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What a great episode. Very simple, and dynamic. The scene with Michele and Cory was excellent. So subtle but so much bubbling underneath the surface. I'm loving it, and I love what's to come, I can just sense it. Can't see what direction you go with it! Donna is really pushing to keep the family together, and yet is so skeptical of what's going on. Ever the meddling mom, but there's an awareness I haven't seen from Donna much. Good angle to pursue. Paulina and Jake's scene was lovely. Their history is so deep, and I like that Jake has a bit of a confidant in Paulina. He needs that right now. Very good stuff. As always, fantastic episode, can't wait for 195!

EPISODE 62 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Victor and Tyler stand at the head of the board room table at Titan HQ, as the board meeting comes to a head. John Black stands with them at the table, with Kate & Lucas Roberts, Billie Reed, and Justin Kiriakis sat around the table, with Nelson, another Titan board member, waiting impatiently for the vote to conclude. Victor looks back John's way, as Tyler clears his throat, looking back toward John. TYLER: So! Yes. Back to the vote. John Black, as proxy voter for Brady Black, a vote of 'yay' would mean you are in favour of retaining the Titan TV division, a vote of 'nay' would mean you are in favour of Titan divesting of all Titan TV properties. What say you? John looks calmly around the room, smiling as the rest of the room impatiently waits for his answer. JOHN: I vote...'nay'. Victor immediately slams his fist on the table in anger. VICTOR: Damn it, John! Tyler carries on through Victor's protestations. Everyone around the table mutters to each other, soaking in the shocking turn of events John's arrival has brought. TYLER: Therefore, by a margin of 5-4, I declare this vote closed. Titan shall be divesting itself of its Titan TV division, placing it up for sale immediately. Victor stares John down, looking directly into John's eyes with malice. VICTOR: You will regret this, John. JOHN: Are you kidding, Vic? I just did you one big favour. You oughta thank me. John grabs his briefcase, nods Victor and Kate's way and strolls out of the board room. Victor is left looking defeated as the board members filter from the room. As Kate makes her attempt to leave, Victor quickly grabs her arm to stop her from slinking away. KATE: Ow! VICTOR: Not so fast, Kate. I know what you're up to, and I'm not gonna let you get away with it. --- Nick opens the door to his apartment, and he and Hope step inside. They're chatting and laughing as they do, with Hope scurrying Nick inside. HOPE: Hurry, hurry, hurry, I need to go to the bathroom. NICK: (laughing) Okay, okay! Go! It's right there. HOPE: Thank yooou! Hope runs into the bathroom quickly and shuts the door. Once inside the bathroom, Hope's need to pee immediately vanishes. Hope puts on her detective face and, to avoid suspicion, noisily lifts the toilet seat. She then quickly steps over to the medicine cabinet. Hope very quietly opens it and looks inside. As the door of the medicine cabinet opens, it squeaks, making Hope jump. She stops the door immediately then waits, hoping Nick doesn't respond to the noise. After a moment of nothing, Hope carries on, but Nick immediately thereafter calls out to her through the door. NICK: Hey Hope! I'm just going to step out for a second to speak to the concierge, alright? Hope is startled by Nick's announcement and nearly doubles back when she hears him. She manages to pull it together and smiles through gritted teeth before calling back out to him. HOPE: Alright! I'll be out in just a sec. Hope waits another second for the door to shut before she opens the door to the bathroom. Sighing heavily, she steps out of the bathroom, not having seen anything in the medicine cabinet and not knowing where else to look for the pills Gabi hopes she'll find. Suddenly, Hope looks up to see Nick's briefcase. Her eyes light up. HOPE: Of course. Hope makes a beeline for Nick's laptop bag, which he uses for a briefcase. She opens it up and commencing looking through the various compartments, but just before reaching the compartment where the pills are, she hears a loud knock on the door. Hope is startled, but after a moment's pause, goes back to looking through the bag. A moment later, the knocking continues, and a voice is heard through the door. NICOLE: (while knocking) Nick! Open the door, you little shmuck, I wanna have a word with-- The door opens and Nicole nearly whacks Hope in the face when she opens the door. NICOLE: ...you. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Eric Brady walks through the Horton Town Square, setting up the final touches for Brady's memorial service with the help of his grandmother, Caroline. As Eric finishes, he walks over towards Caroline as Marlena scurries in, getting everyone's attention as she seems rather flustered. MARLENA: Oh, Eric. Caroline! I'm so sorry I'm late. I had one hell of a morning. ERIC: It's alright, Mom. It's good to see you. Eric reaches over to give his mother a hug, before Caroline reaches out to Marlena as well. CAROLINE: Marlena, don't worry about it. We handled things just fine on this end. MARLENA: Well, that's good to hear. Listen, Caroline, I know this isn't really the time or place, but I need to have a talk with you later on about Roman. Caroline and Eric look at Marlena with a bit of surprise and concern. CAROLINE: Roman? Is something wrong? ERIC: Is dad okay? What's...? Marlena waves her hand to stop them. MARLENA: No, no. It's not...urgent. He's fine. Whenever you have the time, I just have...something to discuss with you. CAROLINE: Sure. Stop by the pub later? Marlena gives Caroline a reassuring smile. MARLENA: Sure. CAROLINE: If you don't mind though, I'm going to try to get ahold of Nicole. She was going to try to track a few more people down that we hadn't reached yet. Marlena turns back to Eric, who still looks a bit concerned. She holds out her hand to touch her son's face to reassure him. MARLENA: Oh, Eric, stop worrying. Your father's just fine. ERIC: Why don't I believe you? MARLENA: (sighs) Eric, your father and I just had a rather...intense discussion last night. It's nothing to be worried about. Eric looks at Marlena, unconvinced, but nods. ERIC: Okay. I'll let it go. But if something's going on with Dad-- MARLENA: ...I will let you know immediately. Eric finally smiles, though the worry is still plain on his face. ERIC: Thanks, Mom. MARLENA: Now, let's get this together. How can I help? ERIC: Well, you can start by grabbing that folding table over in the corner with me... Marlena and Eric head off to grab the table, as Roman saunters into the square, he looks over at Brady's portrait, posted up on an easel by Tom & Alice's tree. He stares at it, confusion in his eyes. --- Nicole looks at Hope, standing in the doorway of Nick's apartment, with bewilderment. NICOLE: Hope? HOPE: Nicole? Nicole saunters into Nick's apartment, as Hope lingers back, eyebrow raised in curiosity. Nicole yammers on as she looks around for Nick. NICOLE: I...I mean I knew it was hard keeping that massive house up on a single income but I didn't think you'd have to take such a steep....downgrade. Nicole looks around the corner to see if there's more room. NICOLE: I mean, where does Ciara sleep? In the bathtub? HOPE: NICOLE! Enough. What do you want? NICOLE: To talk to Nick, obviously. HOPE: Nick stepped out for a minute, I was just here to go to the bathroom for a moment before we head out to lunch. Nick had something to drop off, you see, so...we're kind of in a hurry. NICOLE: Right, well...what I need to ask him won't take long so... HOPE: So, you can ask him later. Goodbye, Nicole. Hope holds the door open, motioning for Nicole to leave. As Nicole steps out, a sour look on her face, Nick reappears and nearly bumps into Nicole as he does. NICK: OH! Nicole! Just the person I wanted to see. Hope looks at Nick incredulously. HOPE: Really? NICK: Yeah! Uh...Hope, did you wanna just...meet me at the pub, I won't be a minute. Hope pauses a moment, not sure what's happening. HOPE: I....sure? NICK: Thanks. I promise, this won't take a moment. Hope walks out the door, not sure what's going down, but knowing it can't be anything good. She calls out to Nick as she heads out the door. HOPE: Alright...I'll grab us a seat! NICK: Sounds good! Nick closes the door behind Hope, a big smile on his face. NICK: SO! Good news! Nicole folds her arms, the sour look still on her face. NICOLE: It better be. I'm still thisclose to being fired for that stunt you pulled at the last press conference. NICK: Clear that from your mind forever, Nicole. I, Nick Fallon, have delivered for you. Nick pulls out his iPad from his bag, and, a few taps later, presents the page to Nicole. NICK: Observe. Nicole grabs the iPad, and reads the headline. BREAKING: TITAN TV TO BE SOLD TO PRIVATE INVESTOR Her eyes bulge out as she processes the news. NICOLE: What?? How did you..? NICK: Only through the magic of research, my dear. We'll talk about this later, drinks? Nicole stands, mouth agape, suddenly realizing the power Nick might be wielding. NICOLE: I.... Nick escorts Nicole to the door, Nicole still in shock, she eventually nods, as Nick hastily takes his tablet back. NICOLE: I...yeah. NICK: Give me about an hour? NICOLE: ...Sure. NICK: K, BYE! Nick abruptly slams the door in Nicole's face. He walks back into his apartment and grabs his phone, rolling his eyes at having had to deal with Nicole. NICK: Now...time to call Kate...and congratulate her on her good news. --- Kate rips her arm from Victor's grasp, holding it before adjusting herself, a scowling look on her face directed at Victor. KATE: I don't know how I was ever married to such a savage. VICTOR: Neither do I. KATE: The nerve. I just had this cleaned too, and now your greasy little hands are all over it. Vile. VICTOR: Maybe if you focused less on fashions and more on business we wouldn't have this problem. Kate pretends to be non-plussed by Victor's volatile reaction, as she turns her attentions to packing her things away into her bag. KATE: I don't know what you're talking about. VICTOR: Oh, the Hell you don't. I know what you were up to today. Someone tipped you off about John's proxy vote, and you couldn't wait to get him here. Now who put you up to it? Kate scowls at Victor, arms folded, not giving anything away, as her smartphone rings. Standing slightly away from it, she tries to casually grab it, but Victor spies the name appaearing on the screen as she turns to answer, and calls her out as she's about to press "talk". VICTOR: I swear, Kate, if Nick Fallon is behind this, you can both hand in your key cards now. Kate quickly holds the phone close to her chest and swipes to ignore the call, fearing she's been caught. ---

Another great episode. Carl's dying. It's gonna be a great story, and it's so great to see Russ back in action. Great work having him back on the show, it's really gonna give this story depth. Can't wait to see that confrontation between Michele and Cory. He's so clueless. I could see Rachel trying to get through to him, you really know how to write for Vicky Wyndham. Lindsay's made the decision. I'm pleased she decided that. I did enjoy the time you did take with Lindsay trying to figure out whether to do the decision, but she really came to it quickly. She will be stuck on that fateful decision a lot going forward. Lots of potential drama with that. Will Gregory REALLY be so shallow as to dump her for this? Hmm... AWESOME show!

EPISODE 61 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Sonny gets up from the sofa in his apartment, a bit angry as Will holds onto the contract from EnerNext, which he had attempted to present to Sonny. WILL: What do you mean, I can't take this job? SONNY: You can't, Will! This job...it's a mistake. Will gets up from the sofa, and walks over to the desk, placing the contract on it, deliberately where Sonny can see. WILL: Why? Because you don't like it? I thought you just said you believed in my work. SONNY: I've told you why, Will. It's not about your talent or your work, it's that you're working for a corrupt organization-- WILL: That your Great Uncle owns. That your father works for as legal counsel. If they're so damned evil, why is it that every penny of your family's money stem from that corporation. Sonny walks off toward the bedroom, shaking his head as Will follows him. WILL: Don't walk away from me! You know I'm right. Sonny stops and turns around, pointing angrily at Will. SONNY: No. No, I don't know you're right, Will. In fact, I can give you a hundred reasons why this is the worst decision you could possibly make. --- EJ stands in the DiMera living room, looking over some paperwork quickly, when he hears a commotion from the foyer. After a moment of listening, he heads for the doorway and not long after, the doors to the living room swing open, with Harold trying in vain to keep an enraged Jennifer Horton from walking into the room. JENNIFER: You! EJ: Good Lord, Jennifer! I would've figured a family of middle class doctors would have raised their children to have better manners than that. JENNIFER: Don't even START with me, EJ! I want answers. EJ: About what? JENNIFER: About where my daughter is, and why did you send her halfway across the world, and don't even think for a second it wasn't your idea, I saw you yesterday at the hospital, so give up the game! EJ looks frustrated, and looks away for a moment to try to answer respectfully. --- John steps into the Titan board room, striding in with casual confidence, much to Victor's chagrin. VICTOR: John! What a surprise. I expect you've come for the meeting. JOHN: Well, I wasn't planning on it, mostly because no one told me until just very recently. John stops behind Kate's seat and casually puts a hand on Kate's shoulder. Kate tenses, a bit surprised by John's touch, but looks back to Victor, who notices the small but pointed gesture. VICTOR: Fascinating. JOHN: I thought so. Now, I've got a question for you, Vic. VICTOR: Now isn't a great time, we're in the middle of a vote. John puts both hands on his hips. A smile grows on John's face as he walks towards Victor. JOHN: A vote, hm? See. Now, that actually, was exactly what my question was about. VICTOR: Really. JOHN: You know it! Here's what I wanna know, Vic. Have you retained Brady's place on the board, or have you had him declared dead? --- --- Will folds his arms, looking unimpressed at Sonny as Sonny lays into him for considering the EnerNext job. WILL: Alright. Go ahead, Sonny. Tell me why I shouldn't take the best damned job that's ever been offered to me. SONNY: Will, there will be other jobs that are just as good as this one. WILL: Oh, so I should follow my dreams, but only when they line up with your world view. SONNY: Will, that's not what I'm saying. WILL: Yes, it's exactly what you're saying! What makes you the authority on what's right and what's wrong? SONNY: I'm saying that I know what it's like to have someone flash a lot of money in front of your face. It can change you really quickly. Sonny walks in closer to Will and puts his hands on Will's shoulders. He looks intently into his eyes. SONNY: I want you to be careful, Will. WILL: I'm not exactly from a poor home, you know. I can take care of myself. Sonny looks down, dropping his hands to his sides as he thinks his answer through. SONNY: Okay. I don't think you should take this job, but if it's something you really want, and I mean truly, truly, want....then I will support that. Will leans over and kisses Sonny on the lips. They both smile as they look warmly at each other. WILL: Thank you. SONNY: Just remember, Uncle Vic can suck in even the best, most generous people in the world, and turn them into cynical, bitter, entitled bastards. Watch yourself. Will nods in understanding. WILL: Got it. Will and Sonny come together for a warm embrace, before slowly leaning in to kiss each other gently on the lips. They look at each other, standing forehead-to-forehead and giggle before kissing again. Flopping down on the couch, they kiss a bit more intensely, before Will pushes Sonny back gently and climbs on top of him. Gabi walks in just at that same moment and jumps back, but smiles as she sees her roommates together. GABI: Well what did I just walk in on. Sonny and Will laugh as they separate. Will jumps off the couch and heads towards Gabi, greeting her with a quick hug. WILL: Ohhh nothing, just some fiancee/fiancee bonding time. Oh I have some news. GABI: Oh yeah? Will walks over to the desk again and pulls the contract from the manila envelope it had been in. He shows it to Gabi. WILL: I have been offered a job. A very...very...good...job. Gabi's eyes widen as she quickly looks at it. GABI: Wow! PR for Titan. That's HUGE, Will. Congrats! Gabi and Will lean in to hug each other. Gabi's smiling widely as she embraces him. Will pulls back after their hug and looks at Gabi a little oddly. WILL: You seem so...relaxed. Gabi's taken aback slightly by Will's statement. She walks past him, heading for the couch, where she quickly flops down. GABI: Really? Why, was I super-tense before? SONNY: Well...not to put too fine a point on it, but....yeah. Gabi looks at Sonny, who's sitting next to her on the sofa, and laughs a bit. GABI: Well...if I am, it's because all of our troubles are soon gonna completely disappear. --- EJ sighs as he walks over to the minibar and grabs a glass, holding it up as he speaks to an unimpressed Jenn. EJ: You look like you could use a drink. EJ turns around as Jenn smacks the glass from his hand, smashing it against the wall. EJ stands still, stunned by her rage. EJ: Or several. JENNIFER: This is not a game, EJ. I want to know where my daughter is. EJ: Jennifer, your daughter took a job in Italy for a few weeks. It is not a big deal. It's a very short assignment that came up last minute. I apologize if she didn't talk to you about it, but I have a feeling, considering your rather hysterical reaction just now that I know why she didn't. Jennifer, undaunted, steps in close to EJ, an intensity in her eyes that says she means business. JENNIFER: My daughter would not have done anything like this if it weren't for you. She has been acting like a complete basket case for months ever since she quit the hospital. EJ: And you blame me for that. JENNIFER: Yes, I blame you! You are the only thing that connects all of this. Ever since you two have been talking about Jack's book, ever since she's been looking after Johnny and Sydney and Allie, then quitting her job out of nowhere to work for you and Sami. EJ stops Jennifer, holding up one finger to make a quick interjection. He speaks almost too calmly back to an enraged Jennifer. EJ: That was all Samantha's idea. She saw your daughter was in need and did what any good friend and shrewd businesswoman would do. JENNIFER: Because of you. It's all because of you. It's so obvious to me now. You did something or said something to her that upset her so much that she was forced out of the hospital. Didn't you? EJ rolls his eyes, worried that Jenn is onto him, he looks back at Jenn with a frustrated look. --- Victor stands at the head of the board room table, looking on angrily at John. VICTOR: How dare you? Of course I'm retaining Brady's seat on the board. No one's declared him dead yet, have you? JOHN: Nope, I had no intention of it. I know strange things can happen in this town, and I won't believe he's gone until I see a body. VICTOR: Then what the hell are you asking for? John steps forward towards Victor and puts his briefcase down on the table. He speaks very casually, which is offputting to Victor. JOHN: Well, Brady made me proxy in the event of his absence from all vital Titan board meetings, and I know that in the event of my absence, that you, Victor, would gain his proxy vote. Victor sighs, knowing John is right, and with a glint of worry in Victor's eye. VICTOR: That is the truth. TYLER: We were just coming up on Brady's vote, in fact. JOHN: Perfect. I'd be happy to help. Victor looks sharply at Tyler, muttering to him in hopes John doesn't hear. VICTOR: Be careful, Houston. We may be in big trouble now. TYLER: (quietly) Well, you thought Kate and company were on your side as well, so John may surprise you yet. VICTOR: Fair enough. Kate looks at the goings on at the head of the table and pulls both Billie and Lucas in close. KATE: (whispering) I think I see sweat forming on Victor's brow already. LUCAS: (whispering) Let's just hope for everyone's sake that John doesn't vote against us. Billie shushes both her mom and brother, pointing to the front of the board room. Victor looks back John's way, as Tyler clears his throat, looking back toward John. TYLER: So! Yes. Back to the vote. John Black, as proxy voter for Brady Black, a vote of 'yay' would mean you are in favour of retaining the Titan TV division, a vote of 'nay' would mean you are in favour of Titan divesting of all Titan TV properties. What say you? John looks calmly around the room, smiling as the rest of the room impatiently waits for his answer. ---

Again, great job getting everything set up. I'm way more interested in what's happened to Bo than what DAYS has set in motion. GREAT job there. I'm enjoying all the connections coming together here, and I can't wait to see how everyone gels. GREAT job again!

OOO, I am loving this. Michele has really pulled the wool over Vicky's eyes. But Bridget has been asking for this for a long time. I could just see the confrontation between Jake, Vicky, Michele and Bridget playing out in my head. Really really good stuff. Lindsay may have cancer, oh jeez. Wonder what will happen with that. Gregory's really showing his love for her. Great family moments there. Oh Jeez Joy is back at it. Reginald is all tied up in this mess, isn't he? Can't wait for the next episode.

Oops! Well, this is gonna be a big finish. I can feel it! Lots happening and I see it's all connecting. Great work with it, ML. This was a really tight episode. Everything clicked in together with Cane/Phillip to Mary/James and then Sheila/Sharon/Dru. Loved how it all worked. Dru's killing me as usual. Haha. I did like the lopping back to Devon/Roxanne/Abby. Very good, and I know it's gonna build. You've got something for us for when Verdon Lou story ends (which I have a feeling is soon, looks like we're headed for a big finish), so good work there. Looking forward to the next one, and I expect some big fireworks coming down the line. EXCITING!

EPISODE 60 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson At Titan HQ, Victor and Tyler approach the closed doors of the Titan board room. Victor motions to Tyler to stop before entering. VICTOR: Now. Remember what we planned. This has to go down properly. TYLER: Victor, as long as you have Kate and her kids on board, it tips the balance. VICTOR: That's true. And having my vote plus Brady's proxy vote will make all the difference. If we lose the TV station, we are never going to get the public support for the fracking operation. We need that station, dammit. Nothing, and I mean nothing can go wrong today. --- Hope knocks on the door of the MadWorld lab, seeing Nick closing up his briefcase. Nick, hearing the knock, looks up and smiles, seeing his cousin. NICK: Hope! What a great surprise. How are you? Nick walks over and gives Hope a big hug. HOPE: Good to see you. Got time for lunch? NICK: You know, I was just about to head out for lunch. I just gotta stop off at my place quickly for a sec, do you mind tagging along? HOPE: No, no. No problem at all. NICK: Great. Uh...give me one sec. I just gotta run to the bathroom and we can go, okay? HOPE: Sure! I'll just wait here. NICK: Awesome. Nick steps out of the lab, leading Hope to immediately begin casually snooping around. A bottle on one of the shelves catches Hope's eye, and she reaches up to grab it. --- Will steps into his living room, where Sonny is prepping lunch. Will smiles as he walks over to his fiancee and kisses him quickly on the lips. SONNY: Hey. How's Ari? WILL: Oh, I just laid her down to sleep, so she'll be out for awhile.Gabi's gone to run some errands. Which is perfect because I need to share some news with you. SONNY: Oh? WILL: Yeah...well...you know how your uncle Vic is involved in this whole...EnerNext business? Sonny looks at Will with an almost suspect look in his eyes, trying to figure out where he's going with this. SONNY: Yes. And you also know how I feel about that project. WILL: Well, that's it. I know you're dead set against it because of the environmental damage and the pollution it could cause-- SONNY: ...Will cause, Will. Not to mention, don't you think it's really convenient that they're planning to do all this fracking right near the poorest section of Salem? WILL: I know, but...you know, this could be good for people in those areas too, no? I mean...the jobs that that could create-- SONNY: ...Will. They will be spending all that money in health care. The pollution...Salem would be completely inhospitable if they go ahead with this fracking operation. WILL: Oh come on. Lots of places do this, and they're just fine. Sonny pauses and looks at Will with confusion. SONNY: Will, why are you so defensive of Uncle Vic's fracking project. What's going on? --- --- Hope grabs a pill bottle from the shelf and opens it. HOPE: Empty. Hope puts it back on the shelf, not sure if she should be thrilled or disappointed. She keeps looking before hearing the door swing open, and Hope jumps back into an awkward waiting pose as Nick walks in. NICK: Ready? HOPE: Yeah! Let's go! Hope looks back into the lab, trying to think of any other place Nick could have hid any pills before they walk out, and Nick closes the door. --- Will stumbles over his words, trying to formulate the best way to tell Sonny the truth. Sonny pours himself a glass of juice and takes a drink as Will explains himself. WILL: Well...see, I ran into Aunt Maggie yesterday, right? SONNY: (through his drink) Mmhmm. WILL: And, well, I had written an article that I'd had published on a blog. I showed you that article, yeah? Sonny nods as he sits down on the sofa next to Will. SONNY: Yeah, I know which one. That was a really good article. Will smiles, still flattered by his husband's praise, even if it's almost expected of Sonny. WILL: Thank you. Well, Aunt Maggie liked it too, and the next thing I know, I get this call from this man, Tyler Houston. Sonny's expression changes immediately when Sonny hears the name. Will pulls out the contract Tyler handed him from his bag and shows it to Sonny. SONNY: Oh no, not... WILL: And...Sonny, he liked my work so much that...offered me a job. A good job, I'd be the one writing all public relations releases for EnerNext. SONNY: Oh no, NO way. Will is taken aback by Sonny's visceral refusal. --- Victor opens the doors to the board room to find a room filled with executives from various divisions of the corporation, including Kate, Billie, Lucas, and Justin. Tyler walks in alongside Victor, and the two prepare to sit down at the head of the table. VICTOR: Good afternoon, everyone. I trust we will be able to settle this with some expediency, as my grandson's so-called memorial service will be held later this afternoon. Kate looks over to Lucas, hiding her mouth with her one hand as she whipsers to him. KATE: Poor old fool still thinks there's a chance that boy's alive. LUCAS: Well, he's right. There's no body. KATE: That means nothing, it's all just an attempt to keep the votes in his favour and you know it. Victor continues to speak, grabbing an envelope from Tyler as he continues his announcement to the room. VICTOR: Now on that note, as we have no actual confirmation of Brady's untimely demise, I move to have his place on the board retained until such time as there is an official death certificate issued by the coroner's office. BILLIE: Well, Victor, that could take months! VICTOR: I'm well aware of that. I'm not jumping the gun on this. Brady is family, and I'm not giving up on him, unlike some of his so-called friends in this damn town. So on that note, and in the absence of his father, I will act as Brady's proxy on today's vote. Kate rolls her eyes and looks to Lucas again. KATE: Told you. LUCAS: But will that give him enough votes to win? KATE: Not sure, there's a couple wild cards. But I will say this, if Victor does get his way, start looking for a new job. Fast. Victor opens his briefcase, pulling out paper packages which he begins handing out to the members of the board gathered around the table. Once the paperwork is handed out, Victor continues. VICTOR: Now, the matter at hand today is a motion put forth by one of our board members, one that I am fundamentally opposed to, I might add. It is, as a costcutting matter, whether or not to shed our television operations. I need not explain to you the service our TV station will provide us in the fight against the loopy treehuggers who want to shut EnerNext down. If we shut down the TV station and sell it off, sure it will save us some money. However, if we don't get this fracking operation on the right side of public opinion, this company will be in very real danger of brankruptcy, and we can't let that happen. Tyler steps in at this point, continuing Victor's statement. TYLER: Now, I would like to have the board member who put forth the motion to have their say. Justin? Justin Kiriakis stands, buttoning his suit jacket button as he begins. He begins with a bit of trepidation, but picks up steam quickly, as his lawyer instincts kick in. JUSTIN: Ahh yes. Thank you, Tyler. Now, as I am legal counsel for Titan, and, by extension, EnerNext, I have brought forth this motion to prevent any possible...concerns we may have down the road, particularly with regards to any potential anti-trust lawsuits, as well as a particularly glaring conflict of interest between Titan TV and its reporting on the EnerNext deal. Kate leans over once again, to Billie this time, and whispers her rolling commentary yet again. KATE: Uh oh. Dear old Uncle Vic's gonna have some choice words for little Justin. Billie looks at her mom with a smile, trying not to laugh. BILLIE: (whispering) Mom, stop! KATE: (whispering) Well, it's true! If I'd done something like this, Victor would've had me hung. Justin tries to ignore Kate and Billie, barely giving the faintest of eye rolls as he continues to make his case to the board. JUSTIN: While I am fully in support of the EnerNext proposal, I...do think we would be better off long term avoiding possible FCC fines, that could be in the region of tens of millions of dollars, if not more. The revenue from the EnerNext deal may not be enough to offset the potential disastrous effects of the FCC fines, and we may end up in an even worse situation than we're in already. Thank you. The board members flip contientiously through the handouts provided, and there is a bit of a pause between the end of Justin's speech and when Victor rises back up from his seat at the head of the board room table to finish up. VICTOR: Thank you, Justin. Now, with that, I would like to quickly ask if there are any concerns or questions from the board before we vote. Victor takes a quick pause, looking around the room, as do all the other board members, eager to see what the others in the room have to say. When no one speaks up, Victor continues. VICTOR: Very well. In that case. We will commence voting. If in favour of retaining Titan TV, vote Aye. If you're in favour of divestment, vote nay. Tyler Houston. TYLER: Aye. VICTOR: Nelson Hamilton. NELSON: Aye. VICTOR: Justin Kiriakis. JUSTIN: Nay. Victor looks at his nephew with a look of disappointment, as the vote continues to the next board member. VICTOR: Michael Browning. MICHAEL: Aye. VICTOR: Billie Reed. Billie breathes in deeply before responding. BILLIE: Nay. Victor's expression changes immediately, as he looks Billie's way, shooting daggers from his eyes. He continues the voting, with a much more bitter tone in his voice. VICTOR: Lucas Horton. Lucas responds, never taking his eyes off his mother. LUCAS: Nay. Victor looks at Lucas and Kate, noticing the communication happening between them just with their eyes. Lucas almost mouths to his mother. LUCAS: I hope you know what you're doing. Kate nods her response to Lucas, before the inevitable. Victor almost spits out Kate's name. VICTOR: Kate Roberts. Kate turns her glare the way of Victor, and, staring him down as if facing the devil himself, responds cooly. KATE: Nay. Victor holds his stareat Kate for a moment before looking back out to the board room before him. VICTOR: Victor Kiriakis. Yay. And naturally, as John nor Brady is present, I will be voting for Brady by proxy, and I-- The moment these words escape Victor's lips, the board's attention is pulled away suddenly by the board room doors opening. Victor and Tyler quickly turn around, shocked by the abrupt noise behind them. Before them, John stands in the now-open doorway, nodding his greeting to the room, with a cool confidence. JOHN: Sorry, I'm late, everyone. Victor looks at John with a stoic look, but dread lingers behind his eyes. ---

Good start. I'm liking the setting, lots of potential here. Some great stuff springing up from all different angles. A bit early to really know much so far bit it's a good starting point, and I can't wait to see how everyone entangles down the road

REALLY good start! I'm loving the crossovers, and I see the whole Manning clan is gonna be coming, which is excellent. Can't wait to see Dani join Blair and Todd. And it's always great to see Reva and Josh again. I enjoy that both your shows are gonna be interconnected as well. Really cool. Wonder who you'll be connecting Luke to, and who the mystery man is. All really great stuff! Excited to keep reading!

Thanks Days22. Really appreciate the feedback, and I'm glad you've been enjoying the show. Lots more twists and turns on the way, and don't worry, Shane will be returning.

Well we KNOW that James isn't playing, but I doubt he actually hit Mary. Gonna be good to see this play out. Dru may finally come HOME! Dru KILLS me. You write the interplay between Sheila and Dru SO WELL, I'm loving every second. I just told you this, but Malcolm and Neil is spot-on. So real, you have such a great handle on their relationship and how both of them speak to each other. Really excited to see what Malcolm does with the proof that the paternity tests were switched. Cane's drug addiction is some scary [!@#$%^&*]. Very interested to see how this story ends, because it's really built up something crazy. WELCOME BACK, ML! You did an awesome job!

OOOOOO Michele is a smart one. I LOVE her new attitude. Bridget's world is gonna come down SO hard. Amazing work. Really loved the tension in all the family scenes at the hospital. It was tight and focused. Very awesome work on all levels. Loved Donna dropping some history bombs on Michael about Stacey. Excellent on all levels. And I can't wait to see what you have planned. WELCOME BACK, CARY!

EPISODE 59 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Sheryl picks up the phone in her office at Titan, she begins a conversation with a mysterious person, whom she is obviously very familiar with. SHERYL: (into phone) Hey, it's me. After a pause, she continues. SHERYL: Yeah, I'm still in Salem. Look, you remember how you owe me a little...favour?...Yeah. So does that mean you're in? ...No, you'll have to come here first. (laughs) That's right. Okay. I'll keep in touch. Bye. Sheryl puts down the phone and smiles broadly, before looking for a file, and heading from her office. She strides confidently to the door and closes it with a confident flourish. --- Gabi sits at Hope's desk, pleading with her to look into Nick's supposedly renewed drug use. GABI: Please, Hope. You have to go talk to Nick. You're my only hope. Hope looks down, deep in thought about the decision before her. After a pause that feels like an eternity, Hope answers. HOPE: Alright. I'll do it. Gabi beams with happiness at Hope's decision. GABI: Thank you! Thank you so much, Hope. I know I'm asking a lot but...you may have saved my life. Gabi stands up and hugs Hope tightly. Hope reciprocates but with much less intensity than Gabi, as though she's still contemplating her decision. HOPE: No problem, Gabi. I'll let you know how it goes, alright? GABI: Okay! Thanks again, I know it's...I know it's a huge thing to ask of you, I just...want you to know that I do appreciate it. HOPE: Don't mention it. Gabi grabs her purse and walks quickly out of Hope's office, waving goodbye as she does. Once outside the door, Gabi breathes a heavy sigh of relief, knowing that her plan has, so far, worked. Inside, Hope sits back down, shaking her head at the dilemma she faces. --- Daniel steps over to the nurses' station at University Hospital, where Maxine stands, staring into her computer. Despite this, Maxine knows Daniel is there. MAXINE: Dr. Jonas, how are you this morning? Maxine looks up to see a rather hungover doctor standing before her. She raises an eyebrow, knowingly. MAXINE: Mmmhmm, that's what I thought. DANIEL: Maxine, I don't want to hear it. MAXINE: Did you at least have a good time last night? Daniel looks away, hoping to avoid answering her question. Maxine continues to stare Daniel down. DANIEL: Ehhhh...you could...say so. Maxine sees a bit of a glimmer in Daniel's eye and gives him a knowing look. Her smirk disarms Daniel a bit, and he leans in to speak in confidence to her. DANIEL: I can't tell you anything more than that. Maxine makes a mock-insulted face, and Daniel laughs before walking away. As Daniel walks away, he looks down at his notes. About to make his rounds, he notices the first name on the page. Theresa. He looks up at her hospital room door and sighs, struck by the sadness of the situation. --- Kim sits in the waiting room outside Aiden's office as Aiden's secretary hangs up the phone at the desk next to Kim. She looks at Kim with a smile. SECRETARY: Mr. Jennings will see you now, Ms. Brady. Kim stands up, smiling politely. KIM: Thank you. Kim timidly opens the door to Aiden's office and steps in, closing it carefully behind her. AIDEN: Ms. Brady! Good to meet you. My name's Aiden Jennings. Aiden strides over to Kim confidently and shakes her hand. Aiden smiles warmly, while Kim looks up with a bit of trepidation, smiling only momentarily, almost sheepishly. KIM: It's...great to meet you, Aiden. Please, call me Kim. Aiden motions for Kim to have a seat at his desk, at which point Aiden steps back towards his side of the desk. AIDEN: Please, Kim. Have a seat. So what is it I can help you with, exactly? KIM: Well...I need you to give me a little advice about a family...situation. AIDEN: Okay...what exactly is it? KIM: It's my daughter, Theresa. She's been in an accident, and she's...unfortunately in the hospital. Aiden looks at Kim with concern. AIDEN: I'm...really sorry to hear about that. Is there a problem at University Hospital or something? KIM: Well...no. AIDEN: Then what's the problem? KIM: To be blunt, I need you to find a way to keep Billie Reed out of Theresa's hospital room. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Marlena and John are in Marlena's office at the hospital, as Marlena steps back from John, stunned at what he'd just told her. MARLENA: I'm sorry? You saw what? John steps forward towards Marlena, who is still upset by John's sudden change of heart about salvaging their marriage. JOHN: The first thing I see when I come back to town, Doc. You and...Roman. I saw you comforting him on that bench, Doc. MARLENA: You have absolutely no idea what that was about, John! JOHN: No. I do. MARLENA: How could you possibly?! You've been gone for months! No one's heard boo from you! And suddenly you know exactly what's going on? John holds up his hands to indicate to Marlena to calm down. Marlena doesn't agree. MARLENA: NO! NO! No you do not... JOHN (talking over her) Doc, I'm not saying what you think I am...Doc. Come on now. MARLENA: I was comforting Roman because he... JOHN: Doc! You don't have to explain anything to me. Just...be good to him. Alright? Marlena looks at John with confusion in her face, realizing that John isn't upset but giving her up. MARLENA: What? John sighs heavily, visibly pained by what he has to tell Marlena, but he finally struggles to spit it out. JOHN: My lawyers will contact you in the morning. We'll get the divorce proceedings finalized. I want this to be quick and painless for both of us. MARLENA: John! What do you mean? JOHN: I mean it's time we let this go, Doc. Look, I...I can't talk about this any further but...this is just...it's how it has to be, okay? John heads for the door and steps into the hall. Marlena can only stand still in shock as he leaves. JOHN: I'll be gone by morning. MARLENA: What...John? JOHN! Marlena follows John to the door as he walks off. She stops and looks on with hurt and utter confusion on her face as he disappears into the busy hospital. --- Aiden thinks for a moment before standing up from his desk and pacing the room. AIDEN: I mean...this is a big step. Is this Billie...Miss Reed is she...is she a threat to Theresa at all? Kim sneers at the thought of Billie as she responds. KIM: Well, if you ask me she's a threat to anyone within a 100 mile radius of her. AIDEN: Okay, but...legally. Can we make a case against this woman? Because you can do one of two things here, y'see. You can either just talk with the hospital administration and ask that Theresa be put under a stricter visitor list. Only immediate family admitted, and those usually work but they're...hard to enforce in a hospital the size of University Hospital. KIM: Right. I mean...I used to work at University Hospital so I know that all too well. Aiden walks over to the edge of his desk and sits on the corner of it, looking at Kim for some kind of response. AIDEN: Exactly, and then there's a restraining order, which is effective, but...extreme. Kim looks up at Aiden with a sudden shift in demeanour. Suddenly her near-timidity vanishes and a look of steel resolve flashes in her eyes as they stare unwaveringly at Aiden. KIM: That woman has done more damage to my family than anyone, even Stefano DiMera could dream of. I want her away from my daughter if it's the last thing I do. Aiden's eyes immediately widen at the fire that emerged in Kim's eyes, deadlocked into his own. --- Kate looks at Billie with some slight confusion in her face before she snaps back to her usual calm, collected visage. KATE: Nick Fallon has absolutely nothing to do with anything I do. I was just saying that Nick was telling me that he overheard from a board member on the elevator this morning that we may end up with major fines from the FCC if we keep the station. The conflict of interest in this is crystal clear, Billie. BILLIE: Well...he has a point. But I don't know why you're trusting conjecture from Nick. KATE: Because he's right more often than he's wrong. Whether he's a psychopath or not. Kate grabs her briefcase and heads for the door of her office. KATE: Now. We have a board meeting to go to. Can I count on you to vote with me on this? Billie mulls it over for a moment before responding. She nods hesitantly. BILLIE: Yes. Kate smiles and opens the door to her office. KATE: Good! Let's go then! Kate motions Billie from her office and she and her daughter head for the board room. As they walk into the lobby, Lucas steps off the elevator, much to Kate's delight. She quickly motions her son over to her side. KATE: Ahhh! Lucas! I have something I need to talk to you about. Wrapping her arm over Lucas' shoulder, Lucas looks over to her with a more than bit of worry in his eyes as they walk off to the board meeting. LUCAS: Uh oh. What did you do now? --- Nick is in his lab, making a face of pain as he pinches the bridge of his nose. Still reeling a bit from his hangover, he reaches into his briefcase, and pulls out the bottle of "Aspirin" from his bag. Quickly walking over to the water cooler, he grabs a paper cup and downs the pill and the water. Refreshed, and trying to shake off the hangover pains, he walks back to his bag, closing it up when he gets a call from Sheryl. Looking at his phone before answering, he answers with a cocky smile on his face. NICK: Yeah, just packing up to head home for lunch...well why wouldn't I?...Yeah. Everything's gonna work out exactly according to plan. --- JJ stands in the Horton living room, and looks at Jennifer before holding up his hands in surrender. JJ: Okay, you got me. I was driving Abigail to the airport this morning. JENNIFER: What? What do you mean? Where is Abby? JJ: She's in Europe. Jennifer tenses with worry, she almost explodes at JJ from the shock of his news. JENNIFER: What?? JJ: It was for work, it's...DiMera...it's a...project they wanted specifically her to work on. It was...really last minute. JENNIFER: I...she didn't even...consult with me. She didn't...she's not fit to fly, she just got out of hospital a few hours ago, I mean... JJ holds his mom's shoulders, hoping to make her feel a little more relaxed. JJ: Look...Mom, I tried to talk Abs out of going but...it's just...for a few weeks, it's not a huge deal, okay? JENNIFER: OH that's what YOU think! Jennifer makes a beeline for the phone, but JJ follows her and stops her before she can pick it up. JJ: Mom, what are you doing? JENNIFER: I am going to call the airport and stop them before that plane takes off. JJ: You can't! It's already taken off. They left hours ago. Jennifer looks at JJ with at first appears to be shock but soon changes into one of disappointment. She backs away from her phone and looks at JJ with intense sadness. JENNIFER: How could you let her do this, JJ? How could you just...ship your sister off to the DiMeras. JJ looks away, shaking his head as well at his mother's grave accusation. At the same moment, Jennifer grabs her jacket and purse from the table, never once taking her eyes off JJ. JJ: Mom...MOM, where are you going? JENNIFER: I'm going to have a little chat with your sister's boss. JJ: Mom! I don't... Jennifer doesn't listen and slams the door shut before JJ can get a word in. JJ is left behind, holding back his urge to slam his fist down. ---

Welcome to the first of a few entries to start off the year for those of you who have been reading along and especially for those of you who haven't (so far). 2014 at my DAYS blog have seen a very exciting year (hopefully more exciting than on TV anyway), filled with intrigue and excitement. This first entry for 2014 will be going over one of the central stories I've been working on for 2014, and will continue well into the new year. The saga of Titan and it's big oil partner, EnerNext. EnerNext: The Corprate Saga Continues Upon Nick Fallon's misadventures in the river in the Winter of 2013 at the hands of Gabi Hernandez, Kate Roberts, and Sami Brady, Nick was presumed dead. However, a nature-loving Brit by the name of Percy rescued Nick from a wet and icy death, taking him to his secluded cottage in the woods north of Salem, where Nick was able to recuperate, as well as plot his revenge against everyone who had wronged him. Speaking with Percy at length during those long days in the cabin, Nick discovered a plan by a major energy company, EnerNext, to buy up all the land in the rural area north-west of Salem. The area was found to have a potentially lucrative fossil fuel deposit buried beneath it, mostly in hard-to-access tar sands in the soil. EnerNext needed to purchase Percy's many acres of land to commence their fracking operations. However, as Percy is an environmentalist, and avid owl-watcher, he could simply not sell his land, knowing the owls he found so fascinating would be driven away by the clear-cutting, and the extreme amount of pollution created by EnerNext's operation. Nick grew sympathetic to Percy's problems, and, upon blackmailing Kate Roberts into rehiring him at Titan subsidiary MadWorld, promised to assist him in taking down EnerNext, if in exchange, Percy assisted him in taking down Nick's enemies. Luckily for both of them, they shared a few enemies in common. After researching the situation, Nick decided to find an ally in the press to help him in his mission. He tracked down Nicole Walker, who worked as an investigative reporter for Titan TV. Nicole, desperate to get a foothold in the news business once again after her disasterous stint working for Eric Brady at St. Luke's, was initially repelled by the story of a local birdwatcher reticent to sell his land to a corporation. She was equally repelled at the thought of dealing with a convicted murderer and all-around sleaze like Nick. But the more she dug into the story, the more the story excited her. Here was a story that could really launch her career back on track. The only missing piece of the puzzle was: Who was pulling the strings to get the funding and the local backing for the project? Nick did some digging, and uncovered the very convenient truth, that EnerNext was dealing very closely with a local firm, one that Nick could easily use to his and Percy's advantage: Titan. This was less convenient for Nicole, however. Confronting EnerNext's CEO at the company's press conference held at Horton Town Square. Her barrage of tough questions for Tyler Houston, EnerNext's CEO, ranged from the environmental impact of the fracking operations, to the perception of environmental racism by virtue of the much richer oil deposits near the more affluent east end of Salem. After several minutes of questioning, punctuated by a gathered crowd of hundreds of protesters, eagerly rooting for Nicole as she put Tyler on the hot seat, Tyler finally was rescued by a visibly angered Victor, who erupted from behind the temporary stage built for the conference. Tyler announced at that moment that Titan would be acquiring EnerNext's operation. Nicole was stunned and angered, having put the fate of her career in jeopardy now that she realized that the very people she was fighting in this story were her own employers. Nicole confronted Nick about the revelation, realizing almost instantly that Nick knew that Titan and EnerNext were to merge, and didn't say anything to her about it, as it would inevitably lead to Nicole giving up the story. However, Nicole didn't realize that while she was making a fool of herself at the press conference, Nick was covering his bases, and broke into Nicole's office at Titan TV, attempting to steal back the information Nicole had collected about EnerNext during her investigation. What he came away with wasn't what he was looking for, but was much more beneficial to him. Upon opening the folder, Nick discovered evidence that Nicole had withheld from Eric regarding the identity of the doctor that created the drug cocktail used by Kristen DiMera to rape then-Father Eric, as well as the makeup of the drug itself. When Nick confronted Nicole with the evidence, Nicole was forced to continue working on the story, consequences be damned. But Nick knew to keep everything under the radar, as he had another ace up his sleeve. While digging for information, Nick stumbled upon Sheryl Connors, MadWorld's newest graphic designer, in a dark office with her friend Jordan Ridgeway. However, Nick recognized the two immediately as their true identities, Kaylie Matthews and Siobhan McKinnon: Environmental activists accused of blowing up a bank in Canada during the G8 Protests. Nick knew that they were both where they weren't supposed to be, and that they all had the same goal: bring down EnerNext and Titan. By threatening to out Sheryl and Jordan as their true identities, Nick secured their complicity in his plans. However, none of them were aware that Kate Roberts was already a step or two ahead of them. With Kate insanely jealous of Jordan's budding relationship with Rafe Hernandez, Kate had hired a private investigator to find out any information he could about Jordan Ridgeway's past. But, after sneaking into Jordan's apartment and uncovering her collection of fake IDs, it took very little time to find out who Jordan really was. Presenting the proof of Jordan's real identity to Roman Brady, Kate hoped to be rid of Jordan once and for all. Not so. Due to a legal loophole, Kaylie (Jordan) and Siobhan (Sheryl) had been acquited for the bank bombing in Canada. Roman knew that the two women were up to something, however, and agreed to help Kate find some answers before it was too late. Roman approached the ISA to bring Kate's daughter, ISA agent Billie Reed back to Salem, under the guise of working alongside her mother at MadWorld Cosmetics, all the while actually protecting her and helping her take down Sheryl and Jordan. The next step in Nick's plan would be to break apart all the elements that would allow the fracking project to become a reality. Knowing that Titan TV was a crucial element in Titan/EnerNext's plan to make the community see the benefits of the oil sands project, essentially rendering Titan TV to little more than a source of corporate propaganda, Nick set about ensuring the TV station became an entity independant of Titan. Knowing that Victor's brazen dismissal of FCC regulations, and basic journalistic principles would not sit well with the Titan board, and also recognizing not only would it look better on Titan if they shed the money-losing TV operation, he set about influencing (read: blackmailing) the members of the board that he could control. Namely Kate. Using what he knew of Kate's involvement in his attempted drowning, Kate is tasked with influencing the vote against Victor's plans to retain Titan TV, thus giving an independent voice to the news against the EnerNext oil sands project, allowing Nicole to continue investigating and reporting the potential dangers of allowing the project to come to fruition, and breaking apart the Titan empire piece by piece, all under the guise of saving Titan's shareholders money. Who stands to gain from Titan's loss of their TV station? And who is giving Nick orders? None other than Stefano DiMera. Are Nick's intentions simply to right past wrongs and save Percy's land from destruction at the hands of big oil? Or is there something much more sinister at work? Please feel free to comment and to ask questions. And thanks all of you who read my Days of Our Lives every week! Happy 2015!

EPISODE 58 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Nick steps off the elevator at the MadWorld offices at Titan. Making his way over to one of the offices, he knocks gently on the door. A voice from inside calls out. SHERYL: Come in. Nick sees himself in, and Sheryl, sitting at her desk, working on her laptop, looks up. Realizing who it is, is displeased at seeing him. SHERYL: Not the time. NICK: Oh, come on! Don't you have time for old friends? SHERYL: I do. For friends. NICK: Needlessly harsh, Sheryl. Sheryl looks up from her computer, staring at Nick, as if staring long enough will make him disappear. SHERYL: What do you want? NICK: We need to go over a few things before the vote today. What is going to be our next move? Sheryl's interest is piqued. She closes her laptop and looks at Nick with a sudden interest. --- Gabi walks up to the door of Hope's office at the Salem PD. She pauses a second before knocking, and breathes in deeply, as though the deep breath will give her the confidence to carry out her next step. GABI: (softly, to herself) Okay, Gabi. You can do this. You've got to. We have to get Nick out of our lives for good. Especially for Ari. Gabi knocks on Hope's door. Inside, Hope shuffles papers around her desk, before stepping over to the door to open it. HOPE: Gabi! What a nice surprise! Gabi stands nervously on the other side, flashing an awkward smile as she tries to look Hope in the eyes but is fairly unsuccessful. Hope can sense her tension. GABI: Hey...Hope. Uh...Can I come in? Hope steps back from the door, motioning Gabi inside. HOPE: Sure. Hope steps back, giving Gabi the chance to come in, and sit down in front of her desk, as Hope slides in behind it. They both have a seat, as Hope attempts to suss out Gabi's very nervous mood. HOPE: So...what's happening? How's Ari? GABI: She's good. She's growing every day I see her. I just...I'm so proud to be her mom. HOPE: You know, I really need to come visit you guys one of these days. I've just been so swamped with work lately I haven't had much of a chance. GABI: Oh we'd love it. And bring Ciara with you! Hope smiles warmly. HOPE: I'm sure she'd love that. So...what can I do for you? Gabi sighs before she speaks, still working out exactly what to tell Hope. GABI: Well...it's Nick. I'm really worried about him, and I was hoping...you could help. Hope looks concerned, raising her one eyebrow in curiosity. --- Marlena sets the manila envelope down on her desk, shaking her head at John's news. MARLENA: What happened to the John who sent me that letter all those months ago? Asking me to forgive him, and that we should give it another chance? JOHN: That was a long time ago, Doc. Things have changed a lot since then. MARLENA: I'll say. Not a word from you since then, while your son went off the rails and drove into the lake. And where have you been? John looks down, silent. Marlena refuses to accept his silence as an answer. MARLENA: WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN, JOHN?! John looks up, shaking his head. JOHN: I can't tell you. Marlena slams her fist on her desk. Fed up with John's secrecy. MARLENA: NO! I do NOT accept that! --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Sheryl sits at her desk, thoughtfully contemplating Nick's question about their post-board meeting plans. Finally she speaks. SHERYL: Well...I think we better start getting our troops on the ground, shouldn't we? NICK: And what exactly do you mean by that? Sheryl smirks, looking up at Nick with a look that's equal parts evil genius and seductress. SHERYL: I know someone who can help us out. Get everyone mobilized in the right way. Trust me, he's come through before. Nick's interest is piqued. He steps slowly towards Sheryl, almost as though the two are flirting. NICK: And....does this someone have a name, perchance? Sheryl's smirk grows, she breaks gaze with Nick and turns back to her computer. SHERYL: Don't you know not to put all your cards on the table straight away? NICK: Oh come on, Siobhan, now you're not playing fair. Sheryl looks back at Nick momentarily, holding a finger up ready to wag. SHERYL: Now now, Salem names! Nick rolls his eyes playfully. SHERYL: You know, Nick, if you want me to trust you, you're going to have to start trusting me a little more. I'll tell you more when I have things confirmed. Okay? Nick shakes his head, a sly grin across his face. He gets up and heads for the door. Sheryl smiles and picks up her phone, starting to dial. --- JJ walks into the Horton house, as Jennifer is preparing to leave for work. She looks surprised to see JJ coming in. JENNIFER: JJ. What are you doing out so early? JJ stops awkwardly in the doorway, trying to come up with an excuse on the fly to deflect from what he was actually up to. JJ: Mom! I...uh...didn't expect you to still be home. I...left something I needed for school. JENNIFER: Right...why exactly don't I believe you? JJ: I don't know, Mom. Do you ever? Jennifer looks at JJ, shooting him a disapproving glare. JENNIFER: JJ, I thought we were past this. Look, I know that right now, I'm not getting the whole story. And I know something strange is going on because your sister didn't even come down for breakfast this morning, and you were out of the house before the crack of dawn when usually I have to pry you out of your bed if you have to be up any earlier than noon, so you'd better fess up, RIGHT now, Mister! JJ looks away, knowing he's been caught. He struggles to come up with an answer for his mother. --- Hope sits at her desk in her office, and looks over to Gabi, concerned about what she has to say. HOPE: Okay, what's wrong with him? Gabi breathes in deep, looking very concerned, as she concocts her story to Nick's cousin. GABI: Well...see...I...I've been spending some time with Nick since he's come back from...New York...and... HOPE: Have you? Good, I think Nick really needed that. Gabi gives a weak smile in Hope's direction before returning to her contemplative look. Gabi looks away from Hope as she speaks, nervously telling her story. Occasionally catching herself and looking at Hope, whose intense gaze makes Gabi even more nervous. GABI: Well, I hope so. I just...I don't think it's really doing much good...see...I've been noticing Nick's been acting really...strange since he's been back. He's just...he's not been his usual self. HOPE: What are you saying? GABI: I...Hope, I think Nick's using again. And if he is, I'm worried about what he'll do. HOPE: Gabi, I don't think you have-- GABI: Hope, please. I wouldn't ask you unless I was really desperate. And I know he's your family but...you're the only one who can stop him. You know what he's capable of when he's hooked. Hope looks at Gabi, brow furrowed and unsure what to make of Gabi's concerns. HOPE: What do you expect me to do though? You want me to throw him in jail? Gabi, he's just completed his parole. He's just getting his life back. I can't do that to him! GABI: But that's the thing, Hope. He's not. He's throwing it away again. Don't you see? You have to stop him. I'm afraid. For him. For me. For Will, Sonny...especially for my daughter. Please, Hope. Hope looks away, lost suddenly in thought. Gabi's passionate pleas have given her the confidence to look straight towards Hope, as Gabi tears up, the genuine fear in her eyes becomes clear to anyone looking at her. --- John sighs, standing up from his seat in front of Marlena's desk. Marlena looks up, not believing that John's prepared to walk out now. MARLENA: What, that's it? You're just going to walk out now? Drop a bomb and leave? John stops and turns around, pained to even talk to Marlena right now, especially knowing how badly he's hurting her. JOHN: Doc, look. There's nothing we can say to each other right now that's gonna help either one of us. MARLENA: Oh no. You don't get away that easily, John. We have plenty to talk about. JOHN: Like what, Doc? What good it is gonna do to rehash everything. Marlena sighs, trying to keep cool. She walks around the other side of her desk and takes John's hand tightly. MARLENA: It'll do me a lot of good, and that should mean at least something to you. JOHN: Doc, don't do this. Don't make this any-- MARLENA: ...Any what? Any harder than it has to be? I will make this as difficult as I want if it's the only way to get any answers out of you. Now you listen to me. Why are you doing this? You're just going to let Kristen win after everything she's done to you, and me, and Brady? This is exactly what she wants. JOHN: Doc, this isn't about Kristen anymore... MARLENA: Then what is it? Marlena grabs both of John's arms, trying to keep him in place instead of running away. John looks as though he doesn't want to engage. MARLENA: John, I have been there for you through way too much. From trying to figure out who you really are, after everything Stefano has done to both of us, all that time that I stood by you, even when Stefano had you...acting like you didn't even feel love...I was there. And it ends because of THIS?? This is absolutely nothing compare-- JOHN: Doc, you don't understand. At all. There is something that...none of us can fix. MARLENA: Then what about this? Marlena walks back behind her desk and pulls out the letter John sent her from Europe many months ago from her desk drawer. She holds it up sternly. John knows exactly what letter it is and has to look away, knowing he's getting emotional. JOHN: I told you, Doc. Things have changed since then. MARLENA: WHAT HAS? JOHN: Oh would you just stop it?! MARLENA: I absolutely will not. I want to know what changed, John. You owe me that. I fought for YEARS to get back to you. I fought so hard for you, through everything. I never stopped believing in us, through Alex, through Kristen, Stefano, when Roman was ill...and now this. And now, after giving me this tiny little shred of hope...that's it? John looks down, trying so hard to keep himself together, he can't conceive of looking up. Marlena walks up to John, around to make sure she's facing him. MARLENA: This letter meant enough for you to send to me, so I want to know why you're here now trying to tear us apart. It is obvious that you're hurting as much as I am, so what is it? John finally snaps, looking Marlena dead in the eye, an anger and sadness in his voice. JOHN: Alright, you want the truth so badly, I'll spill. It's Roman. Marlena looks at John, a look of confusion and disappointment on her face. --- LOVED IT? HATED IT? TELL ME ALL ABOUT IT IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!

OOOO Iris making moves now. Allen might be the key to breaking Iris down the road. Really liking that scene. KC finally gave into Toni. Good. It's good to see her see sense. Curious to see how that interaction with Joy will play out later. I'm sure it is no coincidence that they quite literally ran into each other. Can't wait to see it all play out. Joy already got her claws into Steven. Not gonna turn out well for him. Yikes! Such a good episode. Really enjoyed it yet again!

Oh Jake, stop being so bullheaded. You've done far worse, and you know it. Good scenes with Carl, Rachel and Paulina. You're setting up some good conflict in the family around this. Wonder what's got Carl leaving so abruptly. That can't be good. Jack and Vicky stuff was great. Good to see the friendship dynamics being played. You know how much I like that on AW. Michele and Jake was so well-played. The convenient interruption is so soapy and you did a great job with it. Keeping people guessing. Great work all around!

EPISODE 57 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Will walks into Club TBD, wearing his best (and only) suit. He looks around the room before spotting Tyler in the corner of the room. Tyler looks up from the drink menu and flags Will down. Will acknowledges Tyler, then heads his way. Before sitting down, the two shake hands firmly. WILL: Mr. Houston is it? TYLER: Indeed it is. How are you doing, Will? WILL: I...umm...I'm...well, a bit nervous, if I'm being honest. TYLER: Not a single reason in the world for that. Sit down, let's talk. WILL: Certainly, Sir. As Will sits down, Tyler motions to him as if to tell him to stop. TYLER: No, no. Call me Tyler. WILL: Uh, sure. TYLER: Listen, Will. I have to admit I stumbled upon your work quite by accident. WILL: Oh? TYLER: Yes, I was introduced to...I think she's your aunt? WILL: Oh, Maggie. TYLER: Well, she showed me some of your writing, and...I've got to say, you have a real talent. Will smiles nervously. WILL: Well, thank you. TYLER: You're more than welcome. I think it will be a huge asset to us over at EnerNext when you start next week. Will stops suddenly, doing a double take. --- EJ stands alone in the DiMera living room. Now dressed, he looks over his phone momentarily, quickly texting someone, a concentrating look on his face. He is interrupted by Harold stepping into the room. HAROLD: Pardon me, Sir. But Miss Hernandez is here to see you. EJ: Oh, send her in, Harold. HAROLD: Certainly, Sir. Harold steps aside, allowing Gabi to walk cautiously through the open double doors to the living room. Gabi steps in, and Harold closes the doors up behind her. Gabi immediately steps over to EJ and speaks in almost whisper tones. GABI: Are we alone? EJ: We are. Father went off to take care of some business. What happened? GABI: Well...he took it. EJ: And...? Gabi gesticulates, looking for the right word to fill in what she's trying to express. GABI: And...I don't know. He was...creepy as always. EJ: Did he say anything about Kate and Samantha? GABI: Nope. I mean...he's just...he thinks we slept together last night. EJ looks to Gabi, shocked and displeased. EJ: What? I mean...you didn't, did you? Gabi looks to the side, unsure of an appropriate response. GABI: Well...I mean...technically. EJ: Gabriella. Seriously? Why would you be so damned stupid? --- John stands outside Marlena's office at the hospital. He holds the manila envelope containing the divorce papers in his hands, hesitating to go in. He stops, recalling the scene from the previous night that he spied between Roman and Marlena. John flashes back to seeing Marlena and Roman hold each other on the bench at Horton Town Square, Marlena holding Roman tightly as Roman rubs her back tenderly. John winces at the thought of the scene, but inhales deeply, attempting to keep his composure as he raises his one hand. He knocks three times on Marlena's door. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Will blinks repeatedly, thinking that this will snap him back to reality and that misheard what Tyler, sitting across the table from him at Club TBD, has just offered him. WILL: I'm sorry? Tyler laughs as he speaks, knowing he's caught Will off guard. TYLER: Well, don't just sit there saying two words at a time, tell me what you think about working for us! Will stops and thinks for a second, barely having time to let it sink it. WILL: Wait, you....I mean I'd love to but...here I am making a total jackass of myself, I just...did you just offer me a job? TYLER: Will, you're a very persuasive, evocative writer. And the best part is, you're an outsider. You have a fresh, unjaded set of eyes. You're exactly what our company needs right now. WILL: I...uh...thank you. I...don't know what to say. I mean, at the risk of ruining things...shouldn't I have to...interview for a job first? At least apply? TYLER: No need. Will smiles briefly, but almost immediately goes back into a state of stunned disbelief. WILL: Well...my dad always taught me to read over a contract before signing. TYLER: Glad you mentioned it. Tyler pulls a manila envelope from his bag. He hands it to Will. TYLER: Read this over. You have until tomorrow at midnight. Tyler gets up, closes his briefcase, and leaves the club, patting Will on the back as he heads out. Will stays in his seat, still a bit stunned by what's just gone down. --- Kate stands with Billie in Kate's office, arms folded, expecting an answer to her previous question. KATE: Well? Are you going to vote in favour of Titan keep the TV station or not? BILLIE: Mom, I don't know. KATE: Well, you better know soon. Victor's doing the rounds trying to...I don't know, either gather support or threaten us all into it. BILLIE: Well, I certainly don't need that. I mean, you already took care of that for Lucas and I. KATE: I only told you what I recommend. Honey, you're an adult, but I cannot stress hard enough what a bad idea Titan holding onto that station is. Billie sits down, adjusting her blouse and hair in her seat to try to distract her mind from her mom's unwanted intervention. Kate leans in to try to get her attention. KATE: Do you get it? The station is a money pit. The only reason Victor wants to keep that station is so he can use it to manipulate everyone in Salem into thinking his hairbrained scheme to turn half the town into an oil fracking operation is a good idea. BILLIE: I don't doubt that. But why don't you let him just...do it and watch him implode? KATE: Because if he goes down, MadWorld goes down with it. And I'm not going to let that happen. BILLIE: Fair enough. Kate looks at Billie, a furrowed brow. KATE: Why are you so reticent to go along with me. You know something I don't, don't you? Billie breathes in, a hesitant look on her face that Kate sees right through. KATE: Spit it out, Billie. It's about Jordan and Sheryl, isn't it? Billie takes a second to think over her words before admitting anything to Kate. BILLIE: I think we may need to let Titan keep the station and see what they do. If we move too fast, they may react in a volatile way. They are prone to lash out when things move too fast in a way they don't like. KATE: All the more reason to let them shed the station. Look, Nic... Kate stops herself midsentence, knowing that tying any of this to Nick may implicate herself. BILLIE: Mom? KATE: Nothing. BILLIE: No, Mom. Not nothing. Does Nick Fallon have something to do with this? --- Gabi holds up her hands, encouraging EJ to stop reacting. GABI: No, no, no. Not....not sex. We didn't actually...have sex. Okay? EJ: Then what DID you do? GABI: Well, I had to make him THINK we did or else... EJ: So you didn't actually have sex with him. GABI: NO! My GOD, no! I would never touch that man again, not after what he did to me, are you mad? EJ breathes a sigh of relief. EJ: Thank God for that. GABI: I had to stay with him to make him think we did. I did just like you asked. I took him out, I got him blind drunk and I....switched the pills for the ones your...guy gave me. EJ: And you know for sure he took them, yes? GABI: I watched him this morning, yes. EJ: Good. And you're sure he doesn't know that you switched them? GABI: Absolutely none. EJ: Good. Okay. EJ paces the room, as Gabi goes to sit on the couch. GABI: So...what's our next move? EJ: You will have to contact the police. The only person on the force that Nick will allow into his apartment is his cousin, Hope. So I would go to her. GABI: Okay, so I have to ask her to go visit Nick and see that he's okay. EJ: Yes. Tell her that you sense something is off about him, and has been for awhile. You suspect that he may be using pills again. Guide her to look for them, but don't be too obvious or she will get suspicious. GABI: But...why Hope? I mean, wouldn't she have a vested interest in keeping him out of jail? EJ laughs to himself, a cocky smile going across his face. EJ: Hope is a cop first. She is so committed to doing things by the book of law, she'd build a bloody church around it if she could. The point of the matter is that if she knows that Nick has gone back to drugs, she will be the first to make an arrest, and she'd justify it, knowing that's what's "best for him". GABI: I hope you're right. This...we can't afford to be wrong about this, EJ. If we let this escalate I...I'm afraid for our lives. Gabi begins to visibly panic, and EJ rushes over to her to try to calm her down, putting his hands on her arms, almost shaking her into lucidity. EJ: Just...trust me. Okay? This is the only way. I have already arranged everything. Okay? Once Hope makes the arrest, I've got it all set up so that Nick WILL go back to prison where he belongs, okay? GABI: That's great but he'll make the connection that I'm the one who switched his pills and we'll all end up in prison. EJ: No, he won't. The pills will discredit anything he has to say about it, and he has no evidence to back it up, so it's his fuzzied mind against all of you. Gabi looks uncertainly at EJ. She sighs, trying to relax herself, but is unable to. EJ holds onto her, making sure Gabi's eyes are locked on his. EJ: He won't able to hurt you or anybody else, I will make sure of that. GABI: I hope you're right. Gabi reaches around EJ and hugs him. GABI: For Ari's sake, I hope you're right. --- Marlena opens the door to her office and, upon seeing John, smiles warmly. MARLENA: John! Marlena stops short of hugging him, though it's her first instinct. She steps back, looking up with a now-slightly-subdued smile. MARLENA: It's good to see you. Come in. Marlena steps aside, allowing John to walk into her office. She closes the door behind her. She walks awkwardly behind him toward her desk. MARLENA; So! I'm surprised you're back in Salem. JOHN: Well, I...only got back last night. John sits down as Marlena finds a seat behind her desk, she looks down at John before sitting down. MARLENA: I...I see. Well, it's good to see you back. After a moment of awkward silence, she breaks the silence. MARLENA: I...uh...I got your letter. I... JOHN: Doc. I... MARLENA: I was so pleased that...you were considering... John interrupts her, holding up his hands to stop her before she says anything that will prevent him from doing what he came to do. JOHN: I should never have sent that letter. Marlena is immediately and visibly taken aback. As though a shot has been fired into her chest. MARLENA: What? What do you mean? JOHN: I mean exactly what I said, Doc. John looks down to avoid looking Marlena in the eyes. He fumbles with the maila envelope before placing it on the desk in front of Marlena. Marlena looks down at it. Not even sure she wants to know the answer. She breathes in, but takes a moment to decide whether or not to ask the question. MARLENA: W...What are those? John looks up, almost stone-faced at her, before finally choking out his answer. JOHN: Divorce papers. Marlena looks to John, her eyes welling up almost immediately. ---

EPISODE 56 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Outside Aiden Jennings' office, John Black makes his way down the hallway. Stopping to check the unit number, he sighs deeply as he steps in. The secretary looks up, smiling at John as he steps in. SECRETARY: Good morning, what can I do for you? JOHN: I've, uh...got an appointment with Mr. Jennings for 10am. It's John Black. SECRETARY: Just a moment, Mr. Black, I'll let him know you're here. Aiden's secretary picks up the phone and dials into Aiden's office. John zones out, thinking to the previous night, where he spied on Marlena and Roman in a long, tight embrace. The image won't shake from his mind, to the point where he doesn't hear... SECRETARY: Hello?! Mr. Black! John snaps out of it, and looks back at Aiden's secretary. SECRETARY: Mr. Jennings will see you now. John smiles and nods his thanks to the secretary before stepping inside. Once in, Aiden is stood behind his desk, arm extended to shake John's hand. AIDEN: Mr. Black! Good to finally meet you. JOHN: Just call me John, my good man. AIDEN: Only if you call me Aiden. JOHN: Deal. The two men share a smile as they shake hands and sit down on either side of the desk. AIDEN: So what can I do for you, M...John? JOHN: I have some papers I'd like you to draw up, and the sooner the better. AIDEN: Alright. What kind of papers? John's face tightens at the sudden realization of what he's about to ask. He draws himself up slightly before answering. JOHN: Uh...(sigh) divorce papers. --- EJ walks down the stairs of the DiMera mansion, still in his robe. He strides into the living room, checking to see that the coast is clear before he pulls his cell phone from his pocket and dials. EJ keeps looking around suspiciously as he answers. EJ: (into phone) Are they gone? EJ nods approvingly for a second, before standing in stone silence, the colour draining from his face. EJ: (into phone) WHAT? You mean to tell me that they buggered up the bookings and they ended up on the same flight? EJ's fury rises, as he simultaneously tries to temper it, lest he arouse suspicion or wake anyone up. EJ: (into phone) You'd better pray those two don't notice each other on the flight or we are in serious trouble. EJ hangs up the phone abruptly, slamming the phone down on the table, as the door to the living room opens, with a cackling Stefano sauntering in. STEFANO: Female trouble, my son? EJ shoots daggers from his eyes at his father. EJ: You're awfully smug so early in the morning, Father. Stefano pats EJ on the shouler. STEFANO: Two espresso shots, first thing. Really gives me the pep. You know? EJ: I'll stick to my regular french press, thanks. Stefano sits down casually at his desk, not really watching EJ, but still speaking to him. STEFANO: So what seems to be the problem this time? EJ: They bumped that meddling Anne Milbauer onto Abigail's flight to Rome. STEFANO: Why didn't you send Abigail on the DiMera jet? It would arouse far fewer suspicions. EJ: No, father. It wouldn't. Abigail is a Horton. When a Horton does something, the whole family comes out to wish them well. I wouldn't have been surprised if Adelaide Horton rose from the dead to see her off this morning. STEFANO: Heh, those American family values, eh? EJ: Bloody infuriating. Now it's just a waiting game until Abigail arrives in Rome and I can confirm whether or not her and Anne have crossed paths. Then I'll know if we're safe or not. --- Abigail lies fast asleep on the flight, as Anne approaches almost silently up the aisle. She stops just in front of Abby's seat and stares, a victorious smile on her face, as Anne shakes her head. ANNE: (softly) Well, well, well. Abby Horton got knocked up, hm? Ooo this is gonna be good, hee heeee. Anne skulks away, heading for the toilet at the back of the plane, with a huge smile on her face. Abby lies silent, blissfully unaware of Anne's presence. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Kate sits at her office desk, typing at her computer while studying a document on her desk. Billie comes in, a bit disheveled from the previous night. Kate looks at her over the top of her reading glasses as they sit at the edge of her nose. KATE: Well, someone had a good night. Billie looks on, not impressed by her mother's dry wit. BILLIE: Oh no. No no no, no good. Nothing good came of last night. KATE: I never said anything did. For one, you look like you came straight from a frat party. BILLIE: Well, that I definitely am too old for. I think that's more Chelsea's speed. Kate puts her reading glasses down on the desk and leans on the desk, looking inquisitively (read: nosily) at Billie. KATE: What's his name? Billie holds her tongue before spilling the news to her mom. KATE: So I know him, then. Right. BILLIE: Na--NO, Mom. You don't know him. And why exactly am I being cross-examined here? KATE: I never said I was cross-examining you. Kate goes back to reading over her files, looking back to give her daughter a bit of knowing sideeye. KATE: I didn't need to, you're so nervous. I obviously don't like him. Billie rolls her eyes. Kate doesn't even look up from the computer screen. KATE: Don't roll your eyes at your mother. Now go home, shower, change. And be ready for the meeting this afternoon. BILLIE: That's today? Kate casually takes a sip of her morning coffee as she continues to talk to Billie, not looking at her once. KATE: Yep. BILLIE: But I thought with Brady's accident they were gonna do that next week when they had a clearer picture of whether he was... Kate shakes her head, answering Billie's question before she even gets it out. KATE: It's today. The board pushed for it. Now...you're still going to vote against keeping Titan TV, right? Billie looks on, hesitating to give a definitive answer, concerning Kate. --- Gabi and Nick are both sitting on Nick's bed. Nick has a half-empty glass of water in hand, having just taken a couple of pills for his headache and hangover. After Nick's question regarding whether they'd done the deed the previous night, Gabi, unsure how to answer, looks awkwardly at Nick, before looking at him, almost shyly. GABI: You know I....I can't remember either. I think we....we both had quite a bit. And my head's not feeling any less..clear than yours right now, quite frankly. I... NICK: Oh shoot, I'm sorry. I should've grabbed a couple for you too, I ca-- Gabi grabs Nick's arm before he gets up off the bed. GABI: No no no no! That's...fine. Don't worry about me, I...I just need a coffee and I'll be fine. NICK: You sure? It's no big deal. GABI: No, no. I'll be fine. Thanks though. Look, I...better get going, I've got a lot to take care of today. NICK: Yeah, so do I. Today's a really important day at work, so I need to...get going too. Nick grabs Gabi's hand. It takes everything in Gabi's power not to pull back from him, but somehow she manages. NICK: Look, Gabi. I know we've been through an awful lot but...thank you for going out with me last night and...making sure I got home alright this morning. Means a lot. Gabi gives a weak but earnest smile. She squeezes Nick's hand gently before pulling away, grabbing her stuff and heading out. GABI: I'll see you soon, okay? NICK: Maybe next time I can come visit you and Ari? Gabi stops at the door, turning to face Nick, the same smile flashes on her face momentarily. GABI: Sounds good. Bye Nick. Nick watches Gabi walk out, a smile on his face as though he knows he's won. --- EJ walks back into the DiMera living room, another cup of coffee in hand. Stefano continues to work at his desk, always aware of EJ being around him, but never looking up. STEFANO: So....where is your blushing bride-to-be? EJ rolls his eyes at his father's prying as he sits himself down on the sofa, and places his coffee cup on the table. EJ: She left for work early. I, on the other hand, have enough on my plate, so I decided I would keep it casual this morning and try to sort of...block out all the madness I'm dealing with in the outside world. Such a shame that you're so intent on handing those exact problems to me, regardless of my intent. Stefano finally cracks, slapping his reading glasses on the desk in front of him before he turns to face EJ, exasperated by EJ's constant barbs. STEFANO: You know, you spend all your time trying to cover your tracks instead of just not screwing up like a normal human being. You should try doing a bit more thinking before you act instead of doing it all afterwards. EJ: I had to do something, Father. I wasn't about to let Abigail Deveraux go blabbing to the police about Nick Fallon. Stefano gives EJ a dismissive gesture before turning back to his work. STEFANO: Ah! Who am I kidding? You don't need to think at all, you have me to do it all for you, then you badmouth me any chance you get. EJ: Do you honestly think I am coming to you for advice right now? You have done absolutely nothing but try to run me out of this house and make my life and Samantha's life hell ever since Hope Brady found that damned letter in Alice Horton's foyer. And now you think I'm expected to get help from you? STEFANO: Whether you want to admit it or not, I am trying to help you. Who was able to pull the strings to get those last minute airline tickets for your concubine and that obnoxious woman from the hospital? ME. Who arranged to have Abigail Deveraux's bastard adopted in Rome so your sleazy little indiscretion would not be found out? ME. EJ: Oh, so now I should throw you a party? Maybe a parade would be more appropriate. Stefano shakes his head, annoyed by his son's ingratitude. STEFANO: You had best be careful. You will live to regret this...flippant attitude you are taking. EJ: Will I? Because what did being loyal to you get me, exactly? It got me a one-way ticket out of this house when you decided I didn't have blood ties to you, which makes absolutely NO sense since neither does Kristen and neither does Peter, but suddenly, when it comes to ME, DNA is suddenly your only prerequisite! STEFANO: I am sorry. How many times do I have to tell you that? I am sorry for what I put you through. EJ: It's not enough, Father. You can't make that up to me anymore. The only thing you can do is stay out of my way.Don't meddle in my affairs. Got it? EJ walks from the living room, heading upstairs. No sooner does EJ disappear from view, than Stefano pulls out his cell phone, making a call. ... Nick stares into the bathroom mirror, brushing his teeth. Hearing his phone ring, he spits out into the sink and picks up his phone from the nightstand around the corner. NICK: (into phone) Yeah! ... Stefano speaks firmly, almost menacingly into the phone. STEFANO: (into phone) Today is the day. Do you have everything in order? ... NICK: Oh yeah. Nothing to worry about. ... STEFANO: There better not be. Or you'll be joining those conniving bitches that threw you in the river at the bottom of it. Understand? ... Nick, almost too flippantly, doesn't take Stefano's posturing at all seriously. NICK: Woah! Something got you riled up! EJ must be home. ... STEFANO: Just DO IT! Stefano hangs up, tossing his phone on his desk, before leaning his head on his hand, pondering his next move. --- Marlena finishes getting ready for the day at the penthouse when she hears her phone's text tone. While putting on her earring, she walks over to it, picking up the phone. The message is from John: Marlena looks down at the text, a concerned look on her face. --- John looks over the divorce papers, visibly upset at the sight of them. Closing the file folder that contains the documents, he looks up and out, seemingly at nothing. JOHN: Sorry, Doc. But there's no other choice. We have to do this...for Roman. ---

EPISODE 55 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Anne storms into the airport waiting room, hankderchief tied over her head and sunglasses on to obscure her identity. She wheels her suitcase up to the front desk at the gate, where the flight attendant is typing away at her computer. ANNE: Excuse me. How long until we board? The flight attendant barely looks up from her computer, trying to hold in her exasperation. FLIGHT ATTENDANT: Another ten minutes, Ms. Hillman. Anne frowns under the glasses. Her giant sunglasses concealing most of the expression in her face. ANNE: Listen sweetheart. I was supposed to be out of this one-horse town on the 7:15 flight, and I got bumped. Now we're 15 minutes late boarding on THIS flight. I have places to be, and all your snarky attitude is doing is making me more angry that I had to be up at 4:30 in the morning to be here for this crap. FLIGHT ATTENDANT: Well, if you're tired, there's a coffee house just-- ANNE: ...I HAVE JUST FINISHED MY FOURTH COFFEE. If I have another one, I may take down the plane from the water weight I'm putting on. So, let's just....move it along, yeah? FLIGHT ATTENDANT: That's nice. Seven minutes to boarding. Anne grimaces at the flight attendant, then sits down, frustrated by the flight attendant's lack of interest in her suffering. --- JJ drives Abigail to the airport. He's tired, and concerned and it shows on his face. JJ: You know, I just...I don't get why you have to be so secretive about this. ABBY: It's not being secretive. I just...I don't want to freak mom out over nothing. I mean...like...this is just a business trip. So what if I'm gone for a little while. JJ: A little while? Abs, you're gonna be gone for...months. Do you seriously think Mom's gonna just...accept that you took off without a goodbye or anything? ABBY: I had to. It...it's just...came up last minute and she knows I have to take this. JJ: So what, you're just gonna...call her from her hotel room and be all like "Oh hey, Mom. Remember that job offer I got? Yeah, I'm there now, L.O.L, won't be back until the spring! Thanks for dinner last night!" Abigail rolls her eyes and looks pensively out the window. ABBY: ...Something like that. JJ: I just...don't get it, Abs. Why are you in such a hurry to get out of here, anyway? I mean...Grandma Laura JUST came back to town and you're already...running off to California to work for the DiMeras? ABBY: (interrupting) JJ, Enough! Stop it! Okay, I don't expect you to understand what I'm going through right now, just...please...just drive me to the airport before we miss the plane. JJ bites his lip, sighs heavily, and after taking a moment to look at his sister, who is giving him a stern look, turns his eyes back to the road. --- Kate sashays into the Titan building, briefcase in one hand, scarcely paying attention to where she's walking, as she's on her cell phone. She appears displeased, a stern look on her face. She struggles to press the "up" button at the elevator. As she waits, she begins to speak. KATE: (into phone) Billie, I've been calling you for the past hour, this is my fourth message. Where the Hell are you? This is big, you need to call me immediately. Kate hangs up as the door opens. Stepping in, she sighs heavily, as she and the few others who've gathered round the door step on. As the doors close, Kate looks up to the ceiling, a worried look on her face. The doors close, the elevator bell chimes. --- The alarm clock on the bedside table goes off at the same tone as the elevator chime at Titan, startling Billie from a dead sleep. She sits bolt upright and quickly turns to stop the clock, but it isn't where it normally is. She looks around, realizing she isn't in her own bed. BILLIE: What the...? Billie looks over beside her as the person beside her stirs, emerging from under the covers to lethergically shut his alarm off. It's Daniel. Billie's eyes open wide with alarm. BILLIE: Oh god. Daniel, groggy, looks over through his squinted eyes at her, likely not even sure what's going on around him. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Nick wakes up from a deep sleep. He stirs, groggy from the previous night's heavy drinking before the headache hits him. He winces and groans in pain. Opening his eyes a bit more, he sees Gabi, asleep beside him. He is at once shocked and pleased, a warm smile crosses his face, as he leans over to gently kiss her, as though she is Sleeping Beauty awaiting a kiss from her prince. Gabi is awoken by Nick's kiss and slowly opens one eye. Upon seeing Nick's face inches from hers, she bolts upright, hitting her head violently against Nick's. GABI: AHH! NICK: Dammit! They both fall back in pain and shock, each holding their respective throbbing heads. Gabi looks over to Nick, disoriented and angry. GABI: Dammit, Nick! What the Hell were you doing?? Nick holds his head, wincing in pain, both from the hit to the head, and his quickly-mounting hangover. NICK: Ughh...I was...trying to kiss you good morning and...oh my...oh my God, Gabi. Can you, can you grab me my pills from the medicine cabinet? I....ugh, I don't feel so good. Gabi goes to get up, but quickly stops herself in her tracks before standing up. She doesn't turn around, she just freezes. GABI: Uh...I...I can't. NICK: What? No, seriously, they're just in the top...ugh...never mind, I'll get them myself. Nick gets up fast and stumbles into the bathroom. Gabi breathes a sigh of relief at not having to grab the pills herself. She looks over as Nick walks back in the room with a glass of water in one hand, and the supposed headache medication in the other. Gabi smiles slightly as Nick takes the pill, washing it down with water. NICK: You sure you're okay? GABI: Yeah...yeah, I'll be fine...look...uh....Nick, I... NICK: Gabi...before you say anything...obviously I was little bit...drunk last night....but...do you remember what happened between us? I mean...did we...? GABI: Did we what....have sex? NICK: I was gonna call it 'make love' but...did we? Gabi hesitates to answer, thinking over whether to lie to Nick or not. --- Billie lies in Daniel's bed. Her eyes wide open as she stares at the ceiling. BILLIE: We didn't...you know...do it, did we? Daniel lies beside her, looking at Billie, still a bit groggy. DANIEL: Last night? I don't think so. BILLIE: Okay, good. The last thing I remember...vaguely anyway, was Sonny Kiriakis telling us we had five minutes to finish our drinks before the club closed. DANIEL: Yyyyeah, you...didn't finish that drink. BILLIE: I didn't? DANIEL: Nope...my shirt did. Billie looks over to Daniel, a look of slight embarrassment and amusement across her face. BILLIE: Seriously? I'm...heh...I'm sorry. How did I...do I even wanna know? DANIEL: Probably not. You passed out mid-drink and....yeah. So I had to carry you home. I figured you wouldn't want to have to explain to your mom why I was at her door with her daughter over my shoulder like a caveman so... Billie's full out laughing now. Holding her face in her hands to hide from embarrassment. BILLIE: Oh no! (sighs) I'm...so sorry to do that. DANIEL: Don't worry. I just wanted to make sure you were okay through the night. You drank pretty heavily last night. Billie's expression sours a bit, recalling the events of the previous day and what's to come. BILLIE: Yeah. It's been a pretty intense week. I really appreciate you spending the night with me. DANIEL: It was great to spend the time with a lovely, charming young woman. BILLIE: Ahhhh, yes. That charm that seduces all the Roberts ladies. Daniel furrows his brow at Billie's comment. DANIEL: That bothers you, doesn't it? BILLIE: What does? DANIEL: That I've been with your mom and your daughter... BILLIE: ...And my brother's wife. Daniel sighs, turning to look up at the ceiling with Billie, who hasn't really stopped. DANIEL: Yep. BILLIE: I just have a hard time trusting men. I hear a few good things about you. I mean, Jennifer always told me a lot of good things whenever I'd speak to her, and...I just...you have such a history, and I....I don't really have the room to be hurt again, Daniel. I really don't. Daniel looks to Billie, and takes his hand to motion Billie's face gently to face his. DANIEL: Billie, I'm not looking to start a great, mad affair with you. I'm still having a hard time dealing with the fact that Jenn and I are over and done with now. So I don't want commitments, and I don't need to rush into things. Let's just...spend time together. Have fun. Smile, have a laugh. If something more comes of it, great! If not... BILLIE: Then no one's hurt. DANIEL: You got it. Daniel and Billie both smile at each other. Instead of leaning in for a kiss, Billie holds up her hand, pinky finger in the air. Daniel laughs, holding up his pinky finger and wraps it around hers, making a pact. --- At the Salem International Airport, An announcement is heard over the speakers, as Anne waits, impatiently as ever, at the terminal gate, flipping brusquely through a magazine. FLIGHT ATTENDANT: (over the speakers) Attention all passengers awaiting TSA flight 352 to Rome, we are now ready to board rows 1-12. If those seated in those rows would kindly line up at Gate 13, we will commence boarding, please have your boarding pass and ID ready. Before the flight attendant is even halfway done, Anne has scurried, carry-on in tow, into the line. She checks furiously around her to ensure no one recognizes her as she approaches the gate. After Anne's ID and boarding pass are inspected, she quickly scurries into the hallway leading the plane. ANNE: Goodbye, Salem. And good riddance. --- Kate steps off the elevator, and onto the floor where her office is located. She is nearly at her door when Victor approaches her from behind, a subdued jolly tone in his voice that one couldn't place as being genuine or not. VICTOR: Kate! Just the person I was looking for. Kate stops, turning around, an unimpressed look on her face. KATE: Victor! Just the person I wasn't. VICTOR: Now, now, Kate. This is a friendly visit. For once. Kate rolls her eyes and motions Victor to come in. Before closing the door behind them, Kate turns to her secretary. KATE: Bryce, hold my calls while Mr. Kiriakis is here. Kate closes the door to her office, then walks past Victor, not even looking him in the eye before sitting down behind her desk. KATE: Alright, Victor. Why the so-called friendly visit? VICTOR: Oh come on, Kate. No need to be so hostile. I've come to thank you. KATE: Thank me? For what? VICTOR: Call it advance gratitude for your vote to keep Titan TV in our hands today. It's ver-- Kate sighs and looks away at Victor's obvious vote shopping. She holds up her hand to stop Victor mid-sentence. KATE: Victor, stop! Look, I don't think you realize what you're doing, but you need to stop putting pressure on us to keep the TV station. VICTOR: Kate, what on Earth are you talking about? I thought you were on board with this. KATE: I was...and then I started to think about the reprecussions of this. VICTOR: What reprecussions? You keeping your job? KATE: Ohhh no you don't. Do you not know the first thing about ethics, Victor? VICTOR: Ethics, shmethics! This is vital to our business! KATE: So using your failing TV station to blatantly act as a propoganda machine for your widely unpopular oil sands project, a move that puts you in a very obvious conflict of interest situation with at least three different government organizations, potentially leading to our corporation being bankrupted by fines alone, not to mention the billions of dollars in lost investment which will cripple the oil sands project before it even gets off the drawing board. I don't know Victor. Do YOU think it's so vital? Victor stands still, shooting daggers from his eyes at Kate. KATE: Because I'm not willing to go down with that ship. Plug the hole now or I'll be out of my office by sundown. --- Anne sits in her seat on the plane. Still in her disguise, she is antsy to get off the ground. She looks nervously out the window at the tarmac, before flagging down a passing flight attendant. FLIGHT ATTENDANT: Yes? ANNE: Hi, when are we going to be taking off? FLIGHT ATTENDANT: It won't be long now, we're just waiting on a couple more passengers to board first. ANNE: No, no, no, no, you see...you don't understand. I was meant to leave Salem earlier this morning on the earlier flight? But they instead gave my seat away and put me on this flight, and I am tired of waiting. So these latecomers, they can suck it because I need to get going, okay? FLIGHT ATTENDANT: Ma'am it won't be too much longer. Another flight attendant approaches Anne with the same professional overt sweetness. FLIGHT ATTENDANT 2: Excuse me, Ma'am. I hate to bother you but we were wondering if you would be to trade your seat for this flight. ANNE: For what?! Listen, for all the trouble I've had this morning, you're gonna keep me right here. I worked hard for this extra two inches of leg room, I'll have you know. FLIGHT ATTENDANT 2:: Well, ma'am, there is a pregnant lady in need of the extra leg room, so we were hoping to offer you a seat in our executive class as a thank you for your patience today. Anne's face changes quickly to a pleased expression. ANNE: Now THAT is more like it! Well, what are we waiting for, ladies? Let's get me upgraded! Anne grabs her things and makes a beeline for first class. As she puts her carry-on in the overhead bin, the pregnant lady is escorted onto the plane. Anne observes that she is not showing much, but is walking a bit delicately nonetheless. As the woman passes, they don't exchange glances, as Anne is turned away from the woman as Anne adjusts her seat. However, as the woman passes her, Anne catches a glimpse of her face from the side. It's Abby. ---