Dallas (2012) s02e05 Episode Script
Trial and Error
Previously on Dallas I shot him, Bobby.
Harris Ryland's in critical condition.
Mrs.
Ewing, did you have anything to do with the shooting? I shot Harris Ryland.
I know my track record isn't the best.
I want to earn your trust.
I need you to dig up some dirt on Elena's brother, Drew Ramos.
He's always had a nose for trouble.
He's definitely up to something I'm not sure what, but it doesn't look legal.
Is this some kind of a joke? You're going to prison, vicente.
Life is cheap in prison, and I'm a very rich man.
So am I.
Your son is in bed with Pamela Barnes.
You got feelings for this girl? Your guy Frank He's got a deal with J.
R.
They're conspiring against your daughter.
Why are you helping me? To protect our deal.
Your honor, I met Tommy Sutter about two years ago.
I shot and killed him.
Forgive me.
I love you for doing this, but you have to let me take responsibility.
Mr.
Ryland, you remember what happened? It was Bobby Ewing.
He shot me.
What are you doing? You can't come in here.
Security! Wake up, you sick son of a bitch! How dare you pin this on Bobby? Tell them the truth, damn it! Tell the police it was me I shot you! Come on now, Annie.
Your husband's more than willing to take the fall to protect you.
I'm just trying to show him my support.
No, what you're trying to do is punish me.
Bobby was gonna tell the truth.
I was gonna take responsibility.
You'd best leave if you know what's good for you.
You've taken my daughter.
You want my husband now, too? Where does it end, Harris All these sick, twisted games? Well, we've all made our choices, haven't we? Security! This is the price you have to pay for yours Security! For thinking you could live in a world without my tender, loving care.
Finally! Where have you been? Come on her! Get her out of here! If your heart weren't so small, you'd be dead.
Let's go, ma'am.
I wish you were dead.
You have to leave.
I'm going to the police.
I'm gonna confess.
Who do you think they're gonna believe? You or the victim here? Ma'am, this way.
Kiss Bobby goodbye for me, will you? Emma Come on.
My name is Ann Ewing, and I shot Harris Ryland.
DALLAS S02 Ep05 - Trial and error Dad If you knew it was my mother who shot you, why did you tell the police it was Mr.
Ewing? Well, I Well, when the police interviewed me, honey, I-I had just come out of a coma.
Not to mention the emergency surgery, the medication, the transfusion.
And I guess the combination of things just kind of confused me a bit.
As for your mother, I'm I'm sorry you had to witness her true nature today.
God knows I've tried to shield you from it for all these years.
Anyway, it's it's not something for you to worry about.
Or your place to question.
I'm sorry, I I didn't understand.
Well, that's all right.
Three people dead One of whom I considered as my son, and all because you allowed your heart to dictate your actions.
I feel horrible about Frank, daddy.
I know this is all my fault.
Perhaps I should have paid more attention to you over the years.
Of course, now you're desperately looking for love with men who can only use you.
I know I screwed up, but John Ross is gonna help me get control of the methane after the divorce.
It's not just the methane that we need.
It's Ewing Energies Lock, stock, and barrel.
And for the life of me, I can't figure out why you'd want to play another Ewing in this.
John Ross is as machiavellian as his father.
There won't be any more mistakes Any more emotions getting in the way.
Where have I heard that before? Okay.
The blood trace and carpet fibers found on those boots appear to be sufficient evidence for the D.
A.
's office to dismiss Ryland's false charges against you, Bobby, and to indict Ann.
Thank God.
- Ann, honey.
- I needed to do it.
I mean, you didn't shoot him, and I couldn't let Harris get away with another lie.
Yeah, well, we're past that.
What we have to do now is find a way to get her out from under these charges, Lew.
Yeah.
I think we need to plead not guilty, go for jury nullification The same plan I had for you, except that Ann's defense gives me a lot more leeway.
Here's the deal.
We put up a sudden-passion defense Ann's actions the result of extreme provocation, duress, and a whole array of mitigating circumstances.
And when the truth comes out, any jury in their right mind will understand.
They won't convict you.
Your daughter deserves to hear the full story, Ann.
Emma was unwilling to listen before.
Maybe now, in court, she will.
Good mornin'.
Good morning? I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me, J.
R.
What do you want, Barnes? Want? From you? Not a plugged nickel.
Just wanted to let you know how nice it was to finally see your son after all these years.
Say what? Well, he gave me a heads-up about you and Frank.
Thought you'd like to know who sold you out.
You go to hell, Barnes.
Well, I would, but seems like you've cornered that market.
My God.
Do you think he's gonna survive? No questions, guys, please.
No questions at this time, please.
Ann, please, just one comment! Please! Something! Sensitivity doesn't seem to be their strong point, does it? Child's play.
You should see how they carry on at Ewing Energies.
Anyway, you have my full support here.
Thank you, mother.
That means a lot to me.
The judge has granted an exception to the prosecution, allowing them to call Ryland to testify whenever he's deemed medically fit.
But he's not here yet, okay? Thank God.
- Be strong.
- All rise! Court is now in session.
The honorable judge Wallace Tate presiding.
Be seated.
All right, felony case number F12-6555 Z, the state of Texas vs.
Ann Ewing.
The charge attempted murder.
Having heard all preliminary motions, is the prosecution ready to begin? We are, your honor.
Then you may proceed, Ms.
Garson.
The state calls Judith Ryland.
My son fell head over heels with Ann Smith, despite my warnings that she was nothing but a gold digger and an opportunist.
But he had always been sheltered, and once she had him in her clutches, she began spending our money, staying out late Picking up men.
That's not true.
Harris thought a child would tame her, teach her to love something outside her own selfish indulgences.
But once she got pregnant, all Ann wanted was an abortion.
Objection, your honor.
Suffice it to say, living with Ann became a heartbreaking ordeal for my son.
Objection.
Hearsay, your honor.
The witness only lived with my client and Mr.
Ryland briefly.
Is this true, Mrs.
Ryland? I was there frequently enough to witness her manipulations, sexual and otherwise.
Is that a yes or a no? She lived within walking distance of her son's residence, your honor.
Harris only had me move out because she forced him.
Ms.
Garson, you need to redirect your questioning.
But, your honor The witness was also party to the custodial interference that runs to the core of this case, so her testimony is biased, at best.
We were protecting the child.
Ann loathed being a mother.
Some people shouldn't have goldfish, let alone children.
All right, I agree with counsel.
The witness shall step down now.
Judge, if you silence me, who will be my son's advocate in this courtroom? That's enough, Mrs.
Ryland.
I'll hold you in contempt.
I hold her in contempt! Bailiff, would you please remove the witness? The jury shall disregard all the testimony following defense counsel's objection.
The court calls for a 15-minute recess.
Come on.
Hello? Clyde, what's going on? Our boy is on the move again.
Our man Drew has made four freight runs down to laredo and back, always switching trucks at a stop in Webb county.
Mama put a morals clause in Elena's contract.
If there's any felonious behavior by Elena or her employees, that's grounds for termination of the agreement.
Fortunately for you, her brother's come home ridin' dirty.
Take him down, Clyde.
What the hell? No, no, no, Christopher, don't.
To testify the same day or the next day.
Testify for what? Ann's allowing miss Barnes to be a character witness.
Are you kidding me? That's the last thing we need, Lew Someone up on the stand who's defrauded the entire Ewing family.
Christopher Save it for family court.
I agree with Lew.
We don't need to be doing this right now.
For what it's worth, Ann's the only Ewing that never turned her back on me.
She's the last person I'd want to hurt.
This coming from someone with blood on their hands.
I know you had something to do with Tommy's murder, directly or indirectly.
What we both know is that Tommy was a bad guy.
He threatened me.
He hurt me.
You don't remember the bruises, Christopher? Well, they were doled out while I was already pregnant With your babies.
What are you saying? Read between the lines.
And if you can't, if you just want to keep vilifying me and pursuing this merciless witch hunt, then you know what? I'll just pack up and move Barnes Global to Bermuda.
And these babies you're so eager to strip from my womb You'll never see them at all.
Thank you.
For what? I know it was you who went to my father, to warn him about Frank How he was trying to set me up.
I was protecting our business arrangement.
My father, he He loved Frank.
And maybe deep down, I hated Frank for that.
Hey, don't go there.
Don't put that on yourself.
What? My father thinks we're no good for each other.
Mine too.
To hell with them.
Let's get dinner tonight.
No.
It's not a good idea.
Am I missing something here? Nothing personal.
Just protecting our business arrangement.
What the hell is the matter with you, J.
R.
? Well, I'm sure you'll fill me in.
Is forgiveness beyond you? John Ross had his reasons for going to Cliff, and if you have to know, I gave him Cliff's private number.
So if you want to blame anyone, blame me.
For the life of me, I can't think of one sensible reason for our boy to go and seek favor from that bitter old bastard.
Fathers are supposed to take the high road when it comes to their sons.
Forgive John Ross.
You hear anything from the bailiff? No.
I know.
I don't know what's going on.
What the hell? Ellis? Hey.
Hey, Bobby.
Now, before you sound off, as a courtesy to the Venezuelan consulate, the U.
S.
attorney's office has granted Mr.
Cano an extradition hearing.
Why? So he can take off? The man's a murderer, for Christ's sake.
Christopher, you're so judgmental.
Very unattractive.
And don't forget.
We still have some unfinished business to conclude? Ellis, that man killed that woman who was pretending to be Marta del Sol, and when J.
R.
's son was in jail, he put a contract out on him.
John Ross was almost beaten to death! And now he gets a pass, by way of diplomatic immunity? He doesn't get a pass or immunity.
Worst case scenario He faces life in prison for capital murder in Venezuela.
Tell us about the surveillance video that was entered into evidence, Detective.
We have footage of Ann Ewing driving her Chevy Tahoe and entering the driveway, going to and from Mr.
Ryland's property.
And how long was Ann Ewing's "to and from," Detective? Time code shows a 5 minute 20 second interval.
The blood and fibers on her boots confirming that she entered Harris Ryland's residence.
Yes.
Carrying a concealed weapon that ballistics later confirmed as her own weapon A Smith & Wesson 5906 9mm, which she fired at her ex-husband.
That's correct.
So then, Detective Danko, what, in your experience, does the crime-scene evidence and this short timeframe suggest to you? That the shooting was deliberate, premeditated.
as the trauma surgeon operating on our victim, Harris Ryland, can you describe for us the injuries he sustained as a result of the shooting? Mr.
Ryland was struck by a single gunshot to the chest, the bullet striking the fourth rib, which deflected it downward, severing the intercostal artery.
If the bullet had entered one centimeter higher, it would have fractured the rib and punctured the heart, killing him.
In your experience, is a single gunshot wound indicative of a crime of sudden passion? Objection.
Calls for speculation.
Speculation from an experienced forensic pathologist and trauma surgeon? I'll allow it.
No, a sudden passion is far, far messier.
The victim would have either multiple stab wounds or several blunt-force blows to the head and body.
And as for shootings, a victim of sudden passion would have multiple gunshot wounds.
And a single gunshot wound? What is that indicative of, in most cases? An execution.
Afternoon, officer.
Afternoon.
Know you got a busted-out taillight? No, sir, I did not know that.
Have to ask you to step out with your license, registration, and cargo manifest, please? And where is your certification stamp? I don't have any certification stamp.
This is all they gave me.
Who is "they"? I don't know.
I just drive.
Give me your keys, sir.
Keys? Open it up.
What's that? The manifest says car parts.
This looks like smuggled goods from China.
On your knees! Now! Hands behind your head.
Both hands.
How long have you known Ann Ewing? We first met when she volunteered to work for my foundation's equestrian program for battered and abused women and children.
She was so So patient, so gentle.
And kind.
She always saw the best in me, even when I couldn't see it myself.
And as to what happened at the Ryland residence? The only way it makes sense to me is she must have been cornered or seriously provoked.
I know.
I've been there.
Thank you, Ms.
Barnes.
No further questions, your honor.
Everything okay? Yeah, but I better take this.
All right.
No.
No, no, no.
I'm here, I'm here.
What do you mean, "no paperwork"? Drew, seriously? Transporting stolen goods? I thought it was a legit outfit, okay? A legit gig.
Of course you did.
This is unbelievable! I swear, I didn't know what the cargo was.
I just wanted to bank some extra cash.
And I just wanted to believe that now that you were sober, you were smarter, too.
Trouble found me this time, elli.
I didn't go looking for it.
I know you don't believe this, but I came home to make things right.
Sit tight.
I'll find a local lawyer.
I will post your bail.
I'll pay you back.
You're damn right you will.
Could you give me a minute, son? You know, your mother is of the opinion that I should forgive you for consorting with the enemy.
And since staying on Sue Ellen's good side is the prudent thing to do at the moment, I'm inclined to oblige.
I don't need your forgiveness.
You don't need my wrath, either.
We dinosaurs are known to bite.
Something I should know? Drew Ramos just got arrested down in waco for the receipt and transport of stolen goods.
He is now being booked at central jail.
Really? Well, that puts our ambitious little señorita in moral violation of her contract with your mother, doesn't it? Wonderful.
You knew about that? The morals clause? You still don't know who you're dealing with, do you, son? I can hardly blame you for that.
But I forgive you.
The prosecution calls Harris Ryland to the stand.
Thank you.
Mr.
Ryland, do you solemnly swear that the testimony you shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Yes, sir, I do.
So, on the day of the shooting, Mr.
Ryland, what happened? Well, I was sitting in my study.
Then Ann came storming in asking questions about Emma.
When I didn't give her the right answers, she opened up her purse, pulled out a gun, and shot me, point-blank.
Let's go back to the beginning, to the crux of your ex-wife's resentment The custodial interference.
What led you to take such extraordinary action? I fell head over heels for a willowy young woman that I tried to save.
I gave her the moon and the stars, hoping that she'd settle down, but The truth was that The truth was that she just wasn't ready to be a mother.
The first time she abandoned Emma, I was at work, my mother was having outpatient surgery.
Ann left Emma at the house by herself while she went out With some friends.
When I got home My little girl was hungry, crying hysterically, sitting in dirty diapers.
No, it didn't happen that way Counselor.
Ann.
And when did your wife finally come home, Mr.
Ryland? It was after midnight.
She was drunk.
My mother and I lived in fear for Emma after that.
Let's move to the day of the Texas state fair.
Well, I just found out that morning that Ann had suddenly decided to take Emma to it.
She'd been acting strange, and my instincts told me something was wrong, so I left work and went to look for them.
And I spotted them by the petting zoo.
And then I watched as Ann walked away from our child.
She just turned her back on our daughter and just kept right on walking, abandoned her right there in the middle of a crowd.
I knew right then and there that I had to take my baby girl, to protect her.
Even if it meant breaking the law? The law be damned.
I knew that somewhere down the road that my daughter was gonna be hurt by her own mother, and I just couldn't take that chance.
So I did what any father would do.
I took my child out of harm's way.
Bobby Please look at me.
Is any of what Ryland said out there true? Some of it.
I need Emma to hear my truth, Bobby.
I need you to hear it.
I was a tall, awkward girl.
Most of my life, I felt ugly.
My mother took me to doctors when I hit puberty so they would make me stop growing.
No one had really ever paid any attention to me Until Harris.
My family didn't have much money, and Harris took me to fancy restaurants, stores, bought me nice clothes.
We were happy.
He had grown up in a suffocating home.
His father had committed suicide before he was born, and his mother controlled his every breath.
Harris kept telling me how good I was for him, that I brought light into the dark of his life.
Then his mother began to interfere.
Nothing I could do was right.
She made fun of the fact that I'd never gone to college.
She put ideas in his head about me That I was a gold digger, that I was seeing other men And he believed her.
So he began trying to control me the way he had always been controlled.
If I picked the wrong blouse, picked up the wrong fork, did my hair a certain way, he'd shout at me.
I began to realize that the marriage had been a mistake.
When I found out I was pregnant, I felt trapped.
By the time Emma was born, I felt like I was drowning.
I was diagnosed with post-partum depression and put on medication.
I had a difficult time being a young mother.
I'm sorry.
But I did not leave my daughter at home alone.
I left Emma with Judith so I could go see a divorce lawyer.
But Judith lied to Harris for her own twisted purposes.
Then Harris found out about my plans to divorce him, and he forced me to see a psychiatrist, who put me on more medication.
Tell us what happened at the state fair.
Emma was 18 months old.
Harris and his mother were particularly cruel to me the night before, so that morning I took a few more pills than I should have.
I couldn't think straight, but I couldn't stand to be in that house another minute, so I took Emma to the fair.
It was so very hot.
I remember being so thirsty.
So, I left her in her stroller and went to get a soda.
Only a couple minutes passed.
I turned back, and she was gone.
I had stepped away from my baby for only a few moments, and she'd been kidnapped.
God had punished me by taking my baby.
Emma? Hi.
I'm Christopher, Ann's stepson.
I know.
May I sit? That's not a good idea.
My father and grandmother are gonna be right back.
You know, I was watching you when your mother was giving her testimony.
You know you're the same age as she was when this all went down When she lost you at that state fair? I'm aware of that.
Emma I know how much you love your father, and I know how difficult and painful this all must be for you.
But your mother, she could go to jail for 20 years because your father pushed her to do something she shouldn't have done.
Look, I'm not trying to put words in your mouth here, but if you want to help make things right for you and your mother, tell the truth.
Not somebody else's version of it.
Your truth.
Please go.
All right.
The state calls as a rebuttal witness Emma Ryland to the stand.
Miss Ryland, you witnessed your mother, Ann Ewing, barge into your father's hospital room and admit to shooting him.
Is that correct? I I was actually out in the hall.
But you heard her admit it.
You heard her say, in so many words, that she wished she had killed him.
I'm looking for a yes or no here, miss Ryland.
Yes.
Yes, she said she shot him, not her husband, and that she wished he was dead.
Can you think of any reason, any cause, any justification for your mother to commit this crime? No.
She said my father has a small heart, but he has the biggest heart in the world.
He taught me to ride dressage, helped me become a champion.
He risked going to jail to protect me.
And now I know why.
I love my father And I wake up every morning grateful that he rescued me from my mother.
It's okay.
Thank you.
Nothing further, your honor.
Let's take a 15-minute recess.
You know, after everything that's gone on here You're right.
I don't want our kids to be raised with their parents poisoning their minds against each other.
I'll agree to mediation.
I think it's the right thing to do.
So do I.
Good.
Hey, you okay? Yeah.
Yeah, it's just, when they kick at the same time You've been sticking to all your check-ups, right? I mean, there's nothing I should know, as far as their health is concerned? Yes, and and no.
Everything is fine.
They're just really kicking in there.
It's okay.
Come here.
I hear you got Christopher to the table.
Now, that's thinking with your head instead of your heart.
Come here.
This divorce is gonna be good for business.
I always knew you could do it.
I'm so very proud of you.
Thank you, daddy.
I've heard they have wonderful pies here.
I'll see if I can get us some.
Thank you, Sue Ellen.
Silence is golden in these situations, Ann.
The longer the jury stays out, the better.
Did you hear her on the stand? Yeah.
She's been brainwashed.
Like me back then.
Only Harris and Judith have had 20 years to break her spirit.
Hey, we are not giving up on Emma.
If I'm not around You will be around.
The only truth that jury heard was from our side of the courtroom.
Just have some faith, honey.
It's gonna work out.
Yeah, this is Lew Rosen.
Yes.
Thanks.
They're back.
Court'll reconvene first thing in the morning.
Has the jury reached a verdict? We have, your honor.
On the one count of attempted murder, how do you find the defendant? We find the defendant, Ann Ewing, guilty, your honor.
Mrs.
Ewing, you will be remanded into formal custody until your sentencing hearing.
Bailiff, if you would Annie.
Turn around, please.
We'll figure it out.
We will.
Harris Ryland's in critical condition.
Mrs.
Ewing, did you have anything to do with the shooting? I shot Harris Ryland.
I know my track record isn't the best.
I want to earn your trust.
I need you to dig up some dirt on Elena's brother, Drew Ramos.
He's always had a nose for trouble.
He's definitely up to something I'm not sure what, but it doesn't look legal.
Is this some kind of a joke? You're going to prison, vicente.
Life is cheap in prison, and I'm a very rich man.
So am I.
Your son is in bed with Pamela Barnes.
You got feelings for this girl? Your guy Frank He's got a deal with J.
R.
They're conspiring against your daughter.
Why are you helping me? To protect our deal.
Your honor, I met Tommy Sutter about two years ago.
I shot and killed him.
Forgive me.
I love you for doing this, but you have to let me take responsibility.
Mr.
Ryland, you remember what happened? It was Bobby Ewing.
He shot me.
What are you doing? You can't come in here.
Security! Wake up, you sick son of a bitch! How dare you pin this on Bobby? Tell them the truth, damn it! Tell the police it was me I shot you! Come on now, Annie.
Your husband's more than willing to take the fall to protect you.
I'm just trying to show him my support.
No, what you're trying to do is punish me.
Bobby was gonna tell the truth.
I was gonna take responsibility.
You'd best leave if you know what's good for you.
You've taken my daughter.
You want my husband now, too? Where does it end, Harris All these sick, twisted games? Well, we've all made our choices, haven't we? Security! This is the price you have to pay for yours Security! For thinking you could live in a world without my tender, loving care.
Finally! Where have you been? Come on her! Get her out of here! If your heart weren't so small, you'd be dead.
Let's go, ma'am.
I wish you were dead.
You have to leave.
I'm going to the police.
I'm gonna confess.
Who do you think they're gonna believe? You or the victim here? Ma'am, this way.
Kiss Bobby goodbye for me, will you? Emma Come on.
My name is Ann Ewing, and I shot Harris Ryland.
DALLAS S02 Ep05 - Trial and error Dad If you knew it was my mother who shot you, why did you tell the police it was Mr.
Ewing? Well, I Well, when the police interviewed me, honey, I-I had just come out of a coma.
Not to mention the emergency surgery, the medication, the transfusion.
And I guess the combination of things just kind of confused me a bit.
As for your mother, I'm I'm sorry you had to witness her true nature today.
God knows I've tried to shield you from it for all these years.
Anyway, it's it's not something for you to worry about.
Or your place to question.
I'm sorry, I I didn't understand.
Well, that's all right.
Three people dead One of whom I considered as my son, and all because you allowed your heart to dictate your actions.
I feel horrible about Frank, daddy.
I know this is all my fault.
Perhaps I should have paid more attention to you over the years.
Of course, now you're desperately looking for love with men who can only use you.
I know I screwed up, but John Ross is gonna help me get control of the methane after the divorce.
It's not just the methane that we need.
It's Ewing Energies Lock, stock, and barrel.
And for the life of me, I can't figure out why you'd want to play another Ewing in this.
John Ross is as machiavellian as his father.
There won't be any more mistakes Any more emotions getting in the way.
Where have I heard that before? Okay.
The blood trace and carpet fibers found on those boots appear to be sufficient evidence for the D.
A.
's office to dismiss Ryland's false charges against you, Bobby, and to indict Ann.
Thank God.
- Ann, honey.
- I needed to do it.
I mean, you didn't shoot him, and I couldn't let Harris get away with another lie.
Yeah, well, we're past that.
What we have to do now is find a way to get her out from under these charges, Lew.
Yeah.
I think we need to plead not guilty, go for jury nullification The same plan I had for you, except that Ann's defense gives me a lot more leeway.
Here's the deal.
We put up a sudden-passion defense Ann's actions the result of extreme provocation, duress, and a whole array of mitigating circumstances.
And when the truth comes out, any jury in their right mind will understand.
They won't convict you.
Your daughter deserves to hear the full story, Ann.
Emma was unwilling to listen before.
Maybe now, in court, she will.
Good mornin'.
Good morning? I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me, J.
R.
What do you want, Barnes? Want? From you? Not a plugged nickel.
Just wanted to let you know how nice it was to finally see your son after all these years.
Say what? Well, he gave me a heads-up about you and Frank.
Thought you'd like to know who sold you out.
You go to hell, Barnes.
Well, I would, but seems like you've cornered that market.
My God.
Do you think he's gonna survive? No questions, guys, please.
No questions at this time, please.
Ann, please, just one comment! Please! Something! Sensitivity doesn't seem to be their strong point, does it? Child's play.
You should see how they carry on at Ewing Energies.
Anyway, you have my full support here.
Thank you, mother.
That means a lot to me.
The judge has granted an exception to the prosecution, allowing them to call Ryland to testify whenever he's deemed medically fit.
But he's not here yet, okay? Thank God.
- Be strong.
- All rise! Court is now in session.
The honorable judge Wallace Tate presiding.
Be seated.
All right, felony case number F12-6555 Z, the state of Texas vs.
Ann Ewing.
The charge attempted murder.
Having heard all preliminary motions, is the prosecution ready to begin? We are, your honor.
Then you may proceed, Ms.
Garson.
The state calls Judith Ryland.
My son fell head over heels with Ann Smith, despite my warnings that she was nothing but a gold digger and an opportunist.
But he had always been sheltered, and once she had him in her clutches, she began spending our money, staying out late Picking up men.
That's not true.
Harris thought a child would tame her, teach her to love something outside her own selfish indulgences.
But once she got pregnant, all Ann wanted was an abortion.
Objection, your honor.
Suffice it to say, living with Ann became a heartbreaking ordeal for my son.
Objection.
Hearsay, your honor.
The witness only lived with my client and Mr.
Ryland briefly.
Is this true, Mrs.
Ryland? I was there frequently enough to witness her manipulations, sexual and otherwise.
Is that a yes or a no? She lived within walking distance of her son's residence, your honor.
Harris only had me move out because she forced him.
Ms.
Garson, you need to redirect your questioning.
But, your honor The witness was also party to the custodial interference that runs to the core of this case, so her testimony is biased, at best.
We were protecting the child.
Ann loathed being a mother.
Some people shouldn't have goldfish, let alone children.
All right, I agree with counsel.
The witness shall step down now.
Judge, if you silence me, who will be my son's advocate in this courtroom? That's enough, Mrs.
Ryland.
I'll hold you in contempt.
I hold her in contempt! Bailiff, would you please remove the witness? The jury shall disregard all the testimony following defense counsel's objection.
The court calls for a 15-minute recess.
Come on.
Hello? Clyde, what's going on? Our boy is on the move again.
Our man Drew has made four freight runs down to laredo and back, always switching trucks at a stop in Webb county.
Mama put a morals clause in Elena's contract.
If there's any felonious behavior by Elena or her employees, that's grounds for termination of the agreement.
Fortunately for you, her brother's come home ridin' dirty.
Take him down, Clyde.
What the hell? No, no, no, Christopher, don't.
To testify the same day or the next day.
Testify for what? Ann's allowing miss Barnes to be a character witness.
Are you kidding me? That's the last thing we need, Lew Someone up on the stand who's defrauded the entire Ewing family.
Christopher Save it for family court.
I agree with Lew.
We don't need to be doing this right now.
For what it's worth, Ann's the only Ewing that never turned her back on me.
She's the last person I'd want to hurt.
This coming from someone with blood on their hands.
I know you had something to do with Tommy's murder, directly or indirectly.
What we both know is that Tommy was a bad guy.
He threatened me.
He hurt me.
You don't remember the bruises, Christopher? Well, they were doled out while I was already pregnant With your babies.
What are you saying? Read between the lines.
And if you can't, if you just want to keep vilifying me and pursuing this merciless witch hunt, then you know what? I'll just pack up and move Barnes Global to Bermuda.
And these babies you're so eager to strip from my womb You'll never see them at all.
Thank you.
For what? I know it was you who went to my father, to warn him about Frank How he was trying to set me up.
I was protecting our business arrangement.
My father, he He loved Frank.
And maybe deep down, I hated Frank for that.
Hey, don't go there.
Don't put that on yourself.
What? My father thinks we're no good for each other.
Mine too.
To hell with them.
Let's get dinner tonight.
No.
It's not a good idea.
Am I missing something here? Nothing personal.
Just protecting our business arrangement.
What the hell is the matter with you, J.
R.
? Well, I'm sure you'll fill me in.
Is forgiveness beyond you? John Ross had his reasons for going to Cliff, and if you have to know, I gave him Cliff's private number.
So if you want to blame anyone, blame me.
For the life of me, I can't think of one sensible reason for our boy to go and seek favor from that bitter old bastard.
Fathers are supposed to take the high road when it comes to their sons.
Forgive John Ross.
You hear anything from the bailiff? No.
I know.
I don't know what's going on.
What the hell? Ellis? Hey.
Hey, Bobby.
Now, before you sound off, as a courtesy to the Venezuelan consulate, the U.
S.
attorney's office has granted Mr.
Cano an extradition hearing.
Why? So he can take off? The man's a murderer, for Christ's sake.
Christopher, you're so judgmental.
Very unattractive.
And don't forget.
We still have some unfinished business to conclude? Ellis, that man killed that woman who was pretending to be Marta del Sol, and when J.
R.
's son was in jail, he put a contract out on him.
John Ross was almost beaten to death! And now he gets a pass, by way of diplomatic immunity? He doesn't get a pass or immunity.
Worst case scenario He faces life in prison for capital murder in Venezuela.
Tell us about the surveillance video that was entered into evidence, Detective.
We have footage of Ann Ewing driving her Chevy Tahoe and entering the driveway, going to and from Mr.
Ryland's property.
And how long was Ann Ewing's "to and from," Detective? Time code shows a 5 minute 20 second interval.
The blood and fibers on her boots confirming that she entered Harris Ryland's residence.
Yes.
Carrying a concealed weapon that ballistics later confirmed as her own weapon A Smith & Wesson 5906 9mm, which she fired at her ex-husband.
That's correct.
So then, Detective Danko, what, in your experience, does the crime-scene evidence and this short timeframe suggest to you? That the shooting was deliberate, premeditated.
as the trauma surgeon operating on our victim, Harris Ryland, can you describe for us the injuries he sustained as a result of the shooting? Mr.
Ryland was struck by a single gunshot to the chest, the bullet striking the fourth rib, which deflected it downward, severing the intercostal artery.
If the bullet had entered one centimeter higher, it would have fractured the rib and punctured the heart, killing him.
In your experience, is a single gunshot wound indicative of a crime of sudden passion? Objection.
Calls for speculation.
Speculation from an experienced forensic pathologist and trauma surgeon? I'll allow it.
No, a sudden passion is far, far messier.
The victim would have either multiple stab wounds or several blunt-force blows to the head and body.
And as for shootings, a victim of sudden passion would have multiple gunshot wounds.
And a single gunshot wound? What is that indicative of, in most cases? An execution.
Afternoon, officer.
Afternoon.
Know you got a busted-out taillight? No, sir, I did not know that.
Have to ask you to step out with your license, registration, and cargo manifest, please? And where is your certification stamp? I don't have any certification stamp.
This is all they gave me.
Who is "they"? I don't know.
I just drive.
Give me your keys, sir.
Keys? Open it up.
What's that? The manifest says car parts.
This looks like smuggled goods from China.
On your knees! Now! Hands behind your head.
Both hands.
How long have you known Ann Ewing? We first met when she volunteered to work for my foundation's equestrian program for battered and abused women and children.
She was so So patient, so gentle.
And kind.
She always saw the best in me, even when I couldn't see it myself.
And as to what happened at the Ryland residence? The only way it makes sense to me is she must have been cornered or seriously provoked.
I know.
I've been there.
Thank you, Ms.
Barnes.
No further questions, your honor.
Everything okay? Yeah, but I better take this.
All right.
No.
No, no, no.
I'm here, I'm here.
What do you mean, "no paperwork"? Drew, seriously? Transporting stolen goods? I thought it was a legit outfit, okay? A legit gig.
Of course you did.
This is unbelievable! I swear, I didn't know what the cargo was.
I just wanted to bank some extra cash.
And I just wanted to believe that now that you were sober, you were smarter, too.
Trouble found me this time, elli.
I didn't go looking for it.
I know you don't believe this, but I came home to make things right.
Sit tight.
I'll find a local lawyer.
I will post your bail.
I'll pay you back.
You're damn right you will.
Could you give me a minute, son? You know, your mother is of the opinion that I should forgive you for consorting with the enemy.
And since staying on Sue Ellen's good side is the prudent thing to do at the moment, I'm inclined to oblige.
I don't need your forgiveness.
You don't need my wrath, either.
We dinosaurs are known to bite.
Something I should know? Drew Ramos just got arrested down in waco for the receipt and transport of stolen goods.
He is now being booked at central jail.
Really? Well, that puts our ambitious little señorita in moral violation of her contract with your mother, doesn't it? Wonderful.
You knew about that? The morals clause? You still don't know who you're dealing with, do you, son? I can hardly blame you for that.
But I forgive you.
The prosecution calls Harris Ryland to the stand.
Thank you.
Mr.
Ryland, do you solemnly swear that the testimony you shall give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Yes, sir, I do.
So, on the day of the shooting, Mr.
Ryland, what happened? Well, I was sitting in my study.
Then Ann came storming in asking questions about Emma.
When I didn't give her the right answers, she opened up her purse, pulled out a gun, and shot me, point-blank.
Let's go back to the beginning, to the crux of your ex-wife's resentment The custodial interference.
What led you to take such extraordinary action? I fell head over heels for a willowy young woman that I tried to save.
I gave her the moon and the stars, hoping that she'd settle down, but The truth was that The truth was that she just wasn't ready to be a mother.
The first time she abandoned Emma, I was at work, my mother was having outpatient surgery.
Ann left Emma at the house by herself while she went out With some friends.
When I got home My little girl was hungry, crying hysterically, sitting in dirty diapers.
No, it didn't happen that way Counselor.
Ann.
And when did your wife finally come home, Mr.
Ryland? It was after midnight.
She was drunk.
My mother and I lived in fear for Emma after that.
Let's move to the day of the Texas state fair.
Well, I just found out that morning that Ann had suddenly decided to take Emma to it.
She'd been acting strange, and my instincts told me something was wrong, so I left work and went to look for them.
And I spotted them by the petting zoo.
And then I watched as Ann walked away from our child.
She just turned her back on our daughter and just kept right on walking, abandoned her right there in the middle of a crowd.
I knew right then and there that I had to take my baby girl, to protect her.
Even if it meant breaking the law? The law be damned.
I knew that somewhere down the road that my daughter was gonna be hurt by her own mother, and I just couldn't take that chance.
So I did what any father would do.
I took my child out of harm's way.
Bobby Please look at me.
Is any of what Ryland said out there true? Some of it.
I need Emma to hear my truth, Bobby.
I need you to hear it.
I was a tall, awkward girl.
Most of my life, I felt ugly.
My mother took me to doctors when I hit puberty so they would make me stop growing.
No one had really ever paid any attention to me Until Harris.
My family didn't have much money, and Harris took me to fancy restaurants, stores, bought me nice clothes.
We were happy.
He had grown up in a suffocating home.
His father had committed suicide before he was born, and his mother controlled his every breath.
Harris kept telling me how good I was for him, that I brought light into the dark of his life.
Then his mother began to interfere.
Nothing I could do was right.
She made fun of the fact that I'd never gone to college.
She put ideas in his head about me That I was a gold digger, that I was seeing other men And he believed her.
So he began trying to control me the way he had always been controlled.
If I picked the wrong blouse, picked up the wrong fork, did my hair a certain way, he'd shout at me.
I began to realize that the marriage had been a mistake.
When I found out I was pregnant, I felt trapped.
By the time Emma was born, I felt like I was drowning.
I was diagnosed with post-partum depression and put on medication.
I had a difficult time being a young mother.
I'm sorry.
But I did not leave my daughter at home alone.
I left Emma with Judith so I could go see a divorce lawyer.
But Judith lied to Harris for her own twisted purposes.
Then Harris found out about my plans to divorce him, and he forced me to see a psychiatrist, who put me on more medication.
Tell us what happened at the state fair.
Emma was 18 months old.
Harris and his mother were particularly cruel to me the night before, so that morning I took a few more pills than I should have.
I couldn't think straight, but I couldn't stand to be in that house another minute, so I took Emma to the fair.
It was so very hot.
I remember being so thirsty.
So, I left her in her stroller and went to get a soda.
Only a couple minutes passed.
I turned back, and she was gone.
I had stepped away from my baby for only a few moments, and she'd been kidnapped.
God had punished me by taking my baby.
Emma? Hi.
I'm Christopher, Ann's stepson.
I know.
May I sit? That's not a good idea.
My father and grandmother are gonna be right back.
You know, I was watching you when your mother was giving her testimony.
You know you're the same age as she was when this all went down When she lost you at that state fair? I'm aware of that.
Emma I know how much you love your father, and I know how difficult and painful this all must be for you.
But your mother, she could go to jail for 20 years because your father pushed her to do something she shouldn't have done.
Look, I'm not trying to put words in your mouth here, but if you want to help make things right for you and your mother, tell the truth.
Not somebody else's version of it.
Your truth.
Please go.
All right.
The state calls as a rebuttal witness Emma Ryland to the stand.
Miss Ryland, you witnessed your mother, Ann Ewing, barge into your father's hospital room and admit to shooting him.
Is that correct? I I was actually out in the hall.
But you heard her admit it.
You heard her say, in so many words, that she wished she had killed him.
I'm looking for a yes or no here, miss Ryland.
Yes.
Yes, she said she shot him, not her husband, and that she wished he was dead.
Can you think of any reason, any cause, any justification for your mother to commit this crime? No.
She said my father has a small heart, but he has the biggest heart in the world.
He taught me to ride dressage, helped me become a champion.
He risked going to jail to protect me.
And now I know why.
I love my father And I wake up every morning grateful that he rescued me from my mother.
It's okay.
Thank you.
Nothing further, your honor.
Let's take a 15-minute recess.
You know, after everything that's gone on here You're right.
I don't want our kids to be raised with their parents poisoning their minds against each other.
I'll agree to mediation.
I think it's the right thing to do.
So do I.
Good.
Hey, you okay? Yeah.
Yeah, it's just, when they kick at the same time You've been sticking to all your check-ups, right? I mean, there's nothing I should know, as far as their health is concerned? Yes, and and no.
Everything is fine.
They're just really kicking in there.
It's okay.
Come here.
I hear you got Christopher to the table.
Now, that's thinking with your head instead of your heart.
Come here.
This divorce is gonna be good for business.
I always knew you could do it.
I'm so very proud of you.
Thank you, daddy.
I've heard they have wonderful pies here.
I'll see if I can get us some.
Thank you, Sue Ellen.
Silence is golden in these situations, Ann.
The longer the jury stays out, the better.
Did you hear her on the stand? Yeah.
She's been brainwashed.
Like me back then.
Only Harris and Judith have had 20 years to break her spirit.
Hey, we are not giving up on Emma.
If I'm not around You will be around.
The only truth that jury heard was from our side of the courtroom.
Just have some faith, honey.
It's gonna work out.
Yeah, this is Lew Rosen.
Yes.
Thanks.
They're back.
Court'll reconvene first thing in the morning.
Has the jury reached a verdict? We have, your honor.
On the one count of attempted murder, how do you find the defendant? We find the defendant, Ann Ewing, guilty, your honor.
Mrs.
Ewing, you will be remanded into formal custody until your sentencing hearing.
Bailiff, if you would Annie.
Turn around, please.
We'll figure it out.
We will.