beebs

EPISODE 122 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Alex stands, tablet in hand, in the Kiriakis living room. He taps a few spots on his tablet screen before handing his tablet to a waiting Justin, who sits in the easy chair nearby, looking baffled. ALEX: Mom's decided to follow in Harper's footsteps. JUSTIN: I'm hoping you mean that exclusively in the political sense. Justin studies the electronic edition of the Salem Spectator for a moment, before looking up at his son, stunned by the news. ALEX: Well...considering her history...it could go either way. JUSTIN: We need to tread really carefully here. Justin hands back Alex's tablet, deeply contemplative, as Alex places the tablet back in his briefcase, nodding in agreement with his father. ALEX: Exactly. If she supports EnerNext, and her past becomes tabloid fodder, we could go down in flames with her. JUSTIN: Or, on the other hand, we distance ourselves from her, she reacts by campaigning against the oil sands, and she wins... ALEX: And the project could be dead in the water as well. Justin nods, trying in vain to think of a solution. JUSTIN: (sigh) There's only one way to deal with it. And it's not one I'm a big fan of. We have to wait for her to make the first move. Alex sighs, equally frustrated by the spot they now find themselves in. --- EJ follows an enraged Sonny into the Brady Pub, where he puts a hand on Sonny's shoulder, forcing him to turn to face him. SONNY: What do you want, EJ? EJ leans in closer to Sonny, speaking softly so as not to catch the attention of the rest of the pub. EJ: Listen, you and I need to have a serious chat about what's going on with Gabi. SONNY: Oh, you mean, you want to convince me that putting a deadly weapon in an apartment with a toddler is a smart idea? I don't think so. EJ: Sonny, stop. Okay? I know you're angry about this. Trust me, I wasn't too keen on coming by with that gun, myself. But you have to understand exactly what's happening and why I'm so worried about Gabi. Sonny looks at EJ, unconvinced, but willing to listen. Barely. SONNY: Alright, I'll bite. But this better be the best explanation you've ever given anyone, so help me. EJ nods solemnly, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. --- Nicole, Eric, Chloe and Daniel stand in the office of the Justice of the Peace, stunned by the sudden arrival of Marlena and Sami at the conclusion of Eric and Nicole's wedding. ERIC: Mom! Sami, what are you guys doing here? Sami storms into the room towards Eric. Nicole steps in to ward off Sami from Eric. SAMI: Stopping you from making the biggest mistake of your life. NICOLE: Well, you're too late. Nicole stares down Sami for a moment, before looking Marlena's way, smiling defiantly at both of them. NICOLE: Eric and I are already married. Nicole takes Eric's hand, and attempts to walk him out of the office, but Sami stops him, as Marlena advances to try to intervene as well. NICOLE: So if you'll excuse us-- MARLENA: Oh no you won't! Marlena attempts to intimidate Nicole as well, staring at her intensely before turning to Daniel and Chloe. MARLENA: Daniel. Chloe. Would you excuse us a moment? Chloe and Daniel look at each other, gravely concerned for what's to come, before Daniel puts his hand on the small of Chloe's back, guiding her to the door. Justice of the Peace Watkins surveys the situation and addresses Marlena as well. JP WATKINS: I'll...uh...I'll see myself out as well. MARLENA: Thank you. Marlena turns back toward Eric and Nicole. MARLENA: I think it's time, we all had a little talk. Nicole looks exasperated, looking at Eric to see a similarly frustrated expression on his face. --- --- Sonny and EJ sit down at a booth at the Brady Pub. Both with coffees in hand, they look at each other solemnly. SONNY: Well? I'm waiting. EJ sips his coffee, before looking at Sonny, keeping his voice low so as not to alarm anyone. EJ: Look, Sonny...all I can say is that Gabi has been trying so hard to get Nick out of everyone's life before he goes too far, and at every turn he's evaded us so far. SONNY: But then why does that mean you have to go to such extreme lengths to get rid of him? EJ: Sonny, come on. This is Nick Fallon we're talking about. He's a convicted murderer, and kindapper. He tried to rape Gabi, and tried to manipulate her into leaving the state with him, just so he could keep her daughter away from you and Will. We know what he's capable of, and we know what he can do to all of us if we don't deal with him exactly the right way. Sonny leans in, emphatically pointing at EJ as he responds sternly. SONNY: That does NOT mean you bring a gun into our home. I know full well what Nick is capable of. Quite frankly, he terrifies me. But I know that that gun is only going to escalate things. And someone's gonna end up hurt...or dead. EJ: I agree. But where you and I differ, Sonny...is that I see it as an inevitability, whether or not Gabi has a weapon at her disposal. The difference being that, unarmed, there's a far greater chance that the person who may be killed is Gabi, or Will...or yourself. And I can't allow that to happen. Sonny looks at EJ, then looks down into his cup of coffee, deep in contemplation. --- Nicole folds her arms, as the door to the Justice of the Peace's office shuts, leaving only Marlena, Sami, Eric and Nicole inside. NICOLE: Well, if you're going to try to get me to leave, you can save your breath. I'm not going anywhere. SAMI: But God knows I wish you would. Nicole shoots a look at Sami, snapping back at her snarky remark. NICOLE: Well, too bad, Sami. I'm his wife now. SAMI: I swear to God, Nicole, if I had legal grounds to, I'd be firing you so fast right now. NICOLE: But you can't. And I'd like to see you try to make that hold up in court-- Eric steps in, cutting Nicole and Sami's argument off. ERIC: ...Okay, enough. Both of you. Listen, I don't know how the two of you found out about this wedding, but we weren't doing this to pull one over on you. MARLENA: Well, you could have fooled me. Eric, I know you're hurting over what happened with Kristen, and I know you feel some kind of gratitude toward Nicole for trying to track down Dr. Chyka, but to sneak around behind everyone's back and MARRY her? ERIC: Mom, I am in love with her. Whether you and Sami believe it or not. And we were going to tell you-- SAMI: Oh, when? ERIC: As soon as we figured out the best way. We were going to...take our time, let things settle down with dad, and...hopefully give you some time to start seeing Nicole in a different light. Sami rolls her eyes, laughing at the thought of forgiving Nicole. Eric ignores his sister's petulence and continues. ERIC: And when the time was right, we were going to let you know, and plan a big wedding for the family. But we wanted the time to allow you to accept our relationship first. MARLENA: So to do that, you had to marry first? You couldn't wait for us to accept her and THEN marry? ERIC: Mom, I just...I didn't want to wait. SAMI: No, Nicole didn't want to wait. Because, like usual, Nicole rushes into things when she's up to something. Sami steps in closer to Nicole, making her squirm. SAMI: I know you've been cozying up to Nick and Percy the Greetings guy for the EnerNext story, but we all know Nick never does anything out of the goodness of his heart...so, tell us, Nicole...what's he got on you that's got you so nervous? Hm? Nicole glares at Sami, visibly uncomfortable. --- Jerome shuts the door to the motel room, a laptop bag in his hand, which he sets down on the desk for Sheryl. JEROME: Okay. I pulled some strings and got you a basic laptop so you can get what you need done while you're out here. Sheryl steps over to the desk, arms folded. She looks down as Jerome opens the screen, and plugs the USB stick into the laptop. SHERYL: Great. So this has everything I need? JEROME: I recorded the interview with my grandmother, took a copy of her resumé, and did a search on her professional profile. I think that we've got enough here that you'd be able to fool the people at University Hospital pretty easily into thinking you're Crystal. SHERYL: Well...it's not like they know her. JEROME: Exactly. Valerie's the only one who's spoken to her, and you'll just have to work on Jordan until you're able to get her alone and get her out of there, and then you can get out of town. Sheryl smirks, putting a hand on Jerome's shoulder. SHERYL: You do think of everything, don't you? JEROME: I try. SHERYL: Just one thing you didn't think of. Jerome turns back toward Sheryl, confused. JEROME: What's that? SHERYL: What we're gonna do about Billie Reed. She's the only one who knows it's me, and not Nick that put that virus on the server. If we don't take her out somehow, the entire plan falls apart. Jerome looks back at the laptop screen, sighing under his breath, as he thinks about what to do about Billie. --- Justin packs up to head off for the office, as Alex finishes his cup of coffee, still deep in thought about how to deal with his mother's campaign for governor, and the server breach at Titan, when Henderson walks into the room, with Tyler in tow. HENDERSON: Good morning, gentlemen. A Mr. Houston to see you. JUSTIN: Thanks, Henderson, have him come in. Henderson stands back to allow Tyler to come in, before exiting the room. TYLER: Justin! Alex! I'm glad I caught you before you headed in for the day. I think we need to have a bit of a talk. ALEX: Us? I thought we were having an emergency board meeting today? TYLER: We are. And it's an all-departments one so you'll be expected to join us, Alex. But the three of us are going to have to come up with an action plan beforehand. Justin turns to look at Tyler, confused. JUSTIN: Action plan? For what? TYLER: For how exactly we're going to make sure Nick Fallon doesn't singlehandedly torpedo this entire company. Alex and Justin look at each other, more baffled than ever. Tyler looks at both of them with deadly seriousness. ---

EPISODE 121 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Alex comes down the steps of the Kiriakis mansion, adjusting his tie as he prepares for work. At the bottom of the steps, he turns to enter the living room, finding Justin there, as he ends a call on his cell phone. JUSTIN: (into phone) Yeah, thanks. I'll be there. Hanging up, Justin turns to face Alex. JUSTIN: Alex! Good morning! ALEX: Hey, Dad. I've uh...I've got some news. JUSTIN: Yeah, so do I. Uh...you want a cup of coffee before you head out? Alex walks into the living room and sits down on the sofa, as Justin steps over to the caraffe placed on a silver tray in the corner. ALEX: Yeah, sure. Thanks. Justin pours Alex a cup, as well as one for himself, and hands one over to his son. He then sits down in the easy chair next to Alex. ALEX: So uh...what's your news? JUSTIN: Well...it looks like we've got a hell of a day ahead of us...someone tried to break into the Titan server last night, someone who was trying to sabotage the EnerNext project. Alex looks up at his dad, surprised and concerned. --- Jerome walks back into the living room from the kitchen at the Grant house, finding Valerie sitting in her living room, finishing up her interview with Crystal Clarke, the nurse she's looking to hire at University Hospital. She makes a final note on her notepad, before looking up at the screen. VALERIE: Alright, I think that's everything I need. Listen, Crystal, you've really impressed me, so...I can't guarantee anything, but there's a very good chance you'll be coming on board with us at University Hospital. CRYSTAL: (through the computer) Oh that's great, thank you so much! VALERIE: Now, I have to check your references, but either way, I'll let you know by this afternoon if you have the job or not, okay? Jerome stands back, out of his grandmother's sight, listening in on the end of the interview. As he does, he looks toward the coat rack by the door, and quietly as possible, makes his way over to it. Jerome smiles widely as he realizes his plan's coming together nicely. He leans into Valerie's coat pocket, and pulls out her hospital key card, slyly placing it in his own pocket, as Valerie finishes up her interview, oblivious to Jerome's theft. CRYSTAL: (through the computer) I can't wait. Thanks again, Dr. Grant. VALERIE: It's no trouble at all, Crystal. I'll speak to you soon. Valerie shuts her computer and Jerome comes into the living room about then. Valerie looks up, and smiles. VALERIE: Oh hi, Baby. JEROME: Hey Grandma! VALERIE: Did you get yourself a cup of coffee from the kitchen? JEROME: Yeah! Yeah I did. Hey...uh...how did the interview go? VALERIE: Oh, extremely well. I'm absolutely going to be hiring her. I just...you know, I can't say it straight out or else I can get into all kinds of trouble. Jerome hangs back, as Valerie gets up from her seat on the couch, and picks up her laptop from the table, putting it in her laptop bag. JEROME: So how soon will you have her come to Salem, then? VALERIE: Well...if everything works out right...I'm hoping we can have her up here by the end of this week. Jerome nods, trying to hide a smile as he collects his information for Sheryl's plan. --- At the office of the Justice of the Peace, Eric, Nicole, and Daniel wait with the Justice of the Peace for Chloe's arrival. As they mill about, chatting excitedly, the door opens. Chloe pokes her head in and smiles, calling out to the group in a singsong voice. CHLOE: I'm heeeere! Nicole screams in excitement as she runs over to give her best friend a hug. NICOLE: Ohhhh I'm so glad you could make it. CHLOE: Ohhh I wouldn't miss this for the world. As they pull out of their hug, they hold each other's hands and smile at each other. CHLOE: You have no idea how happy I am for both of you. You deserve this, Nicole. NICOLE: Thank you. Nicole turns toward everyone else, a big, glowing smile on her face. NICOLE: Well, I guess we should get started. Nicole steps toward Eric, and the Justice of the Peace, while Daniel and Chloe stand behind them, as Eric takes Nicole's hand in hers, and looks deeply into her eyes, as they begin the ceremony. --- Sami and Marlena sit in traffic, Sami anxiously trying to find a way to escape the endless traffic jam she finds herself in. MARLENA: Do you know when they were planning to start the ceremony? SAMI: No idea. Nick just said they were headed there now, so I don't think we have much time. MARLENA: Oh God. What is Eric THINKING? SAMI: Oh come on, you know Nicole's his achilles heel, Mom. She's suckered him in once before. MARLENA: You're right...I just hope we aren't already too late. Marlena looks out the window and sees the next exit clearing up ahead. She frantically points toward it to get Sami's attention. MARLENA: Sami! Take the next exit, right there. Quick! SAMI: I'm on it! Sami quickly puts her signal on, turning out into the next lane to make their way off the crowded highway. --- --- Gabi and Will stand in their living room, looking down at the gun that EJ has handed Gabi for protection. Will sighs as he slowly looks up at Gabi. WILL: I hate to say this but...EJ was right to give you this. GABI: You won't hear any argument from me. Gabi starts to walk away toward the kitchen area to put on a pot of coffee. Will watches her walk off, surprised by her appearance of nonchalance. WILL: You don't seem the least bit fazed by this. Gabi stops, as she grabs the caraffe from the coffee maker. She looks at Will and shrugs. GABI: Will, I'm doing what I have to do to protect all of us. Will looks on at Gabi, incredulous. WILL: You don't think this is just a bit...extreme? Gabi, this should be such a red flag to you of how far this whole situation has gone. Don't you see how deep you've got yourself involved in all this? Gabi runs the water, filling up the caraffe, before turning and placing the caraffe down on the countertop, exasperated. GABI: Don't you think I know that? Don't you think I've replayed this over and over and over in my mind a million times? I'm terrified, Will. I'm fighting for my life, and your life, and Sonny's life...but most important is that little girl over there. Gabi points toward Ari sitting in her crib, Will looks over at his daughter momentarily, a mix of love and worry in his eyes, as Gabi continues, growing increasingly emotional, before starting to tear up. GABI: I am fighting to make sure that Arianna doesn't have to live another day with the threat of that sick bastard hanging over all our heads. I want that little girl to grow up with her family around her. And I am running out of ways to do that. And I am scared, Will. I am so scared. Will looks back at Gabi, realizing how terrified shs really is for the first time, and responds softly. WILL: You don't have to be scared, Gabi. We're all here for you-- Gabi snaps, cutting Will off as she becomes more and more emotional. GABI: YOU CAN'T GUARANTEE THAT, WILL! Not if we don't do something to stop Nick. And fast. Because I will not let my daughter lose her parents, or her grandparents because of that sleaze. EVER. Will stares at an almost-crazed Gabi, both of them deeply worried and deeply upset by their circumstance. Will walks over to an emotional Gabi and gives her a hug, as Gabi begins to sob on his shoulder. --- Alex looks at his father, totally stunned by the news he's just heard. ALEX: I'm sorry, what? JUSTIN: The um...the same people that hacked the City Hall server yesterday that was in the news? They tried to break into Titan's servers last night, and corrupt all the files associated with the EnerNext oil sands project, including all your promotional work you've been working on with Will. ALEX: Oh my God. Justin holds up a hand, hoping to stop Alex from freaking out. JUSTIN: Now, hold on. Before you panic, we stopped them in time, but you have to know, it's someone in the graphic design department that's responsible. ALEX: That means they're under my watch. Justin nods, uncomfortable sharing the news with his son. JUSTIN: Yeah. Now, Tyler may have something to say about that. Umm, for now the press doesn't know, but they want to hold an emergency board meeting about it later today, and...hopefully, we can get some of this sorted out. Alex looks down, away from Justin's gaze. He tries to soak in all the information, momentarily holding his head in his hands. ALEX: God. When it rains, it pours, doesn't it? JUSTIN: You can say that again. Alex gets up from his seat and begins to pace the room, Justin looks on, trying to reassure him. JUSTIN: Listen, I don't think anything grave is going to happen where your department is concerned. I just want to give you the head's up. Keep quiet if anyone calls or any press get wind of it. We need to keep this out of the press at all costs. There's way too much riding on getting this project off the ground. ALEX: I know, Dad. Don't worry. (sigh) But...that's not even the biggest problem we've got right now. Justin looks over at Alex, confused. JUSTIN: What do you mean? Alex pulls his tablet out from his briefcase, and, after pressing a few spots on the screen, hands it over to Justin. ALEX: Mom's decided to follow in Harper's footsteps. Justin studies the electronic edition of the Salem Spectator for a moment, before looking up at his son, surprised by the headline. --- Sheryl steps out of the bathroom, her hair wrapped in a towel, and wearing a matching white dressing gown. She hears a heavy knock on the door and quickly makes her way over to the front door of the motel room, checking to see who it is through the peephole. Seeing that it's Jerome, she quickly lets him in, hoping no one sees him. SHERYL: Get in, get in, get in. Closing the door behind her, she looks at Jerome expectantly, as Jerome takes off the hat he wore to disguise himself, and reaches into his pocket. SHERYL: So...what did we get? Jerome pulls a USB stick from his pocket, and hands it to Sheryl. JEROME: Everything you need to become Crystal Clarke, RN. Sheryl cocks an eyebrow, impressed by what Jerome has managed to do. --- Sami pulls up to the City Hall, and quickly puts her car in Park and turns the car off. SAMI: Okay. We're here! MARLENA: Now, let's just hope we get in there before it's too late. SAMI: From your mouth to God's ear, Mom. Ripping the keys from the ignition, she and Marlena, make a made dash inside, hoping to stop the wedding in time. ... Justice of the Peace Watkins stands before a beaming Eric and Nicole, as they stand before him, holding each other's hands. JOP WATKINS: Well, good morning, and I am pleased to stand before you today, to join Nicole, and Eric, in matrimony. ... Running up to the front desk, Sami waves frantically, trying to get the attention of the front desk clerk. DESK CLERK: Can I help you ladies? MARLENA: Yes, I'm Dr. Marlena Evans, and I-- The desk clerk lights up, recognizing Marlena immediately. DESK CLERK: Oh my GOSH! Dr. Evans! I remember you from when you used to have that radio show on years ago! Never thought I'd see the day... Marlena tries to cut her off, impatiently trying to move things along without being rude. MARLENA: Yes, that was...years ago, listen, my son is getting married today, and we need to know which room they're in. Can you help me and my daughter? We're very late. The desk clerk smiles, ever-so-casually getting up from her seat, and smiling warmly at Marlena. DESK CLERK: Oh, for you? Anything, Dr. Evans. MARLENA: Thank you. I don't mean to be short but we're very late, and I don't want to miss the big moment, so...if you could. The desk clerk sits herself slowly down at the computer, nodding happily. DESK CLERK: No trouble at all, Dr. Evans. MARLENA: Thanks again. Much to Marlena's chagrin, the desk clerk continues to prattle on as she slowly starts to look up the room for the wedding. DESK CLERK: You know, you hear all these things about what's happened to you in the years since the show ended, and I think it's just such a shame, all these ridiculous rumours that swirl around, them saying you killed all those people but...really...kidnapped them and...I can't even keep track! (laughs) People really need to stop with all this fake news, you know? Marlena resists rolling her eyes, as Sami gives Marlena a look of pure irritation. ... JOP WATKINS: If anyone sees just cause why these two should not be joined, let them speak now, or forever hold their peace. After a moment of silence in the room, Nicole quietly laughs, thrilled that the ceremony can go on without objection. JOP WATKINS: In that case...Eric Brady, do you take Nicole Walker to be your wife? Eric smiles warmly at Nicole, squeezing her hands gently, as he answers softly. ERIC: I do. ... The desk clerk clicks on a tab on her computer screen, almost too deliberately, before turning toward Marlena and Sami. DESK CLERK: What did you say your son's name was, Dr. Evans? MARLENA: Ah, Eric Brady...he's to be married to a Nicole Walker. DESK CLERK: Alright... The desk clerk hits "search" on her database window, and the computer begins to work. After a tense moment, the desk clerk looks back at Marlena and Sami and smiles, slightly apologetically. DESK CLERK: I don't know if you heard, but the servers were down here yesterday, so it's taking a while for the system to get back into the groove of things. (laughs) Oh, you know technology! Sami and Marlena smile awkwardly, as Sami responds this time. SAMI: Oh, do I ever. ... JOP WATKINS: Do you, Nicole Walker, take this man, Eric Brady, to be your husband? Nicole, without a moment's hesitation, excitedly answers, nearly bouncing as she answers. NICOLE: I do! Everyone laughs, as Nicole continues to jiggle with girlish excitement. .... A moment passes, as Sami cracks her knuckles, unsure whether this relieves any tension, or if she's winding up to punch the desk clerk. Finally, the results come in. DESK CLERK: Here we go! Sami and Marlena snap back to the desk, staring attentively, awaiting their answer. MARLENA: Yes, which room is it? DESK CLERK: Ooo! You better hurry, it's happening now. It's in Room 341. It's on the third floor, three doors down on your right... MARLENA: Thank you! Marlena and Sami take off like a shot for the elevator. The desk clerk barely having time to finish her thought. She looks on, as both Sami and Marlena disappear around the corner. The desk clerk shouts out to them, while waving. DESK CLERK: Good luck, Dr. Evans! The desk clerk sits back down in her seat, her expression immediately changing to one of irritation as she does. DESK CLERK: Damn society folks in this town, always in such a hurry they forget their manners. ... Eric places the wedding ring on Nicole's finger. She beams as she looks at the beautiful silver wedding band. ERIC: I promise, when we do this properly with the family, I'll have something a little bit more...formal prepared (laughs) but for now....just know that I love you, and I am so grateful that I've been given a second chance with you. I don't know what I'd do without you, Nicole. Nicole begins to tear up, as she leans in to kiss Eric. NICOLE: Oh, Eric! I love you too... As they kiss, the Justice of the Peace makes his final declaration. JOP WATKINS: By the power vested in me by the state, I now pronounce you, husband and wife. As he finishes the announcement, and Daniel and Chloe begin to clap in congratulations, the door to his office swings open, and a voice screams out, startling everyone inside. MARLENA: NO! Nicole and Eric break their kiss, as they, the Justice of the Peace, Daniel and Chloe turn around with a start, finding a panicked Marlena and Sami standing just inside the doorway. ---

EPISODE 120 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Sonny stands with EJ in the living room of his apartment, as Gabi lays Ariana down in her crib. Sonny looks at a half-asleep Will, who stands in the doorway to their bedroom. Sonny is mystified by Will's acceptance of EJ gifting Gabi a gun to protect her. SONNY: What is wrong with you, Will? You think it's a good idea to keep a gun in this house? With your daughter nearby? WILL: Okay, Sonny, look. Nick has gone off the deep end before, and we all know that. And he has access to our lives in ways we may have absolutely no concept of. What's to stop him from finding a way to kidnap Gabi or Ari? He's already manipulated his way back into Gabi's life, and she was too afraid to say anything. GABI: Not...exactly. SONNY: What do you mean by that? EJ interjects, trying to keep Gabi from spilling the beans on their plot. EJ: Gabi... Gabi sighs as she turns toward EJ. She shakes her head before she reveals her real plans with Sonny and Will. GABI: EJ, we can't keep this from them. Look...my trying to reconcile with Nick, it's all been a ruse. Like Will suggested before. I've been trying to reel him in and get him to trust me again so I could use it against him. WILL: Okay...but... SONNY: Gabi, please tell me you're not doing anything dangerous. Gabi shakes her head emphatically. GABI: No, no. I umm...no, I went on a date with Nick and...well...EJ suggested I get him drunk and...give him his old pain medication to stop his hangover. And then...I replaced his Ibuprofens with lookalikes EJ had made that are really a stronger version of the pain meds Nick got hooked on when he killed Trent Robbins. SONNY: WHAT?! Gabi, what the-- GABI: I had Hope investigate and I was hoping to have him caught with the pills before his parole ran out so that I could have him arrested, but... Will sighs, putting a hand on his forehead as he finishes Gabi's sentence. WILL: But she didn't find them, and now Nick's back to full-on psycho mode, and if he finds out that Gabi's been duping him... Sonny turns back toward Gabi and EJ, who both look on very seriously at Will and Sonny. EJ: You all could be in very grave danger. --- Jerome steps into the living room at the Grant house, just as Valerie is about to begin her video interview with Crystal Clarke, the nurse she's looking to hire at the hospital. He steps into the room and interrupts her before she hits "connect". JEROME: Hey! Grandma, just...one thing I forgot to do before you start that call. VALERIE: Oh! Sure, honey! Go ahead. Jerome opens up the computer's media player, and sets up the media player to begin recording video and audio of Valerie's computer screen (including the video interview) without Valerie noticing. Once the recording is set up, he turns the computer back over to Valerie. JEROME: There you go, Grandma. VALERIE: Thanks, baby. Okay, here we go. Valerie hits "connect", and Crystal appears on the screen, ready to start the interview. Jerome hangs back, watching the interview begin with a big smile on his face. --- Sami and Marlena sit in traffic along the highway, desperately trying to get to City Hall in time for Eric and Nicole's wedding. SAMI: Come on, come on, come on!! Sami blares on her horn, trying in vain to move traffic. Marlena winces from the noise of the horn blast. MARLENA: Sami, that's not going to help. SAMI: No, but it makes me feel better. After a moment's pause, Marlena looks over, a bit annoyed at Sami's impatience, and dubious of her motives. MARLENA: And just what, exactly, is Eric doing that's going to ruin his life? You never did explain that one to me. Sami sighs heavily, not wanting to say anything but deciding there's really no time like the present. SAMI: well...I guess, since we're stuck here. I might as well tell you. Marlena snaps back, sick of all the mystery. MARLENA: Tell me what? SAMI: Eric's getting married this morning. To Nicole. Marlena looks back at Sami, completely in disbelief. --- Eric and Nicole step up to the door of the Justice of the Peace's office. They stand together, holding hands, and looking lovingly at each other. ERIC: You ready? NICOLE: Am I ever. Eric opens the door to the office and they step in together, hand in hand. --- --- Eric and Nicole walk into the office of the Justice of the Peace, hand in hand. Both of them smiling widely as the smiling older gentleman behind the desk looks up, greeting them. JUSTICE OF PEACE: Mr. Brady, I presume? ERIC: Good morning! Mister... JUSTICE OF PEACE: Greg Watkins. Justice of the Peace Watkins extends his hand to Brady and then to Nicole, both of whom graciously shake his hand. As Nicole shakes his hand, Daniel opens the door and steps into the room. Eric and Nicole turn to see who's come in and smile. DANIEL: I...uh...I heard there was gonna be a wedding in here? Eric walks over and greets Daniel with a handshake and a hug, as the two laugh. ERIC: It's good to see you, man. DANIEL: You too. Nicole, you're looking fantastic. Nicole smiles and curtsies in jest. NICOLE: Thank you. DANIEL: I uh...I'm sorry I was a bit late, I had to drop Billie off at Kate's. Nicole raises an eyebrow at Daniel after his remark about Billie. NICOLE: You and Billie, eh? Sounds like that's getting pretty serious. DANIEL: Well....you could say that. Eric smiles, and pats Daniel on the shoulder. ERIC: I'm really happy for you. Eric turns toward Nicole and JOP Watkins, checking to see who's here. ERIC: Are we ready to go? NICOLE: Uh...just waiting on Chloe. DANIEL: Chloe texted me about five mintues ago, she's just parking her car. She'll be up in a minute and we can get started. Nicole walks over to Eric and takes his hands in hers. She beams with excitement as she leans in and quickly kisses her husband-to-be on the lips. NICOLE: Eeee it's happening! ERIC: I know! (laughs) --- Marlena sits in heavy traffic in Sami's car, stunned by the news that Eric is marrying Nicole. MARLENA: You've GOT to be joking! SAMI: I am not. MARLENA: How did you find this out? SAMI: Nick Fallon came over this morning. We'd been working on a project for Countess Wilhelmina and, he let me know that he'd found out. I guess to give me a warning as a....bizarre thank you for helping him out. Marlena looks on, confused by the scenario. MARLENA: Nick Fallon...but doesn't Nick work for Kate? SAMI: It's...it's a long story. The point is we have to get to City Hall before that wedding happens. MARLENA: Oh you're not kidding. After all the hell that woman put Eric through...and you? I'll be damned if she gets her claws into Eric again. Marlena and Sami stare out the window, internally screaming as they watch the traffic remain at a standstill before them. --- Sonny looks to Gabi, completely stunned by her plan to hook Nick back on his meds. SONNY: Gabi, what did you think was gonna happen when you started feeding Nick those pills? GABI: I seriously thought that Hope was going to see the pills and arrest him. SONNY: Oh. Yeah. Hope. Nick's cousin. You know much tension that would cause in the Horton house if they found out Hope was the one that busted Nick? She's not going to bust him even if she DID find the pills. GABI: As I found out at Brady's wake. Will looks over at Gabi, interested. WILL: What do you mean? GABI: I uh...after I got Nick hooked on the pills, Hope didn't find anything, and so I...had someone grab more of the same pills and he...kinda...stole Marlena's perscription pad so that it would look like Nick was stealing drugs from the hospital... Sonny interjects, rolling his eyes at Gabi. SONNY: Oh God, Gabi-- GABI: Well, I had to because by that time, Nick's parole was up and I wouldn't have been able to have mere possession stick, so...unfortunately... WILL: Let me guess...she wouldn't look into it. Gabi looks down, arms folded. She looks back over at Will and Sonny and shakes her head. Sonny reacts immediately. SONNY: Figures. See, Gabi, you're always going off and...taking matters into your own hands when we should be all trying to get through this together. GABI: Look, I know, okay? But I didn't think you guys needed the added stress with everything else you guys are dealing with right now, and Will starting a new job and you're trying to plan a wedding. I just didn't wanna burden you. SONNY: Well, consider us sufficiently burdened. Now Nick's so far off the deep end, we have to keep a gun in the apartment. Good job, Gabi. Gabi looks down, not responding to Sonny's words. Sonny, angry about the situation, grabs his jacket, and heads for the door. SONNY: I need to go grab a coffee. WILL: Sonny, wait... Will jumps in, heading for the door to follow Sonny, hoping to calm him down, but EJ stops him. EJ: William...I'll...you stay here, I'll...take care of him. Will stops, before nodding at EJ. EJ takes the gun, and hands it to Will. Will holds it in his hands, as EJ closes the door to the apartment. He and Gabi look down at the gun, grave concern in both their eyes. --- Sheryl lays back in her hotel room at the dive motel at the edge of town where Jerome's put her up. She lies on the bed, watching TV, thoroughly bored. She shouts at the TV as a game show plays. SHERYL: NO, you idiot, $600! As she shouts out, the hotel room phone rings. She leans over to pick it up, still annoyed at the contestant on the TV screen. SHERYL: Dumbass... Picking up the phone, she speaks, knowing who's calling. SHERYL: (into phone) What you got for me? ... Jerome paces the Grant kitchen, trying to speak just softly enough so that Valerie can't hear him from the living room. JEROME: (into phone) Okay, so she's doing the interview now, and I'm 100% this chick's got the job. ... Sheryl listens, contemplating her plan of action. SHERYL: (into phone) Okay. So how are we gonna pull this off? ... JEROME: (into phone) Simple. I'll try to access her e-mail based on her resumé, and delete the acceptance letter when it comes in, hopefully before she sees it and makes the arrangements, and no one will be the wiser. ... SHERYL: (into phone) And if she does? ... JEROME: (into phone) Then we cross that bridge when we get to it. ... Sheryl sits up in the bed, getting increasingly agitated. SHERYL: (into phone) No, that's not good enough. There is no recourse on this. If she sees that e-mail and comes to Salem to start this job? We have to stop her...and I think I know exactly how to do it. Sheryl gives a bit of an evil grin. ... Jerome looks off, unsure if he likes what Sheryl has cooked up. ---

EPISODE 119 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson EJ stands in Gabi, Sonny, and Will's apartment, holding a pistol he was about to hand Gabi. Sonny stands in the doorway to the bedroom, glaring angrily at EJ. EJ: Sonny. Gabi turns around to look at Sonny, who walks hastily over and takes the gun from EJ's hand. SONNY: What the HELL do you think you're doing bringing a gun in this house, EJ? EJ: Sonny, let me explain-- SONNY: NO! No, you LISTEN to me, EJ. I am not going to have Ariana living with a deadly weapon lying around, ready to be used whenever a wind picks up and a treebranch taps the window pane because we're all so terrified of what Nick Fallon's gonna do next. EJ looks away, shaking his head as he allows Sonny to finish his rant. SONNY: And before you tell me this is supposed to protect us, I think we can find a slightly better way than packing heat everywhere we go. EJ: Sonny, Nick Fallon is threat. SONNY: He may be, but he's too smart, and too cunning to attack us at this stage in the game with violence. EJ looks at Sonny, an unsure look on his face. EJ: Not...neccessarily. Not anymore. Sonny looks back at EJ, confused. --- Sami stands in the DiMera living room, shocked by the news she's just heard from Nick, who sits causally in the easychair facing her. SAMI: He's WHAT??! NICK: Getting married to Nicole. In... Nick checks his watch for a second, before looking up at Sami, smiling widely. NICK: About an hour? Sami rushes forward, heading for the door of the living room to show Nick out. SAMI: You're lying. I KNOW you're lying. You're just trying to get me going and... NICK: I saw the appointment booking. They're probably headed the justice of the peace right now. Nick gets up from his seat, turning toward Sami who has her hand on the knob of the door leading out of the living room. She stops before opening it, then turns back to face Nick. SAMI: My brother wouldn't be so stupid as to marry Nicole Walker. NICK: Do you really have the time to debate me about it? Look, you've done me a huge favour by offering Gabi that contract, and I'm willing to pay it forward. I'm not trying to get one over on you. Sami laughs to her herself as she responds sarcastically. SAMI: Oh...that's a first. Nick looks at Sami, deadly serious as he steps toward her. NICK: Sami. Do you really think you have the time to second guess me on this? If I were you, I'd be in my car already, trying to stop this farce of a wedding from happening. No? Sami stops a moment, looking away from Nick before opening the door to the living room. SAMI: I guess I'd better get ready to go. Nick smiles smugly as he heads out. NICK: You're welcome. After heading out, Sami closes the door behind him. Frustrated, she contemplates her action plan. Having a sudden epiphany, she heads over to the landline phone on the desk at the opposite end of the room, and makes a call. ... At Marlena's penthouse, a relaxed Marlena gets up from having breakfast and digs through her purse to find her cell phone. Putting it to her ear, she answers. MARLENA: (into phone) Sami? ... Sami answers, a definite sense of urgency in her voice. SAMI: (into phone) Mom, where are you? ... Marlena's expression shifts immediately, suddenly concerned by her daughter's tone. MARLENA: (into phone) I'm at home. Sami? What's going on? ... SAMI: (into phone) I don't have time to explain, meet me at city hall right now. It's an emergency. Sami hangs up the phone, almost slamming it onto the receiver, before taking a moment to think of her action plan. SAMI: You're not gonna get away with this, Nicole. Not on my watch. ... Marlena stands in her living room, confused and worried, as she tries to get Sami to answer. MARLENA: (into phone) Sami? Sami? Are you...? Marlena looks at her phone, seeing that Sami ended the call. Worried, she immediately heads for her bedroom to get ready to go meet Sami. --- Valerie sits on her sofa in her living room, attempting to set something up on her laptop. Visibly frustrated, she tenses up as though ready to hit the computer, before hearing Jerome come down the stairs, ready to head off for the day. Valerie turns, hopeful that Jerome can help. VALERIE: Oh! Jerome! Good morning! Jerome stops once he reaches the bottom of the staircase. Turning to face his grandma, she pulls him by the shirt toward him to greet him with a morning kiss on the cheek. JEROME: Hey, Grandma. VALERIE: Hey. You want some breakfast before you head out? Jerome hesitates, not wanting to stick around, but trying not to be rude. JEROME: Uhhhh actually, I was gonna meet some guys from the university at the Brady Pub. VALERIE: Oh. That's a shame. I uh....I actually needed your help with something before you left. Do you...do you have a second for me? Jerome shrugs, politely smiling at his grandmother. JEROME: Yeah. Sure. VALERIE: Good. Cos' this here is about to make your grandmother lose her mind. Valerie walks Jerome over to her laptop, motioning to him. JEROME: Okay, what's the problem? VALERIE: I have to do an interview for a nurse I'm looking to hire for the hospital, and they want me to do it online using this....video chat business. And I do NOT know the first thing about setting this up. Jerome laughs for a second with Valerie, before nodding. JEROME: Yeah, that's cool. I can set you up in two seconds. VALERIE: Jerome Grant, you are a lifesaver. Jerome sits himself down on the couch and quickly sets everything up for the video chat, he looks up at Valerie, who stands over him, watching what he's doing. He asks her a question. JEROME: Now I just need her name and account name so we can finish setting it all up. Valerie points to a specific tab on the computer screen to guide Jerome. VALERIE: Oh! It's um...this one here. Jerome clicks on the tab that shows the woman's resumé. After plugging in her handle into the chat program, her profile appears on the screen, complete with her picture. Her name is Crystal Clarke. Jerome stops a moment, suddenly very focused on the woman's face. A very pretty woman with short, bright red hair in a pixie cut, soft chubby cheeks, and a bright smile. After a moment he notices a striking resemblance to Sheryl. Certainly, the two women have some significant differences in their appearance. This woman's hair, in colour and length, differ significantly from Sheryl's. Additionally, this woman is somehwat chubbier than Sheryl, and their eye colours are somewhat different. But the resemblance is still uncanny to Jerome. Thinking fast, Jerome looks back at his grandmother. JEROME: I...uh...I think we're ready. So just... Jerome gets up from his seat, and guides Valerie onto the couch in his stead. He points toward a specific spot on the screen. JEROME: Just...click there when you wanna connect the call, and you're good. VALERIE: Thank you, baby. Valerie kisses Jerome lovingly on the cheek before he steps away from the couch. He stops to tell Valerie something. JEROME: Anytime. Look, I...uh....I think I will stick around and grab some coffee at least. VALERIE: It's all ready for you in the kitchen. Jerome smiles at his grandma before continuing on to the kitchen. JEROME: Thanks, Grandma. Jerome heads for the kitchen, stopping just at the doorway as he continues to think over his plan. JEROME: If I didn't believe in miracles before...this might be just what we needed to finish this job once and for all. --- --- Sheryl paces her hotel room in the sleazy hotel at the edge of town Jerome has set up for her. The darkness of the room irritates her, as she has on the bedside lamps and turns on the room's lights, but it's still not enough. She looks over at the room's phone, contemplating making a call to Jordan, but quickly realizes that would be at once foolish and in vain. SHERYL: Are you stupid? Jordan's not gonna take your calls at this rate. You just gotta sit tight and wait for word. Suddenly, the room's phone rings. Sheryl lurches forward, quickly pulling the receiver to her ear in desperation. SHERYL: Hello? ... It's Jerome. He stands in his kitchen at home, stirring his cup of coffee as he cheerfully greets Sheryl, almost in a singsong voice. JEROME: (into phone) I've got some good news for you. ... SHERYL: (into phone) I could use some right about now. What is it? ... JEROME: (into phone) I may have a way for us to pull this job off after all. ... Sheryl smiles widely, a sudden glimmer of hope finally coming through for her. --- Alex walks over to Noelle, who is still lying in bed nursing her hangover. Noelle holds up her tablet which shows his mother's picture on the front page of the Salem Spectator, alongside the headline: DEVERAUX KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN: DISGRACED SENATOR'S EX-WIFE ENTERS GOVERNOR'S RACE Alex sighs as he reads the headline. He responds sarcastically. ALEX: Great. She finally did it. NOELLE: Look, I know this is...a huge issue between you guys-- Alex snaps at Noelle, trying to stop her from carrying on with this topic. ALEX: Look, I don't...I don't wanna get into this right now. You know how I feel about my mother and her...politics. Noelle leans over in bed, as Alex sits down on the bed next to her. She puts a hand on his shoulder, hoping to comfort him. NOELLE: I do. And I know that you want to keep your life out of the spotlight, and her running for office...severely hampers that. We can keep our distance from her. I mean...she's not in Salem, so we won't have to attend all kinds of party events and fundraisers. ALEX: That's not the point. I'll still get asked for my input. What am I gonna say? No, I don't support anything my mother stands for. No, I don't want her to win the governor's seat! Why do you ask? Noelle laughs momentarily, while rubbing her husband's shoulders, starting to lift herself out of bed. NOELLE: Look, just...don't let it bug you too much. If it helps, I'll call Anjelica and we'll work something out. Okay? Noelle leans in close to Alex's ear, and whispers sensually into it. NOELLE: Now...why don't you...take a bit more time getting ready. Noelle giggles, as she lets her hands wander from her husband's shoulders, leading down to his chest. NOELLE: I guess I'm starting to feel a bit better. Alex smiles, but takes Noelle's hands off him, and gets up. ALEX: I wish I could but...I have too much to go over this morning, and Justin sent me a text saying there was something big that came up last night I have to deal with so...I gotta run. I'm sorry. Noelle smiles, disappointed but understanding. NOELLE: It's okay. I understand. ALEX: Look, I gotta get ready. You gonna stay in bed awhile. NOELLE: Yeah. Noelle sits in bed, as Alex leans in and kisses Noelle gently on the lips. ALEX: I'll let you rest. I'll see you tonight. I might have a surprise waiting for you. NOELLE: Ooo! I look forward to it. I love you. Alex breaks away from Noelle and heads for the door, flashing a sexy smile at his wife. ALEX: Love you too. Once Alex closes the door, Noelle sighs. She gets up from her bed and grabs her cell phone, placing a call. After a moment, someone answers, and Noelle is none too pleased. NOELLE: (into phone) Just when the Hell were you gonna tell me you were running? We had a deal, Anjelica! --- Sonny reacts to EJ's comment in equal measures of frustration and confusion. SONNY: Wh-what do you mean, not anymore? I... As Sonny reacts, Will emerges from the bedroom, half-asleep and confused. WILL: Guys, what's all the...EJ? EJ looks over at Will, feeling guilty for having woken him up. He nods a greeting Will's way. EJ: William. Sonny turns toward Will, almost laughing at the situation he finds so absurd. SONNY: Will! You know what all this noise is? EJ's decided that the best way to protect us from Nick is to bring a gun into our home. Because that's a responsible environment to raise Ariana in. Don't you think? Will looks over at Sonny, Gabi, then EJ, and back to Sonny, responding a little sheepishly. WILL: Well, uh...I mean...maybe it's because I'm still half-asleep but...he may have a point. Sonny looks back at Will, mystified and outraged by his statement. --- Marlena walks out of the front door to her building. Spotting Sami's car out front, she approaches, surprised to see her daughter there. MARLENA: Sami? SAMI: Mom, get in. MARLENA: What are you talking about? SAMI: Mom, Eric may be about to make the biggest mistake of his life. There's no time. Come on, I'll drive. Marlena looks at Sami, more worried than ever, as she wordlessly gets into the passenger's side of Sami's car and closes the door. Sami immediately speeds off once they're both inside. --- Nicole and Eric sit in the car together, the both of them blissfully happy as they head for Salem City Hall to be married. ERIC: You excited? Nicole cocks an eyebrow at Eric, who chuckles to himself as Nicole responds. NICOLE: What do you think? Seriously though, I am so grateful that we got a second chance, Eric. You don't even know how happy I am to be getting married to you today. ERIC: You and me both. I know I don't...speak about this much but...you know...after what happened with Kristen and...Dr. Chyka getting away and...all that stuff with the church...I could've very easily fallen into a really dark place. Nicole zones out, contemplating her own part in the Dr. Chyka affair. She flashes back to her meeting with Hope upon their return from Dr. Chyka's cabin, when Hope told Nicole that it was better they hadn't found anything in the cabin, as it would harm Eric's case rather than help. She then recalls putting the files proving Kristen drugged Eric in her desk drawer. Eric squeezes Nicole's hand, snapping her out of her thoughts. ERIC: Nicole. Nicole looks up, back at Eric. She smiles. NICOLE: Sorry. My mind...wandered. ERIC: Apparently! Nicole and Eric laugh together as Eric turns into the parking lot at the city hall. Stopping the car, he puts the car in Park and pulls the keys from the ignition. He stops before getting out and looks over at Nicole. ERIC: Well, I just want you to know...I thank you. I couldn't have made it through all of this without you. Nicole begins to tear up, leaning in to kiss Eric. After they kiss gently on the lips, Eric unfastens his seatbelt and opens the door. ERIC: Are you ready to become Mrs. Eric Brady? Nicole laughs, unable to hide her glee. NICOLE: I am SO ready. ERIC: Well, let's go! Nicole unbuckles her seatbelt and quickly leaves the car at the same time as Eric. They shut their respective doors almost completely in sync. ---

EPISODE 118 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Gabi walks around the main room of her shared apartment with Sonny and Will, holding Ariana in her arms as she feeds her her bottle. Ari stays peaceful and quiet as Gabi quietly sings to her, as a knock on the door is heard. Surprised, as it's relatively early in the morning for visitors, Gabi walks cautiously toward the door. GABI: Seriously? It's like...6:30 in the morning. Who the... Gabi opens the door to find EJ standing on the other side, looking back at her gravely. GABI: EJ? EJ: Gabi, I'm sorry, but this is an emergency. Gabi looks back at EJ, confused and surprised by EJ's rather dramatic greeting. --- Sami stands in the DiMera living room, trying in vain to get EJ to pick up his phone. SAMI: Ugh! Straight to voicemail again? Come on, EJ! Putting the phone down on the desk, she pinches the bridge of her nose momentarily, trying to figure out what emergency EJ could possibly have at 6:30am, when Harold emerges from the foyer, getting Sami's attention immediately. SAMI: Harold? HAROLD: Uh, a Mr. Fallon to see you, Mum. Sami's expression changes immediately to one of irritation as Nick steps into the room, a smile on his face. --- Daniel stands behind his desk in his office at University Hospital, putting down his tablet, as someone knocks on his office door. DANIEL: Come in! Billie bursts through the door, a bit out of breath and an excited look on her face. BILLIE: Daniel! Come, quick! Daniel walks toward Billie, a worried look in his eye. DANIEL: Billie? What happened? Billie starts to smile as she tells Daniel her news. BILLIE: It's Theresa. I think she's starting to wake up. --- In Theresa's hospital room, a woman in black pumps stands by the door. In her hand, a filled syringe. She slowly steps toward Theresa, being careful not to make a sound as she approaches Theresa's hospital bed. Theresa lays in her bed, still unconscious, as the woman standing over her leans over to grab her IV. As the woman jabs the syringe into the IV line and injects the liquid into Theresa's IV, Theresa's head begins to move as her eyes begin to twitch. Theresa struggles to wake up as she sees the blurry shape of a woman standing over her. The woman pulls the syringe out and quickly makes her way out of the room. Theresa, squinting as she struggles to wake up, tries in vain to lift her arm up to reach out to the woman before her energy dissipates yet again and she descends slowly back into her coma. --- --- Noelle wakes up, groggy and sore. She opens one eye slowly, making a sour face. Checking the room around her, she spies Alex walking to the vanity by the bed in nothing but a towel, drying his hair with another towel. Noelle slowly flops over to face her husband. NOELLE: Ughhh. ALEX: Good morning to you too. Noelle lies back in bed, closing her eyes again, hoping to dull her throbbing headache. NOELLE: Ugh wake me up next month. Alex rolls his eyes, somewhat amused by his wife's hangover. ALEX: You know, I know you don't wanna hear this, but it serves you right. Noelle stays lying back in bed with her eyes closed as she whines back at Alex. NOELLE: Shut uuuup. What do you mean? ALEX: Well, you know, if you hadn't snuck into Victor's room and had a go at him-- NOELLE: Aleeeex, come on. Let this go, please? Alex turns around, exasperated. ALEX: Well, come on, Noelle. He's family. Whether you like it or not. NOELLE: Ugghh, don't remind me. Noelle fumbles about, flailing to try to feel where her tablet is. Finding it on the bedside table, she haphazardly pulls it toward her and turns it on to read the news. Alex, meanwhile, bends down to open his underwear drawer, pulling out his briefs for the day. ALEX: I'm just saying. Noelle doesn't look up, simply shakes her head gently as she tries to ignore her husband, hoping he either stops talking or changes the subject. NOELLE: Fine. Whatever. After a moment, Noelle's eyes widen, shocked by the headline. NOELLE: Oh God. Alex stops grabbing his clothing from the drawers of the vanity and straightens up, looking over at Noelle by staring into the mirror. ALEX: What? NOELLE: Not what....who. Noelle turns her tablet to face Alex. Before him is a picture of his mother under the headline that reads: DEVERAUX KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN: DISGRACED SENATOR'S EX-WIFE ENTERS GOVERNOR'S RACE Alex looks over, visibly displeased by the headline. --- Daniel steps excitedly into Theresa's room, immedately stepping to her side to check her vitals. He inspects everything, but sees nothing unusual. He opens her eyelids to check for signs of consciousness, flashing a light into them, before stepping back. He shakes his head, hanging back a moment in hopes that maybe he was wrong. Daniel waits a moment before stepping back in closer to her, and taking her hand in his, gently calling out to her. DANIEL: Theresa? It's Dr. Jonas. Daniel waits a moment, before continuing. DANIEL: Theresa? Can you hear me? If you can, squeeze my hand. Daniel waits for some kind of small sign from Theresa's again-comatose body, before letting go of her hand and heading out into the lobby, where Billie awaits. Once Daniel emerges, Billie anxiously walks over to him and puts a shaking hand on his chest. BILLIE: So? Is she coming to? Daniel sighs and slowly shakes his head, as Billie's hands quake even more. DANIEL: There's no indication she's coming around at all, Billie. I'm sorry, I-- BILLIE: Did you call our to her? Did you put your--your hand, did...did you hold her hand? Daniel looks down as Billie holds her still-shaking hands up, before resting them against his body. DANIEL: I'm sorry, Billie. She presses herself against Daniel's body as he takes her in his arms to comfort her as she begins to cry. BILLIE: No...she...I felt her hands, Daniel... DANIEL: I know...I know... Daniel strokes Billie's head with one hand and holds her close to him in the other, as she rests her head against his chest. --- Sami leans against the desk in the DiMera living room as Nick stands just inside the doorway. Harold steps out of the room and closes the door behind him, leaving Nick and Sami alone in the room. Sami barely blinks as she glowers at Nick and his sunny expression. NICK: Well, good morning to you too, Sami! SAMI: What do you want, Nick? NICK: Oh, trust me. Nothing bad. Nick all-too-casually steps toward the armchair, sitting himself down and making himself comfortable in it as Sami remains leaned against the desk, scowling back at him. SAMI: Why does that somehow scare me even more? NICK: A negative outlook. Seasonal depression. Irregularity. Could be a lot of things. Nick looks over at Sami's mug on the desk beside her and points to it, cracking another joke. NICK: Oo! Coffee could help, maybe you're the kind that need two cups in the morning. Sami stands upright, folding her arms in as she maintains her distance from Nick. SAMI: You know, you're awfully quick with a cheap crack for 7am, Nick. You might wanna cut back on the energy drinks, yourself. NICK: Nah, I'm high enough on life right now. And besides, you could make my high even greater if you have that little...proposal we talked about? SAMI: Oh, you mean Gabi's modelling contract? Yeah, I sent it to her yesterday, she'll give me her decision this afternoon. Nick smirks as he clasps his hands together in almost comical self-satisfaction. NICK: Good. Excellent work, Sami. I think you've earned yourself a little reward for your efforts. Sami guffaws at Nick's offer, laughing at the absurdity of the situation. SAMI: A reward? Nick, I hardly think you have very much that I would want. NICK: Ohhhhh, I think you might want this. In fact, I guarantee it. Sami squints, studying the situation and Nick's guarded body language, before speaking up. SAMI: Okay, I'll bite. What's my great reward? NICK: My continued silence about your questionable lifesaving skills...and some valuable information. SAMI: Information? What kind? NICK: Ohhh very valuable. You might wanna sit down for this. Sami rolls her eyes as she resolutely refuses to move from her spot by the desk. SAMI: I'll take my chances, what is it? Nick's expression changes to one of deadly seriousness. NICK: It's your brother, Eric. He's getting married today. To Nicole Walker. Sami's eyes widen as the colour drains from her face. --- Gabi stands in the doorway of the apartment, stunned by EJ's early visit. GABI: I...wh--come in, wh...what's going on? Gabi steps out of the doorway to let EJ in, and she shuts the door behind him. EJ: Samantha told me about the bidding war Nick's setting up to try to reel you in. GABI: Oh...yeah...what about it? EJ steps in closer, in disbelief about Gabi's nonchalance regarding the situation. EJ: Gabi, you've readdicted Nick to the same prescription that drove him to murder, and kidnapping in the first place. GABI: Well, yeah, but I can handle it. Nick's gonna slip up soon and we'll catch him and get him thrown in jail before it goes too far. EJ becomes increasingly emphatic with Gabi, trying to get her to see the gravity of the situation, while simultaneously trying to hold his voice down so as not to be overheard by Will or Sonny. EJ: No, you cannot handle it on your own, Gabi. I didn't tell you this but that dosage I gave you was far stronger than the first bottle I gave you. Nick is about one step away from a total meltdown right now and if he finds out you, Samantha, and Kate are trying to play him, he's going to take some drastic steps, and I don't think anyone will be safe if he does that. Gabi curls in her lips, frustrated by EJ's clarity. After a moment of trying to rock Ariana so as to keep her calm in this tense situation, Gabi sighs and responds to EJ. GABI: Okay, fine. What are we gonna do then? EJ reaches into his jacket as he replies. EJ: Well, I'll tell you the first thing you're going to do, and that's carry this with you everywhere you go. EJ pulls a Glock pistol from his jacket, immediately causing Gabi to tense up. EJ holds the gun out for Gabi to take, but a voice calls out before Gabi can reach out for it. SONNY: What in the HELL is that gun doing in our home?! Gabi and EJ both turn around quickly to see a just-awoken Sonny standing in the doorway of his and Will's bedroom, looking stunned and infuriated. ---

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. ---

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

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!