LONDON RAIN, Part 14

Don Lockwood stepped into his living room and dropped the heavy leather duffel bag he had dealt with since leaving Heathrow. Between it and the overnight flight from New York, he was exhausted and it felt good to be home at last.

"Sue Ellen, luv? Are you home?"

Don paused as he shut the door behind him, waiting for an answer, and soon saw his wife come out of the den into the hall. He smiled. She looked lovely in the rather formal black outfit he had bought her to attend the charity auction scheduled for tonight.

"Hello, luv," Sue Ellen replied with a smile as she entered the living room. "This is surprise. You should have told me you were coming home. I would have picked you up at the airport."

"No need," Don said as he gladly accepted a kiss on the cheek from his wife. "I knew you were attending the charity auction tonight and didn't want to interrupt your plans."

"What made you decide to leave New York early?"

"I don't know. Just a feeling I had. You didn't seem quite yourself on the phone last night."

Unknown to Don, Sue Ellen was nervous, still shaken by the kiss she had just shared with J.R. and unsure how to announce his presence before he arrived in the living room. The decision was quickly taken from her control, though, as Don spied the black Stetson hanging from the antique roman statue near the hallway.

"Oh my God. J.R. is here, isn't he?" The anger in Don's eyes quickly doused Sue Ellen's anxiety and replaced it with stubborn determination. She could tell he was about to lecture her and she was more than ready for it. His open contempt for J.R. had been a problem they had often faced since John Ross had come to live with them.

"Yes, he is," she nodded. "He spent the day with his son."

"How nice." The sarcastic indignation in Don's voice only made Sue Ellen more irritated. "It's all starting to make sense now. Was his visit by invitation?"

"No. But I won't keep him from his son, Don."

"Why didn't you tell me he was here when I called last night? I need to be here when he visits."

"Maybe so. But you weren't here, as usual … were you?" Her anger was beginning to resonate in her voice. "Perhaps you should trust my judgment instead."

"Where J.R. is concerned? Not bloody likely."

John Ross exited the den and J.R. soon followed. When J.R. noticed Sue Ellen standing as still as a statue, glaring at her husband, he stopped where he was, knowing from his ex-wife's body language she was engaged in a heated discussion.

When Don looked over at him, J.R. nodded his head. "Lockwood."

Don ignored the greeting and looked at John Ross. "Hello, John Ross," he said, trying to smile.

"Hello," John Ross quietly replied then looked over at his mother. "Mom, is everything okay?"

"Just fine, sweetheart," she said reassuringly. "How about going to your room for me? I'll be there in just a minute."

"Sure." John Ross looked over at J.R. "Wanna come with me, Dad?"

J.R. looked down at his son and smiled. "Actually, John Ross, I think it's time I was headin' back to the hotel. Looks like your mamma has a few things she wants to discuss with her, uh, husband."

"J.R.," Sue Ellen said as she turned to him, "would you mind if John Ross stayed with you tonight?"

"Not at all," J.R. replied. "I'd like that."

"Cool!" John Ross said with a grin.

"Sue Ellen, I don't think that's a wise choice," Don added. "The boy should stay here with us."

Sue Ellen heard J.R.'s breath catch and knew he was furious. The entire situation was deteriorating and she realized she had to do something before it slipped out of her control. But J.R. responded too quickly, only adding fuel to the fire of her husband's temper.

"Lockwood," J.R. smugly remarked, "if you've gotta problem with me then just spit it out."

"I wouldn't know where to start!" Don angrily replied. "So how about if you just get the hell out of my house and we'll leave it at that."

"Don!" Sue Ellen was surprised by his rude remark.

"No. It's all right, Sue Ellen," J.R. said as he reached over and removed his hat from the statue. It was taking everything he had not to lose his temper but he wouldn't let that happen, not in front of John Ross. Besides, he would exact his revenge on Lockwood soon enough. The takeover of his company just became one hell of an acquisition. "John Ross, how 'bout throwin' a few things in a bag and I'll meet you outside?"

"I'm already packed, Dad, 'cause I thought I was staying with Ben tonight. I'll be right back." He said over his shoulder as he ran down the hall to his room.

"I'll drive you to the hotel," Sue Ellen quietly said to J.R., making Don even angrier.

"No need," J.R. replied. "I was gonna take John Ross out to dinner. My driver should be here by now."

The silence that fell over the living room was uncomfortable. J.R. walked over and picked his coat up off the couch and slipped it on, trying to avoid any further eye contact with Lockwood. He wasn't sure how much longer he could keep quiet.

"By the way, J.R.," Don added, taking the chance to make his long-awaited announcement. "I have some good news for you. You're about to become a celebrity."

"What the hell are you talkin' about?" J.R. tightly replied, still trying to avoid looking at the man.

"Sue Ellen's movie. I'm about to sign a very substantial distribution deal for it in New York. If all goes well, it should be in Dallas within a month."

"You what!" Sue Ellen furiously interjected.

J.R. glared at her, angry that she had lied to him about the film's destruction. The image of how Miss Ellie was going to react when she saw the film quickly resurfaced in his mind. It was the same nightmare he had fought off since Sue Ellen first showed him the damn thing.

"I destroyed the film and its negative months ago," Sue Ellen said to both men, trying to dispel Don's lie and reassure J.R. she had told the truth.

"I know you did," Don smirked. "But you didn't destroy the director's cut."

"You had no right to keep a copy," Sue Ellen angrily replied.

"I had every right. It was my film." Lockwood looked over at J.R. "Besides, I knew he would eventually show up here, trying to insert himself into your life again."

Sue Ellen glanced over at J.R., worried about how quiet he was. She knew only too well that nothing good ever came from his angry silences.

"It is not your film," Sue Ellen said as she glared back at her husband. "You have no legal right to the distribution and if it is released, you will open us up to lawsuits that would destroy us financially. Did you even consider that?"

"What, lawsuits from Ewing?" Don sneered at J.R. "No, I don't think so. He wouldn't dare."

"You just try me, boy." The icy, eerie quietness of J.R.'s tone sent a wave of dread through Sue Ellen.

"Don, you've got to stop this right now," Sue Ellen pleaded. "Please."

"Why?" Don angrily replied to her. "Don't tell me you're protecting him, Sue Ellen? Has he been giving you that same old line about how he's changed? Well, it's a lie, luv, just as it always has been. Do you know he's having me investigated again?" He looked directly at J.R. "Did you think my friends wouldn't tell me there were tecs about, trying to dig up information on me?"

"You're paranoid, Lockwood." J.R. sneered. "Why don't you just tell us what you're hidin' and get it out in the open."

Don doubled-up his fist and swung at J.R.'s jaw but he had telegraphed his move and J.R. dodged in time to miss the weight of the impact that would have sent him reeling. He caught enough of Lockwood's knuckles to make his lip bleed, though.

"Don, what is wrong with you?" Sue Ellen shouted as she stepped between the two men. "You either calm down or get the hell out of here!"

J.R. raised his hand to his mouth, wiping away the blood that was running down his chin then focused back on Lockwood with laser-like intensity. He usually didn't fight; he left that to baby brother Bobby and Ray. But this was different.

Sue Ellen knew Don was in trouble. Even before the thought had crossed J.R.'s mind to strike back and punch Lockwood, Sue Ellen anticipated his reaction and pushed her hand against his chest.

"J.R., don't! Please? Listen to me, don't let this escalate. Not in front of John Ross. Think of your son."

At the mention of John Ross, the rage inside J.R. lessened, leaving him shaken from the unanswered rush of adrenaline.

At J.R.'s side, where he had moved unnoticed to join his father, John Ross made a sound somewhere between a muffled cry of pain and a scream of anger.

"You leave my dad alone!" John Ross cried out as he lunged out at his stepfather, pushing against him with all his strength, making Don stumble back several steps.

As John Ross moved to go after Don again, J.R. quickly stepped around Sue Ellen and grabbed him, holding him tightly against his chest, pinning his arms against his side. Driven by blind rage, John Ross fought desperately to free himself, surprising J.R. at just how strong his son had become.

"John Ross! Calm down, son."

"LET ME GO!" John Ross screamed.

"No, son. Not 'til you calm down. C'mon now!"

Sue Ellen stepped in front of J.R. and bent down to comfort John Ross. She ran her fingers through his hair and stroked his face, wiping the angry tears from his eyes.

"John Ross, sweetheart. Please calm down. It's all right. It's gonna be all right."

At her words and touch, John Ross finally began to relax in J.R.'s arms. J.R. marveled at her; she always had been able to instantly soothe the boy. It reminded him of the quiet strength of his own mother. With that thought, J.R. finally released his son into her arms.

Sue Ellen held John Ross against her and continued to run her fingers through his hair. "You go ahead and go with your daddy," she smiled weakly. "You're gonna have a great time."

"C'mon, son," J.R. said as he placed his hand on John Ross' head. Let's get outta here. Some fresh air would do us both good."

"Mom, come with us," John Ross pleaded with her.

Sue Ellen smiled again but there were tears in her eyes. "I'll be fine, I promise." She bent down and kissed him on the forehead. "I'll see you first thing tomorrow morning."

"John Ross," J.R. added while giving Lockwood one of the coldest, angriest stares the man had ever seen, "take your bag out to the driver and wait for me in the car. I'll be right there, bud."

"Yes, sir." John Ross knew from the tone of his father's voice it was no time to argue. Plus he wanted to get as far away from his stepfather as soon as possible. He looked up at Sue Ellen. "I love you, Mamma."

"I love you too, sweetheart," Sue Ellen replied as she touched his cheek. "See you tomorrow."

John Ross refused to look at Don as he opened the door and exited, leaving it open on purpose. It felt so good after all the times Don had told him to shut the door behind him.

J.R. looked over at Sue Ellen. "Don't stay here with him."

"Oh, just leave already," Don muttered.

J.R. made a move toward Lockwood but Sue Ellen grabbed his arm. "J.R., listen to me …" J.R. stopped and looked back at her. "I'm going to be fine," Sue Ellen repeated. She wanted to reach up and touch the bloodied corner of J.R.'s mouth, kiss it and make them both feel better about what happened, but she simply smiled. "Look out for John Ross for me."

"You know I will," J.R. replied.

The way his wife looked at her ex-husband made Don's temper double then explode. "Ewing, get the hell out of here!"

J.R. escaped Sue Ellen's grip, moving with an unsuspected lightening stealth, and grabbed Don by the lapels of his leather jacket, pushing him against the wall with such force it knocked his breath out.

"You lay one finger on her," J.R. whispered in a deadly tone as he glared down at Lockwood, "and I'm comin' after you with everything I got."

Don finally remained silent. Still dazed, he was also greatly intimidated by the strength of the man that now towered above him. The rage inside him flickered out and died, replaced by guilt and fear as he realized he had underestimated J.R.

J.R. sensed Lockwood's surrender and released him with a push. He then looked over at Sue Ellen, expecting punishment but receiving an unexpected nod of approval. She stood defiantly before him, her arms folded across her chest, her previous distress now replaced with an indignant control of her emotions. The look on her face was so familiar to J.R.; she was obviously ready for a fight and it was time he stepped back and let her give Lockwood everything he deserved. A perceptive look passed between them then J.R. walked out of the open door and was gone.

Sue Ellen reached over and slammed the door. She stared at her husband, her aloof silence clearly broadcasting her displeasure.

Don knew he was in trouble. Facing her wrath for upsetting John Ross was going be terrible even though hurting the boy in any way had been the farthest thing from his mind when he lashed out at J.R. The realization of how badly he had reacted finally hit him, accompanied by a deep regret. That shame now stung deeper than the anger he had felt about finding J.R. in his house.

"Sue Ellen," Don sheepishly remarked, "I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what?" The frosty tone of her voice made him uneasy. "For acting like an ass or for eliminating me from the decision of when my film – a film that was clearly off limits – would be distributed? So much for us being a team."

"It's a great deal, Sue Ellen," he replied with a worried grin. "We're going to make a lot of money, luv."

"I don't give a damn!" Sue Ellen took a deep breath, trying to calm her anger. "It will be blood money, Don, taken from the emotional devastation of the Ewings including my son."

Hearing the Ewing name again made Don's anger flare back up. "Then you should have thought about that before you made it."

Sue Ellen blankly stared at him, unable to believe what she had just heard. "Well, I thought I had relied on a professional to handle it. I was obviously greatly mistaken." She paused, the gleam in her eye becoming resolute. "You're going to kill the distribution deal immediately."

"No, I'm not." He turned away from her and walked over to the bar to pour himself a much needed glass of gin. "When you come to your senses and stop talking like J.R. Ewing, we'll discuss it further."

"We'll discuss it right now!"

"You gave me full control of Lockwood Entertainment when you signed over your half of the company," he replied blandly and bolted the gin. "That included the film."

The implications hit Sue Ellen hard and she had to fight the physical sickness that overcame her.

"Now, if it makes you feel better," Don continued as he turned back to her, "I'll spend the night on the couch in the den. Perhaps by morning you will be calm enough to realize I did this for your benefit."

"For my benefit? Gee thanks," she scoffed. "And exactly how will I know the difference that you aren't in bed tonight?"

"Releasing the film is going to set you free of the Ewing influence once and for all, luv," he remarked, inwardly reeling from her sarcastic implication. "The sooner the better."

"The 'Ewing influence'. That's what this is all about, isn't it? It's why you haven't touched me in weeks. All because of that stupid nightmare I had."

"You didn't call out his name in your sleep like it was a nightmare!" Don shouted out then paused, trying to regain his composure. "Why do you think it bothers me so much, knowing he has been here behind my back?"

"How many times do I have to tell you," she said wearily, "J.R. is my past. He means nothing to me."

"Then why did you let him into our house?"

"Because John Ross needed him. More than I ever realized. I can't deny him access to his son." Her tone gentled. "Don, please. J.R. is broken right now. He has nothing and he's not a threat. Besides, he's been on his best behavior." She paused, searching for anything that might calm her husband's jealous temper. "What's the harm in him visiting John Ross? We both knew he would eventually."

"I thought it would be in Dallas, not here." He paused for a moment. "He's up to something, Sue Ellen. What other reason could he have for having me investigated again?"

"So what if he did? We have nothing to hide."

"You are not a good judge of his actions, luv," he replied defensively. "He has obviously cast a spell over you again."

"That doesn't speak very highly of your opinion of me."

"Not where he is concerned, no. You have obvious weaknesses he will exploit, given the chance."

"Obvious weaknesses?" Her tone was now ice cold, matching the stare she studied him with. "I will be exploited by no one, especially not J.R. Ewing."

"Well, then so be it. When the film is released, he will hopefully be out of our lives for good, anyway."

"So, you're still going through with the film's release?"

"You're damn right I am!"

"Then prepare yourself," she replied coolly. "You provoked a sleeping cobra tonight when you told him about the film then threw him into attack mode by assaulting him in front of his son. Believe me, his retribution won't be physical. It's going to be mental and emotional and you won't know it's coming until it happens."

Don scoffed at her concern. "Fine. Let him do his worst."

"Oh, he will." Sue Ellen looked at him as if seeing him for the first time. "And you will be the one with the 'obvious weaknesses'."

Don ignored her repeating his own words to him. "You will not see him again, Sue Ellen. And he will not come into this house. I forbid it."

Sue Ellen slowly shook her head, unable to comprehend the arrogance of her husband's statement especially because it was her house.

"You forbid it?" She slowly smiled in a deadly serious way. "So, we finally come down to it, the usual male tactic of threatening and forbidding. My God, I find that incredibly boring."

She turned and walked to the coat closet and removed her coat and purse.

"Where do you think you're going?" Don asked.

"Anywhere but here. Or are you going to forbid that, too?"

She opened the front door and left Don standing in the silence of the living room.