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You've picked up a knack for comedy, Cary. There was some great lines all through this episode. I loved Cecile sniffing the envelope, and Grant and Christy's scene was excellent. You've done a fantastic job with those scenes, and how great to find out that Maggie is actually a Winthrop. This could get very juicy. I can't wait for the wedding, will Scott show up? Oooo, that could get dramatic. And I'm sure we haven't seen the last of Reginald either. Fantastic episode all around. I know the next one will be just as great. GOOD WORK, SIR!

EPISODE 45 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Sami steps off the elevator at University Hospital, and grabs her cell phone, she makes a quick call to her secretary at Countess W. SAMI: (into phone) Yes, Jessica? It's Sami. Look, if you can cancel my appointments for the morning, I'll be in an important meeting...Thanks. I'll let you know when I'm heading back. Bye. Sami hangs up as she approaches Dr. Laura Horton's door. She sighs heavily before stepping inside. --- EJ arrives back at the DiMera mansion, on his cell phone with somebody. He is focused and serious with them as he heads directly into the now-empty living room. EJ: (into phone) So she should be contacting you shortly. I want you to make sure you have that exact medication ready for her...precisely...alright. Call me when it's done. EJ hangs up the phone, a smirk develops across his face. EJ: One way to squash a fly... EJ's smug moment of satisfaction is interrupted by the sound of an argument in the foyer between Harold and a person at the door. EJ's curiosity piqued, he heads for the door. Anne is at the door, enraged, while Harold tries to keep her at bay. ANNE: You WILL let me in because I have something very important to share with Mr. DiMera and if you think that-- EJ: Ms. Milbauer. How lovely to see you. Come in. Harold takes a step back, while Anne smiles a phony "gotcha" smile to Harold, and steps forward towards EJ. --- Theresa walks through the path towards the University Hospital parking lot. She's uneasy, and deep in thought about her actions the previous night in Chicago. She looks at her phone and reads the news reports about Brady's ousting at Titan. She feels regretful, but flashes back to seeing the couple that appeared to be Brady and Chloe kissing at the party. THERESA: You deserved it, Brady. You and that little oompa-loompa of yours. Just then, Brady pulls up in his car. He looks exhausted and wired. He glares at Theresa with an intensity and anger that Theresa isn't used to from him. BRADY: Get in. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Tyler steps into Victor's office, while looking down at a file folder with paperwork. He knocks as he opens the door, but steps right in without concern. TYLER: Victor, I think we need to go over the details of your succession plan, iron out the details so we're covered with regards to Brady...oh. Upon looking up, Tyler realizes that Victor is not the one in the office, but Maggie. She turns around the face Tyler, smiling warmly. MAGGIE: You know, I'd heard of married couples starting to look the same over time, but this is ridiculous. Tyler is taken aback, feeling a bit sheepish for his error, but Maggie gives a cheeky smile, before extending a hand in greeting. MAGGIE: I'm Maggie Kiriakis. TYLER: Pleasure to meet you. Tyler extends his hand in greeting, the two linger a little too long in shaking hands. --- Anne storms into the DiMera living room, as EJ motions to Harold. Harold nods and heads for the kitchen. EJ steps into the room casually, as though he knows exactly what's going on. Anne is visibly agitated, and ready for a fight. EJ: And what can I help you with, Ms. Milbauer? Anne reaches into her bag and slaps the freezer bag containing the suspect letter against EJ's chest. ANNE: Either you're really bad at intimidating me, or this is more of your macabre DiMera humour. Seriously, EJ? Suspiciously powdered letters? EJ takes the bag and opens it, casually pulling the letter out of the bag, and opening it, as he speaks, he pulls the letter out to show Anne, while dusting it off. EJ: I confess, I was not at the office this morning when this was sent to you. I was working from home on the fundraising for the hospital for you, and when the delivery man arrived, I'd already begun baking cookies with the children. As EJ says this, Harold strolls into the room with a platter of cookies. EJ hands the letter over to Anne, who looks it over suspciously, before looking up at EJ, who has taken two cookies from the platter. EJ: I was unable to clean my hands so I'm sorry for the uhh...heh, baking powder all over the letter. Uh...would you like a cookie? The children worked very hard on them. Anne looks down at the cookie, and shakes her head. ANNE: You really must think I'm an idiot. Like I'm gonna take cookies from you, you know you're really a sick man. EJ: Oh come on, Ms. Milbauer, it's not like they're poisoned. See? EJ takes one of the cookies and takes a big bite from it. He smiles, and holds his arms out almost victoriously. EJ: See? I'm fine! I don't know why you're so paranoid, Ms. Milbauer. At this point, Anne is livid and steps towards EJ menacingly. ANNE: You know exactly why I'm suspicious of you, EJ. And don't chalk it up to paranoia. You have the audacity to threaten me, and then play these ridiculous, childish pranks in order to scare me out of town so your little affair with Little Miss Sunshine doesn't get found out? You think I'm that stupid? I know it was you sending someone to follow me last night, to freak me out? EJ: I did no such thing... ANNE: I know you sent me that letter today with the suspicious powder to make me think it was some kind of poison, and I know those cookies are just your way of making me think I'm losing my mind, or at the very least to discredit me. And you know what? It's not going to work. Because you don't have the balls to actually follow through on any of your threats. You have too much to lose. So stop with the little warning shots, because I know you. You'll all talk, and no walk. Excuse me. Anne backs away from EJ, grabs her bag and heads off towards the door, grabbing a cookie from the tray on the way out. She tastes one, stopping before she's out the door. She turns to face EJ with a sour look on her face as she chews it. ANNE: Mm...some advice? Never open a bakery. Anne turns back around and heads out the door, throwing the cookie out into the bushes as she goes. EJ laughs to himself as Anne closes the door. --- Sami steps into Laura's office. She appears incredibly tense, and Laura can instantly sense this in her. Laura motions for Sami to sit down in a chair on the other side of Laura's desk. Sami obliges. SAMI: Thanks. I'm...so glad to see you. It's been a really long time. LAURA: Likewise. Your mother showed me pictures of your children the last time she visited me. They're beautiful. Sami tenses a bit, thinking of her hesitation with Johnny the previous week, as she finally began to come to grips with his conception. She responds less than happily. SAMI: Uh...thank you...you know, I've hired your granddaughter, Abigail. She's been...really helpful to me at Countess W. LAURA: I'm glad. It's such a shame she had problems here at the hospital. I was hoping we could work together, but... SAMI: Yeah. Some people just don't get along, I guess. LAURA: I suppose...look, Sami. I noticed your tension when I mentioned your children just now. Are they doing okay? Sami hesitates to answer for a moment, but smiles and forms an answer. SAMI: Yes, they're fine. I just...we had some... LAURA: Sami, are you worried you're disconnecting from your children? Sami stops and thinks for a second. She nods to Laura hesitantly. SAMI: And it's not just that. I...the other night, EJ and I fought and...he brought up the night that...Johnny, my youngest son, the night he was....conceived and... LAURA: Sami, is Johnny's conception a happy memory for you? Sami looks to the ground. She tries in vain to fight back tears as she struggles to answer Laura. She finally chokes out an answer, barely audible. SAMI: No. And I'm...I'm afraid of... LAURA: What are you afraid of, Sami? Sami swallows, and breathes deeply. After a moment, she finally answers. SAMI: I'm afraid I'm going to push him away...because when I look at Johnny now...I see what happened that night, and not my beautiful little boy anymore...and I can't...I need help, Laura. --- Gabi walks through the park, trying to look inconspicuously for someone. She sits down on the bench and begins to check her texts. EJ's text instructs her to wait on the bench at 3pm for a gentleman. Not describing him any further, Gabi's unsure what to look for. GABI: Real helpful, EJ. Just as she says this, a man sits down on the bench next to her, and quietly speaks. MAN: You Gabi? Gabi looks over at the man, and nods. GABI: You have it? MAN: It's all yours. The man hands her a small pill bottle, as discreetly as possible. Gabi looks up at him, while looking around to see if anyone else is looking. She slips the pills into her bag, and the man looks her intensely. It's Liam. LIAM: And remember, you've never seen me before, and you won't recognize me if you see me again. If you need anything else, contact EJ. Gabi stares nervously at him, and nods, before grabbing her bag and taking off. --- Brady drives aggressively down the road. Theresa sits next to him in his car, visibly nervous. So nervous, in fact, she can barely look over at him, nearly transfixed on the road. THERESA: So...Brady. BRADY: I thought we could go for a drive....have a little talk. You and I. THERESA:oh...oh yeah? What about? BRADY: Well, what happened to you last night when you left the party...you know I wanted to find you. THERESA: Ohh yeah? Brady looks at Theresa and smiles. BRADY: Yeah. I wanted to surprise you. I was gonna rent out the biggest suite at that hotel across the street you loved so much. You know, you said it was so glamourous, and you just...you wish you could spend one night there. THERESA: You...you would do that for me? BRADY: Yes. Yes, I would. And I almost did too. But I couldn't find you...or my credit card. So I ended up going back to Salem where I find out that my company credit card, there's this...$200-plus cab fare on it. And it's funny because, the charge was made around the same time I went looking for you at the club. THERESA: Look, Brady, I-- Brady's anger is starting to creep into his voice, his motions becoming ever more staccato, as his foot presses harder on the gas. The car enters the highway leaving Salem. BRADY: You know, then this video is online of me...doing cocaine. And it's like...it's so funny, it's at that same time when you were trying to take a selfie and you were too drunk to figure out your phone? Such a weird coincidence, huh? Brady's foot presses more and more on the accelerator, as the car pushes up towards 70, 75, 80mph. Theresa holds onto the grip on the door tightly. THERESA: B...Brady, slow down. Brady is looking straight ahead, barely even acknowledging Theresa's existence. BRADY: Why? THERESA: Well...well the speed limit, Brady is-- BRADY: Do you honestly think I care right now? Like...at all? Do you think what you want matters to me right now? THERESA: Brady, you're scaring me. Brady starts to pay closer attention to Theresa now, but it is mostly anger he shows her as he intermittently divides his attention between her and the road before him. BRADY: Do you think I'm scared? Huh? Do you think I can feel anything right now? THERESA: Brady, what are you talking about? BRADY: What do I have now, Theresa? Think about it for a second, yeah? I just lost my job, my reputation is ruined, the woman I thought I was getting to know and care about, she double-crosses me because she's so damned insecure about me being able to be nice to my ex-wife. Every single woman I ever get involved with betrays me. My family hates me. Tell me, Theresa. What do I have to live for now? Tell me. THERESA: Okay, okay, Okay-- BRADY:...TELL ME! Do you get it? THERESA: Okay! I'm sorry, Brady, would you PLEASE slow down. Brady takes his eyes off the road now entirely, and begins to lean in closer and closer to Theresa. His speed is now reaching 85mph. BRADY: Ohhhh no. You don't get it, do you? I want you to listen to me for once. No distractions. No one around to watch you to see the glamourous life you're living off my back. Just you, finally facing the person you are. The despicable, self-absorbed piece of street trash you really are-- Theresa looks away from Brady. 90mph. Theresa looks up and sees a sharp turn in the road ahead, she panicks and screams out. THERESA: BRADY, LOOK OUT! Brady looks up and tries to steer into the turn while slamming on the brakes. Theresa, in a moment of quick thinking, pulls her door open and leaps from the vehicle, but due to the speed the car is travelling at, she is knocked unconscious and severely injured immediately upon impacting the ground. Brady's car skids off the road and drives through the barrier, off the side of the embankment, into the lake below. ---

EPISODE 44 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Eric stands in Nicole's hotel room, studying the newspaper she just handed him. Eric is in disbelief at the headline. TITAN'S BRADY BLACK DRUG SCANDAL Nicole hesitates to reach out for Eric, looking at the pained expression on Eric's face. She finally steps to his side, putting her hands on Eric's shoulders. ERIC: This is all my fault. NICOLE: What?! No! How could you even think that? Eric flinches a bit at Nicole's touch, causing Nicole to jump back a little. Eric turns to her, a look of pain in his eyes. As Eric speaks, the anger in his voice mounts. ERIC: It's true. If I hadn't been so trusting of Kristen and encouraged her to marry Brady, worked with her. I saw good in that woman and...look what she's done to us? Nicole steps back, in part sympathy but in fear of Eric's mounting anger. --- Nick steps into the lab at Titan, where Percy is working on some paperwork. Nick is beaming with glee as he walks with his tablet in hand. NICK: Percy, I have the best news you'll hear all week. Percy turns to face Nick, perked up by the tone in Nick's voice. PERCY: Well, I do love a bit of good news. NICK: We may be one step closer to getting EnerNext off your back. Nick holds up his tablet, which shows the SalemSpectator.com's article for Brady's drug scandal. NICK: And with Stefano's help, it shouldn't be long now. Percy smiles while looking over the article quickly, then looking up to Nick with a grateful smile across his face. --- EJ turns to Stefano, knowing that helping Gabi probably has something to do with Nick. He almost speaks, then turns back to Gabi. EJ: Gabriella, I do believe we should find somewhere else to talk. Uh...Father's somewhat busy with business matters at the moment. I, myself, was just about to step out. Maybe...maybe we could have a nice brunch today. My treat. Gabi looks up at EJ, then to Stefano. Gabi's constant state of panic makes her appear confused by EJ, but eventually she appears to clue in and nods her head in agreement. GABI: Sure. I...The Brady Pub okay? EJ: Excellent. Come with me, I'll drive. EJ takes Gabi by the arm and quickly steps out of the house. Stefano smiles, knowing what Gabi is likely concerned about is Nick. Outside, EJ closes the door, looks around cautiously, and whispers emphatically to Gabi. EJ: I need you to do me a favour and not come back to this house without calling first. GABI: What do you mean? EJ: I mean, we can't be too careful. Particularly where my father's concerned. Never, ever trust that man. GABI: You make it sound like he's up to something, he isn't up to something, is he? EJ Thankfully, no. But with all that's happened the last little while, it wouldn't surprise me if he did. Be. Careful. --- Anne walks into the hospital lab and hands the lab tech the freezer bag containing the powder-covered letter DiMera sent her. ANNE: I want you to run tests on this. Find out what's on it, and report it back only to me, immediately. The lab tech, a somewhat and intimidated clueless young man, looks up at Anne with concern. TECH: But what if it's dangerous? I mean this looks like it's got some stuff on it, it could be-- Anne rolls her eyes, clearly lacking patience for this exchange. She interrupts him midway through his dopey dissertation. ANNE: ...Then wear gloves. Just find out what it is right away, or your entire department will be finding the dangers of the unemployment line. Got it? Anne storms off, leaving the confused lab tech with the envelope. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KZsiMhziRI --- Brady stands in the doorway of the Titan board room, a look of terror across his face. He stammers in disbelief at what Victor has just announced. BRADY: Yo...you....you're not serious. VICTOR: Unfortunately, I'm dead serious, Brady. You need help. BRADY: But...but...Grandfather, I can't-- VICTOR: ...Brady this isn't the time or place for this. Brady steps into the board room. He looks around the room at the faces of the board members, hoping to get through to them as he speaks. BRADY: No! No, this is the place. Before this entire board...of...people who claim to support me, and my decisions. Brady looks around, sauntering with a simmering anger around the board room. BRADY: You...you are a room of backstabbing vultures. That's what you are. You come here, after weeks of telling me "we support you, Brady", "you're doing such great work, Brady". And I have to hear about my own firing on the RADIO! VICTOR: Brady, that's enough! The board is doing the right thing. You need help more than you need to be running this company. BRADY: Right, and just when did you become a doctor, Granddad? When did you decide when people are ready for rehab? VICTOR: Brady, you have a problem. And now the whole world knows it. This is damage control. Our shares have dropped another 15% just this morning, and it's thanks to you and whoever shared that video. Brady suddenly stops. He turns to Victor in confusion. BRADY: Video? VICTOR: Yes, how the Hell else did you think the entire world knew about your drug habit. Someone sent a video of you at that swishy club in Chicago, doing lines off someone's tablet or something. Brady remembers back to Theresa fumbling with her phone at the club. *** FLASHBACK TO DAYS OF OUR LIVES #39 Theresa fumbles with her phone, trying to flip the phone around to use the flash, but ends up reversing which lens is in use, and begins recording a video of Brady as he does the line of cocaine from the table. Theresa, not sure why the camera isn't working, flips the phone back around in frustration. THERESA: Ugh, this damned phone. Never...oh... BRADY: What? THERESA: Nothing. Stupid camera was on the wrong function, just... BRADY: It didn't get a shot of me, did it? THERESA: I can't even tell. Nothing's working right. BRADY: Theresa, remember what we said about you being careful? THERESA: Look who's talking. Mr. Doing-a-line-in-front-of-200-people. God, just chill out, okay? No one saw anything. BRADY: There's a difference between a bunch of drunk Chicago socialites seeing me do a line and your friends and family in Salem seeing it because your girlfriend couldn't figure her cell phone out. *** Brady's eyes light up with the realization that it had to have been Theresa that threw him under the bus. BRADY: Oh my God. VICTOR: Finally! He sees the light. BRADY: I...I gotta go. I'm sorry, everyone, I...I have to take care of something. Brady makes a beeline for the door of the conference. Victor turns to call him back, concerned by what he may do next. VICTOR: Brady! Brady! Get back here! Victor stops as the doors to the board room close behind Brady. --- Nicole stands behind a reeling Eric. Unsure what to do to console him, she puts a hand gently on his shoulder. When Eric doesn't flinch, she feels safe to rest her hand there more firmly. NICOLE: You can't blame yourself for what Kristen did. You're a priest. You guys kinda have this thing about turning the other cheek and forgiveness. You saw a light in Kristen. You wanted to bring out the goodness in her. And she-- Eric turns around abruptly, his anger flaring up again, causing Nicole to jump back a bit. ERIC: ...And she destroyed my faith in forgiveness. Nicole, it's like part of the very fabric of doing God's work...and I can't even bring myself to do it for my own greivences. NICOLE: I think being drugged and raped goes a bit beyond a grievence, but... Eric turns away from Nicole, hoping to avoid crying in her line of sight. His plan fails. ERIC: But it's made me question so much about my life. My vocation. I mean...what kind of just God would do what has been done to my family, to myself. If this is a test...how many more trials do I need to go through before I finally am able to smile again, Nicole? Nicole struggles to find words. She begins to cry a bit herself. --- Anne sits at her desk at University Hospital when the lab tech from before walks into her office. Anne looks up, expectantly. The lab tech is nervous approaching the imposing HR woman. TECH: I, uh...Mrs. Mil-- ANNE: ...MS. Milbauer. Mrs. Milbauer is my mother-in-law's name, and if you want to be down one tongue, you keep using that name. The tech stops dead in his tracks, even more nervous than before. TECH: Big fan, then? ANNE: Huge. What have you got for me? Is the testing done? TECH: Uhh...YES! Suddenly remembering he has the results in his hand, he hands the report over to Anne, who brusquely grabs it from him. ANNE: Thank you. TECH: I have the...uh... ANNE: THANK YOU! TECH: Okay, bye! The tech hastily walks out of Anne's office. Anne opens the file as the door shuts behind him. As she reads the file, Anne beams with delight. ANNE: You son of a bitch. You're bluffing. --- EJ and Gabi sit at a table in the Brady Pub. They sip their coffee together quietly, hoping to avoid arousing suspicion. Gabi is doing a typically awful job at this. GABI: ...So I need you to do something about Nick. After what he told Rafe last night, I'm afraid to be anywhere near him. I'm worried what he's going to do next. EJ: Gabriella, I think you overestimate the power this man has. He's clearly lost his mind, but you need to stop panicking. This will only make things worse. Gabi is visibly nervous, hands shaking her cup of coffee in front of her. EJ puts his hand over hers, causing Gabi to realize how off-kilter she is. GABI: I know. I know, you're right. But, I just...I can't shake the feeling that Nick's gonna find a way to...I don't even know what he's gonna do. I'm scared, EJ. EJ: What do you want me to do, Gabi? GABI: You've got to stop him. Like, I wish he never got out of prison. EJ takes a second to think, and looks over at the table to the left of Gabi, looking at the day's Salem Spectator, featuring the headline about Brady's drug scandal. His face lights up. EJ: I think I might know just what we can do. --- Nick walks down the hallway at Titan, heading for Sheryl's office. He knocks on the doorframe, seeing her at work at her desk. Sheryl recognizes him immediately, and barely looks up from her computer screen. SHERYL: What do you want, Nick? NICK: To share the good news with you. SHERYL: I heard. So what's our next move. NICK: Time to watch Brady Black self-destruct. Hopefully it happens before the Titan TV vote, and then Titan's poisoned influence over this town will be over. Sheryl looks up at Nick, a pleased look across her face. --- Theresa walks through Town Square, deep in thought, when her phone rings. She pulls it out of her purse and checks who it is, half-hoping it's Brady, but usure if she would answer if it is. It's Anne. Theresa rolls her eyes and answers. THERESA: (into phone) What do you want? ... Anne sits at her desk, using her office phone. ANNE: (into phone) A warmer greeting for a start. ... THERESA: Sorry, I'm just...I'm waiting on a call, kay? Can this wait? ... ANNE: No. It can't. I've got something important to tell you. ... THERESA: Okay, well, say it fast, I don't have a lot of time, I'm busy. ... ANNE: Cut the snark, okay? I'm really getting sick of-- ... THERESA: Anne! I'm waiting for Brady to call. I don't have time for this. ... ANNE: Hey! Cool it, little lady. Look, you remember our little...situation with sweet little Abby Deveraux, right? ... Theresa rolls her eyes at the thought of Abigail. THERESA: Yyyyep! ... ANNE: Well...turns out EJ DiMera knows what's going on, and he's a little pissed off. He's been trying to rile me up the last week or so, and he's using some pretty lame tricks to do it. So if you happen to run into him, or feel like anything weird's going on, you just let me know, and take it with a grain of salt, okay? ... THERESA: Noted. K, bye. Theresa hangs up the phone, having been totally disinterested in Anne's little piece of lame gossip. Just as she does, she gets a text. She checks it. It's from Brady. Meet me @ UH parking lot in 10, need 2 talk Theresa is concerned by Brady's text, and rushes off to meet him. --- Brady, sitting in his car, puts his phone away, cleans up the cocaine residue off the tablet on the car dashboard in front of him, and revs the engine of his car, then heads off to meet Theresa at UH. ---

Another fabulous episode. I LOVED Felicia and Mitch's confrontation. Go Felicia. The whole scene played very well, I could see it on a TV screen. Very honest. Mitch is not right here, and is very insecure in his relationship with Felicia. Also loved KC/Etta Mae/Toni. That was a very well-constructed scene and so on point. It's gonna play out for awhile and those emotions will be raw for KC, I can't wait to see what direction this influences her to go. Straight to Reginald? Speaking of Reggie, the confrontation on the plane should be epic. Can't wait for that. Charlie's wedding's coming! Frankie and Cass are so sweet together. I love that you can write very simple family scenes an weave them in so well. It's a talent, for sure! GREAT work!

EPISODE 43 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson The morning edition of the Salem Spectator falls in front of Nicole's door at the hotel. Shortly thereafter, Nicole opens the door and picks it up, while clutching her morning coffee. Upon opening the rolled-up paper and seeing the headline, she drops her mug. The headline: TITAN'S BRADY BLACK DRUG SCANDAL --- Brady's alarm goes off to the sound of the radio blasting a news report. Initially, Brady is groggy, but as he listens to the report, he wakes up fast. RADIO: ...Brady Black's head may be on the chopping block at Titan today after video footage collected by gossip site A2Z shows Black, highly intoxicated and openly doing lines of cocaine at a Chicago club. This comes just weeks after the disasterous announcement that Titan was acquiring oil and gas firm EnerNext in a multi-billion dollar deal. Executives at Titan are currently in an emergency meeting to discuss the future of Mr. Black's tenure as CEO-- Brady shuts the radio off and lies back in bed, a look of horror in his eyes. --- Victor calls the meeting to order, a flurry of activity in the room as the board members take their seats. Kate, Lucas, Tyler, Billie, and Victor are joined by three other board members, as they slowly come to order. Kate sits between Lucas and Billie, and leans toward them, speaking quietly. KATE: I guess our hot mess CEO finally got a little sloppy where people can see. Victor stands at the end of the table. He sounds exhausted, without his usual fire. VICTOR: This meeting will come to order. As you've probably heard, we have a bit of a crisis on our hands. My grandson has become involved in some things that will put into question every business decision this company has made and will make in the coming weeks, and I propose a solution that will allow us to retain those contracts, and salvage our image. But I will need your help. --- Stefano is sitting in the living room of the DiMera mansion, going over paperwork. EJ is standing pensively in the doorway, almost looking right past Stefano. He walks into the room slowly, a coffee cup in hand. EJ: Good morning, Father. Stefano looks up, pleased to see EJ. STEFANO: Elvis! Good morning, my son. I was just looking over the news. EJ: Regarding whom? STEFANO: Brady Black. Looks like you aren't the only one who is getting sloppy in your business. Stefano takes the newspaper and flops it down on the table before EJ. EJ studies the headline carefully. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KZsiMhziRI --- EJ looks up from the paper, still a bit taken aback by the headline. EJ: You know, this was bound to happen. I mean, Brady Black has always had a substance abuse problem. Frankly, I don't even know why this is scandalous anymore. STEFANO: Or why Victor Kiriakis is dumb enough to continue to keep him in the family business. Which reminds me, you might want to be a little more careful in your future extra-curricular activities, if you know what I mean. EJ rolls his eyes, and closes the doors to the living room before responding. EJ: Alright, Father. I know you want to talk about this, so have at it. Gloat at how my relationship with Samantha is falling apart around my ears and how much better off I am without her. STEFANO: I don't have to, you just did. EJ: But that's the thing. You're just so happy that this has happened, you can't bear it. So tell me. How'd you find out about it, hm? Stefano wordlessly shuffles some papers around, before opening his desk drawer. He pulls out a green envelope and hands it to EJ. EJ: What on Earth is that? STEFANO: Something an associate of mine has been working on. You may be interested in it. EJ frowns in confusion, before opening the envelope. Inside is a picture of EJ and Abigail in a passionate kiss at the cabin on Smith Island. EJ is stunned by this discovery. --- Anne steps groggily to the doorway of her apartment. A long night after her run-in with Daniel's car, and a lack of sleep have left her visibly tired. She notices a letter addressed to her on the floor. She goes to grab it, and feels as she picks up the envelope, an unusual texture to the paper. It feels rough, almost like sandpaper...but loose, as though unattached to the paper itself. A sort of powdery texture is across the letter, and Anne reluctantly feels it across her fingertips, as she recalls EJ's threat against her the previous evening. EJ: Are you seriously going to threaten me? EJ walks closer to Anne, as Anne leans against her desk. They both have a guarded appearance, almost trying to seem more imposing than the other. ANNE: Well, it seems to me that I hold the cards here. And we all know how hard you're trying to be a "good man" now. So, what exactly are you going to threaten me with? EJ: I just want to remind you of what historically has happened to those who decide to meddle in the affairs of the DiMera family. It doesn't end well for them. Suddenly, after spending a moment studying the envelope, she drops it in revulsion. She looks at the envelope on the ground. The DiMera Enterprises crest, the Phoenix, on the top corner next to the return address. ANNE: That bastard. That sick, twisted bastard. --- Jenn brings in the morning paper, and heads into the living room, where Abigail is fully dressed for work. She seems in a haze, which Jennifer notices. JENNIFER: Hey, Abigail. Ready for work, Sweetie? ABIGAIL: Ready as I'll ever be. JENNIFER: How are you liking working at Countess W so far? Is the glamourous world of makeup as exciting as you thought it'd be? Abigail doesn't even crack a smile at Jenn's comment. She glumly looks down at the table, filing away the last papers into her new bag. ABIGAIL: Ohhh Glamourous is not a word I would use to describe this job, Mom. Now 'stress', THAT is a word I would use. JENNIFER: Already? I mean, you've only been there a few weeks, honey. Any new job is gonna be stressful. ABIGIAL: This, this is a completely different kind of stress. JENNIFER: You having to work so closely with EJ? Abigail looks up at Jenn, stunned for a moment. ABIGAIL: Huh? Jenn puts a sympathetic hand on Abigail's shoulder. JENNIFER: Abigail, I understand. It's still fresh, the pain that EJ and Chad caused you. It's alright, though. Just work your hardest and you'll be able to move on one day. ABIGAIL: Oh. Yeah. I hope so. JENNIFER: You're stronger than you think, honey. I mean, come on, you're my daughter, and Jack Deveraux's daughter, for crying out loud. Some skinny DiMera kid isn't gonna ruin your life, is he? Abigail finally smiles a bit, and looks over at her mom lovingly. ABIGIAL: Thanks, Mom. Jenn kisses Abigail goodbye, but Abigail notices the headline of the newspaper Jenn dropped on the coffee table, and is shocked, pointing at the newspaper. ABIGAIL: Oh my God. Mom, do you think Theresa had anything to do with this? JENNIFER: I don't know, honey. But I do know Brady's been getting himself into enough trouble without her help lately. But I wouldn't be surprised if Theresa is part of the blame. --- Nicole is in her hotel room, cleaning up the coffee she spilt on herself when Eric comes to her door. Noticing the door is slightly ajar, he pushes it open. ERIC: Nicole! What happened? NICOLE: I spilled coffee all over my robe. Thankfully it's not mine or I'd be pitching a fit right now. Eric smiles at Nicole as he steps into her room. NICOLE: Stop that, it's not funny. ERIC: What, are you that clumsy in the morning? Do we need to give you sippy cup until you've had a couple cups? Eric puts his hands on Nicole's shoulders, laughing at his own jokes. Nicole rolls her eyes, but really doesn't mind Eric's teasing. NICOLE: I'm fine. I just...I read something. ERIC: What? NICOLE: (sighs) You may wanna sit down for this. Nicole grabs the newspaper from her desk and hands it reluctantly over to Eric. Eric sees the headline and is stunned and concerned. --- Anne scurries into her kitchen, and washes her hands thoroughly in piping hot water. The entire time, she mutters to herself in anger. ANNE: So either Mr. DiMera is trying to kill me with anthrax-laced letters, which I highly doubt, or he wants me to think he is to "warn me". Anne finishes washing her hands of any trace residue from the letter and puts on her rubber kitchen gloves. She puts each one on with a dramatic snap as the gloves struggle to fit on her hands. ANNE: And that, dear Elvis, is not going to work on old Anne Milbauer. She grabs a plastic freezer bag from the drawer, and walks back into the living room. Carefully, she picks the envelope up and drops it into the freezer bag, before sealing it up. ANNE: I don't suffer fools easily, EJ. You better watch your back too. Anne places the bagged letter in her purse, and hastily heads out the front door, closing it with a slam. --- EJ looks at the photo incredulously. He shakes his head and inspects the photo carefully, as though he would be able to find it was a fabrication with the naked eye. EJ: Father, why do you have this? Stefano walks around EJ to grab a drink. He pours the drink, casually sipping it as he talks with EJ, and paces the room. STEFANO: Well, you see, I wanted to be absolutely sure that you would keep your promise to me to keep our family together, and to honour me as your father. And so, when I heard about all this nonsense with Nicholas Fallon that you, Katerina, and Samantha have all been involved in, I became concerned. EJ: So you had someone follow me. STEFANO: I had to make sure you were taking care of things correctly. There is a strange old man in the woods that's been making noises about Titan buying his land. I heard he was quite a photographer. So I made him a deal. EJ: Blackmail photos of me in exchange for the funds to fight Titan to keep his property. Stefano nearly spits out his drink at EJ's suggestion of blackmail. STEFANO: Blackmail is such a strong word. In my family, we do not blackmail each other. EJ, sensing the complete absurdity of Stefano's statement, turns to Stefano, exasperated, his voice raising quickly. EJ: Well, what would you call it then, Father? Shall we go out and get a nice frame for this? Maybe blow this photo up and put it up on the wall next to your portrait? What else do you call this BUT blackmail?! STEFANO: Insurance! Naturally, we cannot rebuild my family if you are working to undermine me. And besides, this way, I have someone working on the inside at Titan to try to take them down. EJ sits down on the couch, worn out by the revelations Stefano has just laid out for him. EJ: I don't believe this. You do realize you've essentially hired Nicholas Fallon and his lapdog to spy on me. The same man who very nearly destroyed Will's life because he didn't like the idea of two men raising their own child together. You do realize how easily this could blow up in your face, right? Stefano, unfazed, shrugs, before sitting back down at his desk. STEFANO: As long as Nicholas Fallon and Percy Ruggles work for me, you have nothing to worry about. Just remember, Elvis, I can and will help you keep these secrets no matter what. But you must support me as well. It's all in your hands. EJ: My God. It's all about control with you, isn't it? You can't love people normally, you have to manipulate them to love you the way you want, or else it's not good enough. I...I cannot... EJ seethes with anger over his stupidity, and prepares to let off a further tirade at his father, when Harold opens the doors to the living room, causing EJ to turn around with a start. Harold is careful upon seeing EJ's reaction and enters slowly. HAROLD: Pardon me, Sir. Uh...but...a Miss Hernandez is here to see you. Gabi follows Harold into the room, she is made up and dressed for the day, but her face wears the burden of the previous night's realization, and her eyes are those of a woman who hasn't slept. GABI: EJ, I need your help. Badly, it's an emergency. --- Victor continues to speak as the emergency board meeting at Titan continues. Kate continues to ignore the proceedings as she speaks to Lucas. KATE: Honestly, I can't wait to see the look on Brady's face when he finally wakes up from his drug-fuelled haze and realizes what's going on. Victor is too exhausted to chastize Kate for her gossipping, and continues speaking to the board overtop of her chatter. VICTOR: My motion is simple, we shall have Brady replaced as CEO at Titan with myself, with Tyler Houston running the EnerNext division, while my grandson submits to an extensive rehabilitation program. Brady will only be considered to recommence his duties as CEO upon sucessful completion of the program, provided the board is satisfied with the arrangement. During this time, Brady will retain his seat on the executive board, and will be compensated using sick benefits. If Brady's rehabilitation is unsuccessful, we shall proceed with a new vote to find a new permanent CEO for Titan. All in favour of this motion. The board unanimously raises their hands to Victor's motion. Victor looks around for dissenting voters, but, solemnly, he prepares to complete the motion. As Victor begins speaking, Brady opens the doors to the board room, overhearing Victor's announcement. VICTOR: Then it is so...as of today, the 27th of July, 2014, Brady Black is temporarily relieved of his duties as CEO of Titan Industrie-- BRADY: NO! The board turn around in shock at Brady's outburst, minus Kate, who half-expected this, and looks up in calm curiosity. She leans over to Billie, whispering not-so-quietly to her. KATE: Right on cue, as always. ---

Brad's a douche. Rude. Felix needs to hold it together, because I'dve punched that heffa in the mouth. I loved Lulu and Maxie talking about Levi. It was a good scene, and Levi is a weirdo, bad for Maxie. Tracy and Nina are interesting, it's good you're giving Tracy a foil, well needed. GREAT work.

Every scene popped! I loved seeing Tracy and Monica go at it again. Wonderful! I think I'm really gonna like Sydney. Good to see everything working toward Michael's wedding. The Aztec thing fascinates me. Good reaching back into Felicia's history with that. I wonder how Levi fits into it! GREAT work!

This episode built greatly. I loved all parts of it. Even the slow starts are often wise so you can get everything established. Van gonna sleep through Genoa city at this rate. Daniel is really unlucky with these Carter women. Wonder if the stalker is gonna make themselves known. The ending was GREAT. Karynn's drunk ass burnt the damn mansion down. Wonder if Esther made it out! Fantastic episode,ML. I wonder if the will was salvaged. I expect it was but who knows?

Awesome show. A lot happening and a lot of good happening. I loved Vicky and Marley's scenes. Something so real and yet so soap opera about it and it felt so very honest. Loved that moment. Reginald getting out of jail, of course. I loved that tie-in to the history with Cecile's fixation on the Cory money. Excellent work with her. I also cannot wait to see the rest of the KC/Toni/Allen/Etta Mae confrontation. Some major stuff coming up there and I'm excited for it. GREAT show!

DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 42 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Theresa steps onto the elevator at her building, having just paid the cabbie that drove her back to Salem with Brady's credit card. She's still somewhat intoxicated, very tired, and looks disheveled. She presses the button up to her floor and leans back against the back wall of the elevator car. She closes her eyes, thinking back to the night's events. *** Meeting Chloe, and Theresa's intense sense of threat at Chloe and Brady's camraderie. *** Theresa finding Brady's credit card on the floor of the club. *** Theresa seeing what she believed was Chloe and Brady kissing on the patio. *** Theresa forwarding the video of Brady doing cocaine to her friend at the gossip rag. *** The elevator dings as it stops on her floor. Theresa snaps back to reality, realizing the gravity of her actions, she breathes heavily. THERESA: Well, he got what he deserved, right? Theresa holds her head up and sashays from the elevator with all the dignity she can muster. As she puts her key in the lock, the door to Kim's apartment opens. Kim is half-asleep, dressed in her nightgown and housecoat. It's evident that she's been kept awake by Theresa's absence. KIM: Theresa? Theresa stops in her tracks. She turns to face her mother, folding her arms and trying to retain her composure. Kim can see through her tough display, and Theresa knows it. THERESA: Mom. KIM: You alright, baby? Kim steps toward Theresa. Theresa reactively backs up, visibly upset. THERESA: I'm fine, Mother. KIM: Honey, are you sure? Theresa breathes deeply, and looks away. She shakes her head and tries in vain to hold back tears. THERESA: No. No, I'm not. Kim immediately walks over to a despondent Theresa, and hugs her warmly. Theresa, finally, does not resist. --- Will and Sonny lie together in bed. Sonny is ready to sleep, but leans over, and notices Will is wide awake, and deep in thought. SONNY: Can't sleep? WILL: Ugh, I'm trying but... SONNY: But Nick. WILL: (sighs) Sonny, this is exactly why I need to find work. I need to be able to fight back against him, and I can't do that without the resources to protect my child. SONNY: I know, but you can't do anything about it tonight, and if you don't get some sleep, you won't be able to tomorrow either, right? WILL: I know. (sigh) I guess I'm just worried what Gabi's gonna do. She's gotta be worried sick about what that bastard's gonna pull next. Sonny puts his arm around Will, pulling him close to him as he holds Will's left hand in his. He caresses him softly as he holds him. SONNY: She's tougher than you think. She'll find some way. --- Gabi wakes up in her bedroom with a start. She sighs heavily as she realizes she was dreaming. GABI: Thank God. It was just a dream....I gotta get out of here for a minute. And go for a walk, and clear my mind. Gabi pulls herself out of bed. --- Rafe walks through the park with Jordan. They're laughing as Jordan eats the last of her ice cream cone. RAFE: So I see you liked it, but did you taste it? Jordan laughs a bit, trying not to choke as she swallows the last of her ice cream. JORDAN: What? Are you trying to kill me or something? RAFE: Sorry! I didn't mean to do that. I just...you were eating so fast, I... Rafe and Jordan share a hearty laugh at the situation, before looking up at the stars together. Jordan takes Rafe's arm and leans against him. She's content in a profound way. JORDAN: You know, I haven't been this happy in a really long time. RAFE: I'm glad. I know it hasn't always been easy for you, but...you know I've enjoyed getting to know you. Jordan looks up to Rafe and smiles. JORDAN: Me too. They lean and share a kiss, before pulling away at the sound of a familiar voice. NICK: Oo! Me too! --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Brady attempts once more to call Theresa as he stands outside the front door of the Kiriakis Mansion, to no avail. He puts his phone in his pocket, clearly upset. BRADY: Damn it! Brady fumbles with his keys, before finally being able to open the door. When he walks in, he finds himself in a darkened house. He searches for the lights momentarily, only to find, when he turns the lights on, Victor, sitting in the chair facing the entrance to the living room. Victor is cross. VICTOR: How nice of you to come back and reassure us you're not dead. Brady rolls his eyes, he's exhausted and coming down from the cocaine high. Brady is still a bit tipsy, however. BRADY: Granddad, I'm not doing this with you right now, okay? VICTOR: Doing what? Engaging? You never do that unless it's in marriage with the wrong woman. BRADY: Okay, can we go two seconds without some snarky remark? Because I just came home from Chicago, on what was supposed to be an amazing night, with no idea where the girl I took to Chicago with me is, with my credit card stolen, and pretty soon, a massive hangover. VICTOR: Stolen credit card? My first stop would be to question that girl you took to Chicago. I wouldn't trust her with a book of fast food coupons, never mind my credit card. BRADY: Grandad! VICTOR: Alright, alright. I'm just glad you're alright, and I hope you didn't do anything stupid that could come back to bit you in the ass. The last thing we need right now is for some seedy tabloid to get ahold of any dirt on you while you're drunk off your face and God knows what else you've gotten into tonight. We need to run a tight ship ahead of this board meeting this week. BRADY: They weren't allowed into the club. It was all very tightly controlled. Believe me. You have absolutely nothing to worry about. Okay? VICTOR: I'd better not. There's too much riding on the Titan TV vote, and I don't know how many more unpleasant surprises this old heart can take. I've been in a nursing home once already. That's plenty for one lifetime. --- Kim and Theresa sit on Theresa's sofa. Kim hands Theresa a cup of tea, and wraps a blanket from the couch across Theresa's shoulders. Theresa sits quietly, and Kim just lets her talk. THERESA: So when I saw Brady and Chloe making out on the patio, I just...I couldn't take it anymore. KIM: Honey, are you sure it was them? I mean, did you see their faces? THERESA: I...I'm almost certain, Mom. I...the woman was wearing the same coloured dress as Chloe and looked like the same colour of spray-tan. I... KIM: You just have doubts now. THERESA: No, I really am sure it was them. I mean, Brady was high on coke and he'd been drinking all night. And every time I'd turn around, OH LOOK! There's Chloe again. KIM: Theresa, I'm just worried that lashing out at Brady was premature. You don't really know where he went after your fight. Theresa gets up, begins pacing the room. THERESA: Oh I know where he went, straight to Chloe. And that's why I forwarded that video. Every man in my life does this kind of crap to me, and I'm not gonna let people walk all over me and use me like that. Not again. Kim stands up, shocked by Theresa's admission. KIM: You what? THERESA: I forwarded the video I accidentally shot of Brady doing cocaine, and I forwarded it to that friend of mine in LA who works at the gossip site. Brady Black's not going to get away with screwing with me. --- Liam steps out of Jennifer's door, about to head for home. Jenn smiles as she sees the new man in her life, and he smiles back, though somewhat tense. JENNIFER: So when do I get to meet your family? LIAM: I uh...I'm not sure. JENNIFER: Oh come on, Liam. Do they live in Salem or is it one of those times where we'd have to fly out somewhere? LIAM: Well, I'm honestly not that close to my family, Jenn. We sorta drifted apart a long time ago and...well, I've been so caught up in my work that I really haven't had the time to try to mend fences. Jenn looks at Liam, a sadness in her eyes. She reaches for Liam's hand. JENNIFER: I'm sorry to hear that. I know you're very quiet about your life. And I can tell there's a lot of painful memories behind that. But whenever you're ready to talk about it, I'm here for you. LIAM: Thank you, Jenn. JENNIFER: And I mean that. I know it's hard to let someone in on the problems in your life. But I've had a lot of painful times in my life too. Believe me, it hasn't always been easy for me. I want to lift that burden off of you. But only when you're ready. Liam smiles, he squeezes Jenn's hand, and leans over to kiss her. LIAM: You always say something that makes me think you're the one for me more and more. You know that? JENNIFER: I feel so...attached to you. I just hope you'll learn to trust me enough. LIAM: I do. It's just not easy to tell you these things. As Liam speaks, JJ walks from the living room. Overhearing the conversation, he lingers a bit before heading upstairs. LIAM: Uh...listen, Jenn. Before I go, I just wanted to say, if your mom needs a place to live, I figured I knew a few builings in the area. Maybe it'll speed up the process and get your mom into a condo or something sooner. JJ raises an eyebrow at this. JJ: (thinks to himself) What is he trying to get her out of the house already? Shady, man. JJ heads upstairs before he's noticed. JENNIFER: That's really sweet of you, Liam. I'll let Mom know, okay? LIAM: Alright. Jenn and Liam share a long, sweet kiss, before Liam heads off for the night. Jenn leans against the doorframe, watching lovingly as Liam heads for his car. Jenn waves as he departs. --- Liam, now inside his car, quickly makes a phone call as he drives away. LIAM: (into phone) Yeah, it's me. We've got a major problem now. Jenn's mom just came back. No, I won't calm down. This is gonna throw a wrench into everything....Okay, I'll call him. Liam slams his phone down on the dash as he drives down the street. LIAM: Dammit. --- Jordan and Rafe turn to face a smug Nick. Rafe is visibly unimpressed, while Jordan is trying to make heads or tails of the sitation, hoping to defuse it before it gets out of hand. RAFE: What do you want? NICK: It's a beautiful night. I just came to enjoy the fresh air. Spend some time alone in the city that I love. RAFE: Really? I thought that was New York. Too bad you didn't stay there. NICK: That's funny. See, it's a really great story, and one of these days, I'll tell you all about it. RAFE: I'm sure it'll be hilarious. If you'll excuse us-- NICK: ...You know what the best part is about being in Salem is getting close to Gabi again. Rafe, who has turned to walk away, is stopped dead in his tracks by Nick's comment about Gabi. Jordan squeezes Rafe's arm, hoping to stop him from reacting violently to Nick's baiting. RAFE: What did you say? As Rafe and Nick talk, Gabi happens to be passing by the park on her walk. Deep in thought, she barely even registers the conversation for a moment. After a minute. She stops. Recognizing the voices. NICK: I've been really enjoying it. I even went to visit her tonight. A nice little surprise. Some flowers. She seems to really be liking it. Now, don't worry. I'm not pushing her too far if that's what you're wondering. I'm keeping a respectful distance. RAFE: New York would've been a respectful distance, Nick. After what you did to Sonny and Will, you have the audacity to invade their home like that? NICK: Gabi invited me in. RAFE: Why would she do that? Gabi, who had been already deep in thought about Nick's motives, is increasingly concerned by his baiting of her brother. She hides herself in the bushes and watches carefully. NICK: Because maybe she sees that I'm trying to do good things. I'm trying to help Percy keep his land, and trying to maybe make it up to Sonny and Will for all the crappy things I've done to them. RAFE: "Crappy" seems a bit of an understatement. NICK: And you know what? I can tell, she sees the good in me. And, given time, she will come back to me. I can guarantee it. Nick's words echo in Gabi's head. "She will come back to me". It echoes in her head, making her feel sick to her stomach. RAFE: Boy, you're confident, aren't you? How are you so sure? NICK: Because Gabi knows that the only way she'll truly be happy is with me. There's no other way for her. Gabi flashes back to the river, when Nick threatened to tell the police about her involvement in Melanie's kidnapping if she didn't go to New York with him. She sits in the bushes, terrified, breathing heavily. GABI: My God. I gotta do something. ---

Ohhh Roxanne, you have no idea what kind of trap you're falling into. I really liked the confrontation between Nikki and Jill. it felt very natural. The scenes with Karl and Mac filled in a lot for us, so good work there. I really can't wait to see how this will reading goes down. I know something major will happen, and I really can't wait to find out what it is. I know you'll give us the goods! Great work!

Reginald knew the police were coming, just in time to drop a bomb and leave KC confused. Crazy. I enjoyed Toni's scenes with Allen. Great confrontation. Allen's gonna be reeling from this revelation for quite awhile, I'm sure. Great scenes with michelle, Rachel, and Carl. I'm enjoying seeing them all. You really make Bay City come to life. it's really great to see a show I loved revitalized like that. Great work, Cary!

DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 41 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Stefano walks over to EJ, putting a hand on his shoulder. A self-satisfied smile is across his face, as he revels in his son's misfortune. STEFANO: Our trusty staff have informed me of your troubles with your beloved Samantha. EJ: I do not want to discuss this with you, Father. EJ walks away, pushing Stefano's hand off his shoulder as he breaks away, heading for the door. Stefanp stops him dead in his tracks with his next words. STEFANO: From the sounds of this phone call you just made, you need my help with something. EJ: Father, the last thing I want right now is your help. You see, your form of help seems to only exacerbate all of my problems. I'll handle it myself. Stefano shrugs, still with the same self-satisfied look on his face. STEFANO: Suit yourself, but don't come crying to me when your little dalliance with Ms. Deveraux blows up in your face. EJ is shocked to hear that Stefano knows of his affair with Abigail, and he turns around suddenly, in a sort of panic. EJ: What?! Stefano bursts into his infamous laugh, filling EJ with a sense of intense dread. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Gabi stands in the common room of the apartment, having just put the baby down. She stands, arms crossed, clearly uncomfortable after Will's disappointed question. GABI: Look, Nick just...showed up. He had flowers in hand and...I just couldn't slam the door in his face, okay? WILL: Why not? He wasn't invited and you know all the awful things he's capable of. Why make yourself vulnerable to that? GABI: Because if I don't, then I'm vulnerable to a whole lot more, and you both know it. Gabi sits down on the sofa, head in hands. The stress of the situation is finally starting to weigh on her. GABI: Look, I just don't want to set him off. I figure, if I'm nice to him, if I try to be kind to him, maybe he'll back off of all of us. SONNY: Gabi, you can't think like that. Nick is a major problem but pacifying him isn't going to help. WILL: I don't agree with that at all. Sonny looks up to Will, a bit confused. SONNY: What do you mean? WILL: Well, see, we know how Nick works, and he's going to keep pushing and pushing and pushing. But if we just stand back and watch him carefully, I guarantee we will see what he's up to. SONNY: I just don't want to put Gabi and Ari in the middle of it all. GABI: You're not. I am willing to do this. We have to protect Ari. By any means neccessary. WILL: Gabi's right, but... SONNY: I think we need to take a couple days and investigate, then make a plan. The sooner we neutralize Nick Fallon, the sooner we'll all be safe. Finally. --- JJ and Laura sit in the living room, as Abigail steps in to join them, a tray with teacups in hand. ABBY: Here we go. Grandma, chamomile tea for you. LAURA: Thanks, Honey. Laura reaches out and takes her tea from Abigail, a cautious smile on her face, as Abigail sits down to join JJ and Laura in conversation in the living room. LAURA: So, Abigail...I hear you started a new job with Countess Wilhelmina. How's that going? Abigail stops for a second, thinking back to her confrontation with EJ earlier. *** FLASHBACK to Ep. 35 Abigail doesn't speak, her mouth quivers as she tries to speak, but fails to come up with a good lie. EJ's anger rises, and he desperately lurches toward Abigail, grabbing her by the shoulders and shakes her, as if to loosen the words from her throat. EJ: Tell me what happened, damn it! What happened at the hospital, Abigail! ABBY: It was Anne! It was all Anne! EJ stops, taking a step back. EJ is confused, barely knowing Anne. EJ: Anne? ABBY: Anne Milbauer. She heard everything. She forced me to quit or she'd... *** Abigail snaps out of it. ABBY: Just...fine. I'm really liking it there. Laura looks unconvinced. LAURA: Are you sure? I have to admit, you don't seem all that excited about it. ABBY: Yeah, I'm just...a little tired. You know, long day. LAURA: Well, why don't you get some rest then, honey? Abigail goes to respond, but the front door opens to the sounds of laughter as Jenn and Liam step into the house from a night out. JJ looks over to Laura and gives her a look. JJ: Here we go. Jenn enters the living room and, surprised at seeing her mom arrive, beams with delight as she runs over to hug her. Liam hangs back, sizing Laura up from the entrance to the living room. He is distinctly uncomfortable. JENNIFER: Mom! It's so good to see you! You're here early, I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow! LAURA: I caught an early flight. My patient and I are meeting tomorrow afternoon so I thought I'd come tonight and have a bit of family time. Who's this handsome man? Laura turns and looks to Liam, who stands uncomfortably back from her still. He forces a smile as he steps towards her to shake Laura's hand. LIAM: Liam Fraser. How do you do? LAURA: A pleasure to meet you. JENNIFER: This is my mom, Dr. Laura Horton. LAURA: If my daughter has this much fun with you, I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of each other. JENNIFER: Mom's moving back to town, so she'll be staying with us for a bit while she looks for a place of her own. Liam looks to Laura and Jenn, smiling the world's most forced smile, as if he's trying to hold in a rage. JJ notices this and looks at Liam suspiciously. --- Victor looks at Maggie, his face scrunched up with indignation, as they argue in the Kiriakis living room. VICTOR: Maggie, you need to do some research. This project is designed to bring a whole new level of prosperity to this city. MAGGIE: Most of that in your pocket, right? VICTOR: Maggie, you know what kind of trouble this company's in? We could lose everything. The whole thing. The company, this house, our pensions. Lord knows, I'dve been long-retired by now if not for that mess of a grandson of mine. MAGGIE: I would love you and support you regardless. If we were thrown out and had to live on the streetcorner, I'd still be by you. VICTOR: I just want to be able to provide you with the life you deserve. Maggie puts a hand on Victor's shoulder. She smiles as she looks into Victor's eyes lovingly. MAGGIE: Don't worry about me. I'll be fine as long as I have you. The house, the money, it's not important. And I know you think you're doing the right thing, Victor, but...there's got to be a way to run your business without getting involved in something that's going to affect the health of so many people. VICTOR: We have no choice, Maggie. We had to find a way to make the company solvent again. I'm just worried if Brady is up to the challenge. I'm worried about him. MAGGIE: We all are. But I think the main thing is getting him away from Theresa. Otherwise, he'll never recover. VICTOR: Well, good luck with that. The more we try to get him away from that twit, the further he digs his heels in. We could use him once we start mining. --- Brady walks into the grand hotel across from the club. He walks up to the desk clerk, and is very wired from his hit of cocaine. The desk clerk is taken aback by Brady's demeanour. BRADY: I need a room for tonight, is there anything available. The bigger, the plusher, the better. CLERK: I...uh..I'm not sure, Mr... BRADY: Black. Brady Black. If you have anything available, I'll take it. CLERK: Okay, Mr. Black, one moment... The clerk checks the computer for any vacancies while Brady tries to text Theresa. He stops himself, thinking of instead surprising her afterwards. He paces before the front desk, impatiently waiting for the clerk's answer. CLERK: Is the Lakeview Suite acceptable? It'll be $499 for the ni-- BRADY: Yes, perfect, here's my credit card...where's my credit card? --- Back at the club, Theresa walks past the table she was sitting with Brady at, and kicks something from below the table. She stops and picks it up. It's Brady's corporate credit card. Theresa thinks to herself while twirling the card in her hand. THERESA: (thinks) Wow. Thank God, I found this instead of someone else at this snobfest. Wonder if I should treat myself to a couple drinks. I don't think Brady would notice...especially in his state. Theresa grabs another martini from the bar, before sauntering in a bit of a drunken stupor, trying desperately to hold herself together as gracefully as possible. as she steps out onto the patio, she sees a couple on the patio that are almost a dead ringer for Brady and Chloe, kissing passionately against the railing. Theresa is stopped in her tracks and nearly spills her drink in shock. Theresa's mind flashes back to Brady's admission that he and Chloe were once married, the sound of Brady's voice looping in her head as she turns and walks quickly out of the club, beginning to run out as she reaches the exit. After pushing through a group of people entering the club, she hails a cab and quickly gets in. THERESA: How much is it to take me back to Salem? CAB DRIVER: Salem? You're looking at like...$250, lady. Theresa shows him Brady's credit card. THERESA: I'm good for it. The cabbie shrugs and takes off. As the car takes off, Brady is back at the club, looking for Theresa. Unable to see her, he sees Chloe and stops her to ask. BRADY: Hey, uh...have you seen Theresa at all? CHLOE: No, the last time I saw her she was heading out the door in a hurry. BRADY: What? Oh, God. Uh...thanks. It was really good to see you tonight. CHLOE: Same here, Brady. Call me soon, okay? I'll be in town soon to drop off Parker at Daniel's, okay? BRADY: Excellent. Love you. Brady and Chloe hug quickly as Brady races out to find Theresa. His adrenaline is pumping with the combination of cocaine and concern in his blood. Inside the taxi, Theresa rides quietly in the backseat. The radio is blasting dance music. She leans toward the cabbie with a hint of irritation in her voice. THERESA: Hey, can you shut that off, please? CAB DRIVER: Whatever you say, lady. THERESA: Yeah, thanks. The cabbie turns the music off, and Theresa pulls out her phone, and notices a text from Brady, asking where she is. She rolls her eyes and deletes the text, still livid at what she believes she saw at the party. THERESA: That...bastard's gonna...pay for that. Theresa flops back in her seat when she gets a text. It's from her friend in LA who works at the celebrity gossip site. Theresa smiles a wicked smile, before replying to her friend's text with the video she took earlier of Brady doing lines at the club. She hits send, then smiles a crooked smile, laughing a little at her misdeed as she spins the corporate credit card in her right hand. THERESA: Good riddance, Brady. I got what I want, now you get what you deserve. ---

That was a very good episode, Cary. I especially loved Felicia and Mitch. I could see every line being said on TV. You've really got a handle on these characters, and it's great. Sharlene and John's relationship is really rocky now, and I can't wait to see how you deal with Sharlene learning the truth. The wedding looms, and what a great ending there. The last scene with Vicky making Jake comfortable is really a nice way to end the episode, and really love how the simple everyday things really make a big impact sometimes. GREAT work!

So another really good episode. I really liked the scenes and thought Neil and Devon's scenes were really good. I liked Karl and Mac's beginning to bond, even if it's partly a ruse to dig into Karynn's schemes. I thought the dialogue was as good as ever, and I KNEW Lauren was the stalker. haha. It makes sense. Lauren never feels safe with Daisy around, nor should she.

There's a lot of family bonding going on at the Chancellors. Excellent stuff, and it's nice to see Devon coming around with the rest of the family. Roxanne and Leslie's scenes were good. Open Leg Policy. LOL. I like that Roxanne wasn't afraid to show her anger and still understand her mom's dilemma. It's refreshing to see that. The mystery person is probably Sheila, spying on her girls. Either that or Lauren undercover. Just a guess. hahah. Love it.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 40 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Nadia Bjorlin guest stars in this episode as Chloe Lane JJ is sitting on the sofa at home, watching TV. The doorbell rings, and JJ ignores it. The doorbell rings again, and JJ calls out, eyes never leaving the TV. JJ: Abs! Get the door? The doorbell rings a third time and Abigail reluctantly descends the stairs, glaring at a lazy JJ in the living room before opening the door to find Laura standing in front of her. ABBY: Oh my God! Grandma! How are you?? Abigail's face lights up as she lunges for her grandmother and gives her a huge hug. JJ overhears the commotion and gets up, heading excitedly for the door. JJ: Grandma! Hey! How are you? LAURA: JJ! Abigail! It's so good to see you both. Is your mom home? JJ's face drops immediately, while Abigail looks to JJ with a knowing look. She hesitates before telling Laura. ABBY: She's actually on a date right now. Laura's face lights up a bit, she asks, hopefully: LAURA: Oh? With Daniel? JJ: Well, she's been seeing this guy named Liam. Laura sees JJ's unimpressed face, and looks at him, a bit concerned as well. LAURA: Well, that's news to me. She hasn't said a word about any Liam to me. JJ: Well, he's not much to talk about. Laura hangs her coat up and steps into the house, pulling her bag behind her. ABBY: JJ, that's not fair. JJ turns back to Laura, ignoring Abigail completely. JJ: Here, Grandma, want some help with your bag? LAURA: Ah, sure. Just drop it off in the living room. I'll take it upstairs later. JJ obliges and carries the bag into the living room, with Abigail and Laura following him into the Horton living room. JJ turns the TV off and they all sit down. ABBY: Grandma, did you want tea or something? LAURA: I would love some, Abigail. Thank you! ABBY: Excellent. JJ? JJ: Uhh...I'm fine, Abs, don't worry. ABBY: Okay, if you're sure. JJ: 100% ABBY: Okay, I'll be right back. Abigail walks out to the kitchen, leaving JJ and Laura alone for a moment to talk. Laura leans toward JJ, and begins to probe. LAURA: Okay, that's a strong reaction for someone who barely knows the guy his mom's seeing. Are you sure we're not doing a repeat of what happened with Daniel? JJ: No, Grandma, I'm serious. What happened with Daniel was all on me. I was missing my dad, I was angry, I was grieving. This is different. There is definitely something off with this guy. LAURA: Well, like what? JJ: He and my mom have been seeing each other for like...weeks now. She knows nothing about his past, they're inseparable and she keeps saying she feels like she's known him forever, but she doesn't even know where he lives? LAURA: Okay... JJ: Don't you think that's a little weird. LAURA: JJ, there's got to be more to it than that. How is he around you and Abigail? JJ: He's...weird. Like...he made a comment at the party Mom had after my sentencing, like...that Abigail had 'grown so much'. Mom overlooked it and said that he'd seen a picture of her as a kid but...isn't that a weird first thing to say to someone you just met? Laura looks at JJ, then looks down, deep in thought. She takes a moment before responding. LAURA: JJ, I trust your instincts. You always should. Personally, I think your mom is a good judge of character most of the time, but, I mean... JJ: What? I don't really know what you mean, Grandma. LAURA: Your mom has had times where she...before you were born...where she was in some bad relationships. And sometimes I still worry that...if she isn't careful, she could end up hurting herself all over again. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Nick steps back from Gabi and hands Ari back to Gabi. He holds up his hands in a sort of act of surrender as Sonny and Will glare at him with an intensity that, if looks could kill, would surely vaporize him on sight. NICK: I was just visiting-- SONNY: ...You have absolutely no right to be here-- GABI: ...I invited him in, okay? WILL: You should've asked me first. GABI: He just surprised me. It's really no big deal. SONNY: Are you joking? It's a huge deal. When we told you we would need time and space from you, we weren't joking, Nick. When you show up at our apartment and don't ask us? We walk in and you're face-to-face with Gabi and holding Ari, that's not the kind of surprise that makes me think that you're suddenly this new man with a changed outlook. All I see is the same old Nick, playing the same old games. Nick's face drops as Sonny talks. Nick is not disappointed by Sonny's words, but frustrated by them. He accepts Sonny's berating, but doesn't take it lying down. NICK: I assure you, Sonny. This isn't a game. I was surprising Gabi with some flowers and a quick visit. I want to make up for what I did to her before. SONNY: Nick, that's the thing. It wasn't "what you did to her before", it has a name. It's called "attempted rape". That's the kind of stuff that makes me not trust you. You really don't take responsibility, because you don't confront your real problems. NICK: Ohhh on the contrary. I'm confronting them right now. SONNY: What?? Sonny hasn't even finished speaking when Nick approaches him suddenly. Sonny doesn't back down from Nick's suddenly aggressive stance. NICK: Look, if you want me out of Gabi's life, that's not your call. And if you try to stop me from seeing Gabi when she wants to see me? I'll make sure you go down. Because Gabi's opinion needs to be respected too. SONNY: It's a little late to be so concerned with what Gabi wants, isn't it-- WILL: ...Okay, can we stop with the threats? Nick, I just...I need you to leave. We have to talk this through, the three of us. Gabi looks to Will, and takes Nick's hand to try to make him look at her, as the baby begins to cry again, waking up from her sleep. GABI: Nick...it's okay. Let me deal with it. Nick looks at Gabi, then turns for the door, pushing past Sonny, who's still on guard. NICK: Look, I'm sorry if I surprised you. It won't happen again. Nick closes the door behind him. Sonny looks to Gabi and shakes his head at her. Gabi rolls her eyes, knowing that Sonny will be scolding her any second. Will looks on disappointedly. WILL: Dammit, Gabi. Why did you let him back in here? Gabi hesitates to respond to Will's question. --- Victor paces his living room, on the phone to Tyler. Though it's late, the two men continue to discuss their business affairs. VICTOR: (into phone) You're sure this is going through, yes? ... Tyler is at his desk at his hotel room at the Salem Inn. Still dressed in his suit from his working day, the man is nowhere near sleep, despite the late hour. While on the phone, Tyler is simultaneously on his laptop, and shuffling through papers. TYLER: (into phone) Absolutely. From every member I've spoken to, you're still going to get the votes to retain Titan TV. Once that happens, we can maintain our focus on promoting the oil sands project, and I can lobby the governor to force the land sale and we can start the operation up. ... VICTOR: (into phone) Well how long is that gonna take? I'd like to start all this before Christmas, you know. ... TYLER: (into phone) You'll be fine, Victor. Just give it a couple months and the shovels will be in the ground. Let me oversee the day-to-day operations and we'll be fine. ... VICTOR: (into phone) Alright, but you'd better be right about this. There's too much at stake if you fail. Good night. Victor hangs up the phone and puts it down on the table in front of him. Maggie walks in behind him and gently begins to massage his shoulders. MAGGIE: Can't sleep? VICTOR: No, of course not. Brady's off in Chicago with the Brady's newest loose cannon, and I mean "loose" in every sense of the word, and I can't shake the feeling that something awful is going to happen at that vote, Maggie. MAGGIE: Well...if something goes wrong with the vote, I won't be all that sad. Victor turns around sharply to face Maggie, a cross look on his face. VICTOR: What's that supposed to mean, Maggie? MAGGIE: Well, now, before you go flying off the handle, you already know I'm not all that fond of this oil business you're getting involved in, Victor. I think it's going to devastate a large part of this community-- VICTOR: ...And help that same large portion immensely. Damn it all, Maggie. You're supposed to be supporting me in this. MAGGIE: I never said I was going to be your "yes" woman. I'm entitled to my opinion on the matter, Victor. And as far as I'm concerned, if this vote doesn't go your way, you need to take it as a sign that maybe you should be more focused on making your money in a way that isn't so destructive. --- Chloe stands over Brady, looking concerned for her ex-husband and friend. Theresa glares at Chloe menacingly, clearly threatened by Chloe's presence. Chloe can feel Theresa's glare but focuses on Brady. BRADY: I'm just having some fun, Chloe. It's no big deal. CHLOE: Look, Brady, I know the last little while's been hard on you but...I'm worried about you. Chloe puts a hand on Brady's shoulder. Brady looks up at her and smiles. BRADY: I appreciate the concern but...don't worry about me, Chloe. CHLOE: Brady, I-- THERESA: ...He said not to worry, Chloe. Why don't you leave us alone and take his advice? CHLOE: Would you stay out of this, you useless bimbo. THERESA: Oh, I'm the bimbo, says the queen of the spray-tan booth. BRADY: Okay, you know what, Theresa? Enough. Alright? Chloe's been a great friend to me, even after we divorced, she's helped me through a lot of ha-- THERESA: Divorce? You were married?? Theresa gets up, livid at being denied this information. BRADY: Theresa, I never hid this from you, it's just never come up, I don't like talking about my past. THERESA: I knew there was something going on with you two. CHLOE: We're just friends, Theresa. We've been divorced since you were in high school, if you made it that far. THERESA: Cute, Barbie. Now I see why Dr. Dan was so enchanted by you. You're the tangerine to his mandarin. Brady gets up from the table, and walks toward Theresa, hoping to stop a huge scene from happening. BRADY: Okay, Theresa, enough! Chloe's just looking out for me. THERESA: Oh, so you're gonna protect her now? Why did I even bother coming here if all you're gonna do is fawn over Chloe Lane, opera singer of the ages? BRADY: I came here with you because I wanted to show you a great time, and now you're embarrassing yourself and me in front of all these important people. THERESA: Ohhh, I'm an embarrassment now. Good to know, Brady. You know what, don't worry about it, I'll find my own way back to Salem. Theresa turns to head off, but stops and quickly turns back to Brady and Chloe. THERESA: On second thought, I'm not going to let you ruin the night for me. I'm going to stick around, and party on my own. If you want to join me, Brady, you know what to do. Theresa turns toward the entrance, head held high, trying to fight tears back. She makes a beeline for the bar. Brady looks to the sky, and Chloe walks up behind him. CHLOE: I'm sorry. BRADY: It's okay. Just...it's not you, it's her. CHLOE: I know. Maybe I should just...keep my distance for the night. BRADY: No, just...give me a few minutes. I'm gonna make a call and set up a little romantic surprise for Theresa and I at the hotel I booked and I'll come find you in a few minutes, okay? CHLOE: Okay. Sounds good. Chloe and Brady hug once more. Theresa looks on from the bar, livid and downing her martini quickly. She looks at her phone and contemplates the video she has of Brady in front of her. She goes to her contact list and pulls up her friend the paparazzo from LA. She hovers her finger over the screen, thinking about sending him the video. After a moment, she stops herself and puts her phone down. THERESA: No. Don't even think about it, Theresa. Give Brady a chance to make it up to you. He's not gonna let that bronzed bimbo ruin things between you, and you know it. Theresa sighs before ordering another drink. ---

DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 39 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Nadia Bjorlin guest stars in this episode as Chloe Lane Marlena steps out of Roman's office, a worried look across her face. Billie looks over to Marlena, who smiles half-heartedly. BILLIE: So...? MARLENA: We're all done, but before you go back in, I wanted to ask you something. BILLIE: Okay, shoot. MARLENA: Before I came in, you both seemed rather alarmed by something. I don't need to know the details if it was private, but...how did Roman seem to you? Billie thinks carefully for a minute, she has her arms folded, looking to one side before she looks to Marlena and speaks. BILLIE: Well...a few weeks ago I asked him a favour...and...he couldn't remember ever talking to me about it. To be honest, Marlena, I'm a bit worried. MARLENA: So am I. Now more than ever. BILLIE: Well, what do you think it could be? I mean, it's not-- MARLENA: ...I don't know if it's Alzhymers, Billie. The symptoms are...not quite right for that. It could be some form of dementia but...it's too soon to say. I just suggest...be easy on him, and be patient. The stress of forgetting may make things worse. And phone me if you notice anything else, alright? BILLIE: Okay. MARLENA: It's good to see you again. BILLIE: You too. Marlena smiles and walks out of the station. Billie walks into Roman's office slowly, almost too cautiously, and it catches Roman's eye. Roman is once again sitting at his desk, looking over the tiny flash drive Billie handed him earlier. ROMAN: So this...you brought this to me...and you said we had talked about what this was about before...so...what was this about? BILLIE: Sheryl Connors and Jordan Ridgeway. I need to know if they placed this device in the computers at Titan...and why. --- Brady looks at a scowling Theresa in the club, after having experienced her confrontation with Chloe. BRADY: Theresa, I want you to tell me what the hell just happened. THERESA: I could ask you the same thing. BRADY: Look, me running into an old friend does not give you the right to treat her like that. THERESA: JUST an old friend? Brady hesitates to answer for a moment, sensing Theresa's intense jealousy. Theresa immediately notices Brady's hesitation, and picks up her drink from the bar. THERESA: That's what I thought. Theresa downs the drink and storms off, Brady following behind, trying to explain the situation to her. BRADY: Theresa, wait... THERESA: For what, Brady? For you to spin that around and make me feel stupid for feeling threatened by her? Look at her. She's beautiful. And I know if you put me next to her in a lineup, you'd pick her every time. Brady reaches to Theresa and puts a finger up to her lips. Theresa stops and looks down, then looks into Brady's eyes. BRADY: Wrong. I'd choose you. Chloe and I are ancient history. She's a friend to me now, that's all. And besides, you may not believe me, but you're more beautiful than every other woman here right now. Theresa rolls her eyes, flattered, but disbelieving Brady's compliment. THERESA: Sure, Brady. Whatever. Look, I'm sorry. I just...I need to calm down. I'm so nervous being in a place like this. BRADY: Well, how about I grab us a drink, and we can loosen up a bit. THERESA: Sounds amazing. Theresa leans in and kisses Brady tenderly on the lips. --- Gabi walks around the apartment with Ari in her arms. She sings softly to her little girl, trying to put her to sleep. It seems to be working, as Ari gurgles more and more quietly. Gabi hears a knock on the door, she quietly steps over to the door and opens it. There stands Nick, a bouquet of flowers in hand. NICK: Surprise! Gabi steps back in shock, clutching baby Ari for dear life. Ari starts to cry. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- The brakes of a car screech to a halt in front of Anne Milbauer, as she braces herself to be hit. The car stops just short of her, and she leans on the hood of the car, breathing heavily. Still panicked from the sounds of footsteps from before, she looks all around her, before the driver of the car gets out. It's Daniel. DANIEL: Anne. You alright?? Anne, hardly having noticed Daniel, is still in shock at nearly being hit. ANNE: Yeah, I'm fine. I just nearly got hit by your car is all...you didn't see anyone coming up behind me, did you? DANIEL: Nnnno. I didn't even see you until just now. It's kinda late. You sure you're okay? ANNE: I'm fine, I'm fine. Anne looks at Daniel finally, and points at him, walking away towards her car, pretending to be calm and collected. ANNE: YOU! You should pay more attention when you're driving. Just sayin'. DANIEL: Anne, do you want a ride home? ANNE: The way you drive? No thanks, Jonas. See you tomorrow. DANIEL: Anne, I... Anne opens her car door and steps inside, closing it quickly. Daniel sighs, and gets back in his car, driving away. Once inside, Anne checks all her mirrors for signs of anyone around her. She frantically searches all over her car for signs of anyone having tampered with her vehicle. She finally relaxes herself enough to convince herself that everything is fine before putting the key in the ignition. Closing her eyes and bracing herself, she turns the key. The car starts, all is fine. Anne relaxes. Finally she is able to get the fear of the past few minutes from her mind and can go back to normal. ANNE: Probably was all your imagination, Annie. Just chill. You're fine. EJ DiMera is all bark, no bite. You're good. Anne pulls out of the driveway for home. --- EJ receives a call at home. He picks up his cell phone off his desk. EJ: (into phone) Yes?...okay. She what?...Good...brilliant. Prepare for phase two then. Wait until tomorrow morning, but prepare everything tonight. Indeed. Thank you. EJ puts his phone down, exhaling heavily. EJ: That damned Milbauer woman is not going to ruin my last chance with Samantha. STEFANO: No, because you will do that all by yourself. EJ jumps out of his skin upon hearing Stefano's voice. He turns to see his father in the doorway of the living room, arms open wide, more in self-congratulation than in warm welcome. STEFANO: So good to see you, my son! I see you've managed to get yourself into even more trouble while I've been away, no? EJ fights the urge to roll his eyes at his father's smug satisfaction at his misfortune. --- Roman steps into his office, where a waiting Billie sits by his desk. ROMAN: Okay. I placed a quick call back to the ISA to get back up to speed, and dropped the flash drive off at the lab. They should have the info we need on it by tomorrow morning. BILLIE: Excellent. I'm thinking of holding off telling mom about it until we hear back, just in case it's a false alarm. ROMAN: Good plan. My memory may be on the fritz but I do remember Kate's tendency to jump the gun when she hears good news. Billie gets up from her chair and puts a hand on Roman's shoulder. BILLIE: You are okay, though. Right? ROMAN: I'll be fine, Billie. Don't worry about me. You just keep your focus on Jordan and Sheryl, and making sure we figure out just what their plan is. BILLIE: I just hope we figure it out before it's too late. --- Nick hesitates at the door while Gabi relaxes herself, coming down from the shock of seeing Nick at the door. NICK: Sorry, I probably shouldn't have done that. GABI: No! No, it's fine. I'm sorry I'm so jumpy, it's just... NICK: I know, I...I know, I just...I should know better. GABI: Nick. It's okay. Nick steps into the apartment, putting the flowers down on the coffee table. He holds his arms out to Gabi. NICK: Here, I can hold her for a second if you need. GABI: Uh...Sure. Here. Nick takes hold of the baby and holds her gently up to his chest. He bounces the baby, patting her gently on the back. Ari quickly relaxes in Nick's arms, and Gabi smiles at the connection the two of them share. GABI: You always were really good with her. NICK: You know, it's stuff like this that makes me realize what I threw away. The awful things I did to you and to Will and Sonny. You know, I really regret that. GABI: Nick, it's okay...you don't have to-- NICK: ...No, I really do. I need to put right all things that I've helped make wrong. I really want to make positive changes in the world, Gabi. I owe it to you to do that. Gabi smiles through a bit of a furrowed brow, but still looks on, relaxed and thinking about the difference between Nick right now and Nick the night at the river. As she thinks about it, Nick walks over to her slowly. NICK: I was wondering...look, I know this is asking a lot but...I would love to take you to dinner soon. Just...as friends. But something special. As a thank you for always seeing the best in me. Even when I didn't deserve it. GABI: That would be nice. Nick looks intensely into Gabi's eyes, as Will and Sonny step inside the apartment, seeing Nick with Ari in his arms staring into Gabi's eyes. Nick and Gabi quickly turn to see Will and Sonny looking on shocked and disapprovingly. Sonny's voice drips with derision as he greets Nick. SONNY: Hey there, Nick. --- Theresa and Brady are now quite drunk, dancing and having a great time, to the irritation of some others. They toast at the arrival of another round of drinks, and sit down at a corner booth table. Theresa digs around her purse for something, as Brady drunkly looks on. BRADY: You know....you should totally pull out something out of there. THERESA: Like what? The compact I can't find? Ugh...I'll just use my phone. Sooo much faster. Theresa pulls out her smart phone and struggles to find the camera app. Brady leans over and whispers to her. BRADY: I meant the coke. THERESA: Brady, you don't have to whisper. Half the people here are clearly on it already. Brady laughs at Theresa a little too much, as Theresa pulls her little vial out for Brady. He brazenly puts it out on the table in front of him and grabs his wallet to grab a credit card to cut it up with. Theresa is barely paying attention, as she uses her cell phone camera to try to get a good look at her makeup. THERESA: I still look so good right now. Better than that bitch Chloe. God, her singing got on my nerves you know that? BRADY: Stop talking about Chloe like that! She's...great. THERESA: Sure, Brady. Whatever. I think I'm gonna take a selfie of this. Theresa fumbles with her phone, trying to flip the phone around to use the flash, but ends up reversing which lens is in use, and begins recording a video of Brady as he does the line of cocaine from the table. Theresa, not sure why the camera isn't working, flips the phone back around in frustration. THERESA: Ugh, this damned phone. Never...oh... BRADY: What? THERESA: Nothing. Stupid camera was on the wrong function, just... BRADY: It didn't get a shot of me, did it? THERESA: I can't even tell. Nothing's working right. BRADY: Theresa, remember what we said about you being careful? THERESA: Look who's talking. Mr. Doing-a-line-in-front-of-200-people. God, just chill out, okay? No one saw anything. BRADY: There's a difference between a bunch of drunk Chicago socialites seeing me do a line and your friends and family in Salem seeing it because your girlfriend couldn't figure her cell phone out. THERESA: Oh My God, Brady! Shut up! It's fine. No one cares. Just as she says this, Chloe walks by, now very concerned by the white residue she sees before Brady. CHLOE: Oh God, Brady. Are you using again? ---

Good work! Glad you're back! Didn't realize all the history between Kirkland and Paulina. Some good back story there. Glad to see they're on good terms I loved Paulina and Amanda confronting Iris. Keeps getting better and better. This kidnappings story is really good too, can't wait to see how it unfolds and I hope they get KC back safe and sound Great EP, Cary.

GREAT episode. The family dynamics, the tension. All the characters were on point, and I LOVE Karynn, I can't get over how much I love her. Such a good addition to the cast. Lauren and Michael's story is great, and you can see both sides of the struggle between them. It's excellent work, and I want to see more and more of it!

Love love love Karynn. She reminds me of a nastier Marge. Excellent! Can't wait to see how House of Kem goes down. Sounds like an exciting story is coming. Scotty and Fen make me a bit sad. But that just means it's well-written, so good job. I love the tension throughout that house. I wonder how Daisy managed to get up from that bang on the head so quickly. The Carter kids must be cyborgs. Haha. Love the scenes between Roxanne, Leslie, and Spencer. Some great family dynamics there. Great work all around!

DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 38 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Nadia Bjorlin guest stars in this episode as Chloe Lane Brady and Theresa step out of the long black car at the red carpet at a luxurious club. A young man helps Theresa, dressed in a slutry black dress, from the car. Brady meets her as she exits the car and they enter the venue together. Flash bulbs go off as many pictures are taken. This is clearly a big event in the Chicago Nightlife. Theresa, arm in arm with Brady, stop for the pictures taken by press, before entering the main room of the club. It's a big space. Clearly more of an upscale venue. Inside the club, the press disappears. Here is an exclusive venue, filled with posh folks in suits and couture dresses. Theresa looks around, almost overwhelmed by the glamour. THERESA: I haven't seen anyplace like this since I was in LA. This place is fabulous. BRADY: I told you, this was THE event of the year in Chicago. And you look like you fit right in. THERESA: You're just saying that. BRADY: No! You're probably the most dazzling woman in here tonight. THERESA: And now I know you're lying. Theresa wraps her arms around Brady's neck and pulls him in to kiss her. THERESA: Keep up the good work. Just as the two kiss, a familiar voice calls over to them. CHLOE: Brady? Brady turns around to find Chloe Lane before him. Brady beams upon spotting his good friend and old flame. They quickly come together in a warm hug and friendly kiss. Theresa is instantly unimpressed by the reconnection, and clears her throat loudly. Brady reacts and turns to put a hand on each woman's back. BRADY: Uh...sorry, Theresa. This is my great, great friend, Chloe Lane. Chloe this is Theresa Donovan-- THERESA: ...Brady's girlfiend. Nice to meet you. Chloe warmly extends her hand to an ice cold Theresa, who looks her up and down with some of the coldest looks outside of the Arctic Circle. --- Anne stands virtually nose-to-nose with EJ in her office. EJ having just threatened to make her disappear. ANNE: Big talk for a man who's virtually a lapdog to his daddy. EJ: Big mouth for a woman in middle management at a hospital. ANNE: I will have you know, I wield a lot more power than you think, and whether you want to admit it or not, pal, knowledge is power. And I got lots of it. So save your pompous speeches, and your name dropping, and your lousy plane tickets to Timbuktu. Because I'm not going anywhere. Anne walks over to the door of her office, opens it and motions for EJ to leave. He slowly walks out, never once taking his glowering eyes off Anne. Anne smiles smugly as EJ saunters out. ANNE: This year, Mr. DiMera. I've got work to do. EJ steps out finally, and before EJ can retort, Anne closes the door in his face. EJ turns and begins to use his cell phone. EJ: And indeed, so do I. He holds the phone up to his ear as he steps away from Anne's office. EJ: (into phone) Yes. She didn't bite. We will proceed as planned...Let me know. EJ puts his phone away and mutters to himself, a bit of a smile on his face. EJ: Let the fun begin. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Chloe and Theresa shake hands. Chloe shakes Theresa's with an earnest, firm grip. Theresa's, by comparison, is as limp as a dead fish. CHLOE: How nice to meet you! How have I not heard about Theresa, Brady? THERESA: Yeah, Brady! I mean, I know Chloe's good friends of Anne Milbauer but...I had no idea you two knew each other. Speaking of which, aren't you the one who got knocked up by Dr. Spray-Tan? Chloe's tone quickly begins to change as she sees Theresa's obvious sense of threat. CHLOE: You mean Daniel Jonas? THERESA: Yeah, that's the one. BRADY: Theresa, you remember how Daniel's a good friend of mine and all, right? THERESA: Well, you know, we can't pick the winner every race, now can we, Sweetie? Theresa pats Brady on the cheek before quickly turning her attentions back to Chloe for a moment. THERESA: In all fairness, at least The Barbie and The Ape produced a really cute little kid. Guess it just goes to show you, miracles happen every day, right? Excuse me, I need a drink or six. Theresa storms off, making a beeline for the bar. Brady looks apologetically to Chloe, who looks wide-eyed and awkwardly in Brady's direction. CHLOE: Oook. That could've gone better. BRADY: Yeaaah, well. She's got a bit of a temper, you know? CHLOE: And a tiny bit of a jealousy streak. BRADY: That too! Look, Chloe, I'm sorry for that. I'm really glad to see you, though. You performing tonight? CHLOE: I am! They wanted me to open this place up in the grandest style so I'll be singing tonight and...hopefully get some major exposure from it all. BRADY: I can't wait to hear it. It's good to see you. CHLOE: Same here. Brady. Come visit more. BRADY: Only if you do too. CHLOE: Promise. The two friends hug warmly, which only serves to aggravate an onlooking Theresa even more as she downs a shot of Tequila at the bar. Brady walks over to her and takes her by the arm, turning her around brusquely. BRADY: What in the Hell was that for? --- Will and Sonny walk through Horton Town Square together. They enjoy the evening air, looking relaxed, arm in arm. Will has a look of concern across his face that he's trying unsuccessfully to hide. Sonny catches it and looks to him. SONNY: Okay, I know that face. What's wrong? Will takes a moment to clue in and snaps out of his trance. WILL: Huh? Oh, no. Just...lots on my mind right now. SONNY: It's your mom, isn't it? WILL: Well, yeah, but...I mean...I'm not worried about that so much. Grandma Marlena's got a colleague coming in from out of town to help out and, I dunno, I think it'll be just fine. SONNY: Okay, so? What is it? Will points to a mannequin in the Men's shop window, dressed in high-end designer clothes. WILL: You see that? If I wanted to get that outfit right now, I could tell you, I could tell my mom, I could tell EJ, or my grandmother...and by tomorrow, one of you would probably get it for me. SONNY: Do you want it? Cos I think it'd look fantastic on you. WILL: Yeah, but Sonny, that's not the point. Sonny looks, a bit confused at Will. SONNY: Okay? WILL: The point is I should be able to get things I want myself. I'm an adult. I'm a man with a baby and a fiancee and...I can't afford anything without someone else doing it for me. SONNY: Come on, Will. You're a student. WILL: And school's almost over. I need to be thinking of how I can pay my own way on my own terms. SONNY: Well, come help me out at the club. I'm sure we can find you something. WILL: No. No. That's not a good idea. I need to find my own way, Sonny. I can't be living off the goodwill of my family forever. SONNY: Aww, you think I'm family. WILL: Well, you are. And legally, soon, you will be. Will takes Sonny by the arm again and they continue on their walk. WILL: So speaking of which, should we have an engagement party? SONNY: Well... --- Marlena steps into Roman's office reluctantly. Roman looks up at her, shaken up. Billie turns to see Marlena. She smiles half-heartedly. BILLIE: Marlena! MARLENA: Billie! I didn't realize you were in town. The two share a hug, but Marlena's concern shows through and she looks to Roman shortly afterwards, then looking to Billie to assess the situation before her. MARLENA: Have I come at a bad time? ROMAN: No, Doc. It's okay. BILLIE: Roman and I were just...going over some things. Marlena looks to an obviously troubled Roman. MARLENA: Oh. Well...I...I just came to talk to you about Sami. ROMAN: She alright? MARLENA: Uh...yes. She just...it's complicated. Billie. Would you excuse us for a moment? BILLIE: Sure. Umm...Roman? I'll be just outside and we can finish up. ROMAN: Sure thing. Billie closes the door behind her, leaving Roman and Marlena alone. Marlena's face grows more serious once Billie leaves. MARLENA: Is something wrong? ROMAN: Nah, it's...police business. MARLENA: Okay. Well, I came to tell you about a conversation I had with Sami about her engagement. ROMAN: Her what? MARLENA: Roman, we've debated this a lot. Just the other day, even. Roman's face lights up at the news, he gets up to head for the door. ROMAN: No! Nobody's told me anything. I'm thrilled. Where's the big guy, I'm gonna go congratulate him now! Marlena turns quickly to stop Roman from leaving the room. MARLENA: What? Who are you going to congratulate? ROMAN: Rafe, of course. That's who Sami's been with all this... Roman stops as he sees the look of worry on Marlena's face. He stops dead in his tracks before taking his hand off the doorknob. He slams his hand on the adjacent filing cabinet, startling Marlena, but she approaches him nonetheless. ROMAN: Dammit, Doc. Why am I forgetting everything? First Ma, now me? This isn't right, it's... Marlena walks over to Roman to comfort him, gently holding his shoulders as he looks to the ground shaking his head in despair. --- Anne walks through the park to get to her car. She walks quickly, but unafraid before hearing footsteps behind her. She turns around to see who is behind her, before dismissing the noises and carrying on. The footsteps continue. Anne stops this time. She turns around to see who's around her. ANNE: Hello? Hearing nothing, she carries on, heading into the parking lot where her car is located. She begins to pick up the pace as the footsteps continue. Just before reaching the parking lot, Anne turns around, now panicked, and hisses out to whomever is following her. ANNE: Dammit, DiMera, you're not gonna intimidate me by putting your goons on me. Got it? Hearing nothing again, Anne studies her surroundings carefully before continuing to the parking lot. Once there, she's so consumed by her concern that she steps out in front of an oncoming car. The car blares its horn as it tries to avoid hitting her. ---

DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 37 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Billie walks into Roman's office at the Salem PD with the mini-flash drive in hand. She places it on his desk before him. BILLIE: You're gonna want to run this by your computer experts ASAP. Roman looks up, a little confused by Billie's request. --- Anne looks up at EJ, who's barged angrily into her office without fear. She holds out her arms, pretending to not know what EJ is accusing her of. ANNE: I don't have the slightest idea what you're talking about. EJ: The hell you don't. ANNE: Oh, are you talking about that conversation I heard you and Abigail having the other night? That one that you talked all about your dirty little escapades that shouldn't be happening in a professional environment such as this? EJ shakes his head, stunned by Anne's audacity. Anne gets up from behind her desk, walking around to the other side where EJ is. She rests on the front side of her desk as she speaks with him. EJ: You're unbelievable. ANNE: And you're sloppy about your business, Mr. DiMerrRRRa. Now, I have a recording of the two of you discussing your dirty little secret. And quite frankly, I think you'd better just play along, or you're gonna be sorry you ever crossed me. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Nicole turns to face Eric, who was a bit taken aback by her revelation that she's still working on the EnerNext story. NICOLE: Well...as long as I'm the one with all the info on it, maybe I can pass something along to someone else and we'll be able to keep the good fight going. ERIC: That's really good of you. I'm surprised you're so passionate about it. NICOLE: Oh. What? I'm not allowed to be passionate about a good cause? Nicole playfully pushes Eric away, then turns her back to him. Eric laughs, and turns back to massaging Nicole. ERIC: (laughs) No, this just doesn't jibe with the selfish, mean Nicole that my family and half the town seem to want to push down my throat. Nicole leans back against Eric. He puts his arms around her tightly. NICOLE: Mmm...(sighs) One day...one day they'll realize that I can change. Just like anyone else. Okay, maybe not like your sister but-- ERIC: ...Nicole! NICOLE: Sorry! I couldn't help myself. But I do love you. And I'm grateful that you see past all the...awful things I've done in my past. ERIC: Nicole. The past is the past. You gotta look to the future. NICOLE: Only if you'll be in that future. Eric holds Nicole a little tighter, and kisses her gently on the cheek. ERIC: Of course I will. Always. Nicole smiles, looking away, but with a lot on her mind, and a look of something slightly less than happiness in her eyes. --- JJ is sitting in the living room at the Horton house, doing homework on the couch, when Abigail walks in from work. JJ looks up from the couch and over his shoulder to see who's walked in. JJ: Heyyy! Abs! Abby walks in, looking beat. JJ notices Abby's exhaustion immediately. ABBY: Hey, JJ. JJ: Well, I was gonna ask how your first day went, but from the looks of you, I figure you got run over by a crosstown bus on the way there? ABBY: Really funny, JJ. JJ: Well, seriously, Abs. I thought you'd be thrilled after your first day of work, and... ABBY: I just...I have a lot to take in, that's all. Can...can we talk about something else? JJ: Fine. Abby sits down on the sofa next to JJ. She looks at him as he ignores her, concentrating on his homework. ABBY: So? Where's mom? JJ: I dunno, probably on a date with that creep Liam or whatever. ABBY: JJ, what is it with you? Liam's a nice guy. JJ: No, he's a creep. And I'm worried about mom. You know, I asked mom where the guy lives and she has no idea, she's never been there. He hasn't told her. ABBY: JJ, they just started seeing each other a few weeks ago. JJ: But does she know anything about him before they met? Like...all we know is he moved to Salem, he's divorced... ABBY: And you think that she'd tell you about him? JJ rolls his eyes at Abby. JJ: I do have ears, Abs. I hear her talking to Cousin Hope and Grandma...I mean...how he acts around us is...he's just so creepy. ABBY: Well, I'm glad you can put your finger on exactly what's so creepy about him. JJ: (sighs) Shut up, Abs. Abigail gets up from the couch, shaking her head. ABBY: Fine! I will. But you have got to admit that this is the first time in awhile that Mom's happy. We should hold onto that, and not try to find faults with whoever she decides to be with because we get freaky vibes off him. Give Mom the benefit of the doubt. JJ looks to Abigail, thinking over what she's said, though not overly receptive. --- Roman looks up to Billie from behind his desk. He points to the flash drive Billie's plunked down on his desk. ROMAN: What's that? BILLIE: That was found in one of the Titan executive computers. ROMAN: Why are you breaking into Titan offices and stealing equipment, Billie? I thought you were working with your mom at Countess W. Billie stops, looking to Roman with concern in her eyes. BILLIE: Uh...Roman...Mom runs MadWorld now. Sami and EJ are running Countess W. And you asked me to come to town to help figure out what Jordan Ridgeway and Sheryl Connors are up to. You act like you don't even remember doing this. Roman looks down at the table, then at Billie, a look of complete confusion in his eyes. As he looks up to Billie, Marlena cracks the door open, looking puzzled by the grave faces around her. --- EJ: Are you seriously going to threaten me? EJ walks closer to Anne, as Anne leans against her desk. They both have a guarded appearance, almost trying to seem more imposing than the other. ANNE: Well, it seems to me that I hold the cards here. And we all know how hard you're trying to be a "good man" now. So, what exactly are you going to threaten me with? EJ: I just want to remind you of what historically has happened to those who decide to meddle in the affairs of the DiMera family. It doesn't end well for them. ANNE: So the answer is you have nothing to threaten me with. You know, you should take this to heart. Don't rock the boat, and don't go trying to get one over on me, or you'll regret it. EJ steps in close to Anne, leaning in menacingly to her. He speaks softly, but bitingly. EJ: You are a foolish woman, and you will be the one to regret this. Trust that. ANNE: I'm not afraid of you. EJ: You should be. EJ walks away from Anne and takes his briefcase in hand. He opens it, and holds up a plane ticket. EJ: Ms. Milbauer, I am going to take it that you're rather ignorant of my family and their history, so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and present you with this. I have two options for you. Either you destroy this evidence and disappear from Salem voluntarily...or you will be forced onto that plane against your will. The choice is yours. ---

I thought we weren't doing this...

Such a good show, Cary! I loved the scene with Sharlene, John, Mitch, and Gregory. Greg needs to take several seats though. People hug. That don't mean an affair! Reginald a real bastard. Love it. Wonder what Toni's gonna do to get KC back. Everything is so connected in this story, it's great. You've done a fantastic job all around! GOOD SHOW!