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  1. beebs
    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.
     
    ---
  2. beebs
    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.
     
    ---
     
  3. beebs
    EPISODE 121
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson
     

    Alex comes down the steps of the Kiriakis mansion, adjusting his tie as he prepares for work. At the bottom of the steps, he turns to enter the living room, finding Justin there, as he ends a call on his cell phone.
     
    JUSTIN: (into phone) Yeah, thanks. I'll be there.
     
    Hanging up, Justin turns to face Alex.
     
    JUSTIN: Alex! Good morning!
    ALEX: Hey, Dad. I've uh...I've got some news.
    JUSTIN: Yeah, so do I. Uh...you want a cup of coffee before you head out?
     
    Alex walks into the living room and sits down on the sofa, as Justin steps over to the caraffe placed on a silver tray in the corner.
     
    ALEX: Yeah, sure. Thanks.
     
    Justin pours Alex a cup, as well as one for himself, and hands one over to his son. He then sits down in the easy chair next to Alex.
     
    ALEX: So uh...what's your news?
    JUSTIN: Well...it looks like we've got a hell of a day ahead of us...someone tried to break into the Titan server last night, someone who was trying to sabotage the EnerNext project.
     
    Alex looks up at his dad, surprised and concerned.
     
    ---
     

    Jerome walks back into the living room from the kitchen at the Grant house, finding Valerie sitting in her living room, finishing up her interview with Crystal Clarke, the nurse she's looking to hire at University Hospital. She makes a final note on her notepad, before looking up at the screen.
     
    VALERIE: Alright, I think that's everything I need. Listen, Crystal, you've really impressed me, so...I can't guarantee anything, but there's a very good chance you'll be coming on board with us at University Hospital.
    CRYSTAL: (through the computer) Oh that's great, thank you so much!
    VALERIE: Now, I have to check your references, but either way, I'll let you know by this afternoon if you have the job or not, okay?
     
    Jerome stands back, out of his grandmother's sight, listening in on the end of the interview. As he does, he looks toward the coat rack by the door, and quietly as possible, makes his way over to it.
     
    Jerome smiles widely as he realizes his plan's coming together nicely. He leans into Valerie's coat pocket, and pulls out her hospital key card, slyly placing it in his own pocket, as Valerie finishes up her interview, oblivious to Jerome's theft.
     
    CRYSTAL: (through the computer) I can't wait. Thanks again, Dr. Grant.
    VALERIE: It's no trouble at all, Crystal. I'll speak to you soon.
     
    Valerie shuts her computer and Jerome comes into the living room about then. Valerie looks up, and smiles.
     
    VALERIE: Oh hi, Baby. 
    JEROME: Hey Grandma!
    VALERIE: Did you get yourself a cup of coffee from the kitchen?
    JEROME: Yeah! Yeah I did. Hey...uh...how did the interview go?
    VALERIE: Oh, extremely well. I'm absolutely going to be hiring her. I just...you know, I can't say it straight out or else I can get into all kinds of trouble.
     
    Jerome hangs back, as Valerie gets up from her seat on the couch, and picks up her laptop from the table, putting it in her laptop bag.
     
    JEROME: So how soon will you have her come to Salem, then?
    VALERIE: Well...if everything works out right...I'm hoping we can have her up here by the end of this week.
     
    Jerome nods, trying to hide a smile as he collects his information for Sheryl's plan.
     
    ---
     

    At the office of the Justice of the Peace, Eric, Nicole, and Daniel wait with the Justice of the Peace for Chloe's arrival. As they mill about, chatting excitedly, the door opens. Chloe pokes her head in and smiles, calling out to the group in a singsong voice.
     
    CHLOE: I'm heeeere!
     
    Nicole screams in excitement as she runs over to give her best friend a hug.
     
    NICOLE: Ohhhh I'm so glad you could make it.
    CHLOE: Ohhh I wouldn't miss this for the world. 
     
    As they pull out of their hug, they hold each other's hands and smile at each other.
     
    CHLOE: You have no idea how happy I am for both of you. You deserve this, Nicole.
    NICOLE: Thank you.
     
    Nicole turns toward everyone else, a big, glowing smile on her face.
     
    NICOLE: Well, I guess we should get started.
     
    Nicole steps toward Eric, and the Justice of the Peace, while Daniel and Chloe stand behind them, as Eric takes Nicole's hand in hers, and looks deeply into her eyes, as they begin the ceremony.
     
    ---
     

    Sami and Marlena sit in traffic, Sami anxiously trying to find a way to escape the endless traffic jam she finds herself in.
     
    MARLENA: Do you know when they were planning to start the ceremony?
    SAMI: No idea. Nick just said they were headed there now, so I don't think we have much time.
    MARLENA: Oh God. What is Eric THINKING?
    SAMI: Oh come on, you know Nicole's his achilles heel, Mom. She's suckered him in once before.
    MARLENA: You're right...I just hope we aren't already too late.
     
    Marlena looks out the window and sees the next exit clearing up ahead. She frantically points toward it to get Sami's attention.
     
    MARLENA: Sami! Take the next exit, right there. Quick!
    SAMI: I'm on it!
     
    Sami quickly puts her signal on, turning out into the next lane to make their way off the crowded highway.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     

    Gabi and Will stand in their living room, looking down at the gun that EJ has handed Gabi for protection. Will sighs as he slowly looks up at Gabi.
     
    WILL: I hate to say this but...EJ was right to give you this.
    GABI: You won't hear any argument from me.
     
    Gabi starts to walk away toward the kitchen area to put on a pot of coffee. Will watches her walk off, surprised by her appearance of nonchalance.
     
    WILL: You don't seem the least bit fazed by this. 
     
    Gabi stops, as she grabs the caraffe from the coffee maker. She looks at Will and shrugs.
     
    GABI: Will, I'm doing what I have to do to protect all of us.
     
    Will looks on at Gabi, incredulous.
     
    WILL: You don't think this is just a bit...extreme? Gabi, this should be such a red flag to you of how far this whole situation has gone. Don't you see how deep you've got yourself involved in all this?
     
    Gabi runs the water, filling up the caraffe, before turning and placing the caraffe down on the countertop, exasperated.
     
    GABI: Don't you think I know that? Don't you think I've replayed this over and over and over in my mind a million times? I'm terrified, Will. I'm fighting for my life, and your life, and Sonny's life...but most important is that little girl over there. 
     
    Gabi points toward Ari sitting in her crib, Will looks over at his daughter momentarily, a mix of love and worry in his eyes, as Gabi continues, growing increasingly emotional, before starting to tear up.
     
    GABI: I am fighting to make sure that Arianna doesn't have to live another day with the threat of that sick bastard hanging over all our heads. I want that little girl to grow up with her family around her. And I am running out of ways to do that. And I am scared, Will. I am so scared.
     
    Will looks back at Gabi, realizing how terrified shs really is for the first time, and responds softly.
     
    WILL: You don't have to be scared, Gabi. We're all here for you--
     
    Gabi snaps, cutting Will off as she becomes more and more emotional.
     
    GABI: YOU CAN'T GUARANTEE THAT, WILL! Not if we don't do something to stop Nick. And fast. Because I will not let my daughter lose her parents, or her grandparents because of that sleaze. EVER.
     
    Will stares at an almost-crazed Gabi, both of them deeply worried and deeply upset by their circumstance. Will walks over to an emotional Gabi and gives her a hug, as Gabi begins to sob on his shoulder.
     
    ---
     
    Alex looks at his father, totally stunned by the news he's just heard.
     
    ALEX: I'm sorry, what?
    JUSTIN: The um...the same people that hacked the City Hall server yesterday that was in the news? They tried to break into Titan's servers last night, and corrupt all the files associated with the EnerNext oil sands project, including all your promotional work you've been working on with Will.
    ALEX: Oh my God.
     
    Justin holds up a hand, hoping to stop Alex from freaking out.
     
    JUSTIN: Now, hold on. Before you panic, we stopped them in time, but you have to know, it's someone in the graphic design department that's responsible.
    ALEX: That means they're under my watch.
     
    Justin nods, uncomfortable sharing the news with his son.
     
    JUSTIN: Yeah. Now, Tyler may have something to say about that. Umm, for now the press doesn't know, but they want to hold an emergency board meeting about it later today, and...hopefully, we can get some of this sorted out.
     
    Alex looks down, away from Justin's gaze. He tries to soak in all the information, momentarily holding his head in his hands.
     
    ALEX: God. When it rains, it pours, doesn't it?
    JUSTIN: You can say that again.
     
    Alex gets up from his seat and begins to pace the room, Justin looks on, trying to reassure him.
     
    JUSTIN: Listen, I don't think anything grave is going to happen where your department is concerned. I just want to give you the head's up. Keep quiet if anyone calls or any press get wind of it. We need to keep this out of the press at all costs. There's way too much riding on getting this project off the ground.
    ALEX: I know, Dad. Don't worry. (sigh) But...that's not even the biggest problem we've got right now.
     
    Justin looks over at Alex, confused.
     
    JUSTIN: What do you mean?
     
    Alex pulls his tablet out from his briefcase, and, after pressing a few spots on the screen, hands it over to Justin.
     
    ALEX: Mom's decided to follow in Harper's footsteps.
     
    Justin studies the electronic edition of the Salem Spectator for a moment, before looking up at his son, surprised by the headline.
     
    ---
     

    Sheryl steps out of the bathroom, her hair wrapped in a towel, and wearing a matching white dressing gown. She hears a heavy knock on the door and quickly makes her way over to the front door of the motel room, checking to see who it is through the peephole. Seeing that it's Jerome, she quickly lets him in, hoping no one sees him.
     
    SHERYL: Get in, get in, get in.
     
    Closing the door behind her, she looks at Jerome expectantly, as Jerome takes off the hat he wore to disguise himself, and reaches into his pocket.
     
    SHERYL: So...what did we get?
     
    Jerome pulls a USB stick from his pocket, and hands it to Sheryl.
     
    JEROME: Everything you need to become Crystal Clarke, RN.
     
    Sheryl cocks an eyebrow, impressed by what Jerome has managed to do.
     
    ---
     
    Sami pulls up to the City Hall, and quickly puts her car in Park and turns the car off. 
     
    SAMI: Okay. We're here!
    MARLENA: Now, let's just hope we get in there before it's too late.
    SAMI: From your mouth to God's ear, Mom.
     
    Ripping the keys from the ignition, she and Marlena, make a made dash inside, hoping to stop the wedding in time.
     
    ...
     
    Justice of the Peace Watkins stands before a beaming Eric and Nicole, as they stand before him, holding each other's hands.
     
    JOP WATKINS: Well, good morning, and I am pleased to stand before you today, to join Nicole, and Eric, in matrimony.
     
    ...
     
    Running up to the front desk, Sami waves frantically, trying to get the attention of the front desk clerk.
     
    DESK CLERK: Can I help you ladies?
    MARLENA: Yes, I'm Dr. Marlena Evans, and I--
     
    The desk clerk lights up, recognizing Marlena immediately.
     
    DESK CLERK: Oh my GOSH! Dr. Evans! I remember you from when you used to have that radio show on years ago! Never thought I'd see the day...
     
    Marlena tries to cut her off, impatiently trying to move things along without being rude.
     
    MARLENA: Yes, that was...years ago, listen, my son is getting married today, and we need to know which room they're in. Can you help me and my daughter? We're very late.
     
    The desk clerk smiles, ever-so-casually getting up from her seat, and smiling warmly at Marlena.
     
    DESK CLERK: Oh, for you? Anything, Dr. Evans.
    MARLENA: Thank you. I don't mean to be short but we're very late, and I don't want to miss the big moment, so...if you could.
     
    The desk clerk sits herself slowly down at the computer, nodding happily.
     
    DESK CLERK: No trouble at all, Dr. Evans.
    MARLENA: Thanks again.
     
    Much to Marlena's chagrin, the desk clerk continues to prattle on as she slowly starts to look up the room for the wedding.
     
    DESK CLERK: You know, you hear all these things about what's happened to you in the years since the show ended, and I think it's just such a shame, all these ridiculous rumours that swirl around, them saying you killed all those people but...really...kidnapped them and...I can't even keep track! (laughs) People really need to stop with all this fake news, you know?
     
    Marlena resists rolling her eyes, as Sami gives Marlena a look of pure irritation.
     
    ...
     
    JOP WATKINS: If anyone sees just cause why these two should not be joined, let them speak now, or forever hold their peace.
     
    After a moment of silence in the room, Nicole quietly laughs, thrilled that the ceremony can go on without objection.
     
    JOP WATKINS: In that case...Eric Brady, do you take Nicole Walker to be your wife?
     
    Eric smiles warmly at Nicole, squeezing her hands gently, as he answers softly.
     
    ERIC: I do.
     
    ...
     
    The desk clerk clicks on a tab on her computer screen, almost too deliberately, before turning toward Marlena and Sami.
     
    DESK CLERK: What did you say your son's name was, Dr. Evans?
    MARLENA: Ah, Eric Brady...he's to be married to a Nicole Walker.
    DESK CLERK: Alright...
     
    The desk clerk hits "search" on her database window, and the computer begins to work.
     
    After a tense moment, the desk clerk looks back at Marlena and Sami and smiles, slightly apologetically.
     
    DESK CLERK: I don't know if you heard, but the servers were down here yesterday, so it's taking a while for the system to get back into the groove of things. (laughs) Oh, you know technology!
     
    Sami and Marlena smile awkwardly, as Sami responds this time.
     
    SAMI: Oh, do I ever.
     
    ...
     
    JOP WATKINS: Do you, Nicole Walker, take this man, Eric Brady, to be your husband?
     
    Nicole, without a moment's hesitation, excitedly answers, nearly bouncing as she answers.
     
    NICOLE: I do!
     
    Everyone laughs, as Nicole continues to jiggle with girlish excitement.
     
    ....
     
    A moment passes, as Sami cracks her knuckles, unsure whether this relieves any tension, or if she's winding up to punch the desk clerk. Finally, the results come in.
     
    DESK CLERK: Here we go!
     
    Sami and Marlena snap back to the desk, staring attentively, awaiting their answer.
     
    MARLENA: Yes, which room is it?
    DESK CLERK: Ooo! You better hurry, it's happening now. It's in Room 341. It's on the third floor, three doors down on your right...
    MARLENA: Thank you!
     
    Marlena and Sami take off like a shot for the elevator. The desk clerk barely having time to finish her thought. She looks on, as both Sami and Marlena disappear around the corner.
     
    The desk clerk shouts out to them, while waving.
     
    DESK CLERK: Good luck, Dr. Evans!
     
    The desk clerk sits back down in her seat, her expression immediately changing to one of irritation as she does.
     
    DESK CLERK: Damn society folks in this town, always in such a hurry they forget their manners.
     
    ...
     
    Eric places the wedding ring on Nicole's finger. She beams as she looks at the beautiful silver wedding band.
     
    ERIC: I promise, when we do this properly with the family, I'll have something a little bit more...formal prepared (laughs) but for now....just know that I love you, and I am so grateful that I've been given a second chance with you. I don't know what I'd do without you, Nicole.
     
    Nicole begins to tear up, as she leans in to kiss Eric.
     
    NICOLE: Oh, Eric! I love you too...
     
    As they kiss, the Justice of the Peace makes his final declaration.
     
    JOP WATKINS: By the power vested in me by the state, I now pronounce you, husband and wife.
     
    As he finishes the announcement, and Daniel and Chloe begin to clap in congratulations, the door to his office swings open, and a voice screams out, startling everyone inside.
     
    MARLENA: NO!
     
    Nicole and Eric break their kiss, as they, the Justice of the Peace, Daniel and Chloe turn around with a start, finding a panicked Marlena and Sami standing just inside the doorway.
     
    ---
  4. beebs
    EPISODE 120
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson
     

    Sonny stands with EJ in the living room of his apartment, as Gabi lays Ariana down in her crib. Sonny looks at a half-asleep Will, who stands in the doorway to their bedroom. Sonny is mystified by Will's acceptance of EJ gifting Gabi a gun to protect her.
     
    SONNY: What is wrong with you, Will? You think it's a good idea to keep a gun in this house? With your daughter nearby?
    WILL: Okay, Sonny, look. Nick has gone off the deep end before, and we all know that. And he has access to our lives in ways we may have absolutely no concept of. What's to stop him from finding a way to kidnap Gabi or Ari? He's already manipulated his way back into Gabi's life, and she was too afraid to say anything.
    GABI: Not...exactly.
    SONNY: What do you mean by that?
     
    EJ interjects, trying to keep Gabi from spilling the beans on their plot.
     
    EJ: Gabi...
     
    Gabi sighs as she turns toward EJ. She shakes her head before she reveals her real plans with Sonny and Will.
     
    GABI: EJ, we can't keep this from them. Look...my trying to reconcile with Nick, it's all been a ruse. Like Will suggested before. I've been trying to reel him in and get him to trust me again so I could use it against him.
    WILL: Okay...but...
    SONNY: Gabi, please tell me you're not doing anything dangerous.
     
    Gabi shakes her head emphatically.
     
    GABI: No, no. I umm...no, I went on a date with Nick and...well...EJ suggested I get him drunk and...give him his old pain medication to stop his hangover. And then...I replaced his Ibuprofens with lookalikes EJ had made that are really a stronger version of the pain meds Nick got hooked on when he killed Trent Robbins.
    SONNY: WHAT?! Gabi, what the--
    GABI: I had Hope investigate and I was hoping to have him caught with the pills before his parole ran out so that I could have him arrested, but...
    Will sighs, putting a hand on his forehead as he finishes Gabi's sentence.
    WILL: But she didn't find them, and now Nick's back to full-on psycho mode, and if he finds out that Gabi's been duping him...
     
    Sonny turns back toward Gabi and EJ, who both look on very seriously at Will and Sonny.
     
    EJ: You all could be in very grave danger.
     
    ---
     

    Jerome steps into the living room at the Grant house, just as Valerie is about to begin her video interview with Crystal Clarke, the nurse she's looking to hire at the hospital.
     
    He steps into the room and interrupts her before she hits "connect".
     
    JEROME: Hey! Grandma, just...one thing I forgot to do before you start that call.
    VALERIE: Oh! Sure, honey! Go ahead.
     
    Jerome opens up the computer's media player, and sets up the media player to begin recording video and audio of Valerie's computer screen (including the video interview) without Valerie noticing.
     
    Once the recording is set up, he turns the computer back over to Valerie.
     
    JEROME: There you go, Grandma.
    VALERIE: Thanks, baby. Okay, here we go.
     
    Valerie hits "connect", and Crystal appears on the screen, ready to start the interview. Jerome hangs back, watching the interview begin with a big smile on his face.
     
    ---
     

    Sami and Marlena sit in traffic along the highway, desperately trying to get to City Hall in time for Eric and Nicole's wedding.
     
    SAMI: Come on, come on, come on!!
     
    Sami blares on her horn, trying in vain to move traffic. Marlena winces from the noise of the horn blast.
     
    MARLENA: Sami, that's not going to help.
    SAMI: No, but it makes me feel better.
     
    After a moment's pause, Marlena looks over, a bit annoyed at Sami's impatience, and dubious of her motives.
     
    MARLENA: And just what, exactly, is Eric doing that's going to ruin his life? You never did explain that one to me.
     
    Sami sighs heavily, not wanting to say anything but deciding there's really no time like the present.
     
    SAMI: well...I guess, since we're stuck here. I might as well tell you.
     
    Marlena snaps back, sick of all the mystery.
     
    MARLENA: Tell me what?
    SAMI: Eric's getting married this morning. To Nicole.
     
    Marlena looks back at Sami, completely in disbelief.
     
    ---
     

    Eric and Nicole step up to the door of the Justice of the Peace's office. They stand together, holding hands, and looking lovingly at each other.
     
    ERIC: You ready?
    NICOLE: Am I ever.
     
    Eric opens the door to the office and they step in together, hand in hand.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     
    Eric and Nicole walk into the office of the Justice of the Peace, hand in hand. Both of them smiling widely as the smiling older gentleman behind the desk looks up, greeting them.
    JUSTICE OF PEACE: Mr. Brady, I presume?
    ERIC: Good morning! Mister...
    JUSTICE OF PEACE: Greg Watkins.
     

    Justice of the Peace Watkins extends his hand to Brady and then to Nicole, both of whom graciously shake his hand. As Nicole shakes his hand, Daniel opens the door and steps into the room. Eric and Nicole turn to see who's come in and smile.
     
    DANIEL: I...uh...I heard there was gonna be a wedding in here?
     
    Eric walks over and greets Daniel with a handshake and a hug, as the two laugh.
     
    ERIC: It's good to see you, man.
    DANIEL: You too. Nicole, you're looking fantastic.
     
    Nicole smiles and curtsies in jest.
     
    NICOLE: Thank you.
    DANIEL: I uh...I'm sorry I was a bit late, I had to drop Billie off at Kate's.
     
    Nicole raises an eyebrow at Daniel after his remark about Billie.
     
    NICOLE: You and Billie, eh?  Sounds like that's getting pretty serious.
    DANIEL: Well....you could say that.
     
    Eric smiles, and pats Daniel on the shoulder.
     
    ERIC: I'm really happy for you.
     
    Eric turns toward Nicole and JOP Watkins, checking to see who's here.
     
    ERIC: Are we ready to go?
    NICOLE: Uh...just waiting on Chloe.
    DANIEL: Chloe texted me about five mintues ago, she's just parking her car. She'll be up in a minute and we can get started.
     
    Nicole walks over to Eric and takes his hands in hers. She beams with excitement as she leans in and quickly kisses her husband-to-be on the lips.
     
    NICOLE: Eeee it's happening!
    ERIC: I know! (laughs)
     
    ---
     
    Marlena sits in heavy traffic in Sami's car, stunned by the news that Eric is marrying Nicole.
     
    MARLENA: You've GOT to be joking!
    SAMI: I am not.
    MARLENA: How did you find this out?
    SAMI: Nick Fallon came over this morning. We'd been working on a project for Countess Wilhelmina and, he let me know that he'd found out. I guess to give me a warning as a....bizarre thank you for helping him out.
     
    Marlena looks on, confused by the scenario.
     
    MARLENA: Nick Fallon...but doesn't Nick work for Kate?
    SAMI: It's...it's a long story. The point is we have to get to City Hall before that wedding happens.
    MARLENA: Oh you're not kidding. After all the hell that woman put Eric through...and you? I'll be damned if she gets her claws into Eric again.
     
    Marlena and Sami stare out the window, internally screaming as they watch the traffic remain at a standstill before them.
     
    ---
     
    Sonny looks to Gabi, completely stunned by her plan to hook Nick back on his meds.
     
    SONNY: Gabi, what did you think was gonna happen when you started feeding Nick those pills?
    GABI: I seriously thought that Hope was going to see the pills and arrest him.
    SONNY: Oh. Yeah. Hope. Nick's cousin. You know much tension that would cause in the Horton house if they found out Hope was the one that busted Nick? She's not going to bust him even if she DID find the pills.
    GABI: As I found out at Brady's wake.
     
    Will looks over at Gabi, interested.
     
    WILL: What do you mean?
    GABI: I uh...after I got Nick hooked on the pills, Hope didn't find anything, and so I...had someone grab more of the same pills and he...kinda...stole Marlena's perscription pad so that it would look like Nick was stealing drugs from the hospital...
     
    Sonny interjects, rolling his eyes at Gabi.
     
    SONNY: Oh God, Gabi--
    GABI: Well, I had to because by that time, Nick's parole was up and I wouldn't have been able to have mere possession stick, so...unfortunately...
    WILL: Let me guess...she wouldn't look into it.
     
    Gabi looks down, arms folded. She looks back over at Will and Sonny and shakes her head. Sonny reacts immediately.
     
    SONNY: Figures. See, Gabi, you're always going off and...taking matters into your own hands when we should be all trying to get through this together.
    GABI: Look, I know, okay? But I didn't think you guys needed the added stress with everything else you guys are dealing with right now, and Will starting a new job and you're trying to plan a wedding. I just didn't wanna burden you.
    SONNY: Well, consider us sufficiently burdened. Now Nick's so far off the deep end, we have to keep a gun in the apartment. Good job, Gabi.
     
    Gabi looks down, not responding to Sonny's words. Sonny, angry about the situation, grabs his jacket, and heads for the door.
     
    SONNY: I need to go grab a coffee.
    WILL: Sonny, wait...
     
    Will jumps in, heading for the door to follow Sonny, hoping to calm him down, but EJ stops him.
     
    EJ: William...I'll...you stay here, I'll...take care of him.
     
    Will stops, before nodding at EJ. EJ takes the gun, and hands it to Will. Will holds it in his hands, as EJ closes the door to the apartment. He and Gabi look down at the gun, grave concern in both their eyes.
     
    ---
     

    Sheryl lays back in her hotel room at the dive motel at the edge of town where Jerome's put her up. She lies on the bed, watching TV, thoroughly bored. She shouts at the TV as a game show plays.
     
    SHERYL: NO, you idiot, $600!
     
    As she shouts out, the hotel room phone rings. She leans over to pick it up, still annoyed at the contestant on the TV screen.
     
    SHERYL: Dumbass...
     
    Picking up the phone, she speaks, knowing who's calling.
     
    SHERYL: (into phone) What you got for me?
     
    ...
     
    Jerome paces the Grant kitchen, trying to speak just softly enough so that Valerie can't hear him from the living room.
     
    JEROME: (into phone) Okay, so she's doing the interview now, and I'm 100% this chick's got the job.
     
    ...
     
    Sheryl listens, contemplating her plan of action.
     
    SHERYL: (into phone) Okay. So how are we gonna pull this off?
     
    ...
     
    JEROME: (into phone) Simple. I'll try to access her e-mail based on her resumé, and delete the acceptance letter when it comes in, hopefully before she sees it and makes the arrangements, and no one will be the wiser.
     
    ...
     
    SHERYL: (into phone) And if she does?
     
    ...
     
    JEROME: (into phone) Then we cross that bridge when we get to it.
     
    ...
     
    Sheryl sits up in the bed, getting increasingly agitated.
     
    SHERYL: (into phone) No, that's not good enough. There is no recourse on this. If she sees that e-mail and comes to Salem to start this job? We have to stop her...and I think I know exactly how to do it.
     
    Sheryl gives a bit of an evil grin.
     
    ...
     
    Jerome looks off, unsure if he likes what Sheryl has cooked up.
     
    ---
  5. beebs
    EPISODE 119
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson
     

    EJ stands in Gabi, Sonny, and Will's apartment, holding a pistol he was about to hand Gabi. Sonny stands in the doorway to the bedroom, glaring angrily at EJ.
     
    EJ: Sonny.
     
    Gabi turns around to look at Sonny, who walks hastily over and takes the gun from EJ's hand.
     
    SONNY: What the HELL do you think you're doing bringing a gun in this house, EJ?
    EJ: Sonny, let me explain--
    SONNY: NO! No, you LISTEN to me, EJ. I am not going to have Ariana living with a deadly weapon lying around, ready to be used whenever a wind picks up and a treebranch taps the window pane because we're all so terrified of what Nick Fallon's gonna do next. 
     
    EJ looks away, shaking his head as he allows Sonny to finish his rant.
     
    SONNY: And before you tell me this is supposed to protect us, I think we can find a slightly better way than packing heat everywhere we go.
    EJ: Sonny, Nick Fallon is threat.
    SONNY: He may be, but he's too smart, and too cunning to attack us at this stage in the game with violence.
     
    EJ looks at Sonny, an unsure look on his face.
     
    EJ: Not...neccessarily. Not anymore.
     
    Sonny looks back at EJ, confused.
     
    ---
     

    Sami stands in the DiMera living room, shocked by the news she's just heard from Nick, who sits causally in the easychair facing her.
     
    SAMI: He's WHAT??!
    NICK: Getting married to Nicole. In...
     
    Nick checks his watch for a second, before looking up at Sami, smiling widely.
     
    NICK: About an hour?
     
    Sami rushes forward, heading for the door of the living room to show Nick out.
     
    SAMI: You're lying. I KNOW you're lying. You're just trying to get me going and...
    NICK: I saw the appointment booking. They're probably headed the justice of the peace right now.
     
    Nick gets up from his seat, turning toward Sami who has her hand on the knob of the door leading out of the living room. She stops before opening it, then turns back to face Nick.
     
    SAMI: My brother wouldn't be so stupid as to marry Nicole Walker.
    NICK: Do you really have the time to debate me about it? Look, you've done me a huge favour by offering Gabi that contract, and I'm willing to pay it forward. I'm not trying to get one over on you. 
     
    Sami laughs to her herself as she responds sarcastically.
     
    SAMI: Oh...that's a first.
     
    Nick looks at Sami, deadly serious as he steps toward her.
     
    NICK: Sami. Do you really think you have the time to second guess me on this? If I were you, I'd be in my car already, trying to stop this farce of a wedding from happening. No?
     
    Sami stops a moment, looking away from Nick before opening the door to the living room.
     
    SAMI: I guess I'd better get ready to go.
     
    Nick smiles smugly as he heads out.
     
    NICK: You're welcome.
     
    After heading out, Sami closes the door behind him. Frustrated, she contemplates her action plan.
     
    Having a sudden epiphany, she heads over to the landline phone on the desk at the opposite end of the room, and makes a call.
     
    ...
     

    At Marlena's penthouse, a relaxed Marlena gets up from having breakfast and digs through her purse to find her cell phone.
     
    Putting it to her ear, she answers.
     
    MARLENA: (into phone) Sami?
     
    ...
     
    Sami answers, a definite sense of urgency in her voice.
     
    SAMI: (into phone) Mom, where are you?
     
    ...
     
    Marlena's expression shifts immediately, suddenly concerned by her daughter's tone.
     
    MARLENA: (into phone) I'm at home. Sami? What's going on?
     
    ...
     
    SAMI: (into phone) I don't have time to explain, meet me at city hall right now. It's an emergency.
     
    Sami hangs up the phone, almost slamming it onto the receiver, before taking a moment to think of her action plan.
     
    SAMI: You're not gonna get away with this, Nicole. Not on my watch.
     
    ...
     
    Marlena stands in her living room, confused and worried, as she tries to get Sami to answer.
     
    MARLENA: (into phone) Sami? Sami? Are you...?
     
    Marlena looks at her phone, seeing that Sami ended the call. Worried, she immediately heads for her bedroom to get ready to go meet Sami.
     
    ---
     

    Valerie sits on her sofa in her living room, attempting to set something up on her laptop. Visibly frustrated, she tenses up as though ready to hit the computer, before hearing Jerome come down the stairs, ready to head off for the day. Valerie turns, hopeful that Jerome can help.
     
    VALERIE: Oh! Jerome! Good morning!
     
    Jerome stops once he reaches the bottom of the staircase. Turning to face his grandma, she pulls him by the shirt toward him to greet him with a morning kiss on the cheek.
     
    JEROME: Hey, Grandma.
    VALERIE: Hey. You want some breakfast before you head out?
     
    Jerome hesitates, not wanting to stick around, but trying not to be rude.
     
    JEROME: Uhhhh actually, I was gonna meet some guys from the university at the Brady Pub.
    VALERIE: Oh. That's a shame. I uh....I actually needed your help with something before you left. Do you...do you have a second for me?
     
    Jerome shrugs, politely smiling at his grandmother.
     
    JEROME: Yeah. Sure.
    VALERIE: Good. Cos' this here is about to make your grandmother lose her mind.
     
    Valerie walks Jerome over to her laptop, motioning to him.
     
    JEROME: Okay, what's the problem?
    VALERIE: I have to do an interview for a nurse I'm looking to hire for the hospital, and they want me to do it online using this....video chat business. And I do NOT know the first thing about setting this up.
     
    Jerome laughs for a second with Valerie, before nodding.
     
    JEROME: Yeah, that's cool. I can set you up in two seconds.
    VALERIE: Jerome Grant, you are a lifesaver.
     
    Jerome sits himself down on the couch and quickly sets everything up for the video chat, he looks up at Valerie, who stands over him, watching what he's doing. He asks her a question.
     
    JEROME: Now I just need her name and account name so we can finish setting it all up.
     
    Valerie points to a specific tab on the computer screen to guide Jerome.
     
    VALERIE: Oh! It's um...this one here.
     
    Jerome clicks on the tab that shows the woman's resumé. After plugging in her handle into the chat program, her profile appears on the screen, complete with her picture.
     
    Her name is Crystal Clarke.
     
    Jerome stops a moment, suddenly very focused on the woman's face. A very pretty woman with short, bright red hair in a pixie cut, soft chubby cheeks, and a bright smile. 
    After a moment he notices a striking resemblance to Sheryl. Certainly, the two women have some significant differences in their appearance. This woman's hair, in colour and length, differ significantly from Sheryl's. Additionally, this woman is somehwat chubbier than Sheryl, and their eye colours are somewhat different. But the resemblance is still uncanny to Jerome.
     
    Thinking fast, Jerome looks back at his grandmother.
     
    JEROME: I...uh...I think we're ready. So just...
     
    Jerome gets up from his seat, and guides Valerie onto the couch in his stead. He points toward a specific spot on the screen.
     
    JEROME: Just...click there when you wanna connect the call, and you're good.
    VALERIE: Thank you, baby.
     
    Valerie kisses Jerome lovingly on the cheek before he steps away from the couch. He stops to tell Valerie something.
     
    JEROME: Anytime. Look, I...uh....I think I will stick around and grab some coffee at least.
    VALERIE: It's all ready for you in the kitchen.
     
    Jerome smiles at his grandma before continuing on to the kitchen.
     
    JEROME: Thanks, Grandma.
     
    Jerome heads for the kitchen, stopping just at the doorway as he continues to think over his plan.
     
    JEROME: If I didn't believe in miracles before...this might be just what we needed to finish this job once and for all.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     

    Sheryl paces her hotel room in the sleazy hotel at the edge of town Jerome has set up for her. The darkness of the room irritates her, as she has on the bedside lamps and turns on the room's lights, but it's still not enough. She looks over at the room's phone, contemplating making a call to Jordan, but quickly realizes that would be at once foolish and in vain.
     
    SHERYL: Are you stupid? Jordan's not gonna take your calls at this rate. You just gotta sit tight and wait for word.
     
    Suddenly, the room's phone rings. Sheryl lurches forward, quickly pulling the receiver to her ear in desperation.
     
    SHERYL: Hello?
     
    ...
     
    It's Jerome. He stands in his kitchen at home, stirring his cup of coffee as he cheerfully greets Sheryl, almost in a singsong voice.
     
    JEROME: (into phone) I've got some good news for you.
     
    ...
     
    SHERYL: (into phone) I could use some right about now. What is it?
     
    ...
     
    JEROME: (into phone) I may have a way for us to pull this job off after all.
     
    ...
     
    Sheryl smiles widely, a sudden glimmer of hope finally coming through for her.
     
    ---
     

    Alex walks over to Noelle, who is still lying in bed nursing her hangover. Noelle holds up her tablet which shows his mother's picture on the front page of the Salem Spectator, alongside the headline:
     
    DEVERAUX KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN: DISGRACED SENATOR'S EX-WIFE ENTERS GOVERNOR'S RACE
     
    Alex sighs as he reads the headline. He responds sarcastically.
     
    ALEX: Great. She finally did it.
    NOELLE: Look, I know this is...a huge issue between you guys--
     
    Alex snaps at Noelle, trying to stop her from carrying on with this topic.
     
    ALEX: Look, I don't...I don't wanna get into this right now. You know how I feel about my mother and her...politics.
     
    Noelle leans over in bed, as Alex sits down on the bed next to her. She puts a hand on his shoulder, hoping to comfort him.
     
    NOELLE: I do. And I know that you want to keep your life out of the spotlight, and her running for office...severely hampers that. We can keep our distance from her. I mean...she's not in Salem, so we won't have to attend all kinds of party events and fundraisers.
    ALEX: That's not the point. I'll still get asked for my input. What am I gonna say? No, I don't support anything my mother stands for. No, I don't want her to win the governor's seat! Why do you ask?
     
    Noelle laughs momentarily, while rubbing her husband's shoulders, starting to lift herself out of bed.
     
    NOELLE: Look, just...don't let it bug you too much. If it helps, I'll call Anjelica and we'll work something out. Okay? 
     
    Noelle leans in close to Alex's ear, and whispers sensually into it.
     
    NOELLE: Now...why don't you...take a bit more time getting ready.
     
    Noelle giggles, as she lets her hands wander from her husband's shoulders, leading down to his chest.
     
    NOELLE: I guess I'm starting to feel a bit better.
     
    Alex smiles, but takes Noelle's hands off him, and gets up.
     
    ALEX: I wish I could but...I have too much to go over this morning, and Justin sent me a text saying there was something big that came up last night I have to deal with so...I gotta run. I'm sorry.
     
    Noelle smiles, disappointed but understanding.
     
    NOELLE: It's okay. I understand. 
    ALEX: Look, I gotta get ready. You gonna stay in bed awhile.
    NOELLE: Yeah.
     
    Noelle sits in bed, as Alex leans in and kisses Noelle gently on the lips.
     
    ALEX: I'll let you rest. I'll see you tonight. I might have a surprise waiting for you.
    NOELLE: Ooo! I look forward to it. I love you.
     
    Alex breaks away from Noelle and heads for the door, flashing a sexy smile at his wife.
     
    ALEX: Love you too.
     
    Once Alex closes the door, Noelle sighs. She gets up from her bed and grabs her cell phone, placing a call.
     
    After a moment, someone answers, and Noelle is none too pleased.
     
    NOELLE: (into phone) Just when the Hell were you gonna tell me you were running? We had a deal, Anjelica!
     
    ---
     
    Sonny reacts to EJ's comment in equal measures of frustration and confusion.
     
    SONNY: Wh-what do you mean, not anymore? I...


    As Sonny reacts, Will emerges from the bedroom, half-asleep and confused.
     
    WILL: Guys, what's all the...EJ?
     
    EJ looks over at Will, feeling guilty for having woken him up. He nods a greeting Will's way.
     
    EJ: William.
     
    Sonny turns toward Will, almost laughing at the situation he finds so absurd.
     
    SONNY: Will! You know what all this noise is? EJ's decided that the best way to protect us from Nick is to bring a gun into our home. Because that's a responsible environment to raise Ariana in. Don't you think?
     
    Will looks over at Sonny, Gabi, then EJ, and back to Sonny, responding a little sheepishly.
     
    WILL: Well, uh...I mean...maybe it's because I'm still half-asleep but...he may have a point.
     
    Sonny looks back at Will, mystified and outraged by his statement.
     
    ---
     
    Marlena walks out of the front door to her building. Spotting Sami's car out front, she approaches, surprised to see her daughter there.
     
    MARLENA: Sami?
    SAMI: Mom,  get in.
    MARLENA: What are you talking about?
    SAMI: Mom, Eric may be about to make the biggest mistake of his life. There's no time. Come on, I'll drive.
     
    Marlena looks at Sami, more worried than ever, as she wordlessly gets into the passenger's side of Sami's car and closes the door.
     
    Sami immediately speeds off once they're both inside.
     
    ---
     

    Nicole and Eric sit in the car together, the both of them blissfully happy as they head for Salem City Hall to be married.
     
    ERIC: You excited?
     
    Nicole cocks an eyebrow at Eric, who chuckles to himself as Nicole responds.
     
    NICOLE: What do you think? Seriously though, I am so grateful that we got a second chance, Eric. You don't even know how happy I am to be getting married to you today.
    ERIC: You and me both. I know I don't...speak about this much but...you know...after what happened with Kristen and...Dr. Chyka getting away and...all that stuff with the church...I could've very easily fallen into a really dark place.
     
    Nicole zones out, contemplating her own part in the Dr. Chyka affair. She flashes back to her meeting with Hope upon their return from Dr. Chyka's cabin, when Hope told Nicole that it was better they hadn't found anything in the cabin, as it would harm Eric's case rather than help.

    She then recalls putting the files proving Kristen drugged Eric in her desk drawer.
     
    Eric squeezes Nicole's hand, snapping her out of her thoughts.
     
    ERIC: Nicole.
     
    Nicole looks up, back at Eric. She smiles.
     
    NICOLE: Sorry. My mind...wandered.
    ERIC: Apparently! 
     
    Nicole and Eric laugh together as Eric turns into the parking lot at the city hall. Stopping the car, he puts the car in Park and pulls the keys from the ignition. He stops before getting out and looks over at Nicole.
     
    ERIC: Well, I just want you to know...I thank you. I couldn't have made it through all of this without you.
     
    Nicole begins to tear up, leaning in to kiss Eric. After they kiss gently on the lips, Eric unfastens his seatbelt and opens the door.
     
    ERIC: Are you ready to become Mrs. Eric Brady?
     
    Nicole laughs, unable to hide her glee.
     
    NICOLE: I am SO ready.
    ERIC: Well, let's go!
     
    Nicole unbuckles her seatbelt and quickly leaves the car at the same time as Eric. They shut their respective doors almost completely in sync.
     
    ---
  6. beebs
    EPISODE 118
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson
     

    Gabi walks around the main room of her shared apartment with Sonny and Will, holding Ariana in her arms as she feeds her her bottle. Ari stays peaceful and quiet as Gabi quietly sings to her, as a knock on the door is heard.
     
    Surprised, as it's relatively early in the morning for visitors, Gabi walks cautiously toward the door.
     
    GABI: Seriously? It's like...6:30 in the morning. Who the...
     

    Gabi opens the door to find EJ standing on the other side, looking back at her gravely.
     
    GABI: EJ?
    EJ: Gabi, I'm sorry, but this is an emergency.
     
    Gabi looks back at EJ, confused and surprised by EJ's rather dramatic greeting.
     
    ---
     

    Sami stands in the DiMera living room, trying in vain to get EJ to pick up his phone.
     
    SAMI: Ugh! Straight to voicemail again? Come on, EJ!
     
    Putting the phone down on the desk, she pinches the bridge of her nose momentarily, trying to figure out what emergency EJ could possibly have at 6:30am, when Harold emerges from the foyer, getting Sami's attention immediately.
     
    SAMI: Harold?
    HAROLD: Uh, a Mr. Fallon to see you, Mum.
     

    Sami's expression changes immediately to one of irritation as Nick steps into the room, a smile on his face.

    ---

    Daniel stands behind his desk in his office at University Hospital, putting down his tablet, as someone knocks on his office door.
     
    DANIEL: Come in!
     

    Billie bursts through the door, a bit out of breath and an excited look on her face.
     
    BILLIE: Daniel! Come, quick!
     
    Daniel walks toward Billie, a worried look in his eye.
     
    DANIEL: Billie? What happened?
     
    Billie starts to smile as she tells Daniel her news.
     
    BILLIE: It's Theresa. I think she's starting to wake up.
     
    ---
     

    In Theresa's hospital room, a woman in black pumps stands by the door. In her hand, a filled syringe.
     
    She slowly steps toward Theresa, being careful not to make a sound as she approaches Theresa's hospital bed.
     
    Theresa lays in her bed, still unconscious, as the woman standing over her leans over to grab her IV.
     
    As the woman jabs the syringe into the IV line and injects the liquid into Theresa's IV, Theresa's head begins to move as her eyes begin to twitch. Theresa struggles to wake up as she sees the blurry shape of a woman standing over her.
     
    The woman pulls the syringe out and quickly makes her way out of the room. 
     
    Theresa, squinting as she struggles to wake up, tries in vain to lift her arm up to reach out to the woman before her energy dissipates yet again and she descends slowly back into her coma.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     

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

    EJ holds the gun out for Gabi to take, but a voice calls out before Gabi can reach out for it.
     
    SONNY: What in the HELL is that gun doing in our home?!
     

    Gabi and EJ both turn around quickly to see a just-awoken Sonny standing in the doorway of his and Will's bedroom, looking stunned and infuriated.
     
    ---
  7. beebs
    EPISODE 117
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson
     

    Billie steps off the elevator at University Hospital. Standing at the nurses' station is Daniel. Billie and Daniel smile at each other as they give each other a peck on the lips as a greeting.
     
    DANIEL: Well, you're out and about awfully early.
     
    Billie chuckles to herself, checking her watch as she responds.
     
    BILLIE: More like up really late...we had a hell of a night at work and...(sigh) I just needed to see some friendly faces.
     
    Daniel looks up from his tablet, where he's finalizing some work, and gives Billie a stern look.
     
    DANIEL: Well, I hope one of those faces isn't Theresa Donovan.
     
    Billie furrows her brow at Daniel, frustrated.
     
    BILLIE: Of course she is.
     
    Daniel sighs, glowering at Billie's bullheadedness.
     
    DANIEL: Billie--
    BILLIE: ...Well, what do you expect me to do, Daniel? That girl was like a daughter to me before I had Chelsea in my life. I'm closer to her than her own mother. I have a right to see her, regardless of what her mother says.
    DANIEL: You and I know that but I still don't think it's a risk you should be taking. Remember? If I let you in that hospital room, I'm putting my career on the line, and yours as well.
     
    Billie looks to the side, biting her lip, trying to hold in her frustration at Daniel.
     
    BILLIE: Five minutes.
    DANIEL: Billie--
     
    Billie gets agitated, leaning in close to Daniel so as not to project her voice and potentially have others hear their conversation.
     
    BILLIE: Daniel, come on. Just...five minutes, you stay closeby, check in and I'll head home. Okay?
     
    Daniel hesitates another moment, Billie persists.
     
    BILLIE: The guard's on his break, no one will know I'm there. Come on.
     
    Daniel sighs, before taking a moment and motioning silently toward the door.
     
    Billie turns and makes a beeline for Theresa's hospital room door, she looks back at Daniel and smiles warmly at her boyfriend before winking at him, then stepping into the room, closing the door behind her. Daniel looks on, gravely concerned for the consequences if she's caught.
     
    ---
     

    Sami stands in the DiMera living, still in her robe. It's early in the morning with the sun just peaking out. She paces the living room, studying work documents on her tablet, as she sips her morning coffee.
     

    Down the steps comes EJ, groggy, but noticing the lights on in the living room. He steps into the room, surprised to see Sami up so early.
     
    EJ: Samantha...what are you doing up at this hour?
     
    Sami turns to look at EJ, she sets her coffee and tablet down on the desk in front of her.
     
    SAMI: Oh, I...I couldn't sleep so I...I figured I could at least get some work done.
     
    EJ steps into the room and walks over toward Sami, he hesitates before putting a hand on Sami's shoulder, unsure of her reaction. Sami doesn't pull away, though the uncertainty is still on her face.
     
    EJ: I...umm...if there's anything I can do to help.
     
    Sami looks up at EJ, and smiles.
     
    SAMI: Nah it's...it's okay. I gotta present this contract to Gabi at some point today and then...help Will with some wedding plans, and...
    EJ: Contract?
     
    Sami turns back to the desk to pick up her tablet, she taps it a couple times before presenting it to EJ.
     
    SAMI: Oh yeah...it seems Nick Fallon's trying to pit Kate and I against each other for his golden girl. So Kate, Gabi, and I are gonna play along and get the drop on Nick. And hopefully he'll keep his mouth shut on what happened by the river that night.
     
    EJ looks down at the tablet, before looking up at Sami, a grave concern on his face.
     
    ---
     

    Nicole stands in front of the mirror, beaming from ear to ear as she looks at herself in her wedding dress.
     
    NICOLE: Well...take two, Nicole. Hopefully this time, it goes off without a hitch and you'll become Mrs. Eric Brady.
     
    Nicole looks herself over, before her face drops, the worry hitting her like a ton of bricks.
     
    NICOLE: Just so long as Nick Fallon doesn't pull anything first. (sigh) Nothing can go wrong today. I won't let it.
     
    ---
     

    Aiden sits in his office, taking a sip of his first coffee of the morning. He sets it down on his desk, then getting to signing a document on his desk, when a knock is heard at the door. He looks up, calling out to the person at the other side.
     
    AIDEN: Come in!
     
    A delivery man steps into the room.
     
    AIDEN: Oh! Great. Yes. Ahhh....here it is.
     
    Aiden picks up a large manila envelope and hands it to the delivery man.
     
    AIDEN: And that's going to Mr. Eric Brady at the Salem Inn. That's Room 226.
    DELIVERY MAN: Need a signature on that?
    AIDEN: I will, yes. And uh...please make sure, no earlier than 6pm this evening.
     
    Aiden and the Delivery man nod to each other, acknowledging their arrangement, as the man steps out of Aiden's office. As the door closes, Aiden looks on, sighing.
     
    AIDEN: Alright, Nick. I hope you know what you're getting yourself into.
     
    ---
     
     
     
    ---
     
    EJ's concerned face confuses Sami, she furrows her brow as she steps over to the desk in the DiMera living room, grabbing her cup of coffee to take a sip.
     
    SAMI: Why do you look like something terrible's just happened. 
     
    EJ looks away, suddenly deep in thought.
     
    EJ: Because something terrible may be just about to happen.
     
    Sami suddenly looks concerned.
     
    SAMI: What do you mean, EJ?
     
    EJ turns to face Sami, a sense of urgency in his voice.
     
    EJ: I can't get into it, but you need to be VERY careful how you proceed around Nick Fallon from now on. You, Gabi, and Kate.
     
    EJ turns to head out of the room, leaving Sami stunned and confused.
     
    SAMI: EJ? What...where are you going?
    EJ: I have to take care of something.
     
    Sami stands dumfounded as EJ runs off up the stairs.
     
    ---
     
    Nicole continues to insepct herself in the mirror, when she hears a knock on the door. She turns around quickly, confused as to who would be there.
     
    NICOLE: Now who would that be at this hour?
     

    Nicole opens the door to find Eric standing on the other side, dressed in his tuxedo and ready to go, taking Nicole by surprise.
     
    ERIC: Morning!
     
    Nicole jumps back behind the door to hide her wedding dress.
     
    NICOLE: Aah! Eric! What are you doing here?? It's bad luck to see me in my wedding dress before the ceremony!
     
    Eric chuckles to himself as he leans against the doorframe.
     
    ERIC: You're really gonna play traditional right now? This is probably the least conventional wedding I've ever seen.
    NICOLE: Yeah, well...I have my reasons for being a little bit superstitious. This doesn't exactly have the highest marital success rate, if you hadn't noticed.
    ERIC: Yeah, well...I figure we can be an exception. 
     
    Eric smiles widely and melts Nicole's defenses. She cracks a smile and chuckles to herself before looking into her fiancé's eyes.
     
    NICOLE: (sigh) Okay. Let me grab my coat, and let's go!
     
    Nicole steps away from the door, and grabs her coat, putting it on and grabbing her purse before opening the door to her suite. She steps out to find Eric stood with his elbow stuck out to one side, inviting Nicole to wrap her arm around his.
     
    ERIC: M'lady.
     
    Nicole takes Eric's arm and looks warmly in his eyes as they head for the elevator.
     
    ---
     
    Aiden continues to work at his desk, when he receives a call. Without looking up from his papers, he picks up the phone on his desk.
     
    AIDEN: (into phone) Aiden Jennings.
     
    ...
     

    Nick stands in the Brady pub, a to-go cup of coffee before him as he shakes the sugar packets in his other hand.
     
    NICK: (into phone) Aiden, it's Nick Fallon. Is it sent?
     
    ...
     
    AIDEN: (into phone) It is, as requested.
     
    ...
     
    NICK: (into phone) Excellent. I'll be contacting you probably tonight with what I need next from you, alright?
     
    ...
     
    AIDEN: (into phone) Hey, as long as you keep paying my fee, I'm all yours, Fallon.
     
    ...
     
    Nick stirs his coffee casually as he looks up, smirking once again.
     
    NICK: (into phone) Oh, trust me, that won't be a problem.
     
    Nick hangs up the phone, chuckling smugly to himself.
     
    ---
     

    Billie sits next to Theresa's comatose body in her hospital room. She holds Theresa's hand as she speaks gently to her.
     
    BILLIE: Hey, Sweetie. I've been meaning to come see you more but...well...you know your mom.
     
    Billie laughs half-heartedly to herself as she looks down at her friend. She sighs, trying to hold her emotions in.
     
    BILLIE: I guess I should let you know what's up. I...uh...well, Daniel and I are getting pretty serious now. I know he's...not exactly your favourite person, but...he's been good to me. Hell, he's the one making sure I can still come to see you, so that's gotta count for something, right?
     
    Billie stops a moment, never taking her eyes off Theresa's face, as she holds Theresa's hand in hers.
     
    BILLIE: We miss you, Theresa. I know you've got a long way to go and...you may...no, I'm not gonna think like that...I'm not giving up. You're gonna make it all the way back to us, you hear me?
     
    As Billie squeezes Theresa's hand, she feels Theresa squeeze gently back, her thumb moving, causing Billie to jump after a moment, as the heart monitor makes note of Theresa's slight increase in heart rate.
     
    BILLIE: Theresa??
     
    Billie jumps up, and heads for the door of the room to find Daniel to let him know that Theresa's starting to wake up. She stops for a second at the door, a big smile appearing on her face, as she carefully steps back out into the hallway to look for Daniel.
     
    After a moment, the door to Theresa's room, creaks open. A woman in a pair of black pumps steps into the room. She carefully closes the door behind her.
    In her hand is a filled syringe.
     
    ---
  8. beebs
    EPISODE 116
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson
     

    Percy finishes apply bandages from the First Aid kit in the Titan lab to Nick, as Nick sits on the island counter of the lab, he winces slightly as his tender wounds are touched.
     
    PERCY: There you are, that should cover it.
    NICK: Ugh, thanks, Percy.
     
    Nick looks over his wounds before jumping down off the counter, walking over toward his laptop, as Percy puts the contents of the First-Aid kit back together.
     
    PERCY: You know, you gave me quite a scare, Nicholas.
    NICK: Yeah, I...I dunno, Percy. These headaches I've been getting--
     
    Percy turns around, surprised to hear about headaches.
     
    PERCY: Headaches? Nicholas, you've been...rather hazy for weeks...are these headaches connected?
     
    Nick looks down at the table, closing his laptop and putting it into his case, he speaks nonchalantly to Percy.
     
    NICK: (sigh) Yeah. Just didn't want to alarm you...or anyone else. People seeing me in pain is seen as a showing of weakness in the business world. Always best to struggle through your pain.
    PERCY: You're far beyond struggling through, Nicholas. You're in great pain, Nicholas. I mean, you've been moody and irritable for weeks. And now I find you...sprawled out on the floor of the lab. Is someone trying to harm you, Nicholas or...is something else going on?
     
    Nick keeps looking down, a serious look on his face as he packs the last of his things away.
     
    ---
     

    JJ sits in the Horton living room, alone, contemplating the cheque that Liam's given him, when Laura opens the front door and steps in.
     
    JJ turns around, and, upon seeing his grandmother, gets up from the sofa. Laura beams as she walks toward her grandson, giving him a warm hug.
     
    LAURA: JJ, darling. How are you?
    JJ: I'm good. I'm good. Uh...how are you?
     
    Pulling out of their hug, Laura smiles warmly at her grandson.
     
    LAURA: I'm alright, sweetheart. A bit tired, though, I'm going to head up to bed if you--
     
    As Laura turns to head up the stairs to her room, JJ stops her, a serious tone in his voice that catches Laura's attention.
     
    JJ: Ah, Grandma! Please. I need to talk to you about something, it's really important.
     
    Laura looks at JJ, concerned by JJ's tone and troubled expression. She nods slowly before redirecting toward the Horton living room.
     
    LAURA: Okay...so...what seems to be the trouble, JJ?
     
    JJ stops before Laura. He sighs as he looks down at Liam's cheque, before unfolding it, and presenting it to her. Laura hesitates before taking the cheque, studying it intensely before breathing in deeply. A look of grave concern on her face as she slowly begins to look up toward JJ.
     
    ---
     

    Noelle sits with Nicole at Club TBD, now rather sloshed, as they continue to laugh and drink. As they continue to laugh at a joke, the door to the bar opens, and Alex steps in. Noelle takes notice of her husband's presence and straightens herself up, donning a serious expression that makes Nicole take notice.
     
    Nicole turns around to face Alex, unsure who it is approaching.
     
    NICOLE: Well, who is this handsome devil?
     
    Alex, smelling the martini on Nicole's breath, makes sure not to get to close, instead rests casually on the bar next to her, trying to maintain a sense of humour despite being rather unimpressed by his wife's public drunkedness.
     
    ALEX: Ohh nobody, just the tired husband here to collect his wife.
     
    Noelle leans against the bar, sloppily pointing a finger Alex's way.
     
    NOELLE: You got my text. But I am not some meat piece you pick up. I am a woman.
    NICOLE: That she is. A woman who's clearly been drank under the table by an experienced professional.
     
    Nicole takes on a mocking haughty tone as she sips the last of her martini. Noelle shakes her head at Nicole, her eyes squinted partly in irritation, partly in exhaustion.
     
    NOELLE: I don't have to take this. But I do have to take this ride because taxis are eps...expensive.
     
    As Noelle stumbles to get out of her seat, she nearly tumbles, but Alex manages to break her fall.
     
    ALEX: I think you're right.
     
    Noelle, still not paying enough attention to try to regain her balance, objects loudly.
     
    NOELLE: Hey! Don't take her side on this!
    ALEX: I'm not, honey. I promise. Look, we need to go. I hope you two had a good evening.
     
    Alex pulls Noelle back upright, and she struggles to keep balance as she holds onto Alex's arm for dear life, attempting to no avail to maintain a sense of dignity on her way out. Nicole waves goodnight to them, quite amused.
     
    NICOLE: Oh, absolutely, had a blast, get home safe, you two!
    NOELLE: Goodnight, Nikki!
     
    Noelle turns back to talk to Alex as they head out of the bar.
     
    NOELLE: You know, that Nicole is so much nicer when you're not near a man, it's like day and night...
     

    As Noelle and Alex head out the door, Nicole sighs, shaking her head with amusement. T walks over and points toward Nicole.
     
    T: You wanna settle up?
    NICOLE: Are you kidding? The other fake blonde's the lightweight here. Hit me up!
     
    T laughs as he steps away to make Nicole another martini. In curiosity, Nicole checks her phone. Seeing Nick's name in her contacts, she looks down and sighs.
     
    After a moment, she shakes her head, and says something to herself.
     
     
    NICOLE: You know what, Nick? You're not controlling me anymore.
     
    Nicole hits a button on her phone, blocking calls from him Nick's number. She looks up with a sense of satisfaction.
     
    NICOLE: Because tomorrow morning, I will be Mrs. Eric Brady, and even if Eric sees those files, I'm gonna know he chose me. You can't hurt us anymore, kiddo.
     
    As she turns back to the bar, putting her phone down on it, T presents her new martini, which Nicole takes a congratulatory sip of.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     
    Alex drives through the night with a stern expression on his face. Next to him, a decidedly uncomfortable Noelle sits, uneasy with the tense silence between them. She finally breaks the silence, trying to maintain her composure despite her obvious intoxication.
     
    NOELLE: How was your eveni--
    ALEX: It was good.
     
    Noelle senses the terse tone in her husband's voice, and immediately knows something is indeed very wrong between them.
     
    NOELLE: Look, Alex, I don't wanna fight abo--
    ALEX: Then don't, okay, Noelle? I'm really not in the mood right now.
     
    Noelle sighs, before folding her arms and slouching down in her seat. As the pair hit a red light, Noelle looks back over at her husband and tries talking again.
     
    NOELLE: I had a really good talk with Nicole tonight. That was...Eric's...fiancé...back at TBD...
     
    Alex's stone silence as he presses down heavily on the gas from the stoplight makes Noelle lean back slightly in her seat, only adding to her discomfort as she looks out at the road ahead.
     
    NOELLE: She helped me relax a bit...and I'm sorry about earlier at the hospital...
     
    Alex still doesn't react. Noelle persists, trying to provoke some kind of response from Alex.
     
    NOELLE: Alex? Did you hear me? I said I was sorry about earli--
     
    Alex finally reacts, still keeping his eyes on the road as he snaps back at Noelle.
     
    ALEX: I heard you. 
     
    Alex finally looks over momentarily at Noelle. Catching her eyes, his eyes snap back to hers, causing him to relent a little.
     
    ALEX: Look, I just....Noelle, I heard you but...
     
    Noelle leans back in her seat, trying to retain her composure, gurgling out a response.
     
    NOELLE: But what?
    ALEX: But I don't know if I believe you or not. You....you had such anger toward Victor, it just...I don't kn...I...Noelle?
     
    Noelle puts her hand over Alex's, as she begins to sweat.
     
    NOELLE: Alex pull over.
     
    Alex looks over, confused.
     
    ALEX: Huh?
     
    Noelle begins to look panicked, as she raises her voice to Alex.
     
    NOELLE: Pull over.
    ALEX: Noelle, I'm not gonna let you walk home from here, it's still about three miles from the ho--
    NOELLE: Now! Please!
     
    Noelle puts her hand over her mouth, sweating more and more profusely as Alex realizes what's wrong. His expression changes and he immediately checks behind him before pulling over by a park. Noelle immediately gets out and runs from the car, sick from the excess martini.
     
    Alex sits in the car, rolling his eyes momentarily before stepping out of the car to check on his wife and hold her hair back like a dutiful husband.
     
    ---
     

    Jennifer and Liam sit at a table at Chez Rouge, as the waiter pours them glasses of white wine. As the waiter, walks away, Jennifer looks up and smiles.
     
    JENNIFER: Thank you.
     
    Jennifer looks over to Liam, raising her glass to toast him.
     
    JENNIFER: Well, I would like to make a toast to you, tonight.
    LIAM: To me?
    JENNIFER: Yes! To you!
     
    Liam and Jennifer laugh as Liam also raises his glass.
     
    LIAM: What for?
    JENNIFER: For reaching out to my son. For trying to build bridges even though you've had problems in the past. It means a lot to me, and I know that, despite his reservations, JJ appreciates it too.
     
    Liam smiles as he moves his glass toward Jenn's and they toast.
     
    After taking a sip from their glasses, Liam sets his glass down and smiles at Jenn.
     
    LIAM:  I just hope that I can keep making you happy, and you know what? I'm gonna make sure JJ comes around, even if it kills me.
     
    Jennifer laughs as she leans across the table to peck Liam on the lips.
     
    ---
     
    Laura stands in the living room of the Horton house with JJ. She turns suddenly to face JJ, horrified by Liam's latest 'gesture'.
     
    LAURA: JJ, you cannot accept this money.
    JJ: I know. I don't want to but--
    LAURA: No buts. JJ, this is dirty money.
     
    JJ looks at Laura, puzzled.
     
    JJ: Grandma, Liam offered me this to go to Stanford. He said this would cover my tuition and my living expenses for awhile, and--
     
    Laura holds up her hands, stopping JJ midsentence.
     
    LAURA: JJ, Liam works for Stefano, he's been supplying people with pharmaceuticals on the sly, this is dangerous to get involved with him. Besides that, isn't it obvious he's trying to buy you off and get you out of town so he can manipulate your mother further?
     
    JJ looks down, sighing. He nods solemnly.
     
    JJ: Yeah, it looked that way to me too.
     
    Laura walks closer to JJ and cups his hands in hers. She stares deeply into her grandson's eyes as she instructs him.
     
    LAURA: That's why you cannot accept this money. Your mother needs you. Your sister needs you. I need you. We've got to stay together to protect this family.
     
    JJ looks down, soaking in what his grandmother's telling him.
     
    LAURA: Please, JJ.
    JJ: Look, Grandma, I understand what you're saying. And I agree, my family needs me...but what if there's another way? What if this money is our ticket to stopping this guy from destroying this family?
     
    Laura looks at JJ, unsure what he has in his mind.

    ---
     
    Nick zips up his bag and nods, turning toward Percy to respond to him.
     
    NICK: Listen, Percy. I don't know what's going to happen from here on out. All I know is, I have a target on my back. And so will you. 
     
    Percy looks at Nick, confused.
     
    PERCY: Nicholas, I don't understand--
    NICK: Listen, Percy. Tonight I stopped Sheryl and Jordan from planting that virus in the Titan server.
     
    Percy looks stunned at Nick, shocked that he would back away from their plan.
     
    PERCY: Wha--why? I mean, that was our plan all along was to allow them access to Titan's computer system to stop this blasted deal--
    NICK: I know...I know, that was what we planned, but...
    PERCY: But Nich--
    NICK: Percy, just...just hear me out. 
     
    Nick looks at Percy, emphatically explaining his change of plan, as Percy looks back, incredulous.
     
    NICK: See...Sheryl was setting me up to take the fall for the virus...and if we were going to see this thing through...I can't let that happen. I can't go back to prison. Ever. So, I decided the best way to stop the oil sands project, is to control it from the inside.
     
    Percy's eyes grow wide, as he realizes the change in Nick emerging.
     
    PERCY: Good lord, Nicholas. You're not saying...
     
    Nick smiles, as he interrupts Percy. A devilish smile on his face.
     
    NICK: Yes, Percy. We're not gonna take down Titan. We're gonna take OVER Titan.
     
    ---
  9. beebs
    EPISODE 115
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson
     

    Sheryl runs frantically around her room at the Salem Inn, packing up the last of her toiletries, as her cell phone goes off.
     
    Picking it up, she checks and sees that a message has appeared from Jerome.
     
    Lakeview Motel, 1937 Highway 50. Booked under Sally Francis, meet u there
     
    Sheryl takes a moment to read the text before putting the phone in her jacket pocket, and zipping up her suitcase, being sure she hasn't left anything behind.
     
    SHERYL: Thank you, Jerome. Saving lives yet again.
     
    Sheryl grabs her suitcase and runs out of the room, struggling with her bag. As she drops the bag to pull the handle out so she can roll the suitcase out, her ID falls out onto the floor. Sheryl, not noticing, carries on, closing the hotel room door behind her as she makes her escape.
     
    ---
     

    Jerome, quickly walking down the stairs to his family home, is encountered by his grandmother, Valerie, who is just arriving home from the hospital. She looks surprised as she greets him.
     
    VALERIE: Hey, Jerome!...Baby, where you going?
    JEROME: Have to take care of something at Salem U.
     
    Jerome quickly kisses his grandmother on the cheek as he grabs his jacket and heads for the door. Valerie turns around, befuddled.
     
    VALERIE: I...he...hey! Weren't we supposed to go for dinner at the Brady Pub tonight?
    JEROME: Uh....I don't know how late I'll be, Grandma. Look...why don't I text you when I'm done and we can meet up there, kay?
    VALERIE: Okay...sure...Jerome?
     
    Jerome stops, having started to open the door, and very clearly in a hurry.
     
    JEROME: Yeah, Grandma?
    VALERIE: Don't be too long. I'd love to spend some time with you, we've both been really busy lately.
     
    Jerome stops, and turns to look at his disappointed grandmother. He smiles sheepishly.
     
    JEROME: You're right. I'm sorry. I'll be there as soon as I can. 
     
    Valerie looks on, smiling warmly at Jerome.
     
    VALERIE: I love you.
    JEROME: Love you too.
     
    Jerome takes off out the door, leaving a frustrated Valerie behind.
     
    ---
     

    Jordan lies in bed next to Rafe. As they lay together in Rafe's bedroom, Jordan wrapped in Rafe's arms, she looks, at last, content, her new engagement ring shining on her finger.
     
    Jordan begins to dream, recalling Sheryl's ominous threat from earlier:
     
    ***
     
    FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 105
     
    Jordan stands in Sheryl's office, and looks down, arms still folded in discomfort as she tries to hold herself back. Sheryl looks on, standing behind her desk. Jordan sighs heavily, as she wordlessly listens to Sheryl’s emphatic words.
     
    SHERYL: You can pretend like you have this great future with Rafe, Jordan, but we both know that once we launch that virus tonight, the ISA and the Salem PD are going to be onto us, and you and I will have to leave town and take on a new identity. There’s no way out Jordan. Even if you back out now.
     
    ***
     
    Jordan's snapped out of her memory by the sound of her phone buzzing. 
     
    Trying to pick it up from the bedside table without waking Rafe, she reaches over to the table, and reads the name on the call:
     
    It's Sheryl.
     
    Sighing heavily, she ponders answering the call.
     
    ---
     

    Percy steps into the Titan Lab, excited for the news Nick was to have for him by evening.
     
    PERCY: Greetings! ...Nicholas? 
     
    Percy, unsure whether Nick is even in the room, steps delicately into the lab, looking around, confused.
     
    PERCY: Nicholas, I just received your text messages inviting me to come on down here...
     
    Seeing a single desk lamp illuminated by Nick's still-open laptop, Percy slowly makes his way over towards it. Midway there, Percy's shoe crushes some glass from where Nick dropped the test tubes as he fell. The crunching sound startles Percy, as he looks down at the ground.
     

    Looking down with a furrowed brow, Percy pivots the desk lamp slightly to catch a better light at the ground. Seeing more test tubes broken, Percy hastily walks over to one side of the room and flips on the lights, at which point, he sees Nick collapsed on the ground surrounded by the shattered test tubes.
     
    He looks on stunned.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     
    Jordan decides the cancel the call to Sheryl, then fumbles to turn her phone off, before laying it down.
     
    Laying the phone back down before snuggling back into a sleeping Rafe, she sighs, thinking to herself.
     
    JORDAN: (in her head) Sorry, Sheryl. You're on your own from now on.
     
    Jordan shuts her eyes, and nods off, comfortable in the arms of her fiancé.
     
    ---
     
    Sheryl stands in her new room at the Lakeview Motel, irritated as she pulls the cell phone from her ear after Jordan hung up on her.
     
    SHERYL: Dammit. You stupid...(sigh)
     
    Shortly thereafter, Jerome's car pulls up out front of her room. Not wanting to draw attention to herself, Sheryl walks over to the door, and quickly waves Jerome inside. 
    Once inside, Sheryl quickly closes and locks the door.
     
    JEROME: Glad you made it.
    SHERYL: Yeah, well, I had a hell of a time finding the place. The maps app needs to do a bit of updating with all the construction around that stupid oil field.
     
    Sheryl paces the room, keeping an eye out the window for any unwelcome visitors.
     
    JEROME: Well, if things go according to plan--
     
    Sheryl snaps at Jerome, turning abruptly around to respond to Jerome.
     
    SHERYL: Oh things are definitely not going to plan now.
    JEROME: What do you mean?
    SHERYL: I mean we're caught. They bugged my laptop, and they blew up my laptop before I could plant the virus.
     
    Jerome looks on, very worried. He sighs, looking down away from Sheryl as he tries to help her figure out what to do next.
     
    JEROME: Damn...okay, so...you got a good idea who planted it there?
    SHERYL: Fairly certain it was Billie Reed. She's uh...Lucas' sister.
    JEROME: Okay...and you can't think of anyone else who might be a suspect? Like that Nick dude who you were planning to set up as the fall guy for this?
     
    Sheryl looks down, eventually shaking her head.
     
    SHERYL: Nah...I mean (sigh) honestly, I don't know. She could be in cahoots with him but...Nick's a bit of a lone wolf. I checked him out pretty thoroughly and he only ever was working alone. From what I've gathered, he's alienated too many people in town to really have any allies at this rate.

    JEROME: But you haven't spoken to him at all since before the virus was supposed to be planted.
    SHERYL: No, I haven't. I wouldn't bother keeping him too closeby anyway. The little twerp wouldn't know if he was on foot or horseback.
     
    Sheryl flashes a smirk at Jerome momentarily, before looking down more pensively. She continues her thought.
     
    SHERYL: Besides, I honestly thought he was genuinely on our side with this. That's what made this whole set up so easy. Nick was gonna be working late at the lab, playing innocent, while Jordan, you and I planted the virus, and--
     
    Jerome interrupts Sheryl, raising a point of his own.
     
    JEROME: Speaking of Jordan...what's gonna happen there? I mean...if you're caught, I mean...you and Jordan are so tightly connected...it's only a matter of time before the cops come looking for both of you.
     
    Sheryl laughs dismissively, shaking her head as she paces the room some more.
     
    SHERYL: Try telling Jordan that. No, she's completely fixated on this fairytale life she's constructed in her mind with Rafe Hernandez. She's completely beyond seeing any sense about it.
    JEROME: Well, what are you gonna do? She can't stay here, she's a liability.
    SHERYL: Oh I know. That's the thing, though. She can't stay and we can't go anywhere without her or we're sunk too.
    JEROME: So?
     
    Sheryl stops, and stares out the window, resigned to a fate she didn't anticipate.
     
    SHERYL: We've got to stay here, under the radar until we're able to get Jordan out of here...whether she likes it or not.
     
    Jerome looks on, gravely concerned for Sheryl and Jordan's safety.
     
    ---
     

    Julie, Maggie, Alex, and Will walk out of the archway leading into the new Penthouse Grille. They all are talking amongst themselves, still congratulatory over Julie being named manager by Maggie.
     
    JULIE: Oh, thank you again, Maggie. You know, I know that it's gonna mean long hours and it'll probably put a bit of a crimp in my travel time with Doug, but...you know, honestly, I think it's about time we spent a bit more time here in Salem with the family.
    MAGGIE: I agree.
    WILL: Completely.
     
    The group laughs, as Julie turns to press the button for the elevator.
     
    MAGGIE: Well, listen, we're going to finalize details this week, and then everything should be ready for the grand opening in a couple weeks. How's that sound?
    JULIE: Wonderful. Thanks again, Maggie. For everything.
     
    Julie takes Maggie's hands and holds them in hers. They look warmly at each other, before Maggie pulls Julie into a hug.
     
    MAGGIE: Anything for family.
    JULIE: Absolutely. And speaking of family, you keep me posted about how Victor's doing. I want him to make a speedy recovery.
    MAGGIE: I will.
     
    The elevator doors open, and Julie steps on, the rest of the group looking on.
     
    JULIE: Good night.
    ALEX: Night, Julie.
     
    As the doors shut, Maggie turns to Alex and Will and smiles.
     
    MAGGIE: Now...if you'll excuse me, boys. I still have menu items I'm going to have to finalize ingredient sources for. I'll be in my office.
    ALEX: Alright, we'll see you later.
    WILL: Thanks, Aunt Maggie.
     
    Maggie hugs both Will and then Alex, before walking back into the still-under-construction restaurant, headed for her office, leaving Will and Alex alone.
     
    Will turns away awkwardly, trying to avoid a private moment with Alex. Alex, meanwhile, turns toward Will, and, noticing Will's avoidance, calls out to him.
     
    ALEX: Hey! Where you going?
     
    Will plays it cool, and checks his watch as he talks.
     
    WILL: Well, I gotta get home. I have a fiancé waiting, and I was supposed to be home about oh....two hours ago?
    ALEX: Ahh...yeah. Sonny. Listen, I...I hope you two are in a better place than you were the night of the party at Uncle Vic's, I--
     
    Will holds his hand up to stop Alex midsentence.
     
    WILL: Sonny and I are fine. We worked things out, just like always. 
     
    Alex smiles, somewhat half-heartedly, as Will pushes the down button on the elevator himself.
     
    ALEX: I'm glad to hear it.
    WILL: And how's...Noelle, is it?
     
    Alex tries to look at Will but the tension in the air between them makes it awkward. Alex shuffles a bit, looking away a lot as he tries to avoid answering Will's question.
     
    ALEX: Yeah! She's...uh...well...she's fine. We had a...bit of an argument but...
    WILL: Oh...I'm sorry to hear.
     
    As the elevator door opens, Will smiles at Alex before stepping on. Will turns to face Alex, and smiles at him. 
     
    WILL: You coming?
     
    Alex doesn't react for a moment, still deep in his own thoughts, before responding to Will by motioning his refusal.
     
    ALEX: No! No, no. I uh...I gotta take care of some stuff at the office. You go ahead. I'll see you tomorrow.
    WILL: Kay. Have a good night.
    ALEX: Night, Will.
     
    Will smiles as the elevator door closes. Once the door shuts, Will's face immediately drops in relief. He rests himself against the back wall of the elevator, and lets out a heavy sigh.
     
    WILL: Well, Will? You did it. You made it through another day without cracking. (sigh) How much longer can you keep doing it, though?
     
    On the other side of the elevator door, Alex turns back around, unsure of how he feels. He pulls out his cell phone, to text Noelle, initially, before seeing Will's name at the top of his "recent texts" list.
     
    Nearly clicking Will's name instead, he finally taps on Noelle's name, and texts her:
     
    omw home. u awake?
     
    Alex sighs as looks down at his phone, trying to process the evening's events.
     
    ---
     
    Percy kneels over a still-passed out Nick, shaking him to try to revive him.
     
    PERCY: Nicholas! Wake up! Are you okay???
     
    Nick struggles to revive himself, grunting as he starts to come to. Percy seems relieved when he does.
     
    NICK: Ugh...uhhhh Percy...
    PERCY: Yes, Nicholas, what can I do?
    NICK: Per...Percy grab my pills, they're in my bag. I need two. My head.
     
    Nick's world spins around him, the pain still pulsating in his head. The pressure unbearable.
     
    Percy leaps into action, grabbing Nick's bag and rummaging through it. Pulling out the pills, Nick begins to lift himself up. Percy struggles to find an in-tact glass to give Nick water, but eventually does, as Nick rests on the ground, head still woozy.
     
    NICK: The...pills...
    PERCY: They're on their way, Nicholas.
     
    Nick nods slowly, trying to catch his breath, as he lifts one hand up and studies it. Realizing his hands are bloodied, he looks at them, an exaggerated surprise in his eyes.
     
    NICK: What happ--agh!
     
    A sharp pain hits Nick, as Percy tries to feed Nick his pills. Nick hastily swallows the pills and grabs the water, spilling much of it on himself as he drinks up.
     
    PERCY: Excellent, excellent. There we go, Nicholas. Now...how do you feel?
    NICK: (gasping) like Hell. But....(pant) I'll be okay. Percy!
     
    Percy, getting up from Nick's side, looks back and kneels back down. 
     
    PERCY: Nicholas...who did this to you?
     
    Nick looks at Percy, confused for a moment, before smiling through his pain.
     
    NICK: This? What? Heh heh heh oh this???
     
    Nick holds his hands up to show the bloodied mess to Percy, as well as realizing he has a rather sizeable cut above his eyebrow.
     
    NICK: Oh, that was...nothing.
    PERCY: Well, it seems to me like someone's out to hurt you, and it wouldn't surprise me, under the circumstances.
    NICK: No, no, Percy....you need to listen to me carefully...(gasp) You can't tell ANYONE, no cops, nobody here at Titan...no one at the TV station...nobody...can know about this...or anything we've been doing here, okay? If anyone asks, you say nothing, and you can't tell anyone anything if something happens to me, okay? You can't....you can't trust ANYONE, got it?
     
    Percy looks at Nick, even more terrified. He nods quickly back at Nick.
     
    PERCY: Absolutely, Nicholas.
    NICK: I know...I know I look bad right now, but....you don't understand, now that things have gone down? You have to stay absolutely silent, no matter what. Or there'll be a target on all of our backs. Got it?
     
    Percy draws himself up, petrified, and believing Nick's current state is the result of someone attacking him. He begins to shake a bit in terror at the situation at hand, his eyes never off Nick's intense gaze.
     
    ---
  10. beebs
    EPISODE 114
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson
     
     


    Maggie, Julie, Alex, and Will step into the main hall of what will soon be the re-opened Penthouse Grille. The building is still very much a work-in-progress, with scaffoldings all around the room, and half-completed painting on the walls. Still, the group is impressed by what will soon come.
     
    MAGGIE: So I just want to thank everyone for coming down here. I know it was last minute and I apologize for changing the venue so suddenly, but I'm glad you could all make it down here.
    WILL: It's no trouble at all. 
    MAGGIE: I'm pleased. Because I couldn't wait to show you all.
     
    Maggie holds out her arms, beaming with excitement as she turns around like a game show model to show off the new restaurant.
     
    MAGGIE: This is the new space.
     
    Julie looks around the room, smiling excitedly alongside Maggie.
     
    JULIE: Maggie, this is going to be incredible! Oh, you must be so excited.
    ALEX: She's not the only one. We have an elaborate marketing campaign planned for this space to go along with a modern, upscale decor, and plush furnishings. This place is going to be THE hotspot of Salem.
     
    Will looks to Alex, giving a playful grin to him.
     
    WILL: You'd better be careful, your brother might get jealous and fight back.
     
    The group share a laugh, before Alex responds in kind.
     
    ALEX: Well, it's all in the family. I think there's enough of a market in Salem for both spaces to operate successfully.
    MAGGIE: Well, I agree. And I think Sonny's plan, from what he told me earlier, was that he planned to use the TBD space going forward more as a lounge and less as a dinner space, so I'm absolutely sure we can find the right balance.
    JULIE: Absolutely. Besides, with how unbelievably grand this place is, this could be a premier spot for events.
     
    Maggie smiles and turns to face Julie, almost bursting with excitement.
     
    MAGGIE: Well, I'm glad you're so enthusiastic about it, Julie, because I had something I wanted to ask you.
     
    Julie stands dumbstruck. Unsure what to expect, she turns to face Maggie.
     
    JULIE: Me? What is it, Maggie?
    MAGGIE: Well...I know you have a whole lot of enthusiasm and decades of experience in running clubs like this...would you do me the honour of running the Penthouse Grille?
    Julie looks at Maggie, suprised and beginning to smile.
     
    ---
     

    Tyler stands in the Titan Lab with Nick. Tyler is incensed by Nick's demands of him, and responds angrily.
     
    TYLER: You have absolutely no grounds to make demands of me, young man.
     
    Nick turns to face him, nonchalantly. He looks directly into Tyler's eyes as he smriks, cooly responding to Tyler's rage.
     
    NICK: I would watch that tone you take with me. You remember the fact I had access to the security system and was able to not only track down but also prevent this virus from going through? What makes you think I don't have access to anything else around here?
     
    Tyler draws himself up, uncomfortable with the direction Nick's going with this.
     
    NICK: You see, I know an awful lot about a lot of people in this building. Including you...your brother...and where your connections in "business" really are. Don't test me, Tyler.
     
    Tyler's face goes ghost white as Nick slowly hints at his familial connections, sighing heavily as he realizes what's at stake.
     
    ---
     

    Noelle and Nicole sit at the bar at Club TBD. The soft, intimate lighting creates a relaxed mood for the two, as the tensions between them lower with each drink. As Nicole sets her martini down, Noelle lifting hers to her lips to take a sip.
     
    NICOLE: So for the record: Victor Kiriakis is a safe topic with me. There is no love lost between him and I.
     
    Noelle turns, intrigued.
     
    NOELLE: Oh really? Why, what did Old Man Vic do to you?
    NICOLE: Ohhh...I could tell you but...we'd need a few weeks before I finish. Let's just say it took me a few years, a murder attempt, some blackmail, and a court case...yeah...he's...taken me to the cleaners a few times.
     

    Nicole quickly finishes her martini, trying to wash down the memories of Victor, before holding up her finger to catch T's attention.
     
    NICOLE: T! Another martini?
    T: Sure thing, Miss Walker.
    NICOLE: Thanks, darlin'.
     
    Nicole turns again to face Noelle, with a raised eyebrow and a cheeky grin.
     
    NICOLE: What did that sour old malaka do to you?
     
    Noelle chortles at Nicole's crack, before turning back in Nicole's direction, putting her martini down on the bar.
     
    NOELLE: Well..for one, he killed my father.
     
    Nicole looks on, stunned by the grave news.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     
    Julie stands, amazed as Maggie smiles back at her.
     
    JULIE: Me? You...You want me to run this...this beautiful place?
    MAGGIE: I couldn't think of anyone better suited to it. You and Doug have been masters in this field for a very, very long time. Heck, you even teach ME a thing or two now and then.
     
    Everyone laughs as Maggie reaches into her bag and pulls out the keys to the restaurant. She holds them out for Julie to take.
     
    JULIE: Maggie, I don't know what to say!
    MAGGIE: Say yes! (laughs) It would be my honour to have you be my right hand. 
     
    Julie takes a moment, before taking the keys from Maggie. They immediately reach for each other and give each other a warm hug, laughing and beaming as Alex and Will applaud their new family venture.
     
    ---
     

    JJ holds the cheque Liam's given him in his hands as he sits on the sofa in the Horton living room. He looks over at a smiling Liam, who sits nearby in an easy chair, with Jenn sitting along the back of the chair, beaming at her son.
     
    JJ: I...I honestly don't know what to say, Liam.
    LIAM: Don't say anything right now. Think about it. I know we...we really haven't seen eye-to-eye so far but...I just figured this could be a step in the right direction. 
     
    JJ looks up at Liam, seriously. He then looks up at his smiling mom, and nods.
     
    JJ: Alright. Give me some time. But...I just want you to know...I really appreciate this.
     
    JJ gets up from the sofa, as Liam does as well, and Jennifer walks toward the two of them, resting her arms on Liam's broad shoulder.
     
    LIAM: It's my pleasure, JJ.
     
    The two men shake hands as Liam turns toward Jennifer.
     
    LIAM: I think....it's time we took ourselves out for the evening. JJ, let me know what you decide.
    JJ: Will do. Have a good time, you guys.
     
    Jennifer pulls JJ into a tight hug.
     
    JENNIFER: Thank you, Sweetie. I'll see you later.
    JJ: Bye, Mom.
     
    As Jenn follows Liam out of the room, JJ turns back away from the two of them, his face dropping with worry as he holds the cheque in his hands. He shakes his head, increasingly unsure of Liam and his motives.
     
    ---
     
    Nicole looks at Noelle, shocked by what she's just heard, as she uncomfortably stirs her martini, trying to find a response.
     
    NICOLE: So...uh...wait, your...your dad...
    NOELLE: Neil Curtis.
    NICOLE: Neil Curtis...how did he get involved with Victor?
     
    Noelle casually takes a sip of her martini before responding to Nicole.
     
    NOELLE: Oh, I don't think we have time for all that--
    NICOLE: Oh come on, you can't drop a bomb like that and just tell me you don't wanna talk about it--
     
    Noelle interrupts Nicole's complaining, leaning back and sighing, rolling her eyes in defeat.
     
    NOELLE: OKAY, okay, fine. If you really wanna know, my dad had a gambling problem, and...ugh...it's complicated, my mother-in-law...Anjelica...she was with my dad at the time, and...
     
    Nicole's eyes dart back and forth as Noelle explains, trying to keep track of the complicated connections in her head.
     
    NOELLE: I dunno, Victor wanted Anjelica for himself, so he manipulated dad into going back into gambling and then...started loan sharking him and...well...that's when things started going downhill. Dad had to close Blondie's, I dunno if you remember driving past that place when you were young.
    NICOLE: Must've been before my time.
     
    Noelle shrugs, and stirs her martini, still a bit wistful as she recalls her early childhood.
     
    NOELLE: Well...by then I was living with my mom in LA anyway, so...I wasn't around for any of that, really. I just know that when my dad finally moved to LA to be near us...he was...he wasn't well. He was...weary. Worn down. He never told us anything about what happened with Victor after he lost Blondie's but...you could tell it hurt him a lot. Mom and I really helped him feel....normal again, I guess, but...he put himself head first into his work. Mom and I never knew why he was obsessed with working and money and...he just...never seemed to have enough on the go, never let a penny slip.
     
    Noelle looked up at Nicole, deadly serious. Nicole looks back, engrossed in Noelle's confessional story.
     
    NICOLE: Victor still had Neil by the balls?
    NOELLE: Oh yeah. You could definitely say that. Victor may have mellowed with the mafia stuff...
    NICOLE: ...But he can still hold a grudge better than anyone.
     
    Noelle nods before looking down, holding her martini glass between her hands.
     
    NOELLE: Exactly. And my dad had a heart attack...about two years ago. And only when he died did we find out...he barely had any estate left. He had bled every account, every...trust...down to nothing...just so Mom and I didn't feel deprived or like...he was a burden on us. It was all a show, Nicole. Victor had never stopped feeding his addiction...but it was always there, and to the day he died, he was on the hook to that man. It was sick.
     
    Nicole reaches a hand out to Noelle, squeezing it gently.
     
    NICOLE: I'm so sorry.
     
    Noelle, fighting back tears, smiles half-heartedly, never looking up from the table.
     
    NOELLE: Thanks...so...yeah...
    NICOLE: You know....I know this is rich coming from me but...do you think, maybe it's healthier to just....let go of that anger? I mean...you've got a good life, a wonderful husband who loves you--
     
    Noelle guffaws at Nicole's mention of Alex, interrupting her.
     
    NOELLE: Yeah. He loves me so much he just chastised me like a three year-old for saying mean things to his almighty Uncle Vic's lifeless body.
     
    Noelle rolls her eyes as she takes a sip from her drink. She then stops...shakes her head slowly in response, still looking down at her hand, clasped in Nicole's.
     
    NOELLE: Nah...Victor Kiriakis...he's got some reparations to repay me...heh...and my mom. I'll never forgive him for what he did to my dad. And I'm gonna make sure he pays.
     
    Noelle looks intensely into Nicole's eyes, while Nicole looks back, taken a bit aback by Noelle's simmering rage.
     
    ---
     
    Tyler, incensed by Nick's posturing, steps towards him, pointing angrily at him.
     
    TYLER: You don't know what you're getting yourself involved in, little boy. This goes way deeper than you want to get into.
     
    Nick scoffs, laughing at Tyler's attempts to scare him.
     
    NICK: Oh, hah, I know. Trust me, I looked into it. I mean, I know Houston is a relatively common name and all, but...like...seriously, Tyler, it doesn't take all that much digging to make the connection. 
    TYLER: I don't know what you're talking about.
    NICK: The fact that you've been involved with Victor Kiriakis up to your neck for decades. This whole...EnerNext thing is just the first time we're hearing about it. Victor hired you to run his mob businesses under a separate corporation from Titan to distance himself, and he knew you'd be able to do the job thanks to you and your brother's biker gang ties.
     
    Tyler looks exasperated, not knowing exactly how to shut Nick down, he lets him carry on.
     
    NICK: So you ran it all, keeping Victor at arm's length until it became expedient for Victor to reign you in because he started to run out of money from his legitimate business. Only by then, you'd gone big time. Got all involved in shady middle eastern oil cartels. Shall I bring up Jack Deveraux's kidnapping in Afghanistan while he was doing a story on your shady dealings? I think that'd go over real well at the Titan meeting--
     
    Tyler finally snaps, cutting a smug Nick off.
     
    TYLER: Alright, ENOUGH!
     
    Nick looks at Tyler dead in the eye, a deep intensity between the two men as Tyler moves in extremely close to Nick, a threatening look in his eye. He threatens him in a quiet but firm voice.
     
    TYLER: You get what you want this time from me, Fallon...but you better watch your back from here on in. Those connections you spoke of aren't child's play. You're in with the big boys now.
     
    Tyler steps away from Nick, heading for the door of the lab, Nick stays still, but donning his trademark smirk as he watches Tyler leave.
     
    NICK: See you at the board meeting tomorrow, Tyler.
     
    Tyler looks back momentarily, before stepping out of the room. As Tyler leaves, Nick exhales, as though he'd held in the world's pressure on his shoulders and is suddenly releasing it. The pain in his head becomes immediately visible on his face, as he struggles to maintain his balance.
     
    Nick hears a shrill, high-pitched sound get louder and louder, as he struggles to maintain his balance and clarity.

    Nick rests against the counter of the lab, fighting to keep his balance as dizziness overwhelms him. He screams out in pain as he falls over, taking a collection of test tubes down with him. They shatter on the ground as he collapses.
     
    ---
  11. beebs
    EPISODE 113
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson
     
     

    Jennifer and Liam laugh and chatter as they walk into the Horton living room, as JJ sits on the couch, snacking and watching TV. 
     
    JENNIFER: JJ! Hey, honey.
     
    JJ turns toward Liam and Jennifer, greeting his mom and her boyfriend unenthusiastically.
     
    JJ: Oh. Hey, guys.
    JENNIFER: Listen, JJ, honey? Liam and I are just getting ready for a later dinner, so I'm gonna pop quickly in the shower.
    JJ: Sure, Mom.
     
    Jennifer turns to Liam for a moment.
     
    JENNIFER: You don't mind if you wait for me a few minutes?
    LIAM: Yeah! That's great. I uh...I had something I wanted to talk about with JJ, anyway, so...
     
    Jennifer smiles warmly at Liam as she leans in to give him a quick peck on the lips before heading upstairs.
     
    JENNIFER: Alright. See you in a few minutes.
    LIAM: You bet, Jen.
     
    Jennifer runs upstairs, as Liam walks toward the archway between the Horton living room and foyer. JJ tries to avoid engaging with Liam, instead focusing closely on his TV show. He can sense Liam's presence and is made increasingly uncomfortable, before Liam speaks.
     
    LIAM: Hey, JJ. 
    JJ: Yeah. Hey Liam.
     
    Liam saunters into the Horton living room casually, hands in his pockets as he moves toward the sofa, where JJ is.
     
    LIAM: Look, I...I kinda feel like you and I we...we started off on the wrong foot.
    JJ: You could say that.
     
    Liam pauses a moment, looking over JJ's unchanging expression, before carrying on with his attempts to converse with him.
     
    LIAM: I ah...I talked to your mom about you.
     
    JJ continues to avoid Liam's gaze, staring instead straight ahead at the TV set.
     
    JJ: Oh yeah.
    LIAM: Yeah...I uh...(sigh) Look...JJ....
     
    Liam steps over to sit beside JJ on the sofa, JJ still trying to avoid engaging, but upon Liam sitting down, JJ looks over, and locks eyes with his mom's mysterious beau.
     
    LIAM: I know I've sorta...given off a very negative impression to you in the last few months and I...I didn't know really what I could do to change your mind.
     
    JJ shrugs dispassionately, trying to turn his attentions back to the TV.
     
    JJ: I dunno. You kinda freaked me out there a couple times but...I don't really have a bad impression of you.
     
    Liam smiles warmly at JJ.
     
    LIAM: That's good.
     
    Liam reaches into his blazer pocket, and pulls out an envelope, handing it to JJ.
     
    LIAM: Because I was hoping that I could change that impression into something really good.
     
    JJ looks down at the envelope, then, confused, up at Liam. Liam meets JJ's eyes and nods, trying to prompt JJ to take the envelope.
     
    ---
     

    Nick sits at his computer in the Countess W lab, he suddenly leans back in his chair, lurching back looking victorious. It shocks a focused Tyler, who looks over at Nick.
     
    NICK: Got it!
    TYLER: What? Did you get 'em?
    NICK: And dropped them right in your lap.
     
    Tyler walks over towards Nick, staring at his laptop seriously, trying to figure out what's happened.
     
    TYLER: Alright, but what, or should I say, who...did you drop in my lap?
     
    Nick turns to look up at Tyler, smugly satisfied.
     
    NICK: One employee in marketing by the name of Sheryl Connors...except that's not exactly her real name. She's been trying to take down your systems...and your company for months. And tonight, she and her cronies attempted to launch a virus to take your systems out, just like they did this morning with the Salem City Hall servers.
     
    Tyler looks at Nick, stoic and taking in all the information he's being given.
     
    TYLER: But you...stopped them in time?
    NICK: There's some damage but nothing that's unrecoverable. So...yes.
    TYLER: Did you get enough info on them to make charges stick.
     
    Nick gives his now-trademark smirk, savouring the moment.
     
    NICK: Ohh yeah. And then some.
     
    ---
     

    Sheryl looks down at her smoking laptop, stunned and amazed by the collosal meltdown of her computer. Her shock quickly fades into anger as she realizes what's happened.
     
    SHERYL: I'll kill h...
     
    Sheryl picks up her laptop suddenly, ready to toss it across the room, when she notices a bump just on the lip of the bottom side. Turning the unit around suddenly, as the heat is too much for her hands, she drops the computer back onto her desk, and sees the bug Billie planted on her unit.
     
    She flashes back to the door of the elevator opening and seeing Billie standing there.
     
    Jolted back to reality, she comes to the obvious conclusion.
     
    SHERYL: Billie.
     
    ---
     

    Billie sits at her computer desk at Titan, flanked by her brother Lucas, and her mother, Kate. They all look on in awe as Billie exclaims suddenly.
     
    BILLIE: They beat me.
    LUCAS: Who did?
    BILLIE: I have no idea...but someone got to them before we did...and now we...well...now we basically have nothing.
     
    Kate's face sours instantly, standing up in frustration and begins pacing the room at her daughter's news.
     
    KATE: DAMMIT. I can't believe that little tramp wins again.
    BILLIE: Well...on the bright side, we did stop them from taking the entire company's secrets and flushing them down the drain on their way out.
    KATE: That's cold comfort when the whole reason we did all this was to put Jordan Ridgeway and Sheryl Connors behind bars where they belong.
     
    Billie looks up at her mother, a strange look in her eye.
     
    BILLIE: Well...what if there's still a chance they do?
     
    Kate stops, looking skeptically at Billie, as Lucas looks over at Billie, confused.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     

    Noelle walks into Club TBD, where she looks around to see the crowd. She spies a seat at the bar, and walks casually over, before speaking to the woman sitting the next seat over.
     
    NOELLE: Excuse me...I seem to have caught this place on a busy night...is this seat taken?
     
    The woman turns around to face Noelle.
     

    It's Nicole.
     
    She looks at Noelle, sighing as she looks her up and down. She shakes her head.
     
    NICOLE: No. It's free. Have a seat.
     
    As Noelle lifts herself onto the stool, Nicole turns herself slightly toward Noelle.
     
    NICOLE: Look, I'm...I'm sorry I snapped at you the last time we met...
     
    Noelle pauses a moment before realizing Nicole's prompting her for her name.
     
    NOELLE: Noelle--
    NICOLE: Noelle! Yes! Sorry. I...look, I feel bad, I...I've had a really bad few weeks at work and...Eric and I...I don't have the best luck with men, and...Eric...he's the love of my life, and we were supposed to get married today.
     
    Noelle looks at Nicole, nodding in understanding.
     
    NOELLE: But the server at City Hall was down. Eric told us earlier.
    NICOLE: Yeah...
     

    Nicole laughs half-heartedly to herself before taking a drink of her martini. During that moment, Noelle quickly prompts to T to give her a martini of her own, as Nicole continues.
     
    NICOLE: I just really want this stress to be over with.
    NOELLE: Oh, I get it. More than you'll ever know.
     
    Nicole looks back at Noelle, intrigued.
     
    NICOLE: Oh yeah? You sound like you had a rough evening, yourself.
    NOELLE: I did indeed. And I have one Victor Kiriakis to thank for it.
     
    Nicole looks on, suddenly fascinated by their common adversary.
     
    ---

    JJ stares at the envelope Liam's handed to him, as he sits on the sofa in the Horton living room. After a moment, he reaches for the envelope, as Jennifer emerges from upstairs.
     
    JENNIFER: Liam, what's that?
     
    JJ and Liam turn quickly around to see Jenn walking down the last of the stairs and heading toward the living room, wearing a simple dress and her hair still in a towel. Jennifer has a smile on her face as she approaches her boyfriend and her son.
     
    LIAM: Oh this?
     
    Liam points to the envelope he's just given JJ. He then turns to face JJ and smiles earnestly.
     
    LIAM: This...well...see...when I said your mom and I we...talked about you...see...we talked about your dreams, JJ. How you wanted to go to Stanford, pursue a law degree. Well...that's expensive.
     
    Jennifer looks at Liam, and back at JJ, trying to gauge the other's reaction. A smirk on her face as she wonders what Liam has up his sleeve. Meanwhile, JJ looks stunned by Liam's sudden shift in demeanour and tone towards him.
     
    JJ: Yeah...it is...
    LIAM: Your mom, she ah, she told me you'd have to take out student loans for this if you're accepted and that that's...put you off applying...I think...I hope this will make you reconsider.
     
    JJ hesitates a moment before slowly opening the envelope. Inside, a cheque for $50,000. JJ's taken aback.
     
    JJ: Wh...what?? What is this?
     
    Liam points to the cheque and smiles at a confused JJ.
     
    LIAM: Think of it as an investment in a great young mind.
     
    JJ looks stunned, turning to a beaming Jennifer, who begins to tear up looking back at JJ, then back to a beaming Liam.
     
    ---
     
    Tyler stands in the Countess W lab, staring seriously at a very self-satisfied Nick.
     
    TYLER: So you're saying that you've got this Connors woman...but what about her cronies?
    NICK: The cronies are a bit harder to crack, but...I think if I...work on a bit...I should be able to get them too.
     
    Tyler finally cracks a smile at the end of it all.
     
    TYLER: That's fantastic, then.
     
    Tyler shakes Nick's hand firmly, a proud look on his face, as he turns to head for the door of the lab.
     
    TYLER: Listen, I'll make sure you receive a commendation with the board for this, and I'll have security escort Ms. Connors out right now--
     
    Nick interrupts him, stopping him in his tracks as he emphatically interjects.
     
    NICK: Wait wait wait wait. No, stop. We can't just go in there and throw her out. We're gonna do this my way...and she'll never see it coming.
    TYLER: What do you mean?
    NICK: If you want what I've got here, you're going to have to agree to my terms, Mr. Houston.
     
    Tyler looks disgusted at Nick, shouting back in protest.
     
    TYLER: I beg your par--
    NICK: ...This is NOT a negotiation, Mr. Houston. Let Sheryl go for tonight. She won't be going anywhere just yet. She's got too many loose ends to tie up in Salem first.
     
    ---
     
    Sheryl hastily packs up her things from her office, including her computer and hard drive. She gets on her bluetooth and frantically calls Jerome as she grabs her jacket to leave.
     
    ...
     

    Jerome stands in the Grant living room, holding the phone up to his ear, concerned.
     
    JEROME:  (into phone) Hey, Sheryl, what happened?
     
    ...
     
    Struggling to put her jacket on as she races out, Sheryl speaks to Jerome.
     
    SHERYL: (into phone) Someone caught us, and I'm pretty sure I know who. We need to meet NOW.
     
    ...
     
    Jerome's eyes bug out, suddenly in crisis mode.
     
    JEROME: (into phone) Woah woah woah, wait. No no. We are not meeting now, not if they know about you.
     
    ...
     
    SHERYL: (into phone) Well, what else are we gonna do, Jerome?
     
    ...
     
    JEROME: (into phone) Just chill, ok? Get your stuff out your hotel room, check out. I'll get you a room at a motel at the edge of town. We'll meet there. I'ma text you the address, ok?
     
    ...
     
    SHERYL: (into phone) Fine, but make it quick. All hell's about to break loose.
     
    Sheryl ends the call, and closes the door to her office, she sighs heavily, checking the hallways to make sure they're empty before heading out. 
     
    SHERYL: If it hasn't already.
     
    Sheryl makes a beeline for the service stairwell, hoping the trip down eight floors will be faster and make her less liable of being caught.
     
    ---
     
    Kate stands by Billie and Lucas in Billie's office, looking unsure.
     
    KATE: What do you mean? Is there a chance we can still nab them?
     
    Billie looks down at her computer, thoughtfully. She taps her desk as she thinks, before turning toward Kate.
     
    BILLIE: Well...the bug still caught a lot. Enough that we can probably still get charges to stick...and whoever it was that DID stop her from taking the server out...they're probably going to play their hand very soon.
    LUCAS: So what are you saying? We just have to wait and see what happens?
     
    Billie turns toward Lucas, nodding slowly.
     
    BILLIE: Pretty much.
     
    Kate and Lucas look at each other, incredulous.
     
    ---
     
  12. beebs

    DAYS #112: The Virus

    By beebs,

    EPISODE 112
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson
     
     

    Nick and Tyler burst into the MadWorld lab, making a beeline for Nick's laptop, which sits on a conference table at the far side of the room.
     
    TYLER: I'm telling you, this better be the real deal or I'll have your head on the chopping block so fast, Mr. Fallon--
    NICK: Don't worry. Once I show you what's going down...you'll be thanking me.
     
    Nick leans over the table where his laptop sits, and opens it. Pressing the "on" button, the computer boots up quickly.
     
    NICK: I don't make a habit of wasting anyone's time. Particularly my own.
    TYLER: You better hope not, or I'll get security to hightail you out of this company so fast your head will spin.
    NICK: That won't be neccessary. Just wait. I promise this'll be worth it.
     
    Nick pulls up a chair and sits down in front of his computer. Opening up his surveillance program, he logs into Titan's security camera system. Tyler looks on, stunned.
     
    TYLER: Wait, how did you get access to this? And who authorized it?
    NICK: There's no time to explain that. I started checking things out when I became suspcious something was rotten with our suspect here, and this helps me keep tabs on them. 
     
    Nick turns to face Tyler, a blank, matter-of-fact look on his face.
     
    NICK: You know, you really need to work on your firewalls. For a multinational, your digital security is incredibly vulnerable.
     
    Tyler looks back at Nick with concern and surprise. Nick turns back toward the screen as he zeroes in on Sheryl's office.
     
    NICK: Quite frankly, a security breach would be not only embarrassing...but could be really catastrophic.
     
    Tyler and Nick focus in on Sheryl's office, where they spy her working away furiously at her workstation.
     
    ---
     

    Sheryl sits at her desk, Bluetoon in ear, as she stares intensely at her screen. She speaks to Jerome through the Bluetooth, careful never to utter his name as she types and clicks her mouse through the various screens, preparing to load the virus that would destroy Titan's servers into her work computer.
     
    SHERYL (into phone): I'm through the EnerNext partition.
     
    Through her bluetooth, Sheryl hears Jerome's voices come through into her ear with his next instruction.
     
    JEROME (via phone):  Alright. Two minutes to launch. Make sure you start in the backup hard disk. The backup isn't typically in use, therefore will be harder to detect we're in there before it gone.
     
    Sheryl stares dead ahead at her screen. A smug smirk appears on her face as she answers Jerome.
     
    SHERYL: (into phone) Roger that.
     
    ---
     

    Billie sits in her office, Lucas by her side, as she focuses on her computer screen as well. Hoping to catch some activity from the marketing wing where Sheryl works, she and Lucas listen in on her conversation, unsure who she's speaking with, as they only hear her side.
     
    BILLIE: Come on, Sheryl. Slip up. Say this guy's name.
    LUCAS: You know, I think I know exactly who it is.
    BILLIE: Oh?
    LUCAS: I'm pretty sure it's this guy...Jerry? Or Jerome? He came into her office last week when I was there. I hadn't seen him before, and I just...I get a feeling about him.
    BILLIE: Well...we're not gonna be able to use a feeling as evidence, unfortunately. We gotta have her say his name and make it clear he's connected to what she's up to or else it doesn't exist.
     

    As Billie finishes her sentence, Kate comes into the office. Billie and Lucas turn to face her.
     
    KATE: It's just me. What did I miss?
     
    Billie guffaws as she turns back toward her computer screen as she answers her mother's question.
     
    BILLIE: Well...you missed me nearly getting caught by Justin Kiriakis, and Sheryl Connors as I bugged her office.

    KATE: You didn't...
    BILLIE: No. Thankfully, I didn't. But I did run into her at the elevator. Apparently Sheryl thinks you're manipulating Lucas into possibly breaking things off with her, Mom.
     
    Kate turns toward Lucas with a sour expression.
     
    KATE: Lucas, I told you you had to keep up the charade with Sheryl, and I meant convincingly.
    LUCAS: Okay, enough, Mom. Look, it's nearly over now, and I don't see the point in trying to hide my feelings about her any longer than I have to.
    KATE: Well, you still had to while Billie was putting the bug in Sheryl's office, didn't you? And apparently, you didn't do a very good job and you might have put this entire plan in jeopardy.
     
    Kate turns back toward the screen, shaking her head in indignance at her son's irresponsibility.
     
    KATE: I just hope this is enough to get Rafe away from that conniving little tramp, Jordan Ridgeway or whatever her name is supposed to be.
     
    Lucas looks back Kate's way, shaking his head at his mom's persistance.
     
    LUCAS: You just better hope this plan DOES work, or else you're gonna alienate Rafe more than you already have.
     
    Kate looks back at her son, the both of them glaring at each other, as Billie seems oblivious to it all, keeping close watch over the Titan server, and Sheryl's actions.
     
    ---
     
    ---
     
    Nick types and clicks furiously at his computer, as Tyler paces behind him, on his cell phone with Justin.
     
    TYLER: (into phone) Justin, I know, but this kid is certain that there's about to be an attack and he says it's directly related to the City Hall server crash and the delay in approving the Ruggles land expropriation deal. I know he's got a handle on this...yes, I know you don't like him...I have a strong feeling he....well we don't have much choice right now, do we? If we wait on this...it might be too late...
     
    Nick smirks as he listens on, simultaneously listening to Sheryl through a single earbud, studying Sheryl's movements closely as she is about to launch her virus.
     
    ...
     
    Sheryl, meanwhile, is still at her desk, very nearly ready to launch her attack (with Jerome's remote help).
     
    SHERYL: (into phone) Alright, we ready to do this thing?
    JEROME: (via phone) In 3...2...1...
     
    Sheryl hits "Enter" on her keyboard, almost ceremoniously.
     
    ...
     
    Up in Billie's office, Kate, Lucas, and Billie study the screen as Billie jumps into action, noticing the activity appear in the backup server.
     
    BILLIE: Damnit! She started in the backup system. I have to double back to access it.
     
    Billie types away furiously to try to access the backup server, but is denied access.
     
    LUCAS: Do you know the password?
    BILLIE: No, but there's other ways to work around it.
     
    Billie moves her mouse over to another window, and begins to work from there, disabling a specific firewall that protects the backup server from being accessed by her computer.
     
    ...
     
    Nick, meanwhile, is overwhelmed by the activity. Realizing suddenly that someone else is trying to work on the backup server, he flips back to the surveillance program, and realizes it's Billie, Kate, and Lucas.
     
    NICK: Oh, no.
     
    Tyler, upon hearing Nick, quickly ends his call to Justin and darts over to Nick's computer again.
     
    TYLER: Yes, it...I gotta call you back, Justin. Don't worry, it's under control.
     
    Tyler looks intensely at the screen, as Nick springs back into action.
     
    TYLER: What's wrong?
    NICK: Nothing. I'm on it.
    TYLER: I hope so.
     
    Nick ignores Tyler's panicked threats, and takes advantage of Billie's disabling the firewall and leaps in. As the files from the backup server begin to be downloaded, then systematically destroyed, Nick locates the IP address for Sheryl's laptop.
     
    NICK: Not so fast, little lady.
     
    ...
     
    Sheryl's laptop displays the progress of the virus installation:
     
    2%...

    Sheryl smiles as her external hard drive she's attached to her computer works overtime, downloading and destroying the Titan files.
     
    SHERYL: (into phone) We're on our way now.
    JEROME: (via phone) And we only saving the small files and documents about the workings of the company, right?
    SHERYL: (into phone) Not to worry, I programmed it to only save document files, spreadsheets, graphics, media. The rest is getting corrupted and discarded.
    JEROME: (via phone) Perfect. How far we at?
    SHERYL: (into phone) Only 3% so far.
     
    ...
     
    Billie digs further in, tracking down Sheryl's IP.
     
    LUCAS: What are you doing now?
    BILLIE: I'm gonna throw the program they're using into an endless loop that hopefully will jam the program up, and buy me enough time to close up the security hole so they'll be booted from the system.
    KATE: Do you have enough time?
    BILLIE: I'll be fine...
     
    Billie looks on her screen, and realizes there's someone else accessing the server.
     
    BILLIE: If someone else doesn't beat me to it.
     
    Kate looks over at Lucas, who looks back at her, concerned. They both turn their attentions back to Billie, and to her computer screen.
     
    ...
     
    Sheryl looks on more and more intensely.
     
    The progress bar inches forward...
     
    5%...
     
    SHERYL: (into phone) I'm gonna shift this over to the EnerNext subserver once we're done with this backup.
    JEROME: (via phone) Got it.
    SHERYL: (into phone) Okay...we're in. Downloading EnerNext's documents...
     
    6%...
     
    ...
     
    Nick plugs a memory stick into his laptop, as he continues to work furiously at stopping Sheryl. Tyler looks on in wonder.
     
    TYLER: What are you plugging in there?
    NICK: Just a program to destroy whatever device these guys are using against us.
    TYLER: Like...digitally...
     
    Nick looks up at Tyler, his classic smirk on his face.
     
    NICK: Oh no. Not just digitally. 
     
    Tyler looks on, concerned by Nick's plan.
     
    ...
     
    Billie continues to work away at stopping Sheryl's virus from progressing, as Kate and Lucas sit on pins and needles.
     
    LUCAS: Billie, how much longer is this gonna take.
    BILLIE: Not long now, I'm nearly there.
    KATE: This better work.
    BILLIE: It will, Mom. Don't worry.
     
    Billie focuses in as she clicks to access Sheryl's computer remotely, so she can trip it up and stop it from continuing to spread the virus.
     
    BILLIE: Almost there.
     
    ...
     
    8%...
     
    Sheryl stares straight ahead as she notices unfamiliar activity happening around her.
     
    SHERYL: (into phone) Dammit! We got company.
     
    Sheryl clicks to kick Billie's computer out of hers.
     
    ...
     
    Nick double clicks his mouse, launching his counterattack against Sheryl.
     
    NICK: Buh-bye!
     
    ...
     
    Billie's computer is suddenly kicked out of the server altogether, shocking Billie, as she leans back in her seat, taking a stunned Kate and Lucas with her.
     
    LUCAS: What happened?
     
    ...
     
    11%...
     
    Sheryl looks down quickly at her work computer and her external hard drive, as her computer's fan abruptly shuts down, and her computer's processor goes into overdrive, causing the computer to freeze up.
     
    SHERYL: (into phone) What the Hell?
    JEROME: (via phone) What's wrong? Sheryl???
     
    As Jerome tries in vain to get Sheryl to answer him, her and laptop begin to overheat quickly, and sparks, with a plastic burning smell and smoke emerging from the laptop. The sparking causes Sheryl to jump back from her laptop, breathing heavily from the shock, as Jerome continues to call out to her over the phone to her Bluetooth.
     
    JEROME: (via phone) SHERYL....SHERYL! You there??? SHERYL...
     
    ---
  17. beebs

    Episodes 97-99

    By beebs,

    For those who want to check out the latest DAYS episodes (hopefully still more interesting than the Dena dreck):



    EPISODE 97

    EPISODE 98

    EPISODE 99
     
    Enjoy! Be sure to leave comments and keep following the blog!
     
  18. beebs

    DAYS: Episodes 93-96

    By beebs,

    Hopefully this is cool, just wanted to keep those of you who've been following my DAYS up to date with my new entries, which I'm posting externally.

    EPISODE 93

    EPISODE 94

    EPISODE 95

    EPISODE 96

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

    The sunlight fights its way through every available crack between Nick's blinds. One beam brightly hits Nick right in the eyes, jolting him from his slumber. The bright sunlight shocks him, causing him to squint.

    Nick goes to sit up, but is hit almost immediately with a searing headache. It nearly cripples him, but he manages to stumble over to the window of his small studio apartment.

    Looking out the window, he sees the bright day, sighing as he winces, the sunlight hurting his eyes. He turns back to find his laptop bag. Rifling through it, he finds his pills. But his fingers slide across what's resting next to the pill bottle: Marlena Evans' perscription pad. Just as he's about to lift the pad up, he lurches back in pain. The pad gave him a papercut.

    Nick puts the cut finger in his mouth, wincing at the pain and discomfort.

    NICK: Mm! Dammit!

    Nick holds in his pain a moment to awkwardly open the bottle of pills. He struggles, as his hands shake violently. He looks at them, concerned greatly by his symptoms.

    He quickly opens the bottle, taking two pills from the bottle. He looks down at the bottle, shrugs, and pulls another one out. Taking all three, he steps into the bathroom, and turns on the tap, pouring half a glass of lukewarm water, which he uses to wash down the pills.

    After downing his medication, he looks into the bathroom mirror. He looks at his messy appearance, the emerging circles under his eyes, and shakes his head.

    NICK: You gotta get it together, Fallon. You got too much to do today to let this stop you. Wayyy, way too much.

    ---


    Sheryl lies half-asleep in bed, sighing after a good night's rest, before she reaches out slowly to caress Lucas' face. She reaches out and finds no one there.

    Opening her eyes in surprise, she gets up with a start. She looks confused around her room.

    SHERYL: Lucas?

    Getting up from her bed, covers, of course, covering her body, she inspects the bathroom before looking for her phone.

    SHERYL: Where the Hell did you go?

    Pulling her phone out, she looks down, seeing no texts or calls from Lucas. She looks up, confused by his absence.

    ---


    Hope walks into her living room, dressed and ready for work, coffee cup in hand, as the doorbell rings. She jumps momentarily, before putting her coffee cup down, and calls out toward the door.

    HOPE: One second!


    She runs over to the door, looking in the small window in the door, she spots Marlena. She opens the door, smiling.

    HOPE: Hey! Marlena!

    Her face drops, however, upon seeing the heavy concern on Marlena's face.

    MARLENA: Hope, I...
    HOPE: ..W...What's wrong? Come in, come in!

    Hope moves back away from the door, welcoming Marlena in. Marlena walks in solemnly. She hesitates to speak, sighing as she begins.

    MARLENA: Thank you. Uh...I had to see you, and I'm...I'm sorry to bother you so early in the morning.

    Hope shakes her head, looking very concerned at Marlena.

    HOPE: No, no! Nonsense, you're always welcome here, you know that. Uh...sit down. You, uh...you want some coffee? I just made a fresh pot.
    MARLENA: Ah...no. No, thank you. I couldn't possibly keep anything down right now.

    Marlena obliges Hope's request, sitting down, breathing heavily, struggling to hold herself together. Hope quickly walks to Marlena's side and sits down next to her.

    HOPE: Marlena...you're scaring me. What's wrong?

    Marlena looks up at Hope, starting to tear up.

    MARLENA: Roman's missing. And I need your help to find him.

    ---


    Lucas wanders through the park, deep in thought over the events of the previous night. Up ahead, he spies Club TBD. He craves a drink, but resists. Looking at the nearby bench, he spots something unusual.


    It's Roman, asleep by the bush. Lucas looks on, baffled by the sighting, and calls out to him.

    LUCAS: Roman?

    Roman doesn't answer, but is startled by Lucas. He stirs, as Lucas approaches. Lucas kneels down next to him, shaking him gently to make sure he's okay.

    LUCAS: Roman! Hey, man. You alright?

    Roman grunts as he starts to wake up. Lucas bursts into action as he takes his jacket off to try to warm a freezing-to-the-touch Roman up.

    LUCAS: Man, you're freezing! Here, take my jacket.
    ROMAN: Uh...where am I?
    LUCAS: You're in the park, just outside Club TBD. Are...are you okay? What are you doing sleeping out here? It's got to be like...fourty degrees outside!

    Roman's eyes widen, as he struggles to catch his breath. He looks around, confused.

    ROMAN: I...I have no idea. I went for a walk and...who...how did I end up here?
    LUCAS: I dunno, man, but we gotta get you inside. Come on.

    Lucas hoists Roman up on his feet and guides him slowly towards the club.

    ---


    A tray of food is set down in front of a sleeping Sonny. The sound of the tray hitting the table jolts Sonny from his sleep. He looks, wide-eyed at the tray, before looking up, and seeing Will standing over him, a smile on his fiance's face.

    WILL: Good morning!

    Sonny looks stunned a moment, before lifting himself off the couch he'd spent the night on in the hospital lounge. He stutters a bit before he answers.

    SONNY: I...ah...Will...hey!

    Will laughs a bit, watching Sonny stumble over his words.

    WILL: You surprised to see me? I've been with you all night.
    SONNY: You...you have?
    WILL: Yeah. I was worried about you. I...I saw Adrienne walk out of here last night, she...she seemed really upset. Did you--
    SONNY: ...Yeah. We talked.

    Will folds his arms, nodding slowly, knowing exactly how it turned out from Sonny's reaction.

    WILL: Aaand obviously that didn't go very well.

    Sonny raises his eyebrows, before shrugging, a hint of sadness in his voice.

    SONNY: You could say that. 

    Will sits down next to Sonny, putting his arm around Sonny's waist, drawing him close to him. Sonny leans into Will, feeling comforted by Will for the first time in a long time.

    WILL: I'm sorry, Sonny. I...feel like I'm...I dunno, like it's my fault this all happened.
    SONNY: (sigh) Don't say that. It's not your fault my mom has this...vendetta against you.
    WILL: Well...what happened?

    Sonny lifts himself off Will's shoulder, turning to face Will. He sighs with sadness in his eyes before answering him.

    SONNY: Well...she came to me to tell me what her and my dad were fighting about in the garden.

    Will looks at Sonny, a very concerned look on his face as he asks Sonny a question, almost not wanting an answer.

    WILL: And...what was it?
    SONNY: She says that you are a carbon copy of your mother, and that you are, and I quote: lusting after my brother. 

    Will tenses up, knowing that Adrienne has his number, but he hides the uneasiness.

    ---
    ---


    Sami stands in the DiMera living room, sipping her coffee, as she flips through some paperwork. She hears her phone ring. Picking it up, she quickly answers.

    SAMI: (into phone) Hey! Uh...Suzanne, it's Samantha Brady...yeah. I, uh, I'm heading into the station today and I just need you to pass along a message to Nicole Walker.


    EJ walks into the DiMera living room, Johnny on his shoulders, laughing heartily. Sami turns and sees EJ and Johnny step into the room. She smiles as she sees them come into the room, but is immediately striken with tension, as they approach. She fights the tension, as she continues her phone conversation.

    SAMI: (into phone) ...YES! I, I just want to pass along to her that I would like to meet with her for 11am. Tell her it's imperitive that I speak with her, and she should cancel all other arrangements for that time...Thank you.

    Hanging up the phone, she looks at Johnny and EJ and smiles.

    JOHNNY: Mommy! 
    SAMI: Hey, sweetie! You ready for your trip today?
    JOHNNY: Yup!

    EJ and Sami laugh as Sami gently pats Johnny's head. She smiles, though her hand trembles. EJ catches Sami's hesitation and speaks up.

    EJ: I uh...I packed the children's things, Harold...helped me out, but...
    SAMI: That's great. Thank you. Uh...

    EJ leans down to lift Johnny off. EJ crouches down by Johnny and speaks kindly to him.

    EJ: Now, I need you and your sisters to be downstairs in twenty minutes. No later. Alright?
    JOHNNY: Okay!

    Johnny runs off out of the living room, heading upstairs, as EJ approaches Sami. He nearly places a hand on her shoulder, but thinks better of it, as Sami, sensing the nearness of his hand, flinches slightly. Setting his hand down by his side, EJ sighs.

    EJ: Are you sure about this?

    Sami responds, not turning around the face EJ.

    SAMI: I think it's better that they are with family far away from all this tension right now, yes.

    EJ sighs, as Sami turns to face him, explaining her rationale.

    SAMI: Look, EJ, I don't want them to go to Colorado any more than you do, but the truth is that while you and I are going through therapy and I'm struggling with...our...past...it just isn't healthy for them. They need to feel loved and cared for. I can't give that to them right now, especially Johnny.

    EJ nods, trying to understand.

    EJ: I understand...but it seems as though you're punishing the children for something that I did. And by extension, you're punishing me, and yourself.
    SAMI: I have to do what's  best for them. And what's best for them isn't to be around us right now. Not until I'm able to deal with what happened between us that night, and not until I'm comfortable...I'm comfortable being with you again.

    EJ looks down, fighting his emotions, as he nods. He tries to understand Sami's situation, though he struggles. He finally responds.

    EJ: I...uh...I need to go check on the children. I'll see you at the office later?
    SAMI: Yeah! I'll be in after I take care of business at the station.
    EJ: Alright. Samantha...

    Sami turns back at look at EJ, who stares at her, hurt, but lovingly.

    EJ: I do love you, very very much.

    Sami smiles, unsuccessfully holding in her desire to cry.

    SAMI: Me too.

    EJ swallows heavily as he turns back around, heading out after Johnny. Sami stays behind, wiping her tears away, as she hears another notification ping. She looks at her phone, stunned.

    SAMI: Oh my God!

    Sami reads the headline:

    Victor Kiriakis suffers heart attack, hospitalized

    ---

    Will sighs heavily, biting his lip as he looks up at Sonny, almost afraid to ask what Sonny did next.

    WILL: And...what did you say about that?
    SONNY: Well, of course, I told her it was nonsense...and then I told her that I wanted her to stay away from you, and from me.

    Will looks stunned, unsure what to say in response to his fiance's act of loyalty.

    WILL: Sonny...you didn't have to do that--
    SONNY: Yes...I did, Will. Look, you know...this is why I was afraid of you taking this job at EnerNext. I...I don't mean to interfere in your career, but...my family, they have this way of...meddling, of worming their way into our lives. And it looks like they found their way in already.

    Will takes Sonny's hand, and holds it tightly. He smiles warmly at his fiance.

    WILL: Sonny, I love you. And I really appreciate what you did for me. But I don't want you to ruin your relationship with your mom over me. It's not fair to you, or your mom.
    SONNY: No, what's not fair is my mom deciding to meddle in our business. She's trying to create problems and make me doubt you. And I'm not going to let her do that.

    Will looks down, still tightly gripping Sonny's hand, he smiles warmly at him.

    WILL: I know. But don't you think you're just...both under a lot of stress right now, what with Victor's heart attack, and Chad being AWOL from TBD, and...our...problems at home...don't you think you overreacted just a bit?

    Sonny looks at Will, then looks down. He thinks over what Will says intensely.

    ---

    Hope gets off the phone to the station, and turns back around to Marlena, who is furiously texting, a very worried look on her face.

    HOPE: Okay, uh...so I just spoke to Rafe...they can't formally put out a missing persons' report yet, but...they are looking into it.

    Hope looks down at Marlena finishing up her text.

    HOPE: Who are you texting?
    MARLENA: Kim. She was with me when...Roman took off.

    Hope looks on, increasingly concerned for Roman. She takes a moment, unsure whether to ask or not, but decides to go ahead.

    HOPE: Marlena...is something wrong with Roman?

    Marlena looks up at Hope, incredibly hesitant to tell her the truth. She looks down and sighs before responding.

    MARLENA: In all honesty, I don't know. But if we don't find him, I'm very concerned for his well-being.

    Hope, shocked, rushes over to the sofa again and sits at Marlena's side.

    HOPE: Good God...it's not Stefano is it? Has Stefano kidnapped--
    MARLENA: ...No! No, no, no, it's not Stefano...at least not that I'm aware of. No, it's...Roman himself...I am so worried that he may be a danger to himself.

    Hope looks on, before pulling a tearful Marlena into a hug. Still unclear as to Marlena's concern, she furrows her brow, concerned for her brother-in-law.

    ---


    Lucas sits Roman down on the bench, as T comes over to see what's wrong.

    T: Hey, uh...Lucas...what's wrong with Mr. Brady? Is he okay?
    LUCAS: I uh...I think he's okay, but...he's been outside for quite awhile, can you grab us some coffee for him?
    T: Yeah, absolutely.

    T runs off to grab Roman a cup of coffee, as Lucas pulls out his phone.

    ROMAN: Who are you calling?

    Lucas doesn't look up as he scrolls through his contacts.

    LUCAS: I'm calling Marlena, first off. She needs to know you're okay.

    Roman panics at Lucas' suggestion, holding his hand up to reach out for Lucas' phone to stop him.

    ROMAN: I don't want Marlena to hear about this, you understand me?

    Lucas looks at Roman, stunned and concerned.

    ---


    Nick steps into the lab, where Percy sits at a desk, headphones in, listening intently to various conversations throughout the Titan complex. Nick waves silently to Percy, who, over the sound of his headphones, welcomes Nick loudly.

    PERCY: GREETINGS!

    Percy fumbles, realizing not everyone hears the things he is, and quickly takes his headphones off. He walks quickly over to Nick.

    PERCY: Oh, Nicholas, I have very important news for you.
    NICK: Oh do you.
    PERCY: Well...strictly speaking, I have two items for you to look over, but...this first one is of utmost importance.

    Nick looks to Percy, intrigued, as he sets down his bag on the table.

    NICK: I'm listening.
    PERCY: Well...you may not be especially thrilled about this first one.
    NICK: Try me.
    PERCY: Well...it seems as though Miss Ridgeway and Miss Connors have taken on a new addition to their ensemble--

    Nick pulls out an apple, which he bites into as he replies.

    NICK: Oh yeah...I met him last night. Jeremy or...
    PERCY: Yes, uh, a Jerome Grant. Well...it seems as though the three of them have some sort of...computer software they're looking to install on the Titan servers, and it appears to me, as though today is the day they will go ahead with this. It sounds actually like something that could really cause a lot of damage.
    NICK: Really!

    Nick smiles wryly as he crunches into his apple.

    PERCY: Yes...I say this because I have a concern that...well...they may try to use you as a...what did they call it, a...uh...."fall guy" for their plan. And knowing that your intentions are only to assist these young ladies...I wouldn't want to see you harmed.

    Nick laughs, slapping Percy heartily on the back before pulling him in close to him.

    NICK: (laughs) Ohhh Percy. Not to worry, I won't be taking the fall for anyone. You can bet on that.

    Nick looks down at his apple, and bites into it, almost maniacally.

    ---
  21. beebs
    EPISODE 91
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson

    The doors to the elevator at University Hospital open, to find the Kiriakis clan step out, by and large upset and a bit panicked, as Maggie in particular moves briskly to the nurses' station to ask Maxine about Victor.

    MAGGIE: Maxine! Where's Victor's room?

    Maxine quickly points down the hall to guide Maggie, as she turns herself toward the room.

    MAXINE: Just over here, Maggie. But you can't go in yet, they're operating!

    Maggie runs before Maxine's even finished her sentence toward the door, stopping just outside, upset that she can't go in to see her ailing husband.

    Alex, Sonny and Will hang back, as Justin and Adrienne step forward, the shock still plain on their faces.


    Daniel steps out from the room VIctor's in and immediately sees his mother's worried face. He sighs, giving a half-hearted smile, as Maggie rushes over to him.

    MAGGIE: Daniel! How is he?

    Daniel holds up one hand, a half-hearted attempt to calm Maggie down, as the others move over closer to him to hear what he has to say.

    DANIEL: He's stable. Victor had a heart attack.

    Maggie clenches, upset by the news, she grabs Adrienne's hand for support.

    ALEX: How bad was it?
    DANIEL: (sigh) It wasn't minor. But...I wouldn't worry too much, he's getting prepped for surgery now.
    WILL: Is he gonna be okay?
    DANIEL: Victor's in...remarkably good health for his age. I think the bulk of the problem has been the stress he's been under lately. We may have underestimated how much pressure he's been under the past few months.

    Maggie looks at her son, the feelings of guilt rushing over her as she recalls her snapping at him, knowing the pain he's been through.

    JUSTIN: Alright, Daniel, just...keep us updated.
    DANIEL: For sure.

    Daniel stops to give Maggie a hug, before stepping away to prep for surgery. 

    DANIEL: Alright, I gotta go prep for surgery, I'll let you know as soon as I know anything. I love you.
    MAGGIE: I love you too. Thank you.

    Daniel walks off at a determined pace, as Maggie starts to crumble. Sonny takes her other hand and pulls her towards him, putting her in a tight embrace.

    MAGGIE: It's all my fault.
    ADRIENNE: No, sweetie! Absolutely not! You were upset, and we've all been under a lot of pressure. You can't blame yourself for this.

    Maggie begins to sob as she holds onto Sonny, Adrienne provides comfort, gently stroking Maggie's back, as the family circles Maggie for support.

    ---


    Kim walks through Horton Town Square, quickly scurrying to get to her car as she's walking alone at night, when she spots a familiar face.

    KIM: Roman! Hey!


    Roman looks confused, before turning to face his sister. He looks at her with a look of a total stranger.

    ROMAN: I...Hello...

    Kim looks at her brother, a concerned look on her face and she leans over to touch his shoulder.

    KIM: I...Roman, it's...it's me...Kimmy!

    Roman stares at Kim, totally bewildered by her. Kim looks back, a smile on her face, but with an increasing tension and panic in her face.

    ---


    Jennifer smiles as she and Liam sit at a late evening dinner at Chez Rouge. Liam pours Jennifer a glass of champagne, never taking his eyes off her.

    JENNIFER: You know, you have this really sexy look in your eyes right now.
    LIAM: Oh yeah? Well if that's a come-on, we haven't had our food yet.

    Jennifer feigns offense, as Liam laughs.

    JENNIFER: Well, I never! Putting off romance for food? I don't know about you, Mister!
    LIAM: Ohh, I've always got time for romance.

    Liam leans over the table and gently kisses Jennifer on the lips, before sitting back down in his seat.

    LIAM: But I've also learned, that good things come to those who wait.
    JENNIFER: Isn't that the truth.

    Jenn raises her glass, as Liam does the same. They toast, once again never taking their eyes off each other.

    ---

    A woman in black pumps walks quickly into the terminal of Salem International Airport. She walks over toward the exit, but stops just beforehand. Pulling her phone out, she taps the screen on her phone to get an Uber from the airport to the Horton House.


    It's Abigail.

    ---


    Nicole lies in bed, Eric's arms around her, as she sleeps soundly, deep in a dream:

    ***
    Nicole stands before the justice of the peace, beaming as she looks at Eric. Flowers in her hand, she's about to become Mrs. Eric Brady.

    JUSTICE OF PEACE: We are gathered here to today to join Nicole Walker, and Eric Brady in marriage.


    Daniel and Chloe stand on either side of Nicole and Eric, smiling, happy for their friends' big day.
    Nicole can't help herself and blurts out to Eric in joy.

    NICOLE: I can't believe it's finally happening for us. I love you so much.

    Eric, far cooler and reserved, smile back, responding warmly but casually.

    ERIC: Me too, Nicole.

    The justice of the peace continues:

    JUSTICE OF PEACE: If anyone can show just cause why these two should not be joined in marriage, may they speak now, or forever hold their--
    SAMI: STOP THIS!


    Everyone jumps as Sami's voice cuts the happy mood in the room, jolting everyone out of the moment. Sami and Marlena storm into the room, Sami and Marlena shooting daggers from their eyes at Nicole. Nicole turns around in horror as Sami walks over to her.

    ERIC: Sami...Mom, what are you doing here?
    SAMI: We're here to stop you from making the biggest mistake of your life, Eric.

    Eric looks at his sister, annoyed at her constant interference.

    ERIC: Sami...
    MARLENA: No! Eric, she's right. Nicole has gone way too far this time.

    Nicole rolls her eyes, irritated at the interruption, and trying to remove them from the room.

    NICOLE: Oh whatever, you know what, you two have done more damage to our happiness than I ever could have.
    SAMI: Oh that's REALLY rich, Nicole.

    Eric, upset by what's happening, cuts in between Nicole and Sami, who are now right up in each other's faces.

    ERIC: Wait wait wait wait wait, STOP! What is the meaning of this.
    MARLENA: Eric. Nicole lied to you. She DID get the evidence proving that Kristen hired Dr. Chyka to drug you in that hotel room. 
    ERIC: What?!
    NICOLE: No! I wouldn't do that! If I knew what happened to that evidence, don't you think I would have turned it over?

    Sami looks at Nicole, an angered, mistrustful look on her face.

    SAMI: I don't know, would you?
    NICOLE: You know, if I did do all this, where IS the proof, where did you get it?
    NICK: I think I have the answer to that question.


    Nick saunters into the room, a smug, self-satisfied look on his face, as Nicole begins to hyperventilate. Nick walks over to Eric, and casually places the folder with all the documentation into Eric's hands. He places a small flash drive on top for him.

    NICK: Merry Christmas. Oh, and if you're wondering what the flash drive is, it's proof that she had this folder the whole time and just hid it in her desk so you wouldn't see it. At least, not if I hadn't broken in. (laughs)

    Nicole panics, almost unable to breathe, before letting out a bloodcurdling scream, jolting her out of her dream.

    ***

    NICOLE: NOOOOO!!

    Eric, scared stiff, jumps up, shocked at Nicole's freak out. He looks quickly at Nicole, and wraps his arms around her to comfort her.

    ERIC: Shhh! Shhh! It's okay. It's okay. I'm here.

    Nicole sobs, shaking in fear over her nightmare.

    NICOLE: No, no no no no, it can't it can't, no...

    ---
    ---

    Kim looks with a sense of dread at her brother, as Roman looks at her like she's a stranger.

    ROMAN: I...I'm sorry. I...
    KIM: Roman...come sit here with me. You do remember me, right?

    Roman looks down as Kim takes his hand, holding it tightly. His confusion plain on his face as he tries to back off.

    ROMAN: I'm sorry, Ma'am. I...

    Marlena walks past at that moment, spotting their exchange and immediately springs into action, as Roman looks her way.

    MARLENA: Kim! Kim, it's okay. Roman, Roman!

    Marlena walks over quickly, as Roman begins to panic, feeling ambushed by Marlena and Kim.

    ROMAN: Lady, let go!
    MARLENA: Roman! It's okay! It's okay. It's me. It's Doc. Look at me!

    As Kim lets go of his hand, she steps back, tears in her eyes. She observes the panic in Roman's eyes as he begins to calm down.

    MARLENA: Roman. You recognize me? It's Marlena.

    Roman, breathing heavily, nods as he holds Marlena's face in his hand. He gently carresses her cheek as he begins to tear up.

    ROMAN: Doc...what is happening to me? Who...wha...
    MARLENA: Roman, that woman is your sister. It's okay. Her name is Kimberly Brady. Do you remember a Kimberly Brady?

    Roman shakes his head a moment, before cooling down.

    ROMAN: That name means something to me, but...
    MARLENA: That's her. That's your sister.

    Roman squeezes Marlena's hand, nodding in understanding. Marlena looks at Kim and guides Roman to the bench.

    MARLENA: Look, let's...let's sit down.

    Kim approaches Marlena and Roman as Roman sits on the bench. He puts his hands behind his head and leans down, looking down at the ground.

    ROMAN: My God...What's happening to me, Doc?
    KIM: No, seriously, Marlena...what's happening to him?
    MARLENA: I..uh...I'm going to talk to Kimberly for a moment, okay?

    Roman nods, as Marlena takes Kim's arm and steps away from Roman for a sec to talk quietly to Kim.

    MARLENA: I think...I don't want to say for certain before we've had a chance to look closer into things but...
    KIM: Marlena, I can take it. Just...tell me straight up.

    Marlena looks back at Roman, seeing him taking deep breaths on the bench behind them.

    MARLENA: Valerie Grant and I are looking into it. We...we think it could be some form of dementia, but...
    KIM: Roman as well?
    MARLENA: That was my first thought, but...it's progressing too quickly to be anything like Caroline's...and anyway, I don't think this is the same situation as Caroline, anyway.
    KIM: Wha...why is this the first I've heard about it?
    MARLENA: Well, if I'm being honest, I didn't realize until today it was getting so bad so quickly. Honestly, Kim, I wanted to wait until I had a definitive answer before I said anything, and Roman...well, he didn't want to alarm you all what with Kayla leaving and Bo still missing...

    Kim nods, understanding Marlena's point.

    KIM: I understand that...but I wish you'd told me something was wrong sooner.
    MARLENA: I know...and I'm sorry, just...I had to think about Roman's wishes as well.
    KIM: I know. (sigh) Look, I...I think we should speak to someone at the police station about this before Roman ends up hurt. I mean...
    MARLENA: I thought about that as well...I think, considering what's happened tonight, we might...maybe consult with Hope and...maybe Abe as well. I know Abe isn't...directly involved with the police right now, but...
    KIM: It's still worth a try. I mean, I just...I don't want my brother to end up injured on duty or worse.
    MARLENA: I agree. Look, for now, let's just get him home.

    Kim nods again, in agreement.

    KIM: I agree, I think...uh...I'd rather he not be alone though, maybe he should go with you.
    MARLENA: Absolutely.

    Kim sighs, a bit relieved, though still horribly concerned for her brother.

    KIM: Okay.

    Marlena and Kim turn to grab Roman from the bench, only to stop in their tracks upon realizing he's vanished.

    MARLENA: Oh my God.
    KIM: Oh no, he's gone.

    ---

    Nicole is held in Eric's arms as she breathes deeply, still deeply shaken by her dream.

    ERIC: It's okay...do you...do you want to tell me about it?

    Nicole shakes her head as Eric cradles her.

    NICOLE: No, it was too awful. I just...just hold me.
    ERIC: I'll never let you go. Just know that, okay?

    Nicole looks off, desperate to believe that what Eric says is true.

    NICOLE: Okay.

    Eric, sensing her tension, kisses her gently on the lips and smiles at her.

    ERIC: I love you.
    NICOLE: And I love you. More than you'll ever know, Eric.

    Eric smiles as Nicole finally smiles again, they kiss again deeply, as Nicole holds onto Eric for dear life.

    ---

    Jennifer laughs again as Liam finishes a story. She's not drunk, but has had a few glasses on champagne by now.

    JENNIFER: You know...I don't have to work tomorrow and...well...JJ's out with Rory...God help him, and my mom went out with some friends for the evening...so...we have the house to ourselves, you know.
    LIAM: I'm listening...
    JENNIFER: Unless...you...maybe wanted to take me back to your place? I haven't seen it yet and all...

    Liam stiffens at the suggestion, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

    LIAM: I...uh...I think we should maybe...maybe your place is a better idea.

    Jennifer looks concerned suddenly by Liam's shuffling.

    JENNIFER: You...you okay? I...
    LIAM: Yeah, no. I'm...I'm fine, I just...my place is a disaster zone still, we're...we're kinda...still renovating the place so...

    Jennifer smiles, a bit relieved but still thinking about what Laura told her earlier.

    JENNIFER: That's fine...maybe we should just...take it easy tonight, if you're not up to it.

    Liam catches on, and changes his tone again, trying to reassure Jenn.

    LIAM: No! No, it's fine, I just...(sigh) I just don't want to disappoint you at all. You know?

    Jenn smiles, reaching her hand across the table to meet Liam's.

    JENNIFER: You could never disappoint me. Trust me.

    Liam smiles back, grasping Jenn's hand in his. They both gaze intensely into each other's eyes.

    ---

    Abby arrives at the Horton house. The lights all out. She turns them on as she walks into the living room.

    ABBY: Well...so much for surprising everyone. (sigh)

    Abby looks down at the table, and sees Jennifer's files from work. She looks wistfully at them, recalling the circumstances that led to her leaving the hospital.

    ABBY: Back to keeping secrets and telling lies. Thank God it'll be easier now. No one will ever know about the baby now.

    ---

    In the University Hospital lounge, Adrienne stands, holding a cup of coffee in styrofoam cup. Her hands shaking like a leaf as she struggles to raise it up to her lips to take a sip. Her sons, Alex and Sonny sit in the opposite corner of the room, a deep concern for Adrienne plain on their faces.
    Sonny sighs, as he slowly gets up, as Adrienne nearly spills her coffee. He puts a hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump momentarily.

    SONNY: Mom...are you okay?

    Adrienne turns to face her son. She smiles as she takes her son's hand. Alex looks on from the corner, a smile on his face as well.

    ADRIENNE: Honestly, I'm terrified. But I'm grateful my boys are here. 
    SONNY: Mom, we wouldn't be anywhere else.

    Alex gets up from his seat, taking Adrienne's other hand.

    ALEX: Sonny's right. We're here for you and for Dad.
    ADRIENNE: Thanks, sweetie. Uh...Alex, honey, can...can I talk with your brother alone for a moment?
    ALEX: Of course, Adrienne! I..uh...I'm gonna go check on Noelle.

    Adrienne gently squeezes Alex's hand as he walks off toward the hallway. As he disappears around the corner, Adrienne turns to Sonny and looks at him intensely.

    ADRIENNE: Sonny...look, I don't want to start a fight, but..I--
    SONNY: Then don't.
    ADRIENNE: Sonny!
    SONNY: No! Seriously, Mom! This is SO not the time to start going in on me about my marrying Will.

    Sonny turns away from Adrienne, as Adrienne reaches out, pleading with her son to listen.

    ADRIENNE: Sonny, Listen! I didn't want to start a fight. All I'm saying is I want you to be careful. (sigh) Will has never been with another man before, and...

    Adrienne pauses, looking out the door to make sure no one hears what she's about to say. Sonny, not watching his mother, interjects, prodding her for an answer.

    SONNY: ...And??
    ADRIENNE: ...And I saw Will...I saw how he was looking at...

    Sonny turns around, exasperated by his mother's stalling.

    SONNY: At??? At who, Mom? Spit it out!

    Adrienne shouts out her response, shaking in fear and frustration over Sonny's demand for an answer.

    ADRIENNE: At Alex! He was giving your brother the eye. The whole evening we've spent in that house, Sonny. I couldn't stand it. You were looking at him with such...love and affection and...it's so honest and...all I could see was the lust in Will's eye for Alex.

    Sonny looks at his mother, absolutely stunned at what she's saying. Sonny begins to laugh at his mother's answer, totally in disbelief.

    SONNY: You...you have absolutely lost your mind!
    ADRIENNE: I'm serious, honey. I'm not making this up. I swear, I saw it with my own eyes.

    Sonny backs away from his mother, holding his hands up to stop her from approaching.

    SONNY: No! No no no, THIS...this is it, Mom. I know you can't stand the idea of me marrying Will, but to make up something like THIS? You stay away from my home, and away from Will.

    Adrienne begins to tear up, petrified of losing her son.

    ADRIENNE: Please! No...
    SONNY: No, Mom! Enough! If you want to see Arianna, I'll bring her to the house, you can see her then, but I'm not going to allow you to meddle in our lives anymore. I've had it.
    ADRIENNE: Sonny! SONNY!

    Adrienne shouts out as she watches her son walk out of the room. She holds her head in her hands as she cries.

    ---
  22. beebs
    EPISODE 90
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson
    Inside Anita's cabin, the dark night is lit up by the roar of the fire. A late winter snow and wind whips past outside, but inside, the home is warm and comforting. Anita sits inside, curled up on her sofa, engrossed in a book. She stares down at the page through her reading glasses, perched on the tip of her nose, as the sound of footsteps emerge from the guest bedroom.

    It's Brady.
    Anita turns, surprised to see him finally up and out of his room.
    ANITA: Good Lord! You're out of your room!
    Brady looks at Anita, inquisitively.
    BRADY: Yeah! I mean...well...the fire and all...
    Anita pulls her reading glasses off, a smile on her face as she looks at Brady, amazed to see him out.
    ANITA: I just...well...I knew you'd been moving around your room but...you've barely been out since you've been here.
    BRADY: I...I know. I just...I'm glad you gave me the space to...you know...recover and...clear my mind.
    Anita moves over slightly on her sofa, then pats the space next to her, encouraging Brady to sit down, he walks slowly over and sits down, though awkwardly, his legs weak from weeks of under-use.
    ANITA: Sit, sit! Look...Brady, I...you know I don't mean to pry but...darling, what happened to you before I found you on the shore? Whatever it is...it's deeply troubling you, and...maybe I can help you with it?
    Brady looks down, sighing, as his mind wanders back to the night of his accident. The memories flood back to him.
    ***
    FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 39

    Theresa pulls her little vial of cocaine out for Brady. He brazenly pours it out on the table in front of him and grabs his wallet to grab a credit card to cut it up with. Theresa is barely paying attention, as she uses her cell phone camera to try to get a good look at her makeup.

    THERESA: I still look so good right now. Better than that bitch Chloe. God, her singing got on my nerves you know that?
    BRADY: Stop talking about Chloe like that! She's...great.
    THERESA: Sure, Brady. Whatever. I think I'm gonna take a selfie of this.

    Theresa fumbles with her phone, trying to flip the phone around to use the flash, but ends up reversing which lens is in use, and begins recording a video of Brady as he does the line of cocaine from the table. Theresa, not sure why the camera isn't working, flips the phone back around in frustration.

    THERESA: Ugh, this damned phone. Never...oh...
    BRADY: What?
    THERESA: Nothing. Stupid camera was on the wrong function, just...
    BRADY: It didn't get a shot of me, did it?
    THERESA: I can't even tell. Nothing's working right.
    ***
    FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 41

    As the car takes off, Brady is back at the club, looking for Theresa. Unable to see her, he sees Chloe and stops her to ask.

    BRADY: Hey, uh...have you seen Theresa at all?
    CHLOE: No, the last time I saw her she was heading out the door in a hurry.
    BRADY: What?
    ***
    FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 43

    Brady opens the doors to the board room, overhearing Victor's announcement.

    VICTOR: Then it is so...as of today, the 27th of July, 2014, Brady Black is temporarily relieved of his duties as CEO of Titan Industrie--
    BRADY: NO!

    The board turn around in shock at Brady's outburst...

    ***
    FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 45

    Brady's foot presses more and more on the accelerator, as the car pushes up towards 70, 75, 80mph. Theresa holds onto the grip on the door tightly.

    THERESA: B...Brady, slow down.

    Brady is looking straight ahead, barely even acknowledging Theresa's existence.

    BRADY: Why?
    THERESA: Well...well the speed limit, Brady is--
    BRADY: Do you honestly think I care right now? Like...at all? Do you think what you want matters to me right now?
    THERESA: Brady, you're scaring me.

    Brady starts to pay closer attention to Theresa now, but it is mostly anger he shows her as he intermittently divides his attention between her and the road before him.

    BRADY: Do you think I'm scared? Huh? Do you think I can feel anything right now?
    THERESA: Brady, what are you talking about?
    BRADY: What do I have now, Theresa? Think about it for a second, yeah? I just lost my job, my reputation is ruined, the woman I thought I was getting to know and care about, she double-crosses me because she's so damned insecure about me being able to be nice to my ex-wife. Every single woman I ever get involved in betrays me. My family hates me. Tell me, Theresa.What do I have to live for now? Tell me.
    THERESA: Okay, okay, Okay--
    BRADY:...TELL ME! Do you get it?
    THERESA: Okay! I'm sorry, Brady, would you PLEASE slow down.

    Brady takes his eyes off the road now entirely, and begins to lean in closer and closer to Theresa.

    His speed is now reaching 85mph.

    BRADY: Ohhhh no. You don't get it, do you? I want you to listen to me for once. No distractions. No one around to watch you to see the glamourous life you're living off my back. Just you, finally facing the person you are. The despicable, self-absorbed piece of street trash you really are--

    Theresa looks away from Brady. 

    90mph.

    Theresa looks up and sees a sharp turn in the road ahead, she panicks and screams out.

    THERESA: BRADY, LOOK OUT!

    Brady looks up and tries to steer into the turn while slamming on the brakes.

    Theresa, in a moment of quick thinking, pulls her door open and leaps from the vehicle, but due to the speed the car is travelling at, she is knocked unconscious and severely injured immediately upon impacting the ground.

    Brady's car skids off the road and drives through the barrier, off the side of the embankment, into the lake below.

    ***
    Brady snaps out of his haze, as he begins to breathe heavily, almost having a panic attack right in front of a very concerned Anita, who has wrapped her arm around Brady's shoulders.
    ANITA: Brady! Brady! Are you alright? Talk to me!
    Brady shakes his head, coming out of his state, he looks at Anita, swallowing heavily before answering her, still gasping for air.
    BRADY: I...I can't, Anita. I just...I gotta...
    Brady gets up from the sofa, and grabs a coat from the coat rack. He quickly darts toward the door and steps out, shutting it hastily behind him. Left behind in the house is Anita, looking at the door in shock. She settles back down on the couch, mouth left hanging open in shock.
    ---

    Sheryl lies asleep in her bed, lying next to a wide-awake Lucas. Lucas stirs silently, unable to close his eyes.
    He sighs as he turns to look at a dormant Sheryl, he breathes heavily, looking uncomfortably at Sheryl in bed. He swallows, as if gasping for air, as he turns away to get up out of the bed, trying not to wake Sheryl.
    He sits quietly at the edge of the bed, as though trying to catch his breath. He looks up, standing up as quietly as possible, grabbing his boxers from the floor and hastily putting them on before turning to walk over to the window. Deep in thought, he looks out and sighs as he stares off into the night.
    ---

    Nicole and Eric flop down, spent from the passionate sex they've just had. Breathing heavily, they look lovingly at each other in bed. Nicole turns back towards her new fiance and puts her hand on his chest, playing with his chest hair as she talks softly to him.
    NICOLE: You know...if it's like this every time, I can't wait to be Mrs. Eric Brady.
    Eric smiles, laughing a bit to himself as Nicole looks on, mock-offended.
    NICOLE: What?!
    ERIC: I just had a thought...
    Nicole looks at Eric, inquistively.
    NICOLE: And that is...?
    Eric turns his head to face Nicole. He raises his eyebrow and replies casually to her.
    ERIC: Are you gonna take me to Red Lobster now? 
    Nicole punches Eric's arm playfully as he laughs, clutching his arm in pain momentarily through his laughter.
    NICOLE: You're so WEIRD.
    ERIC: (laughs) No, but seriously...I was thinking...why wait? Why don't we get married tomorrow?
    Nicole looks at Eric, shocked by his suggestion.
    ---
    Inside the living room of the Kiriakis mansion, Victor stands, sipping his drink slowly. While his family appears to unravel before his eyes in the garden, and his great-nephew is married to a woman he loathes, his stress is high. His glass of bourbon shakes in his hand as he simmers with rage.
    Looking down after taking a sip, he sees a picture of Brady on his desk. Feeling emotional, Victor grits his teeth hard.
    Suddenly, something appears to jolt Victor from within. He drops his glass of bourbon on the carpet, as he grabs his chest, the glass shattering on the ground.
    ---
     
    ---

    Jordan and Jerome stand in Jordan's hotel room, a palpible tension between the ex-lovers. Jerome stands behind Jordan, waiting for an answer. Jordan turns, looks at Jerome, annoyed by his probing questions, and answers angrily.
    JORDAN: My decisions and who I'm with now are no longer any of your concern, got it?
    Jerome stares at Jordan a moment, before bursting out laughing. He shakes his head at Jordan, crossing his arms.
    JEROME: That was a great performance, girl. I gotta hand it to you. But I'ma tell you something. Okay, you...you're in love with that dude. It's obvious. And you and I know damn well how dangerous that is when you're in town on a job. Especially when you in deep with a cop. 
    Jordan turns away from Jerome again, now folding her arms, and rolling her eyes, not wanting to hear Jerome's advice. Jerome responds by stepping in closer to his ex.
    JEROME: For God's sake, Kay! Have you looked this Hernandez dude up? He used to be an FBI agent! You know how much danger you're in if he figures out your ties to this EnerNext takedown? You have no choice but to leave town...and him.
    Jordan turns back around, walking right past Jerome toward the door again, not even  looking him in the eye.
    JORDAN: You're just trying to stir up trouble becuase you want me back. And as God is my witness, I am never EVER going back to you. You need to get that through your head, Jerome.
    Jordan swings the door open to her suite, pointing the way out to Jerome.
    JEROME: I'm not trying to stir anything up. I'm just looking out for you. Evidently something you aren't doing.
    JORDAN: I am looking out for me. And I found a better way out. So whatever you and Sheryl have cooked up for tomorrow, I want no part in.
    Jerome shakes his head as he steps toward the door.
    JEROME: I got news for you. You're already too far in. There's no way out now.
    Jordan snaps at Jerome, staring him down menacingly as her voice raises at him.
    JORDAN: GET. OUT!
    Jerome obliges, never taking his eyes off Jordan as he steps past the doorway. He turns before Jordan closes the door, and gives Jordan one last tidbit of advice.
    JEROME: Alright! I'm out. But remember. There is no way out of this. Even if you do manage to worm your way out of this situation, your little detective friend is gonna find out all about your...extra-curriculars. And it ain't gone end well.
    Jordan looks unmoved by Jerome's warning.
    JORDAN: Goodbye, Jerome.
    JEROME: See you tomorrow, Kay!
    Jordan rolls her eyes as she slams the door shut behind him. Jordan leans against the door after its shut, the front of strength she put up against Jerome withering away, as she looks around, panicked by his stern warning.
    ---
    Lucas looks intensely out the window of Sheryl's apartment. The night sky is dark, and the cloudcover means not a star in the sky. Looking out over the lights of the centre of Salem, he barely blinks as he thinks over what has just happened. 
    Sheryl's words still linger in his head from earlier.
    "You know....I never could understand...how a man....could still call himself a man...and not want to make love."
    Lucas looks back at Sheryl, a bitterness in his eyes as she glares her way.
    Wordlessly, he walks back over, puts on pants, and hastily throws back on his white t-shirt and dress shirt, barely managing to grab his suit jacket before he heads for the door.
    On his way out, he takes one look back at Sheryl, before quietly closing the door behind him.
    On the floor near the door, his tie has fallen in his haste to leave.
    ---
    Nicole can barely choke out her reply to Eric about his offer to elope, as she lays in bed next to him, wide-eyed, and open-mouthed.
    NICOLE: I...what? Eric, I mean...that's not what I had in mind for this wedding...at ALL!
    Eric interrupts her just at the end, taking her hand in his as he speaks gently to her, trying to calm her nerves with reason.
    ERIC: I...I know. Look, I would love to do it the traditional way and have a huge wedding with all our families there but...I mean...think about it, Nicole. That's really unlikely with my family.
    Nicole shrugs, acknowledging the facts Eric's laying out.
    NICOLE: Fair enough, I mean, your sister alone would probably try to drag me back up the aisle.
    ERIC: ...Aaaaand not to mention my mother. I...I had a long talk with her and...I mean, we're just patching things up after what happened with Kristen and...(sigh) I just don't...I don't want another huge falling out. I'd rather just...quietly get married and...well, we can tell our families in our own time. Hopefully, without drama or any attempts to stop the wedding from happening.
    NICOLE: Do you honestly think we can make that happen, though?
    Eric thinks momentarily, sighing at the thought of having to hide his nuptuals.
    ERIC: We stand a better chance of just making it to the altar this way. 
    NICOLE: But we'll still have to face your family when we get back. I mean, Eric, I don't want our marriage to be this deep, dark secret, like we're ashamed of it. 
    ERIC: I know. But...I'll make you a deal. We get married officially tomorrow. Just a simple justice-of-the-peace ceremony, and once my family gets used to the idea of us being together and..their opinion of you mellows a bit, we do a big ceremony, the right way. Okay?
    Nicole smiles, nodding slowly in agreement to Eric's idea.
    NICOLE: I think I can handle that.
    ERIC: Good. I uh...I'll call Daniel in the morning, and we'll get this all organized?
    NICOLE: And I guess I'll call Chloe, and...we head up to Chicago?
    Eric smiles warmly at his soon-to-be-wife, raising a hand to gently stroke her cheek.
    ERIC: You ever feel like a teenager?
    NICOLE: Doing something BAD and rebellious?
    Eric and Nicole giggle as they lean in slowly to gently touch each other's lips in a kiss.
    ---
    Brady stands out by the lake, watching the waves crash against the shore. He stares straight ahead, barely even blinking as Anita walks over to him, wrapped warmly in her winter coat. She stands silently beside him for a moment, looking up at him with a piping hot cup of tea in her head.
    Looking up, she offers him the tea.
    ANITA: You took off in a real hurry.
    Brady breaks his gaze, looking down at Anita, as he accepts the cup of tea.
    BRADY: I had to get out of there.
    Brady takes a sip of the tea, before raising the cup in a toast.
    BRADY: Thanks for the tea, by the way.
    ANITA: Anytime. I thought you'd be cold out here.
    BRADY: Nah...it's not that bad. Besides, gives me some time to think. Some fresh air's good for the ol' brain.
    ANITA: I would have thought you'd have plenty of time to think cooped up in that room all the time.
    Brady laughs a bit at Anita's remark, still staring straight out at the water before him.
    BRADY: Funny enough, I spend most of my time in there trying not to think. About anything, really...sneaks up on you sometimes.
    ANITA: What do you mean?
    BRADY: (sigh) Just...thinking about your family. What you left behind.
    Anita stops a moment before responding. She hesitates even to say it, but eventually goes ahead anyway.
    ANITA: Brady, don't you think you should eventually go back to Salem?
    Brady looks back out at the water, shaking his head quickly.
    BRADY: Nah. No way. If I do go back, my life in Salem is over, anyway. There's nothing left for me there.
    Anita looks at Brady with a pained expression. Brady continues to look straight out for a moment, before turning to look at Anita.
    BRADY: You know...you ever get the feeling that something terrible is about to happen, you just...no rhyme or reason to feel that way, it's just...your gut?
    ANITA: Ohhh yeah. I've had that feeling a lot the last few weeks.
    BRADY: Yeah...I'm feeling that now. And it feels like it's partly my fault.
    Brady stares back out at the water. Anita joining him as the sound of the waves crashing against the shore mesmerize them.
    ---

    Maggie, Alex, and Noelle stand in the kitchen at the Kiriakis Mansion. Maggie, still prepping dinner for everyone, turns toward the couple, who are stood together, with Alex embracing Noelle from behind. She smiles at them, loving their closeness.
    MAGGIE: Well, you two. Dinner's almost ready. I'm just going into the living room to let Victor know and we'll be ready to start. Okay?
    NOELLE: Alright, Maggie. We'll be in the dining room in a minute.
    MAGGIE: Alright, but I don't want you two lovebirds to be late to the dinner table either, okay?
    Alex and Noelle laugh as Maggie heads for the swinging door to the kitchen.
    ALEX: Alright, promise.
    Alex and Noelle hold up one hand, gesturing the promise to Maggie, who shakes her head while laughing at the happy couple.
    After Maggie steps out of the room, Noelle quickly turns around to face her husband, kissing him quickly on the lips.
    NOELLE: You know, I could really get used to being a Kiriakis.
    ALEX: Now THAT is something I never thought I'd hear you say.
    NOELLE: (laughs) It's true, though. Honestly, I'm grateful that Maggie's been so welcoming to me. It's really made a difference.
    Alex takes both of Noelle's hands and looks her intensely in the eyes.
    ALEX: Look, Victor will come around. Just give him time, and whatever misgivings he has about you are gonna fade away.
    NOELLE: I'm...not so sure.
    ALEX: Well, I am. So don't worry, okay?
    Noelle smiles, leaning in to kiss Alex again. The couple wrap their arms around each other as their kiss evolves from a quick peck on the lips to a more passionate one.
    ---

    Outside, in the Kiriakis garden, Justin puts a hand on Sonny's shoulder to try to get his attention, but Sonny shrugs it off immediately, aggravated by Justin and Adrienne's intense conversation at his and Will's expense.
    SONNY: Don't...touch me right now, Dad. I'm serious. You two have seriously got to back off. All the way off. 
    Adrienne pleads with her son, stepping towards him, and trying to take his hand, but Sonny will have none of it and lurches away.
    ADRIENNE: Please, Sonny, just...you have to understand, I'm just trying to look out for yo--
    SONNY: ...No! No, you need to stop doing that. Okay, your idea of looking out for me, which, by the way, I don't need because I am an adult...is smothering me, and it's toxic. It is starting to tear away at my relationship with the man I want to spend the rest of my life with, and we haven't even made it to the altar yet!
    Adrienne stops, trying to choke out a response to Sonny while holding back tears.
    ADRIENNE: I just don't want you to make a big mistake. And I'm sorry, Will, but I think that Sonny marrying you would be a huge mistake.
    Will shakes his head, feigning cluelessness at Adrienne's reasons for not wanting he and Sonny to marry, knowing that her answer will sound absurd to Sonny.
    WILL: But why, Mrs. Kiriakis. I mean, you know Sonny and I have been through a lot. And I've stood by him. So why are you so concerned now?
    ADRIENNE: Because, Will, I know what your mother's like, and I've seen the way you look at--
    Adrienne gets cut off by the sound of Maggie's shocked voice coming from inside the house.
    MAGGIE: (from inside) OH MY GOD, VICTOR!
    Everyone turns around suddenly, stunned by what they hear.
    Sonny is the first to react, running quickly inside, as the others filter in.

    Inside, Maggie kneels by Victor's limp body, sobbing as she panicks, trying to figure out whether Victor is alive or dead.
    Sonny arrives first, followed by Alex, Will, Adrienne, and Justin, as Noelle slowly saunters in behind them all, arms folded, with a much different look on her face from the others.
    Maggie looks up as Sonny rushes into action, pulling his phone out from his pocket. Maggie shouts out to the others.
    MAGGIE: I think he's had a heart attack, call the ambulance.
    Sonny dials 911 immediately, as the others are stunned, almost too stunned to react, as they observe Victor lying on the floor, struggling to breathe. Justin then jumps over, kneeling down with Maggie, as he grabs Victor's hand.
    SONNY: (into phone) Yes, this is Sonny Kiriakis, we think my uncle's just had a heart attack...
    ---
  23. beebs
    EPISODE 89
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson

    Rafe and Hope stand in their office at the Salem PD. Hope looks at Rafe with a concerned look on her face, as Rafe stands stunned at what Hope's just asked her.
    RAFE: I...I don't even know how to answer that...I mean...I know these cops like they're family to me, Hope. No, I don't think they're racist.
    HOPE: But what if...what if it's deeper than that. What if we've...(sigh) what if we're so used to seeing certain faces committing crimes that we've started to believe that they're inherently criminal people? 
    Hope walks away from Rafe, increasingly uncomfortable looking him in the eyes. She paces the room, deep in thought, as Rafe's eyes follow her around the room.
    HOPE: I know it's...I know it's not that they're bad people. I mean, we're trying to keep the community safe. I mean...everyone loves Abe...they loved Lexie when she was on the force, you're respected...but...
    RAFE: Hope, come on. Don't let this one case hit you so hard, I mean...so the profile was wrong. There's a million ways that could have happened. The eye witness could have seen the wrong person, it could have been dark out...Hell, the perp could have an accomplice, this may not even be over yet--
    HOPE: ...But what if it is, Rafe?! What if the Salem PD is the problem here? What if Jerome was right?
    Rafe sighs as he looks at Hope, shaking his head in disbelief of what she's asking him.
    ---

    Sheryl sits at the table at Club TBD, where the lights are dimmed as the evening clientele mills about, having their cocktails and eating their dinner. She keeps one eye on the door as she looks over her menu. Her impatience building as she sees each person step in, and not seeing Lucas.

    Finally, Lucas steps in the door, nervously looking around for his date. Sheryl immediately spots him, and waves in his direction. After a moment, Lucas feigns a smile and heads over to greet her.
    Sheryl gets up from her seat, a big smile on her face as she reaches out to her date.
    SHERYL: Lucas, honey! I'm glad you finally escaped your mother's clutches.
    LUCAS: Sheryl--
    SHERYL: ...Oh come off it, Lucas, it was a JOKE! 
    LUCAS: Yeah...sorry. I'm just...you know, tense.
    Sheryl leans over to touch Lucas' shoulder, causing Lucas to flinch again at her touch. Sheryl looks on, hurt again by Lucas' resistance to her.
    SHERYL: Okay...I'm sorry. I guess I'm just...not used to you being quite so...prickly.
    Sheryl sits down, a sense of defeat in her eyes. Lucas follows, adjusting himself a bit as he gets comfortable in his seat. Sheryl looks at Lucas, a bit annoyed at him. Lucas picks up on it, and leans in to speak softly to Sheryl.
    LUCAS: Look, I'm sorry. I haven't had a very good couple days. With work, and...the TV station selloff...I've been really overloaded.
    SHERYL: I understand that.
    Sheryl reaches out across the table to Lucas, almost touching his hand, but hesitating at the last moment.
    She pulls her hand back into her lap. She looks down, appearing a bit sombre.
    SHERYL: I just...I wish I could...maybe find a way to help...I dunno, make it easier on you. Maybe take some of the load off.
    Lucas sighs, remembering his mom's advice before he left for dinner to be more convincing in his 'relationship' with Sheryl. Lucas looks up at Sheryl, who looks back at him with a lustful look in her eye. Lucas looks back curiously, as Sheryl gently slips her left pump from her foot, and glides it up his leg.
    Lucas' eyes widen, as Sheryl's not-so-subtle come-on becomes obvious to him.
    LUCAS: Well! I uh...ahem...Gee I...I feel better already. Uh...

    Lucas quickly turns to get T's attention as he passes by.
    LUCAS: Hey! T! Can you uh...can you get me a cup of coffee...and a uh...
    Lucas turns to face an expectant Sheryl, who looks Lucas' way unwaveringly, as she makes her order.
    SHERYL: Double vodka on the rocks.
    T looks on at the situation before him, slightly amused, and intrigued as he responds, fighting back laughter.
    T: Alright...coming up, guys!
    T rushes off, leaving an uncomfortable Lucas at the mercy of Sheryl. He squirms uncomfortably, but decides to play along, against his better judgment.
    LUCAS: I uh...I knew you wanted to help me unwind but...I had no idea you meant like this.
    Sheryl looks on, raising her eyebrow seductively, as she responds to Lucas.
    SHERYL: Maybe we should skip dinner. I think I'm feeling hungry for something a little different.
    Lucas tries to hold back an uncomfortable look, as he tries to formulate a response to Sheryl.
    ---

    Jerome steps off the elevator at the Salem Inn, walking over to Jordan's door. He knocks.

    Inside, Jordan jumps up from her chair, startled by the sudden unexpected visitor. Through the door, she hears Jerome's voice.
    JEROME: Kay? Baby, it's me.
    Jordan races over to the door, hoping none of her neighbours heard Jerome call her by her real name. She quickly opens the door and motions him inside, an irritated look on her face.
    JORDAN: I told you not to call me that! Get in here! NOW!
    Jerome slides casually inside, with Jordan stuffing him inside as she tries, through her frustration, to close the door while resisting her urge to slam it.
    She glares as she speaks menacingly to him.
    JORDAN: How did you find me here?
    Jerome smirks as he looks at his ex-, appearing to take pleasure in her dismay.
    JEROME: I texted Sheryl. She said you could use the pep talk.
    JORDAN: Oh right, I forgot. Sheryl's my mom now and I need her to tell me what I need to do. 
    Jordan opens the door back up, motioning to Jerome to leave, as Jerome walks toward the door.
    JORDAN: Look, I'm sorry you wasted your time, but I don't need you, and I don't need your 'pep talks'.
    Jerome puts his hand against the back of the door, shutting it, while blocking in Jordan. They stand mere inches apart, as Jerome looks lustfully in Jordan's eyes. Jordan, still clearly attracted to Jerome, looks at him intensely.
    JEROME: Maybe you don't know what you need as much as you think you do.
    Jordan looks back at him, her defenses wearing thin against Jerome, though still trying to put up the front.
    ---

    Adrienne stands, still uncomfortably cold in the Kiriakis garden with Justin, as Adrienne tries to explain her calling Alex "Justin's son".
    ADRIENNE: I didn't mean it like that, Justin.
    JUSTIN: No, but what else COULD it mean, Adrienne? You've always resented Anjelica's presence in our lives, even being just on the peripheral.
    ADRIENNE: Well, I don't know, Justin. Maybe her trying to blow me up might have something to do with it? I mean, I know, I'm just talking crazy here, but--
    Justin sighs, knowing this argument's going to go around in circles. He tries to stop it from moving further down this road.
    JUSTIN: Adreinne. I don't blame you for hating Anjelica. But you have helped raise Alex from the time he was a toddler. I thought you have accepted him as your own--
    ADRIENNE: ...I have, Justin...I just...
    JUSTIN: You just...what? You see Anjelica every time you look at him? You...resent his presence in our lives again? You question his motives in marrying Noelle Curtis because you're just, so certain that he's got something to hide?
    ADRIENNE: A mother knows her son, Justin.
    Justin explodes with anger at Adrienne's remark.
    JUSTIN: You just reminded me he isn't your son, Adrienne! So how do you know he's hiding something? And how do you know that Will is so...eager to play the field that he's willing to risk what he has with Sonny to make a play for his brother. His brother who is married to a woman?

    Justin and Adrienne jump back, looking towards the door as a voice calls out to them.
    SONNY: Is that really what you feel, Mom?
    Adrienne stands, shocked and at a loss for words as she's caught by her visibly upset son.
    ---
     
    ---
    Rafe puts his hand on Hope's shoulder, as Hope stays fixated on the view through her office window.
    RAFE: Hope, you can't fix everything, you know. 
    Hope stays fixated on the street below, leaving Rafe unsure if she's even listening. He squeezes her shoulder gently, hoping to rouse some kind of reaction in Hope.
    RAFE: Look, I know this case has thrown you for a loop. That's why I was pushing Grant so hard. But you gotta realize, we're only human.
    HOPE: Yeah, but we also need to have some humanity. 
    Hope sighs, turning around to face Rafe finally.
    HOPE: You know, I just...seeing Jerome and...seeing Valerie again just reminded me why I became a cop in the first place. I didn't do it to hurt people, or...punish people. I did it to help protect people. To make my community a better place. 
    RAFE: And you do that. Every day. I see that.
    Rafe puts his arms around Hope, as she reciprocates, holding Rafe in a tight embrace.
    HOPE: Well, I need to do more, Rafe. I need to figure out a way.
    As Rafe and Hope separate from their hug, Hope walks over to her desk, grabbing her purse and jacket. As she puts it on, she sighs.
    HOPE: I gotta...I gotta pick Ciara up. She's probably upset, I've been...really busy lately.
    RAFE: You want me to give you guys a ride home? I gotta head that way anyway, pick up Sheryl at the Salem Inn.
    Hope smiles a bit, nodding appreciatively.
    HOPE: Yeah. I'm...not exactly in any shape to drive right now, am I?
    RAFE: Come on, Partner!
    Rafe puts his arm around Hope, walking with her out of her office, finally coaxing a lasting smile out of his sombre partner.
    ---
    Jordan inhales deeply, taking in Jerome's scent as she tries to hide her discomfort, and her attraction to Jerome.
    JORDAN: Don't patronize me, Jerome.
    Jerome lifts his right hand up to gently carress Jordan's face, causing Jordan to flinch, and push Jerome away. Jerome doesn't fight back as Jordan walks away from her.
    JORDAN: Dammit, Jerome! Don't you get it? It's over between you and me. And it has been for a very long time.
    JEROME: You know...that's funny because...I didn't think we ever officially broke things off between us. You know, as far as I remember...you just up and left town without saying where you were going, what you were doing, or who with. Now, what I wanna know is...is that how you normally break things off with the men you get with, or am I just a special case?
    Jordan turns around to face Jerome, eyes rolling, cutting him off as he finishes his question.
    JORDAN: I didn't...I didn't think we had anything more to talk about. You didn't want to tie yourself down to me, and...then this whole...EnerNext thing came up. I mean...Kate's offer to come to Salem came up way sooner than Sheryl and I expected.
    JEROME: And you couldn't take two minutes to pick up a phone and tell me what was happening. Say goodbye? Dear John letter? A text message--
    JORDAN: ...I couldn't! Dammit, Jerome. It wasn't safe! The RCMP were onto us, and if I stopped to make that call, I'd be setting myself up.
    Jerome looks down, shaking his head, knowing Jordan's making excuses. Jordan looks him dead on, as earnestly as she can.
    JORDAN: Look, I know I left suddenly. And I'm sorry for that. But we were having too many problems to ignore. And it wasn't going to get any better if I stayed in Toronto.
    JEROME: But you don't know that.
    Jordan stops, sighing as she looks up to the ceiling. She throws her hands up in defeat.
    JORDAN: No. No, I don't. But it's too late to go back now. We have a job to do. That's the only relationship we're going to have here in Salem. You put that virus in the Titan server, and it's done.
    Jerome cocks his eyebrow, sensing a hint of hope.
    JEROME: And after that?
    Jordan rolls her eyes at Jerome's badgering, she looks away, folding her arms in discomfort.
    JORDAN: After that, I don't know.
    JEROME: Does that mean you'll be leaving Salem?
    Jordan hesitates, looking down, away from Jerome's intense gaze.
    JORDAN: I haven't decided yet.
    Jerome leans toward where Jordan's looking, hoping to catch her gaze. Jordan looks away, and Jerome follows her eyes. Jordan sighs again, as it hits him just why she's hesitating.
    JEROME: Oh God. It's that sumbitch cop you been screwing around with. Hah! You're in love with him, aren't you?
    Jordan bites her lip, trying to avoid giving Jerome the answer he's searching for.
    ---
    The elevator dings before the door opens to Sheryl's floor. As it opens, Sheryl is pressed up against a visibly-uncomfortable Lucas, who is trying to get into the mood for the sake of Kate's plan, but Sheryl notices his tension. They kiss, but Sheryl, feeling Lucas' tension, steps back.
    SHERYL: Lucas! Come on, what's wrong?
    Sheryl grabs Lucas' hand and guides him from the elevator toward her apartment door.
    LUCAS: Ahh, it's nothing. I guess I'm just still tense from the office.
    Sheryl wraps her arms around Lucas, smiling seductively at him. He feigns a smile in return, putting his arms around her.
    SHERYL: Well, you know what I say to that.
    LUCAS: Yes, I do.
    SHERYL: Well, do you want to come in? Maybe I can...work out those knots in your shoulders, and maybe...help you relax?
    Lucas inhales, trying to gather his strength to go through with what's surely about to happen.
    LUCAS: I think that's a great idea.
    Sheryl smiles back, as she turns to open the door to the apartment.
    SHERYL: Good.
    As Sheryl steps in, Lucas lingers behind, almost afraid to step inside. Sheryl laughs at Lucas' reticence, coaxing him inside.
    SHERYL: (laughs) Come on, silly. You're acting like a school boy. Haven't you ever been to a girl's bedroom before.
    Lucas furrows his brow, as though Sheryl's wounded his pride.
    LUCAS: Hey! I resent that! I'll have you know I've been to...p...a few ladies' bedrooms in my time.
    Sheryl giggles as she sits herself down on her bed. Kicking off her shoes, she bites her lip seductively as she looks up at Lucas, who stands nearby, hands in his pockets, looking Sheryl up and down.
    SHERYL: Hmm...that's good to know then. Aren't you gonna come over here.
    LUCAS: I uh...ahem, I dunno if I'm up to it.
    Sheryl looks up at Lucas, getting up off the bed and walking over to him. He backs up slightly, as Sheryl forcefully grabs his belt buckle and undoes it. Lucas resists momentarily.
    LUCAS: Sheryl...
    SHERYL: Not. A. Word.
    Sheryl leans in, nearly kissing Lucas, but instead whispers, half seductively, half threateningly, as she kisses his cheek, and slowly nibbles his earlobe.
    SHERYL: You know....I never could understand...how a man....could still call himself a man...and not want to make love.
    Lucas' resists the urge to leave, his masculinity called into question, but simultaneously hearing his mother's voice in his head, nagging him to stay:
    KATE: If you intend on seeing this plan through, you're going to have to be an awful lot more convincing than what just went down.
    Before he can respond, Sheryl pushes Lucas onto her bed, straddling him aggressively.
    LUCAS: Wh...what are you doing, Sheryl?
    SHERYL: Isn't it obvious?
    Sheryl rips open Lucas' shirt, as she kisses him full on the mouth. Lucas looks disgusted, but doesn't resist, replaying his mother's words over and over in his head, and Sheryl's emasculating whispers spliced between his mother's voice.
    you'll have to do better than that
    what kind of man doesn't want to make love?
    better than that
    SHERYL: I want you, Lucas Horton. Make love to me.
    Sheryl leans over aggressively to kiss Lucas again, her legs straddling his torso as she kisses down his neck, kissing further and further down his chest, as Lucas lays back, closing his eyes momentarily, trying to simply go along with Sheryl's desire as best he can, still hearing the threatening voices circle in his head.
    what kind of man...
    you'll have to do better than that
    ...doesn't want to make love
    I never understood
    you'll have to do better...
    Lucas gasps in a combination of mental anguish and physical stimulation as Sheryl moves her way down his body. Tensing with an anxious uncertainty as Sheryl takes sexual control over him.
    ---

    Maggie and Alex carry on talking to each other in the kitchen, as Noelle steps into the kitchen.
    MAGGIE: Noelle!
    NOELLE: Hi, Maggie! I just came to check in on my husband.
    Noelle wraps her arms around Alex, who turns his head to kiss his wife on the cheek. Noelle smiles widely as she hugs him. Maggie looks on, smiling.
    MAGGIE: I'm so glad you two are so happy. (sigh) We could use a lot more of that in this house lately.
    Noelle looks on, sighing quietly, understanding Maggie's pain.
    NOELLE: I'm sorry, Maggie. I...I know the last few months haven't been easy on you and Victor...but...I have a feeling things are going to change very soon.
    Maggie smiles at Noelle, leaning against the island, feeling Noelle and Alex's concern and warmth.
    MAGGIE: Thank you, both of you. I hope so, too!
    ---
    Sonny and Will step into the garden, Sonny fuming at his parents' argument over his relationship. Adrienne stumbles over her words as she tries to respond to her son's question.
    ADRIENNE: I...I...Sonny! Look, your father and I--
    SONNY: ...Were just nosing their way into my personal business. Again.
    ADRIENNE: Sonny...
    SONNY: Can it, Mom!
    Justin steps in to defend Adrienne, glaring at Sonny angrily.
    JUSTIN: Sonny. Don't talk to your mother like that.
    Will steps toward Sonny, touching Sonny's arm gently.
    WILL: Sonny...look, I didn't mean to cause trouble, I--
    SONNY: No. No, that's all my mother's job. My mother, who can't seem to separate mother from son. My mother, who seems to think that Alex Kiriakis and Anjelica Deveraux are the same person, just like Sami Brady and Will Horton.
    Adrienne tries to calm Sonny down, trying to step toward her son, but Sonny shakes his head, backing away from her.
    ADRIENNE: Sonny...
    SONNY: No! No, not this time, Mom. I love Will. And I know that Will is in love with me just as much. Whatever problems we're having right now, we will work them out, because that is what marriage is about. I know that's hard for you two since you seem incapable of going half a decade without some kind of litigation against each other, but--
    JUSTIN: Sonny! Enough! Now, you owe your mother, and myself, an apology.
    Sonny laughs mockingly at Justin, incredulous that Justin would make such an assertion.
    SONNY: Hah! Like Hell, I do! You know, this is exactly why I wanted Will away from Titan. I didn't want him to be involved in all this family drama, and melodramatics. And I definitely didn't want anyone in this family, especially my own parents, to spend so much energy trying to run our lives, and trying to manipulate, and and and speculate about our sex lives. I mean, what business is it of yours?

    Adrienne and Justin look solemnly at each other, realizing only now the depth of Sonny's anger at his family's involvement in his life. They stand, stunned, not realizing that inside the house, from the doorway, stands a solemn Victor, holding a drink in his hand. He listens closely to the entire conversation.
    Victor takes a sip from his drink, before breathing in heavily, an almost pained expression on his face as he contemplates his family's growing tensions.
    ---
  24. beebs
    EPISODE 88
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson

    Hope stands in her office at the Salem PD, staring thoughtfully out the window. Rafe slowly opens the door. Observing Hope, he sighs to himself, as he stands in the doorway, holding a cup of coffee in his hand.

    Never once looking away, barely even blinking, Hope doesn't notice as Rafe walks over to her, and hands her the cup. She jumps a bit, startled by Rafe. She looks down at the coffee cup and smiles as she takes it from Rafe.

    RAFE: Figured you could use this.
    HOPE: Thanks.
    RAFE: You alright? Mrs...what was it, Grant? She really got to you.

    Hope looks down, then back out the window, not looking Rafe's way as she takes a sip of her coffee. She takes a second before replying to him.

    HOPE: Was it that obvious?

    Hope turns around to face Rafe, a slight smile on both their faces, as they attempt to relieve a bit of the tension from dealing with Valerie and Jerome. Rafe shrugs as he makes a bit of a joke.

    RAFE: Enh, not really. Heh. But seriously, that Valerie woman really shook you up. You...obviously have met before?

    Hope looks down, nodding slowly as she answers Rafe, though almost zoning out.

    HOPE: Ohh yeah. My...nephew David was supposed to marry Valerie a looong long time ago.
    RAFE: And...obviously that didn't work out so well.
    HOPE: You could say that.

    Rafe looks on with concern, as Hope stays brooding in her own head, as though Rafe wasn't even in the room.

    RAFE: Look, I don't wanna pry here, but...you look really upset by this.
    HOPE: Yeah, well...(sigh) besides all the personal history...there's something about this whole situation that...it's just not right.

    Hope looks up, looking intensely at Rafe, who looks back in stunned confusion.

    ---


    Nicole and Eric unlock the door to Nicole's unlit apartment, laughing in between kisses. Eric holds a bottle of champagne in his hand, and places it down on the kitchen counter, as Nicole quickly turns on the light.

    NICOLE: Ahhh! I...I cannot believe this.

    Nicole runs back over to Eric, wrapping her arms around him from behind, much to his surprise. Eric laughs as he loses his balance while trying to grab champagne glasses from the cabinet above.

    ERIC: Woah! Hey, Miss soon-to-be-Mrs. Brady.
    NICOLE: Mmm, I like the sound of that.

    Eric turns around, champagne glasses now in hand as he puts one arm around Nicole. Guiding her around to his side, he grabs the bottle and squeezes Nicole gently.

    ERIC: Well, you better get used to hearing it, because I can't wait to make you my wife.

    Eric twists off the cork with a loud pop. The cork flies out of the bottle and smashes the lightbulb above them, rendering the apartment once again pitch black. Nicole and Eric duck momentarily to protect themselves from the shattering glass, before looking up in stunned silence.

    NICOLE: Oh God.
    ERIC: Well...at least the darkness is romantic.
    NICOLE: Yyyyyeah, I was never a fan of making love on broken glass, though.

    Nicole turns toward the cupboard, pulling out a big flashlight.

    NICOLE: Fortunately...

    Nicole turns on the flashlight, startling Eric, who jumps back to protect his eyes from the bright light.

    ERIC: ...AH! Hey!
    NICOLE: I'm prepared for anything!

    Nicole strides quickly back around, heading for the closet to find another bulb.

    NICOLE: Don't move, I don't want you to step in the glass or anything.
    ERIC: Yeah. Sure.

    Eric looks on, sighing at the romantic, celebratory mood being gradually killed before his eyes.

    ---

    Adrienne and Justin stand outside the Kiriakis Mansion, in the garden. Adrienne holds herself tightly, cold from the chilled winter air, as her husband drapes his jacket across her shoulders.

    JUSTIN: You're shivering.

    Adreinne waves dismissively at him.

    ADRIENNE: I'm fine. I can handle it. Thank you. I just...I needed to breathe. You could cut the tension in that room with a knife.
    JUSTIN: Don't I know it. You never explained yourself, why are you suddenly so against this wedding.


    Adrienne steps in close to Justin, her voice gets softer as she explains herself. From inside, Will stands by the slightly-ajar door, straining to hear her.

    ADRIENNE: I saw what was happening with Will and Sonny in there, Justin.
    JUSTIN: And what was happening, exactly? Remember, I just got here.

    Adrienne responds incredulously.

    ADRIENNE: You didn't see it?? Justin, Will might as well have been on another planet, he was so completely...fixated on Alex.
    JUSTIN: Well...Alex is an extremely attractive guy, I mean, it doesn't mean anything. Alex is with Noelle.

    Adrienne rolls her eyes at what she views as her husband's naivete.

    ADRIENNE: Oh please, Justin, I've told you a thousand times, Alex isn't with that girl for love. It's so obvious.
    JUSTIN: You know, I don't exactly appreciate you making assumptions about my son's sexuality--
    ADRIENNE: Why? Are you ashamed of Sonny now?

    Justin looks down, stopping and sighing before answering as thoughtfully as he can. Careful not to say something he'll regret.

    JUSTIN: You know that's not what I meant, Adrienne. I just--
    ADRIENNE: ...You just still wish he were straight? I don't get it.

    Justin explodes in anger, raising his voice, pointing back into the house emphatically, as though Sonny stood behind him.

    JUSTIN: NO! I am so proud of our son, Adrienne. He has more strength and self-respect than most men twice his age. I would go to my death for that kid.
    ADRIENNE: Then you need to stop him from making a huge mistake.
    JUSTIN: He can decide that on his own, Adrienne.

    Adrienne leans in close to Justin again, her one finger raised to make her point to Justin. She speaks softly but firmly.

    ADRIENNE: If it isn't Alex, it'll be some other guy. He's Sami Brady's son in every. Single. Way.

    Will leans back, the back of his head hits the wall behind him. He rests himself there, standing in stunned disbelief at what he's overheard. He breathes heavily before looking around for Sonny, then darting off.

    ---
    ---
     
    Nicole kneels on the kitchen counter of her apartment, as she finishes screwing in the lightbulb that had previously burnt out. Eric looks on from behind the counter, silently spotting Nicole, trying to protect her if she loses her balance.

    NICOLE: Aaaaalllmost got it. Aaaaaand THERE!

    The light flickers on, causing Nicole to throw up her arms in victory.

    NICOLE: HaHA! So? How many Nicoles DOES it take to change a lightbulb?
    ERIC: I'd say one.

    Nicole looks down, glaring at Eric for his dry 'wit'. 

    NICOLE: Smart-ass.

    Nicole leans over to playfully swat Eric, but misses and loses her balance. She shrieks as she falls into Eric's arms.

    After a moment of panic, Nicole and Eric stop for a second, looking into each other's eyes. After a long moment, they slowly lean in and kiss each other passionately. Their kiss leads to Nicole reaching around to wrap her arms around Eric's neck, as she draws him in closer.

    Aroused by the intensity, Eric lifts Nicole onto the counter, as Nicole draws Eric close to her. She wraps her legs around his waist as he pulls open her blouse, kissing down her neck as Nicole closes her eyes, enjoying the sensation of every kiss.

    Nicole takes a breath as Eric lifts his head, looking into Nicole's eyes. She smiles wryly, as she pulls his shirt off quickly, exposing his rippled body.

    NICOLE: The bedroom?

    Eric nods, a playful glint in his eye.

    ERIC: Bedroom.

    Eric effortlessly scoops Nicole up into his arms, her arms and legs still wrapped around his body. The kiss passionately as he carries her into her bedroom, the lights, newly changed, left on.

    ---


    Noelle casually walks toward Victor, both of them standing in the Kiriakis living room alone. She looks at him smugly, as Victor tries to ignore her completely, looking the other way.

    NOELLE: You know, this really is such a beautiful home. I could get used to it here.

    Victor squints his eyes, trying to stop from spitting his drink out, as he chokes out an answer. He turns around, glaring at her.

    VICTOR: You expect to live here? I was hoping you'd at least settle for a neighbouring zip code.

    Noelle crosses her arms, a wry smile on her face. She begins to pace the room as she talks, contemplating as she speaks. Victor gets tense as she speaks.

    NOELLE: Victor, you're a card. You know as well I do, though, that as long as Alex is staying here with you and Maggie...

    Noelle turns around suddenly, staring down Victor.

    NOELLE: ...I...will be right here with him. I mean, I am his wife, after all.

    Victor grimaces, never once looking away from Noelle as they each try to intimidate the other.

    VICTOR: Mm. Don't remind me.

    Noelle laughs quietly as Victor turns back around, finishing his drink.  She saunters around to the other side of Victor, grabbing a glass for her own drink as she picks up the caraffe and begins to pour herself a drink.

    NOELLE: Oh come now, don't you want your nephew to be happy?
    VICTOR: Yes. Which is exactly why I want him far away from you, and preferably the rest of your dysfunctional family to boot!

    Noelle takes a sip from her drink, savouring the flavour, as she responds to Victor's repeated snipes, again with a smile and cool exterior.

    NOELLE: Well, don't worry about my family. You've already done your part in tearing ours apart. And juding by how tonight's going...it looks like you're doing wonders on your own.

    Victor looks menacingly at Noelle, who takes the opportunity to turn toward the hallway heading for the kitchen.

    NOELLE: I best check on Maggie and the boys. Enjoy your wallowing!

    Victor watches from his peripheral vision as Noelle casually walks out of the room. Once gone, he quickly finishes his drink, before slamming the glass down on the desk before him.

    VICTOR: Damn that little...

    ---


    Maggie turns around in the Kiriakis kitchen, holding some serving bowls she's pulled out from the pantry, and walks slowly toward the centre island, where Sonny leans against the counter, and Alex sits casually on a bench. They're relaxed, catching up, and helping bring a smile back to Maggie's face.

    MAGGIE: It's so nice to be back in a kitchen again.

    Alex, who's stealing some mini-profiterols from a bowl on the counter, looks over to Maggie, a wide smile on his face.

    ALEX: You know how funny that sounds, knowing you own a restaurant?

    Maggie and Sonny laugh, as Maggie smacks Alex's hand away as he reaches over to grab another profiterol.

    MAGGIE: Restaurants! And you're gonna spoil your supper if you keep that up.
    SONNY: And those abs, I might add.

    Alex gives Sonny a smug, mocking look.

    ALEX: Ahh you're just jealous because I got the good genes.
    SONNY: Yeah, well, apparently modesty's a Johnson thing anyway.
    ALEX: Ohhh! I know you didn't go there just now.
    SONNY: I SO did!

    As the boys laugh, Maggie leans over the table and grabs their hands, squeezing them tightly as she smiles, looking back and forth between the two of them.

    MAGGIE: You know...can I just say...this was exactly what I needed?
    SONNY: I'm glad to hear it, Maggie. I'm sorry about what's been happening between you and Uncle Vic.

    Maggie smiles warmly at Sonny.

    MAGGIE: Thanks, Sonny. I mean...I know it's not his fault. With everything that's happened. Titan being in so much trouble, and...Brady dying...I know it's been hard on him.
    ALEX: But it's not your fault, either.
    SONNY: Exactly. Don't be afraid to have some sort of...release.

    Maggie nods, sighing in a sense of relief of having been able to talk this out with Alex and Sonny.

    MAGGIE: I know. I was never very good at that. At least tonight, I've got the kitchen free for a bit.
    SONNY: Yeah! I was amazed you got Chef to go home early.

    Maggie gives a cute smile to Sonny.

    MAGGIE: I have my ways.

    As Maggie winks at the boys, everyone laughs, and Alex smiles, nodding in approval of his great aunt.

    MAGGIE: But you know...honestly, it's nice having a kitchen again. I thought I'd love being waited on hand and foot but...I miss everyone coming down to my house and hanging out in my kitchen.
    SONNY: Yeah! That used to be like...every lunch break. Me, Chad, Will, Gabi, Melanie...
    MAGGIE: I really miss that. But...I wouldn't trade it for life with Victor for anything.

    Alex pats Maggie's back gently, smiling approvingly, as Sonny takes a sip of his drink.

    ALEX: Well...we wouldn't trade you for anything either. You make a great addition to this family.

    Sonny holds up his drink, as Alex reaches over to grab his. Maggie, not having hers, laughs awkwardly, slightly embarrassed by the praised being given to her.

    SONNY: Hear hear!

    As Sonny and Alex toast, Will bursts into the room. He sees Sonny and Alex toast and senses the same tension as before.

    ALEX: Hey, Will!

    Will stops a moment before calling out to Sonny.

    WILL: Hey! ...Uh...Sonny, can I...talk to you a second?

    Sonny, sensing something's troubling Will, immediately walks over.

    SONNY: Uh, sure. Everything alright?
    WILL: Yeah, I just...I need to ask you something...in private.
    SONNY: Ssssure.

    Sonny and Will both look back into the room, with Sonny giving both Maggie and Alex a smile, while Will looks on, fixated on Alex, before catching himself and looking away.

    WILL: I won't keep him long, I promise.

    Maggie and Alex laugh quietly, as Sonny is dragged into the hall.
     
    Once in the hall, Sonny looks around, a bit annoyed by Will's awkward behaviour, he whispers intensely at Will.

    SONNY: What's wrong? You alright?

    Will begins to panic as he grabs Sonny, holding him tightly for a moment.

    WILL: I...I don't know.

    Sonny reciprocates, holding Will tightly in his arms for the first time in days. He savours the moment, as much as he worries for Will.

    SONNY: What is it? Tell me.

    Will holds back tears as he pulls back from his embrace with Sonny. Looking intensely at his fiance, tears in his eyes, he answers.

    WILL: It's your mom, Sonny.

    Sonny looks on, worry and aggravation painted on his face.

    ---

    Adrienne stands in the Kiriakis garden, facing away from a confused Justin. Justin stands, hands on hips, trying to sort out Adrienne's thought process.

    JUSTIN: Do you seriously think that Will is going to marry our son, his first boyfriend, I might add, only to throw everything they've worked so hard for away just as things are starting to smooth out for them?

    Adrienne laughs softly, as she turns around, shaking her head at her husband.

    ADRIENNE: Justin, you cannot be that naive.
    JUSTIN: And you can't possibly be that cynical. Do you hear yourself right now? Will is Sami's son, therefore he's inevitably going to turn to be a Samantha Gene Brady mini-me?

    Adrienne sighs, holding in her feelings as Justin ravishes her for her remark.

    ADRIENNE: That's not what I'm sayin--
    JUSTIN: Then what ARE you saying, Adrienne? Because whatever it is, I don't think it's fair to Will, or to our son if you start trying to separate them again. All you're going to do is alienate them both. Is that what you really want?
    ADRIENNE: No! Of course not! Justin, I just...there is something going on between Alex and Will, and so help me, if your son comes between Sonny and Will--

    Justin, taken aback by Adrienne's slip, cuts her off, stunning her into silence with his interjection.

    JUSTIN: My son? Adrienne, you helped raise Alex like he was your own...what are you saying?

    Adrienne struggles to find an answer, hoping not to make matters worse. Justin looks on, an increasingly hurt and angered look in his eye.

    ---

    Rafe looks confused at Hope.  He looks on, attempting to figure out what she's referring to.

    RAFE: I...I don't know what you mean...I mean...we went on the info we had on this guy...it turned out to be wrong. End of story.

    Hope turns around, shaking her head in disagreement. She takes a second, sighing before responding to Rafe.

    HOPE: Not...exactly.

    Rafe squints in confusion, now shaking his head.

    RAFE: I don't get it.
    HOPE: Oh, Rafe, dammit! I just...I have...concerns.
    RAFE: About--

    Hope turns around quickly, interrupting Rafe, a sudden intensity and anger in her voice.

    HOPE: ...About Jerome! About why we arrested him when he was...so diametrically opposite to what the real thief looked like.

    Rafe shrugs, trying to rationalize with Hope, but still uncomfortable.

    RAFE: Well...these things happen all the time, you know that--
    HOPE: No! This...it's more than that. I mean...

    Hope looks down, turned back away from a confused Rafe. She looks at the ground, as if not even focused on anything in the room. She's intensely inside her own thoughts, and Rafe, her audience for her self-reflection.

    HOPE: ...I mean...Rafe, that profile. How many profiles have we seen...black male...early 20s...

    Hope turns back around, prepared to look at Rafe again.

    HOPE: What...what if Jerome's right? What if he was only made a suspect in the first place...because he was black?

    Rafe looks on, a conflicted look on his face, as he contemplates what Hope says to him.

    ---
  25. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 20
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson
     
    Sami is in the garden, deep in thought, thinking back on her fight with EJ, his revelation about his raping her, and their son together, Johnny. Sami thinks of him, but for the first time, Sami connects her young son with EJ's ultimatum in the car during the snowstorm. Her pain, her feeling of violation, her sense of helplessness in the situation. She flashes back further in that moment to her rape as a teenager. She tries to stop the associations, but the flashbacks overwhelm her, she begins crying.
     
    Johnny spots Sami from the house and emerges from inside to run over to her to give her a hug.
     
    JOHNNY: Mommy!!
     
    Sami winces at his touch, but holds it in. She tries to keep a cool head, but she still needs time to think and alone time. She hugs Johnny back, but pulls away quickly.
     
    SAMI: Hey Johnny.
    JOHNNY: Mommy, you look sad. What's wrong? Did you have another fight with Dad?
    SAMI: Of course not, honey. I just...I need some time alone to think. But it's sweet you came to see me. But...I need you to do me a favour.
    JOHNNY: What's that?
    SAMI: I need you to go upstairs and do whatever homework you have. And I promise you I'll bring home something tasty from the bakery when you're done, okay?
    JOHNNY: Yeah!
     
    Johnny excitedly runs back into the house. Sami watches Johnny run inside before breaking down in tears, slumping down in the grass.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     
    Kim holds her hand out to Theresa again, as they stand in the hallway of the apartment block.
     
    KIM: Look, Theresa, I tried to tell you I was coming to see the apartment about 6 times. You never answered.
    THERESA: Well, I was busy. In fact, I'm still busy. I'm on my way out.
     
    Theresa brusquely shuts the door to her apartment and locks it up, almost to prove a point to Kim that she's unwelcome inside. Before stepping away, she points her key at Kim.
     
    THERESA: Look, do me a favour. Don't come knocking on my door for "friendly visits", and for God's sake, don't spy on me. I'm an adult, and I don't need you or anyone else in this family of Polyannas to come check up on me. Got it?
     
    Theresa storms off to the elevator. Kim sighs heavily. The landlord stands awkwardly in the hall next to Kim, unsure what to do or say.
     
    LANDLORD: So...I assume you've met your new neighbour before?
     
    Kim shoots the landlord a look.
     
    ---
     
    Roman, Kate, and Lucas are at Roman's office at the police station, going over Roman's discoveries on Jordan & Sheryl.
     
    ROMAN: So...Kate, you are going to have to keep Jordan around at all costs. I see she's with Rafe. Support them, or at least appear to. Whatever you do, you cannot make it obvious that you're onto her. At any cost. Same goes for you, Lucas. I need you both to keep Sheryl on your payroll. Make it seem like nothing has changed.
     
     
    Lucas looks sick after that statement.
     
    LUCAS: I may have already blown that.
    KATE: What do you mean by that?
    LUCAS: Well, I ran into Sheryl at Club TBD earlier and I...I admit, I was acting really standoffish.
    KATE: Do you think she suspects anything?
    LUCAS: It's possible. But I think I can maybe calm her nerves later on. I'm gonna meet her for dinner at Chez Rouge after this.
    ROMAN: That's good. That'll keep her suspicions at bay for now. Now, here's what we're gonna do. The ISA is going to send over an agent to work with you at MadWorld, and their sole function will be to suss out exactly what Sheryl and Jordan are up to, and they'll be working overtime to try to stop them before anything serious goes down.
    KATE: Well, how will I explain this to my other employees? Is it going to be someone I can use? I mean...I can't just throw some random person into the executive team.
    ROMAN: You won't have to. The ISA is sending Billie. That way, no one's suspicions will be raised, and you'll have someone who knows your company.
     
    Kate smiles, impressed that Roman truly thought of everything with this plan.
     
    KATE: Roman Brady, you're a genius.
     
    ---
     
    Brady enters Chez Rouge. Maggie greets him at the door, a hesitant smile on her face.
     
    MAGGIE: Brady.
    BRADY: Maggie! Uh...I made...a reservation for two tonight.
    MAGGIE: Oh really! Is this a date?
    BRADY: Yes, it most definitely is, so I figured, where better to take a beautiful young lady than to the most intimate restaurant in town.
    MAGGIE: Ohhh, don't flatter me, Brady. Come on now. I'll show you to your seat.
     
    Maggie motions Brady over to a table, and talks with him as she heads over.
     
    MAGGIE: I assume she's meeting you here, then?
    BRADY: Yeah. She is, she should be along shortly so...
     
    Maggie shows Brady to his seat. Maggie talks to him as he sits down.
     
    MAGGIE: That's lovely. I'll be sure to send her your way. Listen...Brady, I want to tell you how glad I am to see you find someone new to connect with. I really do hope this is the start of a great new direction for you. You deserve it.
     
    Brady smiles, somewhat surprised after not having heard a single word of praise in awhile.
     
    BRADY: Thanks, Maggie. I appreciate that.
    MAGGIE: Don't mention it. So who is this young lady you'll be dining with tonight?
    THERESA: Her name's Theresa Donovan, and she's oh-so happy to be here.
     
    Theresa takes Maggie by surprise, and Maggie turns around, all the joy and hope washed from her face as she looks at Brady's date.
     
    ---
     
    EJ and Abby are inside Abby's office at the hospital. EJ has come to break off their affair, and, believing they are alone, is being rather candid about the whole issue. Little do either of them know that Anne Milbauer is around the corner, holding her cell phone on record.
     
    Abigail is feeling a little uncomfortable after EJ explicitly states that he wants to end their affair, but refuses to let it show. She maintains her alluring presence.
     
    ABBY: Why would you want to give this up, EJ? What is it? Did Sami give you a hard time?
    EJ: Let's not go there, Abigail.
     
    Abigail wraps her arms around EJ's neck, leaning in slowly for a kiss, her speech softer with every word.
     
    ABBY: Why not? We seem to go there over and over...and over.
     
    EJ ducks away before Abigail can plant a kiss on him. Anne stands, excited as all get-out over how juicy the whole situation is.
     
    EJ: Enough, Abigail. I'm serious. Look, I need you to understand something. It's not just that it's inappropriate for you to be throwing yourself at me in your workplace, but you have to remember, Samantha and I...we have children together. Alright? I can't be risking what may be my last chance to allow my kids to grow up with both their parents together. Happy. I lost that chance at a very early age, Abigail. I won't put my kids through it as well.
     
    Abigail becomes increasingly pensive as EJ speaks. Her facade of confidence and sensuality cracks, and the insecure girl in her re-emerges.
     
    ABBY: My God. I've been so stupid. And selfish.
    EJ: Abigail, don't beat yourself up over thi--
    ABBY: And YOU! You want to pretend this never happened. Don't you? Just sweep me under the rug? Or maybe you wanna pull me out on special occasions when you haven't been getting any from Sami, huh? Business trips?
    EJ: Abigail, you know this isn't just some cheap sex for me. I really do care for you.
    ABBY: But that's the thing...that's what I just realized. It isn't just some cheap sex for you. It's control. You aren't getting sex from Sami. She's controlling you. And you wanna feel like the man, in charge of someone's emotions. And that's where I come in. Right, EJ?
    EJ: That's not it at all, Abigail, I'm telling you. It's...look, something happened tonight. Something took over in me, and I...I said something I really shouldn't have. But it made me realize what's important in my life. And what's important to me is my family. Samantha, and our children. They are my family.
    ABBY: I understand that, EJ. I really do. Your kids need you, Sami loves you, but that's the thing. You love control more than you'll ever love her.
    EJ: That's not fair, Abigail.
    ABBY: None of this is fair. I wish I'd never gone to Smith Island in the first place.
     
    Abigail turns around, shaking her head, upset, and thinking hard about that fateful trip to the island cabin.
     
    ABBY: But that doesn't mean I just turn my feelings off for you. I still want you. I really do wish that we'd been able to keep going this morning.
    EJ: (with a little laugh) It's not all that, I promise you. Sex in the office just makes a mess for yourself to clean up later.
    ABBY: This isn't a laughing matter, though, EJ. Look, I really need to...I need to clear my head.
     
    Abigail turns to head out of the room, EJ grabs her arm to stop her.
     
    EJ: Abigail. Wait. I'm sorry this hasn't worked out in your favour. But remember. I'm always here for you. No matter what. I want to remain your friend.
    ABBY: How's that even gonna be possible, EJ?
    EJ: You'll find a way. Remember, you're important to me. More than you know.
     
    EJ turns and walks out of the office. Abigail tries in vain to hold in tears, as Anne walks into her office, applauding slowly.
     
    ANNE: You know, that performance could've won you an Emmy. Good work, Abby!
     
    Abigail turns around in horror to see Anne in her doorway.
     
    ---
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