EPISODE 22 - Revenge

As dusk begins to settle over Falcon Crest,  Josh McQueen is holding Michael and Elena Channing and Eric Cumson at gunpoint in the winery.  

 

"Well, hello, Michael,"  Josh says, pointing the gun directly at Michael's chest.  "We meet again.  Only this time, I'M the one holding all the power.  And I'm gonna make you and your brother pay for everything you've done to me."

 

"Josh, come on, man, put the gun down and walk outta here and nobody has to get hurt,"  says Michael.

 

"Too late for that, Michael,"  Josh says.  "People have already been hurt.  I have already been hurt.  And now it's your turn."

 

"Okay,  look, this is between you and me.  Just let my wife and my cousin go.  They had nothing to do with this."

 

"Maybe not.  But they're involved now.  Everyone is involved now.  Where's your brother?"

 

"I......I don't know,"  Michael replies.  

 

"Don't lie to me, Channing,"  Josh says, pointing the gun directly at Michael's head.  "Where is your brother.  Either you tell me, and take me to him, or I go find him anyway.  Only you WON'T be coming with me, if you get my drift.  So you take me to your brother.......NOW!!!  Unless you want your wife to get hurt."

 

"Okay, okay, just calm down.  Kevin is up at the house."

 

"Then lead the way.  Come on, let's go."

 

Michael looks at Elena, then at Josh.  Slowly, he walks past Michael and to the door.  

 

"Okay, now you two,"  Josh says to Elena and Eric.  They quickly comply with Josh's orders and follow Michael out of the room.  A moment later, the three walk out of the winery, Josh behind them with the gun.  "Alright, hold on,"  Josh says.  

 

Michael, Elena, and Eric stop.  

 

"Let me have your cell phones,"  says Josh.  "Come on, hand 'em over.  All but you, Michael.  You hold on to yours for a minute."

 

Reluctantly, Elena and Eric take out their phones and hand them to Josh.

 

"Now, then Michael.  You're gonna use your phone and call Kevin."

 

"What do you want me to say?"  Michael asks.

 

"Tell him to round up everyone in the house and get them downstairs in the living room.  But don't tell him why.  Just say you have something real important you have to tell the family."

 

Michael looks at him.  "Josh, man, this is nuts.  You're just digging yourself in deeper...."

 

"Just DO IT, Channing!"

 

Michael dials Kevin's cell number.  On the fourth ring, Kevin answers.  "Hey, Kevin, look, can you do me a favor?  I need you to get the whole family together.  Everybody that's in the house, and get them in the living room.  I have something really important to tell everyone.  I know it's strange, but just do it, Kevin."  Michael ends the call, and Josh immediately grabs the phone from his hand.

 

"Okay, you did good,"  Josh says.  "Now, let's take a walk up to that fine old Victorian mansion on the hill and have a little family reunion, shall we?"

 

A frightened Elena, Michael, and Eric all exchange worried looks.

"I told you, I did NOT have that bomb sent to that wedding,"  Josh says.  "Everyone, in the living room.  NOW!!"

 

"And if we don't?"  Michael asks.

 

"Then I start shooting people, starting with your beautiful wife."

 

"Alright, alright, just calm down,"  Michael says.  "We're going."

 

Chang-Li walks into the foyer at that moment.  Seeing Josh with the gun, the young man stops dead in his tracks.

 

"Hold it!"  Josh says.  "You.....get in the living room with the others."

 

The group does as they are told and go into the living room.  Josh follows.  

 

"How long do you plan on keeping us here?"  Ann asks.

 

"As long as I have to.  Where's old man Channing?  Michael, where's your father?"

 

"In San Francisco,"  replies Katherine.  "On business."

 

"Business.  I see.  Well, we need to call him."

 

"What?"  Kevin asks.

 

"One of you guys needs to call Daddy so I can explain to him what I want."

 

 

"And what is it you want, Josh?"  Michael asks.

 

"Money.  Lots of it.  And a private jet to get me out of the country by morning."

 

"That's a tall order,"  Eric says.

 

"You'll never get away with this,"  says Katherine.

 

Josh looks at her and smiles.   "Never get away with it?  That's very good coming from you, Mrs. Channing.  You are the new Mrs. Richard Channing, aren't you?  Katherine Wentworth.  I know you by reputation.  Attempted murder.  You jumped bail and disappeared for years and years.  You got away with it.  What makes you think I won't?"

 

"Because I was smart.  Something you obviously are NOT."

 

Josh laughs.  "Very good one, Mrs. Channing.  Very good."

 

Ann looks at him.  "You really are sick," she says.  "Do you know what you did?  You killed my brother in that explosion."

 

"And my Mom died, too!"  Eric says as he quickly stands to his feet and starts toward Josh.  

 

"Alright, hold it right there,"  Josh says, pointing the gun at Eric's chest.  "I never killed anyone, but since everyone thinks I did, I may as well, so you take one more step, and I will kill you."

 

"Eric, don't,"  Angie says.  "Don't antagonize him."

 

Josh fights back tears.  "Look, I'm sorry for what happened to your loved ones, but I did NOT send that bomb.  I swear to you, and if I just had a chance to explain....."

 

 

"Oh, you are definitely persuasive," Angela replies.  "But it's more than that. For some reason, I feel safe with you, Danny, and I haven't felt that way in a long time."

 

"You make me feel really good, too."

 

"How did this even happen?"  Angela asks.  "This morning, I didn't even know you."

 

 

 

Danny reaches over and picks up a glass of wine and takes a sip.  "This happened because, several months ago I saw this absolutely breath taking young woman leaving the hospital here in the Tuscany Valley, and ever since that day, I had not been able to get you off my mind."

 

 

 

Angela turns to face him.  "And I'm glad that you did.  So where, exactly is this going?"

 

"Where do you want it to go?"  Danny asks.

 

"It's been a long time since I've been with anybody.  But we're still strangers, basically."

 

"I'd hardly call us strangers after what we just did."

 

Angela smiles.  "You know what I mean.  We need to get to know one another.  And that's gonna be hard once you go back to Denver."

 

"No it won't.  We can visit each other every weekend.  Angela, from the first time I saw you outside that hospital, I felt something.  And I knew that I just had to meet you, but, not knowing who you were at the time, I had no idea how I was gonna do that.  But then, when I saw your picture in that article on the internet.........I knew it was fate."

 

"With my luck you'll turn out to be a dream,"  says Angela.  

 

"Oh, I can promise you.......this is no dream, and neither am I,"  Danny says, kissing her again.

 

 

 

"Dad, where are you?"  Michael asks.  "I need you to come home.  Now, if possible."

 

"Michael, what is it?  What's wrong?"  Asks a worried Richard.

 

Josh suddenly grabs the phone from Michael.  "Mr. Channing.  Josh McQueen here.  Like Michael said, you need to get home to Falcon Crest NOW.  Your family is counting on you."

"Channing, what the hell are you doing here, and what are you talking about?"  Bobby asks.  "What PROBLEM?"

 

"Your wife is still at Falcon Crest, am I right?"  

 

"Yes, she is.  Why?"

 

"I just got a call from a young man named Joshua McQueen,"  Richard says.  "He's holding your wife and my family hostage up at Falcon Crest."

 

"What?  Why?  Who is this McQueen?"  Bobby asks.

 

 

 

"McQueen is the man I'm absolutely sure is responsible for sending that bomb to Kevin and Emma's wedding.  We've been searching for him for months.  Look, he sent me this photo on my phone to prove to us that he isn't lying."  Richard shows Bobby a photo on his phone of Josh holding a gun on Ann.

 

"Oh my God,"  says Bobby.  "What does he want?"

 

"He wants ten million dollars and a private plane to take him out of the country by morning.  Now I can swing half of that amount, but much of my capital is tied up right now."

 

"Now wait a minute, we should call the police,"  Bobby says.

 

"No.  McQueen said if we involve the police, he'll start killing people.  He's feeling cornered and that money and a plane is his only way out.  If the cops show up, he feels he has nothing else to lose by killing my family and your wife.  Right now I don't think he even cares whether he lives or dies himself."

 

"Alright.  I can handle the other half of the money."

 

"I was hoping you would say that."

 

"I'll have to call my son and have him get in touch with my banker in Dallas.  He can get us the money tonight."

 

"Good,"  Richard says.  "I'll see what I can do about getting McQueen a plane.  I also know someone who might just be able to help talk McQueen down, or at least persuade him not to hurt anyone."

 

"Channing,"  Bobby says.  "You'd better know what the hell you're doing.  Because if my wife or her daughter get hurt...... I'm gonna blame you.  After all, this maniac was targeting YOUR family.  My family just happened to get caught in the crossfire."

 

"Well, you might wanna also have a talk with that nephew of yours.  McQueen was just as pissed off at John Ross as he was at my son Michael."  Richard takes out a pen and a piece of paper and writes something down.  Then he hands it to Bobby.  "My cell phone number.  As soon as you have that money on the way, call me.  I'm gonna go see someone about possibly helping us out of this."  Richard quickly leaves.  

 

"Damn it,"  Bobby says angrily after Richard leaves.  Bobby walks over to the bed and picks up his cell phone, speed dialing a number.

 

 

"Ten million dollars?"  Christopher asks.  "Oh my God, Dad.  Oh, Channing is putting up five million and you're putting up the other five?  Yeah, okay, don't worry, I'll take care of it.  I'll call Phillips as soon as I hang up with you.  No, I'll bring the money myself on the Ewing jet.  Have the police been called?"  Christopher listens to his father for a moment.  "Yeah, I understand.  Dad, try not to worry.  I'll call Lee right now, and I'll see you in a few hours.  Bye."  He ends the call and puts down his phone.

 

 

 

"Christopher, what's wrong?"  Courtney asks.

 

"Ann and some others have been taken hostage,"  Christopher replies.  "The person holding them is demanding ten million dollars.  Dad is gonna put up five million and Richard Channing the other five.  I have to call our banker, Lee Phillips.  And then I have to get to California."

 

"Well, I'm coming with you,"  says Courtney.

 

Over at the Fairchild home that night, Alex is relaxing in bed and texting someone when Nick comes into the room after taking a shower.  At first. Alex is distracted, so caught up in his texting that he doesn't hear Nick come in.  For several seconds, Nick stands there looking at his best friend.  Finally, Alex looks up and notices Nick's presence.

 

"Oh, I didn't hear you come in,"  Alex says.

 

"No, I guess not.  You were texting, I guess."

 

"Yeah.  I was texting my cousin, Chase.  He said that, if we wanted, and if you're feeling up to it, he'd take us out on his boat this Saturday.  So, you want to?"

 

"Oh, yeah, definitely, dude, that sounds awesome,"  Nick says.  "And, if my blood counts are okay, then I have to have chemo on Monday, so, this weekend will probably be the last time I'll feel up to really doing anything for a while."

 

"Yeah,"  Alex says sadly.  

 

"Man, that shower felt so good,"  Nick says.

 

"Yeah, it did.  Especially after the long and sweaty day I had."

 

Nick props his crutches up against the wall and takes a seat on his bed.  "I miss working out, and running.  Stuff like that."

 

"I'm sorry, man, I didn't mean to......"

 

"No, it's okay.  I'm glad that you're at least able to still do that stuff."

 

"You will too, Nick,"  Alex says, looking at him.  "Heck, man, by this time next year, I'll bet you will barely remember even having cancer.  You'll be back doing all the things you did before you got sick."

 

Nick looks at him and manages a half smile.  "Yeah, I wish."  

 

An uncomfortable silence follows Nick's statement.  "Well,"  Alex finally says, getting out of bed and standing to his feet.  "I guess I'd better take a shower, then."

 

"Dude, you already did,"  says Nick.  "You took one before I did, remember?"

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Oh, yeah,"  Alex says, feeling embarrassed by his forgetfulness.  "Hair's still kinda wet.  What was I thinking?  That was pretty stupid."

 

Nick smiles.  "We all do stupid stuff like that sometimes."

 

"Yeah, me especially, and more so lately,"  Alex says.

 

"Well, we're both done with our homework, so, what do you wanna do?"  Nick asks.

 

"Umm, I dunno.  What do you wanna do?"

 

"Well, it's a little early to go to sleep, even on a school night, so, we could get into bed and watch a movie, if you want."

 

"Umm, yeah, a movie, that sounds great,"  Alex says.  

 

"Cool.  What are you in the mood for?  Comedy, drama, or horror?"

 

"Horror."

 

"Yeah, me, too,"  Nick says, smiling as he starts to get up.

 

"Hey, I'll get the movie, bro,"  says Alex.  He walks over to Nick's bookshelf, containing rows of DVDs and Blue Ray discs.  "What movie do you wanna see?  You've got Don't Breathe, The Conjuring, The Conjuring 2, 10 Cloverfield Lane, Ouija:  Origin Of Evil......"

 

"Ouija,"  Nick says.  "My Mom got that for me about a week ago, and I haven't had a chance to watch it yet."

 

"Yeah, I haven't seen it, either.  Supposed to be pretty good."  

 

"Yeah, so I heard,"  says Nick.

 

Alex takes the Blue Ray from the shelf, walks over to Nick's player, opens the case, and puts the movie in.  He hands Nick the remote control, then walks back to his own bed and crawls in as Nick watches him.  Nick lays back in bed and pulls the covers up to his chest.  He reaches over and switches off the lamp beside his bed.  Alex switches off the light beside his bed as the movie begins and they watch in silence.

 

 

 

 

Michael, Elena, Kevin, Katherine, Ann, Angie, Emma Channing, and Chang-Li continue to sit in fearful silence in the living room at Falcon Crest as a nervous and restless Josh paces around.

 

"How long are you gonna keep us here?" Emma Channing asks.

 

"As long as it takes."

 

"Josh, what does that mean?"  Asks Angie.

 

"Just what I said.  You all may as well get comfy, because no one is going anywhere until your old man comes through with that money and that plane to get me the hell out of this country and to safety."

 

"Safety?"  Elena asks, looking up at him.  "You think you deserve SAFETY after what you did?  You murdered four people, including my baby.  Or did you know that I was pregnant when you had that bomb delivered to Kevin and Emma's wedding?  I lost my baby and Emma almost lost hers.  Eric here lost his mother, and Ann lost her brother. And the minister died in that explosion.  You can rest assured.....you may flee the country and get away with this now, but there's a special place in hell waiting just for you."

 

 

 

Josh takes a seat across from Elena and looks at her.  "I swear to you, I had nothing to do with sending that bomb to that wedding.  That was never supposed to happen."

 

"Oh yeah?"  Kevin asks.  "Then who did, Josh?  Who tried to kill us all at mine and Emma's wedding?"

 

"His name is Brian,"  replies Josh.  "Brian Jeffries.  He is an associate of mine I worked with in my private eye business.  He did a couple jobs for me.  He knew about the trouble I was having with you, Michael, and with Jeremy Lord and John Ross Ewing."

"You mean he knew how you were double crossing me?  A guy who was supposed to be your friend since we were kids, and working against me as a damned double agent working for two of my worst enemies?"  Michael angrily asks.

 

 

 

 

 

"Wait a minute,"  Ann says.  "John Ross?  What does John Ross have to do with any of this?"  

 

"Oh, that's right,"  Josh says.  "John Ross is your nephew, isn't he?"

 

"My nephew by marriage, yes."

 

 

"So this Brian Jeffries, he's the one who almost killed my son and everyone else at that wedding from hell?"  Katherine asks.

 

"That's right,"  replies Josh.  

 

"You're lying,"  Michael says.  "You're LYING!  If Jeffries delivered that bomb to Kevin's wedding then he was working for YOU, Josh!"

 

"You're partly right about that,"  Josh says.  "I admit that I asked Brian to help me get even with you, and with Ewing and Lord.  That day, after I met you in the park, Michael, and you threatened me.  You told me to get as far away from here as possible or you would basically make sure that I would regret the day I was born.  And then I had John Ross Ewing and Jeremy Lord coming down on me, too.  Look, all I wanted was for you to hurt.  I never wanted anyone dead and I swear that on my life. Brian took matters into his own hands and he is the one that brought that bomb to your Dad's house that day."

 

 

"How could you do this, Josh?"  Angie asks.  "How could you do this to my brother?  You and Michael were friends from the time you were kids in school together.  He looked out for you.  You spent time in our home when we were growing up, and yet you conspired against him with John Ross Ewing and Jeremy Lord?  Why?"

 

"For two reasons, Angie.  First of all, I needed money, and lots of it.  I got myself into debt and I needed money to dig out of the hole I'd gotten into.  Jeremy Lord and John Ross Ewing were working together because both of them wanted to crush the Channings.  John Ross wanted information on Michael and Richard that would help him destroy them and gain him full, sole custody of his son."

 

"So John Ross wanted to keep me away from my son, and that's why you were helping him?"  Elena asks.

 

"I was helping him because I needed the money.  Pretty soon, I was caught up in this tangled web I couldn't get out of.  I had Ewing and Lord blackmailing me into continuing to work for them, or they were gonna expose me to Michael and Richard."  Josh pauses for a moment as he fights back tears.  He stands to his feet and begins pacing.  "I didn't know what else to do.  But you wanna know another reason I did this?  A BIG part of it?  It was because I was sick and tired of being your little watchdog, Michael."

 

"What in the HELL are you talking about, McQueen?"  Michael asks.  "I was your friend.  Remember when we were in boarding school?  Remember those bullies who use to torment you because you were smaller and younger than them?  Who was it that looked out for your ass?  It was ME, Josh!"

 

"And you never let me forget that, did you?"  Josh asks, tears streaming down his face.  "You were my protector.  My surrogate big brother.  But oh, you made me work for it.  You made me make that up to you.  You treated me like an inferior.  All the times I was at your house.  That great, big mansion.  I'll never forget how you and Kevin use to parade all your nice things in front of me, while my family had very little.  And then later, after I became a private eye, you treated me like your personal slave, always getting me to do your dirty work."

"If your family was so poor, then how did your parents afford to send you to the same boarding school as Michael and Kevin?"  Emma Channing asks.

 

"They borrowed money,"  says Josh.  "My Dad went into debt."

 

"And my Dad helped,"  says Michael.  

 

Josh looks at him.  "What?"

 

"Didn't know that, did you, Josh?"  Michael asks.  "My Dad paid part of your tuition to that private boarding school as a favor to your father."

 

"No.  That's not true."

 

"It IS true, Josh.  My father helped pay your way through that school.  I always wondered why, but, I guess now we know, don't we.  Now that we know the truth about who your real parents are."

 

"Wait a minute, what are you talking about?"  Angie asks.  

 

"You were lying about that,"  says Josh.  "You were LYING!!!"

 

"It's the truth, Josh.  The McQueens were not your biological parents, and my Dad has known that since the day you were born."

 

"And I'm supposed to believe a guy who kidnapped me and kept me locked in a room for weeks, torturing and threatening me every day?"  

 

A look of shock comes over Elena's face.  "Kidnapped?"

 

"That's right, Elena,"  says Josh.  "Your husband here, and his brother, kidnapped me and kept me locked in a small room without even a window since before Christmas.  I was scared.  I honestly thought they were gonna kill, or worse."

 

"Michael?"  Elena says.  "Michael, please tell me that he's lying."

 

"Michael?  Kevin?  Is this true?"  Emma Channing asks.  

 

"Go on, Michael,"  Josh says.  "Tell them.  Tell your wife and the rest of your family gathered here what you two did to me.  How about you, Kevin?"

 

"Shut your damned mouth, McQueen!"  Kevin says, standing to face Josh.

 

"Sit down,"  Josh says, pointing the gun at Kevin.  

 

Kevin continues to stand face to face with Josh, glaring angrily at him.

 

"I said.....sit down,"  Josh repeats.

 

"Kevin, please,"  Ann says.  "Do as he says."

 

Reluctantly, Kevin retakes his seat on the sofa between Elena and Angie.  

 

"Smart move,"  Josh says, looking at Kevin.  "Now, then, what were we talking about?  Oh, yes, my kidnapping."

 

"Is he telling the truth, Michael?"  Elena asks.  "Did you and Kevin kidnap him?"

 

"Yeah, it's true,"  Michael replies.  

 

"Oh my God,"  Elena says in shock.

 

"This bastard killed our child, Elena.  That bomb caused you to miscarry, and nearly killed every one of us here in this room.  Some of us did lose loved ones.  Eric, you lost your mother.  Mrs. Ewing, your brother was killed."

 

"So you lied to me all that time when you told me you were looking for Josh McQueen?"  Elena asks.  "All that time, you knew exactly where he was because YOU had him stashed away somewhere."

 

"Yes.  I was bound and determined I was gonna make this son of a bitch pay for what he had done, family or not."

 

"Michael, what do you mean.....FAMILY?"  Angie asks.

 

"I'd like to know the answer to that myself,"  says Katherine, wondering, with all this talk of the McQueens not being Josh's biological parents, if Richard could be Josh's real father.

 

"Josh's real mother is my sister.......Vicky Gioberti Lord,"  Kevin says.

 

"What?"  Asks as shocked Emma.   "This.......person......is Vicky's son?  Chase and Maggie's grandson?"

 

"Yes,"  Michael says.  "He's Vicky's and Eric Stavros's son.  When Josh was born, Dad arranged for him to be adopted by this couple who were friends of his, the McQueens."

 

 

Josh takes a seat on a chair across from the others.  "So, the truth is out," he says.  I'm a Gioberti, once removed.  I guess that makes all of us in this room family, huh?  Even you, Mrs. Ewing, since your daughter is involved with my Uncle Kevin, here.  Wait a minute.  Speaking of which.......where exactly IS your daughter, Mrs. Ewing?  She does live here, I'm assuming that's why you're here?"

 

Ann and Kevin exchange worried looks, not wanting Josh to find Emma upstairs.  

 

"Okay, where is she?"  Josh asks.  "Somebody had better start talking, or, somebody gets hurt."

 

"Emma is upstairs,"  Katherine says, causing Ann and Emma Channing to each give her an angry, harsh look.  

 

"Okay, get her down here."

 

"No,"  Kevin says.

 

"What'd you say to me.....Uncle?"  Josh asks, pointing his gun at Kevin.

 

"Look, just leave my daughter alone,"  Ann begs, in tears.  "Emma is in bed asleep.  She's no danger to you."

 

"Yeah, but this little family reunion can't be complete without everyone here,"  says Josh.

 

 

"Man, Emma is 9 months pregnant,"  Kevin says.  "And she's upstairs in bed, having to spend the last days of this pregnancy on BED REST because of what you did that day we were supposed to get married!"

 

Josh looks at him.  "I already told you.  I did NOT send that bomb to your wedding."

 

"And we're really supposed to believe that?"  Kevin asks.  "From a guy waving a gun around in our faces right now?"

 

"This is nothing compared to the hell that you and this piece of crap brother of yours put me through for all those weeks!" Josh says.  "I'm gonna tell you all exactly what the Channing brothers did to me."

 

Elena looks at Michael with an angry expression, wondering exactly what kind of man she was married to.

 

Vicky is surprised by Richard's announcement, while a look of shock comes over Jeremy's face.  "Richard, you're out of your damned mind.  Victoria never gave a child up for adoption."

 

Richard looks at Vicky.  "You haven't told him?"

 

"Richard, it's time for you to leave,"  says Jeremy.

 

"Vicky, TELL HIM!  Look, this is a matter of life or death, and I need your help."

 

"Alright, that's it,"  says Jeremy.  "Get out of this house, now!"

 

"Jeremy, no,"  Vicky says.  "Richard's telling the truth."

 

Jeremy looks at his wife.  "What? Victoria, this......this can't be true.  When did this happen?"

 

Vicky begins crying.  "When I was married to Eric Stavros.  After Eric was institutionalized, I found out I was pregnant. That was one of the reasons why I left the Tuscany Valley, because I didn't want anyone to know, and there were so many painful memories here after what had happened with Eric.  So I went to visit Cole in Australia, and then, later I went to Europe and spent the rest of my pregnancy.  When I had my baby boy, I was in no condition emotionally to raise a child. Especially not Eric's child, so I gave him up for adoption."

 

"Why didn't you ever tell me this?"  

 

"I really hate to break this up, but we have a situation that needs our attention,"  Richard says.  "Vicky, I know where your son is."

 

"What?  Richard you......you know where he is?"  Vicky asks.

 

"Yes I do.  I've always known."

 

"My God, Richard, what are you saying?!"

 

"Vicky, I will explain everything later, but right now, we have to act fast.  Right at this very minute, your son......the son you gave up for adoption, is up at Falcon Crest and he's holding my family hostage."

 

"What?  WHY?!"

 

"Because he's the one who had that bomb delivered to my house on the day that Kevin was supposed to marry Emma Ryland.  He almost killed everyone there."

 

"No.  No, that can't be true,"  Vicky says in tears.

 

"I'm afraid it is true, Vicky.  Your son's name is Joshua McQueen, and I need your help.  He wants money, and a plane to take him out of the country and he wants these things by morning."

 

"Why don't you call the police?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"Because Joshua said that if the police were involved, he would start killing people up there, and I'm sure as hell not going to take a chance with the lives of my wife and children.  I don't think he will hurt anyone, if he gets what he wants."

 

"You don't think he'll hurt anyone?"  Jeremy asks angrily.  "Are you a complete MORON?  This man tried to kill ALL of us at your son's wedding, and now you don't think he'll HURT ANYONE?  I'm calling the police."

 

"Jeremy NO!"  Vicky says.  "We're not calling the police.  I don't want anyone hurt, but I also don't want my son hurt, and I'm not taking a chance of that happening.  Richard, what is it you want me to do?"

 

"I want you to come with me up to Falcon Crest. You're this boy's biological mother, and I feel like if anybody can get through to him and get him to give himself up, it's you.  It's worth a chance, anyway."

 

Vicky looks at Jeremy, then back at Richard.

 

 

 

"For weeks, I was locked in that room, unable to see the outside, or feel air on my skin," Josh says, pacing around the living room as his captives remain seated, wondering if the young man was getting close to snapping.  "I never knew what was gonna happen to me, or if I would ever get out of that room.  Michael and Kevin......they made my life a living hell. You know what they told me?"  Josh walks over to Eric and looks at him.  "Do you?  Do you know what these two kept telling me while they kept me prisoner?" 

 

"No.  What?"  Eric asks.

 

"They kept telling me that no one would come looking for me because no one gave a damn about me,"  Josh says.  "And I guess they were right.  No one did come looking for me.  Not even my own parents were suspicious when I just disappeared.  Oh, that's right, I almost forgot.  The McQueens really AREN'T my parents after all.  Something else these two Channing brothers took great pleasure rubbing in my face.  Even my own mother didn't want me when I was born, so she gave me away."

 

"That must have been really.......terrible,"  Eric says.  

 

"You have no idea.  Your name's Eric, right?"

"Yeah.  Eric Cumson."

 

"Eric, I'm so sorry about your Mom,"  Josh says in tears.  "I never meant for that to happen, I swear to you.  I didn't want anyone dead."

 

"But my Mom ended up dead anyway,"  says Eric.  "And now you expect us to believe anything you have to say?"

 

"I'm telling you the truth, Eric,"  Josh says.  "I am NO killer.  I don't guess it matters now anyway, does it?  No one believes me.  No one gives a damn about me.  No one would care if I lived or died."

 

"That's not true, Josh,"  Angie says.  "I care about you."

 

"Angie,"  Michael says.  

 

"I care, Josh,"  Angie says.

 

Josh looks at her.  "Why?  Why should you care, when no one else does?"

 

"Because I always thought of you as one of the good guys,"  Angie says.  "I still think there's a good person inside of you.  You just got off on the wrong track.  You lost direction.  But it's not too late to get back on the right path."

 

"Yes it is."

 

"No, man, she's right,"  Eric says.  "Sometimes, we all get off track, but it's never too late to turn things around.   I was really messed up, and I was in and out of jail.  My parents were about to give up on me, but, I decided it was time to change."

 

"My guess is, you were never accused of killing four people, were you?"

 

"No,"  Eric says.  "But if you didn't do it, then you have nothing to worry about.  Just turn yourself in and tell the cops about this Brian guy."

 

"It's not that simple.  No one would believe me."

 

"I believe you, man,"  Eric says.  "I do.  I believe you didn't send that bomb."

 

"Oh, for Pete's sake, this is ridiculous,"  says an angry Katherine.  "Anyone can tell this guy is lying.  Eric, he's just playing you."

 

"Spoken by the Master Manipulator herself,"  Ann says.  

 

Katherine looks over at her.  "Me?  Master Manipulator?  That's really funny coming from a woman who's keeping such a huge secret from her husband and everyone else."

 

"Don't start with me, Katherine....."

 

"Alright, would you two just SHUT UP!"  Josh says, becoming angry.  

 

"Josh, you can still get out of this,"  Angie says.  "But holding 8 people hostage at gunpoint, you're just getting in deeper."

 

"No.  There IS a way outta this, and your old man is gonna provide that for me."

 

"What do you mean by that?"  Katherine asks.

 

"Josh demanded ten million dollars and a private plane to fly him out of the country, and he wants Dad to supply it,"  says Michael.  

 

"He will,"  Josh says.  "Unless he wants someone to get hurt."

 

"You really are a pathetic loser, just like I always thought you were,"  Michael says.  

 

"Michael, stop it,"  Emma Channing says.  "Don't antagonize him any further."

 

 

"Dad, what's going on?"  Christopher asks, handing his father a briefcase filled with the money Bobby had asked him to bring.  "Can you fill me in on more detail than you could over the phone?"

 

"This guy, Joshua McQueen, who's been on the run for quite some time, broke into Falcon Crest earlier tonight and he's holding Ann and several other people hostage."

 

"Oh my God, is everyone alright so far?" Courtney asks.

 

"I really have no idea."

 

"Dad, you must be losing your mind worrying about Ann,"  Christopher says.

 

"I am.  And Emma, too, especially with her being 9 months pregnant and ready to deliver."

 

"So this guy, McQueen, he wanted this money in exchange for releasing the hostages?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Yes.  This money........as well as a plane to take him out of the country.  Richard Channing is putting up half the money."

 

"What about the police?"  Courtney asks.

 

"McQueen demanded that no police be involved."

 

"Dad, are you sure you can trust Richard Channing?"  Christopher asks.  "I mean, after everything that guy has done....."

 

"Christopher, I DON'T trust Channing.  But in this case, I have no choice.  Channing has as much to lose as I do.  His family is being held by McQueen, too.  Look, I have to meet Channing with this money, and then we're going up to Falcon Crest to take this money to McQueen, but first, I'll drop you two by the hotel.  I'm staying at The Omni downtown, suite 583.  Here's my key card."  Bobby takes the card from his pocket and hands it to his son.

 

"No, nothing doing,"  Christopher says, giving the card to Courtney.  "Dad, I'm coming with you.  Courtney, we'll drop you at the hotel."

 

"Christopher, I wanna come with you,"  says Courtney.

 

"No, this could be dangerous."

 

"Alright, guys, we don't have time for this debating,"  Bobby says.  "Come on, let's go.  Courtney, you're getting out at the hotel."  

 

Bobby, Christopher, and Courtney get into Bobby's rented car, and within seconds, the car speeds away.

 

 

Josh looks at his watch and sighs.  "Getting late. Michael, you and Kevin had better hope your old man comes through with that money and a plane to take me far away from here."

 

"And what if he doesn't?"  Kevin asks.  "Are you gonna just kill us, Josh?"

 

"Don't,"  Josh says.  "Let's not even go there.  He has to come through.  He just has to."

 

"You know, you're going to be very sorry about all of this,"  Katherine says.  "Richard will make you pay for what you've done.  And if he doesn't, then I will."

 

"I'm already paying, Mrs. Channing,"  says Josh.  "I've been paying my whole life.  My mother didn't want me, so she decided to give me away when I was born.  Then along comes Richard Channing, who managed to arrange for me to be adopted by a couple of his friends.  If that had been the end of it, my life might've been a whole lot different.  But that 

wasn't the end of it.  Mr. Channing arranged for me to attend the same private boarding school as his sons.  I'll never forget my first day at that school.  I met Michael Channing, and then later, his brother Kevin.  Michael befriended me.  I guess his old man asked him to as a favor to my parents."

 

"My Dad told me this son of some friends of his would be attending my school," Michael says.  "He asked me to look after you.  Take you under my wing."

 

"And you did just that, didn't you?"  Josh asks.  "Michael and Kevin, they were a little older than me.  Both of them were real popular in school, especially Michael.  He was good looking, popular, a star athlete.  He got all the hot girls.  Had a rich daddy.  Boy, was I envious.  Here I was this shy, nerdy kid from a struggling family who was lucky to get into that school.  And here I had the great Michael Channing as my friend.  Michael became my hero.  God, how I looked up to you back then, man.  You were everything I wanted to be.  I'll never forget the first time Michael and Kevin invited me to their house to spend the weekend.  Man, that house.  Wow.  I wished I could've traded places with you.  You guys remember the sleepovers we had?  Remember the pillow fights and the hours we'd stay up talking or watching movies?"

 

"I remember,"  Kevin says in a soft voice.  "We had some good times."

 

"Yes, we did,"  Josh says, fighting back tears.  "And I never even knew back then that you were my uncle."

 

"Yeah, I didn't know, either."

 

"My association with this family didn't end once we got out of school,"  Josh continues.  "After school, Michael helped me get my private investigator's license, and even set me up in my own business.  But there was a catch, just like there was always a catch with Michael Channing.  I became his PERSONAL private eye.  I did his dirty work.  Dug up dirt on his enemies.  Intimidated people for him.  Things like that.  And each job I did for him, Michael threw me a few crumbs, just like any good pet owner.  Because that's what I felt like......Michael Channing's PET.  I even went to Dallas for him to get information on and trail John Ross Ewing.  Finally, I got tired of being his pet.  That's why it was so easy for me to get caught up in this web between Michael, John Ross, and Jeremy Lord.  And once I was in that web, I couldn't get out.  I was trapped between three very powerful men, and any of them could've destroyed my life, or killed me."

 

"Oh for heaven's sake,"  Katherine says.  "Cue the violins.  You're really breaking my heart with this sob story.  But you know what?  No one here feels sorry for you.  You brought all of this on yourself."

 

"Katherine, why don't you just shut up?"  Emma Channing asks.

 

"Was I talking to you, Emma?  I wasn't, so why don't you mind your own damned business?"

 

"Well, I see there's no love lost between the two of you,"  Josh says.

 

"None at all,"  Emma Channing says.  "I despise her."

 

"That's something we have in common, Emma,"  says Ann.

 

Katherine looks at the two women.  "Well that feeling is definitely mutual, ladies.  You, Ann.......just look at you.  What Bobby ever saw in you, I have no idea.  I always thought he had better taste.  At least Pam and Jenna had a little class."

 

"And I can understand why my husband never saw anything in you.  You're nothing but a cold, manipulative little......"

 

"Oh, you BITCH!"  Katherine says angrily.

 

"Okay, ladies,"  Josh says.  "As entertaining as this little exchange is, would you both please just shut the hell up?"

 

"Kevin?"  Emma Ryland calls from upstairs.

 

Josh springs to his feet upon hearing Emma's voice.  "Kevin, your girlfriend?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Kevin?"  Emma calls again.  

 

 

 

"Josh, I need to go to her,"  says Kevin.  "She's 9 months pregnant and she needs me."

 

"Kevin, what's going on?"  Emma asks as she comes down the stairs.

 

Kevin quickly gets up and rushes into the foyer and meets Emma at the bottom of the stairs.  "Emma, it's okay, what are you doing up?  Are you alright?"

 

"I woke up and you weren't there," Emma says, sleepily.  "Kevin, what's happening?"

 

"Okay, you two,"  Josh says, coming to the doorway.  "Get in here."

 

"Kevin, what's this?  Who is he?"  Emma asks.

 

"He's Josh McQueen,"  Kevin replies.

 

"McQueen,"  Emma gasps.  "He's the man who sent the bomb!  Oh my God.  What's he doing here?"

 

"Just get in the living room, both of you,"  Josh orders.  "Now."

 

"Josh, just let her go back upstairs to bed,"  Ann asks.  "Please, she's supposed to be on bed rest."

 

"She'll be fine,"  Josh says.  "Come on in.  Join the party."

 

Kevin and Emma exchange worried looks, then reluctantly walk into the living room, where Emma takes a seat on the sofa beside Ann, who puts her arm around her daughter.  Kevin takes a seat on the other side of Emma.

 

"What do you want here?"  Emma Ryland asks, looking at Josh.  

 

"I'm not here to hurt anybody."

 

"It's a little late for that,"  Emma says, almost in tears.  "You've already hurt a lot of people.  My mother's brother DIED in that explosion."

 

"Emma,"  Ann says in an attempt to calm her daughter.

 

"Look, I swear to you, I didn't send that bomb,"  Josh says."You're lying!"  Emma says, then, she is suddenly seized by an excruciating pain in her abdomen.  "OHHH!"  She cries out.  

 

"Emma?"  Kevin says.

 

"Emma, what is it?"  Ann asks.

 

"I think........I think I'm going into labor,"  Emma cries, doubling over in pain.  

 

"What.....NOW?"  Josh asks.

 

"AAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!"  Emma again cries out in pain.  "Oh my God.......this baby is COMING!!!!"  

 

A nervous Josh watches as the young woman doubles over in pain, crying, as Ann and Kevin try to comfort her, with the rest of the hostages look on.

"Right here,"  Bobby says, holding up the briefcase.  

 

"Ewing, I trust you are acquainted with Jeremy Lord, here,"  says Richard.

 

"Yes, I remember him.  Lord,"  Bobby says.

 

Jeremy nods at Bobby but says nothing.  

 

"And this is Vicky Lord, who is the biological mother of that young man who's holding our families hostage inside my house."

 

"McQueen is your son?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Yes,"  replies Vicky.  "I just found tonight that Josh is my son.  I gave him up for adoption when he was born."

 

"I still think the police should be notified,"  says Jeremy.

 

"No, absolutely not,"  Richard insists.  "Josh is scared and feeling cornered, and I'll be damned if I'm going to take a chance on something going wrong and a member of my family getting hurt."

 

"I never thought I'd say this, but I actually agree with Channing,"  Bobby says.  "I've dealt with hostage situations like this before, and anything can make a person snap when they feel backed against a wall, especially someone with a gun.  And we have a very pregnant woman in that house."

 

"All Josh wants is this money and transportation to get him out of the country and to safety,"  Richard says.  "I have a plane waiting for him at the airport.  Now after those hostages are released, then we'll worry about involving the police."

 

"That young man almost killed my son,"  Jeremy says.  "I'll be damned if I'll allow him to escape punishment for that."

 

Vicky turns and gives her husband an angry look.  

 

"I think there's something that everyone has failed to take into account,"  Christopher says.  "And that's the fact that, if McQueen gets out of there, he's gonna have to take one of the hostages with him as insurance in order to  make sure he gets safely to the airport."

 

Richard, Vicky, and Bobby all exchange looks.  

 

"We did think about that,"  Bobby says.  

 

"And I'm prepared to offer myself as a hostage in exchange for McQueen letting the others go,"  says Richard.

 

Jeremy laughs.  "Oh, Richard.  He'll need a better hostage than you.  No one would give a damn if you came back or not."

 

Richard looks at him.  "Well, perhaps you're willing to offer yourself as a hostage instead."

 

"This arguing isn't getting us anywhere,"  Vicky says.  

 

"She's right,"  Bobby agrees.  "Channing, why don't you give McQueen a call and tell him we have what he wants?"

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Alright, we're coming in,"  Richard tells him.  "Just the five of us."  Richard ends the call and puts his phone back into his pocket.  He turns to the others.  "Emma's about to have that baby.  We've got to get in there, now.  And he wants us all to come in."

 

"Well then, let's go,"  Bobby says.

 

The others exchange worried looks, then follow Richard as he heads toward the house.

 

 

 

 

Inside the mansion....

Chaos reigns as Emma Ryland's screams of pain are becoming louder and lasting longer, as Kevin and Ann try to comfort her.  "Emma, sweety, just breathe,"  Ann tells her daughter.  

 

"Emma, everything's gonna be okay,"  Kevin says, holding her hand tightly.

 

Emma Channing looks at Katherine, who is sitting on the sofa looking bored.  "You know, you COULD help in some way," Emma tells her.

 

"I don't know anything about babies being born,"  Katherine replies.

 

At that moment, there is a knock on the front door.  Josh springs to his feet, his gun drawn, and grabs Angie.  He forces her into the foyer with him.  "Open the door," Josh tells the frightened young woman.

 

Angie does as she is told and opens the front door.  Richard, Bobby, Christopher, Vicky, and Jeremy rush in.

 

"Hold it,"  Josh says, pointing his gun at them.  

 

"Daddy,"  Angie says as she embraces her father.  

 

"Angie, pat 'em down,"  Josh says.   "Make sure they don't have any weapons.  Your father first."

 

Once again, Angie follows Josh's instructions and pats Richard down for a weapon.  

 

"Now where's Emma?"  Richard asks.  

 

"In there,"  Josh replies.

 

Richard hurries into the living room, where he immediately goes to Emma on the floor.  "Emma, now don't you worry. Everything's going to be alright, we can do this."

 

"You can deliver a baby?"  Ann asks.

 

"Yes I can.  Nothing to it.  I've helped do this before,"  Richard says, looking at Kevin.  

 

Bobby, Christopher, Angie,  Jeremy, and Vicky enter the living room, followed by Josh, holding the gun on the group.  "Annie,"  Bobby says.

 

"Oh, Bobby,"  Ann says, quickly standing to greet her husband with a hug.  

 

"Are you alright?"  Bobby asks.

 

"I'm fine.  I'm just scared for Emma."

 

"Emma's going to be fine,"  Richard says.  "Emma, I'm going to need you to push now."

 

Richard's words are followed by Emma's piercing screams of pain as she attempts to push.  Ann returns to her daughter's side and again takes her hand.  Elena and Christopher exchange looks between them.

 

Meanwhile, Josh walks to the fireplace, then turns and watches the scene unfolding across the room from him.  Vicky looks at her son, then walks over to him, tears in her eyes.  "Josh?"  She says softly.  

 

"You're her?"  Josh asks.  "The woman who gave birth to me?"

 

Vicky nods.  "Yes.  Josh......."

 

"Why?  If you didn't want me, why didn't you just have an abortion?"

 

"I couldn't.  Josh, I couldn't.  I wanted you.  You have to believe that, I WANTED you."

 

"You wanted me, so you gave me away,"  Josh says.

 

"I wasn't in any position to raise a child.  Josh, I was alone. Divorced from your father, who was in a mental institution. After everything that had happened, I couldn't come back here.  I thought I was giving you a chance at a real family and a better life than I could provide for you."

 

"So you just let Richard Channing give me to some friends of his,"  Josh says.  "Like some possession?"

 

"Josh, I didn't know anything about that,"  Vicky says.  "I swear.  I didn't know until tonight where you were, or who had adopted you.  I had  no idea that Richard was involved, or that he even knew I was pregnant.  Josh, you can end this.  You can end this now."

 

"You're right, I can.  Richard, my money......did you bring it?"  

 

"I'm a little busy right now, McQueen!"  Richard yells from across the room as he continues to work with Emma.

 

"Your money is here,"  Christopher says, taking the two briefcases Richard and Bobby had brought with them over to Josh, who takes the two briefcases from him.  "It's all there,"  Christopher says.  "Five million from my Dad and five million from Richard Channing.  So why don't you just take the money and go?"

 

Josh places first one of the cases down on a coffee table and opens it.  Seeing the money inside, he closes the case, then does the same with the second case.  Suddenly, Emma Ryland lets out an ear piercing scream as her labor continues.  

 

"Emma, come on, now," Richard tells her.  "We're almost there.  I can see the head and the shoulders.  I'm gonna need ya to give me one big push....."

 

"I.......I can't......."  Emma cries out weakly.

 

"Come on, baby, you can do it,"  Kevin tells her.

 

"Emma, it'll be alright,"  Ann says to her daughter.  "You have to try now.  Push!"

 

"AAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"  Emma screams again as she gives one final push, this time, Richard grabbing the baby and pulling the tiny body from Emma, who again lets out a scream. 

 

Richard takes the newborn into his arms.  "Emma, Kevin, here he is.......your son."

 

"My......my son,"  Emma says weakly, completely exhausted by the birth.

 

"Dad, you did great,"  Kevin says.

 

Richard looks at his son and smiles.  "I've had practice.  Kevin, you were born right here in this very room 30 years ago.  And now your son was born in almost exactly the same spot where you came into the world.  How's that for a miracle?"

 

Kevin begins crying tears of joy as he kisses Emma.  Then he looks at his father, noticing a look of fear on Richard's face.  "Dad?  What is it?  What's wrong?"

 

"The baby, he........he's not breathing.  He's not breathing......"

 

"What?  No!"  Kevin cries.

 

"My baby?"  Emma calls out.  

 

"Oh God, he's not breathing.  Come on little fellow.  Breathe for me,"  Richard says, cradling the infant as the others look on in fear.  Even cold hearted Katherine has a look of worry on her face for her newborn great-nephew.   "Come in, baby, breathe!  Breathe, damn it!"  Richard says.

 

"Let me have the baby,"  Josh says, hurrying over to Richard.

 

"What?"

 

"Let me have the baby, Richard,"  Josh says again.

 

"Like hell!"

 

"GIVE ME THE BABY!"   Josh yells, forcibly taking the newborn from Richard's arms.  Without hesitation, Josh immediately lays the infant down on the sofa and begins performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on the child.  "Come on, little fellow, breathe for me,"  Josh says to him.  Emma begins to cry uncontrollably as Ann comforts her.  Kevin watches helplessly as Josh tries to breathe life into his newborn son.  Michael and Elena embrace, both worried for the child.  Emma Channing, Angie, Bobby, Christopher, Eric, Katherine, and Chang-Li all look on, each silently saying a prayer that the baby would survive.  Finally, after several tries and after what seemed like an eternity to the group but in reality was only about 50 seconds, the child begins to breathe on his own, then to cry.  The entire room breathes a sigh of relief.

 

"Emma, Emma do you hear that?"  Ann says.  "The baby's alright.  He's alright."

 

Josh gently picks the infant up, then turns to Kevin.  The two men exchange looks for a few seconds, then Josh gently places the newborn baby into Kevin's arms.  What Josh wasn't aware of during his heroic efforts is that, while he was busy saving the life of Emma's baby, he had put down his gun, which Jeremy had picked up.  As Josh turns around, he sees Jeremy holding the gun on him.

"I didn't send that bomb.  I swear to God, I didn't,"  Josh says.

 

"And why should I believe that?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"Because he's telling the truth,"  says Angie.  

 

"Jeremy, put the damned gun down,"  Vicky tells her husband.

 

"I should end this right now......for ALL of us......and just put a bullet in your head."

 

"Jeremy, for God's sake, he's my SON!"  Vicky says.

 

"Go ahead, Mr. Lord,"  Josh says, tears streaming down his face.  "Just go ahead and do it.  You'd be doing me a favor.  My life is over, anyway.  I didn't send that bomb that killed those people at Kevin's wedding, but, after all the things I HAVE done, I might as well be dead.  I'd be better off and so would everyone else."

 

As Josh is speaking, Michael and Christopher quietly move toward Jeremy ever so slowly.

 

"Jeremy, don't do this,"  Richard says.  "He's going to pay for what he's done, but in a court of law."

 

Jeremy laughs.  "My, my, Richard.  Grown soft, have we?  How many of your enemies did you dispose of over the years without so much as a care in the world?"

 

"Lord, this is your wife's son!"  Bobby says angrily.  "You mean to tell me that you could just murder him in cold blood?"

 

"He almost killed Austin, in cold blood."

 

"I don't think he did it,"  Eric says, facing Jeremy.  "My mom died in that explosion.  Don't you think I'd wanna see him dead if I believed he's the one who killed her?  But I listened to him.  I listened as Josh poured his heart out.  I've been in and out of jail since I was about 14.  In and out of trouble.  I became a master at lying and deception.  I've learned how to tell a lie from the truth, and THIS guy, was telling the truth when he said he didn't kill my Mom."

 

 

 

 

 

"Eric, you're very young, and very naive,"  Jeremy says. "I also know when to spot a liar, and Joshua McQueen is a liar, and a killer.  And he's going to pay for what he did to my son Austin."

 

"Jeremy you're a damned fool if you kill this boy,"  Richard says.

 

"Jeremy, if you don't give a damn about me, then think about Alex,"  Vicky says.  "Think about OUR son.  Josh is his half-brother.  How would you ever look our son in the eye and tell him that you murdered his half-brother?"

 

For one quick moment, Jeremy seems to begin to reconsider his actions and starts to lower the gun, but just as quickly raises it again and points it directly at Josh's chest.

 

"Go ahead, Mr. Lord,"  Josh says.  "I have nothing left to lose.  And as Michael once told me.......no one would give a damn about me if I were gone."

 

Suddenly, Michael grabs Jeremy's arm with the gun and forces it into the air as Christopher tackles Jeremy from behind. The gun goes off, shooting a hole in the ceiling.  Christopher and Michael wrestle Jeremy to the floor, and Bobby grabs the gun from his hand.  After a brief resistance, Jeremy looks up at Josh, then at Vicky, who looks at her husband with an expression of absolute disgust.  Michael forces Jeremy to his feet, then angrily punches him, knocking him backward.  Jeremy falls onto the sofa.  

 

"Are you all alright?"  Richard asks Kevin and Emma.  

 

"We're fine,"  Kevin nods, sitting beside Emma on the floor as she cradles their newborn son.  

 

"Christopher, call 911,"  Bobby tells his son.  "Tell 'em to send an ambulance and the police."  Bobby then embraces his tearful wife.

Later....

Almost forty-five minutes later, the flashing blue and red lights of an ambulance and three police cars illuminate the darkness around the mansion at Falcon Crest.  Inside the mansion, Emma Ryland and her baby are loaded onto a stretcher and prepared to be taken to the hospital, but first, paramedics are checking the two out to make sure there are no immediate problems.  A few feet away, Josh is being arrested and handcuffed for his crimes as a tearful Vicky looks on, blaming herself for her son's life turning out this way because she gave him up for adoption.  As Josh is about to be led out, Kevin, who is with Emma and the baby, walks over to him.

 

"Josh," Kevin says to him.  

 

Josh stops and looks Kevin in the face.

 

"Thank you,"  Kevin says.  "Thank you for saving my son's life."

 

"Just be a good father to him, Kevin,"  Josh says.  "And pray to God that little guy never grows up to be like his cousin Josh."

 

"Okay, let's go,"  the arresting officer tells Josh.  The officer then leads Josh past Kevin and into the foyer, where Josh comes face to face with Michael.  The two young men simply look at each other, then Josh lowers his head sadly, and walks past Michael and out of the house to an awaiting patrol car.  Michael watches with sadness as his former friend leaves.

 

 

 

Elena walks up to her husband.  "Are you okay?"  Michael asks her.

 

"No, I'm not," Elena replies.  "All the things that Josh said about you.  It's all true, isn't it?  You've done everything he said you did and more."

 

"Elena......."

 

"Don't," she says.  "Don't even bother to try to explain.  I honestly thought that you were different, Michael.  But you're no different and no better than John Ross because you've done exactly the same kind of things that he's done.  I really don't know what kind of man I'm married to.  And I can't stay here."

 

"Elena, what does that mean....you can't stay here?"  Michael asks.

 

"It means I'm leaving you, Michael,"  Elena says, then walks past her husband and up the stairs.  

 

Michael sighs deeply, wondering if his marriage can survive this.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back in the living room, as Jeremy sits on the sofa, looking dazed after the experience, Richard and Katherine talk among themselves nearby.  Vicky walks up to them.

 

"Vicky, are you alright?"  Richard asks.

 

"You really care how I am, Richard?"  Vicky angrily asks.  "This is all your fault.  This whole nightmare.  Everything that has happened to my son is YOUR fault."

 

"How dare you blame Richard for the actions of your crazy son,"  Katherine says.

 

"The next time you open your mouth to me, Katherine, unless I've addressed you first........you're gonna be spitting a mouthful of teeth,"  Vicky says, rage in her eyes.  "Richard, consider this a promise.  I WILL make you pay for everything that you have EVER done to my family, and that includes the hell that you put my mother through all those years ago." Vicky looks at Katherine.  "And God help anyone who stands in my way,"  she continues, then turns and walks out.

 

Meanwhile, as the paramedics are about to take Emma Ryland and the baby out on a stretcher, Ann, Bobby, and Kevin are with her.  Kevin follows the paramedics out of the house as they take Emma out to the awaiting ambulance.  

 

 

 

 

As Bobby and Ann are about to leave, Katherine walks up to them with a smile.

 

"Well, that certainly is a beautiful baby,"  she says.  "Congratulations, Ann, on your first grandchild."

 

Ann simply looks at her with a stern expression.

 

"And congratulations to you, too, Bobby,"  Katherine says.  "On your second grandchild."

 

Ann looks at Katherine, worried that this mentally unstable woman, who was a loose canon, was about to spill the secret of the paternity of Emma's baby!