EPISODE 25 - It All Comes Apart In The End

 

 

 Richard comes down the stairs at Falcon Crest, his cell phone to his ear after dialing Katherine's number.  Richard is frustrated as, once again, her voicemail answers the call.  "Katherine, it's me again.  If you're trying to worry me to an early grave, then you're succeeding.  Call me back and let me know that you're alright," he says as he walks into the dining room, where Michael, Kevin, Emma Ryland, Emma Channing, Angie and Angela are seated for breakfast.  Richard puts his phone into his pocket and takes his usual seat at the table.

 

"Still can't reach Katherine, Dad?"  Kevin asks.

 

"Nope, I can't, and I'm beyond worried at this point."

 

"Maybe she's fled back to Europe,"  Emma Ryland jokes.  "With Katherine, I guess it's possible she's fleeing criminal charges again."

 

"Now that's not funny,"  says an irritated Richard.

 

"Richard, calm down,"  says Emma Channing.  "I'm sure your wife is fine.  If something had happened, you'd have heard about it by now."

 

"Aunt Emma's right, Dad,"  Angie says.  

 

"What about her son, Austin?"  Michael asks.  "Can't you call him?"

 

"I would if I had Austin's number, but I don't,"  Richard says.

 

"Well you could easily get it,"  Angela says.  "All you have to do is call his father, Jeremy."

 

"I'd rather take a bath with a rattle snake."

 

"Alright, what about Jonathon?"  Angela asks.  "He's Austin's brother.  I'm pretty sure they talk and he'd have Austin's phone number."

 

"Yes, perhaps he would.  Angela, would you mind asking Jonathon for his brother's number for me?"

 

"Sure, Uncle Richard, I'll be happy to."

 

"Thank you."

 

"Angela, you have been on cloud nine lately,"  Angie says to her cousin.  "What gives?"

 

"It's that noticeable?"

 

"I've noticed it, too,"  Emma Channing says, looking at her daughter with a smile.  

 

"Well, I AM happy."

 

"And what's the source of this new happiness?"  Emma Channing asks.  "A new man in your life?"

 

"Well, as a matter of fact, there is someone,"  Angela replies.

 

"Oh?  Do tell,"  says Angie.

 

"Yeah, who IS this new guy, and why haven't we met him?"  Emma Ryland asks.

 

"His name is Danny."

 

"Danny who?"  Michael asks.  "Anyone I'd know?"

 

"I doubt it.  He doesn't live here.  He lives in Denver."

 

"Denver?"  Emma Channing asks.  "How in the world did you meet him?"

 

"It's a long story, Mom."

 

"What's his last name?"  Emma asks her daughter.

 

"Carrington.  Danny Carrington."

 

"Wait a minute,"  Michael says.  "Carrington?  From Denver?"

 

"Yes, that's right."

 

"Hmmm.  Interesting.  John Ross Ewing's wife was a Carrington......from Denver."

 

"Yes,"  Angela says.  "Danny is Krystina Ewing's nephew."

An uncomfortable silence comes over the room upon hearing the identity of Angela St. James's new love interest. "You've gotta be kidding me,"  Michael says.  "You're dating John Ross Ewing's wife's nephew?"

 

"And what if I AM?"  Angela asks.  "What business is that of yours?"

 

Michael angrily tosses his napkin onto the table and stands to his feet.  "I don't believe this.  I can't even have breakfast in my own house without being reminded of the existence of John Ross Ewing.  And now my own cousin is dating the guy's nephew by marriage.  UnBELIEVABLE!"  Michael storms out of the room.  

 

"What the hell is his problem?"  Angela asks.

 

"It's not you,"  Kevin replies.  "Michael is real upset a lot these days.  He's missing Elena and he's worried that his marriage might be over because of what happened with Josh McQueen.

 

The assembled family members exchange looks, each of them worried about Michael and Elena's marriage.  In awkward silence they resume their breakfast.

 

 

 

 

"I took the job at Falcon Crest hoping to find something, ANYTHING, that could help us get the winery back."

 

"Wait.....WHAT?"  Gabby asks.  "Eric, are you saying that you're spying on Uncle Richard?  You're trying to find a way to get Falcon Crest back?"

 

"Yeah,"  replies Eric.

"Eric, what were you thinking?"  Gabby asks.  "Do you know how risky that is?  What if Uncle Richard or Michael find out what you're up to?"

 

"They WON'T, okay?  Gabby, I know what I'm doing.  I have everything under control."

 

"Eric, Dad deserves to know."

 

"No.  No way."

 

"Eric, would you rather Dad think you don't care at all about his feelings?"  Gabby asks.

 

"He'll find out in time.  Just trust me."

 

Gabby sighs.  "I sure hope you know what you're doing and that this doesn't backfire on you.  I'll see you later."

 

"Yeah.  Just remember what I said......not a word about this to anyone."

 

"Okay, fine,"  Gabby says, then walks away.

 

Eric watches his sister as she walks back to her car and gets in.  After Gabby drives away, Eric returns to his work on his bike.

Julia walks into the living room at Lance's new home that afternoon.  She walks over to the table beside the sofa and picks up a framed photo of Lance, Pilar, Eric, and Gabby.  Julia smiles as she gently touches the photo.  Within a few seconds, her smile fades and she begins to cry.  Lance walks in and pauses in the door way when he sees his mother.  "Mom," he says.

 

"Oh, Lance,"  Julia says, quickly putting the photo back onto the table and wiping her tears.  "I didn't hear you."

 

"Are you okay?"

 

"No, Lance, I'm not."

 

"Did you have another nightmare last night?"  Lance asks.

 

"Oh, I have them EVERY night now."

 

"Mom, you never told me what you and Richard talked about that day you were with him.  It was about the nightmares, wasn't it?"

 

Julia looks at her son, then quickly looks away, remaining silent.  

 

"Mom, come on,"  Lance says.  "I'm your son, and I'm worried about you.  Look, if you can trust Richard Channing with this, then why won't you trust me?"

 

"Lance, I DO trust you, more than anyone else I know,"  says Julia.  "I just........"  Julia suddenly touches her head and looks as if she is about to pass out.  

 

Lance rushes over to his mother.  "Here, sit down,"  he says, helping her take a seat on the sofa.  "Mom, what's wrong?  Are you alright?"

 

"I'm fine."

 

"No, you're not.  You're a nervous wreck.  Now come on, I want you to tell me what's going on."

 

Julia looks at her son for a moment.  "My nightmares.  They're more like......memories."

 

"Memories?"  Lance asks.  "Memories of what, Mom?"

 

"Lance, do you remember last year when I left the convent?"

 

"Of course, I remember.  You were gone for several weeks and we were all worried sick about you.  You never did tell us where you were or what happened to you during that time."

 

"That's because I didn't know, myself.  Lance, I had no memory of those weeks.  Not until one day, I woke up, and something compelled me to come home to the Tuscany Valley.  To Falcon Crest."

"Are you saying you blacked out or something?"  Lance asks.

 

"I don't know.   One day I was at the convent, going about my usual daily routine, and the next..........well, the next thing I definitely remember is weeks later.  And then I came home."

 

"My God.  We should've had you checked by a doctor then.  Mom, why didn't you tell me this?"

 

"I don't know,"  replies Julia.  "Lance, I even have holes in my memory from the time AFTER I returned to Falcon Crest.  And these nightmares seem to be filling those holes.  At least some of them."

 

"Why do you think you can't remember?"  Lance asks.

 

"Richard has a theory."

 

"Oh, great.  Richard Channing has a theory,"  Lance says with disgust.  

 

"Lance, Richard's theory makes a lot of sense, especially with the flashes of memories I've been having.  I remember this man.  No......TWO men.  And a room.  Richard thinks that I was abducted, and possibly drugged, or hypnotized, or even brainwashed."

 

"Abducted?  By who?"

 

Julia looks at him and hesitates a moment before answering.  "Jeremy Lord."

 

"What?  Jeremy Lord?"  Lance angrily asks.  

 

"If you think about it, it makes sense.  Jeremy devised this masterful plan to get his hands on the newspaper by taking Falcon Crest and using it as a bargaining tool with Richard."

 

An angry Lance stands, walks over to the mantle, and angrily slams his fist onto it.  "DAMN!"  He says.  "Jeremy Lord.  That would definitely make sense.  He could've been using you, as well.  But why?  And how?"

 

Julia begins crying.  "I haven't even wanted to think about this, let alone talk about it.   But Lance, I think I might know."

 

Lance turns to look at her.  "What do you mean?"

 

"One of the nightmares I've been having. or memories, is about the wine at Falcon Crest,"  Julia says.

 

"The wine?  What about the wine?"

 

"Oh God, forgive me,"  Julia cries, burying her head in her hands.

 

Lance walks over and takes a seat beside her.  "Mom, what is it?  What is your nightmare about?"

 

"Lance, I think.........I think that I am the one who sabotaged the wine at Falcon Crest.  The wine that had to be recalled.  These memories I've been having, if that's what they are.........they're of me going into the winery and doing something to one of the vats of wine."

 

"Why?  Why would you do that?"  Lance asks.

 

"I don't know.  I had no memory of it until now.  That's why Richard thinks that......."

 

"That you were brainwashed?  It all makes perfect sense now,"  Lance says, standing.  "Jeremy Lord arranged that loan to Angela to save Falcon Crest.  If he had you under his thumb, using some kind of hypnosis or brainwashing technique to make you sabotage the wine, then that wine would have to be recalled and destroyed, and with the lost revenue, he knew that Falcon Crest wouldn't be able to repay that loan.  He could call the loan in at any time and take the winery away from us.  DAMN IT!  Mother, STAY HERE!"  Lance starts to leave.

 

"Lance, where are you going?"  Julia asks.

 

Lance stops in the doorway and turns back to his mother.  "I'm going to find Jeremy Lord, and when I do, I'm gonna break every bone in his body and make him wish he'd never come to this Valley," he says, then storms out.

 

"LANCE!!"  Julia yells as her son leaves in a huff.  "Oh God, what have I done?"  Julia immediately pulls her cell phone from her pocket and dials a number.  On the third ring, someone answers.  "Eric, it's your grandmother," she says.  "I need your help.  I need you to find your father.  He's really angry and he's going after Jeremy Lord.  Eric, I don't have time to explain.  Just go find Lance.  Jeremy would probably either be at the newspaper, or Lord Enterprises.  Find your father, Eric, and stop him from doing something crazy!" Julia ends the call quickly, then dials Richard's cell phone.  She waits impatiently as the phone rings several times.  Finally, he answers.  "Richard, I need your help.  I've already called Eric, but I need you to help find Lance before he finds Jeremy Lord."

 

 

 

"Julia, calm down,"  Richard says, talking to his sister on his phone from his office at Falcon Crest.  "You told Lance about our suspicions?  Well I certainly understand why he'd be upset.  Alright, alright, now just calm down.  I'll go see if I find Lance.  But I can't promise I'll stop Lance from breaking Lord in two.  Hell, I might just help him.  I'll be in touch."  Richard puts his phone down as Kevin and Emma Ryland walk into the room.  

 

"Dad, something wrong?"  Kevin asks.

 

"Yes,"  Richard replies.  "Come with me, I may need your help."

 

"What's going on?"  Kevin asks.

 

"Lance is out for blood.  Jeremy Lord's blood, and Julia wants him found before he gets himself into trouble.  Come on."  As Richard and Kevin are about to leave, Richard's phone rings again.  He takes the phone from his pocket and answers.  "Hello?"

 

 

 

 

 

"Richard, Cliff Barnes here,"  says Cliff, driving down a street in Dallas.  "I was just calling to let you know that I went by the Wentworth place a little while ago.  I rang the bell a few times, and no one came to the door. Didn't look like anyone was home."

 

 

 

 

 

"Emma, what are you doing in here?"  Angela asks.  

 

"Nothing,"  replies a nervous Emma, hiding the photo and birth certificate behind her back.  "I.....I was just..... looking for something, that's all."

"Yeah, that's pretty obvious,"  says Angela.  "I just saw my Uncle Richard leave with Kevin, so what were you looking for in his bedroom when he's not here?"

 

"That's really none of your business."

 

"If you're snooping on a member of my family, then it IS my business.  What have you got behind your back?"

 

"Nothing,"  Emma says.

 

Angela walks over to her.  "Come on, let me see."

 

"Angela, mind your own damned business!"  Emma says, starting to walk away.

 

Angela grabs Emma's arm, causing her to drop the photo and the birth certificate.  Before she can retrieve them, Angela reaches down and picks them up from the floor.

 

"Give those back to me, RIGHT NOW!"  Emma demands.

 

"Why, they obviously don't belong to you,"  Angela says, holding them away from Emma.  "Who are the babies?"

 

"No idea, now give them BACK!"

 

"Just hold your horses, cowgirl."  Angela unfolds the birth certificate and looks at it.  "Oh my God," she says.  "This is a birth certificate for.........triplets?  And the parents are..........Oh.....My......GOD.  Jeremy Lord and Katherine Wentworth?  So, Austin Wentworth is one of TRIPLETS?  How come I've never heard about this?  Why hasn't Katherine or Jeremy, or even Jonathon mentioned this?  Did the other two babies die?"

 

"No,"  Emma says.  "And to answer your question, no one else knows about the other two babies."

 

"NO ONE?"

 

"That's right.  Not even Jeremy knows they exist."

 

"So where are they?  What happened to them?"

 

"Auntie Katherine gave them away."

 

"And obviously, Uncle Richard doesn't even know,"  Angela says.  "I wonder if that's why Katherine has suddenly and mysteriously disappeared."

 

"Angela, don't tell anyone about this,"  says Emma.

 

Angela looks at her.  "And why shouldn't I?"

 

"This whole situation is......complicated.  But maybe we can use this information."

 

"In what way?"  Angela asks.

 

"Maybe......to get rid of Katherine once and for all.  But not now.  I have a plan."

 

"What plan?"

 

"Just trust me,"  Emma says as she hears her infant son start to cry down the hall.

 

"Sure.  I'll play along,"  says Angela.  "But I think I'll just hang on to these."

 

"Why?"

 

"Insurance.  Better go see what about your kid.  He's squealing."

 

"Angela, I'm warning you.........don't say anything about this to anyone."

 

"Or what, Emma?  What are you gonna do?"  Angela asks with a devious smile.  "Aren't you gonna check on junior?  Sounds like he may have done number two, the way he's screaming."

 

Emma looks at the other young woman for a moment, then rushes out of the room to check on little Logan 

Chase.   After she's gone, Angela again smiles a devious smile.  "So, Katherine has more secrets that anyone knew about, including Uncle Richard, and including her other two sons," she says as she looks at the photo of the two babies,two of Katherine's triplets, Brian and Katelyn.  

 

"Well, so, umm, what brings you to San Francisco?"  Chase asks.

 

"I had to come and see you."

 

"To see me?  Does your husband know about this?"  Chase asks, halfway joking.

 

"Christopher is with me.  I asked him to wait outside because this is something I needed to do on my own."

 

"Well, I'm really intrigued.  I never actually expected to see you again, although......I hoped I would.  What is it you needed to see me about?  Is it serious?"

 

"Yes.  It's very serious,"  Courtney replies.  But before she can say anymore, Joseph suddenly walks into the office.

 

 

"Hey, Chase, I need you to sign......"  Joseph stops suddenly when he sees Courtney.  "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you had a visitor.  Courtney, isn't it?"

 

"Yes,"  replies Chase.  "Courtney, you remember my older brother, Joseph Gioberti?"

 

"Yes, hello, Joseph,"  Courtney nervously says.  

 

"What brings you to San Francisco?"

 

"I needed to see your brother about something."

 

"Oh, well, I'm sorry.  Chase, I'll just leave these with you,"  Joseph says, placing some papers on his brothers.  "The Williams contracts, they need your signature."

 

"Okay, I'll look 'em over and sign them,"  Chase says.  

 

"Okay, well, Courtney, it was really nice seeing you again,"  Joseph says.

 

"Yeah, you too," she replies as Joseph leaves.

 

"Okay, now, then, what was it you wanted to see me about?"  Chase asks.  "You said it was important?"

 

But Courtney doesn't hear Chase's words, as seeing Joseph again causes her mind to travel back in time to a 

"What?  I'm sorry?"

 

"You really zoned out on me, there,"  says Chase.  "Courtney, what was it you wanted to see me about?"

 

"Chase, there's something I have to tell you,"  says Courtney.  "Something you need to know."

 

"Okay.  I'm listening.  What is it?"

 

"When we were dating, and I left Florida, there's something you don't know."

 

"Yeah, like why you left me in the first place," Chase says.  

 

"Chase, what you didn't know when I left was that....... what I found out a few weeks after I left was that.........I was pregnant."

 

Chase's mouth falls open in shock.  "What?  You......you were pregnant?"

 

"Yes.  Chase.......we have a son.  His name is Jacob."

 

"A son?  Where is he now?  Is he with your husband?"

 

"No.  Chase, when I got pregnant, I was 15.  I was too young, and in no position to raise a child."

 

"So what'd you do?"  Chase asks.  

 

"I gave him up for adoption.  He's living with these people in Los Angeles.  People by the name of Reed.  Christopher and I are suing them for custody."

 

 

"And why the hell am I just NOW finding out about this?"  Chase asks angrily.  "I have a son who's what......10-years-old......and you wait to tell me until you decide to get him back from the people who adopted him?"

 

"Chase, I didn't know how to tell you.  I went back to live with my Mom in Texas, and, when Jacob was born, I gave him up."

 

"Courtney, if I had known about our son, I would've helped you raise him.  I would've been there.  You wouldn't have had to go through this alone."

"You were only 16 yourself, Chase,"  Courtney says.  "What kind of a father could you have been at 16?"

 

"The best kind of father that I could've been," Chase says.  "My God, Courtney.  How could you keep this from me for TEN years?  All this time, until I saw you at Kevin and Emma's wedding a year ago, I had no idea where you even were.  But you know where I was all those years, and yet you never saw fit to tell me that I had a son."

 

"I'm sorry,"  Courtney says.  "Chase, I'm sorry.  But I thought I did what was best."

 

"So why are you telling me now?  Be honest with me.  Why this sudden need to tell me about our son now, after all this time?"

 

"My attorney, and the judge in the case.  The judge insisted that I contact Jacob's biological father and tell you about your son before we proceeded with the case."

 

"Oh, I get it,"  says Chase.  "You're not telling me because of some sudden attack of conscience.  You're telling me because the judge is forcing you to.  When is the case going to court?"

 

"My attorney is trying to get it to court as soon as possible.  Chase, there's a possibility that the Reeds, the people who adopted Jacob, could be abusing him."

 

"Abusing him?  Oh my God.  You tell me that I have a son, and these........ these ANIMALS who adopted him are abusing him?"

 

"We don't have any proof yet.  But there's circumstantial evidence. That's why I needed to tell you now, so we can get the case into court as soon as possible."

 

"Okay, you've told me.  Now you can leave," he says.

 

"Chase......"

 

"Just.....go, Courtney.  I need time to process all of this."

 

"Fine, I'll go,"  Courtney says.  She walks to the door and starts to leave.  

 

"Courtney?"  Chase says.

 

"Yes?"

 

"When this case goes to court, let me know.  I wanna be there."

 

"Chase, you don't have to be....."

 

"I'm GOING to be there, so you'd better let me know."

 

"Okay.  I will,"  Courtney says.  Fighting back tears, she turns and leaves the office.  

 

After Courtney leaves, Chase retakes his seat at his desk.  After a moment, he begins to cry.  A son.  He has a son that he had never known about.  Chase is torn between his anger at Courtney for not telling him, and the joy of finding out that he is a father.

 

A few moments later, as Christopher Ewing is sitting in the front lobby of the building reading a magazine when the elevator opens and Courtney steps off.  Christopher puts down his magazine and walks over to meet her.  "Hey, how'd it go?"  He asks.

 

"Not so great,"  Courtney replies in tears.  "Chase was understandably upset.  I started not to tell him, especially when Joseph came in."

 

"Joseph was there?"  Christopher asks.

 

"Yes.  He came into Chase's office for a minute, and then when he left, I told Chase."

 

"And Joseph still doesn't remember you from that night?"  

 

"No,"  replies Courtney.  "From what I remember, Joseph was a pretty big ladies' man in those days.  He probably had a lot of one night stands he doesn't remember."

 

"I wish there were another way to do this,"  says Christopher.

 

"So do I.  But there isn't.  Joseph and Chase can never know the truth, Christopher."

 

"Okay, but right now, our main priority is getting custody of Jacob.  Let's go back to the hotel and call Drew and touch base with him."

 

Courtney nods, then she and Christopher leave.

"It's quite alright,"  Jeremy says.  "Lance, what can I do for you?"

 

"You son of a bitch,"  says an angry Lance.  

 

"Excuse me?"

 

Lance walks over to Jeremy.  "I know what you did to my mother."

 

"I haven't the foggiest idea of what you're talking about,"  Jeremy says.

"You know DAMNED WELL what I'm talking about, Jeremy,"  Lance says. "My mother, Julia Cumson.  Your half-sister.  She's starting to remember everything that happened to her after she was taken out of the convent last year."

 

"I didn't realize that anything had........HAPPENED.........to Julia after she left the convent."

 

"YOU are what happened to her, Jeremy.  She remembers that she was kidnapped and brainwashed into sabotaging the wine at Falcon Crest.  The wine that was recalled, which led to us not being able to repay your damned bogus loan."

 

"Now wait a minute,"  Jonathon says.  "That's a serious accusation and you'd damned well better have proof to back it up."

 

"Oh I'll have proof soon enough,"  Lance says.  "My mother's memory is returning.  And with the help of a psychiatrist, she'll soon be able to remember everything you did to her, Jeremy."

 

"Hasn't that poor woman been through enough without you and Richard Channing attempting to plant false memories into Julia's mind?"  Jeremy asks.  

 

"You son of a bitch......"  Lance says, lunging at Jeremy.  Jonathon steps between his father and Lance, and grabs Lance. The two wrestle around for a moment, then Lance forces the younger man to the floor, holding Jonathon by the shirt collar.

 

 

At that moment, Eric walks into the office just as Lance draws his fist back to punch Jonathon.  "Dad!"  Eric yells to his father.  "Dad, STOP!"

 

Lance lets Jonathon go.  "Eric. what the HELL are you doing here?"

 

"Grandma called me.  She was afraid you might do something stupid you'd regret."

 

"Well your grandmother was certainly right about that, Eric," says Jeremy.  "Your father has done something VERY stupid that he's going to regret.  He barged into my office making all sorts of wild, unfounded accusations at me, and then he physically attacked my son.  I'm calling the police."

 

"Yeah, why don't you just go ahead and do that, Jeremy?"  Lance asks.  "I'm sure they'd be very happy to hear what my mother has to say."

 

"Your mother is delusional if she believes that I have had anything to do with any kidnapping or brainwashing."

 

"I suggest that you both leave,"  says Jonathon.

 

"Well, Jeremy is still in one piece, so I guess we got here in time," Richard says as he and Kevin enter the office.

 

"What in Heaven's name is this, a family reunion?" Asks Jeremy, irritated by so many people barging into his office uninvited.

 

"Richard, why are you here?"  Lance asks.

 

"I received a rather frantic call from Julia, who said that you were heading over to confront Jeremy, and that you were out for blood, so I asked Kevin to come along and help me prevent you landing yourself in jail or something."

 

"Richard, Mom told me what you and she suspect this.........man of doing to her."

 

"Yes, I know, and believe me, Lance, I'd like nothing better then to tear this guy from limb to limb, but that's not gonna do any good.  Not until we have proof."

 

"You will never have any proof of these wild claims because there IS none," Jeremy says.  "These are simply the ravings of a very confused and delusional woman."

 

"You bastard,"  Lance says, again lunging for Jeremy.  Eric, Jonathon, and Kevin grab Lance and hold him back.

 

"Dad, just calm down."

 

"Lance, stop, now!"  Kevin says as Lance struggles to break free.

 

"Dad, STOP IT!"  Eric says, and finally Lance calms down and stops struggling.

 

"Eric, take  your father home,"  says Richard.  

 

"Yes, and give him a valium or something,"  Jeremy says.

 

"This isn't over, Jeremy,"  Lance says.  "Not by  a long shot.  When my mother's memory of what you did to her fully returns........I'm gonna get you.  And there's not a place on God's earth that you could run to that I won't find you and make you pay for what you've done to my family."

 

"Get him the hell out of here before I call building security!"  Jonathon says.

 

"Dad, let's go,"  Eric says.  Lance gives Jeremy and Jonathon one last, angry, look, then finally leaves with his son.

 

After the Cumsons leave, Richard looks at his half-brother and smiles.  "Well, if I were you, Jeremy, I'd either be saying my prayers, or getting as far away from San Francisco as possible, because, as you've just seen, our nephew Lance has one hell of a temper, and as soon as Julia remembers everything, no one is going to be able to stop Lance from breaking you into a million pieces.  And that's a show I'd buy a ticket for.  Kevin, let's get home." Richard again smiles at Jeremy, then he and Kevin leave.

 

"I should have Lance Cumson arrested for assault," says an angry Jeremy.  

 

Jonathon looks at his father curiously, wondering if there was any truth to Lance's accusations.  

 

 

Richard and Kevin return to Falcon Crest late in the afternoon.  As they walk into the foyer, Angela comes down the stairs to meet them.

 

"Is everything okay?"  Angela asks.

 

"Yeah, everything's fine,"  Kevin replies.  "Dad, and I and Eric arrived at Jeremy Lord's office in time to stop Lance from killing the man."

 

"Although I kinda wish I had let Lance do his worst to my new found half-brother," says Richard.

 

"What's going on here?"  Kevin asks.  "Where's Emma?"

 

"She's upstairs with your son.  The baby was a little fussy."

 

"Oh, I'd better go check on him,"  Kevin says.

 

"Good.  I need to have a word with Uncle Richard, anyway."

 

Kevin looks at his cousin and at Richard, then heads up the stairs.

 

"You wanted to talk to me, Angela?"  Richard asks.

 

"Yes.  You still haven't heard anything from Katherine?"  

 

"No, I haven't.  As a matter of fact, I'm planning to fly to Dallas myself to see if I can find out what's going on."

 

 

"Uncle Richard, how much do you really know about your wife?" Angela asks.

 

"Not sure I understand what you mean by that,"  says Richard.

 

"Her past.  I mean, I know she was a fugitive from justice for a long time.  She was married to your half-brother, Jeremy Lord, and they had two sons, Jonathon, and Austin.  But, did Katherine have any other children besides them?"

 

"No, of course not.  Angela, why are you asking me all these questions about my wife?  Why this sudden interest in Katherine and her past?"

 

"Uncle Richard, there's something about your wife that you should know.  Something you have a RIGHT to know."  Angela reaches into her pocket and pulls out the photo of the two small babies she had earlier found in Richard and Katherine's room, along with the birth certificate.  She hands the photo to him.

 

"Okay, so this is a photo of two very cute infants, but who are they?"  Richard asks.

 

"Maybe this will explain everything,"  Angela replies, handing her Uncle the birth certificate.

 

Meanwhile, upstairs in the nursery, Emma Ryland is putting baby Logan back into his crib when Kevin walks into the room.  "Hey, babe,"  he says, walking over and kissing her.

 

"Oh, hey, you're back," Emma says.  "Is everything okay with Lance?"

 

"Yeah, everything's fine."

 

"Where's your father?" 

 

"He's downstairs with Angela,"  Kevin answers.

 

"With......with ANGELA?"  Emma asks, her eyes widening.

 

"Yeah, she said she wanted to talk to him about something."

 

"Oh my God,"  Emma says, then quickly pushes Kevin aside and runs from the room.  A confused Kevin follows her.  A moment later, Emma and Kevin come down the stairs and enter the foyer as Richard is looking over the birth certificate, with Angela beside him.

 

"What the hell does this mean?"  Richard asks.  

 

"It means, Uncle Richard, that Katherine has been lying to everyone,"  Angela says.  "In addition to Jonathon Lord and Austin Wentworth, your wife has two more children.  Austin was one of triplets."

 

"No, this can't be."

 

"Go ahead and tell him, Emma,"  Angela says.  "Tell Uncle Richard the truth."

 

"Emma is this true?"  Richard asks.  "Does Austin have a brother and a sister?  Does my wife have two other children that she's kept secret?"

 

"Yes,"  replies a reluctant Emma.  "It's true."

 

"Emma, you knew about this and you didn't say anything?"  Kevin asks.  "Why?"

 

"I just found out not too long ago."

 

"And why the hell didn't you tell me?"  Richard asks.  "But more importantly, why didn't my wife tell about this?  Why would Katherine have kept two other children a secret."

 

"Kind of makes you wonder what other secrets Katherine has been keeping, doesn't it?"  Angela asks.

 

"This makes me even more determined to find out the truth about my wife.  Is it possible this has something to do with Katherine's sudden disappearance?"

 

"Dad, what are you gonna do?"  Kevin asks.

 

"I'm going to Dallas to find my wife, and to find out the truth, but before I go, I'm going to go talk to the one person who MIGHT be able to give me some answers."  With the photo and birth certificate in his hand, Richard angrily storms out of the house.

 

Emma walks over to Angela.  "You bitch," she says.  "You have no idea what a can of worms you've opened up."

 

Angela smiles.  "I simply told the truth, something you seem incapable of doing.  Now I'm sure my cousin Kevin would like to know, as would I, just why you kept Katherine's secret about those other two babies, especially since you claim to hate your Aunt so much."

 

"I'd like to know the answer to that myself, Emma,"  Kevin says.  "If you knew about this, and you knew Katherine was keeping this secret, then why didn't you tell my Dad?"

 

"Maybe you have a few secrets of your own, Emma,"  Angela says.

 

Feeling cornered, Emma angrily looks at Angela, fighting the urge to slap the young woman for stirring up this trouble.

"Dad, I'm not quite sure how to put this.  Is there any truth at all to what Lance Cumson said?"  Jonathon asks.  

 

"What?  Jonathon, how can you even ask me such a thing?"

 

"Dad, I know how much you wanted to get your hands on Falcon Crest.  You even orchestrated that loan to Angela St. James just so you could call it in early. And I know you.  When you want something, you go to any lengths to get it."

 

"How dare you accuse me of having my own sister kidnapped and brainwashed.  Now you can just put that ridiculous notion out of your head this instant."

 

"If I'm wrong, then I apologize."

 

"You're very wrong,"  Jeremy says as his intercom buzzes.  He walks over to his desk.  "Yes, what is it?"

 

"Mr. Lord, Richard Channing is here, and he insists on seeing you,"  Jeremy's secretary says.  "He says it's urgent."

 

"Nothing Richard Channing has to say could be of the slightest importance to me,"  says Jeremy.  "Tell him to go away."

 

"Yes, sir."

"What do you suppose he wants?"  Jonathon asks.

 

"I don't know, and I don't give a damn,"  Jeremy replies, taking another sip of his drink.  

 

Suddenly, the door opens and Richard walks in, followed by Jeremy's secretary.  "Mr. Lord, I'm sorry, AGAIN, for this interruption," the secretary says.  

 

"Richard, as you may know, I've already had a very trying day, and my patience is at an end,"  Jeremy says.  

 

"I don't give a damn what kind of a day you've had.  I need some answers."

 

"Why don't you just leave my father alone?"  Jonathon asks.  "He's already said he didn't have anything to do with whatever happened to Julia Cumson."

 

"I'm not here about Julia."

 

"Then what the hell do you want?"

 

"I need some answers about my wife,"  Richard says.  

 

"What about my mother?"  Jonathon asks.  

 

"Jeremy, I need the truth.  Why did you and Katherine keep your other two children a secret?"

 

"Our what?"  Asks Jeremy.

 

"Austin's brother and sister.  I know the truth.  I know that Katherine gave birth to triplets."

 

"Dad, what is he talking about?"  Jonathon asks.

 

"I have no idea.  Obviously, Richard, you've completely lost your mind.   Triplets?"

 

"Yes.  Austin, and two other children, a boy and a girl.  Where are they now, Jeremy?  And why was this such a big secret?"

 

"Richard, I can assure you, I have no idea what you're raving about.  Katherine did not give birth to triplets.  The only children that we have together are Jonathon and Austin."

 

"Well, then how do you explain this?" Richard says, handing Jeremy the birth certificate.  

 

"What is this?"  Jeremy asks.

 

"Proof that you and Katherine have another son, and a daughter.  This is a birth certificate that names Katherine as the mother, and you as the father.......of triplets."

 

Jeremy grabs the birth certificate from Richard's hand and looks at it.  After a few seconds, his mouth falls open in shock.  

 

"Dad?"  Jonathon says.  "Is this true?"

 

"Oh dear God,"  says Jeremy.  "Richard, is this some kind of a sick joke?"

 

"I assure you, Jeremy, this is no joke.  My wife is missing, and now we have this birth certificate, PROOF that Katherine has been keeping this a secret from me."

 

"And from me."

 

"Are you saying you had absolutely no idea about these other two children?"  Richard asks.

 

"No.  I had no idea whatsoever.  Katherine........she lied to me about Austin.  Told me my son had died at birth.  And now.......that.......that BITCH.  My children.  She kept three of my children from me."

 

"You said my mother was missing?"  Jonathon asks.  

 

"Yes.  Austin phoned your mother a few days ago and asked her to come to Dallas to take care of some problem concerning Wentworth Industries.  I haven't heard from or, or been able to reach her on her phone since she arrived there.  But I'm going to Dallas and find my wife......or at the very least, find some answers."  Without another word, Richard turns and walks out.  

 

"My God, Dad, could this be true?"  Jonathon asks.  "Could Katherine.....could my mother have been so cruel that she never even told you about the other two kids?"

 

"Katherine Wentworth is capable of anything,"  says Jeremy.  "She told me that Austin was dead, and had me believing that for 22 years.  But keeping the existence of these other two from me all this time........."  Jeremy pauses for a moment as he looks at his son.  "That was the biggest mistake of your mother's miserable life.  And when I find her.........I'll make that woman suffer so gravely that she will beg me to put her out of her misery and send her to hell."

 

Jeremy's words send cold shivers down Jonathon's spine as he looks at his father.  Suddenly, an enraged Jeremy hurls his glass against the wall, shattering it, a look of pure rage and hate on his face, rage and hate he feels toward the woman who kept three of his children from him for many years!

END OF EPISODE 25....