Dallas, Texas

"…now remember, I'm not asking for your opinion on his personality, I'm asking for your opinion on his ability do the work required here; so, tell me honestly, do you think he's cut out for it?" Looking directly at Ray as he sought a second opinion on his prospective plan for youngest son's future, Jock waited for an answer. Although he was still annoyed by the tantrum Bobby had thrown and the overall bratty and ungrateful attitude he'd displayed in their argument a few weeks ago, he wasn't prepared to throw his entire future succession plan away. It also helped that Bobby was the one son of his who had enough common sense to know when to cut his losses and apologise, because he had done exactly that, just hours after their argument; he'd apologised for his behaviour and attitude and he'd promised that he would do whatever he was told, because he knew his place. In the weeks since then, although their relationship was still strained, things were also a lot better than they had been during the few days after their argument. He had done a lot of thinking about why Bobby had reacted the way he did and he'd come to a logical and understanding conclusion, one that he'd already been aware of prior to Bobby's outburst, but hadn't quite realised how strongly his youngest son's feelings were. He wasn't stupid, he knew that Bobby's words and behaviour were spurred by his fear of completely losing what little he had at Ewing Oil, his fear of ruining their father-son bond, and the sense of competition he felt with JR, and understanding his motivations, he understood why Bobby had reacted the way that he did. Knowing his youngest son though, he had a feeling that his emotions about his rightful place in Ewing Oil had more to do with the emphasis and importance that had always been placed on the company as the Ewing legacy and their family's main source of wealth than it did with a genuine interest and love for the oil business. He was sure that as long as Bobby felt valued and needed, it wouldn't really matter what he was doing. Going by that assumption, he moved full steam ahead with a plan he'd had for a while, one he hoped would calm things and secure the legacy of all Ewing business once and for all.

Considering Jock's proposal and question, Ray waited a moment before responding to him. "Well sir, you know I would never lie to you, especially not about something this important, so you can trust me when I say this; I think what you're planning is a very good idea. From what I've seen and experienced working with Bobby, he understands what needs to be done, he's capable and willing to do those things, and most of all, he really enjoys ranching. As well as that, I know you didn't really want to know my opinion on his personality, but I think it applies here, because it's important to the overall running of the ranch; the presence of a Ewing in our day-to-day work, whether it be you or Bobby, it's an excellent boost to staff morale. The boys like to see the boss and his son out here with the rest of us, they like to know that someone values and understands the work they do and I know that you and Bobby really do, so I'm sure that if in the future, there's a stronger Ewing presence around here, it can only mean good things. Bobby is a people person, he's friendly and relatable, but when the situation calls for it, he's also able to give orders and make his position of authority known. To answer your question simply though, yes, I think he definitely has the ability to work here, especially if you're planning to follow the steps you explained to me earlier. There's a lot to learn before he has the knowledge and experience necessary to run the ranch like you and I do, but as you said earlier, you're not planning to throw him in at the deep end. You took me in when I was just fifteen; I knew how to work hard and I knew how to follow orders, but I didn't really know anything about ranching; you taught me a lot and I'm very grateful to you for that, and if I know Bobby, he will be too". Looking Jock in the eye as he spoke, Ray hoped that he understood just how much he had changed his life, because he had and he truly was grateful to him for the opportunities afforded to him. He also hoped that Jock understood that he didn't take it lightly at all that he was being asked for his professional opinion on such a personal matter.

Silently nodding his head in agreement as Ray spoke, Jock waited a few moments after he finished speaking to respond to his affirmation that the prospective plan was a good one. "Good, good. To hear you say those things makes me a very proud man; you're a good foreman and a good man and I do trust your opinion, so if you agree that this is the right place for Bobby, then I trust you and I trust that you'll teach him some of the things I taught you". Slapping him on the shoulder, Jock took a small pause and then moved their talk away from slight sentimentality and back to straight business, "I'll talk to him this week and we'll see what we can do about his hours. We still need him at Ewing Oil, but I want him to do at least a couple of days a week here on the ranch". Receiving a nod and a verbal agreement from Ray, he knew the conversation had gone as far as it needed to; he was satisfied, Ray was a good man and Bobby would do well under his leadership. If all went to plan, everything would work out just fine. All he needed now was Bobby's agreement, though if his assumptions about his youngest son's need to feel important, special and included were correct, he wouldn't object too much to his new job, and hopefully, he would actually be happy with it. It was what was best for the family and for the two Ewing businesses.

To be continued…