EPISODE 30 - The Will

 Hearing Josh fall, Austin opens his eyes, a look of complete shock on his face upon seeing Josh's assailant.

 "I've been hiding out.  Mostly here in the woods, making my way around this little.......community, if you can call it that.  I stole these clothes.  Bathed in the creek near here.  Stole food.  I fished, I hunted.  Basically I lived off the land.  Slept in this kid's barn at night, and sometimes the shed.  I watched them, and I watched you, whenever they'd let you out of the house, anyway.  I watched as this kid here took you to his house after the crash.  And, by the way, you haven't thanked me for saving your sorry life twice now."

"Twice?"  Austin asks.  "Then.......it WAS you who pulled me out of the plane after the crash."

"That's right.  You, and the pilot.  I pulled you out, then I hid while this kid here came out and  found you.  When that plane blew up, I figured I'd better make myself scarce before the place was crawling with cops.  It was hard running away because I had been injured in the crash, too.  I thought I was gonna die.  I almost starved before I was finally able to find some food."

"It's really a miracle that you survived out here all this time,"  Austin says.

"Bet that's a miracle you wish had never happened."

"Why did you save me?  First from the plane and then just now?"  Austin asks, using what little strength he has left to crawl out of the hole he had been digging.  

"Well, you are my brother, after all."

"That didn't seem to matter when you kidnapped me at gunpoint."

"I had no choice,"  Brian says.  "We gotta get out of here."  He looks down at the unconscious Josh laying on the ground by his feet.  "First we gotta take care of him."

"What do you mean?"  Austin asks.

Brian grabs both of Josh's hands and drags him several feet over to the hole Austin had been digging.  He then rolls the teenager into the hole.  "Just what I said.  We have to take care of the kid, as in......get rid of him."

"No.  No WAY,"  Austin protests.  "You can't kill him."

"Wanna bet?"

"No.  I won't let you."

Brian looks at his brother.  "Are you KIDDING me right now?  This dude was about to kill you, Austin.  He was gonna shoot you down in cold blood and bury you out here in these woods."

"That doesn't make killing him right.  He's just a kid.  We can just leave him here."

Brian looks down in the hole at Josh.  "This place.  This might be a good place to hide out.  In all the time I've been out here, watching, I've never once seen anyone come out here.  There's not another house for miles and miles.  Yeah.  Now that I've been forced to come out in the open, I think that Josh and his family are gonna have another house guest."

"No.  Look, let's just get the hell out of here.  Just let me go."

"Let you go?  You mean back to Dallas?  Sorry, bro, but not a chance.  You and me.......we're in this together.  Now, let's get Junior here out of this hole and back to his truck."

"And what are you gonna do?  You can't stay here forever."

"We can hold up here for a while.  All this time no one has come.  No one has looked for you here, no one found the wreckage of the plane.  This place is completely isolated.  It's perfect.  Eventually, the authorities will assume that you and I are long gone, and stop looking around here.  Come on.  Get him out of there."  Brian points the shotgun at his brother.  Austin looks at the gun, then at a still unconscious Josh in the hole.  

A short time later....

Back at the house, Kasey and Corey are pacing anxiously, worried and wondering what was happening with their brother and Austin in those woods.  Neither sibling is saying anything, as they each dread Josh's return to the house, as they know he will probably be coming back alone after having disposed of Austin in the woods.  Finally, they hear Josh's truck drive up to the house and come to a stop in the back yard.  

"Corey, you best get to your room,"  Kasey tells her younger brother.  "I'll try talkin' to Josh before he sees you."

In tears, terrified of what his brother would do to him for helping Austin escape, Corey hurries from the kitchen and down the hall to his bedroom.  

Kasey walks to the cabinet and takes out a bowl, then places it on the table along with a bag of corn meal and a sifter as she is about to attempt the pretense of making some bread.  After a moment, the back door of the house opens, and Kasey is shocked when she sees Austin carrying an unconscious Josh into the house.  "Oh Lord...... what happened?"  The girl asks.  

Just then, Brian walks in behind Austin and points the gun at the frightened girl, then closes the door.

"Who are you?"  Kasey asks.

"Tell her who I am, Austin."

"He's my brother."

"Josh....."

"He's okay,"  Austin says.  "Just knocked out.  Help me get him to the sofa."

Brian watches as Kasey takes one of Josh's arms, and Austin the other, and they carry Josh into the living room, placing him on the sofa.

Wentworth Industries, Dallas....

 Jonathon Lord walks into the CEO's office at Wentworth Industries late that afternoon, the office formerly occupied by his younger brother, Austin Wentworth.  Having just an hour earlier been elected by the board of directors as the new interim CEO of Wentworth, Jonathon walks to the window and looks out over the city of Dallas, and the traffic on the Central Expressway below him.  He lets out a deep sigh, then his train of thought is interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Come in,"  Jonathon says.

An attractive brunette walks into the office.  "Mr. Lord,"  she says.

"Yes?"

"I'm Vanessa,"  the girl says.  "I was your brother's secretary. Now, I suppose I'm yours, unless of course you'd want to hire your own secretary and let me go."

"No, no.  Not at all,"  Jonathon says.  "If you're willing, I'd really appreciate it if you would stay on.  I'm gonna need all the help I can get to learn the company, and keep things moving forward around here."

"Well, if there's anything at all you need, Mr. Lord, feel free to ask,"  Vanessa says.

"Thanks, Vanessa.  I will."

"Mr. Brooks did ask me to give you these files,"  Vanessa says, handing Jonathon a small stack of folders filled with papers.

"What's this?" 

"It's a little of the history of the company.  Mr. Brooks says you should learn some of the history if you're gonna be running Wentworth Industries."

"Oh, well, thank you.  I'll read up on this stuff over the weekend."

"Is there anything I can get for you, Mr. Lord?"  Vanessa asks.

"No,thanks Vanessa.  If you'd like, you can leave for the day, and I'll see you on Monday."

Vanessa smiles.  "Yes, sir."  Vanessa starts to leave, but pauses at the door.  "Mr. Lord?"

"Yes?"

"Welcome to Wentworth."

Jonathon looks at the young woman and smiles.  "Thank you, Vanessa.  You have a nice weekend."

"You, too, sir."  Vanessa returns his smile, then leaves.

Jonathon returns his gaze out the window.   "Wentworth Industries," he says softly to himself, the realization of his new position finally sinking in.  

The farm near Texarkana....

 Tied to a chair in the living room of his family's farmhouse, Josh Harper slowly begins to wake up from his unconscious state after being knocked out by Brian.  Opening his eyes, Josh sees his sister Kasey sitting beside him with a wet wash cloth.  

"Josh, are you alright?"  Kasey asks.

The boy looks up and sees Brian smiling at him.  "Welcome back, sunshine,"  Brian says.  

"Who......who the hell are you?"

"I can be your friend, or I can be your worse nightmare.  Entirely up to you.  I take it you already know my twin brother, Austin.  I mean, you held him prisoner here for a couple of months, and you were gonna shoot him down like a dog in those woods if I hadn't stopped you."

Josh looks  over at Austin, who is standing with Corey near the door.  "This is your brother?  The wanted killer?"

"Yeah,"  Austin replies.  

"You hit me with something?"

"Sure did.  Thought maybe I'd killed you there for a while, or at least given you brain damage.  You were out for quite a while."

Josh tries to move, but is unable to because of the ropes binding his hands and feet.  "Let me go.  Untie me!"

"Uh-uh.  Not a chance,"  Brian says.

"What are you gonna do to us?"  Asks a frightened Kasey.

"Well, that's all up to you guys,"  replies Brian.  "We're all gonna stay right here for a while.  Until it's safe for me and my brother to be on our way.  You kids behave, and we'll leave you in as good of health as when we found you.  But you piss me off or give me a reason.......ANY reason.......and  I'll kill you."

"He won't hurt you,"  Austin says, looking at Brian.  "He'd have to kill me first."

Brian looks at his brother.  "Are you serious right now?  This guy held you prisoner for more than TWO months.  And he was about to blow your brains out."

 "Why would you give a damn what happens to me?"  Josh asks Austin.  

"Because, unlike you and my brother.......I'm no killer.  And I won't be a party to killing."

Brian laughs.  "My brother and his disgusting morality," he says.  He walks over to Josh.  "Funny how the tables have turned, isn't it, Junior?  You went from being the captor to being the captive.  Now, everybody make yourselves  comfortable.  We're gonna be here a while.  Hey, you, little girl," he says to Kasey.  "You cook, right?"

"Yeah, I cook."

"Then get to it.  Go and fix us some food.  Been a while since I had a real meal."

Kasey looks at Josh.

"Hey, don't look at your brother,"  says Brian.  "He's all tied up and he's NOT giving the orders around here anymore.  I am.  So get up, go in the kitchen, and fix us all something to eat.  Unless you want to see your brother's head blown off."  Brian points the gun at Josh's face.  

Kasey quickly stands and hurries into the kitchen.  Corey starts to follow his sister.

"Hey, little man,"  Brian says.  "You stay in here so I can keep an eye on you.  Come on, get over here beside your big brother."

Tears in his eyes, a fearful Corey does as he is told and walks over to Josh, taking a seat in a chair beside him.

"Brian, just let them go,"  Austin says.  "Just get out of here."

"And let them call the cops as soon as I step foot off this farm?"

"We won't,"  says Josh.  "Look, man, we don't want no cops around here anymore'n you do.  You have my word, we won't call the cops.  Nobody will ever know you were here."

Brian looks at the boy and smiles.  "I have your word?  What good's the word of a boy who was gonna shoot my brother down in cold blood and bury him in those woods?  No thanks.  Everybody just get comfortable.  And shut up.  I'd like a little peace and quiet."  Brian takes a seat on the sofa.  Austin looks at Josh and Corey.  

Falcon Crest....the next morning....

"Yeah, me, too,"  Michael says. "I guess that's why I spend so much time in here these days.  So I can feel close to Kevin."

"It's nice to see you and Elena back together again. I take  it, things are going well between you?"

"Oh yeah, very well," replies Michael. "Elena has been wonderful during this time. I don't know what I would've done without her these past several weeks.  And what about you, Emma?  How are you REALLY doing?  Must be hard, being alone with the baby."

"It is.  But Logan keeps me going."

"I'm glad you and my nephew are back here at Falcon Crest, Emma,"  Michael says.  "Are you planning on staying, or are you going back to Dallas?"

"I really don't know yet.  I guess it all depends."

"On what?"  Michael asks.

"A lot of things,"  Emma replies as Elena walks into the room.

"There you are,"  Elena says, walking over to her husband.  "I thought I'd find you in here."

"Yeah I couldn't sleep, and I didn't wanna wake you, so I came down here to work out for a while before breakfast."

"Well, I will leave the two of you alone, then,"  says Emma.  

"Thank you, Emma,"  Elena says as Emma leaves.  "What was she doing here?"

"Emma?  We were just talking.  Mostly about Kevin.  Not jealous, are you?"  Michael asks, standing.

"Of course not."

Michael smiles as he moves closer to his wife.  "You are.  You're jealous."

"I am NOT jealous,"  Elena says.  "I've just known Emma for a long time, and I know how she operates.  And now that she's alone again......"

"You're afraid she's gonna try to seduce me?"  Michael asks with a sly smile.

"I wouldn't put it past her.  But I know that you would never give in."

"No, I wouldn't.  Because, Mrs. Channing, you are the only woman I will ever have eyes for,"  Michael says, kissing her.

"I couldn't blame her if she did try and seduce you,"  Elena says.  "You're one sexy man, Mr. Channing."

Michael laughs. "Maybe so, but right now, I don't feel very sexy.  I'd better get upstairs and take a shower before breakfast.  You care to join me?"

"Love to,"  Elena says.  The two exchange another quick kiss, then leave the room together.

Lord Enterprises....later....

"I came to see if the rumors I've been hearing are true.  Jonathon Lord has gone to Dallas to take care of Katherine's company, and you are now running Lord Enterprises."

  "The rumors are true,"  Cole says.  "And now that you've seen for yourself, you can get the hell out of my office."

Richard smiles.  "Not so fast, Cole.  I came here to talk a little business."

"Richard, what kind of business could you and I possibly have to discuss?"

"Well, I'm hoping that, now that you're sitting in my brother's seat at his company, you'll be a tad more reasonable than Jeremy and Jonathon have been with me."

"Meaning what?"  Cole asks.

"Meaning that you can save yourself and this company my nephew entrusted to you by just handing back to me what Jeremy Lord took from me, namely, my newspaper."

Cole looks at him and smiles.  "You know, you really are something, Richard.  Jonathon warned me that you might try something like this.  But I've known you a whole lot longer than he has, so I was expecting it myself.  But even if I wanted to, which I don't, I wouldn't have the power to turn The Globe back over to you, since I don't own Lord Enterprises or any of its subsidiaries.  I'm merely filling in for Vicky's husband and stepson while they're both away."

"I'm very surprised that Vicky didn't step in herself, since she's a very astute businesswoman,"  Richard says. "Or is she still hitting the bottle so hard that she'd never be able to walk in here on her own without being carried?"

Cole stands to face his enemy upon hearing Richard's remarks about Vicky.  "You bastard,"  Cole says.  "Get out of my office before I throw you out on your ass."

"Well, I tried to do this the easy way, but, just so you know, I have several lawsuits pending against this company and its chief executive officer, who, I suppose, is now you.  And I plan to win not only my newspaper back, but also a very large settlement against Lord Enterprises.  I'm going to bring this company down, Cole, and anybody who stands in my way will be left lying in the rubble."

"Is that pathetic threat supposed to scare me?"  Cole asks.  "If that's the best you've got, Richard, then you're losing your touch, now get the hell out of my office."

"I warned you,"  Richard says.  "See you in court."  Richard walks to the door and starts to leave, then turns back to Cole.  "Oh, and, tell Vicky hello for me during one of her more sober moments.......if she has any," he says with a smirk, then walks out of the office.

Angered by his former stepfather's visit, Cole shakes his head, then retakes his seat.

Tuscany Valley High School....

 Alex Lord is walking down the hall at Tuscany Valley high school as he is between classes.  Alex is looking down, a sad expression on his face.  Coming out of a classroom down the hall, Nick Fairchild spots his friend and approaches Alex.

As Richard walks in the front door at Falcon Crest early in the afternoon, he is met in the foyer by Chang-Li.  

"Afternoon, Chang-Li,"  Richard says cheerfully.

"Mr. Channing.  You have a visitor."

"A visitor?"  Richard asks.

"Yes,"  the butler replies.  "A young gentleman, waiting for you in the living room."

"Thank you,"  Richard says.  He walks to the living room doorway, where he sees a young man standing at the fireplace, looking at various family photos on the mantle.  "Excuse me.  I understand you're here to see me?"

 The young man turns to face him, and Richard notices something strangely familiar about his face.  "Richard Channing?"  He asks.

"Yes, I'm Richard Channing.  And you are?"

"My name is Kyle Griffin."

"Kyle Griffin?  I'm sorry, Mr. Griffin, but your name doesn't ring a bell.  Do I know you?"  Richard asks.

"No, you don't.  But, you knew my mother."

"And just who is your mother, Mr. Griffin?"

"You knew her as Sydney St. James.  She dated your son, Danny Sharpe."

Richard looks at the young man.  "Sydney is your mother?"

"That's right,"  Kyle replies.  "And I've been wanting to meet you for quite some time."

"Wanting to meet ME?"  Richard asks.  "And why is that, Mr. Griffin?  Just what is it you want here, and with me?"

"Mr. Channing, I have a question that might seem strange to you.  But, I'm hoping you can tell me where I might be able to find your son, Danny."

"Why? What is your interest in my son?"

"I.....this isn't how I wanted to do this at all.  I practiced this over and over in my mind, and I get here, and it's like, I don't know what to say."

"Look, Mr. Griffin, I'm a very busy man, so if you don't mind, I'd like you to get to the point of why you're here, or leave.  Did your mother send you here?"

"No.  She has no idea that I'm here."

"Alright, so what is the reason for this visit, and for you wanting to know about my son?"  Richard asks.

"The reason I'm here is because........ Mr. Channing........you're my grandfather.  Danny Sharpe is my father," Kyle says.

Richard's mouth falls open in shock.  After a few seconds, he looks at the young man and smiles.  "Of course, he is.  And, just how long have ya been planning this?"

"Planning what, Mr. Channing?"

"This.  This little.......charade of yours."

"I assure you, this is no charade," says Kyle.  "I'm telling you the truth.  Danny Sharpe IS my father."

"Did Sydney tell you that?"

"Yes."

"Assuming I'm to believe that Sydney St. James really IS your mother, why should I believe that Danny is your father?"

Kyle reaches into his jacket pocket and brings out a photo, which he hands to Richard.  "This is a photo of my 

mother and Danny Sharpe, taken around the time that I was conceived."

Richard takes the photo and looks at it.  "Yes, this is Danny and Sydney.  But this proves nothing.  You could have gotten this photo anywhere."

"Can you honestly look at that photo of your son, and look at me and tell me you don't see the resemblance between us?  My mother says I'm the spitting image of my father."

"Yes, there is a  resemblance, but again, this proves nothing,"  Richard says.  "Lots of people look alike.  Doesn't mean they're related."

"Maybe this will convince you,"  Kyle says, again reaching into his pocket.  He takes out a piece of paper and hands it to Richard.

"What's this?"  Richard asks, taking the paper.

"My birth certificate.  If you'll look at it, you'll see that Danny Sharpe is listed as my father."

Richard looks takes out his glasses and puts them on.  He looks at the document for a moment, then at Kyle.  "You were born on November 16, 1990?"

"That's right."

"You're 27-years-old,"  says Richard.  "What took you this long to come here looking for Danny?"

"I only found out who my real father was last year.  When I was only a few months old, my mother married a man named Mark Griffin.  He adopted me and gave me his name."

"And does Mark Griffin know that you're here, searching for the man you believe to be your biological father?"

"Mark Griffin died in 2004, when I was just 13."

"Oh, I see."

"Look, Mr. Channing, I've searched for Danny Sharpe online, and came up empty.  I even went to Santa Barbara, where I know he lived and worked about ten years ago.  Then the trail ran cold.  So I came here, hoping that you could put me in touch with him."

"I'm sorry, but I can't help you,"  Richard says.

"Can't help me?  Or won't?"

"CAN'T.  Unfortunately, my son Danny and I are estranged.  I have not seen or spoken to him since December of 2009, when my wife Lauren died."

"So, you have no idea where he is?"  Kyle asks.

"No, I do not. I'm sorry."

Kyle takes his birth certificate from Richard's hand.  "You still don't believe I'm your grandson, do you?"

"I'm really not sure.  That birth certificate and the photo are......pretty convincing, but still not concrete proof that you are who you say you are."

Kyle looks at the man and smiles slightly.  "Well, after meeting you, and talking to you these few minutes, I can understand why you and your son are not on speaking terms.  I guess you're typical of most rich people.  Always thinking everyone wants something from you.  Usually money."

"Because most people usually DO want something, Mr. Griffin,"  Richard says.  

"Well, you can cross me off that list,"  Kyle says.  "Because there's not a damned thing I want from you.  Goodbye, Mr. Channing."  Kyle turns and walks out of the house.

After he leaves, Richard lets out a deep sigh, then again looks at the photo of his son Danny and Sydney taken so long ago.

The Lord home.....afternoon

 Alex and Nick walk into the Lord home that afternoon.  "Come on in, bro,"  Alex says to his friend as the boys enter the house.  "I just have to ask let my Mom know, then grab a few things, and we can go."  Walking into the foyer, the boys see Vicky laying on her stomach on the sofa in the adjoining living room.  Alex pauses for a moment.  "Mom?"  The worried teenager says as he and Nick rush into the living room and to Vicky's side.  "Mom?"  He again calls, but Vicky fails to wake up.  "Mom.......oh God, what's wrong with her?  She won't wake up.  Nick, call 911."

"Dude, I don't think that's necessary,"  says Nick.

"What do you mean it's not necessary?  My Mom is sick!"

"Alex, she isn't sick, bro,"  Nick says, picking up an empty vodka bottle from the floor beside the sofa.  

Alex takes the bottle and looks at it, a sad expression coming over his face.  "Damn.  She's passed out."

"Is there anything I can do?"  Nick asks.

"Thanks, but, no.  I'm sorry, bro, but, I'd better stay here tonight."

"Yeah, I understand.  Anything I can do to help?"

"No.  Thanks, dude, I really appreciate it,"  says an embarrassed Alex.  

Nick places his hand on his friend's shoulder.  "If you need anything, bro, just call me."

"Thanks."

Nick nods, then quietly leaves.  After his friend leaves, Alex kneels beside his mother.  He picks up a blanket 

that is draped over the back of the sofa and covers his mother.  He sighs deeply as he runs his hand through his hair and looks at his sleeping mother.  "Why, Mom?  Why are you doing this to yourself, and to me?  Dad's gone.  Jonathon is gone.  Mom, I need you because.........because I don't know what to do.  Mom, I feel like I'm all alone."

Falcon Crest....night

"Aunt Emma, you knew about this?"  Michael asks. 

"I knew that Sydney had a son, yes."

"How could you....."

"Just wait a minute,"  Richard interrupts.  "Emma, what are you saying?  You're telling me that you knew that this girl had a child?  My grandchild, and you didn't say anything to me about this in all these years, is that what you're telling me?"

"No.  Richard, I didn't know who the father was.  After I left Falcon Crest, I went north.  I went to Oregon to be near Julia, because I needed to be close to someone, and to be away from here after everything that had happened.  After what Charley and Ian had done.  I kept in touch with Sydney, and then, months later, when I was ready to give birth to Angela, Sydney came and stayed with me for a while.  She was pregnant.  She wouldn't tell me who the father was.  Later that Fall, she gave birth to a son.  She named him.......Kyle."

"On what date was Sydney's child born?"  Richard asks.

"What?"

"When was Sydney's child born?  Give me the exact date the boy was born."

"November 16, 1990,"  Emma Channing replies.

Richard nods.

"Daddy, what does that mean?" Angie asks.

"November 16, 1990 is the date of birth listed on Kyle Griffin's birth certificate."

"That still isn't PROOF, Dad,"  Michael protests.  Make him take a DNA test."

"I don't need a DNA test,"  says Richard.  "I should've known, looking at the boy.  It's like looking at Danny."

"The fact that they share a resemblance still isn't proof.  And even if he is Danny's bastard son, why did he come here?  Because he wants something, that's why.  I say we give him a little money and send him packing."

"Are you serious?"  Angie asks.  "Michael, this guy could be our nephew, Dad's grandson."

"So?  We don't know the guy, and neither does Dad.  We haven't seen or spoken to our oldest brother in YEARS, Angie.  We barely know him.  The last thing this family needs is another bastard offspring coming around trying to weasel his way into this family."

"Why, are you afraid of losing Falcon Crest, or losing your position in this family?"  Angie asks.

"Why don't you just grow the hell up, Angie?"  Michael asks.  "You look at the whole world through rose colored glasses or something, never wanting to face the harsh reality that there are people in this world who are out to cheat people like us just because we have money and power."

"Well at least I don't look at everyone with suspicion and distrust."

"Yeah, well maybe you should!"

"Alright, damn it, that's enough,"  Richard finally says.  "Let's finish eating this meal in peace......AND silence."

Michael and Angie angrily glare at each other across the table as the family gets on with their dinner.

Falcon Crest....later....

Angie comes down the stairs late that night and sees the light still on in her father's office.  She knocks on the door.  "Come in," she hears her father say.

Angie opens the sliding double doors to the office and walks in.  "Daddy?"

"Sweetheart, what on Earth are you doing down here this time of night?"  Richard asks his daughter.

"I couldn't sleep, so I thought a glass of warm milk might help, and I saw your light on.  Couldn't sleep, either, huh?"

"Nope."

"Thinking about Danny?"  Angie asks.  "Or this guy who could be Danny's son?"

"Both.  And your mother.  I was thinking about the night I found out that Danny Sharpe was my son.  I never would've known, but Danny had been in a very serious car accident, and he almost died.  That brought his mother, Ann, to town.  Ann confessed to your mother that I was her son's father.  I'll never forget the night I finally learned the truth, at the same time Danny did."

 Kasey walks into the  kitchen at the Harper Farm near Texarkana, Texas the next morning and finds Brian sitting on a stool after bathing in a wash pan, Austin Wentworth and her brother Josh both tied to chairs in one corner of the room, Josh with a gag in his mouth.  

"Thought you'd be done washin' by now," she says.

"Don't worry, I am,"  Brian says.  "Thank you for the towels and everything.  Bathing felt good, even just washing off in this pan.  I didn't realize just how dirty I was.  Last time I bathed was in the creek, with no soap."

"We do got a shower, ya know.  Down the hall in the bathroom.  Ya coulda used that and got a better washin'."

Brian smiles.  "Oh, yeah, sure," he says.  "And what would be happening while I was in that shower?  You, your brothers, and my brother.......you'd all be out of here just as soon as I stepped in that shower.  And before I could be finished, this place would be crawling with cops.  Thanks, but, no thanks.  I'll just continue to bathe in here with these two where I can keep an eye on them."

"Got news for ya, Brian,"  Austin says.  "That bath didn't take.  You still stink."

Brian laughs as he looks at Austin.  "Well, you don't exactly smell like a vine full of honeysuckles, either, brother. But hey, under these less than ideal conditions, we do what we have to, right?"  Brian stands to his feet.  He hands his towel and wash cloth to Kasey.  "Thanks again for these, and for the clothes.  Your brother's pants fit a little snug, but, they'll do."

"Here's one of Josh's shirts,"  Kasey says.  "I'll wash your clothes."

"Nah, just burn 'em,"  Brian says with a smile, which Kasey returns.  "Hey....where's your little brother?"

"He's in his room."

"Get him in here.  I want us all to stay together so I can keep an eye on everyone."

"He's not gonna go anywhere, and he doesn't have a phone, so leave the kid alone,"  Austin says.  

Brian walks over to him.  "Was I talking to you?  Kasey, go get your kid brother.  Bring him in here.  Soon as I finish getting dressed, we're all gonna go into the living room and get to know each other better."

Kasey does as she's told and leaves the room to get Corey.

Smiling, Brian walks over to the stove, picks up the shirt Kasey had brought in, and slips it on.  Then he walks over to Josh and takes the gag from his mouth.  "There....that better, sport?"

"You aint NEVER gone get away with this," says an angry Josh.  

Brian smiles at the boy.  "Oh, yeah, Joshy?  And why is that?"  He asks as Kasey and Corey enter the kitchen.  

"You thought that you were gonna get away with holding my brother here for the rest of his life, or with killing and burying him out in your woods.  If you could get away with that, then, surely I can stay hold up here for a while, all safe and snug."  Brian picks up his gun.  "You, kid," he says to Corey.  "Untie your brother and my brother.  We're all going into the living room and get comfortable."

Corey obeys Brian's order and unties Josh first, then Austin.

"Okay, let's go,"  Brian says, holding his gun on the group.  "Into the living room, everyone and have a seat."

Reluctantly, Austin, Josh, Kasey, and Corey walk into the living room, where they all take seats on the sofa.  "Look, why don't you just take your brother and get the hell outta here?"  Josh asks.

"Maybe I like it here,"  Brian replies.  "Wouldn't be trying to get rid of me and Austin, now would you, Joshy?  That wouldn't be very hospitable."

"I want you both outta my house,"  Josh says.  He looks at Austin.  "If it weren't for you, none of this would be happenin'.  YOU brought this on us."

"Me?  Are you kidding right now?"  Asks Austin.  "If you want someone to blame, then go look in the mirror.  I begged you to let me go.  I told you that my brother was dangerous and he was on the loose around here some place, but would you listen?  NO.  You insisted on keeping me locked away in that room.  So if anything happens here to any one of us........it's on YOU.  Not me."

"Are you two finished?" Brian asks.  

"Brian this is ridiculous,"  Austin says.  "Why don't you just let us all go, and get the hell out of here?  Josh has a truck.  Take the truck and go!"

"So you guys can call the cops and give them the license plate number and have me picked up before I make it out of this county?  No way, brother.  Contrary to what you think, I'm NOT that stupid."

"What are you gonna do to us?"  Asks a frightened Corey.

"Well, little man, that's all gonna depend on how well you all behave.  For now, we're all just gonna sit tight right here.  This farm is isolated, and no one ever comes out here because no one knows you kids are here, right?  Good.  So we should be able to stay here for a while at least.  But, eventually, there will come a time when I'm gonna have to split and go on the run again.  Even as isolated as this place is, it's only a matter of time before someone does come.  Maybe even the cops.  And when I do leave, one of you lucky people will have to come with me.  You know, for insurance purposes."

"Insurance purposes?"  Corey asks.

"Yeah,"  Brian replies.  "To make sure that the others don't call the cops as soon as I leave.  So who will be the lucky one to go with me?  Little man, here?  Or maybe......."  Brian pauses as he looks at Kasey and smiles.  "......this little beauty.  But we have time to figure out who's gonna go.  Right now, I think we should take this time and do a little bonding.  Get to know each other.  So who's gonna go first?  How about you, Joshy?  Come on.  Tell me a little bit about yourself.  What's your story?"

"You go straight to hell,"  Josh says.

Brian laughs.  "Ouch, that hurt.  And all I wanted to do was a little male bonding.  Well, if this is the attitude you're all gonna have, then, our time together won't be as pleasant as I'd hoped.  But that's fine with me.  You think you're a tough guy, huh, Joshy?"  

"If you didn't have that gun I'd show you just how tough I am,"  Josh says.

Brian walks over to Josh and slaps him hard across the face as the others gasp in horror.  "As tough as you THINK you are, little boy........I promise, when I'm done with you........you're gonna be as meek and humble as a newborn kitten."  Brian laughs sadistically as the others look at him, each person fearing for their lives at the hands of this madman.  

Lord Enterprises in San Francisco....

"I didn't feel like going,"  Alex replies.  

"Skipping school?  Alex, that isn't like you.  What's going on?"

"Uncle Cole, I just feel.........well, yesterday, I went home, and my best friend Nick was with me.  When we got to the house, Mom was on the sofa in the living room.  She was passed out drunk.  That was so damned embarrassing, Uncle Cole.  Every day she's drunk."

"How long has this been going on?"  Cole asks.

"Since Kevin died.  Mom blames herself, Uncle Cole, and it wasn't her fault.  I mean, she was drinking a little before Kevin was killed.  That's why he had to drive her home from Falcon Crest that night, but it's like, since he died, she's ALWAYS drunk.  I don't know what to do."  The boy begins to cry.  

Cole walks over to his nephew and puts his arms around the boy.  "It's alright, son."

"I just don't know what to do, Uncle Cole,"  Alex says in tears, pulling out of the embrace and looking at his uncle.  "I feel like I'm all alone.  My Dad is gone, just vanished without a trace.  My Mom is so drunk all the time she doesn't even know I exist.  I found out I have all these siblings I never even knew about, and three of them are fugitives on the run.  And now Jonathon's gone. My whole family has just gone up in smoke, and I'm all alone."

"That's not true, Alex,"  says Cole.  "Your Mom may be having a hard time right now, but she's still there.  And you have me, and Joseph, and Chase.  Alex, I'm really sorry that I haven't been there for you through all of this.  I should've been paying more attention to you and your Mom."

"It's not your fault.  I know you've had a lot going on yourself."

"Alex, I know it feels like your whole world has been turned upside down, and it has.  But I just want you to know that you're NOT alone.  Whenever you need anything, even if it's just to talk, we're here for you, and that includes me and  your cousins."

"Thanks, Uncle Cole, that means a lot."

"And there's someone else who, I'm sure, would be there for you, too.  Someone you've overlooked."

"Oh?  Who would that be?"  Alex asks.

"Josh."

"Josh McQueen?"

"Yes.  Josh is your brother, Alex,"  Cole.

"I don't even know him.  I didn't even know he existed until a few months ago."

"Well, you can change that.  Alex, y'know, I had my doubts about Josh at first.  But, he stayed at my house for a while, and I kinda got to know him a little."

"And?  What do you think of him?"  Alex asks.

"I think Josh is a good guy.  He's made some mistakes, and, like you, he's had his entire world turned upside down.  Finding out he was adopted, and who his real parents are had to have been hard on him.  Especially after he was framed for sending that bomb to Kevin and Emma's wedding."

"Yeah,"  Alex says with a sigh.  "One of my brothers framed another one for murder.  Tells ya what kind of family I have, doesn't it?"

"No one's family is perfect," says Cole.  "Ours just happens to be a little less perfect that most.  But I think you should get to know Josh.  I think the two of you need each other right now, and, your Mom needs both of her sons."

"Thanks for the talk, Uncle Cole.  I should let you get back to work.  And, thanks for looking after my Dad's company for him."

"You're welcome, but I'm doing this for you and for my sister," Cole says.  "Why don't you go on to school?  And this afternoon, I'll drop by the house and see your Mom.  I'll see if I can get through to her."

Alex nods.  "Thanks.  I'll see you later."

Cole walks over and again gives his nephew a hug.  "I know it doesn't seem like it right now, son, but everything's gonna be okay.  It will."

Alex nods again, then turns and leaves.  

The Lord home....later....

 Cole rings the doorbell of the Lord mansion half an hour later.  After several rings and no answer, Cole begins to worry, since Vicky's car is in the driveway, so he knows she has to be home.  Finally, he takes a key to the house Vicky had given him out of his pocket and unlocks the front door.  Walking into the house, he looks around. 

"Vicky?"  He calls out.  No reply.  "Vicky?"  He calls again as he heads up the stairs.  Walking into Vicky's bedroom, he finds his sister on the bed.  Cole pauses a brief moment, then rushes to her side.  "Vicky," he says, trying to wake her.  He gentlt pats her face, and slowly, Vicky begins to wake up.  She opens her eyes and looks up at him.

"Cole?"  She says, sleepily.  "Wha......what are you doing here?"

"I came to check on you.  Vicky, you know this morning is the reading of Kevin's will.  You and I are both supposed to be there."

"Will?"  Vicky asks drunkenly.  "Oh, sorry, big brother, but I'm not in the mood to attend any will readings today."

"Vicky, what the hell are you doing?"  Cole asks, picking up an empty vodka bottle beside the bed.  

"What does it look like?"

"What are you doing to yourself?  Vicky, you have to stop this and you have to stop it NOW!"

"Stop......what?"

"This, Vicky,"  Cole replies.  "This drinking.  You're destroying your own life and you're hurting your son."

"Isn't that typical?"  Vicky asks.  "I hurt everyone I come in contact with.  Maybe that's why Jeremy left me.  I hurt him.  I hurt my son.  I hurt Kevin. I hurt everyone."

"That's not true, Vicky.  Look, sis, I understand how you feel right now.  But this is not helping.  Vicky, you have GOT to pull yourself together, if not for yourself, then do it for your teenage son.  Alex is hurting very deeply right now.  The kid is confused, and he's scared, and he feels like everyone in the world has abandoned him.  Vicky, your son needs you."

Vicky begins to cry.  "I'm sorry.  Cole, I'm sorry.  I never meant to hurt Alex.  I just........"

"Shhhh......I know.  I understand.  Vicky, look, you just lay back and try and get some sleep, okay?  Try and sleep this off."

Vicky nods, then lays back on the bed.  She closes her eyes.

Cole walks across the room and takes his cell phone from his pocket.  He dials a number, then waits for an answer.  "Joseph, hey, it's me,"  Cole says to his son after Joseph answers the call. "Are you real busy at the office right now?  I need you to do me a favor.  I need you to come over to your Aunt Vicky's house as soon as you can get here.  Yeah, everything's okay, it's just that........I'll explain when you get here.  I have to get over to Falcon Crest in less than an hour for the reading of Kevin's will, and I don't wanna leave Vicky alone right now.  Okay, thanks, son.  I'll see you soon.  Bye."  Cole ends the call, puts his phone away, and looks at his sister on the bed, as Vicky is now fast asleep again.  Cole sighs, deeply worried about his sister.

Falcon Crest....later

"Well, thank you all for being here,"  Ben says.  "As you all know, we're here for the reading of the last will and testament of Kevin Gioberti Channing.  Each of you are here at Kevin's request.  Victoria Lord was also asked to be in attendance.  Cole, have you spoken to your sister?"

"Yes, and, unfortunately, Vicky won't be able to make it,"  Cole awkwardly replies.

"I'm sorry to hear that,"  Ben says.  "I hope she isn't sick."

"She wasn't feeling well."

"Don't you mean she was too drunk to make it?"  Richard asks.

"Umm, let's move on, shall we?"  Ben asks, trying to diffuse any problem that may develop between Richard and Cole.  Ben takes a seat at the small desk set up for the reading and opens the document in front of him.  "This will is dated March 26, 2017.  Kevin had this will drawn up after the birth of his son, Logan Chase.  I, Kevin Gioberti Channing, a legal adult with an address at 2805 Spring Mountain Road, Tuscany Valley, California, being of competent and sound mind, do hereby declare this to be my last will and testament (hereinafter, “Last Will & Testament”) and do hereby revoke any and all wills and codicils heretofore made jointly or severally by me. I further declare that this Last Will & Testament reflects my personal wishes without any undue influence whatsoever.  At the time of this Last Will &Testament, I am engaged to be married to one Miss Emma Brown Ryland, and with her I share one son, Logan Chase Channing.  I hereby nominate and appoint my sister, Angela Lauren Channing as Executor/Personal Representative of this Last Will & Testament. Should the aforementioned individual be unavailable, unable or unwilling to serve as Executor/Personal Representative when needed, then I nominate and appoint my brother, Cole Gioberti, as the alternate Executor/Personal Representative of this Last Will & Testament.  Immediately following my death, the Executor/Personal Representative will be authorized to exercise all provisions of this Last Will & Testament and to use the assets from my estate to make necessary arrangements, without any unnecessary delay, for the payment of personal debts, obligations and funeral expenses.  In the event I am the sole parent or legal guardian of my non-adult children at the time of my death, then I hereby nominate and appoint Michael and Elena Channing, two individuals with an address at 2805 Spring Mountain Road, Tuscany Valley, California, as legal guardians of my children.  Should the aforementioned individuals be unavailable, unable or unwilling to serve as legal guardian when needed, then I nominate and appoint Cole Gioberti as the alternate legal guardian of my children.  After payment of all of personal debts, expenses and liabilities, I request and direct that my property be bequeathed as follows:  To my son, Logan Chase Channing, I do hereby leave and bequeath one half of my share of Falcon Crest Winery along with 500 acres of vineyards belonging to Falcon Crest.  This half of Falcon Crest I leave to my son, should he have not reached the legal age of 18 at the time of my death, will be administered by his mother, Emma

Brown Ryland.  Should Emma predecease me, this portion of Falcon Crest shall be administered by my brother, Michael Channing.  Also to my son, Logan Chase Channing, I leave the total sum of two million dollars, to be held in a trust fund until my son reaches the age of 18, at which time, the total sum of the trust fund shall be turned over to my son's name to do with as he sees fit. To Emma Brown Rylan, the mother of my son, and the love of my life, I leave not only my eternal love and gratitude for the time we shared together, but also the total sum of one million dollars in an account held at the First National Bank of San Francisco.  To my father, Richard Channing, I leave my undying gratitude.  You were not my biological father, but you loved and raised me as your own, and treated me no differently than you treated your own biological children, Michael and Angie.  To my brother, Michael Channing, I leave the old beaten up football that the two of us use to play with every day after school.  I also leave to my brother Michael, the copy of Charles Dickens's book The Pickwick Papers, that he gave me when I was in 9th grade.  To my sister, Angie, I leave my box of comic books.  When you were a kid, you always loved to sneak into my room, grab one of those comics, read it and return it.  You never knew that I was onto what you were doing."

Hearing Kevin's words causes slight laughter from Angie and Michael, as a stoic Richard sits stone faced with tears streaming down his cheek.

Ben continues:  "To my sister, Victoria Gioberti-Lord, I leave a diamond brooch that belonged to our dear mother, Maggie.  I know that Mom would want you to have it.  To my brother, Cole Gioberti, I leave my boat.  Cole, I know how much you love to sail, and I trust that you will enjoy and take care of her.  To my cousin, Lance

Cumson,  I leave the other half of my share of Falcon Crest, along with the second 500 acres of vineyards that goes with it.  Lance, Falcon Crest was yours until it was taken from you.  Now, I hope getting at least a small piece of it back will make up for the loss you endured."

Kevin's bequest to Lance of his half of Falcon Crest shocks everyone in the room, but no one as much as Richard, who looks angrily across the room at his nephew.  

"Lance looks at Richard and smiles.  "Well, Richard, looks like we're partners," he says, much to Richard's annoyance.  

Meanwhile.....a hospital somewhere not far from San Francisco....

A nurse is taking the vitals of a patient who is heavily bandaged from head to foot when a doctor walks into the room.  

"Nurse," he says.  "How is he?"

"No change, Dr. Brown."

The doctor walks over, gently lifts the patient's eyelids, and looks into the eyes with a small light, then releases the lids.  

"After all this time, and still no indication that he'll ever come out of this coma," the nurse says.

"I've seen stranger things happen, Nurse,"  says Dr. Brown.  "It's only been a couple of months.  I have seen patients remain in comas for 6, 7, 8 months or longer and come out of it.  Besides, with the burns this poor guy suffered, it's a blessing for him that he HAS been in a coma.  If he were conscious, the pain would've been unbearable."

"Has Dr. Shapiro returned your calls?"  The nurse asks.

"Yes, as a matter of fact he did, just this morning.  I sent him a description of the case, and some photos of the victim's burns."

"Does he think he'll be able to help?"

"He won't know until he comes and exams the patient for himself.  He promised me he would come in a few days," Dr. Brown says.

"I sure hope he can help this poor guy.  I really feel horrible for him.  Burned over 90 percent of his body.  Barely alive, and in a coma.  It's a miracle he made it here alive."

"It's a miracle that he survived whatever happened to him in the first place,"  says Dr. Brown.  "But with his other injuries, broken bones, head injury.......I would say maybe a car crash.  Those broken ribs indicate that he was hit in the chest by something with great force, maybe an air bag.  At any rate, if anyone can help him, Dr. David Shapiro can.  He's the best at reconstructive and cosmetic surgery that I've ever seen.  But if he never comes out of this coma, Dr. Shapiro doing skin grafts and cosmetic surgery is pointless."

"You think we'll ever know who he is?"  The nurse asks.

"Well, I've been in touch with the police, and the only report of any missing person in the area doesn't fit the description of our patient here.  The missing person is a young man of about 20 or 21.  This patient, I'd say, is closer to 30.  Since he had no I.D., and no one has contacted the hospital looking for anyone, I guess the only way we'll ever know who he is is if he ever wakes up and tells us himself.  Well, I have to finish making my rounds.  I'll see you later, Debbie."

"Bye, Dr. Brown," the nurse says.  She looks at the patient one more time, then turns and follows the doctor from  the room.  After she leaves, the patient's hand begins to move, then, his fingers begin to slowly close into a fist.....

....then, suddenly, the patient's eyes open!!