Dallas, Texas

"How difficult would it be to get that clause removed? My motivations are purely personal, but this is business and I know daddy connects the two rather closely", sitting in Brooks Oliver's office, JR felt a little sick as he waited for an answer to his question. He knew that if he kept the morality clause in his contract and Sue Ellen found out about it and what his good behaviour guaranteed him in the future, whatever progress they had made toward repairing the trust in their marriage would disappear. He was also aware that he would also lose her if he did nothing about the clause and she did later find out about it, which would inevitably happen if history was anything to go by; so, naturally, in pursuit of being a better husband, he was making moves to overturn the clause; it was the right thing to do. "You say your motivations are personal, I assume that that doesn't mean that you intend to go back to a life of infidelity, but rather that you want to be a good man for yourself and for your family, not because you're contractually obligated to be; is that assumption correct?" assessing the situation, Brooks looked to JR for a response. "Yes, that's correct. I know I was a bastard who had his priorities in the wrong place, so I understand why daddy did what he did, but I'm trying to change and I really believe I am changing, however, I do not want that change to be attributed to the promise of Ewing Oil rather than love and respect for my family. I cannot lose Sue Ellen and John Ross and I know my relationship with daddy will deteriorate rapidly if anything does happen to my marriage, so instead of just sitting back and hoping that nothing happens, I want to change things before they do get out of hand. I want to fix our marriage, but to really start with a fresh slate means not having secrets or hidden agendas like this hanging over me". Finishing his explanation, JR hoped that Brooks Oliver was satisfied with his answer and didn't question him any further; he didn't mind explaining his reasons, but to delve deep into the thoughts and feelings behind everything wasn't really something he cared to get into with anyone but Sue Ellen and perhaps Doctor Williams.

"Good, that's what I wanted to hear and that's exactly what you need to tell Jock, because I believe that this is more of a moral and personal decision than a legal one. What I mean by that is, if you're asking whether you can legally request that the contract to be overturned on the basis of unfairness or illegality, then you're out of luck, because the contract as it is written is legally sound, there is no legal reason why it would be declared null and void just because you want out. However, that doesn't mean that you cannot request a renegotiation of the contents or request a rescission, essentially repealing the contract, sometimes even as far back as if it had never existed. I know you're probably concerned about the guarantee of ownership and presidency of Ewing Oil connected to the morals clause though, so, as a lawyer, I would recommend a renegotiation rather than repealing or rewriting the contract entirely, it's the safest way to ensure that you don't lose those or other benefits. That being said though, as I mentioned before, I do believe that this is much more of a personal discussion than a legal one, so I really do urge you to talk to your daddy before you start making any legal requests to amend the contract; it's probably the least messy option and you may be surprised by the results". Pausing for a moment as he waited for JR to comprehend his words, Brooks was relieved when JR murmured a few words of understanding, without argument, "fine. I suppose I have to listen to you, you are my lawyer in this situation. As long as you're sure that I have options, I suppose I can hold off on making any legal requests until after I speak to my daddy. I want to be clear though, whatever way I have to do it, I want that clause eliminated". Speaking firmly, JR then looked at his watch and noticing the time, he knew that he needed to be getting back to Ewing Oil; if he was going to approach his father with the subject of changing his contract again, he didn't need him to be in a bad mood because he had arrived back at work late.

As their meeting ended, JR shook Brooks' hand and then followed him toward the office door, though he stopped for a moment when Brooks cleared his throat, as if he had one more thing to say. "JR, tell your daddy exactly what you told me and you have nothing to worry about in terms of him believing you about your personal motivation. If Jock Ewing is anything like I think he is, he will be proud to hear his son speak so seriously about being a good man for his family. Add to that the fact that he as much as said that he had always intended for you, the eldest son, to inherit Ewing Oil, I don't believe he would go back on his word, especially not now, not in this circumstance, this is a good thing for you and Mrs Ewing". Pausing for a second, he then added, "forgive me if that was out of place or incorrect, but that's just how the situation appears to me", and giving him an encouraging smile, he then shook JR's hand again in a professional manner and opened the door to show him out. Hopefully he actually listened and took his advice, because he was fairly sure that what he'd suggested wasn't insane and really was the best way to approach the situation.

To be continued…