Shot Through the Heart

[Honkytonkangel]

"Been a rough night," JR said truthfully. "I told Ray we should put the past behind us. I meant it, but it still bothers me no matter how hard I try to push it out of my head. Thinking about never coming back to Southfork. This has always been my home and I'm going to miss it. And that stuff with Daddy and Sam Culver…"

"Hard to believe Daddy would do something that purely evil, isn't it?"

"No," JR sighed. "And that's what's bothering me. I have no trouble believing it. Because I have no doubt I would have done exactly the same thing."

"Maybe that was true once," Bobby said quietly. "But it's not anymore."

"How can you be so sure?" JR asked him.

"Don't know," Bobby answered truthfully. "I just am. JR none of us are perfect. Me, Gary, Ray...we've all done awful things, all made mistakes. Some of it can be chalked up to human nature and genetic character flaws. A lot of it was Jock's influence though. He left his mark on us all, but he left it on you the most. Mama even admits that."

"Doesn't excuse half the things I've done," JR grumbled.

"So what? Look at you now? Look at how you've repaired your life, your marriage. Look how much Sue Ellen loves you. And Lucy! Lucy would go to war for you. And Pam, Pam actually enjoys your company and trusts your words now. And me, JR. Look at how much your brother loves and believes in you. I am jumping off a cliff with you, starting this new business, going after Daddy. I wouldn't do that if I wasn't sure."

"But Bobby," JR shook his head, "what if I backslide? What if I mess up and go back to my old ways?"

"I don't think you ever will, JR. But if you do, we'll all be there to pull you back and smack some sense into you," Bobby sighed deeply and reached out to put his hands on JR's shoulders. "JR, we all know who you were. But we all know who you are now. We've forgiven you. All of us. Now you have to forgive yourself."

LOVE THIS SO MUCH.

And it was cool to see all the brothers united here.

"It's Jock," Gary told them. "He had another stroke. Bad one. She's got him at the hospital and…"

"And what?" JR demanded.

"She said she doesn't think he's going to make it."

Does it make me evil that I really don't give a shit?. Except for what the family will feel obviously.

And I'm scared to see what kinda shit storm he's gonna rain down on them in death.

 

[CryptCreeper72]

I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

This fic is an alternate timeline and features a totally different resolution to the "Who Shot JR?" plot.

The timeline breaks at episode four of season four of season"Dallas."

***

Shot Through the Heart

Part Fifty-four:

***.

"You have to go," Sue Ellen said softly.

JR studied his wife carefully. She was sitting on the edge of the bed in what had been their bedroom at Southfork. She looked pale and weak, as if a burst of wind could blow her over. "I can't leave you," he finally said.

"JR, I'm pregnant. I'm starting to struggle with nausea and exhaustion. My body is changing. It's all perfectly normal."

"All this drama isn't normal," he shot back. "Someone has to meet with the custody lawyer and get Cliff to agree to go after the baby. Someone has to work with the DA to make sure Kristen is put away. Someone has to handle your mother…"

"And I can do all of that," Sue Ellen said firmly. "Pam will help me. And you know both she and Lucy will keep an eye on my health for you."

"I can't leave you," he said again.

"You have to," she sighed. "And you know it."

JR growled under his breath and moved to sit down beside her on the bed. "Why? Gary and Bobby are going. They can help Mama."

"JR, Jock is still your father. If he dies and you give up your only opportunity to say goodbye, you'll regret it for the rest of your life. You know I'm right."

JR swallowed hard and buried his face in his hands. "I didn't want this, Sue Ellen. I don't want him to die."

"I know that, sweetheart," she reached out, wrapped her arms around his shoulders, and pulled him close. "I know how much you love him."

They sat there together for a long time, JR silently struggling with his emotions and her stroking his head gently and offering him comfort.

***

"Everyone ready?" Pam asked her husband.

"Yes. Just waiting on JR."

"He's telling John Ross goodbye," Pam told him. "Valene will be here in a few hours. Lucy is meeting her at the airport."

"Good," Bobby nodded. "Sue Ellen staying here at Southfork?"

"Yes. JR insisted she isn't to be left alone."

"Good," Bobby said again, glancing at his watch. "We need to get going."

"Bobby… I'm so sorry about all of this."

"I know, Pam. Me too. But I'd be lying if I didn't admit part of me thinks this is all for the best."

"What do you mean?"

"If he dies, it all goes away. The fight, the need to dredge up the business with Culver. You and me having to leave Southfork."

"It's too high a price to pay for peace."

"Is it?" Bobby's voice was flat. "I don't think so, Pam. I really don't think so."

***

"They should be landing soon," Donna sighed, checking the time on the clock hanging on the kitchen wall.

"Yes," Pam nodded. "They said they'd call when they got to the hospital. Sue Ellen?" She looked over at her friend,"are you okay? You've been awfully quiet."

"Just fine, Pam," Sue Ellen gave her a weak smile. "Only thinking about how devastated Miss Ellie must be."

"Yes," Lucy breezed into the room, fixed a cup of coffee, and sat down at the table. "For more reasons than one."

"Is Valene getting settled?" Pam asked her.

"Yeah," Lucy nodded. "She's unpacking."

Sue Ellen stood up and walked over to the window. "If Jock dies, all of our lives are going to change."

"For the better," Lucy muttered.

"Not necessarily," Sue Ellen shook her head. "JR is going to have a hard time dealing with his grief. And his guilt. I'm afraid…"

"Afraid of what?" Donna pushed her.

"That he might do back to his old ways," Val interrupted from the doorway.

"Yes," Sue Ellen brushed a tear away from her cheek. "How did you know?"

"Because I have the same fear about Gary," Val shrugged and took a seat at the table. "Hating a father who is alive and well and making everyone miserable is one thing. Living with the guilt over that hate once he's gone? That's a whole different ball of wax."

"You think Daddy might start drinking again?" Lucy asked her mother.

"I don't know. But I think he'll be tempted. And I think JR will be tempted to slide back into his schemes. And I think Bobby will be tempted to withdraw from his brothers and blame them."

"Jesus," Lucy groaned.

"I know I'm the new girl around here," Donna spoke up, "but I don't think you're giving our men enough credit. Things have changed. They have each other now. They've worked out all their problems. I think this might actually bring them closer together."

"I agree with Donna," Pam said softly. "They have each other. And they have us. We won't let them get too far down into their rabbit holes."

"I hope you're right but…" Sue Ellen's words were lost when the phone rang.

Lucy stood up and answered it. "Hello? Yeah. Okay. No, Uncle JR, she's fine. I'll tell her. Call us as soon as you know anything. Okay."

Lucy hung up the receiver and turned back to face the other women. "That was JR. They're at the hospital. Grandma seems to be holding it together. He said he'd call when he knew more. Oh, Sue Ellen, he said to tell you he loves you."

"I'll make another pot of coffee," Donna said, standing up. "It's going to be a very long night."

***

"Sorry," JR barked out in annoyance. "I don't understand a word you just said."

"Me either," Ray grumbled.

"Alright," the doctor sighed. "Let me put it in layman's terms if I can. Your father hasn't been taking his medication. Blood thinners were prescribed to prevent blood clots. He hasn't been taking them."

"And so blood clots caused the stroke?" Gary asked.

"Yes, but you need to understand that your father has suffered a series of strokes over the last several weeks. Even if he survives this latest stroke - and I won't lie to you, the odds are not in his favor - he will never be the same."

"What exactly are you saying?" Bobby pushed him.

"Your father has suffered several heart attacks and several strokes. The lack of oxygen to his brain and the damage from the strokes - he won't be able to function normally. He'll be bedridden and unable to communicate."

"Are you telling us our father is going to be a vegetable?" JR demanded.

"For lack of a better term, yes," the doctor said evenly. "If he survives that is, which does not look likely at the moment."

Ellie burst out sobbing and Bobby moved to take her into his arms. "We understand, doctor. Thank you."

The doctor nodded and left them alone. Bobby soothed his mother, but lifted his eyes to meet JR's.

JR turned his head away to avoid his brother's gaze.

His daddy was gone. And it was hard not to think he was at least partially responsible for it.

***

Harv Smithfield downed a shot of whiskey in one gulp. He rarely drank alcohol, but after hearing about Jock Ewing's stroke he needed to calm his nerves.

Harv had done everything within his power to keep Jock from making trouble. He'd delayed executing many of Jock's Instructions, hoping that Jock would snap out of his rage and change his mind.

But he hadn't been able to delay the new will.

And now… if Jock died…

The Ewing boys would be at each other's throats again and Ewing Oil would be destroyed in the fallout.

***

 

[Honkytonkangel]

Harv Smithfield downed a shot of whiskey in one gulp. He rarely drank alcohol, but after hearing about Jock Ewing's stroke he needed to calm his nerves.

Harv had done everything within his power to keep Jock from making trouble. He'd delayed executing many of Jock's Instructions, hoping that Jock would snap out of his rage and change his mind.

But he hadn't been able to delay the new will.

And now… if Jock died…

The Ewing boys would be at each other's throats again and Ewing Oil would be destroyed in the fallout.

I guess the shit's about to hit the fan but........ I hope when it does JR remembers this.......

"You have to go," Sue Ellen said softly.

JR studied his wife carefully. She was sitting on the edge of the bed in what had been their bedroom at Southfork. She looked pale and weak, as if a burst of wind could blow her over. "I can't leave you," he finally said.

"JR, I'm pregnant. I'm starting to struggle with nausea and exhaustion. My body is changing. It's all perfectly normal."

"All this drama isn't normal," he shot back. "Someone has to meet with the custody lawyer and get Cliff to agree to go after the baby. Someone has to work with the DA to make sure Kristen is put away. Someone has to handle your mother…"

"And I can do all of that," Sue Ellen said firmly. "Pam will help me. And you know both she and Lucy will keep an eye on my health for you."

"I can't leave you," he said again.

"You have to," she sighed. "And you know it."

And what is really important.

"If he dies, it all goes away. The fight, the need to dredge up the business with Culver. You and me having to leave Southfork."

"It's too high a price to pay for peace."

"Is it?" Bobby's voice was flat. "I don't think so, Pam. I really don't think so."

Poor innocent Bobby

"I know I'm the new girl around here," Donna spoke up, "but I don't think you're giving our men enough credit. Things have changed. They have each other now. They've worked out all their problems. I think this might actually bring them closer together."

But I REALLY hope Donna is right.

And sorry (not sorry) but I hope Jock burns in hell.

Still scared.

 

[Miss Texas 1967]

If Jock was impaired in the time leading up to his death would the family not have good reason to contest the will?

 

[CryptCreeper72]

If Jock was impaired in the time leading up to his death would the family not have good reason to contest the will?

Yep.

But...

Will the will cause so much fighting that the family and company are destroyed anyway.?

 

[Honkytonkangel]

Will the will cause so much fighting that the family and company are destroyed anyway.?

That's what I'm scared of.

 

[CryptCreeper72]

I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

This fic is an alternate timeline and features a totally different resolution to the "Who Shot JR?" plot.

The timeline breaks at episode four of season four of season"Dallas."

***

Shot Through the Heart

Part Fifty-five:

***.

Sue Ellen didn't know how she was supposed to sleep. It was strange enough being back at Southfork, but without JR beside her, she didn't think she could relax at all.

Gary had called Valene earlier and told the women what they'd learned from the doctors. Jock was gone. Even if he lived, he would be nothing more than an empty shell. Bobby had called and spoken to Pam. Ray had called and talked to Donna.

But JR hadn't called her at all. Not even to say goodnight. She was so worried. She knew how hard this all had to be for him. She knew he'd feel guilty. She was terrified that guilt would turn into anger and that he would push her - and the rest of the family - away from him again. It seemed as if it was already starting. It hurt so badly that he hadn't even called to check on her.

"Oh, JR," she cried to herself, "please, please don't do this."

***

"JR?"

JR lifted his head and raised his eyebrows in a silent question.

"I booked us some rooms at the hotel across the street," Ray told him. "We're going to need a place to sleep."

"Thank you, Ray," JR nodded.

"Can I sit for a minute?"

JR shrugged, but didn't object.

"How're you holding up?'

"How do you think?" JR snapped.

"Yeah," Ray sighed. "I guess it was a stupid question. I talked to Donna. She…"

"What?" JR barked. "For God's sake, Ray, spit it out. I'm not in the mood for guessing games."

"She's worried about Sue Ellen," Ray said in a rush of air.

"Why?" JR sat up straight, "is she feeling bad?"

"Not physically," Ray told him. "But she's worried about you and sad that you haven't called her."

"I…" JR growled and ran a frustrated hand through his hair. "I just don't feel like talking. Not to her. Not to anyone."

"I get that, JR," Ray told him. "But… look, it's none of my business. But Sue Ellen is upset and I just thought you'd like to know.'

Ray stood up and walked away. JR cursed under his breath and balled up his fist.

Why couldn't everyone just leave him the hell alone?

***

"Well, well, well," Pam laughed. "I can't believe you, Lucy Ewing! Sneaking around behind our backs like this!"

None of the women could sleep. They'd all tried, and all failed. One by one, they'd all come down stairs and ended up in the kitchen together.

"I wasn't sneaking!" Lucy protested. "I just haven't mentioned it because everyone had so much going on."

"Is it serious?" Val asked her daughter.

"I think so," Lucy smiled. "I really love him."

"A med student!" Pam gushed. "You could be the wife of a doctor!"

"Whoa!" Lucy laughed. "Let's not get carried away. "We're a long way from marriage!"

Pam laughed along with her niece. "It's wonderful news," she patted Lucy's hand. "Isn't it wonderful, Sue Ellen?"

Sue Ellen forced herself to smile and nod. "Yes. I'm very happy for you, Lucy."

"He'll call, Sue Ellen," Lucy promised her aunt. "Have some faith. JR will be okay."

Sue Ellen nodded and turned her head away before anyone could see the tears welling up in her eyes.

"So, when do we get to meet this myste hery med student?" Val asked her daughter.

"Probably not for a while," Lucy sighed. "Not ready to introduce him. Not until all this drama with grandpa dies down. Besides.."

Lucy stopped talking when the phone rang. Pam stood up and answered. "Hello? Oh, hi. No, it's not too late. We're all up. She's right here. Hang on."

She put her hand over the mouthpiece and smiled at her sister-in-law. "Sue Ellen? It's JR. He wants to talk to you."

Sue Ellen's eyes grew wide and her whole body slumped in relief. "Ask him to hang on. I'll take it upstairs."

She stood up and started to move away from the table but stopped when she felt Lucy's hand on her arm. "Just wanted to say I told you so," Lucy winked at her.

***

"Do you need anything else?" Bobby asked his mother. They were at the hotel. Bobby had managed to convince her to try to get a few hours of rest.

"No," Ellie told him. "Thank you."

"Mama…"

"Don't," she stopped him. "I know you think that if he dies it will be for the best. I don't want to hear it."

"I wouldn't ever say that, Mama. Not to you."

"But that is how you feel, isn't it?"

"It is," he confessed softly.

"You boys are wrong about so much. And you're all in for a rude awakening."

"What do you mean?"

"Who are you going to blame when your father is gone, Bobby? When Gary drinks and JR schemes and you manipulate? Will it be me? Your wives? You'll have to find someone, won't you. God knows none of you are strong enough to take responsibility for your own actions.*

"Mama…"

"Stop. Go away, Bobby. I have nothing more to say to you right now."

Bobby nodded and moved toward the door. His mother was upset and dealing with her grief. She didn't mean those things. And he made a silent promise to himself that he wouldn't hold her words against her.

***

"Honey, please," JR pleaded. "I know you're worried about me. And you're right, my feelings are all over the place. I'll sort through them. And I'll let you help me. I promise. But not tonight. Please. Tonight let's just talk about something else."

"Like what?" Sue Ellen asked him.

"Tell me about your evening with the girls. Or about what John Ross has been up to since I left. Or how you're feeling. Tell me anything to make me feel normal, Sue Ellen."

"I… I do have something to tell you," she said softly.

"What's that?"

"I felt our baby move tonight."

"What?"

"Yes. At the kitchen table. Lucy was telling us about her new boyfriend. I felt him move."

"Sue Ellen," JR's voice was full of awe, "that's amazing. I can't wait to get home so I can feel it too."

"It will be a while before anyone but me can feel it, JR," she laughed. "But it's incredible."

"I love you so much, honey."

"I love you too, JR. Thank you so much for calling me."

"I shouldn't have made you wait. I promise it won't happen again…" his voice suddenly changed from tender to demanding. "Hey. Wait a damn minute."

"What?"

"Boyfriend? What boyfriend?"

"JR, what are you talking about?"

"You said Lucy had a new boyfriend. Who? How did they meet? Is it serious? Start talking, Miss Texas."

Sue Ellen giggled, sank back against her pillows, and got comfortable. "Calm down, Uncle JR," she laughed. "I'll tell you everything I know."

***

JR rolled over and growled. He squinted his eyes and tried to get his bearings. "Hang on!" He yelled at whoever was pounding at the door of his hotel room.

He climbed out of bed and struggled to get his pants on and pulled up. He stalked to the door and snatched it open. "What?" He demanded angrily when he saw Gary in the hallway.

"Sorry, JR. I…"

"Well?" JR snapped.

"I tried to get Bobby to come. I figured he would be the best person to tell you, but he doesn't want to leave Mama."

"Jock?" JR almost choked on the word.

"Yeah. I'm sorry, JR. Daddy passed away about an hour ago."

***

 

[Karin Schill]

Ouch! Now when Jock's gone it changes things. I wonder what horrible things he wrote in his will?

Also too bad that he died when he was on such bad terms with his sons. It's gonna be a heavy burden for them to carry.

 

[Honkytonkangel]

Also too bad that he died when he was on such bad terms with his sons. It's gonna be a heavy burden for them to carry.

It breaks my heart that they'll be the ones suffering when the rift wasJock's fault.
Even when he's dead no-one is free.

 

[CryptCreeper72]

I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

This fic is an alternate timeline and features a totally different resolution to the "Who Shot JR?" plot.

The timeline breaks at episode four of season four of season"Dallas."

***

Shot Through the Heart

Part Fifty-six:

***.

"Alright, Harv. We'll see you tomorrow morning."

Bobby watched as JR hung up the phone and went back over his list. His older brother was really rising to the challenge of getting their father's affairs in order. He had taken complete charge of everything.

"Harv will have the will ready for reading tomorrow," JR said. "We're meeting him at Ewing Oil in the . morning."

"So soon?" Ray asked. "Shouldn't we at least get him in the ground first?" He grimaced when he saw the stricken look of Miss Ellie's face. "Sorry, ma'am," he muttered.

"JR had the right idea," Gary spoke up. "No telling what nasty surprises Daddy left in that will. The sooner we know, the better."

"I talked to Punk," JR told them. "He's contacting the funeral home for us. I'm going to let him and Mavis make the arrangements. We'll approve them when we get back to Dallas."

"Why Punk and Mavis and not our wives?" Bobby asked.

"Because Punk and Mavis loved Jock," Ellie said quietly. "JR knows they'll make sure he gets a proper send off."

"Yes," JR sighed. "I won't ask Pam and Sue Ellen to make plans to honor a man who tried to destroy them."

"Excuse me," a nurse poked her head into the private waiting room. "Dr. Newington is on his way down. He'll be able to answer all of your questions."

"Thank you," JR nodded and stood up. "The sooner we can get the body on a plane and on the way back to Dallas, the better."

***

Clayton put down the newspaper and shook his head. Jock Ewing's obituary made him sound like a saint. Clayton wondered what the adoring oil community would think about the great Jock Ewing if they knew the truth.

He reached out, picked up the phone, dialed the number, and waited for an answer. "Clayton Farlow here. I guess you saw the paper. You can stop your investigation now. Yeah. It's over. The man is dead."

Clayton was silent for a few moments as he listened to the reply. "What? Where? Have you approached her yet? No. Don't. Don't do a damn thing until I get back to you."

Clayton slammed down the phone and growled under his breath. Jock had apparently been turning over rocks all over the world to find dirt he could use to cause trouble for his sons.

"Please don't let it be true," he muttered to himself.

This latest news would be devastating to JR and Sue Ellen Ewing.

And if it became public, Clayton wasn't sure he would be able to keep Dusty under control.

"Damn you, Jock Ewing," he growled. "God damn you."

***

"You feeling any better?"

"Yes," Sue Ellen nodded at her niece. "It's just morning sickness."

"We're all a little sick this morning, pregnant or not," Lucy sighed.

"Where is everyone?"

"Pam went to the hospital to see Cliff. Donna took Mama shopping for something to wear for the wake and funeral. I talked to JR a little while ago. I told him to call back later because you weren't feeling all that great."

"How did he sound?"

"Like JR," Lucy shrugged. "Seems like he's handling everything okay. He said he was worried about Bobby."

"Did he mention how Miss Ellie was doing?"

"I asked. He said she was inconsolable."

"Things are going to be very difficult for her."

"Yeah," Lucy agreed. "Things are going to be very difficult for us all."

***

"Cliff, do you understand what I've told you?"

"Jock is dead," Cliff struggled to get the woods out. "You need me to get Kristen's baby. Understand, Pam."

"And our mother?"

Cliff shook his head. "Don't care. She left us."

"Cliff…"

"No," he croaked. "Please. No more talk."

"Alright," Pam sighed heavily and sank back into her chair. "Alright, Cliff."

***

"JR?"

JR turned away from the window to face his younger brother. "Yeah, Gary?"

"I just got off the phone with Lucy. Mavis is coming to Southfork later to go over what she has planned for the funeral."

"Fine," JR grunted. "They release the body yet?"

"About an hour," Gary told him. "Ray is waiting to sign the paperwork. Bobby took Mama back to the hotel."

"Good. She needs to rest before we take off. Bobby too really."

"He's taking this pretty hard."

"He didn't know Daddy as well as we did. Like I always say, he got the best of our father. You and I got the worst."

"About what Dr. Newington said…"

"Yeah. Listen, Jock was who he was. I understand the strokes and the brain damage made him lose control of his worst impulses. But as far as I'm concerned, it all just brought his true self to the surface."

"Agree," Gary said evenly. "But Bobby…"

"It'll be easier for Bobby to believe that Jock never would have done what he did if he hadn't been sick. Easier for Mama too. Hell, even Ray. I'm content to let them all believe whatever they have to believe to get through this."

"But we know better, don't we, JR?"

"Yes we do," JR sighed. "But we don't have to make them understand, Gary. Let them believe the best about the man. He can't hurt us anymore."

Gary nodded, deeply surprised and impressed at the maturity JR was showing. "I'm going to find some coffee. Want to come with me?"

"Yes," JR said without hesitation. "Yes I do."

***

Clayton stared at the picture and absently rubbed the back of his neck.

She was lovely. And the boy…

The boy looked just like JR Ewing.

"How long has Jock had this?"

"He never saw it," the PI told him. "His people didn't find Vanessa Beaumont until after he left for California. We intercepted this before he saw it."

Clayton's eyes narrowed. "I suppose I don't want to know exactly how you intercepted it."

"Let's just say it cost you a pretty penny."

"If he never saw this, then maybe no one ever has to know."

"Sorry, Mr. Farlow," the PI sighed. "But all of Jock's investigators know. His lawyer too. It's going to get out."

"Damnit," Clayton muttered.

"What do you want me to do?"

"Nothing," Clayton told him. "I'll handle this one myself. I suppose it's time for Sue Ellen Ewing and I to finally have a private conversation. I just hope she doesn't go completely crazy on me."

"Good luck with that," the PI shrugged.

"Thanks. I have a feeling I'm going to need a whole lot more than just good luck though. That poor woman has already been through so much. Hate to throw this on the pile. But God help me, it's got to be done."

***

Vanessa put down the phone and closed her eyes.

Jock Ewing was dead. She and James could go home now.

She still didn't understand how Jock had found her or how he knew about her son. She'd been so careful. Somehow though, he'd tracked her down.

Two different investigators had come to see her. Both had offered her a fortune to submit James to a blood test. When she'd refused, they'd resorted to vague threats.

So, she'd taken her son and run.

She couldn't bring herself to be happy that a man was dead, but she was deeply relieved that he wouldn't be a problem anymore.

She could take her son home. They could resume their lives. And, most importantly, JR Ewing could stay in the past where he belonged.

***

 

[Honkytonkangel]

Ugh not the hag. If one more person causes pain to my girl I'm gonna get crazy up in here....
And if all Dallas starts fawning over that bastard at the funeral I will vomit everywhere.
Happy Punk and Mavis are around, JR is right, after what he did Sue Ellen and Pam shouldn't have to do anything for him.

He's definitely burning somewhere now.

 

[Karin Schill]

Vanessa and James?
Yikes definitely didn't expect to see them make an appearance in a story that breaks off the original timeline in season four. I think most fans who broke off the original timeline there would have just erased them!

 

[Honkytonkangel]

Vanessa and James?
Yikes definitely didn't expect to see them make an appearance in a story that breaks off the original timeline in season four. I think most fans who broke off the original timeline there would have just erased them!

If only we could. But with the timeline break at least we can erase Holly Whorewood and the Winger Tramp, right?

 

[Honkytonkangel]

Oooh and the skank.

 

[CryptCreeper72]

Vanessa and James?
Yikes definitely didn't expect to see them make an appearance in a story that breaks off the original timeline in season four. I think most fans who broke off the original timeline there would have just erased them!

I always intended to bring them in.

For me personally, I've always wondered how JR and Sue Ellen would react to finding out JR had a son when they were still together and while he was still young.

 

[CryptCreeper72]

Oooh and the skank.

No Mandy. I promise.

Not sure about Afton, but even if she shows up, she won't be interested in JR.

 

[CryptCreeper72]

I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

This fic is an alternate timeline and features a totally different resolution to the "Who Shot JR?" plot.

The timeline breaks at episode four of season four of season"Dallas."

***

Shot Through the Heart

Part Fifty-seven:

***.

"You sure it's just morning sickness, honey? Maybe you should go to the doctor, just in case."

"I'm fine, JR," Sue Ellen sighed. "I keep telling you all this is normal."

JR closed his eyes and tightened his grip on the telephone. "Alright, Sue Ellen. Just don't take any chances, okay?"

"I won't. I promise. When will you be home?"

"Later this afternoon," he told her. "Why? Miss me?"

"Terribly," she admitted with a laugh.

"I miss you too, honey," he said lowly. "Ray got the body released. It's being taken to the airport and loaded now. We'll be ready to take off in a couple of hours. I understand Mavis is coming out to the ranch to talk about the funeral?"

"Yes. At four. And…"

"What?"

"JR...Clayton Farlow called me. He wants to meet for lunch."

"Did he say why?"

"No. Just that there was something we needed to talk about. Want me to say no?"

"I don't…" JR hesitated and tried to organize his thoughts. "No. Don't say no. Clayton seems to be a decent man. I'm sure he's read the papers and he knows about Daddy. He wouldn't be bothering you if it wasn't important."

"I thought the same thing. But whatever he wants, it probably has something to do with Dusty. I didn't want to meet him without you knowing."

"I thank you for that, Sue Ellen. But I don't think he'd be up to anything underhanded. Go see him, but only if you feel up to it. And you might want to take Pam with you. Just in case."

"Alright, JR. I love you."

"I love you too, Sue Ellen. See you soon."

He hung up the phone and rubbed his forehead. He couldn't think of any reason for Clayton to want to talk to Sue Ellen alone. He didn't like it, but he'd meant what he had told his wife. Clayton seemed like a deeply decent man. JR was reasonably sure the other man wasn't up to no good.

"JR?"

"Yeah?" JR looked up to see Bobby.

"Ray had the body on the plane. Should I wake up Mama?"

"Yes," JR told his brother. "The sooner we all get home, the better."

***

"Make sure Punk Anderson knows the Ewings are having Jock's will read in the morning. He'll need to be there."

"Yes, sir," the secretary made a note. "Anything else?"

"Not at the moment," Harv sighed.

"I almost forgot," she placed an envelope on his desk. "This came special delivery. It's marked private."

"Thank you," Harv picked up the envelope. "That's all for now."

Harv opened the envelope and his eyes darkened immediately. He growled under his breath as he read the report. He put the report down and carefully studied the picture. "Dear God," he muttered, reaching out to press his intercom. "Get JR Ewing on the phone. Right now."

He sat back in his chair and shook his head. Jock Ewing was causing chaos even after he was dead.

There was a brief knock at his door and his secretary appeared again. "I'm sorry Mr. Smithfield. Mr. Ewing is already in the air. I left a message for him to call as soon as he landed."

Harv nodded his understanding and prayed silently.

JR was going to be livid. And Harv didn't blame him one bit.

***

"I didn't realize you were coming to lunch, Mrs. Ewing," Clayton told Pam, gesturing for her and Sue Ellen to have seats.

"Please, call me Pam. Sue Ellen hasn't been feeling well this morning. JR and I felt it would be best for her not to come alone."

"I'm sorry you're feeling under the weather, Sue Ellen."

"I'm just fine," Sue Ellen assured Clayton. "It's all part of having a baby."

"Yes," Clayton nodded. "I haven't had a chance to congratulate you about that. It's wonderful news."

"Thank you, Clayton," Sue Ellen looked him in the eyes, "but I'm sure you didn't invite me to have lunch to talk about my baby. What's this all about?"

"Sue Ellen, you know I had an investigator checking up behind Jock Ewing."

"Yes. So?"

"So…" Clayton shifted uncomfortably in his seat, "Sue Ellen, I came into possession this morning of some information that affects your and JR directly. I'm afraid you're not going to like it."

"What information?"

Clayton picked a folder up from the table, pulled out a picture, and handed it across to Sue Ellen. "Her name," Clayton said as he watched Sue Ellen study the picture, "is Vanessa Beaumont. The little boy is her son James. Jock thought…"

"What?" Sue Ellen demanded. "Jock thought what?"

"I'm so sorry to have to be the one to tell you this. I would have contacted JR, but with him being out of town and so many people already knowing, I was afraid it would leak to the public before he found out…"

"Please," Sue Ellen whispered shakily. She was fixated on the little boy's eyes. She knew those eyes. She had fallen in love with those eyes. "Just tell me."

"Sue Ellen," Clayton took a deep breath. "Jock Ewing believed that little boy…"

"No…" Sue Ellen let out a low moan.

"I'm afraid so," Clayton said quietly. "Jock thought James Beaumont is JR Ewing's son."

***

"You're going to have to talk to her eventually," Gary said, sinking down into a chair beside his older brother.

"I know," JR sighed. "I'm just giving her some space. Trust me, Mama isn't going to take anything I say very well right now."

"She isn't taking anything well, period. She keeps snapping poor Ray's head off."

"I know. Thank God Ray is too level headed to take it personally."

"Yeah. He seems like a good guy."

"He is. For the most part," JR grunted. "As far as long lost bastard brothers go, we could do worse."

Gary laughed and shook his head. "Did you know Lucy was seeing someone?"

"I had no clue," JR chuckled. "That girl is full of surprises."

"She loves you, you know."

"Yes, I know," JR said softly. "I love her right back."

Gary nodded and closed his eyes. "You think we'll ever be a normal family, JR?"

"No. We won't ever be normal. We're Ewings after all," JR shook his head. "But I think we'll be okay."

"I hope so," Gary sighed heavily. "I really hope so."

***

"It's important for you to know that JR never had any idea," Clayton's voice was as heavy as a lead balloon. "He wasn't hiding this from you. He never knew."

"I…" she suddenly felt hot all over. All the blood drained from her face and she struggled to hold back her vomit.

"Sue Ellen!" Pam jumped up, panicked. Sue Ellen had lost control and threw up all over the table. "Sue Ellen," she said again, desperately shaking her friend. "She fainted, Clayton!"

Clayton shot up out of his seat. "Call 911!" He yelled at the waiter running towards the table.

He moved quickly to squat down in front of Sue Ellen and gently lift her head up. "Hang on," he whispered. "Please hang on."

***

Lucy slammed down the phone and turned to Donna and her mother. "I'm going to the hospital."

"I'll meet the Ewing plane at the airport," Donna told her. "I'll bring JR to Sue Ellen as soon as he lands."

"What can I do to help?" Valene asked.

"Stay here and help Mavis with the funeral plans."

"Alright," Valene nodded. "I'll do my best."

"Do we know if the baby is okay?" Donna asked

"No," Lucy said quietly. "The doctors haven't told Pam anything yet."

"Dear God," Val breathed out. "Poor Sue Ellen."

"She'll be okay," Lucy told her mother. "She just has to be. God wouldn't do this to her now. Not when she and JR are finally happy."

Val nodded but didn't reply. She had a lot less faith in God as her daughter did. She'd lived a hard enough life to know God was often uninvolved - and sometimes cruel.

***

 

[Honkytonkangel]

Oh god. I'm a middle-aged woman and these cliffhangers are NOT good for me.
As much as I love Clayton, and he couldn't have known exactly what would happen, I want to smack him here for taking the info to Sue Ellen and not going to JR.

Very cool to see the boys getting along, but with the Will reading coming I doubt it will last.

And I just have to say it again... I HATE JOCK EWING and I hope he's burning in hell.

 

[CryptCreeper72]

I don't own any of the characters in this story and no copyright infringement is intended.

This fic is an alternate timeline and features a totally different resolution to the "Who Shot JR?" plot.

The timeline breaks at episode four of season four of season"Dallas."

***

Shot Through the Heart

Part Fifty-eight:

***.

"JR," Bobby tapped him on the shoulder, "we just got a message from Harv Smithfield. He asked you to call him the minute we landed."

"Alright, Bob," JR grabbed his overnight bag, slung it over his shoulder, and headed toward the plane's exit. "What's she doing here?" He asked when he stepped off the plane and saw Donna talking to Ray.

"No clue," Bobby shrugged.

"JR," Ray strode toward him, "Sue Ellen passed out at a restaurant where she was having lunch. She's at the hospital. Pam and Lucy are with her."

"What?" JR turned as white as a ghost. "Is she okay?'

"We don't know," Donna told him. "Come on, I'll take you to the hospital."

JR dropped his bag and nodded. "Now. Take me there now."

"You want me to go with you?" Bobby asked him.

"I'll go," Gary volunteered. "You need to stay with Mama."

"I don't care who the hell goes," JR barked. "But we're leaving right now!"

Bobby watched as JR, Donna, and Gary ran to Donna's car and took off. "This is the last thing JR needed."

"Yeah," Ray agreed solemnly. "It was the last thing any of us needed. Especially Sue Ellen."

***

"The baby?" Pam asked the doctor.

"Just fine," he smiled at her. "Mrs. Ewing will need to stay for a few hours. She's dehydrated and we're going to give her an IV. But by all appearances she and the baby are strong and healthy. We'll prescribe something for her nausea and make sure she understands the importance of resting properly. But she will be alright."

"Oh, thank God," Lucy sighed with relief.

"When can we see her?"

"In a bit. We're getting her settled in her room. I'll send someone to get you when she's ready for visitors."

"Thank you, doctor," Pam said.

The doctor nodded and walked away.

"I'm so sorry, Pam," Clayton told her. "I didn't realize she was so weak."

"She's been having trouble sleeping. This isn't your fault, Clayton."

"Maybe. I still feel just awful about it."

"Oh yeah?" Lucy grunted. "Well, get ready to feel even worse."

Clayton turned his head to see what Lucy was pointing just in time to see JR storm out of the elevator.

"Pam! Where is she?"

Pam reached out and touched JR's arm. "She's okay, JR. She and the baby are both just fine."

"I want to see her," JR insisted.

"Soon," Pam soothed him. "They're putting her in a room."

"What the hell happened?"

"She fainted, JR," Pam sighed. "She hasn't been sleeping and she was nauseous and not really eating. That and the stress…" her voice trailed off.

"What stress?" JR's eyes narrowed.

"Well…" Pam cast a nervous glance at Clayton.

"What the hell did you do to my wife?" JR snarled.

"JR, you have to believe me. If I had known she was that fragile I never would have…"

"You never would have what?" JR demanded.

Clayton sighed and looked around the waiting room. He saw a benxh sitting off by itself in front of a window. "Come sit with me, JR. We have a lot to talk about."

***

"Is Miss Ellie settled?" Ray asked.

"Yes," Bobby sighed. "She's asleep."

"When Donna gets back from the hospital, I'm going to head out. My presence seems to be upsetting Miss Ellie even worse."

"She's just going to have to get used to your presence," Bobby told him. "You're family now."

"Still think it would be best for me to make myself scarce and give her some space."

Bobby started to argue, but was interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell. He walked to the foyer and sighed when he opened the door and saw a very nervous Harv Smithfield standing there. "Hi, Harv. Listen, JR got your message to call, but Sue Ellen fainted and is at the hospital. He dropped everything to go be with her."

"I'm sorry to hear that," Harv told him. "Is she alright?"

"Yes. She and the baby are both fine."

"Good," Harv nodded. "Because JR has a huge problem."

"What's that?"

"Can I come in?" Harv asked. "I need a drink."

***

JR sat in the dark hospital room and watched the rise of fall of his wife's chest as she slept. She'd woken up briefly when he and Pam had come into the room. The look she'd given him.. JR shivered at the memory of it. So much pain.

He'd sent the women and Gary back to Southfork. The doctors said Sue Ellen was fine, just needed some rest. Donna and Pam both needed to be at Southfork to help Mavis with the funeral. Plus… well, JR didn't want an audience for the coming storm between him and Sue Ellen.

Part of him wanted to kill Clayton Farlow. Another part of him was strangely grateful. JR knew himself well enough to know that if he'd heard about this before Sue Ellen, the temptation to try to hide it from her would have been overwhelming. He probably would have covered it up, and no doubt it would have blown up in his face at the worst possible time.

JR knew everyone was surprised he hadn't lost his temper with Farlow. But, what would have been the point? The damage had already been done. And even though telling Sue Ellen was a stupid thing to do, Farlow didn't have any malice in his heart. He truly seemed to just want to warn her before stories of JR's European love child ended up on the front page of every paper in Dallas.

He sighed deeply and prayed Sue Ellen would forgive him. He felt like a broken man. He had lost his father. He couldn't lose her too. He'd never survive.

***

"That's fine, Mavis," Pam said, looking over the list of the pallbearers. "Everything looks fine."

"So you all approve of what I have planned?"

The Ewing women all shrugged and nodded.

"Alright. I do want to talk about the eulogy though."

"Why?" Lucy asked her. "Punk is the best choice."

"Yes. But I thought.."

"What?" Pam prodded.

"JR should speak too," Mavis said in a rush.

"Out of the question," Pam said firmly.

"Please," Mavis pleaded. "JR is Jock's eldest son. They worked side by side together at Ewing Oil for so many years. It will look very strange if he doesn't speak."

Val growled under her breath, stood up, and left the room.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset her. If she thinks Gary should speak too, that will be fine."

"It's not that, Mavis," Donna said carefully. "It's just that… look, JR has the weight of the world on him right now. We're all very worried and asking him to speak at Jock's funeral after all he did to the family…"

"It'll push JR right over the edge," Pam finished Donna's thought.

"I understand how difficult this is," Mavis said quietly. "But, it's important to Miss Ellie that the world see Jock Ewing buried with the same honor and dignity that they believed he lived with."

"I don't think JR…"

"I'll talk to him, Mavis," Lucy waved her hand and cut Pam off. "Is there anything else?"

"No. Thank you, Lucy. Truly. All I want is for Miss Ellie to get through this."

"We all want that," Lucy told her. "All of us."

***

"You believe her?" Bobby asked skeptically.

"I do," Harv nodded.

Harv had just informed the Ewing brothers about Vanessa Beaumont, her son, and Jock's last ditch effort to bring them both to Dallas. James Beaumont had been Jock's fail safe. If his sons all refused to fall back in line and do his bidding, then Jock had intended to make James his heir.

But Vanessa had refused to play Jock's game. She'd turned down a fortune and told Jock that her son wasn't a pawn and she wouldn't allow him to be used that way. After Jock's investigators had finally given up and left her alone, she'd taken her son and disappeared. She only resurfaced this morning, after she saw the news reports of Jock Ewing's death.

"I want to talk to her," Bobby finally said.

"I don't know if that's such a good idea, Bobby," Harv sighed. "She doesn't seem to be any threat. Maybe we should leave well enough alone."

"No," Ray broke in. "Bobby's right. We have to be sure."

"Alright," Harv said, standing up. "I'll go back to the office and set up the call. Be in touch soon."

Bobby walked Harv to the door. Gary waited hnt his brother came back into the room and spoke for the first time. "Be careful, Bobby," he said evenly. "Sue Ellen isn't in any shape to deal with this right now. Don't shake the tree so hard that nuts start falling all over the place."

"Copy that," Bobby growled. "I'll be careful. But it has to be done, Gary. It just does."

***

"JR?"

JR opened his eyes and bolted upright in his chair. "Honey? Are you okay?"

"Yes," she croaked. "Just thirsty."

JR got up, poured her a cup of water from the pitcher at her bedside,and handed it to her. "Here you go, honey."

Sue Ellen gulped down the water and handed him the cup back. "Thank you."

JR pointed to a spot beside her on the bed. "May I?"

Sue Ellen chuckled slightly and nodded at him. "Of course, JR."

"The doctor said you and the baby will be fine. I thank God for that."

"I should have listened to you and Pam. I hadn't been sleeping and wasn't keeping much food down. I should have gone to the doctor and gotten something for my nausea. I'm sorry I scared everyone."

"Now, none of that," JR smiled at her. "You have nothing to be sorry for. Sue Ellen…"

"Don't, JR," she said roughly. "I know you and everyone else expects me to lose my mind over this child, but I'm not that weak. Not anymore. I saw the picture. He's at least twelve years old."

"Thirteen," JR sighed. "I met his mother when I was stationed overseas."

"And you never knew she had a baby, JR?"

"No, I didn't."

"Swear it to me, JR," she pleaded. "I need to be sure."

"I swear it, Sue Ellen," JR said earnestly. "On my father's soul and my son's life. I never had any idea."

"Alright, JR," a single tear slipped out of her eye and down onto her cheek. "I believe you. And whatever happens, we'll figure it all out together."

JR felt his entire body relax at her words. "I love you, Sue Ellen."

"I love you too, JR. And I'm so sorry about Jock. I know how much you loved him, in spite of everything."

JR let out a low moan and leaned forward to rest his head on her shoulder. She brought up her hand, gently stroked his hair, and comforted him as he finally let go of all his grief and cried.

***

 

[Honkytonkangel]

"JR should speak too," Mavis said in a rush.

"Out of the question," Pam said firmly.

"Please," Mavis pleaded. "JR is Jock's eldest son. They worked side by side together at Ewing Oil for so many years. It will look very strange if he doesn't speak."

Val growled under her breath, stood up, and left the room.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset her. If she thinks Gary should speak too, that will be fine."

"It's not that, Mavis," Donna said carefully. "It's just that… look, JR has the weight of the world on him right now. We're all very worried and asking him to speak at Jock's funeral after all he did to the family…"

"It'll push JR right over the edge," Pam finished Donna's thought.

"I understand how difficult this is," Mavis said quietly. "But, it's important to Miss Ellie that the world see Jock Ewing buried with the same honor and dignity that they believed he lived with."

:tv: :tv::tv::tv::tv::tv:
Oh God it's starting already.
I feel for Miss Ellie, because despite everything she loved the bastard, but JR doesn't deserve to be put through that circus, none of the boys do.
And why should they protect Jock's memory. Would he have done the same for them?

Part of him wanted to kill Clayton Farlow. Another part of him was strangely grateful. JR knew himself well enough to know that if he'd heard about this before Sue Ellen, the temptation to try to hide it from her would have been overwhelming. He probably would have covered it up, and no doubt it would have blown up in his face at the worst possible time.

JR knew everyone was surprised he hadn't lost his temper with Farlow. But, what would have been the point? The damage had already been done. And even though telling Sue Ellen was a stupid thing to do, Farlow didn't have any malice in his heart. He truly seemed to just want to warn her before stories of JR's European love child ended up on the front page of every paper in Dallas.

That's just how I feel too.

I love Clayton soooo much. I didn't wanna be mad at him.

"Don't, JR," she said roughly. "I know you and everyone else expects me to lose my mind over this child, but I'm not that weak. Not anymore. I saw the picture. He's at least twelve years old."

"Thirteen," JR sighed. "I met his mother when I was stationed overseas."

"And you never knew she had a baby, JR?"

"No, I didn't."

"Swear it to me, JR," she pleaded. "I need to be sure."

"I swear it, Sue Ellen," JR said earnestly. "On my father's soul and my son's life. I never had any idea."

"Alright, JR," a single tear slipped out of her eye and down onto her cheek. "I believe you. And whatever happens, we'll figure it all out together."

JR felt his entire body relax at her words. "I love you, Sue Ellen."

"I love you too, JR. And I'm so sorry about Jock. I know how much you loved him, in spite of everything."

JR let out a low moan and leaned forward to rest his head on her shoulder. She brought up her hand, gently stroked his hair, and comforted him as he finally let go of all his grief and cried.

Love their love sooo much.
Sue IS so much stronger than she gets credit for.
And JR is so much more sensitive than he gets credit for.

Happy JR has finally let go and Sue Ellen was able to be there to comfort him.