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EPISODE 117 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Billie steps off the elevator at University Hospital. Standing at the nurses' station is Daniel. Billie and Daniel smile at each other as they give each other a peck on the lips as a greeting. DANIEL: Well, you're out and about awfully early. Billie chuckles to herself, checking her watch as she responds. BILLIE: More like up really late...we had a hell of a night at work and...(sigh) I just needed to see some friendly faces. Daniel looks up from his tablet, where he's finalizing some work, and gives Billie a stern look. DANIEL: Well, I hope one of those faces isn't Theresa Donovan. Billie furrows her brow at Daniel, frustrated. BILLIE: Of course she is. Daniel sighs, glowering at Billie's bullheadedness. DANIEL: Billie-- BILLIE: ...Well, what do you expect me to do, Daniel? That girl was like a daughter to me before I had Chelsea in my life. I'm closer to her than her own mother. I have a right to see her, regardless of what her mother says. DANIEL: You and I know that but I still don't think it's a risk you should be taking. Remember? If I let you in that hospital room, I'm putting my career on the line, and yours as well. Billie looks to the side, biting her lip, trying to hold in her frustration at Daniel. BILLIE: Five minutes. DANIEL: Billie-- Billie gets agitated, leaning in close to Daniel so as not to project her voice and potentially have others hear their conversation. BILLIE: Daniel, come on. Just...five minutes, you stay closeby, check in and I'll head home. Okay? Daniel hesitates another moment, Billie persists. BILLIE: The guard's on his break, no one will know I'm there. Come on. Daniel sighs, before taking a moment and motioning silently toward the door. Billie turns and makes a beeline for Theresa's hospital room door, she looks back at Daniel and smiles warmly at her boyfriend before winking at him, then stepping into the room, closing the door behind her. Daniel looks on, gravely concerned for the consequences if she's caught. --- Sami stands in the DiMera living, still in her robe. It's early in the morning with the sun just peaking out. She paces the living room, studying work documents on her tablet, as she sips her morning coffee. Down the steps comes EJ, groggy, but noticing the lights on in the living room. He steps into the room, surprised to see Sami up so early. EJ: Samantha...what are you doing up at this hour? Sami turns to look at EJ, she sets her coffee and tablet down on the desk in front of her. SAMI: Oh, I...I couldn't sleep so I...I figured I could at least get some work done. EJ steps into the room and walks over toward Sami, he hesitates before putting a hand on Sami's shoulder, unsure of her reaction. Sami doesn't pull away, though the uncertainty is still on her face. EJ: I...umm...if there's anything I can do to help. Sami looks up at EJ, and smiles. SAMI: Nah it's...it's okay. I gotta present this contract to Gabi at some point today and then...help Will with some wedding plans, and... EJ: Contract? Sami turns back to the desk to pick up her tablet, she taps it a couple times before presenting it to EJ. SAMI: Oh yeah...it seems Nick Fallon's trying to pit Kate and I against each other for his golden girl. So Kate, Gabi, and I are gonna play along and get the drop on Nick. And hopefully he'll keep his mouth shut on what happened by the river that night. EJ looks down at the tablet, before looking up at Sami, a grave concern on his face. --- Nicole stands in front of the mirror, beaming from ear to ear as she looks at herself in her wedding dress. NICOLE: Well...take two, Nicole. Hopefully this time, it goes off without a hitch and you'll become Mrs. Eric Brady. Nicole looks herself over, before her face drops, the worry hitting her like a ton of bricks. NICOLE: Just so long as Nick Fallon doesn't pull anything first. (sigh) Nothing can go wrong today. I won't let it. --- Aiden sits in his office, taking a sip of his first coffee of the morning. He sets it down on his desk, then getting to signing a document on his desk, when a knock is heard at the door. He looks up, calling out to the person at the other side. AIDEN: Come in! A delivery man steps into the room. AIDEN: Oh! Great. Yes. Ahhh....here it is. Aiden picks up a large manila envelope and hands it to the delivery man. AIDEN: And that's going to Mr. Eric Brady at the Salem Inn. That's Room 226. DELIVERY MAN: Need a signature on that? AIDEN: I will, yes. And uh...please make sure, no earlier than 6pm this evening. Aiden and the Delivery man nod to each other, acknowledging their arrangement, as the man steps out of Aiden's office. As the door closes, Aiden looks on, sighing. AIDEN: Alright, Nick. I hope you know what you're getting yourself into. --- --- EJ's concerned face confuses Sami, she furrows her brow as she steps over to the desk in the DiMera living room, grabbing her cup of coffee to take a sip. SAMI: Why do you look like something terrible's just happened. EJ looks away, suddenly deep in thought. EJ: Because something terrible may be just about to happen. Sami suddenly looks concerned. SAMI: What do you mean, EJ? EJ turns to face Sami, a sense of urgency in his voice. EJ: I can't get into it, but you need to be VERY careful how you proceed around Nick Fallon from now on. You, Gabi, and Kate. EJ turns to head out of the room, leaving Sami stunned and confused. SAMI: EJ? What...where are you going? EJ: I have to take care of something. Sami stands dumfounded as EJ runs off up the stairs. --- Nicole continues to insepct herself in the mirror, when she hears a knock on the door. She turns around quickly, confused as to who would be there. NICOLE: Now who would that be at this hour? Nicole opens the door to find Eric standing on the other side, dressed in his tuxedo and ready to go, taking Nicole by surprise. ERIC: Morning! Nicole jumps back behind the door to hide her wedding dress. NICOLE: Aah! Eric! What are you doing here?? It's bad luck to see me in my wedding dress before the ceremony! Eric chuckles to himself as he leans against the doorframe. ERIC: You're really gonna play traditional right now? This is probably the least conventional wedding I've ever seen. NICOLE: Yeah, well...I have my reasons for being a little bit superstitious. This doesn't exactly have the highest marital success rate, if you hadn't noticed. ERIC: Yeah, well...I figure we can be an exception. Eric smiles widely and melts Nicole's defenses. She cracks a smile and chuckles to herself before looking into her fiancé's eyes. NICOLE: (sigh) Okay. Let me grab my coat, and let's go! Nicole steps away from the door, and grabs her coat, putting it on and grabbing her purse before opening the door to her suite. She steps out to find Eric stood with his elbow stuck out to one side, inviting Nicole to wrap her arm around his. ERIC: M'lady. Nicole takes Eric's arm and looks warmly in his eyes as they head for the elevator. --- Aiden continues to work at his desk, when he receives a call. Without looking up from his papers, he picks up the phone on his desk. AIDEN: (into phone) Aiden Jennings. ... Nick stands in the Brady pub, a to-go cup of coffee before him as he shakes the sugar packets in his other hand. NICK: (into phone) Aiden, it's Nick Fallon. Is it sent? ... AIDEN: (into phone) It is, as requested. ... NICK: (into phone) Excellent. I'll be contacting you probably tonight with what I need next from you, alright? ... AIDEN: (into phone) Hey, as long as you keep paying my fee, I'm all yours, Fallon. ... Nick stirs his coffee casually as he looks up, smirking once again. NICK: (into phone) Oh, trust me, that won't be a problem. Nick hangs up the phone, chuckling smugly to himself. --- Billie sits next to Theresa's comatose body in her hospital room. She holds Theresa's hand as she speaks gently to her. BILLIE: Hey, Sweetie. I've been meaning to come see you more but...well...you know your mom. Billie laughs half-heartedly to herself as she looks down at her friend. She sighs, trying to hold her emotions in. BILLIE: I guess I should let you know what's up. I...uh...well, Daniel and I are getting pretty serious now. I know he's...not exactly your favourite person, but...he's been good to me. Hell, he's the one making sure I can still come to see you, so that's gotta count for something, right? Billie stops a moment, never taking her eyes off Theresa's face, as she holds Theresa's hand in hers. BILLIE: We miss you, Theresa. I know you've got a long way to go and...you may...no, I'm not gonna think like that...I'm not giving up. You're gonna make it all the way back to us, you hear me? As Billie squeezes Theresa's hand, she feels Theresa squeeze gently back, her thumb moving, causing Billie to jump after a moment, as the heart monitor makes note of Theresa's slight increase in heart rate. BILLIE: Theresa?? Billie jumps up, and heads for the door of the room to find Daniel to let him know that Theresa's starting to wake up. She stops for a second at the door, a big smile appearing on her face, as she carefully steps back out into the hallway to look for Daniel. After a moment, the door to Theresa's room, creaks open. A woman in a pair of black pumps steps into the room. She carefully closes the door behind her. In her hand is a filled syringe. ---

EPISODE 116 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Percy finishes apply bandages from the First Aid kit in the Titan lab to Nick, as Nick sits on the island counter of the lab, he winces slightly as his tender wounds are touched. PERCY: There you are, that should cover it. NICK: Ugh, thanks, Percy. Nick looks over his wounds before jumping down off the counter, walking over toward his laptop, as Percy puts the contents of the First-Aid kit back together. PERCY: You know, you gave me quite a scare, Nicholas. NICK: Yeah, I...I dunno, Percy. These headaches I've been getting-- Percy turns around, surprised to hear about headaches. PERCY: Headaches? Nicholas, you've been...rather hazy for weeks...are these headaches connected? Nick looks down at the table, closing his laptop and putting it into his case, he speaks nonchalantly to Percy. NICK: (sigh) Yeah. Just didn't want to alarm you...or anyone else. People seeing me in pain is seen as a showing of weakness in the business world. Always best to struggle through your pain. PERCY: You're far beyond struggling through, Nicholas. You're in great pain, Nicholas. I mean, you've been moody and irritable for weeks. And now I find you...sprawled out on the floor of the lab. Is someone trying to harm you, Nicholas or...is something else going on? Nick keeps looking down, a serious look on his face as he packs the last of his things away. --- JJ sits in the Horton living room, alone, contemplating the cheque that Liam's given him, when Laura opens the front door and steps in. JJ turns around, and, upon seeing his grandmother, gets up from the sofa. Laura beams as she walks toward her grandson, giving him a warm hug. LAURA: JJ, darling. How are you? JJ: I'm good. I'm good. Uh...how are you? Pulling out of their hug, Laura smiles warmly at her grandson. LAURA: I'm alright, sweetheart. A bit tired, though, I'm going to head up to bed if you-- As Laura turns to head up the stairs to her room, JJ stops her, a serious tone in his voice that catches Laura's attention. JJ: Ah, Grandma! Please. I need to talk to you about something, it's really important. Laura looks at JJ, concerned by JJ's tone and troubled expression. She nods slowly before redirecting toward the Horton living room. LAURA: Okay...so...what seems to be the trouble, JJ? JJ stops before Laura. He sighs as he looks down at Liam's cheque, before unfolding it, and presenting it to her. Laura hesitates before taking the cheque, studying it intensely before breathing in deeply. A look of grave concern on her face as she slowly begins to look up toward JJ. --- Noelle sits with Nicole at Club TBD, now rather sloshed, as they continue to laugh and drink. As they continue to laugh at a joke, the door to the bar opens, and Alex steps in. Noelle takes notice of her husband's presence and straightens herself up, donning a serious expression that makes Nicole take notice. Nicole turns around to face Alex, unsure who it is approaching. NICOLE: Well, who is this handsome devil? Alex, smelling the martini on Nicole's breath, makes sure not to get to close, instead rests casually on the bar next to her, trying to maintain a sense of humour despite being rather unimpressed by his wife's public drunkedness. ALEX: Ohh nobody, just the tired husband here to collect his wife. Noelle leans against the bar, sloppily pointing a finger Alex's way. NOELLE: You got my text. But I am not some meat piece you pick up. I am a woman. NICOLE: That she is. A woman who's clearly been drank under the table by an experienced professional. Nicole takes on a mocking haughty tone as she sips the last of her martini. Noelle shakes her head at Nicole, her eyes squinted partly in irritation, partly in exhaustion. NOELLE: I don't have to take this. But I do have to take this ride because taxis are eps...expensive. As Noelle stumbles to get out of her seat, she nearly tumbles, but Alex manages to break her fall. ALEX: I think you're right. Noelle, still not paying enough attention to try to regain her balance, objects loudly. NOELLE: Hey! Don't take her side on this! ALEX: I'm not, honey. I promise. Look, we need to go. I hope you two had a good evening. Alex pulls Noelle back upright, and she struggles to keep balance as she holds onto Alex's arm for dear life, attempting to no avail to maintain a sense of dignity on her way out. Nicole waves goodnight to them, quite amused. NICOLE: Oh, absolutely, had a blast, get home safe, you two! NOELLE: Goodnight, Nikki! Noelle turns back to talk to Alex as they head out of the bar. NOELLE: You know, that Nicole is so much nicer when you're not near a man, it's like day and night... As Noelle and Alex head out the door, Nicole sighs, shaking her head with amusement. T walks over and points toward Nicole. T: You wanna settle up? NICOLE: Are you kidding? The other fake blonde's the lightweight here. Hit me up! T laughs as he steps away to make Nicole another martini. In curiosity, Nicole checks her phone. Seeing Nick's name in her contacts, she looks down and sighs. After a moment, she shakes her head, and says something to herself. NICOLE: You know what, Nick? You're not controlling me anymore. Nicole hits a button on her phone, blocking calls from him Nick's number. She looks up with a sense of satisfaction. NICOLE: Because tomorrow morning, I will be Mrs. Eric Brady, and even if Eric sees those files, I'm gonna know he chose me. You can't hurt us anymore, kiddo. As she turns back to the bar, putting her phone down on it, T presents her new martini, which Nicole takes a congratulatory sip of. --- --- Alex drives through the night with a stern expression on his face. Next to him, a decidedly uncomfortable Noelle sits, uneasy with the tense silence between them. She finally breaks the silence, trying to maintain her composure despite her obvious intoxication. NOELLE: How was your eveni-- ALEX: It was good. Noelle senses the terse tone in her husband's voice, and immediately knows something is indeed very wrong between them. NOELLE: Look, Alex, I don't wanna fight abo-- ALEX: Then don't, okay, Noelle? I'm really not in the mood right now. Noelle sighs, before folding her arms and slouching down in her seat. As the pair hit a red light, Noelle looks back over at her husband and tries talking again. NOELLE: I had a really good talk with Nicole tonight. That was...Eric's...fiancé...back at TBD... Alex's stone silence as he presses down heavily on the gas from the stoplight makes Noelle lean back slightly in her seat, only adding to her discomfort as she looks out at the road ahead. NOELLE: She helped me relax a bit...and I'm sorry about earlier at the hospital... Alex still doesn't react. Noelle persists, trying to provoke some kind of response from Alex. NOELLE: Alex? Did you hear me? I said I was sorry about earli-- Alex finally reacts, still keeping his eyes on the road as he snaps back at Noelle. ALEX: I heard you. Alex finally looks over momentarily at Noelle. Catching her eyes, his eyes snap back to hers, causing him to relent a little. ALEX: Look, I just....Noelle, I heard you but... Noelle leans back in her seat, trying to retain her composure, gurgling out a response. NOELLE: But what? ALEX: But I don't know if I believe you or not. You....you had such anger toward Victor, it just...I don't kn...I...Noelle? Noelle puts her hand over Alex's, as she begins to sweat. NOELLE: Alex pull over. Alex looks over, confused. ALEX: Huh? Noelle begins to look panicked, as she raises her voice to Alex. NOELLE: Pull over. ALEX: Noelle, I'm not gonna let you walk home from here, it's still about three miles from the ho-- NOELLE: Now! Please! Noelle puts her hand over her mouth, sweating more and more profusely as Alex realizes what's wrong. His expression changes and he immediately checks behind him before pulling over by a park. Noelle immediately gets out and runs from the car, sick from the excess martini. Alex sits in the car, rolling his eyes momentarily before stepping out of the car to check on his wife and hold her hair back like a dutiful husband. --- Jennifer and Liam sit at a table at Chez Rouge, as the waiter pours them glasses of white wine. As the waiter, walks away, Jennifer looks up and smiles. JENNIFER: Thank you. Jennifer looks over to Liam, raising her glass to toast him. JENNIFER: Well, I would like to make a toast to you, tonight. LIAM: To me? JENNIFER: Yes! To you! Liam and Jennifer laugh as Liam also raises his glass. LIAM: What for? JENNIFER: For reaching out to my son. For trying to build bridges even though you've had problems in the past. It means a lot to me, and I know that, despite his reservations, JJ appreciates it too. Liam smiles as he moves his glass toward Jenn's and they toast. After taking a sip from their glasses, Liam sets his glass down and smiles at Jenn. LIAM: I just hope that I can keep making you happy, and you know what? I'm gonna make sure JJ comes around, even if it kills me. Jennifer laughs as she leans across the table to peck Liam on the lips. --- Laura stands in the living room of the Horton house with JJ. She turns suddenly to face JJ, horrified by Liam's latest 'gesture'. LAURA: JJ, you cannot accept this money. JJ: I know. I don't want to but-- LAURA: No buts. JJ, this is dirty money. JJ looks at Laura, puzzled. JJ: Grandma, Liam offered me this to go to Stanford. He said this would cover my tuition and my living expenses for awhile, and-- Laura holds up her hands, stopping JJ midsentence. LAURA: JJ, Liam works for Stefano, he's been supplying people with pharmaceuticals on the sly, this is dangerous to get involved with him. Besides that, isn't it obvious he's trying to buy you off and get you out of town so he can manipulate your mother further? JJ looks down, sighing. He nods solemnly. JJ: Yeah, it looked that way to me too. Laura walks closer to JJ and cups his hands in hers. She stares deeply into her grandson's eyes as she instructs him. LAURA: That's why you cannot accept this money. Your mother needs you. Your sister needs you. I need you. We've got to stay together to protect this family. JJ looks down, soaking in what his grandmother's telling him. LAURA: Please, JJ. JJ: Look, Grandma, I understand what you're saying. And I agree, my family needs me...but what if there's another way? What if this money is our ticket to stopping this guy from destroying this family? Laura looks at JJ, unsure what he has in his mind. --- Nick zips up his bag and nods, turning toward Percy to respond to him. NICK: Listen, Percy. I don't know what's going to happen from here on out. All I know is, I have a target on my back. And so will you. Percy looks at Nick, confused. PERCY: Nicholas, I don't understand-- NICK: Listen, Percy. Tonight I stopped Sheryl and Jordan from planting that virus in the Titan server. Percy looks stunned at Nick, shocked that he would back away from their plan. PERCY: Wha--why? I mean, that was our plan all along was to allow them access to Titan's computer system to stop this blasted deal-- NICK: I know...I know, that was what we planned, but... PERCY: But Nich-- NICK: Percy, just...just hear me out. Nick looks at Percy, emphatically explaining his change of plan, as Percy looks back, incredulous. NICK: See...Sheryl was setting me up to take the fall for the virus...and if we were going to see this thing through...I can't let that happen. I can't go back to prison. Ever. So, I decided the best way to stop the oil sands project, is to control it from the inside. Percy's eyes grow wide, as he realizes the change in Nick emerging. PERCY: Good lord, Nicholas. You're not saying... Nick smiles, as he interrupts Percy. A devilish smile on his face. NICK: Yes, Percy. We're not gonna take down Titan. We're gonna take OVER Titan. ---

EPISODE 115 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Sheryl runs frantically around her room at the Salem Inn, packing up the last of her toiletries, as her cell phone goes off. Picking it up, she checks and sees that a message has appeared from Jerome. Lakeview Motel, 1937 Highway 50. Booked under Sally Francis, meet u there Sheryl takes a moment to read the text before putting the phone in her jacket pocket, and zipping up her suitcase, being sure she hasn't left anything behind. SHERYL: Thank you, Jerome. Saving lives yet again. Sheryl grabs her suitcase and runs out of the room, struggling with her bag. As she drops the bag to pull the handle out so she can roll the suitcase out, her ID falls out onto the floor. Sheryl, not noticing, carries on, closing the hotel room door behind her as she makes her escape. --- Jerome, quickly walking down the stairs to his family home, is encountered by his grandmother, Valerie, who is just arriving home from the hospital. She looks surprised as she greets him. VALERIE: Hey, Jerome!...Baby, where you going? JEROME: Have to take care of something at Salem U. Jerome quickly kisses his grandmother on the cheek as he grabs his jacket and heads for the door. Valerie turns around, befuddled. VALERIE: I...he...hey! Weren't we supposed to go for dinner at the Brady Pub tonight? JEROME: Uh....I don't know how late I'll be, Grandma. Look...why don't I text you when I'm done and we can meet up there, kay? VALERIE: Okay...sure...Jerome? Jerome stops, having started to open the door, and very clearly in a hurry. JEROME: Yeah, Grandma? VALERIE: Don't be too long. I'd love to spend some time with you, we've both been really busy lately. Jerome stops, and turns to look at his disappointed grandmother. He smiles sheepishly. JEROME: You're right. I'm sorry. I'll be there as soon as I can. Valerie looks on, smiling warmly at Jerome. VALERIE: I love you. JEROME: Love you too. Jerome takes off out the door, leaving a frustrated Valerie behind. --- Jordan lies in bed next to Rafe. As they lay together in Rafe's bedroom, Jordan wrapped in Rafe's arms, she looks, at last, content, her new engagement ring shining on her finger. Jordan begins to dream, recalling Sheryl's ominous threat from earlier: *** FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 105 Jordan stands in Sheryl's office, and looks down, arms still folded in discomfort as she tries to hold herself back. Sheryl looks on, standing behind her desk. Jordan sighs heavily, as she wordlessly listens to Sheryl’s emphatic words. SHERYL: You can pretend like you have this great future with Rafe, Jordan, but we both know that once we launch that virus tonight, the ISA and the Salem PD are going to be onto us, and you and I will have to leave town and take on a new identity. There’s no way out Jordan. Even if you back out now. *** Jordan's snapped out of her memory by the sound of her phone buzzing. Trying to pick it up from the bedside table without waking Rafe, she reaches over to the table, and reads the name on the call: It's Sheryl. Sighing heavily, she ponders answering the call. --- Percy steps into the Titan Lab, excited for the news Nick was to have for him by evening. PERCY: Greetings! ...Nicholas? Percy, unsure whether Nick is even in the room, steps delicately into the lab, looking around, confused. PERCY: Nicholas, I just received your text messages inviting me to come on down here... Seeing a single desk lamp illuminated by Nick's still-open laptop, Percy slowly makes his way over towards it. Midway there, Percy's shoe crushes some glass from where Nick dropped the test tubes as he fell. The crunching sound startles Percy, as he looks down at the ground. Looking down with a furrowed brow, Percy pivots the desk lamp slightly to catch a better light at the ground. Seeing more test tubes broken, Percy hastily walks over to one side of the room and flips on the lights, at which point, he sees Nick collapsed on the ground surrounded by the shattered test tubes. He looks on stunned. --- --- Jordan decides the cancel the call to Sheryl, then fumbles to turn her phone off, before laying it down. Laying the phone back down before snuggling back into a sleeping Rafe, she sighs, thinking to herself. JORDAN: (in her head) Sorry, Sheryl. You're on your own from now on. Jordan shuts her eyes, and nods off, comfortable in the arms of her fiancé. --- Sheryl stands in her new room at the Lakeview Motel, irritated as she pulls the cell phone from her ear after Jordan hung up on her. SHERYL: Dammit. You stupid...(sigh) Shortly thereafter, Jerome's car pulls up out front of her room. Not wanting to draw attention to herself, Sheryl walks over to the door, and quickly waves Jerome inside. Once inside, Sheryl quickly closes and locks the door. JEROME: Glad you made it. SHERYL: Yeah, well, I had a hell of a time finding the place. The maps app needs to do a bit of updating with all the construction around that stupid oil field. Sheryl paces the room, keeping an eye out the window for any unwelcome visitors. JEROME: Well, if things go according to plan-- Sheryl snaps at Jerome, turning abruptly around to respond to Jerome. SHERYL: Oh things are definitely not going to plan now. JEROME: What do you mean? SHERYL: I mean we're caught. They bugged my laptop, and they blew up my laptop before I could plant the virus. Jerome looks on, very worried. He sighs, looking down away from Sheryl as he tries to help her figure out what to do next. JEROME: Damn...okay, so...you got a good idea who planted it there? SHERYL: Fairly certain it was Billie Reed. She's uh...Lucas' sister. JEROME: Okay...and you can't think of anyone else who might be a suspect? Like that Nick dude who you were planning to set up as the fall guy for this? Sheryl looks down, eventually shaking her head. SHERYL: Nah...I mean (sigh) honestly, I don't know. She could be in cahoots with him but...Nick's a bit of a lone wolf. I checked him out pretty thoroughly and he only ever was working alone. From what I've gathered, he's alienated too many people in town to really have any allies at this rate. JEROME: But you haven't spoken to him at all since before the virus was supposed to be planted. SHERYL: No, I haven't. I wouldn't bother keeping him too closeby anyway. The little twerp wouldn't know if he was on foot or horseback. Sheryl flashes a smirk at Jerome momentarily, before looking down more pensively. She continues her thought. SHERYL: Besides, I honestly thought he was genuinely on our side with this. That's what made this whole set up so easy. Nick was gonna be working late at the lab, playing innocent, while Jordan, you and I planted the virus, and-- Jerome interrupts Sheryl, raising a point of his own. JEROME: Speaking of Jordan...what's gonna happen there? I mean...if you're caught, I mean...you and Jordan are so tightly connected...it's only a matter of time before the cops come looking for both of you. Sheryl laughs dismissively, shaking her head as she paces the room some more. SHERYL: Try telling Jordan that. No, she's completely fixated on this fairytale life she's constructed in her mind with Rafe Hernandez. She's completely beyond seeing any sense about it. JEROME: Well, what are you gonna do? She can't stay here, she's a liability. SHERYL: Oh I know. That's the thing, though. She can't stay and we can't go anywhere without her or we're sunk too. JEROME: So? Sheryl stops, and stares out the window, resigned to a fate she didn't anticipate. SHERYL: We've got to stay here, under the radar until we're able to get Jordan out of here...whether she likes it or not. Jerome looks on, gravely concerned for Sheryl and Jordan's safety. --- Julie, Maggie, Alex, and Will walk out of the archway leading into the new Penthouse Grille. They all are talking amongst themselves, still congratulatory over Julie being named manager by Maggie. JULIE: Oh, thank you again, Maggie. You know, I know that it's gonna mean long hours and it'll probably put a bit of a crimp in my travel time with Doug, but...you know, honestly, I think it's about time we spent a bit more time here in Salem with the family. MAGGIE: I agree. WILL: Completely. The group laughs, as Julie turns to press the button for the elevator. MAGGIE: Well, listen, we're going to finalize details this week, and then everything should be ready for the grand opening in a couple weeks. How's that sound? JULIE: Wonderful. Thanks again, Maggie. For everything. Julie takes Maggie's hands and holds them in hers. They look warmly at each other, before Maggie pulls Julie into a hug. MAGGIE: Anything for family. JULIE: Absolutely. And speaking of family, you keep me posted about how Victor's doing. I want him to make a speedy recovery. MAGGIE: I will. The elevator doors open, and Julie steps on, the rest of the group looking on. JULIE: Good night. ALEX: Night, Julie. As the doors shut, Maggie turns to Alex and Will and smiles. MAGGIE: Now...if you'll excuse me, boys. I still have menu items I'm going to have to finalize ingredient sources for. I'll be in my office. ALEX: Alright, we'll see you later. WILL: Thanks, Aunt Maggie. Maggie hugs both Will and then Alex, before walking back into the still-under-construction restaurant, headed for her office, leaving Will and Alex alone. Will turns away awkwardly, trying to avoid a private moment with Alex. Alex, meanwhile, turns toward Will, and, noticing Will's avoidance, calls out to him. ALEX: Hey! Where you going? Will plays it cool, and checks his watch as he talks. WILL: Well, I gotta get home. I have a fiancé waiting, and I was supposed to be home about oh....two hours ago? ALEX: Ahh...yeah. Sonny. Listen, I...I hope you two are in a better place than you were the night of the party at Uncle Vic's, I-- Will holds his hand up to stop Alex midsentence. WILL: Sonny and I are fine. We worked things out, just like always. Alex smiles, somewhat half-heartedly, as Will pushes the down button on the elevator himself. ALEX: I'm glad to hear it. WILL: And how's...Noelle, is it? Alex tries to look at Will but the tension in the air between them makes it awkward. Alex shuffles a bit, looking away a lot as he tries to avoid answering Will's question. ALEX: Yeah! She's...uh...well...she's fine. We had a...bit of an argument but... WILL: Oh...I'm sorry to hear. As the elevator door opens, Will smiles at Alex before stepping on. Will turns to face Alex, and smiles at him. WILL: You coming? Alex doesn't react for a moment, still deep in his own thoughts, before responding to Will by motioning his refusal. ALEX: No! No, no. I uh...I gotta take care of some stuff at the office. You go ahead. I'll see you tomorrow. WILL: Kay. Have a good night. ALEX: Night, Will. Will smiles as the elevator door closes. Once the door shuts, Will's face immediately drops in relief. He rests himself against the back wall of the elevator, and lets out a heavy sigh. WILL: Well, Will? You did it. You made it through another day without cracking. (sigh) How much longer can you keep doing it, though? On the other side of the elevator door, Alex turns back around, unsure of how he feels. He pulls out his cell phone, to text Noelle, initially, before seeing Will's name at the top of his "recent texts" list. Nearly clicking Will's name instead, he finally taps on Noelle's name, and texts her: omw home. u awake? Alex sighs as looks down at his phone, trying to process the evening's events. --- Percy kneels over a still-passed out Nick, shaking him to try to revive him. PERCY: Nicholas! Wake up! Are you okay??? Nick struggles to revive himself, grunting as he starts to come to. Percy seems relieved when he does. NICK: Ugh...uhhhh Percy... PERCY: Yes, Nicholas, what can I do? NICK: Per...Percy grab my pills, they're in my bag. I need two. My head. Nick's world spins around him, the pain still pulsating in his head. The pressure unbearable. Percy leaps into action, grabbing Nick's bag and rummaging through it. Pulling out the pills, Nick begins to lift himself up. Percy struggles to find an in-tact glass to give Nick water, but eventually does, as Nick rests on the ground, head still woozy. NICK: The...pills... PERCY: They're on their way, Nicholas. Nick nods slowly, trying to catch his breath, as he lifts one hand up and studies it. Realizing his hands are bloodied, he looks at them, an exaggerated surprise in his eyes. NICK: What happ--agh! A sharp pain hits Nick, as Percy tries to feed Nick his pills. Nick hastily swallows the pills and grabs the water, spilling much of it on himself as he drinks up. PERCY: Excellent, excellent. There we go, Nicholas. Now...how do you feel? NICK: (gasping) like Hell. But....(pant) I'll be okay. Percy! Percy, getting up from Nick's side, looks back and kneels back down. PERCY: Nicholas...who did this to you? Nick looks at Percy, confused for a moment, before smiling through his pain. NICK: This? What? Heh heh heh oh this??? Nick holds his hands up to show the bloodied mess to Percy, as well as realizing he has a rather sizeable cut above his eyebrow. NICK: Oh, that was...nothing. PERCY: Well, it seems to me like someone's out to hurt you, and it wouldn't surprise me, under the circumstances. NICK: No, no, Percy....you need to listen to me carefully...(gasp) You can't tell ANYONE, no cops, nobody here at Titan...no one at the TV station...nobody...can know about this...or anything we've been doing here, okay? If anyone asks, you say nothing, and you can't tell anyone anything if something happens to me, okay? You can't....you can't trust ANYONE, got it? Percy looks at Nick, even more terrified. He nods quickly back at Nick. PERCY: Absolutely, Nicholas. NICK: I know...I know I look bad right now, but....you don't understand, now that things have gone down? You have to stay absolutely silent, no matter what. Or there'll be a target on all of our backs. Got it? Percy draws himself up, petrified, and believing Nick's current state is the result of someone attacking him. He begins to shake a bit in terror at the situation at hand, his eyes never off Nick's intense gaze. ---

Was only on for the one season, it tied for 13th with Dark Shadows and Paradise Bay (according to Wiki, at least) 13. Morning Star 4.1 (Debut/Final Season: September 27, 1965 to July 1, 1966) Usually those ones we see in our threads only go to the Top 10, and I doubt this show ever got high enough ratings to rank above 10, so...

EPISODE 114 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Maggie, Julie, Alex, and Will step into the main hall of what will soon be the re-opened Penthouse Grille. The building is still very much a work-in-progress, with scaffoldings all around the room, and half-completed painting on the walls. Still, the group is impressed by what will soon come. MAGGIE: So I just want to thank everyone for coming down here. I know it was last minute and I apologize for changing the venue so suddenly, but I'm glad you could all make it down here. WILL: It's no trouble at all. MAGGIE: I'm pleased. Because I couldn't wait to show you all. Maggie holds out her arms, beaming with excitement as she turns around like a game show model to show off the new restaurant. MAGGIE: This is the new space. Julie looks around the room, smiling excitedly alongside Maggie. JULIE: Maggie, this is going to be incredible! Oh, you must be so excited. ALEX: She's not the only one. We have an elaborate marketing campaign planned for this space to go along with a modern, upscale decor, and plush furnishings. This place is going to be THE hotspot of Salem. Will looks to Alex, giving a playful grin to him. WILL: You'd better be careful, your brother might get jealous and fight back. The group share a laugh, before Alex responds in kind. ALEX: Well, it's all in the family. I think there's enough of a market in Salem for both spaces to operate successfully. MAGGIE: Well, I agree. And I think Sonny's plan, from what he told me earlier, was that he planned to use the TBD space going forward more as a lounge and less as a dinner space, so I'm absolutely sure we can find the right balance. JULIE: Absolutely. Besides, with how unbelievably grand this place is, this could be a premier spot for events. Maggie smiles and turns to face Julie, almost bursting with excitement. MAGGIE: Well, I'm glad you're so enthusiastic about it, Julie, because I had something I wanted to ask you. Julie stands dumbstruck. Unsure what to expect, she turns to face Maggie. JULIE: Me? What is it, Maggie? MAGGIE: Well...I know you have a whole lot of enthusiasm and decades of experience in running clubs like this...would you do me the honour of running the Penthouse Grille? Julie looks at Maggie, suprised and beginning to smile. --- Tyler stands in the Titan Lab with Nick. Tyler is incensed by Nick's demands of him, and responds angrily. TYLER: You have absolutely no grounds to make demands of me, young man. Nick turns to face him, nonchalantly. He looks directly into Tyler's eyes as he smriks, cooly responding to Tyler's rage. NICK: I would watch that tone you take with me. You remember the fact I had access to the security system and was able to not only track down but also prevent this virus from going through? What makes you think I don't have access to anything else around here? Tyler draws himself up, uncomfortable with the direction Nick's going with this. NICK: You see, I know an awful lot about a lot of people in this building. Including you...your brother...and where your connections in "business" really are. Don't test me, Tyler. Tyler's face goes ghost white as Nick slowly hints at his familial connections, sighing heavily as he realizes what's at stake. --- Noelle and Nicole sit at the bar at Club TBD. The soft, intimate lighting creates a relaxed mood for the two, as the tensions between them lower with each drink. As Nicole sets her martini down, Noelle lifting hers to her lips to take a sip. NICOLE: So for the record: Victor Kiriakis is a safe topic with me. There is no love lost between him and I. Noelle turns, intrigued. NOELLE: Oh really? Why, what did Old Man Vic do to you? NICOLE: Ohhh...I could tell you but...we'd need a few weeks before I finish. Let's just say it took me a few years, a murder attempt, some blackmail, and a court case...yeah...he's...taken me to the cleaners a few times. Nicole quickly finishes her martini, trying to wash down the memories of Victor, before holding up her finger to catch T's attention. NICOLE: T! Another martini? T: Sure thing, Miss Walker. NICOLE: Thanks, darlin'. Nicole turns again to face Noelle, with a raised eyebrow and a cheeky grin. NICOLE: What did that sour old malaka do to you? Noelle chortles at Nicole's crack, before turning back in Nicole's direction, putting her martini down on the bar. NOELLE: Well..for one, he killed my father. Nicole looks on, stunned by the grave news. --- --- Julie stands, amazed as Maggie smiles back at her. JULIE: Me? You...You want me to run this...this beautiful place? MAGGIE: I couldn't think of anyone better suited to it. You and Doug have been masters in this field for a very, very long time. Heck, you even teach ME a thing or two now and then. Everyone laughs as Maggie reaches into her bag and pulls out the keys to the restaurant. She holds them out for Julie to take. JULIE: Maggie, I don't know what to say! MAGGIE: Say yes! (laughs) It would be my honour to have you be my right hand. Julie takes a moment, before taking the keys from Maggie. They immediately reach for each other and give each other a warm hug, laughing and beaming as Alex and Will applaud their new family venture. --- JJ holds the cheque Liam's given him in his hands as he sits on the sofa in the Horton living room. He looks over at a smiling Liam, who sits nearby in an easy chair, with Jenn sitting along the back of the chair, beaming at her son. JJ: I...I honestly don't know what to say, Liam. LIAM: Don't say anything right now. Think about it. I know we...we really haven't seen eye-to-eye so far but...I just figured this could be a step in the right direction. JJ looks up at Liam, seriously. He then looks up at his smiling mom, and nods. JJ: Alright. Give me some time. But...I just want you to know...I really appreciate this. JJ gets up from the sofa, as Liam does as well, and Jennifer walks toward the two of them, resting her arms on Liam's broad shoulder. LIAM: It's my pleasure, JJ. The two men shake hands as Liam turns toward Jennifer. LIAM: I think....it's time we took ourselves out for the evening. JJ, let me know what you decide. JJ: Will do. Have a good time, you guys. Jennifer pulls JJ into a tight hug. JENNIFER: Thank you, Sweetie. I'll see you later. JJ: Bye, Mom. As Jenn follows Liam out of the room, JJ turns back away from the two of them, his face dropping with worry as he holds the cheque in his hands. He shakes his head, increasingly unsure of Liam and his motives. --- Nicole looks at Noelle, shocked by what she's just heard, as she uncomfortably stirs her martini, trying to find a response. NICOLE: So...uh...wait, your...your dad... NOELLE: Neil Curtis. NICOLE: Neil Curtis...how did he get involved with Victor? Noelle casually takes a sip of her martini before responding to Nicole. NOELLE: Oh, I don't think we have time for all that-- NICOLE: Oh come on, you can't drop a bomb like that and just tell me you don't wanna talk about it-- Noelle interrupts Nicole's complaining, leaning back and sighing, rolling her eyes in defeat. NOELLE: OKAY, okay, fine. If you really wanna know, my dad had a gambling problem, and...ugh...it's complicated, my mother-in-law...Anjelica...she was with my dad at the time, and... Nicole's eyes dart back and forth as Noelle explains, trying to keep track of the complicated connections in her head. NOELLE: I dunno, Victor wanted Anjelica for himself, so he manipulated dad into going back into gambling and then...started loan sharking him and...well...that's when things started going downhill. Dad had to close Blondie's, I dunno if you remember driving past that place when you were young. NICOLE: Must've been before my time. Noelle shrugs, and stirs her martini, still a bit wistful as she recalls her early childhood. NOELLE: Well...by then I was living with my mom in LA anyway, so...I wasn't around for any of that, really. I just know that when my dad finally moved to LA to be near us...he was...he wasn't well. He was...weary. Worn down. He never told us anything about what happened with Victor after he lost Blondie's but...you could tell it hurt him a lot. Mom and I really helped him feel....normal again, I guess, but...he put himself head first into his work. Mom and I never knew why he was obsessed with working and money and...he just...never seemed to have enough on the go, never let a penny slip. Noelle looked up at Nicole, deadly serious. Nicole looks back, engrossed in Noelle's confessional story. NICOLE: Victor still had Neil by the balls? NOELLE: Oh yeah. You could definitely say that. Victor may have mellowed with the mafia stuff... NICOLE: ...But he can still hold a grudge better than anyone. Noelle nods before looking down, holding her martini glass between her hands. NOELLE: Exactly. And my dad had a heart attack...about two years ago. And only when he died did we find out...he barely had any estate left. He had bled every account, every...trust...down to nothing...just so Mom and I didn't feel deprived or like...he was a burden on us. It was all a show, Nicole. Victor had never stopped feeding his addiction...but it was always there, and to the day he died, he was on the hook to that man. It was sick. Nicole reaches a hand out to Noelle, squeezing it gently. NICOLE: I'm so sorry. Noelle, fighting back tears, smiles half-heartedly, never looking up from the table. NOELLE: Thanks...so...yeah... NICOLE: You know....I know this is rich coming from me but...do you think, maybe it's healthier to just....let go of that anger? I mean...you've got a good life, a wonderful husband who loves you-- Noelle guffaws at Nicole's mention of Alex, interrupting her. NOELLE: Yeah. He loves me so much he just chastised me like a three year-old for saying mean things to his almighty Uncle Vic's lifeless body. Noelle rolls her eyes as she takes a sip from her drink. She then stops...shakes her head slowly in response, still looking down at her hand, clasped in Nicole's. NOELLE: Nah...Victor Kiriakis...he's got some reparations to repay me...heh...and my mom. I'll never forgive him for what he did to my dad. And I'm gonna make sure he pays. Noelle looks intensely into Nicole's eyes, while Nicole looks back, taken a bit aback by Noelle's simmering rage. --- Tyler, incensed by Nick's posturing, steps towards him, pointing angrily at him. TYLER: You don't know what you're getting yourself involved in, little boy. This goes way deeper than you want to get into. Nick scoffs, laughing at Tyler's attempts to scare him. NICK: Oh, hah, I know. Trust me, I looked into it. I mean, I know Houston is a relatively common name and all, but...like...seriously, Tyler, it doesn't take all that much digging to make the connection. TYLER: I don't know what you're talking about. NICK: The fact that you've been involved with Victor Kiriakis up to your neck for decades. This whole...EnerNext thing is just the first time we're hearing about it. Victor hired you to run his mob businesses under a separate corporation from Titan to distance himself, and he knew you'd be able to do the job thanks to you and your brother's biker gang ties. Tyler looks exasperated, not knowing exactly how to shut Nick down, he lets him carry on. NICK: So you ran it all, keeping Victor at arm's length until it became expedient for Victor to reign you in because he started to run out of money from his legitimate business. Only by then, you'd gone big time. Got all involved in shady middle eastern oil cartels. Shall I bring up Jack Deveraux's kidnapping in Afghanistan while he was doing a story on your shady dealings? I think that'd go over real well at the Titan meeting-- Tyler finally snaps, cutting a smug Nick off. TYLER: Alright, ENOUGH! Nick looks at Tyler dead in the eye, a deep intensity between the two men as Tyler moves in extremely close to Nick, a threatening look in his eye. He threatens him in a quiet but firm voice. TYLER: You get what you want this time from me, Fallon...but you better watch your back from here on in. Those connections you spoke of aren't child's play. You're in with the big boys now. Tyler steps away from Nick, heading for the door of the lab, Nick stays still, but donning his trademark smirk as he watches Tyler leave. NICK: See you at the board meeting tomorrow, Tyler. Tyler looks back momentarily, before stepping out of the room. As Tyler leaves, Nick exhales, as though he'd held in the world's pressure on his shoulders and is suddenly releasing it. The pain in his head becomes immediately visible on his face, as he struggles to maintain his balance. Nick hears a shrill, high-pitched sound get louder and louder, as he struggles to maintain his balance and clarity. Nick rests against the counter of the lab, fighting to keep his balance as dizziness overwhelms him. He screams out in pain as he falls over, taking a collection of test tubes down with him. They shatter on the ground as he collapses. ---

EPISODE 113 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Jennifer and Liam laugh and chatter as they walk into the Horton living room, as JJ sits on the couch, snacking and watching TV. JENNIFER: JJ! Hey, honey. JJ turns toward Liam and Jennifer, greeting his mom and her boyfriend unenthusiastically. JJ: Oh. Hey, guys. JENNIFER: Listen, JJ, honey? Liam and I are just getting ready for a later dinner, so I'm gonna pop quickly in the shower. JJ: Sure, Mom. Jennifer turns to Liam for a moment. JENNIFER: You don't mind if you wait for me a few minutes? LIAM: Yeah! That's great. I uh...I had something I wanted to talk about with JJ, anyway, so... Jennifer smiles warmly at Liam as she leans in to give him a quick peck on the lips before heading upstairs. JENNIFER: Alright. See you in a few minutes. LIAM: You bet, Jen. Jennifer runs upstairs, as Liam walks toward the archway between the Horton living room and foyer. JJ tries to avoid engaging with Liam, instead focusing closely on his TV show. He can sense Liam's presence and is made increasingly uncomfortable, before Liam speaks. LIAM: Hey, JJ. JJ: Yeah. Hey Liam. Liam saunters into the Horton living room casually, hands in his pockets as he moves toward the sofa, where JJ is. LIAM: Look, I...I kinda feel like you and I we...we started off on the wrong foot. JJ: You could say that. Liam pauses a moment, looking over JJ's unchanging expression, before carrying on with his attempts to converse with him. LIAM: I ah...I talked to your mom about you. JJ continues to avoid Liam's gaze, staring instead straight ahead at the TV set. JJ: Oh yeah. LIAM: Yeah...I uh...(sigh) Look...JJ.... Liam steps over to sit beside JJ on the sofa, JJ still trying to avoid engaging, but upon Liam sitting down, JJ looks over, and locks eyes with his mom's mysterious beau. LIAM: I know I've sorta...given off a very negative impression to you in the last few months and I...I didn't know really what I could do to change your mind. JJ shrugs dispassionately, trying to turn his attentions back to the TV. JJ: I dunno. You kinda freaked me out there a couple times but...I don't really have a bad impression of you. Liam smiles warmly at JJ. LIAM: That's good. Liam reaches into his blazer pocket, and pulls out an envelope, handing it to JJ. LIAM: Because I was hoping that I could change that impression into something really good. JJ looks down at the envelope, then, confused, up at Liam. Liam meets JJ's eyes and nods, trying to prompt JJ to take the envelope. --- Nick sits at his computer in the Countess W lab, he suddenly leans back in his chair, lurching back looking victorious. It shocks a focused Tyler, who looks over at Nick. NICK: Got it! TYLER: What? Did you get 'em? NICK: And dropped them right in your lap. Tyler walks over towards Nick, staring at his laptop seriously, trying to figure out what's happened. TYLER: Alright, but what, or should I say, who...did you drop in my lap? Nick turns to look up at Tyler, smugly satisfied. NICK: One employee in marketing by the name of Sheryl Connors...except that's not exactly her real name. She's been trying to take down your systems...and your company for months. And tonight, she and her cronies attempted to launch a virus to take your systems out, just like they did this morning with the Salem City Hall servers. Tyler looks at Nick, stoic and taking in all the information he's being given. TYLER: But you...stopped them in time? NICK: There's some damage but nothing that's unrecoverable. So...yes. TYLER: Did you get enough info on them to make charges stick. Nick gives his now-trademark smirk, savouring the moment. NICK: Ohh yeah. And then some. --- Sheryl looks down at her smoking laptop, stunned and amazed by the collosal meltdown of her computer. Her shock quickly fades into anger as she realizes what's happened. SHERYL: I'll kill h... Sheryl picks up her laptop suddenly, ready to toss it across the room, when she notices a bump just on the lip of the bottom side. Turning the unit around suddenly, as the heat is too much for her hands, she drops the computer back onto her desk, and sees the bug Billie planted on her unit. She flashes back to the door of the elevator opening and seeing Billie standing there. Jolted back to reality, she comes to the obvious conclusion. SHERYL: Billie. --- Billie sits at her computer desk at Titan, flanked by her brother Lucas, and her mother, Kate. They all look on in awe as Billie exclaims suddenly. BILLIE: They beat me. LUCAS: Who did? BILLIE: I have no idea...but someone got to them before we did...and now we...well...now we basically have nothing. Kate's face sours instantly, standing up in frustration and begins pacing the room at her daughter's news. KATE: DAMMIT. I can't believe that little tramp wins again. BILLIE: Well...on the bright side, we did stop them from taking the entire company's secrets and flushing them down the drain on their way out. KATE: That's cold comfort when the whole reason we did all this was to put Jordan Ridgeway and Sheryl Connors behind bars where they belong. Billie looks up at her mother, a strange look in her eye. BILLIE: Well...what if there's still a chance they do? Kate stops, looking skeptically at Billie, as Lucas looks over at Billie, confused. --- --- Noelle walks into Club TBD, where she looks around to see the crowd. She spies a seat at the bar, and walks casually over, before speaking to the woman sitting the next seat over. NOELLE: Excuse me...I seem to have caught this place on a busy night...is this seat taken? The woman turns around to face Noelle. It's Nicole. She looks at Noelle, sighing as she looks her up and down. She shakes her head. NICOLE: No. It's free. Have a seat. As Noelle lifts herself onto the stool, Nicole turns herself slightly toward Noelle. NICOLE: Look, I'm...I'm sorry I snapped at you the last time we met... Noelle pauses a moment before realizing Nicole's prompting her for her name. NOELLE: Noelle-- NICOLE: Noelle! Yes! Sorry. I...look, I feel bad, I...I've had a really bad few weeks at work and...Eric and I...I don't have the best luck with men, and...Eric...he's the love of my life, and we were supposed to get married today. Noelle looks at Nicole, nodding in understanding. NOELLE: But the server at City Hall was down. Eric told us earlier. NICOLE: Yeah... Nicole laughs half-heartedly to herself before taking a drink of her martini. During that moment, Noelle quickly prompts to T to give her a martini of her own, as Nicole continues. NICOLE: I just really want this stress to be over with. NOELLE: Oh, I get it. More than you'll ever know. Nicole looks back at Noelle, intrigued. NICOLE: Oh yeah? You sound like you had a rough evening, yourself. NOELLE: I did indeed. And I have one Victor Kiriakis to thank for it. Nicole looks on, suddenly fascinated by their common adversary. --- JJ stares at the envelope Liam's handed to him, as he sits on the sofa in the Horton living room. After a moment, he reaches for the envelope, as Jennifer emerges from upstairs. JENNIFER: Liam, what's that? JJ and Liam turn quickly around to see Jenn walking down the last of the stairs and heading toward the living room, wearing a simple dress and her hair still in a towel. Jennifer has a smile on her face as she approaches her boyfriend and her son. LIAM: Oh this? Liam points to the envelope he's just given JJ. He then turns to face JJ and smiles earnestly. LIAM: This...well...see...when I said your mom and I we...talked about you...see...we talked about your dreams, JJ. How you wanted to go to Stanford, pursue a law degree. Well...that's expensive. Jennifer looks at Liam, and back at JJ, trying to gauge the other's reaction. A smirk on her face as she wonders what Liam has up his sleeve. Meanwhile, JJ looks stunned by Liam's sudden shift in demeanour and tone towards him. JJ: Yeah...it is... LIAM: Your mom, she ah, she told me you'd have to take out student loans for this if you're accepted and that that's...put you off applying...I think...I hope this will make you reconsider. JJ hesitates a moment before slowly opening the envelope. Inside, a cheque for $50,000. JJ's taken aback. JJ: Wh...what?? What is this? Liam points to the cheque and smiles at a confused JJ. LIAM: Think of it as an investment in a great young mind. JJ looks stunned, turning to a beaming Jennifer, who begins to tear up looking back at JJ, then back to a beaming Liam. --- Tyler stands in the Countess W lab, staring seriously at a very self-satisfied Nick. TYLER: So you're saying that you've got this Connors woman...but what about her cronies? NICK: The cronies are a bit harder to crack, but...I think if I...work on a bit...I should be able to get them too. Tyler finally cracks a smile at the end of it all. TYLER: That's fantastic, then. Tyler shakes Nick's hand firmly, a proud look on his face, as he turns to head for the door of the lab. TYLER: Listen, I'll make sure you receive a commendation with the board for this, and I'll have security escort Ms. Connors out right now-- Nick interrupts him, stopping him in his tracks as he emphatically interjects. NICK: Wait wait wait wait. No, stop. We can't just go in there and throw her out. We're gonna do this my way...and she'll never see it coming. TYLER: What do you mean? NICK: If you want what I've got here, you're going to have to agree to my terms, Mr. Houston. Tyler looks disgusted at Nick, shouting back in protest. TYLER: I beg your par-- NICK: ...This is NOT a negotiation, Mr. Houston. Let Sheryl go for tonight. She won't be going anywhere just yet. She's got too many loose ends to tie up in Salem first. --- Sheryl hastily packs up her things from her office, including her computer and hard drive. She gets on her bluetooth and frantically calls Jerome as she grabs her jacket to leave. ... Jerome stands in the Grant living room, holding the phone up to his ear, concerned. JEROME: (into phone) Hey, Sheryl, what happened? ... Struggling to put her jacket on as she races out, Sheryl speaks to Jerome. SHERYL: (into phone) Someone caught us, and I'm pretty sure I know who. We need to meet NOW. ... Jerome's eyes bug out, suddenly in crisis mode. JEROME: (into phone) Woah woah woah, wait. No no. We are not meeting now, not if they know about you. ... SHERYL: (into phone) Well, what else are we gonna do, Jerome? ... JEROME: (into phone) Just chill, ok? Get your stuff out your hotel room, check out. I'll get you a room at a motel at the edge of town. We'll meet there. I'ma text you the address, ok? ... SHERYL: (into phone) Fine, but make it quick. All hell's about to break loose. Sheryl ends the call, and closes the door to her office, she sighs heavily, checking the hallways to make sure they're empty before heading out. SHERYL: If it hasn't already. Sheryl makes a beeline for the service stairwell, hoping the trip down eight floors will be faster and make her less liable of being caught. --- Kate stands by Billie and Lucas in Billie's office, looking unsure. KATE: What do you mean? Is there a chance we can still nab them? Billie looks down at her computer, thoughtfully. She taps her desk as she thinks, before turning toward Kate. BILLIE: Well...the bug still caught a lot. Enough that we can probably still get charges to stick...and whoever it was that DID stop her from taking the server out...they're probably going to play their hand very soon. LUCAS: So what are you saying? We just have to wait and see what happens? Billie turns toward Lucas, nodding slowly. BILLIE: Pretty much. Kate and Lucas look at each other, incredulous. ---

EPISODE 112 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Nick and Tyler burst into the MadWorld lab, making a beeline for Nick's laptop, which sits on a conference table at the far side of the room. TYLER: I'm telling you, this better be the real deal or I'll have your head on the chopping block so fast, Mr. Fallon-- NICK: Don't worry. Once I show you what's going down...you'll be thanking me. Nick leans over the table where his laptop sits, and opens it. Pressing the "on" button, the computer boots up quickly. NICK: I don't make a habit of wasting anyone's time. Particularly my own. TYLER: You better hope not, or I'll get security to hightail you out of this company so fast your head will spin. NICK: That won't be neccessary. Just wait. I promise this'll be worth it. Nick pulls up a chair and sits down in front of his computer. Opening up his surveillance program, he logs into Titan's security camera system. Tyler looks on, stunned. TYLER: Wait, how did you get access to this? And who authorized it? NICK: There's no time to explain that. I started checking things out when I became suspcious something was rotten with our suspect here, and this helps me keep tabs on them. Nick turns to face Tyler, a blank, matter-of-fact look on his face. NICK: You know, you really need to work on your firewalls. For a multinational, your digital security is incredibly vulnerable. Tyler looks back at Nick with concern and surprise. Nick turns back toward the screen as he zeroes in on Sheryl's office. NICK: Quite frankly, a security breach would be not only embarrassing...but could be really catastrophic. Tyler and Nick focus in on Sheryl's office, where they spy her working away furiously at her workstation. --- Sheryl sits at her desk, Bluetoon in ear, as she stares intensely at her screen. She speaks to Jerome through the Bluetooth, careful never to utter his name as she types and clicks her mouse through the various screens, preparing to load the virus that would destroy Titan's servers into her work computer. SHERYL (into phone): I'm through the EnerNext partition. Through her bluetooth, Sheryl hears Jerome's voices come through into her ear with his next instruction. JEROME (via phone): Alright. Two minutes to launch. Make sure you start in the backup hard disk. The backup isn't typically in use, therefore will be harder to detect we're in there before it gone. Sheryl stares dead ahead at her screen. A smug smirk appears on her face as she answers Jerome. SHERYL: (into phone) Roger that. --- Billie sits in her office, Lucas by her side, as she focuses on her computer screen as well. Hoping to catch some activity from the marketing wing where Sheryl works, she and Lucas listen in on her conversation, unsure who she's speaking with, as they only hear her side. BILLIE: Come on, Sheryl. Slip up. Say this guy's name. LUCAS: You know, I think I know exactly who it is. BILLIE: Oh? LUCAS: I'm pretty sure it's this guy...Jerry? Or Jerome? He came into her office last week when I was there. I hadn't seen him before, and I just...I get a feeling about him. BILLIE: Well...we're not gonna be able to use a feeling as evidence, unfortunately. We gotta have her say his name and make it clear he's connected to what she's up to or else it doesn't exist. As Billie finishes her sentence, Kate comes into the office. Billie and Lucas turn to face her. KATE: It's just me. What did I miss? Billie guffaws as she turns back toward her computer screen as she answers her mother's question. BILLIE: Well...you missed me nearly getting caught by Justin Kiriakis, and Sheryl Connors as I bugged her office. KATE: You didn't... BILLIE: No. Thankfully, I didn't. But I did run into her at the elevator. Apparently Sheryl thinks you're manipulating Lucas into possibly breaking things off with her, Mom. Kate turns toward Lucas with a sour expression. KATE: Lucas, I told you you had to keep up the charade with Sheryl, and I meant convincingly. LUCAS: Okay, enough, Mom. Look, it's nearly over now, and I don't see the point in trying to hide my feelings about her any longer than I have to. KATE: Well, you still had to while Billie was putting the bug in Sheryl's office, didn't you? And apparently, you didn't do a very good job and you might have put this entire plan in jeopardy. Kate turns back toward the screen, shaking her head in indignance at her son's irresponsibility. KATE: I just hope this is enough to get Rafe away from that conniving little tramp, Jordan Ridgeway or whatever her name is supposed to be. Lucas looks back Kate's way, shaking his head at his mom's persistance. LUCAS: You just better hope this plan DOES work, or else you're gonna alienate Rafe more than you already have. Kate looks back at her son, the both of them glaring at each other, as Billie seems oblivious to it all, keeping close watch over the Titan server, and Sheryl's actions. --- --- Nick types and clicks furiously at his computer, as Tyler paces behind him, on his cell phone with Justin. TYLER: (into phone) Justin, I know, but this kid is certain that there's about to be an attack and he says it's directly related to the City Hall server crash and the delay in approving the Ruggles land expropriation deal. I know he's got a handle on this...yes, I know you don't like him...I have a strong feeling he....well we don't have much choice right now, do we? If we wait on this...it might be too late... Nick smirks as he listens on, simultaneously listening to Sheryl through a single earbud, studying Sheryl's movements closely as she is about to launch her virus. ... Sheryl, meanwhile, is still at her desk, very nearly ready to launch her attack (with Jerome's remote help). SHERYL: (into phone) Alright, we ready to do this thing? JEROME: (via phone) In 3...2...1... Sheryl hits "Enter" on her keyboard, almost ceremoniously. ... Up in Billie's office, Kate, Lucas, and Billie study the screen as Billie jumps into action, noticing the activity appear in the backup server. BILLIE: Damnit! She started in the backup system. I have to double back to access it. Billie types away furiously to try to access the backup server, but is denied access. LUCAS: Do you know the password? BILLIE: No, but there's other ways to work around it. Billie moves her mouse over to another window, and begins to work from there, disabling a specific firewall that protects the backup server from being accessed by her computer. ... Nick, meanwhile, is overwhelmed by the activity. Realizing suddenly that someone else is trying to work on the backup server, he flips back to the surveillance program, and realizes it's Billie, Kate, and Lucas. NICK: Oh, no. Tyler, upon hearing Nick, quickly ends his call to Justin and darts over to Nick's computer again. TYLER: Yes, it...I gotta call you back, Justin. Don't worry, it's under control. Tyler looks intensely at the screen, as Nick springs back into action. TYLER: What's wrong? NICK: Nothing. I'm on it. TYLER: I hope so. Nick ignores Tyler's panicked threats, and takes advantage of Billie's disabling the firewall and leaps in. As the files from the backup server begin to be downloaded, then systematically destroyed, Nick locates the IP address for Sheryl's laptop. NICK: Not so fast, little lady. ... Sheryl's laptop displays the progress of the virus installation: 2%... Sheryl smiles as her external hard drive she's attached to her computer works overtime, downloading and destroying the Titan files. SHERYL: (into phone) We're on our way now. JEROME: (via phone) And we only saving the small files and documents about the workings of the company, right? SHERYL: (into phone) Not to worry, I programmed it to only save document files, spreadsheets, graphics, media. The rest is getting corrupted and discarded. JEROME: (via phone) Perfect. How far we at? SHERYL: (into phone) Only 3% so far. ... Billie digs further in, tracking down Sheryl's IP. LUCAS: What are you doing now? BILLIE: I'm gonna throw the program they're using into an endless loop that hopefully will jam the program up, and buy me enough time to close up the security hole so they'll be booted from the system. KATE: Do you have enough time? BILLIE: I'll be fine... Billie looks on her screen, and realizes there's someone else accessing the server. BILLIE: If someone else doesn't beat me to it. Kate looks over at Lucas, who looks back at her, concerned. They both turn their attentions back to Billie, and to her computer screen. ... Sheryl looks on more and more intensely. The progress bar inches forward... 5%... SHERYL: (into phone) I'm gonna shift this over to the EnerNext subserver once we're done with this backup. JEROME: (via phone) Got it. SHERYL: (into phone) Okay...we're in. Downloading EnerNext's documents... 6%... ... Nick plugs a memory stick into his laptop, as he continues to work furiously at stopping Sheryl. Tyler looks on in wonder. TYLER: What are you plugging in there? NICK: Just a program to destroy whatever device these guys are using against us. TYLER: Like...digitally... Nick looks up at Tyler, his classic smirk on his face. NICK: Oh no. Not just digitally. Tyler looks on, concerned by Nick's plan. ... Billie continues to work away at stopping Sheryl's virus from progressing, as Kate and Lucas sit on pins and needles. LUCAS: Billie, how much longer is this gonna take. BILLIE: Not long now, I'm nearly there. KATE: This better work. BILLIE: It will, Mom. Don't worry. Billie focuses in as she clicks to access Sheryl's computer remotely, so she can trip it up and stop it from continuing to spread the virus. BILLIE: Almost there. ... 8%... Sheryl stares straight ahead as she notices unfamiliar activity happening around her. SHERYL: (into phone) Dammit! We got company. Sheryl clicks to kick Billie's computer out of hers. ... Nick double clicks his mouse, launching his counterattack against Sheryl. NICK: Buh-bye! ... Billie's computer is suddenly kicked out of the server altogether, shocking Billie, as she leans back in her seat, taking a stunned Kate and Lucas with her. LUCAS: What happened? ... 11%... Sheryl looks down quickly at her work computer and her external hard drive, as her computer's fan abruptly shuts down, and her computer's processor goes into overdrive, causing the computer to freeze up. SHERYL: (into phone) What the Hell? JEROME: (via phone) What's wrong? Sheryl??? As Jerome tries in vain to get Sheryl to answer him, her and laptop begin to overheat quickly, and sparks, with a plastic burning smell and smoke emerging from the laptop. The sparking causes Sheryl to jump back from her laptop, breathing heavily from the shock, as Jerome continues to call out to her over the phone to her Bluetooth. JEROME: (via phone) SHERYL....SHERYL! You there??? SHERYL... ---

More DAYS blog entries are up. Thinking of posting back on here with each episode again after this. EPISODE 109 EPISODE 110 EPISODE 111

I wonder what on EARTH happened in Nov. 78 to cause such a steep drop across daytime. WOW. AW and Family Feud lost half their audience in a year!

Continuing with the DAYS blog with new entries! EPISODE 106 EPISODE 107 EPISODE 108

More DAYS: TAT is up on Blogspot! Thanks for continuing to check in! EPISODE 103 EPISODE 104 EPISODE 105

After an unusually long break, the next three episodes are up! Feel free to comment and check 'em out! EPISODE 100 EPISODE 101 EPISODE 102

For those who want to check out the latest DAYS episodes (hopefully still more interesting than the Dena dreck): EPISODE 97 EPISODE 98 EPISODE 99 Enjoy! Be sure to leave comments and keep following the blog!

Hopefully this is cool, just wanted to keep those of you who've been following my DAYS up to date with my new entries, which I'm posting externally. EPISODE 93 EPISODE 94 EPISODE 95 EPISODE 96 Gonna lurk around at SON, but again, likely not gonna be posting much. Hope you all follow DAYS: TAT. Thanks for reading

After two years, I've had the pleasure of sharing my vision of Days of our Lives with you here at SON. I regretfully will be moving my posts to Blogger, after some lingering formatting issues, and the banning of ML Cooks (aMLCproduction) from the forums (look for his Y&R to appear as well soon), I have decided that it is best for me to move the blog onto another account. All episodes from #93 will be posted at http://daystat.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/days-93-abbys-home-and-kim-finds-roman.html, as have the previous 92 episodes here. I likely won't be posting much, if at all here anymore, but greatly appreciate the time I've spent here at SON, and hope you all will follow my story there, and please feel free to leave me feedback. Every bit helps motivate me to improve and grow as a writer. This has been a fabulous exercise for me, and I really appreciate your support through it all. It's been quite the ride! ETA: If you'd like to keep updated with new episodes, check out the DAYS: ETA page on Facebook.

Another strong show. I love all the different pieces. The Abbott teleconference was great again as Jack stubbornly refuses to believe he's in any danger from Victor. But the family knows better. Don't get too comfortable, Jack. Phyllis and Michael was another strong beat. I'm enjoying watching them at odds over this. Phyllis will not take Michael's actions lying down, and she shouldn't. I love that you're showing the emotional conflicts here, as I find the best soap opera is when you can understand the motivations for everyone's actions and understand why they feel they did the right thing. Great storytelling there. I'm interested to see where things will go with Gloria now that she's in the loop on what Michael has done. Karynn and Esther's adventures continue. I enjoyed the heart-to-heart between Chance and Nina on their way to Chicago. It was good to see them discuss things. Nina's a meddler, though given her history, I could see why she'd be a bit protective of him. Karynn is is so snarky, it's fantastic. You really got a strong connection between her and Esther, and I totally buy it. Great writing there. Fascinated to see where the story wth Karynn's ex-husband goes as well. All very strong stuff here. A solid episode. Great work, ML!

EPISODE 92 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson The sunlight fights its way through every available crack between Nick's blinds. One beam brightly hits Nick right in the eyes, jolting him from his slumber. The bright sunlight shocks him, causing him to squint. Nick goes to sit up, but is hit almost immediately with a searing headache. It nearly cripples him, but he manages to stumble over to the window of his small studio apartment. Looking out the window, he sees the bright day, sighing as he winces, the sunlight hurting his eyes. He turns back to find his laptop bag. Rifling through it, he finds his pills. But his fingers slide across what's resting next to the pill bottle: Marlena Evans' perscription pad. Just as he's about to lift the pad up, he lurches back in pain. The pad gave him a papercut. Nick puts the cut finger in his mouth, wincing at the pain and discomfort. NICK: Mm! Dammit! Nick holds in his pain a moment to awkwardly open the bottle of pills. He struggles, as his hands shake violently. He looks at them, concerned greatly by his symptoms. He quickly opens the bottle, taking two pills from the bottle. He looks down at the bottle, shrugs, and pulls another one out. Taking all three, he steps into the bathroom, and turns on the tap, pouring half a glass of lukewarm water, which he uses to wash down the pills. After downing his medication, he looks into the bathroom mirror. He looks at his messy appearance, the emerging circles under his eyes, and shakes his head. NICK: You gotta get it together, Fallon. You got too much to do today to let this stop you. Wayyy, way too much. --- Sheryl lies half-asleep in bed, sighing after a good night's rest, before she reaches out slowly to caress Lucas' face. She reaches out and finds no one there. Opening her eyes in surprise, she gets up with a start. She looks confused around her room. SHERYL: Lucas? Getting up from her bed, covers, of course, covering her body, she inspects the bathroom before looking for her phone. SHERYL: Where the Hell did you go? Pulling her phone out, she looks down, seeing no texts or calls from Lucas. She looks up, confused by his absence. --- Hope walks into her living room, dressed and ready for work, coffee cup in hand, as the doorbell rings. She jumps momentarily, before putting her coffee cup down, and calls out toward the door. HOPE: One second! She runs over to the door, looking in the small window in the door, she spots Marlena. She opens the door, smiling. HOPE: Hey! Marlena! Her face drops, however, upon seeing the heavy concern on Marlena's face. MARLENA: Hope, I... HOPE: ..W...What's wrong? Come in, come in! Hope moves back away from the door, welcoming Marlena in. Marlena walks in solemnly. She hesitates to speak, sighing as she begins. MARLENA: Thank you. Uh...I had to see you, and I'm...I'm sorry to bother you so early in the morning. Hope shakes her head, looking very concerned at Marlena. HOPE: No, no! Nonsense, you're always welcome here, you know that. Uh...sit down. You, uh...you want some coffee? I just made a fresh pot. MARLENA: Ah...no. No, thank you. I couldn't possibly keep anything down right now. Marlena obliges Hope's request, sitting down, breathing heavily, struggling to hold herself together. Hope quickly walks to Marlena's side and sits down next to her. HOPE: Marlena...you're scaring me. What's wrong? Marlena looks up at Hope, starting to tear up. MARLENA: Roman's missing. And I need your help to find him. --- Lucas wanders through the park, deep in thought over the events of the previous night. Up ahead, he spies Club TBD. He craves a drink, but resists. Looking at the nearby bench, he spots something unusual. It's Roman, asleep by the bush. Lucas looks on, baffled by the sighting, and calls out to him. LUCAS: Roman? Roman doesn't answer, but is startled by Lucas. He stirs, as Lucas approaches. Lucas kneels down next to him, shaking him gently to make sure he's okay. LUCAS: Roman! Hey, man. You alright? Roman grunts as he starts to wake up. Lucas bursts into action as he takes his jacket off to try to warm a freezing-to-the-touch Roman up. LUCAS: Man, you're freezing! Here, take my jacket. ROMAN: Uh...where am I? LUCAS: You're in the park, just outside Club TBD. Are...are you okay? What are you doing sleeping out here? It's got to be like...fourty degrees outside! Roman's eyes widen, as he struggles to catch his breath. He looks around, confused. ROMAN: I...I have no idea. I went for a walk and...who...how did I end up here? LUCAS: I dunno, man, but we gotta get you inside. Come on. Lucas hoists Roman up on his feet and guides him slowly towards the club. --- A tray of food is set down in front of a sleeping Sonny. The sound of the tray hitting the table jolts Sonny from his sleep. He looks, wide-eyed at the tray, before looking up, and seeing Will standing over him, a smile on his fiance's face. WILL: Good morning! Sonny looks stunned a moment, before lifting himself off the couch he'd spent the night on in the hospital lounge. He stutters a bit before he answers. SONNY: I...ah...Will...hey! Will laughs a bit, watching Sonny stumble over his words. WILL: You surprised to see me? I've been with you all night. SONNY: You...you have? WILL: Yeah. I was worried about you. I...I saw Adrienne walk out of here last night, she...she seemed really upset. Did you-- SONNY: ...Yeah. We talked. Will folds his arms, nodding slowly, knowing exactly how it turned out from Sonny's reaction. WILL: Aaand obviously that didn't go very well. Sonny raises his eyebrows, before shrugging, a hint of sadness in his voice. SONNY: You could say that. Will sits down next to Sonny, putting his arm around Sonny's waist, drawing him close to him. Sonny leans into Will, feeling comforted by Will for the first time in a long time. WILL: I'm sorry, Sonny. I...feel like I'm...I dunno, like it's my fault this all happened. SONNY: (sigh) Don't say that. It's not your fault my mom has this...vendetta against you. WILL: Well...what happened? Sonny lifts himself off Will's shoulder, turning to face Will. He sighs with sadness in his eyes before answering him. SONNY: Well...she came to me to tell me what her and my dad were fighting about in the garden. Will looks at Sonny, a very concerned look on his face as he asks Sonny a question, almost not wanting an answer. WILL: And...what was it? SONNY: She says that you are a carbon copy of your mother, and that you are, and I quote: lusting after my brother. Will tenses up, knowing that Adrienne has his number, but he hides the uneasiness. --- --- Sami stands in the DiMera living room, sipping her coffee, as she flips through some paperwork. She hears her phone ring. Picking it up, she quickly answers. SAMI: (into phone) Hey! Uh...Suzanne, it's Samantha Brady...yeah. I, uh, I'm heading into the station today and I just need you to pass along a message to Nicole Walker. EJ walks into the DiMera living room, Johnny on his shoulders, laughing heartily. Sami turns and sees EJ and Johnny step into the room. She smiles as she sees them come into the room, but is immediately striken with tension, as they approach. She fights the tension, as she continues her phone conversation. SAMI: (into phone) ...YES! I, I just want to pass along to her that I would like to meet with her for 11am. Tell her it's imperitive that I speak with her, and she should cancel all other arrangements for that time...Thank you. Hanging up the phone, she looks at Johnny and EJ and smiles. JOHNNY: Mommy! SAMI: Hey, sweetie! You ready for your trip today? JOHNNY: Yup! EJ and Sami laugh as Sami gently pats Johnny's head. She smiles, though her hand trembles. EJ catches Sami's hesitation and speaks up. EJ: I uh...I packed the children's things, Harold...helped me out, but... SAMI: That's great. Thank you. Uh... EJ leans down to lift Johnny off. EJ crouches down by Johnny and speaks kindly to him. EJ: Now, I need you and your sisters to be downstairs in twenty minutes. No later. Alright? JOHNNY: Okay! Johnny runs off out of the living room, heading upstairs, as EJ approaches Sami. He nearly places a hand on her shoulder, but thinks better of it, as Sami, sensing the nearness of his hand, flinches slightly. Setting his hand down by his side, EJ sighs. EJ: Are you sure about this? Sami responds, not turning around the face EJ. SAMI: I think it's better that they are with family far away from all this tension right now, yes. EJ sighs, as Sami turns to face him, explaining her rationale. SAMI: Look, EJ, I don't want them to go to Colorado any more than you do, but the truth is that while you and I are going through therapy and I'm struggling with...our...past...it just isn't healthy for them. They need to feel loved and cared for. I can't give that to them right now, especially Johnny. EJ nods, trying to understand. EJ: I understand...but it seems as though you're punishing the children for something that I did. And by extension, you're punishing me, and yourself. SAMI: I have to do what's best for them. And what's best for them isn't to be around us right now. Not until I'm able to deal with what happened between us that night, and not until I'm comfortable...I'm comfortable being with you again. EJ looks down, fighting his emotions, as he nods. He tries to understand Sami's situation, though he struggles. He finally responds. EJ: I...uh...I need to go check on the children. I'll see you at the office later? SAMI: Yeah! I'll be in after I take care of business at the station. EJ: Alright. Samantha... Sami turns back at look at EJ, who stares at her, hurt, but lovingly. EJ: I do love you, very very much. Sami smiles, unsuccessfully holding in her desire to cry. SAMI: Me too. EJ swallows heavily as he turns back around, heading out after Johnny. Sami stays behind, wiping her tears away, as she hears another notification ping. She looks at her phone, stunned. SAMI: Oh my God! Sami reads the headline: Victor Kiriakis suffers heart attack, hospitalized --- Will sighs heavily, biting his lip as he looks up at Sonny, almost afraid to ask what Sonny did next. WILL: And...what did you say about that? SONNY: Well, of course, I told her it was nonsense...and then I told her that I wanted her to stay away from you, and from me. Will looks stunned, unsure what to say in response to his fiance's act of loyalty. WILL: Sonny...you didn't have to do that-- SONNY: Yes...I did, Will. Look, you know...this is why I was afraid of you taking this job at EnerNext. I...I don't mean to interfere in your career, but...my family, they have this way of...meddling, of worming their way into our lives. And it looks like they found their way in already. Will takes Sonny's hand, and holds it tightly. He smiles warmly at his fiance. WILL: Sonny, I love you. And I really appreciate what you did for me. But I don't want you to ruin your relationship with your mom over me. It's not fair to you, or your mom. SONNY: No, what's not fair is my mom deciding to meddle in our business. She's trying to create problems and make me doubt you. And I'm not going to let her do that. Will looks down, still tightly gripping Sonny's hand, he smiles warmly at him. WILL: I know. But don't you think you're just...both under a lot of stress right now, what with Victor's heart attack, and Chad being AWOL from TBD, and...our...problems at home...don't you think you overreacted just a bit? Sonny looks at Will, then looks down. He thinks over what Will says intensely. --- Hope gets off the phone to the station, and turns back around to Marlena, who is furiously texting, a very worried look on her face. HOPE: Okay, uh...so I just spoke to Rafe...they can't formally put out a missing persons' report yet, but...they are looking into it. Hope looks down at Marlena finishing up her text. HOPE: Who are you texting? MARLENA: Kim. She was with me when...Roman took off. Hope looks on, increasingly concerned for Roman. She takes a moment, unsure whether to ask or not, but decides to go ahead. HOPE: Marlena...is something wrong with Roman? Marlena looks up at Hope, incredibly hesitant to tell her the truth. She looks down and sighs before responding. MARLENA: In all honesty, I don't know. But if we don't find him, I'm very concerned for his well-being. Hope, shocked, rushes over to the sofa again and sits at Marlena's side. HOPE: Good God...it's not Stefano is it? Has Stefano kidnapped-- MARLENA: ...No! No, no, no, it's not Stefano...at least not that I'm aware of. No, it's...Roman himself...I am so worried that he may be a danger to himself. Hope looks on, before pulling a tearful Marlena into a hug. Still unclear as to Marlena's concern, she furrows her brow, concerned for her brother-in-law. --- Lucas sits Roman down on the bench, as T comes over to see what's wrong. T: Hey, uh...Lucas...what's wrong with Mr. Brady? Is he okay? LUCAS: I uh...I think he's okay, but...he's been outside for quite awhile, can you grab us some coffee for him? T: Yeah, absolutely. T runs off to grab Roman a cup of coffee, as Lucas pulls out his phone. ROMAN: Who are you calling? Lucas doesn't look up as he scrolls through his contacts. LUCAS: I'm calling Marlena, first off. She needs to know you're okay. Roman panics at Lucas' suggestion, holding his hand up to reach out for Lucas' phone to stop him. ROMAN: I don't want Marlena to hear about this, you understand me? Lucas looks at Roman, stunned and concerned. --- Nick steps into the lab, where Percy sits at a desk, headphones in, listening intently to various conversations throughout the Titan complex. Nick waves silently to Percy, who, over the sound of his headphones, welcomes Nick loudly. PERCY: GREETINGS! Percy fumbles, realizing not everyone hears the things he is, and quickly takes his headphones off. He walks quickly over to Nick. PERCY: Oh, Nicholas, I have very important news for you. NICK: Oh do you. PERCY: Well...strictly speaking, I have two items for you to look over, but...this first one is of utmost importance. Nick looks to Percy, intrigued, as he sets down his bag on the table. NICK: I'm listening. PERCY: Well...you may not be especially thrilled about this first one. NICK: Try me. PERCY: Well...it seems as though Miss Ridgeway and Miss Connors have taken on a new addition to their ensemble-- Nick pulls out an apple, which he bites into as he replies. NICK: Oh yeah...I met him last night. Jeremy or... PERCY: Yes, uh, a Jerome Grant. Well...it seems as though the three of them have some sort of...computer software they're looking to install on the Titan servers, and it appears to me, as though today is the day they will go ahead with this. It sounds actually like something that could really cause a lot of damage. NICK: Really! Nick smiles wryly as he crunches into his apple. PERCY: Yes...I say this because I have a concern that...well...they may try to use you as a...what did they call it, a...uh...."fall guy" for their plan. And knowing that your intentions are only to assist these young ladies...I wouldn't want to see you harmed. Nick laughs, slapping Percy heartily on the back before pulling him in close to him. NICK: (laughs) Ohhh Percy. Not to worry, I won't be taking the fall for anyone. You can bet on that. Nick looks down at his apple, and bites into it, almost maniacally. ---

OOOOO Phyllis is figuring [!@#$%^&*] out. You got her very good. A little bit smarter than pretty much anybody in town. I like that. Her relationship with Michael is a great way to help connect the dots, and I love how this is moving. I can't wait to see how that progresses. I liked the flow of following Scotty from the lobby to the condo and into the conversation with Victor and Lauren. Great way to guide us into the situation and connect the stories. LOVED the Abbott teleconference. It was nice to see Ashley here. She's kind of glue holding everything together, her absence is helping to cause the family structure to crumble. I can't wait to see the struggle between Keemo and Jack explored more. You've been digging deep into the family and emotional relationships between the characters lately and I have been really enjoying it! Nina and Jill meeting at the Chancellor shell. A good scene, with revelations left, right and centre. I expect Nina will be saving Karynn and Esther soon. Great as well to see the panic spread across Genoa City as Victor's release becomes public knowledge. I'm sure that will have ripple effects across town, and it'll play heavily into future story. Great stuff!

GOOD episode yet again! As Cary said, the balance was perfect, the stories were firing on all cylinders, and the movement was there. Loved it. Phillip is going down a destructive path, no thanks to Cane, I'm wondering how much Rufus will manipulate the situation to get her hands on that Chancellor money. Very dark scenes and the music helped too. Good stuff. Nikki and driver had a really surprisingly tender moment. I feel like he's really going to be there for Nikki, and that's what she needs right now, though I worry he will coddle Nikki with her drinking, much like Jack did back in the day, and that will not help matters at all. I'm intrigued by the direction that story's going. Victor and Lauren's scene was good as well, though Victor really has to get in the moment and gain back that intensity he has always had. I find his "breaking character" moments amusing, but I think the intensity really needs to be there, too, and it'll help your scenes flow even better. REALLY good job writing Lauren as well, and you gave the recap dialogue a very smooth stroke, so it let us buy into it without breaking the reality of the moment. GOOD job. Michael and Phyllis was another good scene. Phyllis is a great confidant for Michael and I'm glad you took advantage of their longtime friendship to help bring people up to speed with the story. Michael is in HUGE trouble now that Victor's out, and he KNOWS it! Fantastic show beginning to end. Another winner, ML!

EPISODE 91 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson The doors to the elevator at University Hospital open, to find the Kiriakis clan step out, by and large upset and a bit panicked, as Maggie in particular moves briskly to the nurses' station to ask Maxine about Victor. MAGGIE: Maxine! Where's Victor's room? Maxine quickly points down the hall to guide Maggie, as she turns herself toward the room. MAXINE: Just over here, Maggie. But you can't go in yet, they're operating! Maggie runs before Maxine's even finished her sentence toward the door, stopping just outside, upset that she can't go in to see her ailing husband. Alex, Sonny and Will hang back, as Justin and Adrienne step forward, the shock still plain on their faces. Daniel steps out from the room VIctor's in and immediately sees his mother's worried face. He sighs, giving a half-hearted smile, as Maggie rushes over to him. MAGGIE: Daniel! How is he? Daniel holds up one hand, a half-hearted attempt to calm Maggie down, as the others move over closer to him to hear what he has to say. DANIEL: He's stable. Victor had a heart attack. Maggie clenches, upset by the news, she grabs Adrienne's hand for support. ALEX: How bad was it? DANIEL: (sigh) It wasn't minor. But...I wouldn't worry too much, he's getting prepped for surgery now. WILL: Is he gonna be okay? DANIEL: Victor's in...remarkably good health for his age. I think the bulk of the problem has been the stress he's been under lately. We may have underestimated how much pressure he's been under the past few months. Maggie looks at her son, the feelings of guilt rushing over her as she recalls her snapping at him, knowing the pain he's been through. JUSTIN: Alright, Daniel, just...keep us updated. DANIEL: For sure. Daniel stops to give Maggie a hug, before stepping away to prep for surgery. DANIEL: Alright, I gotta go prep for surgery, I'll let you know as soon as I know anything. I love you. MAGGIE: I love you too. Thank you. Daniel walks off at a determined pace, as Maggie starts to crumble. Sonny takes her other hand and pulls her towards him, putting her in a tight embrace. MAGGIE: It's all my fault. ADRIENNE: No, sweetie! Absolutely not! You were upset, and we've all been under a lot of pressure. You can't blame yourself for this. Maggie begins to sob as she holds onto Sonny, Adrienne provides comfort, gently stroking Maggie's back, as the family circles Maggie for support. --- Kim walks through Horton Town Square, quickly scurrying to get to her car as she's walking alone at night, when she spots a familiar face. KIM: Roman! Hey! Roman looks confused, before turning to face his sister. He looks at her with a look of a total stranger. ROMAN: I...Hello... Kim looks at her brother, a concerned look on her face and she leans over to touch his shoulder. KIM: I...Roman, it's...it's me...Kimmy! Roman stares at Kim, totally bewildered by her. Kim looks back, a smile on her face, but with an increasing tension and panic in her face. --- Jennifer smiles as she and Liam sit at a late evening dinner at Chez Rouge. Liam pours Jennifer a glass of champagne, never taking his eyes off her. JENNIFER: You know, you have this really sexy look in your eyes right now. LIAM: Oh yeah? Well if that's a come-on, we haven't had our food yet. Jennifer feigns offense, as Liam laughs. JENNIFER: Well, I never! Putting off romance for food? I don't know about you, Mister! LIAM: Ohh, I've always got time for romance. Liam leans over the table and gently kisses Jennifer on the lips, before sitting back down in his seat. LIAM: But I've also learned, that good things come to those who wait. JENNIFER: Isn't that the truth. Jenn raises her glass, as Liam does the same. They toast, once again never taking their eyes off each other. --- A woman in black pumps walks quickly into the terminal of Salem International Airport. She walks over toward the exit, but stops just beforehand. Pulling her phone out, she taps the screen on her phone to get an Uber from the airport to the Horton House. It's Abigail. --- Nicole lies in bed, Eric's arms around her, as she sleeps soundly, deep in a dream: *** Nicole stands before the justice of the peace, beaming as she looks at Eric. Flowers in her hand, she's about to become Mrs. Eric Brady. JUSTICE OF PEACE: We are gathered here to today to join Nicole Walker, and Eric Brady in marriage. Daniel and Chloe stand on either side of Nicole and Eric, smiling, happy for their friends' big day. Nicole can't help herself and blurts out to Eric in joy. NICOLE: I can't believe it's finally happening for us. I love you so much. Eric, far cooler and reserved, smile back, responding warmly but casually. ERIC: Me too, Nicole. The justice of the peace continues: JUSTICE OF PEACE: If anyone can show just cause why these two should not be joined in marriage, may they speak now, or forever hold their-- SAMI: STOP THIS! Everyone jumps as Sami's voice cuts the happy mood in the room, jolting everyone out of the moment. Sami and Marlena storm into the room, Sami and Marlena shooting daggers from their eyes at Nicole. Nicole turns around in horror as Sami walks over to her. ERIC: Sami...Mom, what are you doing here? SAMI: We're here to stop you from making the biggest mistake of your life, Eric. Eric looks at his sister, annoyed at her constant interference. ERIC: Sami... MARLENA: No! Eric, she's right. Nicole has gone way too far this time. Nicole rolls her eyes, irritated at the interruption, and trying to remove them from the room. NICOLE: Oh whatever, you know what, you two have done more damage to our happiness than I ever could have. SAMI: Oh that's REALLY rich, Nicole. Eric, upset by what's happening, cuts in between Nicole and Sami, who are now right up in each other's faces. ERIC: Wait wait wait wait wait, STOP! What is the meaning of this. MARLENA: Eric. Nicole lied to you. She DID get the evidence proving that Kristen hired Dr. Chyka to drug you in that hotel room. ERIC: What?! NICOLE: No! I wouldn't do that! If I knew what happened to that evidence, don't you think I would have turned it over? Sami looks at Nicole, an angered, mistrustful look on her face. SAMI: I don't know, would you? NICOLE: You know, if I did do all this, where IS the proof, where did you get it? NICK: I think I have the answer to that question. Nick saunters into the room, a smug, self-satisfied look on his face, as Nicole begins to hyperventilate. Nick walks over to Eric, and casually places the folder with all the documentation into Eric's hands. He places a small flash drive on top for him. NICK: Merry Christmas. Oh, and if you're wondering what the flash drive is, it's proof that she had this folder the whole time and just hid it in her desk so you wouldn't see it. At least, not if I hadn't broken in. (laughs) Nicole panics, almost unable to breathe, before letting out a bloodcurdling scream, jolting her out of her dream. *** NICOLE: NOOOOO!! Eric, scared stiff, jumps up, shocked at Nicole's freak out. He looks quickly at Nicole, and wraps his arms around her to comfort her. ERIC: Shhh! Shhh! It's okay. It's okay. I'm here. Nicole sobs, shaking in fear over her nightmare. NICOLE: No, no no no no, it can't it can't, no... --- --- Kim looks with a sense of dread at her brother, as Roman looks at her like she's a stranger. ROMAN: I...I'm sorry. I... KIM: Roman...come sit here with me. You do remember me, right? Roman looks down as Kim takes his hand, holding it tightly. His confusion plain on his face as he tries to back off. ROMAN: I'm sorry, Ma'am. I... Marlena walks past at that moment, spotting their exchange and immediately springs into action, as Roman looks her way. MARLENA: Kim! Kim, it's okay. Roman, Roman! Marlena walks over quickly, as Roman begins to panic, feeling ambushed by Marlena and Kim. ROMAN: Lady, let go! MARLENA: Roman! It's okay! It's okay. It's me. It's Doc. Look at me! As Kim lets go of his hand, she steps back, tears in her eyes. She observes the panic in Roman's eyes as he begins to calm down. MARLENA: Roman. You recognize me? It's Marlena. Roman, breathing heavily, nods as he holds Marlena's face in his hand. He gently carresses her cheek as he begins to tear up. ROMAN: Doc...what is happening to me? Who...wha... MARLENA: Roman, that woman is your sister. It's okay. Her name is Kimberly Brady. Do you remember a Kimberly Brady? Roman shakes his head a moment, before cooling down. ROMAN: That name means something to me, but... MARLENA: That's her. That's your sister. Roman squeezes Marlena's hand, nodding in understanding. Marlena looks at Kim and guides Roman to the bench. MARLENA: Look, let's...let's sit down. Kim approaches Marlena and Roman as Roman sits on the bench. He puts his hands behind his head and leans down, looking down at the ground. ROMAN: My God...What's happening to me, Doc? KIM: No, seriously, Marlena...what's happening to him? MARLENA: I..uh...I'm going to talk to Kimberly for a moment, okay? Roman nods, as Marlena takes Kim's arm and steps away from Roman for a sec to talk quietly to Kim. MARLENA: I think...I don't want to say for certain before we've had a chance to look closer into things but... KIM: Marlena, I can take it. Just...tell me straight up. Marlena looks back at Roman, seeing him taking deep breaths on the bench behind them. MARLENA: Valerie Grant and I are looking into it. We...we think it could be some form of dementia, but... KIM: Roman as well? MARLENA: That was my first thought, but...it's progressing too quickly to be anything like Caroline's...and anyway, I don't think this is the same situation as Caroline, anyway. KIM: Wha...why is this the first I've heard about it? MARLENA: Well, if I'm being honest, I didn't realize until today it was getting so bad so quickly. Honestly, Kim, I wanted to wait until I had a definitive answer before I said anything, and Roman...well, he didn't want to alarm you all what with Kayla leaving and Bo still missing... Kim nods, understanding Marlena's point. KIM: I understand that...but I wish you'd told me something was wrong sooner. MARLENA: I know...and I'm sorry, just...I had to think about Roman's wishes as well. KIM: I know. (sigh) Look, I...I think we should speak to someone at the police station about this before Roman ends up hurt. I mean... MARLENA: I thought about that as well...I think, considering what's happened tonight, we might...maybe consult with Hope and...maybe Abe as well. I know Abe isn't...directly involved with the police right now, but... KIM: It's still worth a try. I mean, I just...I don't want my brother to end up injured on duty or worse. MARLENA: I agree. Look, for now, let's just get him home. Kim nods again, in agreement. KIM: I agree, I think...uh...I'd rather he not be alone though, maybe he should go with you. MARLENA: Absolutely. Kim sighs, a bit relieved, though still horribly concerned for her brother. KIM: Okay. Marlena and Kim turn to grab Roman from the bench, only to stop in their tracks upon realizing he's vanished. MARLENA: Oh my God. KIM: Oh no, he's gone. --- Nicole is held in Eric's arms as she breathes deeply, still deeply shaken by her dream. ERIC: It's okay...do you...do you want to tell me about it? Nicole shakes her head as Eric cradles her. NICOLE: No, it was too awful. I just...just hold me. ERIC: I'll never let you go. Just know that, okay? Nicole looks off, desperate to believe that what Eric says is true. NICOLE: Okay. Eric, sensing her tension, kisses her gently on the lips and smiles at her. ERIC: I love you. NICOLE: And I love you. More than you'll ever know, Eric. Eric smiles as Nicole finally smiles again, they kiss again deeply, as Nicole holds onto Eric for dear life. --- Jennifer laughs again as Liam finishes a story. She's not drunk, but has had a few glasses on champagne by now. JENNIFER: You know...I don't have to work tomorrow and...well...JJ's out with Rory...God help him, and my mom went out with some friends for the evening...so...we have the house to ourselves, you know. LIAM: I'm listening... JENNIFER: Unless...you...maybe wanted to take me back to your place? I haven't seen it yet and all... Liam stiffens at the suggestion, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. LIAM: I...uh...I think we should maybe...maybe your place is a better idea. Jennifer looks concerned suddenly by Liam's shuffling. JENNIFER: You...you okay? I... LIAM: Yeah, no. I'm...I'm fine, I just...my place is a disaster zone still, we're...we're kinda...still renovating the place so... Jennifer smiles, a bit relieved but still thinking about what Laura told her earlier. JENNIFER: That's fine...maybe we should just...take it easy tonight, if you're not up to it. Liam catches on, and changes his tone again, trying to reassure Jenn. LIAM: No! No, it's fine, I just...(sigh) I just don't want to disappoint you at all. You know? Jenn smiles, reaching her hand across the table to meet Liam's. JENNIFER: You could never disappoint me. Trust me. Liam smiles back, grasping Jenn's hand in his. They both gaze intensely into each other's eyes. --- Abby arrives at the Horton house. The lights all out. She turns them on as she walks into the living room. ABBY: Well...so much for surprising everyone. (sigh) Abby looks down at the table, and sees Jennifer's files from work. She looks wistfully at them, recalling the circumstances that led to her leaving the hospital. ABBY: Back to keeping secrets and telling lies. Thank God it'll be easier now. No one will ever know about the baby now. --- In the University Hospital lounge, Adrienne stands, holding a cup of coffee in styrofoam cup. Her hands shaking like a leaf as she struggles to raise it up to her lips to take a sip. Her sons, Alex and Sonny sit in the opposite corner of the room, a deep concern for Adrienne plain on their faces. Sonny sighs, as he slowly gets up, as Adrienne nearly spills her coffee. He puts a hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump momentarily. SONNY: Mom...are you okay? Adrienne turns to face her son. She smiles as she takes her son's hand. Alex looks on from the corner, a smile on his face as well. ADRIENNE: Honestly, I'm terrified. But I'm grateful my boys are here. SONNY: Mom, we wouldn't be anywhere else. Alex gets up from his seat, taking Adrienne's other hand. ALEX: Sonny's right. We're here for you and for Dad. ADRIENNE: Thanks, sweetie. Uh...Alex, honey, can...can I talk with your brother alone for a moment? ALEX: Of course, Adrienne! I..uh...I'm gonna go check on Noelle. Adrienne gently squeezes Alex's hand as he walks off toward the hallway. As he disappears around the corner, Adrienne turns to Sonny and looks at him intensely. ADRIENNE: Sonny...look, I don't want to start a fight, but..I-- SONNY: Then don't. ADRIENNE: Sonny! SONNY: No! Seriously, Mom! This is SO not the time to start going in on me about my marrying Will. Sonny turns away from Adrienne, as Adrienne reaches out, pleading with her son to listen. ADRIENNE: Sonny, Listen! I didn't want to start a fight. All I'm saying is I want you to be careful. (sigh) Will has never been with another man before, and... Adrienne pauses, looking out the door to make sure no one hears what she's about to say. Sonny, not watching his mother, interjects, prodding her for an answer. SONNY: ...And?? ADRIENNE: ...And I saw Will...I saw how he was looking at... Sonny turns around, exasperated by his mother's stalling. SONNY: At??? At who, Mom? Spit it out! Adrienne shouts out her response, shaking in fear and frustration over Sonny's demand for an answer. ADRIENNE: At Alex! He was giving your brother the eye. The whole evening we've spent in that house, Sonny. I couldn't stand it. You were looking at him with such...love and affection and...it's so honest and...all I could see was the lust in Will's eye for Alex. Sonny looks at his mother, absolutely stunned at what she's saying. Sonny begins to laugh at his mother's answer, totally in disbelief. SONNY: You...you have absolutely lost your mind! ADRIENNE: I'm serious, honey. I'm not making this up. I swear, I saw it with my own eyes. Sonny backs away from his mother, holding his hands up to stop her from approaching. SONNY: No! No no no, THIS...this is it, Mom. I know you can't stand the idea of me marrying Will, but to make up something like THIS? You stay away from my home, and away from Will. Adrienne begins to tear up, petrified of losing her son. ADRIENNE: Please! No... SONNY: No, Mom! Enough! If you want to see Arianna, I'll bring her to the house, you can see her then, but I'm not going to allow you to meddle in our lives anymore. I've had it. ADRIENNE: Sonny! SONNY! Adrienne shouts out as she watches her son walk out of the room. She holds her head in her hands as she cries. ---

Oh now she gone have a baby. She better move fast or that sperm will die before it's even in her! LOL. What an emotional episode, though. Vicky serving Jake with divorce papers, and Paulina being there for him. We all know where that's heading, and with Grant as a spoiler, the classic set up returns, and I can't wait. Really good scenes there, particularly with Michele seeing it all go down, and immediately blaming Bridget. This will just be more fuel for her fire. Felicia's shaking, and I love her dismissing it as just hot flashes. She KNOWS something's up, but what's causing those cravings. Hmmm... I can't say I'll really miss Jack, but what a way to tie all that history together, really good stuff there! Grant is not going to get what he wants, particularly when this is the lengths, and desperation he goes to to get it. Loving that, and Frankie still being worried about Cass. She has good reason to! Another excellent episode!

Christy is showing herself now. Time to have a baby LOL. Oh WOW. I loved her luring Cass to the warehouse. That whole family is nuts. Haha. Frankie's feelings were right on the money. Really enjoyed that build-up. After all this time, people STILL don't buy into Frankie's extra-sensory abilities! People need to get with it! LOL. Michele's scenes were great too. What did she find on her sister's computer? I can't wait to find that out. That girl is out for blood! Loved the scenes between Bridget and Cory as well. She's there for him in his time of need, and it's good to see. She's really growing up, and that's good. Michele's schemes will be a true test of that, surely! Another all-around great episode. Lots of great stuff, and great movement. Fantastic job, Cary!

I'll tell you right now, I love the structure of this episode. Rachel listing off their friends and going through what each of them are dealing with before the party is a masterstroke. GREAT build there. Felicia is going to really suffer for her decision to go with Iris. Rachel does NOT take well to being one-upped by Iris, and this is going to be VERY hard for her to take, especially with the loss of Carl imminent. I love that you're dealing with that subtlety. Not every headwriter would. It's a GREAT story decision! I love that you also had Matt and Mitch discussing Jasmine's work ethic at school. It's small, but it adds a lot of reality to things. And naturally, Felicia struggling to keep away from the bottle. I love the sensuality between Paulina and Jack. It's so natural, and you capture it well. Too bad Grant is all too ready to blow a huge hole in it! Jack has NO idea what's about to hit him! Bridget found the condom. Too late, though! I LOVE that you're reigniting Stacy/Michael/Donna. That's a fantastic use of history, and so natural. Something innocent being blown out of proportion by a perpetually jealous Donna. GREAT stuff!

I am LOVING this cat and mouse game with Grant and Carl. Carl knows something HUGE about Grant and I just LOVE it. The fact of Grant having a secret son is a HUGE one and I am loving watching Grant squirm. BRILLIANT reveal, one last act of revenge against the unscrupulous turd who took his son away. BRILLIANT. Elizabeth is so hurt, and the fact it's taking a toll on her is great. You really know how to write Rachel, I know I've said this before, but I can SEE and HEAR her saying these lines in my mind. It's SO well-done. MORE great work there. Lizzie's pain, I feel it SO much. Very well-conveyed. Another great scene. Everything in this episode flowed so naturally, it was fantastic. It was simple, and Carl's emotions and sadness, and that of his family...very palpable. Kirkland and Charlie's scenes were another good set. Charlie has NO clue what Eric has done. SCANDALOUS! Hahah, I know this secret is gonna marinate a LONG time. Great stuff, and I can't wait to see what happens next there. FANTASTIC episode, Cary. I'm THRILLED by it!

EPISODE 90 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Inside Anita's cabin, the dark night is lit up by the roar of the fire. A late winter snow and wind whips past outside, but inside, the home is warm and comforting. Anita sits inside, curled up on her sofa, engrossed in a book. She stares down at the page through her reading glasses, perched on the tip of her nose, as the sound of footsteps emerge from the guest bedroom. It's Brady. Anita turns, surprised to see him finally up and out of his room. ANITA: Good Lord! You're out of your room! Brady looks at Anita, inquisitively. BRADY: Yeah! I mean...well...the fire and all... Anita pulls her reading glasses off, a smile on her face as she looks at Brady, amazed to see him out. ANITA: I just...well...I knew you'd been moving around your room but...you've barely been out since you've been here. BRADY: I...I know. I just...I'm glad you gave me the space to...you know...recover and...clear my mind. Anita moves over slightly on her sofa, then pats the space next to her, encouraging Brady to sit down, he walks slowly over and sits down, though awkwardly, his legs weak from weeks of under-use. ANITA: Sit, sit! Look...Brady, I...you know I don't mean to pry but...darling, what happened to you before I found you on the shore? Whatever it is...it's deeply troubling you, and...maybe I can help you with it? Brady looks down, sighing, as his mind wanders back to the night of his accident. The memories flood back to him. *** FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 39 Theresa pulls her little vial of cocaine out for Brady. He brazenly pours it out on the table in front of him and grabs his wallet to grab a credit card to cut it up with. Theresa is barely paying attention, as she uses her cell phone camera to try to get a good look at her makeup. THERESA: I still look so good right now. Better than that bitch Chloe. God, her singing got on my nerves you know that? BRADY: Stop talking about Chloe like that! She's...great. THERESA: Sure, Brady. Whatever. I think I'm gonna take a selfie of this. Theresa fumbles with her phone, trying to flip the phone around to use the flash, but ends up reversing which lens is in use, and begins recording a video of Brady as he does the line of cocaine from the table. Theresa, not sure why the camera isn't working, flips the phone back around in frustration. THERESA: Ugh, this damned phone. Never...oh... BRADY: What? THERESA: Nothing. Stupid camera was on the wrong function, just... BRADY: It didn't get a shot of me, did it? THERESA: I can't even tell. Nothing's working right. *** FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 41 As the car takes off, Brady is back at the club, looking for Theresa. Unable to see her, he sees Chloe and stops her to ask. BRADY: Hey, uh...have you seen Theresa at all? CHLOE: No, the last time I saw her she was heading out the door in a hurry. BRADY: What? *** FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 43 Brady opens the doors to the board room, overhearing Victor's announcement. VICTOR: Then it is so...as of today, the 27th of July, 2014, Brady Black is temporarily relieved of his duties as CEO of Titan Industrie-- BRADY: NO! The board turn around in shock at Brady's outburst... *** FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 45 Brady's foot presses more and more on the accelerator, as the car pushes up towards 70, 75, 80mph. Theresa holds onto the grip on the door tightly. THERESA: B...Brady, slow down. Brady is looking straight ahead, barely even acknowledging Theresa's existence. BRADY: Why? THERESA: Well...well the speed limit, Brady is-- BRADY: Do you honestly think I care right now? Like...at all? Do you think what you want matters to me right now? THERESA: Brady, you're scaring me. Brady starts to pay closer attention to Theresa now, but it is mostly anger he shows her as he intermittently divides his attention between her and the road before him. BRADY: Do you think I'm scared? Huh? Do you think I can feel anything right now? THERESA: Brady, what are you talking about? BRADY: What do I have now, Theresa? Think about it for a second, yeah? I just lost my job, my reputation is ruined, the woman I thought I was getting to know and care about, she double-crosses me because she's so damned insecure about me being able to be nice to my ex-wife. Every single woman I ever get involved in betrays me. My family hates me. Tell me, Theresa.What do I have to live for now? Tell me. THERESA: Okay, okay, Okay-- BRADY:...TELL ME! Do you get it? THERESA: Okay! I'm sorry, Brady, would you PLEASE slow down. Brady takes his eyes off the road now entirely, and begins to lean in closer and closer to Theresa. His speed is now reaching 85mph. BRADY: Ohhhh no. You don't get it, do you? I want you to listen to me for once. No distractions. No one around to watch you to see the glamourous life you're living off my back. Just you, finally facing the person you are. The despicable, self-absorbed piece of street trash you really are-- Theresa looks away from Brady. 90mph. Theresa looks up and sees a sharp turn in the road ahead, she panicks and screams out. THERESA: BRADY, LOOK OUT! Brady looks up and tries to steer into the turn while slamming on the brakes. Theresa, in a moment of quick thinking, pulls her door open and leaps from the vehicle, but due to the speed the car is travelling at, she is knocked unconscious and severely injured immediately upon impacting the ground. Brady's car skids off the road and drives through the barrier, off the side of the embankment, into the lake below. *** Brady snaps out of his haze, as he begins to breathe heavily, almost having a panic attack right in front of a very concerned Anita, who has wrapped her arm around Brady's shoulders. ANITA: Brady! Brady! Are you alright? Talk to me! Brady shakes his head, coming out of his state, he looks at Anita, swallowing heavily before answering her, still gasping for air. BRADY: I...I can't, Anita. I just...I gotta... Brady gets up from the sofa, and grabs a coat from the coat rack. He quickly darts toward the door and steps out, shutting it hastily behind him. Left behind in the house is Anita, looking at the door in shock. She settles back down on the couch, mouth left hanging open in shock. --- Sheryl lies asleep in her bed, lying next to a wide-awake Lucas. Lucas stirs silently, unable to close his eyes. He sighs as he turns to look at a dormant Sheryl, he breathes heavily, looking uncomfortably at Sheryl in bed. He swallows, as if gasping for air, as he turns away to get up out of the bed, trying not to wake Sheryl. He sits quietly at the edge of the bed, as though trying to catch his breath. He looks up, standing up as quietly as possible, grabbing his boxers from the floor and hastily putting them on before turning to walk over to the window. Deep in thought, he looks out and sighs as he stares off into the night. --- Nicole and Eric flop down, spent from the passionate sex they've just had. Breathing heavily, they look lovingly at each other in bed. Nicole turns back towards her new fiance and puts her hand on his chest, playing with his chest hair as she talks softly to him. NICOLE: You know...if it's like this every time, I can't wait to be Mrs. Eric Brady. Eric smiles, laughing a bit to himself as Nicole looks on, mock-offended. NICOLE: What?! ERIC: I just had a thought... Nicole looks at Eric, inquistively. NICOLE: And that is...? Eric turns his head to face Nicole. He raises his eyebrow and replies casually to her. ERIC: Are you gonna take me to Red Lobster now? Nicole punches Eric's arm playfully as he laughs, clutching his arm in pain momentarily through his laughter. NICOLE: You're so WEIRD. ERIC: (laughs) No, but seriously...I was thinking...why wait? Why don't we get married tomorrow? Nicole looks at Eric, shocked by his suggestion. --- Inside the living room of the Kiriakis mansion, Victor stands, sipping his drink slowly. While his family appears to unravel before his eyes in the garden, and his great-nephew is married to a woman he loathes, his stress is high. His glass of bourbon shakes in his hand as he simmers with rage. Looking down after taking a sip, he sees a picture of Brady on his desk. Feeling emotional, Victor grits his teeth hard. Suddenly, something appears to jolt Victor from within. He drops his glass of bourbon on the carpet, as he grabs his chest, the glass shattering on the ground. --- --- Jordan and Jerome stand in Jordan's hotel room, a palpible tension between the ex-lovers. Jerome stands behind Jordan, waiting for an answer. Jordan turns, looks at Jerome, annoyed by his probing questions, and answers angrily. JORDAN: My decisions and who I'm with now are no longer any of your concern, got it? Jerome stares at Jordan a moment, before bursting out laughing. He shakes his head at Jordan, crossing his arms. JEROME: That was a great performance, girl. I gotta hand it to you. But I'ma tell you something. Okay, you...you're in love with that dude. It's obvious. And you and I know damn well how dangerous that is when you're in town on a job. Especially when you in deep with a cop. Jordan turns away from Jerome again, now folding her arms, and rolling her eyes, not wanting to hear Jerome's advice. Jerome responds by stepping in closer to his ex. JEROME: For God's sake, Kay! Have you looked this Hernandez dude up? He used to be an FBI agent! You know how much danger you're in if he figures out your ties to this EnerNext takedown? You have no choice but to leave town...and him. Jordan turns back around, walking right past Jerome toward the door again, not even looking him in the eye. JORDAN: You're just trying to stir up trouble becuase you want me back. And as God is my witness, I am never EVER going back to you. You need to get that through your head, Jerome. Jordan swings the door open to her suite, pointing the way out to Jerome. JEROME: I'm not trying to stir anything up. I'm just looking out for you. Evidently something you aren't doing. JORDAN: I am looking out for me. And I found a better way out. So whatever you and Sheryl have cooked up for tomorrow, I want no part in. Jerome shakes his head as he steps toward the door. JEROME: I got news for you. You're already too far in. There's no way out now. Jordan snaps at Jerome, staring him down menacingly as her voice raises at him. JORDAN: GET. OUT! Jerome obliges, never taking his eyes off Jordan as he steps past the doorway. He turns before Jordan closes the door, and gives Jordan one last tidbit of advice. JEROME: Alright! I'm out. But remember. There is no way out of this. Even if you do manage to worm your way out of this situation, your little detective friend is gonna find out all about your...extra-curriculars. And it ain't gone end well. Jordan looks unmoved by Jerome's warning. JORDAN: Goodbye, Jerome. JEROME: See you tomorrow, Kay! Jordan rolls her eyes as she slams the door shut behind him. Jordan leans against the door after its shut, the front of strength she put up against Jerome withering away, as she looks around, panicked by his stern warning. --- Lucas looks intensely out the window of Sheryl's apartment. The night sky is dark, and the cloudcover means not a star in the sky. Looking out over the lights of the centre of Salem, he barely blinks as he thinks over what has just happened. Sheryl's words still linger in his head from earlier. "You know....I never could understand...how a man....could still call himself a man...and not want to make love." Lucas looks back at Sheryl, a bitterness in his eyes as she glares her way. Wordlessly, he walks back over, puts on pants, and hastily throws back on his white t-shirt and dress shirt, barely managing to grab his suit jacket before he heads for the door. On his way out, he takes one look back at Sheryl, before quietly closing the door behind him. On the floor near the door, his tie has fallen in his haste to leave. --- Nicole can barely choke out her reply to Eric about his offer to elope, as she lays in bed next to him, wide-eyed, and open-mouthed. NICOLE: I...what? Eric, I mean...that's not what I had in mind for this wedding...at ALL! Eric interrupts her just at the end, taking her hand in his as he speaks gently to her, trying to calm her nerves with reason. ERIC: I...I know. Look, I would love to do it the traditional way and have a huge wedding with all our families there but...I mean...think about it, Nicole. That's really unlikely with my family. Nicole shrugs, acknowledging the facts Eric's laying out. NICOLE: Fair enough, I mean, your sister alone would probably try to drag me back up the aisle. ERIC: ...Aaaaand not to mention my mother. I...I had a long talk with her and...I mean, we're just patching things up after what happened with Kristen and...(sigh) I just don't...I don't want another huge falling out. I'd rather just...quietly get married and...well, we can tell our families in our own time. Hopefully, without drama or any attempts to stop the wedding from happening. NICOLE: Do you honestly think we can make that happen, though? Eric thinks momentarily, sighing at the thought of having to hide his nuptuals. ERIC: We stand a better chance of just making it to the altar this way. NICOLE: But we'll still have to face your family when we get back. I mean, Eric, I don't want our marriage to be this deep, dark secret, like we're ashamed of it. ERIC: I know. But...I'll make you a deal. We get married officially tomorrow. Just a simple justice-of-the-peace ceremony, and once my family gets used to the idea of us being together and..their opinion of you mellows a bit, we do a big ceremony, the right way. Okay? Nicole smiles, nodding slowly in agreement to Eric's idea. NICOLE: I think I can handle that. ERIC: Good. I uh...I'll call Daniel in the morning, and we'll get this all organized? NICOLE: And I guess I'll call Chloe, and...we head up to Chicago? Eric smiles warmly at his soon-to-be-wife, raising a hand to gently stroke her cheek. ERIC: You ever feel like a teenager? NICOLE: Doing something BAD and rebellious? Eric and Nicole giggle as they lean in slowly to gently touch each other's lips in a kiss. --- Brady stands out by the lake, watching the waves crash against the shore. He stares straight ahead, barely even blinking as Anita walks over to him, wrapped warmly in her winter coat. She stands silently beside him for a moment, looking up at him with a piping hot cup of tea in her head. Looking up, she offers him the tea. ANITA: You took off in a real hurry. Brady breaks his gaze, looking down at Anita, as he accepts the cup of tea. BRADY: I had to get out of there. Brady takes a sip of the tea, before raising the cup in a toast. BRADY: Thanks for the tea, by the way. ANITA: Anytime. I thought you'd be cold out here. BRADY: Nah...it's not that bad. Besides, gives me some time to think. Some fresh air's good for the ol' brain. ANITA: I would have thought you'd have plenty of time to think cooped up in that room all the time. Brady laughs a bit at Anita's remark, still staring straight out at the water before him. BRADY: Funny enough, I spend most of my time in there trying not to think. About anything, really...sneaks up on you sometimes. ANITA: What do you mean? BRADY: (sigh) Just...thinking about your family. What you left behind. Anita stops a moment before responding. She hesitates even to say it, but eventually goes ahead anyway. ANITA: Brady, don't you think you should eventually go back to Salem? Brady looks back out at the water, shaking his head quickly. BRADY: Nah. No way. If I do go back, my life in Salem is over, anyway. There's nothing left for me there. Anita looks at Brady with a pained expression. Brady continues to look straight out for a moment, before turning to look at Anita. BRADY: You know...you ever get the feeling that something terrible is about to happen, you just...no rhyme or reason to feel that way, it's just...your gut? ANITA: Ohhh yeah. I've had that feeling a lot the last few weeks. BRADY: Yeah...I'm feeling that now. And it feels like it's partly my fault. Brady stares back out at the water. Anita joining him as the sound of the waves crashing against the shore mesmerize them. --- Maggie, Alex, and Noelle stand in the kitchen at the Kiriakis Mansion. Maggie, still prepping dinner for everyone, turns toward the couple, who are stood together, with Alex embracing Noelle from behind. She smiles at them, loving their closeness. MAGGIE: Well, you two. Dinner's almost ready. I'm just going into the living room to let Victor know and we'll be ready to start. Okay? NOELLE: Alright, Maggie. We'll be in the dining room in a minute. MAGGIE: Alright, but I don't want you two lovebirds to be late to the dinner table either, okay? Alex and Noelle laugh as Maggie heads for the swinging door to the kitchen. ALEX: Alright, promise. Alex and Noelle hold up one hand, gesturing the promise to Maggie, who shakes her head while laughing at the happy couple. After Maggie steps out of the room, Noelle quickly turns around to face her husband, kissing him quickly on the lips. NOELLE: You know, I could really get used to being a Kiriakis. ALEX: Now THAT is something I never thought I'd hear you say. NOELLE: (laughs) It's true, though. Honestly, I'm grateful that Maggie's been so welcoming to me. It's really made a difference. Alex takes both of Noelle's hands and looks her intensely in the eyes. ALEX: Look, Victor will come around. Just give him time, and whatever misgivings he has about you are gonna fade away. NOELLE: I'm...not so sure. ALEX: Well, I am. So don't worry, okay? Noelle smiles, leaning in to kiss Alex again. The couple wrap their arms around each other as their kiss evolves from a quick peck on the lips to a more passionate one. --- Outside, in the Kiriakis garden, Justin puts a hand on Sonny's shoulder to try to get his attention, but Sonny shrugs it off immediately, aggravated by Justin and Adrienne's intense conversation at his and Will's expense. SONNY: Don't...touch me right now, Dad. I'm serious. You two have seriously got to back off. All the way off. Adrienne pleads with her son, stepping towards him, and trying to take his hand, but Sonny will have none of it and lurches away. ADRIENNE: Please, Sonny, just...you have to understand, I'm just trying to look out for yo-- SONNY: ...No! No, you need to stop doing that. Okay, your idea of looking out for me, which, by the way, I don't need because I am an adult...is smothering me, and it's toxic. It is starting to tear away at my relationship with the man I want to spend the rest of my life with, and we haven't even made it to the altar yet! Adrienne stops, trying to choke out a response to Sonny while holding back tears. ADRIENNE: I just don't want you to make a big mistake. And I'm sorry, Will, but I think that Sonny marrying you would be a huge mistake. Will shakes his head, feigning cluelessness at Adrienne's reasons for not wanting he and Sonny to marry, knowing that her answer will sound absurd to Sonny. WILL: But why, Mrs. Kiriakis. I mean, you know Sonny and I have been through a lot. And I've stood by him. So why are you so concerned now? ADRIENNE: Because, Will, I know what your mother's like, and I've seen the way you look at-- Adrienne gets cut off by the sound of Maggie's shocked voice coming from inside the house. MAGGIE: (from inside) OH MY GOD, VICTOR! Everyone turns around suddenly, stunned by what they hear. Sonny is the first to react, running quickly inside, as the others filter in. Inside, Maggie kneels by Victor's limp body, sobbing as she panicks, trying to figure out whether Victor is alive or dead. Sonny arrives first, followed by Alex, Will, Adrienne, and Justin, as Noelle slowly saunters in behind them all, arms folded, with a much different look on her face from the others. Maggie looks up as Sonny rushes into action, pulling his phone out from his pocket. Maggie shouts out to the others. MAGGIE: I think he's had a heart attack, call the ambulance. Sonny dials 911 immediately, as the others are stunned, almost too stunned to react, as they observe Victor lying on the floor, struggling to breathe. Justin then jumps over, kneeling down with Maggie, as he grabs Victor's hand. SONNY: (into phone) Yes, this is Sonny Kiriakis, we think my uncle's just had a heart attack... ---