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  1. beebs
    EPISODE 49
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson


    A knock is heard on Kate's office door. Kate looks up from her computer.

    KATE: Come in!

    Billie and Lucas step in, a look of worry across both their faces.

    KATE: Ah! Billie! Lucas! Excellent.
    BILLIE: Okay, Mom. You sounded urgent on the phone...what's going on?
    KATE: Well...have a seat, and we'll discuss it.

    Billie and Lucas obey their mother's command and sit down in front of her desk. Kate leans over her desk, as if to give a proclamation.

    KATE: I think it's time we sat down and discussed the Titan board meeting next week, and whether or not the company should hold onto Titan TV.

    Lucas seems confused, Billie looks over to him.

    LUCAS: What does that have to do with us? I mean, we'd have to start putting more money into our advertising budget, but surely Victor can grandfather something in.
    KATE: No, no. It's not just that. We could face a very hefty penalty as a company for the things we do with that TV station. Everything from the news to, yes, our advertising deals. The FCC could have major problems with that.
    BILLIE: What? Wait, mom. You've never forced our hand on a board vote before. What's got you so concerned this time?

    Kate pauses a moment, not sure how to respond.

    ---

    Jenn is sitting at her desk at the hospital, having a chat with Laura. As she talks with Laura, Jenn tries to do some filing.

    LAURA: So how was your night with Liam?
    JENN: It was wonderful. Honestly, I've never met a man who just...understood me so completely, not since...

    Jenn stops herself, choking up a bit thinking of Jack.

    LAURA: Since...Daniel?

    Jenn stays still a moment, then shakes her head. Outside Jenn's office door, Daniel approaches, with a document in hand for Jenn. Just before stepping to the door, he hears Jenn say his name.

    JENN: Not since Jack, Mom. I mean...Daniel....Daniel, I thought he was fantastic. I was so patient with him, because I knew how hard it's been with him since his wife died and...he knew when Jack came back to town so give us space. He was really great when Jack died. He knew exactly what I was going through...

    Jenn pauses for a moment. Laura presses.

    LAURA: But...
    JENN: But, Mom, he didn't trust me when my son was in trouble. He lied and made me believe he'd not only sleep with someone like Theresa, but that he'd be doing drugs with her? All for what? Because he didn't think I'd stand by my son? Because I couldn't be trusted to protect my own son.

    Laura walks over to Jenn and hugs her for a minute. Jenn leans in to give her mom a warm hug like she'd been wanting to for a long time.

    LAURA: I'm so sorry, honey. I didn't realize. I know, we all miss Jack. I just...well...just give it time. Don't rush into things, okay? Liam seems like a good guy but...I want you to just take it easy, okay?

    Jenn pulls away from her mom's embrace and, still holding her hands, smiles warmly at Laura.

    Outside Jenn's door, Daniel shakes his head, wincing from the stinging words Jenn has spoken about him. He walks away from Jenn's door, heading back to tend to Theresa.

    JENN: Thanks, Mom. Can we...uh...talk about something else?

    Jenn wipes away tears as she asks Laura the question, and Laura sits back in her chair, immediately knowing what else she had on her mind.

    LAURA: Well...how's Abigail been feeling?
    JENN: You know...it's strange, she's been...so run down the last few months, and sick a lot. Not much of an appetite, and when she does it, it's been terrible food. I mean, if I didn't know she'd only been with Chad, honestly, I'd say she were pregnant.

    Laura looks to Jenn, a bit concerned.

    ---

    EJ kneels over Abigail as she lies on the floor of the DiMera offices, unconscious. EJ checks her breathing, as Abigail slowly stirs.

    EJ: Abigail? You alright?
    ABBY: Uh...huh? EJ? What?...

    Abigail looks around the room, in a daze. She grabs her stomach suddenly, before realizing where she is, and lets go.

    ABBY: My b...my God. I...
    EJ: You need to go to the hospital immediately, we'll get you checked out.

    Abigail protests weakly, as EJ sits her up to head for the elevator.

    ABBY: No...no...no, I'm fine...

    Abigail's face is increasingly panicked as she gets boosted up into EJ's arms and whisked off to UH.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Anne continues to slap the man at the door of the elevator, thinking him to be EJ, until a strong American accent throws her off and stops her assault.

    REPAIR GUY: Hey, hey, hey! LADY! What the Hell??!

    Anne backs up, and takes a closer look at the man before her. She jumps back a little, an apologetic look across her face.

    ANNE: Oh...oh my God, I'm...I'm so sorry, I...
    REPAIR GUY: This how you treat everyone that comes to help ya, lady?
    ANNE: I...I thought you were someone else, see, it's actually a really funny story, see...
    REPAIR GUY: I'm sure it is.

    Anne steps casually off the elevator, following the now-completely-bemused repairman away from the elevator.

    ANNE: See, I thought you were this guy who's been following me around and has people all out to make me think I'm crazy and when, well, really, I'm not, he's just an...

    Anne stops herself, realizing how absolutely insane she sounds. She smiles at the repairman, and takes his hand in hers, patting it gratefully.

    ANNE: You know what? Nevermind. Thanks again! I really appreciate it.

    Anne steps towards her door and hastily opens it, stepping into her apartment.

    The repairman stands back, in shock at what's just transpired.

    REPAIR GUY: I gotta get outta this town, man!

    ---

    Gabi walks into Club TBD. Looking around, she sees Nick, sitting at a booth in the corner. She tenses, incredibly wary of coming anywhere closer to Nick. Finally she steps forward, essentially forcing herself into line. She sits down at the table. Nick immediately takes her hand in his.

    NICK: I'm so glad to see you.

    Gabi pulls her hand away quickly. She smiles immediately, realizing how bad that looks.

    GABI: Sorry. I'm....a bit nervous.
    NICK: I understand. It's alright. Please, can I order you a drink?

    Gabi smiles a slightly devious smile, but catches herself and nods, changing her smile to a more flirtatious one. Nick smiles and flags down T.

    Gabi looks on, thinking to herself:

    I have to make this happen. I have to get him hooked again. I can't have him hurt me, or Ari. I won't let it happen.

    ---

    Kate gestures, trying in vain to find some kind of answer to Billie's question. She stands up and begins pacing the room while talking.

    KATE: It's....simple, really. I just...did a bit of research, it's really nothing to do with anything.
    BILLIE: Okay, seriously. Mom, what's going on? Why are you so freaked out? I can tell you're not yourself right now.
    LUCAS: Seriously, Mom. Spill! What's got you so riled up?

    Kate takes a second to breathe before turning around to face her kids' onslaught of questions.

    KATE: It's just best business practice. I'm just....nervous about how Victor's going to react, is all. I mean, we haven't exactly been on the best of terms since I--
    LUCAS: ...Tried to have him killed at the Coronation...

    Kate rolls her eyes at Lucas' snarky remarks before carrying on.

    KATE:..and now...well...I just...he's been gracious enough to have me as CEO at MadWorld and I'm not prepared to give that up, but going against him, particularly when he's so distressed about Brady's accident, I just...

    Billie gets up and walks over to Kate. Putting a hand on Kate's shoulder, she reassures her.

    BILLIE: Mom, I get it. I'll think about it, but...we're in your corner, Lucas and I. Okay?

    Kate smiles and hugs Billie tightly.

    KATE: I knew I could count on you.



    Lucas looks on, not quite so convinced, and folds his arms while shaking his head.

    ---

    EJ walks down the hallway at University Hospital, having come from Abigail's hospital room. He is deep in thought, concerned for Abigail, but not so sure about what's been bugging her.

    Upon entering the 6th floor lobby, EJ sees Sami standing with Marlena and Kim. They look concerned themselves. EJ begins to head over to greet Sami, but Sami looks up at him, and freezes. EJ immediately remembers Sami's recollections after their argument, and stops himself. Sami turns away momentarily to tell Marlena and Kim something.

    SAMI: Uh...look, I....think I need to talk to EJ for a moment, do you mind?
    MARLENA: Are you sure that's a good idea?
    SAMI: I'll be fine, Mom. Thanks.

    Marlena gives Sami and quick kiss on the cheek and hug before stepping aside with Kim.

    Sami steps to EJ slowly, almost reluctantly, yet trying to come off nonchalantly.

    EJ: Samantha.
    SAMI: EJ. I guess you've heard about Brady and Theresa's accident today.
    EJ: I have. I'm sorry to hear about it. How is everyone holding up.
    SAMI: (sighs) I suppose as well as can be expected. My Aunt Kim is just waiting to hear back from the doctors before she goes in to visit. Daniel was operating and they're just letting Theresa rest for a bit before they let her visit so...
    EJ: I see.
    SAMI: Yep. So...what are you doing here?
    EJ: Uh, I was actually here tending to Abigail, you see, she's been in a bit of an accident at work, and--
    SAMI: What?! Is she okay?

    EJ reaches out to stop Sami from running off to find Abigail's room, but when EJ touches her, he catches himself as Sami flinches.

    EJ: I'm sorry.
    SAMI: (sigh) It's...okay. Uh...is she okay? Can I see her? What happened?
    EJ: She had a ladder fall on her at the office earlier, it's...no big deal, she's fine, I just...I stopped you because the doctor was in with her just now.
    SAMI: Oh...right.
    EJ: I'm actually going to check on her to see what the doctor says and if you want I can ask Abigail if she wouldn't mind a visitor. If you like, that is.
    SAMI: That...sounds great.
    EJ: Alright, I'll be right back.

    EJ smiles a bit, Sami smiles back. As EJ steps away, she almost collapses, as though she'd been holding onto every bit of strength she had during their exchange. Sami takes a seat at a nearby bench and breathes heavily, trying to regain some semblance of composure.




    Inside Abigail's hospital room, Daniel talks with Abigail. Abigail is extremely nervous, knowing Daniel's close relationship with her family and friends, particularly her mom.

    DANIEL: Well, looks like you just had a bit of a hit on the head. No need for any surgery, so...you should be out of here in a few hours.
    ABBY: That's good. Uh...Daniel...umm...you're not going to tell my mom about any of this, are you?
    DANIEL: Nah, that's...that's not gonna happen. See, your mom and I are, in no uncertain terms, finished.
    ABBY: Good. Uh...that's....not quite what I meant. I mean, I just...well, you know a lot of my family and friends and...
    DANIEL: Doctor-patient confidentiality. Cross my heart.

    Abigail smiles, feeling reassured that Daniel won't speak to anyone about her condition.

    ABBY: Great. So uh...why a few hours, what else needs to be done?

    As Daniel explains, EJ approaches the door to her hospital room, and begins to open the door to check on the progress of Abigail's appointment. As he opens the door, he hears Daniel speak.



    DANIEL: We just have to run one more test to see how your baby's holding up after the accident and you should be set to go!

    EJ's eyes pop out, shocked by Daniel's news.

    ---
  2. beebs
    EPISODE 50
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson


    Gabi sips awkwardly on a glass of wine as she sits across the table from Nick at Club TBD. Nick can sense the tension, and breaks the silence.

    NICK: So....are Will and Sonny looking after Ari tonight?

    Gabi smiles and puts her glass of wine down, stopping herself from choking on her wine as she tries to speak.

    GABI: Mm! Yeah...sorry, yeah, Will and Sonny are at home tonight and so...they're fine to look after her.
    NICK: Even knowing that you're going out with me?

    Gabi looks away, giving a bit of a sheepish grin. Nick clues in immediately.

    NICK: ...They don't know, do they?

    Gabi shakes her head after a second's pause.

    GABI: No, they...I didn't tell them it was you, I...kinda told them I was going to visit Rafe tonight, so...
    NICK: You shouldn't have to lie on my account.
    GABI: No, honestly, Nick, it's just...easier this way. I need to keep the peace at home and this...this just isn't going to make it any easier if I start going out and spending time with you again.
    NICK: No....I understand. Just...I don't want to complicate things for you at home, that's all.

    Gabi smiles and reaches out a hand, hesitantly, to Nick's across the table, as she looks thoughtfully into his eyes. Just before she places her hand over his, T walks past, and Gabi raises her hand to get his attention instead.

    GABI: Oh T! Can I get a Vodka soda on the rocks.

    Gabi smiles and looks to Nick.

    NICK: Uh...make mine a double. Thanks.

    T smiles awkwardly at them both, not overly happy with the scene before him, but willing to serve as always.

    T: Yoooou got it. Coming up!
    GABI: Thanks!

    Nick looks back to Gabi and smiles. After a second, he finally speaks up.

    NICK: Gabi, you're not just going out with me because you're afraid of me, are you?

    Gabi's caught off guard by Nick's directness, and stumbles to find a safe reply.

    ---

    Will lights a tall candle at the dinner table before running to dim the lights in their shared apartment. Once the lights are off, he turns to call for Sonny.

    WILL: Alright, you can come out now!

    Sonny emerges from the bedroom, shutting the door slowly behind him, almost tiptoeing as he does.

    SONNY: Shhh! Ari's sleeping, this might be our only quiet moment tonig...wow!
    WILL: Impressed?
    SONNY: I mean...I didn't know you could cook, let alone make all that.

    Will glares at Sonny, as Sonny laughs at Will's exasperation.

    WILL: Lucky for you, I ordered in, now would you sit down?
    SONNY: Okay, okay.

    As Sonny sits down, he leans over to kiss Will gently. They begin to dig into their meal, and a moment later, Sonny remembers to ask Will something.

    SONNY: Oh, I forgot to ask, did you ever show anyone your new blog?
    WILL: Oh yeah, I, uh...I showed it to Aunt Maggie this morning when I ran into her down at the Club. We were both grabbing coffee and I put the link into her favourites on her tablet.
    SONNY: Nice! I read it while you were out and...honestly, your article about raising Ari and our life here...it sounds insanely cheesy...but it really touched me.

    Will laughs a bit at Sonny's earnest praise.

    WILL: Sonny, I'm trying to eat here.

    Sonny rolls his eyes, before smacking Will on his arm playfully.

    SONNY: God, would you just take a compliment already? Seriously!
    WILL: (laughs) Whatever, Sonny! You're the one who got all cheesy on me.
    SONNY: Whatever yourself! Honestly, you're one of the best writers I've read in a long time. And I can't wait to marry you.

    Will smiles sheepishly at Sonny's compliment.

    WILL: I can't wait either.

    The two lean in and share a kiss across the table, softly, gently, and sweetly. The smile as they look to each other, an intense, loving gaze that couldn't be broken.

    ---

    Maggie sits in Horton Town Square, reading something intently on her tablet. She looks smart in her business attire, and reading glasses on her nose.

    As she studies the article before her, Tyler approaches her at the table as she takes a sip of the coffee in front of her.

    TYLER: You look thoroughly embroiled in that story. Mind if I distract you for a moment?

    Maggie looks up with a start, before pulling off her glasses and looking a smiling Tyler. She smiles back.

    ---

    EJ closes the door to Abigail's hospital room, before making a beeline for the main room of the hospital, where Sami is sitting. He stops right before a visibly shaken Sami and startles her with his brusque proclamation.

    EJ: You and I need to have a little chat about Abigail.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Maggie's smile lingers on Tyler as she motions to the seat across the table from her.

    MAGGIE: Please do.

    As Tyler sits down, Maggie lays the tablet down on the table before her.

    MAGGIE: It's good to see you again. I know we had a sort of...quick meeting this morning when I was at Victor's office, but I'm curious, I thought you'd stepped down from EnerNext. What kind of work are you doing for Victor?
    TYLER: Well, basically I'm back running it now. Victor was going to take the reigns and I'd be able to pass quietly into retirement but...with this unfortunate turn of events with your grandson Brady, I'm going to be taking control back.

    Maggie appears less than impressed with Tyler's news. She pauses a moment and thinks carefully about what she says next.

    MAGGIE: I see...you know, i don't really have much good to say about that whole project you're trying to set up in the west end.
    TYLER: Well, why not? There's a lot of very lucrative jobs to be had, ones that will benefit your business quite handily, I might add.
    MAGGIE: How do you know I run a business?
    TYLER: It's not hard to find out these things, you know, especially with how much Victor talks about you.

    Maggie smiles sheepishly, blushing a little.

    MAGGIE: Well, it's always nice to know he's only saying nice things about his wife...uh...listen, Mr. Houston--
    TYLER: ...Uh...Tyler.
    MAGGIE: Tyler...if you don't mind, I had promised my grand-nephew I'd read his article and tell him about it tonight, I really don't want to let him down so--
    TYLER: Oh, your grand-nephew is a writer, hm?
    MAGGIE: Well, yes. A rather good one, I might add.
    TYLER: Do you mind if I have a look over it?
    MAGGIE: Not at all.

    Tyler takes Maggie's tablet from the table and sits down a minute to read it. Maggie leans in, putting her elbows down on the table and leaning into her hands.

    MAGGIE: Now, be easy on him, he's fresh out of college, you know.

    Tyler doesn't respond right away. Carefully reading his writing, Tyler seems transfixed by what he's reading.

    TYLER: That only makes what I'm reading more impressive. This boy has a real way with the written word that's rare in those twice his age. It's something we really need at EnerNext in our PR department. I...hope this isn't too presumptuous or anything, but...you wouldn't mind putting me in contact with him, would you?

    Maggie is taken aback by Tyler's enthusiasm for Will's work. She struggles to respond to Tyler's request.

    ---

    Nick is now starting to get a little more lazy in his movements as he sits with Gabi at Club TBD, the result of three double vodka sodas. Gabi tries to appear as though she's enjoying herself, but is having a hard time.

    NICK: (laughs) ...and so...then they came in and BAM!

    Gabi jumps back a bit at Nick's joke, putting a phony smile on her face and taking another sip of her drink.

    NICK: And...then...I forget the rest. You know...it's so good to be here with you again, Gabi. I...mmmissed you.
    GABI: Me too, Nick. Me too.
    NICK: You know, you and me should...we should go back to my new place. I just got a new place and we...we should go to it.

    Gabi smiles knowingly now. Almost relieved that Nick's made the suggestion now.

    GABI: Yes! Yes, that's a good idea. Let me settle up and we'll head up.

    Gabi goes to get up, but Nick waves to get her to stop, pulling his wallet out and lazily handing her arbitrary bills.

    NICK: Gabi Gabi Gabi Gabi Gabi HERE!

    He's handed her six $1s and a $100.

    NICK: Tell T he can keep the change.

    Gabi slowly walks over to pay the bill. T glances over to Nick, sitting less-than-gallantly at the table.

    T: You sure he's gonna be alrght?
    GABI: Oh he'll be fine.
    T: Yeah, but....what about YOU?
    GABI: T, for the first time in a very long time, I feel like everything is under control.

    ---

    Will and Sonny are cleaning up after dinner, when Will's cell phone starts to ring. He puts a plate he's rinsed on the dish rack before picking up the phone.

    WILL: Hm...strange.
    SONNY: What's that?
    WILL: Strange number. Let me see.

    Will answers the phone, an unsure tone in his voice.

    WILL: I...uh...Will Horton speaking.


    * * *

    Tyler replies at the Town Square. He paces back and forth as he speaks.

    TYLER: Yes, William. It's Tyler Houston from EnerNext. I was hoping to speak to you at some point.

    * * *

    WILL: Uh...yes, regarding what, exactly?

    * * *

    TYLER: Well, I just read some of your writing, and I'm interested in discussing an opportunity with our company's PR department. Uh...would you be available to meet with me this evening?

    * * *

    Will stutters and stumbles, in shock at the sudden offer dropped in his lap.

    ---

    Sami stands up, very displeased with EJ's tone and walks with him to the waiting room nearby.

    As the door closes, Sami tears into EJ.

    SAMI: How dare you come over to me like that when you know what I've been like this last week. I just got out of a therapy session and you come barrelling at me like that?? What the Hell's wrong with you?!
    EJ: (over Samantha's tirade) Samantha, Samantha! Woah! I'm sorry. I'M Sorry. Okay? Something has come up that I got excited about, and...I think you should listen to what I have to say.

    Sami steps back, arms folded. She glowers at EJ, who begins to relax after a moment of silence.

    EJ: Alright. So, DiMera has a rather...extensive project in Europe right now that we need a strong writer to help with publicity and marketing. And I think this is an excellent opportunity for Abigail.
    SAMI: I...you're right, it could be great, but...she just started with us at Countess W, I mean...don't you think she might be over her head a bit? I mean, she's been so stressed out lately herself...
    EJ: I don't think that will be a problem. In fact, I think this might be exactly what Abigail needs. A change of scenery, some new faces, the ability to work her magic on her own. It could be exactly what she needs.

    Sami thinks about it a moment, then turns back to EJ, nodding in agreement.

    SAMI: I think...I think you're right. We should go ahead with that.
    EJ: Excellent, I'll go tell her right away.

    EJ makes a beeline for the door, but Sami calls out to him just before his hand touches the doorknob.

    SAMI: Oh, wait, EJ.
    EJ: Yes, Samantha.
    SAMI: How is she doing?
    EJ: Great. She just had a hit on the head, she'll be out soon enough, maybe even tonight.
    SAMI: Maybe we should call Jennifer or somet--
    EJ:...NO! No, I wouldn't worry about that. It'll be fine.

    EJ steps out of the office, leaving Sami confused by EJ's strong reaction to Sami's suggestion.



    EJ walks down the hallway, almost running for Abby's hospital room. He opens the door to her room, and Abigail turns to him, unpleasantly surprised to see him.

    ABBY: EJ...

    EJ shuts the door quietly but intensely. A menacing look across his face that immediately intimidates Abigail.

    EJ: So...when exactly were you going to tell me you were pregnant?

    ---
  3. beebs
    EPISODE 51
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson


    Gabi guides a drunk Nick through the door to the loft. They stumble in, with Nick's arm around her shoulder, though Gabi's the one lifting his wobbly body down to the living room.

    Once they reach the sofa, Gabi flops Nick down on it, nearly falling on top of him in the process. After an awkward moment, which surely could be taken for sexual tension, Nick looks at Gabi and asks her a question.

    NICK: You never answered me before...was this like...date tonight...did you agree to go with me because you're afraid of me?

    Gabi pulls herself up off the couch quickly, then heads over to the kitchenette to grab Nick a glass of water.

    GABI: No. Nick, I went out tonight because I feel like you and I needed to...reconnect. That's all.
    NICK: Well, good. I don't...want to scare you, Gabi. I loveyou.

    Gabi cringes a bit at Nick's admission. She turns around, glass of water in hand. She hands it to him.

    GABI: Here, drink up. You'll thank me in the morning.
    NICK: Thank you, Gabi. I reeeally approa...appre...thank you.

    Nick goes to drink the water, and dribbles all over his shirt. Gabi jumps into action and pulls the glass away from him.

    GABI: You're slobbering all over yourself. Here, here, here.

    Gabi unbuttons his shirt, which Nick takes a sign of interest. Gabi stops dead in her tracks, unsure what to do next. Nick leans in to kiss her, but passes out just before their lips touch. Gabi breathes a sigh of relief, as she lets Nick flop down on the sofa.

    She jumps up, heading for her purse. She pulls out the bottle of pills she got from Liam.

    GABI: Time for action, Gabi.

    ---

    In her room at University Hospital, Abigail looks to EJ from her bed, shocked at what he just accused her of.

    ABBY: I....what?

    EJ steps closer to the bed, leaning against the front of it, staring directly into her eyes.

    EJ: Abigail, I expect a straight answer from you. Is that my baby you're carrying?

    Abigail's jaw drops, in disbelief that EJ knows about her pregnancy.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Gabi struggles to get Nick into his bed. Pulling off his wet shirt and taking off his pants, she grunts and grumbles in exasperation, trying to remove his clothes from his limp body.

    GABI: My God, it's like mothering a 150lb baby. UGH!

    Gabi falls back as Nick's trousers come off. She rolls her eyes, then lifts Nick's limp legs into his bed. She then takes off her own dress, before walking slowly over to her purse. Looking behind her repeatedly, afraid of beign caught, she pulls the bottle of pills back out from her bag, and makes her way quietly over to the bathroom.

    Gabi closes the door behind her, and then immediately opens the medicine cabinet. Once inside, she finds Nick's bottle of Ibuprofen. Looking inside the bottle, she immediately dumps the bottle into the toilet and flushes them down it.

    Quickly thereafter, she replaces the Ibuprofen with her lookalike pills. Putting the cap back on the bottle, she hastily shoves them back into the medicine cabinet, closes it, then hustles back into Nick's room, where she, uncomfortably, lays herself down next to him in his bed.

    GABI: My God, this better work. I need to get Nick out of our lives, for good. This is the only way.

    ---

    Sami walks over to Marlena and Kim, as Kayla steps out of Theresa's room. Kayla hesitates to smile as she steps out from the room.

    SAMI: How's everything, is Theresa okay?



    KAYLA: Well, she's still in a coma, but the surgery was a success. We managed to stop the bleeding, so...she'll be able to recover slowly.
    KIM: But...how soon before she wakes up?
    KAYLA: That's...the thing, Kim. We aren't sure how long it will take. She may recover in a matter of days, weeks, months. However long it takes for her body to recover from the trauma. She fell out of that car at a pretty high speed.
    KIM: Oh God.
    MARLENA: So, Kayla, you mean, there's a chance she may not wake up.

    Kayla takes a moment before responding, hoping to retain her composure while answering.

    KAYLA: It's a distinct possibility.
    KIM: No...NO! Not my baby girl.

    Kim leans into Marlena, who gives her a warm hug. Sami puts a hand on Kim's arm in comfort as well.

    KAYLA: Look, we will keep you in the loop if anything changes, and you can come visit her whenever you want, Kimmy.

    Kay gives Kim a hug, as Kim cries on her shoulder.

    KIM: Can I....May I see her now?
    KAYLA: Sure.
    KIM: Thank you.

    Kayla and Kim separate from their embrace, as Kim shuffles over to the door of Theresa's hospital room.



    Once inside, Kim sees her daughter, just brought back into her life, once again ripped away from her. She tears up and rests her head on her daughter's shoulder, crying painful tears.


    Outside the room, Marlena and Sami begin to talk.

    MARLENA: So, what did EJ want?



    SAMI: Oh, he and I were just discussing work stuff.
    MARLENA: You sure about that? You seemed a bit rattled a moment ago. I nearly went over there but you seemed to hold it together.
    SAMI: Eventually. It's not easy, but...I can't fall apart every time I see him, you know?
    MARLENA: Just don't push yourself too hard.
    SAMI: Mom, I won't. But thank you.
    MARLENA: Anytime, Sweetie. Where is EJ now?
    SAMI: I'm not sure, he sort of...just...ran out of here in a hurry to tell Abigail about the new project he wants her to work on in Europe. So...I guess he's in there.
    MARLENA: Oh?
    SAMI: Yeah, looks like she'll be working from Italy for the next few months. Wish I could get away from him so easily.

    ---

    Abigail backs herself up in her bed, afraid of EJ's reaction.

    ABBY: I...okay, yes, it's yours.

    EJ looks down and shakes his head. He walks back from the front of the bed, soaking in the realization that Abigail's baby is his. That Abigail even has a baby, for that matter. He explodes in anger suddenly, causing Abigail to sit bolt upright in fear.

    EJ: Do you mean to tell me that you were just going to pretend you weren't pregnant and then whoops! One day you pop a baby out? Is that seriously what you were going to do?
    ABBY: No! I was not...I--
    EJ: So what was it then? Were you planning to abort the baby and not tell anyone?
    ABBY: NO! I would never do that! EJ, I only found out a few weeks ago.

    EJ turns, his voice dropping to a quiet, menacing tone.

    EJ: And you never thought to tell me about it? You've had weeks, Abigail. Weeks! I don't know about you, but I think I have a right to know about something like this.
    ABBY: I never said you didn't have a right to know. I just...I wanted to make this decision on my own, I wanted to tell you in my own time. After I'd made a decision and took care of it all myself.
    EJ: Well, guess what? You waited too long, sweetheart.
    ABBY: What do you mean?
    EJ: There is too much at stake here. We haven't had sex since Feburary? March? That means you're now 6 months pregnant? Oh, you're doing quite well not showing but I see the signs now. And people are asking questions. Ones you'll need to answer for.
    ABBY: So what do I do, EJ?
    EJ: I'll tell you what you'll do.

    EJ pulls a plane ticket he was going to give Anne from his jacket pocket.

    EJ: You're going to take this, and you're going to get on a plane to Italy--
    ABBY: ...What?
    EJ: No questions! Sami and I have arranged for you to do some work for DiMera in Rome. You will do this work from the condominium we have in Rome. You will not go to DiMera's offices. Someone will come to you. When that baby is born, it will be adopted. You will return to Salem, refreshed, a new woman. And you will never speak of this again. Do you hear me?
    ABBY: I...what?? How dare you?? How did you get Sami to agree to this? I don't get to even...see my baby? I'll never be able to...know them? What?? No, EJ. That's insane.
    EJ: No, what's insane, Abigail, is you thinking that you could just cover your ears and pretend that nothing is happening when you're 6 months pregnant with the child of man that's to be married to another woman. This is the only way you and I will be able to keep our secret. Do you understand that? I'm not doing this TO you, I'm doing it for you.

    Abigail, visibly angered by EJ's overbearing swift action, looks away, tears forming in her eyes. She breathes in deep, then sighs, throwing her hands up.

    ABBY: Then I guess I have no other choice, now do I?
    EJ: I knew you'd make the right decision.
    ABBY: But here's the thing, EJ. After this, I never EVER want to speak to you ever again. Stay the Hell away from me. Forever. Got it?

    EJ wordlessly turns toward the door, and walks out of the room, closing the door casually behind him. Abigail looks on in disgust.

    ---

  4. beebs

    DAYS #52: Showdowns

    By beebs,

    EPISODE 52
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson



    At the Brady Pub, Eric sits down with photo albums, rifling through them. Caroline spots him and walks over, a pot of coffee in hand.

    CAROLINE: What's all this for?

    Eric looks up, as though snapped out of a dream.

    ERIC: Oh, well...you did hear about Brady and Theresa's accident, right?

    Caroline sighs heavily, a saddened look crosses her face.

    CAROLINE: I did. I feel terrible for everyone. John, Marlena, Victor, I just...it's such a shame we lost Brady, and now Theresa's in a coma. I just...
    ERIC: (sighs) Yeah. Well, this, I'm just going through pictures of Brady I took, you know, for Brady's funeral.
    CAROLINE: That's a bit soon, no? I mean, they haven't even found a body yet.
    ERIC: No, I know. But...Hope said the chances of Brady surviving were incredibly slim, and they pulled the car from the river, no one was inside, they...they figure Brady's body washed away.

    Caroline puts a hand on Eric's shoulder.

    CAROLINE: I have been around long enough to know that miracles can happen. They thought your father died too. And look what happened.
    ERIC: I don't know, Grandma.
    CAROLINE: Just keep your faith in God. Miracles do happen, Eric. Believe that.

    As Caroline leans in to kiss Eric on the forehead, Nicole walks in with a box of photos. She overhears Caroline's remarks and smiles bittersweetly.

    NICOLE: She's right, you know. Maybe we're doing this all wrong.

    Eric looks to Nicole, confused.

    ---

    Jenn hands Maxine some paperwork at the Nurses' Station at University Hospital, when Liam walks up behind her and covers her eyes gently.

    LIAM: Guess who?

    Jenn laughs, standing dead still, afraid to move lest she knock something over.

    JENNIFER: Uh...(laughs) Gee, I don't know.
    LIAM: Three guesses.
    JENNIFER: Okay...uhh...Maxine?
    LIAM: Is my voice really that close to hers?

    Liam uncovers Jenn's eyes, as Jenn spins around and grabs Liam's hands. They share a laugh before sharing a kiss.

    JENNIFER: I had a feeling it was you. How are you doing?
    LIAM: I'm doing good, busy night, you know. Uh, I was wondering if you were close to finishing up for the night, as I figured we could catch a late movie, and then maybe stop for a quick drink at Club TBD? How's that sound?

    As Liam describes his idea for a date night, a concerned Daniel approaches. Unsure whether he should interrupt or not, he hangs back a moment to hear Jenn's response.

    JENNIFER: That sounds amazing. I am in.

    Daniel now steps in, hesitantly, but knowing he should say something.

    DANIEL: Uh...Sorry to interrupt, but...uh...can I speak to you for a second Jenn?

    Jenn's smile fades and her warmth vanishes in an instant as she speaks to Daniel.

    JENNIFER: Well, whatever you have to say, you can say in front of Liam. We have no secrets.
    DANIEL: Uh...well...it's actually...you may have to postpone that date. Abigail's been admitted to the hospital.

    Jenn looks to Daniel in shock, grasping Liam's hand for strength.

    ---

    Inside the ICU room, Kim Brady leans over her daughter, the only sound heard is the occasional beep of the machinery keeping her alive. Kim is distraught, having finally reconnected with her daughter, only to have her at death's door so soon afterwards. She looks down at Theresa.

    KIM: I love you, sweetie. I know I've let you down, and I know I've hurt you. But you're always my little Jeannie.

    Kim sighs, kneeling down by her bed, she takes Theresa's hand.

    KIM: I know, I know, you hate that name. But you'll always be Jeannie to me. That little girl who was so...happy, so full of love and wanted nothing more than to be a movie star. I remember, you and Andrew used to set up these movie sets and act them out for us...

    Kim stops. She tears up as she thinks about how she failed her daughter by disbelieving her.

    KIM: I should have listened to you. I should have never let Phil lay a hand on you. Never. I'm sorry for that. I'm sorry you couldn't count on me. I wish I hadn't been so desperate to hold onto his love that I'd...turn my own daughter away. I was wrong.

    As she finishes, she hears a voice behind her, gently speaking to her. It's Billie, who's walked just inside the doorway.

    BILLIE: You're right. You were so very wrong.

    Kim looks back to Billie through tears, upset at the interruption, and at Billie's strong words.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    EJ emerges from Abigail's hospital room, as Sami walks over to him. Concern in her expression as she walks over towards the door.

    SAMI: Uh, hey. Is it okay if I go in now?
    EJ: Sure. She may be a bit emotional, but it's just exhaustion, I think. She took a hard fall.
    SAMI: Oh that's...a shame to hear. Have you told her about the project?
    EJ: I have, she's excited but has some mixed emotions. I guess it's better I leave that discussion up to you two though.

    EJ smiles and Sami responds in kind, though with a kind of reluctance. She doesn't quite look EJ in the eye, either. Sami turns to the door and begins to open it.

    SAMI: I'll see you at home?
    EJ: Sure.

    As EJ walks into the main lobby at the hospital, Anne Milbauer steps off the elevator. She lurches forward and grabs him by the arm, brusquely walking him towards her office.

    EJ: What the...?
    ANNE: You and I are gonna have a little chat right now.

    ---

    Sami steps into Abigail's room, seeing Abigail with tears in her eyes. Sami rushes over to Abigail.

    SAMI: Hey, hey! You alright?
    ABBY: Sami! Hey, yeah, I'm fine. I'm just...really tired, that's all.
    SAMI: Oh it's okay. I...look, I know you had a pretty bad fall, but...you're gonna be out of the hospital tonight, right?
    ABBY: Soon as I hear back from Daniel, yeah.
    SAMI: Good. Hey! Uh...I just packed Johnny, Sydney, and Allie off for their first day of school. You should see the pictures we took this morning.

    Sami flips through her phone and then hands over her phone to Abby, leaning on Abby's bedside with a huge smile on her face as Abigail looks at the picture, smiling at the picture before her.

    ABBY: Oh my God, they are SO adorable.
    SAMI: It was a perfect moment for about two seconds before Johnny stole Sydney's backpack and Allie tackled him on the front lawn to try to stop him.

    Sami and Abby laugh at Sami's story. Abby looks to Sami, a bit of sadness in her eyes.

    ABBY: I'm glad you showed me that. I miss the kids.
    SAMI: Well, there's nothing saying you can't come by and see them. They miss you too! You're fantastic with them. Seriously, Abby, you're gonna be a fabulous mother one day.

    Abby's face drops upon hearing Sami's words. She tries to hide the pain she feels, knowing her situation.

    ABBY: Thanks. (sighs) Who knows, maybe I'll meet the love of my life in Italy and I'll be a mother of six!
    SAMI: Trust me, you'll wanna start off small. Four kids is a handful. Even between EJ, Lucas, and I. But I think if anyone can do it, it's you.

    Abby smiles, taking Sami's hand and squeezing it.

    ABBY: Thank you, Sami. You're...you know you've done so much for me, and I just...I sometimes wonder if I deserve it.
    SAMI: Oh come on, Abby, you've been a great friend to me too! Why would you even say that?

    Abby shrugs, trying to come up with a good answer.

    ABBY: Just...how I feel sometimes.
    SAMI: Well, don't. Because everything that's coming your way, you deserve every bit of it.

    Just as soon as Sami finishes speaking, Jenn bursts into the room, visibly panicked, with Laura, Daniel, and Liam in tow.

    JENN: Abby! Honey! Are you okay??

    Abby looks to her mom and family awkwardly, shocked by their sudden entrance, while Sami spins around suddenly, caught off guard.

    ---

    Anne closes the door to her office, and EJ adjusts his suit, annoyed at having it roughed up.

    EJ: Alright, Ms. Milbauer, I'm not having a very good day and I'm rather busy so let's hurry this up, yes?
    ANNE: Oh I won't be long. Trust me. I know what you're trying to do. But you've gone too far this time. Alright?

    Anne slowly walks up to EJ, arms folded, trying to keep her cool, commanding presence before EJ's similar disposition.

    EJ: I don't know what you're talking ab---
    ANNE: ...Oh give it a rest, DiMera. We both know the lengths you'd go to cover up your little indiscretion with pretty little Abby Deveraux. So let me just lay it on the line, here. You win. I will leave town and keep my mouth shut, just like you asked. No more games. No more trying to make me think I'm crazy, no more threats.I'll go.
    EJ: I honestly have had no hand in whatever's swayed you this way, but I am grateful that you've made the right decision, Anne.
    ANNE: You should be. In fact, you should be groveling right now. Praying that I do keep my big mouth shut, because I know what Samantha Brady is capable of. You know that friend of mine in a coma down the hall there? That's her cousin. I've heard so very many stories about what she could and will do to you when she finds out, and believe me, EJ, she will find out.

    Anne approaches EJ, getting right up in his face, and speaking almost so quietly she can barely be heard.

    ANNE: But not from me. I'll leave that up to karma.

    After a long, uncomfortable pause, Anne holds her hand out to a still-silent EJ.

    ANNE: So where's my ticket.

    EJ wordlessly turns and steps away towards the door, not turning once to look back at Anne, his grimacing face tells the story.

    EJ: Be at the airport tomorrow morning at 7am, there will be a boarding pass waiting for you.

    EJ closes the door behind him, leaving Anne looking on, shaking her head in disapproval.

    ---

    Caroline scowls at Nicole, who has placed the box she was holding onto the table before her at the pub.

    CAROLINE: What the Hell's that supposed to mean? You think I don't even know what my Shawn wanted for his funeral.

    Caroline stops, as Eric and Nicole look to each other. Caroline snaps her fingers in frustration, realizing what she'd just done.

    CAROLINE: I did it again, didn't I? Shoot!
    ERIC: Grandma, it's okay.
    CAROLINE: I know, I just...ugh, I hate getting so frazzled when I'm upset about something.
    NICOLE: There's nothing to be upset over, I was just...suggesting that instead of making this a memorial service, why don't we make this a sort of...life celebration. As though he's somewhere still with us.

    Eric looks at Nicole, slightly confused.

    ERIC: I don't quite follow.

    As Nicole explains herself, she begins going on an extended diatribe, but realizes halfway through how insensitive she sounds and becomes instantly self-conscious.

    NICOLE: Well, for one, we don't even know for sure that Brady's dead, and we don't have a body to bury. And I mean, come on, we're in Salem, half the TOWN'S been savagely murdered before our eyes and they all turned up alive and I'm TOTALLY making an ass of myself right now, and I'll just...stop...talking.

    Nicole sheepishly sits down at the booth next to Eric, wishing she'd never opened her mouth. After an awkward moment, Caroline speaks up.

    CAROLINE: She's right.
    ERIC &NICOLE: (in unison) What??!
    CAROLINE:A wake. Celebrate Brady's life, instead of mourning his death. It's the perfect way to honour him. No?

    ---

    Kim stares down Billie, enraged by her accusation, and her presence in the room.

    KIM: What the Hell are you doing here?
    BILLIE: Probably the same thing you're doing. Visiting Theresa.
    KIM: Really, because it seems to me like you're here to lay blame at my feet for the fun of it.

    Billie steps further into Theresa's hospital room, and closes the door behind her. She stands, stiff and nervous as she speaks to Kim.

    BILLIE: I'm not, Kim. I'm really not. But, I mean, you have to know that this, this all...ugh, never mind.

    Kim gets up from Theresa's bedside, and stares down Billie, though Billie maintains eye contact, not to be intimidated.

    KIM: What?

    Billie looks to Kim. She holds up her hand and shakes her head.

    BILLIE: No, I...it's not important.
    KIM: Billie, just spit it out, I know you want to.
    BILLIE: (sighs) As far as I'm concerned, everything that's happened, all the changes that Theresa went through after Phil's sick, twisted games...how she's behaved, the drugs, the men...it's all on you Kim! All of it!

    Kim steps toward Billie and slaps her hard across her face, stunning Billie.

    ---
  5. beebs
    EPISODE 53
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson


    Nicole, at the Brady Pub with Eric looks at Caroline, surprised to simply hear that Caroline agrees with her regarding Brady's just-rechristened 'memorial service'.

    NICOLE: You agree with that?
    CAROLINE: Well, of course I do! A good idea is a good idea, regardless of what I think of the source.

    Nicole rolls her eyes at Caroline's dig.

    NICOLE: Well, then I guess you're more media savvy than pretty much anyone else of your...advanced age then.
    ERIC: Nicole!

    Nicole shoots a look to a disapproving Eric. Caroline ignores Nicole's comment.

    CAROLINE: Look, we can have the entire thing here at the pub. It'd be my pleasure. We'll have the word put out today if you want.
    ERIC: That works. I'll let Marlena and Victor know.
    NICOLE: Has anyone heard from John? Does he even know?

    Eric and Caroline stop, unsure what to say. Nicole looks away, feeling a bit guilty for bringing it up.

    ---



    A stewardess walks up the aisle of the plane, evidently a private jet. She hands off a whiskey on the rocks to the passenger beside her, before heading off. As she hands the drink off, the captain makes an announcement over the speaker system.

    CAPTAIN: Mr. Black, we will be beginning our descent into Salem International Airport momentarily. Be sure to fasten your seatbelt for landing.

    John smiles wistfully as he looks out the window. He sighs heavily as he takes a sip of his drink.

    ---

    In Abby's hospital room, Sami and Abby look up as Daniel walks in with Jennifer, Laura, and Liam in tow. Abby and Sami, caught off guard during a shared moment, appear stunned by their arrival, and by Jenn's panic at Abby being in hospital.

    ABBY: Mom! What are you doing here?
    JENNIFER: What do you mean, what am I doing here? I...you had a fall at work and you didn't even tell me?
    ABBY: Mom, it's...nothing serious. I--
    DANIEL: ...Uh, she's right, actually, I'm going to be discharging her right now. Abigail, the uh...last test we ran? You're all clear. Okay?

    Abby nods, knowing exactly to what Daniel's referring. Daniel looks over to Liam, who momentarily shoots Daniel a vaguely menacing look, before turning his attentions back to Abby. Laura walks over to Abby's bed and gives her a huge hug.

    LAURA: We're glad you're alright, honey.
    ABBY: Well, thanks, Grandma.
    SAMI: Oh! Abby! You should tell your family your great news!

    Abby is suddenly at a loss for words, not prepared to share with the room, she stutters and stumbles at Sami's leading comment.

    ---

    Billie looks up at Kim, touching her face after Kim slapped her in Theresa's hospital room. Kim stares Billie down, livid at Billie's prior accusations that Theresa's coma is, in essence, Kim's fault. Kim finally speaks, voice trembling with anger.

    KIM: Don't you dare blame me for this.

    Billie breathes in deeply, her temper flaring as well, but fighting with everything inside her to retain her dignity, the high road, and indeed, the upper hand.

    BILLIE: I only told you how I feel. The truth isn't easy. Besides, Kim. You asked.
    KIM: The truth. Yeah, you'd know a lot about the truth, wouldn't you? Hiding your past with my ex-husband for how many years? You know, if you'd just spoken up in the first place, you'dve spared Theresa from all of this? You wanna tell me again how this is my fault, Billie?
    BILLIE: I didn't say anything because I didn't want to hurt your family.
    KIM: Oh, come off it! You didn't say anything because you were afraid that if my brother ever found out what you were REALLY like, he'd throw you out on the curb, where you belong!

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---



    John steps into a waiting car outside the airport. He sits down and holds up a hand to the driver as a greeting, before giving direction.

    DRIVER: Where to?
    JOHN: Salem Inn.

    John leans back in his seat, sighing heavily as he ponders his next move.

    JOHN: And tomorrow, we deal with ol' Vic.

    ---

    Abby smiles awkwardly at her mom, who is patiently waiting for her bed-bound daughter to tell her what the good news is.

    ABBY: Well...I uh...

    As Abby goes to tell them, EJ stands in the doorway of her hospital room, behind the others. He looks quickly at Liam, who looks back at him, before they quickly look away, back at Abigail. Abby is suddenly tense looking at EJ, even though EJ is not looking her way with any real intensity.

    ABBY: I...I don't wanna spoil the surprise, so...I think I'll tell you guys when we get home. That okay?
    JENNIFER: Aww, you're such a tease! I can't wait, it's big news isn't it??

    Jennifer's excitement only makes things more awkward for Abigail, while Sami is unsure why Abby's reaction is less than excited. She furrows her brow, but keeps quiet.

    SAMI: Heh, well, tell me how it goes. You can always...shoot me a quick text tonight and let me know how excited everyone is for you tomorrow. For NOW, I am gonna head home. Uh...Abby! If I don't see you tomorrow, good luck?

    Abigail gives a forced smile and nods to Sami.

    ABBY: Thanks, Sami.

    Sami smiles and heads for the door. As she passes EJ in the doorway, he backs up, and she smiles awkwardly, before looking down and walking past him. Daniel looks to Abigail and announces to the room.

    DANIEL: Well...I think it's about time we get you discharged, little lady!
    JENNIFER: Yes! And I am SO happy to see you come home in one piece! I've got a roast chicken I'm gonna make for dinner and you can tell Liam, JJ and I the good news, alright?

    Daniel is stung by Jenn's words, her specificity being a bit of an, albeit possibly unintentional, dig at him. He smiles his usual tightened upper lip smile.

    ABBY: Sounds good. Let's get out of here.
    DANIEL: Alright, well, hospital rules state that you need to be in this wheelchair so come on.

    Daniel pulls open the wheelchair and pats the seat. Abigail rolls her eyes and groans at Daniel's order.

    ABBY: Ugh, do I have to?
    LIAM: Yep! Doctor's orders. Come on, here, I'll help you.

    Liam takes Abby's hand and helps her lower herself into the chair. As Abby sits down, her and the family leave the hospital room. As Jenn leaves, she finally spots EJ in the doorway. She is less-than-thrilled to see him, but is cordial.

    JENNIFER: EJ! What a surprise.
    ABBY: Uh, not really, Mom. EJ is the one who...brought me in. The accident was...well, it happened when he and I were at work together.

    Jenn, unsure how she feels about this, takes a moment to reply.

    JENNIFER: Oh! Ah...well...thank you, EJ. I....appreciate that.
    EJ: It was my pleasure. Abigail is one of our best employees.
    JENNIFER: Great. Uh...Abigail. Come on.

    Liam takes Abigail's chair and pushes it from the room. EJ follows behind. Abigail hesitates, mulling over her decision to leave town to protect the secret affair between herself and EJ, as well as their unborn baby. Jennifer walks slightly ahead, with Laura walking beside her. They talk with each other, but it's all white noise to a distracted Abigail.

    As Liam stops Abby's wheelchair in front of the elevator, Abby finally works up the courage to speak up.

    ABBY: Uh...actually. Mom, can...I just...talk to EJ first before we go?

    Jennifer is surprised, and a little concerned by Abby's request. Abby can tell by Jenn's face almost immediately.

    JENNIFER: Uh...sure. Don't be too long though, we'll be downstairs, then you can file your discharge papers, okay?
    ABBY: Okay, Mom. Sure.

    EJ stops as Abigail turns in her wheelchair. She motions to him to take the reigns of her wheelchair from Liam, who steps onto the elevator with Jenn and Laura. Daniel stays behind and points over to the nurses' station.

    DANIEL: When you're ready? I'm right there. K?

    Abby nods gently, smiling at Daniel as he walks away toward the nurses' station, keeping a careful eye on EJ and Abigail. EJ begins to push the wheelchair toward the waiting room, and leans into Abigail, quietly speaking to her.

    EJ: If this is about our earlier discussion, we'd best find somewhere private.

    Abigail looks straight ahead as EJ pushes her into the room.

    ---

    Jenn and Laura stand silently in the elevator with Liam. Laura feels vaguely uncomfortable with Liam, but can't quite figure out what bugs her. Jenn seems tense too. Laura looks to her daughter, concerned.

    LAURA: You look worried.
    JENNIFER: I always am when EJ's around.
    LAURA: I understand. It can't be easy knowing your daughter's working for the DiMeras.
    JENNIFER: Well...I mean...it's her life. And technically, she's working for Sami so...I guess that's slightly better but...I don't know. Every time I see her with EJ, I get really concerned. And I can't figure out why but...I just have this feeling something's wrong, you know?

    Laura puts her hand on Jenn's shoulder, smiling understandingly at her daughter. Liam looks on, soaking in the conversation wordlessly.

    ---

    Billie looks to the ceiling, as if counting to ten in her head. She closes her eyes a moment, before finally looking at Kim and responding, calmly, though a slight tremble remains in her voice.

    BILLIE: I thought that Phil Collier had...turned over a new leaf. Tried to put his life together. I gave him the benefit of the doubt. That was my mistake. But I did it for y--
    KIM: ...For yourself. Because you were scared of losing Bo. Which is exactly why you didn't tell him about your father until he was dead and you were accused of killing him!
    BILLIE: I loved Bo. And--
    KIM: ...And you thought that Bo only loved you as a pure-as-the-driven-snow little girl who hawked makeup. Did you seriously think that little of him?

    Billie finally snaps at Kim, and raises her voice, pointing angrily as she speaks, equally pointedly.

    BILLIE: NO! I thought so much of him, and so little of myself. That I would never be good enough for him! And that's exactly why I was the only one who understood your daughter. And the more she confided in me, the more I understood her, and she could feel that. All the while, there you are, wondering why she's not turning to you, and at the same time, there you are judging every step she takes?
    KIM: I was hurting too!--
    BILLIE: ...You were too afraid of losing another man to accept that YOUR OWN DAUGHTER went through the SAME THING YOU DID!

    Kim stops dead, tensing as she draws herself up, holding back from letting loose completely. Billie's tension recedes as she finally lets her anger go at Kim.

    BILLIE: And THAT is something you cannot pin on ME. You should be grateful that girl had someone to turn to that she could depend on. Because that someone certainly wasn't you.

    As Billie finishes her thought, the door of the hospital room opens, and Kayla steps in.

    KAYLA: I could hear you from the hallway, is everything okay in here?

    Billie turns around, brushing away a tear from her eye, as Kim does the same. Billie steps towards the door.

    BILLIE: It's all good, I was just leaving.

    As Billie walks out, Kim steps over to her sister, pointing out the doorway at Billie.

    KIM: I don't want her in here again.
    KAYLA: Kim, she's just concerned about Theresa, just like you are.

    Kim tenses again, frustrated by her sister seemingly siding with Billie.

    KIM: I don't...care. I'm Theresa's mother, I deserve to be here, not her!
    KAYLA: Kimmy, listen. I know you and Billie have your issues, but her and Theresa, they're incredibly close friends. Now, Billie doesn't present a danger to Theresa by coming to visit during visiting hours, and I honestly think it'd be good for her to have familiar voices around her while she's recovering.
    KIM: So you're siding with her, then?
    KAYLA: No, Kim. I'm asking you to do what's right for everyone. Including Theresa. Now, you have every legal right to bar Billie from Theresa's room, but...as your sister...I think it's a terrible idea.

    Kim sighs, rolling her eyes, and thinking over Kay's words, as she folds her arms, looking down at her comatose daughter.

    ---

    EJ closes the door to the waiting room behind him as he pushes Abigail's wheelchair inside. Abigail stays in her seat, and EJ leans against the door, folding his arms.

    EJ: So...what was so urgent that you needed to alarm your entire family needlessly?
    ABBY: Well, I've had some time to think since you and I talked. And I've made a decision.
    EJ: Oh have you?

    Abby looks unflinchingly at EJ, she responds firmly.

    ABBY: Yes.

    EJ tries to remain casual, but it's obvious that he's dreading the answer.

    EJ: And what would that be?
    ABBY: I've decided I'm not going to let you order me or my baby around for your convenience. So if we're going to make a decision about this, it's going to benefit all of us. You, this baby, AND me.
    EJ: Just what does that mean, exactly?
    ABBY: It means we're going to face this head on. I'm not going to Italy, EJ. You can't make me.

    EJ stands frozen, disbelieving what he's hearing.

    ---

  6. beebs
    EPISODE 54
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson



    John tosses and turns in his bed at the Salem Inn. Unable to fall asleep, he looks up at the ceiling, thinking about Brady, and the opportunity he's lost to try to win his son back. He sighs heavily.

    JOHN: I gotta take a long walk. Clear my mind.

    John pulls back the covers and jumps out of bed. Getting dressed, he checks his back pocket of his pants for his wallet. As he pulls his wallet out, a wallet-sized picture of Brady falls out onto the floor.

    Looking down, John bends down to pick it up, looking it over intensely.

    JOHN: I'm not gonna let the DiMeras get away with this, Brady. Trust me.

    John looks up, puts the picture away, and heads out the door.

    ---



    Marlena takes a leisurely stroll through Horton Town Square. As she rounds the corner, she spots Roman coming toward her from the opposite direction. They smile at each other as they approach. Roman spreads his arms to welcome a hug to Marlena, she accepts and hugs back.

    MARLENA: It's so good to see you.
    ROMAN: It always is to see you, Doc.

    They linger in their embrace, and as they separate, Marlena gives Roman a wistful smile, knowing what's weighing on his mind.

    ROMAN: How's Theresa doing? I haven't had a chance to get to the hospital this afternoon.

    Marlena looks down, trying to formulate an answer for Roman.

    MARLENA: Well, it's not great. But...she made it through surgery. She...
    ROMAN: She's still in a coma, is she?

    Marlena nodd regretfully.

    MARLENA: Kayla and Daniel aren't sure if she's going to wake up any time soon, but...for now, yes.
    ROMAN: My God. How's Kimmy taking it?
    MARLENA: Oh as well as can be expected, I guess. I left her at the hospital when she went in to visit. Figured I'd give her some alone time with Theresa.
    ROMAN: Makes sense. I'll probably head down tomorrow, myself.
    MARLENA: I think she'd like that.

    Roman shakes his head in sadness at his sister and niece's fate.

    ROMAN: You know, Doc. It's been so hard on Kim, all these years. She really hasn't had it easy, you know?
    MARLENA: It's been hard on Theresa too. The important thing is that the family's together, and Theresa has her friends and family on her side.

    ---

    Billie steps onto the elevator at University Hospital, as she steps on, she looks up and is face to face with Daniel. She's surprised, but smiles at the doctor, who smiles a wry smile back her way.

    DANIEL: Fancy meeting you here.
    BILLIE: Yeah, well...it's not exactly a happy visit but...
    DANIEL: You're here to see Theresa, aren't you?

    Billie nods sadly.

    BILLIE: Yep! ...Aaaand I didn't even get a chance to see her, really.
    DANIEL: You alright? You did see a little shaken up.
    BILLIE: Yeah, I mean...it's not like this is the best day anyway but...(sigh) Oh, I got into a fight with Kim Brady.
    DANIEL: Ahhhh. Yeah.

    The two quickly stop talking. Awkwardly, they stare forward, deeply pensive, both about their respective worries.

    Finally, Daniel breathes in, and breaks the silence.

    DANIEL: Uh...look. I'm done my shift in a minute. If you wanted to talk, I'd be more than willing to grab a drink with you and we could...
    BILLIE: Talk?
    DANIEL: ...Yeah.
    BILLIE: Well, you know...(laughs) with the day I've had, hey, might as well replace one vice with another, eh?
    DANIEL: I'm...not quite sure what...you...

    Billie holds up her hand to stop Daniel speaking.

    BILLIE: It's...it's okay. I'd love to.

    Daniel smiles, but is a bit confused and concerned by Billie's statement.

    ---

    EJ stands in the waiting room at the hospital, breathing in to cool down from Abby's sudden backbone growth.

    EJ: I'm sorry...WHAT?!

    Abby tenses, clearly uncomfortable with challenging EJ, particularly with his volatile temper.

    ABBY: I said...I am not going to Italy.

    EJ smiles suddenly, as he walks slowly over to the coffee maker in the waiting room. He casually pours himself a cup, laughing to himself.

    EJ: Oh you are funny, Abigail.
    ABBY: There is nothing funny about it, EJ. I am not going. You can't force me to just...uproot my entire life because I inconvenienced you with this baby.
    EJ: You see, that's your problem, Abigail. You don't know anything at all. About me. Or this child.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Kim stands in Theresa's hospital room, arms crossed, as if to hold herself together. She looks down at her comatose daughter, a great pain within her. Kayla walks up behind her and puts a hand on Kim's shoulder.

    KAYLA: You gonna be okay?

    Kim looks skyward, trying to hold in her tears.

    KIM: I doubt it. You know, I JUST got my Jeannie back. She finally turned to me last night. Do you know how long it's been since I've held my daughter, Kay? For her to turn to me instead of Billie or...someone else for advice? She came to me. And now...not even a day later. Here she is.

    Kayla leans in as Kim turns to face Kayla and they hug tightly. Kim begins to sob on her sister's shoulder, as Kayla pats her sister gently on the back.

    KAYLA: It's okay. I know.

    After Kim cries a few seconds more, then pulls back and looks intently at Kayla. Kim's expression changes quickly to one of anger and she points at Kayla, driving home her point.

    KIM: I want her banned, Kayla.
    KAYLA: Kim, I'm serious, I don't thi--
    KIM: ...I don't care! She has no business being here, she has no right to be here.
    KAYLA: Kimmy, she does! She was there for Theresa. Don't you see? She needed that confidant. She had nobod--
    KIM: ...SHE HAD ME!

    Kayla holds back what she was going to say. Kim takes Kayla's silence for understanding, and continues.

    KIM: If that woman isn't barred from my daughter's room by tomorrow morning, I will get a court order. Do you understand?
    KAYLA: I'll let Daniel know.

    Kim walks away, closing the door to Theresa's room behind her. Kayla stays behind, deep in thought, shaking her head at Kim's unhinged anger.

    ---

    Billie and Daniel are seated at Club TBD. Taking a quiet corner booth, the two are quietly taking over their drinks, laughing and looking at each other with intensity.

    DANIEL: So, I hope you're feeling a bit better.
    BILLIE: A bit.

    Daniel pouts jokingly, making Billie laugh.

    BILLIE: I appreciate the effort though!
    DANIEL: Well, at least it wasn't a total waste, then. You wanna talk about what's bothering you?

    Daniel reads Billie's suddenly less bright face as a sign, and stops himself from pushing further.

    DANIEL: Or maybe not?
    BILLIE: It's...better left alone. I just...I had a hard day.
    DANIEL: Theresa's accident?
    BILLIE: Yyyep. It never gets easier as you get older, seeing your friends struggling to hold on. And the worst part in all this is that, I'm looking at this girl, hoping that, at the same time you hope they come back to you, that...maybe this could end all the pain and suffering they're going through every day.
    DANIEL: You really think she's suffering that much?
    BILLIE: (sigh) I really shouldn't be talking about this.
    DANIEL: Okay. So then...what shall we talk about?

    Billie cracks a smile again, looking at Daniel while holding up a martini in her hand.

    BILLIE: Hmm...well, good doctor...I'll leave that up to you.
    DANIEL: Hmmm...that sounds dangerous.
    BILLIE: You never know until you try.
    DANIEL: Well, I admit, I'm glad you agreed to this drink. I wasn't sure you were going to.

    Billie, mid-drink, almost chokes on it, surprised by Daniel's comment. She looks at him, surprised.

    BILLIE: Why would you think I'd say no?
    DANIEL: Well...I mean...I've hardly had the best track record with your family, Billie. I mean...between your mom, Chelsea, and what went down with Chloe when she was with Lucas...

    Billie holds up her hands, waving them to get Daniel to stop.

    BILLIE: Okay, stop, stop right there. Look. I know you've got history with my family. But I also know what I see. And I see a man who's come a long way through a lot of really...kinda awful circumstances. And he's learned a lot. And I sure as Hell can't judge you based on what I've done in my time.

    Daniel smiles, looking down at his drink, somewhat sheepishly.

    BILLIE: You're not perfect. None of us are. And besides, I thought we agreed this was only a friendly drink, nothing serious, we were going to get away from all the seriousness. What happened to that??
    DANIEL: (laughs) That's the truth, right there. I think that calls for a toast.

    Billie raises her glass, smiling with a seductive glint in her eyes. Daniel raises his as well.

    DANIEL: To nothing serious.
    BILLIE: (laughs) Cheers to that.

    Daniel and Billie toast, never taking their eyes off each other in the process.

    ---

    Abigail sits in the hospital lounge in her wheelchair, incredulous at EJ's audacity.

    ABBY: What the Hell is that supposed to mean, EJ? I know you love your kids. But this baby, how can you be so eager to make this baby go away?

    EJ turns around, impassioned as he turns to face Abigail, raising his voice to stop her from making any further insinuations.

    EJ: That is NOT what I'm trying to do, Abigail. I am trying to make sure that we are all protected.
    ABBY: Oh well, that's a huge difference. So, we'll never see or hear from this child again, but we're not throwing them away, heavens no. Semantics make all the difference!
    EJ: Abigail, I am not going to throw this child away. I have been kept from two of my children. One of them was dead before I even knew they existed. I was denied that opportunity. Don't you think I wanted to be there for them? To love them? To watch them grow, and become their own people?

    Abby can't respond to EJ's comments. She looks down, mouth agape, trying to formulate something to say in response before finally choking something out.

    ABBY: I'm sorry.
    EJ: Yes, well...I just need to be clear about this. This is not about making this child disappear. I will see to that. But for your own protection, you need to take this trip. It's the only way our secret will be safe, and that we won't be put in a position that will potentially destroy us both.

    Abigail laughs a bit. She shakes her head before responding to EJ's second sermon.

    ABBY: You, EJ. It will destroy you. That's the thing, you see. I don't have as much to lose now, having this affair come to light, as you do. So why should I have to be the one to completely just...uproot their lives to accomodate your potential public shaming? Huh?
    EJ: Fine then, Abigail. What exactly do you propose we do then?
    ABBY: We can just say the baby is Chad's and that I conceived it before he was shot.

    EJ laughs now, shaking his head at what he sees as Abigail's silliness and naivete.

    EJ: Oh you silly little girl.
    ABBY: What? It's not that far from the truth. I mean...Chad and I didn't have sex that long before you and I did.
    EJ: But it was long enough that there would be questions, Abigail. You would have to induce labour early to make that story work, and that is too dangerous for the baby. I will not risk that child's health. Got it?
    ABBY: Clear as mud.
    EJ: Look, you have no choice about this. You have to go to Italy. Tomorrow morning, you will be on that flight.
    ABBY: And what if I'm not, EJ?

    EJ puts his head in his hands, unable to comprehend Abigail's bullheadedness on this subject. As EJ speaks, Abigail's defenses begin to finally break down again against the onslaught of information EJ presents to her.

    EJ: I...do...do you not understand how Samantha will react to this if she finds out? Don't you get it, Abigail?? If people find out about this, it will not just be my head on a platter, you'll be on the next dish over. You should be well aware by now of the damage Samantha can cause when she's been wronged. Alright?! Think about it. Your mother, your brother, your grandmother, all of your friends and family, the scandal in the community, you'll probably never work in this town again, I mean, your father would be spinning in his grave knowing that--
    ABBY: ALRIGHT! EJ...I'll do it. Just...don't ever bring up my father EVER again like that.

    EJ calms down, relieved by Abby's agreement to go ahead with the move. He nods. Abby begins to sob in her chair as the gravity of the situation begins to weigh into her.

    EJ: Deal.

    Abby begins to wheel herself out of the room, struggling with the act through her tears. EJ walks up behind her to push her toward the elevator. As he pushes her, he leans down close to Abby and speaks softly.

    EJ: And for the record, I will make sure you can see your baby whenever you like. I promise.

    Abby shakes her head, completely disbelieving him.

    ---

    Roman and Marlena sit on a bench at Town Square together. They sit quietly together, when Marlena turns to Roman and asks him a question.

    MARLENA: You know, I just remembered, back to when you left Salem before, after you found out about John and I...I...remember...I sat down at a park bench, kind of like this one, and I remember thinking...I'm never going to have a moment just...sitting quietly with you ever again. And wishing I could.

    Roman stares off into the distance. A blank expression across his face as he listens to Marlena.

    ROMAN: Heh, well...a lot's happened since then.
    MARLENA: It has.
    ROMAN: You know, I'm glad we've been able to come together and be friends again, though. I know we had some rough times before, but it's just like you and John. No matter what comes between you, you always managed to find your way back to each other.
    MARLENA: Leave it up to fate, I guess.
    ROMAN: Absolutely.

    Marlena smiles and looks at Roman warmly. She laughs a bit, causing Roman to turn to her, a bit confused.

    ROMAN: What are you laughing at?
    MARLENA: I just remembered how much you used to hate when people would talk like that in movies. We used to watch these romance movies and it'd be like pulling teeth to get you to sit through them for about an hour, and then by the end you'd be crying like a baby.

    Roman makes a face at Marlena of mock disgust and disbelief.

    ROMAN: I would never!
    MARLENA: Oh yes you would!
    ROMAN: Name ONE time!
    MARLENA: I can think of about four.
    ROMAN: A pack of lies, all of it!

    Marlena laughs, Roman joins in moments later. As they do, John walks into the square, walking slowly behind them but far away where they don't see him. He spies their tender moment. but hangs far back, not able to hear their whole conversation.

    MARLENA: And the best part was when the movie was over, you'd decide to get all romantic and run to the kitchen to get my favourite dessert.

    Roman looks to Marlena, a bit of confusion still lingering on her face as she talks.

    ROMAN: (softly) Doc?
    MARLENA: Chocolate-covered strawberries. And you'd put them on the tray, you remember the silver one with the--
    ROMAN: Doc! I don't...I don't know what you're talking about I...

    Marlena looks to Roman, having forgotten about his memory failings the last few weeks. She looks guiltily at him, as Roman looks down, fighting back tears and attempting to hold back his rage. He slams his fist against the bench.

    ROMAN: I don't...remember.
    MARLENA: Oh Roman! It's okay.

    Marlena pulls Roman in tightly, holding him closely to her, as he responds by putting his arms around her. John looks off in a distance at the scene, a great pained look on his face as the wife he turned away appears to be caressing her ex-husband.

    ---
  7. beebs
    EPISODE 55
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson




    Anne storms into the airport waiting room, hankderchief tied over her head and sunglasses on to obscure her identity. She wheels her suitcase up to the front desk at the gate, where the flight attendant is typing away at her computer.

    ANNE: Excuse me. How long until we board?

    The flight attendant barely looks up from her computer, trying to hold in her exasperation.

    FLIGHT ATTENDANT: Another ten minutes, Ms. Hillman.

    Anne frowns under the glasses. Her giant sunglasses concealing most of the expression in her face.

    ANNE: Listen sweetheart. I was supposed to be out of this one-horse town on the 7:15 flight, and I got bumped. Now we're 15 minutes late boarding on THIS flight. I have places to be, and all your snarky attitude is doing is making me more angry that I had to be up at 4:30 in the morning to be here for this crap.
    FLIGHT ATTENDANT: Well, if you're tired, there's a coffee house just--
    ANNE: ...I HAVE JUST FINISHED MY FOURTH COFFEE. If I have another one, I may take down the plane from the water weight I'm putting on. So, let's just....move it along, yeah?
    FLIGHT ATTENDANT: That's nice. Seven minutes to boarding.

    Anne grimaces at the flight attendant, then sits down, frustrated by the flight attendant's lack of interest in her suffering.

    ---



    JJ drives Abigail to the airport. He's tired, and concerned and it shows on his face.

    JJ: You know, I just...I don't get why you have to be so secretive about this.
    ABBY: It's not being secretive. I just...I don't want to freak mom out over nothing. I mean...like...this is just a business trip. So what if I'm gone for a little while.
    JJ: A little while? Abs, you're gonna be gone for...months. Do you seriously think Mom's gonna just...accept that you took off without a goodbye or anything?
    ABBY: I had to. It...it's just...came up last minute and she knows I have to take this.
    JJ: So what, you're just gonna...call her from her hotel room and be all like "Oh hey, Mom. Remember that job offer I got? Yeah, I'm there now, L.O.L, won't be back until the spring! Thanks for dinner last night!"

    Abigail rolls her eyes and looks pensively out the window.

    ABBY: ...Something like that.
    JJ: I just...don't get it, Abs. Why are you in such a hurry to get out of here, anyway? I mean...Grandma Laura JUST came back to town and you're already...running off to California to work for the DiMeras?
    ABBY: (interrupting) JJ, Enough! Stop it! Okay, I don't expect you to understand what I'm going through right now, just...please...just drive me to the airport before we miss the plane.

    JJ bites his lip, sighs heavily, and after taking a moment to look at his sister, who is giving him a stern look, turns his eyes back to the road.

    ---

    Kate sashays into the Titan building, briefcase in one hand, scarcely paying attention to where she's walking, as she's on her cell phone. She appears displeased, a stern look on her face. She struggles to press the "up" button at the elevator.

    As she waits, she begins to speak.

    KATE: (into phone) Billie, I've been calling you for the past hour, this is my fourth message. Where the Hell are you? This is big, you need to call me immediately.

    Kate hangs up as the door opens. Stepping in, she sighs heavily, as she and the few others who've gathered round the door step on. As the doors close, Kate looks up to the ceiling, a worried look on her face.

    The doors close, the elevator bell chimes.

    ---

    The alarm clock on the bedside table goes off at the same tone as the elevator chime at Titan, startling Billie from a dead sleep. She sits bolt upright and quickly turns to stop the clock, but it isn't where it normally is. She looks around, realizing she isn't in her own bed.

    BILLIE: What the...?

    Billie looks over beside her as the person beside her stirs, emerging from under the covers to lethergically shut his alarm off.

    It's Daniel. Billie's eyes open wide with alarm.

    BILLIE: Oh god.

    Daniel, groggy, looks over through his squinted eyes at her, likely not even sure what's going on around him.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Nick wakes up from a deep sleep. He stirs, groggy from the previous night's heavy drinking before the headache hits him. He winces and groans in pain.

    Opening his eyes a bit more, he sees Gabi, asleep beside him. He is at once shocked and pleased, a warm smile crosses his face, as he leans over to gently kiss her, as though she is Sleeping Beauty awaiting a kiss from her prince.

    Gabi is awoken by Nick's kiss and slowly opens one eye. Upon seeing Nick's face inches from hers, she bolts upright, hitting her head violently against Nick's.

    GABI: AHH!
    NICK: Dammit!

    They both fall back in pain and shock, each holding their respective throbbing heads. Gabi looks over to Nick, disoriented and angry.

    GABI: Dammit, Nick! What the Hell were you doing??

    Nick holds his head, wincing in pain, both from the hit to the head, and his quickly-mounting hangover.

    NICK: Ughh...I was...trying to kiss you good morning and...oh my...oh my God, Gabi. Can you, can you grab me my pills from the medicine cabinet? I....ugh, I don't feel so good.

    Gabi goes to get up, but quickly stops herself in her tracks before standing up. She doesn't turn around, she just freezes.

    GABI: Uh...I...I can't.
    NICK: What? No, seriously, they're just in the top...ugh...never mind, I'll get them myself.

    Nick gets up fast and stumbles into the bathroom. Gabi breathes a sigh of relief at not having to grab the pills herself. She looks over as Nick walks back in the room with a glass of water in one hand, and the supposed headache medication in the other. Gabi smiles slightly as Nick takes the pill, washing it down with water.

    NICK: You sure you're okay?
    GABI: Yeah...yeah, I'll be fine...look...uh....Nick, I...
    NICK: Gabi...before you say anything...obviously I was little bit...drunk last night....but...do you remember what happened between us? I mean...did we...?
    GABI: Did we what....have sex?
    NICK: I was gonna call it 'make love' but...did we?

    Gabi hesitates to answer, thinking over whether to lie to Nick or not.

    ---

    Billie lies in Daniel's bed. Her eyes wide open as she stares at the ceiling.

    BILLIE: We didn't...you know...do it, did we?

    Daniel lies beside her, looking at Billie, still a bit groggy.

    DANIEL: Last night? I don't think so.
    BILLIE: Okay, good. The last thing I remember...vaguely anyway, was Sonny Kiriakis telling us we had five minutes to finish our drinks before the club closed.
    DANIEL: Yyyyeah, you...didn't finish that drink.
    BILLIE: I didn't?
    DANIEL: Nope...my shirt did.

    Billie looks over to Daniel, a look of slight embarrassment and amusement across her face.

    BILLIE: Seriously? I'm...heh...I'm sorry. How did I...do I even wanna know?
    DANIEL: Probably not. You passed out mid-drink and....yeah. So I had to carry you home. I figured you wouldn't want to have to explain to your mom why I was at her door with her daughter over my shoulder like a caveman so...

    Billie's full out laughing now. Holding her face in her hands to hide from embarrassment.

    BILLIE: Oh no! (sighs) I'm...so sorry to do that.
    DANIEL: Don't worry. I just wanted to make sure you were okay through the night. You drank pretty heavily last night.

    Billie's expression sours a bit, recalling the events of the previous day and what's to come.

    BILLIE: Yeah. It's been a pretty intense week. I really appreciate you spending the night with me.
    DANIEL: It was great to spend the time with a lovely, charming young woman.
    BILLIE: Ahhhh, yes. That charm that seduces all the Roberts ladies.

    Daniel furrows his brow at Billie's comment.

    DANIEL: That bothers you, doesn't it?
    BILLIE: What does?
    DANIEL: That I've been with your mom and your daughter...
    BILLIE: ...And my brother's wife.

    Daniel sighs, turning to look up at the ceiling with Billie, who hasn't really stopped.

    DANIEL: Yep.
    BILLIE: I just have a hard time trusting men. I hear a few good things about you. I mean, Jennifer always told me a lot of good things whenever I'd speak to her, and...I just...you have such a history, and I....I don't really have the room to be hurt again, Daniel. I really don't.

    Daniel looks to Billie, and takes his hand to motion Billie's face gently to face his.

    DANIEL: Billie, I'm not looking to start a great, mad affair with you. I'm still having a hard time dealing with the fact that Jenn and I are over and done with now. So I don't want commitments, and I don't need to rush into things. Let's just...spend time together. Have fun. Smile, have a laugh. If something more comes of it, great! If not...
    BILLIE: Then no one's hurt.
    DANIEL: You got it.

    Daniel and Billie both smile at each other. Instead of leaning in for a kiss, Billie holds up her hand, pinky finger in the air.

    Daniel laughs, holding up his pinky finger and wraps it around hers, making a pact.

    ---

    At the Salem International Airport, An announcement is heard over the speakers, as Anne waits, impatiently as ever, at the terminal gate, flipping brusquely through a magazine.

    FLIGHT ATTENDANT: (over the speakers) Attention all passengers awaiting TSA flight 352 to Rome, we are now ready to board rows 1-12. If those seated in those rows would kindly line up at Gate 13, we will commence boarding, please have your boarding pass and ID ready.

    Before the flight attendant is even halfway done, Anne has scurried, carry-on in tow, into the line. She checks furiously around her to ensure no one recognizes her as she approaches the gate.

    After Anne's ID and boarding pass are inspected, she quickly scurries into the hallway leading the plane.

    ANNE: Goodbye, Salem. And good riddance.

    ---

    Kate steps off the elevator, and onto the floor where her office is located. She is nearly at her door when Victor approaches her from behind, a subdued jolly tone in his voice that one couldn't place as being genuine or not.

    VICTOR: Kate! Just the person I was looking for.

    Kate stops, turning around, an unimpressed look on her face.



    KATE: Victor! Just the person I wasn't.
    VICTOR: Now, now, Kate. This is a friendly visit. For once.

    Kate rolls her eyes and motions Victor to come in. Before closing the door behind them, Kate turns to her secretary.

    KATE: Bryce, hold my calls while Mr. Kiriakis is here.

    Kate closes the door to her office, then walks past Victor, not even looking him in the eye before sitting down behind her desk.

    KATE: Alright, Victor. Why the so-called friendly visit?
    VICTOR: Oh come on, Kate. No need to be so hostile. I've come to thank you.
    KATE: Thank me? For what?
    VICTOR: Call it advance gratitude for your vote to keep Titan TV in our hands today. It's ver--

    Kate sighs and looks away at Victor's obvious vote shopping. She holds up her hand to stop Victor mid-sentence.

    KATE: Victor, stop! Look, I don't think you realize what you're doing, but you need to stop putting pressure on us to keep the TV station.
    VICTOR: Kate, what on Earth are you talking about? I thought you were on board with this.
    KATE: I was...and then I started to think about the reprecussions of this.
    VICTOR: What reprecussions? You keeping your job?
    KATE: Ohhh no you don't. Do you not know the first thing about ethics, Victor?
    VICTOR: Ethics, shmethics! This is vital to our business!
    KATE: So using your failing TV station to blatantly act as a propoganda machine for your widely unpopular oil sands project, a move that puts you in a very obvious conflict of interest situation with at least three different government organizations, potentially leading to our corporation being bankrupted by fines alone, not to mention the billions of dollars in lost investment which will cripple the oil sands project before it even gets off the drawing board. I don't know Victor. Do YOU think it's so vital?

    Victor stands still, shooting daggers from his eyes at Kate.

    KATE: Because I'm not willing to go down with that ship. Plug the hole now or I'll be out of my office by sundown.

    ---

    Anne sits in her seat on the plane. Still in her disguise, she is antsy to get off the ground. She looks nervously out the window at the tarmac, before flagging down a passing flight attendant.

    FLIGHT ATTENDANT: Yes?
    ANNE: Hi, when are we going to be taking off?
    FLIGHT ATTENDANT: It won't be long now, we're just waiting on a couple more passengers to board first.
    ANNE: No, no, no, no, you see...you don't understand. I was meant to leave Salem earlier this morning on the earlier flight? But they instead gave my seat away and put me on this flight, and I am tired of waiting. So these latecomers, they can suck it because I need to get going, okay?
    FLIGHT ATTENDANT: Ma'am it won't be too much longer.

    Another flight attendant approaches Anne with the same professional overt sweetness.

    FLIGHT ATTENDANT 2: Excuse me, Ma'am. I hate to bother you but we were wondering if you would be to trade your seat for this flight.
    ANNE: For what?! Listen, for all the trouble I've had this morning, you're gonna keep me right here. I worked hard for this extra two inches of leg room, I'll have you know.
    FLIGHT ATTENDANT 2:: Well, ma'am, there is a pregnant lady in need of the extra leg room, so we were hoping to offer you a seat in our executive class as a thank you for your patience today.

    Anne's face changes quickly to a pleased expression.

    ANNE: Now THAT is more like it! Well, what are we waiting for, ladies? Let's get me upgraded!

    Anne grabs her things and makes a beeline for first class. As she puts her carry-on in the overhead bin, the pregnant lady is escorted onto the plane. Anne observes that she is not showing much, but is walking a bit delicately nonetheless. As the woman passes, they don't exchange glances, as Anne is turned away from the woman as Anne adjusts her seat.

    However, as the woman passes her, Anne catches a glimpse of her face from the side.

    It's Abby.

    ---

  8. beebs
    EPISODE 56
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson


    Outside Aiden Jennings' office, John Black makes his way down the hallway. Stopping to check the unit number, he sighs deeply as he steps in. The secretary looks up, smiling at John as he steps in.

    SECRETARY: Good morning, what can I do for you?
    JOHN: I've, uh...got an appointment with Mr. Jennings for 10am. It's John Black.
    SECRETARY: Just a moment, Mr. Black, I'll let him know you're here.

    Aiden's secretary picks up the phone and dials into Aiden's office.

    John zones out, thinking to the previous night, where he spied on Marlena and Roman in a long, tight embrace. The image won't shake from his mind, to the point where he doesn't hear...

    SECRETARY: Hello?! Mr. Black!

    John snaps out of it, and looks back at Aiden's secretary.

    SECRETARY: Mr. Jennings will see you now.

    John smiles and nods his thanks to the secretary before stepping inside.


    Once in, Aiden is stood behind his desk, arm extended to shake John's hand.

    AIDEN: Mr. Black! Good to finally meet you.
    JOHN: Just call me John, my good man.
    AIDEN: Only if you call me Aiden.
    JOHN: Deal.

    The two men share a smile as they shake hands and sit down on either side of the desk.

    AIDEN: So what can I do for you, M...John?
    JOHN: I have some papers I'd like you to draw up, and the sooner the better.
    AIDEN: Alright. What kind of papers?

    John's face tightens at the sudden realization of what he's about to ask. He draws himself up slightly before answering.

    JOHN: Uh...(sigh) divorce papers.

    ---

    EJ walks down the stairs of the DiMera mansion, still in his robe. He strides into the living room, checking to see that the coast is clear before he pulls his cell phone from his pocket and dials.

    EJ keeps looking around suspiciously as he answers.

    EJ: (into phone) Are they gone?

    EJ nods approvingly for a second, before standing in stone silence, the colour draining from his face.

    EJ: (into phone) WHAT? You mean to tell me that they buggered up the bookings and they ended up on the same flight?

    EJ's fury rises, as he simultaneously tries to temper it, lest he arouse suspicion or wake anyone up.

    EJ: (into phone) You'd better pray those two don't notice each other on the flight or we are in serious trouble.

    EJ hangs up the phone abruptly, slamming the phone down on the table, as the door to the living room opens, with a cackling Stefano sauntering in.

    STEFANO: Female trouble, my son?

    EJ shoots daggers from his eyes at his father.

    EJ: You're awfully smug so early in the morning, Father.

    Stefano pats EJ on the shouler.

    STEFANO: Two espresso shots, first thing. Really gives me the pep. You know?
    EJ: I'll stick to my regular french press, thanks.

    Stefano sits down casually at his desk, not really watching EJ, but still speaking to him.

    STEFANO: So what seems to be the problem this time?
    EJ: They bumped that meddling Anne Milbauer onto Abigail's flight to Rome.
    STEFANO: Why didn't you send Abigail on the DiMera jet? It would arouse far fewer suspicions.
    EJ: No, father. It wouldn't. Abigail is a Horton. When a Horton does something, the whole family comes out to wish them well. I wouldn't have been surprised if Adelaide Horton rose from the dead to see her off this morning.
    STEFANO: Heh, those American family values, eh?
    EJ: Bloody infuriating. Now it's just a waiting game until Abigail arrives in Rome and I can confirm whether or not her and Anne have crossed paths. Then I'll know if we're safe or not.

    ---

    Abigail lies fast asleep on the flight, as Anne approaches almost silently up the aisle. She stops just in front of Abby's seat and stares, a victorious smile on her face, as Anne shakes her head.

    ANNE: (softly) Well, well, well. Abby Horton got knocked up, hm? Ooo this is gonna be good, hee heeee.

    Anne skulks away, heading for the toilet at the back of the plane, with a huge smile on her face. Abby lies silent, blissfully unaware of Anne's presence.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Kate sits at her office desk, typing at her computer while studying a document on her desk. Billie comes in, a bit disheveled from the previous night. Kate looks at her over the top of her reading glasses as they sit at the edge of her nose.

    KATE: Well, someone had a good night.

    Billie looks on, not impressed by her mother's dry wit.

    BILLIE: Oh no. No no no, no good. Nothing good came of last night.
    KATE: I never said anything did. For one, you look like you came straight from a frat party.
    BILLIE: Well, that I definitely am too old for. I think that's more Chelsea's speed.

    Kate puts her reading glasses down on the desk and leans on the desk, looking inquisitively (read: nosily) at Billie.

    KATE: What's his name?

    Billie holds her tongue before spilling the news to her mom.

    KATE: So I know him, then. Right.
    BILLIE: Na--NO, Mom. You don't know him. And why exactly am I being cross-examined here?
    KATE: I never said I was cross-examining you.

    Kate goes back to reading over her files, looking back to give her daughter a bit of knowing sideeye.

    KATE: I didn't need to, you're so nervous. I obviously don't like him.

    Billie rolls her eyes. Kate doesn't even look up from the computer screen.

    KATE: Don't roll your eyes at your mother. Now go home, shower, change. And be ready for the meeting this afternoon.
    BILLIE: That's today?

    Kate casually takes a sip of her morning coffee as she continues to talk to Billie, not looking at her once.

    KATE: Yep.
    BILLIE: But I thought with Brady's accident they were gonna do that next week when they had a clearer picture of whether he was...

    Kate shakes her head, answering Billie's question before she even gets it out.

    KATE: It's today. The board pushed for it. Now...you're still going to vote against keeping Titan TV, right?

    Billie looks on, hesitating to give a definitive answer, concerning Kate.

    ---

    Gabi and Nick are both sitting on Nick's bed. Nick has a half-empty glass of water in hand, having just taken a couple of pills for his headache and hangover.

    After Nick's question regarding whether they'd done the deed the previous night, Gabi, unsure how to answer, looks awkwardly at Nick, before looking at him, almost shyly.

    GABI: You know I....I can't remember either. I think we....we both had quite a bit. And my head's not feeling any less..clear than yours right now, quite frankly. I...
    NICK: Oh shoot, I'm sorry. I should've grabbed a couple for you too, I ca--

    Gabi grabs Nick's arm before he gets up off the bed.

    GABI: No no no no! That's...fine. Don't worry about me, I...I just need a coffee and I'll be fine.
    NICK: You sure? It's no big deal.
    GABI: No, no. I'll be fine. Thanks though. Look, I...better get going, I've got a lot to take care of today.
    NICK: Yeah, so do I. Today's a really important day at work, so I need to...get going too.

    Nick grabs Gabi's hand. It takes everything in Gabi's power not to pull back from him, but somehow she manages.

    NICK: Look, Gabi. I know we've been through an awful lot but...thank you for going out with me last night and...making sure I got home alright this morning. Means a lot.

    Gabi gives a weak but earnest smile. She squeezes Nick's hand gently before pulling away, grabbing her stuff and heading out.

    GABI: I'll see you soon, okay?
    NICK: Maybe next time I can come visit you and Ari?

    Gabi stops at the door, turning to face Nick, the same smile flashes on her face momentarily.

    GABI: Sounds good. Bye Nick.

    Nick watches Gabi walk out, a smile on his face as though he knows he's won.

    ---

    EJ walks back into the DiMera living room, another cup of coffee in hand. Stefano continues to work at his desk, always aware of EJ being around him, but never looking up.

    STEFANO: So....where is your blushing bride-to-be?

    EJ rolls his eyes at his father's prying as he sits himself down on the sofa, and places his coffee cup on the table.

    EJ: She left for work early. I, on the other hand, have enough on my plate, so I decided I would keep it casual this morning and try to sort of...block out all the madness I'm dealing with in the outside world. Such a shame that you're so intent on handing those exact problems to me, regardless of my intent.

    Stefano finally cracks, slapping his reading glasses on the desk in front of him before he turns to face EJ, exasperated by EJ's constant barbs.

    STEFANO: You know, you spend all your time trying to cover your tracks instead of just not screwing up like a normal human being. You should try doing a bit more thinking before you act instead of doing it all afterwards.
    EJ: I had to do something, Father. I wasn't about to let Abigail Deveraux go blabbing to the police about Nick Fallon.

    Stefano gives EJ a dismissive gesture before turning back to his work.

    STEFANO: Ah! Who am I kidding? You don't need to think at all, you have me to do it all for you, then you badmouth me any chance you get.
    EJ: Do you honestly think I am coming to you for advice right now? You have done absolutely nothing but try to run me out of this house and make my life and Samantha's life hell ever since Hope Brady found that damned letter in Alice Horton's foyer. And now you think I'm expected to get help from you?
    STEFANO: Whether you want to admit it or not, I am trying to help you. Who was able to pull the strings to get those last minute airline tickets for your concubine and that obnoxious woman from the hospital? ME. Who arranged to have Abigail Deveraux's bastard adopted in Rome so your sleazy little indiscretion would not be found out? ME.
    EJ: Oh, so now I should throw you a party? Maybe a parade would be more appropriate.

    Stefano shakes his head, annoyed by his son's ingratitude.

    STEFANO: You had best be careful. You will live to regret this...flippant attitude you are taking.
    EJ: Will I? Because what did being loyal to you get me, exactly? It got me a one-way ticket out of this house when you decided I didn't have blood ties to you, which makes absolutely NO sense since neither does Kristen and neither does Peter, but suddenly, when it comes to ME, DNA is suddenly your only prerequisite!
    STEFANO: I am sorry. How many times do I have to tell you that? I am sorry for what I put you through.
    EJ: It's not enough, Father. You can't make that up to me anymore. The only thing you can do is stay out of my way.Don't meddle in my affairs. Got it?

    EJ walks from the living room, heading upstairs. No sooner does EJ disappear from view, than Stefano pulls out his cell phone, making a call.

    ...

    Nick stares into the bathroom mirror, brushing his teeth. Hearing his phone ring, he spits out into the sink and picks up his phone from the nightstand around the corner.

    NICK: (into phone) Yeah!

    ...

    Stefano speaks firmly, almost menacingly into the phone.

    STEFANO: (into phone) Today is the day. Do you have everything in order?

    ...

    NICK: Oh yeah. Nothing to worry about.

    ...

    STEFANO: There better not be. Or you'll be joining those conniving bitches that threw you in the river at the bottom of it. Understand?

    ...

    Nick, almost too flippantly, doesn't take Stefano's posturing at all seriously.

    NICK: Woah! Something got you riled up! EJ must be home.

    ...

    STEFANO: Just DO IT!

    Stefano hangs up, tossing his phone on his desk, before leaning his head on his hand, pondering his next move.

    ---

    Marlena finishes getting ready for the day at the penthouse when she hears her phone's text tone. While putting on her earring, she walks over to it, picking up the phone.

    The message is from John:



    Marlena looks down at the text, a concerned look on her face.

    ---

    John looks over the divorce papers, visibly upset at the sight of them. Closing the file folder that contains the documents, he looks up and out, seemingly at nothing.

    JOHN: Sorry, Doc. But there's no other choice. We have to do this...for Roman.

    ---

  9. beebs
    EPISODE 57
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson


    Will walks into Club TBD, wearing his best (and only) suit. He looks around the room before spotting Tyler in the corner of the room. Tyler looks up from the drink menu and flags Will down. Will acknowledges Tyler, then heads his way. Before sitting down, the two shake hands firmly.

    WILL: Mr. Houston is it?
    TYLER: Indeed it is. How are you doing, Will?
    WILL: I...umm...I'm...well, a bit nervous, if I'm being honest.
    TYLER: Not a single reason in the world for that. Sit down, let's talk.
    WILL: Certainly, Sir.

    As Will sits down, Tyler motions to him as if to tell him to stop.

    TYLER: No, no. Call me Tyler.
    WILL: Uh, sure.



    TYLER: Listen, Will. I have to admit I stumbled upon your work quite by accident.
    WILL: Oh?
    TYLER: Yes, I was introduced to...I think she's your aunt?
    WILL: Oh, Maggie.
    TYLER: Well, she showed me some of your writing, and...I've got to say, you have a real talent.

    Will smiles nervously.

    WILL: Well, thank you.
    TYLER: You're more than welcome. I think it will be a huge asset to us over at EnerNext when you start next week.

    Will stops suddenly, doing a double take.

    ---

    EJ stands alone in the DiMera living room. Now dressed, he looks over his phone momentarily, quickly texting someone, a concentrating look on his face. He is interrupted by Harold stepping into the room.

    HAROLD: Pardon me, Sir. But Miss Hernandez is here to see you.
    EJ: Oh, send her in, Harold.
    HAROLD: Certainly, Sir.

    Harold steps aside, allowing Gabi to walk cautiously through the open double doors to the living room. Gabi steps in, and Harold closes the doors up behind her. Gabi immediately steps over to EJ and speaks in almost whisper tones.

    GABI: Are we alone?
    EJ: We are. Father went off to take care of some business. What happened?
    GABI: Well...he took it.
    EJ: And...?

    Gabi gesticulates, looking for the right word to fill in what she's trying to express.

    GABI: And...I don't know. He was...creepy as always.
    EJ: Did he say anything about Kate and Samantha?
    GABI: Nope. I mean...he's just...he thinks we slept together last night.

    EJ looks to Gabi, shocked and displeased.




    EJ: What? I mean...you didn't, did you?

    Gabi looks to the side, unsure of an appropriate response.

    GABI: Well...I mean...technically.
    EJ: Gabriella. Seriously? Why would you be so damned stupid?

    ---

    John stands outside Marlena's office at the hospital. He holds the manila envelope containing the divorce papers in his hands, hesitating to go in.

    He stops, recalling the scene from the previous night that he spied between Roman and Marlena.

    John flashes back to seeing Marlena and Roman hold each other on the bench at Horton Town Square, Marlena holding Roman tightly as Roman rubs her back tenderly.

    John winces at the thought of the scene, but inhales deeply, attempting to keep his composure as he raises his one hand.

    He knocks three times on Marlena's door.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Will blinks repeatedly, thinking that this will snap him back to reality and that misheard what Tyler, sitting across the table from him at Club TBD, has just offered him.

    WILL: I'm sorry?

    Tyler laughs as he speaks, knowing he's caught Will off guard.

    TYLER: Well, don't just sit there saying two words at a time, tell me what you think about working for us!

    Will stops and thinks for a second, barely having time to let it sink it.

    WILL: Wait, you....I mean I'd love to but...here I am making a total jackass of myself, I just...did you just offer me a job?
    TYLER: Will, you're a very persuasive, evocative writer. And the best part is, you're an outsider. You have a fresh, unjaded set of eyes. You're exactly what our company needs right now.
    WILL: I...uh...thank you. I...don't know what to say. I mean, at the risk of ruining things...shouldn't I have to...interview for a job first? At least apply?
    TYLER: No need.

    Will smiles briefly, but almost immediately goes back into a state of stunned disbelief.

    WILL: Well...my dad always taught me to read over a contract before signing.
    TYLER: Glad you mentioned it.

    Tyler pulls a manila envelope from his bag. He hands it to Will.

    TYLER: Read this over. You have until tomorrow at midnight.

    Tyler gets up, closes his briefcase, and leaves the club, patting Will on the back as he heads out. Will stays in his seat, still a bit stunned by what's just gone down.

    ---

    Kate stands with Billie in Kate's office, arms folded, expecting an answer to her previous question.

    KATE: Well? Are you going to vote in favour of Titan keep the TV station or not?
    BILLIE: Mom, I don't know.
    KATE: Well, you better know soon. Victor's doing the rounds trying to...I don't know, either gather support or threaten us all into it.
    BILLIE: Well, I certainly don't need that. I mean, you already took care of that for Lucas and I.
    KATE: I only told you what I recommend. Honey, you're an adult, but I cannot stress hard enough what a bad idea Titan holding onto that station is.

    Billie sits down, adjusting her blouse and hair in her seat to try to distract her mind from her mom's unwanted intervention. Kate leans in to try to get her attention.

    KATE: Do you get it? The station is a money pit. The only reason Victor wants to keep that station is so he can use it to manipulate everyone in Salem into thinking his hairbrained scheme to turn half the town into an oil fracking operation is a good idea.
    BILLIE: I don't doubt that. But why don't you let him just...do it and watch him implode?
    KATE: Because if he goes down, MadWorld goes down with it. And I'm not going to let that happen.
    BILLIE: Fair enough.

    Kate looks at Billie, a furrowed brow.

    KATE: Why are you so reticent to go along with me. You know something I don't, don't you?

    Billie breathes in, a hesitant look on her face that Kate sees right through.

    KATE: Spit it out, Billie. It's about Jordan and Sheryl, isn't it?

    Billie takes a second to think over her words before admitting anything to Kate.

    BILLIE: I think we may need to let Titan keep the station and see what they do. If we move too fast, they may react in a volatile way. They are prone to lash out when things move too fast in a way they don't like.
    KATE: All the more reason to let them shed the station. Look, Nic...

    Kate stops herself midsentence, knowing that tying any of this to Nick may implicate herself.

    BILLIE: Mom?
    KATE: Nothing.
    BILLIE: No, Mom. Not nothing. Does Nick Fallon have something to do with this?

    ---

    Gabi holds up her hands, encouraging EJ to stop reacting.

    GABI: No, no, no. Not....not sex. We didn't actually...have sex. Okay?
    EJ: Then what DID you do?
    GABI: Well, I had to make him THINK we did or else...
    EJ: So you didn't actually have sex with him.
    GABI: NO! My GOD, no! I would never touch that man again, not after what he did to me, are you mad?

    EJ breathes a sigh of relief.

    EJ: Thank God for that.
    GABI: I had to stay with him to make him think we did. I did just like you asked. I took him out, I got him blind drunk and I....switched the pills for the ones your...guy gave me.
    EJ: And you know for sure he took them, yes?
    GABI: I watched him this morning, yes.
    EJ: Good. And you're sure he doesn't know that you switched them?
    GABI: Absolutely none.
    EJ: Good. Okay.

    EJ paces the room, as Gabi goes to sit on the couch.

    GABI: So...what's our next move?
    EJ: You will have to contact the police. The only person on the force that Nick will allow into his apartment is his cousin, Hope. So I would go to her.
    GABI: Okay, so I have to ask her to go visit Nick and see that he's okay.
    EJ: Yes. Tell her that you sense something is off about him, and has been for awhile. You suspect that he may be using pills again. Guide her to look for them, but don't be too obvious or she will get suspicious.
    GABI: But...why Hope? I mean, wouldn't she have a vested interest in keeping him out of jail?

    EJ laughs to himself, a cocky smile going across his face.

    EJ: Hope is a cop first. She is so committed to doing things by the book of law, she'd build a bloody church around it if she could. The point of the matter is that if she knows that Nick has gone back to drugs, she will be the first to make an arrest, and she'd justify it, knowing that's what's "best for him".
    GABI: I hope you're right. This...we can't afford to be wrong about this, EJ. If we let this escalate I...I'm afraid for our lives.

    Gabi begins to visibly panic, and EJ rushes over to her to try to calm her down, putting his hands on her arms, almost shaking her into lucidity.

    EJ: Just...trust me. Okay? This is the only way. I have already arranged everything. Okay? Once Hope makes the arrest, I've got it all set up so that Nick WILL go back to prison where he belongs, okay?
    GABI: That's great but he'll make the connection that I'm the one who switched his pills and we'll all end up in prison.
    EJ: No, he won't. The pills will discredit anything he has to say about it, and he has no evidence to back it up, so it's his fuzzied mind against all of you.

    Gabi looks uncertainly at EJ. She sighs, trying to relax herself, but is unable to. EJ holds onto her, making sure Gabi's eyes are locked on his.

    EJ: He won't able to hurt you or anybody else, I will make sure of that.
    GABI: I hope you're right.

    Gabi reaches around EJ and hugs him.

    GABI: For Ari's sake, I hope you're right.

    ---

    Marlena opens the door to her office and, upon seeing John, smiles warmly.

    MARLENA: John!

    Marlena stops short of hugging him, though it's her first instinct.

    She steps back, looking up with a now-slightly-subdued smile.

    MARLENA: It's good to see you. Come in.

    Marlena steps aside, allowing John to walk into her office. She closes the door behind her. She walks awkwardly behind him toward her desk.

    MARLENA; So! I'm surprised you're back in Salem.
    JOHN: Well, I...only got back last night.

    John sits down as Marlena finds a seat behind her desk, she looks down at John before sitting down.

    MARLENA: I...I see. Well, it's good to see you back.

    After a moment of awkward silence, she breaks the silence.

    MARLENA: I...uh...I got your letter. I...
    JOHN: Doc. I...
    MARLENA: I was so pleased that...you were considering...

    John interrupts her, holding up his hands to stop her before she says anything that will prevent him from doing what he came to do.

    JOHN: I should never have sent that letter.

    Marlena is immediately and visibly taken aback. As though a shot has been fired into her chest.

    MARLENA: What? What do you mean?
    JOHN: I mean exactly what I said, Doc.

    John looks down to avoid looking Marlena in the eyes. He fumbles with the maila envelope before placing it on the desk in front of Marlena.

    Marlena looks down at it. Not even sure she wants to know the answer.

    She breathes in, but takes a moment to decide whether or not to ask the question.

    MARLENA: W...What are those?

    John looks up, almost stone-faced at her, before finally choking out his answer.

    JOHN: Divorce papers.

    Marlena looks to John, her eyes welling up almost immediately.

    ---
  10. beebs
    EPISODE 58
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson


    Nick steps off the elevator at the MadWorld offices at Titan. Making his way over to one of the offices, he knocks gently on the door.

    A voice from inside calls out.

    SHERYL: Come in.

    Nick sees himself in, and Sheryl, sitting at her desk, working on her laptop, looks up. Realizing who it is, is displeased at seeing him.

    SHERYL: Not the time.
    NICK: Oh, come on! Don't you have time for old friends?
    SHERYL: I do. For friends.
    NICK: Needlessly harsh, Sheryl.

    Sheryl looks up from her computer, staring at Nick, as if staring long enough will make him disappear.

    SHERYL: What do you want?
    NICK: We need to go over a few things before the vote today. What is going to be our next move?

    Sheryl's interest is piqued. She closes her laptop and looks at Nick with a sudden interest.

    ---

    Gabi walks up to the door of Hope's office at the Salem PD. She pauses a second before knocking, and breathes in deeply, as though the deep breath will give her the confidence to carry out her next step.

    GABI: (softly, to herself) Okay, Gabi. You can do this. You've got to. We have to get Nick out of our lives for good. Especially for Ari.

    Gabi knocks on Hope's door. Inside, Hope shuffles papers around her desk, before stepping over to the door to open it.

    HOPE: Gabi! What a nice surprise!

    Gabi stands nervously on the other side, flashing an awkward smile as she tries to look Hope in the eyes but is fairly unsuccessful. Hope can sense her tension.

    GABI: Hey...Hope. Uh...Can I come in?

    Hope steps back from the door, motioning Gabi inside.

    HOPE: Sure.

    Hope steps back, giving Gabi the chance to come in, and sit down in front of her desk, as Hope slides in behind it. They both have a seat, as Hope attempts to suss out Gabi's very nervous mood.

    HOPE: So...what's happening? How's Ari?
    GABI: She's good. She's growing every day I see her. I just...I'm so proud to be her mom.
    HOPE: You know, I really need to come visit you guys one of these days. I've just been so swamped with work lately I haven't had much of a chance.
    GABI: Oh we'd love it. And bring Ciara with you!

    Hope smiles warmly.

    HOPE: I'm sure she'd love that. So...what can I do for you?

    Gabi sighs before she speaks, still working out exactly what to tell Hope.

    GABI: Well...it's Nick. I'm really worried about him, and I was hoping...you could help.

    Hope looks concerned, raising her one eyebrow in curiosity.

    ---

    Marlena sets the manila envelope down on her desk, shaking her head at John's news.

    MARLENA: What happened to the John who sent me that letter all those months ago? Asking me to forgive him, and that we should give it another chance?
    JOHN: That was a long time ago, Doc. Things have changed a lot since then.
    MARLENA: I'll say. Not a word from you since then, while your son went off the rails and drove into the lake. And where have you been?

    John looks down, silent. Marlena refuses to accept his silence as an answer.

    MARLENA: WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN, JOHN?!

    John looks up, shaking his head.



    JOHN: I can't tell you.

    Marlena slams her fist on her desk. Fed up with John's secrecy.

    MARLENA: NO! I do NOT accept that!

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Sheryl sits at her desk, thoughtfully contemplating Nick's question about their post-board meeting plans. Finally she speaks.

    SHERYL: Well...I think we better start getting our troops on the ground, shouldn't we?
    NICK: And what exactly do you mean by that?

    Sheryl smirks, looking up at Nick with a look that's equal parts evil genius and seductress.

    SHERYL: I know someone who can help us out. Get everyone mobilized in the right way. Trust me, he's come through before.

    Nick's interest is piqued. He steps slowly towards Sheryl, almost as though the two are flirting.

    NICK: And....does this someone have a name, perchance?

    Sheryl's smirk grows, she breaks gaze with Nick and turns back to her computer.

    SHERYL: Don't you know not to put all your cards on the table straight away?
    NICK: Oh come on, Siobhan, now you're not playing fair.

    Sheryl looks back at Nick momentarily, holding a finger up ready to wag.

    SHERYL: Now now, Salem names!

    Nick rolls his eyes playfully.

    SHERYL: You know, Nick, if you want me to trust you, you're going to have to start trusting me a little more. I'll tell you more when I have things confirmed. Okay?

    Nick shakes his head, a sly grin across his face. He gets up and heads for the door. Sheryl smiles and picks up her phone, starting to dial.

    ---

    JJ walks into the Horton house, as Jennifer is preparing to leave for work. She looks surprised to see JJ coming in.

    JENNIFER: JJ. What are you doing out so early?

    JJ stops awkwardly in the doorway, trying to come up with an excuse on the fly to deflect from what he was actually up to.

    JJ: Mom! I...uh...didn't expect you to still be home. I...left something I needed for school.
    JENNIFER: Right...why exactly don't I believe you?
    JJ: I don't know, Mom. Do you ever?

    Jennifer looks at JJ, shooting him a disapproving glare.

    JENNIFER: JJ, I thought we were past this. Look, I know that right now, I'm not getting the whole story. And I know something strange is going on because your sister didn't even come down for breakfast this morning, and you were out of the house before the crack of dawn when usually I have to pry you out of your bed if you have to be up any earlier than noon, so you'd better fess up, RIGHT now, Mister!

    JJ looks away, knowing he's been caught. He struggles to come up with an answer for his mother.

    ---

    Hope sits at her desk in her office, and looks over to Gabi, concerned about what she has to say.

    HOPE: Okay, what's wrong with him?

    Gabi breathes in deep, looking very concerned, as she concocts her story to Nick's cousin.

    GABI: Well...see...I...I've been spending some time with Nick since he's come back from...New York...and...
    HOPE: Have you? Good, I think Nick really needed that.

    Gabi gives a weak smile in Hope's direction before returning to her contemplative look. Gabi looks away from Hope as she speaks, nervously telling her story. Occasionally catching herself and looking at Hope, whose intense gaze makes Gabi even more nervous.

    GABI: Well, I hope so. I just...I don't think it's really doing much good...see...I've been noticing Nick's been acting really...strange since he's been back. He's just...he's not been his usual self.
    HOPE: What are you saying?
    GABI: I...Hope, I think Nick's using again. And if he is, I'm worried about what he'll do.
    HOPE: Gabi, I don't think you have--
    GABI: Hope, please. I wouldn't ask you unless I was really desperate. And I know he's your family but...you're the only one who can stop him. You know what he's capable of when he's hooked.



    Hope looks at Gabi, brow furrowed and unsure what to make of Gabi's concerns.

    HOPE: What do you expect me to do though? You want me to throw him in jail? Gabi, he's just completed his parole. He's just getting his life back. I can't do that to him!
    GABI: But that's the thing, Hope. He's not. He's throwing it away again. Don't you see? You have to stop him. I'm afraid. For him. For me. For Will, Sonny...especially for my daughter. Please, Hope.

    Hope looks away, lost suddenly in thought. Gabi's passionate pleas have given her the confidence to look straight towards Hope, as Gabi tears up, the genuine fear in her eyes becomes clear to anyone looking at her.

    ---

    John sighs, standing up from his seat in front of Marlena's desk. Marlena looks up, not believing that John's prepared to walk out now.

    MARLENA: What, that's it? You're just going to walk out now? Drop a bomb and leave?

    John stops and turns around, pained to even talk to Marlena right now, especially knowing how badly he's hurting her.

    JOHN: Doc, look. There's nothing we can say to each other right now that's gonna help either one of us.
    MARLENA: Oh no. You don't get away that easily, John. We have plenty to talk about.
    JOHN: Like what, Doc? What good it is gonna do to rehash everything.

    Marlena sighs, trying to keep cool. She walks around the other side of her desk and takes John's hand tightly.

    MARLENA: It'll do me a lot of good, and that should mean at least something to you.
    JOHN: Doc, don't do this. Don't make this any--
    MARLENA: ...Any what? Any harder than it has to be? I will make this as difficult as I want if it's the only way to get any answers out of you. Now you listen to me. Why are you doing this? You're just going to let Kristen win after everything she's done to you, and me, and Brady? This is exactly what she wants.
    JOHN: Doc, this isn't about Kristen anymore...
    MARLENA: Then what is it?

    Marlena grabs both of John's arms, trying to keep him in place instead of running away. John looks as though he doesn't want to engage.

    MARLENA: John, I have been there for you through way too much. From trying to figure out who you really are, after everything Stefano has done to both of us, all that time that I stood by you, even when Stefano had you...acting like you didn't even feel love...I was there. And it ends because of THIS?? This is absolutely nothing compare--
    JOHN: Doc, you don't understand. At all. There is something that...none of us can fix.
    MARLENA: Then what about this?

    Marlena walks back behind her desk and pulls out the letter John sent her from Europe many months ago from her desk drawer. She holds it up sternly. John knows exactly what letter it is and has to look away, knowing he's getting emotional.

    JOHN: I told you, Doc. Things have changed since then.
    MARLENA: WHAT HAS?
    JOHN: Oh would you just stop it?!
    MARLENA: I absolutely will not. I want to know what changed, John. You owe me that. I fought for YEARS to get back to you. I fought so hard for you, through everything. I never stopped believing in us, through Alex, through Kristen, Stefano, when Roman was ill...and now this. And now, after giving me this tiny little shred of hope...that's it?

    John looks down, trying so hard to keep himself together, he can't conceive of looking up. Marlena walks up to John, around to make sure she's facing him.

    MARLENA: This letter meant enough for you to send to me, so I want to know why you're here now trying to tear us apart. It is obvious that you're hurting as much as I am, so what is it?

    John finally snaps, looking Marlena dead in the eye, an anger and sadness in his voice.

    JOHN: Alright, you want the truth so badly, I'll spill. It's Roman.

    Marlena looks at John, a look of confusion and disappointment on her face.

    ---

    LOVED IT? HATED IT? TELL ME ALL ABOUT IT IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
  11. beebs
    EPISODE 59
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson



    Sheryl picks up the phone in her office at Titan, she begins a conversation with a mysterious person, whom she is obviously very familiar with.

    SHERYL: (into phone) Hey, it's me.

    After a pause, she continues.

    SHERYL: Yeah, I'm still in Salem. Look, you remember how you owe me a little...favour?...Yeah. So does that mean you're in? ...No, you'll have to come here first. (laughs) That's right. Okay. I'll keep in touch. Bye.

    Sheryl puts down the phone and smiles broadly, before looking for a file, and heading from her office. She strides confidently to the door and closes it with a confident flourish.

    ---

    Gabi sits at Hope's desk, pleading with her to look into Nick's supposedly renewed drug use.



    GABI: Please, Hope. You have to go talk to Nick. You're my only hope.

    Hope looks down, deep in thought about the decision before her.

    After a pause that feels like an eternity, Hope answers.

    HOPE: Alright. I'll do it.

    Gabi beams with happiness at Hope's decision.

    GABI: Thank you! Thank you so much, Hope. I know I'm asking a lot but...you may have saved my life.

    Gabi stands up and hugs Hope tightly. Hope reciprocates but with much less intensity than Gabi, as though she's still contemplating her decision.

    HOPE: No problem, Gabi. I'll let you know how it goes, alright?
    GABI: Okay! Thanks again, I know it's...I know it's a huge thing to ask of you, I just...want you to know that I do appreciate it.
    HOPE: Don't mention it.

    Gabi grabs her purse and walks quickly out of Hope's office, waving goodbye as she does. Once outside the door, Gabi breathes a heavy sigh of relief, knowing that her plan has, so far, worked.

    Inside, Hope sits back down, shaking her head at the dilemma she faces.

    ---

    Daniel steps over to the nurses' station at University Hospital, where Maxine stands, staring into her computer. Despite this, Maxine knows Daniel is there.



    MAXINE: Dr. Jonas, how are you this morning?

    Maxine looks up to see a rather hungover doctor standing before her. She raises an eyebrow, knowingly.

    MAXINE: Mmmhmm, that's what I thought.
    DANIEL: Maxine, I don't want to hear it.
    MAXINE: Did you at least have a good time last night?

    Daniel looks away, hoping to avoid answering her question. Maxine continues to stare Daniel down.

    DANIEL: Ehhhh...you could...say so.

    Maxine sees a bit of a glimmer in Daniel's eye and gives him a knowing look. Her smirk disarms Daniel a bit, and he leans in to speak in confidence to her.

    DANIEL: I can't tell you anything more than that.

    Maxine makes a mock-insulted face, and Daniel laughs before walking away.

    As Daniel walks away, he looks down at his notes. About to make his rounds, he notices the first name on the page. Theresa. He looks up at her hospital room door and sighs, struck by the sadness of the situation.

    ---

    Kim sits in the waiting room outside Aiden's office as Aiden's secretary hangs up the phone at the desk next to Kim. She looks at Kim with a smile.

    SECRETARY: Mr. Jennings will see you now, Ms. Brady.

    Kim stands up, smiling politely.

    KIM: Thank you.

    Kim timidly opens the door to Aiden's office and steps in, closing it carefully behind her.

    AIDEN: Ms. Brady! Good to meet you. My name's Aiden Jennings.

    Aiden strides over to Kim confidently and shakes her hand. Aiden smiles warmly, while Kim looks up with a bit of trepidation, smiling only momentarily, almost sheepishly.

    KIM: It's...great to meet you, Aiden. Please, call me Kim.

    Aiden motions for Kim to have a seat at his desk, at which point Aiden steps back towards his side of the desk.

    AIDEN: Please, Kim. Have a seat. So what is it I can help you with, exactly?
    KIM: Well...I need you to give me a little advice about a family...situation.
    AIDEN: Okay...what exactly is it?
    KIM: It's my daughter, Theresa. She's been in an accident, and she's...unfortunately in the hospital.

    Aiden looks at Kim with concern.

    AIDEN: I'm...really sorry to hear about that. Is there a problem at University Hospital or something?
    KIM: Well...no.
    AIDEN: Then what's the problem?
    KIM: To be blunt, I need you to find a way to keep Billie Reed out of Theresa's hospital room.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Marlena and John are in Marlena's office at the hospital, as Marlena steps back from John, stunned at what he'd just told her.

    MARLENA: I'm sorry? You saw what?

    John steps forward towards Marlena, who is still upset by John's sudden change of heart about salvaging their marriage.

    JOHN: The first thing I see when I come back to town, Doc. You and...Roman. I saw you comforting him on that bench, Doc.
    MARLENA: You have absolutely no idea what that was about, John!
    JOHN: No. I do.
    MARLENA: How could you possibly?! You've been gone for months! No one's heard boo from you! And suddenly you know exactly what's going on?

    John holds up his hands to indicate to Marlena to calm down. Marlena doesn't agree.

    MARLENA: NO! NO! No you do not...
    JOHN (talking over her) Doc, I'm not saying what you think I am...Doc. Come on now.
    MARLENA: I was comforting Roman because he...
    JOHN: Doc! You don't have to explain anything to me. Just...be good to him. Alright?

    Marlena looks at John with confusion in her face, realizing that John isn't upset but giving her up.

    MARLENA: What?

    John sighs heavily, visibly pained by what he has to tell Marlena, but he finally struggles to spit it out.

    JOHN: My lawyers will contact you in the morning. We'll get the divorce proceedings finalized. I want this to be quick and painless for both of us.
    MARLENA: John! What do you mean?
    JOHN: I mean it's time we let this go, Doc. Look, I...I can't talk about this any further but...this is just...it's how it has to be, okay?

    John heads for the door and steps into the hall. Marlena can only stand still in shock as he leaves.

    JOHN: I'll be gone by morning.
    MARLENA: What...John? JOHN!

    Marlena follows John to the door as he walks off. She stops and looks on with hurt and utter confusion on her face as he disappears into the busy hospital.

    ---

    Aiden thinks for a moment before standing up from his desk and pacing the room.

    AIDEN: I mean...this is a big step. Is this Billie...Miss Reed is she...is she a threat to Theresa at all?

    Kim sneers at the thought of Billie as she responds.

    KIM: Well, if you ask me she's a threat to anyone within a 100 mile radius of her.
    AIDEN: Okay, but...legally. Can we make a case against this woman? Because you can do one of two things here, y'see. You can either just talk with the hospital administration and ask that Theresa be put under a stricter visitor list. Only immediate family admitted, and those usually work but they're...hard to enforce in a hospital the size of University Hospital.
    KIM: Right. I mean...I used to work at University Hospital so I know that all too well.

    Aiden walks over to the edge of his desk and sits on the corner of it, looking at Kim for some kind of response.

    AIDEN: Exactly, and then there's a restraining order, which is effective, but...extreme.

    Kim looks up at Aiden with a sudden shift in demeanour. Suddenly her near-timidity vanishes and a look of steel resolve flashes in her eyes as they stare unwaveringly at Aiden.

    KIM: That woman has done more damage to my family than anyone, even Stefano DiMera could dream of. I want her away from my daughter if it's the last thing I do.

    Aiden's eyes immediately widen at the fire that emerged in Kim's eyes, deadlocked into his own.

    ---

    Kate looks at Billie with some slight confusion in her face before she snaps back to her usual calm, collected visage.

    KATE: Nick Fallon has absolutely nothing to do with anything I do. I was just saying that Nick was telling me that he overheard from a board member on the elevator this morning that we may end up with major fines from the FCC if we keep the station. The conflict of interest in this is crystal clear, Billie.
    BILLIE: Well...he has a point. But I don't know why you're trusting conjecture from Nick.
    KATE: Because he's right more often than he's wrong. Whether he's a psychopath or not.

    Kate grabs her briefcase and heads for the door of her office.

    KATE: Now. We have a board meeting to go to. Can I count on you to vote with me on this?

    Billie mulls it over for a moment before responding. She nods hesitantly.

    BILLIE: Yes.

    Kate smiles and opens the door to her office.

    KATE: Good! Let's go then!

    Kate motions Billie from her office and she and her daughter head for the board room.

    As they walk into the lobby, Lucas steps off the elevator, much to Kate's delight. She quickly motions her son over to her side.

    KATE: Ahhh! Lucas! I have something I need to talk to you about.

    Wrapping her arm over Lucas' shoulder, Lucas looks over to her with a more than bit of worry in his eyes as they walk off to the board meeting.

    LUCAS: Uh oh. What did you do now?

    ---

    Nick is in his lab, making a face of pain as he pinches the bridge of his nose. Still reeling a bit from his hangover, he reaches into his briefcase, and pulls out the bottle of "Aspirin" from his bag. Quickly walking over to the water cooler, he grabs a paper cup and downs the pill and the water.

    Refreshed, and trying to shake off the hangover pains, he walks back to his bag, closing it up when he gets a call from Sheryl. Looking at his phone before answering, he answers with a cocky smile on his face.

    NICK: Yeah, just packing up to head home for lunch...well why wouldn't I?...Yeah. Everything's gonna work out exactly according to plan.

    ---


    JJ stands in the Horton living room, and looks at Jennifer before holding up his hands in surrender.

    JJ: Okay, you got me. I was driving Abigail to the airport this morning.
    JENNIFER: What? What do you mean? Where is Abby?
    JJ: She's in Europe.

    Jennifer tenses with worry, she almost explodes at JJ from the shock of his news.

    JENNIFER: What??
    JJ: It was for work, it's...DiMera...it's a...project they wanted specifically her to work on. It was...really last minute.
    JENNIFER: I...she didn't even...consult with me. She didn't...she's not fit to fly, she just got out of hospital a few hours ago, I mean...

    JJ holds his mom's shoulders, hoping to make her feel a little more relaxed.

    JJ: Look...Mom, I tried to talk Abs out of going but...it's just...for a few weeks, it's not a huge deal, okay?
    JENNIFER: OH that's what YOU think!

    Jennifer makes a beeline for the phone, but JJ follows her and stops her before she can pick it up.

    JJ: Mom, what are you doing?
    JENNIFER: I am going to call the airport and stop them before that plane takes off.
    JJ: You can't! It's already taken off. They left hours ago.



    Jennifer looks at JJ with at first appears to be shock but soon changes into one of disappointment. She backs away from her phone and looks at JJ with intense sadness.

    JENNIFER: How could you let her do this, JJ? How could you just...ship your sister off to the DiMeras.

    JJ looks away, shaking his head as well at his mother's grave accusation. At the same moment, Jennifer grabs her jacket and purse from the table, never once taking her eyes off JJ.

    JJ: Mom...MOM, where are you going?
    JENNIFER: I'm going to have a little chat with your sister's boss.
    JJ: Mom! I don't...

    Jennifer doesn't listen and slams the door shut before JJ can get a word in. JJ is left behind, holding back his urge to slam his fist down.

    ---
  12. beebs

    DAYS #6: Back To Work

    By beebs,

    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 6
    written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultant: ML Cooks

    Brady is heading back home from Theresa's when he receives a text from Sami that reads:

    Get to the brady pub NOW!!! its important


    Brady rolls his eyes at Sami's text and ignores it. He's about to put his phone away when he gets a call from Victor. He grumbles as he picks up.

    BRADY: Grandad.
    VICTOR: Brady Black, I was about five seconds away from calling a search party. Where in blue blazes have you been all night?
    BRADY: Okay, grandad, I thought we agreed that I was going to be living alone like an adult and not having you guys keeping tabs on me.
    VICTOR: Then start acting like one and do your damn job! Be here in ten minutes or I'll be signing your pink slip.

    Brady responds calmly, feeling Victor is really grasping at straws now.
    BRADY: You can't do that, Grandad. I'M the CEO.
    VICTOR: OH? Just watch me!

    Victor hangs up as Maggie walks into the Kiriakis living room where Victor is.

    MAGGIE: Who was that?
    VICTOR: Three guesses.
    MAGGIE: Brady.
    VICTOR: Dammit, Maggie. I'm so worried about him, and I feel like no matter what I do, it's the wrong thing.
    MAGGIE: Maybe he needs some time away from work. Maybe...maybe you should step in and run Titan for awhile.
    VICTOR: You've taken leave of your senses, woman! I want him to at least want to talk to me again before I die.
    MAGGIE: Well, Victor, I don't know what to say. You let him move out, drop out of the program, I'm no longer his sponsor. Your solution to all of this seems to be to just let him do whatever he wants and not have to face his problem.
    VICTOR: That's not what I'm trying to do at all. I want him to stay in charge at Titan because I thought the responsibility would be good for him...

    Maggie senses a hesitation in Victor's voice. She presses on.

    MAGGIE: But...?
    VICTOR: Honestly? I'm not so sure anymore.
    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Nicole throws the envelope down on her desk in disdain. She has her hands on her hips as she stares Miles down, hoping he'll back off and give her another story.

    NICOLE: What do I look like? Erin Brokovich?
    MILES: Nicole! Come on! You're the perfect person for a story like this.
    NICOLE: Are you kidding? What kind of television is a story like this gonna make? "Nocturnal Owl Watcher Being Forced From His Land By Big Oil!"
    MILES: I don't see what the problem is! This Percy guy is quite a character. He'll be fantastic on television!
    NICOLE: I thought I was working for Titan, not Greenpeace!

    Nicole turns away, shaking her head, arms crossed.

    MILES: Now come on, Nicole. You don't know ANYTHING about this story. Look into it. All I'm asking is that you look into it. Maybe you'll be surprised by what you come across.
    NICOLE: And it's even more likely I'll wanna gouge my eyes out from boredom.
    MILES: You know, you're walking on some pretty thin ice here. It's not like you have a job at the church to go back to.

    Nicole's face tightens up as she realizes she's being railroaded into taking the story. She turns around quickly to face Miles.

    NICOLE: I'll think about it. Now get out of my office, would you?

    Miles gets up from behind Nicole's desk, holding his hands up as if to surrender.

    MILES: Alright, alright! But I gotta say, you definitely have a much nicer chair than I do.
    NICOLE: Office Supplier, right behind University Hospital. Get your own.

    Nicole gives Miles and mocking smile as she waves him out the door.

    MILES: Okay! But you give me an answer by tonight, you hear me?
    NICOLE: Yeah, yeah. GOODBYE!

    Nicole slumps in her chair after Miles closes the door, in disbelief at the story she's just been presented.

    NICOLE: An owl watcher? Seriously, Miles?

    ---

    Nick and Percy both enter the lab at MadWorld HQ, impressed by their surroundings.

    NICK: HA! It's so nice to be back at work!
    PERCY: I've never seen such a glorious monument to modern chemistry!
    NICK: Oh trust me. You're gonna love every second of working here.

    Nick places his laptop bag on a counter and pulls his laptop from his bag. Percy walks over to the same table.

    NICK: Alright. So are you ready to do this?
    PERCY: Ready, willing, and able!

    Nick opens his laptop and begins working furiously on it, while explaining what's happening to Percy.

    NICK: Alright. So first thing's first. We're gonna need to ingratiate ourselves to Kate. Make her trust us and our intentions. It's the only way we're going to be able to gain any access.
    PERCY: Are you sure you'll be able to?
    NICK: Well, there's two possibilities. Either I can use my savvy and get Kate to trust me, or you are gonna have to really use those investigative skills of yours and dig up something big against her. Either way, Kate Roberts will be eating from the palm of our hands.

    ---

    SAMI: You cannot be serious!
    ERIC: I am.

    Sami is stood beside the booth at the Brady Pub where Marlena, Roman, and Eric have gathered to discuss Eric's resignation.

    SAMI: They couldn't have come to a decision that fast. Are you serious? Because if they are, I am going to go down to St. Luke's and have a talk with that Father Poindexter or whatever his name is--
    ERIC: SAMI!
    SAMI: WHAT??
    ERIC: Sit down and shut up for a second.

    Sami frowns like a child and slumps down in the booth next to Marlena.

    SAMI: Priests don't talk like that.
    ERIC: I've resigned, I don't have to play nice anymore.
    SAMI: That's not fair. You have to, you know, let me get used to it. Anyway, what happened?
    ERIC: Well, I was just telling Mom and Dad that I had decided that it was best if I resigned. When Nicole and Daniel tracked down Dr. Chyka, they weren't able to find any evidence linking him to Kristen.
    SAMI: Which means there's no evidence implicating that Kristen raped you.

    Eric winces slightly at Sami's choice of words, he looks down in disappointment and in some degree, of shame.

    ERIC: Exactly.
    MARLENA: Wait, Eric. What do you mean?
    ERIC: Well, Daniel and Nicole found out where Dr. Chyka's hideout was, and went off to find him without getting the police involved.
    ROMAN: Which was stupid. Hope told me about this last night. Those two could've got themselves killed going up against that bastard by themsleves.
    ERIC: I know, Dad. And I mean no disrespect, but Stefano's always had men hiding in the force. I mean, look at Benardi!

    Roman shakes his head, completely understanding the situation.

    ROMAN: I know, son. We've had a lot to deal with internally in the force when it comes to the DiMeras. I just...I feel like we could've done more if they'd come to us instead of going about it on their own.
    MARLENA: Wait a minute. What is going on? What happened to the doctor?
    ERIC: Well, Nicole was told to guard him and he escaped with the evidence.
    SAMI: Of course. Of course she did.
    ERIC: Sami, I don't want to hear it, okay?
    SAMI: Oh come on, Eric. She's so transparent she might as well be made of plastic wrap. She knows if they don't get the evidence against Kristen, you'll be out of the priesthood, and she can't wait to pounce on you. And you know it.

    Eric fights his rage at Sami's accusation, but a piece of him can't fight the sense of doubt.

  13. beebs
    EPISODE 60
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson  
     

    At Titan HQ, Victor and Tyler approach the closed doors of the Titan board room. Victor motions to Tyler to stop before entering.
     
    VICTOR: Now. Remember what we planned. This has to go down properly.
    TYLER: Victor, as long as you have Kate and her kids on board, it tips the balance.
    VICTOR: That's true. And having my vote plus Brady's proxy vote will make all the difference. If we lose the TV station, we are never going to get the public support for the fracking operation. We need that station, dammit. Nothing, and I mean nothing can go wrong today.
     
    ---
     

    Hope knocks on the door of the MadWorld lab, seeing Nick closing up his briefcase. Nick, hearing the knock, looks up and smiles, seeing his cousin.
     
    NICK: Hope! What a great surprise. How are you?
     
    Nick walks over and gives Hope a big hug.
     
    HOPE: Good to see you. Got time for lunch?
    NICK: You know, I was just about to head out for lunch. I just gotta stop off at my place quickly for a sec, do you mind tagging along?
    HOPE: No, no. No problem at all.
    NICK: Great. Uh...give me one sec. I just gotta run to the bathroom and we can go, okay?
    HOPE: Sure! I'll just wait here.
    NICK: Awesome.
     
    Nick steps out of the lab, leading Hope to immediately begin casually snooping around. A bottle on one of the shelves catches Hope's eye, and she reaches up to grab it.
     
    ---
     

    Will steps into his living room, where Sonny is prepping lunch. Will smiles as he walks over to his fiancee and kisses him quickly on the lips.
     
    SONNY: Hey. How's Ari?
    WILL: Oh, I just laid her down to sleep, so she'll be out for awhile.Gabi's gone to run some errands. Which is perfect because I need to share some news with you.
    SONNY: Oh?
    WILL: Yeah...well...you know how your uncle Vic is involved in this whole...EnerNext business?
     
    Sonny looks at Will with an almost suspect look in his eyes, trying to figure out where he's going with this.
     
    SONNY: Yes. And you also know how I feel about that project.
    WILL: Well, that's it. I know you're dead set against it because of the environmental damage and the pollution it could cause--
    SONNY: ...Will cause, Will. Not to mention, don't you think it's really convenient that they're planning to do all this fracking right near the poorest section of Salem?
    WILL: I know, but...you know, this could be good for people in those areas too, no? I mean...the jobs that that could create--
    SONNY: ...Will. They will be spending all that money in health care. The pollution...Salem would be completely inhospitable if they go ahead with this fracking operation.
    WILL: Oh come on. Lots of places do this, and they're just fine.
     
    Sonny pauses and looks at Will with confusion.
     
    SONNY: Will, why are you so defensive of Uncle Vic's fracking project. What's going on?
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     
    Hope grabs a pill bottle from the shelf and opens it.
     
    HOPE: Empty.
     
    Hope puts it back on the shelf, not sure if she should be thrilled or disappointed. She keeps looking before hearing the door swing open, and Hope jumps back into an awkward waiting pose as Nick walks in.
     
    NICK: Ready?
    HOPE: Yeah! Let's go!
     
    Hope looks back into the lab, trying to think of any other place Nick could have hid any pills before they walk out, and Nick closes the door.
     
    ---
     
    Will stumbles over his words, trying to formulate the best way to tell Sonny the truth. Sonny pours himself a glass of juice and takes a drink as Will explains himself.
     
    WILL: Well...see, I ran into Aunt Maggie yesterday, right?
    SONNY: (through his drink) Mmhmm.
    WILL: And, well, I had written an article that I'd had published on a blog. I showed you that article, yeah?
     
    Sonny nods as he sits down on the sofa next to Will.
     
    SONNY: Yeah, I know which one. That was a really good article.
     
    Will smiles, still flattered by his husband's praise, even if it's almost expected of Sonny.
     
    WILL: Thank you. Well, Aunt Maggie liked it too, and the next thing I know, I get this call from this man, Tyler Houston.
     
    Sonny's expression changes immediately when Sonny hears the name. Will pulls out the contract Tyler handed him from his bag and shows it to Sonny.
     
    SONNY: Oh no, not...
    WILL: And...Sonny, he liked my work so much that...offered me a job. A good job, I'd be the one writing all public relations releases for EnerNext.
    SONNY: Oh no, NO way.
     
    Will is taken aback by Sonny's visceral refusal.
     
    ---
     

    Victor opens the doors to the board room to find a room filled with executives from various divisions of the corporation, including Kate, Billie, Lucas, and Justin. Tyler walks in alongside Victor, and the two prepare to sit down at the head of the table.
     
    VICTOR: Good afternoon, everyone. I trust we will be able to settle this with some expediency, as my grandson's so-called memorial service will be held later this afternoon. 
     
    Kate looks over to Lucas, hiding her mouth with her one hand as she whipsers to him.
     
    KATE: Poor old fool still thinks there's a chance that boy's alive.
    LUCAS: Well, he's right. There's no body.
    KATE: That means nothing, it's all just an attempt to keep the votes in his favour and you know it.
     
    Victor continues to speak, grabbing an envelope from Tyler as he continues his announcement to the room.
     
    VICTOR: Now on that note, as we have no actual confirmation of Brady's untimely demise, I move to have his place on the board retained until such time as there is an official death certificate issued by the coroner's office.
    BILLIE: Well, Victor, that could take months!
    VICTOR: I'm well aware of that. I'm not jumping the gun on this. Brady is family, and I'm not giving up on him, unlike some of his so-called friends in this damn town. So on that note, and in the absence of his father, I will act as Brady's proxy on today's vote.
     
    Kate rolls her eyes and looks to Lucas again.
     
    KATE: Told you.
    LUCAS: But will that give him enough votes to win?
    KATE: Not sure, there's a couple wild cards. But I will say this, if Victor does get his way, start looking for a new job. Fast.
     
    Victor opens his briefcase, pulling out paper packages which he begins handing out to the members of the board gathered around the table. Once the paperwork is handed out, Victor continues.
     
    VICTOR: Now, the matter at hand today is a motion put forth by one of our board members, one that I am fundamentally opposed to, I might add. It is, as a costcutting matter, whether or not to shed our television operations. I need not explain to you the service our TV station will provide us in the fight against the loopy treehuggers who want to shut EnerNext down. If we shut down the TV station and sell it off, sure it will save us some money. However, if we don't get this fracking operation on the right side of public opinion, this company will be in very real danger of brankruptcy, and we can't let that happen.
     
    Tyler steps in at this point, continuing Victor's statement.
     
    TYLER: Now, I would like to have the board member who put forth the motion to have their say. Justin?
     
    Justin Kiriakis stands, buttoning his suit jacket button as he begins. He begins with a bit of trepidation, but picks up steam quickly, as his lawyer instincts kick in.
     
    JUSTIN: Ahh yes. Thank you, Tyler. Now, as I am legal counsel for Titan, and, by extension, EnerNext, I have brought forth this motion to prevent any possible...concerns we may have down the road, particularly with regards to any potential anti-trust lawsuits, as well as a particularly glaring conflict of interest between Titan TV and its reporting on the EnerNext deal. 
     
    Kate leans over once again, to Billie this time, and whispers her rolling commentary yet again.
     
    KATE: Uh oh. Dear old Uncle Vic's gonna have some choice words for little Justin.
     
    Billie looks at her mom with a smile, trying not to laugh.
     
    BILLIE: (whispering) Mom, stop!
    KATE: (whispering) Well, it's true! If I'd done something like this, Victor would've had me hung.
     
    Justin tries to ignore Kate and Billie, barely giving the faintest of eye rolls as he continues to make his case to the board.
     
    JUSTIN: While I am fully in support of the EnerNext proposal, I...do think we would be better off long term avoiding possible FCC fines, that could be in the region of tens of millions of dollars, if not more. The revenue from the EnerNext deal may not be enough to offset the potential disastrous effects of the FCC fines, and we may end up in an even worse situation than we're in already. Thank you.
     
    The board members flip contientiously through the handouts provided, and there is a bit of a pause between the end of Justin's speech and when Victor rises back up from his seat at the head of the board room table to finish up.
     
    VICTOR: Thank you, Justin. Now, with that, I would like to quickly ask if there are any concerns or questions from the board before we vote.
     
    Victor takes a quick pause, looking around the room, as do all the other board members, eager to see what the others in the room have to say. When no one speaks up, Victor continues.
     
    VICTOR: Very well. In that case. We will commence voting. If in favour of retaining Titan TV, vote Aye. If you're in favour of divestment, vote nay. Tyler Houston.
    TYLER: Aye.
    VICTOR: Nelson Hamilton.
    NELSON: Aye.
    VICTOR: Justin Kiriakis.
    JUSTIN: Nay.
     
    Victor looks at his nephew with a look of disappointment, as the vote continues to the next board member.
     
    VICTOR: Michael Browning.
    MICHAEL: Aye.
    VICTOR: Billie Reed.
     
    Billie breathes in deeply before responding.
     
    BILLIE: Nay.
     
    Victor's expression changes immediately, as he looks Billie's way, shooting daggers from his eyes. He continues the voting, with a much more bitter tone in his voice.
     
    VICTOR: Lucas Horton.
     
    Lucas responds, never taking his eyes off his mother.
     
    LUCAS: Nay.
     
    Victor looks at Lucas and Kate, noticing the communication happening between them just with their eyes. Lucas almost mouths to his mother.
     
    LUCAS: I hope you know what you're doing.
     
    Kate nods her response to Lucas, before the inevitable. Victor almost spits out Kate's name.
     
    VICTOR: Kate Roberts.
     
    Kate turns her glare the way of Victor, and, staring him down as if facing the devil himself, responds cooly.
     
    KATE: Nay.
     
    Victor holds his stareat Kate for a moment before looking back out to the board room before him.
     
    VICTOR: Victor Kiriakis. Yay. And naturally, as John nor Brady is present, I will be voting for Brady by proxy, and I--
     
    The moment these words escape Victor's lips, the board's attention is pulled away suddenly by the board room doors opening. Victor and Tyler quickly turn around, shocked by the abrupt noise behind them.
     

    Before them, John stands in the now-open doorway, nodding his greeting to the room, with a cool confidence.
     
    JOHN: Sorry, I'm late, everyone.
     
    Victor looks at John with a stoic look, but dread lingers behind his eyes.
     
    ---
     
  14. beebs
    EPISODE 61
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson  

    Sonny gets up from the sofa in his apartment, a bit angry as Will holds onto the contract from EnerNext, which he had attempted to present to Sonny.
     
    WILL: What do you mean, I can't take this job?
    SONNY: You can't, Will! This job...it's a mistake.
     

    Will gets up from the sofa, and walks over to the desk, placing the contract on it, deliberately where Sonny can see.
     
    WILL: Why? Because you don't like it? I thought you just said you believed in my work.
    SONNY: I've told you why, Will. It's not about your talent or your work, it's that you're working for a corrupt organization--
    WILL: That your Great Uncle owns. That your father works for as legal counsel. If they're so damned evil, why is it that every penny of your family's money stem from that corporation.
     
    Sonny walks off toward the bedroom, shaking his head as Will follows him.
     
    WILL: Don't walk away from me! You know I'm right.
     
    Sonny stops and turns around, pointing angrily at Will.
     
    SONNY: No. No, I don't know you're right, Will. In fact, I can give you a hundred reasons why this is the worst decision you could possibly make.
     
    ---
     

    EJ stands in the DiMera living room, looking over some paperwork quickly, when he hears a commotion from the foyer. 
     

    After a moment of listening, he heads for the doorway and not long after, the doors to the living room swing open, with Harold trying in vain to keep an enraged Jennifer Horton from walking into the room.
     
    JENNIFER: You!
    EJ: Good Lord, Jennifer! I would've figured a family of middle class doctors would have raised their children to have better manners than that.
    JENNIFER: Don't even START with me, EJ! I want answers.
    EJ: About what?
    JENNIFER: About where my daughter is, and why did you send her halfway across the world, and don't even think for a second it wasn't your idea, I saw you yesterday at the hospital, so give up the game!
     
    EJ looks frustrated, and looks away for a moment to try to answer respectfully.
     
    ---
     

    John steps into the Titan board room, striding in with casual confidence, much to Victor's chagrin.
     
    VICTOR: John! What a surprise. I expect you've come for the meeting.
    JOHN: Well, I wasn't planning on it, mostly because no one told me until just very recently.
     
    John stops behind Kate's seat and casually puts a hand on Kate's shoulder. Kate tenses, a bit surprised by John's touch, but looks back to Victor, who notices the small but pointed gesture.
     
    VICTOR: Fascinating.
    JOHN: I thought so. Now, I've got a question for you, Vic.
    VICTOR: Now isn't a great time, we're in the middle of a vote.
     
    John puts both hands on his hips. A smile grows on John's face as he walks towards Victor.
     
    JOHN: A vote, hm? See. Now, that actually, was exactly what my question was about.
    VICTOR: Really.
    JOHN: You know it! Here's what I wanna know, Vic. Have you retained Brady's place on the board, or have you had him declared dead?
     
    ---
     
     
     
    ---
     
    Will folds his arms, looking unimpressed at Sonny as Sonny lays into him for considering the EnerNext job.
     
    WILL: Alright. Go ahead, Sonny. Tell me why I shouldn't take the best damned job that's ever been offered to me.
    SONNY: Will, there will be other jobs that are just as good as this one.
    WILL: Oh, so I should follow my dreams, but only when they line up with your world view.
    SONNY: Will, that's not what I'm saying.
    WILL: Yes, it's exactly what you're saying! What makes you the authority on what's right and what's wrong?
    SONNY: I'm saying that I know what it's like to have someone flash a lot of money in front of your face. It can change you really quickly.
     
    Sonny walks in closer to Will and puts his hands on Will's shoulders. He looks intently into his eyes.
     
    SONNY: I want you to be careful, Will.
    WILL: I'm not exactly from a poor home, you know. I can take care of myself.
     
    Sonny looks down, dropping his hands to his sides as he thinks his answer through.
     
    SONNY: Okay. I don't think you should take this job, but if it's something you really want, and I mean truly, truly, want....then I will support that.
     
    Will leans over and kisses Sonny on the lips. They both smile as they look warmly at each other.
     
    WILL: Thank you.
    SONNY: Just remember, Uncle Vic can suck in even the best, most generous people in the world, and turn them into cynical, bitter, entitled bastards. Watch yourself.
     
    Will nods in understanding.
     
    WILL: Got it.
     
    Will and Sonny come together for a warm embrace, before slowly leaning in to kiss each other gently on the lips. They look at each other, standing forehead-to-forehead and giggle before kissing again. Flopping down on the couch, they kiss a bit more intensely, before Will pushes Sonny back gently and climbs on top of him. 


    Gabi walks in just at that same moment and jumps back, but smiles as she sees her roommates together.
     
    GABI: Well what did I just walk in on.
     
    Sonny and Will laugh as they separate. Will jumps off the couch and heads towards Gabi, greeting her with a quick hug.
     
    WILL: Ohhh nothing, just some fiancee/fiancee bonding time. Oh I have some news.
    GABI: Oh yeah?
     
    Will walks over to the desk again and pulls the contract from the manila envelope it had been in. He shows it to Gabi.
     
    WILL: I have been offered a job. A very...very...good...job.
     
    Gabi's eyes widen as she quickly looks at it.
     
    GABI: Wow! PR for Titan. That's HUGE, Will. Congrats!
     
    Gabi and Will lean in to hug each other. Gabi's smiling widely as she embraces him. Will pulls back after their hug and looks at Gabi a little oddly.
     
    WILL: You seem so...relaxed.
     
    Gabi's taken aback slightly by Will's statement. She walks past him, heading for the couch, where she quickly flops down.
     
    GABI: Really? Why, was I super-tense before?
    SONNY: Well...not to put too fine a point on it, but....yeah.
     
    Gabi looks at Sonny, who's sitting next to her on the sofa, and laughs a bit.
     
    GABI: Well...if I am, it's because all of our troubles are soon gonna completely disappear.
     
    ---
     
    EJ sighs as he walks over to the minibar and grabs a glass, holding it up as he speaks to an unimpressed Jenn.
     
    EJ: You look like you could use a drink.
     
    EJ turns around as Jenn smacks the glass from his hand, smashing it against the wall. EJ stands still, stunned by her rage.
     
    EJ: Or several.
    JENNIFER: This is not a game, EJ. I want to know where my daughter is.
    EJ: Jennifer, your daughter took a job in Italy for a few weeks. It is not a big deal. It's a very short assignment that came up last minute. I apologize if she didn't talk to you about it, but I have a feeling, considering your rather hysterical reaction just now that I know why she didn't.
     
    Jennifer, undaunted, steps in close to EJ, an intensity in her eyes that says she means business.
     
    JENNIFER: My daughter would not have done anything like this if it weren't for you. She has been acting like a complete basket case for months ever since she quit the hospital.
    EJ: And you blame me for that.
    JENNIFER: Yes, I blame you! You are the only thing that connects all of this. Ever since you two have been talking about Jack's book, ever since she's been looking after Johnny and Sydney and Allie, then quitting her job out of nowhere to work for you and Sami.
     
    EJ stops Jennifer, holding up one finger to make a quick interjection. He speaks almost too calmly back to an enraged Jennifer.
     
    EJ: That was all Samantha's idea. She saw your daughter was in need and did what any good friend and shrewd businesswoman would do.
    JENNIFER: Because of you. It's all because of you. It's so obvious to me now. You did something or said something to her that upset her so much that she was forced out of the hospital. Didn't you?
     
    EJ rolls his eyes, worried that Jenn is onto him, he looks back at Jenn with a frustrated look.
     
    ---
     
    Victor stands at the head of the board room table, looking on angrily at John.
     
    VICTOR: How dare you? Of course I'm retaining Brady's seat on the board. No one's declared him dead yet, have you?
    JOHN: Nope, I had no intention of it. I know strange things can happen in this town, and I won't believe he's gone until I see a body.
    VICTOR: Then what the hell are you asking for?
     
    John steps forward towards Victor and puts his briefcase down on the table. He speaks very casually, which is offputting to Victor.
     
    JOHN: Well, Brady made me proxy in the event of his absence from all vital Titan board meetings, and I know that in the event of my absence, that you, Victor, would gain his proxy vote.
     
    Victor sighs, knowing John is right, and with a glint of worry in Victor's eye.
     
    VICTOR: That is the truth.
    TYLER: We were just coming up on Brady's vote, in fact.
    JOHN: Perfect. I'd be happy to help.
     
    Victor looks sharply at Tyler, muttering to him in hopes John doesn't hear.
     
    VICTOR: Be careful, Houston. We may be in big trouble now.
    TYLER: (quietly) Well, you thought Kate and company were on your side as well, so John may surprise you yet.
    VICTOR: Fair enough.
     
    Kate looks at the goings on at the head of the table and pulls both Billie and Lucas in close.
     
    KATE: (whispering) I think I see sweat forming on Victor's brow already.
    LUCAS: (whispering) Let's just hope for everyone's sake that John doesn't vote against us.
     
    Billie shushes both her mom and brother, pointing to the front of the board room.
     
    Victor looks back John's way, as Tyler clears his throat, looking back toward John.
     
    TYLER: So! Yes. Back to the vote. John Black, as proxy voter for Brady Black, a vote of 'yay' would mean you are in favour of retaining the Titan TV division, a vote of 'nay' would mean you are in favour of Titan divesting of all Titan TV properties. What say you?
     
    John looks calmly around the room, smiling as the rest of the room impatiently waits for his answer.
     
    ---
  15. beebs
    EPISODE 62
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson





    Victor and Tyler stand at the head of the board room table at Titan HQ, as the board meeting comes to a head. John Black stands with them at the table, with Kate & Lucas Roberts, Billie Reed, and Justin Kiriakis sat around the table, with Nelson, another Titan board member, waiting impatiently for the vote to conclude.

    Victor looks back John's way, as Tyler clears his throat, looking back toward John.

    TYLER: So! Yes. Back to the vote. John Black, as proxy voter for Brady Black, a vote of 'yay' would mean you are in favour of retaining the Titan TV division, a vote of 'nay' would mean you are in favour of Titan divesting of all Titan TV properties. What say you?

    John looks calmly around the room, smiling as the rest of the room impatiently waits for his answer.

    JOHN: I vote...'nay'.

    Victor immediately slams his fist on the table in anger.

    VICTOR: Damn it, John!

    Tyler carries on through Victor's protestations. Everyone around the table mutters to each other, soaking in the shocking turn of events John's arrival has brought.

    TYLER: Therefore, by a margin of 5-4, I declare this vote closed. Titan shall be divesting itself of its Titan TV division, placing it up for sale immediately.

    Victor stares John down, looking directly into John's eyes with malice.

    VICTOR: You will regret this, John.
    JOHN: Are you kidding, Vic? I just did you one big favour. You oughta thank me.

    John grabs his briefcase, nods Victor and Kate's way and strolls out of the board room. Victor is left looking defeated as the board members filter from the room.

    As Kate makes her attempt to leave, Victor quickly grabs her arm to stop her from slinking away.

    KATE: Ow!
    VICTOR: Not so fast, Kate. I know what you're up to, and I'm not gonna let you get away with it.

    ---



    Nick opens the door to his apartment, and he and Hope step inside. They're chatting and laughing as they do, with Hope scurrying Nick inside.

    HOPE: Hurry, hurry, hurry, I need to go to the bathroom.
    NICK: (laughing) Okay, okay! Go! It's right there.
    HOPE: Thank yooou!

    Hope runs into the bathroom quickly and shuts the door. Once inside the bathroom, Hope's need to pee immediately vanishes. Hope puts on her detective face and, to avoid suspicion, noisily lifts the toilet seat.

    She then quickly steps over to the medicine cabinet. Hope very quietly opens it and looks inside. As the door of the medicine cabinet opens, it squeaks, making Hope jump. She stops the door immediately then waits, hoping Nick doesn't respond to the noise. After a moment of nothing, Hope carries on, but Nick immediately thereafter calls out to her through the door.

    NICK: Hey Hope! I'm just going to step out for a second to speak to the concierge, alright?

    Hope is startled by Nick's announcement and nearly doubles back when she hears him. She manages to pull it together and smiles through gritted teeth before calling back out to him.

    HOPE: Alright! I'll be out in just a sec.

    Hope waits another second for the door to shut before she opens the door to the bathroom. Sighing heavily, she steps out of the bathroom, not having seen anything in the medicine cabinet and not knowing where else to look for the pills Gabi hopes she'll find.

    Suddenly, Hope looks up to see Nick's briefcase. Her eyes light up.

    HOPE: Of course.

    Hope makes a beeline for Nick's laptop bag, which he uses for a briefcase. She opens it up and commencing looking through the various compartments, but just before reaching the compartment where the pills are, she hears a loud knock on the door.

    Hope is startled, but after a moment's pause, goes back to looking through the bag. A moment later, the knocking continues, and a voice is heard through the door.



    NICOLE: (while knocking) Nick! Open the door, you little shmuck, I wanna have a word with--

    The door opens and Nicole nearly whacks Hope in the face when she opens the door.

    NICOLE: ...you.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---



    Eric Brady walks through the Horton Town Square, setting up the final touches for Brady's memorial service with the help of his grandmother, Caroline. As Eric finishes, he walks over towards Caroline as Marlena scurries in, getting everyone's attention as she seems rather flustered.

    MARLENA: Oh, Eric. Caroline! I'm so sorry I'm late. I had one hell of a morning.
    ERIC: It's alright, Mom. It's good to see you.

    Eric reaches over to give his mother a hug, before Caroline reaches out to Marlena as well.

    CAROLINE: Marlena, don't worry about it. We handled things just fine on this end.
    MARLENA: Well, that's good to hear. Listen, Caroline, I know this isn't really the time or place, but I need to have a talk with you later on about Roman.

    Caroline and Eric look at Marlena with a bit of surprise and concern.

    CAROLINE: Roman? Is something wrong?
    ERIC: Is dad okay? What's...?

    Marlena waves her hand to stop them.

    MARLENA: No, no. It's not...urgent. He's fine. Whenever you have the time, I just have...something to discuss with you.
    CAROLINE: Sure. Stop by the pub later?

    Marlena gives Caroline a reassuring smile.

    MARLENA: Sure.
    CAROLINE: If you don't mind though, I'm going to try to get ahold of Nicole. She was going to try to track a few more people down that we hadn't reached yet.

    Marlena turns back to Eric, who still looks a bit concerned. She holds out her hand to touch her son's face to reassure him.

    MARLENA: Oh, Eric, stop worrying. Your father's just fine.
    ERIC: Why don't I believe you?
    MARLENA: (sighs) Eric, your father and I just had a rather...intense discussion last night. It's nothing to be worried about.

    Eric looks at Marlena, unconvinced, but nods.

    ERIC: Okay. I'll let it go. But if something's going on with Dad--
    MARLENA: ...I will let you know immediately.

    Eric finally smiles, though the worry is still plain on his face.

    ERIC: Thanks, Mom.
    MARLENA: Now, let's get this together. How can I help?
    ERIC: Well, you can start by grabbing that folding table over in the corner with me...



    Marlena and Eric head off to grab the table, as Roman saunters into the square, he looks over at Brady's portrait, posted up on an easel by Tom & Alice's tree. He stares at it, confusion in his eyes.

    ---

    Nicole looks at Hope, standing in the doorway of Nick's apartment, with bewilderment.

    NICOLE: Hope?
    HOPE: Nicole?

    Nicole saunters into Nick's apartment, as Hope lingers back, eyebrow raised in curiosity. Nicole yammers on as she looks around for Nick.

    NICOLE: I...I mean I knew it was hard keeping that massive house up on a single income but I didn't think you'd have to take such a steep....downgrade.

    Nicole looks around the corner to see if there's more room.

    NICOLE: I mean, where does Ciara sleep? In the bathtub?
    HOPE: NICOLE! Enough. What do you want?
    NICOLE: To talk to Nick, obviously.
    HOPE: Nick stepped out for a minute, I was just here to go to the bathroom for a moment before we head out to lunch. Nick had something to drop off, you see, so...we're kind of in a hurry.
    NICOLE: Right, well...what I need to ask him won't take long so...
    HOPE: So, you can ask him later. Goodbye, Nicole.

    Hope holds the door open, motioning for Nicole to leave. As Nicole steps out, a sour look on her face, Nick reappears and nearly bumps into Nicole as he does.

    NICK: OH! Nicole! Just the person I wanted to see.

    Hope looks at Nick incredulously.

    HOPE: Really?
    NICK: Yeah! Uh...Hope, did you wanna just...meet me at the pub, I won't be a minute.

    Hope pauses a moment, not sure what's happening.

    HOPE: I....sure?
    NICK: Thanks. I promise, this won't take a moment.

    Hope walks out the door, not sure what's going down, but knowing it can't be anything good. She calls out to Nick as she heads out the door.

    HOPE: Alright...I'll grab us a seat!
    NICK: Sounds good!

    Nick closes the door behind Hope, a big smile on his face.

    NICK: SO! Good news!

    Nicole folds her arms, the sour look still on her face.

    NICOLE: It better be. I'm still thisclose to being fired for that stunt you pulled at the last press conference.
    NICK: Clear that from your mind forever, Nicole. I, Nick Fallon, have delivered for you.

    Nick pulls out his iPad from his bag, and, a few taps later, presents the page to Nicole.

    NICK: Observe.

    Nicole grabs the iPad, and reads the headline.

    BREAKING: TITAN TV TO BE SOLD TO PRIVATE INVESTOR

    Her eyes bulge out as she processes the news.

    NICOLE: What?? How did you..?
    NICK: Only through the magic of research, my dear. We'll talk about this later, drinks?

    Nicole stands, mouth agape, suddenly realizing the power Nick might be wielding.

    NICOLE: I....

    Nick escorts Nicole to the door, Nicole still in shock, she eventually nods, as Nick hastily takes his tablet back.

    NICOLE: I...yeah.
    NICK: Give me about an hour?
    NICOLE: ...Sure.
    NICK: K, BYE!

    Nick abruptly slams the door in Nicole's face. He walks back into his apartment and grabs his phone, rolling his eyes at having had to deal with Nicole.

    NICK: Now...time to call Kate...and congratulate her on her good news.

    ---

    Kate rips her arm from Victor's grasp, holding it before adjusting herself, a scowling look on her face directed at Victor.

    KATE: I don't know how I was ever married to such a savage.
    VICTOR: Neither do I.
    KATE: The nerve. I just had this cleaned too, and now your greasy little hands are all over it. Vile.
    VICTOR: Maybe if you focused less on fashions and more on business we wouldn't have this problem.

    Kate pretends to be non-plussed by Victor's volatile reaction, as she turns her attentions to packing her things away into her bag.

    KATE: I don't know what you're talking about.
    VICTOR: Oh, the Hell you don't. I know what you were up to today. Someone tipped you off about John's proxy vote, and you couldn't wait to get him here. Now who put you up to it?

    Kate scowls at Victor, arms folded, not giving anything away, as her smartphone rings. Standing slightly away from it, she tries to casually grab it, but Victor spies the name appaearing on the screen as she turns to answer, and calls her out as she's about to press "talk".

    VICTOR: I swear, Kate, if Nick Fallon is behind this, you can both hand in your key cards now.

    Kate quickly holds the phone close to her chest and swipes to ignore the call, fearing she's been caught.

    ---
  16. beebs
    EPISODE 63
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson





    Kate, standing in the Titan board room with Victor, turns around and cancels the call quickly before she allows Victor to confirm that Nick was on the phone.

    KATE: Uh...what are you talking about?
    VICTOR: Oh don't play dumb with me, Kate. I saw Nick's name pop up on your phone in large print. And despite what you think, I haven't got cataracts just yet.
    KATE: Well, first of all, it's none of your business who calls me, and secondly, so what if Nick did call me? He is, after all, my employee. It was probably just a call about a product we're testing.

    Victor steps in close to Kate, in hopes of intimidating her.

    VICTOR: You'd better hope that's all it's about. I will be watching you after today, believe that.

    Kate stares back, not threatened by Victor's tactics.

    KATE: Duly noted.

    Kate grabs her bag and, with a flourish, slings them over her shoulder, sashaying out of the board room. Victor watches her head out, and scrunches his face slightly, indignant at his major loss.

    VICTOR: Damn it all.

    ---


    Billie walks through the 16th floor lobby of Titan, on her cell phone, as she prepares to leave the building. She has a worried look on her face as she talks to the person on the other end.

    BILLIE: (into phone) Yeah, I have a feeling Nick had a hand in this. But for the life of me, I can't tell what it is or how deep he is involved in this. But I'm certain it has something to do with the other two...Okay, I'll get back to you.

    Billie hangs up, and notices a text message on her phone from Daniel.

    u feeling any better now?

    Billie smiles, texting back:

    cup of coffee + an aspirin did the trick lol

    Billie pops her phone back in her bag, and smiles a bit as she steps onto the elevator to head down to her car.

    ---


    Jordan sits at her desk at the hospital, finishing up some reports, when she hears a knock at the door of her office.

    JORDAN: Come in.


    SHERYL: Hello, Stranger. Mind if I have a word.

    Sheryl steps in, and immediately incites a bit of anxiety in a previously relaxed Jordan.

    ---


    Jennifer stands before EJ in the DiMera living room, enraged by his nonchalance in the face of her worry for her daughter.

    JENNIFER: Come on, EJ. You're a father. Imagine if in a few years, Sydney just...took off one day to another country without saying a word to you. You'd be worried.
    EJ: If it was an actual cause for concern, yes. But this is not, Jennifer. This is work-related. You blowing this completely out of proportion.
    JENNIFER: No, see, that's where you're wrong, EJ. Because I know you manipulated the situation to benefit yourself. Just like you always do.

    EJ gestures in 'confusion' at Jenn's accusation.

    EJ: What are you even saying, Jennifer? How would I benefit from this in any way?
    JENNIFER: Oh my GOD, it's SO obvious. I have no idea why you're so hellbent on denying it.
    EJ: Deny WHAT?!

    Jennifer steps in close to EJ, her rage bubbling in the surface as she quietly lays into EJ.

    JENNIFER: That that little chat you had with Abigail last night? That was you convincing her to get on that plane today. One day after she's out of the hospital because of, what? Business? I'm sorry, but it reeks of manipulation and intimidation. In other words, every hallmark of the DiMera men.
    EJ: How fair of you, Jennifer.

    Jennifer steps back, raising her voice a bit again as she challenges EJ's insistence of innocence.

    JENNIFER: It's more fair than you deserve. Because I can tell that this is all just a set up so that you can win Abigail back for Chad.
    EJ: What?? Oh, come on, Jennifer, that's ridiculous.
    JENNIFER: (interrupting EJ) You heard me! You can't tell me that you had any other innocent motive for sneaking my daughter onto a plane at 5am so she can work intimately with your goons. Tell me, EJ, is Chad waiting for her in Italy too?

    EJ has full on lost his cool now, shouting over Jenn trying to stop her ranting to no avail.

    EJ: It was business! This was not some grand scheme cooked up for duplicitous purposes, Jennifer. She's an important part of our team, and she doesn't need Mummy to keep tabs on her every move!
    JENNIFER: I know one thing for sure, that if this was a simple business trip and nothing shady was going on, wouldn't I have heard about it by now? Something must have happened after Abby checked out, because I don't remember Sami talking about it last night at the hospital.


    At that moment, Sami steps into the living room, overhearing her name from the other side and looks Jenn's way with a look of interest.

    SAMI: Talk about what?

    Jenn turns around quickly to see Sami standing in the doorway, both her and EJ snapped out of their intense debate.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Jennifer looks to Sami standing in the doorway of the DiMera living room. Sami's surprised to see Jenn and wondering what Jenn's just said about her.

    JENNIFER: Sami! Do you happen to have a minute? We need to talk.
    SAMI: I...sure! You want to talk alone?
    JENNIFER: Oh no, no, EJ's heard what's on my mind already, he doesn't have to leave.

    EJ, collecting himself from his frazzled state, swallows visibly as he heads towards Sami, who, having heard the commotion from outside the door is rather uncomfortable as EJ approaches her, all of this in Jenn's line of vision.

    EJ: Well, actually, I am needed at the office, so I should go. You ladies enjoy your time together.

    EJ walks past Sami and hesitates as to whether to lean in for a kiss or not. He decides to go for it, but Sami lurches back away from him, causing EJ to retreat. Jennifer notices the tension and looks on with curiosity. EJ puts on his blazer and gives his farewells as he exits the room.

    EJ: Goodbye, Samantha. Jennifer.

    As EJ leaves, Jenn catches her breath, releasing a lot of the tension from the confrontation that just took place. After a second, Jenn looks back at Sami, as she points in the direction of where EJ was.

    JENNIFER: I'm....so sorry, Sami. I...

    Sami walks over to Jenn, concerned, putting a hand on her shoulder.

    SAMI: No, no. I...what's going on?

    Jennifer tries to hold back a bit of tearing up as she laughs a bit at the situation.

    JENNIFER: I could ask the same of you two. I mean...I...I know it's none of my business but--
    SAMI: ...Don't even ask, Jenn. I really don't want to get into it.
    JENNIFER: Well, I understand that too. (sigh) Look, I came to see you because I...got up this morning and discovered my daughter was gone. And I know it was for work and I know...she's an adult and can make her own decisions but...I figured you would understand, as a mother, that--
    SAMI: Wait, Abigail didn't tell you about the Rome trip?

    Jenn shakes her head, she looks down, a bit disappointed, but not blaming Sami.

    JENNIFER: No. She didn't. I know a lot of that is because she knows I'm not...too thrilled with her taking this job in the first place, but...
    SAMI: I'm sorry, Jenn. I should've...let you know. Like...a text or something.
    JENNIFER: No. (sigh) When I came here, I was upset and I was...blaming EJ for it because I just...I had this feeling that it's all this big...plan to get Abigail back on side so that Chad can move back in but...

    Sami looks at Jenn, shocked by Jenn's accusation.

    SAMI: He what?
    JENNIFER: I'm sorry. I know, that was...out of line of me to think that.
    SAMI: No, no, it seems...actually a...fairly reasonable jump to make. Especially with how much EJ's been doting on Abby lately. But...Jenn, I want to reassure you.I was the one who hired her. None of that had anything to do with EJ. (sigh) I know that...Chad did some pretty awful things before he went to Boston, but...I don't think EJ is plotting with his brother to get Abigail back.
    JENNIFER: Well, Sami, with all due respect, you tend to turn a blind eye to a lot of things the DiMeras do, and right or wrong I know that's because you love EJ and...nothing will change that.

    Sami looks a bit uncomfortable as Jenn brings up her relationship with EJ, but stifles herself from giving too much away. Jenn fiddles uncomfortably with her hands as she finishes speaking with Sami.

    JENNIFER: I just...I was hoping to...maybe open a door of communication between you and I.
    SAMI: That's fine. I understand. I will keep an eye out for Abigail for you.
    JENNIFER: Thanks.

    Jenn heads for the door slowly, unsure whether to give Sami a hug or not, but chooses not to. Instead grabbing her purse from the coffee table and walks away slowly. Jenn stops suddenly and turns back to Sami, who is still looking out the window.

    JENNIFER: Oh, and Sami. One thing. If you...ever need to talk to anyone...about...anything. I am here for you, too.

    Sami turns around to smile at Jenn, unsure to what Jenn's referring but grateful nonetheless.

    SAMI: Thank you, Jenn.

    Jenn smiles as she heads out the door. Sami turns back to the window, the smile fading from her face as she stares pensively out at the spring day before her.

    ---

    Sheryl saunters over to the chair opposite Jordan's desk in her office, and has herself a seat. Jordan tries to ignore her, but Sheryl stares straight into her eyes, patiently waiting for Jordan to react. Jordan tries to continue writing up her report at her computer but finally cracks.

    JORDAN: Can I help you?
    SHERYL: I thought you'd never ask!

    Jordan rolls her eyes before clicking at her computer, presumably to save her work, before wheeling away from the computer and stopping herself at the centre of her desk. Jordan leans in towards Sheryl with her hands clasped together, almost mockingly attentive.

    JORDAN: I'm listening!
    SHERYL:Good! Stay sitting down, you'll be glad you did when I tell you what we've pulled off.
    JORDAN: I'm waiting with baited breath.
    SHERYL: We did it. Titan TV is out of Victor Kiriakis' control as of ten minutes ago.

    Jordan's eyes widen, not sure whether she believes Sheryl's news or not.

    JORDAN: I...are you for real? This is happening.
    SHERYL: This is absolutely happening, Jordan. The board, with a little help from Nick Fallon, sided with us. The people of Salem are gonna know the truth about that damned oil sands project. Finally.

    It finally dawns on Jordan. She looks away momentarily as she allows the reality of the situation set in.

    JORDAN: Well I'll be damned. Nick Fallon wasn't playing us?
    SHERYL: So far, so good, eh?
    JORDAN: Yeah...so what's our next move then?

    Sheryl leans in towards Jordan and says in a bit more hushed tone.

    SHERYL: That is exactly what I want to talk about with you.

    ---


    Kayla, helping set up Brady's memorial service in town square,notices Roman looking blankly at Brady's portrait set up near Tom & Alice Horton's tree. She walks over to her brother and gently places a hand on his shoulder.

    KAYLA: It's hard to believe, isn't it? That Brady's gone?

    Roman stares at the picture, scanning every feature bit by bit. He finally turns to Kayla, and looks at her with a panicked expression.

    ROMAN: Kay, that...that's not Brady. Is...is it?

    Kayla looks at Roman, knowing that she'd heard about his memory troubles, but not that they had progressed so quickly. Kayla takes Roman's arm and squeezes it, almost cuddling it in an attempt to comfort him without smothering him.

    KAYLA: It's okay. That is Brady now. What do you remember him looking like?
    ROMAN: I...Kay, Brady's just a little kid. I remember him being so....young. He wasn't even school aged and now...why can't I fill that time in.

    Kayla sees her brother go deep into thought and pulls him in close, holding him as he zones out, trying in vain to fill the blanks in his memory.

    ---


    Billie steps off the elevator at the hospital and, upon seeing Daniel perched at the nurses' station, sneaks up behind him, covering his eyes with her hands.

    BILLIE: Guess who?
    DANIEL: Gah! I needed those!

    Billie laughs as she jumps back, and Daniel turns to see Billie. He smiles through his lingering hangover.

    BILLIE: You look like you could use an...Aspirin or...something.
    DANIEL: Yeaaah, Maxine already suggested that. I'm trying to avoid overmedicating myself, especially for...

    Daniel feels a bit of the dull, nagging headache pain hit him and holds his nose for a moment. Billie giggles.

    BILLIE: For...self-inflicted wounds.
    DANIEL: Yeah.
    BILLIE: Well, I'm gonna tell you right now that the only person suffering for your tenacity is you. So, I'd suggest giving in.
    DANIEL: Hey, who's the doctor here?


    Billie laughs heartily as they walk through the main room of that particular floor. As they approach the door of Theresa's room, the elevator door opens and Kim Brady emerges, a police escort in tow. She immediately spots Daniel and Billie and looks their way with a satisfied smile on her face.

    DANIEL: So you're here to see Theresa?
    BILLIE: Yeah. I'm hoping to get in to see her as much as possible, since Kim's threatening lawsuits and beheadings if I stand on the same floor as her.
    DANIEL: Just...don't let it get to you. She's concerned about her daughter, just like you are. I'm sure you're gonna be able to work it out.

    As Kim stops, standing behind Daniel and Billie, Daniel catches Kim out of the corner of his eye and turns to face her. Kim smiles as the policeman addresses them.

    POLICEMAN: Miss Billie Reed?

    Billie looks the policeman up and down before looking suspiciously at Kim.

    BILLIE: Can I help you, Officer?

    Kim holds up an envelope in Billie's face, an almost smug look on her face as she serves Billie.

    KIM: This would be a restraining order that says that you can't be within 100 feet of Theresa.

    ---

  17. beebs
    EPISODE 64
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson



    Jordan sits attentively at her desk at the hospital, waiting on Sheryl to fill her in on what the next step of their plan is.

    JORDAN: Okay. Tell me, what's this great plan of yours?
    SHERYL: Simple. I made a phone call today, to an old friend of ours.

    Jordan's brow furrows, as she pulls her glasses off her face.

    JORDAN: An old friend?

    Sheryl leans in, smirking confidently at Jordan as she quietly tells her the name of their old friend.

    SHERYL: Jerome Grant.

    Jordan leans back, surprise plain on her face as the news hits her.

    ---


    Sonny picks up his cell phone from the table at his apartment. Will and Gabi are milling about making dinner as Sonny looks back at them. He tries to be subtle as he makes his phone call to Victor.

    ...


    Victor picks up his office phone at Titan, standing at his desk, and casually answers.

    VICTOR: Victor Kiriakis.

    ...

    SONNY: I need to see you immediately. We have to talk. Alone.

    ...

    VICTOR: I won't be here much longer. Meet me at the office before we go to Brady's memorial.

    ...

    SONNY: See you then.

    Sonny turns to grab his jacket from the closet, and calls out to Gabi and Will.

    SONNY: I have to go for a minute....there's a...uh...problem with a shipment at the club. Meet you at Town Square?
    WILL: Alright.
    GABI: We're just finishing up lunch before we go. You sure you don't want a sandwich for the road?
    SONNY: No, I'll be fine. I can grab something fast at the club before the service.
    GABI: Okay!
    WILL: See you soon. Love you!
    SONNY: Love you! Bye, guys!
    WILL & GABI: Bye!!

    As Sonny shuts the door, his positive demeanour immediately vanishes, as he sighs.

    SONNY: Dammit, Uncle Vic. I'm not gonna let you take Will down this road. Not in a million years.

    ---


    John arrives at Brady's memorial service, which is still being set up in the square. Spotting Kayla with Roman, John walks over casually to greet his friend.

    KAYLA: John! So good to see you! I'm...so sorry to hear about Brady.

    John and Kayla embrace warmly, as Roman looks on with a faint smile.

    JOHN: Good to see you too, Kay. Appreciate it. How's everyone holding up?
    KAYLA: Ah, well,you know...as good as can be expected.
    JOHN: Understood. Listen...uh...Roman, can your sister and I have a little chat alone for a sec, I have something....kind of important to discuss with her.

    Roman nods in agreement, collecting himself after his memory lapse minutes before.

    ROMAN: Sure thing, John. It's good to see you.
    JOHN: Same to you, man.

    John and Roman exchange a quick slap-on-the-back hug as they go their separate ways. John casually grabs Kayla's arm as they walk towards a quieter corner of the square.

    KAYLA: Okay, this sounds really important if you're sequestering me away in dark, dark corners. What's going on?
    JOHN: Well...

    John stops for a moment and takes a quick look around to see who's paying attention as he speaks.

    JOHN: You know I've been away for awhile in Europe, right?
    KAYLA: Of course, we've all been worried about you.
    JOHN: Well...we need you to come with us. It's urgent.

    Kayla looks surprised and taken aback by John's request.

    ---


    Nick walks through the park just outside Horton Town Square. He calls Kate again.

    ...


    Kate is now in her own office, indignant and annoyed by Nick's repeated attempts to contact her at inopportune times.

    KATE: What?

    ...

    NICK: Now, now, Kate. Is that any way to talk to someone who just got you exactly what you needed.

    ...

    KATE: You'd better pray your little trigger finger didn't just land us in the unemployment line. Victor saw I was calling you and put together that it was your tip that brought John to the board meeting today.

    ...

    NICK: Victor will only figure that out if you spill the beans. Which I know you won't since your very freedom depends on it. Am I right?

    ...

    Kate sighs into the phone, fed up of Nick's threats but incapable of lashing out.

    ...

    NICK: Now, sit tight, because now the real fun is gonna begin. And I'm going to make us gobs an gobs of money.

    ...

    Kate continues to stand by her desk, phone in ear, suspcious of every word coming from Nick's mouth but playing along.

    KATE: From your mouth to God's ear, my dear.

    ...

    Nick laughs softly, but almost maniacally.

    NICK: As long as you don't screw this up, everything you want can be yours.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Gabi and Will sit down to eat their lunch, as Gabi feeds Arianna. Gabi looks at Will, who seems zoned out a bit, not eating his lunch. Gabi waves her hand in front of his face.

    GABI: Hey! Earth to Will

    Will snaps back to reality and smiles, grabbing his sandwich from his plate.

    WILL: Sorry. Just...had a moment there.
    GABI: Where did you go just then?

    Will sighs and looks down at his sandwich, suddenly feeling not very hungry. He puts the food back down on his plate and looks up at Gabi.

    WILL: Was just thinking about Brady, and Theresa, and...just how stupid this all is. I mean, we could here today and gone the next...and for what? I mean, seriously, if we don't live our lives to their full potential every day...there's no guarantee there'll be another chance, you know?

    Gabi smiles and reaches her hand out across the kitchen table, placing her hand over Will's, and giving it a comforting squeeze.

    GABI: I know exactly what you mean, and if there's one good thing to come from all this, it's that we're remembering that, and that every day's a chance to make our lives better...

    Gabi looks at Ari, who's caught her attention, gurgling as she picks up a pea off her plate and puts it in her mouth. Gabi smiles as Will looks over to Ari as well.

    GABI: ...And for our daughter too.

    Just as Gabi says this, Will's phone rings. Grabbing it from off the kitchen table, Will looks at it, and sees Club TBD's number on the screen. Confused, he answers.

    WILL: (into phone) Hey, what's up?

    ...


    It's T, calling from the club, where a rush of rowdy customers are calling out to T, who's a bit frazzled behind the bar.

    T: Uh...hey, Will! It's T. Any idea where Sonny is?

    ...

    WILL: I...yeah, he's on his way to the club now, T. Didn't he just tell you that?

    ...

    T looks confused, looking over his shoulder as he speaks, holding up one finger to a customer.

    T: Uh, no. Sonny hasn't spoken with us since this morning, dude. Look, it's really busy at the club, and I can't get Sonny to answer his phone, so can you just let him know to come down here ASAP when he can?

    ...

    Will looks to Gabi, a look of concern now on his face, as he answers T in an almost half-listening way.

    WILL: ...yeah. Sure. K, Bye.

    ...

    Will hangs up, and furrows his brow, confused by the exchange he just had.

    WILL: Sonny never called anyone at the club.
    GABI: Okay, that's weird.
    WILL: Yeah, really. So, the question is, where the Hell IS he, and why didn't he want me to know about it?

    ---

    Kayla looks over her shoulder to check and make sure nobody's paying attention to her conversation with John.

    KAYLA: What do you mean?
    JOHN: I mean, we need you. Trust me. I can't tell you anything more than that it has to be you that comes with me.
    KAYLA: But....I mean, John, you can't expect me to just...up and abandon my job, my home...

    John holds his hand up to stop Kayla midsentence. Kayla stops herself but is still unconvinced.

    JOHN: I will cover your expenses, and the bills will get paid.

    Kayla looks down, shaking her head. John's eye remain locked on her, regardless.

    JOHN: I need your help. I'll even pay for Joey to come with you while you're away, we just need your help.
    KAYLA: Why can't you tell me now what's going on? Who it even involves. You keep saying 'we' but...I mean, are you there with Shane? Bo? (laughs) Steve?? Haven't heard from HIM in awhile!

    John leans over and almost whispers to her.

    JOHN: Yes.

    Kayla looks up suddenly, shocked by John's confession.

    JOHN: I can't say anything more than that. But trust me, this is just as much a professional request as a personal one. Now...can I trust you to be on the plane with me tomorrow?
    KAYLA: I...John, I can't just...go...I need to figure this out.
    JOHN:: I can arrange a plane out for you by the end of the week if that works better for you.
    KAYLA: Just....can you give me until tonight to think it over?

    John nods, reluctantly agreeing to Kayla's terms.

    JOHN: Sure. I'll wait.
    KAYLA: Thank you. Come on, let's join the others. The ceremony should be starting any minute now.

    John takes Kayla's arm and escorts her back into the crowd, he looks to her with a warm smile.

    JOHN: Sounds good to me.

    ---

    Sonny steps into Victor's office, where Victor stands before his desk, rifling through some papers. Noticing the door opening, Victor turns around to see Sonny. His greeting makes plain his sombre mood.

    VICTOR: Sonny. What was so urgent?

    Sonny breathes in deeply, mustering all his courage to stand up to his great uncle.

    SONNY: I heard your associate offered Will a job today.
    VICTOR: Ah, yes. Tyler ran it by me. He read an article Will wrote for his blog, said that was just the kind of angle we needed to promote our energy program at EnerNext. I figured you'd be thrilled that your fiance was able to get such a prestigious job so soon after graduating.

    Sonny steps toward Victor, trying hard to not come across upset. He smiles a bit, but is clearly stammering in frustration, as Victor speaks, he tries to get Victor to end his long speech.

    SONNY: I...uh...mmm...Uncle Vic, stop. Please.
    VICTOR: What is it? I thought you were proud of Will.
    SONNY: I am. And I'm thrilled that you all feel the same way. But you can't offer Will this job. You need to rescind that offer.

    ---


    Kim stands with her police escort, in front of Billie and Daniel at University Hospital by the doorway of Theresa's hospital room. She holds in her hand, a copy of the restraining order against Billie.

    BILLIE: You can't be serious, Kim.

    Billie snatches the paper from Kim's hand as she spits out her words. Kim looks into Billie's eyes with smug malice.

    KIM: 100% serious. You can't be within 100 feet of my little girl.
    BILLIE: Oh, your little girl, hm? You're never going to see has an adult woman, are you, Kim? You know, like, an autonomous person who can make her own decisions about who she befriends? Or who she confides in? Or who she trusts?

    Kim's cool toughness disappears in a flash as Billie cuts into Kim, suddenly emerges rage and vitriol as she stares Billie down and fires her own shot Billie's way, holding back the full volume of her anger.

    KIM: I will not have you talk to me about my daughter. You have no idea about how things really were in our home, and you're not about to give me lessons in being a mother now.
    BILLIE: Oh, right. Because you've done such a bang-up job!
    KIM: How dare you?

    Daniel steps in at this point to try to cool things down, but the two women's eyes never leave each other. Kim's police escort hangs back, trying not to get involved in case anything escalates.

    DANIEL: Ooookay, ladies. Let's take a step back from each other a minute before we say anything we'll regret. We ARE in a hospital, after all.

    Billie stands down a bit, turning to Daniel, a sarcastic smile on her face.

    BILLIE: Oh, don't worry, Daniel. Anything I have to say to Kim, I can say through my lawyer!

    Billie storms away, heading for the elevators, as Kim watches, a smile of satisfaction on her face, but she simultaneously breathes in deeply, as though it's all been a front. Daniel sees the emotion in her eyes and puts a hand on Kim's shoulder.

    DANIEL: Are you sure you're alright?

    Kim wells up a bit when Daniel speaks, she looks up at a concerned Daniel and smiles.

    KIM: Oh yeah. I'm fine. (sigh) Thanks!
    DANIEL: Alright. If you need to sit down a minute, you can use my office.

    Kim smiles and takes Daniel's hand, squeezing it.

    KIM: Thank you, Daniel. I'll be fine. Can I see my daughter?
    DANIEL: Absolutely.

    Daniel waves to the officer, who then steps away, heading for the elevator, as Daniel guides Kim into Theresa's room. As Billie waits for the elevator not far away, she looks on with pure disgust in her face. The elevator door opens, and Billie curses Kim before stepping on.

    BILLIE: I swear to God, Kim, you haven't beat me yet.

    ---
  18. beebs
    EPISODE 65
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson



    Jennifer steps into the town square, and sees Liam off in the corner. Jenn looks over and waves his way, as Liam walks over to her from across the square. Liam notices the glum look on Jenn's face and, as he meets Jenn near one of the tables in the square, he gently touches her chin and smiles as she looks up at him.

    LIAM: Jenn? You alright?

    Jenn sighs heavily before answering Liam's question. She turns away slightly as she answers, her voice heavy with concern.

    JENNIFER: I don't really know.
    LIAM: Well...what's wrong?
    JENNIFER: (sigh) Aibigail...disappeared this morning.

    Liam appears distressed by the news, Jenn immediately tries to placate him.

    LIAM: What?
    JENNIFER: No! No, she's okay...

    Liam breathes a sigh of relief at the news, visibly relaxing after a moment's tension.

    LIAM:Oh, thank God for that--
    JENNIFER: ...but the problem is where she's gone.

    Liam looks up, confused, Jenn tries to calmly explain the situation, hoping not to upset Liam again.

    LIAM: What do you mean?
    JENNIFER: (sigh) It turns out that Sami sent her on an assignment to Italy last minute, and so now, one day after she's in hospital for that fall, she's on a plane to Europe to work for the DiMeras.

    Liam looks at Jenn, not sure quite how to respond or react to Jenn's news. He looks off, away at nothing in particular, deep in his own thoughts.

    ---


    Sami stares out the window at the DiMera mansion, deep in thought as she considers the possibility that Abigail's project in Italy may not be purely a business decision on EJ's part, but a clever manipulation among many others. Considering Jennifer's words from earlier, Sami is mentally checked out.

    ***Sami flashes back to Episode 63***

    JENNIFER No. (sigh) When I came here, I was upset and I was...blaming EJ for it because I just...I had this feeling that it's all this big...plan to get Abigail back on side so that Chad can move back in but...

    ***

    Sami snaps back to the current moment and realizes she needs to speak to someone. She walks quickly over to her purse and pulls her cell phone out, she quickly makes a phone call.

    SAMI: (into phone) Laura? You wouldn't happen to be free for a house call, would you?

    ---



    Hope drives down the road at lightning pace, obviously speeding as she makes her way towards Horton Town Square in time for Brady's memorial. Her impatience is plain on her face and in her mannerisms as she moves frenetically between looking at the road and checking the time on her car stereo.

    HOPE: Come on, come on, come on. Ugh, this damned guy in front of me would just MOVE!

    Hope honks angrily on her horn as she shouts at the cars in front of her.

    HOPE: COME ON! Ohhh my God, I'm so late.

    Hope leans back in her seat, looking to the sky, trying to calm down, as she mutters to herself.

    HOPE: Come on, Hope. You're not supposed to be the one getting road rage, you're a cop. You're supposed to obey the traffic laws, and smile and drive defensively!

    Hope takes a second to breathe before finally getting fed up and turning into the next lane, when the car in front of her turns abruptly to make the same move. Hope hits her brakes, but not soon enough and bumps into the side door of the car in front. Hope curses as she undoes her seatbelt to get out of the car.

    HOPE: Damn it! Damn it, damn it, damn it!

    Hope gets out of the car, infuriated. She continues to curse as she steps out on the roadway and turns toward the driver of the car she hit.

    HOPE: As if this day couldn't get any...

    Hope slams her car door shut and turns around to see the man in the car in front get out.


    It's Aiden.

    HOPE: ...worse.

    ---


    Victor stands by his office desk at Titan, and looks at Sonny incredulously.

    VICTOR: Rescind the offer? What for?
    SONNY: Because I don't want him sucked into this world of greed and lies, I just...

    Victor's face turns to one of anger and frustration upon realizing what's going on.

    VICTOR: You've been sucked in by those knuckle-dragging treehuggers, haven't you?
    SONNY: No, I--
    VICTOR: Because I've got news for you, Sonny. The offer stays on the table, and you'd better back off if you ever want to see Will Horton stand at the altar with you.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---


    Laura sits in a chair in the DiMera living room, a recording device in hand as she leans over to speak to Sami, who is casually laid down on the nearby sofa, shoes off. Sami is still deep in thought as Laura tries to coax out her inner most feelings to try to give Sami some sense of healing.

    LAURA: Tell me what you feel at this exact moment.

    Sami pauses a moment, staring straight out at nothing in particular. A very expressionless look on her face as she ponders, then answers Laura's question.

    SAMI: Helpless. I feel like...like I've finally run out of ways to fight back...or maybe I just don't want to fight anymore. I can't tell.
    LAURA: That's not, in my experience, your usual way of reacting.
    SAMI: No. It's not.
    LAURA: For as long as I've known you, you seem to lash out when you're backed into a corner, so tell me what's different this time.

    Sami hesitates, breathing in deeply as she tries to honestly answer Laura, but is almost afraid to respond so openly.

    SAMI: Because this time, it's my son who would bear the brunt of it. I can't defend myself without...destroying Johnny.
    LAURA: What do you mean?

    Sami becomes increasingly emotional, but tries to hold herself in as responds.

    SAMI: I mean I can't look at my own child without thinking about how he was conceived. I can't feel his touch anymore and feel the love he clearly feels for me and the warmth and love I saw...see. Every time I look at my own son, I love him, I know I do, but...there's this...

    Sami looks down at the engagement ring EJ got for her. She looks at it thoughtfully as she pulls it off her finger, and holds it up for Laura to see.

    SAMI: It's like this ring. You see, I have looked at this ever since EJ put it on my finger.

    Laura smiles as she looks at the beautiful diamond ring, clearly noteworthy for the size and shine of the diamond.

    LAURA: It's absolutely beautiful, I have to admit.

    Sami manages a weak smile as she takes the ring in the palm of her hand and closes her fist around it tightly.

    SAMI: Yeah. I always thought so too. But then I was looking at it from a weird angle one day when I was out and....you know...the sun just...hit it at just the right angle. And...you know, I saw this...tiny, tiny imperfection just on the top right hand corner. It's...barely visible to any normal person, even if you looked it over with a magnifying glass, you'd never notice it.

    Sami holds the ring up again, this time right up in front of her eyes, shaking her head, disappointment in her face and her voice.

    SAMI: ...But you know...now...that's all I see is that tiny little flaw. And I can't unsee it. I don't know if I ever will, and I know that I shouldn't let it overtake everything else about it for me but...I'm worried I can't help but feel that way. I mean...this is just a ring. But, I mean, we're talking about my son. My beautiful....beautiful boy. And I can't see him without thinking of how...the man I'm supposed to be marrying...he forced me to have sex with him in exchange for his sister's father's life.

    Sami stands up and begins to pace before the couch. Laura follows her every step carefully, her every expression, her every gesture.

    SAMI: I mean...how screwed up is that? How...terrible of a situation to be in, not to mention how he even came to be.

    Sami stops and sighs heavily. She sits down again and looks earnestly at Laura, struggling to ask her a question as the emotion wells up in her voice.

    SAMI: Laura...how am I going to...when the time comes...I mean...he'll have questions. How am I going to be able to tell my son that he was the product of rape?

    ---

    Hope sheepishly looks Aiden's way as he steps over to Hope's car. Aiden looks at Hope sternly.

    AIDEN: I thought the police were meant to be better drivers than the rest of us.
    HOPE: I'm....really sorry. I just...I thought you were gonna turn with the car in front and then you just...turned fast into me and...
    AIDEN: Oh, so now you're gonna blame this on me?

    Hope shrugs, trying to play nonchalant with Aiden, who is quickly getting angrier.

    HOPE: Well...you turned out of your lane without signalling...you know I could have you ticketed for that.
    AIDEN: Ohhh you're gonna pull THAT one out now. Just throw your weight around? You know, I was on my way to a meeting with a new client, a real important client and--
    HOPE: ...And I was on my way to my friend's son's funeral. And now I'm gonna be late. And I'm not happy.

    Aiden, upset, and worried, walks over to the driver's side door of his car as he speaks.

    AIDEN: Oh, YOU'RE not happy. I don't have a fender now because of you...you...you know what? Just, let's just...I'm going to the repair shop now, and maybe I can get a rental in time to meet with my cli...client...

    Aiden looks over to see Hope taking her cell phone out and taking pictures of the damage to his car. He walks back over

    AIDEN: What in the hell are you doing?

    Aiden doesn't look up at Hope, but at her car, then back at his page.

    HOPE: Writing down your licence plate number, and...I'll need your insurance info.
    AIDEN: Oh for...Hope, let's be reasonable, okay? You have to get to your friend's memorial service, and I need to get to your client, so can we agree to do this later? Our cars are still perfectly capable of getting to where we're going, so we can just--
    HOPE: We can just...don this by the book. Okay? Or would you rather that ticket I was talking about?
    AIDEN: Okay. Okay...look, you're right. Let's just...drive down to the police station, we'll get this checked out and...I'll just...have to call my client and say I'll be a bit late.
    HOPE: There we go, now you see sense!

    Aiden walks around to the driver's side door again and Hope to hers, before they both step into their respective vehicles, Aiden looks over to Hope and shakes his head before stepping in. He sits down in the driver's seat and turns the key in the ignition. The car grumbles and then fails.

    AIDEN: Ohhhh great.

    Hope, overhearing Aiden's car's failure, saunters over to his window. He winds it down and looks out to see Hope's smug face, raised eyebrow and smirk.

    HOPE: Need a lift?

    ---

    Sonny stands in Victor's office, arms folded as he angrily counters Victor's threat.

    SONNY: Are you seriously gonna stand there and tell me that unless I cowtow to your demands, I'm gonna lose my fiance?
    VICTOR: Will needs a job, this is a great opportunity for him. If you deny him this, he'll resent you until the day you die...which will be about twenty minutes after he finds out we had this conversation.
    SONNY: He won't find out if you don't tell him.

    Victor stands, unmoved. Sonny gestures in frustration.

    SONNY: Which you will. Of course. Because everything needs to be your way.
    VICTOR: Sonny, I've had a hard day. We lost a member of our family, and I've had to make some tough business decisions. You should be thrilled that I'm welcoming Will into the family fold, especially considering the bunch of winners he calls his kin.
    SONNY: Well, I'm not. Not under these circumstances. You're pitting him against me to prop up your dirty business. As if you think you can buy my approval of this disgusting project of yours. Well it's not gonna work.
    VICTOR: I'm doing no such thing.

    Sonny tries to hold back from yelling at Victor. He fights it a moment but his frustration lets loose regardless.

    SONNY: Yes, you are! Don't act like I'm stupid, Uncle Vic. Please, just...tell Will that you...decided to go with someone more experienced and no one has to know we ever had this conversation. Please. For Will's sake, for my sake. Ari's. Just...please just take the offer back.

    Victor looks straight into Sonny's eyes, a stern, almost stone-like expression on his face.

    VICTOR: I'm sorry, Sonny. I can't.

    Sonny shakes his head before turning toward the door.

    SONNY: No. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I ever tried to talk any sense into you. Because it's obvious to me that all you care about is the bottom line. You're no better than any of these other snake CEOs trying to...pillage the land of every drop of oil they can get their hands on at any cost. Well, guess what? You just cost yourself an awful lot more than just money, Uncle Vic.

    Victor looks steadfastly ahead, never once looking away from Sonny, though it's clear the hurt this is causing both of them. Sonny turns back around when Victor calls out to him.

    VICTOR: Sonny!

    Sonny looks at him, eyebrows raised, looking like he isn't really interested in what Victor will say, but he gives him the opportunity regardless.

    VICTOR: You'll thank me soon enough.

    Sonny guffaws as he begins to turn back around for the door.

    SONNY: Right. See you around.

    Sonny slams the door to Victor's office shut as Victor looks away, mad at himself for the turn things took.

    ---

    Liam stares off into the distance. Jenn looks concerned by Liam's sudden distraction and calls out to him.

    JENNIFER: Liam? ....Liam??

    Liam snaps back to reality. He turns towards Jenn and puts a hand on her shoulder.

    LIAM: I...have to make a quick call, I'll be right back, okay?



    Jennifer watches with concern as Liam steps off towards the exit of the Town Square. JJ walks in from another entrance as Liam leaves. Liam pulls his phone from his jacket on his way out. Observing Liam walking out, and Jenn's concerned reaction, JJ decides to discretely follow Liam out, as Jenn gets distracted by Maggie handing her program bookets for the memorial service.

    Outside the square, Liam gets on the phone, while JJ hides behind the archway, obscuring any way of Liam seeing him.

    LIAM: (into phone) Yeah, so when exactly were you gonna tell me about Abigail Deveraux? ...mmmhmm?...Yeah? Well, tell Stefano I want an update every day until she's back then. Got it?

    JJ's eyes widen as he makes a connection between Liam, Abigail and Stefano. Terrified for his sister, he sneaks off quickly from the park towards the square, unsure what he'll do next.

    ---
  19. beebs
    EPISODE 66
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson



    Laura reaches out to Sami, as they stand in the foyer of the DiMera Mansion, and Sami gives Laura a grateful hug, almost needing Laura to keep her upright from the emotional exertion she just went through.

    SAMI: Thank you so very much, Laura. I....seriously don't know how I could have got through the day without your help.
    LAURA: It's my pleasure.Sami, you've grown so much, and...I want you to remember, no matter what's happened in your past, whatever you may have said or done, you're a fantastic mother. And I know you love Johnny so very much. Just remember that.

    Sami nods, trying to hold herself together, wiping away tears from her face.

    SAMI: I'll try. Umm..hey! Are you going to Brady's memorial today?
    LAURA: Yes! I was just going to call Marlena and let her know I'm on my way. Did you...did you need a ride over?
    SAMI: Uh...yeah! I can totally go with you. Let me just...grab my keys and a couple other things.
    LAURA: Sure.

    Sami runs into the living room to grab her things, including her tablet. As she picks it up, she sees a notification on the screen. It catches her eye and she unlocks the screen to read it more closely.

    SAMI: Oh my God!

    Laura looks up, concerned by Sami's outburst.

    The screen reads out the headline from the Salem Spectator's website that's gone around town.

    BREAKING: TITAN TV TO BE SOLD TO PRIVATE INVESTOR

    Sami looks up at Laura, the shock still on her face.

    LAURA: Sami? What's wrong?
    SAMI: Uh...I...nothing. Let's go!

    Laura seems unconvinced, but smiles halfheartedly anyway, as Sami guides her out the door of the house.

    ---


    Will and Gabi lock up the apartment, Gabi rocking the stroller with Ari inside back and forth gently. Will turns to Gabi, still stewing over Sonny's lie. He holds his cell phone in his hand, looking up at Gabi while he texts.

    WILL: So, I'll meet you and Ari at Town Square?
    GABI: Sure. I hope you guys are alright.
    WILL: Yeah...so do I.

    Gabi leans over to give Will a hug, before heading off.

    GABI: Okay, I'll see you then. Let me know what happens with Sonny.
    WILL: Yeah...I will.

    Will looks up, sighing heavily as he thinks back to Sonny's rushed exit from the apartment.

    ***
    FLASHBACK to Episode 64


    Sonny turns to grab his jacket from the closet, and calls out to Gabi and Will.

    SONNY: I have to go for a minute....there's a...uh...problem with a shipment at the club. Meet you at Town Square?
    WILL: Alright.

    ***


    It's T, calling from the club, where a rush of rowdy customers are calling out to T, who's a bit frazzled behind the bar.

    T: Uh...hey, Will! It's T. Any idea where Sonny is?

    ...

    WILL: I...yeah, he's on his way to the club now, T. Didn't he just tell you that?

    ...

    T looks confused, looking over his shoulder as he speaks, holding up one finger to a customer.

    T: Uh, no. Sonny hasn't spoken with us since this morning, dude. Look, it's really busy at the club, and I can't get Sonny to answer his phone, so can you just let him know to come down here ASAP when he can?

    ***

    Will shakes his head, as he finishes up his text to Sonny.

    How r things @ the club?

    WILL: I'm gonna find out what you're up to, Sonny.

    ---


    JJ runs back into the Town Square to try to avoid getting caught by Liam, who was just in the adjacent park. He tries to casually walk over to get his mother's attention before Liam comes back, but is too late, as he turns around to see Liam surprise Jennifer by wrapping his arms around her as she stands at a nearby table. JJ looks on in fear at the exchange, now worried about his mother's safety.

    ---


    Maggie knocks on Victor's office door at Titan, as he finishes up putting his documents into his briefcase and closes it up. He looks up and smiles.

    VICTOR: Maggie! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes!

    Maggie smiles warmly as she walks into the room, ever so casually. She laughs a bit at Victor's comment, obviously flattered.

    MAGGIE: Ohh...you're either the sweetest man on Earth, or you had a really rough day.
    VICTOR: I'd say a bit of both.

    Maggie smiles again as she walks towards her husband, wrapping her arms around his collar.

    MAGGIE: You know what? I'll take it.

    Maggie quickly kisses Victor on the lips before continuing.

    MAGGIE: Now. I've been busy all morning helping Caroline out with the memorial for Brady, and you still haven't told me whether or not you're even going to be there or not.

    Victor's face drops at Maggie's implied question. He sighs loudly as he tries to answer.

    VICTOR: Maggie--
    MAGGIE: Victor, come on now. You heard what Hope said. That car was travelling too fast for Brady to survive.

    Maggie pulls Victor's face to look right into her eyes. She barely blinks as she tries to talk sense to Victor.

    MAGGIE: Honey, I know you're skeptical. I understand why you would be. But you have to face the real probability that Brady didn't survive that crash.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---


    At the Town Square, Jenn chats with Marlena, Eric, and Caroline about Brady, while Liam is off at the desserts table that has been set up for the guests. JJ finally sees an opportunity to talk privately to his mother about what he heard Liam say, and excuses himself from his conversation with Kayla, Adrienne and Justin, interrupting Adrienne's comment as politely as he can.

    JJ: Sorry, Aunt Adrienne, I...just gotta ask my mom something real quick.
    ADRIENNE: Okay, sure thing, sweetie.
    JJ: Thanks.

    JJ smiles as he walks off, over to his mother, tapping her gently on the shoulder. Jenn turns to face him, still with that hint of motherly disappointment thanks to their earlier conversation about Abigail's whereabouts.

    JJ: Uh, sorry, Mom?
    JENNIFER: Hey, Honey!
    JJ: Uh...I...when you got a second free, it's...really important I talk to you...alone.

    Jenn looks to him, concerned.

    JENNIFER: Sure. Is something wrong?

    JJ looks around to make sure Liam's still a ways away.

    JJ: Uh...yeah. But I think...if we have a minute now might be a good--


    As JJ finishes his sentence, Nicole arrives, with a special someone in tow, Chloe. Chloe's arrival stirs everyone in the room and Jenn is immediately distracted by her arrival. Jenn appears pleased but tense with Chloe arriving, reminded of Chloe's machinations from her last visit to Salem. Caroline, however, is pleased to see her.

    CAROLINE: Chloe! How good to see you!

    Caroline heads over to give her a hug, as Jenn looks up at JJ and smiles. She leans over and whispers to him.

    JENNIFER: Yeah, now might be a good time.
    JJ: Let's go to the park?
    JENNIFER: Yeah.

    Jennifer takes JJ by the arm and heads over toward the park. As they head off, Liam heads back to where Jenn had been and can't find her. He scans the crowd and sees nobody, and begins to look around the square in vain.

    Caroline, Marlena, Eric, and Nicole, meanwhile, hang back to chat with Chloe, catching up with her and reminiscing about Brady. The group is laughing as Chloe tells them stories about her adventures.

    CHLOE: ...So I've mostly been dealing with the more...mature ladies and gentlemen, that kind of fans instead of screaming teenage girls, you know?
    MARLENA: I'm so glad your singing is going well for you again.
    CAROLINE: So am I! We were so worried when you came back from that accident all those years ago.
    CHLOE: Honestly, it took a lot of time, training, and patience, but...you know...Brady was always there to help me.

    Chloe begins to choke up, thinking back on Brady. She smiles through her tears.

    CHLOE: If he hadn't been there for me, I don't think I would've made it back. Oh my God, I'm gonna miss him.

    Nicole leans over to give Chloe a comforting hug, as Victor walks in with Maggie in tow. Clearly having overheard the end of Chloe's story, he makes his presence known with a snide remark.

    VICTOR: And it's too bad you did come back, seeing as this whole mess we're in now is your fault.

    Chloe turns around quickly to face Victor, visibly upset by yet another of his abusive remarks at her expense.

    ---

    In the park, JJ leads Jenn, before taking her arm and huddling in closer to her, trying to be as quiet about what he knows as possible. Jenn stands back, concerned for her son.

    JENNIFER: Okay, what did you need to talk to me about?
    JJ: Okay, well...before I tell you, you have to promise me you're not gonna freak out.

    Jenn folds her arms, convinced JJ's done something to make her freak out.

    JENNIFER: I can't guarantee anything, JJ.
    JJ: No, Mom, I'm serious. This is...really important, and you need to know.
    JENNIFER: Know what, JJ? Is this about your sister? Because, honestly, I don't know if I can handle much more bad news about her--
    JJ: ...Not...not really. I mean, yes, but...
    JENNIFER: Oh, God, JJ! What is going on--
    JJ: It's about Liam!

    Jennifer looks at JJ, stopped in her tracks by his connecting Liam to Abigail's departure from Salem.

    ---

    Will arrives at Club TBD, and notices the immediately the crowds have dissipated. He looks over to see a relaxed T behind the bar. He notices Will come in and nods at Will in greeting.

    WILL: Hey, T. So...did Sonny ever come around?
    T: Nah, man. I'm proud of myself, man. I took care of the whole crowd and CLEANED UP. Look, look, look, look.

    T reaches into his pockets and pulls out the tips he's collected over the past couple hours. Will looks surprised and laughs with T, slapping his buddy on the back in approval.

    WILL: Oh my God, that's amazing. Just...just tips?
    T: 100%, dude!
    WILL: I...Wow!
    T: Yep. So...okay, so did you pass along the message to Sonny.
    WILL: I...no, I never had a chance, I just...was on my way out anyway so I decided to come down myself but...it looks like you got it all under control.
    T: Yeah, man! Totally!

    Will looks down at his phone, having felt a buzz in his pocket. T looks over his shoulder.

    T: That Sonny?
    WILL: Yeah.

    Will checks Sonny's message and frowns, shaking his head at Sonny's response:

    yeah got it all figured out, heading out soon

    ...

    Sonny walks casually past the Brady Pub, texting as he walks. The same frown on his face as Will. He sees Will's response come up on his phone:

    gonna call u. got a question

    Sonny sighs.

    SONNY: Uh oh.

    As Sonny's phone rings, he picks up almost immediately.

    SONNY: (into phone) Hey Will.

    ...

    Will looks off, a bit of a bitchy look on his face as he speaks to Sonny.

    WILL: (into phone) Hey Sonny, Gabi and I are just heading down the Town Square. I had to pass on a message to T, can I speak to him a moment?

    ...

    Sonny's eyes widen, a bit panicked by Will's question. He kicks into action and walks away from the pub toward TBD.

    SONNY: I, uh...he's downstairs at the moment, just grabbing some condiments for--

    ...

    Will interrupts Sonny, a smug grin on his face as he cuts in.

    WILL: Oh, never mind. He's right here. Say 'hi', T!

    Will passes the phone over to T, who awkwardly takes the phone from Will, not sure what he's getting himself into.

    T: Hey, Sonny! Where were you, man? It was a madhouse down here!

    ...

    The colour drains from Sonny's face as he realizes he's been caught. He stops in place, taking a second to figure out what he'll do. Unable to respond for a moment, Sonny stammers as he tries to collect himself enough to continue walking towards the club.

    SONNY: I...uh...I'll be there in a sec.

    ...

    WILL: Yeah, you better be. And you better have a really good explanation, too.

    Will hangs up the phone, before slamming it down on the bar. Will breathes in deeply, frustrated, hurt, and angry at his fiance for his lie, but also worried what Sonny was actually up to.

    ---
  20. beebs
    EPISODE 67
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson



    Chloe stands in the Horton Town Square, surrounded by Brady's friends and family, facing off with Victor at Brady's memorial.

    VICTOR: Who invited this pox on our family, anyway?


    Nicole steps in to defend her friend, retorting sassily to Victor.

    NICOLE: I did.

    Victor gives Nicole the sideeye.

    VICTOR: You're lucky you're no longer my employee. I assume word got out that we're selling the station off. If not, surprise! It's your lucky day! Your newest dumb move didn't result in a pink slip. You might want to drop by the corner store and pick up a lottery ticket.


    Maggie cuts in, frustrated by Victor's petulance.

    MAGGIE:Victor, enough! This is about Brady, and in case you forgot, Chloe happens to have been married to Brady.
    VICTOR: Oh trust me, I wish I could forget. The damage she's caused my grandson is the reason we're here today.

    Victor turns back to Nicole and Chloe.

    VICTOR: You've got some nerve dragging that bitch here. She turned him to drugs, and broke his heart over and over. I hold you responsible in large part for Brady's accident. Both of you.


    Nicole steps in to defend her friend, but just then, John interjects, trying to cool down the proceedings.

    JOHN: Woah! Woah, Vic. Come on. Chloe's just here to mourn her ex-husband. Now, you two may not see eye to eye, but...just let her be here. This is about Brady.
    VICTOR: Yes, it is. And he would want Chloe here. God knows why. Come on, Maggie.

    Victor and Maggie walk off, as Chloe leans over to John.

    CHLOE: Thank you.
    JOHN: Don't thank me. Just trying to keep the peace around here. How've you been?
    CHLOE: I'm alright! It's good to see you. I just...wish it were under--
    JOHN: ...Better circumstances, I know. But you know, I know that Brady wouldn't have wanted us to dwell on that, and that's exactly why I think this whole wake thing is a great idea.

    Chloe smiles, a little misty-eyed. she nods in agreement with John.

    ...


    Sami and Laura arrive at the Town Square, and Marlena, who has been chatting with Maggie, Roman, Eric, and Nicole (begrudgingly), smiles and reaches out to greet Sami and Laura with hugs.

    MARLENA: Ohh it's good to see you both.
    SAMI: Hey Mom.

    While hugging Laura, Marlena begins to get emotional, and holds her eyes shut a moment to fight back tears.

    MARLENA:Ohh, what a...bittersweet day. I'm glad you both could come. You came together?

    Sami hesitates to answer, looking Laura's way before telling her mother.

    SAMI: Uh...yeah, Laura was at the...house, she offered me a ride down.

    Marlena nods, trying to read between the lines. Sami senses Marlena's probing and is immediately uncomfortable.

    MARLENA: I see. Sami, you sure you're okay?

    Sami responds a bit defensively, hoping Marlena will back off.

    SAMI: Yes, Mom. I'm fine. Promise.
    MARLENA: Alright. You're in good hands with Laura.

    Sami, a bit relieved that Marlena isn't probing any further, smiles.

    SAMI: I know.

    Hoping to change the subject, Sami interrupts the group's conversation with an almost-too-cheerful question for the group.

    SAMI: Hey! Uh, has anyone seen Will or Sonny yet?

    ---


    Sonny walks into Club TBD, looking more than a little nervous as he looks Will's way. Will sits at the bar, a sour, pissed off look on his face.

    SONNY: Will.
    WILL: So...hard at work at the club, I see.
    SONNY: Will, I--
    WILL: ...NO excuses, Sonny. Now, do you wanna tell me where you actually were? Or should I give you this ring back now?

    Sonny looks mortified at Will, as his biting question hits him.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Eric stands with the group at Town Square, responding to Sami's question.

    ERIC: Haven't seen Will or Sonny yet, why?
    SAMI: Well...I wanted to thank them for the offer to stay with them while I was....working on my issues with EJ. I think I'll be okay there at the mansion for now, there's a whole empty wing I can stay in for the time being, and...they're a bit of a full house right now.

    Marlena's far from thrilled by the news, and pipes up immediately.

    MARLENA: No! No, Sami...you can stay with me if you like.
    SAMI: Mom, it's okay. I'll be fine.

    Sami immediately tries to change the subject again, hoping her mother will stop trying to insert herself into her affairs.

    SAMI: Speaking of Will and Sonny, they've been trying to...give me some news for the past while. Has anyone found out what it is? I'm so curious.
    MARLENA: Yes! They did tell me the other day at lunch. They had been hoping to tell you first, actually.

    Sami's standoffishness quickly changes, as her own nosiness into HER child's life creeps in. The others in the conversation smile with anticipation.

    SAMI: Oooh, tell me! Tell me! Tell me!
    MARLENA: Well...I really shouldn't be saying anything. I don't wanna steal their thunder, but...

    Everyone huddles up like schoolchildren in on the latest gossip, giggling in anticipation.

    MAGGIE: Come on! Tell us!
    MARLENA: Okay, okay! (laughs)

    Marlena takes Sami by the hands and smiles excitedly as she tells Sami the news.

    MARLENA: Your son, and Sonny are engaged to be married.

    Sami's eyes light up. The first bit of great news she's had in awhile. She's speechless, as the others in the group gasp in excitement, then begin to chatter away excitedly to each other. Everyone, that is, except for Eric, who looks on in stunned silence, trying to absorb the news.

    ---


    JJ and Jennifer are having a tense moment in the park just outside Town Square. JJ looks to a stunned Jennifer with worry, as he tells her about what he'd just seen.

    JENNIFER: What did you just say?
    JJ: Okay, so I...I came to Brady's memorial and on the way in, I saw Liam off the side of the park, and he was on the phone.

    Jenn looks at JJ, a bit confused.

    JENNIFER: Okay?
    JJ: He was talking about Abigail's trip. And something about...keeping tabs--
    JENNIFER: Woah, woah, woah, no, STOP! JJ, seriously. This has got to stop. First Daniel, now Liam?

    Now JJ looks at Jenn, confused as to what she's talking about.

    JJ: Wh...what? I don't--
    JENNIFER: First you do everything you can to tear me and Daniel apart, and I understood, because you miss your father, and now, once you decide that, oh, Daniel's okay, and I move on with someone else, you decide to go after Liam? I mean, JJ, are you ever gonna be happy with any man that comes into my life?
    JJ: Yes! But I don't trust this guy.
    JENNIFER: Don't lie to me. You've done enough of that today already.
    JJ: Mom, I was respecting Abigail's wishes. Mom, she didn't even want ME to know where she was going. She told me she was going to California. I had to sneak a look at her boarding pass to find out she was actually heading to Rome.

    Jenn looks away, incredulous.

    JENNIFER: My God!
    JJ: And I'm worried, because when I heard Liam on that phone, he--

    A voice interrupts JJ, causing both he and Jennifer to jump.


    LIAM: ...I was trying to figure out where she was and if she was okay.

    JJ looks on in fear as Liam walks into the park.

    ---

    Sami steps away from the group, taking a moment to step aside and grabs her cell phone. Holding it up, she texts EJ.

    did u read the news? if not, check the spectator website

    Sami hits 'send' and looks back up. She talks quietly to herself.

    SAMI: Hopefully EJ has some insight on how we can make this deal work for us.

    She smiles slyly before turning back to the crowd and rejoins the conversations.

    ---

    Will and Sonny step into the office at Club TBD, and Sonny shuts the door to the room behind him. Will leans against the desk, arms folded, a contemptuous look on his face, while Sonny is looking worried himself, but angered by Will's outburst in the main room.

    SONNY: There, now we can talk like adults instead of some trashy reality show!
    WILL: Why? Didn't want your three patrons out there to hear what a rotten liar you are?
    SONNY: Will, enough!

    Sonny steps toward Will, his expression and tone become a much cooler, calmer one as he continues.

    SONNY: I need you to understand what happened today--
    WILL: ...Oh, you mean you need to explain why you lied and said you'd be at the Club when you were really...?

    Sonny looks down, away from Will. Will follows his eyes, making sure Sonny never gets an opportunity to look away from him. Sonny rolls his eyes.

    WILL: Not gonna tell me? Do I really need to take this ring off, for real?
    SONNY: How dare you even suggest that...let alone twice.
    WILL: Sonny, you need to understand something. I have had such an unstable upbringing between all the guys that my mom would force out of her life,and mine, of course...that I don't put up with lies. And if we're going into this on lies, then we aren't going into it at all. You understand me?
    SONNY: Alright. I get it.

    Will gestures, waiting for Sonny to spill the beans.

    WILL: So? I'm waiting. Where were you this afternoon instead of at the club?

    Sonny sighs heavily, closing his eyes as he confesses.

    SONNY: I went to see Victor about his company hiring you.

    Will shakes his head in stunned disbelief.

    ---
  21. beebs

    DAYS #68: He's Alive!

    By beebs,

    EPISODE 68
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson


    John stands before the crowd, with Victor beside him, the crowd still milling about, conversing warmly and sharing memories of Brady. John turns to Victor and quietly asks him a question.

    JOHN: Now...you're sure you don't want to speak?
    VICTOR: Positive. As far as I'm concerned, this whole thing is a farce. I'll be mourning my grandson only if they find me proof that he's really dead. As the kids say, I wanna see the reciepts.

    John shrugs, nodding his head in understanding.

    JOHN: Alright. But I gotta tell ya, Vic. You're gonna regret not speaking today. And you know it.
    VICTOR: I'll take my chances.


    As John and Victor finish their conversation, Hope and Aiden explode into the square. Still bickering, they cause a scene in the square as they storm in, Hope storming in first, trying to ignore Aiden as he follows her, shouting at her.

    AIDEN: ...And I swear, I've never see a cop be such a rotten driver in my entire life!

    Hope stops and turns around, pointing at Aiden.

    HOPE: And you need to learn what a turn signal does.
    AIDEN: Oh, THAT again? Come on! Hope, you're being ridiculous.
    HOPE: Oh, I'm being ridiculous? Right, I'm not the one who's trying to weasel his way out of a ticket by trying to cozy up to the officer issuing the ticket.

    Aiden snaps in a voice loud enough to be heard in the next county.

    AIDEN: YOU OFFERED ME A RIDE!

    Aiden's outburst is greeted by stone silence from everyone in the square. Aiden and Hope immediately feel sheepish for having rendered the crowd silent, and Hope immediately sits down in the nearest seat.

    Victor pats John gently on the back as John turns to the crowd before the collection of chairs assembled by Tom & Alice Horton's tree.

    JOHN: If I can have everybody's attention, please. Please, everyone, have a seat.

    The crowd hushes as everyone begins to filter into the seats. Hope looks daggers at Aiden as he sits down in front of her, an equally sheepish look on his face. She mutters angrily to him.

    HOPE: I hope you're satisfied.


    As she says this, Caroline shuffles in to sit beside Hope on one side, with Maggie down beside her. Daniel, naturally, by her side. Caroline speaks softly to Hope, as she puts a hand on her shoulder.

    CAROLINE: I'm glad you could make it.
    HOPE: Thanks. It's good to see you too.
    DANIEL: I gotta admit, that was quite an entrance.

    Hope blushes, making an embarrassed face as she replies to Daniel.

    HOPE: Yeah, I...guess I should just stick with saying 'hello' and hugs, right?
    MAGGIE: I was just surprised it took you this long.
    HOPE: Well...I got kinda...tied up.

    Hope looks Aiden's way as she speaks, with Maggie, Caroline, and Daniel's eyes following Hope's, before looking at each other, knowingly.

    ---


    EJ files away papers in his office at DiMera Enterprises when his text tone goes off. Stopping what he's doing, he steps over to his desk and checks his phone. He sees Sami's text and immediately jumps into action.

    He sits down at his desk, opening his laptop and immediately typing in www.salemspectator.com.

    The main headline pops up, as do EJ's eyes.

    TITAN TV TO BE SOLD TO PRIVATE INVESTOR

    EJ stops a minute, soaking in the information.

    EJ thinks quickly, grabbing his phone and makes a call.

    EJ: Yes, I need to get ahold of Chad DiMera. Tell him it's urgent, his brother needs him.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---


    Liam walks up behind Jennifer in the park just off to the side of Town Square, placing her hands on her shoulders firmly, but tenderly, as Jenn converses with her son, JJ. JJ scrambles to cover himself after having begun revealing what he overheard Liam say earlier in the same park.

    JJ: Sorry, I didn't mean any harm, I just...
    LIAM: Nonsense! You have every right to be concerned. Your sister just flew off halfway around the world. You're concerned! Thing is, I am too.

    JJ nods, looking down at the ground, hoping not to make matters worse.

    JJ: I'm sure. And...and I appreciate that!

    Jenn smiles at JJ, while putting one hand on top of Liam's.

    JENNIFER: See? It was just a misunderstanding. Honey, Liam cares about both of you. I trust him. and I know you'll learn to trust him too.
    LIAM: Your mom's right, JJ. I'm really concerned for both of you. You're great kids, and I just want to make sure Abigail's safe. So I put in a call to someone I know from the hospital who knows Sami and EJ, and they'll try to keep tabs on her while she's in Italy.

    Jenn smiles at Liam, turning around to face him, lovingly. She wraps her arms around Liam's neck.

    JENNIFER: That's wonderful. Ohhh wow. Thank you! I mean, you didn't have to do that at all and yet...
    LIAM: Anything for you guys.

    Jenn smiles before turning back towards JJ.

    JENNIFER: We really do appreciate it. Don't we?

    JJ nods, still deep in thought and still trying not to rock the boat.

    JJ: Yeah. Thanks, man.
    LIAM: Anytime. Now, shall we get back? I thought I heard someone announce that the ceremony was getting underway.
    JJ: Great, I'll uh...be right there in a sec.
    JENNIFER: Alright. I love you, sweetie!
    JJ: Love you too, Mom.

    Jenn hugs JJ quickly before taking off, arm in arm, with Liam. As Liam turns the corner towards the square, he shoots JJ a very tellingly menacing look. JJ looks up in time to catch Liam's look, striking terror in his heart, but JJ tries to maintain a cool exterior with some degree of success.

    JJ: I don't know what's going on, but none of it is good.

    ---


    Gabi arrives at the service at Town Square and has a seat next to Eric and Nicole, near the aisle so that she can keep Ari in her carriage. As she rocks the carriage back and forth for Ari, she texts Will as discreetly as possible.

    Hey! Is everything ok w/ u & sonny??

    Gabi looks up at the podium where John is speaking, a worried look on her face as she mutters quietly to herself.

    GABI: Come on, Will. What's going on over there?

    ---


    Will stares Sonny down in the office at Club TBD. Sonny stands in front of the door, hoping to keep Will from running out as he explains himself. Will, for his part, leans almost pointedly casually against Sonny's desk, arms folded. However, he cannot contain his shock at Sonny's confession.

    WILL: You what?
    SONNY: I...went to talk to my Uncle Vic. I asked him not to give you the PR job with EnerNext.
    WILL: What...why the Hell would you do that, Sonny?
    SONNY: Because I don't want you involved in something like this. It's...it's...Uncle Vic trying to control you and by proxy me, and control control control everyone in this family and I just...I can't let him do that to you--
    WILL: ...Did you ever think for a second to let ME decide that?

    Sonny steps forward towards Will, trying to cool things down a bit.

    SONNY: You were blinded by the flashy contract and the...glamourous job.
    WILL: And what if I was? Sonny, it's my career. And you know what? I'm sorry, but in this day and age, you don't get ahead by playing by the rules. It's about taking an opportunity when it's presented to you, not by being proud and working your way up purely on your own back.

    Sonny seems incredibly unimpressed by Will's attitude, but Will is undeterred by Sonny's disapproving looks.

    SONNY: Are you serious?
    WILL: Dead. Serious.

    Sonny stands a moment, at a loss for words.

    SONNY: I'm...I'm sorry.
    WILL: Oh, you will be. Heh, you know, I might have been swayed if you'd just been upfront with me about all this, but going behind my back? Trying to get my job taken away from me because you don't like who it comes from or what the job entails? How dare you?

    Sonny looks down at the ground, increasingly apologetic.

    SONNY: I know. I just don't want you to get...manipulated.
    WILL: You don't want me to change, in other words. You don't want me to have to stand up for myself because you like doing everything for me. Is that it? Well, let me tell you a little secret, Sonny. I'm not your child. I'm your fiancee. And if you want it to stay that way...you need to stay out of my professional life. Understood?

    Sonny's apologetic look melts away as Sonny feels the intensity of Will's tone. Sonny's face suddenly becomes defensive and threatened by Will.

    ---

    John continues to talk to the crowd gathered at the square about Brady.

    JOHN: He was my son. He was our friend. He was sometimes our greatest adversary, but his heart was always in search of love.

    The crowd are tearing up a bit at John's heartfelt speech. John himself starts to get a bit emotional, before breathing in and carrying on, a smile across his face, as much in tribute to Brady as anything.

    JOHN: I want to keep this party light, as Nicole and Eric requested, and I'm glad that so many of you have come out to help me celebrate Brady's life. So let's remember him in the same way that he would want to be remembered: A great young man with a huge heart that wanted to share the best of everything with everyone he knew and loved.

    The waiters from the restaurant in the square appear with flutes of sparkling drinks for the crowd.

    JOHN: In case you couldn't tell, I'm proposing a toast.

    The crowd laugh as they raise their glasses in tribute, following John's lead.

    JOHN: Obviously, these are non-alcoholic. Because the one thing we need to remember...is that though this is a good day to remember Brady, it is to remind us of the importance of sobriety, and caution, and remebering the disease that is addiction...and what it can cost us. Here's to one of the finest men I've ever known.

    John looks up to the sky as he raises his glass.

    JOHN: I love you, son!

    The crowd clink their glasses together in what is surprisingly close to unison, as they shout out.

    ALL: To Brady!

    ---

    The sound of clinking glasses descends suddenly into the sound of screeching tires and the loud smash of a breaking windhshield suddenly.



    The flash snaps Brady out of a nightmare as he sits bolt upright in bed, sweat pouring from his face, he gasps for breath as he looks around him, terrified.

  22. beebs
    EPISODE 69
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson




    Nick walks up to the door of Percy's cabin, and knocks on the door.

    After a short wait, Percy answers merrily, as always.

    PERCY: Greetings, Master Fallon! How are you doing this fine day?
    NICK: Just great, Percy!

    Percy steps out of the way to allow Nick to step inside. Closing the door behind Nick, Nick gets down to business almost immediately.

    PERCY: So to what do I owe the pleasure, Nicholas?

    Nick puts his bag down on the table and unzips it.

    NICK: Well, I have some news, and a job for you.

    Nick pulls out his laptop and sets it on Percy's dining room table.

    NICK: Uh...you don't mind if I plug this in at all, do you?
    PERCY: Not at all.
    NICK: Thanks.

    As Nick plugs the computer into the outlet in the wall, he continues to talk to Percy.

    NICK: So...my news is...ah, there we go...that we finalized the Titan TV sale. The propaganda campaign is off.

    Percy smiles from ear to ear at the news. He walks over to the dining room table, holding back a bit his glee, in his own, incredibly posh British way.

    PERCY: I...oh, I am so grateful to you, Nicholas. You have truly saved the day. I...how can I ever repay you for your kindness?

    Nick sits down at the table in front of his computer, and opens it. He smiles up at Percy.

    NICK: Funny you should ask. I have a little job for you, as I said. And you won't even have to leave your home to do it. But...for that to work, you're going to have to connect yourself to the world wide web.
    PERCY: ...I'm sorry?
    NICK: The internet. Because you, Percy, my friend, are going to be doing some...surveillance.

    Percy looks on, baffled by Nick's request.

    ---



    Sami talks with Marlena, Maggie, and Laura after Brady's memorial has ended in the town square, sipping on what's left of her drink, before hearing her phone ring.

    SAMI: Oh...uh...I think that's my phone...just one sec.



    Sami searches through her bag to find her phone as she steps away from the group. Pulling her phone out, she sees that it's EJ. She excitedly answers, while trying to find a quiet spot to talk.

    SAMI: Hey! EJ! What's up? I'm just at the memorial, it's wrapping up.

    ...

    EJ: Samantha. Saw your text. Listen to me carefully. We are making a bid on Titan TV. Meet me at the house immediately. Tell NOBODY what you're doing. You understand me?

    ...

    SAMI: Completely. See you in a minute.

    Sami hangs up and smiles widely. Looking around her to make sure nobody's looking, she talks to herself.

    SAMI: Ohhh EJ. You did it again.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---



    The crowd returns to conversing at Town Square for Brady's memorial after John's speech. Most if not all still have drinks in hand. Gabi spots Hope in the crowd and waves, trying to subtly get her attention. Hope notices and stops her conversation with John, and excuses herself before heading over to Gabi.

    GABI: So, did you do it?

    Hope grabs Gabi's arm and looks around to make sure no one's listening in.

    HOPE: We can't talk here, Gabi.
    GABI: What do you mean?

    Hope looks at Gabi incredulously.

    HOPE: Are you nuts? There's people we know everywhere. Come with me, now.

    Gabi stutters to respond before following Hope out of the square, both of them looking around with suspicion as they do.




    Nicole stands with Chloe, sipping on their sparkling juice and having a chat. Chloe looks uncomfortable, a fact Nicole picks up on.

    NICOLE: You alright, you seem a little...nervous.
    CHLOE: Well, wouldn't you be if Victor Kiriakis spent all his time staring you down?

    Nicole rolls her eyes, dismissively gesturing at Chloe's comment.

    NICOLE: Oh please! Chloe, haven't you ever heard of 'resting bitch face'?

    Chloe looks at Nicole, confused.

    CHLOE: Yeah...
    NICOLE: Well, it's something like that. Honestly, if I got as worried as you are every time Victor tried staring me down, I'd never get any work done.

    Chloe shrugs in acknowledgement.

    CHLOE: Fair enough. I just don't trust Victor when he's mad.
    NICOLE: Honey, don't let it to you. Look, let's just...celebrate Brady, okay? That's what we're here for. Not dwelling about...whatever bone Victor wants to pick with you. Right?

    Chloe cracks a faint smile.

    CHLOE: Right.

    Nicole raises her glass, Chloe meets with hers as they toast.

    NICOLE: Come on. Let's go mingle.



    Nicole turns to walk with Chloe, but spots a sour-looking Eric in one of the seats set up for the speeches. Concerned, she looks Chloe's way a moment.

    NICOLE: Uh...you go ahead without me a second, okay?

    Chloe, spotting Eric as Nicole speaks to her, clues in immediately, and nods.

    CHLOE: Sure.
    NICOLE: Thanks.

    Nicole squeezes Chloe's arm as a goodbye before walking over to sit with a solemn Eric.

    NICOLE: Hey. You gonna join the party or what?
    ERIC: Nicole. Hey...yeah...I...just give me a moment, okay?

    Nicole leans into Eric, putting arm around him.

    NICOLE: I miss him too.

    Eric stands up, in an effort to shake off Nicole's touch.

    ERIC: it's not Brady, Nicole. It's...everything.
    NICOLE: What do you mean, Eric?
    ERIC: I just...I need to go. Alone.

    Eric storms off, leaving Nicole sitting in her seat, flabbergasted by Eric's strange reaction.

    ---


    Brady lays in bed, looks around the bedroom he's woken up in, trying to decipher where exactly he is, when a woman walks in. An older woman, but it's plain to see she was stunning as a young woman, and has aged beautifully now. She appears pleasantly surprised to see Brady awake.

    ANITA: Ah! You're awake, finally. I was starting to worry when it took you about a day longer than the doctor expected to wake up.

    Brady looks up at the woman, confused.

    BRADY: I...wha...where am I, exactly?

    The woman smiles and sits down on the bed next to him, she puts a hand to his forehead.

    ANITA: About thirty miles from anywhere...Hah! You're not even running a fever anymore.
    BRADY: Wait, what? Who...who are you exactly?
    ANITA: My name's Anita. I'm the one who found you floating around in the lake.

    Brady furrows his brow, confused by Anita's statement.

    BRADY: I...what?
    ANITA: The lake. We're right by Smith Lake. You are...very, very lucky, I have to say.
    BRADY: Woah, woah, woah, wait....lucky? What...what happened to me?

    Anita looks down at Brady, shaking her head.

    ANITA: That...I could not tell you.

    ---

    Gabi and Hope step into the park alongside Town Square. Gabi looks at Hope with a worried look.

    GABI: Hope...what is happening? Did you...

    Gabi looks around to make sure no one hears them before continuing.

    GABI: ...did you find anything at Nick's apartment?
    HOPE: No, Gabi. That's what I wanted to tell you. Nick's apartment turned up clean. There wasn't so much as a bottle of Aspirin.

    Gabi looks at Hope, shocked.

    GABI: That's impossible, I...
    HOPE: You what, Gabi?

    Gabi catches herself before saying anything more, but is now panicked, searching for an answer.

    ---

    Sami bursts into the DiMera mansion living room, excited by EJ's earlier call. EJ sits at his desk, but stands up quickly as Sami walks in.

    SAMI: Okay, so what's the deal?

    EJ walks over to the living room doors and looks out into the hallway before shutting them. He looks back Sami's way and holds his finger to his lips.

    EJ: Careful, just in case father's lurking.

    Sami rolls her eyes and whispers as loudly as she can,

    SAMI: Okay, okay, now SPILL!
    EJ: I just got off the phone with Chad. We're going to use one of our hidden shell corporations to pick up Titan TV for a bargain right under Victor's nose.
    SAMI: I had a feeling you were onto something.
    EJ: Right, now, once we pick up Titan TV, we use that to grow Countess W's advertising base, and end this travesty of an energy project Victor's hellbent on setting up. It's a win-win.

    Sami looks excitedly at EJ, the tension between them non-existant in this moment.

    SAMI: I can't believe you've pulled this off.
    EJ: Well, I haven't yet. But I know that if we hadn't done it, Nick Fallon would have been controlling your lives until the end of time.

    Sami is crashed back into reality, remembering Nick's blackmail.

    SAMI: Oh, how could I forget? Do you really think that going so far out of our way to give into Nick's demands is a good idea.
    EJ: Samantha, the more control we have over this situation, the less Nick can control you, Gabi, and Kate. That's what matters. It's just a little...added bonus that we can use this TV station to stick it to Victor. No?

    Sami raises and eyebrow and smiles at EJ, the first smile EJ's seen from Sami in weeks. He smiles in kind.

    ---

    Percy stands at his table in his cabin, looking at Nick with a confused look on his face.

    PERCY: I...eh...Nicholas...

    Nick looks up from his laptop, a smile on his face.

    NICK: Yep?
    PERCY: What on Earth do you mean, surveillance? I...I barely know how to use a computer!
    NICK: Oh. It's nothing.

    Nick waves dismissively as he stands up from the dinner table, and reaches into his bag. He pulls out a small black plastic box and places it on the table with almost ceremonial care.

    NICK: This....is an external hard drive. You are going to collect as much data as you can on every...single...member of the Titan executive as you can.

    Nick pulls a set of papers out from his bag and hands them to Percy.

    NICK: These are the people you need to focus on. Study them carefully, their faces, their responsibilities.

    Percy flips through the pages before stopping Nick and looking at him quizzically.

    PERCY: I'm sorry, Nicholas but...what exactly is the meaning of this?

    Nick stops, looking Percy's way with a huge grin.

    NICK: Why, it's quite simple, Percy. Blackmail.

    ---

  23. beebs
    DAYS OF OUR LIVES Ep. 7
    written by A. Washington-Beeby
    story consultant: ML Cooks

    JJ steps downstairs slowly to see where his mother is. Finding her studying papers in a folder in the foyer, he makes his way down delicately.

    JJ: Uh...mom?

    Jennifer stops immediately and turns to JJ with a smile.

    JENNIFER: JJ! Good morning!
    JJ: Yeah, good morning. Look, uh...are you in a hurry or do you have time to talk?
    JENNIFER: No, I've got time...but honey, if this is about Daniel again, I don't want to hear about it--
    JJ: Look, it is, but it's also about me, and I think you should hear me out.

    --

    Sonny & Will wake up in each other's arms. The sunshine hits Sonny's eyes and tempts him awake. After a big yawn, Sonny stares lovingly at Will for a moment. He drinks in the sleeping face of the man he loves. Eventually, he leans over and kisses him softly on the lips, which stirs Will from his sleep.

    WILL: (groaning) Is it time...wake me up later.
    SONNY: Come on, you lazy bum. We got things to do.

    Will scratches his eyes and tries to rouse himself. Sonny hits him with a pillow.

    WILL: OW! Hey!
    SONNY: Come on!

    Sonny gets up out of bed and heads for the doorway.

    SONNY: We have something very important to do today!
    WILL: How could I forget? Half priced brunch day at the club!

    Sonny shoots Will an evil eye. Will giggles.

    WILL: Sorry I had to.
    SONNY: You're the worst.
    WILL: (still laughing) I KNOW!

    Sonny leans on the bed, looking lovingly at Will.
    SONNY: I cannot wait to tell everyone we know that I'm marrying the greatest, sexiest guy on the planet.
    WILL: You can't marry yourself, Sonny.

    Sonny rolls his eyes with a smile.

    SONNY: Oh my God, that was terrible.

    Sonny and Will kiss.

    WILL: You love my awful sense of humour.
    SONNY: You're lucky I do.

    Will & Sonny emerge from their bedroom to find Gabi on the couch, wide awake, bleary-eyed, holding Ari. They're immediately concerned for her.

    SONNY: Gabi! Are you alright?

    Gabi continues to stare straight ahead, as though she doesn't hear them.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---

    Brady storms into the Kiriakis mansion, cocky as hell as per usual. Victor is waiting alone in the living room, as Maggie has left upon hearing the door, hoping to give Brady and Victor some time alone to hash things out.

    BRADY: Alright, Grandad. What's all the angry phone calls and threats of search parties about?
    VICTOR: Gee, I dunno. Might have something to do with the business you supposedly run. And yet, here I am, doing your job for you so you can go around town sulking and drinking all day.
    BRADY: How many times do I have to tell you, Grandad. I do NOT have a drinking problem.
    VICTOR: You're so full of crap it's coming out your eyeballs.

    Brady throws up his hands and makes his way for the door.

    BRADY: I don't need to hear this--
    VICTOR: Oh yes you do. The board meeting's coming up. They want to know how we're going to get out of the financial mess we've been in since you took over. I've been trying to cover for you, but you need to pull a solution out and fast.
    BRADY: What do you mean by that?
    VICTOR I mean Titan TV bleeding money by the week, MadWorld and that nincompoup Nick Fallon and that ridiculous computer virus that wiped out the entire fall line, the magazines are all basically kaput, and the only deal that could possibly keep us solvent is languishing on the backburner, all because we can't buy the land we need. And where the Hell is the CEO? Getting drunk at 10am.

    Brady pours himself a drink as Victor rants, essentially ignoring him.

    BRADY: Are you quite done?

    Victor's had enough. He grabs the drink from Brady's hand and smashes it against the opposite wall.

    VICTOR: If you don't clean up your act before that board meeting next week, this gravy train is gonna reach the end of the line, and it won't be turning back.

    ---

    Gabi finally responds to Sonny and Will, though she continues to look straight ahead. She trembles a bit as she does.

    GABI: I had a nightmare. I couldn't sleep.

    Will immediately sits down beside Gabi and tries to hug her. Gabi tenses and backs away slightly, before rationality returns to her and she shakes it off.

    GABI: I'm sorry. I'm just...I'm jumpy.
    SONNY: I can tell. Gabi, what's bothering you.

    Gabi finally snaps out of it and looks to Will and Sonny.

    GABI: It was about Nick. And it's got me thinking, and I don't know what to do.

    ---

    Hope stands in Town Square, face to face with Aiden. She is displeased to see him, and is fighting back tears from her conversation with Bo over the phone.

    HOPE: We've got to stop meeting like this.
    AIDEN: We probably do.
    HOPE: Well, if you'll excuse me.

    Hope goes to walk away before she starts to cry, but Aiden, after hesitating, calls out to her.

    AIDEN: I really don't know if I should ask you this but....are you alright?

    Hope turns around with a sour expression. Her mascara running slightly.

    AIDEN: Stupid question.
    HOPE: Only slightly.
    AIDEN: Look, I just wanted to ask.
    HOPE: Well, I appreciate it, but you've made it more than clear the only person whose pain you're concerned about is your own. Excuse me.

    Hope storms off. Aiden looks dejected but as though he expected Hope's reaction.

    ---

    JJ turns to Jennifer, looking her full-on. Jennifer clearly looks uncomfortable, and would rather be discussing anything else but this.

    JENNIFER: Look, JJ, I told you before, I am in no mood to talk about Daniel.
    JJ: Mom, I'm serious. You need to know this. It's SO important that I tell you the whole truth.
    JENNIFER: What? What do you even mean, JJ?
    JJ: Look, just...come to the living room with me for a sec, okay?
    JENNIFER: Okay, but I'm running late so--
    JJ: Mom, this is too important. It can't wait.

    Jennifer throws her hands up, admitting defeat.

    JENNIFER: Alright, lead the way.

    JJ and Jenn walk into the living room and sit down on the sofa.

    JJ: Okay...(clearing his throat), so remember the night...well...obviously you remember the night Theresa OD'd.
    JENNIFER: How could I forget?
    JJ: Well, you see...look, you can't....you have to promise me you won't tell anyone this, okay?
    JENNIFER: Oh God, JJ. What is it?
    JJ: Mom, promise me.
    JENNIFER: OKAY! Okay, I will. I promise. JJ are you in trouble again?
    JJ: No. Mom, I swear. I've been....100% honest with you in everything else, I just...I screwed up. Okay?
    JENNIFER: What do you mean?
    JJ: The night Theresa OD'd. I was there.
    JENNIFER: What? JJ? What are you talking about?
    JJ: Okay, Daniel....Daniel was not there with her that night. She invited me over. I was...I was into her and so I went over there. She...she told me she had this drug that she wanted to try out, but she was already wasted so she overdid it. I swear, I barely had any, but she...Theresa...she drank it all and...and fast. She passed out, and I didn't know what to do.

    Jennifer is too stunned to even move. JJ just looks dead ahead, recalling the events of that night.

    JJ: I just kept replaying over and over in my head....that judge. Warning me that he's going to make an example out of me. The thought of me in that prison cell. I couldn't do it. I couldn't deal with that. So I called Daniel.
    JENNIFER: Daniel? Why didn't you call 911, JJ--
    JJ: I couldn't. I couldn't, Mom. They would've hauled me in. Daniel came in like....5 minutes. He saved her life. He told me to leave. I wanted to help but he wouldn't let me. He insisted I keep quiet about it. Even to you, even after my sentencing he didn't want me to say anything to you in case my sentencing was reversed. But....I just couldn't keep quiet anymore.

    JJ takes Jennifer's hands and looks into her eyes.

    JJ: He loves you, Mom. He never slept with Theresa. He wouldn't do that.

    Jennifer mulls over everything JJ's told her. She takes a deep breath and thinks before she finally speaks.

    JENNIFER: My God, JJ. I just...I wish you'd told me. Why didn't you tell me?
    JJ: He thought it was safer if you were called as a witness, or were questioned. It was safer to have you hate him than to have to keep this secret.
    JENNIFER: I don't....I would have done it for you.
    JJ: But don't you see--
    JENNIFER: No, no I don't, JJ.

    Jennifer's now fighting off tears, she pulls JJ in for a hug.

    JENNIFER: Look, I'm so so glad you finally told me. And I know you've been trying so hard. I'm so proud of you, and how far you've come. But...I don't think there's a chance for Daniel and I anymore, even after what you just told me.
    JJ: Seriously?
    JENNIFER: No, honey.

    Jennifer wipes away her tears and gets up, grabbing her handbag.

    JENNIFER: Look, I've gotta get to the hospital.
    JJ: Mom, just promise me you'll talk to him. I just want to see you happy. And I know that he made you happy.
    JENNIFER: You're so sweet. But I'll be fine. With or without Daniel. I promise.

    Jennifer gives JJ another big hug and sets off to work. JJ is left frustrated at home.

    ---

    Abby gets off the elevator at Salem University Hospital and heads to the Nurses' Station. Picking up some files, she's spotted by Maxine, who waves to her.

    ABBY: Oh, hey Maxine.
    MAXINE: Hey honey, how you feeling?
    ABBY: Oh, I'm alright.
    MAXINE: Sure you are. By the looks of you, you have not slept a full eight hours in a week.
    ABBY: You've been talking to my mom again, haven't you?
    MAXINE: Now, you know your mom keeps tabs on you. She's just worried about you, that's all.
    ABBY: Well, she has nothing to worry about and neither do you. But thanks.

    EJ emerges from the board room, Abigail doesn't spot him as he exits from a door behind her. He lingers and feigns looking over some paperwork, but is listening in.

    MAXINE: Alright. Well, look. Here's the first of the files to begin digitizing. We set you up with a temporary office by the records room so you can have some peace and quiet while you work.
    ABBY: Oh my God! That's amazing!
    MAXINE: You better thank your Aunt Kayla for that. She pushed for that for you.
    ABBY: That's so sweet. I'll have to thank her when I see her next. Anyway, I better get to work.
    MAXINE: Alright, honey. See you. And get some sleep!

    Abby walks away from the Nurses Station, heading for her office. EJ quickly tucks away around a corner.

    ABBY: (laughing) I will!

    Abby unlocks the records room door with her keycard, and steps inside. Fully focused on the folder in front of her, she doesn't notice the door stops from fully closing by EJ, who sneaks inside behind her and closes the door behind him. His booming voice shocks Abigail.

    EJ: Abigail. We need to talk, right now.

    ---
  24. beebs
    EPISODE 70
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson



    Eric sits alone by the river, skipping stones into the river as he stares ahead intently. Deep in intense thought, he doesn't hear as Nicole approaches him carefully. As not to scare him, she simply takes her heels off and sits down with him. Eric finally stops to look and see Nicole sitting next to him before going back to looking out at the water.

    Nicole hesitates before finally speaking up, speaking gently to not antagonize Eric any further.

    NICOLE: You're not an easy man to find, you know.
    ERIC: I hate to say it, Nicole but...that was kinda the goal.
    NICOLE: I went to St. Luke's first thing and...they suggested coming out here, since you used to head out to the riverside whenever you were feeling lost.
    ERIC: I'm amazed you didn't know that.

    Nicole laughs half-heartedly.

    NICOLE: I guess I was too focused on not...falling back in love with you to notice? Sounds corny, doesn't it?

    Eric softens a bit at Nicole's words. He looks her way again, giving half a smile before he speaks, then returning to looking away at the water.

    ERIC: Nah...I understand.
    NICOLE: Well...I don't. What happened at the square that's got you so upset? You were fine before--

    Eric tenses again, interrupting Nicole immediately.

    ERIC: ...It's nothing. Just...(sigh) Marlena gave me some news and...
    NICOLE: And? Come on, Eric, what is it? Is everything okay?
    ERIC: Will and Sonny are getting married.

    Nicole looks at Eric, confused by what he's saying until she suddenly clues in and reacts.

    NICOLE: I don't...wait, Eric. What are you saying? Do you have a problem with Will and Sonny getting married?

    Eric looks at Nicole, an upset and frustrated look on his face, matching Nicole's confused and disappointed look.

    ---


    Will storms into his shared apartment, with Sonny following not far behind. Will appears to ignore him, as he walks into the bedroom, leaving Sonny in the living room. Will walks back out with blankets and a pillow, hastily piled together and throws them down on the sofa, his eyes laser-focused on Sonny. Sonny looks at Will with concern and points to the sofa.

    SONNY: What, you're not gonna sleep out here tonight, are you?

    Will folds his arms and keeps his eyes focused on Sonny, a cold anger in his eyes.

    WILL: No. You are.

    Will turns and walks back into the bedroom, and shouts out to Sonny before the door slams.

    WILL: Goodnight!

    Sonny closes his eyes, wincing at the sound of the door slamming.

    ---


    Gabi stands in the park with Hope. She stammers, trying to cover herself about her plan for Nick.

    GABI: I...I meant I...I was so sure because he was...he was...he's been acting...

    Hope motions to Gabi to spit it out, finally finishing Gabi's sentence for her.

    HOPE: ...unusual? Like he had been before?

    Gabi nods, looking up hesitantly at Hope.

    GABI: Yeah.
    HOPE: Well, the thing is, Gabi. I don't buy it. Any of it.

    Gabi looks up, shocked by Hope's rebuttal.

    GABI: What?!
    HOPE: Gabi, I spent all afternoon with Nick. He seemed absolutely fine.
    GABI: No, no no no no, you don't understand. I saw him taking something this morning, I was out with him last night, he was off, he was...
    HOPE: Drunk, Gabi? Maybe he had a hangover and took an Aspirin. You know, people DO that sometimes.
    GABI: No, Hope, you don't understand. You need to go back and check his bag again. I'm telling you he's got to be on something.

    Hope shakes her head, silencing Gabi.

    HOPE: I can't. I looked, there was nothing. Look, Gabi, I'm worried about Nick too. I'm worried he isn't making the progress I thought he was after this whole ordeal with you and Sonny and Will, but...I can't just go searching through people's stuff on a whim. If I do find something? Gabi, it wouldn't hold up in court. It sure as hell wouldn't help Nick.

    Gabi looks pleadingly at Hope, petrified that her plan will fall through.

    GABI: Hope, please!
    HOPE: No. Gabi, I'm sorry. But until you can find me proof that something is up with Nick, I can't...and I won't go snooping again. I'll see you later.

    Hope walks off back toward the town square, leaving Gabi behind, shaking with anger and disappointment.

    GABI: Damn you, Nick. Damn you.

    ---

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---


    Billie steps into Club TBD, and, upon seeing Justin waving from one of the corner booths, smiles and heads over to him.

    BILLIE: Justin.
    JUSTIN: Billie! Long time, no see.

    Billie puts her bag down and sits down across from Justin at the table.

    BILLIE: Ha ha. Glad to see you're still keeping your sense of humour.
    JUSTIN: Well, we do what we can, even when we're the pariah of the family.
    BILLIE: I'm sure. Victor must be really livid with you about the divestment deal with Titan TV.

    Justin shrugs, clearly resigned to his fate.

    JUSTIN: It is what it is. Victor couldn't hold onto both the station and the oil sands project. I just...forced his hand a little.
    BILLIE: Well...I'm glad you did.

    Justin looks to Billie, intrigued by her interest.

    JUSTIN: Why's that? I mean...I know you voted in favour of divesting, but...I mean, you work with MadWorld, why do you care what happens to EnerNext?

    Billie looks to Justin, knowing what direction he's taking this conversation, she stops herself and gives Justin a 'gotcha' smile.

    BILLIE: I don't think you wanna get into that.
    JUSTIN: Oh, but I'm SO fascinated. Do tell!
    BILLIE: Let's just say that I want what's best for everyone at Titan. Now, let's get to why I asked you to meet me here.

    Billie reaches down into her bag and pulls out an envelope, containing the restraining order Kim presented her with earlier.

    JUSTIN: Is this business or...?
    BILLIE: Personal. But...I'm pretty sure I know which lawyer my, uh...the other party in this whole...situation consulted, so...
    JUSTIN: Say no more. So what's this about?

    Billie hands Justin her copy of the restairaing order.

    BILLIE: Well...obviously, since Brady and Theresa's accident...I've been visiting Theresa at the hospital for the last few days.
    JUSTIN: Right. And that...from what I can see here...really displeased Kim.
    BILLIE: That's...(sigh) putting it mildly. Justin, she hates that I have a relationship with her daughter. She gave some judge a...sob story about me harrassing her and her daughter and he bought it.

    Justin looks up from the order and shakes his head slowly.

    JUSTIN: I hate to tell you this, but a restraining order is very easy to put into effect.

    Billie looks a bit disappointed at Justin. Sighing as she speaks, she responds.

    BILLIE: And...not so easy to get lifted.
    JUSTIN: Unfortunately. So...whatever issues you're having with Kim, you may just have to find a way to work around them, I'm sorry to say.

    Billie nods, pondering over what Justin's said, gears turning in her mind.

    ---

    Gabi unlocks the door to the apartment and sees Sonny watching TV on the couch alone, blankets covering him. She looks on, confused, as she speaks softly, trying not to wake Ari.

    GABI: I...what are you doing out here?

    Sonny looks up from the TV, a resigned, shamed look on his face.

    SONNY: I'm uh...I'm kind of in the dog house right now.

    Gabi looks confused as she turns on the light in the living room. Sonny squints with the sudden change in light.

    SONNY: Ugh.
    GABI: What did YOU do to get thrown out of the bedroom.
    SONNY:Ohhh nothing huge, just...lied to Will about where I was going and then tried to convince my Uncle Vic that he should rescind Will's job offer.

    Gabi looks surprised and upset by Sonny's confession, nearly blurting out her surprise aloud before catching herself and returning to a soft voice, this time, agitated.

    GABI: I...you...are you serious, Sonny?? What kind of stupid move is that?
    SONNY: I know! I know...I should've just...kept my mouth shut.
    GABI: You don't say. You know I was waiting for you guys to come around at the memorial service and you never showed. I was getting worried something was wrong. Obviously, I had good reason to worry.
    SONNY: Yeah....and now Will is...so mad he's threatening to call off the engagement and...I...I just feel like a...an ass. So...yeah, sorry we couldn't meet you at the memorial.

    Gabi gets up off the couch and walks over to the kitchen to grab a drink of water, as Sonny looks at the time and realizes how late it is.

    SONNY: Oh yeah, speaking of which, that...that was...hours ago...where have you been, anyway?

    Gabi nearly spits out the water as she drinks it, trying to come up with an answer for Sonny.

    GABI: I, uh...I was catching up with Will's family. They...wanted to see Ari.

    Sonny nods, a bit unconvinced, but willing to accept Gabi's answer.

    SONNY: Makes sense.

    Gabi walks back around to sit beside Sonny, concerned more for him than her own trouble, she puts a comforting hand on his knee.

    GABI: So? What are you gonna do about you and Will? You think you'll work through this?

    Sonny sighs looking down at the floor in contemplation, almost as though Gabi weren't even in the room.

    SONNY: I'm not sure...I'm just not sure.

    ---

    Will stands in the bedroom, staring intently out his window at the moon shining outside. He looks at the alarm clock beside his bed and sighs, knowing he won't be able to sleep, between the pressure of the new day and new job, and his pressures at home with Sonny, Gabi, and Nick, Will has a lot on his mind, as, saying nothing, he closes his eyes, as if to make a wish.

    ---

    Eric stares up at the same night sky, by the river, Nicole by his side, upset by his reaction to the news of Sonny and Will's engagement.

    NICOLE: I mean, you can't be against them getting married. I never took you for a bigot, Eric--

    Eric interrupts Nicole, clearly irritated by her implicit accusation.

    ERIC: ...I don't have a problem with them getting married. I mean...(sigh) It's complicated.

    Nicole looks on, confused by Eric's statement, she responds more emphatically this time.

    NICOLE: What's complicated about it, Eric? They love each other. They...they take care of that baby better than I've ever seen anyone care for a baby. There's...so much love in that home...that's the stuff marriages are made of...not that I'd know from experience or anything, but...
    ERIC: But there's more to it than that. Nicole, I've spent years dedicated to a church that tells me that marriage is a sacred vow under God between a man and a woman. It's about creating children together, and having their love recognized by God under his laws...

    Eric trails off at this point, clearly troubled by what he's saying.

    ERIC: ...but I can't look at Sonny and Will and think that their love's any different. And how can I reconcile that with what my beliefs have taught me?

    Nicole tries, unsuccessfully, to bring some levity to Eric's clearly troubled mind.

    NICOLE: Well...it's not like you've tried stoning me to death for not being a virgin on my wedding day.

    Eric looks up at Nicole, a wry smile on his face as Nicole chuckles and leans into Eric, playfully.

    NICOLE: Come on, Eric. My point is, maybe it's time you stopped following the....silly little intricate rules of the Bible and just...followed the basic outline. I mean...come on, one day...down the road, I'd love to get married to you, and I know you won't let some...archaic rule about not divorcing stop you from marrying me, right?

    Eric hesitates to answer, making Nicole nervous almost instantly. She looks back at Eric, very frantic, very fast.

    NICOLE: Right??

    Eric looks up at Nicole.

    ERIC: That's the thing, Nicole. I don't think I can.

    NIcole's face turns white as a sheet at Eric's revelation.

    ---

  25. beebs
    EPISODE 71
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson



    Jordan and Rafe sit down at a table at Club TBD. Rafe tries to prod a smile out of Jordan, who is deep in thought.

    RAFE: Hey! Earth to Jordan. Come on, what's up?

    Jordan snaps out of it, though she still looks concerned and distracted. She gives Rafe a half-hearted smile.

    JORDAN: Ugh, I'm sorry, Rafe. I just...I got so much going on at work, and...
    RAFE: Aaaand you're not at work. Look, you've been distracted all day. you didn't make it in time for Brady's memorial, and you've spent every moment...

    Rafe sees Jordan looking away every couple seconds at her cell phone, which is planted face-up on the table. Rafe puts his hand over her phone and slides it towards himself.

    RAFE: ...looking at your phone. What's going on?

    ---


    JJ knocks on Laura's bedroom door. Laura's still awake and calls out to him from her vanity stool, where she's finishing putting lotion on her face.

    LAURA: Come in!

    JJ walks in carefully, as Laura turns and smiles to see her grandson.

    LAURA: JJ! How are you?
    JJ: I'm alright, Grandma. I...uh...I wanted to talk to you. It's...really important.
    LAURA: Sure! What is it?

    JJ breathes in deeply before speaking, a hopeful look on his face as he quietly speaks to his grandmother.

    JJ: I need you to talk to my mom about Liam.

    Laura's face drops as JJ brings Liam up to her.

    LAURA: What do you mean?
    JJ: Okay...so...when I got to Brady's memorial today? I saw Liam, he was with my mom, but...then he got this phone call. And I...I followed him out into that park by the square?

    Laura nods in understanding, all the while still intently focused on what he's saying.

    LAURA: Okay? Then what happened.

    JJ looks down a moment while speaking, before looking up at his grandmother, a worried look on his face.

    JJ: I overheard his conversation, and I'm certain I heard him say that he was watching over Abby for Stefano.

    Laura draws herself up immediately, a wave of panic on her face.

    ---


    Daniel walks up to his door to the sound of someone knocking frantically on his door. He's half-naked and clearly not fully awake. The frantic knocking causes him to scurry quickly to the door, if only to make the persistent knocking stop.


    He opens the door to find Billie standing in front of him. He's surprised to see her at this hour.

    DANIEL: Billie!
    BILLIE: Oh thank God, you're still up.

    Billie walks into Daniel's apartment before Daniel even gets a moment to react.

    DANIEL: Come...in?
    BILLIE: I'm SO sorry I'm barging in at this hour, I just...I needed to ask you something.

    As Daniel tries to object, Billie holds up her finger to stop him.

    BILLIE: And before you say a word, no, it can't wait until tomorrow.

    Daniel sighs, giving up. He looks to Billie, arms folded, an exhausted look on his face, eyes half-open.

    DANIEL: Okay...what do you need?
    BILLIE: I need you to find a way to get me in to see Theresa.

    Daniel's eyes squint even harder, trying to process what Billie's proposing.

    ----

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4

    ---


    Nicole sits with Eric at the edge of the river. Visibly upset by what Eric's just told her, she looks intently at Eric.

    NICOLE: What do you mean, you can't marry me, Eric? EVER?

    Eric nods, slowly, and with a heavy heart.

    ERIC: Nicole, my faith means a great deal to me. I...I can't just...turn my back on the teachings of the church because they're convenient for me--

    Nicole interrupts, hurt and upset, a rage coming over her.

    NICOLE: ...Convenient isn't the word for it! Eric, this is what's right, this is not convenience. Damn it, Eric, we love each other. I think there's a reason why we've been...brought back together after...all these years. It's meant to be, Eric. You can call it...God. Or...whatever you want. But would a just God want to deny you the one thing that makes you happy because I married the wrong person once or...a few times?

    Eric says nothing. Staring straight out at the water. Deep in thought, contemplating what Nicole's saying, and his own perspective.

    NICOLE: Eric?

    Still staring out, Eric doesn't even acknowledge that he's listening. Nicole tries desperately to get Eric to respond.

    NICOLE: Eric, say something!

    Eric sighs, finally speaking up.

    ERIC: Nicole, just because it...feels right doesn't mean it is.
    NICOLE: Why? Why is it not right? Who is it hurting, Eric?

    Eric sighs again, this time reluctant to answer. Nicole doesn't wait for his answer.

    NICOLE: There's a reason you can't answer that. Because you know, in your heart...that I'm right.

    Eric looks at Nicole, a very troubled look still stuck on his face, as he gets up and walks away, leaving Nicole by the river, still tense with anger, and confused and upset by Eric's reluctance to dedicate himself to her.

    ---

    Jordan tries in vain to get Rafe to give her back her cell phone. He slides the phone off the table and puts it in his shirt pocket. Jordan tries to reach for it frantically.

    JORDAN: Rafe, give that back.
    RAFE: Ah ah ah! nope. We agreed to spend a quiet evening together. Not checking our social media every few seconds.

    Jordan rolls her eyes before giving up.

    JORDAN: Okay. Okay. Sorry.
    RAFE: Well, it's better to at least see something other than the top of your forehead.

    Jordan squints her eyes, unimpressed by Rafe's humour.

    JORDAN: Ha ha. Very funny. I was actually waiting for a call from someone.
    RAFE: And when it rings, I can hand you the phone. It's no big deal.
    JORDAN: Rafe, yes it is. That's a very important call.

    Rafe becomes more and more agitated as Jordan becomes more and more frantic.

    RAFE: From who? Jordan, you're not acting like yourself at all. What's wrong?

    Jordan flashes back to her last conversation with Sheryl.

    ***

    FLASHBACK TO 64


    Jordan sits attentively at her desk at the hospital, waiting on Sheryl to fill her in on what the next step of their plan is.

    JORDAN: Okay. Tell me, what's this great plan of yours?
    SHERYL: Simple. I made a phone call today, to an old friend of ours.

    Jordan's brow furrows, as she pulls her glasses off her face.

    JORDAN: An old friend?

    Sheryl leans in, smirking confidently at Jordan as she quietly tells her the name of their old friend.

    SHERYL: Jerome Grant.

    Jordan leans back, surprise plain on her face as the news hits her.

    ***

    Jordan sighs, before rolling her eyes and telling Rafe what he wants to hear.

    JORDAN: I'm worried about...a friend.
    RAFE: Anyone I know?
    JORDAN: Yes. Okay, fine. It's Sheryl. Look, she and Lucas have been...I dunno. He's been so busy with work lately that she hasn't heard a word from him and she's getting a little...anxious. You know?

    Rafe shrugs, before taking Jordan's hand and looking into her eyes, hoping she'll listen to his advice.

    RAFE: Well that's for them to worry about. Not you.

    Jordan looks away, trying to avoid Rafe's gaze, but he holds his hand up to her chin, guiding her gaze back his way, ever so gently.

    RAFE: Hey, hey. I know you're concerned about your friends. I understand. But you can't fight everyone's battles for them. Sometimes you just gotta...let whatever's happening happen.

    Jordan nods reluctantly, smiling half-heartedly at Rafe.

    JORDAN: I guess you're right.
    RAFE: I know I am. Now...come on. Let's enjoy our evening together. No. Distractions.

    Jordan finally gives in, smiling warmly at Rafe as he leans in across the table. She gets up slightly from her end as they gently kiss each other's lips.

    ---

    Daniel shakes his head slightly, checking to be sure he heard Billie correctly.

    DANIEL: You...you want me to what?
    BILLIE: I want you to find a way to sneak me in to see Theresa.

    Daniel blinks, shaking his head again in disbelief.

    DANIEL: I...Billie. Seriously? This is all kinds of...illegal and unethical.
    BILLIE: And doable. Kim doesn't have a guard at the door of that room. And you know full well that if I go in later in the evenings, the hospital will be quiet enough that no one will see me, as long as we're careful.

    Daniel holds up his hands to object to Billie, but Billie won't hear of it.

    DANIEL: Billie, I can't--
    BILLIE: No buts, Daniel Jonas. I will not have Kimberly Brady trying to concoct some kind of parallel history that denies my relationship with her daughter. Theresa is my friend, and I am one of her ONLY friends. She needs me around her. You know that.
    DANIEL: Billie, I can't interfere with a court order. I mean...do you understand what you're asking me to do, here?
    BILLIE: I think I might. I used to be a cop, remember? Come on, you don't have to be any more involved than just...schedule your checkups on Theresa for later in the evening and let me in.

    Daniel laughs in disbelief at Billie's suggestion. He takes a moment to respond so as not say anything too harsh.

    DANIEL: You have no idea how my rounds work, do you? It's not that simple, Billie.

    Billie chokes up a bit as she walks in close to Daniel. She looks intently at him, hoping to appeal to his symapthies.

    BILLIE: I know it's not simple, but...please. Daniel. I need this. I need to see Theresa. This is the only way I can make this work.

    Daniel shakes his head as he puts his hands on Billie's shoulders.

    DANIEL: Do you realize what could happen if we're caught doing this? I could lose my license, and you would go to jail immediately.

    Billie sighs, looking at the ground before she looks up at Daniel, nodding.

    BILLIE: I'm ready to deal with that. I don't care, as long as I get to see Theresa. Daniel, people in comas, they hear us. And I know that it'll be good for Theresa to hear my voice. That girl needs to hear my voice, Daniel. Please. Do this for me.

    Daniel thinks it over a moment, walking over to the window before turning around suddenly to face Billie.

    DANIEL: Okay.

    Billie smiles immediately, rushing over to hug Daniel.

    BILLIE: Thank you. Thank you...oh God. Thank you, Daniel.

    Daniel holds Billie tightly, but looking out, a concerned look on his face as he contemplates what he's about to do.

    ---

    Laura looks concerned as JJ speaks to her, the concerns she's had about Jennifer and Liam's relationship coming out JJ's mouth.

    JJ: I'm worried, Grandma. He...he was talking to some guy and...I know I heard her name.
    LAURA: Did you tell your mom?
    JJ: Yes, but...this is what's really scaring me, Grandma. Liam came out of nowhere and he heard me tell mom about his conversation. He knows I heard him.

    Laura's now trembling in fear from JJ's comments. JJ sees Laura tremble and takes her hands into his.

    JJ: Grandma...you okay?
    LAURA: I...I don't know.
    JJ: Just...try to relax, okay?

    Laura breathes in deeply, as she tries to relax herself and keeps asking JJ questions.

    LAURA: Right. Okay...so...JJ...what happened after that conversation you had with your mother?
    JJ: Well...they took off, mom and Liam did...and I stayed behind to try to...sort this out in my head...and as they left...Liam...he looked at me...I caught him trying to...like...stare me down or something. But I'm more worried about Abigail than anything. I mean...she's working for Stefano but...Liam works at the hospital, he has no ties to Stefano.
    LAURA: JJ, I don't...I don't understand any of this. I mean...what business would Liam have spying on Abigail for Stefano, unless...

    Laura halts midsentence. JJ immediately more tense as Laura's expression becomes even more terrified.

    JJ: Grandma?? Grandma what's wrong?

    Laura tries in vain to allay JJ's fears, too terrified herself to relax.

    LAURA: JJ...I...I have to ask you something.
    JJ: Anything, Grandma, what?

    Laura leans in close to JJ, trying to ensure JJ listens carefully to her.

    LAURA: Don't do anything else. I have a terrible feeling that I know exactly what's going on.
    JJ: What? What, Grandma, tell me what it is.
    LAURA: I can't, JJ. If I tell you...I don't know if either of us will be safe. Just...leave it alone. Leave it all to me. I will take care of this. Okay? Promise me!

    JJ looks on, now terrified for his family, but not sure what Laura won't tell him. He nods in agreement as he gets up from the edge of Laura's bed, where he was sitting.

    JJ: Okay. I promise. Goodnight.

    JJ walks out of the room in a daze. Confused by Laura's reaction and petrified by what Laura won't tell him. He closes the door behind him as Laura stares into the mirror, visibly terrified and upset.

    LAURA: Damn you, Stefano! You better not be up to what I think you are.

    ---

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