EPISODE 18 - The Grapes Of Wrath

A hot summer morning dawned at Falcon Crest as Eric Cumson dives into the pool and swims across the entire length of the pool, then back again.  A month had passed since Pilar's funeral, and the family was trying as best they could to resume at least some sort of a normal life.  After reaching the end of the pool, Eric climbs out and the dives back in, repeating his lap.

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Lisa's 16-year-old daughter, Kaitlyn Agretti, comes out of the house and walks down to the pool.  She stops for a moment and watches her uncle as he swims.  After a moment, she walks over to the pool.  After completing another lap, Eric climbs out of the pool and grabs a towel from a poolside chair.  

 

"Morning, Eric,"  Kaitlyn says.

 

"Morning,"  Eric says.  "You're up early."

 

"Yeah, I usually get up early.  I haven't seen much of you since we've been here.  You're either gone, or you stay in your room, or you're hanging out with my geeky little brother."

 

 

"Yeah, I just haven't been feeling too social these days,"  Eric says.

 

"I know,"  says Kaitlyn.  "You really miss your Mom, don't you?"

 

A sad expression comes over Eric's face as he looks at his niece.  "Yeah," he says.  "I really miss her."

 

"You know, if you wanna talk, I'm here.  All my friends say I'm a really good listener."

 

"Thanks, Katie.  I appreciate that.  By the way, how long are you guys gonna be staying?"

 

"I really have no idea,"  replies Kaitlyn.  "I kinda get the feeling that my Mom needed some time away from L.A., and away from my Dad."

 

Eric lowers his head.  Just then, Lisa comes out of the house and walks down to the pool.

 

"Morning, you two,"  Lisa says.

 

"Lisa,"  Eric says.  

 

"It's a beautiful day.  Pool sure looks good."

 

"Yeah, it feels really good, too,"  says Eric.  "Especially early in the morning after a sleepless night."

 

Lisa looks at her daughter.  "Katie, honey, why don't you go and get ready for breakfast?  I wanna talk to Eric for a minute."

 

"Sure, Mom,"  Kaitlyn says.  "Eric, I'll see you."

 

"Yeah,"  Eric says as Kaitlyn turns and heads back up to the house.  

 

After her daughter is gone, Lisa turns to Eric.  "It's nice to finally be able to talk to you alone for a minute."

"Okay, so, here we are,"  Eric says.  "What do you wanna talk about?"

 

"Well, first of all, I just wanna see how you're doing.  We've barely had a chance to talk at all since the kids and I have been here.  You keep to yourself so much."

 

"Sorry.  As I just told Katie, I haven't been feeling too sociable these days.  Just rather be by myself."

 

"You've been spending a lot of time with Caleb,"  Lisa says.  

 

Eric sighs.  "Yeah, well, Caleb's a great kid.  I like being around him.  I feel like he isn't judging me the way that......"  Eric stops talking and lowers his head.

 

"The way that you feel the rest of the family does?"  Lisa asks.  "Eric, no one is judging you?'

 

"Just shows what you know.  I see the way Dad looks at me.  The way Gabby looks at me."

 

"Eric, they're CONCERNED about you."

 

"I've seen the way that YOU look at me.  I guess Dad's told you about all the trouble I've been in."

 

"Yes, he has.  But Eric, I am NOT judging you.  I'm just worried about you, same as everyone else is."

 

"Worried about me?  Why?"  Eric asks.

 

"Why?  WHY?  Because you're my little brother, Eric, and I feel like I barely know you."

 

"You do BARELY know me.  You haven't been around, Lisa.  All these years, how many times have you visited?  Maybe once a year, during the holidays?  And now all of a sudden you move in here after Mom dies and your marriage breaks up."

 

Lisa gives her brother a surprised look when he mentions the state of her marriage.

 

Eric immediately feels bad for what he said.  "I'm sorry.  Caleb told me that you and Ben are getting divorced."

 

"I........I didn't even know that Caleb knew."

 

"Well, he knows Ben moved out of the house, and he said he overheard some stuff."

 

"Oh......my God,"  Lisa says, running her hands through her dark hair.  "All this time, he's known."

 

"Lisa, look, I'm sorry.  I shouldn't have blurted that out.  Yes, Caleb knows, but he seems to be coping with it pretty well."

 

"You'd know, of course,"  Lisa says.  "My son has been spending more time with you the last couple weeks than with me."

 

"Like I said, he's a good kid.  And hanging out with him has helped me a lot."

 

"I can see that it's helped you both.  I'm really glad.  Eric, I can see that Caleb really likes you and he really looks up to you."

 

"And that bothers you, doesn't it?"  Eric asks.  "You're afraid that your little brother with the criminal record is gonna corrupt your kid."

 

"That's not what I was gonna say.  I was gonna say that.........I can tell he looks up to and likes you.  Caleb seems a lot happier since we've been here, and I think that you're partly responsible for that.  These last few years, Ben and I have been so busy with our careers, that we haven't gotten to spend a lot of time with Caleb.  And so I'm glad that he has an uncle who's filling that void now.   I think you're good for each other.  But, I do have to ask one thing of you, little brother."

 

"And what's that?"  Eric asks.

 

"That you don't do anything to let him down, or hurt him.  Caleb is a very impressionable child.  Just stop with the crappy attitude all the time, stay out of trouble, and be the kind of person that my impressionable 12-year-old son can look up to. And be the kind of young man that our mother would be proud of."  Lisa turns and walks away from Eric, leaving him standing by the pool with a lot to think about.

"Been sleeping great since I've been in this hospital.  Of course the pain meds have helped."

 

"Are you still having a lot of pain, darling?"  Katherine asks.

 

"Sometimes.  The doctor said he would write me a prescription for some pills for the pain.  I'm just ready to get out of this hospital.  Feels like I've been here forever."

 

"Yes, it certainly does.  Sweetheart, I wanted to talk to you about that.  What exactly do you plan on doing when you're released?  Are you going straight back to Dallas?"

 

"Don't you think I should?"  Austin asks.  "I've been away from Wentworth Industries for too long already.  Jim can't continue running the company forever."

 

"Yes, but, after the ordeal you've been through,"  says Katherine.  "I mean, you almost died.  And, I was hoping that.......well, I was really hoping that you might consider staying in California for a while.  After all, since I'm living here now, other than Wentworth Industries, if you return to Dallas, you'll be all alone."

 

Austin sighs.  "Mom, are you REALLY planning to live here for the rest of your life, married to Richard Channing?"

 

"Well, certainly,"  Katherine replies.  "Of course, I will be making periodic trips to Dallas for Wentworth  business, or board meetings, but this is my home now.  And, you know, Austin, if we relocated the company to San Francisco......"

 

"What?  Mom, I can't believe you just said that?  I can't believe you would even consider moving Wentworth Industries to California.  Your father started that company in Texas."

 

"He started the company in Houston, but that worm of a half-brother of mine, Cliff Barnes, moved it to Dallas after he bought the company.  I see no reason that it has to remain there.  Besides, moving Wentworth to San Francisco would mean that you could move out here with me.  And your brother is here, too."

 

Austin walks to the window and looks out.  "Maybe I don't want to," he says, staring out the window.  He then turns back to face his mother.  "Yes, you're here.  My father is here, and my TWO brothers.  But I don't think I could ever consider California my home.  And I can sure as hell never accept Richard Channing as my stepfather."

 

"Austin, Richard is a GOOD man,"  Katherine says.  "If you would just give him a chance, I'm sure that once you get to know him....."

 

"That's just it, Mom.  I don't WANT to get to know Richard Channing, even if he is my uncle AND stepfather."

 

"You're being very unfair, Austin."

 

"Can you honestly tell me that you love him?"  Austin asks.  

 

"Yes, Austin.  Yes, I can.  I do love Richard.  Sure, this started out as a marriage of convenience more than anything else.  But I really have come to love Richard Channing.  He saw to it that you received the very best care all this time you've been here in the hospital, and he's been an ever present source of comfort for me this whole time."  Katherine pauses for a moment and looks at her son.  "Darling, I don't want to argue.  I almost lost you, and if I had........I don't know what I would've done.  Austin, do think about what I said.  Jim can continue to oversee things at Wentworth for now, and if there's any pressing business, then one of us could always fly to Dallas and take care of it.  But I would like to have you stay, at least for a while."

 

"I'll think about it,"  Austin.  "I'd like to get to know my father....."

 

"Austin, you KNOW how I feel about that,"  says Katherine.  

 

"Yes, Mom, I do know.  And I'm sorry.  But Jeremy is my father.  A fact you kept from me my entire life.  I wanna get to know him and my brothers."

 

"Well, I don't want to argue,"  Katherine says.  "Not on the day you're getting out of the hospital."

 

At that moment, a knock comes at the door and a nurse walks in.  "Hello, Mr. Wentworth," she says.  "Are you all set to get out of here?"

 

"After almost a month in this hospital, I'm MORE than ready to get out of this place."

 

"Well, I have your discharge papers right here,"  the nurse says, handing the papers to Austin.  "Just sign these, and you're free to go."

 

"Great, thanks,"  says Austin.  He takes a pen from the nurse and signs the bottom line on all three pages, then hands the papers back to the nurse.

 

"Okay, here's your copy," she says.  "I'll go get a wheelchair and take you downstairs."

 

"Thanks, Becca,"  says Austin.  

 

Becca smiles at him, then walks out of the room.  

 

"Very pretty nurse,"  Katherine says.

 

"Yes, she is.  She was really great to me the whole time I've been on this floor, too."

 

"Come on, honey.  Let's get your stuff and get you out of here." 

 

 

"There's evidence to suggest that Josh McQueen was responsible for the explosion at the wedding."

 

"What?"  Asks a shocked Kevin.  "Josh McQueen?  Your FRIEND, Josh McQueen?"

 

"Yes, that Josh McQueen."

 

"What a minute.....what?"  Kevin asks.  "Michael, Josh is your friend.  Why would he be responsible for causing an explosion that nearly killed all of us?"

 

Michael looks at his brother and sighs.  "Because Josh was pissed off at me.  Not only that, he was afraid of me."

 

"Why, man?"

 

"The day of the wedding, I confronted him.  I had found out that Josh was working not only for me, but also for Jeremy Lord and John Ross Ewing.  He was playing all sides.  He was working for Ewing to try to come up with any information John Ross could use to take away Elena's visitation rights to her son.  I confronted Josh the day of your wedding, and told him that I wanted him out of San Francisco, out of California, and out of the Western United States, or I was gonna destroy his life."

 

"So you think Josh had a bomb planted for revenge?  Michael, how?"  Kevin asks.  "You said you confronted him the day of the wedding.  How could he have had time to plant a bomb before the wedding?"

 

"A delivery man came to the house just before the wedding and delivered a package.  Kevin, Josh was a private investigator.  He had a LOT of connections.  It wouldn't have been hard for him to use one of those contacts to get their hands on a bomb within an hour or two.  If anybody could've pulled this off, it's Josh."

 

"Damn.  DAMN IT!"  Kevin yells.   "That son of a bitch is responsible for you and Elena losing your baby and for Emma almost losing our baby!  Not to mention Pilar's death."

 

"That's not all,"  Michael says.

 

"You mean it gets WORSE?"

 

Michael looks at his brother.  "The day I confronted him, Josh told me something that could affect a lot of lives."

 

"What, man?"  Kevin asks.  "What did Josh tell you?"

"He had been working for Jeremy Lord for a while.  Do you remember when Lance had all that trouble at Falcon Crest, with all that wine that was recalled?"

 

"Yeah, I do."

 

"Josh told me that it was Aunt Julia who sabotaged that wine."

 

"Aunt Julia?  Michael, that's crazy.  Why would she do that?"

 

"Because she had been brainwashed by Jeremy Lord.  Lord wanted to hurt Falcon Crest any way he could and ruin the winery's chances of repaying that loan Angela got from him.  That way, when they defaulted, Lord could swoop in and take over Falcon Crest, then use it as a bargaining tool to force Dad to choose between saving Falcon Crest.......or handing over the newspaper to him."

 

"Jeremy Lord,"  Kevin says.  "Damn him.  Hard to believe this guy is supposedly Dad's half-brother."

 

"I know.  Lord is a very dangerous man, and he'll stop at NOTHING to get what he wants.  But listen, Kevin, I haven't told anyone about what Josh told me about Aunt Julia yet.  I haven't even told Dad, and you can't either.  At least not yet."

 

"Michael, Dad needs to know what his so called BROTHER is capable of."

 

"Oh, trust me.  Dad knows what Jeremy is capable of.  And we're gonna take care of him, but first........I'm gonna find Josh McQueen and make him admit to me what he did.  And then, he's gonna pay."

 

"I want in on this, Michael,"  says Kevin.

 

"Good.  That's why I called you over here.  I'm gonna need your help."

 

"Whatever you need, I'm in,"  Kevin says.  

 

"Oh, good afternoon, Mrs. Agretti, what can I do for you?"  Carlos asks.

 

"Is Lance around?"  Lisa asks.

 

"Yes, he's in the office,"  replies Carlos.

 

Lisa smiles at the young man.  "Thanks, Carlos," she says, then walks past him.  Carlos watches the lovely woman as she walks up the stairs and to the door of the office.  Lisa knocks.

 

"Come in," Lisa hears Lance say.

 

Lisa walks into the office.  "Hey," she says.

 

"Well, hi, sweetheart,"  Lance says as he stands from his seat at the desk.  "What brings you over here in the middle of the day?"

 

"I brought you some lunch,"  Lisa says, opening and unpacking the basket.  "I made you some fried chicken, and potato salad."

 

"Mmmmm, smells good, thank you."

 

"I used Pilar's recipe for both the chicken and the potato salad,"  Lisa says.

 

Lance looks at the food before him.  "Pilar was a wonderful cook.  And so are you."

 

"I'm glad I inherited at least ONE of her traits."

 

"Oh, you also inherited your mother's beauty."

"Well, thank you," Lisa says with a smile.  "Hope you enjoy your lunch."

 

"I know I will.  Join me?  There's plenty here."

 

"I'll have a drumstick."

 

Lance sighs.  "Y'know, I've been here all morning looking over these envoices and I don't even know what I've been reading."

 

"Maybe it was too soon for you to come back to work."

 

"No,"  Lance says.  "I needed to get back to work full time.  I needed to get my mind off what happened, but, unfortunately, it's not working.  All I can think about it Pilar."

 

"You two were together for a lot of years, Lance.  It's going to take a long time for this to even start to get better."

 

"Well, having you and the kids here helps, more than you know,"  Lance says.  

 

"I'm glad,"  says Lisa.

 

"Sweetheart, I need to ask you something, and I want you to be completely honest with me."

 

"Of course.  What is it you wanna ask?"  

 

"Things aren't so good between you and Ben, are they?"  Lance asks.  "I can tell.  You've been here for a month now, and not once have I seen you pick up a phone and call your husband.  You haven't even mentioned him.  Lisa, you can talk to me about this."

 

Lisa sighs as she walks across the room.  After a brief pause, she turns back to face Lance.  "You're right.  Things are pretty bad between Ben and I right now.  In fact, just before Pilar's death, we separated."

 

"Honey, I'm sorry.  What happened?"  Lance asks, walking over to his daughter.  

 

"Ben had an affair.  It was with a beautiful female attorney.  She had just started working in the office.  It had apparently been going on for about a month before I found out.  So, I kicked him out of the house."

 

"Oh, baby, I'm so sorry,"  Lance says, embracing her.

 

"It hurt so much.  I never in a million years thought that Ben would ever cheat on me.  I thought we had such a perfect marriage, but I was so wrong about that, and about him."

 

Lance  looks at his daughter.  "Honey, I'm..........I'm not making excuses for Ben.  But I've seen the two of you together over the years, and, Lisa, I know he loves you.  People make mistakes....."

 

"I know people make mistakes.  But this was NOT a mistake.  Ben admitted to me that he had fallen in love with her, which hurts even more."

 

Meanwhile, downstairs, Jeremy Lord walks into the winery with his attorney, Paul Avery.  As soon as he sees Lord and Avery walk in, Carlos hurries up the stairs and knocks on the door to Lance's office, then goes in.

 

"Mr. Cumson, I'm sorry to disturb you, but, we have a situation in the winery," the young man says.

 

"Carlos, what's up?"

 

"That guy Jeremy Lord is where with another guy."

 

Lance and Lisa exchange looks, then Lance immediately rushes out of the office, followed by Lisa and Carlos.  Heading down the stairs, Lance walks across the winery and meets Jeremy.  

 

"Lord, what are you doing here?"  Lance asks.

 

"Ah, hello, Lance,"  Jeremy says.  "I don't believe you've ever met my attorney, Paul Avery."

 

"Cumson,"  Paul says.

 

"I asked what you're doing here."

 

"Well, since I may be taking over this fine old winery very soon, I thought it prudent on my part to take a look around.  Check out my investment."

 

"You've gotta be kidding me,"  Lance says.  

 

"No, Lance, I am NOT kidding.  Out of respect for you and your tragic loss, I have given your family ample time to grieve.  But the tragedy that happened at Kevin Channing's wedding in no way changes the terms of our original agreement, or the ultimatum I gave to my brother.  I simply extended the deadline in order to allow your family to grieve the loss of your wife.  But it's been more than a month now since Pilar's untimely death.  Time to return to business.  I am now setting a new deadline.  If I do not receive an answer from Richard by the end of this week, then Falcon Crest becomes mine."

 

"Well, in the meantime, UNCLE.......Falcon Crest still belongs to MY family, and you're trespassing.  Now get the hell out before I call the cops."

 

Jeremy smiles.  "Lance, we can make this transition a smooth one.......or a difficult one.  Your choice.  Good day.  Paul, shall we go?"

 

"Yes, Jeremy,"  Paul says as he and Jeremy turn and walk away.

 

"Damn that man,"  Lance says.  

 

"I'm sorry, Lance,"  Lisa says.

 

"Lisa, you're an attorney.  Isn't there something we can do to stop that guy from taking Falcon Crest away from us?"

 

"Lance, I wish there were.  I'm sorry, but, I've looked over the contract, and it's air tight.  Unless you're able to repay Lord's loan in full, or unless Richard Channing agrees to give Lord his newspaper in exchange for Falcon Crest........there's nothing we can do."

 

Lance sighs deeply.  "Damn," he says.  

 

 

Meanwhile, taking a walk near the winery, Angela sees Jeremy and Paul Avery leaving.  She watches with interest as the two men get into Jeremy's car and drive away.

 

 

"I wanted to talk to you about Falcon Crest,"  Angela replies.

 

"And what about Falcon Crest?"

 

"I was hoping I could persuade you to talk to your father on behalf of my family and I.  Jeremy paid a visit to the winery today, and all evening Lance was worried, and then I overheard him talking to his daughter Lisa. Lance said that your father still plans on taking over Falcon Crest if my Uncle Richard doesn't give him the newspaper."

 

 

"Don't you mean OUR Uncle Richard?"  Jonathon asks.  

 

"Will you talk to your father for me?"  Angela asks.  

 

"It won't do any good.  My father has already made his decision concerning Falcon Crest.  I can't change his mind."

 

"Lance and his children have been through enough.  They just lost Pilar.  It would not only be cruel, but inhumane for your father to take Falcon Crest away from them now."

 

"Maybe it won't come to that," says Jonathon.  "Maybe good ol' Uncle Richard will have a heart and give my father his newspaper.  That way, your side of the family can hold on to Falcon Crest."

 

"You know, despite who your father is, I thought you at least were a decent human being.  I guess I was wrong.  You're just as cold and unfeeling as your father."

"Damn it, no I'm NOT!"  Jonathon angrily says as he grabs Angela by the arm.  "I am NOTHING like either of my parents, and don't you ever say that to me again.  I already told you.  My father would not listen to me.  You wanna talk to someone with REAL influence with him these days?  Then try getting acquainted with my brother, Austin.  He seems to be the only one my father cares about these days.  Ask him to talk to my father for you."  Jonathon releases Angela from his grip. "Alright, I tell you what I can do.  I've already spoken to my father, and it's useless for me to try and change his mind.  But Richard and my mother invited me to dinner tonight, so I'll talk to him.  Maybe he'll agree to give up that newspaper of his to save Falcon Crest.  I have to go."  Jonathon walks away from Angela and leaves the gym.

 

 

 

 

 

"Kevin, I'm fine,"  Emma says.  "Dr. Jeffries said that I could get out occasionally, as long as I don't overdo it."

 

 

 

"You were very lucky, Emma,"  Elena says

 

"And, I'm very sorry that you weren't as lucky."

 

"Thank you."

 

"Do you and Michael plan on trying to have another baby?"  Emma asks.

 

"Yes, we do, eventually,"  replies Michael.  

 

Richard, Katherine, Angie, and Austin arrive at the restaurant at that moment, and make their way over to their table.  "Well, good evening all,"  Richard says as they take their seats.  

 

"Dad,"  Michael says.  "What is this all about?"

 

"We aren't all here yet,"  Richard says.  

 

"Who's missing?"  Kevin asks.

 

"Ah, here comes the final member of our little dinner party,"  Richard says as he sees Jonathon approaching.  

 

"Well, what's all this?"  Jonathon asks, reaching their table.

 

"Have a seat, darling,"  Katherine says.  

 

"Dad, what's going on?"  Kevin asks.

 

"Yeah, why are we all here?"  Angie asks.

 

"Well what does it look like?  This is a family dinner, with Katherine and I and all of our children present."

 

"A family dinner?  Seriously?"  Asks Austin.

 

"Yes, seriously.  Everything has been so chaotic the last couple of months.  Katherine and I were married so fast, and then Austin was arrested for those unfortunate murders in Dallas, and no sooner were we back in San Francisco than the explosion happened at Kevin and Emma's wedding."

 

"So this is the first time that Richard and I have had a chance to have a celebratory dinner for our entire family."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"This wouldn't be such a bad idea, Dad, except for some of the guests you chose to invite,"  Michael says, looking across the table at Jonathon.  

 

Jonathon returns his gaze.  "Michael, if you have something to say to me, then just say it."

 

"Okay, I will,"  says Michael.  "Your father is nothing more than an extortionist, and you have a hell of a lot of nerve showing up here and sitting down to this so called FAMILY dinner after what Jeremy Lord has done."

 

"I have nothing to do with what my father does or doesn't do,"  Jonathon says.

 

"Yeah, that's bull and you know it,"  Kevin says.

 

"Alright now, that's enough,"  says Richard.  "Katherine and I asked you all here tonight to celebrate the merging of our families into one, not to have some kind of free-for-all."

 

"Dad, you might want to sit down to dinner with Jeremy Lord's son, but I sure as hell don't,"  Michael says, standing from his seat.  "Elena, let's go."

 

"Michael, just sit down and stop this,"  Richard says, standing to face his son.  

 

"Dad, are you KIDDING me?  Jeremy Lord will gladly take The Globe away from us, and you want to bring two of his sons into this family?"

"Jonathon and Austin ARE family."

 

"They may be your half-brother's sons, but they will NEVER be any part of my family!"

 

"Michael, just stop it,"  Angie says.  "Daddy asked us all here tonight to try to make peace within this family.  And like it or not, we ARE family, and that includes Jonathon and Austin.  The sooner you get use to that, the better off we're all gonna be."

 

"Michael, she's right,"  Elena says, taking her husband by the hand.  "Come on, let's sit down and have dinner."

 

Michael angrily looks at Jonathon for a moment, then reluctantly retakes his seat.  

 

"Now that's all settled, let's try and have a nice, peaceful family dinner,"  Richard says with a smile.  "Let's order some champagne and have a toast."

 

"A toast to what?"  Kevin asks.

 

"A toast.......to our family,"  Richard replies.

 

As Katherine looks at her husband with a smile, the younger generation at the table, including Michael, Kevin, Elena, Emma, Angie, Jonathon, and Austin exchange looks among each other........looks that are in stark contrast to the happy expressions of Richard and Katherine.

"Come on, Aunt Emma, you don't really believe that, do you?"  Eric asks.

 

"I believe that Jeremy is a man who feels like he was wronged.  Like he was cheated out of something that should have been rightfully his, meaning the newspaper that my father left to Richard.  Maybe if I went and talked to Jeremy, he'd see reason, or at least give us more time to raise the money to repay the loan."

 

"Jeremy Lord isn't interested in his loan being repaid,"  Eric says.  "He's only interested in getting his hands either on Falcon Crest or The Globe."

 

"Eric's right, Emma,"  Lance says, standing from his seat at the desk. "There's no reasoning with a man like Jeremy Lord."

 

"Well I can at least try,"  Emma says.  "After all, he IS my brother."  Emma turns and walks out of the office.

 

"She's just wasting her time,"  Eric says.

 

"Well, it's HER time,"  says Lance.  "Besides, I've got other things on my mind right now."

 

"What about Lisa, Dad?  She's a lawyer, isn't there SOMETHING she can do to help us?  Some loophole in that contract Angela signed with Lord?"

 

 

"I'm afraid not,"  Lance replies.  "Lisa has already gone over this contract with a fine tooth comb, and it's rock solid."

 

"Damn it," says an angry Eric.  "I just can't believe that after everything this family has been through the last few months, that we're really gonna lose Falcon Crest.  And this is all because of Angela."

 

"The blame is not entirely on Angela,"  Lance says.  "After all, she meant well when she went to Lord for that loan.  She had no idea who he really was and what he was up to."

 

Their conversation is interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell.  "I'll get it,"  Eric says, walking into the foyer.  "I GOT IT, CHANG-LI," he yells out to the butler.  Eric opens the front door.  He is surprised by who he sees standing at the door.  "Ben," he says.  

 

"Hello, Eric.  Can I come in?"  Asks Lisa's husband, Ben Agretti.

 

"Umm, yeah, sure, come in."

 

"Thanks,"  Ben says walks into the house as Lance comes into the foyer.  "Hello, Lance."

 

"Ben.  What are you doing here?"

 

"I came to see Lisa and my kids."

 

At that moment, Lisa comes down the stairs.  "Ben?  Ben, why are you here?"

 

"As I was just telling Lance, I came to see you and the kids.  How are you, Lisa?"

 

"I'm just fine.  And you?"

 

"I'm okay."

 

"Well, look, why don't the two of you use my office so you can talk privately?"  Lance suggests.

 

"Thanks, Lance, but, actually, Lisa I'd like it if you'd go for a walk with me,"  Ben says.  "We really do need to talk."

 

Lisa nods.  "Yeah, fine."

 

Ben turns to his father-in-law.  "Lance, I'm very sorry about Pilar. I wish I could've been here."

 

"Thank you, Ben."

 

Ben nods, then he and Lisa walk out of the house and onto the front porch.  "Lisa......"

 

"I don't know why you came here,"  Lisa says.  "We've already said everything that needs to be said."

 

"No, we haven't.  Lisa, I'm sorry for what happened.  These last several weeks that you and the kids have been gone, I've done nothing but think.  Lisa, I still love you."

 

 

 

 

"So, you discovered that you still love me?"  Lisa asks with sarcasm.  "What happened, Ben?  Did little Miss Erin get tired of you?"

 

"No.  Erin and I decided to break things off."

 

"Why?  Because you're a married man?"

 

"Lisa, I want you and the kids to come back to L.A. with me,"  Ben says.  "We can put this whole thing behind us and start over."

 

"Are you kidding me right now?  Ben, you CHEATED on me.  For months.  You ripped my heart into pieces, and now you just expect me to forget that and come back to you, like nothing ever happened?"

 

"I made a mistake, Lisa.  A big mistake.  One I wanna rectify, if you'll just let me.  Honey, come on.  Don't throw away all these years of a good marriage over one stupid mistake."

 

Lisa walks to the end of the porch and looks out over the horizon toward the winery for a moment.  

 

"Lisa?"

 

She turns back to him.  "Ben, no.  Come on in.  Have a nice visit with the kids, and then just go back to L.A., because our marriage is over."  Without another word to her husband, Lisa walks past him and back into the house, leaving Ben both disappointed and frustrated.

"Well, Emma, to what do I owe the pleasure of this early morning visit from my lovely sister?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"I'm here about Falcon Crest, and about Lance."

 

"I see.  I take it Lance has told yo about my visit to the winery yesterday?"

 

"Yes he did,"  Emma says.  "Jeremy, Lance just lost his wife.  I'm asking you.....no, I'm BEGGING you.......don't take Falcon Crest away from his as well."

 

"Falcon Crest means a great deal to you and your family, doesn't it, Emma?"  

 

"Yes, it means a great deal to my family,"  replies Emma.  "Falcon Crest was founded by my mother's grandfather, more than a hundred and thirty years ago.  It's been handed down all that time, from one generation to the next.  It's more than a winery, it's part of our family.  It's who we are."

 

"One man has the power to keep Falcon Crest in your family, Emma."

 

"You mean Richard?"

 

"Yes, our dear brother.  All I want is the newspaper that our father left Richard when he died."

 

"The Globe means a lot to Richard, too,"  Emma says.  "Jeremy, when Father died, he left me a very sizable inheritance of cash, as well as some stocks.  You're welcome to all of that if you'll just leave Falcon Crest and The Globe alone."

 

"No, Emma, I'm afraid I can't do that.  You see, this isn't about money.  I'm a very wealthy man on my own.  This is about my birthright.  My place in the Channing family that I should've had all along."

 

"And there's nothing I can say to change your mind?"  Emma asks.

 

"No, I'm afraid not, dear sister."

 

"Then I'm just wasting my time here,"  Emma says.  She walks to the door and starts to leave, then turns back to Jeremy.  "You know, for a man who seems so determined to gain a place in the Channing family, you certainly aren't doing a whole lot to make the rest of us want to welcome you into the family," she says, and then promptly leaves.

 

Jeremy walks to the bar in the den and pours himself a drink.  He takes a sip, then takes his cell phone from his pocket.  He dials a number and waits for an answer.  "This is Jeremy Lord," he says to the person on the other end of the line.  "Why have I not heard a word from you in weeks on the whereabouts of Joshua McQueen?  I don't want excuses.  I want McQueen found.  NOW.  And if you cannot do the job for me, then I'll just find someone who can."  Jeremy promptly ends the call, puts his phone down, and takes another sip of his drink.

desk.  A photo of Courtney Wapner.  Chase lets out a deep sigh as he looks at the photo of his former girlfriend.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Courtney," he says quietly, looking at the photo.  "I just can't get you out of my mind, no matter how hard I try. Ever since the day I saw you at the wedding.  All these years, I wondered why you just up and left."  

 

Chase's train of thought is broken by a knock at his door.  

 

"Come in," he says.

 

 

Joseph walks in.  "I have some contracts for you," he says.  "Dad wanted us both to look these over and sign them."

 

"Okay, thanks,"  Chase says, a hint of sadness in his tone of voice.

 

"You okay, little brother?"  Joseph asks.  

 

"Yeah, I'm fine.  Just fine."

 

Joseph notices the photo of Courtney on the desk and looks at it.  He picks the photo up.  "This is the girl we saw at Kevin's wedding, or rather, the wedding that didn't happen.  Your old girlfriend."

 

"Yeah.  Courtney."

 

"Courtney, that's right.  Very pretty.  Y'know, I can't help but think I've met her somewhere before.  And I know it wasn't with you."

 

"No, you were never around much when I was dating Courtney, so the two of you never met."

 

"Still, I can't shake the fact that she's so familiar to me.  So why do you have a picture of your girlfriend from years ago sitting on your desk?"

 

"No reason,"  Chase replies.

 

"Come on, Chase.  I've known you since the day you were born, and I know when you're not being honest with me.  Seeing Courtney at the wedding shook you up, didn't it?  Ever since that day you've been distant, kinda sad.  No shame it it, baby brother.  We've all had that one love that we never quite get over."

 

"Yeah, well I guess you could say that Courtney was that for me,"  Chase says.  "I know we were young, but I fell hard for her.  We dated for several months, and then, all of a sudden one day she was just gone.  She was living in Florida with her uncle and aunt, and without even so much as a goodbye to me, she moved back to Texas to live with her Mom."

 

"And you never saw her again?"  Joseph asks.

 

"Nope.  Not until Kevin's wedding.  I couldn't believe it when I saw her there.  After the explosion, I stopped by to see her in the hospital, and then her boyfriend showed up.  And, her boyfriend is none other than Emma Ryland's cousin, Christopher Ewing."

 

"Ewing?  Isn't that the last name of the father of Elena Channing's son?"

 

"Yep.  John Ross Ewing, who is ALSO Christopher Ewing's cousin.  Weird, huh?"

 

"Yeah, a little TOO weird.  Small world.  So I guess you and Courtney weren't able to resolve things or at least get some kind of closure?"

 

"No.  And to be honest, Joseph, it's driving me crazy."

 

"Then contact her,"  Joseph says.  "Look her up on Facebook or Twitter and send her a message.  One thing I know from experience, Chase, is that you're not really gonna be able to move on with your own life until you get some kind of closure with this girl you're so hung up on.  Things would've been different if you hadn't seen her again after all these years, but you did.  So the best thing you can do is get in touch with Courtney and find out what you need to know, which is why she left you."

 

"You're right.  I know you're right,"  says Chase.

 

"Yeah, well, I usually am,"  Joseph says, putting the photo down on the desk.  He walks to the door, and then turns back to Chase.  "Would you listen at us?  Instead of arguing, we're actually talking like real brothers for a change."

 

Chase smiles.  "Yeah, go figure."

 

Joseph laughs at his brother's comment, then leaves.  Chase again picks up Courtney picture and looks at it.  He realizes that Joseph truly is right......Chase will never be able to move past Courtney until he knows why she left him ten years ago.

Vicky looks down at her mother's grave.  "I guess you're here for the same reason I am," she says.  "You remembered what day it is?"

 

"Yep,"  replies Cole.  Thirty-five years ago today, we came to this Valley with Mom and Dad.  We were no more than kids ourselves."

 

"Thirty-five years.  Sometimes it feels like fifty, so much has happened in that time, to both of us. When we moved here back in 1981, after Grandpa Jason died, none of us could imagine all that would happen to us here in this Valley.  Or that Mom and Dad would both be gone so soon."

 

"I know.  I think about them all the time."

 

"Yeah, me, too,"  Vicky says sadly.  "Especially at times like this when I could really use one of Mom's talks or a bit of her advice."

 

 

"I know it's not the same, but I AM still your big brother,"  Cole says.  "I'm always here to lend an ear whenever you need to talk."

 

"I know."

 

"What's wrong, Vic? What's got you so down today?"

 

 

 

"Jeremy is still planning on forcing Richard's hand,"  Vicky says.  "Making Richard choose between the newspaper, or saving Falcon Crest."

 

"And how do you feel about that?"

 

"I understand where he's coming from.  He was raised feeling like he had no real identity.  Jeremy feels like he was cheated out of his birthright, which Richard now owns. Jeremy's my husband and I love him."

 

"But you don't like what he's doing,"  Cole says.

 

"It just worries me, Cole.  Things have been so quiet now for more than a month.  Ever since the explosion.  Jeremy has kept his distance from the Channings and the Cumsons to give them time to grieve Pilar's death."

 

"Well, at least that was decent of him."

 

"But now he thinks sufficient time has passed, and I'm afraid this war between my husband and Richard is going to start full blast now and it's going to get ugly."

 

"Then talk to him.  Try to get him to back off."

 

"I already have.  He won't listen.  Emma even came to see him at the house this morning, and he wouldn't listen to her, either."

 

"Vic, I'm sorry to say this, but I REALLY don't like that husband of yours.  And I especially hate the idea of you and my nephew getting caught up in the crossfire of a war between Jeremy and Richard.  And we both know that whenever Richard Channing goes to war, innocent people ALWAYS get caught in the middle."

 

"I know,"  says Vicky.  "And that's what worries me."

"I'm here on business."

 

Richard smiles.  "Well, I had a feeling you weren't here on pleasure."

 

"Richard, as you will recall, quite a while back, I called in the loan that Falcon Crest owed to me in full.  And, I also offered a deal to you.........Falcon Crest in exchange for this newspaper our father started.  But, then our family was hit with a devastating tragedy at your son's wedding, so I decided to extend the deadline on that ultimatum out of respect for Lance and his family, as well as your own family.  I was also preoccupied while my own son Austin was in the hospital.  But now, sufficient time has passed, Austin is out of the hospital and fully recovered for the most part, so........"

 

"So now you're going to revert back to being the ruthless snake that you are and force me to make a decision between Falcon Crest and The Globe,"  says Richard.

 

"In a nutshell......yes.  So which will it be, brother?  Which shall you choose........your father's legacy?  Or your mother's?"

 

 

 

 

 

Richard looks at Jeremy, pondering his decision.

is he?  Okay, just keep an eye on him until I get there.  If he tries to leave, stop him, anyway you have to.  I'll be in touch."  Michael ends the call and immediately dials another number on his phone.  On the third ring, the person answers.  "Kevin, it's me.  I need you to meet me at the airport in twenty minutes.  We're taking a little trip."  Michael puts his phone down, a look of anger on his face.  

 

 

"Yeah, we sure did!"  Replies an excited Caleb.  "Dad took us to this natural history museum in San Francisco, and then we went by his old house where he lived when he was a kid."

 

"Oh, that's nice,"  Lisa says.  "Why don't you two go on in the house and get ready for dinner?"

 

"Dad, can you stay for dinner?"  Caleb asks.

 

Ben looks at Lisa, then at his son.  "Not this time, buddy.  But, tell ya what.  How about I take the two of you out for lunch tomorrow?"

 

"That would be great, Dad,"  says Kaitlyn.

 

"Lisa, that alright with you?"  Ben asks.

 

"Yeah, it's fine.  I have to take the kids tomorrow to get them registered for school, but we should be back before lunch time."

 

"Well, I'll see you both tomorrow, then,"  says Ben.

 

 

 

 

"Dad, thanks for today,"  Kaitlyn says.  "It was great."

 

"I had a good time, too, sweetheart.  I love you both."

 

"Love you, Dad,"  Kaitlyn says, hugging her father.   

 

 

 

 

"I'll see you tomorrow, sweetheart,"  Ben says.  "You too, champ."

 

"Bye, Dad,"  Caleb says as he and his sister go into the house.  Lisa closes the door behind them.

 

"School, Lisa?"  Ben asks.  "Does this mean that you're gonna be staying here in the Tuscany Valley instead of coming back to L.A.?"

 

 

"I've decided that the kids and I are gonna be staying here in the Valley, at least for the time being,"  says Lisa.  "They need to be in school, so as long as we're going to be staying here, I need to get them enrolled."

 

"And you didn't even bother to mention this to me?  Lisa, I was under the impression that you and the kids would be coming home to L.A."

 

"Things changed, Ben.  I've done a lot of thinking, and I really want to be here for Lance and the rest of the family.  And being here has been good for Katie and Caleb, too."

 

"And what about us, Lisa?"  Ben asks.

 

"There is no US, anymore, Ben.  You destroyed that when you had that affair."

 

"I'm not giving up, Lisa.  I love you, I love our kids, and I love the life we've made together.  I'm willing to wait as long as it takes for you to forgive me and come back."

 

"Then you're gonna be waiting for a very long time, Ben,"  Lisa says, then turns and walks into the house, closing the door.  

Ben sighs, and after a momentary pause, he walks to his car, gets in, and drives away.

 

"Yes, Richard........reluctantly.......agreed to turn over the reigns of this newspaper to me in exchange for Falcon Crest.  Or rather, MOST of Falcon Crest.  And now, my darling, I finally have something of my father's, and you and I are the owners of The San Francisco Globe, as well as the small portion of Falcon Crest that once belonged to your parents."

 

"I hope you've done the right thing, Jeremy,"  says Vicky.  "The last thing we need is a war between you and Richard."

 

"No need to worry, darling.  For now, Richard Channing has been neutralized..........and soon, I will begin taking more things from Richard, one at a time.  I will destroy him, and I will destroy my bitch of an ex-wife, Katherine, for keeping my son from me all those years."

 

Vicky looks at her husband with concern, afraid that Richard will strike back in retaliation, and that innocent people such as she and her son would be caught in the crossfire.

 

 

"M......Michael,"  Josh says with a bit of a stutter.  "What are you doing here?"  

 

"Why don't we go inside and talk about why I'm here?"

 

"Look, man, I'd love to, but I'm running late.  I have a plane to catch."

 

 

 

 

 

"Sorry to disappoint you, Josh, old buddy,"  Kevin says as he and Michael force Josh back into the room.  "But you're not going anywhere."

 

 

 

 

 

 

"What's going on here?"  Josh asks, his heart pounding with fear.  "Michael, you told me to get out of San Francisco, and out of California.  So I did.  Why are you here now?

 

"Let's sit down and have a little chat, Josh,"  Michael says.  

 

"A.....a chat about what?"  Asks a nervous and terrified Josh.

 

"Did you really believe that we wouldn't find out that you were the one responsible for that explosion at my brother's wedding?"  Michael asks, backing Josh to the center of the room.  "Oh, wait, of course you didn't think we'd find out, because you counted on us all being dead, didn't you, Josh?"

 

"Michael, I don't know what you're talking about,"  Josh says, now in tears.

 

"You know damned well what I'm talking about, Josh.  You had a bomb sent to Kevin and Emma's wedding.  A bomb that killed my baby and other innocent people.  You know that old saying you reap what you sow?  Well, Josh, it's time for you to reap what you sowed when you tried to kill me and my entire family.  You'd better say your prayers, because you're about to pay for what you did.  I hope you're ready to meet your maker."

 

Kevin looks at Michael, stunned by what his brother just said, while Josh looks at his one time friends, the Channing brothers, his bottom lip trembling, tears streaming down his face, and his heart racing as he fears for his life, knowing that Michael Channing, when crossed, could be every bit as dangerous and ruthless as his father!

 

 

 

 

"Well, Richard, that's wonderful,"  Emma Channing happily says.

 

 

 

 

 

"Yes, it certainly is,"  Angela says.  "How did this happen, Uncle Richard?"

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Richard gave up the newspaper,"  replies Katherine.  "My ex-husband now owns the San Francisco Globe."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Wait a second,"  says Eric.  "You gave up The Globe, so that we could keep Falcon Crest?  I don't believe it.  What's the catch?"

 

 

 

 

 

"Richard, come on,"  Lance says.  "What's the catch here?  I don't believe for one minute that you gave up that newspaper without getting something in return.  So what is it?"

"Well, Lance, now that ya mention it there is a.......little something,"  Richard says.

 

"I knew it,"  Lance says.

 

"Alright, then, what is it?"  Angela asks.  

 

"As you all know, since Jeremy Lord had called in the loan on Falcon Crest in full, and since you all were unable to repay the loan, that means that Lord technically held the deed to Falcon Crest, including this house, the winery, the surrounding lands, and all the vineyards.  Well, in order for Falcon Crest to stay in the family, I agreed to sign over ownership of The Globe to Jeremy, and in exchange, he signed the deed to Falcon Crest over........to me."  Richard reaches into his pocket and brings out the deed.  

 

"What?"  Lance asks.  "Falcon Crest belongs to YOU now?"  

 

"Yes.  So, my wife and family and I will be moving in here, since we were left homeless by that explosion that destroyed my home.  Of course, you're all more than welcome to stay.  There's plenty of room in this old house for all of us, and Lance, and Angela, I hope the two of you will stay on at the winery.  I could use your expertise."

 

"You've GOT to be kidding,"  Eric says.

 

"Nope, I'm not kidding,"  says Richard.  "Just look at this as a transition.....a new beginning.  After all, Falcon Crest stays in the family, and together, we can make this winery great again, as great as it was when my dear mother Angela Channing was running it.  And the fact that we're all gonna be living here together is a chance to bring this family closer together."

 

"That will NEVER happen,"  says an angry Lance.  "It'll be a cold day in hell before I EVER work for you or share this house with you.  My family and I will be moving out."  Without another word, Lance angrily storms up the stairs, followed by Eric and Lisa.

 

"Now, Lance, don't go away mad,"  Richard says, his tone laced with sarcasm.  After hearing a door slam upstairs, Richard looks at Emma and Angela, then at Katherine.  "I think he took it well, don't you?"  He asks with a smile as Emma and Angela look at him, disgusted by Richard's actions.