep sigh, wondering is he has done the right thing in helping his father.

"Well, I finished my work at the house, and I was kinda hoping my old man or my brother were free for lunch.  My treat."

 

"I'd love to,"  Cole says with a smile.  

 

"Great."

 

Cole notices that something seems to be bothering his son.  "Joseph, is anything wrong?"

 

Joseph looks at his father and sighs.  "You want the truth, Dad?"

 

"Well, that would be nice,"  says Cole.

 

"Truth is........now that most of the work on fixing up the house is done, I'm........"

 

"Bored?"  Cole asks.  

 

"Yeah.  Bored silly.  When I finished working a little while ago, I looked around, and, well, with you and Chase here at the office all day, I had absolutely nothing to do.  So, I got to thinking, you always wanted me to come back to work at Gioberti and Sons."

 

"So, you're here asking for your old job back?"  Cole asks.

 

"I guess I am.  If you still have a place for me in the company."

 

"Son, nothing would make me prouder.  This company is called Gioberti and SONS.  Plural.  I never wanted you to leave the company in the first place, but I understand why you had to.  You needed to do some soul searching and find yourself."

 

Joseph smiles.  "Thanks for understanding, Dad."

 

"Now we really do need to go out to lunch to celebrate, but it'll be MY treat."  Cole walks over to his desk and buzzes his secretary.  "Suzy, would you ask Chase to come into my office, please?"

 

"Yes, sir," Suzy says.

 

"Joseph this is gonna be great,"  Cole says.  

 

"I hope so, Dad,"  Joseph says as Chase walks in.  

 

"Dad, what's up?"  Chase asks, surprised to see his older brother at the office.  "Joseph, what in the world brings you here?"

 

"Great news,"  says Cole.  "Chase, your brother is gonna come back to work at Gioberti and Sons."

 

Chase looks at his brother, his expression less than happy.  "Really?  But I thought you didn't want anything to do with Gioberti and Sons, Joseph.  You walked out on the business four years ago.  Dad and I have been running it since."

 

"I know.  But I figured it's time I do my part,"  Joseph says.  "After all, Gioberti and Sons is a family business."

 

"Right,"  Chase says.

 

"Well, come on, you two,"  says Cole.  "Let's go out to lunch and celebrate."  

 

As Cole grabs his jacket from the back of his chair, Joseph and Chase exchange looks.....Joseph with a slight smile, and Chase with an annoyed expression.  It's clear that Chase is not happy at all to see his older brother returning to the family business.

 

"You wanna hang out?"  Nick asks.  "I don't have to be at work until 5:30, so we got a couple hours."

 

"I can't.  You heard my Mom this morning tell me to come straight home after school."

 

"Oh, come on.  Call her and tell her you're hanging out with that cool cousin of yours again........Angie."

"I can't,"  Gabby says.  "Eventually my Mom is gonna catch on to that and then they won't let me see you at all outside of school."

 

Nick sighs.  "Okay, okay."

 

"But, I do have an idea.  Why don't you drive me home, and you can hang out with me at Falcon Crest until it's time for you to go to work?"

 

Nick smiles.  "Yeah, okay, that'll work.  I just wanna spend time with you."

 

"Hey, guys,"  says Alex Lord, walking up to them.  

 

"Alex, hey, what's up?"  Gabby asks.

 

"Not much.  What are you guys doing?"

 

Nick puts his arms around Alex.  "Well, we were just about to head over to Falcon Crest and hang out for a while.  You wanna come along, my friend?  You can be our chaperone, and maybe her Mom'll let us take a 'walk' or something."

 

"Yeah, sure, why not,"  says Alex.  "I'd love to."

 

"Great,"  Nick says with a smile, putting his arm around Gabby.  "Y'know, Gab," he says.  "We need to find a nice girl to hook this dude up with."

"Yes, I am,"  replies Vicky.  "And you are the........EX........Mrs. Jeremy Lord."

 

Katherine looks at her and smiles.  "So Jeremy told you who I was the other night.  I must say I'm surprised, since he has my own son believing that I've been dead for 22 years."

 

The bartender hands Vicky her drink, then walks away.  "My husband told me everything. Including the fact that you were on the run from the police when he met and married you."

 

"Yes, well, that's all in the past.  I was pardoned a year ago, so I'm free and clear now.  Amazing coincidence running into you here.......Vicky?"

 

"Oh, it wasn't a coincidence at all,"  Vicky says, taking a sip of her drink.  "I was heading out when I saw your get off the elevator and come in here.  So I wanted to talk to you."

 

"I see.  Well, maybe we should get acquainted, after all......."

"Why are you here, Andrea?  Or is it KATHERINE?"

 

"It's Katherine.  Katherine Wentworth."

 

"So answer my question,"  Vicky says.  "Why are you here, in San Francisco, and what were you doing with Richard Channing?  How do you know Richard, anyway?"

 

Richard Channing just happens to be a business associate of mine,"  replies Katherine.  

 

"And does that business have anything to do with my husband?"  

 

"Why should it?"  Katherine asks.

 

"I don't know, Katherine.  You tell ME.  I find it a strange coincidence that you show up here in San Francisco just a couple of months after Jeremy and I move our family here, and you're seen in the company of a man Jeremy is......"  Vicky stops talking, quickly realizing she was about to say too much.  

 

"A man Jeremy is........what?"  Katherine asks, curious what Vicky meant.

 

"A man Jeremy and I both despise."

 

"I understand that Richard was married to your mother a long time ago, so, I can see why you would have a dislike for him, but, that doesn't explain why Jeremy would dislike Richard.......unless.........unless he somehow knew Richard before.  But, Richard doesn't recall ever having met Jeremy before."

 

"Look, let me give you a warning,"  says Vicky.  "Get out of San Francisco.  Leave Richard Channing alone, and stay away from my family."

 

"Or what?  You're threatening me, Vicky, dear?"

 

"Call it what you want, but consider THIS a promise........you come anywhere near my family, or disrupt our lives in any way.......you'll wish you had ended up in prison years ago."

 

Katherine turns to Vicky and smiles.  "Are you quite finished?"  She asks angrily.  "Now let me give YOU a little piece of advice.  You DON'T wanna tangle with me.  And here is something you can take back to that jackass you're married to.  You can tell Jeremy that his little threats didn't work.  I'm not going away, and, I intend on seeing my son.  And not only that, but I intend to make Jeremy Lord pay for all the pain he's ever caused me.  And anyone who stands in my way is going down with him.  You see, honey, I'm from Texas, and in Texas, we learn how to fight dirty from an early age."  Without another word to her new adversary, Katherine walks away, her bodyguard following.

 

Vicky stares angrily at Katherine as she exits the restaurant.  Vicky takes her cell phone from her purse and dials a number.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, at Falcon Crest, Gabby, Nick, and Alex are walking along the bank of the pond, taking in the scenery and the beautiful late winter afternoon.

"Man, this place sure is beautiful,"  Alex says.  

 

"Isn't it, though?"  Asks Gabby.  

 

"Hey, bro, doesn't your mom own part of Falcon Crest, too?"  Nick asks.

 

"Yeah, just a real small piece, though.  A piece that use to belong to my grandparents.  It was divided equally between my Mom and my Uncle Cole"

 

"Must be nice to own somethin' like this,"  says Nick.

 

"Well, it can be nice, but it can also be a pain in the butt, too."

 

Nick laughs.  "At least I can say I have a rich girlfriend and a rich friend," he says.  Then suddenly, a stream of blood comes pouring out of his left nostril.  

 

"Oh my God, Nick,"  Gabby says, worried.

 

"Oh, hey, it's okay," Nick says, quickly taking a hankerchief from his pocket and holding it to his nose.  "No worries."

 

"Your nose is pouring blood."

 

"Yeah, it's cool.  I have these sometimes."

 

"Yeah, dude, you had one when I was at your house the other night,"  says Alex.  "Don't worry, Gabby, the one he had Saturday night only lasted a few minutes."

 

Gabby looks from Alex back to Nick as he use the hankerchief to try to stop the flow of blood.  A worried look comes over the girl's face.

 

 

"So, Vicky is now acting as her husband's henchwoman"  Richard says, talking to Katherine in his office at his paper.  

 

"Apparently so.  And she was fierce in her loyalty to him.  Something tells me Mrs. Victoria Lord can be just as dangerous as her husband,"  says Katherine.  

 

"And from what you told me, Jeremy Lord is scared.  Scared of you and I working together, but why?  Unless he has more to hide than meets the eye."

 

"I just remembered something else from my conversation with Jeremy's wife."

 

"Well, do tell."

 

"She said something about me being here in San Francisco just a couple of months after they moved here, and me being in the company of a man Jeremy is........and then, she just cut it off, right there."

 

"A man Jeremy is.....what?"  Richard asks.

 

"I don't know,"  Katherine replies.  "I asked her and she said that she despises you, but she offered no explanation for what she meant about Jeremy."

 

"It's no secret, Vicky Gioberti has always despised me.  But why would her husband despise me, unless of course it's on her behalf."

 

"I don't buy that for one minute,"  Katherine says.  

 

"No, and neither do I,"  says Richard.  "I think it's time that I put my private detective back on working on finding out exactly who Mr. Jeremy Lord is and why he's really in San Francisco.  I sure as hell don't believe he relocated from London here because of the weather.  Nor do I believe it's because Vicky wanted to be close to her brother Cole.  Hell, the two of them didn't even see one another for years.  Jeremy Lord has some secret agenda here, and I intend to find out what that is if it's the last thing I do."

 

"And I wanna help,"  Katherine says.  "Jeremy took my son away from me, and I won't rest until I make him pay for that, and pay dearly."

 

"Who are you, and what's this all about?"  Jonathon asks.

 

"Relax, Mr. Lord,"  says the other man.  "Make this easy on yourself.  Here, you'll have all the comforts of home, and as my friend here said, cooperate, and this'll be over soon.  You won't be hurt, I promise.  Not unless you give us a reason to do so."  Without another word to him, the two men walk out of the room, locking the door behind them.  Jonathon walks over to the door and tries to open it, but to no avail.  He looks around the room, which contains a bed, a sofa, a chair, a refrigerator, and a big screen television.  

 

"What the hell is going on," he wonders aloud to himself.