PhoenixRising05

-Caroline and Billie arrive at the hospital and meet up with Bo, Hope, Belle, Shawn, Greta, Roman, Cal, Abe, and Celeste. Billie tells Bo that one of Caroline's friends is a nurse and she told her Bo and Hope were there. She was worried and Billie was at the Pub getting food for Jack and her when she learned Bo was in the ER so they rushed over. Bo says it was nothing but a minor wound. Billie asks how he got it. He says he got into a fight with some punks no big deal. Caroline and Billie notice Stefano. Caroline lunges for him, saying he is the reason why her husband is dead and why so many died on that island. Stefano says the island was his plot but he never made it what it turned out to be. Wendell, Andre, and Ernesto did that. Roman reminds him that the plan was his and that he is still responsible. Stefano says they have nothing on him and warns them to back away. Abe and Celeste are sure that Stefano was somehow involved in the explosion. Stefano ignores them and walks away. Cal then tells Caroline and Bo that he remembered his name-Cal Winters. They, along with everyone else, is happy for him. Roman then tells them all that it was Victor's warehouse that blew up. Roman believes that Victor was targeting Stefano as revenge for what happened to Philip and everyone else. Caroline is bothered by this and sneaks out. -Greta sneaks away from the crowd in the waiting room as she needs to find Eric's chart to find out what is going on. She bumps right into Stefano. Stefano asks how she is doing. Greta says she is fine but she can't say that for many of her friends. Stefano asks her if she has shared the big news with her father yet. Greta tells Stefano she has told Victor nothing and doesn't plan to. Stefano is shocked but says it is up to Greta. Greta begs him not to say anything. Stefano reminds Greta that he has always had a special place in his heart for her and that will never change. Greta asks Stefano why he can't treat everyone else like he treats her. He tells her there is too much water under the bridge with the others and that Greta's last name is not Brady. Stefano says he must go check on Lexie and wishes Greta well. Greta sees Eric's doctor, with chart in hand. She follows him. The doctor puts the chart at the nurses station. Greta walks over to one of the nurses and says she heard a noice in the hall way around the corner and thinks the nurse should check it out just in case. The nurse leaves as Greta feels guilty for lying. Greta takes the chart and runs off. She goes in the ladies room to read it and looks it over. She seems shocked by what she is seeing and her inquisitive look turns to one of anguish. She expresses regret for Eric and can't beleive what she just read and wonders if it is as bad as it sounds. -Belle walks over to Shawn and asks him why he hasn't told his family about his intentions to leave Salem and join the Marines. He says it isn't the right time with everything going on. Belle asks if he has having second thoughts. He says he already made his decision and is leaving-nothing can stop him. Belle begs him to reconsider. Shawn is losing patience and tells Belle they are through and she needs to accept that. The sooner the better. He walks away as Belle is overcome with tears, wondering why Shawn and her just can't be happy. -Cassie and Chelsea are on the ground fighting at Salem Place. A store clerk breaks up the fight and is ready to call the police. Cassie tells the clerk that she is Cassie Dimera and if any cops are called he won't have a job. Chelsea tells the clerk she is Detective Bo Brady's daughter. Cassie rolls her eyes. The clerk lets it go as long as they promise to behave. Cassie's cell phone rings. It's Stefano. He tells her he nearly forgot to call her and tells her about the warehouse and Lexie. Cassie says she will be right there. She tells Chelsea she needs to go and reminds her that she knows her secret and can tell anyone at any time. Chelsea wonders what she is going to. She checks her messages and hears one from Billie saying her father is in the hospital. She races over there. -Julie, Doug, Laura, and Alice are sitting in Alice's kitchen discussing what happened with Maggie. Julie says she is beginning to wonder if Maggie has even fallen off the wagon. She snapped at them so fast and, even though she was annoyed they were there, she was calm when they first arrived. Laura says it is possible as it was a wild modd swing but that could also be attributed to her being in a state of depression. Doug says either way they have reason to worry as she is now not answering any phone calls and even seems to have unplugged her answering machine. Alice suggests that maybe they should look to some loved ones for help. Julie asks what she means. Alice says maybe it's time that the family bands together and brings in reinforcements. Laura smiles and says she thinks she knows what Alice has in mind and it may help alot. Julie and Doug figure it out too. Julie says it's time for the Horton's to take action to save one of their own. -Maggie sits in her house alone. The vodka is near the end of the bottle and the kitchen is a mess from her outburst when Doug, Julie, and Laura were there. She can't beleive they had Laura come to check her mental health. Maggie is convinced they blame her for Mickey's death now and that they even think she is a headcase. She has lost everything. Mickey is gone and her family thinks ill of her. She says she may as well drink herself to death. She finished the vodka and discovers she has no more. She decides to go to Chez Rouz and get some more liquor. She looks at a picture of Mickey and says she is sorry but this is the only way for her to deal with everything. She is sober enough to realize she should not drive so she decides to walk as the restaurant is only a few blocks. She grabs her coat and walks out. -Kate, Lucas, Austin, and Sami continue to react to their discovery. Lucas tells Sami she needs to call Roman. Sami says he means John. Lucas tells her to forget it he will call. Sami says that she will call because otherwise he will never shutup about her being immature. Lucas agrees. Roman is with Cal talking about the warehouse when he gets the call. He is shocked to hear Sami and whsipers that hell must have frozen over. Sami then calls him daddy by accident when she tells him something happened. Roman is stunned, as is Lucas, Austin, and Kate. Sami moves on and makes no mention of it saying he needs to get up to RT 36N-20 miles away from Green Mountain. Sami tells him that it's Carrie and fills him in on everything. Roman says he is on his way. Cal offers to go with him. Roman agrees and tells Abe where he is going. Abe wishes him luck. Abe looks at his watch and wonders how long it will be before they get news. One of the doctor's comes out and says that Lexie has some internal bleeding and that her lung may be punctured. They will need to take her to OR and need her husband's concent. He signs and asks what her chances are. The doctor says it could go either way. Abe asks Celeste if she has any idea how this will turn out. She says strangely she has no idea. Abe says that he can't lose her. Celeste says she knows and that her daughter will fight. Abe says he isn't so sure as she lost him, is suspended from the hospital, and he was trying to take Theo from her. She may think she has nothing to live for. Celeste suggests he tell her. -Chelsea arrives at the hospital and Billie tells her everything is fine. Chelsea tells Billie about Hope's offer and Billie says that is great news and hopes she will hold up her end of the bargain. Billie says she needs to get back to Jack as he is waiting for food so she tells her to call if she needs her and not to stir up trouble. She encourages Chelsea to just stay away from her father and Hope and leave the hospital. Chelsea says she needs to see him and she promises not to be a problem. -Hope asks Bo if he thinks Victor is involved in the explosion. Bo says that it was his warehouse so anything is possible. Hope says she is happy he is talking to her. Bo says he only said one sentence and to not expect anything else. Hope asks why he is treating her like he is and Bo reminds her she did the same thing to him when he lied to her. He tells Hope they have major issues and Hope agrees. Bo says he wonders if there is anything left for them to salvage after everything that has happened. Bo admits that he believes for the first time ever that the everything they built-their family, marriage, relationship-is gone and destroyed. Chelsea overhears all this and wonders why she is even trying to be good. Bad things are still happening to her and those she cares about even with her trying to do good. Chelsea wonders if maybe bad is the way to go. -Roman and Cal arrive at the scene with officers and look at what Sami and others found. Forensics takes samples and Roman says they will know soon enough if the blood and jacket belong to Carrie. Austin and Lucas pray that Carrie is ok. Sami admits that she has always been jealous of Carrie and they have had their problems but she never wanted something like this to happen. Lucas tells her to think positive. Roman and Cal are talking when Kate interupts. She tells Roman she can tell by his face that he thinks that Carrie was there and may be hurt...or worse. Roman says given the directions Carrie gave Sami and the fact that the gas station is the only place with a pay phone for miles (Carrie called collect from the area so Roman says she had to call from a payphone) suggests she probably called from there. The debris, blood, and jacket are pretty close to the phone and Sami said Carrie seemed worried and that the call went dead. They will learn soon from forensics but Roman admits it doesn't look good. Kate looks at Austin and Lucas and says if anything happens to Carrie or that baby they will both be devestated. -Meanwhile, Carrie is with an unconscious Alan in the woods. They are back at the cabin. He wakes up and asks what happened. Carrie says she nearly died but she revived him and he woke up. She managed to help him get back to the cabin but he has been in and out of consciousness. She called the doctor he arranged to treat her but he is no longer at the clinic nearby so a colleague of his is coming. Alan says he will be fine before he passes out again. Carrie sees he has stopped breathing again and begins CPR. She urges him to fight and hang on. -Victor and Nico are celebrating Stefano's death. They can't wait to hear word of his confirmed demise on TV or radio. Victor says this is only the beginning of his revenge against his enemies. The doorbelle rings. Henderson answers it. It's Caroline. Henderson announces her. Victor asks what she is doing there. Caroline asks why Nico and Him are celebrating. Victor tries to say they aren't but Caroline says she knows he is celebrating Stefano's death-the death he orchestrated. Caroline says the only problem is that Stefano isn't dead and wasn't even injured. Victor drops his brandy glass in shock. -Cassie arrives at the hospital and asks Stefano what happened. He fills her in and says that whoever did this will pay. Cassie vows to help him as she is a Dimera. Stefano looks over and sees the doctor and wants to know about Lexie's condition. The doctor walks away. Celeste tells Stefano that Lexie is going up to OR and that she has internal injuries. Stefano is in shock but says they must stay optimistic. Abe says he better hope Lexie makes it through this or he will find himself suffering a similar fate to Lexie's if she doesn't live. Abe and Celeste get some coffee and Cassie assures Stefano everything will be ok. Stefano says that Alexandra needs to survive or the Dimera legacy will be in shambles. Cassie says he has many children to carry on the name. Stefano says there is only one person at the moment he wants to carry on the legacy if something should happen to him-and that is his daughter Alexandra and his grandson Theo. Abe says over his dead body as both men face off. The screen fades to black and the credits roll. On the Next "Salem Lives": Abe to Lexie: Don't leave me. I still love you Lex. Stefano to Cassie: Oh come on Cassie. How do I even know you can carry the Dimera name on? Cassie to Stefano: I will prove it to you. You'll see. Hope to Bo: We really need to talk about... Bo to Hope: It's too late for that. In fact, it may be too late for us period. Carrie to Alan: I am not leaving your side. Roman: This isn't good at all. Greta to Eric: I know what our hiding but I want to hear it from you. Caroline to Victor: Oh my...the evil in your eyes. Victor to Caroline: Your right...I am back to my old ways and my enemies will rule the day they tangled with Victor Kiriakis. Maggie: What the hell was that? Chelsea: Is someone there?

You'll see Cal will be very big in story for a little bit. He has a connection to Salem that will be revealed in due time .

-Greta awaits news on Eric at the hospital. She gets worried as more and more time passes with no news. She asks a nurse and the nurse tells her that there is no word yet. Greta then looks inside the ER and sees some serious looks on the faces of the nurses and doctors. She worries about what this means for Eric. The doctor comes out and Greta asks him if Eric is ok. The doctor says he will be fine but that he can't tell her specifically. Greta says it's ok as she is a friend but the doctor tells her that Eric told him and the nurses specifically to not tell anyone anything about what happened and that he is even there. The doctor tells Greta that she will have to get answers out of him. Greta realizes that isn't going to happen so she will just have to find out on her own. She worries that the secret Eric is hiding is health-related, especially now with him wanting what happened tonight to remain private. She decides to go find his chart and learn the truth on her own. -Sami tells Austin, Lucas, and Kate about Carrie's phone call and her whereabouts. She says they better hurry as she sounded very scared on the phone. Lucas and Austin bolt for the door. Sami does too as kate stops her and asks her why she did something nice for her sister. Sami says that Carrie and the baby may be in danger and she cares about them despite what Kate may think. She does have a heart, unlike her. Kate makes a face and Sami and her race to catch up to the guys. On the way up to the mountains, Sami notices how concerned both Lucas and Austin are about Carrie and the baby. Kate quietly mentions to Sami how neither of her sons will ever care that much for her. Sami is clearly jealous and whispers to herself that she isn't even sure if she cares anymore. -Carrie wakes up near the debris and notices the bleeding gash on her head. She remembers what happened and wonders where Alan is. She looks under the debris and sees his bloodied hand sticking out. She cries out for him to answer her and moves the debris off him. His head appears cut open so Carrie uses tears a piece of her jacket to cover his head and stop the bleeding. She uses the rest of the jacket to wipe the blood from the gash on her head. She urges Alan to wake up. He finally comes to and asks what happened. Carrie says that after he found her on the phone he ran towards her. Carrie admits being afraid he was going to hurt her but then she saw above her a part of the building about the collapse and he pushes her out of the way. She still managed to cut her head but he took the impact of the debris and she is thankful. Alan says he saw it about to fall apart and knew he had to save her and the baby. Alan then begins to slow down in speaking and passes out. Carrie begs him to wake up and notices he isn't breathing. She begins CPR and urges him to fight to live. -Cassie and Chelsea watch the closeness between Max and Abby. Cassie tortures Chelsea with the idea that her best friend has stolen her man. Chelsea refuses to beleive that. Max and Abby come over and say hello. Max tells Chelsea he has been looking for her and that they need to talk. They go to speak alone leaving Cassie with Abby. Abby asks Cassie why she is with Chelsea. She didn't think they knew each other. Cassie says they are getting to know each other very well and says it seems like Abby is doing the same with Max. Abby says Max and her are just close friends. Cassie refuses to beleive that and says it is obvious Abby has a thing for him. She asks Abby if she is going after her best friend's man. Max sits Chelsea down and says that he has no idea what is going on with her or why she has been pushing him away. Chelsea explains she just needs time and space like she told him. Max says he can't put his life on hold when he doesn't know when Chelsea will be ready to pick up where they left off. He asks if something is going on with her to explain all this. Chelsea remembers her rape and Hope being her mother and lies and says no. She just needs time and space. Max says that maybe instead of a little break they should take a permanent break and go their separate ways. She would get her time and space and he could move on and not put everything on hold. Chelsea looks over at Abby and asks what exactly Max is putting on hold. Max says that nothing is going on with Abby and that Abby still considers Chelsea her friend. She would never do that. Max tells Chelsea that breaking up is win-win as they both get what they want. Chelsea says if that is what he wants then fine. Max is surprised she isn't putting up much of a fight. Chelsea says she has alot to deal with and doesn't have the strength to fight right now. Max sees how upset she is and asks her if something is going on. He knows her and he knows she is hiding something and that is why she is pushing him away. Chelsea just tells him to go. He told her what he had to say so he should just go. Max tells Chelsea he will always care about her and be there for her. She tells him goodbye. He leaves and goes to get Abby. -Hope and Bo arrive at the hospital. Bo's wound is getting looked at when Hope sees Belle. She asks what she is doing there. Belle says she just came by to empty put her mom's office as her father asked her to. Hope notices she is upset and asks if something is wrong. Shawn then walks in and sees her. Hope sees them looking at each other and asks what is going on. Shawn interupts and says nothing is going on and asks why she is there. Hope tells him what is going on with Bo. Shawn asks why he got into the fight but Hope says nothing about the rape. Bo joins them and Shawn asks him what stupid decision he made now. Hope tells Shawn to calm down, as does Belle. Bo says her can't talk about what is going on right now. Shawn asks him what else is new as he always keeps him and mom out of the loop but not Billie and Chelsea. Bo loses it and asks Shawn what he wants from him. Shawn says I want a real father and a real man to lead this family, not some flip flop who goes back on every promise he ever made to them. Bo is stunned, as is Belle and Hope. -Abe, Roman, Cal, Celeste, Nicole, and Stefano are stunned that it seems a body was found. Celeste feels it and says she feels like a part of her is gone. Abe looks at the debris and then takes out a family picture of him, Lexie, and Theo. He tries to hold back the tears. Abe: She can't be gone. Not like this. So beautiful...so full of life. Even after everything...God help me I still love her. I still love her !!!! You can't be gone Lexie. Lexie!!! Celeste breaks down too and tells Stefano she knows this is his fault. One of his enemies wanted revenge or one of his schemes went awry. She promises to make him pay and to see him dead for this if he did this and she tells him not to tell her he wasn't involved. She can see it on his face. Abe warns him too that he will make him pay for this because it is obvious by the look in his eyes he was involved in this. The EMT's discover the body and say it is the body of a caucasion female. It is not Lexie. Abe, Celeste, and Stefano are relieved. Abe and Celeste still warn Stefano if Lexie is hurt, they are coming after him. Roman says the same and says if Eric did get hurt in the blast, Stefano is a dead man. Nevertheless, if he is involved he will find out and nail him. Stefano is unphases and continues to search for Lexie. Nicole is searching feverishly for Eric. Roman and Cal help her. Roman tells some patrol cops to ask around the area to see if anyone saw someone enter the building and gives them a picture of Eric to show to people. Stefano is searching around, praying Lexie is found. He looks down at the ground and sees a foot. It's Lexie's!!! He calls for help and the EMT's move the debris off of her. Abe, Celeste, Nicole, Cal, and Roman gather around. Stefano asks if she is alive. The EMT responds that she is but barely and she may have internal injuries. They prepare for her transport and Stefano says he is riding in the ambulance. Abe and Celeste refuse to let that happen. Meanwhile, a man that maintains some of the warehouses near the pier is found by some of the officers and brought to Roman. He explains he saw a man that looked just like Eric with a woman with brown hair. They were on the pier around two hours ago. Roman tells Nicole what he learned and she feels relieved but still wants to find him. She heads for the pier to see if he is still there and says she will look around. Roman asks her to call when she finds him. Roman then gets a phone call and is stunned by what he hears. He hangs up as Cal asks him what is wrong. Roman says the warehouse that blew up belonged to Victor Kiriakis. Cal asks what that means. Roman wonders if Victor is involved. The EMT's pack up Lexie and put her on the ambulance. Stefano says he is getting on with his daughter. He pushes ahead and gets on, shutting the door behind him. Abe is furious but Celeste tells him they should just get to the hospital. Roman and Cal fill Abe in on what they found out and tell him they will head to the hospital with him. In the ambulance, Stefano begs Lexie to survive. -Nicole arrives at the pier and can't find Eric. She wonders where he is and if this has something to do with his secret. -Greta is looking for Eric's doctor and hopes he leads her to his chart when she bumps into Bo, Hope, Belle, and Shawn. She notices the tension and asks if everything is alright. Bo sarcastically says it couldn't be better. -At Salem Place, Max walks back over to Abby and asks if she is ok. Abby says she is fine and asks if everything went well. Max says as best as it could. Abby asks if Chelsea needs her. Max thinks it is best if she leave her alone for now. They say goodbye to Cassie and walk away. Cassie reminds Abby she never did answer her question. Abby responds no. Cassie doesn't buy it. Max asks what that was about as Abby tells him to nevermind. Cassie walks over to Chelsea and they watch Max and Abby walk away, with his arm around her. Cassie tells Chelsea they have a bond that grows stronger by the way and that no one seems to want her. Max doesn't and niether does Salem as half of the town hates her. Cassie says that Chelsea must want to keet the truth from Hope because she is afraid Hope won't want her either since no one wants her or her slutty self anyway. Chelsea has had enough and lunges for Chelsea. Both woman fall to the ground and a catfight ensues. -Sami, Austin, Lucas, and Kate pull up at a location near where Carrie told Sami. They see a gas station up ahead and decide to stop and ask if anyone saw Carrie. They pull up and look around and notice it seems abandoned. Lucas sees that part of the building even collapsed. Sami looks near the debris and sees a jacket and a pool of blood. Austin, Lucas, and Kate see it and wonder what happened. Sami remembers the phone call and then having the call go dead. She sees the pay phone very close to the debris and wonders if something bad happened to Carrie. They all look at the blood, debris, and torn jacket and wonder what to do next. -Greta, Hope, Bo, Shawn, and Belle are all in the ER when Abe, Roman, Celeste, and Cal show up. Hope asks what they are doing there. Abe explains the explosion and what happened to Lexie. Bo asks what warehouse it was. Roman says it belongs to Victor. Bo asks if it was accidental. Roman explains the place was rigged to blow up. Shawn asks why anyone would rig a warehouse to blow. Abe says they would if they were laying a trap for someone and had targeted someone. Belle ask who could the target be. Everyone then turns and sees Lexie rushed into the ER and are stunned to see Stefano run in behind her. The doctor tells Stefano to wait outside and that they will take good care of Dr. Carver. He turns around and comes faces to face with some of his enemies. Bo is furious and lunges at him as Roman holds him back. The rest of them soak in the fact that Stefano has returned as a composed, but worried, Stefano looks on. The screen then fades to black and the credits roll. On the Next "Salem Lives:" Sami to Roman: You need to get up here right now...it's Carrie. Shawn to Belle: It's over...we're over. Accept it. Celeste to Abe: I feel this is only the beginning...something bigger is brewing. Stefano to Cassie: Whoever did this will pay. Cassie to Stefano: And I will help you. Bo to Hope: It''s all gone..our family, marriage...everything we have built is in shambles. Chelsea: Maybe it's not worth changing...maybe I am better off being bad. Julie: Maggie needs our help and I have an idea. Maggie: My life is over...maybe I will just drink until I die.

Oh I know it's long but it won't always be like that . The episodes that feature many characters and alot going on typically are. I am going to work on the length and you will see them get much more manageable but I still will describe the scene and the happenings in enough detail so you know what is going on and can actually visualize it as if you are watching it .

-Abby tells Max that she wants what is best for both him and Chelsea. It doesn't really make a difference to her if they are together or not, as long as they are happy. Max thanks her for being such a good friend to both Chelsea and him. He tells Abby he has made up his mind-he is going to break things off with Chelsea. He just can't put off his life anymore for her and she has practically ignored him for weeks now. He says he better meet with her now and tell her and asks Abby if she will come. Chelsea may need her. Abby agrees. Max calls Chelsea's cell but there is no answer. He decides to try to find her as Abby goes with him. -Cassie tortures Chelsea with the fact that she knows Hope is her mother. She tells Chelsea that information like that almost gives you the right to own a person, especially when it seems obvious the person doesn't want anyone to know. Chelsea tries to explain that Cassie didn't understand but Cassie reminds her that she is a Dimera and not stupid. She can see Chelsea is scared out of her mind so that alone convinces her that she heard right. Cassie asks Chelsea if she knows who her real father is. Chelsea says she doesn't and begs Cassie not to say anything. She is keeping this secret because Billie and Bo would be devestated knowing their daughter is really dead and that she is Hope's. Cassie says she will keep the secret but asks what is in it for her. Chelsea promises to do anything. Cassie says she will hold her to that and will be sure to look her up when she needs something. Cassie sees Max and Abby walking nearby and sees them laughing. Max then puts his arm around Abby. Cassie then makes a comment about how much Chelsea's life must stink lately. Her father hates her for destroying his marriage, her mother and half the town doesn't trust her, and now she is losing her boyfriend to her best friend. Chelsea asks what she is talking about. Cassie shifts her eyes and asks Chelsea to see for herself. Chelsea turns and sees Max with his arm around Abby laughing and having a good time. Chelsea's eyes well up in tears as Cassie takes pleasure in seeing her suffer. -Bo has both of Chelsea's rapists held against the wall and tells them he is going to kill them for what they did to his daughter. The two women that the men were with continue to scream for help. Bo tells them to shutup as these two are scum and deserve to be punished. If the law isn't going to do it, he will. Hope then races in, saying she heard the screaming. She begs Bo to stop and let them go. Bo says that this is the only way justice will be served as the DA let them both go because they retracted their confessions and there was no other evidence. Hope says they will find some but Bo reminds Hope that the rape happened in May. The trail is cold so it's next to impossible to find anything now that can incriminate the men. Bo blames Hope for that as he may have been able to do something sooner had he known. Hope reminds Bo that Victor knew but Bo reminds Hope that she is his wife. It as her responsibility to tell him. Victor was wrong too but it is wrong that his own wife never told him about his daughter's rape. Hope tells Bo that Victor may be able to get them more evidence. Bo says that the evidence would be tossed out in court as anything from Victor would be collected through underground, and probably illegal, means. They have nothing and his daughter's rapists need to be punished. Hope tells Bo to think about Shawn and Chelsea and how they need their father. Bo says he is thinking about them and by getting these two guys off the streets, he will protect the future safety and security of both of them and of others. While Bo is distracted with Hope, one of the guys knees Bo in the mid-section. Bo falls to the ground and the two guys get away as the two girls run in the opposite direction. Hope helps Bo up but he pushes her away. He is furious and tells her she has done it again. Hope says it is for the best and they can pursue this the right way. Bo says he was pursuing this the only way. They have no case and there was only one way to punish them. Bo tells Hope she withheld information and now helped his daughter's rapists get away. Hope tells Bo that they need to sit down and talk. Bo backs away and reminds Hope that when he wanted to talk before all this, she was the one to back off. Now he is the one backing off. He has no desire to talk to her right now. Hope sees that he is bleeding from his side. Somehow he must have been wounded when he was kicked or something so Hope tells him he should get that taken care of. Bo says he will be fine and doesn't want to see her. Hope says she will go away right after he goes with her and has the wound taken care of. He reluctantly agrees and they head for the hospital. -Belle refuses to let Shawn leave town to join the Marines. Shawn says he can pay homage to Philip and it will almost be like his way of making things up to him after the last few years. Belle says he doesn't have to do that. Shawn says he needs to get out of Salem. His life is a mess and he is having problems with his father and then there is her. The love they share has made her far too obsessive. He doesn't even know who she is anymore and it seems alot of people think that way by the reactions at the hospital earlier. She should be with her husband in San Francisco helping him and supporting him and, instead, she chose to stay in Salem because of him. He reminds Belle of how appalled everyone was. Belle says she doesn't care as she loves Shawn and is done putting aside her happiness. Shawn says he cares and wants her to stop being obsessed with their relationship. Philip is the father of her child and that is where she belongs. Things are different now then they were years ago. They are cousins now and she is married with a child. He needs to make some big life decisions and really needs to grow up. This is a good way to do it and this will give her the chance to settle down and make the changes she needs to make to her life. Belle insists there are no changes to be made accept for them reuniting and being together. Shawn says that isn't going to happen. He has made his choice whether she accepts it or not. It's over and he is making plans to move on. Hopefully, in time, she will understand this is for the best and will move on as well. Belle tearfully tells Shawn she loves him. Shawn says he loves her too but that it's not right anymore and it just doesn't feel right. He says he needs to go make some plans. Belle grabs him and begs him not to do this. Shawn kisses her and says she will understand one day. He pushes her arms off of him and walks off as Belle crumples to the floor in tears, crying to Shawn not to do this. -Doug, Julie, and Laura enter Maggie's house and call out to her. Maggie, who is practially guzzling the bottle of vodka, hears them and hides the bottle. She quickly shoves some peppermint cookies in her mouth to tone down the alcohol on her breath. Doug, Julie, and Laura enter and ask if she is ok. Maggie says she is the best she can be considering everything. Julie asks why she didn't answer the door. Maggie says she doesn't want visitors and was hoping they would go away. Julie says they just want to help and want her to let them. It isn't doing her any good to be alone and locking herself away. Laura asks Maggie if it would help if they talked since Laura has not been around in awhile and a new face may be more comfortable. Maggie says she just wants to left alone for the time being. Julie tells Maggie that isn't healthy but Laura tells Julie to back off a bit. Laura asks Maggie if she is feeling better then she did when Mickey first died. Maggie says not really. Laura then asks her if she is feeling overwhelmed or feels closed in. Maggie says she just feels guilty, lonely, and like everyone blames her and rightfully so. Mickey's death was her fault. She should've gotten on the boat and then Mickey would've too. Laura tells Maggie they can't deal in "what if's." Laura then asks her if she has seen Mickey. Maggie doesn't understand. Laura asks if Mickey has come to her in dreams or if she has actually seen him. She tells Maggie that it's very common for loved ones who are hit hard by a death to see the person as a vision of some sort or to have that person visit them in dreams. Maggie picks up a vase and tosses it at the wall and disgusts. She says she realizes what is going on here. She says they think she is nuts and that is why they brought Laura over and have her asking these questions. That is also why they used the spare key and just let themselves in. She asks if they thought she was killing herself or self-mutilating herself. Doug, Julie, and Laura say they were merely concerned since she has shut herself off from the worls, especially since she pushed Victor out of her life. Maggie says to let her do as she pleases and orders them all to get out. She knows what they think of her and that not only do they blame her deep down for Mickey's death and are only being nice because she is family, but they also think she is a whackjob. She tells them to get out now. Julie and Laura beg Maggie to reconsider. Maggie tells them to leave now and begins to toss things around the room. Doug tells them they should go. Julie and Laura reluctantly give in. Julie asks Maggie to please let them help. Maggie yells once again for them to get out and to leave their key. Julie refuses but Laura says to do as she says or they risk having her isolate herself even more. Julie lays the key on the table and leaves with Doug and Laura. Maggie closes the door behind them and locks it. She says good riddance and that she doesn't need them or anyone else. She pulls out the vodka and begins to drink it again, only now more vigorously. -Kayla asks Patrick if he is joking. He assures he isn't and that Steve Johnson is alive. Kayla asks how. Patrick explains that Steve has been hidden away for awhile and has been on Melaswen since Stefano and Ernesto began plans for their second island plot. Prior to that, he was hidden in Dimera lairs. Lawrence was the one that set his death up so Patrick was working for him. He left his family and Salem when he was younger to pursue his dreams. He did not want to live poor like his family in Salem and he hated seeing them that way when his father kept leaving them and coming back. His dad could never find steady work so he took off hoping to find something to acquire wealth and then share it with his family. He ended up being a con man and got into some debt at a casino. Turns out, Lawrence knew of his reputation as a con man and knew he was in debt and offered to help him out. Mimi was an infant and Connor was not even born yet so his family needed help so he took Lawrence's offer. Patrick's job was to somehow get near Steve, which he did by impersonating an intern, to give him a drug to slowly "kill" him and make him appear dead. He got this drug from Stefano Dimera and his organization, who got it themselves through Ernesto and his drug developers. Patrick gave Steve the drug and that is how we slowly saw him "die." Patrick would have to make sure Steve stayed unconcious so he would have to sneak in to the morgue and to the funeral home to keep giving him the drug. Lawrence had some people in these places on his payroll so that made it easy. Patrick also assisted in the coffin switch and bringing the "dead" Steve to a secret hideaway in Europe where he stayed for years. When Lawrence and Carly got together, Lawrence decided to let Steve go and drop any plans he had in mind for him because he would not risk Carly finding out and leaving him. This was around the time Stefano returned to Salem. Stefano heard through the crime underworld grapevine that Lawrence was selling Steve Johnson to the highest bidder. Stefano took Steve and hid him away thinking that some day he could use this in his feud with the Brady's. Lawrence was happy with this because he knew Steve would still suffer and he would still get his revenge all while not risking losing Carly. Patrick begs Kayla not to give any details of this to anyone as Lawrence and Stefano would probably come after him. Kayla says she will keep this between them for now and once again asks if it true. He says it is and writes down the instructions to get to the area where Patrick believes Stefano took him after the island was destroyed. Kayla thanks him. Patrick wonders why it is taking so long for him to be released. Kayla then tells him he isn't being released. She lied to him to get the info she needed. He is stunned as she seemed so nice and sincere. Kayla apologizes but insists he will be safer in there as she will need to tell someone what he told her. He says that he can still be reaches in prison so it won't save him. Kayla apologizes again and wishes him the best. She leaves as Patrick wonders what will become of him now. Kayla thinks about what he told her and remembers Kim telling her that Shane was investigating Steve's death for some reason. Kayla believes it has to be true and says it is time to go find her husband. -Sami is stunned to be talking to Carrie on the phone. She asks what she is doing near Green Mountain. Carrie tells Sami she needs to bring help. Sami asks her what is wrong as she sounds scared. Meanwhile, outside Sami's apartment, Lucas and Austin walk up and Kate walks up behind them. Lucas and Austin tell Kate that it isn't a good time for her to be there as Sami's is enough of a mess. Kate says she just wants to make sure her sons are on given what is going on with Carrie. Austin opens the doors and hears Sami on the phone asking what is going on. He notices she seems very worried and agitated. Sami asks Carrie what is going on. Carrie tells her to bring help and tell them where she is. She hangs up as Alan is beginning to run towards her. Carrie is afraid of what he is about to do. Back at Sami's, Carrie keeps saying "Hello" and see notices Austin, Lucas, and Kate there. Austin asks her who she was just talking to. Sami remembers how she was just talking about how she has always been second choice and Carrie and Belle got everything. With Carrie out of the picture, she can have everything and could even choose between Austin and Lucas. She also remembers thinking about cutting Lucas and Austin lose and starting out fresh as both men might always have eyes for Carrie first. Sami thinks about Carrie and her baby and tells herself it's time to stop being the selfish, old Sami. Carrie may be in danger and that is her sister and little neice or nephew. Sami tells Austin, Lucas, and Kate that she was talking to Carrie. They all three look on stunned. Meanwhile, back in the mountains, a large pile of debris lies next to an unconscious Carrie. She has a bleeding gash on her head and Alan is nowhere to be found. -Greta waits on the pier for the ambulance for Eric. She begs him to hold on. They arrive and she rides in the ambulance with him, urging him to be that strong guy she fell in love with years ago. They arrive at the hospital and the doctor's race him into the ER. Greta prays he will be ok. -Faux Roman arrives at the police station and tells Roman he has big news. He tells him about falling and hitting his head and how he remembers something. He had been having nightmares that seemed like memories but he finally had a vivid recollection of that man that worked for Stefano, Dr. Rolf, talking to him before deciding what they were going to do regarding him and plastic surgery prior to him being Roman. He tells Roman he remembers Rolf saying his name is Cal Winters. Roman is happy for him and says this is a breakthrough. Once he goes to therapy, he will remember more and more. Cal thanks Roman for convincing him to stay. He really feels like things may work out well. They are interupted by a phone call telling Roman about the warehouse explosion. Roman says he has to go and tells Cal what is up. Cal asks if he can go to as they may need his help and he does have police experience. Roman says for him to come as they may need him and they leave. -Celeste and Abe hear sirens as they are driving in his car searching for Lexie. Celeste screams out that it's too late. She feels like a part of her just died. Abe looks on horrified and hopes that Lexie is ok. -Victor hears the news on the radio about an explosion in the warehouse district. He is pleased and congratuates Nico on a job well done. He says it should only be a matter of time before they hear of the death of Stefano Dimera. -Nicole and Stefano search the rubble. Nicole is frantically searching for Eric, hoping he wasn't near or in the building. Stefano searches for Lexie and prays she got out. The rescue units, fire department, and police arrive and ask what happened. They are all stunned to see Stefano and he fills them all in on everything. He begs them to find his daughter. The EMT's arrive and ask if Stefano means Lexie Carver. He says yes and they tell him that they will find Dr. Carver and will give her the best care if she is injured. Abe and Celeste arrive and bump into Roman and Cal, who arrive as well. They see Nicole and ask what is going on. Nicole tells them and says she is worried Eric may have been in the building or nearby. Roman prays that is not the case but says better to be safe then sorry. Celeste tells Abe she feels Alexandra's presence was there but that it is non-existant now. Almost like she is among them anymore. Abe urges Celeste to cool it with the feelings and premonitions. Abe, Celeste, Roman, and Cal ask Nicole if she knows of anyone else who could be in there. Stefano then comes out of the shadows and says his daughter may have been. Celeste, Abe, Roman, and Cal look on stunned. Abe and Roman both lunge from Stefano but Cal holds Roman back. Abe grabs Stefano and asks him what the hell he is doing here. Stefano says that is not important but finding Alexandra is. Abe thinks he had something to do with this and tells him to tell everyone the truth. One of the rescue workers then yell out they found something and it could be a body...a woman's body. Abe puts Stefano down and both look on in shock, as do Nicole, Roman, Cal and Celeste as they screen fades to black and the credits roll. On the Next "Salem Lives"... Abe to Stefano: Lexie's death is on your hands you bastard. Celeste to Stefano: My daughter is gone and don't even tell me you didn't have something to do with this. Cal to Roman: What's wrong? Roman to Cal: This warehouse belonged to Victor Kiriakis. Hope to Bo: You and me are going to talk and we are going to talk now. Cassie to Abby: You are after Max aren't you? Max to Chelsea: It's over, Chels. It's time for us to go our separate ways. Sami to Austin, Lucas, and Kate: I know where Carrie is and we need to hurry because something sounded really wrong.

Yes isn't it? Glad you are excited. It is a very big week ahead!!!

“Salem Lives” Cast List as of September 5, 2006 Contract Francis Reid (Alice Horton) Suzanne Rogers (Maggie Horton) Drake Hogestyn (Roman Brady) Peggy McCay (Caroline Brady) James Reynolds (Abe Carver) Alison Sweeney (Samantha Brady) Renee Jones (Dr. Lexie Carver) Kristian Alfonso (Hope Williams Brady) Peter Reckell (Bo Brady) Lauren Koslow (Kate Roberts) Josh Taylor (Cal Winters) Matthew Ashford (Jack Deveraux) Bryan Dattilo (Lucas Roberts) Martha Madison (Belle Brady Kiriakis) Julie Pinson (Billie Reed) Ashley Benson (Abby Deveraux) Rachel Melvin (Chelsea Benson) Darin Brooks (Max Brady) Austin Peck (Austin Reed) Christie Clark (Carrie Brady) John Aniston (Victor Kiriakis) Arianne Zuker (Nicole Walker) *Short Term Julianne Morris (Greta von Amburg) Jensen Ackles (Eric Brady) *Short Term Paul Kersey (Alan Harris) Joseph Mascolo (Stefano Dimera) Mary Beth Evans (Dr. Kayla Brady Johnson) Stephen Nichols (Steve “Patch” Johnson) Jeremy Sumpter (Will Roberts) Recurring Tanya Boyd (Celeste Perrault) Billy Warlock (Frankie Brady) Charles Shaughnessy (Shane Donovan) Charles Cioffi (Ernesto Toscano) Alexis Thorpe (Cassie Dimera) Bill Hayes (Doug Williams) Susan Seaforth Hayes (Julie Williams) Jaime Lyn Bauer (Laura Horton) Patsy Pease (Kimberly Brady) Lorenzo Caccialanza (Nico) Daphne Bloomer (Eugenia Willans) Ava and Olivia White (Claire Kiriakis) James Lancaster (Fr. Timothy Jansen) Ron Leath (Henderson) Jake and Nick Ravo (Jack Deveraux Jr.) Arloa Reton (Joelle) Kavi Faquir (Theo Carver) Out (since May 1, 2006) Frank Parker (Shawn Brady Sr)-as of July 19, 2006 Deidre Hall (Dr. Marlena Evans Brady)-as of July 31, 2006 Jason Cook (Shawn Brady)-as of September 25, 2006 Farah Fath (Mimi Lockhart)-as of August 29, 2006 Melissa Reeves (Jennifer Horton Deveraux)-as of July 28, 2006 Kyle Brandt (Philip Kiriakis)-as of July 26, 2006 Judi Evans (Bonnie Lockhart)-as of July 25, 2006 Brody Hutzler (Patrick Lockhart)-as of September 5, 2006 John Clarke (Mickey Horton)- *Short Term Return ended on July 26, 2006 Steve Blackwood (Bart Biederbicke)-as of July 21, 2006 Christopher Gerse (Will Roberts)-as of Spring 2006 Rhasaan Orange (Thomas “Tek” Kramer)-as of July 24, 2006 Thaao Penghlis (Andre/Tony Dimera)-as of July 21, 2006 Eric Winter (Rex Dimera)-as of August 29, 2006

Announcer: A SEPTEMBER TO REMEMBER BEGINS WITH FALL PREMIERE WEEK ON "SALEM LIVES!!!" FIRST... A SHOCKING PHONE CALL... Sami: Carrie? Is that you? Carrie: Sami, you have to bring help... LEADS TO A CHILLING DISCOVERY.... Austin (with Lucas, Sami, and Kate behind him): Oh my God!! THEN... ONE MAN'S SECRET IS ABOUT TO REVEALED... Greta (in the hospital with Eric): The doctor's won't tell me. Eric won't tell me. I guess I will just have to find out on my own. AND IT'S WORSE THEN ANYONE COULD IMAGINE... Greta: Oh no... PLUS.... A SHOCKING REVELATION.... Patrick: Your husband is alive and I know where to find him. LEADS TO A DANGEROUS ADVENTURE THAT WILL CHANGE LIVES... Kayla: I'm coming Steve!!! AND A WAR BEGINS... Stefano: Victor struck the first blow...and I will strike the last. Victor: I won't stop until I see Stefano Dimera and all my enemies wiped out. WHO WILL GET CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE? Stefano: Alexandra!!!!! ONE BIG WEEK....DON'T MISS FALL PREMIERE WEEK!!! IT'S A SEPTEMBER TO REMEMBER!!!

"SALEM LIVES" INSIDER SALEM LIVES EXPLODES!!! Victor and Stefano: IT'S WAR!!! Lexie (Renee Jones) becomes a innocent victim of the Victor/Stefano feud on "Salem Lives." Two of Salem's most notorious villains find themselves at war with each other this week on Salem Lives after Victor's plot to eliminate Stefano puts his daughter's life in danger. "Lexie ends up getting the message that was meant for Stefano," recaps HW Tim Lowery. "She is looking for her father and ends up at the warehouse, unaware the note is fake and the warehouse is rigged to explode. Stefano ends up hearing about the note and arrives at the warehouse worried about Lexie. Nicole is there looking for Eric and both of them smell gas and hear a whistling sound. Then it's...BAM!!! The warehouse blows to pieces and Stefano and Nicole both worry about Lexie and Eric being in the building." Eric is not anywhere near the building (see story below) but Lexie was indeed in the warehouse and is now missing. "The police arrive and so do Roman and Cal (Faux Roman)," reveals Lowery. "A search for Lexie is underway but it soon seems to be becoming a recovery operation as it appears no one could've survived that blast." Is Lexie really dead? "Well, Abe and Celeste arrive there and Celeste just feels a part of her missing. It is a very emotional scene. Abe breaks down and and admits he still loves Lexie and then you have Nicole worried Eric may be in the debris. Plus, Stefano is running around desperate to find Lexie and he will lock horns with Roman, Cal, and Abe and the people of Salem as they all learn he is back in town this week," previews Lowery. "As for Lexie, the fans will just have to watch since this is just the beginning." It is just the beginning indeed as, by week's end, Stefano learns Victor was responsible for the blast and declares war on him and his family. "Things have gotten very personal and now it's time to get down and dirty. People will be choosing sides left and right and many innocent lives will be in danger. This war is huge for the whole canvas and that is not an exaggeration," cautions Lowery Sami's BIG Sacrifice Sami (Alison Sweeney) makes a stunning choice on "Salem Lives." Sami does the unthinkable this week on Salem Lives when she chooses her sister over being with the man of her dreams. "Carrie escapes Alan and the cabin and calls Salem," recaps HW Tim Lowery. "Sami picks up and Carrie tells her where she is but Alan shows up and then...click...there goes the call. We then get a typical Sami moment where she actually thinks about whether or not to tell Austin and Lucas. Afterall, both men love Carrie more than her as it seems so Carrie being gone will service her nicely." Austin and Lucas catch Sami on the phone and ask her who she is talking with. Sami is at a loss for words and must decide to either take the selfless route and help Carrie or pull a typical Sami stunt that may cause further harm to her sister. She chooses the former. "It is a moment of real growth for Sami, something we are striving to do," says Lowery. "We had a few moments of growth over the summer and this is another one." Sami, Austin, and Lucas race to the area Carrie told Sami about with Kate in toll. However, things take an unexpected turn once they arrive. "Something big happens with Carrie and Alan and when Sami and the others arrive...let's just say things don't go in the direction people would think," hints Lowery. Cassie to Chelsea: I OWN YOU!!! Cassie (Alexis Thorpe) has herself a new foe on "Salem Lives." A new rivalry begins in Salem this week on Salem Lives when Cassie learns that Hope is Chelsea's real mother. "Cassie just overhears Chelsea talking to herself and confronts Chelsea," previews HW Tim Lowery. "Cassie just tortures her with the fact that she can tell anyone at any time." Things get worse for Chelsea when she runs into Abby and Max at Salem Place and catches them in a close moment. "Cassie really digs into Chelsea about that too so Chelsea is falling apart by that point," reveals Lowery. Max then tells Chelsea they need to talk and breaks things off with her. "It is a little sad but she had been pushing him away so she blames herself," adds Lowery. Chelsea then sees Abby and Max walk off together and the bond is evident. "If it wasn't evident to Chelsea before, Cassie makes it very evident," laughs Lowery. "She just lays in on Chelsea real thick that she lost her boyfriend to her best friend and that she is worthless and so on." Cassie then takes it one step further when she says that no one wants a slut like Chelsea around. "Cassie even says that the reason why Chelsea won't tell Hope she is her daughter is because she is afraid Hope won't want a slutty daughter," comments Lowery. Chelsea and Cassie go at it and then are interupted when Cassie gets a phone call and must leave. Chelsea then goes home where things take another bad turn. "Chelsea sees Bo and Hope about to call it quits for good and she begins to wonder why she is even trying to be good. There is also the matter of Billie, who is on her case about her hiding something. Everything is just going so wrong for her and that isn't even the worst of it," hints Lowery. Yep, that's right-the worse is yet to come. "Chelsea will take yet another hit by week's end that will make Cassie and everything else look like school-age problems," reveals Lowery. Horton's To The Rescue!!! Maggie (Suzanne Rogers) goes off the deep end on "Salem Lives." The Horton's band together to help Maggie this week on Salem Lives not realizing how lost she truly is. "Doug, Julie, and Laura arrive at Maggie's house just as Maggie has succumbed to her alcohol temptation," previews HW Tim Lowery. Maggie creates a cover story and hides the booze while Julie and Laura try to convince her to let them help her through this. "They give her the traditional don't push us away speech and all Maggie is focused on is the vodka," says Lowery. Things take a rough turn when Maggie learns that Laura is there to examine her mental health. "Maggie just loses it and kicks them all out," says Lowery. "Now she goes from just wanting to have a few drinks to downing the whole bottle. The self-control is now gone as she feels betrayed and alone and the guilt, pain, and heartbreak over Mickey's death is eating at her," explains Lowery. By week's end, Maggie has lost total control and the Horton's are worried sick when Maggie doesn't answer their calls. Alice, Doug, Julie, and Laura realize she may be in more trouble then they realize and even being to wonder if she has fallen off the wagon. "They have no evidence of it but the idea comes up," says Lowery. This prompts the Horton's to take action...and to call in reinforcements. Greta Learns Eric's Secret!!! Greta (Julianne Morris) makes a stunning discovery on "Salem Lives." The cat is out of the bag for Eric this week on Salem Lives when Greta learns the secret he has been keeping since returning to Salem. "Eric and Greta are arguing over his secret and he collapses in Greta's arms," reveals HW Tim Lowery. "She calls an ambulance and he ends up in the ER." Eventually, the doctor's come out but they won't tell Greta anything. "Eric makes them promise not to tell anyone anything and to make sure no one but Greta knows he is there," says Lowery. Greta takes matters into her own hands and find out his secret on her own. "She plays detective and is shocked by what she finds out," previews Lowery. "The secret is a real doozy." STEVE IS ALIVE!!! Kayla (Mary Beth Evans) gets life-altering news on "Salem Lives." Kayla gets shocking news this week on Salem Lives when she learns her husband, Steve "Patch" Johnson, isn't dead afterall. "Patrick had been hinting at a big secret for weeks," recaps HW Tim Lowery. "Kayla finally got in to see him in prison but he wanted to bargain for his freedom so Kayla enlists the help of a guard to trick Patrick into telling her what he knows and he does." Patrick tells her how Steve is alive, where he has been, how he knows, etc and even tells Kayla he knows where he is. "He gives her everything but there is no visual proof," cautions Lowery. "It is just his word." Kayla remembers that Shane was investigating Steve's death and wonders if he did that because he knew of something fishy. "Between what Patrick told her and Shane investigating the death, Kayla is totally convinced and is ready to go find her husband," reveals Lowery. By week's end, Kayla makes a stunning decision prior to leaving to find Steve. "She does something that will not onle put her in danger but others in danger as well," warns Lowery. Comings and Goings Who's Coming? Stephen Nichols (Steve "Patch" Johnson): The popular actor is returning this Fall. See the Casting News in the blog entry below this one for more. Jeremy Sumpter (Will Roberts): Sumpter replaces Christopher Gerse in the role in mid-late September. See the Casting News in the blog entry below this one for more. Who's Going? Brody Hutzler (Patrick Lockhart): Hutzler was let go and will last air September 5. See the Casting News in the blog entry below this one for more. Christopher Gerse (Will Roberts): Gerse, who has played the role since 2003, is out. He is being replaces by Jeremy Sumpter. See the Casting News in the blog entry below this one for more. Farah Fath (Mimi Lockhart) and Eric Winter (Rex Dimera): As previously reported, Fath and Winter last aired on August 29 when Mimi and Rex left Salem with Connor. Kyle Brandt (Philip Kiriakis): Brandt last aired on July 25 as a body double was substituted for Brandt during Philip's final scenes from that point on. The character of Philip made his last appearance on August 30 when he was shipped off to San Francisco to recover. Jason Cook (Shawn Brady): As previously reported, Cook will exit the role in late September and the role will not be recast at this time. Wayne Northrup (Wendell): Northrup, who as placed on recurring following the climax of the island story, is no longer with the show. Sources say there were no immediate plans for him but that he can pop back up at any point. Thaoo Penghlis (Tony/Andre Dimera): Penghlis, who has been on recurring, is no longer with the show. Insiders say the plans to have a "search for Tony" have been put on hold until early next year. The character of Andre will not be making anymore further appearances. as he was believed to have died on July 24, so don't expect Penghlis to be around anytime soon. Who's Staying? Charles Cioffi (Ernesto Toscano): As previously reported, the actor will remain on recurring as Ernesto's presence will continue to be felt in Salem. Patsy Pease (Kimberly Brady) and Charles Shaughnessy (Shane Donovan): Shaughnessy, who returned in June, will remain on recurring at this time. Pease, who returned to Salem for the funerals for those who perished on the island, will return to Salem in October and remain on recurring. Both will play roles in many stories this Fall. Jaime Lyn Bauer (Laura Horton): Bauer, who returned for the island funerals in August, will remain on recurring at this time. Jensen Ackles and Arianne Zuker (Eric Brady and Nicole Walker): Both actors, who made short term returns in May, will remain with the show at least through the end of the year. Some insiders hint that Zuker will stay put on the show as it is said TPTB want her to sign a long term deal but there is no confirmation yet. Josh Taylor (Faux Roman/Cal Winters): Despite the revelation that his character was not the real Roman Brady, Taylor will be staying with the show for the forseeable future. Expect to dive further into the character's past as the Fall progresses. Status Change Tanya Boyd (Celeste Perrault): As previously reported, Boyd was downgraded to recurring once again after plans for her front burner story were put on hold for the time being. Expect Boyd to still be a prominent fixture on the show. Billy Warlock (Frankie Brady): As previously reported, Warlock has been downgraded to recurring as there are no immediate frontburner story plans for Frankie. Alexis Thorpe (Cassie Dimera): As previously mentioned, Thorpe's scheduled short-term stint has now become a recurring gig. Expect the character to become more and more prominent as the Fall progresses (for more on Cassie's new story see above). Sneak Peeks for Week of September 4, 2006 -Bo goes off the deep end. -Nicole searches desperately for Eric. -Alan's life is in Carrie's hands. -Salem learns Stefano has returned. -Hope, Billie, amd Chelsea are concerned about Bo. -Maggie isolates herself from the world. -Max and Chelsea call it quits. -Cassie is becoming a true Dimera. -Greta plays detective. -Kayla embarks on an adventure. -Shawn pushes Belle away. -Sami, Austin, Lucas, and Kate make a chilling discovery. -Stefano declares war. -The Horton's unite to help Maggie. -Danger closes in on Chelsea yet again. Red Letter Days Tuesday September 5, 2006: FALL PREMIERE WEEK BEGINS as Stefano searches desperately for Lexie, Eric is rushed to the ER, and Hope tries to keep Bo from committing murder. Friday September 8, 2006: Stefano declares war on Victor and his loved ones. Meanwhile, tragedy strikes Chelsea yet again Next Week Kayla searches for Steve. Stefano gets a lucky break. It's over for Bo and Hope. Chelsea falls apart, along with the Brady family. Victor turns against the Brady's...and Caroline. Shawn announces his future plans to his loved ones. The search for Carrie officially ends.

PATRICK SAYS FAREWELL AS "PATCH" and Will SAY HELLO!!!! Goodbye Patrick!!! Hello Steve and Will!!! As previously reported, Brody Hutzler (Patrick) has been let go and will last appear on September 5. The exit is storyline dictated. "Patrick may be back at some point as he knows Dimera secrets but, for now, he has served his purpose," says EP Ned Yadroc. One actor exits as two others are set to enter, one being a returnee. Yes, folks, the cat is out of the bag. The mystery return is none other then Steve "Patch" Johnson. "Steve was the mystery man seen dragged out of the burning island compound," says Yadroc. "We figured the fans would figure out with Kayla back Steve couldn't be far behind and here he is. His return will be HUGE for the whole canvas and his reunion with Kayla will be very emotional," promises Yadroc. What about Stephanie Johnson, was was recently recasted with Shayna Rose? "We will be bringing her on at some point but, for right now, she will be living out of Salem," says Yadroc. "She will make visits, especially to see her father, but nothing long term is planned until we have a full purpose for her beyond her family." The other big news-Will Roberts is returning to Salem. Will was last seen played by Christopher Gerse in the Spring and will return in mid-late September in the form of Jeremy Sumpter. Sumpter is perhaps most famous for his role in the most recent film version of "Peter Pan" and for his work in the short-lived TV series "Clubhouse," which also starred Kirsten Storms (ex-Belle). "We just think he is perfect for Will, praises Yadroc. "He resembles Ali (Sweeney, Sami) and Bryan (Dattilo, Lucas), can act, and will fit in well with the story we want to tell." Look for Will to play a part in several stories this fall and to even get one of his own come mid to late Fall. "He will be a part of the Alan story and the big Sami and Lucas story coming up but, eventually, he will have his own story to carry which I think the fans might find controversial but very powerful." Again, Sumpter will first appear in the role in mid to late September. UPDATE: As previously reported, Farah Fath (Mimi) and Eric Winter (Rex) last aired on August 29. Alexis Thorpe (Cassie) will remain on recurring status. Be sure to check out the Salem Lives Insider tomarrow for more story and casting info!!!

-Nico tells Victor the plan is set. Victor is happy and says that in less then an hour Stefano Dimera will face his full wrath. -Lexie goes to the hospital and asks a nurse why she was paged. The nurse gives her a note addressed to her from the hospital board saying she was told to give that to Dr. Carver. She opens it and discovers the board is reviewing her license to practice medicine and does not like the current scandal surrounding her and her affair with a man who worked with the Dimera's, especially since she is a Dimera herself. She is now suspended until further notice. Lexie panics about what this could mean for her chances of keeping Theo. She decides to go back to the mansion and, hopefully, catch her father before he leaves. -Cassie talks about how happy she is to be a Dimera again. She liked the Brady's but admits she never fit. She notices Stefano hasn't said much and that he is looking at his watch. She asks what is going on. Stefano asks her if she would like to go on a trip. They can catch up and even enjoy some time together. Cassie is all for it and runs upstairs to pack. Stefano admits that he did not want to bring her but needs to leave now or any plans he has will be ruined. -Nico reveals to Victor that a letter was sent to the Dimera mansion telling Stefano where to meet his aid who is helping him escape. Nico says that Stefano likes to communicate via notes or letters because it is harder to detect or intercept them unlike phone calls or face to face visits. Victor is pleased and is anticipating the results of his plan. -Cassie is all packed and set to leave. Stefano tells her they are going to go through his underground tunnel as he doesn't want to be seen in Salem yet. Cassie understands and they leave just as the maid answers the door and recieves the fake note Nico had one of Victor's henchmen send. The maid places the note on Stefano's table and asks one of the mansion staff members if he has seen Mr. Dimera. While the maid is gone, Lexie lets herself into the mansion and searches for Stefano. She finds the note and wonders if it may have info on where her father went. The envelope is not sealed completely so she beleives he opened it already as it is right near his chessboard. She really needs him and hopes he would understand her opening it since he seems to be not there. She reads the note and discovers it is directions to meet with one of his aids to help him escape. Lexie knows exactly where the warehouse is and hopes to catch her father there. SHe leaves. Meanwhile, the Dimera staff member tells the maid that Stefano left with his grandaughter Cassie just a few minutes ago. The maid races to the underground tunnel to catch Stefano. Stefano and Cassie are rushing down the tunnel and are near the end when the maid reaches them out of breath. She informs Stefano of the note. Stefano asks where it is and the maid remembers that she forgot it. The staff memner races up behind them and says he has the note and says he found it opened. Stefano wonders who would open something that was his. The staff member says his daughter just came by. One of the gardeners saw her race in and then race out. He said she seemed upset. Stefano looks at the note and says something is not right. His aids always communicate via notes and letters when planning exits or escapes but he already talked to one of his aids and they had decided on another meeting place. Plus, they only use property in their posession or property they can get away with using and the warehouse in the note belongs to Victor Kiriakis, who is the only one besides Cassie and Lexie that knows he is back in Salem. Victor tells Cassie he must find Lexie as something may be wrong. He tells Cassie to stay back as it may be too dangerous. Before she can argue, he runs off as Cassie wonders what may be going on. -Billie comes by Jack's house. Laura answers. Billie asks if Jack is there and Laura says he isn't seeing anyone right now. Jack overhears and says that isn't true. He asks Billie to come in. He reminds Laura to cool it and stay out of his life. Frankie overhears and says Laura would be wise to take that advise. Laura gets a phone call from Julie and says she needs to go and leaves. Billie and Jack talk about what Laura's problem is. Jack says she is just being overprotective. Laura and him have always been close since their affair and she also is tough about who she wants to see her son in law with and she doesn't really care for the daughter of Kate Roberts, one of her rivals. Billie understands. Jack tells her not to worry as he lives his own life and no one tells him what to do. -Max comes over to see Abby and asks how she is dealing. She says she is getting better everyday and she asks how things are with him. He tells her Chelsea and him are on a little break right now. Abby's eyes light up. Max tells her he is so frustrated as he has been trying to talk to her and she just pushes him away and won't take any time to talk at all. He can't wait around forever for her and doesn't plan to. She probably isn't even worth it. Abby can't help but be happy about this and she doesn't understand why. -Laura arrives at Alice's house. Julie, Doug, and Alice wait for her and tell her they need her help. They are very worried about Maggie and want Laura to evaluate her. They were going to wait but they don't want to wait until it is too late. Laura understands and would be happy to help. Doug, Julie, and Laura decide to head over to Maggie's right now as the sooner they do this the better. -Maggie thinks about everything that has happened and looks at the vodka bottle. She wonders if Mickey and Lucas were both wrong. Maybe one or two drinks once in a while won't hurt her. She just needs something to take the edge off and it may help her get through her hellish life. She opens the bottle and puts it up to her lips. -Bo is at the station. Abe arrives and tells Bo he has bad news about those rapists he brought in. Bo asks if Chelsea'a rape has gone public. Abe says no but both men have been released. Bo is furious and asks why. Abe says the DA didn't think there was enough to go on and both men retracted their confession. Bo tells Abe he has Victor as a witness. Abe says it may not be enough as Victor ordered the men to be part of the operation so his character will take a hit, especially with his past. They can't stick them with anything as they have nothing. The DA released both on bail and the investigation will continue but they can't hold them. Bo is angry and tells Abe both men are a danger to the public and to his daughter. He will not stand for this. The justice system he has faith in always seems to find a way to let him down alot. He says he will just take matters into his own hands. Abe tells Bo not to do something rash. Bo walks out in a rage as abe is worried what he may do. Abe then gets a call from Celeste. She is terrified and tells Abe someone they love may be in danger. -Chelsea is walking at Salem Place when Hope comes out of nowhere. Hope tells Chelsea she has been looking all over for her. Hope tells Chelsea about how Zack visited her again but in a dream this time. He helped her make a decision and she has decided to not testify against her in court. She is going to ask the judge to give her community service and probation and that is it. It is what Zack would want but she will only do this on one condition. Chelsea must continue to changer her ways and be that young woman Hope has been seeing of late or she will change her mind. Chelsea hugs her and thanks her. Hope then gets a call from Abe telling her about Bo and what happened. He is worried about what Bo may do. Hope says she will try to find him. Hope tells Chelsea she needs to leave but doesn't tell her what happened with the rapists and her father. She runs off to find Bo. -Kayla enters the state prison and asks to see Patrick Lockhart. She is let in and Patrick wonders what took her so long. Kayla says they have him in maximum security as he is a Dimera employee. Patrick tells Kayla he wants to make a deal. He will tell her a secret that will change her life forever but she must find some way to get him out of prison. He needs to get out to make things right. He did grow to care about the people of Salem and he wants to do right by his sister and brother. His mother would want that. Kayla says she would be happy to help as he seems genuinely sorry and sincere but she can't. Patrick says if she doesn't help, she won't get anything out of him. Kayla then walks off and asks the guard outside to talk to her. She asks the guard if he knows her and she tells him she is Captain Roman's Brady and Detective Bo's Brady's sister. She asks for his help and asks the guard to lie to Patrick and say that he is being released based on lack of evidence or something. The guard asks why she wants him to do this. Kayla says there is something he knows that she needs to know. It's minor and one of those little things but she needs to know. The guard agrees and tells Patrick that the judge decides there was no clear evidence of any wrongdoing. He will be released on bail this afternoon and will only be charged with aiding and abetting and that charge may be tossed too. The guard leaves as Patrick asks if this is for real. Kayla says of course it is. The guard doesn't know her and she can't pay him off so it looks like he is getting out. Kayla confesses she actually pushed for his release by using her family's name. Patrick appreciates it. Kayla sits down and asks Patrick to tell her everything he knows now that she fulfilled her end of the bargain. He agrees to tell her everything. -Nicole arrives at the police station and asks Roman if he has seen Eric. Roman says no. Kate then shows up wanting to talk to Roman about Belle. Roman says he is busy. Austin and Lucas arrive with Caroline, who bumped into them outside. Caroline, like Lucas and Austin, was wondering about the search for Carrie. Roman says there is no change and that he is being told to call off the search by the higher ups. Kate, Austin, Lucas, and Caroline are horrified. Nicole comforts Austin and assures him he can get through this and to call her if he needs her. She needs to get going looking for Eric. Roman asks Nicole to call him when she finds him. She says she will and leaves. -Carrie is now out of the wooded area and sees a gas station but it's closed. There is a pay phone but she has no money. She decides to call collect. -Sami is at home wondering if it is tiem to turn her life around and just cut Austin out of her life. She can't cut Lucas out because of Will but maybe she should start dating men that she doesn't know or who are related to people she doesn't know. She may stand a better chance instead of always being second choice. Sami looks at the picture of her, Austin, Carrie, and Lucas and she wonders why they always end up in the love quadrangle and why she always ends up being the odd one out. -Faux Roman is in bed and is still staying at Roman's house. He is having nightmares about learning he is not the real Roman and wondering who he is. He wakes up and decides to get a drink. As he walks , he trips and hits his head on the side table. He lies unconscious with a gash on his head. -Greta bumps into Eric on the dock and asks him where he has been. Nicole is worried and she called her to help look for him. Eric says he just needed some time to think. Greta tells Eric he is lying and she knows it. Greta tells Eric about Nicole asking her and Sami to help her learn what is really going on and she thinks Eric needs to tell Nicole right now. She will find out soon enoug anyway as either Sami or her will discover the truth. He tells Greta he can't do that. -Belle is frustrated as Shawn has not returned her messages all day. She arrives on his doorstep and tells him they need to talk. Shawn says he knows they do but he wants her to listen as he has made a decision. -Jack tells Billie he needs to stop wallowing and needs to move on. Frankie overhears and agrees. They can't just feel sorry for themselves anymore. Billie says she is right there with them given her history with Bo and they all agree to help each other. -Abby looks at Max and asks if he is serious about ending things with Chelsea for good. He says he is thinking about it. He asks Abby not to talk him out of it if he decides to since she is Chelsea's friend. Abby says she doesn't plan to talk him out of it. Max is shocked and asks why as Abby wonders what she should answer. -Alice is at home and prays from Tom, Mickey, and all her deceased loved ones to look down on all of them. Alice hopes that Maggie is ok and that she will get through this. She is confident she will as she is a Horton and if all the Hortons band together they can get through anything. -Doug, Julie, and Laura arrive at Maggie's and knock on the door. They beg Maggie to let them in. Maggie chooses to ignore them as she doesn't want to see them right now. Looking at them just makes her feel worse. She looks at the bottle and says she can't resist anymore. A drink or two won't hurt and she has nothing more to lose. Her life is a mess anyway. She pulls the bottle up and hesitates and finally drink a little. She then pulls back but takes a little more and, eventually, finds herself downing the bottle. Doug takes the extra key out from under the flower pot and says they will just have to let themselves in. They begin to open the door as Maggie is gulping down the vodka. -Belle asks Shawn what he has decided. Shawn says after seeing Belle do what she did today with Philip he has no choice-he is leaving Salem. Belle is shocked and asks where he is going. He says he is joining the Marines. Belle refuses to let that happen. -Hope searches the streets for Bo and hopes she finds him before it is too late. Meanwhile, Chelsea's rapists are in an alley hanging around two scantily dressed women when Bo shows up in an angry rage and punches both men. He throws both of them against the side of a building and tells them if the law won't punish them, he will. He holds both men by the neck against the wall as the two women are screaming and he says he will choke the life out of them if he has to as they will pay for their crimes. -Chelsea is walking around Salem Place and is happy about Hope's decision. She now understands that being good gets you rewarded. She wonders if she should tell Hope she is her mother and maybe more good will come out of it then bad. Chelsea turns around to find Cassie right behind her. Chelsea asks her how much she heard and Cassie says enough to know that Chelsea is hiding one mammoth of a secret that will rock many lives. Cassie gloats and wonders what she can do with this important piece of information as Chelsea squirms. -Greta begs Eric to tell Nicole what he is hiding. Eric says he can't and won't and also won't talk about this anymore. He grabs his head and Greta asks if he is alright. Eric tells her to lay off him and he will be fine. Eric gets dizzy and Greta asks again if he is alright. He then falls backward as Greta catches him and he passes out in her arms. Greta calls out for him to wake up but he doesn't respond. She calls 911 and begs Eric to hang on. -Faux Roman starts having memory flashes that are vague and blurred while unconscious. He remembers being in a dark room and hearing a deep voice with an accent. It is Dr. Rolf, who is asking Stefano what he wants the plastic surgeon to do with the man that is to become Roman. Rolf then hangs up and tells one of the henchmen to take Cal Winters to his cell until he and the surgeon are ready. Faux Roman then snaps out of the memory and slowly regains consciousness. He gets up and says he remembers. He now knows his name-Cal Winters. He goes upstairs to get dressed saying he needs to tell Roman. -Caroline, Austin, Lucas, and Kate ask Roman if he thinks there is any chance of finding Carrie. He says with every passing moment there changes drop. Austin and Lucas decide they should go home as they can't do anything there. They tell Roman to keep in touch. After they leave, Kate and Caroline both ask them what they chances really are as he was vague with Lucas and Austin. Roman says that he has already given up hope and needs to accept that his daughter may be gone and he will never tell her he is her real father. -Sami is pouring herself a drink when the phone rings. She answers it, as it first asks her if she accepts the charges, and is shocked to hear Carrie on the line. She asks Carrie where she is. Carrie tells her she is about 20 miles north of Green Mountain and tells Sami to get help and hurry. She asks Carrie where she has been and as Carrie is about to answer, Alan walks up behind her and asks Carrie what she is doing and who she is talking too. Carrie looks on in fear as Sami asks Carrie what is going on. -Patrick tells Kayla what he is about to tell her will change her life forever. She tells him to spit it out. Patrick tells her he knows something about her husband. Kayla asks what he could possible know about her husband. Patrick says he knows that Steve Johnson is still alive and he can lead Kayla right to him. Kayla is stunned. -Abe arrives home and asks Celeste what is going on. Celeste tells him she just as this feeling someone they love is in deep trouble. Her tarot cards suggested that death was in the air tonight. Celeste then has a vision of Lexie in flames screaming. Celeste begins to get hysterical and begs Abe to find Alexandra right now. He asks why. Celeste says that Alexandra is the one in danger of dying and, if someone doesn't stop whatever the danger is, she will die. Celeste begs Abe to help her find her daughter. Abe agrees and rushes next door to get the neighbor to watch Theo as Celeste hopes they aren't too late. -Nico tells Victor that in less then a minute their plan will go off and Stefano Dimera will be no more. Victor laughs and says that they can then move on to Ernesto and then take out both crime organizations entirely. Victor asks Nico if anything can possibly go wrong. Nico assures him everything is on track. Victor approves and can't wait to hear the response to Stefano's death. -Lexie arrives at the warehouse and enters looking for Stefano, Meanwhile, Stefano arrives too and hears someone behind him. It's Nicole!! Nicole: Stefano Dimera...what the hell? Your back in Salem? Stefano: Yes, my dear but I don't have time to chat. I am looking for my... Nicole: I am calling the police. Stefano: No...stop!!! There is no need. Oh...nevermind. I don't have time to deal with you...what the hell? Nicole: What? Stefano: That smell...it's...gas. There must be a gas leak around or near the warehouse. Nicole: All the more reason to call the po... Stefano: Shhh.... Nicole: Wha... Stefano: Oh my...get down!!! Stefano and Nicole jump to the ground. Stefano shields Nicole as the warehouse explodes into smithereens. They slowly get up coughing but seem unharmed. Nicole: You saved my life. Stefano: No...no... Nicole: What's wrong? Oh my God!! What if Eric was in there...or near it? Stefano: NO!! NO!!! ALEXANDRA!!! ALEXANDRA!!!!! The screen fades to black and the credits roll. NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO "SALEM LIVES" ON MONDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2006 DUE TO THE HOLIDAY. THE EPISODES WILL PICK UP RIGHT WHERE THEY LEFT OFF TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 5, 2006. DON'T MISS IT AS TUESDAY AND ALL OF NEXT WEEK IS FALL PREMIERE WEEK!!! COME BACK TUESDAY TO GET ALL THE ANSWERS TO ALL THE CLIFFHANGERS AND MORE!!! KEEP AN EYE OUT TO THE BLOG THIS WEEKEND FOR SPOILERS FOR NEXT WEEK AND BIG CASTING NEWS!!!

-Julie, Doug, and Alice console Maggie at the cemetary. Maggie lashes out saying her life is over and that she knows everyone blames her deep down for what happened wit Mickey. Alice insists no one blames her and that they just want Maggie to stop pushing her loved ones away. Maggie says she just can't face anyone right now. Victor was good to have around because he had feelings of guilt too and had nothing to do with Mickey so she didn't feel as bad with him around but now having to push him away she can't deal with how she is feeling. Julie vows to help her get through it. Maggie says she can't look at any of them right now. She just needs to be alone. Alice doesn't think that is such a good idea but Maggie insists. Maggie says goodbye to Mickey's grave and tells him she will always love him. Julie and Doug say they will come by and check on her later. Maggie says that isn't necessary and will only make things worse She says goodbye and leaves. Doug wonders if they should have Laura examine her. Julie and Alice say they should wait and see if she improved and, if not, they should call Laura to evaluate Maggie's mental health. Meanwhile, Maggie is walking home and remains convinced that Mickey's death is her fault. She beleives that her family and friends beleive that too whether they say it or not. She was the reason her died and she knows it. She can't keep living like this and has to deal with this somehow. She remembers nearly drinking vodka earlier and wonders if one drink would hurt. She recalls talking with Lucas and her many discussions with Mickey on her alcoholism. She starts to try to convince herself that one drink or two won't hurt and may be what she needs just as long as she controls it. She walks in the house and sees the vodka on the table and wonders what she should do. -Austin and Lucas are beginning to lose hope of finding Carrie. Sami agrees the chances of finding her are remote. It has been far too long. Sami sees how upset Austin is and says she knows he still loves Carrie. Austin says he probably always will. Sami conforts him. Lucas is upset too about Carrie and the baby. Sami seems bothered that both men want Carrie and wonders why it can never be her. Austin and Lucas decide to go down to the station to see how the search is coming. They may tell them more in person then on the phone. Sami decides to stay behind and tells the men to give her updates. She looks through photo albums and asks herself why no one can ever love just her and why her life always ends up being a mess. She wonders if she should get both Austin and Lucas out of her life given both men care more for Carrie then for her in her eyes. Sami loves both ment but it is no good if the feelings aren't returned. She has always wanted Austin and she seems to have him at the moment but his heart is not with her. Sami looks at a picture of Carrie, Austin, Lucas, and her and says to herself she may as well be out of the picture as no one will ever love her unless they settle for seconds. She throws the album to the floor and takes hold of her pillow as she cries her eyes out on her couch. -Carrie waits for an opportunity to escape. She needs to get Alan to leave. Carrie asks Alan for some tea but Alan seems to have it. She then asks for him to get the doctor as she feels she needs to be checked out. Alan asks if she is in pain. Carrie says she has some discomfort. Alan says he will just call the doctor since he gave out the number. Carrie once again tries to get him to leave by asking him if he can go get her some newspapers or magazine as she is bored. He finally asks what is going on. She says nothing is but Alan beleives Carrie is trying to get rid of him and wants to know why. Carrie says she is being honest and just wants to make herself relaxed and more comfortable. She has grown to trust him but she still has some doubts. Alan going to get her what she asked for and leaving her alone, really for the first time since she recovered from her episode on the island, would mean alot to her in terms of showing her he has changed. She promises Alan she is not going anywhere and couldn't go anywhere anyway. She is still a bit weak and is worried too much activity will hurt the baby. Plus, it is still dangerous to go out as she doesn't know what is going on with her loved ones and if those who ran the island are still after her. Alan is hesistant but agrees to go get Carrie what she asked for. Carrie assures Alan she is going nowhere. He says he trusts her and says he will be right back. Alan leaves. Carrie waits until he is out of sight and runs to the door. She is surprised to find it isn't locked so maybe he has really changed. She doesn't think about it, however, and just runs outside the cabin and into the dark woods. -Bo is at the station. He sees the men that raped Chelsea and rips into both of them. He throws them both against the wall and threatens them to confess. Hope shows up and tells Bo not to do this. Bo says he will make the bastards pay for what they did to his daugther. Hope urges him not to go about it this way. Bo keeps them both against the wall and tries to force them to talk. They finally admit that they raped her after Bo shows them a picture and nearly strangles the life out of them. Bo tells an officer to book them as they match the description of the men Victor gave him. Hope asks if he thinks the charges will stick. Bo says he has a confession and Victor's info on both men on his side so he doesn't need anything else. Hope asks Bo if they can talk about her lying to him about Chelsea. Bo says he wants to see the guys get booked and talk to the DA about the case. They will have to talk later since there is no rush just like she was not in a rush to talk to him when he wanted to work things out. Bo walks out as Hope hates Bo shutting her out and realizes how she has been treating him. She decides to go find Chelsea as she was planning to tell Bo first about the dream she had with Zack and about the decision she made but she will just go to her first. Hope leaves. -Lexie and Stefano are eating together and Lexie explains how happy she is that he is back with her. Stefano insists he is happy too. Stefano then gets a phone call from one of his leutinants and is told that Victor Kiriakis's men have spotted him in his home and know he is back. The leutinant tells him Victor seems to be reverting back to his old ways and has his men up to something as Stefano and Ernesto were a part of the island plot and so many loves ones of Victor are suffering he may be out for blood. Stefano agrees that he needs to stay out of sight and in the shadows for now. He hangs up and rejoins Lexie. He tells Lexie they need to cut dinner short as he has to leave again. Lexie asks her father what he is up to. Stefano says there is an emergency and he must leave her but he will back ASAP. Lexie doesn't understand and then has her beeper go off for the hospital. Stefano asks her why she just doesn't quit the job but Lexie says it may help with keeping Theo when they go to court. Stefano says she need not worry as he will make sure Theo stays with her. Lexie says she is ok keeping her job for now as it makes her look good to Abe. Stefano hopes she is through with him but Lexie says they will have to see. Lexie leaves as she needs to go to the hospital. She wishes her father luck whereever he is going and to keep in touch. He promises to and says he will be back fairly soon. She can remain in the house in the meantime as it is her's since she is his lovely daughter. Lexie kisses him and thanks him. Lexie walks out. Stefano calls for his driver to meet him up front as he will be going through the underground tunnels to be safe and will meet the car up front. He is about to exit when someone comes through the front door. It's Cassie, who is stunned to see her grandfather Stefano. Stefano is stunned too. Cassie runs into his arms and says she hopes he still accepts her as a Dimera. Stefano says of course he does since he always knew she was one. He hopes she can forgive him for manipulating Rex and her. She says they can keep the past in the past and she wants to catch up with him. She pulls him in the living room and tells him to come and sit down. Stefano looks at the door and wonders how he is going to leave now. -Nico tells Victor that their plan is in motion. Victor is happy and says now they can target Stefano first as the word is being spread far and wide underground that the formidable and menacing Victor Kiriakis of old has returned. Nico says Stefano will walk right into their trap once it is set. Victor says he wants that bastard to pay. Nico says the plan is set and that Stefano will beleive that he is meeting with one of his aids to help him escape but won't realize until it is too late what he has gotten into. Victor smiles and says that is good as Stefano will be the first to pay for crimes against his loves ones. Victor vows that he won't let anyone get away with hurting his family and friends...never again. The screen the fades to black and the credits roll. On the Next "Salem Lives:" Jack to Billie: It's time for me to move on. Abby to Max: Are you saying that Chelsea and you are over? Hope to Chelsea: I made a decision. Abe to Bo: I got bad news. Shawn to Belle: There is something you should know. Roman to Nicole, Kate, Austin and Lucas: I hate to say this but it looks like we need to call off the search. Sami: Maybe if I do something right for once people will begin to care. Carrie (on the phone): Oh my God. Alan to Carrie: What are you doing? Faux Roman: I remember!!! Greta to Eric: You need to tell Nicole everything. Kayla to Patrick: You tell me everything you know right now. Julie to Laura: We are very concerned about Maggie. Maggie: I can't resist anymore. Victor to Nico: In less then an hour, Stefano Dimera will feel my full wrath. Celeste: No!!!! Stefano: What the...

-Maggie arrives at the cematary and looks at Mickey's grave for the first time. She crumples beside it and cries uncontrollably. She lashes out saying she will never be able to get through this. She thought seeing the grave would help and put her at peace but it only made her feel worse. His death is all her fault and she deserves to suffer. She knows deep down everyone knows she was responsible. She then begins talking to the grave and talking about her life with Mickey and how she thought they would keep growing old together and travel the world together. Now they will never get that chance. She asks if he has been watching her and she beleives he would be disappointed in how she was handled herself. She hopes she was right to do what she did to Victor and she knows Mickey isn't happy with her nearly giving in to temptation for alcohol. She tells Mickey she will try to do better but she needs him and no one else. She doesn't think she can make it or go on without him. Doug, Julie, and Alice appear behind her and say they think she can. Maggie's tear streamed face looks at them. Julie rushes over and embraces her as Maggie breaks down in her arms. -Kate tells Belle she knows why she is staying and it is because of Shawn. Belle says it is because of him. She is sick and tired of always putting everyone first and she doesn't think it is good for Philip if a woman who doesn't love him the way he deserves to be is always around him. Even in a coma, Philip knows they will get a divorce the moment he wakes up and Claire being his won't change that. Kate is appalled and Billie, Chelsea, Hope, Bo, Victor, Shawn, Sami, Austin, and Roman are shocked by Belle's actions. Kate tells Belle she promised she would be there for Philip and she took vows in front of God. Whether she meant them or not, she has a duty to be there for Philip. He has been through enough so Belle owes him. Victor comes forward and agrees saying he never thought he would see Belle act so selfishly. Belle says she is not taking Claire away with her and she can't leave right now. Her family needs her with her mother dying and so much happening. Roman tells Bell that Philip needs her and that she owes him that much. He tells Belle she should go with him. Belle can't beleive no one understands. She tells them all she is not backing down and she is going nowhere. She kisses Philip and says goodbye once more before they move him into the elevator. Belle tells the EMT's to make sure it is known she will visit frequently and she will be in touch regularly. Philip is wheeled into the elevator as everyone looks on. Belle looks at everyone and sees how appalled and disappointed in her they are. Belle tells them to stop looking at her and runs off. Roman runs after her with Claire. He tells her that she has always done the right thing. He can't beleive she would ever break a promise and be this selfish. Belle tells her father she knows he is disappointed but it is high time she did something selfish for her. No one is talking her out of it. She takes Claire and says goodbye. She kisses Roman and walks off. Roman apologizes to Kate. Kate says that his daughter will pay for this. Roman reminds Kate she promises to turn over a new leaf. Kate says she is but what Belle did is unacceptable and she needs to understand that. Kate walks off. -Roman is walking over to Sami. She tells Austin they should go. She will call Belle later to make sure she is ok. Sami and Austin get in the elevator before Roman can reach them. Roman wonders what he can do to get through to her. -Shawn is on the roof thinking when Belle shows up holding Claire. Belle tells Shawn they need to talk. Shawn tells Belle she can wait. He is so disgusted with her actions right now just like everyone else. He needs time to think. Belle tells Shawn she did this for him and Shawn cites that as why he is disgusted. He tells Belle to leave and give him some space. She leaves wondering where they go from here. While alone, Shawn tells himself that he can't let things keep going on like this. He knows what he has to do. -Victor assures Kate that Philip will be fine. Kate admits she was shocked by what Belle did and says that, despite her efforts to change her ways, she is going to make sure she pays for this. Victor tells Kate to let it go and let things settle themselves. He tells Kate to call if she hears anything or needs anything. He leaves as Kate vows to make Belle pay. -Billie asks Chelsea if she knows what Hope lied to Bo about. Chelsea says she doesn't. She only knows they had a huge fight about something. Billie wonders what it is and if it has anything to do with Chelsea or herself. Chelsea says she doesn't think it is her. Billie wonders if Chelsea did something. Chelsea says she hasn't done anything. She tells Billie she wants to leave. Chelsea walks over to say goodbye to Kate as Billie wonders what her daughter isn't telling her as she is sure she knows what lie Hope told. -Hope tries to talk to Bo again but he is busy on the phone and tells her to just stay out of his way. Hope tells him to give her a chance. Bo sarcastically says that all this sounds familiar and that he was saying the same thing to her a mere 24 hours ago. He tells her to wait and sweat it out like she made him. Hope is upset and goes to the hospital chapel to think and pray that things get better. She remembers being there praying for Claire to survive, not knowing her prayer for a miracle would actually bring a miracle that would cause herself so much pain. She won't ever get over losing Zack even though good came out of it. Hope tells God that she doesn't know if she can ever forgive Bo for all the lies he told surrounding Zack's death or for defending Chelsea. She doesn't even know if she can deal with him being connected to Billie and Chelsea. She can't trust him after all these years and she too easily beleived he slept with Billie. Now she lied to him about his daughter and he can't trust her and they are both in so much pain. There is just too much to work out and overcome. She talks about Chelsea's offer and tells God to give her a sign to help her get through all this and decide what to do. She just can't have Chelsea give up most of her life to make everyone happy even though she did cause so much pain and deserves punishment. It is just but Chelsea is showing signs of changing and Hope mentions how she saw it on the island. Jail may regress her behavior or make her worse when she gets out. She doesn't know what to do anymore and needs guidance. She prays for help and then hears a little boy's voice call her "mommy" behind. She turns around and sees Zack standing in a white light . She yells out Zack and runs to him but he goes right through her. He tells Hope he is an angel and that he has come to help just like he helped her save Chelsea on the island. Hope asks what he is going to help with. Zack says he is going to help her make a choice about Chelsea. He tells Hope she needs to stop being angry and just forgive. He tells Hope that Chelsea is trying to change and she is hurting too. He says so many are sad already and there doesn't need to be more crying. He tells Hope to let Chelsea be free. Hope is silent as Zack begins to disappear. Hope tells him not to leave so soon. She wants to see him some more. Zack says she knows what to do and she can do it. Hope reaches out for him and cries out for him to stay. He says goodbye and that he loves her as he fades away. Hope then wakes up and we learn she fell asleep in the chapel. She thinks Zack did come to her in her dream to help her and now she knows what she has to do. She runs out of the chapel. -Victor is walking out of the hospital when he recieves a phone call from Nico. Bo is walking out as well and walks past Victor. Victor calls out to Bo to stop. Victor tells Bo he has good news-his men found Chelsea's rapists. They are on their way to his mansion right now. Bo tells Victor to have them sent to the station. Victor doesn't think that is a good idea as this will go public that way and Chelsea wanted all this private. Bo says justice needs to be served and he will do his best to keep the rape quiet but he we wants these perverts to have the book thrown at them. He tells Victor to have them brought in and that he will be at the stations waiting. Victor follows Bo's instructions and hopes they aren't making a mistake. Bo tells Victor he doesn't need to be there and that he will let him know how everything goes. Victor agrees and doesn't want to get in the way. Bo thanks him and says he will let him know and he races to the station. Victor then gets another call from Nico. Nico tells Victor he has news-Stefano Dimera is back in Salem and has been spotted with his daughter, Lexie, in his mansion. Victor says that is good news. Nico asks why. Victor says it is good because he can finally begin to get his revenge on those that have hurt the people he cares about and loves. He will avenge them and what happened to them. Victor tells Nico to meet him back at the house-they have plans to make. Victor hangs up the phone and says, "I went soft and that made my loved ones vulnerable to attack but not anymore. This would never happen with the old Victor Kiriakis so maybe it's time he made a welcome return. I know I promised you my darling Isabella but I have stood by and watched too many I love get hurt. I am taking action and will not be a doormat any longer. My enemies will know better then to hurt one of mine from now on. I will strike the fear of God into all of them. Once they face the wrath of Victor Kiriakis, they will finally begin to understand what tragedies will befall them because of their acts against my loved ones. They will all wish they were dead and burning in hell when I get through with them." The limo then pulls up to pick Victor up and he gets in as the screen fades to black and the credits roll. On the Next "Salem Lives:" Hope to Bo: Don't do this. Bo to Hope: This is for my daughter and I am going to make these bastards pay. Sami to Austin and Lucas: I think it is time for all of us to accept Carrie is not coming back. Alan to Carrie: Why do you want me to leave so bad? What are you up to? Maggie to Alice, Doug, and Julie: NO ONE CAN HELP!!! NO ONE!!! MY LIFE IS OVER!!! DONE!! YOU HEAR ME!!! Stefano to Lexie: I need to leave you again. Lexie: What is going on, father? Victor to Nico: Our first target...Stefano Dimera.

-Maggie wakes up from a dream and realizes that Mickey is still not there. She apparently had a dream where he came back to her and she thought his death was all a nightmare. She gets up and begins to get upset again. She sees the vodka bottle out on the kitchen table and once again thinks about drinking it. She doesn't want to as she knows it is what Mickey would not want to see her do. She realizes she needs to call someone to help her before it's too late. -Victor arrives at the hospital and meets with Kate. He asks if the arrangements are set for Philip. Kate says everything is a go in San Francisco. Victor and Kate both know he will be well taken care of. They just hope he can come back from all this and that he can forgiven them for their roles. Kate asks of Victor is ok as he seems very out of sorts. Victor says it is killing him seeing so many of his loved ones suffering. He vows once again to make those who caused all this pain and suffering pay. He will not just stand by and watch this go unavenged. Lucas, Austin, and Sami show up. Kate isn't too happy Sami is there but is happy Austin and Lucas showed up for their brother. She is happy to see Billie show up too, along with Chelsea. Cassie, Rex, and Mimi arrive and Kate hugs Rex and Cassie. Cassie and Rex both say they will always think of Philip as a brother. Kate says they will always be like children to her. Rex tells Kate of his plans to marry Mimi and leave town so they showed up to also say goodbye too. Kate is sad they are leaving but issues congratlations, as does everyone else. Kate warns Mimi not to hurt Rex again. Mimi promises she won't. Bo and Hope arrive with Shawn too. Victor is pleased Bo is there. Bo asks if there is an update on finding Chelsea's rapists. Victor says nothing yet but Nico is monitoring the situation. Chelsea asks Bo if he told anyone. Bo says he hasn't and that Victor is helping him track the rapists down. She begs Bo not to do this but Bo says he won't the men that raped his daughter go free. Chelsea just doesn't want her rape getting out. Bo promises to do whatever he can to help her through this and to keep it as quiet as possible. Hope walks over and Bo stares at her and walks away. Hope asks Bo to talk. Bo reminds her that when he wanted to talk she wouldn't and now that she did something wrong she wants to talk to him. He thinks it is ironic and says he wishes not to speak with her right now. It is his turn to make her frustrated and leave her in limbo. Shawn overhears and is angry for his father treating his mom that way. Billie and Chelsea watch with Hope as Shawn rips into Bo for treating Hope with such disrespect. Bo reminds Shawn of how his mother wouldn't even give him a chance to talk to her about their problems but when she screws up and lies to him she wants to talk. It is a double standard. Hope reminds Bo that he did much more then she did. Shawn asks his mom what she did and Hope, looking at Chelsea, says she can't talk about it right now. It is between his father and her. Billie asks Bo what Hope lied to him about and Bo also keeps quiet, remembering Chelsea wants this a secret and that he doesn't want to say anything to Billie until he has the men that did this or has more information. Shawn says no matter what Bo has no right to treat his mother that way. He tells Bo to get out of his face as he disgusts him. He walks off as Bo walks away frustrated as well while Hope, Billie, and Chelsea look on. -Roman arrives with Belle. He tells her he is there for her. She thanks him. Roman is near Sami so he says hello to her. Sami ignores him and then tells Austin if he hears someone speaking because she doesn't. Roman tells Sami she will have to accept him as Roman eventually. Sami tells him to burn in hell and walks off. Austin and Lucas both tell Sami there is so much pain around them and her being so irrational about Roman/John is making things worse. It is not what her mother would want. She tells them both not to tell her what her mother would want. Her family died with her mother and John will never be her father. She tells them both to back off. Austin and Lucas agree to drop the subject. -Lucas, Austin, Bo, Billie, Rex, Cassie, Mimi and Shawn all say their goodbyes to Philip. Mimi and Rex realize they need to leave to catch their flight so it's time to say goodbye. Everyone wishes them luck and says their goodbyes. Kate hugs Rex and tells him to be happy. Shawn and Belle hug both of them and Mimi again tells them she hopes they can forgive her someday. They both agree that maybe someday. They both wish her luck and embrace her anyway. They urge her not to make their same mistakes she has in the past. She promises not to. They need to go pick up Connor and head for the airport. Cassie tells them they can't leave yet. Remembering the advice Belle gave her, Cassie tells Rex good luck and that she only wants him to be happy. She asks him if this is what he really wants. He says it is. Cassie says she will let him go then because when you love someone you have to put them before yourself. She looks at Belle, acknowledging that she accepted her advice. Cassie warns Mimi not to hurt her brother. Mimi promises not to. Cassie hugs Rex and wishes him luck and to keep in touch. He promises to and they board the elevator and wave goodbye as the doors close. In the elevator, Rex promises Mimi he will make her dreams come true. A montage of Rex and Mimi memories begins as they make note of their lives in Salem and how they were brought together. Mimi says he already has made so many of her dreams come true and that they will have an amazing life together. She jumps into his arms and they kiss as Mimi yells out, "Goodbye Salem!!!" -Lucas gets a call and leaves. Cassie leaves too. They both tell Philip they will be praying for him. -Lucas arrives at Maggie's and asks why she called him. Maggie tells Lucas about what she has been going through dealing with Mickey's death and how she is tempted to turn to alcohol. He urges Maggie not to as Mickey would not want that. He reminds Maggie of all those that are here for her, including her family and friends. He asks her what happened to Victor and she fills him in. Lucas applauds her for recognizing having Victor around as much as he was would be a problem but urges her to let her family be there for her. She says she knows they all blame her and rightfully so. Mickey's death was her fault. Lucas assures her it wasn't and that she couldn't stop what was meant to be. Maggie thanks him for being there given all that is going on with Carrie. Lucas says there are no updates yet. Maggie says she will pray for him. Lucas says he needs to go but asks Maggie to call anytime she is tempted. He asks if she will be ok alone. He says he can call someone or he can stay with her. Maggie says she will be fine and urges him to go. She doesn't want to take advantage of him like she did with Victor. Lucas embraces her and leaves, reminding her to call if she needs him. She looks at a picture of Mickey and wonders how she will get through this. She then decides there is something she needs to do that may help her start moving on and she walks upstairs to get changed to leave the house. -Kate and Victor say emotional goodbyes to Philip, both blaming themselves for how hurt he was over Claire even though she turned out to be his. Victor blames himself for Philip being in the hospital as well since Ernesto was a part of it. He vows to protect him and all their loved ones. He promises Philip that someone will pay for this. Kate and Victor both embrace and kiss him and tell him to fight to get back to them. They then tell Belle she can come in. She walks in with Claire and has her kiss her daddy and say goodbye to him. Roman is there with her and takes hold if Claire while Belle says goodbye to him. Kate and Victor overhear the goodbye as Belle promises to visit him with Claire and to make sure he is being taken care of. She kisses him on the cheek and says she knows he will make it through this now that he has Claire to fight for. She urges him to fight his way back to them. She then leaves the room as Philip is prepared for transfer. As Belle walks out with Roman and Claire, Kate asks Belle why she was saying goodbye to Philip when she and Claire are going with him to San Francisco. Belle says that neither Claire or her is going. Kate is furious and slaps Belle. Victor holds her back as Kate calls her a bitch and Roman (holding Claire), Sami, Austin, Billie, Bo, Hope, Chelsea, and Shawn look on as the screen fades to black and the credits roll. On the Next "Salem Lives": Kate to Belle: You are staying here because of Shawn aren't you? Belle to Kate: Yes, I am. Shawn: It just can't go on like this. There is something I need to do. Victor to Bo: We got them Bo. My men found Chelsea's rapists. Bo to Victor: Good. Now it's time to stick it to those bastards. Hope: Oh my God. Zack!!?? Billie to Chelsea: Do you know anything about what Hope lied about? Maggie (hysterically crying): I can't do this!!! Nothing is going to help!! I will never get past this and move on!!!

-Maggie prepares to drink the vodka but then stops. She sees a picture of Mickey and is reminded yet again of how proud he was of her for being sober. She remembers how proud everyone was of her and how all those proud of her then must blame her now for Mickey's death. She nearly picks the bottle up again but can't stop thinking about Mickey would be disappointed in her and she has already failed Mickey terribly by causing his death. She puts the bottle away and returns to her photo albums and recalls fond memories of her life with Mickey. She looks at a picture of Mickey as a tear drop falls on the frame. She asks Mickey how she is going to move on and how she will ever live with herself. She lays down on the couch with the picture and plays some of his favorite music as she cries and remembers better times. -Victor is drinking a brandy with Nico. He is stunned that Philip will be sent out of Salem tomarrow for rehab and that he may never wake up. It reminds him of when he was sent away to recover from his strokes. On top of that, he may have psychological trauma since he is going to look so much different due to the plastic surgery. Victor blames himself but Nico says there is nothing he could've done. Victor mentions how so many loved ones he cares about are in pain and Victor can't comfort them because they either are pushing him away or won't let him or unable to accept his comfort or help like in Philip's case. Caroline, Maggie, Philip... so many family and friends suffering and in pain. Victor blames his involvement with Ernesto for what happened to Philip and blames himself for not getting Mickey out of the way too and for Josh's death and Chelsea's rape. Nico again assures Victor nothing is his fault. The blame rests on the shoulders of Stefano, Ernesto, and all their accomplices. Victor vows to do something to return the favor to those who have wronged his family and friends. -Bo wants answers now so Chelsea and Hope sit down. Chelsea tells him about the night of the rape and how it happened the nigh Josh was murdered. Bo remembers hearing that it was a drug operation executed by Victor for the mastermind that was beleived to have Philip at the time. Chelsea tearfully explains what the two men, that were employees involved with the operation, did to her. Hope is appalled and in tears and Bo is furious that Hope and Victor knew this and didn't tell him or Billie. Hope says Chelsea did not want it out and it was hard with everything going on. Bo explains that she is his daughter and that no matter what trouble she has stirred he will always protect her. She was violated and the men that did that to her need to be punished. Bo says he should've been told. Hope apologizes. Bo says he will deal with her later. He asks Chelsea for a description of the two men. She gives him one and he decides to visit someone else who can help him. Chelsea tells Bo she doesn't want this getting out to anyone. Bo says it will have to since justice needs to be served. Chelsea begs her father to keep this private as she is ashamed but Bo is so furious and is determined to catch the two men that did this. Bo tells them both not to tell Billie, or anyone else, anything until he has more info. He walks out and slams the door. Chelsea asks Hope what she thinks he will do. Hope says she isn't sure but that she is afraid of what he may do. Hope remembers how angry Bo was with her for keeping Chelsea's secret and she wonders if that may be the final straw for their marriage as the trust issues continue to pile up for them. Meanwhile, Chelsea prays no one learns she was raped and that it is all kept in the dark. -Victor and Nico are sitting together when Henderson announces a guest. It's Bo, saying he needs Victor's help. He tells Victor he knows about Chelsea and needs his help tracking down the rapists. Victor says he will he happy too but was under the impression Chelsea wanted this private. Bo says that he wants justice served and that Chelsea will too once they are caught. Victor and Nico both give detailed descriptions and bios on the employees. Victor presents files he has on both of them as they were both associates for hire and he used them many times in shady deals. He would always avoid using them because they were loose cannons and would lose control, like they did with Josh and Chelsea. Victor apologizes to Bo for keeping the truth from him. Bo says to forget it as he can make it up to him by helping him apprehend the two men. Hope lying to him can't be made up and he doesn't know what will happen there. Victor says he can have his people on it as the SPD will have a tough time. They are hard to track down so he will use his underworld contacts and, once they are found, he will make sure they are brought to Bo. Bo likes the idea and lets Victor know that he is available to help in any way. Victor reminds Bo that it may be very hard to get a case to stick in court, especially if Chelsea is unsure about making this public. Bo says if they catch the two rapists and they are freed, he will lose total faith in the judicial and legal system. Only, this time, it will be for good. Victor says he will see what he can do and apologizes for hiding the truth again. Bo tells Victor to keep him up to date. Bo leaves and vows to make the two men who hurt his little girl pay for what they did-no matter what he has to do. -Abe asks Celeste if she knows what the danger is. Celeste says she doesn't but that it is huge and that a war is about to hit Salem. There will be great division, separation, danger, mystery, lives destroyed. She adds there will be good moments but few and far between. Salem is in for it. Abe wonders if it has to do with Lexie and the Dimera's. Celeste says that it could be Stefano returning. Abe says they will need to be vigilant. Celeste wonders what Abe will do about Lexie. Abe says he will keep his son away from the Dimera's at all costs. Lexie has chosen her side and he has, as well. He goes upstairs to shower as Celeste looks at her cards. She says evil has Salem in it's grasp and it isn't going anywhere for awhile. She then has vision of Stefano and Lexie laughing together and then hearing a loud crash or bang. She wonders about doom and gloom that is about to hit and what it means for all of them in Salem. -Lexie welcomes her father back and apologizes for how she treated him before he left. He recalls his playing a small role in the "using Tek to break up Abe and Lexie" plot. Lexie says she has forgiven him and fills him in on all he has missed. Stefano vows to help Lexie with Theo. Theo is an heir to the Dimera empire so he must be kept in the family. They will do whatever it takes to see that happen. Lexie asks if he can help her get Abe back but Stefano refuses saying it isn't worth it and that he will only dump her again for the next mistake she makes. He enourages her to think of new love interests. Lexie still can't do that and has Abe on his mind. Lexie asks what Stefano has planned for Salem. He says that it is for him to know and for everyone else to find out. His presence will be known in Salem as the Dimera's will undergo a resurgence that will stun Salem. His family is rising from the ashes and back to promincency in Salem. Lexie likes being kept in suspence and asks who he has plans for. Stefano says she will find out soon. He has alot of plans to iron out first and, once he does, Salem will be rocked to it's very core. Stefano laughs hysterically in an evil manner, as does Lexie. Stefano warns Salem to get ready as a new Dimera Golden Era is about to begin so let the Dimera Renaissance commence!! The screen fades out on Stefano raising his brandi glass to the air to toast with Lexie and the credits roll. On the Next "Salem Lives": Kate (with Victor holding her back) to Belle: You little bitch!!! Mimi (with Rex): I guess it's time to say goodbye. Cassie: You aren't going anywhere!! Shawn to Bo (with Hope, Billie, and Chelsea watching): Get out of my face!! Sami (with Austin) to Roman: I hope you burn in hell!! Maggie to Lucas: The temptation is so strong. How am I ever going to resist?

Announcer: THIS WEEK ON SALEM LIVES...A VERY SPECIAL WEEK AS "THE WEEKS THAT CHANGE EVERTHING" CLIMAX DURING SUMMER FINALE WEEK!!! A CAN'T MISS WEEK OF... TWISTS... Sami (On the phone): Oh my God. Bo to Victor: I need your help. Hope to Chelsea: I have made a decision. Kayla to Patrick: Tell me what you know. Greta: Eric!!! GOODBYES.... Clips of Rex and Mimi waving goodbye and Philip being wheeled out on a gurney while Belle, Kate, and Victor watch. TURNING POINTS... Shawn to Belle: I can't do this anymore. Victor to Nico: It's time things changed around here. Faux Roman: Oh my...I remember. Jack to Billie: I need to move on. AND CLIFFHANGERS THAT YOU WON'T BELIEVE!!!! Clips of Maggie about to drink out of a vodka bottle, Carrie escaping the cabin and reaching a pay phone, and a warehouse exploding. A WEEK TO REMEMBER AS AMAZING AUGUST CLOSES OUT "THE WEEKS THAT CHANGE EVERYTHING." RED HOT SUMMER IS GOING OUT WITH A BANG!!! DON'T MISS SUMMER FINALE WEEK!! "SALEM LIVES"

"THE WEEKS THAT CHANGE EVERYTHING" CLIMAX AS AMAZING AUGUST REACHES IT'S END DURING SUMMER FINALE WEEK!!! Salem Lives' Victor (John Aniston) reverts to his old ways. -Bo is continuing down a downward spiral after he learns the horrifying truth about Chelsea. -Hope makes a huge decision about Chelsea. -Rex and Mimi say goodbye to Salem. -Belle makes a stunning decision that leads Shawn to make a choice of his own. -Philip is sent out of Salem as his family and friends stand appalled at Belle's actions. -Kayla gets stunning news from Patrick. -Victor returns to his old self. -The Hortons try to get through to Maggie as she edges closer to giving in to temptation. -Greta begs Eric to admit his secret to Nicole. -Carrie escapes and calls Salem. -Faux Roman has a breakthrough. Red Letter Days!!! Tuesday August 29: Belle's actions stun everyone as Philip is sent away to recover. Meanwhile, Rex and Mimi leave Salem. Friday September 1: DON'T MISS THE SUMMER FINALE THAT WILL FEATURE CLIFFHANGERS IN EVERY STORY. DON'T MISS THE FINAL SCENE THAT IS SURE TO LEAVE YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT!!! Next Week: It's Fall Premiere week as Kayla goes off on an adventure, Greta learns Eric's secret, Bo goes off the deep end, and Alan's life is in Carrie's hands.

It's cool daysfan. I hope you keep reading because the best stuff starts this week. Oh, and to all other readers out there-please do comment from time to time so I know you are out there LOL.

-Maggie nearly returns the vodka back to the liquor store but can't bring herself to do it. The guilt and pain she is feeling is just too much and no one can help with this. She knows deep down they all believe Mickey's death was her fault but they don't want to tell her to her face. She walks home with the bottle and puts it on the table. She looks at it and recalls her years as a alcoholic and her battle with alcoholism. She also remembers Mickey's words to her about how proud he was of her for being sober. Maggie misses him so much and says he was her rock. He has only been gone for a short time and already she has no strength to battle this temptation. She decides that it may not be worth it to fight off temptation anymore. She lost Mickey and doesn't care what happens to her since all her loves ones probably blame her for what happened. She looks at the bottle, picks it up, and opens it. She looks at a picture of Mickey and says she is sorry. There is no other way to deal with this. She lifts the bottle up and prepares to drink. -Billie runs into Bo, who is still drinking at the Cheatin Heart. Billie thinks Bo should stop but he tells her to butt out. Billie sits down and tells Bo they need to talk. She apologizes for her role in Chelsea's scheme and asks if he can ever forgive her. Bo says he understands her motivation for getting involved and to forget about it. She did one thing while Chelsea did a hell of alot. Bo does think it is best that Billie try to stay away from him and his family for the time being. Billie agrees and asks what he is going to do about Chelsea. Bo says he doesn't know and really doesn't care right now since without Hope and Shawn he has nothing. Billie gets the bartender to cut Bo off and she offers to take him home. Bo says he will be fine and that he wants to find Hope and talk to her. Billie calls him a cab and tells him to let the cab take him where he needs to go. Bo gets in the cab and drives off. Billie wonders if it really is the end for Bo and Hope and if Chelsea meant what she said when she offered to sacrifice her freedom for Bo and Hope to reconcile and for Billie to be forgiven. -Hope pays Chelsea a visit, She is stunned to see her and Hope tells her they need to talk. She asks Chelsea if she was serious about the offer she made earlier about her pleading guilty at her trial and essentially taking the maximum sentence all so Billie can be forgiven and her and Bo can reunite. Chelsea says she meant it and that she really is changing. Hope recalls their experience together on the island and how Zach visited her to help save Chelsea. She also recalls Chelsea admitting her rape to her and how concerned Chelsea was about her on the island during the escape. Chelsea says everything she has been through of late changed her. The rape, almost losing so many she cared about, the island, etc. It just made her realize the important things in life and how short it is and she doesn't want to waste it being miserable and a bitch. Hope believes her and thinks she is really changing. Hope says she had a feeling Chelsea had turned a corner on the island when she refused to leave the island when she could've boarded a rescue boat. She just didn't want to leave everyone and that was so unselfish and unlike her. Hope notes that she still doesn't understand why Chelsea was more concerned with her then anyone else. Chelsea says it was because she owed Hope for saving her life and just felt like they had a breakthrough while fighting for their lives together. Chelsea asks Hope if she is going to take her offer. She just wants to see everyone happy after what she put them all through. Hope is speechless and says she doesn't know what she is doing. Chelsea begs Hope not to give up on Bo and to forgive her mother for her role. Hope is stunned by this. Chelsea says she just wants everyone to be happy and remembers learning that Hope is her mother. She then quietly says to herself that it is the least she can do for her mother. Hope tells Chelsea she will mull everything over and get back to her but that she doesn't feel comfortable letting Chelsea sacrifice herself for the happiness of everyone else. Hope admits she still has a hard time even looking at her but with everything Chelsea has gone through, it doesn't seem right. Plus, Hope thinks that Zack would not like it. Chelsea says it is what's right. Hope doubts that Chelsea could handle prison in the aftermath of her rape so putting her in a position of having to spend upwards of 20 years in jail just doesn't seem right. Hope doesn't think the offer is fair. Before they can say anything else, Bo busts in and asks what Hope is talking about. Hope sees that Bo is drunk and says it is nothing for him to worry about. Bo says he heard Hope say in the aftermath of Chelsea's rape so he wants to know what is going on. He looks at Chelsea and asks if she was raped. He sees the look in her eye as she tries to deny it and a single tear drop out of her eyes and he realizes it is true. Bo is furious and asks Hope and Chelsea to tell him what happened now and why he wasn't told. He gets no answer so he decides to call Billie and ask her but Hope says that Billit doesn't know. She knows and that is it. Chelsea says Victor knows too. Bo is stunned and asks how Victor and Hope know and he and Billie don't. He wants to know what happened right now. Chelsea and Hope both look at each other as Bo waits for an answer from them. -Celeste is with Abe at the Carver house. She has just put Theo down for bed. They are both concerned about Lexie now that she has moved into the Dimera mansion again. Celeste says she had a vision of Lexie succumbing to the Dimera influence yet again and being very comfortable in that house and accepting her heritage. Abe says he doesn't care what happens to Lexie anymore but worries about how she will use that power to steal Theo from him. If Lexie wins custody of Theo, abe is afraid he will be groomed as a Dimera. Celeste says they will never let that happen and Abe vows the same and says he will fight to the death to protect his son. Celeste then feels a cold shiver down her spine and says she must consult her tarot cards. She deals the deck and is shocked by what she sees. Abe asks her what is going on. Celeste that danger has arrived in Salem. Abe asks what she means. Celeste says that a evil presence is back and that a war is brewing and that many innocents will get caught in the crossfire. Abe wonders if Celeste is talking about Lexie and him battling for Theo but Celeste says that this way is bigger...much bigger. Abe looks on concerned as Celeste seems terrified of what she is seeing. -Lexie is in the mansion thinking about how she will pursue fighting Abe for Theo. She wants her son and then she will see if she can somehow save her marriage but that is doubtful and she won't be devestated. She thinks maybe Abe held her back and she belongs in her family's home. By embracing her family yet again, she will assure Theo's future as an heir to the Dimera empire. He will have everything he ever dreamed but his father. Lexie's enthusiasm is lessened by thinking about Abe. She admits she still loves him and wants to work things out but she needs to get her son first and then try to regain Abe. If she does lose Abe, she will just hope to find new love or just remain alone with her son which is ok with her. The maid locks up and says good night to Lexie. Lexie says she is turning in too. The lights in the house begin to go off as Lexie makes her way to the stairs. She is walking up the stairs when she hears a noise. She returns the living room and asks if someone is there. She walks around the dark room and turns the desk lamp at the same time as someone is tapping her on the shoulder. She turns around and is shocked to see her father, Stefano Dimera, right in front of her. Lexie: It's you!!! Father, your back!? Stefano: Yes, my darling Alaxandra. I have returned to you and to Salem. Lexie: Just when I needed you, father. It is so great to have you home. Stefano: Well, when we last saw each other you hated me because of my involvement in the breakup of your marriage. Lexie: I realized that was more Wendell and Andre then you. I need you now, father. More then ever. Stefano: I am here, Alexandra. I am happy you realized it wasn't my scheme (privately recalls to himself having a hand in plot to use Tek to breakup Abe and Lexie) . Now that I am back I will be here for you and the Dimera's will once again rise to prominence in Salem. Lexie: What do you plan to do? Stefano: You shall see, my dear. All of Salem will soon see what my presence spells for them. The screen then fades to black on a grinning Stefano as the credits roll.

-Sami and Greta arrive at the Java Cafe and they both wonder why Nicole called them both there. Nicole arrives and they all sit down. Nicole explains to them Eric's behavior since he returned to Salem and had her meet him. He says he just wanted to visit and be with his family and show her off as the woman he loves but she doesn't buy it. She tells them both of Celeste's prediction of Eric's secret affecting all his loved ones and of Eric's tendency to shrug off his recent headaches. Nicole asks both women for their help since they are close to Eric. She hates asking them as she is not on good terms with either of them but they are her only hope as Eric won't tell her and she can't seem to find out so perhaps they can. Sami tells Nicole she does not support Eric's relationship with her but hearing all this does make her concerned about Eric and he is one of the few family members she cares about since everyone is so accepting of John is Roman so she will help Nicole. She makes it clear she is doing this for Eric. Greta is also against Nicole and Eric being together but says she will help too as she is concerned as well. Greta flashses back to finding Eric passed out at the police stations and feels very uneasy not saying something but remembers promising Eric she wouldn't. She hopes to somehow help Nicole find out whatever Eric is hiding and this way it will come out on its own. Nicole thanks both of them for helping. -Eric is at Salem Place when Roman approaches him and tells him that it is about time they talk. They have barely spoken since it was revealed that he is Roman. Eric says he has alot going on and doesn't really want to. Roman thinks Eric still doesn't want to accept it and that it is hard for him. Eric explains that it is tough and will take getting used to. It does erase alot of the reasons why Eric used to hate him as John was always his father so the stink of him breaking up his family is kind of going away. It was something he could never get past but now he can knowing John is his father. Eric also admits she thinking of faux Roman as his father. Roman understands and tells him to take his time. Everything will work itself out. Sami, Nicole, and Greta bump into Roman and Eric. Eric and Nicole kiss and embrace. Greta says hello to Roman but Sami says she has to go and tells Nicole, Greta, and Eric to keep in touch. She quickly takes Eric aside and asks what John and him were discussing. Eric says that he was doing most of the talking and that it was really nothing to concern herself with. Sami says she doesn't want to lose Eric as it seems everyone else in her family is accepting John as Roman. Sami insists he will never be her father and that anyone that accept him as Roman Brady doesn't exist to her. She asks Eric if he is ok, remembering what Nicole said. He says he is fine. Sami tells him to stay that way and kisses him and leaves. Nicole comes up and asks Eric again if he is fine. He says he is and that people need to stop asking as nothing is wrong or going on. Nicole asks about the headaches. Eric says he hasn't had one in awhile so they are probably gone. He now wants to go home and make love to the woman he loves. They kiss and leave as Nicole whispers to Greta when Eric isn't looking to keep in touch. Greta mentions how Roman is going to have a tough time with Sami. Roman says he won't give up until he reclaims his life and unifies his family. He needs to do that for himself, his family, and for Marlena as he promises her. Greta tells Roman to ask her if there is anything she can do. Roman asks why Greta was with Nicole and Sami. Greta says they just were discussing Eric and trying to work through some things as he is with Nicole now and they are all going to have to learn to co-exist if Nicole and Eric stay in Salem. Greta says goodbye and leaves. Roman then looks up to the sky and tells Marlena he is trying and won't rest until he fulfills his promise to her and his duty to his family. -Lucas and Austin are discussing Carrie and that fact that there is no word on her. They wonder if the search will be called off. Austin is sure Carrie and the baby are still out there-he can feel it . He says that they have to be ok because he couldn't deal with losing them. Lucas asks why he is so concerned for a baby that is clearly his. Carrie and him never slept together. Austin has a flashback to Carrie and him making love. Austin says he will always love Carrie and she will always own a spot in his heart. He feels that way about the baby as it is a part of her and is his niece or nephew. Lucas now understands and says he won't rest until they get answers and until they find her. He isn't giving up. Austin agrees and says he has no plans to either. -Alan and Carrie are at the cabin outside of Salem. Carrie recalls seeing the scars on Alan's arm and decides she needs to ask about them as it is nagging at her. Carrie mentions to Alan how she saw the scars earlier and asks how he got them. Alan simply says he hurt himself in jail and there is nothing more to it. Carrie asks what happened and if someone else did it and Alan snaps. He reminds Carrie of all he has done for her and that things have been going well. Her asking questions is not a good idea. He doesn't wish to discuss or relive the past as he hopes to have a better future. He tells her not to ask questions and there will be no problems. He then apologizes for snapping but says that his past was rough, even the stuff she doesn't know about, and he just doesn't want to think about it. He begs her not to ask about it again. Carrie understands and agrees not to. She secretly decides she needs to get out of the cabin immediately as she can't trust Alan. He will tell her nothing about his time in prison or anything else. All he says is he has changed and that is not enough to go on without proof. He has treated her well but it could be a game. She can't take a chance as she is pregnant-she needs to get out of there ASAP. She decides to wait for an opportunity and then leave the cabin, find a phone, and make a run for it. Once away from the cabin and home, maybe she can then find info about everything he has been up to since they all last heard from him. She lays down and pretended to sleep while keeping one eye slightly open, waiting for her chance to make her escape. -Belle is at the park waiting for Shawn. She is upset and crying when he arrives. Belle tells Shawn the news about Philip and that he is leaving tomarrow for a rehab center and San Francisco. Kate made the arrangements as he will get the best care for his condition there. Belle fills Shawn in on the doctor saying he may never wake up and, even when he does, he will need alot of rehab and counseling due to the major changes in his apperance from the plastic surgery. She also tells him about Kate reminding her of her promise to stand by Philip. Shawn agrees with Kate and tells Belle her place is with Philip until he gets through this. He assumes Belle will be leaving for San Francisco tomarrow. Belle is about to answer when Cassie comes running out of nowhere and is mumbling to herself in an angry manner. They ask what her problem is now and she fills them in on Rex and Mimi's plans to leave Salem with Connor and get married. Cassie says there is no way that will happen-she won't let it. Mimi and Rex then join them and Mimi says that Cassie doesn't have a choice. Belle and Shawn issue congratuations to Rex and Mimi. Belle and Shawn wish Mimi the best. Mimi hopes some day they can all by friends again but Belle and Shawn insist it will take awhile to get past what she did. Mimi promises she has learned from her mistakes as Cassie rolls her eyes. Shawn and Belle hope she really has and wish her the best. They filler Rex, Mimi, and Cassie in on Philip's situation. Rex and Mimi are devestated and want to be there when everyone says goodbye to Philip tomarrow. Their plane doesn't leave until noon so it shouldn't be an issue. They ask if Belle and Shawn have a problem with Mimi being there. Belle understands that part of the reason Mimi kept the secret about Claire's paternity was to protect Philip from being hurt, not that it makes a difference now as he is the father. She knows she cares for him so she should be there tomarrow. Shawn agrees. Mimi thanks them both and says Rex and her have alot to do so they will just see them in the morning. They leave as Cassie says they are going nowhere tomarrow. Belle advises Cassie that sometimes when you love someone you have to put their feelings and wants before your own. If she loves her brother, she will put her feelings for Mimi aside and just let him be happy and let whatever happens happen. Cassie walks off in silence. Shawn tells Belle that was good advice and enocourages her to follow it and put Philip first over her wants and needs. Belle says she will just follow her heart and it will always tell her what to do. Shawn offers to walk her back to the hospital and she accepts. -Maggie is still hysterical after the man and his woman friend discuss Mickey and how he died. She is alone in the park and the pain and guilt she is feeling are overwhelming. She needs to find some way to deal with this. She then is walking the streets and walks by a liquor store. She reminds herself of the two previous times she had been tempted to drink since Mickey's death and stopped herself. She then begins to think about how a drink could help her. She needs something to deal with the way she is feeling. She wonders what can be the hard in having a drink or two. She walks in the liquor store and picks up a bottle of vodka, saying that something strong will do the trick and she can only have a little once in awhile to help her through this. She hesistates at first but then purchases the bottle. The clerk asks if she is ok as he notices she is upset. Maggie tells the clerk she hopes to be and hopes maybe a little drink here and there will help. She walks out of the store and looks at the bottle wondering what she is doing. She considers going back and returning it but then hesistates and says she needs something to get her through this. She wonders what she should do as the screen fades to black and the credits roll. On the next "Salem Lives"... Maggie (looking at the bottle of vodka): If I do this, years of sobreity goes down the drain. Hope to Chelsea: We need to talk. Billie to Bo: Can you ever forgive me for what I did to you? Celeste to Abe: Danger has arrived in Salem yet again. Lexie: Who's there? (Turns around) Oh my God!!!

-Maggie is looking at some old photos, wondering how she is ever going to live the way she feels now. She can't help but blame herself for Mickey's death and wouldn't blame her family for doing the same. She can't even face her family or friends and that is why having Victor around was a comfort. He understood what she was going through as he felt the same guilt over what happened to Philip and he was there for her through the whole ordeal. She had to throw him out though as Julie and Caroline were right about them being too dependent on each other at a time when they are both vulnerable. She knows she did the right thing but now she doesn't know what to do or how she is going to get through this. She gets frustrated and throws the album across the room. She decides to go out for a walk to try to keep her mind off everything. As she is walking, she overhears some people in the park who are reading the paper. There is an article in the paper about the funerals that took place. One of men talks about how all of the deceased were good well known people on the Salem cummunity. He remembers meeting Mickey Horton at a charity event and explains how wonderful he was. The man says the world won't be the same without people like that in it. The woman asks the man how exactly Mickey died. The man says he was trying to save his wife from underground explosives but they went off and he was gone. The woman asks why all those people were still on the island. The man says he assumes most of them were there because they had rescue experience. Many of the Brady's that were there are police officers but as for people like Mickey he has no clue but he should not have been still on that island in his opinion. It is far too dangerous for him in his condition. The woman wonders if his wife played a part in why he stayed behind but the man wishes not the speculate and they walks off. Maggie feels terribly guilty and reminds herself that Mickey was only still there because she wanted to stay. She begins to cry again and she just doesn't know how she will ever deal with the pain and guilt she is feeling right now. She sits on a bench and looks at the sky as she cries while calling out for Mickey to come back to her. -Kate gets a call from Victor while at the hospital. He is calling to check on Philip and Kate tells him he is fine. Meanwhile, in the room, Belle is with Philip when Shawn shows up and mentions how Belle is finally where she should be. Belle asks what he means. Shawn says she needs to be by her husband's side right now rather then worrying about their future. Belle thinks it is important that they talk about their future but Shawn says it is best that she worry about what is happening to Philip at the moment. Kate then walks in and Shawn decides it is best for him to leave. Once Shawn leaves, Kate reminds Belle of her committment to her husband and vow to be there for him through his recovery. Belle mentions how she thought Kate was going to try to stay out of her kid's lives. Kate says she is but it is only comment decency that Belle stay by Philip's side through this. Kate then reminds Belle of how Shawn is a cousin to her now with John being Roman. Belle says that Shawn and her will work that out. Kate rolls her eyes and sarcastically says that she is sure Belle will. Belle asks Kate who she was on the phone with outside. Kate tells her it was Victor and that he was checking on Philip. She notes how Victor didn't sound so well himself and sounded depressed. Philip's doctor then walks in and says he has news. He would like to speak to Kate first in private as he feels she would know more about the subject then Belle. After a short while, Kate returns and is visibly upset. Belle says she is so worried and asks what is going on. Kate says she has bad news about Philip. Belle panics and worries that Philip is dying or never waking up. Kate says that the doctors aren't sure if he ever will wake up and, when he does, he will need alot of rehab and may need counseling as his apperance will be different due to the plastic surgery. Kate says the doctor wanted to speak with her first about any rehab centers she knew of that she prefered since Kate went through alot of that with Victor and Lucas. Belle is heartbroken and looks at Philip. Kate stands by her side and they both wonder if he will ever make it through this. -Shawn bumps into Bo at the Cheatin Heart. Bo is drinking heavily and Shawn asks what he is so upset about. Bo asks him what he is doing there and Shawn answers that he needed a drink after the long day with the funerals and all. Bo asks how Philip is and Shawn says no change. Shawn again asks what Bo is so upset about. Bo says that it is his damn mother and she is keeping him in limbo. She knows that Chelsea and Billie tore them apart yet she still doesn't want to talk or try to rebuild their marriage. Shawn says that he hurt his mother and now she is hurting him and that it is like poetic justice. Bo admits he made mistakes but that Hope needs to give their relationship a chance. They can work through everything. Bo says he is not going to give up until he gets her back. Hope overhears and says that drinking as much as he is right now is not exactly the right thing to do to get her back. Hope explains she has been looking all over for Bo since he left the pier and she figured he would so something stupid like go get hammered. Bo just asks Hope to talk. She needs to at least talk to him about everything. They will never know if they can work things out unless they try. Hope explains that she isn't even sure she wants to work things out. They have trust issues as she beleived a little too easily that he slept with Billie and he lied to her so much. Her faith in him is shaken and she isn't sure what to do. There is also his connection to Billie and Chelsea and, despite his disdain for them right now, she isn't sure if she wants them in her face everytime she turns around. Hope tells Bo to just back off and let her think. Bo, who continues to drink, says that he has given her a long time to drink and wants answers now. Shawn tells him to back off. Bo tells him to stay out of this but Shawn says that this is his family too and he has a right to interfere. Shawn explains to Bo how much he hurt Hope with all his lies. He may not have slept with Billie but he chose Chelsea constantly over their family and he did everything for her while their family suffered. Bo reminds Shawn of all his mistakes and says that he is only human just like him. People make mistakes and Bo beleives he deserves the right to make up for them. He reminds Shawn he was given a chance to make up his mistakes. Shawn tells Hope that they should just leave. Bo tells them both not to give up and walk out on him. Their family still has a chance. Shawn says that he blew any chance of that with his lies. Zach died and all he did was cover it up. He may not have killed him but he betrayed him and betrayed the trust and love of his family. Hope tells Shawn to stop and tells him they should just go. Bo begs them both to just sit down and talk to him. Shawn tells him to just sit down and drink. They aren't his responsibility anymore, they haven't been in awhile. Even though he is on the outs with Chelsea and Billie right now, he made his choice along time ago to abandon their family and it is going to take alot to make up for that, if he even can. Bo sees that Hope is looking on, tears welling up in her eyes. Bo knows that she doesn't feel the same way as Shawn and that she is close to wanting to work through everything. He tells Hope to just give him a chance. Shawn tells him he had enough chances and tells Hope that they should go. They walk out as Hope looks back at Bo, almost as if she wants to stay and reach out to him but just keeps resisting. Once they leave. Bo gets upset and tosses a beer bottle. He apologizes to the bartender and is frustrated as he doesn't know what else to do to get his family back together. He asks for another beer and continues to drown his sorrows. -Mimi arrives at Alice's to clear out her mother's things as the Horton's will not control the property. She is shocked to see a light on and opens the door to see a romantic dinner set up in the middle of the restaurant. Rex appears and says he wanted to surprise her. She is extremely happy and embraces him. They share a lovely dinner and discuss their future. Rex then says he isn't sure if they have a future. Mimi is shocked but Rex adds that they don't have a future if she doesn't answer the question he has for her. He gets down on one knee and pledges his love for her. He then asks her to marry him. Mimi immediately says yes and is so happy. After all she has been through, she thinks it is fate that they are now engaged yet again. Cassie walks in and says they will get married over her dead body. Rex urges Cassie to either butt out or give Mimi a chance. She will not repeat the same mistakes again after all she has been through. Cassie reminds Rex that Mimi says that all the time yet she always screws up again. She doesn't want to see him hurt. Rex says he is marrying Mimi and she will need to accept that. Nothing Cassie can do will change that. She walks out and says we'll see about that. Mimi is worried about what Cassie might do. Rex says he isn't and he has an idea to ensure neither his sister or anyone else will stand in their way. Mimi is intrigued. Rex asks Mimi to leave Salem with him. He has been offered a research job that will require him to travel the world and he wants Mimi to go with him. They can start a fresh new life and they can both have clean slates after everything they have been through. Mimi agrees wholeheartedly as nothing is keeping her in Salem. She will have to take Connor with them as she is his guardian now. Rex says it will be no problem and they will all have a happy life together. Mimi is so excited. They kiss as Cassie watches outside, determined to put an end to what is going on as the screen fades to black and the credits roll. On the Next Salem Lives... Nicole to Sami and Greta: I never thought I would say this but I need you both to help me. Roman to Eric: I think it is about time you and I talked, son. Don't you? Alan to Carrie: Stay out of my business and there is no problem, got it? Lucas to Austin: Why are you so concerned for Carrie's baby? Maggie: I know exactly what will get me through this...consequences be damned. Cassie to Belle and Shawn: There is no way I am letting Rex and Mimi leave Salem. Mimi (with Rex): I don't think you have a choice.

EXCLUSIVE "SALEM LIVES" FALL PREVIEW!!! "If there is one word to describe the Fall it's POWERFUL," says head writer Tim Lowery. "Things in Salem are going to be dark at times and fans will notice a slower pace as opposed to the rapid pace we have been on since May. The stories will be fantastic and the history of the show will be utilized to it's fullest potential. it is truly going to be fantastic. There may be some controversial stories and we may go to some places no one ever thought we would go. We are not afraid...we will take risks. One character, in particular, will turn to the dark side and, no, I am not talking about in a supernatural sense but in a more realistic one. I hope fans just strap in and enjoy this amazing season that lies ahead," says Lowery. "We have tied up everything we wanted to and now our regime is ready to blow you away. September 1 can't come fast enough for us," enthuses Lowery. Stefano/Victor/Ernesto: Victor declares war on his enemies in the aftermath of the island story. Naturally, that means he is out for Stefano and Ernesto's blood. "The old Victor returns and thinks one of the reasons why so many of his loved ones have been in pain or suffering in the past is because he has softened," says Lowery. "That all changes in the coming weeks as Victor will go back to his roots and he will strike the first blow in his war with his enemies on the summer finale on September 1. An innocent Salemite will be near-death as a result of this," reveals Lowery. Look for many other innocent Salem citizens to be drawn into this war and to even find themselves in grave danger. "Most of our canvas will be dragged into this in one way or another," says Lowery. Bo/Hope: Bo reaches the breaking point in his relationship with Hope. "Hope is keeping him in limbo and Bo just gets frustrated," notes Lowery. "Shawn and him are at odds and he has some major issues going on with Chelsea. The man is just becoming a mess and we will also see him become upset with the judicial system again, which will lead him down a shocking path," reveals Lowery. "There will be a return to a edgier, more rebellious Bo but this time he will be a more dangerous type as he goes to depths the fans never thought they would see him at," says Lowery. Meanwhile, Hope will try to work through everything that has happened and will try to rebuild her life as she keeps getting drawn into Bo's orbit. Roman: Roman will try to adjust again to his life after John Black. "He will return to the police force and we will see him working to get his life in order," says Lowery. "He will have a difficult time with Sami and the dynamic there will be interesting to watch." Look for Roman to play a part in the big war story as well. The man formerly known as Roman Brady: "This story is a favorite of mine," enthuses Lowery. "We are bringing a familiar face from the past back to play a female psychiatrist and a romance will develop there. We will learn the truth about faux Roman's past slowly and I can tell you he is connected to someone on the canvas. This is a fun little story...the irony is amazing," laughs Lowery. Caroline/Victor/Maggie: "Yes, we are going there. A triangle for three of our most beloved vets will be pivotal this fall," previews Lowery. "Caroline and Maggie both push Victor away but then keep getting drawn back to him in one way or another. Maggie's alcoholism will take center stage and we will see it parallel Victor's return to crime as Maggie and Victor will both accept the worst in each other. Caroline, meanwhile, watches as the bond between Victor and Maggie grows. She will be forced to choose between her family and making yet another play for the true love of her life before it's too late," previews Lowery. "Also, we will make the Horton's pivotal in this plot as they are prominent again. Expect Julie and Victor's friendship to be delved into yet again and Lucas will be there for Maggie during her alcoholism," promises Lowery. Laura/Jack/Billie: "Ok...this is not a triangle," laughs Lowery. "Jack and Billie will grow closer as we see Laura provide major resistance to their relationship. Laura will draw Greta and Frankie into her schemes as she tries to set them up with Jack and Billie, respectively. Abby and Max will also get drawn into this too, of course. The Laura/Kate feud is re-ignited as well. Look for Laura to cross over into other stories too like the war story and the stories we have going on with Roman and Maggie. She will be with us for awhile and we may get appearances from Bill to from time to time," notes Lowery. Austin/Sami/Lucas/Carrie/Alan: "The Carrie/Alan story is a slow build," notes Lowery. "Carrie will learn what Alan went through in prison and it will become apparent to her that he is a changed man from his experience. Sami will become a part of this story eventually but she will have enough on her plate with Austin, Lucas, Roman, and Kate. Something big will happen with Lucas, who will also be involved in Maggie's story. There is also the matter of Carrie's baby and it's paternity, as well as the return of a recasted Will. Both will play a part in the Alan story," says Lowery. "Has Alan really changed? That will be one of the big questions of the Fall." Greta/Eric/Nicole: "Eric is sticking around for awhile," reveals Lowery. "We are very happy about that as can tell the story we want to now. Greta will play a huge role in keeping Eric's secret as she will learn what it is on the summer finale. Things will really get messy when Nicole enlists Sami and Greta's help in helping her learn what is going on with Eric," says Lowery. "Greta will have a dilemma as to whether she should keep Nicole and all of Eric's loved ones in the dark about what is going on. Meanwhile, Greta will also be tossed into the Jack/Billie story and there is also that little secret that Victor is her father. That will come into play big time as we move through the Fall," promises Lowery. "Nicole will face a choice of her own as well when she finds herself having to choose between her dream job at Highstyle in LA or a life with the man she loves who seems to be decieving her about something big. This decision will be a huge turning point for Nicole," adds Lowery. Shawn/Belle/Philip: Shawn makes a life-altering decision. "He hates seeing what their relationship has done to Belle as a person," says Lowery. "She is constantly choosing him over being there for Philip and Shawn knows that Belle is not one to do something like that so he blames himself for making her into the person she has become. You can also look for Belle to be at odds with Victor and Kate over her actions concerning Philip," reveals Lowery. "Jason Cook will last air next month so you can expect a pretty emotional sendoff as Shawn is not being recasted at the moment. After Shawn leaves, Belle will leave to be with Philip at a rehab center outside of Salem," reveals Lowery. "We are taking this opportunity to give the fans a break from them and we already have so much to play with this Fall so it works out. Belle will back just in time for the holidays with a recasted Philip and then we will throw them into story," says Lowery. "Even with Shawn gone, he will not be forgotten so look for his presence to still be felt in Salem," promises Lowery. Kayla: "Kayla will learn something HUGE from Patrick on the summer finale and this will send her on a huge adventure story that will later merge with the big war story," reveals Lowery. "Shane will be a part of this story as well since his expertise as ISA will needed here." Lexie/Abe/Celeste: "Lexie will return to her roots and will play a huge role in the war story," says Lowery. "Lexie moving back into the Dimera mansion is only the tip of the iceberg. Lexie and Abe will get very close to reuniting early in the Fall during a crisis but will soon be torn apart again," reveals Lowery. "Celeste will try to enlist the help of all of Lexie's loved ones, including a reluctant Abe, to help steer Lexie away from the Dimera influence but it may too late. Evil Lexie will be back in full force and will become almost like Stefano's right hand woman," says Lowery. Look for the custody battle for Theo to get ugly when it reaches the courtroom. "Lexie will show her true Dimera colors in court when she plays real dirty to hold on to her son," adds Lowery. Chelsea/Max/Abby: "The bond between Abby and Max grows," says Lowery. "With so many people pushing them together and with Chelsea pushing him further away, it is only a matter of time before the attraction becomes apparent to Max and Abby themselves. Chelsea will have trouble dealing with her rape and Hope being her mother. She will spend the early part of Fall trying to rebuild her life and change her ways but then something tragic happens to her yet again and it will be a case of one step forward to steps back," reveals Lowery. Look for something powerful to happen with Abby and Chelsea in late Fall. "Something will happen that will throw both girls for a loop and will force them to admit things they would rather not admit," says Lowery. "There may a few new teens thrown into this mix but they will be short-term and will play a role in the big thing that will happen to Chelsea and Abby. As for the big reveal of Chelsea being Hope's daughter, we will pull that rabbit out of the hat when the fans least expect it," laughs Lowery. Cassie: Cassie will move into the Dimera mansion after Rex and Mimi leave Salem. "She will be all over the canvas and we will see what develops as Alexis Thorpe will be on recurring with us for a bit," notes Lowery. Kate: Kate will try to turn over a new leaf and stay out of her children's lives. "Kate will be all over the canvas as well and will be thrown in to the Philip, faux Roman, Victor, and Billie stories we have coming up," previews Lowery. "Look for her to play a major role in something big we have coming up with Lucas and Sami as the Fall progresses," adds Lowery. Returns: "There will be a few visits from faces from the past," reveals Lowery. "Kimberly will be back and will play a huge role in Bo's story and Kayla's. Bill will return from time to time and we may bring Melissa, Sarah, and Don back to play roles in the Maggie story. As previously mentioned, a female face from the past will play a new role as faux Roman's psychiatrist and there is also that little matter of the mystery man we saw being dragged from the fiery island compound," notes Lowery. "That mystery man will come into play next week. As for any other returns, the fans should just know anyone can pop up at anytime. The history of the show will be huge from now on so family visits will become the norm," assures Lowery.

-Bo and Billie still don't beleive that Chelsea is changing just like that but then they recall how she did not want to leave the island because she "owed" Hope for saving her life. Hope says that something is different in her. Hope has a flashback to Chelsea admitting her rape to her and beleives that going through that is what is making Chelsea change. Bo asks to talk to Hope alone and he asks Hope what she thinks of Chelsea's offer to plead guilty on all counts and throw herself on the mercy of the court. Hope thinks it actually sounds selfless, which is why she beleives Chelsea is changing but Bo still doesn't buy it and thinks something else is up. He asks Hope if she is going to hold up her end of the bargain and work to save their marriage but Hope says she can't decide that right now. Bo is frustrated and begins to lose his patience. He reminds Hope of how Billie and Chelsea kept them apart. Hope says that it still doesn't matter as her faith in him is shaken. The fact that she beleived so easily that he would hop right into bed with Billie disturbs her and she still can't get the lies Bo told concerning Zach's death out of her head. She has alot to think about and honestly doesn't know if they have a future. Bo is furious and tells Hope he wants answers now and, if Chelsea's gesture really is legit like Hope thinks it is, Chelsea will need an answer to. Hope says she doesn't know about anything right now. -Billie wants to know what is really going on. Chelsea tells her mother she is really serious about changing and that her gesture to Bo and Hope should prove that. Billie wants to know what she is up to but Max beleives Chelsea. He just can't beleive Chelsea is willing to go to jail for possibly 20 years just so Bo and Hope can be together and her mother can be forgiven in the role she played in Bo and Hope's breakup. Chelsea insists it is the least she can do for them all after what they have done for her and how she has treated them. Billie still doesn't beleive it and, even if she did, she tells Chelsea she will not let her give up her life and just go to jail. Chelsea says she has to do this for her family and for Bo, Hope, Billie, and for Zach. Billie can't beleive it and walks away. Max tells Chelsea he is real proud of her but he doesn't want her to spend most of her life in jail. Chelsea says she will do what she has to but Max asks her what would happen to their relationship. Chelsea reminds Max that they really haven't had much of a relationship since before the island hell began. Max says that is why they must discuss their future. Chelsea is not interested right now in doing that as she has enough on her mind. Max is a little frustrated with Chelsea for putting off having a discussion about their future. Max thinks maybe it is best that they see other people and take a break from each other while Chelsea gets her life straightened out. Chelsea doesn't want to do that as she will need Max by her side at the trial. She just asks for more time and space and, once everything settles itself, they will talk. Max asks her what happens if she goes to jail before they talk about their relationship. Chelsea promises that Max and her will discuss everything before she even goes to trial. Billie joins them again and they witness Bo and Hope fighting. Bo walks off in a rage, telling Hope he doesn't know what else to do anymore. Hope then begins to cry and says she doesn't know what to do either and runs off as well. Billie, Chelsea, and Max wonder if it really may be over for Bo and Hope. -Doug, Julie, and Caroline wait outside to find out what is going on with Victor and Maggie. Julie is curious about what Caroline was so passionate about wanting Maggie and Victor to stay away from each other and wonders if it is because Caroline needs him right now and wants him back in her life. Caroline says that her recent affair was a mistake and she can't be around Victor for her family's sake. Her family is going through enough right now and them seeing her around Victor would only cause more problems. Victor and her will always share a bond and will always be friends but from a distance and nothing more. Julie seems reluctant to buy that but accepts Caroline's reasoning. Julie feels bad for saying that Maggie and Victor should avoid each other for the time being since Victor was and still is a good friend of hers. They went through Loretta sinking together, as well as the island debacle that followed. Doug knows that Julie has a special bond with Victor but insists this has nothing to do with Victor as a person but there is a concern that they will become far too dependent on each other during this difficult time and, eventually, things will get more complicated. Julie agrees, as does Caroline. They wonder what is going on inside. -Inside Maggie's house, Victor is still stunned that Maggie wants to end their friendship. He tells her that she doesn't mean that. Maggie tells him she does and to go before she destroys his life too or worse. She tells him to get the hell out or she will call the police. Victor is shocked and assures Maggie that she won't destroy his life. Maggie says she already is. She is keeping him fron his family and all his responsibilities. They are growing way too dependent on each other. She is asking too much of him and she has barely done anything for him. Victor reminds Maggie that they are friends and they have bonded alot over thinking their loved ones were dead, the island mess, her losing Mickey, him seeing Philip upset over his loved ones betraying him and Philip being in a coma. Victor says he is the one that was staying away from Philip because he couldn't bare to see him like he was but Maggie helped him get through it. Victor says that Maggie has become a close friend and they have saved each other's lives. He is just not going to abandon her. It is bad enough Caroline needs him but won't let him be there for her. Maggie says to Victor to stop using her as a substitute for Caroline but Victor denies doing that. Maggie says she knows he would be with Caroline and nowhere near her if Caroline would let him. Victor says that he would be there for Maggie too. Maggie doesn't want to hear anymore and tells him to just get out. This is not good for either of them. Victor urges Maggie not to let what Doug, Julie, and Caroline say convince her that their friendship will only cause more harm to themselves. Maggie says that they are right about everything and that Victor needs to leave now. They can't see each other frow now on. She needs to get through this on her own. She pushes Victor out the door. Maggie then slams the door in his face and says don't come back. Caroline, Doug, and Julie are stunned she kicked him out. They never wanted her to cut Victor completely out of her life. They only wanted them both to give each other space. Victor slowly walks away and turns around and looks back at the house and at Caroline. Julie tells Victor they are sorry. Victor says he knows and then slowly walks away. Caroline watches him leave and realizes helping Maggie was keeping him from feeling the pain of not being able to comfort her and now he is feeling a worse pain knowing he can't help Caroline, Maggie, or Philip. Doug and Julie ask Maggie if she is ok so she lies and says she is. Maggie tells them both to just go. Doug, Julie, and Caroline all leave, worried about Maggie and Victor. Inside the house, Maggie crumples to the floor in tears near the door and cries hysterically as the screen fades to black and the credits roll. On the Next Days... Maggie: I can't do this anymore. How am I going to live like this?!! Shawn to Bo: You hurt mom and now she is returning the favor. Sounds like poetic justice to me. Bo to Shawn: I will get your mother back (as Hope walks in) Kate to Belle: There is bad news...it's Philip. Belle: Oh my God...no... Rex to Mimi: Mimi Lockhart...I have something very important to ask you. Cassie: Over my dead body!!!

-Roman and faux Roman are outside the Devereux home. Faux Roman asks what they are doing there. Roman explains that they need to seek out Laura Horton's help iwith Marlena gone n order to get the answers they both need concerning their pasts. Meanwhile, inside, Jack and Laura are discussing what Jack plans to do with his life. Jack explains he is thinking of returning to "The Spectator" but it may be too soon after Jennifer's death and they shared so many memories there. Laura urges him to wait and just spend time with his family. Things will work themselves out. Jack asks her again why she chose to stay in Salem other then to help them out. Laura tries to convince Jack she has no hidden agenda but Jack refuses to beleive that. He thinks she is worried about his relationship with Billie and she has no reason to be. She is just a friend and he has alot of women friends like Greta and Sami. Laura explains she just doesn't want Jack, Abby, or JJ to get hurt but Jack says that being with Billie won't hurt anyone. She is a close friend and, if anything, she is just being a good friend to Jen and him by being there so much for them. Jack accuses Laura of letting her long-time feud of Kate blind her to how different from Kate Billie is. Laura denies that and thinks they should just drop the subject as things are getting tense. Jack tells Laura he will drop it when she lays off Billie and just relaxes and enjoys her visit in Salem. Before Laura can answer. the doorbell rings. Jack lets Roman and faux Roman in and they explain they are there to see Laura and ask for her help in helping them learn and remember their pasts. Roman explains he just needs to fill in the missing peices he does not remember as he remembers most of his life as Roman Brady and as John Black but that faux Roman only knows of his time as Roman Brady. Laura says she should be able to help Roman even though she is not officially on staff at University Hospital but that faux Roman's case may be a little too extreme for her. She may have to call someone who is a specialist and severe memory loss and cases of his nature in. Laura says she will borrow an office at the hospital and see them both ASAP and then she will be able to determine how to help them both and whether she will need to call someone in to help with faux Roman. Both men thank her and give their condolences regarding Jennifer again before they leave. Faux Roman doubts he can be helped but Roman assures him that Laura will help them both and, if she can't, she will find someone who can. -Abby is in her room when Frankie knocks and asks how she is doing. They discuss the funeral and how beautiful it was. Frankie wants to thank Abby again for being so understanding of his role in Jennifer's life. Abby apologizes for being so hard on Frankie and says she hopes they can be friends as he is a good friend to her parents. Abby then gets a call from Max asking her how she is holding up. She thanks him for his concern and for being there for her through the past few horrible months. Max thanks her as well and says if she needs anything to call. She tells him the same and hangs up. Frankie asks how things are going between Abby and Max. Abby explains they are only friends but that they have helped each other through everything of late. He is more focused on Chelsea right now, though. Frankie mentions how Chelsea has been ignoring Max and pushing him away. He also explains how Jennifer, Jack, and himself talked about how perfect they looked together. It reminded Jennifer and himself of their young relationship. Frankie asks Abby what she would do if things were over between Chelsea and Max. Abby says she can't think about that as Chelsea is a friend and she is not going to break up her relationship with Max. Frankie understands but, seeing what he sees, he beleives Chelsea and Max are in some trouble. Abby says she will just wait and see what happens and, even if they do breakup, she doesn't know if she would pursue him. Frankie explains he is only giving his two cents. He tells her good night and thanks. He mentions how her mother would be proud of her and how much like her she is. Abby thanks him and begins to tear up. When he leaves, she begins to think about what he said and wonders if she really should pursue Max if Chelsea and Max breakup. -Chelsea is about to spill her secret when is thinks about Billie and how this will affect her. She remembers how happy Billie was that she finally found her daughter. Bo was happy too, even though he hates her right now. Billie may not be able to take it knowing her daughter was really stillborn and did die in the bayou. She can't have any more children so this would cause her severe pain and suffering. Bo, Billie, and Hope tell Chelsea to tell them what she wants to say but she backs off and goes into a long speech about her finally learning her lesson and wanting to grow up. Max joins them and is happy to hear it but he is the only one but Billie who beleives Chelsea means what she says. Chelsea says she does mean it. Hope tells Chelsea to just stay out of sight because she can barely look at her right now. Chelsea asks to speak to Hope in private. Bo reluctantly agrees. Bo asks Billie what Chelsea is up to but Billie insists she has no clue. Max wonders what game she is playing now. Chelsea reminds Hope of their time on the island and how they seemed to be getting closer. Chelsea also reminds her of al they discussed, including her rape, and of how Zack came to Hope in an effort to help save Chelsea's life. She tells Hope that her rape and the island has made her realize how terrible she was and now she wants to change, which is why she confessed how she helped keep Bo and her apart. She really wants to change and tells Hope that remember what happened on the island. Chelsea, with tears streaming down her cheeks, tells Hope she expects her to never forgive her or to be lenient on her in court. However, she just wants to make it known she is sorry and is going to change. She will accept whatever punishment is given to her by the judge in regards to Zack and will serve it even though she has been punished so much by losing her virginity unwillingly and is going to have to live with the guilt of killing her little brother. Hope stays silent as Chelsea asks her again if she still plans to keep her rape a secret. Hope explains she would never share that type of information with anyone, no matter who the person she was keeping the secret for was. Chelsea then asks Bo, Billie, and Max to come near and explains how she told Hope her desire to change and how she will accept the consequences of her actions and her punishment. They are all stunned. Chelsea then stuns everyone when she tells Hope she will make things easier for her so they may not even have to go through a long trial. She will please guilty on all counts, meaning she will take the maximum sentence for killing Zack, if she will give Bo another chance and if both Bo and her will forgive her mother for the role she played in keeping them apart. If they can do all that, she will give up and take the jailtime. It is the least she can do and, this way, she can make up for some of the damage she caused even though it will never bring Zack back. Hope, Bo, Billie, and Max look on stunned as Chelsea tells herself if she can't tell them all that Hope is her mother she can at least ease their pain and suffering and make up for her actions this way. Max asks Chelsea what is going on as Chelsea says she is only trying to do the right thing for once. Bo, Hope, and Billie discuss what Chelsea just told them and wonder what game she is playing. Hope stuns them both by saying it isn't a game and that she is serious. Hope says that Chelsea may be telling the truth this time-she may be really changing. -Doug and Julie are driving home from an evening out and are discussing the funeral and their worry for Maggie. Doug is worried about Maggie depending so much on Victor but Julie thinks it is good for both of them and doesn't see it presenting a problem. They decide to stop at Maggie's to see how she is doing. -Victor and Caroline continue to go at it over Maggie as she overhears. Victor explains that he is going nowhere unless Maggie wants him too. Maggie thinks that Caroline is right and that she is depending on him way too much. She will need to get through this on her own and just be strong. Victor thinks Caroline is just jealous but Caroline insists that there is nothing to be jealous of as Victor and her are finished. They are not reuniting anytime soon and they need to stay away from each other for the sake of their families. Victor understands and says he will reluctantly obilge since he would rather be there for her. Caroline is making it so tough though considering she keeps following him and involving herself with Maggie and himself. Doug and Julie join them and Caroline catches them up on the discussion. Doug agrees with Caroline that Victor and Maggie will only make things worse by spending so much time together. The dependency will only get worse and things may get complicated and messy later. After seeing Victor still at the house and hearing Caroline and Doug, Julie tells Victor she will have to agree with them. It is one thing to be there for a friend and he has been a tremendous comfort to Maggie but it is just too much. He can't be there every moment of every day and night. It is bad for the both of them. She knows Victor is a good man from their time together but Victor and Maggie must make changes to their current relationship or it will hurt them more then help them in the end. Victor is stunned so many see a problem with this. Maggie, who has been overhearing everything, says she knows what she has to do. She is taking Victor away from his life and from his own family. She is almost taken advantage of him. She interupts the conversation outside and explains she needs to talk to Victor alone. Victor comes in the house as Doug, Julie, and Caroline wait outside wondering how much she overheard and what they are talking about. Victor sits down with Maggie and she tells him they have to talk. Victor asks what is on her mind. Maggie tells Victor that this needs to stop-this dependency and her ruining his life. Their friendship needs to end...now. Victor looks on stunned as the screen fades out on a tearful Maggie's face and the credits roll. On the Next Days... Bo to Hope: I can't take this anymore Hope. I need an answer now. What is going to happen to us? Billie to Chelsea: What is going on with you? Chelsea to Max: I can't talk about us right now. Max to Chelsea: Well, then, maybe it's time we took a break from each other. Julie to Caroline: Are you sure your reason for keeping Maggie away from Victor has nothing to do with you wanting him back in your life? Victor to Maggie: You don't mean this. Maggie to Victor: Yes, I do. GO!!! Hurry before I destroy your life too. I mean it!!! GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE VICTOR!!!

Exclusive Interview-Inside "Salem Lives"-A Days Fan Fiction Nearly three months ago, executive producer Ned Yadroc and head writer Tim Lowery began their reign at the top at Days of our Lives. Their goal was to repair damage that they feel was done to the show and it's characters and to bring it back to its former glory. Now, after several cast changes and major story shakeups (including a casting bloodbath that nearly killed off most of the show's characters), the show seems to be back on track and is now full speed ahead on what is said to be another "golden era" at Days of our Lives. To kick off this era, here is a status report on how far the show has come and why the show made the choices it did. Plus, Yadroc and Lowery were kind enough to give us a little preview of what is to come before the Fall previews are released later this week. Now on to the interview!!! I =Interviewer HW -Head Writer Tim Lowery EP =Executive Producer Ned Yadroc I: Ok, you have both been at the helm for more then 3 months. How do you think the show has changed and is it where you want it at the moment? HW: Well, I will start. The show has changed alot obviously. Several characters are gone including some major ones in Mickey Horton (John Clarke), Shawn Brady Sr (Frank Parker), Jennifer Devereaux (Melissa Reeves), and Marlena Evans Brady (Deidre Hall). We also lost Judi Evans and some other actors we really adored. At the same time, fans saw the return of Joe Mascolo as Stefano and Charles Cioffi as Ernesto and witnessed big returns with Kayla Brady Johnson (Mary Beth Evans), Eric Brady (Jensen Ackles), Nicole Walker (Arianne Zuker), Greta von Amburg (Julianne Morris), etc. The canvas has changed and so has the history with the Roman story, Greta's father, Chelsea's parentage, Claire's paternity, etc. The whole show has changed in my opinion and I beleive it changed for the better. Alot of the damage done to the show was rectified in a short period of time as we planned so the show is definitely where we want it for the Fall. EP: I agree with Tim. The show is in a much better place now and we are all set for September 1, the date we all targeted as the day our regime really begins. Since we came on in May, we basically took what was here and molded it to our liking. Yes, the island story was our idea and so was everything you have seen but we just took what previous regimes left us and wrote it, or rewrote it, as we envisioned it. September 1 is our first big bang and it signals the real beginning to our regime in our minds as all stories from there on in will be original and our stuff. We are really excited about it and where the show is at now. We have made the changes we wanted to make and thank everyone for sticking with us. I: Now on to some burning questions that have developed since we last talked. Why the fake casting bloodbath and why go back done the Captive Island route? HW: Simple. The SSK/Captive Island story was a huge missed opportunity for the previous regime. That story took so many risks and then it climaxed with a wimper. Ned and I both said as soon as we took over that we needed to shake up the canvas and this was the way to do it-to go back and re-tell one of the most failed stories in Days history. I have never seen a story with so much potential go downhill so fast. Ned and I took the story and made it the way we envisioned it. We always saw Ernesto being a part of it and we loved the way it all turned out. We were able to find ways to ensure we can bring back Wayne Northrup (Wendell), Thaoo Penghlis (Tony/Andre), and Charles Cioffi (Ernesto) in the future and we filled in alot of misging blanks. I, personally, just loved how during the reveal episodes everything fell into sequence. As for the bloodbath, we needed people to buy into the thought we were really killing people this time for good. The last time the press got a hold of everything but this time we made a conscious effort to plant rumors left and right so there would be whisperings of cast cuts and, when they happened on the show, people believed them more because they had not heard specifics. We never confirmed anything this time nor did we dish about story in detail. We were very close to the vest. EP: Indeed we were. Going back and doing this story again was something we knew would be tough and that is why we were secretive. We knew the fans wouldn't buy it unless we were more discreet as opposed to the last time when everything was out ahead in spoilers in the like. We wanted this story to be epic and historical to the show and it was. We had so many revelations, changes, twists, turns, etc. It was so hard to do as we had so many to write for with the whole cast there but it was so worth the payoff. I: Among the many changes you made was the decision to kill off pivotal characters, seemingly for real on the island, and to rewrite one of the biggest stories in Days history in making John Black the real Roman Brady? Explains your thought process on why you made these changes and what you feel this will do to the show. HW: Well, we knew Missy was leaving and we wanted to give Jennifer a big sendoff. With Deidre, we had reached a point where we felt things were better with Marlena off for the time being and, of course, her sendoff had to be huge. Frank Parker has had health issues for years and John Clarke was only here temporarily and we had no plans to recast Mickey again so both those men we knew we were going to write off. Judi Evans (Bonnie) , Rhasaan Orange (Tek), Steve Blackwood (Bart), etc-those were decisions on our parts. We felt bad because cuts had to be made and, in Blackwood's case, we felt he was bringing down the Dimera's. We want them to have their gothic, dark side back and with him they just became too campy. Bonnie and Tek were played out so we were just trimming the fat. The deaths of these characters is really going to drive story, especially for Jack (Matthew Ashford) and Roman (Drake Hogestyn) and several others. These deaths were very emotional. I remember crying writing them. We just felt they were necessary. We want to take risks and if we feel someone is played out they are out regardless of who they are. As for the Roman story, John should've always been Roman even though making him John is what gave us the classic affair story and spawned evil Sami. We just felt that this was the way to go and it just unifies out canvas so beautifully. Oh, and before you ask, Rex (Eric Winter) and Cassie (Alexis Thorpe) should've never been Brady's. The show needs some new blood and them as Dimera's as great for the canvas so that is why we did that. As for Hope (Kristian Alfonso) being Chelsea's (Rachel Melvin) mother and Victor (John Aniston) being Greta's father, we just felt it was best for the show to go these ways. Georgia was seen dead in the bayou and her coming back as Chelsea did not sit well with fans even though Rachel Melvin has been a hit. Fans always wanted to know who Greta's father was and we did not want to go the predictable route with Stefano or John/Roman being the dad so we went with Victor. I always wanted Victor to have another daughter since Isabella died and to just have more kids in general so this expands his family and creates more story. EP: Tim said it all. The canvas is made tighter with these changes. The deaths were very emotional and we all hated them but they were necessary for the show and for story reasons. The canvas needed to be shaken up. The show is just in a better place now. I: What was the reasoning in firing Farah Fath (Mimi) and Jason Cook (Shawn)? HW: With Bonnie gone and Patrick (Brody Hutzler) nearing his end, we knew Mimi was in trouble as soon as Claire's paternity came out. We were also losing Kyle Brandt (Philip) too so we just decided that Mimi was played out and, with Eric Winter (Rex) here, it was the perfect time to write Mimi out. With Cook, we just decided to rest Shawn for awhile and take him in a new direction when he returns. Jason has wanted out for a bit anyway. We have a nice exit for him and we will recast the role in the future. EP: Yes and I should say that we are recasting Philip at some point too. We are hoping to bring Jay Johnson back as Philip is disfigured so it is possible but we will see. Once Shawn leaves, Belle (Martha Madison) will leave Salem to stay with Philip at a rehad facility so they will be off for a while. When they return, she will appear with a new Philip whether it is Jay or not. Both Belle and Philip are going in new directions. Rex will leave with Mimi and Cassie (Alexis Thorpe) will stay on recurring and we will see where we go with her. we love Alexis so with her a Dimera again we will see what develops. I would say that covers our young scene. I: Any other casting news to share? HW: Well, Laura (Jaime Lyn Bauer) will be staying for a bit and Kimberly (Patsy Pease) will be returning alot in the Fall. Billy Warlock (Frankie) has gone recurring as we won't be using him much this Fall and we have returned Tanya Boyd (Celeste) to recurring as we have put off her story. We won't be adding much. There may be some short term characters popping in and out but for the next few months nothing really being added. EP: Well, Tim forgot that Charles Shaughnessy (Shane) will be staying on recurring. Techinically, Wayne Northrup is recurring and can come back at any point, which is why we created Wendell so we can bring him back at some point. We really love Wayne. Charles Cioffi (Ernesto) will be back and is recurring. Oh, and there is also that matter of the mystery character that is returning. I: Yes-what can you tell us about him? We already know he is the person that was dragged out of the compound Philip was in that was on fire during the island escape so what else can you share? HW: Nothing really (laughs). EP: The identity of this returning favorite will become very obvious on the summer finale episode on September 1. I think many know who it is already but you didn't hear it from us. His return will be huge though. I: You already explained how you were able to make it easier for Wayne Northrup to return by making him Wendell but what about Josh Taylor? Now that he isn't Roman what is next for him? HW: We love Josh. He is going nowhere soon. He will go through a path of self discovery. He is still a Brady but not by blood. Roman (Drake Hogestyn) and him will be good friends getting through this together. The fans will learn who the man formerly known as Roman really is and it is a stunner. Roman will also go on a journey to recover his life. It is going to be great. EP: Yes and another face from the past is returning to play a major role in Josh's story. We don't want to let that secret out yet either. We will be announcing that very soon. Salem Lives' Sami (Alison Sweeney) has big DAYS ahead. I: What other previews or info can you share about what is to come? HW: Well, you will get more detail tomarrow as the Fall previews are released but all our stories will be powerful. Things will get dark at times in Salem and some stories may be controversial with the fans. The payoff will be there and we hope they sit back and enjoy the ride. It is going to be a great Fall. EP: I echo Tim's sentiments. Fans are already getting a taste of what is to come. The Roman story will be big and as will faux Roman's. Maggie (Suzanne Rogers) and Victor will be used alot, as fans know already. Maggie will be involved in two of her own stories and will be involved with Lucas (Bryan Dattilo)as well. The Horton's will be back full force and involved with Maggie. Victor is prominent again and we have a story going there with Caroline (Peggy McKay) and Maggie. We will explore Julie (Susan Seaforth Hayes) and Victor's friendship as well. Belle and Shawn will see an end to their story. Bo (Peter Reckell) and Hope have lots of story coming but they won'r reunite...yet. We are taking Bo back to his roots and I am sure the fans will be shocked by where he is going. Billie (Julie Pinson) will have a great story coming up with Jack (Matthew Ashford) and Laura will play a role in that and the Roman story. We are finally evolving Sami (Alison Sweeney) and she will obviously be big in the Roman story, as well as the Carrie/Alan (Christie Clark/Paul Kersey) story. We will also see Sami interacting with the Eric story and Lexie's (Renee Jones)story. Sami and Lucas will see a good couple story for them in the Fall. We have so much going on and fans will really begin to see it starting September 1. You are seeing the buildup right now since we tied up everything and moved the show where we wanted it. September 1 is our HUGE beginning-our "big bang" that will kick off the new era our regime is striving for. You will get more details in the Fall Previews tomarrow. I: I was told you had two BIG announcements (one that was hinted at two weeks ago). Go ahead and share them. HW: Ok I will give you the first one. We now have a Co-HW. His name is James L. Ewing and he has been ghostwriting and helping us plan story for the next year. His title from now on will be Co-HW and Co-EP. He was instrumental in the Roman story and several other stories that have played out. He is a very talented writer and has written several story arcs that you will all begin to see in the coming weeks. EP: We are so happy to have James. The other big announcement is that our show (fan fic) will now be known as "Salem Lives." That title will now be used from here on in. We are very excited as this is the official signal that our era has begun. I just hope fans sit back and enjoy. I assure you-you won't be disappointed. I: Thanks so much. HW: Sure. EP: Anytime. Now for part 2 of this interview you will not be meeting the new "Salem Lives" Co-HW/Co-EP James L. Ewing ***Just a note from-James L. Ewing is really a fellow poster here on SON known to all of you as "Roman." Yes, this is my (PhoenixRising05's) blog and fan fic but Roman and I have been speaking for weeks now and have become great friends. We share a good vision of the show we both love. We often butted heads on SON but, once I got to know him, I saw a fire in him and he was so into seeing what I was doing. I listened to his great ideas and he started sending me arcs and I was blown away. He is truly talented so him and I have collaborated alot on what you readers will be seeing over the next year. Roman was also kind enough to add to many of what I wrote this summer. His help with the Roman Brady story was very essential to me telling the story right and I just want to thank him for everything so far and I love having him as a partner. I know it is weird to have a two different people writing a fan fic but I think it is unique and refreshing. Two heads are better then one and I will come up with stories and he will come up with stories and they will blend together nicely. This makes us different them any other blog/fan fic here so I hope all of you readers stick with us. The fun is just beginning. I will do my best to make sure both Roman and I get credit for what you see by way of posting mini-credits at the end of episodes. In summary, just as you know that I use the aliases EP Ned Yadroc and HW Tim Lowery in this blog, Roman will use Co-HW/EP James L. Ewing is his. In closing, I would like to welcome an awesome writer and friend a board for the first time publicly and I would like to thank him for all his hard work thus far. It is truly a wonderful partnership and friendship and I am thrilled to have him by my side so I hope you all welcome him also and keep on reading our fan fic, which will now officially be titled "Salem Lives." Now on to the interview!! I=Interviewer Co-HW/EP=Co-Head Writer James L. Ewing (SON poster Roman) I: Welcome-Are you excited? Co-HW/EP: Thank you so much. Yes, I'm very excited! Who wouldn't be having been given this opportunity by a wonderful writer and visionary to write for one of the best fan fiction sites on the net. A dream come true. I: What do you enjoy on Days and who are your favorite characters? What are your greatest memories of Days? Co-HW/EP: I have always been a huge fan of the character interaction. The Captive Island story that just recently concluded is a prime example of what good writing can accomplish. And, it was wonderful to see how many chances were taken. Very bold, very daring, and it will keep fans coming back for more. My fondest memories of Days are before the internet age. You'd sit in front of your television and watch how Roman and Stefano did battle, would Jack and Jennifer find true love, how would Doug and Julie stay together, and so on. One of my all-time favorite memories was when a psychotic assassin Orpheus had planted a bomb in Roman and Marlena's house and blew it up. And that was a mid-week episode! LOL I: What did you dislike about the show under JER and how do you think the new, current regime (remember this is me LOL) has done in the 3 months since taking over in May? Co-HW/EP: I realize and take into deep consideration that James has a HUGE fanbase. One that is very loyal to him. And, during his first tenure, even though I personally thought his stories were long winded at times, when his writing came together, it was two to three weeks of can't miss television. Now, even though I wouldn't have buried anyone alive or had the resident heroine possessed by the devil (laughing), I knew that since it was well written, people would enjoy that. You can never do wrong with a well written show, which is the very same reason why his second tenure failed so miserably. Now, it was not all his fault. The wonderful executives at NBC decided to give the man two shows to write. Who wouldn't get burnt out with that workload?! With that being said, the show became a shell of its former self. Characterization all over the place or non-existent, characters behaving in a fashion that they never would have in the past. Plot holes big enough to fit a football stadium in, with no explanations, and a basic lack of respect for the fans of the show. When you have die-hard fans of JER's saying that it is time for a change, that is saying alot. Maybe the threat of cancellation is what caused the changes to be made, and I must say, for the better. I: What are your favorite current stories/things happening under the current regime of EP Ned Yadroc and HW Tim Lowery? Co-HW/EP: I really enjoyed the Captive Island story arc. So much drama and emotion. Killing off a beloved heroine took allot of guts, and I really can't say if anyone else would have done that. Plus, it was done in a way that fixes alot of what had happened the first time around. That is what good writing is all about. The triangles, Mickey, Jennifer, Carrie and Marlena dying, the return of the true Phoenix, everything. The current regime should be commended. I: What is your vision of Days? What do you seek to accomplish as co-HW? Co-HW/EP: My vision is to continue for Days to be written as realistically as possible, even when we do the fantastic. Character-driven stories with alot of romance and drama, with a touch of humor thrown in. Basically, a show that one would come to the page and look forward to reading every day. There will not be triangles, quads, octagons, or how many ever sides that one can make with characters involved with one another. I really believe the fans have had enough of bad triangles to last them a lifetime. I: Will you be writing full episodes? Co-HW/EP: Once I get more into the groove, and work more with my writing partner, if he feels that I'm up to it, yes, I will write some episodes. The fact that he has put so much faith in my work and ideas since we have joined forces has really brought me great joy, and has allowed our vision to become one. I love writing dialogue, but what I really love is writing huge story arcs. Arcs with twists in them that will leave the fans speechless. And, that's what they are going to get! LOL I: Can you give us some hints as to what is to come and what new ideas and stories are yours? Co-HW/EP: Well, as with my partner and my fellow fan fiction writers, I can't reveal much at all. I will say that very soon, a story is about to begin that will, as CI 2 has done, change Salem forever. A very dramatic story that will leave no character untouched. Lives will be saved - and destroyed. And after that - let's just say that the fans of this fan fiction are in for 6-8 months of some of the most incredible stories they will every read. This is the Days that should be, and it's coming up very soon. Stay tuned everyone! LOL I: Anything else you want to share to give the fans more insight on what is to come? Co-HW/EP: For the fans - if you love adventure, romance, mayhem, tragedy, action, humor, and above all else, the triumph of love over everything else, then do yourself a favor. Take your medication. Strap yourself in. And................. Get ready for the ride of your lives! The Days Of Our Lives that should have been is coming soon...........to a fan page near you! Check your local blog. LOL ***Just a note: I just wanted to add that the person who has put together this fan fiction blog is one of the best people I have met. We are opposites in many ways when it comes to DOOL, which is why I feel we make such great partners. I look forward to continuing to work a outstanding writer and visionary such as PhoenixRising05 (known in this blog as EP Ned Yadroc and HW Tim Lowery), and hope we can give you what you want. Thank you so much for this opportunity to talk to the fans. Take care.