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YES! Christy is making moves! Dastardly plan there in motion. Sneaking something into Felcia's drink to send her over the edge. JUICY! The lead up was so well done, cutting between all the action in pieces. Very dramatic. Just perfect. KC and Eric's date is already looking to be a mess. Kirkland and Charlie already having heated conflict so soon after their wedding. Not a good sign! Wonder where that's gonna go! The merger seems interesting, though unless Amanda can get Iris ousted from KBAY, I'm not sure how good an idea it'll be. Definitely dramatic though, and I love that Amanda is making Iris sweat. Anything to make Iris sweat is good in my books! ALL SO much good going on, very exciting! GREAT work, Cary!

Great aftermath! I love all the twists and turns of this episode. Philip coming to, and Chance going to find Cane is great stuff. He'll be out in Verdon Lou in time, surely. Speaking of Verdon Lou, Avery going blind is a great move, I can see all sorts of possibilities there, a very dramatic scene as well as very well described. I definitely could see this playing out on TV. Loved seeing the slow reveal of Dru coming to after the blast. Classic Dru. Oh Sister Patterson. So dramatic! Haha. Sad to see Neil and Nate being carted off, but it's good that all the family came together in those scenes. Very emotional and well-written. You killed this episode yet again. VERY VERY pleased by how this has all been done. GREAT work, ML!

Great work yet again. I loved right away the connection Jack and Todd share. They share very similar histories and in a lot of ways are similar characters, though Todd's generally been written much darker. I'm glad you've brought those two together, as I feel they'll be able to really share an experience. I loved that Jack is slowly getting those memories back of the DAYSaster. Wonder what happened from there! Malik and Marah may definitely be a thing. I see a triangle with Dani forming already. Very good stuff! The teens are very simple, and I understand since they are mostly new characters to us. Very good job setting those scenarios up, I already like Sam and Trinity. Was also great to have Tea come around and catch up with Blair. I think Blair needs that, a friend to talk with. It'll help a lot for Blair since she seems a bit isolated right now from much of the action. That will obviously change with time, though A great episode yet again. Well set up and good characterizations. Fantastic!

EPISODE 71 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Jordan and Rafe sit down at a table at Club TBD. Rafe tries to prod a smile out of Jordan, who is deep in thought. RAFE: Hey! Earth to Jordan. Come on, what's up? Jordan snaps out of it, though she still looks concerned and distracted. She gives Rafe a half-hearted smile. JORDAN: Ugh, I'm sorry, Rafe. I just...I got so much going on at work, and... RAFE: Aaaand you're not at work. Look, you've been distracted all day. you didn't make it in time for Brady's memorial, and you've spent every moment... Rafe sees Jordan looking away every couple seconds at her cell phone, which is planted face-up on the table. Rafe puts his hand over her phone and slides it towards himself. RAFE: ...looking at your phone. What's going on? --- JJ knocks on Laura's bedroom door. Laura's still awake and calls out to him from her vanity stool, where she's finishing putting lotion on her face. LAURA: Come in! JJ walks in carefully, as Laura turns and smiles to see her grandson. LAURA: JJ! How are you? JJ: I'm alright, Grandma. I...uh...I wanted to talk to you. It's...really important. LAURA: Sure! What is it? JJ breathes in deeply before speaking, a hopeful look on his face as he quietly speaks to his grandmother. JJ: I need you to talk to my mom about Liam. Laura's face drops as JJ brings Liam up to her. LAURA: What do you mean? JJ: Okay...so...when I got to Brady's memorial today? I saw Liam, he was with my mom, but...then he got this phone call. And I...I followed him out into that park by the square? Laura nods in understanding, all the while still intently focused on what he's saying. LAURA: Okay? Then what happened. JJ looks down a moment while speaking, before looking up at his grandmother, a worried look on his face. JJ: I overheard his conversation, and I'm certain I heard him say that he was watching over Abby for Stefano. Laura draws herself up immediately, a wave of panic on her face. --- Daniel walks up to his door to the sound of someone knocking frantically on his door. He's half-naked and clearly not fully awake. The frantic knocking causes him to scurry quickly to the door, if only to make the persistent knocking stop. He opens the door to find Billie standing in front of him. He's surprised to see her at this hour. DANIEL: Billie! BILLIE: Oh thank God, you're still up. Billie walks into Daniel's apartment before Daniel even gets a moment to react. DANIEL: Come...in? BILLIE: I'm SO sorry I'm barging in at this hour, I just...I needed to ask you something. As Daniel tries to object, Billie holds up her finger to stop him. BILLIE: And before you say a word, no, it can't wait until tomorrow. Daniel sighs, giving up. He looks to Billie, arms folded, an exhausted look on his face, eyes half-open. DANIEL: Okay...what do you need? BILLIE: I need you to find a way to get me in to see Theresa. Daniel's eyes squint even harder, trying to process what Billie's proposing. ---- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Nicole sits with Eric at the edge of the river. Visibly upset by what Eric's just told her, she looks intently at Eric. NICOLE: What do you mean, you can't marry me, Eric? EVER? Eric nods, slowly, and with a heavy heart. ERIC: Nicole, my faith means a great deal to me. I...I can't just...turn my back on the teachings of the church because they're convenient for me-- Nicole interrupts, hurt and upset, a rage coming over her. NICOLE: ...Convenient isn't the word for it! Eric, this is what's right, this is not convenience. Damn it, Eric, we love each other. I think there's a reason why we've been...brought back together after...all these years. It's meant to be, Eric. You can call it...God. Or...whatever you want. But would a just God want to deny you the one thing that makes you happy because I married the wrong person once or...a few times? Eric says nothing. Staring straight out at the water. Deep in thought, contemplating what Nicole's saying, and his own perspective. NICOLE: Eric? Still staring out, Eric doesn't even acknowledge that he's listening. Nicole tries desperately to get Eric to respond. NICOLE: Eric, say something! Eric sighs, finally speaking up. ERIC: Nicole, just because it...feels right doesn't mean it is. NICOLE: Why? Why is it not right? Who is it hurting, Eric? Eric sighs again, this time reluctant to answer. Nicole doesn't wait for his answer. NICOLE: There's a reason you can't answer that. Because you know, in your heart...that I'm right. Eric looks at Nicole, a very troubled look still stuck on his face, as he gets up and walks away, leaving Nicole by the river, still tense with anger, and confused and upset by Eric's reluctance to dedicate himself to her. --- Jordan tries in vain to get Rafe to give her back her cell phone. He slides the phone off the table and puts it in his shirt pocket. Jordan tries to reach for it frantically. JORDAN: Rafe, give that back. RAFE: Ah ah ah! nope. We agreed to spend a quiet evening together. Not checking our social media every few seconds. Jordan rolls her eyes before giving up. JORDAN: Okay. Okay. Sorry. RAFE: Well, it's better to at least see something other than the top of your forehead. Jordan squints her eyes, unimpressed by Rafe's humour. JORDAN: Ha ha. Very funny. I was actually waiting for a call from someone. RAFE: And when it rings, I can hand you the phone. It's no big deal. JORDAN: Rafe, yes it is. That's a very important call. Rafe becomes more and more agitated as Jordan becomes more and more frantic. RAFE: From who? Jordan, you're not acting like yourself at all. What's wrong? Jordan flashes back to her last conversation with Sheryl. *** FLASHBACK TO 64 Jordan sits attentively at her desk at the hospital, waiting on Sheryl to fill her in on what the next step of their plan is. JORDAN: Okay. Tell me, what's this great plan of yours? SHERYL: Simple. I made a phone call today, to an old friend of ours. Jordan's brow furrows, as she pulls her glasses off her face. JORDAN: An old friend? Sheryl leans in, smirking confidently at Jordan as she quietly tells her the name of their old friend. SHERYL: Jerome Grant. Jordan leans back, surprise plain on her face as the news hits her. *** Jordan sighs, before rolling her eyes and telling Rafe what he wants to hear. JORDAN: I'm worried about...a friend. RAFE: Anyone I know? JORDAN: Yes. Okay, fine. It's Sheryl. Look, she and Lucas have been...I dunno. He's been so busy with work lately that she hasn't heard a word from him and she's getting a little...anxious. You know? Rafe shrugs, before taking Jordan's hand and looking into her eyes, hoping she'll listen to his advice. RAFE: Well that's for them to worry about. Not you. Jordan looks away, trying to avoid Rafe's gaze, but he holds his hand up to her chin, guiding her gaze back his way, ever so gently. RAFE: Hey, hey. I know you're concerned about your friends. I understand. But you can't fight everyone's battles for them. Sometimes you just gotta...let whatever's happening happen. Jordan nods reluctantly, smiling half-heartedly at Rafe. JORDAN: I guess you're right. RAFE: I know I am. Now...come on. Let's enjoy our evening together. No. Distractions. Jordan finally gives in, smiling warmly at Rafe as he leans in across the table. She gets up slightly from her end as they gently kiss each other's lips. --- Daniel shakes his head slightly, checking to be sure he heard Billie correctly. DANIEL: You...you want me to what? BILLIE: I want you to find a way to sneak me in to see Theresa. Daniel blinks, shaking his head again in disbelief. DANIEL: I...Billie. Seriously? This is all kinds of...illegal and unethical. BILLIE: And doable. Kim doesn't have a guard at the door of that room. And you know full well that if I go in later in the evenings, the hospital will be quiet enough that no one will see me, as long as we're careful. Daniel holds up his hands to object to Billie, but Billie won't hear of it. DANIEL: Billie, I can't-- BILLIE: No buts, Daniel Jonas. I will not have Kimberly Brady trying to concoct some kind of parallel history that denies my relationship with her daughter. Theresa is my friend, and I am one of her ONLY friends. She needs me around her. You know that. DANIEL: Billie, I can't interfere with a court order. I mean...do you understand what you're asking me to do, here? BILLIE: I think I might. I used to be a cop, remember? Come on, you don't have to be any more involved than just...schedule your checkups on Theresa for later in the evening and let me in. Daniel laughs in disbelief at Billie's suggestion. He takes a moment to respond so as not say anything too harsh. DANIEL: You have no idea how my rounds work, do you? It's not that simple, Billie. Billie chokes up a bit as she walks in close to Daniel. She looks intently at him, hoping to appeal to his symapthies. BILLIE: I know it's not simple, but...please. Daniel. I need this. I need to see Theresa. This is the only way I can make this work. Daniel shakes his head as he puts his hands on Billie's shoulders. DANIEL: Do you realize what could happen if we're caught doing this? I could lose my license, and you would go to jail immediately. Billie sighs, looking at the ground before she looks up at Daniel, nodding. BILLIE: I'm ready to deal with that. I don't care, as long as I get to see Theresa. Daniel, people in comas, they hear us. And I know that it'll be good for Theresa to hear my voice. That girl needs to hear my voice, Daniel. Please. Do this for me. Daniel thinks it over a moment, walking over to the window before turning around suddenly to face Billie. DANIEL: Okay. Billie smiles immediately, rushing over to hug Daniel. BILLIE: Thank you. Thank you...oh God. Thank you, Daniel. Daniel holds Billie tightly, but looking out, a concerned look on his face as he contemplates what he's about to do. --- Laura looks concerned as JJ speaks to her, the concerns she's had about Jennifer and Liam's relationship coming out JJ's mouth. JJ: I'm worried, Grandma. He...he was talking to some guy and...I know I heard her name. LAURA: Did you tell your mom? JJ: Yes, but...this is what's really scaring me, Grandma. Liam came out of nowhere and he heard me tell mom about his conversation. He knows I heard him. Laura's now trembling in fear from JJ's comments. JJ sees Laura tremble and takes her hands into his. JJ: Grandma...you okay? LAURA: I...I don't know. JJ: Just...try to relax, okay? Laura breathes in deeply, as she tries to relax herself and keeps asking JJ questions. LAURA: Right. Okay...so...JJ...what happened after that conversation you had with your mother? JJ: Well...they took off, mom and Liam did...and I stayed behind to try to...sort this out in my head...and as they left...Liam...he looked at me...I caught him trying to...like...stare me down or something. But I'm more worried about Abigail than anything. I mean...she's working for Stefano but...Liam works at the hospital, he has no ties to Stefano. LAURA: JJ, I don't...I don't understand any of this. I mean...what business would Liam have spying on Abigail for Stefano, unless... Laura halts midsentence. JJ immediately more tense as Laura's expression becomes even more terrified. JJ: Grandma?? Grandma what's wrong? Laura tries in vain to allay JJ's fears, too terrified herself to relax. LAURA: JJ...I...I have to ask you something. JJ: Anything, Grandma, what? Laura leans in close to JJ, trying to ensure JJ listens carefully to her. LAURA: Don't do anything else. I have a terrible feeling that I know exactly what's going on. JJ: What? What, Grandma, tell me what it is. LAURA: I can't, JJ. If I tell you...I don't know if either of us will be safe. Just...leave it alone. Leave it all to me. I will take care of this. Okay? Promise me! JJ looks on, now terrified for his family, but not sure what Laura won't tell him. He nods in agreement as he gets up from the edge of Laura's bed, where he was sitting. JJ: Okay. I promise. Goodnight. JJ walks out of the room in a daze. Confused by Laura's reaction and petrified by what Laura won't tell him. He closes the door behind him as Laura stares into the mirror, visibly terrified and upset. LAURA: Damn you, Stefano! You better not be up to what I think you are. ---

I'm all about this episode. Again, you handled it tenderly and it flowed SO well. You can just picture it all in your mind how it would play out on TV. Masterful! Carl and Matt was sublime. Discussing their times, good and bad together. It was wonderful and an important little scene, even tying characters in that are off canvas like Jasmine and Lila. Great bit. Cass and Frankie was cute, romantic, and sexy. Great scenes for them. Oh, and it looks like Frankie's premonition was right. Uh oh. Bad news on the Carl front. OHHH the scene with Iris, Rachel and Amanda was BRILLIANT. I could just see Rachel's eyes rolling into the back of her head as Iris went on and on about herself. It's funny, because you can tell the love she has for Mac and how she's trying to relate and connect with Rachel to empathize about Rachel's imminent loss, but it all still comes off so painfully self-absorbed in a way that only Iris can do. Fantastic work there. LOVED LOVED LOVED this episode!!

Christy is amazing yet again. Her repartee with Grant is giving me life. You've nailed all that set of characters beautifully. I love Christy's scheming, and you're really playing to Robin Mattson's strengths too. I wish I could see this on TV. Lindsay and Gregory was another great scene. The anger and disappointment Lindsay feels is very well conveyed. You're doing a great job there, as I felt for both of them. You're doing a great job with that. John and Sharlene working things out. Great move. I'm happy to see them together again. Have a strange feeling there's a lot more to come with that story, though. Maggie is VERY well cast with Lindsay Hartley. Can't wait to see her mix it up with everyone in Bay City. You're making some great changes in this show, and it REALLY feels like a strong, centred show. If only the TV show had stayed so centred. GREAT work, Cary!

Cary, you're so good at these emotional scenes. I'm envious of you. You nailed it AGAIN. That final scene with Carl and Rachel telling Cory and Lizzie about Carl's tumour was brilliant. Great song, great visuals. You nailed it. Kudos! Elizabeth is fantastic already, I KNOW I'm gonna love her. And the dialogue was fantastic all throughout for all the scenes. Really enjoyed Michele and Jake's scene. You could SENSE the rage building slowly in Michele and when it reached its boiling point. Fantastic scenes. Can't wait to see where that heads.

Beautiful episode, Cary. What a great tribute! Very touching and with a light touch. You didn't go overboard with flashbacks and kept the story moving. What a great balance! I loved the scenes with Frankie and Cass. Frankie had a feeling something was off, and I like how you played her 'gift' as being something of a blurry line between being clairvoyant and simply being able to read people's emotions. Just a great little connection. Carl and Rachel and the reveal of Carl's secret son. Good move. Again, not done for shock value, very delicately delivered. Fantastic. I'm glad to see Elizabeth coming back. Gonna be interesting to see her interacting with everyone in this tough time. FANTASTIC show, Cary. Congrats on coming this far!!

Awesome. I'm glad Jack's amnesia is so central to things. It's a very good way to go to bring the drama. Love Elijah and Eartha. Good chemistry between them. Gonna get messy there! The teens were good this episode. Wonder if Anne left her real number though I have to say I missed seeing Reva go after Blair this episode. Ha-ha. Oh well. Loved seeing Holden and Josh connect. You're doing a great job building the friendships. Keep at it. Dialogue keeps getting better and better. You have SUCH a good handle on Todd. I love it. GREAT work!!

EPISODE 70 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Eric sits alone by the river, skipping stones into the river as he stares ahead intently. Deep in intense thought, he doesn't hear as Nicole approaches him carefully. As not to scare him, she simply takes her heels off and sits down with him. Eric finally stops to look and see Nicole sitting next to him before going back to looking out at the water. Nicole hesitates before finally speaking up, speaking gently to not antagonize Eric any further. NICOLE: You're not an easy man to find, you know. ERIC: I hate to say it, Nicole but...that was kinda the goal. NICOLE: I went to St. Luke's first thing and...they suggested coming out here, since you used to head out to the riverside whenever you were feeling lost. ERIC: I'm amazed you didn't know that. Nicole laughs half-heartedly. NICOLE: I guess I was too focused on not...falling back in love with you to notice? Sounds corny, doesn't it? Eric softens a bit at Nicole's words. He looks her way again, giving half a smile before he speaks, then returning to looking away at the water. ERIC: Nah...I understand. NICOLE: Well...I don't. What happened at the square that's got you so upset? You were fine before-- Eric tenses again, interrupting Nicole immediately. ERIC: ...It's nothing. Just...(sigh) Marlena gave me some news and... NICOLE: And? Come on, Eric, what is it? Is everything okay? ERIC: Will and Sonny are getting married. Nicole looks at Eric, confused by what he's saying until she suddenly clues in and reacts. NICOLE: I don't...wait, Eric. What are you saying? Do you have a problem with Will and Sonny getting married? Eric looks at Nicole, an upset and frustrated look on his face, matching Nicole's confused and disappointed look. --- Will storms into his shared apartment, with Sonny following not far behind. Will appears to ignore him, as he walks into the bedroom, leaving Sonny in the living room. Will walks back out with blankets and a pillow, hastily piled together and throws them down on the sofa, his eyes laser-focused on Sonny. Sonny looks at Will with concern and points to the sofa. SONNY: What, you're not gonna sleep out here tonight, are you? Will folds his arms and keeps his eyes focused on Sonny, a cold anger in his eyes. WILL: No. You are. Will turns and walks back into the bedroom, and shouts out to Sonny before the door slams. WILL: Goodnight! Sonny closes his eyes, wincing at the sound of the door slamming. --- Gabi stands in the park with Hope. She stammers, trying to cover herself about her plan for Nick. GABI: I...I meant I...I was so sure because he was...he was...he's been acting... Hope motions to Gabi to spit it out, finally finishing Gabi's sentence for her. HOPE: ...unusual? Like he had been before? Gabi nods, looking up hesitantly at Hope. GABI: Yeah. HOPE: Well, the thing is, Gabi. I don't buy it. Any of it. Gabi looks up, shocked by Hope's rebuttal. GABI: What?! HOPE: Gabi, I spent all afternoon with Nick. He seemed absolutely fine. GABI: No, no no no no, you don't understand. I saw him taking something this morning, I was out with him last night, he was off, he was... HOPE: Drunk, Gabi? Maybe he had a hangover and took an Aspirin. You know, people DO that sometimes. GABI: No, Hope, you don't understand. You need to go back and check his bag again. I'm telling you he's got to be on something. Hope shakes her head, silencing Gabi. HOPE: I can't. I looked, there was nothing. Look, Gabi, I'm worried about Nick too. I'm worried he isn't making the progress I thought he was after this whole ordeal with you and Sonny and Will, but...I can't just go searching through people's stuff on a whim. If I do find something? Gabi, it wouldn't hold up in court. It sure as hell wouldn't help Nick. Gabi looks pleadingly at Hope, petrified that her plan will fall through. GABI: Hope, please! HOPE: No. Gabi, I'm sorry. But until you can find me proof that something is up with Nick, I can't...and I won't go snooping again. I'll see you later. Hope walks off back toward the town square, leaving Gabi behind, shaking with anger and disappointment. GABI: Damn you, Nick. Damn you. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Billie steps into Club TBD, and, upon seeing Justin waving from one of the corner booths, smiles and heads over to him. BILLIE: Justin. JUSTIN: Billie! Long time, no see. Billie puts her bag down and sits down across from Justin at the table. BILLIE: Ha ha. Glad to see you're still keeping your sense of humour. JUSTIN: Well, we do what we can, even when we're the pariah of the family. BILLIE: I'm sure. Victor must be really livid with you about the divestment deal with Titan TV. Justin shrugs, clearly resigned to his fate. JUSTIN: It is what it is. Victor couldn't hold onto both the station and the oil sands project. I just...forced his hand a little. BILLIE: Well...I'm glad you did. Justin looks to Billie, intrigued by her interest. JUSTIN: Why's that? I mean...I know you voted in favour of divesting, but...I mean, you work with MadWorld, why do you care what happens to EnerNext? Billie looks to Justin, knowing what direction he's taking this conversation, she stops herself and gives Justin a 'gotcha' smile. BILLIE: I don't think you wanna get into that. JUSTIN: Oh, but I'm SO fascinated. Do tell! BILLIE: Let's just say that I want what's best for everyone at Titan. Now, let's get to why I asked you to meet me here. Billie reaches down into her bag and pulls out an envelope, containing the restraining order Kim presented her with earlier. JUSTIN: Is this business or...? BILLIE: Personal. But...I'm pretty sure I know which lawyer my, uh...the other party in this whole...situation consulted, so... JUSTIN: Say no more. So what's this about? Billie hands Justin her copy of the restairaing order. BILLIE: Well...obviously, since Brady and Theresa's accident...I've been visiting Theresa at the hospital for the last few days. JUSTIN: Right. And that...from what I can see here...really displeased Kim. BILLIE: That's...(sigh) putting it mildly. Justin, she hates that I have a relationship with her daughter. She gave some judge a...sob story about me harrassing her and her daughter and he bought it. Justin looks up from the order and shakes his head slowly. JUSTIN: I hate to tell you this, but a restraining order is very easy to put into effect. Billie looks a bit disappointed at Justin. Sighing as she speaks, she responds. BILLIE: And...not so easy to get lifted. JUSTIN: Unfortunately. So...whatever issues you're having with Kim, you may just have to find a way to work around them, I'm sorry to say. Billie nods, pondering over what Justin's said, gears turning in her mind. --- Gabi unlocks the door to the apartment and sees Sonny watching TV on the couch alone, blankets covering him. She looks on, confused, as she speaks softly, trying not to wake Ari. GABI: I...what are you doing out here? Sonny looks up from the TV, a resigned, shamed look on his face. SONNY: I'm uh...I'm kind of in the dog house right now. Gabi looks confused as she turns on the light in the living room. Sonny squints with the sudden change in light. SONNY: Ugh. GABI: What did YOU do to get thrown out of the bedroom. SONNY:Ohhh nothing huge, just...lied to Will about where I was going and then tried to convince my Uncle Vic that he should rescind Will's job offer. Gabi looks surprised and upset by Sonny's confession, nearly blurting out her surprise aloud before catching herself and returning to a soft voice, this time, agitated. GABI: I...you...are you serious, Sonny?? What kind of stupid move is that? SONNY: I know! I know...I should've just...kept my mouth shut. GABI: You don't say. You know I was waiting for you guys to come around at the memorial service and you never showed. I was getting worried something was wrong. Obviously, I had good reason to worry. SONNY: Yeah....and now Will is...so mad he's threatening to call off the engagement and...I...I just feel like a...an ass. So...yeah, sorry we couldn't meet you at the memorial. Gabi gets up off the couch and walks over to the kitchen to grab a drink of water, as Sonny looks at the time and realizes how late it is. SONNY: Oh yeah, speaking of which, that...that was...hours ago...where have you been, anyway? Gabi nearly spits out the water as she drinks it, trying to come up with an answer for Sonny. GABI: I, uh...I was catching up with Will's family. They...wanted to see Ari. Sonny nods, a bit unconvinced, but willing to accept Gabi's answer. SONNY: Makes sense. Gabi walks back around to sit beside Sonny, concerned more for him than her own trouble, she puts a comforting hand on his knee. GABI: So? What are you gonna do about you and Will? You think you'll work through this? Sonny sighs looking down at the floor in contemplation, almost as though Gabi weren't even in the room. SONNY: I'm not sure...I'm just not sure. --- Will stands in the bedroom, staring intently out his window at the moon shining outside. He looks at the alarm clock beside his bed and sighs, knowing he won't be able to sleep, between the pressure of the new day and new job, and his pressures at home with Sonny, Gabi, and Nick, Will has a lot on his mind, as, saying nothing, he closes his eyes, as if to make a wish. --- Eric stares up at the same night sky, by the river, Nicole by his side, upset by his reaction to the news of Sonny and Will's engagement. NICOLE: I mean, you can't be against them getting married. I never took you for a bigot, Eric-- Eric interrupts Nicole, clearly irritated by her implicit accusation. ERIC: ...I don't have a problem with them getting married. I mean...(sigh) It's complicated. Nicole looks on, confused by Eric's statement, she responds more emphatically this time. NICOLE: What's complicated about it, Eric? They love each other. They...they take care of that baby better than I've ever seen anyone care for a baby. There's...so much love in that home...that's the stuff marriages are made of...not that I'd know from experience or anything, but... ERIC: But there's more to it than that. Nicole, I've spent years dedicated to a church that tells me that marriage is a sacred vow under God between a man and a woman. It's about creating children together, and having their love recognized by God under his laws... Eric trails off at this point, clearly troubled by what he's saying. ERIC: ...but I can't look at Sonny and Will and think that their love's any different. And how can I reconcile that with what my beliefs have taught me? Nicole tries, unsuccessfully, to bring some levity to Eric's clearly troubled mind. NICOLE: Well...it's not like you've tried stoning me to death for not being a virgin on my wedding day. Eric looks up at Nicole, a wry smile on his face as Nicole chuckles and leans into Eric, playfully. NICOLE: Come on, Eric. My point is, maybe it's time you stopped following the....silly little intricate rules of the Bible and just...followed the basic outline. I mean...come on, one day...down the road, I'd love to get married to you, and I know you won't let some...archaic rule about not divorcing stop you from marrying me, right? Eric hesitates to answer, making Nicole nervous almost instantly. She looks back at Eric, very frantic, very fast. NICOLE: Right?? Eric looks up at Nicole. ERIC: That's the thing, Nicole. I don't think I can. NIcole's face turns white as a sheet at Eric's revelation. ---

EPISODE 69 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Nick walks up to the door of Percy's cabin, and knocks on the door. After a short wait, Percy answers merrily, as always. PERCY: Greetings, Master Fallon! How are you doing this fine day? NICK: Just great, Percy! Percy steps out of the way to allow Nick to step inside. Closing the door behind Nick, Nick gets down to business almost immediately. PERCY: So to what do I owe the pleasure, Nicholas? Nick puts his bag down on the table and unzips it. NICK: Well, I have some news, and a job for you. Nick pulls out his laptop and sets it on Percy's dining room table. NICK: Uh...you don't mind if I plug this in at all, do you? PERCY: Not at all. NICK: Thanks. As Nick plugs the computer into the outlet in the wall, he continues to talk to Percy. NICK: So...my news is...ah, there we go...that we finalized the Titan TV sale. The propaganda campaign is off. Percy smiles from ear to ear at the news. He walks over to the dining room table, holding back a bit his glee, in his own, incredibly posh British way. PERCY: I...oh, I am so grateful to you, Nicholas. You have truly saved the day. I...how can I ever repay you for your kindness? Nick sits down at the table in front of his computer, and opens it. He smiles up at Percy. NICK: Funny you should ask. I have a little job for you, as I said. And you won't even have to leave your home to do it. But...for that to work, you're going to have to connect yourself to the world wide web. PERCY: ...I'm sorry? NICK: The internet. Because you, Percy, my friend, are going to be doing some...surveillance. Percy looks on, baffled by Nick's request. --- Sami talks with Marlena, Maggie, and Laura after Brady's memorial has ended in the town square, sipping on what's left of her drink, before hearing her phone ring. SAMI: Oh...uh...I think that's my phone...just one sec. Sami searches through her bag to find her phone as she steps away from the group. Pulling her phone out, she sees that it's EJ. She excitedly answers, while trying to find a quiet spot to talk. SAMI: Hey! EJ! What's up? I'm just at the memorial, it's wrapping up. ... EJ: Samantha. Saw your text. Listen to me carefully. We are making a bid on Titan TV. Meet me at the house immediately. Tell NOBODY what you're doing. You understand me? ... SAMI: Completely. See you in a minute. Sami hangs up and smiles widely. Looking around her to make sure nobody's looking, she talks to herself. SAMI: Ohhh EJ. You did it again. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- The crowd returns to conversing at Town Square for Brady's memorial after John's speech. Most if not all still have drinks in hand. Gabi spots Hope in the crowd and waves, trying to subtly get her attention. Hope notices and stops her conversation with John, and excuses herself before heading over to Gabi. GABI: So, did you do it? Hope grabs Gabi's arm and looks around to make sure no one's listening in. HOPE: We can't talk here, Gabi. GABI: What do you mean? Hope looks at Gabi incredulously. HOPE: Are you nuts? There's people we know everywhere. Come with me, now. Gabi stutters to respond before following Hope out of the square, both of them looking around with suspicion as they do. Nicole stands with Chloe, sipping on their sparkling juice and having a chat. Chloe looks uncomfortable, a fact Nicole picks up on. NICOLE: You alright, you seem a little...nervous. CHLOE: Well, wouldn't you be if Victor Kiriakis spent all his time staring you down? Nicole rolls her eyes, dismissively gesturing at Chloe's comment. NICOLE: Oh please! Chloe, haven't you ever heard of 'resting bitch face'? Chloe looks at Nicole, confused. CHLOE: Yeah... NICOLE: Well, it's something like that. Honestly, if I got as worried as you are every time Victor tried staring me down, I'd never get any work done. Chloe shrugs in acknowledgement. CHLOE: Fair enough. I just don't trust Victor when he's mad. NICOLE: Honey, don't let it to you. Look, let's just...celebrate Brady, okay? That's what we're here for. Not dwelling about...whatever bone Victor wants to pick with you. Right? Chloe cracks a faint smile. CHLOE: Right. Nicole raises her glass, Chloe meets with hers as they toast. NICOLE: Come on. Let's go mingle. Nicole turns to walk with Chloe, but spots a sour-looking Eric in one of the seats set up for the speeches. Concerned, she looks Chloe's way a moment. NICOLE: Uh...you go ahead without me a second, okay? Chloe, spotting Eric as Nicole speaks to her, clues in immediately, and nods. CHLOE: Sure. NICOLE: Thanks. Nicole squeezes Chloe's arm as a goodbye before walking over to sit with a solemn Eric. NICOLE: Hey. You gonna join the party or what? ERIC: Nicole. Hey...yeah...I...just give me a moment, okay? Nicole leans into Eric, putting arm around him. NICOLE: I miss him too. Eric stands up, in an effort to shake off Nicole's touch. ERIC: it's not Brady, Nicole. It's...everything. NICOLE: What do you mean, Eric? ERIC: I just...I need to go. Alone. Eric storms off, leaving Nicole sitting in her seat, flabbergasted by Eric's strange reaction. --- Brady lays in bed, looks around the bedroom he's woken up in, trying to decipher where exactly he is, when a woman walks in. An older woman, but it's plain to see she was stunning as a young woman, and has aged beautifully now. She appears pleasantly surprised to see Brady awake. ANITA: Ah! You're awake, finally. I was starting to worry when it took you about a day longer than the doctor expected to wake up. Brady looks up at the woman, confused. BRADY: I...wha...where am I, exactly? The woman smiles and sits down on the bed next to him, she puts a hand to his forehead. ANITA: About thirty miles from anywhere...Hah! You're not even running a fever anymore. BRADY: Wait, what? Who...who are you exactly? ANITA: My name's Anita. I'm the one who found you floating around in the lake. Brady furrows his brow, confused by Anita's statement. BRADY: I...what? ANITA: The lake. We're right by Smith Lake. You are...very, very lucky, I have to say. BRADY: Woah, woah, woah, wait....lucky? What...what happened to me? Anita looks down at Brady, shaking her head. ANITA: That...I could not tell you. --- Gabi and Hope step into the park alongside Town Square. Gabi looks at Hope with a worried look. GABI: Hope...what is happening? Did you... Gabi looks around to make sure no one hears them before continuing. GABI: ...did you find anything at Nick's apartment? HOPE: No, Gabi. That's what I wanted to tell you. Nick's apartment turned up clean. There wasn't so much as a bottle of Aspirin. Gabi looks at Hope, shocked. GABI: That's impossible, I... HOPE: You what, Gabi? Gabi catches herself before saying anything more, but is now panicked, searching for an answer. --- Sami bursts into the DiMera mansion living room, excited by EJ's earlier call. EJ sits at his desk, but stands up quickly as Sami walks in. SAMI: Okay, so what's the deal? EJ walks over to the living room doors and looks out into the hallway before shutting them. He looks back Sami's way and holds his finger to his lips. EJ: Careful, just in case father's lurking. Sami rolls her eyes and whispers as loudly as she can, SAMI: Okay, okay, now SPILL! EJ: I just got off the phone with Chad. We're going to use one of our hidden shell corporations to pick up Titan TV for a bargain right under Victor's nose. SAMI: I had a feeling you were onto something. EJ: Right, now, once we pick up Titan TV, we use that to grow Countess W's advertising base, and end this travesty of an energy project Victor's hellbent on setting up. It's a win-win. Sami looks excitedly at EJ, the tension between them non-existant in this moment. SAMI: I can't believe you've pulled this off. EJ: Well, I haven't yet. But I know that if we hadn't done it, Nick Fallon would have been controlling your lives until the end of time. Sami is crashed back into reality, remembering Nick's blackmail. SAMI: Oh, how could I forget? Do you really think that going so far out of our way to give into Nick's demands is a good idea. EJ: Samantha, the more control we have over this situation, the less Nick can control you, Gabi, and Kate. That's what matters. It's just a little...added bonus that we can use this TV station to stick it to Victor. No? Sami raises and eyebrow and smiles at EJ, the first smile EJ's seen from Sami in weeks. He smiles in kind. --- Percy stands at his table in his cabin, looking at Nick with a confused look on his face. PERCY: I...eh...Nicholas... Nick looks up from his laptop, a smile on his face. NICK: Yep? PERCY: What on Earth do you mean, surveillance? I...I barely know how to use a computer! NICK: Oh. It's nothing. Nick waves dismissively as he stands up from the dinner table, and reaches into his bag. He pulls out a small black plastic box and places it on the table with almost ceremonial care. NICK: This....is an external hard drive. You are going to collect as much data as you can on every...single...member of the Titan executive as you can. Nick pulls a set of papers out from his bag and hands them to Percy. NICK: These are the people you need to focus on. Study them carefully, their faces, their responsibilities. Percy flips through the pages before stopping Nick and looking at him quizzically. PERCY: I'm sorry, Nicholas but...what exactly is the meaning of this? Nick stops, looking Percy's way with a huge grin. NICK: Why, it's quite simple, Percy. Blackmail. ---

I'm so intrigued by all of it, and yet it's all so mysterious. You're doing a great job of building all the mystery here. Kastu seems to be in some majorly shady business. I'm curious to know exactly what it is. Wonder if it's connected to Natalia's coma at all, and the gang violence Jesse was talking about before. Enjoyed the scenes with Greta in England. I quite often forget Greta ever existed. WHOOPS! LOL. Loved Steve's offhanded "back from the dead" comment. So very Salem of him Bo's disappearance is really mystifying, but I'm sure Stefano's involved somehow, like always. Having Henry come back was a good move. Not familiar with the weird family dynamic there but I'm sure i'll figure it out quickly. Paul and Billy was another good scene. Good to get everyone grounded in their histories, especially in soapland, where everyone's addicted, and the show's set in this cess pool of vice! LOL Great show, coming together nicely!

Your show is so different from the others, and I'm so glad it is. You bring a different flavour and I like that you're taking your time to build it all up slowly, This is good as we'll get to know everyone over time. Loving JJ and Miranda. That's gonna be a good pairing for you. Both musical, and both with their own stories to tell. Great move. Greg and Marcino is an interesting friendship. I'm curious to see where you take it. I like that you're making the friendships clear as we get to know everyone, it's small but it helps a lot. The ATWT crowd is great. I know Emily will definitely veto Eliza taking a job at BRO and that's gonna cause even more havoc at home for Emily and Paul. Good stuff. Your domestic abuse story is a good one, and I like that you're involving Kayla in it. Great stuff! Natalia's awake! Loved those moments between Jesse and Angie. Good stuff coming there, and I can't wait to read about it. Still in set up stages, but I see the action starting to build up, which is great. Keep going, you're doing a fantastic job.

OH GREAT, NOW THEY'RE ALL DEAD. Damn Great stuff yet again. I like how it all tied together with Malcolm running into Avery, and then dumbass Cane insisting on taking another hit AFTER FIXING A GAS LEAK. What a fool. I guess James is dead too, I can't imagine anyone surviving explosives in their jackets. My thoughts are jumbled a bit, this is So intense. Nate shoulda known better than to stand in front of Malcolm's car. He asked to be hit there. Very intense scenes all around, you KNOW how to write a climax, ML. This was one for the books. I loved Sheila and Dru's fight. Loving how Dru gives as good as she gets. All VERY good stuff. Sharon and Dru are a bit of a team, and I enjoyed the recap back to the earlier stories when Dru came back to GC and wreaked all kinds of havoc. Helped fill in a lot for me. VERY VERY good episode. I'm excited to see who survived the blast and what Malcolm does next. WOW!!!

Ohhh wow, you got Malcolm's history and pain so VERY good. So much intensity, so much rage, so much hurt. BRILLIANT work, ML.I loved every bit of this episode. You're doing AMAZING stuff here. The confrontation at the party, Sister Patterson abating the intensity momentarily, and Malcolm shooting Neil and taking Moses. oh WOW there's a LOT of stuff happening here and it's all very gripping. Verdon Lou scenes as well are shaping up to be massive. It's all coming to a head there too, I can see it. You're setting up some VERY intense episodes and it's fantastic! GREAT work, yet again, ML!

CRAZY good. Again, the focus is tight and the story was great. Loved seeing the build up to the showdown at Verdon Lou. Avery need to put the coke down. Good lord. This won't end well for her if she's high. Can't wait to see it finish up, and I liked seeing Mary showing some humanity towards Dru. Very good stuff there. Good to see as I just can't buy Sheila's sociopathy being genetic, and James is a good guy, so I can't wait to see how everything goes down there. Chaos at the Collonade room! VERY good stuff there, and seeing Malcolm explode into the room was magic. He's really come unhinged and I have NO idea what's gonna go down next. WOW! The secrets are coming out! Great work, ML!

What an excellent episode. Great flow and so much happening. You can really feel a lot of stories are coming together with this one, and the tension is building beautifully. Excellent stuff with Roxanne getting messy with her big secret, and Devon finding out and sucker punching Nate was fabulous. I can't wait to see the next beat of this story. THIRSTY BUFFALO <3 LOLOL VERY glad Lily's back with a new face. God knows Christel Khalil's no daughter of Drucilla to me, so I'm glad you went in a different direction. Great reveal there, and I love you using Sister Patterson like this. Great stuff. The scenes at the hospital were good too. The more revealed, the more fingers are pointing Cane's way, hopefully they make it out to Verdon Lou in time to save everyone. Gonna be a HUGE finish to this story, I can tell. AWESOME stuff all around! GREAT episode, ML!

Lots of great moments here. Frankie and Shalene was a great beat to play. As always, good to see those families mingle. Great to see them going over what happened to Frankie all those years ago. And of course, the party invite. Gotta love all these soap parties lately. Haha. Carl sneaking off to see Russ in hospital, and Rachel following him. It's so very Rachel. I'm glad Russ and Carl had that sort of...passing of the reigns, so to speak. Carl asking Russ to take care of Rachel.Very good history there, and I'm glad you're introducing Russ again. I also love that Rachel is just...so intuitive about the whole situation, a great note to end things on. Can't wait to see how this party goes down. Sounds intense!

EPISODE 68 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson John stands before the crowd, with Victor beside him, the crowd still milling about, conversing warmly and sharing memories of Brady. John turns to Victor and quietly asks him a question. JOHN: Now...you're sure you don't want to speak? VICTOR: Positive. As far as I'm concerned, this whole thing is a farce. I'll be mourning my grandson only if they find me proof that he's really dead. As the kids say, I wanna see the reciepts. John shrugs, nodding his head in understanding. JOHN: Alright. But I gotta tell ya, Vic. You're gonna regret not speaking today. And you know it. VICTOR: I'll take my chances. As John and Victor finish their conversation, Hope and Aiden explode into the square. Still bickering, they cause a scene in the square as they storm in, Hope storming in first, trying to ignore Aiden as he follows her, shouting at her. AIDEN: ...And I swear, I've never see a cop be such a rotten driver in my entire life! Hope stops and turns around, pointing at Aiden. HOPE: And you need to learn what a turn signal does. AIDEN: Oh, THAT again? Come on! Hope, you're being ridiculous. HOPE: Oh, I'm being ridiculous? Right, I'm not the one who's trying to weasel his way out of a ticket by trying to cozy up to the officer issuing the ticket. Aiden snaps in a voice loud enough to be heard in the next county. AIDEN: YOU OFFERED ME A RIDE! Aiden's outburst is greeted by stone silence from everyone in the square. Aiden and Hope immediately feel sheepish for having rendered the crowd silent, and Hope immediately sits down in the nearest seat. Victor pats John gently on the back as John turns to the crowd before the collection of chairs assembled by Tom & Alice Horton's tree. JOHN: If I can have everybody's attention, please. Please, everyone, have a seat. The crowd hushes as everyone begins to filter into the seats. Hope looks daggers at Aiden as he sits down in front of her, an equally sheepish look on his face. She mutters angrily to him. HOPE: I hope you're satisfied. As she says this, Caroline shuffles in to sit beside Hope on one side, with Maggie down beside her. Daniel, naturally, by her side. Caroline speaks softly to Hope, as she puts a hand on her shoulder. CAROLINE: I'm glad you could make it. HOPE: Thanks. It's good to see you too. DANIEL: I gotta admit, that was quite an entrance. Hope blushes, making an embarrassed face as she replies to Daniel. HOPE: Yeah, I...guess I should just stick with saying 'hello' and hugs, right? MAGGIE: I was just surprised it took you this long. HOPE: Well...I got kinda...tied up. Hope looks Aiden's way as she speaks, with Maggie, Caroline, and Daniel's eyes following Hope's, before looking at each other, knowingly. --- EJ files away papers in his office at DiMera Enterprises when his text tone goes off. Stopping what he's doing, he steps over to his desk and checks his phone. He sees Sami's text and immediately jumps into action. He sits down at his desk, opening his laptop and immediately typing in www.salemspectator.com. The main headline pops up, as do EJ's eyes. TITAN TV TO BE SOLD TO PRIVATE INVESTOR EJ stops a minute, soaking in the information. EJ thinks quickly, grabbing his phone and makes a call. EJ: Yes, I need to get ahold of Chad DiMera. Tell him it's urgent, his brother needs him. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Liam walks up behind Jennifer in the park just off to the side of Town Square, placing her hands on her shoulders firmly, but tenderly, as Jenn converses with her son, JJ. JJ scrambles to cover himself after having begun revealing what he overheard Liam say earlier in the same park. JJ: Sorry, I didn't mean any harm, I just... LIAM: Nonsense! You have every right to be concerned. Your sister just flew off halfway around the world. You're concerned! Thing is, I am too. JJ nods, looking down at the ground, hoping not to make matters worse. JJ: I'm sure. And...and I appreciate that! Jenn smiles at JJ, while putting one hand on top of Liam's. JENNIFER: See? It was just a misunderstanding. Honey, Liam cares about both of you. I trust him. and I know you'll learn to trust him too. LIAM: Your mom's right, JJ. I'm really concerned for both of you. You're great kids, and I just want to make sure Abigail's safe. So I put in a call to someone I know from the hospital who knows Sami and EJ, and they'll try to keep tabs on her while she's in Italy. Jenn smiles at Liam, turning around to face him, lovingly. She wraps her arms around Liam's neck. JENNIFER: That's wonderful. Ohhh wow. Thank you! I mean, you didn't have to do that at all and yet... LIAM: Anything for you guys. Jenn smiles before turning back towards JJ. JENNIFER: We really do appreciate it. Don't we? JJ nods, still deep in thought and still trying not to rock the boat. JJ: Yeah. Thanks, man. LIAM: Anytime. Now, shall we get back? I thought I heard someone announce that the ceremony was getting underway. JJ: Great, I'll uh...be right there in a sec. JENNIFER: Alright. I love you, sweetie! JJ: Love you too, Mom. Jenn hugs JJ quickly before taking off, arm in arm, with Liam. As Liam turns the corner towards the square, he shoots JJ a very tellingly menacing look. JJ looks up in time to catch Liam's look, striking terror in his heart, but JJ tries to maintain a cool exterior with some degree of success. JJ: I don't know what's going on, but none of it is good. --- Gabi arrives at the service at Town Square and has a seat next to Eric and Nicole, near the aisle so that she can keep Ari in her carriage. As she rocks the carriage back and forth for Ari, she texts Will as discreetly as possible. Hey! Is everything ok w/ u & sonny?? Gabi looks up at the podium where John is speaking, a worried look on her face as she mutters quietly to herself. GABI: Come on, Will. What's going on over there? --- Will stares Sonny down in the office at Club TBD. Sonny stands in front of the door, hoping to keep Will from running out as he explains himself. Will, for his part, leans almost pointedly casually against Sonny's desk, arms folded. However, he cannot contain his shock at Sonny's confession. WILL: You what? SONNY: I...went to talk to my Uncle Vic. I asked him not to give you the PR job with EnerNext. WILL: What...why the Hell would you do that, Sonny? SONNY: Because I don't want you involved in something like this. It's...it's...Uncle Vic trying to control you and by proxy me, and control control control everyone in this family and I just...I can't let him do that to you-- WILL: ...Did you ever think for a second to let ME decide that? Sonny steps forward towards Will, trying to cool things down a bit. SONNY: You were blinded by the flashy contract and the...glamourous job. WILL: And what if I was? Sonny, it's my career. And you know what? I'm sorry, but in this day and age, you don't get ahead by playing by the rules. It's about taking an opportunity when it's presented to you, not by being proud and working your way up purely on your own back. Sonny seems incredibly unimpressed by Will's attitude, but Will is undeterred by Sonny's disapproving looks. SONNY: Are you serious? WILL: Dead. Serious. Sonny stands a moment, at a loss for words. SONNY: I'm...I'm sorry. WILL: Oh, you will be. Heh, you know, I might have been swayed if you'd just been upfront with me about all this, but going behind my back? Trying to get my job taken away from me because you don't like who it comes from or what the job entails? How dare you? Sonny looks down at the ground, increasingly apologetic. SONNY: I know. I just don't want you to get...manipulated. WILL: You don't want me to change, in other words. You don't want me to have to stand up for myself because you like doing everything for me. Is that it? Well, let me tell you a little secret, Sonny. I'm not your child. I'm your fiancee. And if you want it to stay that way...you need to stay out of my professional life. Understood? Sonny's apologetic look melts away as Sonny feels the intensity of Will's tone. Sonny's face suddenly becomes defensive and threatened by Will. --- John continues to talk to the crowd gathered at the square about Brady. JOHN: He was my son. He was our friend. He was sometimes our greatest adversary, but his heart was always in search of love. The crowd are tearing up a bit at John's heartfelt speech. John himself starts to get a bit emotional, before breathing in and carrying on, a smile across his face, as much in tribute to Brady as anything. JOHN: I want to keep this party light, as Nicole and Eric requested, and I'm glad that so many of you have come out to help me celebrate Brady's life. So let's remember him in the same way that he would want to be remembered: A great young man with a huge heart that wanted to share the best of everything with everyone he knew and loved. The waiters from the restaurant in the square appear with flutes of sparkling drinks for the crowd. JOHN: In case you couldn't tell, I'm proposing a toast. The crowd laugh as they raise their glasses in tribute, following John's lead. JOHN: Obviously, these are non-alcoholic. Because the one thing we need to remember...is that though this is a good day to remember Brady, it is to remind us of the importance of sobriety, and caution, and remebering the disease that is addiction...and what it can cost us. Here's to one of the finest men I've ever known. John looks up to the sky as he raises his glass. JOHN: I love you, son! The crowd clink their glasses together in what is surprisingly close to unison, as they shout out. ALL: To Brady! --- The sound of clinking glasses descends suddenly into the sound of screeching tires and the loud smash of a breaking windhshield suddenly. The flash snaps Brady out of a nightmare as he sits bolt upright in bed, sweat pouring from his face, he gasps for breath as he looks around him, terrified.

EPISODE 67 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Chloe stands in the Horton Town Square, surrounded by Brady's friends and family, facing off with Victor at Brady's memorial. VICTOR: Who invited this pox on our family, anyway? Nicole steps in to defend her friend, retorting sassily to Victor. NICOLE: I did. Victor gives Nicole the sideeye. VICTOR: You're lucky you're no longer my employee. I assume word got out that we're selling the station off. If not, surprise! It's your lucky day! Your newest dumb move didn't result in a pink slip. You might want to drop by the corner store and pick up a lottery ticket. Maggie cuts in, frustrated by Victor's petulance. MAGGIE:Victor, enough! This is about Brady, and in case you forgot, Chloe happens to have been married to Brady. VICTOR: Oh trust me, I wish I could forget. The damage she's caused my grandson is the reason we're here today. Victor turns back to Nicole and Chloe. VICTOR: You've got some nerve dragging that bitch here. She turned him to drugs, and broke his heart over and over. I hold you responsible in large part for Brady's accident. Both of you. Nicole steps in to defend her friend, but just then, John interjects, trying to cool down the proceedings. JOHN: Woah! Woah, Vic. Come on. Chloe's just here to mourn her ex-husband. Now, you two may not see eye to eye, but...just let her be here. This is about Brady. VICTOR: Yes, it is. And he would want Chloe here. God knows why. Come on, Maggie. Victor and Maggie walk off, as Chloe leans over to John. CHLOE: Thank you. JOHN: Don't thank me. Just trying to keep the peace around here. How've you been? CHLOE: I'm alright! It's good to see you. I just...wish it were under-- JOHN: ...Better circumstances, I know. But you know, I know that Brady wouldn't have wanted us to dwell on that, and that's exactly why I think this whole wake thing is a great idea. Chloe smiles, a little misty-eyed. she nods in agreement with John. ... Sami and Laura arrive at the Town Square, and Marlena, who has been chatting with Maggie, Roman, Eric, and Nicole (begrudgingly), smiles and reaches out to greet Sami and Laura with hugs. MARLENA: Ohh it's good to see you both. SAMI: Hey Mom. While hugging Laura, Marlena begins to get emotional, and holds her eyes shut a moment to fight back tears. MARLENA:Ohh, what a...bittersweet day. I'm glad you both could come. You came together? Sami hesitates to answer, looking Laura's way before telling her mother. SAMI: Uh...yeah, Laura was at the...house, she offered me a ride down. Marlena nods, trying to read between the lines. Sami senses Marlena's probing and is immediately uncomfortable. MARLENA: I see. Sami, you sure you're okay? Sami responds a bit defensively, hoping Marlena will back off. SAMI: Yes, Mom. I'm fine. Promise. MARLENA: Alright. You're in good hands with Laura. Sami, a bit relieved that Marlena isn't probing any further, smiles. SAMI: I know. Hoping to change the subject, Sami interrupts the group's conversation with an almost-too-cheerful question for the group. SAMI: Hey! Uh, has anyone seen Will or Sonny yet? --- Sonny walks into Club TBD, looking more than a little nervous as he looks Will's way. Will sits at the bar, a sour, pissed off look on his face. SONNY: Will. WILL: So...hard at work at the club, I see. SONNY: Will, I-- WILL: ...NO excuses, Sonny. Now, do you wanna tell me where you actually were? Or should I give you this ring back now? Sonny looks mortified at Will, as his biting question hits him. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Eric stands with the group at Town Square, responding to Sami's question. ERIC: Haven't seen Will or Sonny yet, why? SAMI: Well...I wanted to thank them for the offer to stay with them while I was....working on my issues with EJ. I think I'll be okay there at the mansion for now, there's a whole empty wing I can stay in for the time being, and...they're a bit of a full house right now. Marlena's far from thrilled by the news, and pipes up immediately. MARLENA: No! No, Sami...you can stay with me if you like. SAMI: Mom, it's okay. I'll be fine. Sami immediately tries to change the subject again, hoping her mother will stop trying to insert herself into her affairs. SAMI: Speaking of Will and Sonny, they've been trying to...give me some news for the past while. Has anyone found out what it is? I'm so curious. MARLENA: Yes! They did tell me the other day at lunch. They had been hoping to tell you first, actually. Sami's standoffishness quickly changes, as her own nosiness into HER child's life creeps in. The others in the conversation smile with anticipation. SAMI: Oooh, tell me! Tell me! Tell me! MARLENA: Well...I really shouldn't be saying anything. I don't wanna steal their thunder, but... Everyone huddles up like schoolchildren in on the latest gossip, giggling in anticipation. MAGGIE: Come on! Tell us! MARLENA: Okay, okay! (laughs) Marlena takes Sami by the hands and smiles excitedly as she tells Sami the news. MARLENA: Your son, and Sonny are engaged to be married. Sami's eyes light up. The first bit of great news she's had in awhile. She's speechless, as the others in the group gasp in excitement, then begin to chatter away excitedly to each other. Everyone, that is, except for Eric, who looks on in stunned silence, trying to absorb the news. --- JJ and Jennifer are having a tense moment in the park just outside Town Square. JJ looks to a stunned Jennifer with worry, as he tells her about what he'd just seen. JENNIFER: What did you just say? JJ: Okay, so I...I came to Brady's memorial and on the way in, I saw Liam off the side of the park, and he was on the phone. Jenn looks at JJ, a bit confused. JENNIFER: Okay? JJ: He was talking about Abigail's trip. And something about...keeping tabs-- JENNIFER: Woah, woah, woah, no, STOP! JJ, seriously. This has got to stop. First Daniel, now Liam? Now JJ looks at Jenn, confused as to what she's talking about. JJ: Wh...what? I don't-- JENNIFER: First you do everything you can to tear me and Daniel apart, and I understood, because you miss your father, and now, once you decide that, oh, Daniel's okay, and I move on with someone else, you decide to go after Liam? I mean, JJ, are you ever gonna be happy with any man that comes into my life? JJ: Yes! But I don't trust this guy. JENNIFER: Don't lie to me. You've done enough of that today already. JJ: Mom, I was respecting Abigail's wishes. Mom, she didn't even want ME to know where she was going. She told me she was going to California. I had to sneak a look at her boarding pass to find out she was actually heading to Rome. Jenn looks away, incredulous. JENNIFER: My God! JJ: And I'm worried, because when I heard Liam on that phone, he-- A voice interrupts JJ, causing both he and Jennifer to jump. LIAM: ...I was trying to figure out where she was and if she was okay. JJ looks on in fear as Liam walks into the park. --- Sami steps away from the group, taking a moment to step aside and grabs her cell phone. Holding it up, she texts EJ. did u read the news? if not, check the spectator website Sami hits 'send' and looks back up. She talks quietly to herself. SAMI: Hopefully EJ has some insight on how we can make this deal work for us. She smiles slyly before turning back to the crowd and rejoins the conversations. --- Will and Sonny step into the office at Club TBD, and Sonny shuts the door to the room behind him. Will leans against the desk, arms folded, a contemptuous look on his face, while Sonny is looking worried himself, but angered by Will's outburst in the main room. SONNY: There, now we can talk like adults instead of some trashy reality show! WILL: Why? Didn't want your three patrons out there to hear what a rotten liar you are? SONNY: Will, enough! Sonny steps toward Will, his expression and tone become a much cooler, calmer one as he continues. SONNY: I need you to understand what happened today-- WILL: ...Oh, you mean you need to explain why you lied and said you'd be at the Club when you were really...? Sonny looks down, away from Will. Will follows his eyes, making sure Sonny never gets an opportunity to look away from him. Sonny rolls his eyes. WILL: Not gonna tell me? Do I really need to take this ring off, for real? SONNY: How dare you even suggest that...let alone twice. WILL: Sonny, you need to understand something. I have had such an unstable upbringing between all the guys that my mom would force out of her life,and mine, of course...that I don't put up with lies. And if we're going into this on lies, then we aren't going into it at all. You understand me? SONNY: Alright. I get it. Will gestures, waiting for Sonny to spill the beans. WILL: So? I'm waiting. Where were you this afternoon instead of at the club? Sonny sighs heavily, closing his eyes as he confesses. SONNY: I went to see Victor about his company hiring you. Will shakes his head in stunned disbelief. ---

Alright. So the teens are here. Interesting start to it, and I know it'll take some time c to get everyone established. So I'm just enjoying the introductions for now. Can't wait to see what you do with them. Reva and Josh with Jack is excellent. Interested to see where that goes, especially since I know it'll end up connecting with Jen and Daniel later on. Great episode!

I wrote a massive comment on this episode and it ate it all, so this won't really capture everything, I'm sorry to say. Loved the scenes with Marley and Michele. Loved the reference to how long Marley's been pregnant, good little quip Donna is very intuitive about this, and that's good. Bridget is in danger, I can feel it. But so is Marley and the entire family. Joy and those cameras are up to no good for sure. Loved iris and Felicia's negotiations. Is iris really gonna sink her own father's company? I can't wait to find out. Great stuff yet again, Cary. You're doing great!!!

This is building SO well! Sister Patterson is KILLING me. LOVE LOVE LOVE her. Getting everyone singing Lift Ev'ry Voice And Sing is genius! Haha! Phillip in the hospital. Very good stuff, everyone's pulling for him. I wonder how that goes down. Hope he pulls through, and Cane is implicated. Things are reaching their climax! Didn't expect James to end up knocked out. Hope he wakes up and stops the madness. Cane is definitely not here for Dru and Sharon. I hope Dru tears him a new one when she gets freed. You really got that tension building. I can't wait to see how it all ends.

WONDERFUL episode, ML. So much humour, and great work all around. Esther and Karynn were WONDERFUL, and I love how very conflicted Karynn seems about Karl. She loves him, but only talks about him in terms of his money. I'm sure that that will be revealed more in time. I can FEEL Verdon Lou coming to a head. This is gonna be a GREAT end to that story, I can feel it! Avery is gonna get caught in all this, surely. It doesn't look good for her. I kinda like how you seem to be humanizing Daisy a bit. She's a bit of crazy but long-term that may be the best way to go with her. Give her friends etc. Ohhhhh Sister Patterson. Leslie has no time for all that. Hilarious exchange there. I am so curious who the mystery woman is. Having a hard time guessing, actually! I'm REALLY excited for the next episode. This is gonna be HUGE!!!

EPISODE 66 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Laura reaches out to Sami, as they stand in the foyer of the DiMera Mansion, and Sami gives Laura a grateful hug, almost needing Laura to keep her upright from the emotional exertion she just went through. SAMI: Thank you so very much, Laura. I....seriously don't know how I could have got through the day without your help. LAURA: It's my pleasure.Sami, you've grown so much, and...I want you to remember, no matter what's happened in your past, whatever you may have said or done, you're a fantastic mother. And I know you love Johnny so very much. Just remember that. Sami nods, trying to hold herself together, wiping away tears from her face. SAMI: I'll try. Umm..hey! Are you going to Brady's memorial today? LAURA: Yes! I was just going to call Marlena and let her know I'm on my way. Did you...did you need a ride over? SAMI: Uh...yeah! I can totally go with you. Let me just...grab my keys and a couple other things. LAURA: Sure. Sami runs into the living room to grab her things, including her tablet. As she picks it up, she sees a notification on the screen. It catches her eye and she unlocks the screen to read it more closely. SAMI: Oh my God! Laura looks up, concerned by Sami's outburst. The screen reads out the headline from the Salem Spectator's website that's gone around town. BREAKING: TITAN TV TO BE SOLD TO PRIVATE INVESTOR Sami looks up at Laura, the shock still on her face. LAURA: Sami? What's wrong? SAMI: Uh...I...nothing. Let's go! Laura seems unconvinced, but smiles halfheartedly anyway, as Sami guides her out the door of the house. --- Will and Gabi lock up the apartment, Gabi rocking the stroller with Ari inside back and forth gently. Will turns to Gabi, still stewing over Sonny's lie. He holds his cell phone in his hand, looking up at Gabi while he texts. WILL: So, I'll meet you and Ari at Town Square? GABI: Sure. I hope you guys are alright. WILL: Yeah...so do I. Gabi leans over to give Will a hug, before heading off. GABI: Okay, I'll see you then. Let me know what happens with Sonny. WILL: Yeah...I will. Will looks up, sighing heavily as he thinks back to Sonny's rushed exit from the apartment. *** FLASHBACK to Episode 64 Sonny turns to grab his jacket from the closet, and calls out to Gabi and Will. SONNY: I have to go for a minute....there's a...uh...problem with a shipment at the club. Meet you at Town Square? WILL: Alright. *** It's T, calling from the club, where a rush of rowdy customers are calling out to T, who's a bit frazzled behind the bar. T: Uh...hey, Will! It's T. Any idea where Sonny is? ... WILL: I...yeah, he's on his way to the club now, T. Didn't he just tell you that? ... T looks confused, looking over his shoulder as he speaks, holding up one finger to a customer. T: Uh, no. Sonny hasn't spoken with us since this morning, dude. Look, it's really busy at the club, and I can't get Sonny to answer his phone, so can you just let him know to come down here ASAP when he can? *** Will shakes his head, as he finishes up his text to Sonny. How r things @ the club? WILL: I'm gonna find out what you're up to, Sonny. --- JJ runs back into the Town Square to try to avoid getting caught by Liam, who was just in the adjacent park. He tries to casually walk over to get his mother's attention before Liam comes back, but is too late, as he turns around to see Liam surprise Jennifer by wrapping his arms around her as she stands at a nearby table. JJ looks on in fear at the exchange, now worried about his mother's safety. --- Maggie knocks on Victor's office door at Titan, as he finishes up putting his documents into his briefcase and closes it up. He looks up and smiles. VICTOR: Maggie! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes! Maggie smiles warmly as she walks into the room, ever so casually. She laughs a bit at Victor's comment, obviously flattered. MAGGIE: Ohh...you're either the sweetest man on Earth, or you had a really rough day. VICTOR: I'd say a bit of both. Maggie smiles again as she walks towards her husband, wrapping her arms around his collar. MAGGIE: You know what? I'll take it. Maggie quickly kisses Victor on the lips before continuing. MAGGIE: Now. I've been busy all morning helping Caroline out with the memorial for Brady, and you still haven't told me whether or not you're even going to be there or not. Victor's face drops at Maggie's implied question. He sighs loudly as he tries to answer. VICTOR: Maggie-- MAGGIE: Victor, come on now. You heard what Hope said. That car was travelling too fast for Brady to survive. Maggie pulls Victor's face to look right into her eyes. She barely blinks as she tries to talk sense to Victor. MAGGIE: Honey, I know you're skeptical. I understand why you would be. But you have to face the real probability that Brady didn't survive that crash. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- At the Town Square, Jenn chats with Marlena, Eric, and Caroline about Brady, while Liam is off at the desserts table that has been set up for the guests. JJ finally sees an opportunity to talk privately to his mother about what he heard Liam say, and excuses himself from his conversation with Kayla, Adrienne and Justin, interrupting Adrienne's comment as politely as he can. JJ: Sorry, Aunt Adrienne, I...just gotta ask my mom something real quick. ADRIENNE: Okay, sure thing, sweetie. JJ: Thanks. JJ smiles as he walks off, over to his mother, tapping her gently on the shoulder. Jenn turns to face him, still with that hint of motherly disappointment thanks to their earlier conversation about Abigail's whereabouts. JJ: Uh, sorry, Mom? JENNIFER: Hey, Honey! JJ: Uh...I...when you got a second free, it's...really important I talk to you...alone. Jenn looks to him, concerned. JENNIFER: Sure. Is something wrong? JJ looks around to make sure Liam's still a ways away. JJ: Uh...yeah. But I think...if we have a minute now might be a good-- As JJ finishes his sentence, Nicole arrives, with a special someone in tow, Chloe. Chloe's arrival stirs everyone in the room and Jenn is immediately distracted by her arrival. Jenn appears pleased but tense with Chloe arriving, reminded of Chloe's machinations from her last visit to Salem. Caroline, however, is pleased to see her. CAROLINE: Chloe! How good to see you! Caroline heads over to give her a hug, as Jenn looks up at JJ and smiles. She leans over and whispers to him. JENNIFER: Yeah, now might be a good time. JJ: Let's go to the park? JENNIFER: Yeah. Jennifer takes JJ by the arm and heads over toward the park. As they head off, Liam heads back to where Jenn had been and can't find her. He scans the crowd and sees nobody, and begins to look around the square in vain. Caroline, Marlena, Eric, and Nicole, meanwhile, hang back to chat with Chloe, catching up with her and reminiscing about Brady. The group is laughing as Chloe tells them stories about her adventures. CHLOE: ...So I've mostly been dealing with the more...mature ladies and gentlemen, that kind of fans instead of screaming teenage girls, you know? MARLENA: I'm so glad your singing is going well for you again. CAROLINE: So am I! We were so worried when you came back from that accident all those years ago. CHLOE: Honestly, it took a lot of time, training, and patience, but...you know...Brady was always there to help me. Chloe begins to choke up, thinking back on Brady. She smiles through her tears. CHLOE: If he hadn't been there for me, I don't think I would've made it back. Oh my God, I'm gonna miss him. Nicole leans over to give Chloe a comforting hug, as Victor walks in with Maggie in tow. Clearly having overheard the end of Chloe's story, he makes his presence known with a snide remark. VICTOR: And it's too bad you did come back, seeing as this whole mess we're in now is your fault. Chloe turns around quickly to face Victor, visibly upset by yet another of his abusive remarks at her expense. --- In the park, JJ leads Jenn, before taking her arm and huddling in closer to her, trying to be as quiet about what he knows as possible. Jenn stands back, concerned for her son. JENNIFER: Okay, what did you need to talk to me about? JJ: Okay, well...before I tell you, you have to promise me you're not gonna freak out. Jenn folds her arms, convinced JJ's done something to make her freak out. JENNIFER: I can't guarantee anything, JJ. JJ: No, Mom, I'm serious. This is...really important, and you need to know. JENNIFER: Know what, JJ? Is this about your sister? Because, honestly, I don't know if I can handle much more bad news about her-- JJ: ...Not...not really. I mean, yes, but... JENNIFER: Oh, God, JJ! What is going on-- JJ: It's about Liam! Jennifer looks at JJ, stopped in her tracks by his connecting Liam to Abigail's departure from Salem. --- Will arrives at Club TBD, and notices the immediately the crowds have dissipated. He looks over to see a relaxed T behind the bar. He notices Will come in and nods at Will in greeting. WILL: Hey, T. So...did Sonny ever come around? T: Nah, man. I'm proud of myself, man. I took care of the whole crowd and CLEANED UP. Look, look, look, look. T reaches into his pockets and pulls out the tips he's collected over the past couple hours. Will looks surprised and laughs with T, slapping his buddy on the back in approval. WILL: Oh my God, that's amazing. Just...just tips? T: 100%, dude! WILL: I...Wow! T: Yep. So...okay, so did you pass along the message to Sonny. WILL: I...no, I never had a chance, I just...was on my way out anyway so I decided to come down myself but...it looks like you got it all under control. T: Yeah, man! Totally! Will looks down at his phone, having felt a buzz in his pocket. T looks over his shoulder. T: That Sonny? WILL: Yeah. Will checks Sonny's message and frowns, shaking his head at Sonny's response: yeah got it all figured out, heading out soon ... Sonny walks casually past the Brady Pub, texting as he walks. The same frown on his face as Will. He sees Will's response come up on his phone: gonna call u. got a question Sonny sighs. SONNY: Uh oh. As Sonny's phone rings, he picks up almost immediately. SONNY: (into phone) Hey Will. ... Will looks off, a bit of a bitchy look on his face as he speaks to Sonny. WILL: (into phone) Hey Sonny, Gabi and I are just heading down the Town Square. I had to pass on a message to T, can I speak to him a moment? ... Sonny's eyes widen, a bit panicked by Will's question. He kicks into action and walks away from the pub toward TBD. SONNY: I, uh...he's downstairs at the moment, just grabbing some condiments for-- ... Will interrupts Sonny, a smug grin on his face as he cuts in. WILL: Oh, never mind. He's right here. Say 'hi', T! Will passes the phone over to T, who awkwardly takes the phone from Will, not sure what he's getting himself into. T: Hey, Sonny! Where were you, man? It was a madhouse down here! ... The colour drains from Sonny's face as he realizes he's been caught. He stops in place, taking a second to figure out what he'll do. Unable to respond for a moment, Sonny stammers as he tries to collect himself enough to continue walking towards the club. SONNY: I...uh...I'll be there in a sec. ... WILL: Yeah, you better be. And you better have a really good explanation, too. Will hangs up the phone, before slamming it down on the bar. Will breathes in deeply, frustrated, hurt, and angry at his fiance for his lie, but also worried what Sonny was actually up to. ---