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  1. beebs
    EPISODE 175
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultant: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco
     

    We see a man's dress shoes walking down a quiet hallway. The noise of which echoes through the otherwise silent hall, as Tyler approaches the doors to the WXIR studio where Nicole will be shooting her TV special. Tyler stops by the sliding doors, as the stagehands rush in and out of the studio, preparing for the telecast. 
     
    Tyler sighs, his mind heavy with the memory of what Victor told him at the hospital. His mind flashes back to Victor's ominous words.
     
    ***
     
    FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 167
     

    Victor lies in his hospital bed, a simmering rage in his voice as he instructs Tyler, sat next to his hospital bed, what to do.
     
    VICTOR: ...we have to take action, immediately.
    TYLER: What kind of action?
    VICTOR: Simple. We'll send Stefano a message, and clean up the filth that's rotting this town from the inside.
     
    Tyler sighs, knowing what Victor's implying.
     
    TYLER: Victor, we can't be working underhandedly.
    VICTOR: Too late. The gloves are already off. Get rid of Nick Fallon. By any means neccessary.
     
    Victor looks steely-eyed at a concerned Tyler, who is far less convinced of Victor's plan than Victor is.
     
    ***

    Tyler shakes his head, worried about how he will go about making Victor's plans happen without getting caught, before stepping inside the studio.
     
    ...
     
    Inside the studio, there's action all over, as Tyler stands back, trying to be inconspicuous. 
     

    As the stagehands truck over a crane camera, Abby walks over to Nicole, handing her some papers and a glass of water. Nicole seems stressed, and disinterested, barely looking at Abby, who barely looks up at Nicole, both seemingly in opposite worlds.
     
    ABBY: Notes. And your water.
    NICOLE: Thank you.
     
    Nicole looks up, as Abby, studies some of her own papers, struggling to get her head around it all.
     
    NICOLE: You okay? You seem--
    ABBY: I'm fine. Just. Fine.
     
    Nicole looks unconvinced, as Abby rolls her eyes. Nicole responds to Abby sarcastically.
     
    NICOLE: Convincing.
     
    Abby looks back down at her notes.
     
    ABBY: Thanks, I try.
    NICOLE: Abigail, listen, we got a lot going on, but if you need to talk to someone, I don't mind stepping into an office after the show.
     
    Abby looks up, putting on a hardened, professional face.
     
    ABBY: Thanks, but...honestly, I am talked to death for one day, and besides, we have...
     
    Abby checks her watch before continuing.
     
    ABBY: ...twelve minutes to air, and only one guest is here.
    NICOLE: Okay, which guest?
    ABBY: Anjelica Deveraux. No one's heard back from Nick yet.
     
    Nicole looks around, frustrated, before calling out to the studio at large.
     
    NICOLE: Has anyone heard anything from Nick Fallon?
     
    Another assistant rushes in from outside the studio as Nicole finishes her question.
     
    ASSISTANT: He's just in the parking lot, he'll be up in a second!
     
    Nicole turns to a still-fretting Abby, a relaxed smile on her face.
     
    NICOLE: See? Nothing to worry about.
     
    Abby looks back, now the one unconvinced.
     
    ---
     

    In the parking lot at WXIR, Nick parks the car that he and Percy have rode in together. Both men look weary from the taxing day, but Nick notices Percy is more troubled than usual.
     
    NICK: Percy.
    PERCY: Yes, Nicholas?
    NICK: You look worried. 
     
    Percy doesn't respond immediately. Nick chuckles and answers before Percy can.
     
    NICK: There's nothing to worry about. We're gonna go in there, we're gonna make the alternative fuels project look like God's gift to the planet, and we're gonna save your land from being expropriated. Trust me, brother. We got this.
     
    Nick goes to open the driver's side door to exit, then Percy finally speaks up.
     
    PERCY: Nicholas, there's...there's something you should know.
     
    Percy's ominous words stop Nick dead in his tracks. He looks back at Percy, who looks at him with concern.
     
    PERCY: Earlier I came to see you, and...I found Miss Hernandez in your room. 
     
    Nick smiles at Percy, trying to play off Percy's observation.
     
    NICK: Well, Percy, she's living with me, I plan to marry her soon, I mean...I'm sure she'll be in my room a lot.
    PERCY: She was looking for something, Nicholas. And she was deeply troubled by being caught.
     
    Nick stares at Percy, the smiles disappearing from his face.
     
    ---
     

    At the DiMera offices, EJ works away his desk, when Sami storms inside, barely looking at EJ as she begins to rant and rave while placing her bag down and busily arranging her things on a table by his desk.
     
    As Sami rants, EJ looks up at her, and slowly gets up from behind his desk, making his way over to her.
     
    SAMI: I can't believe you can sit there looking so calm with everything going on right now. I mean, Nicole's TV special is on tonight, and now that Nick's taken over Titan, Will's worried Nick's gonna blow his career out of the water, I don't have a clue what that loose cannon might dig up on us, and frankly I wish Gabi would use that stupid gun you gave her to put him out of his misery because I swear to God...
     
    Sami turns abruptly, walking into EJ. Sami looks up after bumping into him. EJ smiles warmly at Sami.
     
    EJ: Samantha...
    SAMI: EJ, not now, I have no much going on, and I really don't have time to--
    EJ: Samantha. Talk to me. 
     
    Sami looks up at EJ and rests her head on his shoulder, as she begins to tear up. EJ is taken aback, hesitant to put his hands on her.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     

    Kim opens the door to her apartment, and gasps with delight.
     
    KIM: Oh my God! It's YOU!
     
    Reaching out to embrace him, Kim finds her son, Andrew, standing in the doorway. He laughs, as he reaches over to hug his mom, spinning her around as he steps inside her apartment.
     
    ANDREW: Mom! I missed you!
     
    Andrew sets Kim down just inside the doorway, and Kim beams with happiness. 
     
    KIM: Oh honey, I missed you too. Oh, this is such a wonderful surprise.
    ANDREW: I thought you needed something like this.
     
    Kim smiles, but with a touch of sadness in her eye.
     
    KIM: I did.
     
    Kim looks behind Andrew for his bags.
     
    KIM: Let's get your stuff inside and get you unpacked.
     
    Andrew doesn't move, turning to watch his mom step out into the hallway of the apartment block. He calls out to stop her.
     
    ANDREW: Ah, Mom! My bags aren't here.
     
    Kim stops in her tracks, before turning around, confused.
     
    KIM: Wh...well,  don't tell me you booked a hotel room. You could stay here with me. Or at least take a room above the pub. One of the guest rooms just opened up!
    ANDREW: No. No, you don't have to worry about that. I actually am here with work. 
    KIM: Work? Work sent you all the way to Salem? We're moving up in the world, aren't we?
     
    Andrew chuckles as he answers his mom.
     
    ANDREW: You could say that. They've got me doing a special report on the governor's race, and since I have production experience, they figure they can save money by having me self-package it.
    KIM: Right. I'm glad that's going well for you.
    ANDREW: It's keeping me busy, at least. What about you? How are you holding up?
     
    Kim shrugs, responding unconvincingly.
     
    KIM: I'm keeping busy, at least.
    ANDREW: Hey, you don't get to turn that one around on me, Mom. 
     
    Kim and Andrew laugh for a second at Kim's deflection, but Andrew's expression immediately gets more serious.
     
    ANDREW: I'm serious. I know Theresa's accident was hard on you, Mom. And...I know it's been rough with Uncle Roman so sick, and being without Kayla or Dad around to help you, plus taking care of Grandma...how are you holding up?
     
    Kim looks at Andrew, a sad seriousness in her eyes as they well up.
     
    ---
     
    EJ stands, unsure what to do as Sami begins to cry on his shoulder.
     
    EJ: Samantha...I ah...
     
    Sami wipes her eyes carefully, as she lifts her head from EJ's shoulder.
     
    SAMI: Sorry, I...I've just....I'm hitting my limit right now, there's so much going on.
    EJ: I can tell. Just....what's got you so upset? It's not this Nick rubbish again, is it?
    SAMI: No. No, I just...(sigh) My mom and I got into a fight today.
     
    EJ rests against the front of his desk, as he asks Sami about her fight with Marlena.
     
    EJ: What about?
    SAMI: My dad's condition. He um...he's not doing well, and I found out from my Aunt Kim that my mom wants to run a DNA test on him because suddenly, after twenty years, she's starting to doubt whether he's really Roman Brady.
     
    EJ looks stunned by the news. He stutters as he tries to make sense of what Sami's told him.
     
    EJ: Eh....I'm...I'm sorry, wh...your father is at death's door, and...
    SAMI: And this is what my mom's priority is. I know. I...honestly, EJ, with everything else going on right now, I don't know whether I can handle this too. I just...
     
    Sami begins to break down in tears, as EJ stands up from his desk, and steps over to Sami, but stops short of pulling her into an embrace.
     
    EJ: You....you don't mind if I...
     
    Sami shakes her head, as he wraps his arms around her tightly, the iciness between them from the past weeks starting to thaw, as Sami finally allows herself to be close to EJ again, feeling comforted by his arms.
     
    ---
     

    At the Salem City Hall, Abe leads Roman, Lucas, Kate, and Billie into an office to discuss the Jordan Ridgeway/Sheryl Connors case.  He stands by the door, ushering them all in with a serious expression.
     
    KATE: Alright, Abe, this better be good.
    ABE: I promise you, it is, Kate.
     
    Once they're all in, Abe shuts the door behind them, before speaking to all three of the others.
     
    LUCAS: Abe, please tell me we're finally reaching the end of this nightmare?
    ABE: Almost.
    LUCAS: Why does that sound like there's another few steps involved in this?
    BILLIE: Because there is. 
     
    Lucas looks at the others, displeased.
     
    ABE: Billie tells me that Sheryl Connors appears to have disappeared since the virus was implanted.
    BILLIE: Exactly. Her and her accomplices have seemed to have settled.
     
    Kate looks at Billie, uncertain.
     
    KATE: Accomplices? Wasn't it just Jordan?
    LUCAS: She obviously means Nick.
    ABE: Not...neccessarily.
    BILLIE: Right. We believe there may be a third person involved. We aren't sure who. Having said this, we know Jordan's settled into her life at University Hospital, and apparently...she's engaged to Rafe Hernandez.
     
    Kate rolls her eyes at the news.
     
    KATE: Don't remind me.
    LUCAS: Is...is Rafe aware of who she is? I mean...she could be dangerous to him.
    ABE: She won't be a threat if Rafe's kept in the dark about who she is. As long as Jordan isn't at risk of being exposed, Rafe remains safe. And besides. He'll have protection.
     
    Abe looks at Roman, who looks on awkwardly back at Abe. Abe appears concerned by Roman's spacey appearance.
     
    ABE: Roman?
    ROMAN: Yes, partner?
    ABE: You...you have anything to add to this? I mean, you will be providing Detective Hernandez with his protection while we finalize the operation, obviously.
    ROMAN: I ah...no, I'm good.
     
    Abe looks concerned, as Roman shuffled uncomfortably.
     
    LUCAS: I just hope this won't go on much longer. Do we know what their plan is? Who they're connected with?
    ROMAN: Well, potentially Nick Fallon but...we aren't certain.
    ABE: Well, they were. But any connection between Nick, and Jordan and Sheryl was severed after Nick stopped the virus from infecting Titan's mainframe.
     
    Billie pipes up, looking around the room seriously as she makes her suggestion.
     
    BILLIE: I think...we need to keep an eye on Nick, regardless, though. Especially if he, and Sheryl and Jordan are at odds with each other. Now that he's become so powerful, Nick could be at high risk, or worse, be a risk to others.
    KATE: You really think they'd risk getting caught to off the little weasel?
    ABE: Wouldn't surprise me. And the Penthouse Grille re-opening party looks to be a perfect opportunity for them to strike.
     
    Kate and Lucas look at each other, as Abe surveys the others for their reaction.
     
    ---
     
    Inside the WXIR studio, Tyler observes the goings-on in the busy room, as the doors to the studio open, and Nick and Percy walk in. Tucked away at the back of the room, Tyler spots Nick and Percy and scuttles away behind the soundstage.
     
    PERCY: Greetings!
     
    Nicole sees Nick and Percy and reacts immediately.
     
    NICOLE: Finally! Where the Hell have you two been?
     
    Nick smiles widely as he walks over to Nicole like a superstar.
     
    NICK: Unavoidably detained, let's say. Shall we get on with it?
    NICOLE: On one condition.
    NICK: Name your price.
    NICOLE: We interview Percy as well.
     
    Percy looks deeply uncomfortable with the idea, but Nick interjects on his behalf without hesitation.
     
    PERCY: I, ah--
    NICK: I think that's a fantastic idea, actually. What do you say, Perc?
    PERCY Nicholas, I...do you really think...
    NICK: I do. Let's do it.
     
    Before Percy can object, Nicole confirms Percy's interview, excitedly.
     
    NICOLE: Great. It's really gonna help drive this home. You're not gonna regret this.
     
    Percy smiles half-heartedly, as Nicole goes over the plan for the episode.
     

    Behind them, Alex and Will arrive in the studio, curious to see the busy setting for the TV special.
     
    WILL: You know, I always wanted to work in television.
    ALEX: Really? I always took you more for a print man, myself.
     
    Will looks over at Alex, amused, as they step over to the back of the studio, observing the action before them.
     
    WILL: You haven't known me long enough to get a feel for what kind of man I am.
    ALEX: I dunno about that. We've been working together pretty much non-stop since you've been hired. Plus what Sonny's told me about you...
    WILL: Sonny talked to you about me?
    ALEX: Yeah, here and there. He'd phone us every so often to catch up. You really made an impression on him. And on me.
     
    Will looks up at Alex, surprised and flattered.
     
    WILL: Well, let's hope that impression is good enough to keep me from being fed the wolves on live TV.
     
    Will looks out at the studio, deeply uncomfortable with the potential for Nick to throw him under the bus. Alex's eyes follow his a moment later, as they survey the busy space before them.
     

    Back at the soundstage, Nicole continues to prep Nick and Percy, as Anjelica emerges from the dressing room. Her team are busily briefing her on her segment as she walks out.
     
    PR MAN: So we need you to ensure that you hit that talking point before the first commercial--
     
    Anjelica stops her PR person, as she spots Nick and Percy, walking over toward them.
     
    ANJELICA: Sounds great. Hold that thought a moment, would you?
     
    Anjelica stops steps from Nick, speaking to him with a saccharine tone.
     
    ANJELICA: Nick? A word?
     
    Nick obliges, as Nicole purses her lips in annoyance at being interrupted.
     
    Nick and Anjelica huddle together, as Anjelica speaks in hushed but pointed tones.
     
    ANJELICA: I don't think I need to remind you of how important this interview is to the both of us, no?
    NICK: Whatever do you mean, Ms. Deveraux?
     
    Anjelica looks at Nick, unimpressed by his sarcasm.
     
    ANJELICA: I mean this may be the only opportunity we get to sell this project before the election, and Stefano is counting on us to deliver results. Need I remind you of your little gaffe at the hospital today with Victor.
     
    Nick sighs, displeased by the reminder.
     
    NICK: You don't need to remind me of that. Let's just hope Victor heard nothing, and keep pressing forward. He can't touch us once the energy project's in operation.
    ANJELICA: Well, you better just hope that everything does go to plan, or your neck will the first one snapped clean off. Understood?
     
    Anjelica flashes a million dollar smile Nick's way, before turning back toward the soundstage to get mic'd up for soundcheck. Nick hangs back, another headache ringing in his ears, as he reaches into his pocket to pull his pill bottle out.
     
    Popping another pill, we see Tyler standing above him on the lighting scaffold, glaring down at Nick from above. Tyler glares, unflinching at Nick, as Nick stands near the set, oblivious.
     
    ---
     
  2. beebs

    DAYS1979 #2 - May 1979

    By beebs,


    Episodes
    Marie and Laura embrace, not having seen each other for awhile, but the happy reunion is short-lived. Marie is concerned to learn that Laura hasn't told anyone in Salem of her visit. Marie insists that Laura tell her family of her whereabouts, but Laura pleads with Marie to keep her secret, if only for a few days. She just needs to be alone.

    In Salem, Bill heads for the airport, hoping to find out where Laura flew to. When the desk clerk is reticent to share that info, Bill pleads, insisting that he's looking for his wife, and asks if a Laura Horton had booked a last minute flight the day before around 4pm. When that doesn't turn out, Bill wonders if a Laura Spencer had. Again, nothing. The only name booked at the counter that day was a Carrie James that flew on a 4:35pm flight to Montreal. Instantly it clicks for Bill. Carrie for her mother's name, James for her father's name. Laura has gone to see Marie.
     
    Bill asks Tom to have his cases covered while he's away, as Alice promises to watch Jennifer. Bill books a flight out to Montreal. Marie and Laura discuss her mental state, and her guilt over Laura not seeing her mother before her death. Marie tells Laura that her guilt is understandable, but that sometimes one is stretched too thin, and can't process traumatic events at first. They can freeze or simply block them out. She also tells Laura that her mother's suicide is not Laura's responsibility. Carrie was mentally ill, and it's easy to look inward to think of what you could've done differently, but, realistically, what could Laura have done differently. Laura knows Marie is right, but wants to take her time to think everything over.
     
    Bill arrives at the convent, and Marie greets him. She's happy to see him, but with a twinge of sadness in her eyes, particularly with regard to Laura. Marie tells Bill that Laura needs time to herself, and that her mother's death hit her hard. Marie goes to check on Laura, to see if she'd like to see Bill, but Laura isn't in her room, and no one can find her. A bit of panic ensues as Bill and Marie search for her, but eventually Bill catches up with her at a fountain on the property. Laura is, at first, depressed, and doesn't want to speak to Bill, but Bill speaks in affirmation of her feelings, and reminds her of the great life they've built together in Salem, one her mother can be proud of. Laura expresses that that life has a lot of painful memories attached as well, ones she wishes she could break away from and start anew. Bill understands, and promises that whatever Laura wishes to do, he will follow her. 
     
    After a long discussion, Bill and Laura decide that, since Laura must travel to Chicago to settle her mother's estate anyway, that maybe she and Bill can take some time there. Perhaps a new start, just Laura, Bill and Jennifer. Bill thinks it's a lovely idea.
     
    Marie expresses that she'd love to come with them back to Salem, hoping to make things easier for them both. So the three of them head for the airport, and back to Salem to say their hellos and goodbyes.
     
     
    Tom, in Laura's absence, has hired Dr. Jordan Barr to replace her, after Marlena makes it clear that she's not entirely interested in the position for herself, still somewhat ill at ease after Laura began to chip away at her self-confidence.
     
    Marlena meets Dr. Barr, and they hit it off immediately. Marlena's confidence begins to turn around again under Jordan's wing, reminding Marlena of her talents with patients. Jordan's warmth rubs Don the wrong way, but he retains a professional exterior in front of Marlena at the hospital. But at home, Don makes some snide remarks about Marlena's new mentor, reminded of Marlena's history with  Dr. Paul Whitman. Marlena senses some tension over breakfast, but initially chalks it up to Don being stressed over his work caseload.
     
    Donna begins receiving phone calls from a "friend", but is secretive as to whom the friend is. Don becomes increasingly concerned when Donna becomes withdrawn from the family. Marlena chalks it up to Donna's angst over her babysitting mishaps with Scotty and Jennifer, which allays Don's fears for a bit.
     
    One night, after Donna recieves a call from this "friend", Donna asks Don to take her to a friend's place for a slumber party. Don agrees, provided Donna leave a phone number where she can be reached. Donna leaves the number of a young friend, Anne, where she can be reached. Satisfied, Don and Marlena agree to let her head off, and pack an overnight bag for her. Marlena offers to drive her, but Donna says Anne's mom, Susan, will pick them up. Donna says her goodbyes, claiming Susan is downstairs waiting for her.
     
    Outside the apartment building, Donna steps outside, and smiles. Waiting for her is Pete.
     
     
     
    Doug asks Don to file Rebecca's letter regarding Dougie separately from his and Julie's other paperwork, and that he set up a living trust fund for baby Dougie as well.
    Robert, meanwhile, tries to do Doug a favour, and find out any information he can about the artificial insemination that Doug took part in. I guess, hoping to find out if Doug has a child out there somewhere, since he and Julie are struggling to conceive. Neil insinuates that the insemination didn't work out, hoping Robert will stop prying.
     
    David visits, and asks Julie to come to Stephanie's with him tonight, hoping that, if anyone sees him there, at least he's there with Julie, so it doesn't look untoward. Julie is reluctant, but agrees. Doug bites his tongue hard, until David leaves, when he makes it clear that he doesn't like David using Julie in his games against Trish. 
     
    Trish pays Stephanie a visit, Stephanie is less than thrilled to see Trish, but lets her in anyway. Once inside, Trish tries to fish for information about her relationship with David. Stephanie is honest that she hasn't seen David in days, but will see him the next day as she's well enough to return to work. Trish makes it clear that she won't give up David or her son without a fight, and Stephanie better stay out of her way. Stephanie blows up at Trish at this point, laying into her for taking off out of state with Scotty, not letting David know where she was, and up and leaving for Europe without her son. Stephanie calls Trish a rotten mother, she vows that she will do everything she can to make sure Trish stays out of David's, and Scotty's life. At this point, Trish is so livid that she slaps the hell out of Stephanie, just as Julie and David come through the door. Stephanie immediately plays the victim, and David throws Trish out of the house, telling her he will absolutely make good on his threats to divorce her now.
     
    After Trish leaves Stephanie's, Julie gives David and Stephanie some alone time, where Stephanie pressures David to finally bite the bullet and file the divorce decree. David, though enraged, still needs some convincing before he finally is convinced, but he does. The next day, he heads to Mickey's to file the petition. Mickey tries to talk him down, asking what precipitated David's action, and once David explains the situation, Mickey asks if he's doing this out of anger and spite, or does he really feel like things are irrepairable between him and Trish. David considers it, but tells Mickey that he loves Stephanie, and that he can't stand to be apart from her any longer. It's time. Mickey files the paperwork.
     
    Trish is devastated when she gets served with the divorce petition, and immediately meets with Jerry Reinhart. They begin to compile a case against David, while Trish stews over whether or not to involve Stephanie in it as David's adulteress. Trish visits Jeri, who convinces her to do just that. Despite Trish's lingering anger over Jeri's vicious visit to David, she knows that it's her best shot of keeping custody of Scotty. Upon telling Jerry, he agrees with Trish.
     
     
     
    Doug and Julie go to another check-up with Neil, and again get the same news, Julie is not pregnant. Julie is frustrated, but Doug seems okay with the news. His attempts to reassure Julie only
    frustrated her more, causing her to wonder why Doug isn't more upset by the news. Doug won't say, knowing Julie would like them to have a child of their own. Doug plays it off as trying to lift Julie's spirits, but Julie is too annoyed, and heads out of the hospital without him.
     
    At home, Doug apologizes for his attitude at the hospital. Julie also feels regretful for snapping at Doug. They go to bed early, and make up by making love.
     
     
     
    Amanda puts the brakes on soon after, though. She admits to Chris that she really doesn't want to pursue anything further with him, as she IS still married, and an affair with a married woman could ruin Chris' career. Chris tries to convince Amanda that he doesn't care about anything but the here and now, but Amanda won't budge, and insists she should return to Chicago before things get out of hand. Chris feels once again rejected.
     
    The chaos of Laura's departure convinces Amanda to stay in Salem. She turns to Chris for comfort. Once Laura returns to Salem, Bill and Laura hold a goodbye party at the Horton house. Amanda arrives with Chris. During the party, Laura tells Amanda about what transpired in Montreal, and how she and Bill were able to come together. Caught up in the spirit of romance, Amanda is reminded how empty her life in Chicago has been with Greg. She tells Chris she's decided to stay in Salem after all. Chris is ecstatic, but their joy is short-lived when Greg appears at the party.
     
    Greg puts on the appearance of being happy for his friends in the Horton family, but when he manages to get Amanda alone, he harps at her to return home to Chicago. Amanda refuses repeatedly, avoiding telling Greg about her and Chris' budding relationship. Greg pushes her repeatedly throughout the evening. At one point, Greg pulls Amanda into the Horton kitchen, and tells her how he's realized how neglectful he's been, and apologizes for it. He promises to Amanda that he will be the kind of husband that Amanda needs, will treat her like a queen, make her feel like the toast of Chicago.
     
    Amanda tells Greg that he's way off-base, and that she doesn't need to be put on a pedestal. She needs to feel like a partner in their marriage, and to feel like she's respected by her husband. Greg insists he can do this if Amanda will just leave Salem and rejoin him in Chicago. Amanda counters that Greg still doesn't, and what he's doing now proves it, as he still isn't listening to what she's saying. Amanda leaves at this point, and Chris asks if she wants a ride home. Amanda would like to, but thinks it a bad idea under the circumstances. She asks Doug to drive her back to Doug and Julie's.
     
     
     
     
    Mike and Margo move into their new house, financed partially by Laura's gift. Margo sets about organizing a housewarming party for them. Mike wants to have a serious talk with Margo: since her cancer has remained in remission awhile now, he'd like to consider trying for a baby. Margo tries her level best to change the subject, pretending to be so focused on planning the party that she's too preoccupied to answer Mike. Mike, for now, doesn't push the subject.
     
    Secretly, Margo is horrified at the very idea of trying to have a baby right now. She visits Trish, and confides in her that the idea of having Mike's baby when she could very well die at any time seems cruel, and even if she does give birth successfully, she's scared Mike would very quickly be raising their baby alone. Trish tells her to be honest, but gentle with Mike.
     
    At home, Margo can't bring herself to let Mike down, seeing how his face lights up when he talks about their potential child. She asks Mike to wait, as Anderson's government contract is eating up a lot of her time at work, and she'd just like to get settled in first. Mike's face drops upon hearing this, rightly believing that Margo is deflecting because she's afraid of her cancer coming back. Margo insists that isn't true, and assures Mike that when things settle down, they will try for a baby. Mike backs off, and he and Margo share a lovely evening together.
     
     
     
    Returning to work at Anderson, Stephanie is welcomed back by Margo, who invites her out to lunch. Stephanie accepts, and the two discuss their respective lives. Stephanie admits to Margo that she's still on a low dosage of medication for the pain in her hands, but insists she'll be able to manage. Stephanie asks how things are with her. Margo discusses buying the new house, but talks about how low-energy she's been, and unmotivated to handle the decoarting. Stephanie offers to help out, hoping to take some of the stress off Margo's back. Margo refuses at first, but Stephanie insists that helping to decorate would offer a nice distraction for her from the heaviness of her own situation with David and Trish. Margo accepts.
     
     
    Mary continues to be wooed by Steve, though Mary is still clearly still hung up on Chris. Steve tries to entice Mary with a trip to Paris, as he's on another antiques hunt for Chez Julie. Mary seems intrigued, but is clearly distacted. When Steve sees this, he tells Mary that, if they are to get closer, Steve wants to be certain that Mary's eyes are only for him. Mary apologizes, and admits that she's still very much in love with Chris. She asks Steve to forgive her, but he's right, it wouldn't be fair to see him until she is well and truly over Chris.
     
    Steve heads off to Paris, and checks in occasionally with Julie regarding any finds he encounters for Chez Julie.
     
     
     
     
    Maggie, feeling unchallenged by her work life, asks Julie what she would suggest to give her life more meaning. Julie counters that Maggie may simply be looking for a way to distract from missing Janice. Maggie is certain Julie's right, but Julie wonders why Maggie isn't focusing her attentions on Mickey. Maggie tells Julie she appreciates Mickey and loves to spend time with him, but his hectic schedule leaves her alone far too often, and it's beginning to wear her down, her time alone gets her thinking about Janice, and about alcohol. Julie suggests she spend some time volunteering at the hospital, particularly in pediatrics. She suggests maybe helping by connecting with other young children may help Maggie fill the void in her life that Janice left.
     
    The next day, when Maggie goes to ask Tom about the idea, he is enthusiastic about it, but worries if Maggie is up to it, what with having lost Janice so recently. Maggie tells Tom that she'd considered it, but that since having children with Mickey is simply not in the cards, she needs to find other ways to connect with children, and to bring joy into their lives, and hers. Tom agrees to it, and arranges for Maggie to assist Neil in the clinic.
     
     
    Linda, still feeling her position in the Anderson home is vulnerable, sets about trying to break down Bob's defenses, and get back into his bed. She plans a lovely evening for herself, Bob, and Melissa. Bob, largely to project a secure, happy home for Melissa, plays along, eventually being drawn into the joy of the evening. Once Melissa is sent up to bed for the night, Linda makes her move. Sensually wrapping her arms around Bob, she thanks him for a lovely evening, and wishes it didn't have to end. Bob, conflicted between his attraction to his wife, and revolted by her previous actions, resists her. He tells Linda he'll take the spare room tonight. 
     
    Linda is not deterred, however. Knowing she's making progress, she attempts the next night with a much more provocative display, donning a sexy negligée, and lighting candles in the bedroom. Bob, already worn down by the previous night, gives into Linda this time, and they spend the night together.
     
    The next day, Bob has regrets, and claims nothing's changed between them, he just needed to get off. He even has a moment of clarity, and accuses Linda of using sex to get her way. Linda lays on the wounded dove routine extra thick, claiming she cannot BELIEVE Bob would make her feel so VIOLATED and be so ABUSIVE towards her, and is convinced Mary's influence is to blame for his coldness, knowing she is still mistrustful of Linda's motives.
     
    Linda tries for some financial insurance in case her scheme with Bob doesn't work out, and asks Don for a job as a legal secretary for him and Mickey. Don's all for it, but Mickey points out that their lawfirm handles Anderson's affairs. He isn't so sure, but hires her anyway. Of course, Linda's intent in having the job is to have access to Anderson info to worm her way back into the company.
    When Mickey tells Maggie about his having hired Linda, Maggie tries to bite her tongue, but cannot. She has deep misgivings about Linda working so closely with Mickey. Mickey counters with his own discomfort with Maggie working so closely with a womanizer like Neil Curtis, but he knows Maggie would stay loyal to him, seeing the men who've been close to her in the past, even during rough times in their marriage. Maggie has never strayed once, and for that, Mickey is grateful, and will do the same in kind. Recognizing his wife's insecurities, Mickey also tries to reassure her that his affections for Linda died many years ago. Maggie accepts Mickey's words, but it's obvious in her face that she isn't 100% certain that Linda won't manipulate things to her favour in some way.
     
  3. beebs
    I gotta focus my energies on one project at a time. As much as I'd love to plot this one out, I just don't feel like I've got it in me right now, while I've got so much else on my plate. So...here, have a look at what I'd planned for this and tell me what you think. Admittedly, some stories are further developed than others, so if you're curious about anything in particular, I'm more than happy to elaborate. I ultimately wanted Donna to stick around and become spoiler to Bo and Hope, as I feel Tracey Bregman and Peter Reckell would have FIRE chemistry. Personally, I think the revolving door of leaders at Anderson could provide years of story, but I think that's someone else's tale to flesh out. Especially with the paternity of Linda's baby being in doubt (which I would leave in question for years, tbh), you've got a LOT of story to play out there.


    Anyway, here it is:




     
    Susan pays a visit to Tom at the hospital, surprising him. They greet each other warmly, and go for coffee at the hospital cafe. Tom questions how long Susan has been back in Salem, and Susan admits it's only been a few weeks, and she's been keeping a low profile. Unfortunately, her relationship with Eric didn't work out, and she's brought a now-teenage Anne back with her.
     
    Susan feels overwhelmed by pressures of her life in California, prompting her move back to Salem. She decides to return to the things that brought her fulfillment, returning to work at University Hospital, at the David Martin Clinic. She's moved by Alex Marshall's hefty donation to the clinic, and thanks him with a dinner date at Doug's Place. Marie meets Susan at the David Martin clinic the next day, and warns Susan of Alex. She tells Susan that, though Alex is charming, he is extremely dangerous, and to stay away from him. Susan is alarmed by Marie's advice, but trusts her. After all, she's a friend, and a nun. But she doesn't pry.
    Susan is encountered by Alex later in the day, and is surprised when Susan is evasive with him. He susses out that Susan spoke to Marie, and tries in vain to convince Susan that he isn't the man Marie thinks he is. Susan is unconvinced, mostly. But Susan does agree to remain friendly with him.
     
     
     
    Donna and Pete reconnect. They go to parties, he plays romantic, but simultaneously is seeing Anne Peters. And a few others. Donna and Pete reconnect sexually at Neil's apartment while Neil is working overnights.
     
    Neil catches Pete with a girl at the diner in a back booth, while he pops in to grab takeaway for a late night shift for himself and Maggie. He chastises Pete later that night when both men return home. Warning him that his libido will get him intro trouble.
     
    Don runs into Neil at Doug's Place one night while waiting on Marlena, and Neil fills Don in that Pete is back in Salem. Don is concerned that Pete and Donna will reconnect, knowing the disaster that occurred last time. Neil promises to keep his eyes out.
     
    Don asks Donna if she knew Pete had returned to Salem. Donna feigns ignorance, and lies to Don, telling him she has no intentions of seeing Pete again.
     
    Pete ignores Neil's advice, and continues to see Donna as well as Anne, and other girls. Anne describes to Donna her new boyfriend, and describes Pete to her. Donna is thrilled for her friend, not realizing they're seeing the same guy until the next week when Donna heads to Anne's birthday party. Not realizing the two girls know each other, Pete walks right into a trap, but manages to play it cool, as Anne doesn't want to let her mom know she has a boyfriend, since Susan is rather strict with her and boys. Anne is none the wiser to Donna and Pete's connection, as Donna feels under the weather, and troubled by pain, heads home early.
     
    Donna assumes she simply has a yeast infection, and doesn't think much of it.
     
    Now realizing that Pete is Anne's mystery beau, Donna heads to Neil's to confront Pete, but is halted by an intense pain in her pelvis after a trip to the bathroom. Marlena rushes to her side, deeply troubled by the teenager's agony. She rushes Donna to the clinic, where they discover she has chlamydia. Marlena speaks discreetly with Donna about her situation, and manages to get Donna to reveal that she's been seeing Pete again. Marlena suspected as much. Marlena is upset that Donna has lied to Don again, but insists that the person who should tell Don is Donna and not her. She will give Donna until that night to tell him the truth.
     
    Susan fears for her daughter, who she knows is sexually active after accidentally picking up the phone in the next room to make a call, overhearing Anne's conversation with a girlfriend about what transpired the night before between herself and Pete. Panicked, Susan relays her own story to Anne, and races her to the clinic to get her on the Pill before it's too late. Susan, for all the good it'll do, grounds Anne for lying to her, though this is much more Susan panicking about Anne repeating her mistakes with David Martin than anything Anne has done. Anne is deeply resentful of Susan's actions, and runs off to see Pete again, neither aware of Donna's diagnosis.
     
    After another night of alcohol, Anne and Pete head to a party, get high, and have sex. At home, Susan quickly realizes something is amiss (she allowed Anne to head to Donna's to study), and calls a bewildered Don, looking for Anne. Susan's mother, Diane, has fallen ill and they need to head to Ohio to visit. Don has no idea where Anne is, having never arrived at their house, and not having any plans with Donna, who is ill.
     
    Susan stays up all night, calling the hospital in Ohio, and avoiding revealing to a worried Eric back in California that Anne is in any trouble, while pacing back and forth across her living room. at 3:30am, Susan hears a muffled noise, as a clearly intoxicated Anne tries in vain to open the door. Susan sits in the living room, the lights on, but dimmed. As Anne walks into the living room, she's confronted by her angry mother.
    The two have it out, and ultimately, Anne agrees to stay in line, lest she be sent to reform school. She and Susan head for Ohio to see Diane.
     
    Donna stops short of telling Don the truth about her seeing Pete again, and Marlena continues to threaten her. Donna is petrified of causing more havoc in their home, moreso than any trouble she could get into. Marlena tries to reassure her, but the fear Donna carries of being abandoned by her mother eats at her, and she is too scared. Marlena goes somewhat easier on Donna, recognizing this.
     
    Days later, upon their return, Anne asks Donna to visit her, as she's been under the weather. Donna, recovering nicely from her bout with chlamydia, heads over, only to find the same prescription in Anne's room. After some probing, Anne reveals to Donna that she had chlamydia, prompting Donna to leave, claiming she isn't feeling so well herself. Anne is confused, but Donna makes a beeline for Neil's to see Pete.
     
    Donna tells Pete about her diagnosis, and warns him that he should also get tested, as Anne now has chlamydia as well. She lays into him, wondering how many other girls he's slept with. Pete lies and claims at first that she and Anne were the only two, but soon confesses there were others. Donna can't believe her ears, and runs off to get away from Pete.
     
    Donna sobs, arriving home. Don is initially his usual grumpus self when he hears the news of Donna and Pete's affair, but quickly becomes sympathetic, particularly when Marlena explains the details of their situation, and the end result. Donna additionally sobs, petrified that Don will give her away for disappointing him, as her mother did. Don is moved by Donna's vulnerability, and promises he will never do such a thing.
     
    Anne, finding out about the exact illness Donna had, is far from magnanimous, becoming far more hostile towards Donna than toward Pete, who she continues to see, mostly to spite her mother. Donna is depressed, losing a friend in Anne. Anne only comes around when it's clear that Donna is no longer interested in Pete, and begins seeing Jake Kositchek.
     
    Pete lays on the apologies thick, and for awhile, Donna is not moved, but when Hope's birthday comes, and Jake gets rough with Donna, Pete comes to her defense. This is fine, but as Pete is once again seeing Anne, this causes renewed tensions.
     
    Pete and Donna begin seeing each other again, with Anne becoming increasingly hostile, and bullying Donna as she loses her grip on Pete. It all culminates at Donna's birthday, which Anne ruins by inviting half of Salem, trashing Don's apartment, with drugs and alcohol everywhere. Anne takes advantage, seducing a drunk Pete, while Jake tries to take advantage of a drunk Donna, only to have Hope burst in, and fend him off.
     
    Pete and Donna overcome this, and ultimately Pete plans to propose to Donna. Donna accepts Pete's proposal, but shortly thereafter, things go wrong. Donna has her doctor's appointment. Complications from her bout with Chlamydia have left Donna infertile, and Neil recommends Donna undergo a hysterectomy.
    Running into Anne shortly thereafter, Anne gloats to Donna about being pregnant by Pete, and Donna spirals. Pete, learning from last time about trying to convince a woman to abort, makes an attempt to convince Anne, but ultimately agrees to marry her if it means they can marry quickly, get out of Salem, and away from Donna. He hopes to spare Donna any more pain than he's already caused.
     
    Too late, Donna snaps at the news of Anne and Pete's eloping, and heads out that evening in a haze.
     
    Donna sits on a park bench at night, deep in a mental fog. Her mind races as she realizes how much faith she's put into people who've let her down. She wanders through the park, inappropriately dressed for the cold, and becomes more and more numb and frostbitten. Worried, Marlena and Don set off looking for her. As they trace her steps, first to the Martin house, then to Neil's, they collect people, hunting down anyone who could help find Donna.
     
    Donna finally arrives at David's, where she continues to work as baby Scotty's caretaker. Having a key, she lets herself in while David and Stephanie sleep. She walks off with baby Scotty before anyone notices he's gone. Getting on a bus, Donna heads for the Canadian border, hoping to start a new life, and is taken in by Marie's convent.
     
    David and Stephanie, meanwhile, believe Trish has swiped the baby, having lost their custody case. She had planned to head off to LA to continue her film career with her son after her divorce from David, but this was not to be, Trish's manipulations catching up with her, while David and Stephanie's relatively stable home, complete with caretaker and supportive family, looking far superior to a judge. David and Stephanie believe Trish kidnapped the young boy as a response to losing the case, and go to the Salem PD about it.
     
     
    Mother Superior is kind to what she believes is a scared young mother, accepting her into her care.
     
     
     
     
    Stephanie befriends Margo, who invites her over to help set up her new house, and paint. There they discuss Stephanie's troubles with David's divorce from Trish, and Margo discusses her cancer remission. Stephanie is in awe of Margo's resiliance. Margo admits she's taken time to lose her fear of death. Stephanie wonders what will happen if her cancer returns. Margo tells Stephanie that she will fight with all her might, but if things get too bad, and the pain becomes too much, she hopes Mike will allow her to die with dignity, as she can't bear to live for months in pain and weak. Stephanie understands.
    Mary, having been informed of inconsistencies in Stephanie's story about her burns in the frying pan, tries in vain to get information from Tom about Stephanie's burns. Mary, convinced the questions about Stephanie's burns will lead to answers about Stephanie's identity, calls Anderson's insurance company and, posing as Stephanie, asks for a copy of their report on her burn. The company refuses, frustrating her further. She visits Tom again, and this time catches a lucky break when Tom has to momentarily step out of his office to speak privately with Neil. Mary takes advantage of this moment, and steals Stephanie's file from Tom's files. When Tom returns, he's none the wiser.
    Back at the studio, Mary finds a document that details the specifics of Stephanie's burns, and notes from Bill indicate his uncertainty about how Stephanie attained the burns.
    Mary sets a cast iron pan on her stovetop, and picks up the pan, as Stephanie did. She realizes the burns are inconsistent with Stephanie's story. She flexes her fingers out before her, trying to figure out how they could match the hospital records, before realizing that she was in position already: Stephanie pressed her hands into the pan.
    Mary's next step is checking with Linda regarding Stephanie's employment records. Linda denies having taken them with her, and, still pretending to be an amnesiac, believes they would be exactly where any other employee files would be...but that she isn't sure where that is. Mary is frustrated, but believes Linda innocent. She goes into the office where the employee records are kept, and hunts for Stephanie's file. It's empty. And as she opens it, Stephanie walks in. Stephanie confronts her sister, sharply accusing her of unprofessional conduct, but when Stephanie implies she will go to Bob about Mary breaking into her files, Mary trumps her, telling Stephanie that she'll tell Bob the truth, that her employee file is empty, that Linda has no idea where her employee documents and reference letters are, and that she didn't burn her hands the way she claimed to. Stephanie wants to know how Mary knows all this, but Mary stonewalls, simply telling Stephanie that she knows the truth, and that she will keep quiet for now if Stephanie does the same, but notes that she is keeping her eyes on Stephanie.
     
    Stephanie hears from Bob that he's in talks to expand operations in the plant, as their contract with the government is going so well. Stephanie overhears this and calls to a friend about their trip. Bob and Chris go away to a conference in Washington, and come back with a contact with Magnus Corporation. Stephanie is delighted. Alex comes to Salem to meet with them...and Stephanie.
    Alex and Stephanie are revealed to have been plotting to sabotage operations at Anderson so as to ruin Anderson, making it ripe for takeover by Magnus. Magnus was primarily involved in medical supplies and care, and Alex sought out Stephanie upon discovering her identity when she was in for facial reconstruction surgery at a hospital Magnus owned. After taking a special interest in her case, Alex visited Stephanie often, and built up a trust with her, before proposing their plan.
    Stephanie and Alex go out to Doug's Place to talk strategy, when David catches them together, and takes Stephanie to task for "flirting" with Alex. Stephanie is fed up, and breaks things off with David. Bob finds out the next day, when Stephanie is off her A-game at work. Bob is sympathetic, and asks her to stay with him at his home. This infuriates Linda, who resents Bob and Stephanie's increasingly close relationship, and assumes Stephanie is, much like Julie was years before, a romantic interest of Bob's.
    Stephanie's moving into the lakehouse bothers Mary as well, and Mary makes it clear that she's no fan of Stephanie being in her family home. Bob makes it clear that his intent is only to give Stephanie a place to stay around people while she deals with her breakup with David. Mary, unable to tell Bob the specifics of what she discovered about Stephanie's burns, asks Bob if he ever asked Stephanie about how she got them. Bob indicates that he found out much like Mary did. Mary asks Bob if he's sure Stephanie's telling the truth about her burns, noting how convenient her timing was, and how, even with Linda back, Stephanie's documents have yet to turn up.
    Stephanie and Alex get into action almost immediately, with the government contract first being sabotaged by having Chris' plans altered slightly, but significantly. The change means there is a fatal flaw in the finished product that could cause widespread damage from fire when the devices are in use. Stephanie acts as an "anonymous whistleblower" to the government agency, but only once the first shipment of the devices reach Washington. The agency is livid with Anderson, and threatens to cancel the government contract unless the flaw is corrected immediately. Bob agrees, but discovers the change would cost them over a million, something they don't have, as the government won't pay up for the first shipment as its faulty.
     
    As their plan takes shape, Stephanie grows closer to Bob, and begins to second-guess her plan to take down the business. Stephanie begins to wonder if her plan to ruin Bob was ill-conceived. As Bob tells her of his lingering heart troubles, her guilt increases, and she spends the time before Margo's goodbye party arguing with Alex about abandoning their plan. Alex insists the plan is too far along, and demands Stephanie put in motion the last phase of the plan: redirect the replacement shipment of generators into a trap along a remote highway that will run the shipment off the road. As Stephanie refuses, Margo emerges, having listened in on their conversation as she had come to look for Stephanie and Alex, who were absent from the party.
    When Stephanie notices Margo, she chases after her. Margo heads to the stairwell, disillusioned by Stephanie's deception, but as Stephanie stops Margo, pleading with her to keep her secrets from Bob and everyone else, Margo refuses, before suddenly growing weak. Margo takes her last ounce of strength to break out of Stephanie's grasp, and loses her balance, toppling down the stairs. Stephanie is horrified as Margo lays unconscious on the stairs. Alex finds Stephanie on the stairs, and then Margo's lifeless body below. Alex checks Margo's pulse, as Stephanie goes into shock. Alex tries to snap Stephanie out of it, before running back into the office to call an ambulance. Chris arrives shortly thereafter, and tries to make sure Stephanie is okay, while he tries to ensure Margo is okay. He's initially suspicious of Stephanie and Alex, but soon is convinced that Margo's fall was purely accidental.
     
    At the hospital, Bob visits with Margo, and is concerned. He has flashbacks to Brooke's accident, and worries about Mike's grief, but stopping short of revealing Brooke as his daughter. He does, however, go to the chapel. There, he expresses the sense of concern he has over Margo's accident, and implores God not to let happen to Margo what happened to his daughter, Brooke. Stephanie overhears, and puts a hand on Bob's shoulder. She stops short of telling Bob that she is his daughter, but they talk, and share a warm, comforting interaction. Outside the chapel, Mickey expresses concern to Bob about Linda's place in Bob's will. Bob reiterates to Mickey about Linda's betrayal, but insists that, as long as Linda is carrying his child, he has no choice. Bob makes no bones about the sense of betrayal he feels toward Linda, something Stephanie can't help to hear. The anger Bob has toward Linda causes moments of sharp pain in Bob, something that terrifies Stephanie, and leads her to try to comfort Bob and try to calm him down before he has a full-on heart attack.
     
    At the lakehouse, Stephanie confronts Linda about her deception. Their back-and-forth nearly causes Stephanie to reveal her true identity, trying to stop Linda from implying that Stephanie was carrying on an affair with Bob. She leaves Linda with a warning, that she will keep an eye on her, and that if Linda does anything to hurt Bob, Linda will have to answer to Stephanie. Linda leaves more convinced than ever that Stephanie and Bob are having the affair they insist isn't happening. She asks Steve, upon his next visit to see Mary, to investigate Stephanie for her, promising a big payday. Steve is only too happy to take her up on the offer.
    Alex, in another meeting with Stephanie at Doug's Place, discusses how to deal with Margo. Fearing that Margo will reveal her identity, Alex implores Stephanie to get rid of Margo before she screws everything up for them. Stephanie is initially hesitant, but she recalls something she heard from Margo during one of their visits, and something that is repeated by Mike when he talks with her, David, and Valerie, about Margo's wishes. Mike recalls Margo's wish that, if things become too dire for her, she wanted to die with dignity, and have the plug pulled on her. David and Valerie both insist that this isn't the way, and that Margo's wishes contravened the law. The ethical debate eats away at Mike. Marie even steps in, trying to convince Mike to let Margo stay alive, as she may still go back into remission. Stephanie hesitates to corroborate Mike's claim of Margo's wishes, and Alex uses this as an opportunity to convince Stephanie to take the drastic step.
    Stephanie stands in Margo's hospital room, holding vigil. She debates what Mike, Alex, David, Marie, and Valerie say. It's late at night. Slowly, she realizes Margo is awake. Margo is weary, but seems comforted to see Stephanie there with her. Stephanie is at once nervous and excited to see Margo awake. Margo reassures Stephanie that she'll be okay, but is in immense pain. She says with certainty that she won't live much longer. She encourages Stephanie to tell the truth, not only to Bob, but to everyone. She may struggle and go through hardship, but ultimately, she will be better off for it. Stephanie fears she will lose what little family she has. Margo isn't so sure. She implores Stephanie once again, promising that if Stephanie doesn't, Margo will, before passing back out.
    Stephanie meets with Mike outside Margo's hospital room, and lies about what they've talked about, telling Mike that Margo reiterated her intent to pull the plug so as not to draw out her suffering. Mike hopes Margo will awaken again to relay that information to him, but Stephanie reminds Mike that Margo has a DNR order on her, indicating her intentions. Mike is still unsure. Neil approaches them, and gives Margo a grim prognosis.
    Stephanie lingers in the hospital chapel, debating her decision, before returning to Margo's room late at night. Mike waits outside her room, fast asleep. Stephanie pleads with Margo to forgive her for what she's about to do. She puts on a single latex glove, and pulls the plug on her life support machine. Margo stays alive for about a half hour more. At this point, Stephanie heads out via the back door, and leaves the hospital quickly, as Mike wakes up, and enters Margo's room, not noticing the cord is unplugged. A nurse comes to check on Margo, and spots the pulled plug. She calls for help and other nurses burst into Margo's room, and jump into action, trying to resuccitate Margo unsuccessfully, while trying to reach Neil, who is meant to be on duty.
    Neil, having a rendez-vous with Maggie, is not at the hospital. Instead, he's across the street at a hotel. Figuring he could check in quickly, claiming to be on a break. When he calls in, he panics, and races back to the hospital, but he's too late, Margo is dead.
     
    Mike is considered the only one who could have pulled the plug on Margo, but insists he did no such thing. He enlists Mickey's help in proving his innocence, and Mickey believes Neil's absence hastened Margo's demise. Mike takes it one step farther, though hesitantly. He suggests filing suit against Neil for malpractice, but Mickey tells him that the only way he can do that is to also sue University Hospital. Mike is less sure about this now.
     
    Bill and Laura return from Chicago to support Mike. When Bill hears of Mickey's discussion with Mike of suing UH and Neil, Bill is incensed. Mickey insists he is discouraging Mike from going this route, but does think that, if he removes himself slightly from the situation, it does seem like a good way to prove Mike's innocence to the public. While he cannot be criminally charged due to lack of evidence, rumours are swirling around Salem about Mike, which he would like cleared ASAP, especially as Mike has designs on getting into med school.
    Mickey has a problem while trying to research for the case against UH: just where was Neil when Margo’s plug was pulled, and why was he not on site?
     
     
     
     
    Stephanie begins to soften more and more toward Bob, and Bob rewards her hard work with a new $12,000 car. Linda is incensed by the purchase, certain they are having an affair. Linda purchases her own identical car, which Bob angrily questions Linda about. Linda counters that it would look suspicious if Bob purchased a car like this for Stephanie and not Bob's wife. Bob confronts Linda about this, and Linda, under pressure, snaps, expressing her worry that Bob will do with Stephanie what he did with Julie. Knowing Linda couldn't possibly recall this without having her memories back, calls Linda out on her deception. Bob, fighting chest pains, threatens to disinherit Linda, and kick her out of the house. Linda, panicked, fakes nausea and leaves the room. Shortly thereafter, Bob expresses concern, and suggests he take her to the hospital. Linda protests mildly, but, knowing Bob's attentions are on her at all is a good thing, agrees.
    Once at the hospital, Linda attempts to convince Neil to tell Bob she's pregnant. Neil won't do it, but agrees to tell Bob that Linda is to undergo a pregnancy test, and will leave Linda to "reveal the results". Grateful, Linda offers anything to Neil in return. Neil only asks she leave him alone.
    Neil reveals to Bob that Linda is undergoing a pregnancy test, and Linda, naturally, tells Bob the result is positive, even though it turns out she isn't. Linda knows full well that he won't kick out a wife pregnant with his child, nor will he disinherit her. Bob is distressed, but agrees to keep Linda in his home, but he sends Melissa to a boarding school on his dime. Though he doesn't want to send Melissa away, he feels it best until he sorts out his complicated situation with Linda, and hopefully protect her in case his marriage to Linda falls apart.
    Linda is pleased, for awhile, but begins to worry when she cannot get Bob into bed again. Frustrated, and beginning to panic, she first approaches Neil, offering to help him get inside information on Mickey and Mike's malpractice case against him in exchange for getting Linda pregnant. Neil flatly refuses. Linda, in even more of a panic, gets ahold of Tommy Horton. She lies through her teeth to him, insisting her marriage to Bob is dead in the water, and that they're one step away from divorce. Tommy, lonely and swayed by Linda's charms, as well as still believing her to have lingering amnesia (something that he can evidently relate to), agrees to go for drinks with Linda. The two have a lovely time, though Tommy wonders why Linda isn't drinking. She contends that she's simply trying to be healthier in body and mind, as she isn't getting any younger.
    After a couple date nights, Bob becomes somewhat curious as to why Linda has been coming home late, but Linda insists it's just long hours at the office while they work on Mike's malpractice case. Bob buys Linda's story. Linda warns Bob that she'll likely be home even later the next night, and not to wait for her: she's planning to put the moves on Tommy.
    Tommy feels he's rushing a bit, but Linda's seduction works magic on him, and they fall into bed. At Linda's next check-up, Neil gives Linda the news: she's pregnant. Linda soon after proceeds to break things off with Tommy AGAIN, telling Tommy of her pregnancy. When Tommy questions the paternity of the baby, Linda tells him that she's too far along for the father to be him, and that it wouldn't be right to leave her husband now, anyway. Tommy, heartbroken, visits his daughter Sandy in New York.
    Bob becomes suspicious when Linda isn't showing, despite being (allegedly) four months pregnant. At first, Linda dismisses it as morning sickness making her undereat, she suggests to Bob that she go to New York to do their Christmas shopping this year, and plans to make a week of it. Bob isn't impressed, but goes along with Linda's plan. In New York, Linda buys pregnancy padding from an actors' costume shop. She returns in the costume, certain Bob will be none the wiser, since he continues to sleep in a separate bedroom from her.
    Linda continues to work to ingratiate herself in Bob's life, and nearly succeeds in fully reuniting with him, when she, now showing enough to not need the pregnancy padding, decides to throw out the pad. Bob, at this time, is dealing with the collapse of his government contract, and is somewhat inattentive to Linda's needs. But when he visits the hospital for his check up, and runs into Neil, he's troubled by Neil's vagueness about Linda's due date. When he returns home, Linda is out at the office. Bob steps outside to take a bag of trash out, accidentally knocks over the other can...containing the pregnancy pads.
    The seemingly imminent takeover of Anderson by Magnus, plus Linda's betrayal is too much for Bob's heart. When Linda gets home, Bob is waiting for her, he confronts her with the pregnancy pad, and claims to be certain Linda isn't pregnant, Linda tries to lie her way out of it, but when Bob demands a blood test, Linda stops him. Bob is furious, and demands to know if she is pregnant, who the father is, when Linda won't tell him, Bob tells Linda he's cutting her out of his will, and booting her from the lakehouse once and for all, before collapsing. Bob pleads with Linda to grab his medication, but Linda won't do it unless Bob promises to keep Linda in his will. Bob won't do it, so Linda, after explaining her whole situation and why she lied to him, calmly leaves the house, as though she never came home.
    Stephanie, next home, finds Bob and calls an ambulance immediately. Bob hangs on for another night, where all he can say is "Linda". But when Linda does come to UH to see him, and plays the sad wife, Bob's heart rate climbs immediately. Neil forces her out of the room. He knows why Bob is having this reaction, and calls Linda out on it. Linda tells Neil that he best keep his mouth shut if he wants to keep his job, referring to Mike's malpractice suit.
    Bob dies, and at the will reading, everyone is stunned to learn that controlling interest goes:
    Chris - 39%
    Mary - 21%
    Stephanie - 20%
    Phyllis - 5%
    Linda - 10%
    Melissa - 5% (to be put in a trust and controlled by Linda until her 18th birthday)
     
     
    Mary is extremely mistrustful of Alex, who openly flirts with her. Mary is initally tempted, but Steve returns before things can develop any further between Mary and Alex. Chris also warns Mary of Alex, who he instantly mistrusts. Mary, still bitter about her breakup with Chris, almost latches onto Alex out of spite, if only as a champion of him in business. Chris, hoping that Mary's budding romance with Steve will help get him on side, expresses the same concerns to Steve. Steve is initially disinterested, but when Mary admits to Steve that the stress of Bob's crumbling marriage to Linda, plus his growing business concerns, are leading to heart trouble, Steve begins to scheme. He galvanizes his efforts to win Mary over. He starts by asking to put a piece of jewellery in Doug and Julie's safe deposit box. They agree, and Steve deposits a gold ring.
    His next step is to sweep Mary off her feet, and proceeds to wine and dine her for awhile. Mary is sucked right into Steve's charms. Steve wants to find a new line of work within Anderson, and Mary is only too happy to oblige. Bob is initially reticent to give Steve a position within Mary's department, until Steve pays Chris another visit, offering to take a job at Anderson, in exchange for keeping a close eye on Alex Marshall. Chris is uncertain of Steve's motives, but believes it's probably the best way to get information on Alex without arousing suspicion.
    Chris' lingering romance with Amanda Howard irks Mary (and Steve), and when Chris proposes to Amanda, Mary is incensed. Steve takes it upon himself to propose to Mary as well. Having just come from a heated argument with Chris about his rush to marry a newly-divorced Amanda, agrees to marry Steve. This infuriates Bob, who doesn't exactly trust Steve, but also wants to keep his daughter happy. Linda sees the union as an opportunity to get into Steve's good graces, in the hopes of eventually worming her way back into Anderson herself. She leverages her position at Don and Mickey's firm to give her an in with Steve, who she knows is after the same thing she is. Together, they could make a formidable team.
    Amanda stumbles upon a fight between Mary and Chris, which begins about business, but quickly becomes personal. Chris is certain that Mary still loves him, but while Mary vehemently denies it, Chris is convinced she is only marrying Steve to spite him, and he kisses her passionately. Amanda sees it, and runs off. Her world in a tailspin, Amanda doubts every move she's made since returning to Salem. Julie suggests Amanda head back to Chicago, and to Greg, to sort her head out. Amanda thinks it best to leave town for somewhere no one knows her. She heads out on a flight to LA. Chris finds a letter Amanda leaves him, telling him she'll always love him, but that she needs time to figure things out, and not to go after her. Chris does, regardless, but just misses Amanda heading past security.
    Mary still does marry Steve, and Bob pulls Chris into his office to promise him that he will look after Mary, and the company, if something should happen to him. Chris worries why Bob would imply something should happen to him, but Bob insists he is just crossing his Ts and dotting his Is. Chris isn't so sure.
    The marriage between Mary and Steve hits the rocks with a quickness. Steve is instantly jealous of Mary and Chris, and does little to hide it, which immediately drives Mary right toward Chris. Steve backs away from this and woos his new bride back. It takes some convincing, but Mary forgvies Steve.
    This honeymoon period is short-lived when Mimi, Steve's girlfriend, arrives in Salem from Paris. Except, she reveals, she isn't Steve's girlfriend: she's his wife! Steve immediately tries to keep Mimi silent on the matter, explaining how the situation is simply an elaborate scheme to bilk Mary out of her stake in her father's company, and that Steve and Mimi will be filthy rich if the plan succeeds. Mimi is unconvinced, but agrees to go along with it for now. Steve, to try to keep Mimi at a distance, sets her up with her own apartment in Salem, where he can sneak off to visit her.
    Linda recognizes something of a kindred spirit in Steve, and attempts to woo him to help her win control over Anderson, insisting she has a plan. Steve initially resists, but when Linda stumbles upon Steve and Mimi at a discreet restaurant booth, she realizes something is up. Believing Steve is already cheating on his wife, Linda threatens to expose Steve unless they team up. Steve goes along with Linda.
    The two get closer, with Steve eventually sharing with Linda his scam with the jewellery boxes. Linda feels confident that Steve has the gumption to pull off their plan. It's the vote of confidence Steve needed.
    Doug hires a new up-and-coming singer, Liz Chandler, to sing at Doug's Place. Liz is fresh off a divorce from a famous actor, Rick, in France. She has flown into Salem on the same flight as Mimi did, and they sat together. Doug is puzzled when Julie recognizes Mimi as Steve's Parisian girlfriend, spies her in Salem himself, and then spots Liz greeting Mimi warmly when Mimi visits the club. Doug asks Liz how she knows Mimi, and Liz shares that they met on the plane, and that Mimi was in Salem to reuinite with her husband. Liz says wistfully that Mimi has yet to do so, but doesn't know the husband's name when Doug presses.
     
    Doug smells a rat, and looks into Mimi's past, hiring a PI in France, and making some overseas calls to figure out just what is going on. With a bit of digging, Doug susses out that Mimi and Steve are married, and that Steve's marriage to Mary is invalid. He confronts Steve with the news, but promises to keep quiet about his bigamy if Steve does the right thing and annuls his marriage to Mary immediately. Steve grumbles about his hopeless situation to Linda, who agrees to help her partner out, recalling she spotted a duplicate file for Doug in Mickey's office. She agrees to look into it for Steve.
    Linda uncovers the truth: Dougie LeClair is actually Doug's son. She passes on a photocopy of the letter to Steve, who is thrilled to have some leverage over Doug. He threatens to tell Julie of Doug's deception, as well as Robert, who Doug has also hidden the truth from. Doug tells Steve that the truth will not harm his loved ones as much as Steve's would, but Steve just asks for more time. Doug reluctantly agrees, not knowing exactly what he's agreeing to.
     
     
     
    Alex also pays a visit to University Hospital to meet with Tom Horton about making a contribution to the hospital. There, he spots a familiar face: Marie Horton. Marie is not happy to see him, and, in fact, spies him before he notices her, and tries unsuccessfully to avoid him. Alex finally corners Marie, and tries to catch up, but Marie is icy.
    Alex is baffled by Marie's cool reception, and hints to Stephanie about the woman from his past he loved dearly, but a "sad turn of events" led to her disappearing from his life. When Stephanie spies Marie visiting Margo at the plant, Alex appears. Stephanie makes the connection, and slyly asks Alex about whether he's found the woman again.
    Marie is edgy at the Horton house, prompting Alice to ask Marie what is making her so jumpy, particularly after Alice spies Marie encounter Alex at University Hospital after Alex has a meeting with Tom regarding funding for UH. Marie tries to deflect, but Alice, as usual, breaks down her daughter's defenses. Marie admits that she and Alex had a connection in New York years ago after she left Salem upon discovering Tommy's identity, but is reluctant to say more, other than Alex was cruel and abusive.
    After her conversation with Alice, Marie flashes back to seeing a man fall from a balcony at a New York highrise apartment. Marie is shaken by the recollection. The recollections grow stronger after her new meeting with Alex, where he finally manages to convince Marie to join him for a coffee at the hospital cafeteria. There, Alex tries to gently find out what happened to Marie, but Marie shuts him down after Alex hints that he tried to track her down after "what happened with [his] brother Harley". Marie immediately flashes back to being grabbed by Harley on the balcony of Alex's New York apartment, Harley's body falling from the balcony, and Alex's voice, telling her Harley's gone.
     
    Marie visits Margo once again, this time during a visit from Stephanie. Marie tells Stephanie she knows of her involvement with Alex Marshall. She warns Stephanie that a man like Alex may be charming, but that she must be extremely careful, for he may harm her in ways that could affect the rest of her life. Stephanie is shaken by Marie's stern warning, and takes it upon herself to look into Alex's background a little further.
     
    At home, Marie hides away from the family, and recalls visiting Alex's apartment. Instead of finding Alex there, she finds his brother, Harley. They'd met previously, and Harley was a gentleman. This time, Harley offers her a drink as they talk on Alex's balcony. Harley moves in closer, and...Marie shudders as she's knocked from the moment.
    Alex makes one more appeal to Marie to see him again, but Marie refuses, coldly. Marie asks Marlena to take some time out to speak with her about Alex. Marlena agrees. Initially the  sessions are just about fleshing out Marie's perceptions about what occurred at Alex's apartment, but it becomes apparent that Marie has a memory block about the full series of events.
    After a couple more sessions, Marie confesses she believes Alex killed Harley after an argument, but Alex insists he did no such thing, that he did it in defense of Marie. The realization that Marie is seeing Marlena about the incident prompts Alex to visit Marlena himself, and insist that Marlena step off the case, that the truth will do nothing to help Marie, only to hurt her. Marlena sticks to her guns, but Alex tells her that, if Marlena cares for Marie at all, she won't press to tell Marie the truth.
     
    Marlena consults with Jordan about how exactly to proceed with Marie. Jordan feels it's best to let Marie know what could possibly be uncovered, and how it could affect her psyche. Is Marie prepared to handle it?
     
    ULTIMATELY: Alex reveals that he is protecting Marie from the truth, that he arrived on the balcony while Harley was attempting to force himself on Marie. Marie pushed him off her, and Harley fell to his death. Alex attempted to cover for Marie, who has a mental block surrounding the incident. The truth of Marie causing Harley's death, and the lengths Alex has gone to protect her, endear Alex to Marie greatly, causing her to question her vows.
     
     
     
     
    David visits Mickey to build his divorce case against Trish. Mickey warns him that his relationship with Stephanie, no matter how tenuous it appears, could be used against him, particularly in regards to custody of Scotty. David feels like, despite this, he believes that Trish's abandonment of the marital home and leaving with Scotty would work against HER.
    Trish, of course, files against David, citing Stephanie as an adultress in the divorce. She can back it up as well, thanks to Jeri. Unfortunately, as they prepare for the court case, Jeri is presented with a golden opportunity: a touring gig singing for a popular country music act. Trish, though worried about the impact Jeri's tour will have on her case, encourages her mother to take the opportunity, especially with Jerry's support. Jerry believes they can win the case, with or without Jeri's testimony.
     
    David asks Stephanie to continue to keep distance from him during the court case. This, initially is begrudgingly accepted by Stephanie, but the tension of the distance eventually becomes too much, especially when David catches Stephanie at Doug's Place on a dinner date with Alex. Despite the dinner only being a business date, David sees them discussing rather flirtatiously (as is Alex's nature), and pulls Stephanie aside, taking her to task for her actions. Stephanie has had enough, being stretched thin by her feeling unwanted by David, and her growing impatience with the court case, Stephanie breaks things off with David.
    As the case goes to court, Jerry takes Trish out to dinner to talk shop, but Trish feels increasingly drawn to him, and as the case progresses, things get heated between them. A full-blown affair commences between them, which complicates the case once Jeri pays Trish an unexpected visit one evening, and catches them in bed together. Jeri is sworn to secrecy, but is troubled by the situation. Eventually, she confides in Doug after Doug presses her to find out what exactly has been bothering her. Jeri swears Doug to secrecy, but Doug does encourage her to speak to Mickey about what she saw. Jeri flatly refuses, dedicated to helping her daughter win custody of Scotty.
     
    When Mickey sees that Jeri is not on Jerry's witness list, he's confused, as Jeri appeared to be the lynchpin to Jerry's case against David and Stephanie. Mickey investigates, but hits a brick wall, until he visits David's apartment, and spies Jerry emerge from Trish's apartment, looking somewhat too intimate. He doesn't think too much of it, until Steve, who has been at odds with David at Anderson pipes up. David has been a prime rival to Steve at work, and Steve saw David's connection to Stephanie as being a way to take power away from Mary once Bob finally retires/passes. Steve tells Mickey that he had seen Trish and Jerry at Doug's Place being far too comfortable on many occasions. Mickey uses this at trial, and calls Jeri as a witness himself. Mickey's reasoning being, even Stephanie and David's relationship would pale in the eyes of the judge compared to an ongoing affair between Trish and her lawyer, especially when combined with Trish's abandonment of the marital home, and kidnapping of her child.
     
    Valerie returns to Salem at this point, and hears of David's plight. David runs into Valerie at Doug's Place, and they have a long, delightful catch up, and agree to see each other again...once the divorce case ends. Stephanie, on another dinner date with Alex, sees them together, and is livid. She goes to Trish, and apologizes for her animosity throughout her time with David. Trish initially doesn't believe Stephanie, until Stephanie finally reveals the truth to Trish: she is actually her friend, Brooke Hamilton. She explains her hostility toward Trish as being jealousy of her relationship with David, combined with an anger at Trish taking Scotty away from his father. Trish is understanding, and realizes the authenticity of Stephanie's words. She encourages Stephanie to tell her father the truth as well, as they discuss the growing closeness and affection between father and daughter.
     
    Though Stephanie's information is helpful in balancing the scales, the judge ultimately preferred the stability of David's home, particularly when paired with the stable home life provided by not just David, but also by Doug and Julie, who, as opposed to Jeri's touring lifestyle, appears extremely stable.
    David's victorious feeling is short-lived, when, after leaving for his first dinner out with Valerie post-trial, Donna, his longtime babysitter, lets herself into the apartment, and takes Scotty with her in a fugue state.
     
     
     
     
    Maggie, fatigued by her life working as a clerk in an antique store, decides to dedicate more time to volunteering at the David Martin Clinic, particularly with children. Tom suggests the idea as a way to have children in her life, and fill the gap Janice's departure left behind. Maggie works closely with Neil, eventually assisting him elsewhere in the hospital. The two strike up an easy friendship. Neil's friendship becomes closer and closer, as they share their loneliness with each other. The loneliness only increases for Maggie, as Mickey becomes more and more detached while working on an important case for Kate Winograd: her mother had passed away, and there was some degree of financial dispute with her siblings over the estate.
    Sensing Mickey's growing interest in Kate, Maggie loses herself more and more in her work, and, when home, tensions grow more and more palpible, especially when Mickey sees the light in Maggie's eyes when talking about the children in the clinic. He feels terribly he can't give her a child of her own, and pulls away from her, feeling inadequate, as well as feeling lingering guilt over his reticence to act during Joanne and Maggie's battle for custody over Janice. Maggie insists she doesn't blame him, and wishes he would be closer to her again, but Mickey still feels insecure, and feels less pressure with Kate. The two grow closer and closer, which, in turn, draws Maggie and Neil closer and closer.
    Things slowly become intense between Maggie and Neil, after Neil discusses losing his child with Phyllis, and feeling a sense that he will never have that stable home life with a wife and kids that he longed for. Despite his caddish ways, Neil has longed for stability, the kind Mickey and Maggie have shared. Maggie comforts him, this evolves into a kiss. Before things can move further, Maggie pushes Neil away.
    The two have a serious talk the next night over dinner. Maggie is troubled by her kiss with Neil, and wants to pretend it never happened. Neil feels much the same, but expresses an attraction to what Maggie represents, and what he aspires to as he matures. Maggie is flattered.
    Things evolve further when she returns home to find Mickey is still not home from the office. She goes on a hunt for him, and finds him asleep on a sofa at the office, stressed to the gills over his caseload. Maggie strokes his hair, waking him up slightly, enough for him to call out Kate's name. Maggie is horrified, and leaves the office immediately.
    Julie tries to reason with Maggie, that Mickey is simply working so hard on Kate's case that she's on his mind, but Maggie is certain there's more to it, and begins to keep a close eye on Kate at the hospital. She pays Kate a visit one day to talk about "helping her out" around her office, but it's ultimately to check her datebook. She spies a dinner date with Mickey at a quiet restaurant. Maggie follows them there, and finds Kate with her hand on Mickey's, talking extremely intimately. In actuality, Kate has made a move on Mickey, but Mickey is reticent to act on it, knowing how betrayal feels of a partner, and wishing none of that on Maggie. Maggie returns to the hospital in tears, and is comforted by Neil. Neil's apartment is very close to the hospital, and Neil leaves to get Maggie into his place to console her. While out, Margo's plug is pulled by Stephanie.
    Maggie and Neil make love after Neil works hard to reassure Maggie that she's beautiful and worthy of love, and that Mickey is a fool for letting Maggie slip through his fingers. Maggie immediately recognizes their tryst as a mistake, and Neil hurries back to the hospital, only to find Margo dead. He fabricates a story to Mike when pressed, but Mike doesn’t buy it. Mike, having been the one to find Margo’s plug pulled, and was seen by it, is immediately under suspicion. But with a lack of physical evidence (Mike’s fingerprints aren’t on the plug), he isn’t charged.
    Maggie pulls away from her work with Neil, initially. And Mickey and Maggie reconnect after Kate’s case ends. They share a lovely Christmas together, with Maggie gifting Mickey a vintage swiss army knife, like the one he’d seen at Chez Julie.
     
    But when Mike has Mickey sue UH and Neil for malpractice in Margo’s death, Maggie grows nervous. Her worst fears are confirmed when she discovers she’s pregnant. Knowing the baby is Neil’s she has no choice but to confess to Mickey. After turning to Marlena for support and guidance before approaching her husband (Marlena believes Mickey is tough enough to handle the news), Maggie tells Mickey the truth: the reason Neil can’t account for his whereabouts when Margo’s plug was pulled is because he was comforting Maggie at his nearby apartment. Maggie is pregnant. Mickey takes a moment to absorb the news, but is surprisingly okay with the news. He even thanks Maggie for solving the mystery for him. They talk, and while he’s displeased by the situation, the more Maggie talks about the events leading up to her affair with Neil, the more calm and collected Mickey seems. Maggie feels an odd sense of calm and reassurance. Her marriage is saved, and Mickey is handling the news well.
     
    In court, the fight against UH and Neil begins to much press brouhaha. Tom is called to the stand, and expresses his grief at Margo’s death, and the incredible lengths the hospital went to to accommodate, and to extend Margo’s life. But under cross-examination, Tom admits they dropped the ball on the night of her death, and admit to the hospital’s continued financial difficulties, only recently remedied by Alex Marshall’s contributions.
     
    When Neil is called to the stand, Mickey tries in vain to break his story, that he was on site, but that he did not receive any communication via the hospital announcement system to return to Margo’s room, nor was he paged. Mickey then calls the nurse on duty to dispute Neil’s account, noting that she did indeed page Neil, and received no response from the doctor. Neil makes it clear that he was available and had simply been on break, helping to calm a co-worker in distress before immediately returning to duty after his break had ended.
    Neil’s lawyer, by contrast, implies during their cross-examination of Mike, that Margo was soon to die, regardless, and that it was, in fact, her wish to end her life on her own terms. If Margo had indeed had her plug pulled, it was by a friend or loved one who Margo had specifically asked this of, insinuating Mike had done exactly this, which he denies.
    It is only when Maggie is called to the stand that the truth comes out. Expecting a subdued line of questioning from her so-far-forgiving husband, Maggie is taken aback when Mickey goes on the attack once she’s on the stand, hammering away at her until she cracks, begs Mickey not to make her tell everyone, and then tearfully reveals to all her affair with Neil Curtis.
    That night, Mickey and Maggie have a huge blowout fight, with Maggie ending up conceding she deserved the line of questioning she received from Mickey, and had wondered why Mickey had been so calm and collected after she shared the news of her deception with him. Mickey cools off again, and tells Maggie that, despite the animosity he presented on the stand, he was simply doing his job as an attorney, and that he regrets airing their dirty laundry the way he did. Maggie resents that he had to, but simultaneously understands why he did. But Maggie admits that it will take her time to forgive Mickey’s actions, but she intends to, and hopes Mickey would do the same, and not just pretend he has. She then storms off to bed.
     
    Marlena is increasingly concerned by Mickey’s calm exterior, fearing his laser focus on the case is masking a deep-seated rage against Neil that could explode violently, much like his rage toward Bill and Laura did years earlier. She expresses as much to Jordan, who thinks she might be onto something, but thinks that Marlena should take a step back, as Mickey is currently not her patient to deal with. Despite this, she approaches Maggie at the courthouse to lend her support, and to share her fears. Maggie appreciates Marlena’s words, and shares similar fears, discussing their fight the previous night.
     
    The morning of the verdict, tensions are high across Salem. Alice makes Tom a hearty breakfast, with Tom lamenting that, if Mickey has his way, it will be the last they can afford. Alice reassures him, while vocally resenting the way her son has turned on his own father. Bill emerges at this point, noting that, in all likelihood, Mickey is directing all his rage at Neil into the case, as Marlena’s previous advice to him had him direct his anger into constructive work. This may have manifested itself in a laser-focused need to win the case, and help “his son”. Alice balks at this, insisting that the Mickey she knew would at least have considered the livelihood of his father in all this, but Bill makes it clear that he isn’t sure Mickey can even see the effect it is having on Tom at this point, if he even is seeing Tom in this at all.
     
    At the trial, Neil and UH are found not guilty of malpractice. Mickey immediately heads out of the courtroom to splash water on his face in the bathroom. But once inside, Mickey reaches into his briefcase, and finds the swiss army knife Maggie bought him for Christmas. As he contemplates it, he goes over every argument he and Maggie have had, every time Neil had denied sleeping with his wife, every lie, every cover story. Maggie’s resentment of the time Mickey had spent with Kate. The betrayal of Neil, lying to his face as he coveted his wife. Seemingly in a trance, Mickey flicks the knife open, before snapping out of his state, and closing the knife, hiding it in his suit jacket pocket. As others enter the bathroom, Mickey closes his briefcase and leaves the room.
     
    As Mickey exits the toilets, Neil and his lawyers emerge, with a crowd of supporters, the Horton family, and the press, hot on their trail. Neil, smiling, extends a hand to Mickey, wishing him no hard feelings, and an opportunity to discuss their situation. Mickey walks over to Neil without a smile, and shakes his hand with one hand. In the other, he quickly plunges the swiss army knife into Neil’s stomach, stunning the crowd. As Neil collapses, Maggie and Liz scream in horror.
     
    ULTIMATELY: Neil recovers, Mickey ends up back at Bayview.
     
     
     
    Doug and Julie are tense over their different perspectives over David and Trish's divorce. Their lovemaking ceases, as they find themselves at odds, and barely speaking, hoping to avoid an argument. Doug finally becomes fed up, and demands the couple hash out their differences about the case. Julie, scared of alienating her husband further, is reluctant, but eventually gives in.
    Doug understands Julie's devotion to her son, and even understands Julie's anger at Trish, but believes Trish is truly past the wanderlust that drove her to leave Salem in the first place. Julie admits her tensions have been raised, in large part, due to the animosity Jeri had raised, and that, realistically, she would rather David and Trish found a non-confrontational way to end their marriage. Julie also admits, while she likes Stephanie, that she feels like the woman is a mystery, and feels there is something about Stephanie that is at once alien, and yet incredibly familiar to Julie.
     
    Doug and Julie continue to struggle to conceive, and once again visit Neil about their options. Neil suggests IVF as a novel path to conception. Neil has been studying it closely, and believes that Doug and Julie are prime candidates to be among the first in North America to attempt the procedure. Julie is reluctant, and Doug remains unusually blasé about it all, which again raises Julie's suspicions. Doug dismisses it all, insisting that the decision be entirely up to Julie.
    Julie consults with Steve, with Amanda, and with Maggie about her struggle. Each encourage Julie to go ahead with the procedure, all saying the same thing: that Hope should have a sibling to call her own. The only person this doesn't seem to fly with is her own doctor, Neil, who deflects whenever Julie mentions that particular subject. This troubles Julie, but she doesn't think too much of it at the moment.
    Ultimately, the pregnancy takes, and Doug and Julie are thrilled.
     
     
    Don grows increasingly insecure about the presence of Dr. Jordan Barr in Marlena's work life. He insists Marlena find a way to spend less time around him, but Marlena refuses, and resents Don's insinuation that she can't have a friendship with a colleague, likening it to her demanding he fire Linda and hire a male secretary to assuage her insecurity. Don is displeased by the implication that his dislike of Marlena's work relationship with Jordan is based on insecurity, but Marlena stands her ground.
    Don is frustrated, having many stressors in his life, feels his career is beginning to stagnate. Marlena is comforting, but Don's frustration escalates when Jordan gives her a raise and a new set of responsibilities. While it's not officially a promotion in name, it is in spirit. Don pretends to be happy for his wife, but is not-so-secretly resentful and suspicious.
    Soon after, Marlena is thrilled to discover she's pregnant. Don is thrilled by the news, hoping that this is the news that will bring him and his wife together. But this happiness is short-lived, as he quickly finds himself frustrated by Marlena's continually-increasing workload. He even goes so far as to confront Jordan, demanding he go easier on Marlena, which Marlena becomes furious about once she finds out.








     
  4. beebs
    BILLIE REED RETURNS TO DAYS (SON Blog)







    Yes, Lisa Rinna will be making a return to Days of our Lives. She will be appearing to help Kate take down an enemy working within her company. Will Kate and Billie's old beefs rise back to the surface, and will Billie be able to stop the plot before it gets out of control? Find out, on
    DAYS on MySONtv.








  5. beebs
    Welcome to the first of a few entries to start off the year for those of you who have been reading along and especially for those of you who haven't (so far). 2014 at my DAYS blog have seen a very exciting year (hopefully more exciting than on TV anyway), filled with intrigue and excitement.

    This first entry for 2014 will be going over one of the central stories I've been working on for 2014, and will continue well into the new year. The saga of Titan and it's big oil partner, EnerNext.

    EnerNext: The Corprate Saga Continues



    Upon Nick Fallon's misadventures in the river in the Winter of 2013 at the hands of Gabi Hernandez, Kate Roberts, and Sami Brady, Nick was presumed dead. However, a nature-loving Brit by the name of Percy rescued Nick from a wet and icy death, taking him to his secluded cottage in the woods north of Salem, where Nick was able to recuperate, as well as plot his revenge against everyone who had wronged him.

    Speaking with Percy at length during those long days in the cabin, Nick discovered a plan by a major energy company, EnerNext, to buy up all the land in the rural area north-west of Salem. The area was found to have a potentially lucrative fossil fuel deposit buried beneath it, mostly in hard-to-access tar sands in the soil. EnerNext needed to purchase Percy's many acres of land to commence their fracking operations. However, as Percy is an environmentalist, and avid owl-watcher, he could simply not sell his land, knowing the owls he found so fascinating would be driven away by the clear-cutting, and the extreme amount of pollution created by EnerNext's operation.



    Nick grew sympathetic to Percy's problems, and, upon blackmailing Kate Roberts into rehiring him at Titan subsidiary MadWorld, promised to assist him in taking down EnerNext, if in exchange, Percy assisted him in taking down Nick's enemies. Luckily for both of them, they shared a few enemies in common.

    After researching the situation, Nick decided to find an ally in the press to help him in his mission. He tracked down Nicole Walker, who worked as an investigative reporter for Titan TV. Nicole, desperate to get a foothold in the news business once again after her disasterous stint working for Eric Brady at St. Luke's, was initially repelled by the story of a local birdwatcher reticent to sell his land to a corporation. She was equally repelled at the thought of dealing with a convicted murderer and all-around sleaze like Nick. But the more she dug into the story, the more the story excited her. Here was a story that could really launch her career back on track. The only missing piece of the puzzle was: Who was pulling the strings to get the funding and the local backing for the project?

    Nick did some digging, and uncovered the very convenient truth, that EnerNext was dealing very closely with a local firm, one that Nick could easily use to his and Percy's advantage: Titan. This was less convenient for Nicole, however. Confronting EnerNext's CEO at the company's press conference held at Horton Town Square. Her barrage of tough questions for Tyler Houston, EnerNext's CEO, ranged from the environmental impact of the fracking operations, to the perception of environmental racism by virtue of the much richer oil deposits near the more affluent east end of Salem. After several minutes of questioning, punctuated by a gathered crowd of hundreds of protesters, eagerly rooting for Nicole as she put Tyler on the hot seat, Tyler finally was rescued by a visibly angered Victor, who erupted from behind the temporary stage built for the conference. Tyler announced at that moment that Titan would be acquiring EnerNext's operation.

    Nicole was stunned and angered, having put the fate of her career in jeopardy now that she realized that the very people she was fighting in this story were her own employers. Nicole confronted Nick about the revelation, realizing almost instantly that Nick knew that Titan and EnerNext were to merge, and didn't say anything to her about it, as it would inevitably lead to Nicole giving up the story. However, Nicole didn't realize that while she was making a fool of herself at the press conference, Nick was covering his bases, and broke into Nicole's office at Titan TV, attempting to steal back the information Nicole had collected about EnerNext during her investigation. What he came away with wasn't what he was looking for, but was much more beneficial to him.

    Upon opening the folder, Nick discovered evidence that Nicole had withheld from Eric regarding the identity of the doctor that created the drug cocktail used by Kristen DiMera to rape then-Father Eric, as well as the makeup of the drug itself. When Nick confronted Nicole with the evidence, Nicole was forced to continue working on the story, consequences be damned. But Nick knew to keep everything under the radar, as he had another ace up his sleeve.

    While digging for information, Nick stumbled upon Sheryl Connors, MadWorld's newest graphic designer, in a dark office with her friend Jordan Ridgeway. However, Nick recognized the two immediately as their true identities, Kaylie Matthews and Siobhan McKinnon: Environmental activists accused of blowing up a bank in Canada during the G8 Protests. Nick knew that they were both where they weren't supposed to be, and that they all had the same goal: bring down EnerNext and Titan. By threatening to out Sheryl and Jordan as their true identities, Nick secured their complicity in his plans.

    However, none of them were aware that Kate Roberts was already a step or two ahead of them. With Kate insanely jealous of Jordan's budding relationship with Rafe Hernandez, Kate had hired a private investigator to find out any information he could about Jordan Ridgeway's past. But, after sneaking into Jordan's apartment and uncovering her collection of fake IDs, it took very little time to find out who Jordan really was.



    Presenting the proof of Jordan's real identity to Roman Brady, Kate hoped to be rid of Jordan once and for all. Not so. Due to a legal loophole, Kaylie (Jordan) and Siobhan (Sheryl) had been acquited for the bank bombing in Canada. Roman knew that the two women were up to something, however, and agreed to help Kate find some answers before it was too late. Roman approached the ISA to bring Kate's daughter, ISA agent Billie Reed back to Salem, under the guise of working alongside her mother at MadWorld Cosmetics, all the while actually protecting her and helping her take down Sheryl and Jordan.

    The next step in Nick's plan would be to break apart all the elements that would allow the fracking project to become a reality. Knowing that Titan TV was a crucial element in Titan/EnerNext's plan to make the community see the benefits of the oil sands project, essentially rendering Titan TV to little more than a source of corporate propaganda, Nick set about ensuring the TV station became an entity independant of Titan. Knowing that Victor's brazen dismissal of FCC regulations, and basic journalistic principles would not sit well with the Titan board, and also recognizing not only would it look better on Titan if they shed the money-losing TV operation, he set about influencing (read: blackmailing) the members of the board that he could control. Namely Kate.

    Using what he knew of Kate's involvement in his attempted drowning, Kate is tasked with influencing the vote against Victor's plans to retain Titan TV, thus giving an independent voice to the news against the EnerNext oil sands project, allowing Nicole to continue investigating and reporting the potential dangers of allowing the project to come to fruition, and breaking apart the Titan empire piece by piece, all under the guise of saving Titan's shareholders money.

    Who stands to gain from Titan's loss of their TV station? And who is giving Nick orders? None other than Stefano DiMera.

    Are Nick's intentions simply to right past wrongs and save Percy's land from destruction at the hands of big oil? Or is there something much more sinister at work?




    Please feel free to comment and to ask questions. And thanks all of you who read my Days of Our Lives every week! Happy 2015!
  6. 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.

    ---
  7. beebs
    EPISODE 145
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco
     

    Billie stands, arms crossed, inches from Kim, as they face off in the University Hospital lounge. Billie never backs down or looks away from an equally determined Kim.
     
    BILLIE: You really think that I would poison Theresa?
    KIM: I wouldn't put anything past you.
     
    Kim steps away from Billie, but continues to rant.
    KIM: I mean, really, Billie. Remember Phil?  My ex-husband you made porn films for drug money with? And then you insinuate yourself in my daughter's life afterwards so you could...poison her mind against him, and against me. 
    BILLIE: Oh COME ON, Kim, that was not how it--
    KIM: Oh the Hell it wasn't! Someone blackmailed the two of you over this. You helped my daughter lie about...
     
    Kim stops herself from continuing, trying to keep a cool exterior before carrying on.
     
    KIM: You ruined my relationship with my husband, and my daughter, and you put my relationship with my son AND his father at risk.
    BILLIE: No, YOU did that. You and you alone. 
     
    ---
     

    Brady looks away from Anita as they both stand in Anita's living room in her cabin in the woods. Anita walks slowly over to Brady, who is deep in thought, and gently puts a hand on his shoulder.
     
    ANITA: Brady. I need you to understand. I care about you. More than you probably realize. And I didn't want you to leave before you were ready. 
    BRADY: (sigh) Look, I know that.
     
    Brady turns to face Anita again, feeling a bit badly for having reacted as strongly as he had about Anita knowing his identity.
     
    BRADY: And I realize you probably didn't nurse me back to health for some kind of...financial windfall. I just...(sigh) I...I guess I was running away from...all the problems I had in Salem...the pressure Victor put on me...my ex- put on me...
     
    Brady chuckles momentarily, despite his thoughts going back to a dark place.
     
    BRADY: My ex- sleeping with my priest brother and him having the audacity to call it rape.
     
    Brady looks down at the ground a moment, deep in a troubling thought.
     
    BRADY: Losing my fiancée in an explosion. I just...I haven't been dealing with it all. And...I guess trying to end it all was another step in my running away from it.
     
    Anita puts her hand up to Brady's cheek, as she pulls him into a tender, warm hug. Brady fights off tears, as he and Anita begin to open up to each other.
     
    ---
     

    The Kiriakises huddle around an excited Maggie in the living room to the family mansion. Noelle looks particularly stunned, as Justin, Adrienne, Sonny, and Alex all look on surprised and confused by Maggie's news.
     
    ALEX: Maggie...I don't get it. Why can't we say anything about Victor waking up?
    MAGGIE: Well...apparently he doesn't want so much press attention right now with the whole...Titan shakeup, and...quite frankly, he's pretty weak right now. So...I think the best thing we can all do is give him some space for the time being.
     
    Justin nods, as Sonny and Alex look at each other, understanding the situation. Adrienne looks Maggie's way in cautious agreement, as Noelle looks on, trying to mask her interest.
     
    SONNY: So...I heard we had a guest coming for dinner?  But mom wanted to wait until we were all here before she talked about it?
    ALEX: Oh...that. 
    ADRIENNE: So...I ran into Anjelica Deveraux in the square today and...
     
    Adrienne grimaces, looking at the others almost apologetically, as Noelle looks over at her husband, slightly confused, before her eyes spot the door to the living room open.
     

    Maggie turns, as the rest of the household look on, mostly in displeasure, but also in shock, as Anjelica walks in.
     
    ANJELICA: Hello, family! I hope I'm not late for dinner!
     
    Anjelica smiles widely as the rest of the family appears shocked by her arrival. Adrienne, meanwhile, motions half-heartedly at the door.
     
    ADRIENNE: Surprise!
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     
    Billie stands with Kim in the hospital lounge, venting her anger at Kim's continued vilifying of her.
     
    BILLIE: The only reason I ever stepped in to help that girl was because she knew she could trust me, because I was the only person in her life that didn't think that Phillip Collier was some kind of saint.
    KIM: Oh please. You never gave her another option. You saw an opening and you took it.
    BILLIE: Why would I do that, Kim?
     
    Kim shakes her head, taking a cool, composed tone as she responds to Billie's question.
     
    KIM: Because you were grieving your own daughter. You thought Chelsea was dead, and you used the relationship you'd built with my daughter as a tool to replace Chelsea in your empty little waste of a life.
     
    Billie laughs sarcastically, in awe of Kim's statement.
     
    BILLIE: Oh my God, you have absolutely no shame, do you? When are you going to take even a little responsibility for what happened between you and Theresa? When are you going to admit that if you had just believed her when she came to you in tears, shaking because Phillip Collier had been molesting her for longer than she cared to remember, none of this would've happened?
     
    Kim stands in stunned silence, as Billie lets loose.
     
    BILLIE: She would never have turned to drugs, she would never have gotten herself in trouble with the law, she certainly would never have ended up in a coma because Brady Black wanted to commit suicide and take her with him! But I guess that's all well and good so long as you have your scape goat to blame the fact you couldn't keep your head together long enough to actually be a parent when it mattered!
     
    Kim slaps Billie hard across the face, snapping Billie out of her rage with the shock of the attack.
     
    ---
     
    Brady and Anita sit on the sofa, as a fire crackles in the fireplace before them, talking about Brady's problems.
     
    ANITA: I know where you're coming from. This home...such as it is...
     
    Anita and Brady share a laugh, before Anita stops after a moment, sighing, as she looks around her quaint home.
     
    ANITA: This is my refuge.
     
    Anita looks intensely at Brady, as he senses her pain.
     
    ANITA: I've had a lot of...pain to go through. Losing two of my children...I nearly died. I withdrew. I...I didn't want to be around people. It was safer here.
     
    Anita looks off, as though looking at a ghost from the past.
     
    ANITA: My umm...you asked about why I was looking at the news story about Titan, I...my late husband, he bought up shares in Titan when they first began publishing Bella Magazine. He was...he was certain he was onto a good thing, and that...(laughs) he figured he could retire off the dividends. When he died, he left them to me. And...with how the company's doing now...well...
    BRADY: You're thinking of selling, aren't you?
     
    Anita shrugs, looking solemnly past Brady.
     
    ANITA: We could use the money. This house...it needs some work.
     
    Brady looks down, nodding in understanding of her situation.
     
    BRADY: I think it's a good idea. Titan's in a lot of trouble, and...with Nick Fallon at the helm...it's only gonna get worse from here.
     
    Anita smiles half-heartedly, clearly still worried for the future.
     
    ANITA: Thank you.
    BRADY: Anita, we're gonna make this work for you. I won't let you down.
    ANITA: Oh I know, Brady...and I know that...you've been put in so many difficult situations, and I know that you thought that the only solution was to run away, but...
     
    Anita takes Brady's hand into hers, and holds it tightly, never taking her eyes off his.
     
    ANITA: ...I need you to know that you don't have to run anymore. Not here. You are always safe here. We can really help each other. Whenever you're ready, I am here for you.
     
    Brady smiles warmly at Anita, nodding back at her.
     
    BRADY: Same for me, Anita. Same for me.
     
    Anita and Brady come together for another warm hug, as they sit on the sofa, enjoying the warm fire.
     
    ---
     
     
    Gabi finishes signing the modelling contract with MadWorld, as Sami, Kate, and Gabi had discussed. She stands in her living room, with Will looking on, as Sami and Kate look on approvingly. Gabi lurches up, pen in hand, as Sami smiles up at her.
     
    SAMI: Congratulations. You are officially the new spokesmodel for MadWorld cosmetics.
    GABI: Great. Why don't I feel as excited as I should be?
     
    Gabi hears her text tone go off, causing her to jump slightly as she looks around for her phone. Finding it on the side table in the living room, she picks it up. Kate notices as Gabi looks at the message, that her expression changes, becoming more sombre.
     
    KATE: What is it?
     
    Gabi looks up from her phone, nervously.
     
    GABI: It's time. I have to meet Nick at Club TBD in an hour. What's our game plan?
     
    Sami and Kate look at each other, confidently. Gabi's eyes dart between the two, far less confident that their plan will go off.
     
    ---
    Maggie turns toward Anjelica, who stands in the entranceway of the Kiriakis living room, smiling widely. Maggie looks back, less than enthused.
     
    MAGGIE: Anjelica.
    ANJELICA: Maggie! Long time, no see!
     
    Anjelica quickly walks over, giving Maggie a big hug, which makes Maggie immediately uncomfortable and more than a little confused.
     
    MAGGIE: Anjelica, I wish I'd known you were coming to dinner sooner.
     
    Anjelica remains enthused, almost to spite Maggie and the rest of the Kiriakises. She carries on talking as she helps herself to a drink from the bar in the corner or the room.
     
    ANJELICA: What? And ruin the surprise? You've got to be kidding me. I mean, this is my first time back in Salem in over 20 years! Where else would spend it than with my loving son and his family?
    JUSTIN: A jail cell, maybe?
    ANJELICA: Oh Justin, always the joker!
     
    Anjelica turns back to face the rest of the room, now with drink in hand, smiles as she takes a sip.
     
    ANJELICA: But in all seriousness, I'm here because I am on the campaign trail to the state governor's house...and I think I could be a big help to all of you.
     
    The family look at each other, curiously, as Anjelica smiles slyly and takes a sip of her drink.
     
    ---
  8. beebs
    EPISODE 185
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultant: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco
     

    Brady stands in Anita's living room, stunned by her announcement that Anita is not, in fact, a kind stranger that plucked him from the river, but his grandmother, Loretta Toscano.
     
    He struggles to speak a single word, sputtering as Anita tears up, Tyler holding her shoulders, trying to keep her calm.
     
    BRADY: Wh....what did you say?
     
    Anita stands shaking before Brady, terrified of what this revelation will do, before repeating herself.
     
    ANITA: I am Loretta Toscano. Brady, I am...your grandmother.
     
    Brady catches his breath after a moment, and clumsily tries to form a response without snapping at his grandmother.
     
    BRADY: I...you...you can't be my grandmother. My grandmother died decades ago, she...my mother died of cancer, and...
    ANITA: I know, Brady. I desperately wanted to be there, but it wasn't safe--
     
    Brady snaps upon hearing this, turning his back to his grandmother, and beginning to pace the kitchenette nervously, before turning around suddenly, startling Anita with his anger, and raised voice.
     
    BRADY: Oh come on, lady! I don't buy it. Not for a second. If you were really my grandmother, and you were ANYTHING like the woman you claim was your daughter, wild horses wouldn't keep you from seeing your daughter before she died. 
     
    Tyler steps in, hoping to calm Brady down, to no avail.
     
    TYLER: Brady, calm down. Anita is not lyling to you, she IS your grandmother, I prom--
    BRADY: Bull!
     
    Brady turns to look at Anita, an almost-maniacal glint in his eye, as he stares her down.
     
    BRADY: Now, if, and I mean IF you really are my grandmother, I want an explanation about where you've been all these years.
     
    Anita shivers, partly in fear, and partly in sadness, as she hears Brady's demand loud and clear.
     
    BRADY: And I want it, right, now.
     
    ---
     

    In the parking garage under the condo building where Marlena lives, Kim and Marlena shake hands, while Andrew looks on.
     
    KIM: It's a date. I'll come with you to the hospital tomorrow at...
    MARLENA: Meet me at 10am. 
    KIM: Where, exactly?
    MARLENA: Just outside Dr. Grant's office. 6th floor.
     
    Marlena smiles, as does Kim, albeit weakly. Kim nods in agreement, as Marlena looks over to Andrew, beaming brightly at the handsome young man.
     
    MARLENA: And if you'd like to come, it would be great to spend more time with you. It's been way too long.
    ANDREW: Tell me about it! I've missed you. And Salem.
    KIM: And we've missed you.
    MARLENA: We have.
     
    Marlena leans over to give Andrew a warm hug, before looking warmly at Kim, squeezing Kim's hand.
     
    MARLENA: I'm sorry to have put you through so much worry. I really am. 
     
    Kim smiles back, still half-heartedly, as Marlena collects herself to head back upstairs.
     
    KIM: Thank you.
    MARLENA: I'll see you both tomorrow.
    KIM: Sure thing.
    ANDREW: Goodnight, Marlena.
    MARLENA: Goodnight, Andrew. Kim.
     
    Marlena walks away, heading for the elevators, as Kim looks on. Andrew puts his hands on her shoulders, trying to comfort his troubled mother.
     
    ---
     

    Sonny gets up from the sofa inside his apartment with Will, as Will shuts the door of the kitchen cabinet, having grabbed a glass for a drink of water. Sonny is stunned by what he's just heard Will tell him.
     
    SONNY: I'm sorry, Gabi moved out?
     
    Sonny stares at the open door to Gabi's room, seeing for himself that the room is virtually empty after Gabi's move to Nick's, earlier in the day.
     
    Will turns on the tap, almost spitefully nonchalant in his reaction to the news, the polar opposite of Sonny's panic.
     
    WILL: This afternoon. 
     
    Will turns the tap off, having filled his glass, and turns back toward Sonny. Will is visibly annoyed by Gabi's departure, but replying glibly and dismissively.
     
    WILL: I'm sure Nick sent movers in within minutes of hearing the news. I'm amazed they kept a crib for Ari. I expected they'd take any trace of her too.
    SONNY: I'm afraid to ask--
    WILL: Don't worry. Ari's staying with us. I didn't...take her tonight, I left her with Mom. I just...
     
    Will sighs, looking down as his sarcastic demeanour softens, turning to a grim resignation. He paces the room, as Sonny watches him, still in disbelief.
     
    WILL: I needed some time to...process...everything.
    SONNY: I can imagine. Wh....when did you...when did you hear the news?
     
    Will responds automatically, without thinking until he's halfway through his sentence.
     
    WILL: Oh I heard it when I was out to dinner with Alex--
     
    Will catches himself, and stops just after revealing the truth of what he did with his evening.
     
    WILL: ...Alex and I were at the Penthouse Grille for work...sort of a...press preview of sorts, and....Maggie came in. Told us what she walked into at the breakfast table this morning.
     
    Sonny remains surprised, probably too stunned to absorb most of what Will's just told him, nor his strange reaction to telling Sonny about the dinner, but stammers out his next question.
     
    SONNY: Did um...did Maggie say why Gabi made the decision?
     
    Will shakes his head. Still looking off at the ground mindlessly.
     
    WILL: Nah. Nah, I didn't give her the chance to explain. I...I took off right away to the studio to...confront Nick. Get some answers out of him.
    SONNY: And?
    WILL: Well, they were already setting up for Nicole's special, so...Alex and I stayed in the studio to watch. And then...
    SONNY: And then the light fell.
     
    Will looks up at Sonny momentarily, then away again, nodding.
     
    WILL: You heard.
    SONNY: Heh, I think everyone in the state heard...or saw.
     
    Will chuckles to himself a moment, rubbing his eyes from exhaustion as he does. 
     
    WILL: Yeah. Yeah, I'm sure.
     
    As Will chuckles to himself, Sonny looks intensely at Will as Will rubs his eyes, speaking seriously to him.
     
    SONNY: That...begs the question, though. And I want you to be 100% honest with me.
     
    Sonny hesitates momentarily before asking his question, almost afraid of the answer. Will  tenses up, worried about what Sonny might ask.
     
    SONNY: Did you rig that light to fall on the stage?
     
    Will looks up suddenly, surprised by Sonny's question. Sonny continues to look intensely into Will's eyes.
     
    SONNY: Were you so angry at Nick, that you were willing to try to kill him?
     
    Will is stunned, and can't answer, while Sonny frustratedly demands an answer.
     
    SONNY: Will! Tell me! Were you??
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     
    Brady stands, incensed by Anita's deception. He steps in close to her, almost hissing his words to his grandmother, while Tyler hangs back, trying to observe the situation and keep everyone calm (and failing).
     
    BRADY: Well? I'm waiting. 
     
    Anita doesn't respond right away, prompting Brady to speak up once more.
     
    BRADY: Where have you been?
     
    Anita, holding her head in her hands, uncovers her face after a moment, tears in her eyes. She finally responds, regaining some of her composure through her tears.
     
    ANITA: I was here. I was here all along. Watching. Waiting for any news I could get. 
     
    Anita tries to step toward Brady, to take his hand in hers, but Brady recoils from her. Anita sees this immediately and stops herself. Instead, she sombrely relays her past to him.
     
    ANITA: Victor wouldn't let me come to Salem. When Ernesto found out about my affair with Victor, he nearly killed me with that poison. Victor managed to make it look like I'd died, but whisked me away out of danger just in time, and...
     
    Anita stops, before turning to face Tyler, taking his hand in hers.
     
    ANITA: Victor had Tyler set me up with a new home. A new life. He demanded I never come back for my children until he knew for a fact it was safe to do so. 
    BRADY: And it's been safe for years. Ernesto died before I was even born, and yet here you are.
     
    Anita looks down, frustrated and ashamed.
     
    ANITA: I know. And I probably should've fought harder, but...after awhile, you just lose the fight. And besides, just when I finally worked up the nerve, Hope came back and Victor was spooked. He figured...maybe Ernesto had managed to survive as well.
    BRADY: So you stayed here. Playing dead.
     
    Anita looks up at Brady, making her position clear to her grandson. She retorts firmly.
     
    ANITA:  So I settled for the life I could have. I had already made a life out here. I met a lovely man. Had another daughter, got to know her children...I had a great life, Brady. 
     
    Anita turns to face Brady, and looks him firmly in the eyes as she finishes her thought.
     
    ANITA: But I never forgot my other family, Brady. And I made sure I stayed in touch with, and up to date about you. You mean the world to me. You must believe that.
     
    Brady looks back with a look of skepticism, his words cutting Anita like a knife.
     
    BRADY: And what if I don't?
     
    ---
     
    After a tense moment staring at each other, Will begins to crack up at Sonny's assertion that he was the one responsible for the light falling at WXIR. 
     
    WILL: Sonny, I WISH I had thought of that. But see, this is how you know I wasn't the one who did it.
    SONNY: Why?
    WILL: Because if I had done it? I wouldn't miss.
    SONNY: Not funny.
     
    Will cracks up even more at Sonny's serious tone, walking casually into the living area as he quips to Sonny about murdering Nick.
     
    WILL: It's hilarious! What are you talking about?
     
    Sonny sighs and walks back over to the couch, sitting down on the sofa again, overwhelmed by everything that's gone down today. Will, meanwhile, takes a sip of water, then continues to talk about his day.
     
    WILL: But seriously, though. I didn't see anything that would help them figure out who dropped the light on the stage. 
    SONNY: Did you get a chance to talk to Nick at all?
    WILL: Eventually. I ended up driving him, Anjelica, and Alex back to the Kiriakis mansion.
     
    Sonny turns to look at Will, amused and surprised.
     
    SONNY: Anjelica? You drove Anjelica Deveraux home? Will, you drive a compact car with cloth seats--
    WILL: Oh I know. And I heard all about it from her, believe me.
     
    Sonny chuckles as Will continues.
     
    WILL: Ugh, that wasn't the worst part of the ride, though.
    SONNY: Oh?
     
    Will sits on the arm of the sofa, next to Sonny.
     
    WILL: Yeah. After gloating about Gabi moving in with him, Nick tried to imply something was going on between Alex and I.
     
    Sonny tries to stifle a laugh, failing miserably.
     
    SONNY: You cannot be serious.
     
    Will feigns being wounded by Sonny's laughter.
     
    WILL: I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was that hard to believe someone like Alex could POSSIBLY be interested in me.
     
    Sonny playfully jabs Will in the ribs, causing Will to crumple in, shouting out in pain.
     
    WILL: Ow! Stop! 
    SONNY: Whatever, you know you're stuck with me.
     
    Sonny starts to tickle Will, as Will wraps his arms around Sonny. Will yelps in discomfort from the tickling, as he inadvertently lands in Sonny's lap. 
     
    WILL: Ah! Fine, fine! You win! (laughs)
     
    Sonny finally stops tickling Will, figuring he's won, and the two look at each other lovingly.
     
    SONNY: Good. Cos you know what I wanna do for you tomorrow to take your mind off all the stuff with Nick?
    WILL: What?
    SONNY: I wanna sit down and start pinning down our wedding plans.
     
    Will beams at Sonny even mentioning their upcoming wedding.
     
    WILL: It's a deal.
    SONNY: Good. I think we've left enough of this up to your mom. It's time you and I take care of some things ourselves. What do you say?
     
    Will rests his forehead against Sonny's.
     
    WILL: I think you're right. Sounds like the perfect day. And you know what's a great way to start that perfect day?
     
    Sonny smiles, kissing Will gently on the lips before answering his question.
     
    SONNY: What?
    WILL: Having the perfect night.
    SONNY: Mmmm, I think you're right.
     
    Will giggles, leaning in to kiss Sonny once, twice, three times, before grabbing his collar and pinning him down on the couch, just out of our view.
     
    ---
     
    Kim and Andrew enter Kim's apartment, exhausted from the emotional situation at Marlena's. Kim flips the lightswitch on, as Andrew shuts the door behind them. 
     
    Andrew calls out to Kim, who takes off her jacket, and heads for the closet, completely oblivious to her son's calls.
     
    ANDREW: Mom. Mom?
    KIM: You know Andrew, I swear that whole...scare with Roman wore me right out.
     
    Kim hangs her coat up, almost in a trance. Andrew walks over to her, pulling her hand down after she hangs up her coat.
     
    ANDREW: Mom.
     
    Kim stops herself. She looks down at her hand, being held firmly in Andrew's, before looking up at her son, fear, hurt, and anger in her eyes.
     
    KIM: Andrew, I...
    ANDREW: Mom, are you alright?
     
    Kim looks into Andrew's concerned eyes, and immediately wells up. She nods, before cracking, weeping openly as she wraps her arms around her son, trying to calm herself down, as Andrew comforts her.
     
    ANDREW: It's okay, Mom. It's okay.
     
    ---
     

    Arriving back upstairs in her penthouse, Marlena closes the door, and sees Abe emerge from the bedroom, having laid Roman down to sleep. Marlena smiles half-heartedly at Abe.
     
    MARLENA: How is he?
    ABE: Pretty shaken up. But he's asleep now. He'll be okay.
     
    Marlena sighs, as Abe looks at her, very worried for her.
     
    ABE: What about you, though?
     
    Marlena shrugs, as Abe takes Marlena's hand in his.
     
    MARLENA: I'll be alright. 
    ABE: You sure?
     
    Marlena nods.
     
    MARLENA: My main concern is Roman.
    ABE: I have to tell you, Marlena...under the circumstances...I cannot afford to have Roman stay on the police force.
     
    Marlena sighs, knowing Abe's right. She nods reluctantly.
     
    MARLENA: I agree. Unfortunately, I think, at this rate, Roman staying on the force will...definitely be more harmful than helpful.
    ABE: I think you're right. Look, Marlena, I plan to put Roman on medical leave for the time being. I don't want to retire him completely until we have an official diagnosis.
    MARLENA: That makes sense. I'm actually planning to get a firm answer on that tomorrow. So I'll let you know as soon as we hear something.
     
    Abe smiles half-heartedly, nodding appreciatively.
     
    ABE: Thank you. Leave letting Roman know to me. I'll tell him on Monday. I ah...I better go.
    MARLENA: No, thank YOU. I know it's...incredibly late to be out.
     
    Marlena guides Abe toward the door, as they continue saying their goodbyes.
     
    ABE: It's no trouble at all. Believe me, I feel a lot better helping you out, under the circumstances.
    MARLENA: I appreciate it so very much, Abe.
     
    Abe and Marlena hug warmly, before Abe opens the door to leave.
     
    MARLENA: Thanks again.
    ABE: Goodnight, Marlena.
     
    Abe walks toward the elevator, before Marlena closes the door behind him.
     

    Now alone in the apartment, except for Roman, Marlena walks silently over to Roman's door. In the shadows created by the moonlight beaming in through his window, Marlena watches him sleep.
     
    As James Blake's "Retrograde" begins to play, Marlena quietly cries as she thinks about the decline of her former husband.
     
     
    ---
     
    [0:49]
    As a light dimly flickers, we see the outline of two bodies laying unconscious in the basement of Stefano's compound in Italy.
     

    Despite the darkness of the night, we begin to see Steve and Bo's faces, as they lay unconscious in a cell in the basement. 
     
    [1:39]
    Across from them, in the next cell, The Patient sits, tied to his chair.
     
    [2:15]
    He shakes, trying in vain to escape the restraints, while his eyes, forced to remain open, view a slideshow of violent images and short videos, punctuated by flashes of John Black's face.
     
    [2:29]
    We see closeups of the Patient's hand, clenched tightly, fighting the restraints, as he's tormented by the pictures being shown to him. We snap, with each beat of the music, between the images on the screen, and back to The Patient. His eye, his tied-up hand, his bound ankle, fighting to break free.
     
    [2:53]
    We cut to black, as the music continues to play hauntingly, as the hourglass appears for the closing credits to the end of the song.
     
    ---
  9. 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.
     
  10. 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
     
  11. 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!
     
  16. 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
    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.
     
    ---
     
  18. 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.
     
    ---
  19. 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.
     
    ---
  20. 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.
     
    ---
  21. 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.
     
    ---
  22. 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.
     
    ---
  23. 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.
     
    ---
  24. 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.
     
    ---
  25. 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.
     
    ---
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