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  1. beebs
    EPISODE 61
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson  

    Sonny gets up from the sofa in his apartment, a bit angry as Will holds onto the contract from EnerNext, which he had attempted to present to Sonny.
     
    WILL: What do you mean, I can't take this job?
    SONNY: You can't, Will! This job...it's a mistake.
     

    Will gets up from the sofa, and walks over to the desk, placing the contract on it, deliberately where Sonny can see.
     
    WILL: Why? Because you don't like it? I thought you just said you believed in my work.
    SONNY: I've told you why, Will. It's not about your talent or your work, it's that you're working for a corrupt organization--
    WILL: That your Great Uncle owns. That your father works for as legal counsel. If they're so damned evil, why is it that every penny of your family's money stem from that corporation.
     
    Sonny walks off toward the bedroom, shaking his head as Will follows him.
     
    WILL: Don't walk away from me! You know I'm right.
     
    Sonny stops and turns around, pointing angrily at Will.
     
    SONNY: No. No, I don't know you're right, Will. In fact, I can give you a hundred reasons why this is the worst decision you could possibly make.
     
    ---
     

    EJ stands in the DiMera living room, looking over some paperwork quickly, when he hears a commotion from the foyer. 
     

    After a moment of listening, he heads for the doorway and not long after, the doors to the living room swing open, with Harold trying in vain to keep an enraged Jennifer Horton from walking into the room.
     
    JENNIFER: You!
    EJ: Good Lord, Jennifer! I would've figured a family of middle class doctors would have raised their children to have better manners than that.
    JENNIFER: Don't even START with me, EJ! I want answers.
    EJ: About what?
    JENNIFER: About where my daughter is, and why did you send her halfway across the world, and don't even think for a second it wasn't your idea, I saw you yesterday at the hospital, so give up the game!
     
    EJ looks frustrated, and looks away for a moment to try to answer respectfully.
     
    ---
     

    John steps into the Titan board room, striding in with casual confidence, much to Victor's chagrin.
     
    VICTOR: John! What a surprise. I expect you've come for the meeting.
    JOHN: Well, I wasn't planning on it, mostly because no one told me until just very recently.
     
    John stops behind Kate's seat and casually puts a hand on Kate's shoulder. Kate tenses, a bit surprised by John's touch, but looks back to Victor, who notices the small but pointed gesture.
     
    VICTOR: Fascinating.
    JOHN: I thought so. Now, I've got a question for you, Vic.
    VICTOR: Now isn't a great time, we're in the middle of a vote.
     
    John puts both hands on his hips. A smile grows on John's face as he walks towards Victor.
     
    JOHN: A vote, hm? See. Now, that actually, was exactly what my question was about.
    VICTOR: Really.
    JOHN: You know it! Here's what I wanna know, Vic. Have you retained Brady's place on the board, or have you had him declared dead?
     
    ---
     
     
     
    ---
     
    Will folds his arms, looking unimpressed at Sonny as Sonny lays into him for considering the EnerNext job.
     
    WILL: Alright. Go ahead, Sonny. Tell me why I shouldn't take the best damned job that's ever been offered to me.
    SONNY: Will, there will be other jobs that are just as good as this one.
    WILL: Oh, so I should follow my dreams, but only when they line up with your world view.
    SONNY: Will, that's not what I'm saying.
    WILL: Yes, it's exactly what you're saying! What makes you the authority on what's right and what's wrong?
    SONNY: I'm saying that I know what it's like to have someone flash a lot of money in front of your face. It can change you really quickly.
     
    Sonny walks in closer to Will and puts his hands on Will's shoulders. He looks intently into his eyes.
     
    SONNY: I want you to be careful, Will.
    WILL: I'm not exactly from a poor home, you know. I can take care of myself.
     
    Sonny looks down, dropping his hands to his sides as he thinks his answer through.
     
    SONNY: Okay. I don't think you should take this job, but if it's something you really want, and I mean truly, truly, want....then I will support that.
     
    Will leans over and kisses Sonny on the lips. They both smile as they look warmly at each other.
     
    WILL: Thank you.
    SONNY: Just remember, Uncle Vic can suck in even the best, most generous people in the world, and turn them into cynical, bitter, entitled bastards. Watch yourself.
     
    Will nods in understanding.
     
    WILL: Got it.
     
    Will and Sonny come together for a warm embrace, before slowly leaning in to kiss each other gently on the lips. They look at each other, standing forehead-to-forehead and giggle before kissing again. Flopping down on the couch, they kiss a bit more intensely, before Will pushes Sonny back gently and climbs on top of him. 


    Gabi walks in just at that same moment and jumps back, but smiles as she sees her roommates together.
     
    GABI: Well what did I just walk in on.
     
    Sonny and Will laugh as they separate. Will jumps off the couch and heads towards Gabi, greeting her with a quick hug.
     
    WILL: Ohhh nothing, just some fiancee/fiancee bonding time. Oh I have some news.
    GABI: Oh yeah?
     
    Will walks over to the desk again and pulls the contract from the manila envelope it had been in. He shows it to Gabi.
     
    WILL: I have been offered a job. A very...very...good...job.
     
    Gabi's eyes widen as she quickly looks at it.
     
    GABI: Wow! PR for Titan. That's HUGE, Will. Congrats!
     
    Gabi and Will lean in to hug each other. Gabi's smiling widely as she embraces him. Will pulls back after their hug and looks at Gabi a little oddly.
     
    WILL: You seem so...relaxed.
     
    Gabi's taken aback slightly by Will's statement. She walks past him, heading for the couch, where she quickly flops down.
     
    GABI: Really? Why, was I super-tense before?
    SONNY: Well...not to put too fine a point on it, but....yeah.
     
    Gabi looks at Sonny, who's sitting next to her on the sofa, and laughs a bit.
     
    GABI: Well...if I am, it's because all of our troubles are soon gonna completely disappear.
     
    ---
     
    EJ sighs as he walks over to the minibar and grabs a glass, holding it up as he speaks to an unimpressed Jenn.
     
    EJ: You look like you could use a drink.
     
    EJ turns around as Jenn smacks the glass from his hand, smashing it against the wall. EJ stands still, stunned by her rage.
     
    EJ: Or several.
    JENNIFER: This is not a game, EJ. I want to know where my daughter is.
    EJ: Jennifer, your daughter took a job in Italy for a few weeks. It is not a big deal. It's a very short assignment that came up last minute. I apologize if she didn't talk to you about it, but I have a feeling, considering your rather hysterical reaction just now that I know why she didn't.
     
    Jennifer, undaunted, steps in close to EJ, an intensity in her eyes that says she means business.
     
    JENNIFER: My daughter would not have done anything like this if it weren't for you. She has been acting like a complete basket case for months ever since she quit the hospital.
    EJ: And you blame me for that.
    JENNIFER: Yes, I blame you! You are the only thing that connects all of this. Ever since you two have been talking about Jack's book, ever since she's been looking after Johnny and Sydney and Allie, then quitting her job out of nowhere to work for you and Sami.
     
    EJ stops Jennifer, holding up one finger to make a quick interjection. He speaks almost too calmly back to an enraged Jennifer.
     
    EJ: That was all Samantha's idea. She saw your daughter was in need and did what any good friend and shrewd businesswoman would do.
    JENNIFER: Because of you. It's all because of you. It's so obvious to me now. You did something or said something to her that upset her so much that she was forced out of the hospital. Didn't you?
     
    EJ rolls his eyes, worried that Jenn is onto him, he looks back at Jenn with a frustrated look.
     
    ---
     
    Victor stands at the head of the board room table, looking on angrily at John.
     
    VICTOR: How dare you? Of course I'm retaining Brady's seat on the board. No one's declared him dead yet, have you?
    JOHN: Nope, I had no intention of it. I know strange things can happen in this town, and I won't believe he's gone until I see a body.
    VICTOR: Then what the hell are you asking for?
     
    John steps forward towards Victor and puts his briefcase down on the table. He speaks very casually, which is offputting to Victor.
     
    JOHN: Well, Brady made me proxy in the event of his absence from all vital Titan board meetings, and I know that in the event of my absence, that you, Victor, would gain his proxy vote.
     
    Victor sighs, knowing John is right, and with a glint of worry in Victor's eye.
     
    VICTOR: That is the truth.
    TYLER: We were just coming up on Brady's vote, in fact.
    JOHN: Perfect. I'd be happy to help.
     
    Victor looks sharply at Tyler, muttering to him in hopes John doesn't hear.
     
    VICTOR: Be careful, Houston. We may be in big trouble now.
    TYLER: (quietly) Well, you thought Kate and company were on your side as well, so John may surprise you yet.
    VICTOR: Fair enough.
     
    Kate looks at the goings on at the head of the table and pulls both Billie and Lucas in close.
     
    KATE: (whispering) I think I see sweat forming on Victor's brow already.
    LUCAS: (whispering) Let's just hope for everyone's sake that John doesn't vote against us.
     
    Billie shushes both her mom and brother, pointing to the front of the board room.
     
    Victor looks back John's way, as Tyler clears his throat, looking back toward John.
     
    TYLER: So! Yes. Back to the vote. John Black, as proxy voter for Brady Black, a vote of 'yay' would mean you are in favour of retaining the Titan TV division, a vote of 'nay' would mean you are in favour of Titan divesting of all Titan TV properties. What say you?
     
    John looks calmly around the room, smiling as the rest of the room impatiently waits for his answer.
     
    ---
  2. beebs
    EPISODE 150
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco
     

    Abby and Laura emerge from the kitchen of the Horton house, laughing as they talk to each other about their day. As they enter the living room, a moment of awkward silence hits them.
     
    ABBY: You know, I know I don't say this very often, Grandma, but...it's good to have you back in Salem.
     
    Laura takes Abby into a warm embrace, feeling grateful for her granddaughter's love.
     
    LAURA: Oh, Sweetheart. It's so lovely to be back. And to see you so grown, and...happy again. I know, it's been hard with Chad gone.
     
    Abby looks down, wistfully. She shrugs, trying not to think too much on it.
     
    ABBY: Yeah, I mean...it hasn't been easy but...you know...Chad and I...things didn't work out.
     
    Abby sits down on the sofa, and Laura quickly follows suit. The pair lean against the back cushion, looking at each other as they converse.
     
    LAURA: Well, maybe not for now, but...I mean...Chad's recovering from being shot, it's not like he's never coming back to Salem. Honey, anything can happen.
     
    Abby looks back, somewhat uncomfortably, as she thinks over what her grandmother has suggested.
     
    ---
     

    At the Kiriakis Mansion, the family gathers around the long dining table to share a dinner. The tension thick in the air. Anjelica tries in vain to break the stone silence.
     
    ANJELICA: So...I have to thank everyone for allowing me to come tonight.
     
    Justin raises his head from his plate, swallowing hard as he interjects.
     
    JUSTIN: It's not like we had much of a choice, Anjelica.
    ANJELICA: Well, now, that's not very hospitable of you, Justin. I simply wanted to spend some time with my son. After all, we have been living apart for awhile now, since he's living with his lovely wife.
     
    Noelle smiles awkwardly through chewing her food. She looks to Alex, who is also trying to eat (and hopefully stay out of the conversation).
     
    ANJELICA: Alex, how do you like living here with your father's family?
     
    Alex nearly chokes on his lamb souvlaki, attempting to answer Anjelica quickly. He finally swallows, and coughs before answering.
     
    ALEX: Ah...great. It's been very...eventful.
    ANJELICA: I'm pleased to hear. I know we haven't had much chance to talk since I've launched the campaign and all, but...I'm so proud of you.
    ALEX: Thanks...Anjelica.
     
    Maggie interjects, hoping to quell the tension in the room by addressing the elephant in the room.
     
    MAGGIE: Ah...Anjelica? You're staying at the Salem Inn, I heard. 
    ANJELICA: Yes, I have! I've taken a suite there for the time being.
    MAGGIE: Mm! Ahh...how long do you plan on staying?
     
    Adrienne looks knowingly at Justin, she mutters under her breath.
     
    ADRIENNE: Here it comes.
     
    Anjelica smiles at Maggie as she responds to her question.
     
    ANJELICA: Well, funny you should ask. As it turns out, I'm going to be doing a lot more campaigning in the Salem area than I previously thought. Since I'm all about cutting back on fiscal waste and finding inefficiencies in government, it somewhat behooves me to practice what I preach. So...I was hoping to ask a small favour of you all...
     
    Justin shouts out across the dining table, firmly and clearly.
     
    JUSTIN: NO, ANJELICA! You may NOT stay here!
     
    All eyes immediately begin to dart back and forth between Justin and Anjelica, as Anjelica gives a curious, and almost-amused look Justin's way.
     
    ---
     

    Eric sits on his stool at the Brady Pub's bar, a look of total incredulity on his face, as he faces his mother, who stands before him.
     
    Marlena looks down, almost ashamed of what she's said.
     
    ERIC: I'm sorry, did I hear you right?
     
    Marlena nods, reluctantly.
     
    MARLENA: Yes. I asked you to help me run a DNA test on your father.
     
    Eric looks baffled by Marlena's suggestion.
     
    ERIC: For what reason, Mom?
    MARLENA: Look, just...hear me out. Valerie and I were discussing your father's treatment, and...well...we can't locate any medical records on him from before the time Kristen brought him back to Salem.
    ERIC: Mom, that was over 20 years ago!
    MARLENA: Yes. I know. 
    ERIC: So you only noticed this now?
     
    Marlena looks to the ground, half-shrugging as she's confused by the development herself.
     
    MARLENA: Well...we never had to dig into his file that way, and...quite honestly, I was just thankful to have him home again, after we thought he'd died.
    ERIC: Okay...so where does the DNA test come in?
    MARLENA: (sigh) When your father came home, his face was bandaged up, and at first, I didn't recognize him. And when Valerie told me the files were missing, I...my mind went back to that day. I knew something was wrong, and...I followed my wish to see your father again instead of following my gut.
     
    Eric's tone softens as he guides Marlena to the stool beside his. 
     
    ERIC: What did your gut tell you, though?
    MARLENA: That Kristen and Stefano were up to something. As usual. Eric, neither of them would think anything of taking some stranger off the street, and brainwashing them into thinking they were Roman. They've done it before.
     
    Eric breathes in deeply, nodding quietly as Marlena tells her story, then sighs.
     
    ERIC: I know you're right. But we've been so sure for so long about Dad...Mom, he's so ill. Do you really think now is the time to be...going down this path? We should focus on trying to make sure his time left with us are as comfortable as possible.
    MARLENA: I agree, if we know that it's just dementia. Quite frankly, Eric, I couldn't live with myself if I knew there was more to it than that. That Stefano had implanted these memories in him, and caused this terrible illness in him, and I didn't find out the truth in time? When I could possibly find out it's something else, and potentially save his life? 
    ERIC: I understand.
     
    Marlena leans over, putting her hand over Eric's on the bar. She looks her son dead in the eye.
     
    MARLENA: Eric, you know I wouldn't ask unless it was extremely important. Will you do this for me?
     
    Eric furrows his brow, in deep thought over whether he should help Marlena or not.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     

    Nicole sits at her desk, focused on her computer, scouring the documents Nick sent her regarding the EnerNext deal. She hears a knock on her office door, which she responds to without looking up.
     
    NICOLE: Come in!
     

    Sami enters Nicole's office, a determined look on her face. Nicole turns quickly to see who it is, and immediately sighs, rolling her eyes as she realizes it's Sami.
     
    NICOLE: (sigh) What do you want? I'm busy.
     
    Sami closes the door behind her, and folds her arms as she stands across the room from Nicole.
     
    SAMI: Where's Abby?
     
    Nicole looks over at Sami, giving an icy glare, as she responds cooly.
     
    NICOLE: She went home. I figured I could handle this by myself. 
     
    Sami doesn't budge, as Nicole takes a moment to look over a paper on her desk. Moments later, Nicole looks back up at Sami, then the door.
     
    NICOLE: That was a hint.
    SAMI: Yeah, well, I'm not going anywhere. I have something important to talk with you about.
     
    Nicole looks up, giving Sami a fake smile and a sarcastic reply, as she tries to focus on her work.
     
    NICOLE: Oh. Great. 
     
    Sami begins to saunter over to Nicole's desk, beginning to talk to her as she heads from Nicole's desk. Nicole carries on working as she half-listens to Sami, never looking up at Sami.
     
    SAMI: I just had a kind of a meeting with Kate...and...we learned something more about the situation with Titan that I think you'd wanna know about.
    NICOLE: Oh?
     
    Sami leans against Nicole's desk. The intrusion into Nicole's personal space causes Nicole to look up at Sami, suddenly engaged in what she has to say.
     
    SAMI: Nick now has controlling interest in Titan, and that makes him powerful, and dangerous. So I am going to follow EJ's promise, and give you total freedom for your special about the EnerNext project. 
    NICOLE: Even if Will gets caught in the crossfire?
    SAMI: I'll make sure Will lands on his feet. You take that son-of-a-bitch Nick Fallon down before he destroys any more lives.
     
    Nicole and Sami look intensely at each other, Sami's simmering rage in her eyes.
     
    ---
     
    Abby smiles half-heartedly at Laura, as they sit across from each other on the couch in the Horton living room. Abby shrugs as she thinks over what her grandmother's said.
     
    ABBY: I mean...I guess, but...Grandma, a lot's gone down since Chad left town. I mean (laughs) I just went on this...great date with this guy I met at Salem U.
     
    Laura perks up, excited to hear about Abby's date.
     
    LAURA: Ooo! Tell me more! Who's this handsome stranger?
     
    Abby laughs, starting to blush at Laura's teasing.
     
    ABBY: (laughs) Grandma, stop! His name's Jerome Grant, and he's a grad student. I really enjoyed myself.
    LAURA: Oh! Grant! Is his mother Valerie Grant?
    ABBY: Grandmother. And yeah, he lives with her, she just moved back to town.
    LAURA: YES! I remember her! She worked with me when she was nursing student years and years ago. She's a fantastic woman. I remember your cousin David was madly in love with her. They were so beautiful together.
     
    Laura looks at Abby, who looks on, fascinated by Laura's story. She stops, and pinches her granddaughter's cheek.
     
    LAURA: And I know that you and Jerome will be just as beautiful. Especially if he's anything like his grandmother.
     
    Abby and Laura share a laugh, and Abby smiles warmly at her grandmother.
     
    ABBY: From what I hear, Jerome thinks the world of his grandma. Honestly, Grandma, I think losing Chad was the best thing that ever happened to me.
     
    ---
     
    Eric sits next to Marlena on the barstools at the Brady Pub. Eric takes a moment to mull over what his mother's just suggested to him before responding.
     
    ERIC: I dunno, Mom. I don't know if I can go along with a DNA test on Dad.
    MARLENA: And I understand. But you need to understand why I have to ask.
    ERIC: I think I do. You got burned once before with John. Stefano took years away from you with Dad, and...he made you second guess yourself. Now there's a chance that this man we've spent so many years thinking is Roman may not be...but...Mom, I don't see what value there is in that. 
     
    Marlena looks at Eric, pensively.
     
    MARLENA: There is, though. We need to know his medical history if we want to be able to treat him properly.
    ERIC: Yeah, But....Mom. Think about it. Sami's going through therapy to overcome her repressed trauma over her relationship with EJ. I'm just trying to get my life back together after Kristen turned it upside down. Carrie's in Europe, trying to juggle her career, raising Noah, and feeling helpless because she can't help Dad...Caroline's struggling to make it through every day now. She may not have much time left. And then there's Kim...
     

    Kim's voice calls out from behind them, causing both Marlena and Eric to turn around suddenly.
     
    KIM: What about me?
     
    Kim stands before Marlena and Eric, an awkward smile on her face as she anticipates being filled in on their conversation.
     
    ---
     
    Anjelica feigns being stunned, as the rest of the family look on silently, some awkwardly trying to continue their meal, as Anjelica responds to Justin's outburst.
     
    ANJELICA: Well, Justin! I'm suprised at you! I didn't realize you were still holding onto such hostility toward me after all these years--
     
    Justin stands up abruptly from his seat at the table, his voice raising over Anjelica's as he vents.
     
    JUSTIN: Oh, come off it, Anjelica! We all knew this was coming. We knew why you wanted so desperately to come have dinner with us. You can drop the charade now.
    ANJELICA: Well, I don't know what you're talking about, Justin, because I have been nothing but forthright with my intentions tonight. 
    JUSTIN: Oh, have you?
    ANJELICA: Yes, I have. I came here to see my son, and his lovely wife, and his family. I came here to do business with them, and help further my campaign. I hardly see the issue in that.
     
    Noelle sits back, attentively listening to the back-and-forth between the ex-lovers.
     
    JUSTIN: Of course you don't! You never do! Sometimes I think you're completely oblivious to any and all social cues! 
    ANJELICA: Oh, believe me, Justin, I am aware of them. 
     
    Anjelica slowly rises from her seat, leaning on the edge of the dinner table as she zeroes in on Justin.
     
    ANJELICA: I know the resentment you hold toward me. I even understand it. I did some things that were incredibly cruel to both you and Adrienne. And for that, I am tremendously sorry. But I refuse to stand back and allow hostility and pettiness continue to keep a wedge between my son's family and myself. All I ask is to stay here. To spend time with my son, his wife, and his family. All I want is an opportunity to allow us all to heal from the damage that I fully admit...that I caused.
     
    The family look on, stone silent, as Anjelica stares down a defiant Justin. She then turns her gaze over to Alex.
     
    ANJELICA: Are you willing to give me the opportunity, or not?
     
    Alex looks back at his mom, awkwardly. He looks over and notices all eyes are now on him. He struggles to find an answer to his mother's question.
     
    ---
  3. beebs

    DAYS1979 #1 - April 1979

    By beebs,


    Episodes
    So, I decided to bite the bullet and make another DAYS Alternate Timeline blog. After months of writing up recaps of the late 70s and into the (GOD-AWFUL) 1980 Nina Laemmle run, I got so frustrated by the missed opportunities on the show, that I decided to have some fun and build some stories of my own based on what Ann Marcus and Elizabeth Harrower had set up. If any of you have ideas, suggestions, questions, complaints, have at it. Let's have some fun together with this, and run with the story opportunities DAYS missed way back when.
     
    NOTE: I will be italicizing segments of the story that actually played out on screen (because I didn't hate EVERYTHING Elizabeth Harrower did). I know it'll be tonally different than the rest of it, but I'm being lazy.
     
    ONWARD!
     
     
    APRIL 1979
     
    So, as Stephanie recovers from burning her hands off, David spends time at her apartment caring for her, which leaves Donna alone with Scotty a lot more often, giving Trish far more opportunity to see Scotty. But this all blows up in her face when Alice finally convinces Donna that it's a bad idea to continue keeping secrets from David, and implores her to keep her distance from Trish, she will handle telling David about Trish's visits herself.

    Before Alice can get a chance, however, Trish tries to pay another visit. Donna won't let her in, and David returns from Stephanie's apartment, needing to grab something from his place before he makes her dinner. He spots Donna trying to keep Trish at bay, and goes off on Trish, vowing to have her evicted from the building for harrassment, and to slap a restraining order against her.
    Once Trish is dealt with, David tries to find out from Donna what was going on. Donna breaks down and admits that she had been letting Trish visit for some time, also admitting Alice knew, but before Donna can explain that Alice intended to tell David about the visits, David fires Donna, and heads for Alice's in a rage.
     
    Alice attempts to explain the situation to David, noting that she only just found out about Trish's visits herself, and was going to visit David this evening to explain the situation to him. David cools off a bit, but still needs time to think. Realizing he's neglected Stephanie, he heads back to her apartment. Stephanie tries to further cool David's nerves, but to no avail, he's too deep in thought. 
    Mary, after hearing the news of Stephanie's "accident" pays her a visit while David is away. Mary isn't particularly comfortable, but feels for Stephanie. Mary, her usual unfiltered self, wonders out loud how Stephanie could've injured her hands. Stephanie is defensive, raising Mary's suspicion. Stephanie quickly backtracks, and apologizes, before quickly feigning exhaustion. Mary shows herself out.
     
    Bill continues to fixate on the strange burns on Stephanie's fingers the next day. Mary pays him a visit, and tries to casually bring up the subject. Bill, of course, can't divulge any information to her, but privately, the question nags at him. He takes the question to Tom, and together they discuss the possibility that Stephanie didn't burn her hands the way she claimed to. 
     
    Julie, now back from her antiquing trip to Scotland, visits David, who fills her in on Trish's latest machinations. Julie is more irritated with Trish than ever. While understanding her need to leave Salem with Scotty years before, she agrees with David that taking Scotty and running away was a terrible thing to do. Still unsure about how she feels about Stephanie, she asks David how he feels about her. David's eyes light up when he speaks of her, saying that it feels like they've known each other for years. Julie makes a decision: to avoid arousing suspicion, Julie will check in on Stephanie instead, which will allow her to keep an eye on Stephanie (not that she's telling David that part, of course).
     
    Julie's first visit to Stephanie goes as expected. Stephanie is shocked to see her instead of David. When she asks Julie where David is, Julie tells her plainly that she doesn't think it's a good idea that David be seen to be taking care of Stephanie while they prepare for the court case, so instead, Stephanie is stuck with Julie. Stephanie, while displeased, understands and resigns herself to spending a lot more time with her potential mother-in-law. The first visit is awkward, but Stephanie is thankful to Julie for coming around to help her.
     
    Bob is stunned when he pays Stephanie a visit, learning of Julie's decision to help her during her recovery. Bob suggests Stephanie stay with him at the lakehouse instead, but Stephanie won't hear of it, noting that the house is full up as it is with Linda, Mary, and Melissa staying there. Bob relents, but insists on visiting her regularly until she's ready to come back to work.
     
     
    Linda plays Bob like a fiddle once again. She suggests to him that she needs to start over with a new job, and a new home, knowing full well Bob's ego wouldn't allow his wife to be working full time as a typist in a cramped apartment. He also feels for Melissa, and wants to give her a secure, stable home life, so he promises Linda he'll provide for her and Melissa generously and she can stay with him, regardless of whether or not they eventually separate. 
     
    Linda then asks for a copy of the PI's report on her, then feigns horror at what she "used" to be like. She begs his forgiveness and asks for his help in remembering her "lost" past. Bob feels guilty, but admits he could have forgiven Linda if her affair had been with anyone other than Neil, but doesn't hold what she can't (allegedly) remember against her.
     
    Linda then sets about ruining Bob's relationship with Stephanie. She doesn't get it. She doesn't like it. She's gonna END it. She decides to get Mary on-side, convincing her that it is best for Bob if Linda stay at the lakehouse because then Linda can protect Bob from Stephanie. Mary is her usual blunt self, and admits she agrees that Stephanie is not to be trusted, but neither is Linda.

    Linda is shot down again, this time by Bob, who is lauded with compliments and flirtatious come-ons, and pathetic pleas for forgiveness by Linda. Bob wants to hear none of this, and goes to bed alone.
     
     

    Neil convinces Amanda to go to dinner with him at Doug's Place. After falling for his trickery once again, Amanda is left alone almost immediately, as Neil gets an emergency call from the hospital and has to bail. Chris, who's been drowning his sorrows over Mary having the audacity to have boundaries, offers to step in for Neil. They hit it off and have a lovely evening.
    Chris and Amanda go out once again to a local dive. Amanda finds the dive bar charming, as well as her company. Amanda later comes down with the flu, and Chris brings her some soup, but is pushed out of the way by Neil, who comes around on a "house call".  Chris is falling hard for Amanda, but Amanda, still wounded by the breakdown of her marriage, is still needing some time. She enjoys Chris' company, but doesn't want to rush things. Chris agrees.
     

    Julie, now back from her Scottish antiquing trip, hears of Amanda's dates with Chris. She warns Amanda that Chris may be cute, but not worth dating. Julie feels he doesn't have the maturity, nor the refinement that would suit Amanda in a partner. Besides, Amanda is still married. Amanda gets Julie's point, but Chris makes her feel special, unlike Greg. 
     
    Mary is convinced that Chris will come crawling back soon enough, but when she spies Chris and Amanda at Doug's Place, her insecurities begin to gnaw at her. Steve, still fascinated by Mary, sees Mary's sudden rush of anxiety, and takes full advantage. They make a date, and Mary relaxes enough to even be a little openly flirtatious in front of Chris and Amanda.
    The next day at Anderson, Chris is put off by what he saw as a desperate display by Mary to get his attention. Mary denies this, and plays it cool to Chris about her connection with Steve. Chris warns Mary to watch out for Steve. "There's something about that guy I don't like." Mary tells Chris to mind his own business.
     
    Robert collects Rebecca's safe-deposit box. Inside he discovers a letter addressed to Doug.
     
    Robert hands Doug the letter, and Doug reads it. Inside, Rebecca tells Doug that Dougie is, indeed, his son. He decides to keep the news that Dougie is his a secret from Robert, as he doesn't want to take Dougie away from him as well, but also from Julie, due to her insecurities about her inability to conceive.
     
    Julie and Doug continue to try for a baby, unsuccessfully. Neil is reticent to run any tests on Julie for it, but recommends she take it easy, as the stress of running Chez Julie can't be helping matters. Julie asks Maggie and Steve to take on more responsibility at the shop, hoping to spend more time with Doug. Steve sees this as an opportunity to involve himself in more seedy nonsense, but Doug makes it clear that his eyes will be on Steve.
     
    Julie and Doug get into a row over Trish and David's impending divorce. Julie tries to hold back, but ultimately wishes Doug would fire Trish for her conduct with Scotty. Doug is more sympathetic to Trish, and tries in vain to convince Julie of Trish's position. Julie understands why Trish left town all those years ago, and is sympathetic to a point, but is enraged that she expects to return to Salem and simply pick up where she left off as though nobody's moved on with their lives. Julie feels David has a right to move on with his life, despite her reservations about Stephanie. Doug feels similarly, but instructs Julie to keep her nose out of it. Julie insists it's too late for that, as she's the one helping Stephanie out around the house while she recovers. Doug is livid about this news, and things are tense at home afterwards. 
     
    Amanda picks up on this tension the next morning at home, and attempts to mediate, but to no avail. 
     
     
     
    Maggie decides not to uproot Janice again, and lets her stay with Joanne and he fiancé in San Francisco. Instead, she buries herself in her work. Mickey, equally distracted by his law practice, barely notices as Maggie becomes less and less engaged in their home life.
     
     
     
    At home, Laura is stunned by the news that her mother committed suicide, after calling out for her to come visit repeatedly. Laura sinks into a steep depression, and withdraws from everyone, including Bill. Marlena visits her, hoping to open the virtual prison she's built for herself just a crack, but Laura only asks Marlena to take over her caseload, saying she needs time to herself.
     
    Bill, worried immensely about Laura, tries to reach out to her, but is pushed away at every turn. He commiserates with Kate, who comforts him in a friendly way, but once Laura spies them in an embrace, Laura hits a new low. She confronts Kate, congratulating her on taking advantage of Laura's suffering for her own gain. Kate insists that isn't the case, but Laura won't hear of it. Laura hands in her resignation to a shocked Tom, before paying Mike and Margo a visit. She writes Mike a cheque for $2000 to help cover the expenses of their new house, and heads to her house. She informs Donna, who is watching Jennifer, that she won't be home for a couple weeks, as she needs to do an emergency consult at Brookville Hospital. Laura insists that Bill knows all about it, and after a heartfelt goodbye to Jennifer, Laura heads off.
     
    Once Tom tells Bill about Laura's resignation, he makes a beeline for home, only to find Donna there with Jennifer. Upon Donna filling him in on Laura's alleged consult at Brookville Hospital, he calls there, only to hear, as he suspected, there was none. Bill is now clueless as to where Laura could be.
     
    Laura heads to the airport, where she books a last minute flight. At the airport, Laura runs into Julie, who is just coming back from her trip to Scotland with Doug (Doug is getting the car). Laura is awkward and evasive with Julie, but is warm and glad to see her. Julie suspects something is wrong, but Laura insists she's just there  to pick up a friend from the airport (deftly hiding her plane tickets out of Julie's sight), apologizing for not giving Julie a ride back into town. Julie tells her it's fine, as Doug's just picking up the car to drive them back, but she buys Laura's story, and leaves. Laura then boards her flight. It's not until Julie arrives home that she realizes that Laura was leaving town. Bill fills her in on not only that, but also on Stephanie's accident. After much probing from Julie, Bill admits he feels that Stephanie is hiding something from everyone, as her injuries were inconsistent with what she claims happened.
     
    Julie doesn't know where Laura was flying off to, and can't give Bill much more information, but she notes that Laura didn't have much in the way of luggage with her, which, if she were flying for a long time, she would likely need. Bill doesn't even know where to start looking for Laura, but Kate offers to lend him a hand in his search, for which he is grateful.
     
    Marie is called into Mother Superior's office. Concerned, she heads straight over and asks why she's been called. Mother Superior informs her that there is someone here who really needs her help. When Marie inquires who it is, Laura enters the room.
     
  4. beebs
    EPISODE 1

    DAN KAPLAN
    Shawn Christian

    ALEXIS DILLON
    Jacqueline MacInnes Wood

    RYAN OLSEN
    Scott Clifton

    ERIC HADLEY
    Scott Evans

    DARREN WASHINGTON
    Bryton James

    KIAN McCLARY
    Chord Overstreet

    PETER PHILLIPS
    Kin Shriner

    JASON TOMS
    Zack Conroy

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Spring is starting to...well, spring, and the extreme Canadian winter has brought many feet of snow. The snow is now getting heavy, saturated with the weight of the April showers. We come upon an apartment block in the heart of the city, during a typically dreary day. Rain for a third consecutive day, and no sign the weather will soon let up.

    On the top floor of the building, Dan Kaplan, the building's landlord, looks out the window at the miserable weather, and puts his cat outside the door of his apartment and runs his bath. After running the bath, he gets in. We then hear a loud creaking noise and a loud crash.

    A floor below, we see a young couple, freshly moved in. Alexis Dillon, a suburban princess with a long entitlement complex, and her beau, the hapless Ryan Olsen. Ryan is trying to set up the kitchen cabinet, but as Alexis walks in, the shelves collapse.

    ALEXIS: I see the shelf-building's going well
    RYAN: Yeah, well...cheap Swedish furniture's not all it's cracked up to be
    ALEXIS: That's exactly why I didn't want us to GET cheap Swedish furniture.
    RYAN: You didn't want second hand furniture either, so what else could we afford.
    ALEXIS: Better stuff than THIS. Ryan, come on, you have a new job, a good one! You can afford this, can't you?
    RYAN: Not after first and last month's rent, baby.

    Alexis rolls her eyes and looks around the apartment. It's not to her standards. In fact, she absolutely loathes the place. But Ryan looked like a wounded dog when she voiced that opinion the first time she saw the place, and she hates when he looks that way, so she keeps quiet.

    ALEXIS: You know what we need?
    RYAN: What?
    ALEXIS: Some art for the walls.
    RYAN: I'm sure we can find something down at Kensington Market
    ALEXIS: No, like, real art, like...my friend has a gallery opening tonight on Queen St., why don't we check it out?
    RYAN: I thought we were staying in and ordering take-out...movie...you know?
    ALEXIS: Oh honey, we can do that tomorrow. Please?

    Alexis makes a face that's all batting eyelashes and white teeth. Ryan can't resist.

    RYAN: Alright, alright. We'll go. But don't expect me to buy anything, cos we can't afford it until I've been working a few more weeks.
    ALEXIS (not really listening): Mmhmmm

    Alexis heads over to the doorway, grabs her purse, and goes to open the door.

    ALEXIS: I'm heading to the Carla's for a bit, then we'll head off to the show, K? I'll see you later.
    RYAN: Sure when you gonna be back?
    ALEXIS: I'll only be a couple hours, don't worry.

    They share a kiss, and Alexis opens the door. The landlord's cat scurries in. Alexis is allergic and hates the cat. She can't get her out before the cat runs under their sofa.

    ALEXIS: Dammit, Ryan. Why couldn't you stop her?

    Ryan looks on, apologetic and confused.

    ALEXIS: Get her out before I come back. Seriously.

    Alexis slams the door shut, the hastily-reassembled shelves fall off the cabinet again.





    Outside the building, shivering in their jackets, smoking, stand longtime best friends Eric Hadley and Darren Washington. Darren's a bit of a rebellious soul, and Eric credits him with bringing him out of his shell after being a recluse in his early high school years, which were filled with traumas dating back to childhood. Darren's upbringing was hard on him, but even though they've never discussed it, Darren's aware that Eric had it harder than he did growing up.They never talk about it.

    Today, Darren stands on the steps of the walkup, talking about work. Or Darren's lack thereof.

    DARREN: I swear, forty resumes I've sent out. Not ONE answer.
    ERIC: Well, you haven't been looking long, dude. Give it another week. At least give them some time to call you back.
    DARREN: I haven't got time. I gotta get money, man. Gotta pay rent.
    ERIC: I hear that. The store's not paying much better, honestly.
    DARREN: Least you're working. Man, I can barely afford the free cigarettes I get off people on the street.

    Alexis slams the door in the distance and heads down the hall to the front door. Brusquely opening the door, she nearly hits Darren in the back when she opens it.

    DARREN: Hey, hey, what's the problem?
    ALEXIS: Well for one, you and the fact you smell like an ash tray.
    DARREN: And what's a mouth like that doing on a body like yours, girl?
    ALEXIS: Keeping as far away from yours as possible. Now get the hell out of my way.

    Alexis kicks Eric and Darren away from her as she steps past them to get down the steps. Darren (mostly) and Eric object, as Alexis leaves, Eric looks to her with a wide smile. Darren's less impressed.

    DARREN: Man, that's COLD.
    ERIC: So, not to throw your own lines back at you, dude but...what's a mouth like YOURS doing on a boy from Forest Hill. You're about as 'hood as Drake.
    DARREN: You shut up or I'll put this out in your eye!

    Eric laughs, and gets up to go in. As the door opens, Ryan heads out of the building in a rush, nearly tripping over them both.

    RYAN: Woah, sorry, guys.
    DARREN: Woah, man, where's the fire?
    RYAN: I just remembered tonight's the grand opening at my new job so...
    DARREN: Wait, where?
    RYAN: The Royal, down on Harbord St.
    DARREN: They still looking?
    RYAN: I dunno, you'd have to check with the owner, dude.
    ERIC: I haven't seen you around before. You just moved in?
    RYAN: Yea, last week.
    ERIC: Hey man, welcome to the building.
    RYAN: Thanks dude.

    They shake hands, and go their respective ways. Before heading in, Darren remembers something to ask Ryan.

    DARREN: Hey man, what apartment you moved into?
    RYAN: Unit 4, just the end of the hall.
    DARREN: Cool. We're in 2, dude. Come by later, we'll chill, get some beer. You know?
    RYAN: Thanks, man. I'll...I'll see what I can do.

    Ryan pauses one last time.

    RYAN: Hey, you know how I can get ahold of the landlord, by the way?
    DARREN: *laughs* Good luck. Dan is always off somewhere. I think he said this time he was off to like...Africa or something. Call him, though and see.
    RYAN: Thanks, man. See ya, bro.
    DARREN: See ya.

    The guys head inside and go down into their unit.




    Upstairs, Dan sets his itinerary for a trip to Morocco in the flap of his carry-on bag, then wanders to the bathroom. He draws his bath and lays in the tub. Relaxing in the tub, he doesn't notice the extreme humidity surrounding him. He closes his eyes and relishes the opportunity to relax.





    Downstairs, across rom Ryan an Alexis, is Kian McClary. Kian's a young, thin, babyfaced gay man in his mid-20s. A rising star in the world of cookery, Kian is set to open his first restaurant tonight. The Royal. The Royal is partnership between Kian and his long-term romantic partner, the much-older Peter Phillips, who is a big name among Toronto foodies. But that's not who Kian's with right now.

    KIAN: Jason, honey, what tie should I be wearing with this?
    JASON: I don't know, whatever one you're in the mood for.
    KIAN: Helpful.
    JASON: Hey, I got my own issues to deal with, Mr. Boss-man.

    Kian and Jason share a quick kiss. Jason continues to get ready, and begins to contemplate.

    JASON: Peter's not meeting you here, is he?
    KIAN: No, thankfully. He's meeting us all at the restaurant. And besides, I told him that I'd have a couple people over first to sorta...get the celebration started early.

    Kian drapes his arms around Jason, looking deep into his eyes.

    JASON: Okay, but...I mean, you don't figure it's a little too obvious, what with you making me manager of the restaurant and all. I mean, he's not gonna figure it out, right?
    KIAN: Come on, Peter's so caught up in his own business you could hit him over the head with it and he wouldn't even bat an eyelash.
    JASON: If you're sure.
    KIAN: I'm positive. Stop worrying. Look, there's no love left in this relationship, okay? That ended a long time ago. We're only together for the business and that's it.
    JASON: And I just stay you're secret thing on the side.
    KIAN: No, you stay the man I'm in love with. Only you. And besides, once I get my citizenship, this'll all be moot anyway.
    JASON: Okay, okay.
    KIAN: Promise.

    Kian grabs his jacket and tugs on Jason's wrist to come.

    KIAN: Now let's go. Open time is coming!
    JASON: Alright alright, let me just grab my things.

    They laugh as they head out the door. But upon opening the door, a limo is parked out front, and out of the door steps Peter. Kian looks on in surprise and a bit of discomfort paints his face.





    Upstairs Dan continues his bath, fully relaxed. Soft music plays and his face is just above the water, so he never hears the phone ring. The phone rings over and over, and Dan only hears it a bit and spitefully ignores the phone, dunking his head under the water. As he does this, the heavy snow above him and the endless rain have finally created a pool heavy enough above the old apartment block. The weight is stressing right above him, and the drains outside aren't able to keep up, having partially frozen over in the long, cold winter.

    Dan's old, weather-beaten ceiling finally gives way under the huge weight and collapsed on top of him, sealing him in the bathtub like a pie crust.

    NEXT TIME:
    Kian's grand event


    and


    A surprise for Alexis at the art show

  5. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 5
    written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultant: ML Cooks

    Theresa is in bed with Brady, reaching frantically for her phone, which Brady is denying her.

    THERESA: Seriously, give that back.
    BRADY: Only if you promise me you won't even try to take another picture.
    THERESA: FINE! Now give it back!

    Brady slowly lowers his arm and hands Theresa her phone, which she snatches back brusquely.

    THERESA: What the Hell was that for anyway?
    BRADY: I'm gonna tell you something about me, okay? I'm not sure if you noticed or not, but I run a pretty big conglomerate, okay? So everything I do outside the confines of the workplace, have to stay pretty discreet. That means no texting pictures of me naked in bed to your friends, no tweeting that we're going out or something. None of that. Because if that gets back to Titan?
    THERESA:...not so good for you.
    BRADY: Exactly. So you're gonna put your phone away. And...I'm gonna pretend you didn't just try to send a pic of me in your bed to your friends in LA or wherever they are.

    Theresa rolls her eyes and lies back down, facing the ceiling.

    THERESA: (sighing) Fine.
    BRADY: Good. [pauses]...you know, I DID have a good time last night. You're pretty damned good in bed, I gotta say.

    Theresa tilts her head to face Brady, not sure whether to be seductive or embarrassed.
    THERESA: What can I say? I'm gifted.
    BRADY: Ain't that the truth.

    Brady senses a bit of tension in Theresa and snuggles in a little closer to her.

    BRADY: Look, I know we started off...really icy. I was....well, a bit of a jerk--
    THERESA: ...HUGE jerk.
    BRADY: Huge drunken jerk. But, seriously, I was wrong. And I hope you can forgive me. And maybe we can do this again?

    Theresa looks Brady over and slowly but surely, cracks a smile.

    THERESA: Sure.

    ---

    Nicole snaps out of her state of shock after dropping her coffee on the office floor. Miles gets up from his seat and checks the floor before checking Nicole.

    MILES: You okay?

    Nicole picks up her coffee mug. Thankfully the lid has stayed on so only a little spilt.

    NICOLE: Yeah. I'm fine. Thankfully, I'm more of a mimosa girl, anyway.
    MILES: Well, hold off on one of those for a bit, we need to talk.
    NICOLE: Miles, I told you, I'm doing all I can--
    MILES: Nicole, listen. I know your relationship with the horny priest bla bla bla, but just...take a look at this, would you?

    Nicole reluctantly takes the envelope from Miles' hand and opens it. Inside, a DVD in a jewel case, as well as some documents.

    NICOLE: What the hell is this?
    MILES: Your new assignment! I'm taking you off the horny priest story--
    NICOLE: STOP CALLING HIM THAT!
    MILES: Okay! Okay! Jeez.
    NICOLE: Actually, I'm kind of relieved.
    MILES: Hah! I knew it. You got it bad for that guy, don't you?

    Nicole struggles to respond, averting her eyes and giving an awkward smile.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Nicole glares at Miles, feeling like a child in school being mocked by classmates for having a crush.

    NICOLE: Does it matter one way or another? It's not like I'm doing the story anymore, now is it?
    MILES: So the answer is yes.
    NICOLE: Why should I even give you an answer to that. It's none of your business.

    Nicole reaches for the envelope and snatches it out of Miles' hand. Opening it up, her eyes widen and her jaw drops.

    NICOLE: Oh HELL no! Miles, are you insane??

    ---

    Hope is heading over towards The Brady Pub to meet with Marlena, Roman, and Eric. As she walks through the town square, she gets a phone call from Bo. She stops to answer.

    HOPE: Bo! It's so nice to hear your...Bo, I can hardly hear you, what's going on?...

    Hope's face drops as the silence continues, Bo is on the other end, delivering news that disappoints her. Unbeknownst to her, Aiden is overhearing the conversation. He stands behind the tree and listens closely.

    HOPE: I just don't understand why you can't take a little bit of time and come home....Shane and John can work this without you, why do...you have no clue do you?

    Hope starts to fight back tears, as the strain from trying to care for Ciara on her own starts to finally overwhelm her. Bo's neglect suddenly hits her like a ton of bricks.

    HOPE: Fine...yeah. Goodbye.

    Hope hangs up and tries to pull herself together, but as she turns to walk away, she finds Aiden standing in front of her. She sighs at the probability of another confrontation with her favourite person.

    ---

    Lucas is in shock from having seen Sheryl and Jordan's mugshots in the newspaper clipping Kate dropped on the table. He studies them closely.

    KATE: Yes, that's right. Jordan and Sheryl are actually Thelma & Louise.
    LUCAS: You can't be serious! I mean, this has got to be fake.

    Kate sits down in her big office chair, playing with a pen in her hand and looking at Lucas with a blasé expression.

    KATE: Nope. 100% real. And here's the fun part.
    LUCAS: Fun. There's a fun part. Okay mom, lay it on me.
    KATE: These aren't just any run-of-the-mill bank robbers. Oh no! These two are wanted under the terrorist act.

    Lucas' eyes nearly pop out of his head at this revelation.

    LUCAS: Are you serious? What for?
    KATE: Well, it seems they were involved in some protests in Canada that got really ugly. Smashed windows, looted stores. Except THESE two went the extra mile. They bombed a bank.
    LUCAS: What?
    KATE: Mmmhmm.

    Lucas is lost for words for a minute. He turns to Kate and struggles to even get a word out for a moment, he's so shocked.

    LUCAS: I....did...did you tell Rafe this?
    KATE: No, are you insane?? He'd insist I was being jealous. No, no.
    LUCAS: Have you at least called Roman about this yet?
    KATE: I tried, but he's (Kate makes quotation gestures with her hands) "too busy". Some kind of family emergency. You know, those things that happen every five minutes in that household.

    Lucas paces the room, dumfounded by Kate's evidence, he can hardly think clearly or rationally on the situation, being so blindsided by Sheryl's deception.
    LUCAS: I can't believe it. I....I have to fire Sheryl right away. I mean she can't be working for us--
    KATE: Lucas! Honey, calm down. Calm down.

    Kate takes a second to let Lucas sit down and breathe.

    KATE: Don't fire anyone, don't call anyone. We will talk to Roman, and they'll be arrested. It's as simple as that!
    ---

    Marlena and Roman are aghast at Eric's announcement that he is leaving the priesthood. She leans in and gives a concerned look.

    MARLENA: Eric, the...the priesthood, it meant everything to you.
    ERIC: Well, yes. But I have faith that God has a different path for me.
    ROMAN: Eric, now, seriously. Are you sure this is what you really want to do? I mean....what made you come to this decision?
    ERIC: Well, my retreat helped. It helped an awful lot. I was able to really understand that my life needs to go in another direction. I need to deal with a lot of the things that Kristen did to me, I need to rebuild my life. My relationships with my family. Especially with Brady.

    Marlena reaches out a hand to Eric across the table. Eric takes her hand in his. Roman places his hand over theirs.

    ERIC: I could really use your support.
    ROMAN: You always have our support, Eric. No matter what you choose to do.
    MARLENA: I can't help but be a little disappointed. I mean, you loved your work with the church so much, and I saw how devoted you were.
    ERIC: Mom--
    MARLENA: I know....I know. But I will always support you. No matter if you decide to leave the church or not.

    Sami naturally walks in at this moment, only hearing the last thing Marlena said.

    SAMI: You can't be serious! They kicked you out of the priesthood??

    ---

  6. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 8
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultant: ML Cooks

    Jennifer steps off the elevator at University Hospital, making her way over to the desk at the Nurses' Station. Maxine is there to greet her.

    MAXINE: Hey, honey. How are you this morning?
    JENNIFER: Oh I'm alright. (sighs) Is Daniel in?
    MAXINE: Yeah, I think I saw him head in early this morning. Why?

    Maxine raises an eyebrow with a wry smile on her face. Jennifer shakes her head in warning.

    JENNIFER: Don't get too excited, Maxine. We're not getting back together, I can guarantee you.
    MAXINE: Now, come on, honey. You been saying that for weeks now. We all see how you feel about him.You gotta stop torturing yourselves like this.
    JENNIFER: No, see...torture would be getting back together with him once again, only to have it fall apart again. I can't do it, Maxine. I just can't.

    Jenn grabs her things and heads off, trying not to well up.

    JENNIFER: If you'll excuse me.

    ---

    Abigail turns to face EJ, who has just closed the door to the hospital records room, where Abby has taken up office. Abby and EJ can feel the tension between them and attempt to keep a distance.

    ABBY: What do you want, EJ?
    EJ: We need to talk seriously about this...thing that's going on between us.
    ABBY: That's vague. I mean, come on, EJ, let's really lay this out there. We both want each other, but you're in love with Sami. I mean, everyone's only too happy to tell me about how much you love her. So tell me. Truthfully, if you love her so much, why are we sleeping together?

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Eric is thoroughly exasperated with Sami's accusation directed at Nicole. Though he's doubting Nicole's motives, he isn't willing to entertain the thought that Sami might be right about her arch enemy.

    ERIC: Sami, I think you better stop.
    SAMI: WHY?! All Nicole wants to do is get in your pants, I don't see why I should have sugar coat it.
    ERIC: SAMI, ENOUGH! Seriously!

    At this moment, Roman's phone rings. It's Kate again, demanding Roman meet her immediately.

    ROMAN: Kate, give me a second, okay?...It's incredibly important, yes...No I won't have time for a little bit. I'll let you know when I'm free, okay? Alright. Bye.

    Roman puts down his phone. The family is suddenly hushed and paying attention. Sami's especially interested, considering her current situation with Kate, Gabi and Nick.

    SAMI: What did SHE want?
    ROMAN: Ahhh Kate's just freaking out about something. She really wants to tell me right away, so I told her I'd head down to the MadWorld offices soon as I can.
    SAMI: Oh....geez. I...well I hope everything's okay. I should probably get going actually.

    Sami gets up from her seat and grabs her purse and spring jacket. Eric gets up and Sami goes to give him a hug.

    SAMI: Look, Eric. I love you, and I support whatever decision you make. Just...don't make a stupid one for the sake of...that...woman.
    ERIC: I'm not. Don't worry.This decision is solely mine to make.
    SAMI: Alright. I believe you. (laughs)...alright, I'll see you soon.

    Sami leans over to kiss and hug Marlena & Roman.

    SAMI: Bye mom, bye daddy.
    ERIC: See you, Sami.
    MARLENA: Goodbye, sweetheart.
    ROMAN: See you in a bit, baby girl.

    Sami scurries off quickly. It seems only slightly suspicious to the others, who are kind of desensitized to Sami's actions at this rate. High strung and dramatic are part and parcel of Sami Brady. Best just to get used to it.

    MARLENA: (with a bit of a laugh) My God, my daughter's bullheaded sometimes.
    ERIC: And easily distracted.
    ROMAN: Well, when you're as busy as she is, it's not hard to understand why.
    ERIC True.

    Eric is served another coffee by their waitress.

    ERIC: Uhhh...so? Any word from Bo yet?
    ROMAN: Not quite yet. He's working with John and Shane on something though, it seems.
    HOPE: Well that's more information than I've managed to get out of him. Good work, Roman.

    Hope has enetered the room, still upset from Bo's phone call earlier.

    ---

    Will and Sonny sit down in their living room on either side of Gabi, who is holding Ari.

    WILL: Gabi, let me hold her for a sec.
    GABI: No! No, Will. I want to hold her, please.

    Will reaches out to take the baby from Gabi, but Gabi's protests stop him. He retreats awkwardly.

    GABI: I just...holding her makes me feel...I dunno, a little safer right now.
    SONNY: Okay, Gabi. What's wrong? You look so tired, you've obviously been up all night.
    GABI: Well...the baby was crying...and so I got up out of bed and stayed with her.
    WILL: Gabi, we're talking about your dream. What about Nick that's got you so spooked.
    GABI: It's...it's nothing, he just...

    Gabi darts her eyes between Will and Sonny. She gets up to put Ari back in her crib.

    GABI: Look, I know you guys just want me to say something bad about him, but it's not his fault. He just...he was going through things.
    SONNY: So that gives him permission to rape you?
    GABI: But he didn't, Sonny!
    WILL: Gabi, he tried. He scared you to the point that you hit him in the head with a rock. Obviously you felt threatened by him enough--
    GABI: Yeah, but that's not the point. If I hadn't....humiliated him in Town Square like that in front of all those people NONE of this would've happened.

    Sonny can't believe what he's hearing. Desperate to try to get through to Gabi, he grabs her shoulders, Gabi recoils.

    SONNY: Do you hear what you're saying right now? Gabi, he assaulted you!
    GABI: Get your hands off me, Sonny. (backing away) Don't touch me. Please.
    SONNY: I'm sorry. But I'm worried about you. I don't want Nick to hurt you again, or Will, or Ari.
    GABI: I don't think he will.
    WILL: Yeah, well, I'm not so sure about that.

    ---

    Jennifer makes a beeline for Daniel's office, but is stopped in the hallway by Anne Milbauer.

    ANNE: Ohhh! How nice to see you actually at work for once.
    JENNIFER: (sighing) What do you want, Anne?
    ANNE: To see you working more than an hour a day, continuously, I might add, since you tend to work about two-and-a-half cumulatively, but I hardly count that--
    JENNIFER: I don't have time for this.

    Jenn tries to walk away, Anne grabs her shoulder to stop her.

    ANNE: Woah woah woah woah not so fast, sweetie. I need you to have your sweet little doe-eyed daughter sign something for me. We're going to be publicizing the digitization of hospital records, and she's working on those as we speak.
    JENNIFER: Anything else?
    ANNE: No, just get it back to me right away.

    Jennifer stiffens and salutes Anne mockingly.

    JENNIFER: Yes, Ma'am!
    ANNE: Cute. Very cute.

    Anne walks away, Jennifer laughs to herself at Anne's ridiculousness, she decides to take are of the signing off right away and backtracks to Abigail's temporary office.

    ---

    EJ takes a moment to think before he responds to Abigail. Abigail folds her arms in impatience.

    ABBY: Well? What is it, EJ? Why does this keep happening?
    EJ: Look, Abigail--
    ABBY: Stop! Don't...don't feed me your spin. I think you're still channeling your inner politician. And I don't want to hear it. I want truth.
    EJ: What makes you think I haven't been totally upfront with you?
    ABBY: Well, I don't know. Maybe it's something to do with why I had to be kept in the dark when Nick was missing. Maybe it's because I feel like the only reason you even slept with me in the first place was to shut me up and 'WHOOPS!' you actually enjoyed yourself.
    EJ: That's not what it is.
    ABBY: You've said that before. I'd like to believe it. But I walk away every time EJ, and I feel cheap, and used.
    EJ: I'm sorry, Abigail. I truly am--
    ABBY: ...And the worst part is...I know the second you and Samantha get over whatever you've been fighting about, I'm gonna be thrown out like yesterday's trash. Won't I?

    EJ's anger boils over, he turns around, upset by her accusation.

    EJ: NO! No you will not, dammit. I am attracted to you. You give me something I need, and you're a beautiful girl.
    ABBY: Girl. Exactly, EJ. I'm not a woman to you. Sami's a woman though, isn't she?

    Abby drapes her arms around EJ's neck, leaning in closer to him.

    ABBY: Sami is grown up, she's everything you want in a woman. Sami can make you feel like no one else, can she?
    EJ: Abigail, I--
    ABBY: Shhh. Let me ask you something.

    Abigail is merely an inch from EJ's lips. She whispers sensually to him.

    ABBY: What if I'm more woman than you realize?

    Abigail leans in to kiss EJ. He kisses back, and the fire ignites. EJ clears off Abigail's desk, and lays her down on it.

    Outside, Jennifer fumbles with her purse, searching for her keycard, finding it, she buzzes herself in and turns the handle.

    ---
  7. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES #9
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultant: ML Cooks

    Jennifer turns the handle to the records room, startling EJ and Abby, causing them to reclothe hastily. Jennifer is about to step in when a voice calls out her name.

    LIAM: Jennifer!

    Jennifer is pleased to see Liam, and her long face brightens up when she does.

    JENNIFER: Liam! HI! How are you?

    Jenn leans in and hugs Liam. Liam graciously kisses Jenn's hand. Jennifer is charmed, giving a muted smile.

    LIAM: M'lady. I am well. What about you? You seem a little less...yourself than usual.
    JENNIFER: Oh, it's...nothing. I just...I found out something about a friend and I need to go talk with him about it.
    LIAM: Daniel, isn't it?
    JENNIFER: (sighing) Yeah. Anyway, it's no big deal, I'm not going to let him ruin my day.

    ---

    Inside Abby's office, EJ and Abby are panicked.

    ABBY: (whispering) Your shirt. Here!

    Abby throws EJ his shirt, he catches it and throws it on, while simultaneously trying to put his pants back on.

    ABBY: (whispering) Can you fix my zipper, I can't reach--
    EJ: Here, here, here.

    EJ grabs her zipper, struggling to keep his pants from falling down.

    ---

    LIAM: Well good, because I happen to be of the opinion that your day is about to get a whole lot brighter.
    JENNIFER: Oh?
    LIAM: Yes. I have taken it upon myself to reserve a quiet table for two at Chez Rouge for 8pm. Would that sound good to you?
    JENNIFER: I think that is just what I needed.
    LIAM: Excellent. Pick you up at 7:30?
    JENNIFER: Absolutely, mi lord! (laughing)

    ---

    Abby looks frantically around for a place to hide EJ. She points to the closet behind her.

    ABBY: (whispering) Quick! In the supply closet. Fast, she's coming.

    EJ runs into the supply closet, still buttoning up his shirt.

    ---


    LIAM: Fantastic. Just keep that smile on your face for tonight. Look forward to it.
    JENNIFER: Me too. Bye!

    With a fresh smile on her face, Jenn steps into the records room, where Abby's makeshift office is located. She steps in just as Abigail shuts the door to the supply closet EJ is stashed in. Abby has a wide, awkward grin on her face as she stands right in front of the closet.

    ABBY: HI!

    Jennifer is immediately suspicious.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Hope stands by the booth that Eric, Marlena, and Roman are sitting in. Roman motions for her to join them.

    ROMAN: Come on, Hope. I think we need to have a talk about Bo for a sec.
    HOPE: I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound so hostile.
    MARLENA: Oh don't even think that. Look, honey, I know what you and Ciara are going through right now. It's awful. I can tell she's really having a hard time. But you are strong enough. And you have friends and family that'll help you get through until Bo's back.
    ROMAN: Marlena's right. We all know Bo's working real hard to take down the DiMeras, and it's all to protect you and Ciara and Shawn D. You know how many years we been trying to take them down.

    Hope's a bit exasperated, hearing the same things over and over.

    HOPE: I know! I know I know I know. I understand it, especially being a cop and having gone undercover before. I know why he's doing this, I just...I just miss him. I don't get why he couldn't find SOME way to come home, even for Christmas. Something.
    ERIC: Aunt Hope, I know he'll be back soon. Just...trust God's will is to see him back home to you. Safe and sound.
    HOPE: I wish I had your faith. Truth is, I don't know if he's ever coming back.

    ---

    Sami gets off the elevator at Titan HQ, making a beeline for Kate's office. She looks momentarily for Kate's secretary, before shrugging and charging into Kate's office. She's in a panicked fury, and shocks Kate with her brusque arrival.

    SAMI: Think you're gonna throw us under the bus so soon, hm?

    Kate, shocked and completely confused, gets up from her chair and folds her arms.

    KATE: Sami, what in the hell are you talking about?
    SAMI: I'm talking about the desperate phone calls you've been making to my father, demanding that he meet with you ASAP.
    KATE: They have absolutely nothing to do with you or Nick Fallon, if that's what you're wondering.

    Sami takes her purse off her shoulder and sits down in the office chair on the other side of Kate's desk.

    SAMI: Oh yeah, then what is it?
    KATE: It's none of your business, actually.
    SAMI: So it's about Rafe and his pod woman, then?

    Kate doesn't respond, but raises her eyebrows, insisting that she's saying nothing to Sami on the subject.

    SAMI: It IS, isn't it? She's totally a serial killer hiding out, isn't she? I KNEW it! Nobody has that little personality, and I could tell those glasses weren't perscription, I mean--
    KATE: SAMI! Enough! I am not getting into this with you. Not now.

    Sami folds her arms and gives Kate an "I know I'm right" look.

    KATE: I can't prove a damn thing about Jordan, and if I do know something, I really don't think you're the person I want to turn to first, considering how well you've handled this Nick situation so far.
    SAMI: What do you mean by that? I handled that the best way I knew how.
    KATE: Oh right! Miss "I don't feel a pulse, he must be dead". Let me ask you, is it really that hard to find a vein on someone that skinny?
    SAMI: Oh come on, that was SO not my fault. His head must have been...swollen from being hit with a boulder or...something, I don't know.
    KATE: That's exactly it, Sami. You don't know. And this time, you're gonna stay out of it. Completely.

    ---

    Jordan and Sheryl meet by the pier. They are both bundled up for the cold, and are shivering from it. They recognize each other and step towards each other.

    JORDAN: Hey.
    SHERYL: Hey. What's going on? You seemed really tense on the phone.
    JORDAN: I'm starting to worry about Kate.
    SHERYL: Weren't you always worried?
    JORDAN: Well, yes. But I'm getting really worried now.
    SHERYL: More like paranoid. Come on, there's no way she is going to pull our faces out of all the people that were protesting at that summit.
    JORDAN: Yeah, but not everyone there stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from a bank and got away with it. I mean, seriously? We were all over the news in Canada.
    SHERYL: Yes. In Canada. Have you seen how much Canadian news gets reported here? Zero. Zilch. Unless you're the mayor of Toronto, you're basically invisible to the wider world.

    Sheryl and Jordan's conversation becomes more hushed, concerned that someone could sneak up at any time and listen in on them. They huddle in closer together.
    JORDAN: Well, my point is, you need to be more careful. Especially around Lucas. You can't rush into this relationship with him, or he's going to catch onto what you're really up to.
    SHERYL: Oh my God, Jordan. Come on. Lucas Horton is eating from the palm of my hand already. We are going to have everything we need in no time flat. Trust me.
    JORDAN: You better be right. Or we are in real big danger. And we may not be able to squirm our way out this time.

    ---
  8. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES #12
    written by A. Washington-Beeby
    story consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & ML Cooks

    Daniel sits at his desk at University Hospital. He is reading over some reports, and studying them intensely when a knock at his door breaks his concentration. He looks over to the door.

    DANIEL: Come in!

    Jennifer steps into the room, a morose expression on her face. Daniel is surprised to see her, but, seeing her face, isn't sure he really wants to see her right now. After a second, he finally speaks up.

    DANIEL: Jennifer.
    JENNIFER: Daniel. We really need to talk.
    DANIEL: Uh, sure. Um...have a seat.

    Daniel scrambles to put away his work to give Jenn his full attention. Jenn walks over quickly and sits down on the other side of Daniel's desk.

    DANIEL: So...what's going on?
    JENNIFER: Look...maybe this isn't the best place to do this--
    DANIEL: No. No, Jenn. There's no time like the present. It's my office so we have some privacy if that's what you need, so...what's up?
    JENNIFER: JJ. He told me everything.
    DANIEL: Everything about...?
    JENNIFER: About the night Theresa OD'd. I know what happened, Daniel.

    Daniel's shocked and doesn't know how to react to Jenn's news.

    ---

    Sami passes by Nick, Will and Sonny in Horton Town Square, just as Sonny and Nick shake hands. Sami is outraged.

    SAMI: What in the hell is going on here?

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4&feature=player_embedded

    ---

    SAMI: I asked you a question.

    Sonny and Nick end their handshake, while Will walks over to try to calm Sami down.

    WILL: Okay, Mom. Just...relax, okay? Nick, Sonny, and I, we're just...we're calling a cease fire. We figure, the best way to move forward is just...for everyone to get along.

    Sami looks at Will like he has three heads.

    SAMI: Is there something wrong with the air in that apartment? I swear, it's making everyone in there lose any shred of common sense they ever had.
    NICK: Sami, all I'm trying to do is--
    SAMI: Change! CHANGE! Change! Yes! I know! You're trying to make a fresh start, a change. I swear, you're starting to sound like the homeless man on the streetcorner, you talk about change so much!
    NICK: Well, I can't exactly do that unless people give me a chance, now will I?
    SAMI: We all have. We've given you so many chances, and you used those chances to try to ruin Will's life. So yeah, maybe I'm not exactly so open to Nick Fallon Version, what is it? 3.0? 4.0? Deluxe Edition, perhaps?
    SONNY: Sami. Please. Just calm down. Okay? Look, come by later on and we can talk about this, okay?

    Will pulls Sami aside to say something to her away from Nick's ear.

    WILL: (just above a whisper) Please, Mom. We'll have some...good news to share with you as well. Okay?
    SAMI: (breathes) Okay, fine. But this better be good.
    WILL: Promise.
    SAMI: Okay.

    Sami turns to Sonny, who smiles and nods to her. After a moment, she breathes again. She addresses the group.

    SAMI: Look, I gotta get back to work. You boys have a good afternoon. Nick.

    Sami gives Will and Sonny quick goodbye kisses and walks away. She stops around the corner, and looks back over to Nick, Will, and Sonny, who are still talking.

    SAMI: Either something's going on, or my son's brain's fallen right out of his head.

    ---

    Percy is incredulous at Nicole's veiled rejection of his story.

    PERCY: What do you mean 'if'?
    NICOLE: I mean, seriously, this is a nonstory. I mean, come on, we see this all the time. Some big company comes in and buys up all the land for cheap and drives all the weirdo nature people out, people complain, and then people get over it when the money and the jobs start coming in.
    PERCY: I beg your pardon?
    NICOLE: My point is, considering how bad the economy is, and how few new jobs are available in Salem right now, how can you justify being so hostile to this project?
    PERCY: It's quite simple, really. We will be ruining the community if this project goes ahead. Why, the air quality alone will be enough to kill all the native wildlife, or at the very least drive them away. This area is such a unique gem. So many beautiful, graceful creatures call this land home. And that, my dear, is more important to me than any oil sands.

    Nicole sits, unmoved by Percy's speech.

    NICOLE: Then volunteer for Greenpeace and chain yourself to a tree.
    PERCY: I do believe you misunderstand how important this is to the community.
    NICOLE: Okay, convince me.
    PERCY: The entire west end of the city will be completely devastated by the project. Cancer-causing pollutants in the air. In a few years, you will all see the brightness and prosperity of the moment be swallowed up by the heavy toll and looming miasma of death. And naturally, the rich and powerful in the east end will be spared the indignity of this peril.

    Percy's intense monologue causes Nicole to react only with a raised eyebrow and vague interest. She sits, arms folded on the table.

    NICOLE: That was great. What was that? Shakespeare?
    PERCY: I am serious, Miss Walker. You cannot take this lightly. You must look into this, if not for me, for the community at large.

    Nicole holds up her hands in defeat. Something tells her she can't in good conscience ignore Percy's plea.

    NICOLE: Alright. Alright. Fine. I'll make you a deal. I will research this story. If I dig up anything worthwhile, I'll proceed with an on-camera interview. But that's all I promise.
    PERCY: I shall accept this offer.

    Percy holds out his hand to Nicole. Nicole reluctantly shakes his.

    NICOLE: I better not regret this.

    ---

    Kate stands up from her desk, in complete disbelief at Roman's refusal to arrest Jordan and Sheryl.

    KATE: You have got to be joking.
    ROMAN: I'm not! There are absolutely no grounds to arrest Kaylie Matthews or Siobhan McKinnon at this moment.
    KATE: They firebombed a bank. They're wanted terrorists!
    ROMAN: You clearly didn't read the whole story on them, did you?
    KATE: What are you talking about? I had those two looked into with a fine tooth comb.
    ROMAN: Well, if your guy was worth a quarter of his rate, you'd know that Kaylie and Siobhan were brought in, and acquited due to the nature of their arrests during the G8 protests. The police contravened the law in their arrests, and everyone involved was set free.

    Kate shakes her head at the news.

    KATE: Damn it all. And damn that hack Ortiz. I swear to God you can't find a good PI these days.

    Roman stands up to stop Kate from grabbing her phone to contact Ortiz.

    ROMAN: Now, Kate. I never said this was over. We all know they're guilty. And I can guarantee those two are in Salem for a reason. We just need to figure out what they're up to before they strike again.
    KATE: Well how in the hell are we supposed to do that, Roman?
    ROMAN: I'm gonna make a call to some guys at the FBI. I'll get back to you on this.

    Roman starts to head for the door. He turns around and points to Kate to ask her something.

    ROMAN: Does anyone else know anything about this?
    KATE: Only Lucas. Sami thinks she does, but I didn't tell her anything.
    ROMAN: Okay. Well, keep it that way until we meet. Keep your phone on you, I wanna meet with you and Lucas at the station as soon as I hear from these FBI guys. Got it?
    KATE: Got it.
    ROMAN: I'll see you later.

    Kate sighs heavily, arms folded. She slumps into her chair, shaking her head.

    KATE: Dammit, Jordan. What the hell are you planning?

    ---

  9. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 13
    written by A. Washington-Beeby
    story consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & ML Cooks

    Daniel stands up from his desk, he's at a bit of a loss for words after Jennifer reveals she knows what happened the night of Theresa's OD.

    DANIEL: Now wait...just...what did JJ tell you happened that night?

    Jenn steps into the office and sits down in the chair in front of Daniel.

    JENNIFER: Well...I know you helped my son. And for that I'm grateful. You did such a wonderful thing helping him out, especially considering how awful he's been to you.
    DANIEL: Jenn, it was the right thing to do. And JJ was in a lot of pain--
    JENNIFER: You don't need to explain anything. I get it. What I don't get is why you had to lie to me about it.
    DANIEL: Lied...Jennifer, I mean. We had to do it to protect JJ.
    JENNIFER: From the judge, yes. But you didn't have to hide the truth from me. Here I am thinking you slept with Theresa for months. And that you did it to spite me, I mean...did you think I couldn't be trusted to protect my son?
    DANIEL: Jenn, come on. You couldn't know or you'd be forced to live a giant lie until JJ's hearing was over. The chances we'd be caught? I mean--
    JENNIFER: I could have dealt with that. I could have handled pretending. We could have made it work, together, but...

    Jenn begins to cry, choked up thinking over the last few months. Dan puts a hand on her shoulder. Jenn brushes it off.

    JENNIFER: No, Daniel.
    DANIEL: Jenn, I...I just wanted to protect JJ, and no one could know that I didn't sleep with Theresa.
    JENNIFER: I know. It had to look convincing. But that doesn't excuse it. And then...taking up with Nicole? I mean--
    DANIEL: I thought you'd forgiven Nicole. I mean, Jenn...we weren't together.
    JENNIFER: Wait, what are you saying?
    DANIEL: Okay. Jenn, Nicole and I...we were never together. That was all a lie to help Eric.
    JENNIFER: I don't believe this. Are you serious right now?

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4&feature=player_embedded

    ---

    Marlena, Hope, and Kim step into the Brady Pub, where Eric and Caroline are discussing Eric's departure from the church. Caroline is visibly disappointed by the news, but her face brightens immediately upon seeing her daughter, Kim.

    CAROLINE: Kimmy!
    KIM: Mom!

    Caroline totters over to her daughter, giving her a big hug. Their joy surprises some of the bar patrons surrounding them, but neither really pay any mind. They separate and Caroline looks behind Kim, half-expecting other family members to follow.

    CAROLINE: Is Shane with you?
    KIM: No, Ma. (sighs) Shane's actually off with Bo, and John right now.
    CAROLINE: Oh! Well, then he'll be along later.

    Caroline stops for a second, realizing what she's said. Kim reminds her before she has a chance to react.

    KIM: They're not here either, Ma. Remember? Bo and John are in Europe, doing undercover work.
    CAROLINE: I knew it the moment it came out of my mouth, too.

    Caroline shakes her head, and Kim puts a hand on Caroline's shoulder. Caroline puts her hand atop Kim's.

    CAROLINE: Now! What are you doing back? Is my granddaughter in trouble again?
    KIM: (laughing) No, thankfully, no! I'm actually back for...let's call it an extended vacation.
    CAROLINE: What? Where are you staying?
    KIM: Oh I've just got my things checked in at the Salem Inn. I didn't want to impose or anything.
    CAROLINE: Nonsense, I'll fix you a room upstairs. With Shane away, you need to be around your family.
    KIM: That's sweet, Ma. But it's not neccessary. I'm going to be looking for an apartment of my own here in Salem while I'm in town.
    CAROLINE: You're planning to be here that long, hm?
    KIM: Well, I'm on sabbatical from work back in LA, and I think, considering all the things that have happened this year...this is a really chance to maybe reconnect with Theresa, and sort through some of our issues.

    Kim looks to her mother hopefully. No one else in the room appears as hopeful as her, however.

    ---

    Theresa steps fresh from the shower, wearing only a towel. She steps into the living room when she hears the ring of her doorbell.

    THERESA: Coming!

    Theresa steps over to the peephole and a huge smile appears on her face. She opens the door, revealing Brady on the other side.

    THERESA: Well, hey, stranger.
    BRADY: Hello to you too. I brought you a little something.

    Brady holds up a shopping bag to a high-end boutique. Theresa's face brightens up even more.

    THERESA: Are you serious?
    BRADY: Very serious.

    Brady scrunches his face up, making Thersa laugh out loud. She leans over to give Brady a kiss, then pulls back, leaning sensually against the doorframe.

    THERESA: I think I know exactly how to repay you for your generosity.

    Theresa drops her towel, all the while looking intesnely into Brady's eyes, before she grabs the back of his head and kisses him deeply. They close the door to her apartment.

    ---

    Nicole steps back into her office, exhausted. She walks over to her desk and sets herself down behind it in her chair. Pulling out the big brown enveloped containing Percy's story, she rolls her eyes and pulls open the drawer on the lower right hand side, revealing her other big brown envelope: the one containing the evidence against Kristen and Dr. Chyka. Nicole is reminded of her glee at finding the documents, but also her denial of having found them. She holds up the envelope as she thinks back, before putting in Percy's file, then Eric's file into the drawer and closing it. She's racked with guilt and it's written all over her face.

    NICOLE: Dammit. Eric doesn't deserve this. Or me.

    Sami steps into Nicole's office at this same moment.

    SAMI: Well, for once we agree on something.

    Nicole is shocked at first, then visibly irritated by Sami's arrival.

    ---


    Victor steps into Miles' office. He looks typically displeased, and catches Miles off guard with his presence. Miles immediately sets the phone he'd just picked up back on its receiver awkwardly. Victor intimidates him.

    MILES: Mr. Kiriakis!
    VICTOR: So! Did you do what I asked?
    MILES: I certainly did, Mr. Kiriakis. We've got our best investigative reporter on the case. I have no doubt she's going to make this story out exactly how you hoped.
    VICTOR: It damn well better. Because if there's one thing we need, it's the public supporting us, and not some owl-watching kook from Dulwich.

    ---

    Nick walks into his apartment, on his phone to Percy.

    NICK: So how'd it go with the interview?

    ...

    Percy paces his cabin, sipping on tea.

    PERCY: Swimmingly, I must say. Ms. Walker was reluctant at first to partake in this investigation, but I was charming and convincing.

    ...

    NICK: Excellent. Look, I need to know what the name of that company is that's doing the oil sands project. I figure if I research them, we can figure out who's behind it. I'm pretty sure there's a larger, more established company behind this.

    ...

    PERCY: Oh I'm quite certain, myself. Let's see.

    Percy heads to his fridge and pulls a business card from it. He puts on his reading glasses and studies the card thoroughly.

    PERCY: It reads "EnerNext"

    ...

    Nick sits down at his computer, still on the phone. He hastily types in the name.

    NICK: EnerNext...alright. I'm gonna look this up, and I'll give you a call back, okay? I have a strange feeling about this.

    ...

    PERCY: Indeed, Nicholas. I look forward to hearing back.

    ...

    NICK: Okay, bye.

    Nick hangs up and begins to relaly focus on his computer. He studies the search results before stumbling on a link near the bottom of the results page tht catches his eye.

    NICK: Well, well. What is this?...

    The link connects to a news story from an international business site on EnerNext.

    NICK: (mumbling to himself) EnerNext today entered a multi-billion-dollar deal with Greek-American firm Titan Industries. The deal will see thousands of high-paying new jobs created in the energy sector in the upper midwest near Titan's Salem headquarters.

    Nick looks up from his computer, a knowing smile crosses his smarmy face.

    NICK: Gotcha!

    ---
  10. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 17
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson

    Victor mills about the Titan board room, speaking to the other execs and organizing his paperwork. Kate and Lucas enter the board room together, and Victor perks up momentarily, then relaxes, realizing who's arrived. The disappointment painted on his face.

    VICTOR: Kate. Lucas. Good to see you.
    KATE: Well you could've fooled me. I assume you were expecting your wayward grandson?
    VICTOR: Give it a rest, Kate. If you had any moral compass, you'd be concerned and asking me how Brady is doing, instead of mocking his suffering.
    KATE: Victor, please. I do care about Brady. But how many favours are you doing him by letting him run Titan into the ground like this?
    VICTOR: He's an adult, Kate. I can't shadow him for the rest of his life.
    KATE: Maybe you'd better start. Your livelihood might depend on it.

    Kate turns and walks over to her seat, head held high. Lucas takes his next to her. Victor waits a few more seconds, before excusing himself to the hallway outside the board room. Pulling out his cell phone, Victor calls Brady. The line goes straight to voice mail.

    VICTOR: (into phone) Brady Black, you have five minutes to get into this board room or I'm gonna tie you up from the nearest flagpole. You have an important announcement to make tomorrow. Get with it, already!

    Victor hangs up and storms back into the board room. Visibly upset, he begins.

    VICTOR: This meeting will come to order. In the absence of our CEO, I will be overseeing the proceedings.

    Brady bursts into the room, shirt untucked, breath smelling of alcohol.

    BRADY: Goooood afternoon, everybody!

    Victor stares down Brady. Brady seems unconcerned by Victor's disappointed glare.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Eric leans over and hugs Nicole, kissing her on the cheek, as Nicole sits in her desk chair, looking with bright eyes at her computer screen.

    ERIC: Do you have any idea how proud I am of you?
    NICOLE: I think I have a little hint of it?
    ERIC: Well....you're about to get a whole lot more of a hint. You hungry?
    NICOLE: I am, in fact. All this research got me workin' up an appetite!
    ERIC: Okay, well...

    Eric gets up and walks over to the chair on the other side of Nicole's desk, where he's placed his messenger bag. He stops, and points to Nicole.

    ERIC: Close your eyes.

    Nicole squints her eyes and glares at Eric.

    ERIC: Do it! Come on now!

    Nicole laughs and closes her eyes, while Eric walks back over to her.

    NICOLE: You know...I was never good with surprises. Never had many good ones to talk about, really.
    ERIC: Well, this one will be a very very good one.

    Eric ties a blindfold around Nicole's eyes gently. He gets up from behind her desk, and takes her hand to guide her up from her seat.

    NICOLE: Oh God, I'm blind. Ack!

    Nicole trips a bit getting out of her seat, but Eric gently guides her over.

    NICOLE: (in a whiny voice) Where are you taking me?!
    ERIC: You'll see. Just be a patient.
    NICOLE: Have we met or something? I am SO impatient.
    ERIC: (laughing) Oh I know.

    Eric grabs his bag and guides Nicole out of her office.

    ---

    Jennifer smiles a bit as Aiden provides her a bit of comfort over her breakup with Daniel, as they sit in the town square having coffee. Unbeknownst to either of them, Hope is standing nearby, listening in on their conversation.

    JENNIFER: ...So, I dunno, I feel like...I know he was trying to help but...
    AIDEN: It's not enough. I know. He kept things from you. Big things. It's....not easy. And I know how painful it is to...

    Hope makes a move and emerges from behind Tom & Alice's tree. She approaches cool and casually.

    HOPE: Hey Cous! ...Aiden.

    Aiden looks up, a little frustrated to see Hope.

    ---

    Sami returns home from work. She's exasperated by the day's events. EJ sits in the living room, looking over some files at his desk when Sami comes bursting in.

    SAMI: Ooooh I swear I could just STRANGLE that woman!

    EJ looks up suddenly, a little shocked from Sami's sudden entrance, though a dulled shock, probably from years of enduring this melodrama.

    EJ: Which woman? It could be about 16 on this block alone.
    SAMI: Don't be cute, EJ. I'm talking about Nicole.
    EJ: Oh God. What has she done now?
    SAMI: She has coerced my brother out of the priesthood.

    EJ is stunned. He pulls his glasses from his face and turns to face Sami.

    EJ: Voluntarily? St. Pius X himself stepped down?
    SAMI: If that is some kind of sick joke, I'm not laughing.
    EJ: Seriously, Samantha. I just can't understand what that man sees in her, but that is entirely up to him. You can't force him back into the priesthood. Even if they'd let him back in, which is doubtful at this rate.
    SAMI: You would say that.
    EJ: Why, Sami, why? Because of my sister? Is that what you're going to say? For the 100,000th time, I do not know where Kristen is. I do not know.
    SAMI: Really, EJ? Because last time I checked, you seem to know a lot more than you let on about a lot of things.
    EJ: That is not fair, Samantha. I was in the dark just as much as you about Kristen's plans for Eric. Oh but YOU! You want me to tell you where she is? Betray her, right?
    SAMI: It's not about that, EJ. You're loyal to the wrong people. What about my family? Why hasn't it even entered your mind that my family is going to your family once we're married?
    EJ: And the same goes for you, Samantha. Whether you want to admit it or not.

    Sami approches EJ slowly, almost trying to stare him down into submission.

    SAMI: My family is not out to ruin people's lives, EJ. We're loyal to each other because we know we're good people at heart. You'd do well to remember that.
    EJ: Fine, Samantha. I think I understand now.

    EJ grabs his cell phone from his jacket pocket and begins to dial.

    SAMI: What are you doing?
    EJ: Calling the police. If I'm being made to throw my sister under the bus, I might as well go down with her!

    ---

    Sheryl sees Jordan in the hall at the hospital and pulls her aside.

    JORDAN: Sheryl! You scared me! What are you doing h--
    SHERYL: ...We need to talk, right now.
    JORDAN: Ow! You're hurting my arm, Sheryl.
    SHERYL: Well, if you and I don't figure out our next move, it might not just be your arm that's hurting, Jordan.
    JORDAN: What?

    Jordan looks around her, concerned and a bit suspcious. She leans in as she talks to Sheryl.

    JORDAN: What do you mean by that?
    SHERYL: I think Lucas Horton might be onto me.

    ---
  11. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 18
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson

    Hope stares down Aiden at the table, where Jenn and Aiden are sitting at the town square. Jenn tries to break the awkward silence.

    JENNIFER: Uh...Hope. Hi! Uh..sorry. I've had a bit of a rough day.
    HOPE: So it would seem--

    Aiden gets up with a start, grabbing his coffee cup.

    AIDEN: Look, I don't want to interrupt family time. Jenn?
    HOPE: Oh don't leave on my account.
    AIDEN: Well, I do have some things to get done anyway, so it's alright. Jenn? You gonna be okay?
    JENNIFER: I'll be fine. Thank you for the coffee.
    AIDEN: It's my pleasure. Hope.

    Aiden walks away, Hope glares as he departs before sitting down beside Jenn.

    HOPE: So why were you confiding in him of all people?
    JENNIFER: Hope, he ran into me at the hospital, I didn't even have time to--
    HOPE: Jenn. Really. I just...the man's a real jerk. I would suggest you stay far away from him.

    Jenn, surprised by Hope's strong dislike, is at a loss for words.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Eric leads a blindfolded Nicole to a clearing in the woods, and has her stop in the middle of the clearing.

    NICOLE: Oh God. We stopped. Eric?
    ERIC: (laughing) Yes?
    NICOLE: Why did we stop? What's going on? I'm still not a fan of surprises, if you hadn't noticed.
    ERIC: Why don't you have a look?

    Eric gently pulls off Nicole's blindfold, revealing to her a beautifully arranged picnic, complete with freshly picked wildflowers, and soft music. Nicole is taken aback by Eric's gesture.

    NICOLE: Eric! What is all this?
    ERIC: It's a picnic, what else?

    Nicole and Eric sit down on the blanket the food's arranged on, Nicole still absolutely in awe of Eric's work.

    NICOLE: But...I thought you'd reserved at Chez Rouge.
    ERIC: Oh, you're disappointed now?
    NICOLE: NO! Don't be ridiculous. I'm shocked but I'm certainly not disappointed!
    ERIC: Oh I know. Well, I wanted to give you a special night. But I also wanted to do something a little more...intimate. Especially since it's such a beautiful evening.

    Eric snuggles in close to Nicole.

    ERIC: You see, I figured, we could sit back, have dinner. Watch the sunset, and just relax. Get away from all the problems in our lives for a while.
    NICOLE: Mmmm, I like the sound of that.
    ERIC: I figured you might.

    Eric leans in to give Nicole a soft kiss.

    ---

    Brady has just burst into the Titan board room, shirt untucked, the smell of alcohol on his breath. He bows regally to the group.

    BRADY: My apologies for my tardiness.

    Brady jumps up and moves to the head of the table.

    BRADY: NOW! Let's get this show on the road! Grandfather, may I?
    VICTOR: If you insist.
    BRADY: I do.
    VICTOR: You're on your own, Brady. (whispers) Try not to make an ass of yourself.

    Brady throws a shady look Victor's way, but shakes it off and begins. Brady slurs his words and stumbles.

    BRADY: Okay, so tomorrow...is a big...bigday. For all of us! And do you know why? Because we are going to announce our merger with EnerNext. And that's gonna kick off a whole bunch of other awesome stuff. uh...do we have a ...a power point or something of this? I feel like I need a visual. Anybody?

    Victor shakes his head, deeply embarrassed by Brady's state. As Brady continues to speak, Kate's eyes suddenly bulge out of her head. She squeezes Lucas' hand, startling him.

    KATE: Oh my God, Lucas. I figured it out.
    LUCAS: OW! Mom! That hurt.

    Kate pulls her hand back.

    KATE: Sorry, sweetie.
    LUCAS: What did you figure out, anyway? That Brady's the worst CEO in history?
    KATE: Ha! Far from it. I figured ou--
    BRADY: UH, EXCUSE ME?!

    Brady points in Kate's direction. He starts to wag his finger lazily about.

    BRADY: Am I boring you two or something?

    Kate furrows her brow as much as she's able to, pursing her lips into their usual soured expression.

    KATE: Pardon me, Brady. Carry on.
    BRADY: Thank you, Kate! Now, you see..

    As Brady carries on, Kate leans over again and whispers to Lucas some more.

    KATE: I've figured out why Jordan and Sheryl are in Salem.
    LUCAS: Why? What is it?
    KATE: This! EnerNext! The oil sands project. Lucas, they want to shut it down, and take Titan down with them.

    ---

    Theresa is in her apartment, readying herself to leave for the afternoon to work. Remember at the last second to grab her phone, she picks up, seeing a text from Brady.

    Reservations @ 8 chez rouge. C U then

    Theresa smiles broadly, then places her phone in her bag and heads for the door. She hears some talking in the hallway as she does, but thinks nothing of it. As she opens the door, there stands her mother and her landlord in front of the apartment right across the hall. Her landlord handing Kim the keys.

    LANDLORD: There you go, Mrs. Donovan. Welcome to your new home!
    THERESA: What the hell is going on??

    Kim and the landlord both look to Theresa is surprise. Theresa is incensed.

    ---

    Sami runs over to EJ and pulls the phone from his hand, stopping him from making a phone call to turn himself into police.

    SAMI: EJ, What the Hell are you doing??
    EJ: What does it looks like to you, Samantha? I mean, what do you want me to do to prove to you that I'm not hiding something, I'm not lying for Kristen. If there was a way I could track her down, I would. But even then, it would kill me, because I know what she's gone through in her life. Just like I know that if you had been put in similar circumstances, you wouldn't be in much better shape.
    SAMI: How dare you compare me to Kristen at all? I've grown, and changed since I was teenager. She still carries on like the world owes her something.
    EJ: You really don't get it, do you?

    Sami cools off, looking more disappointed and deflated than angered.

    SAMI: What's there to get, EJ? You see your family's problems as bigger than mine. But Eric didn't do anything to deserve what Kristen did to him. And my sympathy for your sister ends the moment she takes her hurting and uses it as a weapon against anyone within a 50 mile radius.
    EJ: And that's what I mean, Samantha. Neither of us are perfect, either. Right? I've done hideous things. To YOU! And you to me. And yet, somehow, we learned to accept those things and move on. Why can't that be the case for Kristen?

    Sami explodes, not willing to hear another word from EJ defending Kristen.

    SAMI: Because she raped my brother!
    EJ: And I raped you!

    Sami is stopped dead in her tracks. Her eyes glaze over as she contemplates the truth in EJ's words, as though an unbroken trust had been breached with his bringing this up. EJ, impassioned, but not enraged, continues to shout back to her.

    EJ: You remember that, surely. I forced you to have sex with me in exchange for Lucas' life!And yet now, here we are. My ring on your finger. We're planning to marry. Do you not think Kristen can be afforded 1/10th of the same benefit?

    Sami sits down at the desk. She can barely breathe, but manages to choke out a few words.

    SAMI: EJ...I need to be alone. Please go.
    EJ: Fine. If you need me, you know how to reach me.

    Sami breaks down in tears as EJ slams the door shut.

    ---

  12. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 19
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson

    Theresa is shocked and in disbelief by what she sees in her hallway. Her mother being handed keys by her landlord.

    THERESA: Do I need to ask again or is someone going to talk?

    Kim turns to face Theresa, a tentative smile on her face.

    KIM: Well...honey. I was trying to call you to tell you this. I had a viewing with your landlord and...well...I put a deposit down on the apartment just across the hall from you! Isn't that fantastic??
    THERESA: Oh my God. Like...I think I might actually be dying, right now.

    Kim walks to Theresa and takes her hand.

    KIM: I know! Isn't it great??

    Theresa's eyes bug out, and she pulls away from her mother. She is not impressed.

    THERESA: No, this is the absolute worst thing that could possibly happen. Are you absolutely nuts??

    ---

    Roman is in his office, just finishing up a call. He sets down the reciever on his office's land line and types a quick note on his computer. His face wide with satisfaction.

    ROMAN: Gotcha!

    Roman immediately picks the phone back up, and dials Kate.

    ...

    KATE: Kate Roberts.

    ...

    ROMAN: Kate! It's Roman Brady. I need you and Lucas to come down to the station. It's urgent.

    ...

    KATE: I'll be right over.

    Kate hangs up the phone, a wide, sinister smile crosses her face.

    KATE: Jordan Ridgeway, whatever your crazy little plan is, it ends right now.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Victor steps into the hallway after the Titan board meeting lets out, his grumpy demeanour plain as the nose on his face. Brady struts out immediately afterwards, smug and confident that he put on a good presentation. He slaps Victor on the back in self-congratulation. Victor doesn't respond, but tenses in reaction.

    BRADY: SO! Grandfather! How was that?
    VICTOR: If you want my honest opinion, that was the most embarrassed I've ever been in my adult life. And that's no small feat, considering the number of times I married Vivian Alamain.

    Brady's expression changes immediately, from cool confidence to confused and upset.

    BRADY: Seriously? I mean, you're actually gonna go there right now with me?
    VICTOR: Gladly. You're a CEO of a multi-national corporation, not a high school dropout contemplating which McDonalds to apply to work at. You've got responsibilities, Brady. And it's high time you actually took those responsibilities seriously.
    BRADY: Or what, Grandad? You're gonna take over as CEO? I dare you to try. The board has to vote me out to reinstate you. You're over 80. They want young blood with the energy to hold up under all the pressure of this job.
    VICTOR: I'm well-aware. And after today's performance, I definitely look like a strong candidate in comparison.
    BRADY: Hah. You know, you're funny, Grandad. Really. You could've had a second career as a comedian. You know that?
    VICTOR: Save it, Brady. I'm being serious. I know you hear this every day at least twice, but I'm really worried about you. I'm worried you're on a slide into something that could destroy your entire life. And I might not be able to help lift you out of it. And frankly, I just can't deal with that at this age. Excuse me.

    Victor saunters away, calmly, but inside he is evidently troubled by Brady's behaviour. Brady shakes his head, watching Victor walk away.

    ---

    Jordan walks into the Horton town square, looking for Sheryl. Upon finding her, she sits down at a table at the cafe area. Jordan's concerned after Sheryl's revelation at the hospital.

    JORDAN: Alright, I'm here. I have to meet Rafe in a half hour so you gotta make this fast.
    SHERYL: God, I wish you hadn't taken up with Rafe. Seriously, I know why you did it but it makes everything we've planned so much more difficult.
    JORDAN: Okay, if you dragged me out her to give me another lecture on how dangerous it is for me to be dating the guy that gives us access to a good chunk of the info we need to pull this off, I'm going back to my apartment to get ready for my date.

    Jordan gets up to leave, Sheryl stops her.

    SHERYL: Woah woah woah! Jordan! Wait. I meant it when I said I had to talk to you about Lucas.

    Jordan sighs and sits back down.

    JORDAN: Fine. What is it? Why do you think Lucas is onto you, Sheryl?

    Sheryl leans in, as if to share some great secret.

    SHERYL: I ran into him at Club TBD earlier. He was...off. Like, really cold. I'd never seen him look at me like that before. There was an ice in his eyes, and he was definitely holding back something.
    JORDAN: That's it? Seriously? Sheryl, you know that Kate's after me, not you. And there's no way she's going to figure out who I am. She wants you with Lucas. I don't know what you're so freaked out about.
    SHERYL: What if you're wrong, Jordan? How can you be so damned sure Kate doesn't have it in for me too and has just been playing nice this whole time? We need to get our ducks in a row, and fast, or there'll be no chance of stopping the oil sands project, especially if we have to fight both EnerNext and Kate Roberts.

    ---

    Roman greets Kate and Lucas at the door of his office as they arrive.

    ROMAN: Kate, Lucas, have a seat.
    KATE: Thank you, Roman. I'm glad you called when you did. I think I know exactly what's going on with Jordan and Sheryl now.
    ROMAN: Well, so do we. And we have a plan. All you two have to do is follow it down to the letter, and Jordan and Sheryl will be neutralized.

    Kate smiles a wry smile at Roman's news. Lucas carries a bit of uneasiness as he looks to his mother.

    ---

    Will is on his phone at the apartment, a concerned look on his face. Gabi walks in at that moment and flashes a quick smile to Will, who waves back. Sonny enters the room, holding Arianna. Will sighs in exasperation suddenly.

    WILL: (into phone) Hey, mom. Uh...so I need to know when you're able to come by so we can make you dinner. I really do have some big news for you, so whenever you can come by would be great. Uh...EJ is totally welcome to join us if you two are on good terms, because I never know where that stands lately...umm...give me a call back. Bye.

    Will drops the phone on the table in front of him.

    WILL: Voice mail, again!
    GABI: What's wrong? Is Sami okay?
    SONNY: We have no idea, we've been calling for about an hour. No answer, just goes straight to voice mail each time. We had some big news to share with her...and you too, but...you know...
    WILL: We kinda wanted to make a big announcement to everyone at once.
    GABI: Well...why don't you give EJ a call. Maybe she's with him?

    ---

    Abigail is heading for the door of her office, files in hand, not really focussing on where she's walking. She opens the door to her office to head out and standing before her is EJ.

    EJ: I need to talk to you, RIGHT now!

    Abigail raises an eyebrow and gives EJ a knowing smile.

    ABBY: So! Back for seconds so soon, hm? I didn't think I was that good.

    EJ walks right past her and into her office.

    EJ: That's not what I meant, Abigail.

    Abigail stops the sexy intonations and tightens right up, suddenly feeling a rush of insecurity. Unbeknownst to either of them, Anne Milbauer has just approached her office door, which is still partially ajar, to ask her a question, and overhears EJ's next comment.

    ABBY: Well then, what is it?
    EJ: We have got to stop this affair, and right now.

    Anne's curiosity spikes, she hides around the corner, just enough to be within earshot, and, with some quick thinking, immediately pulls out her cell phone, hitting record.

    ---

  13. beebs

    DAYS #21: Seeing Rouge

    By beebs,

    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 21
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson

    Sami sits in the garden outside the DiMera house. Guilty over her feelings of uneasiness with her son Johnny, and reeling from her resugrent memories of her rape by EJ, Sami is completely overwhelmed. From the house, Mary, the maid, calls for her.

    MARY: Ms. Brady! Are you okay?

    Mary steps out of the double doors out to the garden, and calls out to Sami again.

    MARY: Ms. Brady!

    Sami finally pulls herself together, snapping out of the despondent trance she was in.

    SAMI: Oh...uh...Mary! Hi, I'm...I'm okay.

    Sami gets up from the ground and dusts herself off. She tries to play off what Mary just saw and pretend everything's fine.

    SAMI: I...I just...I fell, it's okay.

    Mary doesn't believe a word Sami says, but awkwardly tries to play along, though she's still concerned.

    MARY: Oh...uh...yes. Okay. I hope you're alright. Your son Will called the house. He's wondering where you are. I told him you were in the garden.
    SAMI: Oh my God! Thank you, Mary. I forgot I'm supposed to meet him for dinner tonight. Uh...just tell him I'm on my way over.
    MARY: Yes, Ms. Brady.

    Sami makes a beeline for inside, grabbing her jacket and purse before Mary even gets inside.

    ---

    Maggie turns to see Theresa before her, approaching the table at Chez Rouge that Brady has just sat down at. Maggie is shocked and incredibly displeased to see her there. She asks Brady a question, never once turning around.

    MAGGIE: Brady.
    BRADY: Yyyes, Maggie?
    MAGGIE: What is she doing here?
    BRADY: Uh...I think she just told you. She's my date tonight.

    Maggie finally turns back around, suddenly seething.

    MAGGIE: Oh, like Hell she is! I...

    Maggie stops herself from continuing, realizing she is working. She quickly regains her composure and draws herself up, in an attempt to retain her professionalism.

    MAGGIE: Theresa, I hope you two have a pleasant evening.

    Maggie grabs Theresa by the shoulders and whispers in her ear as she walks away.

    MAGGIE: (whispering) And if I find out you're hurting Brady in any way, you're going to answer to me. Got it?

    Theresa shoots Maggie a look before sitting down.

    Maggie walks with determination back up to the foyer of the restaurant, just as Sheryl and Lucas walk in. Maggie smiles upon seeing Lucas.

    MAGGIE: Lucas! It's so nice to see you, Honey!
    LUCAS: Aunt Maggie!

    Lucas and Maggie hug before Lucas goes to introduce Sheryl to her.

    LUCAS: This is Sheryl, she's our newest hire at MadWorld.
    MAGGIE: It's so great to meet you, and I see you're getting on pretty well with the boss, hm?

    Sheryl laughs a little uncomfortably at Maggie's comment.

    SHERYL: Well, Lucas has been really really great to me. Put it that way.
    LUCAS: The pleasure's all mine.
    MAGGIE: Well, here, let me take you to your--

    Maggie stops midsentence as Jennifer walks in, Liam on her arm, the two of them laughing as they step inside. Maggie's smile vanishes as Jennifer looks over to her. An uncomfortable hush fills the room.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Jennifer hesitates to greet Maggie, sensing the tension. But she finally does.

    JENNIFER: Uh...Aunt Maggie! Lucas, and you are...?

    Sheryl extends a hand to Jenn, unsure why there's such tension in the air.

    SHERYL: Uh...I'm Sio..uh...Sheryl Connors. Nice to meet you.
    JENNIFER: Oh, it's nice to meet you, I'm...Lucas' sister, Jennifer.
    SHERYL: Oh! It's so nice to meet you too, uh--
    MAGGIE: Shall I take you to your table, Lucas? Sheryl?

    Maggie, obviously displeased with Jennifer, takes Lucas and Sheryl to their table.

    LUCAS: You know, Aunt Maggie, Jennifer and Daniel have been broken up for awhile. I think it's good she's dating again.
    MAGGIE: Lucas, I know. But I wish they wouldn't have come here on their first date.
    LUCAS: Well...maybe they didn't know it would be such an issue. Cut Jenn some slack, Aunt Maggie. She's not had a very easy year, you know.

    Maggie sighs in a sort of defeat.

    MAGGIE: I guess you're right. I'm just...I'm not having the best night, that's all.
    LUCAS: You're still worried about Brady.
    MAGGIE: Aren't we all?
    LUCAS: You can say that again.

    Maggie looks over and Jenn and Liam, who are talking back in the foyer. She hands Lucas and Sheryl menus.

    MAGGIE: Look, I've gotta get back to work. Here's tonight's specials, and here's the wine list. Your server'll be back in just a second to take your order, alright?

    Sheryl and Lucas smile Maggie's way as she walks away.

    SHERYL: Thanks!




    Back in the foyer, Maggie approaches Jenn and Liam with a bit of a scowl. Jennifer, after the day she's had, is fed up.

    JENNIFER: Aunt Maggie--
    MAGGIE: Jennifer Rose, don't 'Aunt Maggie' me. You have a lot of nerve showing up here with a date. Especially after what you did to my son today at the hospital.
    JENNIFER: What I did?? Aunt Maggie, I don't think you understand what we talked about--

    Liam attempts to defuse the situation and interjects.

    LIAM: Uh, Ladies! It's alright. Look, Jenn. Maybe we should follow your Aunt Maggie's advice and go somewhere. It's my fault for making a reservation anyway. I didn't realize there was a problem.
    JENNIFER: No, Liam. Don't. We're going to have dinner here. Aunt Maggie, I know Daniel is your son and you want to defend him and protect him, but Daniel and I have been apart for awhile now. And it's time you accept that he and I are not going to get back together. Now I'm pretty sure Daniel was upset about our conversation earlier, but that is between him and I. Just, please. Aunt Maggie, I love you. Let me move on with my life.

    Maggie takes a deep breath and tries not to cry, but is so filled with emotions over the crazy evening she's having, she can't help it.

    MAGGIE: I know. I'm sorry, Jenn. It's not going to be easy. But I will try. I promise.

    Maggie and Jenn lean in for a hug, and Maggie shows Jenn and Liam to their seat.



    Lucas looks back at the situation with Liam and Jenn, before turning back to Sheryl.

    LUCAS: Well that didn't look awkward.
    SHERYL: What's the problem there, anyway?
    LUCAS: It's...a long story. Look, what's important is that you're here. I was worried you wouldn't come after how I acted this afternoon.
    SHERYL: It's okay! Look, I'm sorry I interrupted you. You seemed really preoccupied with work.
    LUCAS: Yeah, that's...that's it. Working and...things. I just...I just want you to know that, I really do care about, Sheryl. You've worked so hard for us and...well, you've made my life a whole lot more interesting, too.
    SHERYL: That's so sweet of you. I feel the same about you. You've made it so much easier for me since I came to Salem. I mean, I had Jordan but...well, you know how that was when I first got into town. It's nice to have someone like you to take me around and make me feel...I dunno. At home?
    LUCAS: Trust me, It's been a pleasure for me. You're really special, Sheryl.

    Lucas takes her hand and squeezes it on the table. Sheryl looks down at Lucas holding her hand and smiles, looking into his eyes.




    Brady and Theresa talk about Brady's meeting today, telling the story of what happened. Theresa listens, but is somewhat distracted by the drama of Jenn, Liam and Maggie's encounter.

    BRADY: So then Kate just starts whispering to Lucas, but she isn't like, actually whispering she's...are you even listening to me?
    THERESA: Hmm?

    Theresa snaps out of it suddenly and refocuses on Brady.

    THERESA: Sorry, was watching Maggie acting like a train wreck. She's about one nasty customer away from throwing herself off the wagon.

    Brady turns around to see Maggie looking a little ragged, giving a piece of her mind to an apologetic waiter as they both make a beeline for the kitchen.

    BRADY: Bit of a crazy night, I guess.
    THERESA: I guess so. Anyway, you were saying.
    BRADY: Ahhh, it wasn't important.
    THERESA: No no, you were saying something about a big press conference tomorrow and you'll be on TV making all kinds of big announcements!
    BRADY: Yes, indeed. And the best part is, once this deal goes down with EnerNext, I will be richer than anyone ever thought possible. Like...you wouldn't believe all the things I'm gonna buy you, okay? Like...you're gonna have a castle in England for yourself, and another for a fleet of horses, okay? That's how rich you're gonna be.

    Theresa laughs at how ludicrous it all sounds. At that same moment, their drinks arrive.

    THERESA: You know, you amaze me.
    BRADY: Oh?
    THERESA: Yeah. You're the only guy I've ever met who can come right out of an awful situation and just...spin it into gold.
    BRADY: Believe me, Honey. Ignorance is bliss.
    THERESA: Cheers to that.
    BRADY: Amen.

    Theresa and Brady toast, with Brady taking a good swig of his drink. Theresa drinks somewhat more daintily. Brady leans in and points to Theresa, with one eyebrow raised.

    BRADY: You know what the best part of this whole press conference is, actually?
    THERESA: What's that?
    BRADY: You and I are gonna celebrate it all that night in Chicago, and we're gonna really party it up.

    Theresa fishes in her bag stealthily and leans in at the same time.

    THERESA: Well, you know...it's never too early to start the party, you know.

    Theresa takes Brady's hand, and subtly passes a small baggie of cocaine to him. Brady hesitates to take it.

    ---

    Abby is in her office at the hospital, shocked at Anne's presence, not to mention her implication that she overheard Abby's conversation with EJ.

    ABBY: Uh...what are you talking about, Anne?
    ANNE: Oh Honey, come on. You know what I mean.
    ABBY: No, I don't have a clue what you--

    Anne presses play on her phone and the sound of EJ detailing their morning office romp comes blasting out. Abigail's jaw drops, and she stutters, shaking as she points to Anne's phone. Anne meanwhile, has a huge 'gotcha!' smile across her face.

    ABBY: Where...where did you get that?
    ANNE: Oh Honey, you need to be more careful where you have your personal conversations. I mean, anyone could just...hide around that corner there while the door's ajar and just...record anything they happen to hear someone say about...having sex in the workplace with a major hospital board member during company time.
    ABBY: Anne. Anne, give me that phone.
    ANNE: Ah, ah, ah! Not so fast!

    Anne pulls her phone away from Abigail's grasp. Holding one nagging finger up, Anne shakes it at Abigail, and takes a long moment to think about what to say next. She paces across Abby's office, taunting her. Abby is bordering on a panic attack when Anne finally speaks again.

    ANNE: Now, here's the thing.

    Anne stops and turns around, leaning against's Abby's desk.

    ANNE: I know for a fact that if I played this for the hospital board, they would be...scandalized. But...and I'm sure you realize this because you're such a smart girl, so bear with me here...did you also know that if you're caught having sex while on duty at the hospital, you could be (fake gasps) FIRED?!
    ABBY: You wouldn't dare tell any--
    ANNE: ...And the one person I know would be more disappointed and shattered by a revelation like this coming out would be...guess who, Abigail?

    Abby shakes her head, hoping beyond all hopes Anne stands close enough for her to grab the phone from her hands, she realizes Anne's threat.

    ABBY: You can't...you can't tell my moth--
    ANNE: ...Your MOTHER. That's right. And you know how much I would love that. So that means you have to do something for me.
    ABBY: Anything. Please, Anne. I'll do anything.
    ANNE: Anything?? You sure about that?
    ABBY: Yes, please. Just please...make that recording go away.
    ANNE: Quit. Put in your resignation tonight, and I'll be so grateful to have one less Holier-than-thou Horton to deal with every day, that no one will ever find out about your little sexcapade with Mr. DiMerRRRra.

    ---
  14. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 22
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson

    Will walks into the living room of his apartment, putting his jacket on. Sonny, holding the baby, and Gabi, helping to finish dinner, turn, still concerned about Sami's disappearance.

    SONNY: You going out to look for your mom?
    WILL: Yeah. Still haven't heard back yet. Not even a text. I can't even get ahold of EJ so...yeah, I'm really starting to worry. So, Sonny, if mom comes around while I'm out, let me know, okay?
    SONNY: Will do.

    Will & Sonny kiss, and Will heads for the door. As he opens it, Sami appears in the doorway, still in a state. She sees Will and throws herself into his arms tearfully. Will is shocked and takes a moment to react before hugging his mother back.

    ---

    Jordan walks into Chez Rouge alone, and looks around for Rafe. As she looks around, Rafe walks in behind her, putting his hands on her shoulders. He leans in and speaks softly to greet her.

    RAFE: Well, good evening, Miss Ridgeway.

    A smile grows across Jordan's face, still facing away from Rafe, who's leaned in to kiss her neck delicately.

    JORDAN: Hello, Mr. Hernandez. I'm so glad you're here.

    Maggie walks in, a little worn down, but still trying to keep her happy face on.

    MAGGIE: Rafe! Jordan! Good to see you.
    RAFE: Hey, Maggie. We had a table for two reserved.
    MAGGIE: Indeed you have. You're not the only ones tonight, though.
    JORDAN: Oh? Who's here?
    MAGGIE: Oh, well...Lucas is here with his date...Sheryl, I think.
    JORDAN: Great! We'll have to say 'hi'
    MAGGIE: And Jennifer's here with her date.

    Rafe looks confused.

    RAFE: Daniel's here with Jenn?

    Maggie responds with more than a hint of indignation in her voice.

    MAGGIE: Oh no. I'm talking about him. She's here with Liam Frazer. And to boot, Brady's here...with Theresa Donovan.
    RAFE: Well, this is an awkward place to be then.
    JORDAN: Look, forget about them. Maggie, is there a really private table somewhere you can sit us at so it can just be the two of us? (softly) I think Rafe was...really looking forward to that.
    MAGGIE: I think I know somewhere. Come with me.

    Maggie winks, and guides them over to a private booth in the back corner of the restaurant.




    Brady hesitates to take the baggie of cocaine from Theresa, but as the waiter approaches with their meals, he quickly snatches it and hides it in his pocket. He gives Theresa an intense look, then winks. He thanks the waiter and they dig in. Not long after, Theresa's phone beeps. She has a text message from Anne.

    just got abby 2 quit. 1 horton down, 1 2 go. come 2 my office NOW!

    Theresa furrows her brow at the message.

    THERESA: (under her breath) What has she done now?
    BRADY: What has who done?

    Theresa realizes she spoke aloud and struggles to cover her slip-up.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Jennifer and Liam sit at their table at Chez Rouge, laughing at a story Liam's telling Jenn.

    LIAM: ...And so I knock on the door, and when this poor old lady answered the door, it turned out it was Sycamore EAST, not Sycamore West.
    JENNIFER: Oh NO! (laughs)

    Liam and Jennifer's hands come together in the middle of the table, and a warm, comfortable smile comes across Jenn's face.

    LIAM: You're having a good time, right?
    JENNIFER: I am. Today was a tough day, but, I gotta hand it to you, you have done a fantastic job of putting a smile on my face. I needed that tonight most of all. So thank you.
    LIAM: My pleasure. You're really a special lady, Jennifer Horton. And I can't wait to spend more time with you.
    JENNIFER: I'd like that. I feel this...connection with us, you know? Like I've known you for years. It really puts me at ease, you know?

    Liam stirs a bit in his seat as Jenn makes this comment. He stares off into space a bit, and Jenn notices Liam's looking through her instead of at her.

    JENNIFER: Liam? Liam, you alright?

    Liam snaps out of it suddenly.

    LIAM: Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. I just...noticed the girl behind you. I know I've seen her at the hospital before, no?

    Jenn turns around, and, upon seeing Theresa at a table behind her with Brady, Jenn's face drops.

    JENNIFER: Oh God, NO!




    Theresa fumbles with her phone, trying to cover up Anne's text from Brady.

    THERESA: Oh, nothing. Just...that friend from LA with the tabloid connections. More ridiculous drama I don't have time for.
    BRADY: Well, then I would put my phone away.
    THERESA: Well, yeah, but what if work calls me?
    BRADY: Oh right! Theresa Donovan, concerned about work after hours? Or at all, for that matter.
    THERESA: Hey! That's not fair! I only didn't care about my job because I didn't get along well with my boss.
    BRADY: Which I still don't get. Jennifer's a really sweet woman, and--
    THERESA: ...And I. Do. Not. Care. Drop it. Anne is so much better to work for, anyway. She understands my way of doing...y'know, why are we even talking about work, anyway? Come on, let's enjoy the evening. You want to, maybe, hit up the club after dinner and really get crazy?

    Theresa's suddenly seductive tone lures Brady in, and a knowing smile crosses his face.

    BRADY: That sounds genius.
    THERESA: What can I say? I'm always full of good ideas.

    Theresa and Brady lean in for a kiss across the table.

    ---

    Abigail saunters through the fog at the pier. Alone to think, she looks out at the sky, and through the mist, squints to see the full moon off in the distance. She sighs heavily, as from the fog, she hears footsteps approach, which startle her. A familiar voice rings out.

    NICK: Rough night?

    Abby relaxes upon realizing it's Nick. She stops short of smiling to greet him.

    ABBY: You could definitely say that.
    NICK: Mind if I join you?
    ABBY: Not at all.

    Abigail and Nick both sit down at a bench. They both stare out at the night sky (such as it is). Neither break their gaze to look at each other.

    NICK: So what's eating you?
    ABBY: Well...no one knows this but...I WAS going to start looking for my own place in town soon.
    NICK: Oh yeah? Ready to fly the coop, eh?
    ABBY: Yeah, though notice I say "was"?
    NICK: Yeah! Did something happen?

    Abby finally breaks her gaze to look at Nick, who turns to look back.

    ABBY: Well...this has to stay exclusively between you and me, got it?
    NICK: Lips: sealed.
    ABBY: And if you ever tell anyone, I'll--
    NICK: I get it, Abigail. Don't worry.
    ABBY: Okay. Well...for lack of a better way of putting it...I got fired tonight. And it was for a really stupid reason too and...it's back to square one.

    Nick looks at Abigail, empathy in his eyes. He ponders a moment, then turns to her again.

    NICK: Not neccessarily.
    ABBY: What do you mean?
    NICK: Just...just wait. I have a feeling something's gonna come your way very soon.

    ---

    Will and Sami separate from their hug, Will still confused as to what has got Sami so stirred up. Sami is still wiping away tears.

    WILL: Mom, what's going on?
    SAMI: I just...I just had a huge fight with EJ and it...it...I just needed to...oh God.
    WILL: Come on, come on, let's set down a minute.

    WIll takes Sami over to the sofa, Gabi takes the baby so Sonny can sit on the other side of Sami with Will.

    SONNY: Did you want some water?
    SAMI: (catching her breath) Got any whiskey?
    SONNY: Well, not here, but...
    SAMI: It's okay, Sonny. Just a joke. I'd love some water.

    Sonny gets up from the couch and grabs a glass for Sami. Handing it to her, he stands back with Gabi and the baby.

    SAMI: I...I just....EJ said something to me that took me...completely off-guard. I...hadn't even thought about anything that happened between us like that before. And...
    WILL: Well, like what?
    SAMI: Well, you remember I told you about when Dad and I were in that snowstorm at the cabin?

    Will's eyes bug out a bit, shocked by what came up, he immediately makes the connections and realizes what the fight was about.

    WILL: Woah! He didn't bring THAT up, did he?
    SAMI: Ugh. Yes. Yes, he did.
    WILL: Well, are you okay? I mean, that's pretty...intense.
    SAMI: I don't know, Will. I mean...I realized tonight that...I just...I haven't dealt with that night the way I...

    Gabi feels increasingly uncomfortable in the room, and heads for her room.

    GABI: Um...sorry to interrupt, but I think I need to change the baby.

    Sonny points to Gabi, implying he'll be following Gabi. Will nods, mouthing "thank you" to them as they slip out of the room to give Will some privacy with Sami.

    WILL: You were saying?
    SAMI: Will...I don't think...now that all these memories I've pushed back in my mind, now that they're coming out....I don't know if I can marry EJ.

    ---
  15. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 23
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson

    Abby looks confused at Nick, as they sit next to each other on the bench at the pier.

    ABBY: What? Nick, what do you mean by that?
    NICK: I just have a feeling, that's all. Abby, you've had so many crappy things go down this past year...it's not fair. You're due for some good news.
    ABBY: I would definitely agree with that. You know, Nick. I'm really glad to have someone to talk to. I mean...it's really hard keeping everything to myself sometimes, you know?
    NICK: I know exactly what you mean. It's nice to have someone you can turn to. Just remember that. I'm always here for you. You're my family.

    Nick takes Abby's hand and squeezes it gently. He gets up from the bench, ready to head off into the night. Abby looks up at him and smiles.

    ABBY: Thanks, Nick. Appreciate it.
    NICK: I'll see you later?
    ABBY: You bet. And thanks. I really appreciate everything you've done.
    NICK: Don't mention it.

    Nick lets go of Abby's hand and sets off into the night.As he leaves, Abby watches him take off, while behind her, the shadows reveal that EJ's been observing their conversation from behind Abby, out of her line of vision.

    ---

    At Chez Rouge, Theresa and Brady kiss at their table, only to be interrupted by Jennifer's disapproving voice.

    JENNIFER: Oh, you have GOT to be kidding me.

    Brady looks over at Jennifer in shock. Theresa responds by smiling smugly.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Theresa smiles her smug smile as she sits back in her seat, looking up at a disapproving Jennifer.

    THERESA: Jennifer! What a nice surprise to see you lurking about this evening.
    JENNIFER: Can it, Terry.
    THERESA: Ugh, can we just stick with 'Theresa', Jenny.
    JENNIFER: After you, Terry.

    Theresa grimaces at the masculinization of her name, while Jenn looks over to Brady in disbelief.

    JENNIFER: Really? I mean, you think this is a step UP from Kristen?

    Brady holds up his hand to stop her.

    BRADY: Okay, Jennifer, I really didn't want to hear Kristen's name tonight, okay? I just came here, with my date, and we came to have a nice, carefree evening. Now is okay with you?
    JENNIFER: Not really!
    BRADY: Really? Oh, and why not?
    JENNIFER: Because, Brady. This wo...this GIRL tried to destroy my son's life to get back at me because I didn't put up with her nonsense on the job. She's petty, she's spiteful, sh--
    THERESA: ...She flies around on a old broom in a pointy hat, etcetra, etcetra, etcetra. Seriously, Jenny, can you just save the tired character assassinations for ONE night and just leave me alone?

    Jennifer leans in closely and squares in intensely on Theresa.

    JENNIFER: No. I will not. And you wanna know why?

    Theresa gives a defiant look back at her.

    THERESA: Why's that?
    JENNIFER: Because Brady's my friend. And I'm looking out for him. And the last thing I'm going to allow you to do is hurt him any more than he already has--

    Brady pulls an escalating, and clearly agitated Jennifer away from Theresa.

    BRADY: Woh, woh, woh, woh! Jenn. With all due respect, I am the only person who needs to concern myself with that. And trust me. I will be fine, okay? So let me and Theresa just...enjoy our evening, and you enjoy yours.

    Brady gets up from his seat, and takes Theresa's hand, pulling her chair out so they may leave for the bar together.

    THERESA: Yes, please. I would think you need to do something to make you feel better after the day you've had. You know how word gets around at the hospital.

    Theresa winks at Jenn as Brady helps put Theresa's jacket on.

    THERESA: See ya, Jenny!

    Jennifer looks on in disbelief, shaking her head as Brady and Theresa head off for the evening.



    Sheryl looks over from her table and catches a glimpse of Jordan and Rafe in their corner table.

    SHERYL: Oh! Wow! It's Rafe and Jordan. You wouldn't mind if I just...popped over to say 'hi' for a sec, no?
    LUCAS: No! In fact, I should probably pop over myself. Rafe owes me a few bucks for that bet we made.

    Sheryl laughs as she gets up from the table.

    SHERYL: Well, I'll be just a second. Us girls have a couple things to talk about on our own, but I'll be fast. Okay?
    LUCAS: Sounds good. I'll be here.


    Sheryl heads over to Jordan and Rafe's table. Upon arriving, Jordan looks displeased to see her for a second, spotting a very suspect look in Sheryl's eye that she recognizes immediately. Something's up.

    JORDAN: Hey...Sheryl. I didn't realize you were here! How...nice to see you.
    SHERYL: You too, both of you!
    RAFE: Yeah, it's a nice surprise. You here with Lucas?
    SHERYL: I am. He says he wants to pop by to say hi in a moment.

    Rafe shuffles in his seat uncomfortably at that comment.

    RAFE: I think I know why. (to Jordan) Hide me. He's after my money.

    Jordan and Sheryl laugh.

    SHERYL: I'll make sure he goes easy on you. Anyway, Jordan. I was hoping you had a minute so we could talk for a sec. I had something to tell you.
    JORDAN: Oh! How...great! Okay. I'll be there in a sec--
    SHERYL: ...NOW.

    Sheryl emphasizes through gritted teeth. Jordan furrows her brow and looks up at Sheryl, trying to maintain a cool and calm exterior for Rafe.

    JORDAN: Heh. Alright. Rafe, if you'll excuse me.

    Jordan gets up from her seat, and Sheryl grabs her by the wrist and pulls her off to the ladies room. Once inside, Sheryl turns Jordan around abruptly to talk to her.

    JORDAN: OW! You know you're not good at this whole "subtle" business, eh?
    SHERYL: I'm trying. But it's really difficult when I can barely get you to communicate with me.
    JORDAN: Look, I'm sorry. I just...I've got a lot of things on my mind. How's...how's things with Lucas.
    SHERYL: Good for now. He seems to be fine. I think this afternoon was just him in a bad mood. But we can't take any chances. Especially with that press conference coming up tomorrow. We need to be there and hopfeully we'll figure out what exaclty EnerNext's next move is.
    JORDAN: Well, if it involves Titan, then we need to be really careful how we proceed. Especially you, since you're working for the company.
    SHERYL: Tell me about it. Look, I think once the press conference happens, we'll be able to figure out what information we need to stop this project dead in its tracks.
    JORDAN: Agreed. In the meantime, we just need to wait, and try to keep Kate Roberts from sticking her nose in any further.

    ---

    Will comforts Sami on the sofa of his apartment. Sami is visibly upset by the recollections of her past with EJ that have come back to haunt her psyche. Sami is held close by Will, who looks to Sonny for guidance, unsure how to deal with the gravity of his mother's breakdown.

    WILL: Could you pass me the water, Sonny?
    SONNY: Sure.

    Gabi looks on from the bedroom, very concerned about Sami's state. She has overheard the conversation, but doesn't understand the context of it. She holds her baby tightly, thinking of how great the bond between mother and child is. A momentary smile crosses her face, before she thinks again of Sami's suffering.

    Sami, meanwhile, sips on the glass of water, catching her breath finally after nearing a panic attack earlier. Will pulls her from his side and looks at her.

    WILL: Did you want me to make some tea or something?
    SAMI: (quietly) That'd be nice.

    Will slowly gets up from the couch as Sami is preoccupied with the drink of water. Sami stops momentarily and looks over to Will.

    SAMI: Oh, and Will?

    Will stops in his tracks and turns around.

    WILL: Yeah, Mom?
    SAMI: Thanks. I'm glad I can count on you.

    A slight smile crosses Will's face.

    WILL: Anytime, Mom.

    Will steps over to where Sonny is, grabbing his arm and pulling him into the corner.

    WILL: Do you know what I can do? I think...I'm pretty sure my mom's in meltdown right now.
    SONNY: Just...keep doing what you're doing. Keep her calm, help her relax.
    WILL: But, I mean. I can't leave her like this all night. I just wanted to give her the good news and have a nice evening and now...
    SONNY: Don't worry. My suggestion? Call your grandma Marlena right away. She's a shrink, she can help us figure out what we can't, and maybe be of some comfort to your mom right now.
    WILL: Possibly. I just...I don't want my mom to think that we think she's gone crazy--
    SONNY: Will! You have to help her. Why are you even hesitating about this?

    Will struggles to find an answer.

    ---

    EJ approaches Abby, slowly descending down the stairs at the pier.

    EJ: Abigail!

    Abigail is startled by EJ calling out to her. She turns around quickly to look at him. She's unimpressed by his presence.

    ABBY: What the Hell? EJ?
    EJ: Abigail, what happened?
    ABBY: What are you talking about? How long were you standing there?
    EJ: Long enough to know something happened after I left.
    ABBY: EJ, nothing happened. I discovered the hospital wasn't the place for me and I quit. I had a disagreement with a supervisor that couldn't be overcome. It's as simple as that.
    EJ: Why is it I don't believe that?
    ABBY: You can believe whatever you want to believe. That's the truth, now if you'll excuse me...

    Abigail grabs her purse and turns to walk away. EJ grabs her arm and turns her back towards him quickly.

    EJ: Not so fast.
    ABBY: Ow! EJ! You're hurting me.

    EJ lets go, but remains intensely focused on Abigail.

    EJ: Did somebody find out about you and I?

    Abby flashes back to Anne playing the recording of EJ detailing their affair.

    ABBY: No. No one found out. And I didn't tell Nick either.

    EJ relaxes slightly, but remains intensely focused.

    EJ: Good. And most importantly, don't tell anything to Nick Fallon.
    ABBY: Why shouldn't I?
    EJ: Abigail, he's an incredibly dangerous individual. He has an agenda to hurt a lot of people that you and I are deeply for. I don't want to give him any ammunition.
    ABBY: Oh right. So you think I'm going to tell him everything about you and I and that he's instantly going to make a beeline to Sami? Are you completely out of your mind, EJ?

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OPv6DrhIpg

  16. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 24
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson


    Jordan and Rafe walk through Town Square together, hand in hand. They joke and flirt with each other casually, both smiling widely.

    RAFE: ...And so then Gabi runs to Ma and just screams her full head of "Dario threw his waffles at me"
    JORDAN: (laughing) God, it might be so nice to have a big family that's that close. You have so many awesome memories together.
    RAFE: Yeah, I just...I wish we all lived closer together. And I really miss my sister, Ari.
    JORDAN: Arianna? That's who Baby Arianna Grace is named after, right?
    RAFE: Yeah, that's her.

    Rafe gets a bit choked up at the thought of his sister, before changing his tone and trying to change the subject.

    RAFE: Enough about my family though. You keep not telling me about your family, and I'm just dying to know about them!

    Jordan sighs, nervous about attempting to navigate out of this minefield.

    ---

    Sonny and Will stand in the kitchenette of their apartment. They're quietly discussing the matter of Sami's mental state, hoping she won't hear them from the other end of the room. Gabi tries to stay out of it and stays in her bedroom, keeping one eye out the door. She grabs her phone upon hearing the text tone. it's from Nick.

    hey whats up?

    Gabi is reluctant to respond, concerned that giving out the information might invade Sami's privacy. She thinks a moment before responding:

    just having a talk with the boys. nothing crazy

    Gabi feels awkward and wishes she felt comfortable being more open with Nick, but she resists.

    Meanwhile, in the living room, Sonny continues to try to convince Will that calling Marlena is the right call.

    SONNY: Will, I really think calling Marlena is a good idea. Besides, Sami might need her mom right now.
    WILL: I just...I don't know. They have such a...tricky history, especially when it comes to EJ. You don't know my grandmother's history, there's a lot she doesn't talk about.
    SONNY: Should I...look, I know, it's none of my business. But I think that it's the best call you can make right now. And I think Sami needs it.

    Sami breaks out of her near-trance state and turns around. She stands up after hearing Sonny say her name and walks over to him and Will.

    SAMI: What? What do I need?


    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    The elevator door opens to Theresa's floor. Brady and Theresa are in each other's arms as Theresa goes to step out. Both look a bit...wired. Brady doesn't want to let go.

    BRADY: Come on. Let's just...hang out a little longer.
    THERESA: (giggling) Nope! I can't, and you especially can't. You got a big day tomorrow, Boy!
    BRADY: Boy? Did you just call me "boy".
    THERESA: What, you're too matuuuure for that now?
    BRADY: I dunno about that. Come on, just five more minutes.

    Theresa pulls away from Brady.

    THERESA: No no! I gotta go, and so do you. Night!

    Theresa waves cutely to Brady as the door to the elevator shuts. Theresa turns around and jumps back slightly when at her door, leaning on the doorframe is Kim.

    THERESA: What are you doing?

    ---

    Sami stands with her hands on her hips, waiting for Sonny's answer, which he hesitates to give.

    SONNY: Uh...Sami! Look, I just think you should talk with--
    SAMI: With my mom? So she can tell me all about how wrong EJ is for me? How he's destroyed my life because his family is the worst thing to ever happen in Salem since the witch trials? So she can make me feel about an inch tall for every decision I've made in my life since birth?
    SONNY: Look, I'm sorry. But I think Marlena could be a lot more sympathetic than you think. I mean, she--
    SAMI: She's a shrink. Right? That's what you were gonna say? Sonny I--
    WILL: He's just trying to help, Mom. Just...he doesn't think you're crazy. You just...you went through something major and he just wants to help.

    Sami untenses and backs off from Sonny as Will talks her down.

    WILL: Look, I think, just...stay here on the couch tonight with us, and maybe go talk to Grandma tomorrow morning and we'll see...maybe she can help you find a way to maybe...process the memories you've unlocked.
    SAMI: Thanks, Will. (sigh) I don't...I don't know if I can open up to her about this but...I'll try.

    Will pulls her in for a hug, Sami struggles to accept it, feeling slightly tense with a claustrophobic air, but does reciprocate in the end.

    ---

    Jordan stutters and huffs at Rafe request. Rafe's a bit exasperated by Jordan's reluctance.

    RAFE: Well, come on! Talk to me! I mean...you're like...one big question mark to me still. You know?
    JORDAN: (sighing) I know, I just...I didn't have a happy time growing up and I just...it makes me want to hear about your family, and what it's like to come from a home like yours. You know...the ideal family.

    Jordan looks away, a little down, Rafe steps towards her and turns her around gently.

    RAFE: Hey, now. My family wasn't all perfection and bliss. I mean...my mom had us later in life. She was afraid to have kids at all until she was well into her 30s.
    JORDAN: Why?
    RAFE: Well...

    Rafe and Jordan sit down by Tom & Alice's tree. Rafe takes Jordan's hand affectionately in his.

    RAFE: She had this...sorta fear in her after her first child.
    JORDAN: So you have an older brother?
    RAFE: Had. (sigh) Ma lost her first child shortly after she gave birth. She was really young at the time and she was an unwed mother so...she had the child at a home for unwed mothers. Real old school Catholic home run by a group of really strict nuns. Anyway, when Ma gave birth, they took the baby from her and she was told not long after that the baby had died before they were able to adopt him.
    JORDAN: My God! How did she...how did she even--
    RAFE: I dunno. She never got to hold him. Nothing.

    Rafe looks down, solemnly thinking of his mom.

    RAFE: Thing is, it just...it hurt her so much that she spent years trying to move on. Her first love abandoned her, shamed her so badly my family had to move out of their village. And they came here to Salem. Took her years to find the confidence to even look at another guy. When she married my pa, she finally was able to have another chance to have a baby. And then came me, then Ari, then Dario, then Gabi...
    JORDAN: (laughs) Sounds like your mom's a real trooper.
    RAFE: Yeah, well...you know...I helped a lot too. It's hard for her now. She's sort of...hidden herself away since pa left her. She never gained that confidence back.

    Jordan squeezes Rafe's hand and rests her head on his shoulder.

    JORDAN: I'm sorry to hear that. I know you love your mom a lot.
    RAFE: Yeah. I would love to see her more often but...
    JORDAN: Why don't you? I'm sure she'd love to have you.
    RAFE: Ahh, we'll find time soon. You and I will go together. Maybe surprise her.
    JORDAN: Sounds great.

    Rafe and Jordan kiss sweetly, as they stare up at the night sky together.

    ---

    EJ tries to calm an incensed Abigail down.

    EJ: Abigail, I wouldn't think you'd turn to Sami in a million years, but you have to understand something.
    ABBY: What, EJ?
    EJ: Look, telling Nicholas Fallon about anything in this situation is tantamount to telling it to Samantha. You cannot confide in him.
    ABBY: Why not, EJ? What makes you think you know Nick so well that you can tell me what he's thinking or what he's planning?
    EJ: It's simply because I mistrust his motives. After what he did to Will and Sonny, I will not give him the slightest ammunition to use against the people I love. Do you understand that? I mean...for God's sake, Abigail. If he's willing to throw one cousin under the bus, he's just as capable of doing it to another.
    ABBY: Okay, EJ. I get it. I know you're trying to protect me, and I appreciate it. But I will decide how I handle this, okay? And no, i will not tell Nick. But that's for my own reasons. Not to protect you.
    EJ: (sighs) Just...be careful, alright?
    ABBY: I will. And thank you for your concern.

    Abigail turns to leave, EJ stops her yet again.

    EJ: Abigail. Before you go. I want you to know that you will find work again. I'm sorry you had this little...disagreement with someone at work. Just know that if you need someone to put in a good word for you...you can count on me.
    ABBY: Thanks, EJ. But that won't be neccessary. Good night.

    Abigail turns toward the stairway and strides off into the night.

    ---

    Kim smiles awkwardly at her daughter as they stand in the hallway together.

    KIM: I was just coming to say hello. Is that a proble--
    THERESA: Yes, it's a major problem, seeing as I told you not even five hours ago that I didn't want you coming for unannounced visits.
    KIM: Theresa, why are you so angry at me?
    THERESA: Mom, you know why. Okay? Don't even start with me about why I'm angry at you. You want me in jail, and so does dad, and I just...I can't deal with this right now, okay? Just...back off.

    Theresa tries to get away as quickly as possible, and scrapes around in her purse, trying to find her keys to get inside and away from Kim.

    KIM: Theresa, enough. And for God's sake, what were you doing with Brady? I mean...you know he's not in the best shape lately. You're not helping your case by going out with him--
    THERESA: Oh my God, Mother! Back. Off. I can handle myself. Okay? I'm happy with Brady.
    KIM: Oh God, you're not seeing him, are you?
    THERESA: You know what, that's none of your business.

    Theresa pulls her keys from her purse and turns around quickly to unlock her door. She drops something from her purse without noticing and steps inside.

    THERESA: Now, I'm going to bed, okay? Goodnight.

    Theresa slams the door shut in Kim's face, and locks herself inside her apartment. Breathing a sigh of relief.

    Outside, Kim picks up the baggie of cocaine that Theresa dropped from her bag. She holds it up, a look of deep concern painted across her face.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CgKghUIj6I

    ---
  17. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 25
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson

    Kate wakes up in her condo on a bright, sunny morning to a loud banging at her door. She stumbles over to the door, groggy, sleep-deprived, and upset at being awoken.

    KATE: I'm coming! Would you calm down? You morning people make me sick.

    She opens the door to her condo, ready to lay it on the person on the other side. However, behind the door is Billie...with all her luggage.

    BILLIE: Hi, Mom! I'm home!

    Kate is surprised to see her daughter so early, and at her condo. She gives a strange, stunned half-smile to her daughter.

    KATE: Billie! You're...home?

    ---

    Marlena is at Town Square, exiting one of the storefronts with a tray of coffees in hand, when Will and Sonny arrive. She sees them approach and waves. Her face lights up as she approaches them, opening his arms to give the boys a hug before setting the coffees down on one of the tables in the square to free up her other hand.

    MARLENA: Good morning, boys! I'm so glad to see you!

    Will leans over and hugs his grandmother warmly.

    WILL: So good to see you, Grandma.

    Sonny is next in line for a hug from Marlena. They proceed to sit down at the table Marlena set the coffees down on. Marlena smiles widely as she sees Will and Sonny holding hands.

    MARLENA: I took the liberty of getting us all coffee. I know how you like it, Will.
    WILL: Well, on the bright side, it isn't the coffee you make at home, and that's good enough for me.
    MARLENA: (laughing) Ohh! Hey now! I paid for these, you don't bite the hand that feeds you!
    WILL: Alright! Alright! I won't. But...I have a couple things to tell you. WE have a couple things to tell you.
    MARLENA: Okay. Shoot.

    Will and Sonny look to each other with excitement and love in their eyes.

    WILL: You tell her.
    SONNY: Okay.

    Sonny turns to Marlena, holding back his aching desire to shreik with delight.

    SONNY: Will and I are getting married.

    Marlena is at a loss for words, she can hardly contain her joy.

    MARLENA: You're serious? Oh my...Congratulations! Ohhhh my sweet boys. I'm so thrilled for you!

    Marlena jumps up to give the boys a hug and can't help but laugh at the joy of the news.

    MARLENA: Oh I'm so thrilled. You've told Sami, obviously?

    Will and Sonny's joy is suddenly muddled. They stop suddenly and their smiles become immediately awkward. Marlena sees the sudden change and clues in.

    MARLENA: You didn't tell her. What...something happened?
    WILL: Well...that's kinda the other thing we need to talk to you about.

    Marlena's face drops, filled suddenly with concern for her daughter.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Nicole is working in her office, and by working, truly she's simply daydreaming of the previous night where she and Eric laid under the stars at their evening picnic. Nicole is lost in the thoughts of Eric kissing her gently when someone knocks at her door, rudely awakening her from her blissful dream. Nicole's face sours as she calls out to them.

    NICOLE: Come in!

    Percy enters the room, smiling widely at Nicole, who smiles a phony, professional smile back.

    PRECY: Greetings!
    NICOLE: Uh...greetings! Have a seat.
    PERCY: Why thank you, my dear. You know, I had such a lovely walk to your office this morning. Such a lovely morning.
    NICOLE: Indeed it is. Now, I want to go over some of what I'll be asking at the press conference with you, and see if there's any questions you want to as--
    PERCY: Actually, I was going to mention, I've invited someone to join me today.
    NICOLE: Uh...who?
    PERCY: My associate. He has been instrumental in assisting me in my attempts to retain my property.
    NICOLE: Alright, well, if he can help, then send him in!

    Nick opens the door and leans in, smiling.

    NICK: There's...actually no need. I'm here!

    Nicole's face drops upon seeing Nick.

    NICOLE: Oh God. It's you.
    NICK: I...I'm just here to help a friend out.
    NICOLE: How? Are you gonna hold EnerNext hostage at gunpoint?
    NICK: Nicole, I've done my time. Okay?
    NICOLE: It's Miss Walker to you. And for the record, I don't know how I could possibly spin an ex-con trying to help Mr. Ruggles into a heartwarming David and Goliath story of triumph.
    PERCY: In fairness, Miss Walker, Mr. Fallon has been a great help to me, and it would mean so much if you'd indulge me and have him be here today to help us out.

    Nicole rolls her eyes, but relents after a moment's thought.

    NICOLE: Fine. But I can't guarantee Nick's gonna be a part of the final story that goes to air. We might not get the desired response from the audience with his name attached.

    Percy goes to object, but Nick stops him.

    NICK: It's okay. I understand. Let's just get down to business, okay?
    NICOLE: Alright.

    Nicole takes her file out from her bottom drawer of her desk, and plops it down on her desk to pour over with Nick and Percy.

    NICOLE: So here's the plan.

    ---

    Abby is at Club TBD, grabbing a cup of coffee, when she runs into an exhausted Sami.

    ABBY: Oh my God. Sami. Hey.
    SAMI: Hey, Abigail. Uhh...how are you?
    ABBY: I'm fine, you...don't look so hot. You okay?
    SAMI: Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Don't worry.
    ABBY: You sure? I...I mean.
    SAMI: It's okay. Long night at work. Look, uh...you know. The kids really miss you. I realized I haven't invited you over in such a long time, and Johnny was asking about you the other day. I'd love if you'd come visit. He remembers you coming to babysit before.
    ABBY: (laughs) Oh wow, I can't believe he remembers that. That was...so long ago.
    SAMI: Yeah, I'm...really amazed how much that boy remembers sometimes.
    ABBY: Well, I mean, I'd love to visit...God, I may even need some babysitting jobs soon.
    SAMI: What do you mean?
    ABBY: Oh, nothing, I...uh...I just...I'm out of work right now.
    SAMI: Seriously? What happened? I thought you were so happy at the hospital!
    ABBY: Yeah, I was, but...I ran into some...problems with some people at the hospital and...I decided it wasn't working for me.

    Sami is shocked by Abby's sudden departure from the hospital.

    SAMI: I can't believe you'd quit so quickly. I mean, you loved working there.
    ABBY: Yeah, well...some things are just...not meant to be, I guess.

    Abby looks away, a bit of sorrow in her eyes.

    ---

    Marlena sits with Will and Sonny as Will has explained the events of last night. She sighs heavily after Will finishes the story.

    WILL: So...mom stayed the night with us. I think she'll be going back to the mansion today though. What...what can I do? Can you...talk to her? I...
    MARLENA: Look, Will. I'm glad you came to me, but...I don't know if I can help. Not without Sami's permission, anyway.
    WILL: Why not? I mean, she obviously needs someone, why not you?
    MARLENA: She has to agree to help first, and I don't think she would agree to me being the one to help her, quite frankly. Now, I can be there for moral support, no problem. But...if Sami needs to speak to a therapist to get all these suppressed memories out, I think I know exactly who can help.

    ---

    Victor is in the living room of the Kiriakis mansion, looking over his papers for the day's press conference, when Maggie enters the room. She walks over to Victor and kisses him gently on the cheek.

    MAGGIE: Good morning, Victor.
    VICTOR: Maggie! Fine morning, isn't it?
    MAGGIE: Well, you could say that, though if those papers you're studying have anything to do with that energy company you're working with, you'd better take a deep breath, and remember what clean air smells like.

    Victor puts his papers down on the table in front of him, a bit exasperated.

    VICTOR: Oh Maggie, would you stop with that? This is a business opportunity, it'll bring good-paying jobs to the community, and you know better than anyone that it'll benefit all of us greatly.
    MAGGIE: At what cost, Victor? Look I want to support you. I know the financial strain you're under right now.
    VICTOR: You don't know the half of it.
    MAGGIE: Well, I have some small idea. But this project is not the way forward, Victor. There are so many other possible streams of revenue you could tap into. Why this?
    VICTOR: Because that's how bad things are, Maggie. When you're in big trouble, you need to take big risks.

    Brady enters the living room at that moment, startling Maggie.

    BRADY: Grandad's right.
    MAGGIE: Brady!
    BRADY: Good morning, Maggie. Do you mind if I join my Grandfather so we can go over our big risk?

    Maggie is slightly put off by Brady's curt tone, but proceeds to head out.

    MAGGIE: Sure. I'll leave you to it. Good to see you, Brady.

    Maggie leaves the room, closing the doors behind her. Brady turns to Victor immediately, enthusiastic about the day's events.

    BRADY: Now, I know today's a big day, so I really hope we can go over these EnerNext files before the press conference. I can't wait to get started on this project.
    VICTOR: Yes, neither can I. I just hope we'll be working on it together at all.
    BRADY: Why? What do you mean? Did that owl-watching guy still refuse to sell the land?
    VICTOR: Yes. But that's not what I'm talking about. It's you, Brady.
    BRADY: Me?
    VICTOR: Yes. You're in severe danger of losing your position at Titan.
    BRADY: This isn't another lecture, is it? Because if it--
    VICTOR: Not a lecture, Brady. A warning. Keep your nose clean, or you'll find yourself in line at the unemployment office.

    ---

    Theresa opens the door to her apartment, heading to work. When she opens the door, there stands Kim, holding the baggie of cocaine Theresa dropped from her bag the night before.

    THERESA: Mom!
    KIM: You and I need to talk. NOW!

    ---
  18. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 27
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson

    Jordan gets off the elevator at Titan HQ, looking around somewhat frantically for Sheryl, hoping not to be seen. The office is relatively empty given the hour, and the press conference means that many Titan execs are at the Town Square, prepping for the big show to come. Sheryl turns the corner at that moment and collects Jordan, hastily pulling her over to the doorway of an executive office.

    JORDAN: (whispering) How do you even have access to this?

    Sheryl holds up a keycard.

    SHERYL: It's amazing what sleeping with your boss can do, isn't it?
    JORDAN: You're...what?
    SHERYL: Oh, come on. You act like I've never done something like that before. Get real.
    JORDAN: So you stole it?

    Sheryl makes an irritated face at Jordan, and wordlessly turns around to open the door to the office. Jordan looks around her to make sure they're alone before stepping inside.

    ---

    Percy and Nick step into Horton Town Square, looking over where the press conference will take place. Nick takes Percy to one side.

    NICK: So...you know the plan?
    PERCY: Indeed I do!
    NICK: Alright. You stay here with Nicole. I'm off to work, but I'll be streaming the press conference on my phone. If I find anything pertinent on the Titan servers, I'll pass it on to you and you break it there. Got it?
    PERCY: Absolutely, Nicholas. I do have one small question.
    NICK: Okay, shoot.
    PERCY: What happens if Titan is not, in fact, connected to this EnerNext deal?
    NICK: Something tells me you don't have to worry about that.

    Nick winks before heading off to the Titan offices. Percy looks on with a look of concern.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Kate sighs heavily after having explained her fixation on Jordan to Billie, and what led her to the discovery that Jordan isn't who she says she is. She sits down on the sofa across from Billie, who is sitting, tight-lipped on the chaise in Kate's living room. Kate waits a moment before finally taking Billie's silence as a cue.

    KATE: Well?
    BILLIE: Well, Mom, what do you want me to say? Oh Mom, I'm so glad you've spent the entire year sticking your nose into your ex's new girlfriend? Because that's totally not the exact reason that I left Salem in the first place.
    KATE: Billie, all I'm trying to do is protect Rafe.
    BILLIE: Yes, but you are the one who set up this entire situation to begin with.
    KATE: And that's why I'm trying so hard to solve this problem. It's my fault Rafe's in this mess and I feel responsible for getting him out of it.
    BILLIE: Oh Mom, you're so noble. Would you like a medal?

    Kate's increasingly exasperated by Billie's tone. She takes a second before replying, looking to the ceiling and counting to three in her head.

    KATE: Okay, Billie...I get it. I inserted myself in a situation that was likely none of my business. But it was to protect Rafe. And judging by what I've uncovered, I'd say I made the right decision.
    BILLIE: Maybe you have...but it's happy side effect of doing something for all the wrong reasons. And one day, that's gonna come back to bite you. And you might be fighting that battle alone.

    ---

    Theresa paces her living room as Kim sits down, tears forming in her eyes. Theresa isn't crying, but her eyes are pained, recalling her past in LA.

    THERESA: You know...I did want to trust you. I did want to be that good daughter you hoped I'd be. I tried. You know, for the longest time, I was actually grateful to Phillip. He did so much good for you. All the time you were in therapy after we moved back to LA. Your reintergration. He was just....so good. I was little but...I knew what was going on. He helped hold you together on the days when you couldn't. I wanted that one day. I knew it.
    KIM: But Theresa...I mean...I know...I know I never asked you about it--
    THERESA: You know, that's the worst part. I've never thought you cared. You always would change the subject or ask me something inane to make it sound like you cared but you weren't really listening. I just gave up. So come on. What do you wanna know, Mom?

    Kim looks up at Theresa, as she clutches a pillow on the sofa. Kim shakes her head slowly.

    KIM: I...when did it start? What...what happened?

    Theresa stares straight ahead of her towards the window. She walks slowly over to it and looks out on the city. She laughs a small laugh, more one of recognizing the situational irony than of actual humour.

    THERESA: You know...that's the first time you've ever asked that. All the times over these past years...I wanted you to ask me that more than anything. Legitimately, that's the one question I hoped you'd ask. You never did.

    Kim looks to the ground before her, ashamed to even look up at her daughter. She reluctantly responds, reiterating her question.

    KIM: Well...tell me now. If you're able to...I mean...if you want to tell me. I'm listening. When did it all start?
    THERESA: I was 7. You had gone back to Salem when we thought Uncle Roman had died. It kept going until I was 16, and that's when I finally had to tell you. You were going away to Europe for a conference, and you were going with that friend of yours. Andrew was going away with his friends for a week to Seattle and I just...I couldn't let you leave us alone. Something just snapped in me.

    Theresa thinks back, flashing back to sitting down on the bed in her mom's room, explaining to Kim what happened with Phillip. And Kim's anger and disbelief in return.

    THERESA: And you didn't believe me. You didn't believe a word of it. Because I'd become such a bad kid that you just figured I was making up stories.

    Theresa finally turns around to face Kim. She looks Kim dead in the eyes.

    THERESA: And that's when I tracked her down.

    Kim's face clearly expresses that she's made some kind of connection with what Theresa's said and something Kim's previously aware of.

    ---

    Sami looks over at Abby, concern on her face, as they continue to talk at Club TBD.

    SAMI: Abby, did I...say something wrong? I'm sorry if something I said got to you, or...
    ABBY: No no no, it's okay. I just...You know...had goals and now...
    SAMI: Well...look, you were always a good writer...we are looking for a junior assistant in our PR department. If you wanted to apply for it--
    ABBY: Sami, I don't want a sympathy handout.
    SAMI: Abby! This isn't a handout. I know you're capable of some amazing stuff, just like your father. Look at this as a chance for you to really shine in a job you're good at.
    ABBY: It is...a really good job...but...
    SAMI: Then yes. I can draw up the paperwork as soon as possible, but first I need to go talk to EJ about it, once I do that, I'll have you sign on. And I'm not gonna take 'no' for an answer. Because you need a job and there's not likely gonna be a better job than this. If I do say so myself, we're a pretty damn good company to work for.

    Abby's at a loss for words what with Sami's generosity. She struggles to respond, and with Sami's motormouth, it's hard to get a word in edgewise anyway. So Abby stands, dons a polite white smile, and nods heartily at Sami's offer.

    ABBY: I...uh....thanks, Sami.
    SAMI: Don't mention it. You're an awesome person, and a hard worker, and I'd know. You don't need a reference if I've seen you work already. RIght?
    ABBY: Right.

    Sami leans over and gives Abby a hug, as though they've been friends for years. Abby is dumfounded.

    SAMI: Look, I've kind of had a frantic week so I gotta go. Uh...I'll see you soon, Abby.
    ABBY: Yeah, you too, Sami.

    Sami takes off hurriedly. Abby stands by the bar, dumfounded, before suddenly realizing how closely she'd be working with EJ.

    ABBY: Oh God, this is gonna get awkward really fast.

    ---

    Sheryl boots up one of Titan's computers and inserts a USB key into the drive.

    JORDAN: Okay, Sheryl, do you not think this is incredibly risky?
    SHERYL: Clearly dating this Rafe guy is making you soft, Jordan. Come on! What is it about Jordan Ridgeway that you can't turn her off and turn Kaylie Matthews back on.
    JORDAN: Because Kaylie Matthews didn't care what anyone thought. Jordan Ridgeway is with a really great guy who doesn't need to know that I'm in cahoots with a woman who wants to bring down a multi-national conglomerate by any means neccessary.
    NICK: Sounds like fun. Can I join you?

    Nick's voice startles Jordan and Sheryl, as Nick enters the room, a wide 'gotcha' smile across his face. Jordan and Sheryl appear petrified that they've been caught.

    ---
  19. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 28
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson

    SPECIAL GUEST STAR: Jerry VerDorn as Tyler Houston, CEO of EnerNext.

    A cross section of Salem appears in Town Square. Everyone from Nicole, who is busy doing a live broadcast previewing the proceedings, to Percy, to Will, Sonny, Gabi, and Baby Ari, as well as Marlena, Hope, Jennifer, Abe, Maxine, all out in protest of the EnerNext deal. Aiden, Adrienne and Justin, are also in the crowd. Kate and Billie hang back, away from the others, observing those around them.

    KATE: I don't see them anywhere.
    BILLIE: Well, it doesn't start for another few minutes, so maybe they're on their way.
    KATE: They better be. I can't wait to see them antagonize Victor and show everybody their true colours.



    Victor and Brady stand backstage, waiting for their grand entrance. Victor is tirelessly ensuring all the final details are in place, while Brady, desperate to try to prove useful, attempts to follow his every move, and take initiative, only to have Victor take over every time.

    BRADY: Grandad, I can do this you know. You don't have to do everything.

    Victor looks over at Brady, a look of resigned annoyance in his eyes.

    VICTOR: You know that mouthwash you're using doesn't cover up bourbon very well.
    BRADY: Dammit, Grandad. ONE SHOT! That's all I had. To calm my nerves.
    VICTOR: And to transfer them onto me. Good God, Brady, you can't even get through a press conference without a drink?
    BRADY: Hair of the dog, Grandad. Trust me, I felt much better afterwards.
    VICTOR: You keep telling yourself that. In the meantime, I've got to get Miles and make sure Nicole's not trying to film this live spot with the lens cap on.

    Victor saunters away. Brady tenses as if to punch something but stops himself.

    As Nicole continues her report, Victor checks with Miles, who is headed backstage, to ensure all is well. Miles and Victor are out of Nicole's line of sight.

    VICTOR: (softly) Has she screwed up yet?
    MILES: No, Mr. Kiriakis. She's right on point, the story will be a huge boon for Titan. So much so, I think I'm going to head down to the stage and get the cues set up. I think she's got this.
    VICTOR: (laughing) You say that now, meanwhile, this one can't even dress herself in the morning. Skin-tight lycra micromini that looks like Picasso threw up on it. Ha! Classy to the end.

    Miles heads back with Victor to behind the stage.

    ---

    Sheryl and Jordan are facing Nick, panicking at being caught hacking into a Titan exec's computer.

    NICK: Well, well. What do we have here? A little corporate espionage, perhaps?
    JORDAN: It's...it's not what it looks like.
    NICK: I'm sure.
    SHERYL: And what the hell are you doing here, anyway?
    NICK: Well, see, I had business to attend to. But you guys are just so much more interesting. So what do you say, if you're not gonna tell me exactly what you're up to, I make a quick call to Kate and--
    JORDAN: Okay okay! We'll tell you.

    Sheryl shoots Jordan a startled and angered look.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Theresa looks to Kim, who is sitting on her sofa. Kim looks guiltily at her daughter, while clutching a small pillow, tears in her eyes that she's trying to fight off.

    KIM: How did you figure it out?
    THERESA: Well, it's not hard to use EweSearch, Mom. Besides, I was trying, hoping for any tiny shred of dirt I could find on Phil. I needed to find a way to get him away from us. I was desperate. And that's when I found the film. It was...awful. It was...she was so...dead-eyed and...not the woman I'd met from the time she visited with Bo.

    Theresa flashes back to her teen self at the computer, unsure what to make of what she's seeing. She flips through a telephone book.

    THERESA: I wanted to confront Phil with it...but....for some reason, I just...I knew I had to call her instead. And so I did.

    ...

    In the flashback, we see Theresa phoning someone, panicked and scared. Billie picks up.

    BILLIE: Hello?

    ...

    THERESA: At first, she completely denied any part of it, and she seemed really angry at me. I think someone had tried to use it against her before. Anyway, I had to tell her everything that he'd done to me. The abuse, the touching, the lies. How he told me you'd never believe me...and I bought into that because you didn't. And she didn't ask another question, she just told me she was on her way. And that's what happened.

    Kim stays stone silent for a moment, drinking in what her daughter's just told her. She tries to hold back, but can't fight her tears any longer. She stands up and reaches for Theresa.

    KIM: Oh my God, Theresa. I'm...I'm a terrible mother. I'm so sorry, I should have believed you.

    Theresa tenses at her mother's touch. Kim senses this and pulls away from her. Theresa remains seemingly emotionally vacant.

    THERESA: You're right. You should have. Why did it take Billie telling you about how Phil exploited her for a quick buck before you realized I was telling the truth. You believed someone you'd met a handful of times over your own daughter. How could you?
    KIM: I don't know what to say. I guess I...I didn't want to believe that this same man who put me back together after your father and I separated...how he could be so...hurtful to you. I wish I could take it all back. I really do.
    THERESA: Well, then get on inventing that time machine then.
    KIM: Jeannie, I...
    THERESA: It's Theresa! Mother! (sighs) And I think it's time for you to go.
    KIM: Theresa, I'm sorr--
    THERESA: Go. Please, Mom.

    Theresa walks over to the door and opens it, ushering a reluctant Kim out. Before Kim leaves, she turns to Theresa once more.

    KIM: I will be sorry until the day I die for what he put you through, Honey.

    Theresa says nothing and looks down at the ground. Once Kim leaves, Theresa closes the door behind her, finally letting her pent-up emotions out, she starts to cry as she leans against the door of her apartment.

    ---

    Hope looks over from the crowd of protesters she's surrounded herself with and sees Aiden Jennings speaking with some EnerNext people. She walks over to him, displeased.

    HOPE: Are you seriously supporting this?

    Aiden looks up, and smiles at Hope.

    AIDEN: Ahhh! I KNEW my day was going much too well.
    HOPE: Comedian, I see.
    AIDEN: Well, maybe humour will help these guys get this project through.
    HOPE: I like my air breatheable, thanks.
    AIDEN: And your family and friends without jobs, as well, obviously.
    HOPE: Excuse me?
    AIDEN: Well, just think of all the jobs that this community will not be adding without this project. You know, you really have to start seeing things from other people's perspective, Hope.

    Aiden walks off, leaving Hope making a sour expression. Jennifer looks on with a concerned look.



    Adrienne and Justin look on, Adrienne fully in support of the EnerNext plan, and Justin, who has an inside track, less so. Adrienne is clearly kind of annoyed at Justin.

    ADRIENNE: You should be up there, you know.
    JUSTIN: You know, I just don't think you get why this is such a bad idea, Adrienne.
    ADRIENNE: I don't. I see work for people, which means construction projects for the company, and money for your practice.
    JUSTIN: Yeah, against my uncle. Because things aren't already strained between us because I didn't support this project. Come on.
    ADRIENNE: Well, if you don't make your bonus this year, you know exactly why.

    Justin rolls his eyes as the EnerNext spokesperson steps onstage. The lights focus on the stage, and there is a distinct sound of camera shutters and flashes around the square from the press.

    TYLER: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I am Tyler Houston, and I am CEO of EnerNext. As you are well aware, we have been working toward acquiring a large area of land to the northwest of Salem. And we are excited and honoured to meet with you today to discuss how this will affect your lives, and also to announce a fantastic deal we have just struck that will help to revitalize the area. Now before we get starte--

    Nicole is already set to go, hand in the air, interrupting the proceedings with probing questions. Tyler attempts to stop her but is unable to.

    NICOLE: About these land acquisitions. Your company has been accused of underhanded tactics in order to coerce residents to give up their homes to them using false appraisals, lowballing and tricking home and landowners into selling their land to you under false pretenses. Sir, are you or your associates aware of these actions and what steps have you taken to avoid these underhanded tactics from continuing as the project continues?
    TYLER: I..I...Miss, I will answer your questions after I am finished my presentation.

    Percy raises his arm and voice from the crowd.

    PERCY: The lady has raised an excellent point that needs an answer!

    The crowd stirs, many in agreement, shouting insistently at Tyler to respond to Nicole's question. Brady and Victor are dismayed, but don't immediately recognize the voice as Nicole.

    VICTOR: Here come the environmentalist wingnuts!


    Back on stage, Tyler attempts to calm the crowd by quietly answering her question.

    TYLER: Procedures in the land acquisition was done lawfully and with full disclosure and agreement of the former landowners. To my knowledge, no one was decieved and the documents were clear in their language.

    The crowd is displeased by Tyler's answer. Nicole is ready and loaded to fire again.

    NICOLE: How about the fact that the site just happens to be a few miles from a predominently poorer, ethnic neighbourhood of Salem, as opposed to the east end of Salem, where scientists have shown the tar sands are richer in crude oil, but is near an affluent neighbourhood?

    Tyler stirs, now clearly uncomfortable with the line of questioning. The crowd is quickly whipping up into a frenzy. Brady looks out into the crowd and is horrified by what he sees.

    TYLER: I'm sorry, uh...Miss...but we will have to continue with the questions after I make my announce--
    NICOLE: Or the simple fact that research from Alberta's tar sands project has shown how utterly devastating such projects are to the local environment and air quality?
    TYLER: I'm...um...

    The crowd is now out of control, many demanding Tyler speak up. Brady turns to Victor.

    BRADY: Someone has to stop her.
    VICTOR: Who?
    BRADY: Nicole, she's...she's the one asking all those questions, she's derailing the entire press conference.
    VICTOR: Get Miles over here now. I'm heading out there.

    Brady runs over to grab Miles, and Victor steps out onto the stage. Kate and Billie are looking around, desperately trying to see Jordan or Sheryl.

    TYLER: If you'll just allow me the opportunity to...

    Nicole's questions, like battle calls, continue until she sees Victor appear on the stage. She, along with the rest of the crowd, fall quickly silent.

    TYLER: *clears throat* May I announce our acquisition by Titan Industries. Meet our new co-CEO, Victor Kiriakis.

    Nicole's jaw drops at the news. Nicole suddenly realizes, Nick duped her.

    NICOLE: That miserable son of a bitch.

    ---
  20. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 29
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson

    Billie and Kate stand off to the side of the chaos, Billie realizing that Jordan and Sheryl probably are nowhere to be found.

    BILLIE: They're not here.
    KATE: How do you know they didn't plant Nicole to ask those questions and whoop everyone up into that frenzy?
    BILLIE: Think about it, Mom. If they knew it was gonna go down here, wouldn't it make more sense to use it as a distraction to do some damage somewhere else.
    KATE:...Like Titan.
    BILLIE: Exactly.
    KATE: Go.
    BILLIE: I'll keep you posted, Mom.

    Billie runs off to Titan HQ to find Jordan and Sheryl. Kate looks over to the crowd, concerned that the chaos will increase. Percy steps over to Kate while she looks on, though Kate pretends not to notice him, hoping he'll go away.

    PERCY: Greetings!

    Kate rolls her eyes, continuing to look out into the crowd.

    KATE: Good day. Enjoying the pandemonium?
    PERCY: My dear, if this will assist me in retaining my homestead, I shall do as neccessary.
    KATE: Is that an admission of guilt? Should I be pointing a finger at you and Mr. Fallon?
    PERCY: Take it as you wish. But I wouldn't speak so loudly as to be heard by those above your station. The consequences could be rather dire.

    Kate finally turns to face Percy. A sour, embittered look on her face, rife with suspicion.

    Nicole snaps out of her trance, with Victor still looking on from the stage right at her. She shakes her head and mouths to Victor "I had no idea". Victor remains unimpressed.

    Nicole turns abruptly and heads right over to Percy. A woman on a mission.

    NICOLE: Where is he?
    PERCY: Whom, m'dear?
    NICOLE: You know exactly who I'm talking about. Nick Fallon. Where is that snivelling weasel?

    ---

    Nick stands in the executive office at Titan, laughing at Sheryl and Jordan, who are seated at a desktop computer, where they shouldn't be. He waits for Jordan to tell him why they're there, though expecting she won't.

    JORDAN: You see...Sheryl had to find some files for Kate for an upcoming presentation, and her computer wasn't connecting to the cloud server so--
    NICK: Baloney.
    JORDAN: What do you mea--
    NICK: Baloney. I know exactly why you're here. And I am going to help you do it.

    Sheryl and Jordan look at each other before looking to Nick, with worry and confusion.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    JJ, Rory and Bev are at the Brady Pub, chatting over some food after school. Daniel walks in, catching JJ's attention immediately.

    JJ: Daniel!
    DANIEL: Hey, JJ. You and I need to talk.
    JJ: I know. I'm sorry, but I had no choice but to tell my mom about--
    DANIEL: Don't. I know why you did what you did. I wanted to apologize to you. I went about this all wrong. And now I think it's too late for your mom and I.
    JJ: I'm...I'm really sorry, man. Really, I thought this would fix everything, and it just made it worse.
    DANIEL: Look, as long as it stays between all of us, you're in no danger of going back to prison. Just keep your nose to the grindstone, do that community service, and everything will work out just fine, okay?
    JJ: Thanks. I appreciate it.
    DANIEL: Alright, I gotta get back to the hospital. I'll see you later?
    JJ: Yeah, man. See ya.

    JJ sits back down at his table, as Daniel runs from the pub. On his way out, he darts around the corner, and bumps right into Billie, who's also rushing to get to Titan HQ.

    DANIEL: Oo! OW! Sorry.
    BILLIE: Oh crap! Yikes. I'm...sorry. Hi Daniel!
    DANIEL: Billie! It's been awhile.

    Billie smiles a bit. Her tension and hurried pace take a momentary leave. Though she's on her guard since she can't quite remove the mistrust she has for Daniel after how he's slept his way through her family.

    BILLIE: Yeah. it has.
    DANIEL: Did you...just get back to town?
    BILLIE: Today, in fact. I'm gonna be here for awhile, working with mom at MadWorld.
    DANIEL: Excellent. I just popped in to talk to JJ for a sec...I'm heading back to the hospital, did you...you looked like you were in a hurry. Did you want me to take you anywhere.
    BILLIE: Oh...I wasn't going far, just to Titan.
    DANIEL: Well, that's fine. It's on my way to the hospital. Why don't I drop you off?
    BILLIE: I'd love that but I'm parked just the other side of the street so I will have to raincheck. But look, if you're free sometime, we should grab a coffee at the new club.
    DANIEL: TBD?
    BILLIE: Yeah!
    DANIEL: I am totally down for that.
    BILLIE: Fantastic. So...
    DANIEL: So...
    BILLIE: ...I guess I'll see you...sometime.
    DANIEL: Yeah! For sure.
    BILLIE: Okay...bye!

    Billie watches Daniel walk off for his car, Billie shakes her head.

    BILLIE: Oh snap out of it, Billie. You can do better than that.

    Billie shudders a bit, and continues on her way to her car.

    ---

    Nicole is nearly nose-to-nose with a slightly terrified Percy, when Brady steps over to her, grabbing her by the wrist and turning her to face him.

    BRADY: What in the HELL was that?
    NICOLE: I was set up, Brady. I had no idea you guys were involved in this EnerNext deal?
    BRADY: Really? You didn't think to do a little research on it before?
    NICOLE: No! I...I focused on the environmental impact and that...I was assured that Titan wasn't invovled. I even looked into it a bit and...I didn't see anything connecting you guys.
    BRADY: Oh, right. And I'm supposed to believe that. Are you seriously that lazy a journalist?
    NICOLE: No one told me Titan was invovled, Brady. How was I supposed to know you guys wanted a fluff piece talking about how great it was that the local air colour was going to be turning a unique shade of grey?
    BRADY: Right. Well, just for the record, we can't fire you for this. We have journalistic integrity to maintain. But you're definitely off this story, and we're going to suspend you for the next 3 weeks, with pay, until we can figure out what to do with you for causing this...madness.
    NICOLE: But...Brady...wha...I didn't mean to...

    Nicole's demeanour changes from a feeling of deflation to a burning rage, she turns to Percy, fire in her eyes.

    NICOLE: You're gonna come with me and you're going to get Nick to meet us at my office, NOW.

    Nicole grabs Percy by the arm and they storm away from the square. Brady looks on, anger and disappointment in his eyes. Kate looks on, a wry amusement across her face.

    KATE: Well, that was more entertaining than any press conference I've ever been to.
    BRADY: Save it, Kate.
    KATE: Now, now. Just remember. It looks bad now, but you have the media control. You can spin this into gold from here on out.
    BRADY: That's the thing, Kate. I don't know how much longer we'll have Titan TV to do that.
    KATE: What do you mean?
    BRADY: Conflict of interest laws. Plus, Titan's in financial turmoil. We may need to sell the TV station.
    KATE: Well, you certainly can count on my vote to keep the TV station in your hands.
    BRADY:Appreciate it. Look. I gotta get back to Grandad and Tyler. I'll see you at the office.
    KATE: Absolutely.

    Kate looks on, a plotting look in her eyes.

    KATE: I just know this is all connected. But how?

    ---

    Jordan gets up from the chair she's sitting in, confused by what Nick's referring to.

    JORDAN: Help us?
    NICK: I think we both have the same goals here. See, I have good hearing...and a really really good memory.
    SHERYL: Would you stop being cryptic and tell us, what the hell you're talking about?
    NICK: Oh now, where's the fun in that? You know, I like to keep tabs on international news. A lot of people around here don't bother, but I love seeing what's going on from a global perspective. I find it makes my work that much more compelling. Don't you think?
    JORDAN: Sure.
    NICK: And so...when I saw the two of you for the first time...I knew I recognized you both from somewhere. And then it hit me. I did. The newspaper. Take away your glasses, and cut your hair off and dye it pink and voila! Kaylie Matthews, Siobhan McKinnon.

    Jordan and Sheryl look at each other in a bit of terror, but Sheryl holds it in and tries to take dominance back from Nick.

    SHERYL: So what? Now you're gonna blackmail us to help you do God knows what?
    NICK: Oh come on! I hardly have to do anything to you guys. We're on the same side.
    JORDAN: I don't get it.
    NICK: The EnerNext plan. Titan is buying out EnerNext, and Victor and Brady are going to be running it. Ergo, you guys, like me, want to take Titan down. And I think three heads, are definitely better than one. Don't you agree?

    Sheryl and Jordan are still unsure, but look to each other, pondering Nick's idea.

    NICK: Ponder it, ladies. But just remember, I know who you are, and that could get you in a lot of trouble.

    Nick winks at Jordan and Sheryl and walks out of the office, a smug smile on his face. Jordan looks over to Sheryl, concern all over her face.

    JORDAN: Great. Now what do we do?

    ---
  21. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 30
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson

    SPECIAL GUEST STAR: Jerry VerDorn as Tyler Houston, CEO of EnerNext.

    Nick walks over to the elevator at Titan HQ, heading down to the Titan TV floors. He looks down at his phone, and sees a text message from Percy.

    Nicole Walker on the rampage. Headed your way. Look out!

    Nick thinks for a moment, before turning to the elevator door as it opens. He presses the button to the 8th floor. The doors close behind him.

    ---

    Brady, Tyler, and Victor stand in the now-deserted town square after the press conference. The three men, all in suits, are despairing the mess that their press conference turned into. Tyler bends down to pick up a page from the newspaper that had blown in in the hustle of the crowd's exit. The headline reads "CONTROVERSIAL ENERNEXT TAR SANDS ANNOUNCED TODAY"

    TYLER: I see we've got friends all over the press.

    Victor and Brady turn to read the headline.

    VICTOR: You know, I remember when all you had to tell people was that there were well-paying jobs being created, and everyone was satisfied.
    BRADY: Well, people would've been convinced if Nicole had kept her mouth shut.
    VICTOR: It's not entirely her fault.
    BRADY: How do you figure?
    VICTOR: Well, clearly the public education system failed her as well, how else do you explain such fundamental stupidity?
    TYLER: Look, I think what we have to consider is, quite simply, how to proceed.
    VICTOR: What's all this "we"? Didn't you quit?
    TYLER: I stepped down. But that doesn't mean I don't have a stake in this, nor does it mean I won't be involved.

    Victor and Brady are intrigued.

    ---

    Theresa steps off the elevator at the hospital, where Anne is planted at her usual coffee station. Anne is more than a bit annoyed at Theresa, who is making a beeline for Anne's side.

    ANNE: Look who shows up! You know, honestly, you're getting to be as bad as the remaining Horton?
    THERESA: Okay, I'm sorry. Rough night. Now what is this about being "down one Horton".
    ANNE: Shh shh. (nearly whispering) Abigail Deveraux.
    THERESA: What about her?
    ANNE: I, Anne Milbauer, detective extraordinaire got the goods on her. And she quit last night.
    THERESA: What??
    ANNE: Quick, okay, come to my office, I'll explain everything.


    Jennifer storms out from the elevator. Maxine, standing at the nurses' station, looks over to her, concern in her eyes.

    MAXINE: Okay, what's wrong with you, Honey? You look like you could stab through someone's heart with that look in your eyes.
    JENNIFER: Maxine, don't tempt me. Have you seen Anne this morning?
    MAXINE: Aha! All you needed to say. She just went with your best friend Theresa to her office.
    JENNIFER: Thanks.

    Jennifer storms over to Anne's office, where the door is closed. Jennifer opens it without knocking. Theresa and Anne look over in shock, but Anne suddenly smiles smugly when she sees who is at the door.

    ANNE: Good morning, Jenny! How are you this wonderful sunny day?
    JENNIFER: You are going to explain to me right now what you did to my daughter last night one way or another.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Jordan and Sheryl walk back to the elevators at Titan. Jordan is panicked, but Sheryl is attempting to keep a cool head.

    JORDAN: Well now we have no choice. We have to help Nick Fallon with...whatever plan he's got.
    SHERYL: Why are you so uneasy about him.
    JORDAN: Well...
    SHERYL: It's something to do with Rafe, isn't it? Rafe doesn't like him because...
    JORDAN: Because Nick was married to his sister and he did some pretty unspeakable things to his sister's baby's dad and they got an annulment and Rafe's...well he's protective of his sister. And I can't say I blame him, really.
    SHERYL: Okay, but realistically...Jordan...you know, Nick...I think he's on our side in this, legitimately. And the guy's a computer genius. He could really help us out with taking these guys down!
    JORDAN: I just...I don't know, Sheryl.
    SHERYL: Besides, it's not like we have much choice in the matter, do we?

    The elevator dings and opens, Jordan and Sheryl step in. Jordan sighs as the elevator door shuts.

    JORDAN: Not if we don't want to get caught.

    The door to the adjacent elevator opens at that moment, and Billie steps out, into the deserted office floor. She looks around for any signs of Sheryl or Jordan. Out of the corner of her eye, she sees a light in the office Jordan and Sheryl had just exited. As she looks in, the computer monitor shuts off, as the desktop they were running turns itself off. Billie is concerned, and looking around her, steps into the office, using her key card.

    ---

    A few floors down, Nick is at Titan TV's floor, heading for Nicole's office. Nick is mumbling to himself as he walks.

    NICK: Gotta get those files before Nicole gets here.

    He scans his key card to gain access. It fails.

    Nick thinks for a second, before pulling out his tablet to quickly access the Titan server (which he's hacked), changing his key card access. He tries again, this time unlocking Nicole's door. He steps inside and walks over to Nicole's desk, using only the natural light from outside to guide him. The somewhat ill-lit room is still light enough that Nick doesn't trip on anything on his way. He stops at her desk, recalling his previous encounter with Nicole while she was going over the story with Percy.

    :::

    FLASHBACK to DAYS OF OUR LIVES #26

    Nick and Percy are in Nicole's office, Nicole seems hostile towards Nick, and Nick is treading carefully in order not to step on Nicole's toes and ruin Percy's chances of getting his story told.

    NICK: Do you have any of this documentation in electronic form? I...I ask because I feel like...as a technologically inclined person, I just...I find paper copies to be very...
    NICOLE: Old hat?
    NICK: Insecure.
    NICOLE: Look here, felon--
    NICK: Fallon--
    NICOLE: Whatever! I like keeping hard copies in addition to keeping electronic copies on the cloud server. It's harder for people to deny inconvenient truths when they're on paper.
    NICK: Understood.

    :::

    Nick recalls Nicole pulling the file from her bottom right hand drawer prior to this exchange.

    :::

    NICK: Gotcha.

    Nick makes a beeline for the bottom right hand drawer. Opening it up, he discovers immediately a folder exactly like the one he recalls. He scoops it up hastily and puts it in his laptop bag. He exits the room and heads quickly back to the elevators, hoping to get back to the MadWorld lab before Percy and Nicole get there.

    ---

    Anne has her hands on her hips, enjoying every moment of goading Jennifer while she's enraged in Anne's office.

    ANNE: Now now, Jenny! Is that ANY way to talk to someone in a professional setting?

    Jennifer slams the door to Anne's office shut behind her.

    JENNIFER: Cut the crap right now, Anne. I know you did something to cause my daughter to quit last night. Let me guess, you railroaded her into it? You found some magical loophole in her contract that she hasn't followed so you think you can just...throw her out?
    ANNE: I did no such thing. I approached her with a concern, and we both came to the mutual decision that it would be in everyone's best interest if she stepped down from her position with us.
    JENNIFER: Oh, give me a break. I know my daughter and I know she would never quit a job like this, it means way too much to her.

    Theresa and Anne begin laughing as Jenn talks about "knowing her daughter".

    ANNE: Ohhh Jenny. You keep telling yourself that over and over until you're blue in the face. Because that would be the first time I've seen you work hard at anything, and I would enjoy that very much.
    JENNIFER: You know what? You and your little minion here can be as miserable and vindictive as you want, but I will find out what you did to my daughter, and when I do, I will end your careers here. BOTH of you. I will make your names so bad neither of you will be employable by anyone outside of a fast food window. So you best watch your backs.
    ANNE: Is that a threat? Because I'm trembling in my boots.
    JENNIFER: Good day to both of you.

    Jennifer walks out of Anne's office, visibly angered and confused. Inside, Theresa and Anne wait a moment to make sure Jenn's gone. Anne is still unsure, so she runs to the doorway and closes it quickly before running back to Theresa.

    ANNE: Okay, so here's the scoop.

    Anne leans against her desk casually.

    THERESA: Oh this better be good. The suspense is killing me.
    ANNE: Okay, so I went down to sweet little Abigail's office last night, and what should I see? Our dearest worker bee engaged in a heated little argument with one Elvis Junior DiMera.

    Theresa looks intrigued, but confused.

    THERESA: Wait, why?
    ANNE: Because someone has been having a very steamy little affair under all our noses.

    Theresa nearly jumps out of her chair in excitement.

    THERESA: Oh REALLY!
    ANNE: Oh YES, Honey. EJ DiMera's been screwing Abby on the side.

    Theresa nearly screams out in joy at Abby and Jennifer's expense. She leans in towards Anne with anticipation.

    THERESA: Please PLEASE tell me you got proof of it all.
    ANNE: Theresa, honey, who do you think I am? Of course I did. It's all recorded.

    Anne holds up her phone. Theresa smiles widely, and claps quietly for Anne's quick thinking.

    THERESA: So wait, you confronted her with it and blackmailed her into quitting? That's it?
    ANNE: (laughing) Seriously? Of course that's not ALL. Abby isn't gonna go telling anybody what actually happened, or else this recording goes straight to Mommy, and to Sami Brady.
    Now, naturally, a true professional bitch does not show her entire hand at once. So I'm gonna hold onto this baby. I know it's gonna come in handy later.

    Theresa smiles even brighter. Shaking her head in amazement at Anne's awesome skills in bitchcraft.

    ---

    Nick steps into his lab, and sets his laptop bag on the desk. He unzips the bag and pulls the file folder out. He slowly opens it to ensure the files pertaining to Percy's case are inside. Instead, he finds files with regards to Kristen DiMera's meetings with Dr. Chyka.

    He looks through the files, confused, flipping through them all quickly, he realizes that the files detail a drug cocktail that explains Eric's well-publicized actions at the hotel in the Capitol.

    NICK: Powerful aphrodisiac...woah, these masking agents are...amazing.

    Nick looks through the papers, fascinated by what he's reading. He quickly realizes that these files would exonerate Eric in the eyes of the church, allowing the shamed ex-priest to wear the collar again.

    NICK: And if he had the choice of going back...ohhh DAMN, Nicole. (laughs). Ohhh you bitch!

    Nicole and Percy step into the office behind Nick, who is facing away from the door.

    NICOLE: Quit the funny business. We need to talk, you little worm.

    Nick looks up from the folder, shutting it slowly. A smug smile flashes across Nick's face. He replies calmly without once turning around to face Nicole.

    NICK: Sure, Nicole. Let's talk.

    ---
  22. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 31
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson

    Jennifer slams her folders on her desk, seething after her confrontation with Anne. Liam is not far behind her, knocking gently on her door with a concerned look on his face.

    LIAM: You alright, Jenn?

    Jennifer looks up at Liam as she sits down at her desk. An exhausted, upset look on her face.

    JENNIFER: No. I'm not.
    LIAM: Well, do you need a...someone to talk to I could just...stay with you a minute, if you liked?

    Jennifer smiles slightly, but can only manage a bit of a smile.

    JENNIFER: I'd love that, but I think I need a few minutes to myself, or I'm going to explode, and I'd rather you not be here for that.
    LIAM: (laughs) Fair enough. Look, if you want to, we can always stop into the Brady Pub for a bit and you can sorta...vent your frustrations. I know that tends to do me a lot of good sometimes.
    JENNIFER: Thanks, Liam. I appreciate it. Maybe I'll see you at the Pub for...7?
    LIAM: Absolutely.

    Jenn opens her office door for Liam and there is JJ in the doorway, surprised, and unpleasantly surprised to see Liam.

    JJ: Mom! What's going on?

    ---

    Billie steps into the office where the computer had just turned off. Turning on the light in the room, she begins to inspect the computer. Not finding anything, she pulls out the tower, and inspects the back, stopping when she reaches the USB drive. A small drive that barely looks like more than the size of a thumbtack has been inserted into the drive. Finding this odd, she pulls the key out and looks it over closely.

    Billie gets up, putting the USB drive in her pocket. She hastily exits, turning off the light in the room before leaving.

    ---

    Sami is in her office at Countess Wilhelmina, on the phone with a client, when a knock on the door breaks her focus.

    SAMI: (into phone) ...And so these figures need to be addressed, ASAP, because we cannot go into fall with an overrun like that...and...

    The knocking continues, and Sami struggles to ingore it.

    SAMI: (into phone) ...I don't want MadWorld thinking, even for a second, that they've got the edge. You understand? ...I....I gotta call you back. That alright? Okay.

    Sami hangs up the phone and marches, angrily, to the door. Opening it brusquely, she finds Kate on the other side. Sami is unimpressed.

    SAMI: Kate!
    KATE: Well that took you long enough.
    SAMI: I was in a call, Kate. You know, doing work, that thing I do when I'm at the office.
    KATE: How quaint.

    Kate steps into Sami's office without asking permission. She saunters slowly.

    KATE: Mind if I come in and ask you something?
    SAMI: Why do I have a feeling you won't take 'no' for an answer.
    KATE: Because you're smarter than you look?

    Sami glowers at Kate, while Kate turns to face Sami, looking her up and down.

    KATE: On second thought--
    SAMI: ...What do you want, Kate?
    KATE: I just want you to hire Gabi to model for you.

    Sami looks to Kate, confused.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Sami looks to Kate, utterly baffled by her idea.

    SAMI: Why would I hire Gabi to model for me? And why are YOU suggesting it?
    KATE: Well, if we want to elminate Nick Fallon, we need to remove any power he has over Gabi.
    SAMI: I really don't think he has much power over Gabi.

    Kate rolls her eyes at Sami.

    KATE: You know, for a woman who's been on death row, you're probably the most naive person I've ever met.
    SAMI: I just don't see it, Kate. Where is all this power he has over her. He's barely associated with her since he got back from downstream.
    KATE: Oh come off it, Sami. Nick has been obsessed with getting back with Gabi for months now. Look at what he did to her the night we tried to kill him--
    SAMI: SHH!

    Kate jumps back at Sami's paranoid jumpiness.

    KATE: Stop that! There's no one here.
    SAMI: Sorry, I'm just...trying to be careful.
    KATE: Well stop it, and start listening. He was after Gabi before, he's after her now. So we need to nip it in the bud before he tries something else. We all know that guys like Nick Fallon don't give up out of nowhere. He's up to something. We need to keep Gabi from being in any way reliant on Nick, and if he does insert himself in Gabi's life again, that we are both in close enough proximity to him to suss him out before he gets too far. Having Gabi working for you works almost like a mouse trap. Lure him in, and nab that bastard.
    EJ: Kate's right. We need to do this.

    EJ startles Sami with his appearance in her office. Kate seems smugly satisfied by EJ's agreement, but Sami is incredibly uneasy with him.

    ---

    Nicole and Percy stand in the MadWorld lab, looking over to Nick, who is obscuring Nicole's file folder while looking out the window.

    NICOLE: Usually when people talk they face each other, Nick.

    Nick turns around, still hiding the file folder behind him.

    NICK: Alright, Nicole. What's the trouble?
    NICOLE: Oh you know damn well, you sniveling little rat. You set me up!
    NICK: Oh I did now! How exactly did I do that?
    NICOLE: Don't play innocent, Nick. You knew all along that Titan was behind the EnerNext deal. You wanted to make sure that the Titan press coverage was against the news to make them look bad. And you tricked me into playing along.
    NICK: Right, Nicole. Because obviously it's not at all up to the person doing the story to maybe...you know....do their research? It took me a whole ten seconds to make the connection between EnerNext and Titan. So what's your excuse?
    NICOLE: EnerNext had worked with Titan before, but it was nothing to do with this project. The only publicized reports on their partnership was from at least two years ago, which means the only reason you knew about this connection was because you had an inside track.

    Nick approaches Nicole slowly, almost menacingly. Percy stands to one side, cautiously observing the situation.

    NICK: And what if I did? I'm trying to help Percy here to keep his home. I'm trying to stop these corporate nutcases from turning the entire town into a toxic waste dump so they can line their pockets a bit more. I'm trying to do the right thing. I know that's really hard for you to conceive of, knowing your history, but I'd think you'd understand someone wanting to change for the better, no? Trying to stand up for what's right?
    NICOLE: I do. But you don't get that by deceiving the people that are here to help you out. And that's exactly why I'm not helping you anymore.

    Nick isn't at all shocked by Nicole's revelation. Percy is stunned, but Nick clearly has anticipated Nicole's reaction.

    NICK: What did you say?
    NICOLE: I am dropping this story.
    PERCY: But you can't do that!
    NICOLE: Just watch me.
    NICK: Percy. Don't panic. I knew she was gonna pull something like this.
    NICOLE: Ah yes. Mr. Omnipotent. You've got my number. Can't hide anything from you, can I--
    NICK: ...You aren't going to drop this story, Nicole. Okay? You're going to keep working on this with us.
    NICOLE: Says who?
    NICK: I do.

    Nicole laughs sarcastically at Nick's assertion. Nick slowly walks over to the window, where the file folder was. As Nicole carries on, he grabs the folder.

    NICOLE: Well, now I know you've lost your grip on reality. Seriously, Nick. You have no legs to stand on here. I am suspended from my job, thanks to you. I may be fired. Which means I would have no place to broadcast this story to. I look like a loose cannon as it is, again, thanks to you. And frankly, since you're doing so much good for my reputation right now, I don't think I'd want to work with you, anyway. So, I don't know, Nick. You tell me, why should I keep working on this story?

    Nick turns around quickly, the file folder opened.

    NICK: Because I don't think that Eric would be too keen on finding out how much you know about...Dr. Chyka, is it?

    Nicole is stunned into silence by what Nick's just revealed.

    ---
  23. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 32
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson


    Billie walks alone through the Town Square, a look of concern across her face as she makes a call on her phone.

    BILLIE: (into phone) Yeah, I got something for you. I'll need to run a test on it when I get back. Meet you at the station at 7?...Great.

    Billie hangs up, pulling the tiny USB drive she found in the computer at Titan in her hand. She ponders what it could be and how it got there. She's knocked out of this place of concentration by a familiar voice.

    THERESA: Billie!

    Billie turns around to see Theresa's smiling face looking back at her.

    BILLIE: Theresa! Oh my GOD, honey! How are you!

    Billie and Theresa hug each other warmly, Theresa clearly excited to see her friend.

    THERESA: I'm okay. Had a bit of a rough week but I'm holding up well.
    BILLIE: I'm glad.
    THERESA: I didn't realize you were in town! How long are you gonna be here?
    BILLIE: Well, I'm...I'm actually gonna stick around for awhile. I think it's time I called Salem home for awhile. You know?
    THERESA: Well, it's no LA, but knowing you're here makes tolerating this one-horse town a whole lot easier to swallow.
    BILLIE: Oh, it's not that bad.

    Theresa rolls her eyes at the mere thought of Salem as her home.

    THERESA: That's what you think. Hey, are you free tonight? I was thinking of getting together for a drink at the Club TBD.
    BILLIE: Oh I could probably do that. I have a couple things to take care of first but I'd love to catch up.
    THERESA: Great. I'll text you later and we can meet up.
    BILLIE: Sounds good, honey. See you later.

    Theresa and Billie go their separate ways, and Billie goes to make another phone call, but before she can pull her cell phone up to her ear, she's interrupted by another voice.

    DANIEL: What were you doing talking with her?

    Billie turns around, a confused look across her face as she looks to Daniel.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    JJ looks to Jennifer, who is standing in her office with a departing Liam. JJ has a disappointed look in his eyes, which Jennifer immediately recognizes.

    JENNIFER: Liam and I were discussing meeting for dinner tonight.
    JJ: Mom, don't you think that's a bit soon af--
    JENNIFER: No. No, I don't. JJ, Daniel and I have been apart for a very long time now, and...

    Jennifer suddenly stops herself, knowing Liam's there beside her, and wishing to spare him the discomfort.

    JENNIFER: Liam, you don't mind if I talk to my son alone, do you?
    LIAM: Not at all. I'll see you tonight.
    JENNIFER: Absolutely.

    Jennifer and Liam kiss quickly before Liam steps away. JJ looks off, unimpressed by Jenn and Liam's display of affection. Once Liam departs, JJ, shaking his head, turns around, pointing out towards where Liam just was.

    JJ: Really, Mom?
    JENNIFER: JJ, you really need to stop worrying about who I'm dating and focus on school and your community service, because I swear to you, you don't want to push me right now.
    JJ: Why not? Look, I feel responsible for what happened with Daniel--
    JENNIFER: ...And you should. Look, I am grateful to Daniel for helping you out and keeping you out of prison, but you've got to understand, JJ, this is my life to live. And I want to live it seeing a man who respects my decisions and my right to raise my family the way I see fit. Daniel--
    JJ: Daniel didn't, I get it. Okay? But Daniel did all this to help me, and not because he liked me, not that he should've, but because he loved you that much. So much that he was willing to risk every kind of punishment, to have my back. And I know I certainly don't deserve that. But you do.

    Jennifer smiles at JJ, putting a hand on his shoulder.

    JENNIFER: I know you're grateful to him. And I understand why you'd feel that way, JJ, I do. But you need to understand how important honesty is to me. And if the man I'm with can't trust me with something as important as the safety of my children...then he's not someone that I should be with.

    JJ nods reluctantly. He looks to his mom, a bit defeated.

    JJ: I get it. I do, I just...you know...Liam...he...
    JENNIFER: Now don't you go saying anything against Liam. You hardly even know him at all.
    JJ: Yeah, Mom, but...I dunno. He just...he kinda weirds me out a bit, you know?

    Jenn laughs a bit at JJ's comment as she steps behind her desk, in a bit of an attempt to distract herself, and ease a bit of the tension in the room.

    JENNIFER: Why do you say that?
    JJ: I really...I wish I could tell you what it is but...when I was talking to him at the party the other night...something about him just makes me really uncomfortable.

    Jennifer furrows her brow a bit, unsure what JJ means, but still a bit concerned by JJ's reaction to Liam.

    ---

    Now away from Jenn's office, Liam gets a phone call. He answers in somewhat hushed tones.

    LIAM: (into phone) Yeah. No, it's going well. I can't be on the phone with you here, okay? I'll see you when I get home.

    Liam looks around, trying to not look suspicious in doing so, but naturally, not being successful at it. He heads for the elevator.

    ---

    Nicole lunges for the file in Nick's hands, but Nick pulls away just in time. Nicole is enraged and afraid of the sudden shift in the power dynamic between them, and stands with a distinct discomfort that wasn't there a moment ago.

    NICOLE: How the HELL did you get your hands on that?
    NICK: God, Nicole. For someone as smart as you, you'd think you'd at least be smart enough to take something like this to the paper shredder at LEAST.
    NICOLE: Don't be evasive, you weasel. How did you get ahold of those files.
    NICK: It's easy when you work in the building and know computers. Oh speaking of which, I took the liberty of wiping your backup copies of these from the server so you can't send them to Eric before I do and make yourself look like some kind of heroine or anything.
    NICOLE: Bastard.
    NICK: Language, Nicole. I actually just wanted to get all your research from you so you couldn't junk it. You reporters have sources far better than anything I could get my hands on, but...THIS. This was such an amazing find. Totally not what I was looking for but somehow SO much better!
    NICOLE: You're sick! I mean, really. You set me up and now you're going to pit my career against my relationship with Eric? Are you out of your mind?
    NICK: Lot of people think so. But for the first time in a long time, I feel like I'm seeing things clearer than I have in a long time. Percy, do you mind taking these files with you and putting them somewhere safe?
    PERCY: Certainly, Nicholas.

    Percy approaches Nick and takes the files from him, shielding himself from Nicole. Nicole folds her arms, not even making an effort to grab them now. Percy heads out of the room, leaving Nicole and Nick alone.

    NICOLE: You'll never get away with this, you know.
    NICK: Wanna throw a few more cliches in there, Nicole?
    NICOLE: Sure. How about, 'Go to Hell', 'You don't scare me', and 'I will make you pay for this'?
    NICK: Good choices. Not gonna help you at ALL but...nice effort. So, what's it gonna be? Are you going to keep working to help Percy and I shut EnerNext down? Or will I have to take YOU down?
    NICOLE: How am I even gonna do that? I'm suspended. Even if I'm able to keep working here afterwards, they're going to block me from carrying on with this story.
    NICK: Don't worry about that part. I'll handle it. You just stick to building a case against Titan and EnerNext, and keep building community resistance against it. I'll handle everything else.

    Nicole shakes her head at this entire scenario with disbelief.

    NICOLE: And I'm supposed to what? Trust you?? Really?
    NICK: If you do the right thing? Absolutely. Nicole, you can help a lot of people with this. All kinds of people who don't have a voice right now. And you can do this and have everything you want in your life. Eric, the respect of the journalistic community, a fantastic career. I will make sure you can have those things. But you have to do exactly what I ask of you. Or else...

    Nick points towards the door Percy walked out of.

    NICK: ...your future ends here. It's up to you.

    Nicole rolls her eyes at Nick, but is in serious, strenuous contemplation.

    ---

    EJ steps casually into Sami's office, after interrupting her conversation with Kate about Gabi. Sami is startled by EJ's arrival, and is uneasy with him approaching her, which is not lost on Kate or EJ.

    EJ: I'm sorry if I startled you.
    SAMI: Wha...what do you mean? I just...I was caught off guard, that's all.
    EJ: Well, I apologize for that.

    A momentary uneasy silence fills the air before EJ breaks it. The tension makes the moment of silence feel ten times longer than it is in reality.

    EJ: As for Gabi's modelling contract, I am slightly dubious of the source from which the idea stems, however, I am willing to concede that, in the grand scheme of things, this will stack the deck in our favour when it comes to dealing with Mr. Fallon.
    KATE: Thank you, EJ...I think. Sami, this is the only way we can both keep tabs on Nick.
    SAMI: Look, I'm not saying it's a bad idea, I just...I don't like the idea of Gabi having so much freedom when she's been so...naive about Nick. I mean...this could backfire and, heaven forbid, Ari could end up living with Nick and Gabi somewhere and Will would end up powerless to stop it.
    KATE: That won't happen. Look, don't immediately go to the worst case scenario like this. Gabi wants Will and Sonny to be a part of Ari's life. It's important to her. And as dim as she can be som--
    SAMI: (interrupting) Most--
    KATE: ...most of the time, she really does want what's best for that baby. Give her some credit there, at least.
    SAMI: You're right. (sigh). You're right, I just....ugh, I have so much on my mind right now and--
    EJ: That's my fault.
    SAMI: No, it's...not. I mean it is but...look, EJ, I need to talk to you.

    Kate, sensing she's inserted herself into a bit of a touchy situation, gets up from her seat and heads for the doorway.

    KATE: That would be my cue to leave, I have a feeling.
    SAMI: Hasn't stopped you before.
    KATE: Charming as ever, Sami. EJ.

    Kate saunters out, leaving EJ and Sami alone. EJ stands by Sami's desk, arms folded, while Sami sits, uncomfortably, behind hers. She takes a moment to breathe, not looking up.

    EJ: Are you alright?
    SAMI: No. I'm not. I've been a complete....basketcase all week.
    EJ: I'm sorry for that.
    SAMI: Like I said...it's...not completely your fault. I just...I need to tell you something.
    EJ: ...Okay.
    SAMI: I think...I think I need to move out of the mansion for awhile.

    The colour drains from EJ's face. Truly at a loss for words, he stands, dumfounded.

    ---
  24. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 36
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson

    Theresa looks, slightly annoyed at Billie, as they sit at their table together at Club TBD.

    THERESA: Look, Brady is a good guy.
    BILLIE: I know that. Theresa, I just think that maybe you spending all this time with Brady isn't such a...

    Billie stops speaking mid-sentence, noticing Brady step in behind her.

    BRADY: Isn't what, Billie? A good idea?

    Billie looks at Brady, a deer in the headlights look on her face.

    ---

    Nick sits down in his chair at the lab, a smug look on his face. He leans back in his chair, like a man in control of every aspect of his life.

    NICK: Ohhh yes. Everything is just perfect. Nicole is in my pocket, I'm working my way back to Gabi, and soon Titan TV will be out of Victor Kiriakis' hands. The only thing left to worry about is--
    SHERYL: Alright Nick. Where is it?

    Sheryl and Jordan storm into the lab. Nick turns around, unfazed by Sheryl and Jordan's sudden entrance. He looks over to them with a smile.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Eric gives Nicole a massage on the sofa. Nicole sits bolt upright and doesn't seem to be any less tense as Eric works the knots out of her back.

    NICOLE: And then Miles comes into the office with this big box, assuming I'd been fired, and I had to chase him out. I swear, if they don't fire that buffoon, I'll throw him out on the street myself with my bare hands. I am so...urrrrh...I could just...
    ERIC: Nicole, you're not gonna be relaxed at all if you keep freaking out about this.
    NICOLE: This is a big deal, okay? I need to...vent my frustrations. It's theraputic.
    ERIC: Honestly, though, your back gets more tense with every word that comes out of your mouth. Honestly, I think the next few weeks off will be good for you.
    NICOLE: Yeah, well, too bad I'll be spending it working.
    ERIC: Seriously?
    NICOLE: I have stuff to do. I'm gonna be researching this EnerNext stuff.
    ERIC: Woah, woah, woah, you're still...I thought you were off that story. Why are you still working on it?

    Nicole hesitates to answer. She still looks away from Eric, thinking of an answer to the question that doesn't involve Nick.

    ---

    Hope descends the staircase at the Brady Pub, where Aiden stands with furrowed brow at the bar, a coffe cup in hand. He looks at her cooly as she approaches.

    HOPE: Caroline's upstairs with the kids for a moment so we can talk.
    AIDEN: Well, she shouldn't have to bother, this won't take long.
    HOPE: Oh would you just cut this holier-than-thou attitude and talk with me like a normal human being?
    AIDEN: All I want is for your little girl to leave my son alone.
    HOPE: You just don't get it, do you? She's hurting, she misses her dad, and I can't spend the time with her that she needs right now either.
    AIDEN: You act like you're the only person who's ever lost somebody. My son mourns his mother every day. I do as well. It's been only about 6 months since she died, and Ciara's attitude, and the new city, it's all just...it's too much for Chase.

    Hope folds her arms, trying to keep a strong front against Aiden.

    HOPE: At least you and your son can take comfort in knowing that if your wife were able to be there for him, she would be.

    Aiden looks to the ground, half in realization of Hope's pain, half feeling wounded by Hope's directness. Hope realizes immediately that she's pushed a bit too far.

    HOPE: Look, I don't mean to be heartless, or to make your pain feel unjustified. I really am sympathetic, but we can't always be doing this. We have to work together to help our kids. They need us right now more than ever, and what are we teaching them by being at each other's throats all the time?
    AIDEN: (sighs) You're right. I mean, I know I can be bullheaded. But I am still in mourning and...quite frankly, if I'm being honest, you push my buttons the same way my wife could sometimes. It really...I react strongly sometimes, and I get sentimental. And I think back to wife and...I'm sorry.
    HOPE: Hey, it's okay. Look, I don't mean to pry but...if you ever want to talk to someone--
    AIDEN: I'll be fine. Look, we should probably go grab the kids.
    HOPE: Sure.

    Aiden walks ahead toward the staircase. Hope puts a hand on his shoulder, stopping him dead in his tracks.

    HOPE: Hey.

    Aiden turns to look at Hope, a lost, sad look in his eyes.

    HOPE: I'm truly sorry about your wife. I can tell she was a great mom to Chase.

    Aiden gives half a smile before turning to head up the stairs. Hope follows slightly behind.

    ---

    Billie smiles awkwardly at Brady. She grabs her purse to grab money to pay for her lunch with Theresa.

    BILLIE: I'm sorry. I was a bit out of line.
    BRADY: Just a bit.
    BILLIE: Brady, I am sorry. I just wanted to...give Theresa some advice.
    BRADY: Well, I'm sure she appreciates it. However, I am here to take Theresa away for a bit.

    Theresa looks up at Brady, suddenly remembering their plans for the evening.

    THERESA: Oh right! The club opening! That's tonight.
    BRADY: Indeed it is!
    BILLIE: Well, in that case, I will let you both get to it. Have a great time tonight, both of you.
    THERESA: Thanks, Billie. And thanks for meeting with me for lunch.

    Theresa gets up and gives Billie a hug. Billie's face shows a look of concern that she tries to hide out of politeness.

    THERESA: I'm...really glad you're in town. You don't know how much I need a friend like you here.
    BILLIE: I'm glad to be here to help. Now, go on, you two. Be safe.

    Billie walks out of the club, and Brady turns to Theresa with a look of slight bemusement on his face.

    BRADY: I didn't realize you two knew each other.
    THERESA: Yeah, well...you know. It's important to have a couple friends here and there, right?
    BRADY: Right. Well, first and foremost, we gotta make you look like the finest lady at that club. So how's about I take you shopping, and then we'll get my driver and we'll take one of the Titan cars up to Chicago to the club opening. How's that?
    THERESA: Sounds amazing.

    Theresa leans in and kisses Brady. They look into each others' eyes with an electricity that could light up a room.

    ---

    Sheryl steps toward Nick, who looks at Sheryl and Jordan with that same smug look.

    NICK: Where is what?
    SHERYL: You know exactly what I'm talking about, no one else knew about it, Nick.

    Jordan grabs Sheryl's arm, trying to get her to stop talking.

    JORDAN: Sheryl, stop it. I don't think--
    SHERYL: Where is that flash drive, Nick?

    Nick gets up from his chair, suddenly clueing in to what Jordan and Sheryl were up to.

    NICK: So THAT'S what you two were up to in there. You two are quite the pieces of work, you know that?
    SHERYL: Give it up, Nick. We need that.
    NICK: I don't have it. But I do have to admi, I'm impressed by you two. What was on there? Some sort of virus to wipe out Titan's files and ruin the EnerNext project?

    Sheryl stops talking, unwilling to give into Nick and give him any more information than she already has.

    NICK: If that flash drive was supposed to give you access to Titan's mainframe? All you had to do was come to me, you know.
    JORDAN: What do you mean?
    NICK: I have access to everything, right here on my tablet. Look, I was serious before. I think we can help each other out here. And it's far less risky to be involved with me than doing these tricky operations on your own. So what do you say, ladies?

    Sheryl hesitates, but eventually extends her hand to Nick, who promptly shakes it. Sheryl looks to Nick with a stonefaced look that means business.

    NICK: Pleasure doing business with you.

    ---

    At University Hospital, Anne Milbauer is on the phone in her office when EJ storms in. Anne jumps from the interruption, and quickly ends her phone conversation.

    ANNE: I've gotta talk to you later, I'm sorry. Bye.

    Anne hangs up her phone and turns to EJ, incensed.

    ANNE: What in God's name are you doing here, and how dare you barge into my office?
    EJ: Oh I wouldn't be so bold, Ms. Milbauer. You are going to answer to me right now.
    ANNE: Or else what?
    EJ: Don't test me.

    Anne stirs in her chair uncomfortably as EJ stares her down menacingly.

    ANNE: So what do I owe the "pleasure"?
    EJ: You are threatening Abigail Deveraux. And that stops, right now.

    ---
  25. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 37
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson

    Billie walks into Roman's office at the Salem PD with the mini-flash drive in hand. She places it on his desk before him.

    BILLIE: You're gonna want to run this by your computer experts ASAP.

    Roman looks up, a little confused by Billie's request.

    ---

    Anne looks up at EJ, who's barged angrily into her office without fear. She holds out her arms, pretending to not know what EJ is accusing her of.

    ANNE: I don't have the slightest idea what you're talking about.
    EJ: The hell you don't.
    ANNE: Oh, are you talking about that conversation I heard you and Abigail having the other night? That one that you talked all about your dirty little escapades that shouldn't be happening in a professional environment such as this?

    EJ shakes his head, stunned by Anne's audacity. Anne gets up from behind her desk, walking around to the other side where EJ is. She rests on the front side of her desk as she speaks with him.

    EJ: You're unbelievable.
    ANNE: And you're sloppy about your business, Mr. DiMerrRRRa. Now, I have a recording of the two of you discussing your dirty little secret. And quite frankly, I think you'd better just play along, or you're gonna be sorry you ever crossed me.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Nicole turns to face Eric, who was a bit taken aback by her revelation that she's still working on the EnerNext story.

    NICOLE: Well...as long as I'm the one with all the info on it, maybe I can pass something along to someone else and we'll be able to keep the good fight going.
    ERIC: That's really good of you. I'm surprised you're so passionate about it.
    NICOLE: Oh. What? I'm not allowed to be passionate about a good cause?

    Nicole playfully pushes Eric away, then turns her back to him. Eric laughs, and turns back to massaging Nicole.

    ERIC: (laughs) No, this just doesn't jibe with the selfish, mean Nicole that my family and half the town seem to want to push down my throat.

    Nicole leans back against Eric. He puts his arms around her tightly.

    NICOLE: Mmm...(sighs) One day...one day they'll realize that I can change. Just like anyone else. Okay, maybe not like your sister but--
    ERIC: ...Nicole!
    NICOLE: Sorry! I couldn't help myself. But I do love you. And I'm grateful that you see past all the...awful things I've done in my past.
    ERIC: Nicole. The past is the past. You gotta look to the future.
    NICOLE: Only if you'll be in that future.

    Eric holds Nicole a little tighter, and kisses her gently on the cheek.

    ERIC: Of course I will. Always.

    Nicole smiles, looking away, but with a lot on her mind, and a look of something slightly less than happiness in her eyes.

    ---

    JJ is sitting in the living room at the Horton house, doing homework on the couch, when Abigail walks in from work. JJ looks up from the couch and over his shoulder to see who's walked in.

    JJ: Heyyy! Abs!

    Abby walks in, looking beat. JJ notices Abby's exhaustion immediately.

    ABBY: Hey, JJ.
    JJ: Well, I was gonna ask how your first day went, but from the looks of you, I figure you got run over by a crosstown bus on the way there?
    ABBY: Really funny, JJ.
    JJ: Well, seriously, Abs. I thought you'd be thrilled after your first day of work, and...
    ABBY: I just...I have a lot to take in, that's all. Can...can we talk about something else?
    JJ: Fine.

    Abby sits down on the sofa next to JJ. She looks at him as he ignores her, concentrating on his homework.

    ABBY: So? Where's mom?
    JJ: I dunno, probably on a date with that creep Liam or whatever.
    ABBY: JJ, what is it with you? Liam's a nice guy.
    JJ: No, he's a creep. And I'm worried about mom. You know, I asked mom where the guy lives and she has no idea, she's never been there. He hasn't told her.
    ABBY: JJ, they just started seeing each other a few weeks ago.
    JJ: But does she know anything about him before they met? Like...all we know is he moved to Salem, he's divorced...
    ABBY: And you think that she'd tell you about him?

    JJ rolls his eyes at Abby.

    JJ: I do have ears, Abs. I hear her talking to Cousin Hope and Grandma...I mean...how he acts around us is...he's just so creepy.
    ABBY: Well, I'm glad you can put your finger on exactly what's so creepy about him.
    JJ: (sighs) Shut up, Abs.

    Abigail gets up from the couch, shaking her head.

    ABBY: Fine! I will. But you have got to admit that this is the first time in awhile that Mom's happy. We should hold onto that, and not try to find faults with whoever she decides to be with because we get freaky vibes off him. Give Mom the benefit of the doubt.

    JJ looks to Abigail, thinking over what she's said, though not overly receptive.

    ---

    Roman looks up to Billie from behind his desk. He points to the flash drive Billie's plunked down on his desk.

    ROMAN: What's that?
    BILLIE: That was found in one of the Titan executive computers.
    ROMAN: Why are you breaking into Titan offices and stealing equipment, Billie? I thought you were working with your mom at Countess W.

    Billie stops, looking to Roman with concern in her eyes.

    BILLIE: Uh...Roman...Mom runs MadWorld now. Sami and EJ are running Countess W. And you asked me to come to town to help figure out what Jordan Ridgeway and Sheryl Connors are up to. You act like you don't even remember doing this.

    Roman looks down at the table, then at Billie, a look of complete confusion in his eyes. As he looks up to Billie, Marlena cracks the door open, looking puzzled by the grave faces around her.

    ---

    EJ: Are you seriously going to threaten me?

    EJ walks closer to Anne, as Anne leans against her desk. They both have a guarded appearance, almost trying to seem more imposing than the other.

    ANNE: Well, it seems to me that I hold the cards here. And we all know how hard you're trying to be a "good man" now. So, what exactly are you going to threaten me with?
    EJ: I just want to remind you of what historically has happened to those who decide to meddle in the affairs of the DiMera family. It doesn't end well for them.
    ANNE: So the answer is you have nothing to threaten me with. You know, you should take this to heart. Don't rock the boat, and don't go trying to get one over on me, or you'll regret it.

    EJ steps in close to Anne, leaning in menacingly to her. He speaks softly, but bitingly.

    EJ: You are a foolish woman, and you will be the one to regret this. Trust that.
    ANNE: I'm not afraid of you.
    EJ: You should be.

    EJ walks away from Anne and takes his briefcase in hand. He opens it, and holds up a plane ticket.

    EJ: Ms. Milbauer, I am going to take it that you're rather ignorant of my family and their history, so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and present you with this. I have two options for you. Either you destroy this evidence and disappear from Salem voluntarily...or you will be forced onto that plane against your will. The choice is yours.

    ---

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