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  1. beebs
    EPISODE 136
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco
     

    Eric and Nicole lay in bed together, truly happy. They smile, breathing heavily as their heart rates descend from a long session of lovemaking. Nicole rolls over, resting against Eric's naked chest, before leaning in for a kiss.
     
    NICOLE: You know...I could handle this whole...being married thing if this is how it's gonna be every day from now on.
     
    Eric laughs, as Nicole smiles back at him.
     
    ERIC: Yeah, if this was all being married was about, I could get used to it too.
    NICOLE: Well, it could be. You know...I think we're both...very secure in our love for each other...and I know that whatever comes our way...I think we can get through it, as long as we work together.
     
    Eric smiles, taking his hand and putting it up to Nicole's face.
     
    ERIC: I will always be here for you, no matter what.
     
    Eric pulls Nicole in for another kiss, as Nicole's phone goes off. They both stop and sigh. Nicole's head falls face-first into Eric's chest, as Eric laughs quietly to himself.
     
    ERIC: You'd better get that.
     
    Nicole lifts her head, and begins to whine jokingly.
     
    NICOLE: But I don't wannaaaa...
     
    Eric continues to laugh, as Nicole leans over and grabs her phone from the bedside table.
     
    It's Abigail.
     
    Nicole's expression immediately changes, as she answers the call.
     
    NICOLE: (into phone) Abby?
     
    ...
     

    Abigail stands in Nicole's office, her back to Jerome, who sits at Nicole's desk, looking at her computer. He looks on, stunned by what he's seeing on the screen.
     
    ABBY: (into phone) Hey Boss! Uh...I...I'm sorry to bother you. I know you had an appointment and all, but...
     
    ...
     
    Nicole furrows her brow, a bit annoyed and a bit confused as to why Abby's calling.
     
    NICOLE:  (into phone) Uh...it's fine. Now's not really a...great time...
     
    ...
     
    ABBY: (into phone) No! I, I'll make it quick. Promise. It's...really important.
     
    Abby looks over her shoulder to see a stunned Jerome reading the article headline from the flash drive Nick sent them.
     
    EnerNext & Titan: Fraudulent Arguments in Environmental Impact Study & Associated Payoffs
     
    ABBY: (into phone) You're gonna wanna come down to the office...right away.
     
    ---

    Nick paces the Titan board room, holding a pack of sealed envelopes in his hand, as the rest of the Titan board sits in stone silence, stunned by what Nick's held over their heads, and what he wants. Tyler, ready to stop Nick before he goes too far, gets up from his seat.
     
    TYLER: I...uh...I think we've heard enough to make our decision on your proposition, Mr. Fallon.
     
    Nick smiles, and turns to face Tyler, responding with a condescending tone.
     
    NICK: Oh, I don't think so. Not quite yet. 
     
    Nick holds the envelopes in his hand up to prominently display them to the rest of the room. He paces up and down the room still, as the others, most notably Kate, look on in discomfort. Tyler sits down, knowing he won't be able to stop Nick.
     
    NICK: You see, as I mentioned before, I've been keeping a veeeery close eye on all of you here at Titan. And I've gotta say, you guys know how to cover your tracks. But not quite well enough.
    JOHN: And what exactly does that mean?
     
    Nick looks over to John, placing the first envelope down in front of him. Without breaking his gaze for a second, even to blink, he looks John dead in the eyes.
     
    NICK: Why don't you open the envelope and find out?
     
    Nick suddenly breaks gaze, and turns to walk around the table. As he does, Nick flips through the envelopes, placing down one before each board member as he finds the ones for the person before him.
     
    Once completed, he leans on Kate's shoulders slightly, causing Kate to stiffen instantly.
     
    NICK: I think we're ready to begin. 
     
    Nick looks at everyone, a sickening, smug smile on his face, as the board members glare at him murderously.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     

    Anjelica stands in the Horton Town Square, smiling at a less-than-impressed Adrienne, who stands opposite Anjelica, with her arms folded.
     
    ADRIENNE: Anjelica. What are you doing back in town?
    ANJELICA: Well, I see you don't pay much attention to the news. Not that that surprises me. You always were a bit of an intellectual lightweight.
     
    Adrienne rolls her eyes at Anjelica's jab, biting her tongue before she says something she'd regret.
     
    ANJELICA: Among other more...personal matters, I am here as part of my campaign for the state governor's office.
     
    Adrienne can't help but crack up at Anjelica's announcement. Incredulous, she responds, very amused.
     
    ADRIENNE: As if you have a snowball's chance in Hell of winning.
    ANJELICA: Oh, come now, Adrienne. A person's past indiscretions are hardly a reason to keep a person out of government these days, we all know that.
    ADRIENNE: Yes, well, I don't think I've ever seen anyone run for office after having tried to blow someone up.
     
    Anjelica looks at Adrienne, a more serious, lethal expression in her eyes, as the smile disappears from her face.
     
    ANJELICA: Ah! those old lies, and innuendoes. Frankly, Adrienne, I think being in that explosion knocked something loose that should've stayed in place. You're long overdue for a doctor's visit. May I suggest ah...Dr. Marlena Evans?
     
    Adrienne, fed up, grabs her shopping bags, and brushes past Anjelica to leave.
     
    ADRIENNE: I don't have to listen to this. Enjoy your visit, Anjelica. I hope it's very short.
     
    Anjelica turns to call out to Adrienne, goading her once more, and stopping Adrienne in her tracks momentarily.
     
    ANJELICA: Oh, I expect it won't be. Seeing as my son's living with you and Justin. I hope I'll see you at dinner tonight at the Kiriakis mansion?
     
    Adrienne sighs, before turning back around to face Anjelica.
     
    ADRIENNE: Well, I would but we tend to not let stray cats in the house, much less eat off the dinner table. 
    ANJELICA: What are you saying? You're not even going to let me share a meal with my son?
    ADRIENNE: Anjelica, quite frankly, I'm sure no one would have an appetite with you there. And I hate wasting food.
     
    Anjelica chuckles to herself.
     
    ANJELICA: Ahh yes, that old blue collar spirit. Waste not, want not!
    ADRIENNE: Which reminds me that I don't have the time to waste on you. So...
     
    Adrienne grabs her shopping bags from the bench and gives Anjelica a fake smile.
     
    ADRIENNE: Have a great day, Anjelica.
     
    Adrienne walks off, leaving Anjelica behind, a raised eyebrow and shaking her head.
     
    ---
     
    Kate holds open the card Nick's enclosed in her envelope, sighing as she's reminded of her part in his attempted drowning. Lucas looks over, panicked as he holds his card in Kate's direction, tensing in frustration. He whispers forcefully.
     
    LUCAS: How the HELL does Nick know about the entire plan?
     
    Billie sighs, resting her fingertips on her forehead, as she reads her card.
     
    Billie, the spy came to town to hide in plain sight at Titan. Trying to get the goods on her mama's boytoy's new girlfriend. What a wonderful waste of our secret service's resources.
     
    Billie sighs, knowing her reason for being in Salem has been found out.
     
    BILLIE: Maybe mom was right.
     
    Kate looks over momentarily at Billie, shrugging as she looks back toward Nick.
     
    KATE: Trust me. This is the best thing we can do.
     
    Across the table, Justin looks at his card, reading:
     
    Justin, actively trying to falsify environmental assessments so you can rush through a forcible eviction from a citizen's hard-earned property? You should be ashamed.
     
    Justin looks over at Billie, a similarly concerned expression on her face as his. He closes his card and lays it down on the table, as he looks over at a smug Nick.
     
    JUSTIN: And just how do you think you can prove any of this.
    NICK: You really wanna test this theory, huh? That I didn't come to this meeting prepared? 
     
    John jumps in, closing his own note. He holds his arms out, looking at Nick incredulously.
     
    JOHN: Oh, come on, Nick! You're bluffing! There's no way you have something on every single one of us with enough proof to back it up that you could take each of us down.
     
    Nick saunters over to John, staring him down with his trademark grin.
     
    He leans in close to John, never breaking gaze.
     
    NICK: I wouldn't push your luck, Mr. Black.
     
    Nick leans in and whispers in John's ear.
     
    NICK: (whispering) I know about your little plan to save Roman Brady. And it's not gonna work.
     
    John tenses immediately. He recognizes Nick is serious, and looks over at a concerned Justin. Sitting back down, he puts his hand over his mouth, sighing heavily.
     
    Nick, meanwhile, turns back toward the head of the table, leaning over it to speak to the rest of the room.
     
    NICK: Now, as I said, I'm not bluffing. In fact, as I speak, I am about to have a small...wedding present sent to one of my greatest allies in the fight to stop this little project of yours: Nicole Walker. 
     
    ...
     
    Nicole readies herself to leave Eric's hotel room, frantically trying to adjust her dress, as Eric stands nearby, shirtless, trying to help zip her back in. Meanwhile, we hear Nick's voice over the hurried scene.
     
    NICK: (voiceover) You see, I've sent a little document to her new husband, detailing some of the things I've uncovered about HER indiscretions, using the same methods I used to dig up all kinds of dirt on all of you. I'm sure you'll be hearing all about it shortly.
     
    As Nick speaks: Outside the hotel room, a man walks toward the door. After a moment, he makes his over and knocks on the door.
     
    Inside, Nicole and Eric stop in their tracks, before Eric heads quickly over to open it.
     
    ERIC: I'll get it. Might be room service. I didn't get them in time.
     
    Nicole laughs quietly, as she adjusts herself, before putting her shoes on.
     
    Eric opens the door, to find the messenger Aiden sent to his room, with a large manila envelope in hand.
     
    MESSENGER: Eric Brady?
     
    Eric looks on, confused, as he clutches the envelope.
     
    ERIC: Yeah. That's me.
     
    After taking the envelope, the messenger holds out a tablet and a stylus for Eric.
     
    MESSENGER: Sign here.
     
    Eric signs for the document, still unsure of what to expect to find inside. As he finishes, he hands both the tablet and stylus back to the messenger, before shutting the door behind him.
     
    Inside, Nicole looks puzzled as well, as Eric begins to open the document.
     
    NICOLE: What is it?
    ERIC: Dunno. Wasn't expecting anything. Were you?
     
    Nicole shakes her head, as Eric opens the envelope and pulls out what's inside. As he does, one of the pages of the document falls out of
    Eric's grasp and falls to the floor, just out of sight underneath Eric's nightstand.
     
    NICOLE: What is it?
     
    Eric's jaw drops, as he struggles to catch his breath. He realizes the information the documents contain.
     
    ERIC: Oh my God. This is it.
    NICOLE: What?
    ERIC: It's the Chyka file. I finally have proof that Kristen drugged me.
     
    Nicole gasps in horror, as she realizes Nick's taken action against her. She braces herself for Eric's reaction. For now, Eric looks up at Nicole, stunned, but with a bit of a smile on his face.
     
    ---
  2. beebs
    EPISODE 146
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco
     

    Gabi steps into Club TBD, dressed to the nines in a form fitting "little black dress", her hair done up in a neat bun. Nick gets up from his seat at their table, in awe of Gabi's beauty.
     
    NICK: Well, I have to say, I don't think I've ever seen anyone so beautiful in all my life.
     
    Gabi blushes, looking down away from Nick sheepisly.
     
    GABI: Thanks, Nick. It's good to see you.
    NICK: You as well.
     
    Nick jumps into action, stepping over behind Gabi to pull out a chair for her at the table, which Gabi immediately sits down in.
     
    GABI: Oh, thank you!
     
    Nick leans in close to Gabi from behind, causing Gabi to tense up slightly, as Nick attempts to be seductive with her.
     
    NICK: Anything for my beautiful woman.
     
    Gabi bites her tongue, wincing slightly as Nick kisses her on the cheek, before sitting down across from her at the table.
     
    Gabi looks over at Nick, who can't help but stare. She smiles bashfully, as Nick leans in.
     
    NICK: So...how's your day been?
    GABI: Been good. I ahh...I have some news!
    NICK: Ooh! Do tell! Sounds like good news.
     
    Gabi smiles, nodding slightly.
     
    GABI: I think you'll think so. I ah...I signed a modelling contract with MadWorld today.
     
    Nick smiles, knowingly.
     
    ---
     

    In the Kiriakis mansion, Anjelica stands, drink in hand, before the Kiriakis clan. They sit in the living room, each with a mix of curiosity and skepticism as Anjelica speaks to them.
     
    ANJELICA: I figured I should come to you all with...something of a peace offering.
     
    Adrienne raises an eyebrow, and turns her head slightly to look at Justin, who looks back, just as skeptically.
     
    NOELLE: Well, this oughta be good, Anj. Come on. Tell 'em.
     
    Anjelica looks at Noelle, giving her a quick icy look, before slowly turning back to the rest of the room, a million-dollar smile on her face.
     
    ANJELICA: I heard you've had a bit of a...shakeup at Titan as of late.
    JUSTIN: I'd call it more of a shakedown, but yes.
    ANJELICA: Well, not knowing much about the situation, I can't comment on which direction things are shaking, but...I do see this as an opportunity nonetheless.
     
    Maggie sits on the sofa, arms folded as she looks at Anjelica, unsure what she's up to.
     
    MAGGIE: An opportunity for who? For us? Or for you?
    ANJELICA: Hopefully, for both of us. You see, I know that Nick Fallon patented a revolutionary alternative fuels strategy that Titan bought many years ago and sat on. And I think the time is right to dust it off, and make it the centerpiece of a new vision for the company.
     
    Alex sits back in his chair, eyes darting back and forth as he reads the room, and the situation. Noelle looks squarely at Anjelica, trying to figure out her strategy. Maggie squints slightly, as Justin, Sonny, and Adrienne look at each other, bemused.
     
    ---
     

    Anita sits on her sofa at her remote cabin, as Brady sits at the computer, reading through the article on the Salem Spectator website. Anita reads through a trashy novel, as Brady, never taking his eyes off the monitor, asks Anita a question.
     
    BRADY: Hey, Anita?
     
    Anita doesn't look up from her book, still feigning reading, as she adjusts her reading glasses perched on the end of her nose.
     
    ANITA: Yeah?
    BRADY: You know those shares your husband bought in Titan?
    ANITA: What about 'em?
     
    Brady turns from the screen suddenly, looking Anita's way seriously.
     
    BRADY: I think you need to sell them. Immediately.
     
    Anita looks up from her book, stunned. She pulls her reading glasses off and looks at Brady with a frown.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     

    Billie stands in the University Hospital lounge, her hand pressed to her cheek, as Kim stands before her, simmering with rage. 
     
    After a tense moment of silence between them, Billie pulls herself together, and looks Kim directly in the eyes.
     
    BILLIE: I hope that made you feel better.
    KIM: You have no idea.
     
    Billie sighs, frustrated by Kim's unending hatred for her, but trying to cool the flared tempers.
     
    BILLIE: You know, I really hope that when Theresa wakes up, you and her can rebuild your relationship. I truly do.
     
    Kim laughs quietly, disregarding Billie's words.
     
    KIM: Yeah. I'm sure you do.
    BILLIE: No, I really mean that, Kim. But I don't want that for your benefit. Your daughter cried to me...so many times that I can't keep count. Just wanting you and her to see eye to eye. She played tough, but...she really loves you, Kim. 
     
    Kim looks down, her rage cooling off, as she listens to what Billie's saying, and begins to look down, almost through the ground. Kim fixates on the floor, as though lost in her own world.
     
    BILLIE: She just needed something you weren't able to give her. She didn't want to burden you with her problems, and so she kept them to herself most of the time. I wish you could see that, and see that turning to me was...the only outlet she had that wasn't self-destructive.
     

    Kim looks up, a drained, blank look in her eye. Billie stays trained on Kim's face, as the door to the lounge opens, and Daniel looks on.
     
    BILLIE: I hope you can be her outlet one day very soon. Theresa wants that.
     
    Daniel steps into the room, uncertain of the energy between Kim and Billie.
     
    DANIEL: Ehhhh...you two okay in here?
     
    Both Billie and Kim turn to look at Daniel, as Billie nods, looking down.
     
    BILLIE: Yeah. Let's go.
     
    Daniel looks at a drained Kim, checking to see if she's okay. Kim nods, knowing Daniel's intent without having said a word to her.
     
    As Daniel and Billie head out, Kim sits down in the lounge alone. She breathes in deeply, as the door shuts behind them, and she takes in what Billie's said to her, beginning to sob quietly in her seat.
     
    ---
     
    Anita looks on at Brady, stunned by his suggestion. she lays her book down on the table, as she sits upright from her comfortable position on the sofa.
     
    ANITA: Sell my shares?
    BRADY: You heard me.
     
    Anita tries not to crack up at Brady's suggestion, though she still lets a laugh slip as she responds.
     
    ANITA: Brady, I have had those shares for over twenty years. The dividends have helped pay the mortgage on this place. Why in the world would I want to sell them now?
     
    Brady looks at Anita, deadly serious. his unwavering stare unnerves Anita.
     
    BRADY: Because if you don't, with the way things are going at Titan right now? You could lose everything.
     
    ---
     

    Nick nods approvingly at Gabi at their table at Club TBD, as T pours them both a glass of red wine. Gabi looks on, awkwardly smiling as Nick pays her compliments.
     
    NICK: Well, I always knew you had what it takes to be one of the top models in the industry.
     
    Gabi smiles half-heartedly, trying to seem bashful, but just feeling uncomfortable.  Kate slips into the club in this moment, immediately spotting Nick and Gabi on their date. She studies the situation closely from the doorway, careful not to tip anyone off that she's there before she's ready.
     
    Gabi, meanwhile, looks down awkwardly at her wine glass. Nick barely notices Gabi's discomfort, as he continues.
     
    NICK: I mean...those eyes alone...
     
    Nick leans over and gently lifts Gabi's chin up with his finger, forcing her to look into his eyes.
     
    NICK: I'm amazed there isn't a bidding war over you.
    GABI: Well...
     

    No sooner have the words come out of Nick's mouth than Kate storms over, seeming desperate to speak to Gabi.
     
    KATE: Gabi, I'm glad I tracked you down.
     
    Gabi looks up, seemingly shocked by Kate's arrival.
     
    GABI: Kate. Wh...what are you doing here?
     
    Kate plunks down a document and a pen on the table in front of Gabi, as Gabi looks down at it, then back up at Kate as Kate explains.
     
    KATE: If you sign with MadWorld, you are making the biggest mistake of your life.
     
    Nick looks on, pleased as punch at the turn of events, as Gabi looks over at him, then back at Kate.
     
    ---
     
    Anjelica smiles as she stands before the Kiriakis family in their living room. Justin finally pipes up, uncomfortable with her suggestion.
     
    JUSTIN: Ahhh....Anjelica...just speaking as a lawyer here...do you not think that this is just a bit of a conflict of interest?
    ANJELICA: Justin, there is nothing in the world that is a conflict of interest if you know where the boundaries are. Now, I'm just speaking as someone with a campaign to run, and...I'm sure you'd all love some good publicity and some tax breaks. I mean...we all know the precarious situation Titan's in at the moment.
     
    Sonny looks at his mother, who rolls her eyes as Anjelica drones on.
     
    MAGGIE: And so, if Titan's in such a financial bind, what makes you think we can even afford to contribute to your campaign?
    JUSTIN: Assuming we'd be foolish enough to ever actually want to do that.
    ANJELICA: I'm so glad you asked.
     
    Anjelica steps back to the armchair nearest to the doorway of the Kiriakis living room. She sets down her drink, and sits down, legs crossed. She looks prim, proper, and all fake smiles as she explains herself.
     
    ANJELICA: You see, I know you've been having some great difficulty with a certain piece of property that you require for your latest energy project, and, provided I win the state legislature...I have the tools at my disposal to, shall we say, grease the wheels a bit?
     
    Maggie and Adrienne look at each other, as Justin looks on at Anjelica, contemplative of her proposition. Sonny and Alex look over at their father, as Noelle studies Anjelica, trying not to crack a smile at her co-conspirator.
     
    ---
  3. beebs
    EPISODE 114
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson
     
     


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

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

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

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

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

    Nick rests against the counter of the lab, fighting to keep his balance as dizziness overwhelms him. He screams out in pain as he falls over, taking a collection of test tubes down with him. They shatter on the ground as he collapses.
     
    ---
  4. beebs
    EPISODE 134
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco
     

    Nick and Percy walk onto the elevator together at the Titan building. Both men appear to be in a chipper demeanour, standing silently as the doors to the elevator close.
     
    Nick presses the button to the floor they intend to travel to, and the lift begins to move. Percy turns to Nick with a nervous smile.
     
    PERCY: Nicholas, I...I hate to ask--
     
    Nick immediately interrupts, looking straight ahead, unflinchingly.
     
    NICK: --Then don't.
     
    Nick turns to look at Percy. He smiles, as Percy's smile fades, suddenly far more nervous.
     
    NICK: We've got this.
    PERCY: Are you absolutely certain?
    NICK: Totally. I even have insurance now. 
     
    Percy looks back at Nick, wondering what he means. Nick recognizes Percy's look of curiosity immediately.
     
    NICK: When I was meeting with Tyler last night, I found the press release Will was working on for the EnerNext project. 
    PERCY: Alright. What exactly is the significance of this press release?
    NICK: Well, I took a moment to read through it...and then I did some fact-checking...and they made every bit of their research up. Anything they didn't pull out of thin air, they paid off scientists to back them up on. So I did a bit more digging. Found out who paid what, how much, as to whom. If that press release goes out, there's a lot of people whose careers will be in shambles.
     
    Percy looks on, contemplative, before the elevator announces its arrival at their floor. The ding of the opening door snaps Percy's head back forward.
     
    PERCY: I see. Then I do believe we're in good stead. Onward!
     
    Nick and Percy step off the elevator in lock step.
     
    ---
     

    In the Titan board room, Billie walks in to find Justin alone in the room, unpacking his tablet at the table. Billie smiles warmly at him.
     
    BILLIE: Well, long time, no see.
     
    Justin looks up with the same smile as he logs into his tablet.
     
    JUSTIN: Likewise. How did it go with the family?
     
    Billie rests her bag on the table across from Justin, giving him a grimace.
     
    BILLIE: It...it was an interesting talk.
    JUSTIN: You're making me nervous now.
    BILLIE: That's because I'm nervous enough for the both of us. My mother's preparing to cave to Nick's proposal, and she expects me to follow suit.
     
    Justin looks at Billie, stunned.
     
    ---
     

    Abby and Jerome sit together on their lunch date at the Brady Pub, sitting across from each other at a booth. They look relaxed together, enjoying each other's company thoroughly.
     
    ABBY: Sorry about...Nick interrupting.
    JEROME: No no! Don't worry about it. The guy gives me a bad vibe but...you two are cousins. I can tell you care a lot about him.
     
    Abby smiles, as she looks down at her coffee cup, stirring it casually as she stares into the cup. Jerome's expression changes to one of concern.
     
    JEROME: I...I...Earth to Abby.
     
    Abby snaps out of her thoughts, blinking momentarily as she looks up again at Jerome.
     
    ABBY: Sorry. Yeah, I...I guess I've just been worried about him. 
    JEROME: Why's that?
     
    Abby sighs, unsure whether she wants to delve into the whole story, but, after a moment, she looks up at Jerome.
     
    ABBY: He hasn't been himself in a very long time. He was this...sweet tech nerd kid growing up. You know...always willing to help someone out and he'd....he'd make stupid mistakes sometimes but you always knew he was trying to do the right thing.
     
    Jerome looks on, interested in Abby's story.
     
    JEROME: So what changed?
     
    Abby sighs, looking down sadly.
     
    ABBY: He was shot...and the pain meds they gave him while he was in recovery...they...they totally messed him up. He became addicted.
    JEROME: I'm sorry.
    ABBY: It's...not your fault. I thought he'd kicked it while he was in jail, but...when I saw him the other day at Salem U, the way he was acting...it was like...
    JEROME: Like he was still on the pills?
    ABBY: Honestly, I wonder if he ever stopped. And it's almost like he was going through withdrawals or something. 
     
    Jerome looks at Abby, thoughtfully and contemplating her view on Nick's behaviour.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     
    Abby looks down, still slowly stirring her coffee, as Jerome looks on, taking a sip. Suddenly, she appears to snap out of it, looking back up at Jerome.
     
    ABBY: Sorry, I know you didn't come here to hear me talk about my weird cousin.
    JEROME: Nah, it's cool. Like...I know you love the guy. I just worry after what I saw at Salem U. Abby, I just get this feeling this guy's up to something, and it's not good. I feel like I need to protect you from him.
     
    Abby smiles at Jerome, reaching a hand out to touch his across the table.
     
    ABBY: You don't have to. But I love that you want to. It's sweet.
     
    Jerome looks down at Abby's hand, resting on his, and cups his other hand over hers. He looks into her eyes seriously.
     
    JEROME: I think you're a very special lady, Miss Deveraux.
     
    Abby giggles, as Jerome squeezes her hand gently, a smile on his face knowing he made Abby laugh.
     
    JEROME: You got this...this look in your eye. There's a lot more to you than what I see on the outside, I can tell.
     
    Abby blushes, smiling a goofy, embarrassed smile as Jerome charms her.
     
    JEROME: I'd like to get to see what's under that calm surface...if you'd let me.
     
    Abby smiles, and nods softly.
     
    ABBY: We'll see.
    JEROME: That's all I can ask for.
     
    Abby pulls her hand away, and grabs her bag from beside her on the seat.
     
    ABBY: I hate to cut this short but, I gotta see what's on this flash drive and report back to my boss. 
    JEROME: You sure you wanna bug your boss when she told you specifically not to?
     
    Abby gets up from the booth and pulls the flash drive out, holding it in her hand and casually waving it as she makes her point to Jerome, who's also gotten up from the booth.
     
    ABBY: If what's on here is important enough that Nick would take the time to track me down in the middle of a work day? It may warrant it, yeah.
     
    Jerome looks on, casually nodding in agreement, before heading for the door.
     
    JEROME: Well, come on. Let me drive you to the office.
    ABBY: Thanks.
     
    Jerome and Abby head for the exit, as Jerome drops enough money to cover the cheque on the table before heading out.
     
    ---
     

    EJ looks up from his desk at DiMera Enterprises, surprised by the news Sami's just given him.
     
    EJ: Nicole married Eric? As in your brother, Eric.
     
    Sami leans against the edge of EJ's desk, fuming.
     
    SAMI: YEP! Mom and I tried to stop them but we were too late, and now Eric isn't speaking to either of us.
    EJ: No surprise there.
     
    Sami glares at EJ, shouting him down for his quip.
     
    SAMI: I'm sorry, WHAT?! My brother just married a lying BITCH and you're making jokes--
    EJ: No, no, I'm not saying I don't blame him, Samantha, but I know how people are when they're...that in love with someone.
     
    Sami sighs, rolling her eyes, balking at the idea that Eric's feelings for Nicole are that strong.
     
    SAMI: Love. Yeah, right. He was manipulated into marrying her. He was vulnerable because your sister raped him, and he was kicked out of the priesthood because YOUR FAMILY made sure the proof disappeared.
     
    EJ gets up from his desk, suddenly feeling defensive of his family.
     
    EJ: Okay, Samantha, that's not fair.
    SAMI: The hell it isn't! 
     
    EJ sighs, holding his tongue before he says anything he regrets. Sami, meanwhile, continues her tirade.
     
    SAMI: Your father is always bailing that harpee of a sister of yours out like she's an eight year old child instead of making her take responsibility for her actions, and you're so afraid of getting on his bad side that you just let him. 
     
    EJ stands behind his desk, folding his arms as he quietly, but sternly responds to Sami.
     
    EJ: Need I remind you of everything I am doing to protect you and your loved ones, including your son from being implicated in an attempted murder. Without my help, Nick Fallon would have had you all in jail months ago, and taken off with your grandchild and that insipid idiot Gabriella Hernandez.
     
    Sami looks down, sheepishly. The reminder snaps her back to reality, and she answers EJ, a guilty calm suddenly in her voice.
     
    SAMI: Yeah, I remember.
    EJ: So don't you ever think for a second that I am not thinking of what is best for you. You are everything to me. I know we have our problems, Samantha, but I am dedicated, 100% to making sure you know every day that you are the most important thing to me. You got that?
     
    Sami looks up at EJ, a faint smile on her face as she nods, acknowledging EJ's vow.
     
    ---
     

    Brady steps back into Anita's cabin, calling out to her to let her know he's returned.
     
    BRADY: Anita! I'm back!
     
    Anita steps out from the kitchen, a casserole dish in her hands, as she walks over to the dining table in the main room. She smiles as she greets Brady.
     
    ANITA: So, is she sold?
     
    Brady pulls a wad of bills from his pocket and holds it out to her.
     
    BRADY: $800 cash. All for you.
     
    Anita sets the casserole down on the table, and turns back to take the wad of bills from Brady, before taking two bills from the wad to give back to Brady, a huge smile on her face. She presses the bills into Brady's hand.
     
    ANITA: Your commission, kind sir.
     
    Brady looks down and laughs as Anita laughs playfully with him. He hesitates a moment before handing the money back to her.
     
    BRADY: You know, I don't know, Anita. You really don't need to give me this.
    ANITA: Absolutely, I do. You need money. And you did a great thing for me.
    BRADY: Well, yeah. But you've done so much for me already. I feel like I owe you. I...I can't accept this.
     
    Anita holds up her hand, shaking her head.
     
    ANITA: You can, and you will. Besides, I hear southerners drive a hard bargain!
    BRADY: Well, that's the thing. See...she talked like she was from the south, and all...but...there was something about her, Anita. I swear, I recognize her. Like...I've seen her somewhere before.
     
    Brady looks over at Anita, racking his brain to place "Crystal's" face.
     
    ---
     

    Sheryl backs the big blue SUV she'd just purchased from Brady into a secluded spot off the side of the road. Turning off the engine, she steps out of the car, to look over at the road, and see how well-hidden the truck is to traffic.
     
    SHERYL: At least I'm not too far from that general store. Gotta get this thing hidden away well enough that no one will find it when I make a getaway.
     
    She grabs her phone from her pocket and makes a voice note:
     
    SHERYL: (into voice memo on her phone) 2.4 miles up State Road 45, past Six Mile Road. Look for the old beige fence ending with a group of large pine trees. 
     
    Putting her voice memo away, Sheryl looks over the position of the truck, making sure it's hidden from all angles. Once she's satisfied, She locks up the truck, and calls a cab. 
     
    SHERYL: (into phone) Yes, I'd like a cab to the corner of County Road 8 and Smith Island Road, please? ...yes, and please hurry, my car broke down, and I'm running late...thank you.
     
    Sheryl hangs up the phone, satisfied with herself, as she walks off toward the country intersection.
     
    ---
     
    Justin stands across the board room table from Billie, stunned by the bomb she's just dropped.
     
    JUSTIN: I'm sorry, what? Your mother's voting IN FAVOUR of Nick's proposal?
    BILLIE: Look, there's more to it than that, it's just--
     
    As Billie tries to tell Justin Kate's reason for her vote, the doors to the board room open, and Nick and Percy walk in with a confident stride.
     
    NICK: Ahh, I see we're nice and early for the festivities.
     
    Justin and Billie turn to look at them, a somewhat disdainful look on their faces. Justin comes back with a quick retort.
     
    JUSTIN: Not that you should be privvy to them in the first place. But yes, we aren't due to start for another twenty minutes.
    NICK: Well, I think I've got enough going for me that I won't be missing any more of these going forward. 
     
    Nick sits his bag down on the conference table and unzips it, pulling his laptop from his bag as he talks.
     
    NICK: I think, personally, this is going to be a very productive meeting. Don't you?
     
    Billie and Justin look uncomfortably at each other, then looking back Nick's way with the same uneasiness. Nick, meanwhile, pulls out his stack of envelopes, one for each of the Titan board members. He lays them neatly on the conference table in front of him, as he sits down, looking very self-satisfied.
     
    ---
  5. beebs
    EPISODE 143
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco
     

    Brady walks into the living room at Anita's cabin. Stepping over to the computer, he moves the mouse slightly, triggering the computer to wake up from its dormant state. He calls out to Anita, who is in the next room.
     
    BRADY: Anita! I'm just gonna pull down the ad for the truck, alright?!
     

    Anita calls back from the other room, the sound somewhat muffled.
     
    ANITA: What was that?!
     
    Sitting down with a soda in hand, he looks at the screen, and has to hold himself back from spitting out a mouthful when he reads the news on the screen:
     
    BREAKING: Nick Fallon declares self CEO of Titan Industries
     
    Brady sets his drink down before he spills it, his hands shaking.
     
    Anita steps into the room, about to repeat herself when she sees a distressed Brady looking at the computer screen.
     
    ANITA: Wh...Brady?
     
    Brady quickly turns around to face Anita, getting up from the desk chair. He points at the computer monitor, stunned and angry.
     
    BRADY: What is this? Why do you have this page open? Wh...did you see this??
     
    Anita looks on, puzzled by Brady's strong reaction.
     
    ---
     
     
    Sami stands in Will, Gabi, and Sonny's apartment, trying to hold in her panic, as Will stands before her, stunned by the news she's just given him.
     
    WILL: I'm sorry. Nick just took over Titan?
    SAMI: Yep! You've got a new boss. Congratulations.
     
    Will sighs, frustrated by the turn of events.
     
    WILL: Wh...well how did he manage that?
    SAMI: The only way that little worm knows how to accomplish anything in life. Blackmail.
     
    ---
     

    Billie sits in the hospital cafeteria, taking a sip of coffee while she reads a book. After taking a sip, she realizes the foul taste of the coffee, spitting it quickly back into her cup and pushing it away, as Daniel walks in.
     
    DANIEL: Hey, I got your text.
     
    Billie gets up upon hearing Daniel's voice, wrapping her arms around him and giving him a soft kiss on the lips. They talk while gazing into each other's eyes, their voices growing softer and more sultry with every sentence.
     
    BILLIE: Mmm, good. I just was waiting here while you finished up your shift. You all done? I could use a little...soft music and a nice dinner after the day I've had.
    DANIEL: Oh yeah?
    BILLIE: Yeah.
    DANIEL: Well, I think I could be persuaded. On one condition though.
     
    Billie looks at Daniel, mockingly giving him attitude, but unable to hold in a laugh as she does.
     
    BILLIE: (laugh) Okay.
    DANIEL: I get to take you back to my place first and work up an appetite.
     
    Billie can barely finish her sentence as she begins to kiss Daniel more and more sensually.
     
    BILLIE: Mmm, okay, that's a condition I think I could live with. But I got a condition for you if you want some personal time with me.
     
    Daniel laughs slightly as he gives Billie another quick kiss. He continues, resting his forehead against Billie's as his arms wrap around her waist.
     
    DANIEL: Heh, okay. I'll bite. What's my condition.
    BILLIE: Make me a better pot of coffee, and I'll be putty in your hands.
     
    Daniel laughs heartily, as Billie cracks up a bit herself. 
     
    DANIEL: Deal.
     

    Billie smiles as she wraps her arms around Daniel's neck, pulling him into another kiss, as Maggie bursts into the cafeteria, catching Daniel and Billie off guard.
     
    MAGGIE: Daniel! I'm so glad I found you!
     
    Daniel and Billie pull away from each other, as they turn to Maggie, concerned.
     
    DANIEL: Mom, what is it?
     
    Maggie beams with the news she shares with them.
     
    MAGGIE: It's Victor. He's awake! He's finally awake!
     
    Daniel turns quickly to look at an equally surprised Billie.
     
    ---
     

    Victor looks on from his hospital bed, too weak to really react to Tyler.
     
    VICTOR: Nick...Nick Fallon?
     
    Tyler stands next to Victor's bed, arms folded, as he softly nods.
     
    TYLER: Yeah. He called everyone to a board meeting and handed out little envelopes, detailing all the dirty little secrets he knows that the board doesn't want publicized and voila! Everyone cowtows to him.
    VICTOR: H...how the Hell did you let this happen?
    TYLER: It's a long story, Victor. All I need to know for now is...do you want me to take care of him, or shall I sit on this until you've been released?
     
    Victor sighs, looking stoically at Tyler as he mulls over his options regarding Nick.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     

    Adrienne and Alex stand in the living room in the Kiriakis house. Adrienne is shocked, as Noelle has just walked in, making a crack about inviting Anjelica to dinner.
     
    ALEX: Noelle. Tell me you didn't...
    NOELLE: Didn't what? Invite your mother to dinner? Of course I did.
     
    Adrienne rolls her eyes dramatically, displeased with this turn of events.
     
    ADRIENNE: Great.
    NOELLE: What?! I heard she was in town for her campaign, she called me earlier while you were out because, big surprise, she couldn't get ahold of Alex. I mean, she certainly wasn't gonna call you or Justin, was she, Adrienne?
     
    Adrienne stands with her arms folded. She sighs audibly before responding to Noelle, sulking.
     
    ADRIENNE: I guess not.
    NOELLE: So...there you go. What am I gonna do? Tell her 'no'? She'd kill me!
     
    Adrienne guffaws dismissively at Noelle, as she turns to walk away.
     
    ADRIENNE: You have no idea how right you are about that--
     
    Alex steps in, trying to stop things from escalating, as Adrienne tries to stand her ground.
     
    ALEX: ...Okay, Adrienne. Can we just hold our fire a little bit, here?
    ADRIENNE: All I'm saying is, you'd opened up Pandora's Box by even just letting her in the room. And now we're all going to have to suffer the consequences for that. 
     
    Noelle rolls her eyes at Adrienne.
     
    NOELLE: Oh come on, Adrienne, you're being melodramatic--
     
    Adrienne cuts Noelle off, waving her hand in front of her as part of her refutation.
     
    ADRIENNE: No, no. Believe me, it's not just going to be a single awkward dinner. We will be stuck with that woman now for as long as SHE decides we are useful to her. And I really don't know if I'm prepared to give up my time and energy to such a worthy cause.
     
    Adrienne grabs her shopping bags, and heads for the staircase to her room.
     
    ADRIENNE: If you'll excuse me.
     
    Alex turns to Noelle, who stands, arms folded, nonplussed by Adrienne's concerns. Alex sighs, sensing the brewing conflict between the two women who raised him.
     
    ---
     
    Will puts down his cell phone, as Sami stands in the apartment, holding a now-awake Ari in her arms.
     
    SAMI: So? What did Alex have to say about it?
     
    Will sighs, looking away from Sami, trying to process the news.
     
    WILL: Yeah. Nick pulled it off. Even Kate apparently voted in favour of it.
    SAMI: She WHAT?
    WILL: Yeah. I mean, I guess she had her reasons but...
    SAMI: Well, she's coming to meet us in a few minutes, anyway, so...I guess we'll get our answer then.
     
    As Sami finishes her sentence, Gabi comes through the door, grocery bags in her hands. She looks over, pleased to see Sami.
     
    GABI: Oh good, you're here.
     
    Sami smiles half-heartedly, as she bounces young Arianna in her arms.
     
    SAMI: Hey! Did you, uh...hear the news?
    GABI: What news?
    WILL: Nick's just become CEO of Titan.
     
    Gabi sets the bag down on the kitchen table, before looking at both Will and Sami, stunned.
     
    GABI: You're kidding.
    SAMI: Nope! So we need to take the next few steps incredibly carefully, or else we are all just a step away from going to prison for a long time.
     
    Gabi looks at Sami, sighing in despair as she realizes the corner she's being put in.
     
    ---
     
    Victor lays in his hospital bed, as Tyler stands next to him, awaiting his answer. Victor responds slowly and breathlessly.
     
    VICTOR: Wait him out. Let Nick bury...bury himself. And make sure...nobody knows that I...I've come to. I ca...I can't handle any visitors.
     
    Victor exhales gently and falls into a sleep. Tyler looks on as Victor closes his eyes, sighing. As he does, Maggie and Daniel step into the room, only to find Victor back asleep. Tyler turns, holding a hand up to reassure Maggie, whose face has immediately fallen upon seeing Victor's eyes shut.
     
    TYLER: Don't worry. He just fell asleep. I think he's still very weak.
    MAGGIE: I know. Thank you, Tyler.
     
    Maggie takes Tyler's hand, squeezing it gently as Tyler cups Maggie's hands in his. Daniel grabs a stool and scoots over to Victor's bedside. He turns back to Tyler and Maggie, shooing them away.
     
    DANIEL: I'm gonna need to check on Victor, so, I'm gonna have to ask you to step out.
    TYLER: That's fine. I have to head back to the office anyway. Um...Maggie, Daniel. Victor asked us to keep quiet on his coming to for awhile. Doesn't want a slew of visitors or anything while he's this week.
    DANIEL: I'll co-sign that. The last thing Victor needs is a procession of family members crowding in here before he's ready for them.
     
    Maggie nods in agreement, still a bit emotional from the turn of events.
     
    MAGGIE: I understand. I'll umm...Daniel. Thank you. I'm gonna go home. Tyler, thanks again.
    TYLER: You alright to drive, Maggie?
    MAGGIE: I'll be fine. Thank you, though!
     
    Maggie and Tyler step out of the room, closing the door behind them. Daniel stares at Victor, smiling warmly at him.
     
    DANIEL: Good work, old man. You made it back.
     
    Victor sleeps, oblivious to Daniel's words, as Daniel begins to work on updating his chart.
     
    ---
     

    Kate stands in Roman's office at the Salem PD. She's baffled by Roman's sudden confusion about his whereabouts.
     
    KATE: Roman...wh...Anderson Manufacturing hasn't been around in...over 30 years. And you were never involved with them, it--I mean, at least not that I'm aware of I...
     
    Roman stands facing away from Kate, looking down at the ground, lost in his thoughts, as Kate steps slowly over to him.
     
    KATE: Roman, I'm worried about you. 
    ROMAN: Kate, don't be.
     
    Kate looks on at Roman, frustrated resignation, as her arms fall to her side.
     
    KATE: Look, I don't know what's going on with you, but...if you need to step aside from this case, I'd be happy to let Billie handle it unilaterally from here on in.
    ROMAN: Nah, I...it's okay.
     
    Roman turns back toward Kate, shaking his head, still an uncertainty in his tone and demeanour.
     
    ROMAN: I um...I just need some time to refresh myself with the case. So...you just e-mail me what you need to fill me in on and...I'll take it from there.
     
    Kate stares at Roman, as he sits down at his desk and grabs the framed photo of his family, a grave concern for him plainly visible in her eyes. She wordlessly puts her purse up over her shoulder and walks out, leaving Roman behind, trying to fight back his pent-up emotions. 
     
    As Kate closes the door behind her, Roman stares at the photo in his hands. Marlena, Sami, Eric and himself, from the time Sami & Eric were babies. The longer he stares, the more frustrated he gets, finally throwing the picture across the room. The picture frame shatters as Roman breaks down in tears.
     
    ---
     
    Anita approaches Brady, baffled by his outburst.
     
    ANITA: See what?
     
    Brady steps aside, ushering Anita closer to the computer.
     
    BRADY: This!
     
    Anita studies the headline, before sighing. Brady looks at her, arms folded. He motions at the computer as he continues.
     
    BRADY: I think you better explain yourself right now.
    ANITA: Brady, I didn't want to get into this until you were ready to talk about what happened to you.
     
    Brady snaps at Anita, not waiting for her to finish.
     
    BRADY: I am not ever going to be ready if you keep being secretive with me.
     
    Anita raises her voice momentarily to match Brady's, before stopping herself mid-sentence to finish her thought.
     
    ANITA: I'm no--I'm not being secretive. But...maybe I haven't been completely forthcoming.
     
    Brady laughs sarcastically at Anita's statement, putting his hands up in the air in frustration.
     
    BRADY: Yeah, you could say that.
    ANITA: You haven't been either.
    BRADY: And how do you know that, Anita?
     
    Anita looks away momentarily, before looking up at Brady solemnly.
     
    ANITA: Because I do know who you are, Brady. And I know exactly how you got here.
     
    Brady tenses his lips, trying very hard to keep from saying something he'll regret in anger.
     
    ---
     
  6. beebs
    EPISODE 151
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco
     

    Alex sits in his seat at the Kiriakis dinner table, with all eyes in the room on him, as he stirs uncomfortably. 
     
    ANJELICA: Well, darling? I'd love to stay here with you and the family. If you'll have me. What do you say?
     
    Alex looks around the table, visibly uneasy with his mother's request. He finally musters up the courage and shakes his head.
     
    ALEX: Mom, I don't...I don't know if that's such a great idea.
    ANJELICA: Well, why not? Alexander, I haven't spent time with you in months. I've barely talked to you on the phone since you moved to Salem with Noelle. I've missed you.
     
    Alex sighs, trying not to get sucked into Anjelica's guilt trip.
     
    ALEX: Me too, Mom. But...(sigh) Mom, it's not like you're...you know...
     
    Justin cuts in, interjecting with a snarky, cutting ending to his son's sentence, frustrating Alex in the process.
     
    JUSTIN: Welcome? Wanted? Remotely tolerated?
    ALEX: Dad!
     
    Justin gets up from his seat at the table, with Adrienne pawing at him to get him to sit down, to no avail.
     
    JUSTIN: Face it, Anjelica. You've put us all through enough, and we're not going to let you use us again. Got that?
     
    Anjelica looks stunned, before turning to look at her son, who looks guiltily back at her. Alex gets up from his seat at the table, laying his napkin down by his plate, and leaves the room.
     
    ALEX: Excuse me, everyone.
     
    Justin attempts to stop Alex, as the others look on in stunned silence.
     
    JUSTIN: Alexander, where are you going?
     
    Alex ignores him as he walks out toward the living room.
     
    ---
     

    Marlena and Eric turn around while sitting on the barstools at the Brady Pub, having just heard Kim greet them.
     
    MARLENA: Kimberly!
    ERIC: Aunt Kim! Hey!
     
    Kim smiles broadly as she steps toward them both, giving Eric a warm hug, then Marlena.
     
    KIM: Hey! I ah...I heard about your wedding, Eric. I...I hope that isn't a sore subject to bring up?
     
    Kim looks over awkwardly at Marlena, who smiles diplomatically at her ex-sister-in-law.
     
    MARLENA: It's alright. 
    KIM: Well, I'm happy if you're happy, Eric.
     
    Eric smiles warmly at his aunt, as Kim looks back toward Marlena, curious as to their previous conversation.
     
    KIM: I heard you two were talking about me? My ears are burning.
    ERIC: Ahhh, yeah. I...think you better sit down for this one. It's...it's pretty intense, Aunt Kim.
     
    Kim looks between Eric and Marlena, surprised and a bit concerned as to what to expect.
     
    ---
     

    Gabi and Nick are still on their date at Club TBD. Their meals cleared away, Nick pours the last of the bottle of champagne they'd ordered.
     
    Gabi stirs in her seat, preparing to get up.
     
    GABI: I ah...I think I'm gonna use the ladies' room for a sec. I'll be right back.
    NICK: Sure thing.
     

    Getting up from her seat, Gabi walks quickly to the back of the club, disappearing into the restroom. As she does, Jennifer and Liam step in, arm in arm. T greets them at the door.
     
    T: Hello hello! Table for two?
    LIAM: Yes! Thank you.
    T: Right this way.
     
    T guides them over to a booth in the back corner of the club, away from where Gabi and  Nick are seated.
     
    The pair get settled in, as T recounts their specials for the night.
     
    T: So...here are the drink specials, and I have a mild lamb curry for our dinner special. I'll give you guys a minute if you like?
    JENNIFER: Actually...this place serves an excellent chardonnay...do you...do you drink chardonnay?
     
    Liam laughs at Jennifer's question.
     
    LIAM: If you recommend it, I'll try it.
    JENNIFER: Great.
     
    Liam turns to T, smiling.
     
    LIAM: I guess a bottle of your chardonnay.
    T: Sure thing.
     
    Liam turns to Jennifer, as Jennifer smiles, looking lovingly in his eyes.
     
    JENNIFER: You know, I'm really happy we were able to get out tonight.
    LIAM: It's all good. You had a late night at work.
    JENNIFER: Yeah. I feel like they've all been late nights since Anne quit. 
    LIAM: You've had a lot of catching up to do, I guess.
    JENNIFER: Yeah. That's why nights like this are so special. Can't really take the time off and get away, much as I'd like to. You know, you, and me, up to your little cabin in the woods.
     
    Liam squirms a bit, as Jennifer attempts to paint a romantic picture for the two of them. Jenn immediately notices, and her face changes into a slight frown.
     
    JENNIFER: Liam...what's wrong?
     
    Liam tries to change his expression to allay Jennifer's suspicion, but is unable to respond.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     

    Daniel and Billie step into Daniel's apartment, as Daniel holds the door open for his girlfriend. Billie graciously steps inside with a quick nod of recognition.
     
    DANIEL: After you.
    BILLIE: What a gentleman.
     
    Billie and Daniel laugh as Daniel shuts the door behind Billie, and steps over to the kitchen area, suddenly on the hunt.
     
    Billie sets her clutch down on the coffee table, somewhat oblivious to what Daniel's up to.
     
    BILLIE: It's so nice to finally be out of that stuffy hospital.
     
    Daniel opens and shuts the kitchen cabinets, startling Billie as Daniel rummages around.
     
    With a slam of the cupboard, Daniel's head emerges from below the kitchen counter.
     
    BILLIE: What exactly are you doing?
    DANIEL: We have a problem.
     
    Billie attempts to raise an eyebrow at Daniel, as Daniel grimaces.
     
    DANIEL: We're out of coffee.
     
    Billie's face drops, disappointed by the news.

    BILLIE: I mean...Daniel it's a little late for coffee, no?
    DANIEL: No, but...you know...you said you wanted some, and there's nothing I won't do for my lady. So...there's only one thing to do.
     
    Billie looks at Daniel, curiously, as he gets up from behind the kitchen counter.
     
    BILLIE: And that is?
    DANIEL: One of us will just have to go get some!
     
    Billie looks bemused, as she looks back at Daniel.
     
     
    ---
     
    Justin sighs, as he goes to get up from his seat at the dinner table, but Anjelica gets up first, admonishing him for his behaviour.
     
    ANJELICA: And just where do you think you're going?
    JUSTIN: I am going to talk to my son.
    ANJELICA: Ohh, I think you've done quite enough talking tonight. Now it's my turn. Excuse me, everyone.
     
    Anjelica quickly walks out toward the living room, leaving Justin to look down at the others at the table. He sighs as Adrienne looks up at him, disappointed. He sits down again, trying to finish his meal.
     
    JUSTIN: I'm sorry, everyone. But I will not have that woman trapese into this house and--
     
    Adrienne suddenly snaps at Justin, fed up with his attitude.
     
    ADRIENNE: Oh just STOP IT, Justin! 
     
    Justin is stunned by Adrienne's reaction, and raises his voice back, in disbelief.
     
    JUSTIN: Adrienne, you want her here as much as the rest of us--
    ADRIENNE: ...Not if it means you drive Alex away. And acting like a spoiled brat about it isn't going to get you anywhere.
     
    Maggie cuts in at this moment, speaking more gently, but just as firmly.
     
    MAGGIE: Adrienne's right. Goading Anjelica into a fight in front of her son is just playing right into her hands. You're gonna lose him, Justin.
     
    Justin looks at Maggie, considering hers and Adrienne's point of view.
     
    ...
     
    In the living room, Alex stands at the bar, pouring himself a drink, as Anjelica walks in.
     
    ANJELICA: Alex?
     
    Anjelica stops herself for a moment, before stepping toward him gently.
     
    ANJELICA: Honey, I'm sorry about what just happened in there.
     
    Alex answers cooly, his eyes focused on his glass, as he slams the glass down on the counter.
     
    ALEX: Not your fault. Dad's made his point of view pretty clear, though.
    ANJELICA: Well, your father doesn't run your life or mine. You're an adult, and you have as much say as anyone else what you want to do.
    ALEX: I know. Doesn't mean I want you two down each other's throats every day.
     
    Anjelica shakes her head, sighing as she responds to Alex.
     
    ANJELICA: It won't be like that. I promise I will try...I will not cause problems with Justin. I have way too much work to do anyway.
     
    Alex looks off, not saying a word to Anjelica's vow. Anjelica takes this as a hint, and looks down at the ground, thoughtfully.
     
    ANJELICA: I can just stay at the Salem Inn, if that makes it easier. 
     
    After a moment, he turns to Anjelica, who's turned back toward the dining room. His words stop her dead in her tracks.
     
    ALEX: N...Mother...you can stay with us.
     
    Anjelica smiles genuinely, turning back toward her son.
     
    ALEX: I'll ah...I'll send for your stuff tonight, you...you can stay as long as you like.
    ANJELICA: Ohhh, thank you. Thank you.
     
    Anjelica walks over to Alex, hugging his tightly. Alex reciprocates, as Justin walks into the living room from the dining room.
     
    ANJELICA: Thank you.
     
    Alex looks up, seeing his dad in the archway. He looks blankly at Justin, who looks on, defeated.
     
    ---
     
    Gabi stands in the doorway to the restrooms, just out of sight of Nick and the others in the main room of Club TBD. She types furiously on her cell phone, texting to Sami and Kate.
     
    good work. i think we got him. will keep u informed
     
    Gabi then looks into the dining area, and spots Nick, popping a pill. Noticing Nick lament how empty the bottle's getting, she sends a text out to EJ.
     
    running low again, call me
     
    Gabi puts away her phone, turning back to head into the main room, but as she does, Jennifer waves her down.
     
    JENNIFER: Gabi! Hi! Oh, it's good to see you. 
    GABI: Hey! Jennifer! I ah...I was just out with Nick. How are you?
    JENNIFER: I'm fine. I...I just wanted to see how you were doing. Abigail says you've been...a bit distant lately, and she's been worried about you.
    GABI: Oh, I'm...I'm fine. Really I am. I--
     
    Gabi stops as she looks over at Jennifer's date, realizing it's Liam, the man who's been supplying her with the pills for Nick. He looks back at her with a blank expression.
     
    JENNIFER: Oh! Gabi, sorry, this is my date, Mr. Liam Frasier!
    LIAM: Pleased to meet you.
     
    Liam extends his hand to Gabi, taking hers in his, as he looks up at her, a wry smile. Gabi stands, stunned before him.
     
    ---
     
    Kim emerges from the back of the Brady Pub, her things put away as she walks around to the front of the bar, nervously waiting to hear what Eric and Marlena were discussing.
     
    KIM: Okay, guys. Lay it on me. What's got you both so worried.
     
    Kim sits down on a barstool next to Eric and Marlena, as Eric begins to attempt to explain their discussion.
     
    ERIC: (sigh) We...look, Kim, I know you've got a lot on your plate right, helping out with the pub while Grandma's sick and all, but...
     
    Kim looks at Eric, a nervous smile on her face as she waits for Eric to finish.
     
    KIM: But...
     
    Marlena cuts in, hoping to reassure Kim as she explains the situation to her.
     
    MARLENA: Ah...Kim. we're worried about Roman.
    KIM: I know. I've been...really worried about him too. I mean, the memory lapses, the suddenly vanishing, the...
     
    Kim trails off, making a realization based on Eric and Marlena's troubled faces.
     
    KIM: ...There's more, isn't there?
     
    Marlena takes a second before continuing. 
     
    MARLENA: We're not just concerned about that anymore...and we need your help.
     
    Kim nods emphatically, now very worried about what's to come.
     
    MARLENA: We need you to do a DNA test with Roman. We need to prove that he really is Roman Brady.
     
    Kim's jaw drops, stunned and horrified by what she's hearing.
     
    ---
  7. beebs
    EPISODE 158
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco
     

    Jennifer and Liam walk downstairs at the Horton house to find JJ walking in, suitcases and a couple boxes by the door. Jenn looks on shocked, as JJ smiles.
     
    JENNIFER: JJ, what are you...?
    JJ: Hey, Mom. I ah...sorry, I didn't wanna wake you guys but...I decided to leave today instead of tomorrow for Berkley.
     
    Jenn's face drops, as Liam pulls Jenn in close.
     
    LIAM: Well that's...that's a surprise, JJ. I think your mom and I were hoping to spend some more time with you before you go.
     
    JJ looks at Liam, not entirely confident that Liam's being genuine.
     
    JJ: Well, I'm not leaving right away. I did wanna spend some time with you guys before heading off. Besides, I had a few things I wanted to discuss...mostly with you, Liam.
     
    Both Liam and Jennifer look at JJ with confusion, as JJ shuffles uncomfortably.
     
    ---
     

    Will emerges from Gabi's bedroom, having settled Ari down and back to sleep. He speaks out as he closes the door to Gabi's room behind him, assuming Nicole is still in the living room waiting for him.
     
    WILL: Hey, sorry about that, I just had to...
     
    Will looks around to find no sign of Nicole, and her jacket and purse gone. He looks confused as he calls out to her.
     
    WILL: Nicole?
     
    Will sighs, confused and a bit worried by Nicole's sudden disappearance.
     
    ---
     

    In the park near Town Square, Noelle and Eric remain on the bench, finishing their coffees.
     
    ERIC: I'm sorry I put all my problems on you like this.
    NOELLE: Don't worry about it. Sometimes you just need an outside voice to...inject some reason back into your life. You know?
     
    Eric looks at Noelle, and smiles warmly.
     
    ERIC: Yeah, I do.
    NOELLE: Look, I'm sure once this special airs, things will go back to normal between you and Nicole, and you'll probably laugh at how stressed out you were about this.
    ERIC: (sigh) I hope you're right.
     

    Noelle puts a hand on Eric's shoulder, as Nicole walks quickly into the bushy area where Eric and Noelle are sitting. Caught off guard, they both look up suddenly, as Nicole stands startled to see them together.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     

    Jordan gets up from behind her desk at University Hospital, taking the patient files Maxine has brought her to her filing cabinet. As she opens the drawer, Maxine, sitting in front of Jordan's desk, turns to face her, visibly concerned.
     
    MAXINE: Honey, I'm serious. Rafe Hernandez just proposed marriage to you and you look like you're about to hold a funeral for that man. Now what is wrong?
     
    Jordan puts the file folder away and closes the drawer with a light slam. She turns around, holding her head in her hands. She resists the urge to scream.
     
    JORDAN: It's...it's nothing, okay? I just...there's a lot going on and I just...I don't know if I can marry him.
    MAXINE: Honey, what are you talking about? That man loves you more than anything in this world.
     
    Jordan begins to calm down, her arms dropping to her side as she nervously walks back toward her desk.
     
    JORDAN: I know but...Maxine, I...I've done a lot of things in my past that Rafe doesn't know about.
     
    Jordan sits down in her office chair, looking toward the ceiling, clearly frustrated.
     
    MAXINE: We all have! Come on, now. I'm sure it's nothing he wouldn't completely understand.
    JORDAN: Ohhh I don't know about that.
     
    Maxine looks at Jordan, unimpressed. Her tone deepens as she answers Jordan.
     
    MAXINE: Try me.
     
    Jordan sighs, knowing Maxine will keep digging if she doesn't give her something.
     
    JORDAN: He doesn't know about my ex-boyfriend. He doesn't know that I got dumped when I told him I was pregnant.
    MAXINE: So?
    JORDAN: He doesn't know I ended the pregnancy after he dumped me because I couldn't raise a baby on my own.
     
    Maxine sits back in her chair, sighing heavily. She takes a moment to mull her thoughts over before answering Jordan.
     
    MAXINE: Honey, I'm sorry. 
     
    Jordan turns away from Maxine, opening her drawer to pull out a pen.
     
    JORDAN: Well, there's not much you can do about it now.
    MAXINE: Look, I don't know if I would've made the same decision you did under the same circumstances, but that man loves you with everything in him. Even if he had a hard time accepting what you did, he would try to understand it.
    JORDAN: Maxine, I don't know. What I do know is that I've tried very hard to move on with my life, and every time I turn around it gets harder and harder to do that.
     
    Jordan becomes more and more agitated, as Maxine faces Jordan with a look of curiosity.
     
    MAXINE: What do you mean? Has something happened?
    JORDAN: It's nothing, Maxine.
    MAXINE: No. Girl, you need to tell me what's happened?
     
    Jordan looks down at her desk, as Maxine persists.
     
    MAXINE: I can't help you, Jordan, unless you tell me what's going on.
     
    After a tense moment, Jordan sighs and fesses up.
     
    JORDAN: My ex- is back in town, and I know he's up to no good, and if I'm not careful, he may just tell Rafe all about my past.
     
    Jordan begins to tear up, as she continues to tell Maxine about her situation with Jerome.
     
    JORDAN: And I don't know if I can handle that, Maxine. I really don't know.
     
    Maxine looks on as Jordan breaks down in tears. Slowly getting up from her seat, she takes Jordan's hand and pulls her up into a tight hug, Jordan crying on Maxine's shoulder.
     
    ---
     

    Will walks into Club TBD, searching for Sonny. Not seeing him, Will walks over to T, who is bartending.
     
    WILL: Ah, hey, T. Have you seen Sonny at all?
    T: Hey! Yeah, he's just in the office. Go ahead.
    WILL: Great. Thanks, man.
     
    Will looks over before walking quickly over to the office, and knocking on the door.
     


    Inside, Sonny sits at his desk, looking over a spreadsheet on his laptop.
     
    SONNY: Come in!
    Will opens the door, and quickly closes the door behind him. He makes a beeline to Sonny, who gets up from his desk with a smile and kisses Will on the lips as a loving greeting.
     
    WILL: Hey!
    SONNY: Will! Hey! What's up? Everything okay at the apartment?
    WILL: Yeah. Yeah, I um...I dropped Ari off with Marlena for a bit. I had to...I had to tell you about something that happened that's....got me a bit worried.
    SONNY: Why? What happened?
     
    Will turns away from Sonny momentarily, trying not to let him see the worry in his face, but Sonny can tell, regardless.
     
    WILL: Well, Nicole had been trying to get ahold of me, and so I had her come over.
    SONNY: Nicole? What did she want?
    WILL: That's what I wanted to know. She was...digging for information on Nick and Titan, and...
    SONNY: Uh oh. 
     
    Will turns around, almost laughing as he nods emphatically at Sonny.
     
    WILL: Yeah, exactly. Uh oh.  Sonny, I don't know who else to turn to, so just...
    SONNY: Yeah, don't worry. You can always tell me anything, you know that.
     
    Sonny puts his hand on Will's shoulder. Will smiles half-heartedly.
     
    SONNY: So what did she say then?
    WILL: Well, that my mom gave her permission to bulldoze Nick, but that...I may get caught in the crossfire. Professionally speaking.
     
    Sonny looks at Will, seeing the worry in Will's eyes does the same to him.
     
    ---
     
    Nicole stands startled, as Noelle rises from her seat on the park bench next to Eric.
     
    NOELLE: Hey, Nicole.
     
    Nicole looks at Noelle, a faint smile on her face, as she senses she's interrupted a moment.
     
    NICOLE: Hey.
    NOELLE: I ah...was just catching up with Eric, but...I do need to go. Can we ah...can we get together this weekend sometime? Maybe a double date at Club TBD or something?
    NICOLE: I'd like that.
    NOELLE: Great. Eric, it was good to see you.
     
    Noelle puts her hand on Eric's shoulder, as Eric looks up and smiles back at Noelle, before she takes off.
     
    NOELLE: Nicole.
     
    Nicole smiles half-heartedly as Noelle leaves the park, leaving Nicole alone with Eric.
     
    ERIC: I'm sorry I ran off like that.
     
    Nicole slowly steps over to Eric, and sits down beside him on the park bench.
     
    NICOLE: It's okay. I figured you needed some time to...decompress. Be alone, although, I guess you weren't completely alone, but...
    ERIC: Noelle just...happened to be walking by. Offered me a coffee for my thoughts.
    NICOLE: I'm glad she was there.
     
    Nicole looks at Eric, who looks out at the park before him, never once turning to face Nicole.
     
    After a moment's silence, Nicole pipes up.
     
    NICOLE: Eric, if...if I made you feel like you were coming second to my work, I'm sorry. I didn't mean--
    ERIC: No! No, Nicole.
     
    Eric turns suddenly, now looking Nicole's way, his gaze focused on her.
     
    ERIC: You have something so important to say right now. Your job is to inform the people of this city about something incredibly...pressing to their lives and their health. It was selfish of me to react the way I did to it.
    NICOLE: But Eric, you're allowed to feel that way. I wasn't there with you on our wedding night. The first night of our lives together and I spent it sitting at my desk trying to build a case against Nick Fallon. I...Nick isn't important enough to make me waste away a night that should've been so special.
    ERIC: There will be so many more of those. Besides. We haven't had our big wedding yet. 
     
    Eric and Nicole both smile at each other, as Eric leans back in his seat, his gaze never leaving his new bride.
     
    ERIC: You know, the one we talked about with all our family and friends there.
    NICOLE: Oh, I remember. 
    ERIC: I'm so happy to be your husband, even if we did kinda...rush to the altar.
     
    Nicole furrows her brow slightly.
     
    NICOLE: What do you mean?
    ERIC: Well, I mean...you didn't force my hand or anything, I think it was my idea to get married right away, but...
    NICOLE: But...
     
    Eric sighs, knowing he may have hit a nerve. He looks away again before continuing.
     
    ERIC: I worry that we got married in a hurry because I was running from something.
    NICOLE: Like what?
    ERIC: I dunno. The rejection of losing my vocation. Of all the...judgmental people that look at me with contempt like I've done something horribly wrong.
    NICOLE: But you didn't. And if I thought for a minute that that was why you were marrying me, Eric? I would have stopped you from marrying me the moment I realized.
     
    Eric smiles, as he puts his arm around Nicole.
     
    NICOLE: Truth is, yeah, I was insecure about our relationship for awhile. I...thought that maybe...if you were cleared and the church wanted you back that...that you'd want to leave me. That I was some sort of...consolation prize.
    ERIC: Nicole, I would never--
    NICOLE: I know. I know that now. I know you love me...more than anything in this world. Hearing the way you stood up for me at our wedding? How you made it clear to your mom and your sister that...that I was the most important thing in your life, and that nothing they could say, or do was gonna change that. I know there's nothing that could keep us apart now. I believe it with everything in me.
     
    Eric leans in and kisses Nicole, as Nicole wraps her arms around her husband. They hold each other as they kiss each other gently, but passionately.
     
    ---
     
    JJ, Jennifer and Liam step into the Horton living room, as Jennifer and Liam sit side-by-side on the sofa. JJ takes the armchair, as he leans in, looking seriously.
     
    JENNIFER: Okay, I don't like the look on your face, JJ. What's wrong?
    JJ: Mom, it's...just that I have some concerns about things here at the house right now.
    LIAM: What do you mean, JJ?
     
    JJ sighs, unsure how to phrase his thoughts.
     
    JJ: I just...Mom, I know you and Liam have been seeing each other for awhile, and...you know, you seem very happy. And I want that for you guys, but...I have...concerns. 
    JENNIFER: What do you mean? JJ, if this is about Daniel--
    JJ: It's not...It's not about Daniel, Mom. I understand, things are over between you and him. And that's my fault.
     
    Jennifer reaches over and takes JJ's hand in hers. She speaks emphatically to him.
     
    JENNIFER: JJ, it is NOT your fault things didn't work out between Daniel and I. You have got to let that go, honey.
    JJ: I won't. Mom, I let you down too many times when I came back to Salem. I was in a lot of pain and I hurt you a lot. And I will never be able to say I'm sorry enough times.
     
    Jennifer smiles wistfully, as she squeezes JJ's hand.
     
    LIAM: You know your mother's so proud of the changes you've made recently, JJ. Don't think I haven't noticed either. That's why I offered you that money to go to college at Berkley. I think you're ready.
     
    JJ breathes in, as he musters his courage.
     
    JJ: That's...that's actually one of the things I wanted to ask you about...I probably should have asked sooner, but...
    LIAM: Sure, go ahead.
     
    JJ looks up, hiding his fear as he asks Liam his question.
     
    JJ: Where did you get all that money from, anyway?
    LAURA: That's something I'm dying to hear, myself, actually.
     

    Liam, Jenn, and JJ all turn with a start toward the archway leading into the living room, as Laura walks slowly into the room, a stern look on her face.
     
    LAURA: Just where DID you get $50,000 from to give away to my grandson, Liam?
     
    Laura stands, staring straight at Liam, her arms folded accusingly.
     
    ---
  8. beebs
    EPISODE 145
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco
     

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

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

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

    Maggie turns, as the rest of the household look on, mostly in displeasure, but also in shock, as Anjelica walks in.
     
    ANJELICA: Hello, family! I hope I'm not late for dinner!
     
    Anjelica smiles widely as the rest of the family appears shocked by her arrival. Adrienne, meanwhile, motions half-heartedly at the door.
     
    ADRIENNE: Surprise!
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     
    Billie stands with Kim in the hospital lounge, venting her anger at Kim's continued vilifying of her.
     
    BILLIE: The only reason I ever stepped in to help that girl was because she knew she could trust me, because I was the only person in her life that didn't think that Phillip Collier was some kind of saint.
    KIM: Oh please. You never gave her another option. You saw an opening and you took it.
    BILLIE: Why would I do that, Kim?
     
    Kim shakes her head, taking a cool, composed tone as she responds to Billie's question.
     
    KIM: Because you were grieving your own daughter. You thought Chelsea was dead, and you used the relationship you'd built with my daughter as a tool to replace Chelsea in your empty little waste of a life.
     
    Billie laughs sarcastically, in awe of Kim's statement.
     
    BILLIE: Oh my God, you have absolutely no shame, do you? When are you going to take even a little responsibility for what happened between you and Theresa? When are you going to admit that if you had just believed her when she came to you in tears, shaking because Phillip Collier had been molesting her for longer than she cared to remember, none of this would've happened?
     
    Kim stands in stunned silence, as Billie lets loose.
     
    BILLIE: She would never have turned to drugs, she would never have gotten herself in trouble with the law, she certainly would never have ended up in a coma because Brady Black wanted to commit suicide and take her with him! But I guess that's all well and good so long as you have your scape goat to blame the fact you couldn't keep your head together long enough to actually be a parent when it mattered!
     
    Kim slaps Billie hard across the face, snapping Billie out of her rage with the shock of the attack.
     
    ---
     
    Brady and Anita sit on the sofa, as a fire crackles in the fireplace before them, talking about Brady's problems.
     
    ANITA: I know where you're coming from. This home...such as it is...
     
    Anita and Brady share a laugh, before Anita stops after a moment, sighing, as she looks around her quaint home.
     
    ANITA: This is my refuge.
     
    Anita looks intensely at Brady, as he senses her pain.
     
    ANITA: I've had a lot of...pain to go through. Losing two of my children...I nearly died. I withdrew. I...I didn't want to be around people. It was safer here.
     
    Anita looks off, as though looking at a ghost from the past.
     
    ANITA: My umm...you asked about why I was looking at the news story about Titan, I...my late husband, he bought up shares in Titan when they first began publishing Bella Magazine. He was...he was certain he was onto a good thing, and that...(laughs) he figured he could retire off the dividends. When he died, he left them to me. And...with how the company's doing now...well...
    BRADY: You're thinking of selling, aren't you?
     
    Anita shrugs, looking solemnly past Brady.
     
    ANITA: We could use the money. This house...it needs some work.
     
    Brady looks down, nodding in understanding of her situation.
     
    BRADY: I think it's a good idea. Titan's in a lot of trouble, and...with Nick Fallon at the helm...it's only gonna get worse from here.
     
    Anita smiles half-heartedly, clearly still worried for the future.
     
    ANITA: Thank you.
    BRADY: Anita, we're gonna make this work for you. I won't let you down.
    ANITA: Oh I know, Brady...and I know that...you've been put in so many difficult situations, and I know that you thought that the only solution was to run away, but...
     
    Anita takes Brady's hand into hers, and holds it tightly, never taking her eyes off his.
     
    ANITA: ...I need you to know that you don't have to run anymore. Not here. You are always safe here. We can really help each other. Whenever you're ready, I am here for you.
     
    Brady smiles warmly at Anita, nodding back at her.
     
    BRADY: Same for me, Anita. Same for me.
     
    Anita and Brady come together for another warm hug, as they sit on the sofa, enjoying the warm fire.
     
    ---
     
     
    Gabi finishes signing the modelling contract with MadWorld, as Sami, Kate, and Gabi had discussed. She stands in her living room, with Will looking on, as Sami and Kate look on approvingly. Gabi lurches up, pen in hand, as Sami smiles up at her.
     
    SAMI: Congratulations. You are officially the new spokesmodel for MadWorld cosmetics.
    GABI: Great. Why don't I feel as excited as I should be?
     
    Gabi hears her text tone go off, causing her to jump slightly as she looks around for her phone. Finding it on the side table in the living room, she picks it up. Kate notices as Gabi looks at the message, that her expression changes, becoming more sombre.
     
    KATE: What is it?
     
    Gabi looks up from her phone, nervously.
     
    GABI: It's time. I have to meet Nick at Club TBD in an hour. What's our game plan?
     
    Sami and Kate look at each other, confidently. Gabi's eyes dart between the two, far less confident that their plan will go off.
     
    ---
    Maggie turns toward Anjelica, who stands in the entranceway of the Kiriakis living room, smiling widely. Maggie looks back, less than enthused.
     
    MAGGIE: Anjelica.
    ANJELICA: Maggie! Long time, no see!
     
    Anjelica quickly walks over, giving Maggie a big hug, which makes Maggie immediately uncomfortable and more than a little confused.
     
    MAGGIE: Anjelica, I wish I'd known you were coming to dinner sooner.
     
    Anjelica remains enthused, almost to spite Maggie and the rest of the Kiriakises. She carries on talking as she helps herself to a drink from the bar in the corner or the room.
     
    ANJELICA: What? And ruin the surprise? You've got to be kidding me. I mean, this is my first time back in Salem in over 20 years! Where else would spend it than with my loving son and his family?
    JUSTIN: A jail cell, maybe?
    ANJELICA: Oh Justin, always the joker!
     
    Anjelica turns back to face the rest of the room, now with drink in hand, smiles as she takes a sip.
     
    ANJELICA: But in all seriousness, I'm here because I am on the campaign trail to the state governor's house...and I think I could be a big help to all of you.
     
    The family look at each other, curiously, as Anjelica smiles slyly and takes a sip of her drink.
     
    ---
  9. beebs
    EPISODE 152
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco
     

    Kim stands by the bar at the Brady Pub, looking at Eric and Marlena with a stunned expression.
     
    KIM: I'm sorry, what did you just tell me?
     
    Marlena takes a moment to find the right words before re-explaining her request to Kim.
     
    MARLENA: Kim...Valerie and I have been going over Roman's files, trying desperately to figure out what exactly is wrong with him.
    KIM: Right. I mean...it's obviously some kind of dementia, right? I mean...what else could it be? The memory lapses, the hostile outbursts, it's all the symptoms.
    MARLENA: Yes...but there's a problem.
     
    Kim reacts with increasing volume and hostility toward Marlena.
     
    KIM: Which is?
     
    Marlena breathes in deeply before responding.
     
    MARLENA: There are no medical records for Roman from before he returned to salem in 1997.
     
    Kim looks at Marlena, completely stunned.
     
    ---
     

    Gabi stands at Jennifer and Liam's table at Club TBD, suddenly snapping out of her stunned moment of silence. She extends a hand to greet Liam.
     
    GABI: Oh! Sorry! Yes, I'm Gabi Hernandez. It's...nice to meet you.
    LIAM: Likewise.
     
    They shake hands awkwardly, as Liam gives Gabi a firm look, which Gabi picks up on. She steps away slowly, as Jennifer attempts to continue their chat.
     
    JENNIFER: How is Nick doing, anyway? I heard he's...been given a...huge promotion.
    GABI: Yeah, we're...we're celebrating that now.
    JENNIFER: Good. I'm glad. I was worried when Abigail told me how much pain he was in at Salem U the other week.
     
    Gabi feigns concern, but is mostly just uneasy with the line of questioning.
     
    GABI: Oh, ah...I dunno. He's been fine tonight. We're having a celebration dinner for me. I'm...getting back into modelling.
     
    Jennifer perks up at the news, making Gabi smile, but half-heartedly, as her worries consume her thoughts.
     
    JENNIFER: Oh my gosh, that's amazing news, Gabi! Congratulations!
    GABI: Thanks. I..ah...anyway, I'm gonna just...head back to him now. It's...it's good to see you, and to meet you. Thanks for asking how we're doing, Jennifer.
     
    Jennifer looks on, confused by her subdued reaction.  She smiles, regardless.
     
    JENNIFER: Anytime, sweetheart.
     
    Gabi steps away from the table, leaving Jennifer looking confused as she watches Gabi hustle back to her table with Nick.
     
    Jennifer then turns back toward Liam, her brow furrowed.
     
    LIAM: Something the matter?
    JENNIFER: Yeah. Something is very wrong with Gabi. And I really hope it has nothing to do with Nick.
     
    ---
     

    Billie stands in Daniel's apartment, disappointed by Daniel's declaration that they're out of coffee.
     
    BILLIE: Well, I mean, I'm disappointed that you're out of coffee, but...I don't really...NEED it.
     
    Daniel emerges from behind the kitchen island, and walks toward Billie, wrapping his arms around her waist.
     
    DANIEL: Well, here's what I propose.
     
    Billie reciprocates, looking seductively into Daniel's eyes.
     
    BILLIE: Mm, what?
    DANIEL: You go pick up some coffee--
    BILLIE: Me? 
     
    Daniel tries to stifle a laugh as Billie feigns indignation.
     
    DANIEL: (laughs) Yes. You go pick some up for me at the corner store...and when you come back...I'll have everything else ready for you.
     
    Billie responds, herself now trying not to laugh at Daniel's suggestion.
     
    BILLIE: You're gonna make me go out, in the rain, and grab coffee for YOU.
    DANIEL: Mmmhmm.
     
    Billie replies sarcastically, giving Daniel a displeased look. 
     
    BILLIE: And they say chivalry is dead.
     
    Daniel laughs, as Billie rolls her eyes. Daniel steps to his chest of drawers in the corner of the room, and grabs an umbrella for Billie, handing it to her.
     
    DANIEL: Here. I promise I'll make it up to you when you get back, 'kay?
     
    Billie raises an eyebrow at Daniel, taking the umbrella and playfully jabbing him in the side with it.
     
    BILLIE: You better. Okay, I'll be back. Love you.
     
    Billie and Daniel share a quick kiss, as she heads out the door of Daniel's apartment.
     
    DANIEL: Love you.
     
    As the door closes, Daniel looks at his living room, particularly looking up at the ceiling, and clasps his hands together, rubbing them together as he nods his head eagerly.
     
    DANIEL: Time to get to work.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     

    Justin stands by the doorway to the kitchen at the Kiriakis mansion, observing Anjelica and Alex in an embrace in the living room. As they separate from their hug, Alex looks warmly at his mother.
     
    ALEX: I...ah...I'm gonna call the Salem Inn for you and we'll get a car to bring your stuff over, okay?
    ANJELICA: Oh, sweetheart, thank you, BUT...
     
    Anjelica grabs her clutch from beside the bar, and pulls out her phone.
     
    ANJELICA: I've gotta head back there, anyway. I have a lot to take care of. 
    ALEX: Alright.
    ANJELICA: I should be back in an hour, okay?
     
    Anjelica spots Justin from the doorway, and smiles smugly at him.
     
    ANJELICA: JUSTIN! You'll be pleased to know you'll have many more opportunities to show off your biting wit. 
    JUSTIN: So I've heard.
     
    Justin steps into the room, a far more humble demeanour than he'd carried before.
     
    JUSTIN: Look, Anjelica...I don't relish the thought of you staying here, don't get me wrong...
     
    Justin looks at his son, and sighs before finishing his thought.
     
    JUSTIN: But it's important for me that my son is happy, and that he spends time with his mother. And that's what he wants, then I'm not going to deny him that.
    ANJELICA: That's a very thoughtful thing to say.
    JUSTIN: Well, don't pat me on the back just yet. See, I just want you to know that I will not tolerate any of the manipulations that I've known you to engage in over the years. I don't want your campaign team in this house. It'd be a conflict of interest.
    ANJELICA: Duly noted.
    JUSTIN: And just so we're clear. If I find out you've been up to anything even remotely duplicitous, you're outta here. Do I make myself clear?
     
    Anjelica nods, for once, not a snarky retort to be heard.
     
    ANJELICA: Crystal.
     
    Anjelica looks up at her son, who smiles at both her, and Justin.
     
    ---
     

    Gabi sits back down in her seat at the table she's sharing with Nick at Club TBD. Nick's pleased to see her return.
     
    GABI: Hey! Sorry that took so long.
    NICK: Don't even worry about it. Who's that with Jennifer?
    GABI: Oh! It's ah...some guy, Leon I think? Liam? Apparently they've been seeing each other for awhile. Abby thinks he's okay, but JJ's not sold on him.
    NICK: Well, you know. There's always someone who's not going to approve of who you're with.
     
    Gabi nods, trying to appear disinterested so that Nick changes the subject.
     
    GABI: Hey, ah...you know, it's pretty late, and...well...I was hoping to at least say goodnight to Ari. Besides, sitters aren't cheap, and...with Will and Sonny out for the night...
     
    Nick holds up a hand, in an attempt to stop Gabi for continuing.
     
    NICK: Say no more, I'll get the bill, we'll be outta here. Can I at least walk you to your door?
     
    Gabi smiles, nodding her approval.
     
    GABI: I'd like that.
     
    Nick smiles back as he flags down T for the bill.
     
    ---
     
    Billie steps back into Daniel's apartment, carrying a wet umbrella, and shopping bag with a tin of coffee in her one hand. She calls out to Daniel as she enters, but stops midsentence from surprise at what she sees once inside.
     
    BILLIE: Okay, Daniel, I got...the coffee...
     
    In the living room, the couches have been moved away, the lights turned off but for strings of blue-tinted LEDs strung from the ceiling, simulating the stars. Daniel sits on a blanket, placed on the floor of the living area. Daniel holds his arms out, welcoming Billie inside, as a song begins to play.
     
     
     
    DANIEL: Welcome.
     
    Billie lays her umbrella down against the chest of drawers next to the door, still stunned by the display Daniel's put on.
     
    BILLIE: Wh...what is all this?
    DANIEL: Well...
     
    Daniel points up to the ceiling, looking up at the lights he's strung up. Billie looks up curiously, following Daniel's eyes.
     
    DANIEL: Since we weren't able to see the stars in the park like we wanted...I improvised a bit. 
    BILLIE: It all makes sense now.
     
    Billie slowly walks over to where Daniel's sitting on the blanket.
     
    DANIEL: And now, I can make the coffee you wanted.
    BILLIE: Well, there's just one problem now.
    DANIEL: What's that?
     
    Billie kneels down next to Daniel, looking into Daniel's eyes with a fiery sensuality.
     
    BILLIE: I'm not really in the mood for coffee anymore.
     
    Billie leans in closer to Daniel, who raises an eyebrow at Billie's suggestion.
     
    DANIEL: Oh? And just what are you in the mood for?
     
    Billie rests her arms on Daniel's shoulders, their faces now mere inches apart.
     
    BILLIE: I think you can guess.
    DANIEL: Mmmm yeah.
     
    As Daniel and Billie lean into their passionate kiss, they lay back on the blanket, caught up in the heat of the moment.
     
    ---
     
    Kim leans against the bar at the Brady Pub, stunned by the news Marlena's just shared with her about her brother.
     
    KIM: Marlena...are you seriously trying to tell me that because of some...clerical error, you're going to leap to the conclusion that the man we've been calling my brother for over twenty years is an imposter?
    MARLENA: Kim, there's more to it than that--
     
    Kim snaps at Marlena, shouting out, causing more than a couple stares from other patrons.
     
    KIM: I should hope so!
     
    Kim, quickly realizing the scene she just caused, looks around her, and quickly calms herself down.
     
    KIM: You're supposed to be helping to save my brother, figuring out what's wrong with him, and why he's losing his memory. Not trying to prove some hairbrained theory you've cooked up.
     
    Eric pipes up, coming to his mother's defense. He's firm, but respectful to his aunt.
     
    ERIC: Aunt Kim, it's not like that. Look, I don't like this any more than you do, but I understand why Mom's asking this.
    KIM: Then, if you understand it, why aren't you the one agreeing to get a sample for this test?
     
    Eric looks away, sheepishly backing down. Kim raises her eyebrows, looking to Marlena pointedly.
     
    KIM: That's what I thought.
    MARLENA: Kim, I'm not trying to cause a problem for you, or for the family. I just want to get to the truth.
    KIM: The truth is that my brother is losing his memory in chunks, and it's only a matter of time before he is going to be a shell of the man we knew. We need to be looking for solutions, or at the very least, looking to make arrangements to ensure Roman is well cared-for when he becomes incapable of doing so himself. Not trying to solve some kind of...tin foil hat conspiracy theory true. 
    MARLENA: Kim, Stefano has done some outrageous things in the past, it's not inconceivable--
    KIM: It may not be inconceivable...but it's also not likely. And it's definitely not the time.
     
    Kim looks intensely at Marlena, who looks back, pained by Kim's rejection of her plans.
     
    KIM: Let this go, Marlena. Please.
     
    Marlena sighs, closing her eyes to keep herself calm, as Eric looks on, concerned for his mother, putting a hand on her shoulder.
     
    ---
  10. beebs
    EPISODE 139
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco
     

    In Marlena's penthouse, Roman walks through the living room, sandwich in hand. He's evidently walked in for a quick bite to eat while on duty.
     
    ROMAN: Thanks, Doc for the sandwich, I'll be back around 7.
     

    He grabs his jacket to quickly put on as he's heading back out to work, when the doorbell rings. Looking back to see if Marlena's headed over or not to answer it, Roman walks over and opens the door to find Eric standing there.
     
    ERIC: Dad! I've got some great news.
     
    Roman looks at Eric, trying to appear upbeat but confused, regardless.
     
    ---
     

    In her motel room, at the edge of Salem's city limit, Sheryl stands in front of Jerome, laughing at her great fortune, as Jerome stands next to her, somewhat less enthused. The TV plays quietly in the background as she and Jerome speak.
     
    JEROME: Brady Black...as in, the guy that drove himself and his girlfriend off an embankment into the lake trying to kill himself and her?
    SHERYL: The very same. And trust me, I know it's him. 
    JEROME: How?
    SHERYL: He's the one I bought our getaway vehicle from, silly. I've got it all planned out. Just need a few things from in town...
     
    Sheryl walks over to the desk, and grabs a notepad and pencil. Quickly jotting down what she needs, Sheryl tears the paper from the pad and hands the list to Jerome.
     
    SHERYL: ...which...I will need you to order for me. Make sure the Salem PD can't track your IP address or you'll have to make a break for it, too.
    JEROME: Duh.
    SHERYL: Anyway, so, knowing that Brady's alive...it means that if we can get the word out that Brady isn't actually dead...the EnerNext project can be delayed if not completely halted.
     
    Jerome sighs, before shaking his head, causing Sheryl to look at him, somewhat alarmed.
     
    SHERYL: What?
    JEROME: You may not need to use that information after all. Not that I'd be able to spill that tea anyway since that makes a clear line between you and me.
    SHERYL: Okay. Still not getting why we may not need it.
     
    Jerome wordlessly points up at the TV, where Nick Fallon appears, giving a press conference. Sheryl looks on, curious, as she quickly grabs the remote and turns the volume up.
     
    Nicole's voice blasts through the TV, giving a preamble to the proceedings.
     
    NICOLE: (via TV) ...Mr. Fallon will be making his address shortly, he is expected to make a major announcement in Titan's name.
     
    ---
     

    Nick stands at the podium at Horton Town Square, where most of the Titan board, as well as Nicole, and various other members of the press, are gathered to hear Nick speak. 
     
    Nicole finishes her report as the rest of the crowd begins to simmer their conversations.
     
    NICOLE: Now, this is unusual for a lab technician to be speaking for a corporate board at his level, but, as we've learned with Titan in recent months, expect the unexpected.
     
    With the TV cameras on, Nick lays on the charm for the masses, as he waits for the crowd to go silent. He leans into the microphone slightly, and begins his speech.
     
    NICK: Today, Titan Industries has a new hope for the future. After months, perhaps, years of struggling in an uncertain economy, we have decided as a company to make a radical change of direction. 
     
    Kate looks on from the crowd, trying not to roll her eyes as she listens to Nick's speech. Billie leans over and whispers to her mother.
     
    BILLIE: Is it too late to sell a chunk of my Titan stock?
    KATE: Honey, if this ship is sinking, we go down together.
     

    As Nick carries on, Anjelica appears from the back of the square. She hangs back, not wanting to be seen by the larger crowd, standing with her head ccovered by a black scarf and dark glasses, as she observes Nick from afar. Nick is still able to spot her, as he carries on in his speech.
     
    NICK: Due to a series of tragedies that have befallen the Kiriakis family in recent weeks, the....board felt it best to appoint someone...more youthful. An outsider with a clear, decisive vision for the company. One who would be willing to make the changes neccessary to carry the company well into the next decade.
     
    Anjelica nods approvingly from her post at the back of the crowd, as Nick looks right at her as he delivers his announcement.
     
    NICK: That person is me.
     
    The crowd buzzes at the announcement, with camera flashes going off, the board members standing around, solemn as Nick looks around from his perch, beaming.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     

    Abby sits at Nicole's computer, working her way through the documents Nick sent her about EnerNext, when Sami steps in.
     

    Abby looks up from the computer, surprised to see Sami.
     
    SAMI: Abby! How's everything?
    ABBY: Good! I uh...I'm just...working on something for Nicole.
    SAMI: I figured. Listen ah...I hope you remember exactly why I'm having you work with Nicole.
     
    Abby looks up from the screen to look at Sami. She sighs.
     
    ABBY: Sami, I'm not....really comfortable with what you were suggesting, I--
     
    Sami interrupts, holding her hands up to stop Abby from continuing.
     
    SAMI: I know. I know. I know, I shouldn't have asked but...(sigh) Nicole's not exactly a model employee. She's incredibly...tricky.
     
    Abby turns away from the computer, giving Sami her entire focus, still sitting in Nicole's chair.
     
    ABBY: Oh, believe me. I know. She and my mom have a hell of a history. But I'm trying to just...let the past stay in the past. She's doing some...really great work on this EnerNext story.
    SAMI: So I've heard. I just want you to tread carefully. If anyone you love is implicated in this story...Nicole...can't be trusted. A lot of people could get caught in the crossfire.
     
    Abby gets up from her seat, walking over toward a frustrated Sami.
     
    ABBY: You're worried about Will, aren't you?
     
    Sami turns around to look at Abby, sternly.
     
    SAMI: Should I be?
     
    ---
     
    Roman steps back to let an excited Eric in. Somewhat awkwardly, he responds.
     
    ROMAN: I...uh...I'm just about to head back to work. Wh...what is it?
    ERIC: Dad, I...well...I just got some really good news about what...what happened with Kristen.
     
    Roman looks at Eric, trying to appear excited but looks almost blankly at Eric, who slowly realizes something's horribly wrong.
     
    ERIC: You don't...you don't know what I'm talking about, do you?
     
    Roman explodes, shouting in a frustrated rage at Eric.
     
    ROMAN: Dammit, would you cut that out? You know, between you and Doc and the rest of the damn family trying to take any opportunity to test my memory. I've had it just about up to here with it!
    ERIC: Dad! Calm down, I was just--
     
    Roman gets right in Eric's face, shaking with rage, as Eric grabs Roman's hands and holds them tightly, trying to stop Roman from physically attacking him.
     
    ROMAN: I WILL NOT CALM DOWN!! You...Dammit, let me GO!
     

    Marlena races over from the opening to the kitchen, worried about the shouting she hears from the living room.
     
    MARLENA: What is going on here? Eric?? Roman? Are you two alright?
     
    Eric and Roman turn to look at a deeply concerned Marlena, who approaches them cautiously.
     
    ---
     
    At Town Square, Nicole's voice cuts through the din of the rabbling crowd, as she asks a question of Nick.
     
    NICOLE: How is it that you, someone with exactly zero experience, have managed to secure the vote to take over Titan?
     
    Nick smiles at Nicole before responding with a phony graciousness to her question.
     
    NICK: I'm glad you asked. Ah...well, you see, the board had to make some tough decisions. It actually brings me to a very important point I need to bring up. See, last night, Titan Industries was targeted by outside forces in a major attempt to breach our computer systems, steal vital corporate information, and destroy our servers. I will be in contact with the Salem PD later today to track down the perpetrator or perpetrators, and make sure they are brought to justice.
     
    Nick clears his throat as he continues, looking directly into Nicole's camera. Nicole takes this opportunity to interject again.
     
    NICOLE: Do you know the name or names of the hackers?
    NICK: I can't speak on that at this time. However, I will say this. The Titan board was grateful to me, as I was the one who discovered that there had been a security breach, and was able to prevent the virus from causing any major damage. Thanks to my efforts, as well as my proposals, which I will be detailing at a later date for the turnaround of Titan Industries, I have been named CEO of Titan, with none other than Tyler Houston as my right hand through the transition period.
     
    Tyler looks on, stunned by the news, he looks over at a shocked Justin, while Nick smiles his trademark smirk as the crowd once again begins to buzz with chatter, as Anjelica, still at the back of the crowd, gives Nick an 'ok' gesture with her hand.
     
    ---
     
    As the press conference plays on TV, Sheryl and Jerome look on, stunned by the news. Sheryl looks on, slack-jawed as her rage builds.
     
    SHERYL: That little BASTARD.
     
    Sheryl looks over at Jerome, whose head twists to meet her gaze. Sheryl speaks to him with intensity, finger pointed at the TV screen.
     
    SHERYL: HE'S the one who stopped the virus. And I'm gonna make that little twerp pay.
     
    ---
  11. beebs
    EPISODE 157
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco
     

    Liam sits upright in Jenn's bed, as Jenn stands over him, arms folded, still dressed in overalls in preparation to paint Liam's house.
     
    JENNIFER: Liam...
    LIAM: I'm sorry. Jenn, I didn't mean--
    JENNIFER: You said it wasn't like before when we lived together. Now, I know that you and I never lived together, so the only thing that can mean is that you're fixating on your ex-wife again.
     
    Liam tries to interject, hoping to stop Jenn from becoming even more agitated.
     
    LIAM: Jenn--
    JENNIFER: No, just stop, Liam. Okay, you have got to let go of the anger feel toward her.
     
    Liam stops himself from speaking. Instead, looking down as Jenn continues to speak.
     
    JENNIFER: You know, I held onto my anger when I thought Jack left us in Africa. I thought he just...disappeared on some walkabout, and
    I kept that anger for years. It made me bitter, and...and...miserable.
     
    Liam looks up at Jenn, as Jenn sits down on the edge of her bed, and looks tenderly at Liam.
     
    JENNIFER: But I realized that that anger and that bitterness was just making it impossible for me to...to move on with my life. 
     
    Jenn takes Liam's hand in hers, she holds it close to her chest.
     
    JENNIFER: You have so much generosity in you. I've seen that in how you've handled JJ, and the way you are with Abigail and I. Liam...don't lose that because you're still holding onto this...this rage within you from what happened with your wife before.
    LIAM: Jenn, I'm not, I'm--
    JENNIFER: No. You are. I can tell. Just...let me help you, we can talk to my mom, she can refer you--
     
    Liam cuts Jenn off, something approaching terror in his voice as he almost jumps out of the bed.
     
    LIAM: No no no, I am NOT talking to your mother about this. Okay?
     
    Jenn looks on, confused and disappointed by Liam's strong reaction.
     
    ---
     

    Eric sits on a park bench, deep in thought. As he sits, silently, staring off into space, Noelle walks by, a tray with two coffee cups in her hand.
     
    Stopping a moment, she looks down at Eric, who barely notices she's there.
     
    NOELLE: Rough night?
     
    Eric looks up at Noelle, a troubled look on his face, before looking back down.
     
    ERIC: Could say that.
    NOELLE: Well...if you wanna talk about it, I'm here.
     
    Noelle sits down beside Eric on the bench, a thoughtful smile on her face as she does. Eric remains looking away.
     
    ERIC: Not much to say really. Just got a lot on my mind.
    NOELLE: This is...not how I expected you'd be acting the day after your wedding.
    ERIC: Yeah, same here. But then, I didn't expect my bride to spend our wedding night in her office working on a news story. 
     
    Noelle puts her hand across Eric's shoulders, giving him a comforting hand, before reaching over to pull one of her cups of coffee from the tray.
     
    NOELLE: Well...it looks like you haven't slept much. So...here. Triple Shot Espresso Caramel Macchiato.
     
    Eric looks over as Noelle extends the coffee cup to him. Reluctantly, he takes it.
     
    NOELLE: It's supposed to be for Alex, but...I can always double back to the Java Cafe and get another one.
     
    Eric looks down, before taking a sip. He manages a faint smile.
     
    ERIC: Thanks.
    NOELLE: Don't mention it. So...where's Nicole now?
     
    Eric looks out again, before shrugging, and turning to face Nicole.
     
    ERIC: To be perfectly honest, I have no idea.
     
    ---
     

    Nicole rings Will's doorbell, and stands outside Will's door, waiting to be let in. She's anxious as she waits.
     

    Will opens the door, and ushers Nicole into the apartment.
     
    WILL: Hey Nicole.
    NICOLE: Hey.
     
    Closing the door behind her as Nicole steps in, Will stands by and offers a hand to Nicole.
     
    WILL: Can I take your coat?
     
    Nicole looks back, smiling as she sets herself down on the sofa.
     
    NICOLE: So polite. You sure you're Sami's kid?
     
    Will is momentarily amused by Nicole, before quieting down quickly again. He shrugs sheepishly.
     
    WILL: I guess I get it from my grandma.
    NICOLE: Let's go with that.
     
    Will nervously steps toward the kitchen area.
     
    WILL: Did you ah...did you want anything? Tea? Coffee?
    NICOLE: No. No, I'm fine. Thanks. I don't really have that much time. Just...I had some things to go over with you regarding Nick.
    WILL: Right. You said on the phone. I a...
     
    Will sits down on the sofa next to Nicole, looking at her in an attempt to be firm.
     
    WILL: I ah...as I said, I can't tell you much about the inner workings of my job, since...a lot of what I work on is pretty confidential, but...
    NICOLE: That's fine. Look, I know this isn't going to be pretty but...Sami found out that Nick took over as CEO at Titan, and...she basically gave me license to bulldoze Nick. At all costs. 
     
    Will looks at Nicole seriously. A bit worried about what she would say next.
     
    WILL: Okay.
    NICOLE: So...what that means for you, then...(sigh) your press releases for EnerNext. They were...from what a lot of very reliable sources tell me, heavily biased, and the sources you used were, can I say, flat out wrong.
     
    Will tenses somewhat, responding slightly more curtly.
     
    WILL: I used the data I was given, nothing more.
    NICOLE: I figured as much. 
     
    Nicole looks down, sighing as she continues.
     
    NICOLE: Will, I'm not trying to...hurt your career or throw you under the bus, but...your press releases may be a big part of my report tomorrow night, and...are you going to be okay if you're implicated in this?
     
    Will looks up at Nicole, worried and slightly confused by Nicole's question.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     

    Jordan sits in her office, playing with her engagement ring. As she stares at it, her mind wanders to the night Sheryl and Jordan had their falling out. Sheryl's words haunt Jordan.
     
    ***

    FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 105
     

    Jordan stands in Sheryl's office, and looks down, arms still folded in discomfort as she tries to hold herself back. Sheryl looks on, standing behind her desk. Jordan sighs heavily, as she wordlessly listens to Sheryl’s emphatic words.
     
    SHERYL: You can pretend like you have this great future with Rafe, Jordan, but we both know that once we launch that virus tonight, the ISA and the Salem PD are going to be onto us, and you and I will have to leave town and take on a new identity. There’s no way out Jordan. Even if you back out now.
     
    ***
     
    Jordan snaps back to reality thanks to a knock at the door. Jordan adjusts herself, trying to clear the mist from her eyes as she calls out.
     
    JORDAN: Ah, come in!
     

    Maxine steps into the office, a patient file in hand. Maxine announces her arrival as she spots Jordan's emotional expression mid-sentence.
     
    MAXINE: Morning, Honey. I brought...your patient files.
     
    Jordan clears her throuat as she reaches her hand out to take the files from Maxine, who gives Jordan a stern, concerned look.
     
    JORDAN: Thanks, Maxine.
    MAXINE: What's wrong.
    JORDAN: Nothing.
     
    Maxine sits down in the guest chair across Jordan's desk. She folds her arms expectantly.
     
    MAXINE: Come on, Girl. Out with it. You are engaged to be married to the man of your dreams. So why you been crying?
     
    Jordan sighs, knowing Maxine won't back down.
     
    ---
     
    Jennifer stands up from the edge of her bed, watching as a frustrated Liam begins to get dressed, incensed by her suggestion that he seek therapy.
     
    JENNIFER: Liam, I wasn't implying you go to therapy with my mom, I just...
     
    Liam turns around suddenly after having put a t-shirt on, the simmering rage in his voice.
     
    LIAM: No, you just think I'm crazy.
    JENNIFER: I do not. I just...I know what it's like to feel betrayed by someone you love. Okay. Jack....isn't the first person who's let me down, I mean...I was married before to a man who broke my trust in so many ways, I can't begin to go into it. He...he abused my trust for...for years before I finally realized what he was really like.
     
    Liam looks at Jenn, almost feeling heartbroken as he listens to her speak. He becomes more and more tense as she continues, trying to hold in his rage.
     
    LIAM: Jenn, please, don't--
    JENNIFER: ...And I thought I couldn't trust anyone ever again after that. But...I had family that loved me, and a man who was patient with me, and loved me enough to take his time and rebuild my trust.
     
    Liam tries desperately to hold it together, as Jenn looks lovingly at him.
     
    JENNIFER: Jack was that person for me after Peter hurt me so badly. I want to be that person for you, Liam. 
    LIAM: I...
     
    Jenn walks over to the other side of the bed, and puts her arms around a tense Liam. She holds him tenderly, and he reluctantly embraces her, all the while holding in so many emotions, but finally being unable to hold in a tear.
     
    JENNIFER: Let me be that person for you.
     
    Liam breathes deeply, suppressing his anger as he embraces Jennifer.
     
    ---
     
    Noelle sits with Eric on the park bench, as they enjoy their coffees. She looks interested as Eric tells her about his wedding.
     
    ERIC: So once my mom and Sami knew I wasn't backing down....well...they took the hint.
    NOELLE: Right, but...I mean, obviously that's gonna cause a huge rift between you and your family. I mean, I don't know Nicole well but it sounds like your family's...I mean, they have their reasons not to like her.
     
    Eric sighs, looking down at the ground as he speaks.
     
    ERIC: I know. Doesn't mean they have any right to judge her. As though she's completely incapable of personal growth.
    NOELLE: Well, some people change, a lot don't.
     
    Eric looks up at Noelle, who holds Eric's gaze. Noelle smiles, as Eric holds his serious look.
     
    ERIC: I've known Nicole a very long time, and...in our time working together at St. Luke's...I saw a change in her. A huge change. It's...it's almost impossible to describe. But...I'm worried she's slipping back.
    NOELLE: What do you mean?
    ERIC: I mean since she's been working on this story...it consumes her. I understand it's an important story to tell, but she behaves as though nothing else matters. She tells me she loves me, and I believe her, but it's almost as though she's working to...protect our relationship somehow. As though us being together would somehow destroy what we've built. 
     
    Noelle looks at Eric, her expression thoughtful.
     
    NOELLE: That sounds...complicated. Are you sure it's not just a...temporary thing. I mean, you said yourself, the special airs in a day or two. I've known some people who work in the news and when a big story's about to break, it eats a lot of their time.
     
    Eric shakes his head, getting up from his seat, and beginning to pace in front of the bench.
     
    ERIC: No. No, there's....there's something different about this. And I can't put my finger on what it is. Even how we got married felt strange. I...admit, I raced into it, but...
    NOELLE: But you felt a kind of...pressure?
    ERIC: I don't know. Maybe. I just know something is wrong, and I can't get Nicole to tell me what it is.
     
    Noelle stands up from the bench, and puts a hand on Eric's shoulder in comfort. Eric turns his head to look at Noelle, still looking pensive.
     
    ---
     
    Will paces in front of the sofa, where Nicole is still sitting.
     
    WILL: Nick didn't commission the report, Nicole. I mean, if anything, he's trying to stop the EnerNext project.
    NICOLE: I know that. I'm actually hoping to get him to commit to an interview on air tomorrow night. Hopefully catching him live on TV, he won't be able to escape the questions. 
     
    Nicole pauses for a moment. Will stops and turns to look at her as she continues.
     
    NICOLE: But we all know Nick is...extremely volatile.
    WILL: Especially lately.
    NICOLE: Oh I realize! Believe me. We don't know what he'll come out with, and...since you were the one whose name is on those releases...you may be putting your writing career at risk if he names you as being responsible for the report. I want you to be prepared for that.
     
    Will looks on, thoughtfully, though uncomfortable with what could potentially happen.
     
    WILL: Thanks for the head's up. Gabi, Sonny, and I...we've been preparing. Nick can be...extremely dangerous.
     
    As Will finishes the thought, Ari begins to cry from the next room. Nicole is startled for a moment, as both her and Will suddenly turn to look into Gabi's room, where Ari is sleeping in the crib.
     
    WILL: I should...
    NICOLE: Yeah, go! 
    WILL: Just, ah...sit tight, I'll be back in a sec.
     
    Nicole nods, a faint smile on her face as she watches Will dart into Gabi's bedroom, closing the door behind him.
     
    As he does, Nicole gets up from the sofa, and makes a beeline for the desk by the front door. Ever-so-quietly sliding open the middle drawer, Nicole searches for whatever information she can.
     
    As she flips quickly through, one eye on the door, and one on the papers in Will's desk, she sees nothing. Quickly, she closes the top drawer and opens the next drawer to the right. 
     
    Her mouth opens, as she spies the pistol EJ has left for Gabi. 
     
    Pulling it out, Nicole looks over toward the door, before holding it up, nodding slowly.
     
    NICOLE: Well, that's one way to be prepared, Will.
     
    Nicole chuckles to herself as she holds the gun up right in front of her face, giving a wry smile as she studies it like a preserved artifact.
     
    ---
  12. beebs
    EPISODE 138
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco
     

    Nicole rushes into her office at WXIR, where Abby and Jerome await her. The sound of the opening door causes Abby to turn toward the door, exciting her as she steps toward Nicole.
     
    ABBY: Nicole! Just in time!
    NICOLE: Why? What's happening? 
     
    Nicole stops in her tracks as she sees Jerome at her computer. Her demeanour changes instantly, as she points to Jerome while speaking to Abby.
     
    NICOLE: What's he doing here?
    ABBY: Oh, Jerome and I were on a date, and...
     
    Nicole, not waiting for Abby to answer, immediately shoos Jerome from her desk.
     
    NICOLE: And he's not going to be sitting behind my desk on my computer. I've got sources on there I'd like to keep anonymous.
    JEROME: Sorry. Sorry.
     
    Jerome jumps up from Nicole's desk chair and steps away as Nicole sits down in it.
     
    NICOLE: Oh you will be if I find out even one of my sources backs out of the story for the special.
     
    Abby steps in, nervously, but firmly supporting Jerome.
     
    ABBY|: Nicole, I wouldn't worry about Jerome. He's on our side in this.
     
    Nicole turns to look at Abby, then over at Jerome. She points at Abby, looking her squarely in the eyes.
     
    NICOLE: I'm holding you to that. 
    ABBY: Fine by me.
     
    Jerome looks at Nicole, feeling uncomfortable staying, he looks at Abby, and nods.
     
    JEROME: You know what, it's fine. I gotta get going anyway. 
    ABBY: You sure?
    JEROME: Yeah. Look, I had a great time, even with the interruptions.
     
    Abby takes Jerome's hands and kisses his gently on the lips.
     
    ABBY: So did I. Let's do it again?
    JEROME: You know it. I'll call you.
    ABBY: 'Kay.
     
    Jerome kisses Abby again, before taking off out the door of Nicole's office.
     
    Abby then looks back to Nicole.
     
    ABBY: There! Now it's just us. 
    NICOLE: Good. Look, try to keep your dates out of our personal business stuff, okay? There is way too much as stake here, regardless of whether he supports this story or not. I just want to keep this under tight wraps until we go to air.
     
    Abby throws her hands up.
     
    ABBY: Fair enough! I totally get it.
     
    After a moment, she sighs, and turns her chair to look at her screen.
     
    NICOLE: Good. Okay. Now, what am I looking at?
    ABBY: Well...that's what I was gonna tell you. Nick tracked us down on our date today. Seems he had been trying to get ahold of you for awhile to give you this.
     
    Abby leans over and moves Nicole's mouse over to click the tab where Nick's PDF file is open. Nicole reads the headline, causing her eyes to widen immediately.
     
    EnerNext & Titan: Fraudulent Arguments in Environmental Impact Study & Associated Payoffs
     
    ---
     

    In Horton Town Square, a podium is set up for a press conference, as Justin, John, and Tyler stand by, uncomfortably mulling over their situation. Justin steps toward John, and asks him a question.
     
    JUSTIN: John, if you don't mind my asking...just what did you mean about not underestimating Nick? I mean, come on. He's a...cocky kid with a criminal record. Surely there's no way he could run Titan, we have rules stating he couldn't take over if he'd committed a felony.
    JOHN: And I'm sure Nick is also plenty aware of the number of crimes Brady and Victor have committed over the years. Not to mention the dozens of crimes neither of them have ever been held criminally accounatable for that they probably should've. He's not gonna let that slide, Justin. If you poke the tiger enough times, he's gonna bite back.
     

    John looks over as he spots Kate, Lucas, and Billie arriving at the square.
     
    JOHN: Besides, that's not the biggest thing I have to worry about with him.
     
    Justin looks on at John, puzzled by his vague last statement, but before he can say anything, John grabs the attention of Billie, who nods in recognition of John's greeting. They stand by Tom & Alice's tree, and huddle together, speaking quietly.
     
    BILLIE: Okay, what did you find out?
    JOHN: This kid is in up to his neck.
    BILLIE: Well, I figured that. Out of curiosity, what did he whisper to you at the meeting?
     
    John shakes his head, looking over his shoulder to ensure the others aren't approaching.
     
    JOHN: He said he knows about my plan to help save Roman. Now that can mean only one thing.
    BILLIE: Yeah, but what if he's bluffing?
    JOHN: How is Nick Fallon gonna find out about our mission unless he's working for the guy?
     
    Billie sighs, knowing the truth of the situation, and realizes the gravity of it.
     
    BILLIE: So it's true.
    JOHN: There's only one person that can be behind this, and it means that this goes way deeper than we thought. It's GOT to be Stefano.
    BILLIE: I'll contact Steve and give him the heads' up.
     
    Billie heads out of the square, phone in hand, preparing to call Steve, as John hangs back, looking over at the rest of the crowd at the square, as Nick shows up, looking ever the image of smugness.
     
    ---
     

    Anjelica sits in the back of her limo, alone. Cell phone in hand, she looks out over the city as it moves past her. Finally, someone picks up.
     
    ANJELICA: (into phone) We have good news. He's got it. Titan is in our hands now.
     
    ...
     

    Stefano sits on the DiMera jet, finishing a martini as he holds the plane's phone up to his ear. He enjoys the end of the drink and laughs heartily at the news.
     
    STEFANO: (into phone) Excellent. And once I take care of our business here in Italy, we can celebrate your victory as state governor, yes?
     
    ...
     
    Anjelica smiles wryly as she answers Stefano.
     
    ANJELICA: (into phone) I look forward to it. You still haven't explained to me exactly what you're doing in Italy.
     
    ...
     
    STEFANO: (into phone) Nothing for you to worry about. This is a little project of mine I need to handle...on my own.
    Stefano looks out the window, looking stern as his plane descends into Aeroporto Elba.
     
    ---
     

    ---
     
    Stefano sits in the DiMera jet, looking pensively out the window as the plane makes it descent into Aeroporto Elba on Elba Island, Italy. 
    As he looks out over the island, the pilot makes his announcement.
     
    PILOT: (over intercom) Good evening, Mr. DiMera, we are about to make our final approach into Aeroporto Elba, please prepare for landing, and fasten your seatbelt. 
     
    As Stefano fastens his seatbelt, he speaks with his attendant, who passes by on her way to her seat.
     
    STEFANO: Maria.
     
    Maria, the attendant, stops and stands by Stefano's seat, looking at him with a warm smile.
     
    MARIA: Yes, Mr. DiMera.
    STEFANO: Is everything ready for my arrival?
    MARIA: Yes, I spoke with the driver. They've already arrived, and they're ready to take you to the yacht immediately upon your arrival at Elba Island. The ship to Capraia Isola is manned and ready for you to board as well.
    STEFANO: Thank you, my dear.
     
    Maria leaves for her seat, leaving Stefano alone. He thinks to himself about his upcoming plans.
     
    STEFANO: And once I'm on the compound, my plans for Roman Brady will finally be realized.
     
    Stefano sits back in his seat, a sense of comfort washes over him.
     
    ---
     

    Sheryl walks back into her motel room, taking her handkerchief off her head and removing her sunglasses. She shakes out her dyed-red hair before flopping down on the edge of her bed, smiling widely.
     
    SHERYL: Well THAT could NOT have gone any better.
     
    Sheryl hears a knock on the door, and gets up, heading for the door. Checking to see who it is, she opens it immediately upon recognizing Jerome through the window.
     
    SHERYL: Come in, come in, come in.
     
    Jerome walks inside, a somewhat shaken look on his face.
     
    JEROME: Hey, how'd it go?
    SHERYL: Better than you could imagine. We have new leverage we can use against Titan if they keep trying to push the oil sands project through.
     
    Jerome looks at Sheryl, surprised and confused.
     
    JEROME: I thought you were done with all that? Isn't time to cut and run and protect yourselves here? That was what this whole disguising yourself as Nurse Crystal Clarke thing was meant to be about. Convince Jordan to leave town with you, and move on with new identities.
    SHERYL: Well...let's just say I had a change of heart after today.
    JEROME: What's that supposed to mean?
     
    Sheryl turns around, positively beaming.
     
    SHERYL: Because whatever vote Titan takes on anything is completely null and void.
     
    Jerome looks at Sheryl, stupefied.
     
    JEROME: What? How?
    SHERYL: Let's just say that...rumours of Brady Black's demise have been greatly exaggerated.
     
    Jerome's eyes widen, as Sheryl starts to laugh at her great fortune.
     
    ---
     
    Nicole turns quickly back to Abby, stunned by what Nick's presented to them.
     
    NICOLE: This is explosive.
     
    Abby nods, stepping toward Nicole, who's still sitting in her computer chair.
     
    ABBY: I know. I was...floored by what was in there.
    NICOLE: This is enough to destroy Titan completely. This is huge, we can't afford any mistakes on this.
    ABBY: I understand.
     
    Nicole gets up from her seat, and prepares to take something from her bag, when Miles bursts into her office, startling Abby and Nicole.
     
    MILES: Nicole! You need to get down to the Town Square right now. Titan's holding a press conference. Looks like it's a big one.
    NICOLE: I'm on it.
     
    Nicole turns to Abby and points at her while giving direction.
     
    NICOLE: I need you to make a list of everyone implicated on that document, and find out who wrote all their press materials. I'll go through the list when I'm back.
    ABBY: Got it.
     
    Abby springs into action, sitting herself down in Nicole's chair, and launching herself into the task, as Nicole packs her bag back up and races out to the press conference.
     
    ---
     

    John steps back into the Town Square, as Nick approaches Tyler near the podium. They engage in a somewhat secretive chat.
     
    NICK: I'm gonna need you to play along with this. I don't think I have to explain why, but you are a crucial part of this handover.
    TYLER: I don't see why I have to be involved in any of this.
    NICK: Need I remind you that your very freedom rests in whether or not you can play nice for the cameras. Unless you want the world to know that you've been running a shell corporation used primarily for money laundering and bankrolling a failing enterprise all this time.
     
    Tyler sighs, looking down as Nick threatens him. Once Nick finishes, Tyler looks up at Nick, and shakes his head.
     
    TYLER: You're in way over your head, kid.
    NICK: No more than you are.
     
    Nick turns to step toward the podium, as Billie returns to the square, having finished her call to Steve. She steps over to John's side. John looks over to her, and she nods, before stepping over to stand with Kate, Lucas, and Justin. Kate, Lucas, and Justin all stand around, looking sombre.
     
    JUSTIN: So...who wants to put money on how long before he's thrown out of the tower by security?
    KATE: Less time than you think.
    LUCAS: That's fascinating, Mom. Especially since you're part of the reason he was made CEO in the first place.
     
    Kate turns to face Lucas, agitation in her tone.
     
    KATE: I had no choice, and you know it.
    LUCAS: Yeah, you keep saying. Too bad we don't know why your hands were tied or we might've been able to change your mind.
    KATE: Ohhh trust me. Lucas, there's no changing my mind. Like I told your sister, I'll still come up trumps on this. Just you wait.
    Lucas, Billie, Kate, and Justin all look up, as Nick steps up to the podium. As he does, Nicole arrives with her cameraman, ready to get the footage from Nick's press conference.
     
    John looks over at Tyler, who stands behind Nick, trying to hide his frustration at this turn of events.
     
    Nick looks out into the crowd, and smiles broadly.
     
    NICK: I think we can get started now. Welcome everybody!
     
    ---
  13. beebs
    EPISODE 174
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultant: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco
     
     

    Jenn and Abby stand outside the Brady Pub, after having seen JJ drive off to college. Abby stands opposite Jennifer, arms folded, looking defensively at her mother.
     
    ABBY: Mom, I'm not trying to push Jerome away. I don't know why you'd even think that.
    JENN: Janie Miller.
     
    Abby turns to face her mother. She narrows her eyes at Jenn, thoroughly confused as to why she brought up that name.
     
    ABBY: I haven't thought about Janie Miller since fourth grade. What are you talking about?
    JENN: She used to always ask you to visit her at her grandmother's house, but you said her grandmother's house smelled like mothballs, and you always made up an excuse. And you used that exact same tone with Jerome just now.
     
    Abby seems unconvinced. Jenn responds, unfazed.
     
    JENN: A mother knows.
     
    Abby, fed up, throws up her arms, as she turns away from Jennifer.
     
    ABBY: Whatever, Mom. 
    JENN: No, not whatever, Abigail. You obviously care about this man.
    ABBY: I do.
    JENN: So why are you pushing him away?
     
    Abby raises her voice at her mother in frustration.
     
    ABBY: What makes you think I'm pushing him away.
    JENN: Because if you really wanted him to be there, you'dve asked me whether or not visitors could be on set with a production like this.
     
    Abby's hostility flushes from her face, realizing her mother's got her number.
     
    JENN: Remember? I used to host a talk show when you were a baby. I know how these things work, Abigail.
     
    Jenn steps in closer to her daughter, as Abby looks down, sheepishly.
     
    JENN: So I want you to be honest with yourself, Abigail. And with me. You're putting up a wall between yourself and Jerome. You need to ask yourself why.
     
    Abby shrugs, trying to pass it off.
     
    ABBY: I dunno, I didn't think I was.
    JENNIFER: Honey. 
     
    Jenn takes Abby's hands in hers, and guides Abby's eyes to look into her own.
     
    JENN: It's Chad isn't it? You're still thinking about him. Aren't you?
     
    Abby looks surprised by her mother's question, hesitating to respond to it.
     
    ---
     

    Inside the Brady Pub, Jerome is on the phone, calling Sheryl. The phone rings and rings, but there's no answer, and finally it goes to her voice mail.
     
    SHERYL: (via phone message) Hey, it's Sheryl. Leave a message after the beep.
     
    After the beep, Jerome, visibly frustrated by Sheryl's sudden silence, leaves an urgent sounding message, as he looks around to make sure no one's listening in.
     
    JEROME: (into phone) It's me. You gone tell me what happened at the hospital or not? Call me the second you get this.
     
    Jerome hangs up, hearing the front door close. His attention is immediately drawn to the person who's just walked in.
     

    It's Jordan. She spots Jerome and freezes in her tracks. Both Jerome and Jordan stare at each other from across the room. Jerome with surprise, Jordan with disdain and a touch of fear.
     
    ---
     

    At the Penthouse Grille, Alex, Will, and Julie are making a toast to the upcoming grand re-opening of the restaurant. Maggie steps into the room, and Will spots her, smiling broadly.
     
    WILL: Aunt Maggie! Hey!
     
    Maggie's expression is half-hearted, and Will spots it immediately.
     
    MAGGIE: Hi everyone.
    WILL: You...you okay?
     
    Maggie sighs, frustrated.
     
    MAGGIE: I don't know, honestly.
    JULIE: Well, it's nothing wrong with the restaurant, I hope! The grand opening's this week!
     
    Maggie shrugs her shoulders as she responds to Julie's concern.
     
    MAGGIE: Let's hope it is. I haven't spoken to Nick, but considering he now owns the Penthouse Grille along with the rest of Titan....I don't know if there'll even be a grand opening.
     
    Julie, Alex, and Will all look back at Maggie with surprise and disappointment.
     
    ---
     
     
    ---
     

    Kim opens the door to Theresa's apartment, showing "Crystal" inside. "Crystal" is really Sheryl in disguise, sporting the same long red hair that Crystal did before Sheryl did her in. 
     
    KIM: Alright, here it is.
     
    Sheryl walks through the doorway, pleased with what she sees. She looks around the room, curious about the space.
     
    SHERYL: It's great! I'm so excited to move in!
     
    Kim turns around, smiling half-heartedly.
     
    KIM: I'm glad you don't mind that it's furnished already. It's still, technically, a short-term rental, but I had to do something to help cover Theresa's rent while she's in the hospital.
     
    Sheryl smiles, nodding at Kim.
     
    SHERYL: I understand. And don't worry, this is just a springboard for me. I wanna get myself settled and into my job before I make any decisions about buying a home, so...this is perfect for me.
    KIM: I'm glad to hear it, Crystal.
    SHERYL: So ah...where do I sign?
     
    Kim gives "Crystal" a funny look.
     
    KIM: Oh, you don't have to sign anything. Remember? I already sent you the lease in an e-mail before you left for Salem, I had you fax me back a signed copy and all?
     
    Sheryl looks awkwardly at Kim, before quickly trying to cover her gaffe.
     
    SHERYL: Oh! Yeah! Sorry. I...I've been kinda foggy with all the travelling.
     
    This seems to allay Kim's concern, and Kim hands over the key to "Crystal".
     
    KIM: Trust me. I get it. I've been doing a lot of that myself these last few months. Look, here's the key to the door, and the fob for the front entrance.
    SHERYL: Got it.
    KIM: Excellent. I guess I'll leave you to settle in.
     
    Kim starts to walk toward the door, before turning back to ask one last question.
     
    SHERYL: Thank you so much, Kimberly.
    KIM: Anytime, Crystal. And ah...did you need a hand with your luggage at all?
    SHERYL: Oh! No no no, that's fine. I'll handle it.
     
    Kim smiles, as she opens the door to leave.
     
    KIM: Great. See ya around, neighbour!
    SHERYL:  Bye, Kim!
     
    Kim shuts the door behind her, leaving Sheryl behind to finally relax. She slowly paces the room, looking around at her new surroundings.
     
    SHERYL: Welcome home, Crystal.
     
    Sheryl chuckles to herself, as she flops down on her couch.
     
    ---
     
    Abby sighs, folding her arms indignantly while glaring at her mother.
     
    ABBY: No, I am not still pining after Chad, Mom. 
     
    Jenn gives Abby an amused look, prompting Abby to roll her eyes.
     
    JENN: Oh come on, Abigail. I'm your mother. I can tell when you're not being honest.
    ABBY: What makes you think I'm not being honest, Mom? I loved Chad, but what he's done? Exposing Gabi and Will like that? He...he ruined things with Cameron and I may never see him again, and...I know he loves me, but I can't trust him. I need to move on.
    JENN: Then why aren't you?
     
    Abby looks down, uncertain of her answer.
     
    ABBY: Maybe I just want to really get to know someone before I jump into something like that. I mean...maybe I just jump into things too quickly, and I...I fall too fast. I act impulsively and then I make these...huge mistakes.
     
    Jenn looks confused, as she puts a hand on Abby's shoulder.
     
    JENN: Loving Chad wasn't a mistake, Abby. You just...you had a lot on your plate, I wouldn't call that a huge mistake.
    ABBY: It's not...it's not just Chad, Mom. Okay?
    JENN: Then what is it, Abigail?
     
    Abby hesitates, holding herself closely, visibly tense, as she looks past her mother.
     
    ABBY: I...I can't, okay? I'm sorry. I gotta go to work, Mom. I'm sorry.


    Abby storms off, with Jenn trying to call her back, as Liam approaches Jenn from behind.
     
    JENN: Abigail! 
     
    Jenn sighs as Liam places his hand on Jenn's shoulder. Realizing who it is, she leans back against him.
     
    LIAM: What's wrong?
     
    Jenn shakes her head, trying to hold back tears.
     
    JENN: I'm so worried for her. She's not herself, and I don't know how to make it better.
     
    Liam says nothing, responding only by leaning over and kissing Jennifer on the cheek, as they both look out on the path Abigail took to leave.
     
    ---
     
    At the pub, Jerome walks over to Jordan, who tries to leave without being spotted by Jerome, but fails, stopping in her tracks as he calls out to her. 
     
    JEROME: You know, if you're gonna stay in Salem, we will run into each other?
    JORDAN: Don't remind me.
    JEROME: Look, Jordan, I know you don't want anything to do with us, now that you're all happy with your little cop boyfriend--
    JORDAN: Fiancé, Jerome. Not that you'd know anything about a commitment...
     
    Jerome rolls his eyes, and looks back to check on his to-go order, before continuing.
     
    JEROME: Look. If you don't wanna see us around town, you can do like Sheryl's doing and leave. But I know you're not gon' do that, so you need to remember, as long as you're here...Sheryl's here. And she'll be watching you.
     
    Jerome takes his food from the bar, drops his money on the bar in exchange, and leaves the pub. Jordan stands in the pub, frustrated, and afraid of what could happen if Sheryl does stay in town.
     
    ---
     
    Julie walks over to Maggie, placing a hand on her shoulder, clearly concerned by the news Maggie's just shared.
     
    JULIE: Darling, the restaurant will open on time. I won't let Nick delay the opening. I promise.
    MAGGIE: Well, I hope so. There's been a lot of changes since Nick took over Titan.
    JULIE: Well, believe me when I say, I will make sure Nick doesn't ruin this. Nick and I are very close, I'm sure I could figure something out, Maggie. Don't worry.
     
    Maggie sighs, turning to smile at Julie.
     
    MAGGIE: Thank you, Julie. (sigh) I guess I'm a bit nervous with everything going on at the house.
    WILL: What do you mean?
     
    Alex looks over at Will from across the dining table, looking rather displeased as he recounts the events of the day.
     
    ALEX: Well, after Nick took Titan over, my mom moved in, and that went over like a lead balloon with the family.
     
    Julie rolls her eyes in response.
     
    JULIE: I can just imagine.
    ALEX: ...And now Nick's decided he's moving in too, and bringing Gabi Hernandez with him.
     
    Will looks stunned, almost jumping out of his seat.
     
    WILL: I'm sorry, what?
    ALEX: Yeah, she ah...she moved in this afternoon.  You...you didn't know?
    WILL: No...I...what the...?
     
    Will looks over at Maggie, getting up from his seat.
     
    WILL: Maggie, is Nick at home?
    MAGGIE: I don't think so. Isn't tonight the big TV special Nicole's doing for EnerNext?
    ALEX: It is. Starting soon too.
     
    Will throws on his jacket, ready to leave to confront Nick.
     
    WILL: I'm heading down there.
    ALEX: Will, I'm going with you.
    WILL: Fine. Julie. Thank you for a great dinner. I can't wait for the gala.
     
    Will leans in to give Julie a warm hug. Julie reciprocates, but is visibly concerned by the confrontation to come.
     
    JULIE: Anytime, darling. But...don't fly off the handle. There may be a good reason for this.
    WILL: I bet there is. Alex.
     
    Will storms off toward the elevator, Alex following closely behind him. They leave behind a very worried Julie and Maggie.
     
    ---
     
    Kim sits in the dark of her apartment, the only light that of her table lamp, as she sits on the sofa, chatting to Kayla over the phone.
     
    KIM: (into phone) Oh, Kay. I'm so glad to hear your voice. You don't even know how lonely it's been here without you...yeah, I...it's been rough, you know...Theresa's still in the coma, and...Shane off God-knows-where. You and Steve, and Bo off on this mission...no, I know, you can't talk about it, I just...I know, Kayla. But it makes me feel so much better just to hear your voice.
     
    Kim laughs as she hears a knock on her apartment door. Startled, Kim turns sharply to face the door.
     
    KIM: Ah, Kay...I gotta go. There's someone at the door....yeah. I love you, sis. Talk soon.
     
    As Kim hangs up the phone, the knocking continues. Kim turns on the rest of the apartment lights as she opens the door of her apartment.
     
    Kim gasps as she opens the door, discovering who's been waiting for her.
     
    KIM: Oh my God! It's you!
     
    ---
  14. beebs
    EPISODE 155
    Written by A. Washington-Beeby
    Story Consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco
     

    Will wakes up from a deep sleep, hearing his phone light up from an unexpected phone call. Through, half-shut eyes, he grimaces at the bright light of the vibrating phone, checking to see who's calling him.
     
    It's Nicole.
     
    WILL: Nicole? (sigh) She can leave a message.
     
    Will puts down his phone, ignoring Nicole's call, and lays back down in his bed, next to Sonny. Before he can cuddle up to his fiancé, Will hears the cries from the next room of Arianna. Will sighs again, knowing Sonny is too deep in his sleep to get up.
     
    As Will gets up, Will mutters to himself.
     
    WILL: Daddy's coming.
     

    Leaving the bedroom, he opens the door to find Gabi asleep on the sofa. Confused, Will steps over to Ari's crib, and smiles, trying to calm down the toddler.
     
    WILL: Hey, honey. I'll get you something to eat in just a moment, okay? Daddy's gotta check on something first.
     
    As Ari is soothed somewhat by Will's presence, Will steps away, toward the kitchen. Noticing that Gabi's bedroom door is closed, Will's curiosity gets the best of him, and he steps toward the door.
     
    Will looks over at Gabi, with his hand on the doorknob. He braces himself for the worst, as he turns the knob.
     

    Swinging the door open, he finds a sleeping Nick in Gabi's bed. His shocked outburst wakes everyone else up.
     
    WILL: Nick?? Wh...what the HELL are you doing here?
     
    Nick rouses himself, groggy and stunned by the sudden invasion.
     
    ---
     

    Liam lays next to Jennifer in her bed, as she lays fast asleep. The morning sun peaking through the window of her room. He lays in bed, unable to fall back asleep, as he mulls over what he encountered the night before.
     
    ***
     
    FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 151
     
    Gabi stops as she looks over at Jennifer's date, realizing it's Liam, the man who's been supplying her with the pills for Nick. He looks back at her with a blank expression.
     
    JENNIFER: Oh! Gabi, sorry, this is my date, Mr. Liam Frasier!
    LIAM: Pleased to meet you.
     
    Liam extends his hand to Gabi, taking hers in his, as he looks up at her, a wry smile. Gabi stands, stunned before him.
     
    ***
     
    Liam sighs, debating his next move. He stares up at the ceiling as he silently thinks things over.
     
    LIAM: (voiceover) I can't have Gabi drugging Nick...or the entire Titan takeover is dead in the water...Stefano won't be happy. Stefano's obviously kept EJ in the dark for a reason. I can't let Gabi get ahold of any more pills.
     
    Jennifer stirs next to Liam, as she turns to face her lover. She smiles as she drapes her arm across his bare chest, and lays her head down.
     
    JENNIFER: Good morning. 
     
    Liam wraps his arm around Jennifer, looking down momentarily, but something still weighing heavily on his mind.
     
    LIAM: How'd you sleep?
     
    Jennifer catches onto Liam's intensity, and, through her sleepiness, makes an incisive comment.
     
    JENNIFER: Pretty good. But I think maybe you didn't. Is something wrong?
     
    Liam looks away, sighing as he tries to think of what to respond with.
     
    ---
     

    EJ comes down the steps of DiMera mansion, emerging from his bedroom. He calls out to see if anyone's there.
     
    EJ: Samantha? You up?
     
    Hearing nothing, EJ, in his robe, looks about, before stepping into the living room. Spotting his tablet on the table, he picks it up, and sits down in one of the armchairs. 
     
    The headline immediately pops up from the Salem Spectator website:
     
    TITANIC TITAN: NOVICE NICK FALLON NAMED CEO AND MAJORITY STOCKHOLDER
     
    Still baffled by the sudden shift in fortune for Nick, EJ reads the headline, frustrated, but contemplating a new strategy.
     
    ---
     
     
     
    ---
     

    Kate steps out of the café at Horton Town Square, a to-go cup in hand, as she heads for work. Walking away, she spies Rafe, heading her way.
     
    The two smile at each other, though somewhat awkwardly.
     
    KATE: Good morning.
    RAFE: Hey...you holding up?
    KATE: Oh yeah. Nothing to worry about. I'm ah...I'm sorry about the last time we saw each other, I...I didn't expect to see a ring on Jordan's finger so soon.
     
    Rafe nods, somewhat sheepishly.
     
    RAFE: Yeah...circumstances. I ah...I thought something was happening to Jordan, and...it got me thinking.
    KATE: Oh?
    RAFE: Yeah, just...I realized I had to hold onto her. I've let too many people I care for slip away, and...I just didn't want to wait. You know?
     
    Kate smiles, half-heartedly.
     
    KATE: I do. But...(sigh)
     
    Rafe looks at Kate, curious about what she's trying to tell him.
     
    RAFE: What?
     
    Kate hesitates a moment, unsure whether it's a good idea to finish her thought or not. Rafe persists.
     
    RAFE: Come on, Kate. Out with it!
    KATE: Okay, okay. Look...there is something...you need to know about Jordan, Rafe. Before you marry her.
     
    Rafe looks at Kate, confused.
     
    ---
     
    Gabi gets up from the sofa, where she'd been asleep, wondering what Will's shock is about.
     
    GABI: Will? What the--
     
    Will looks at Gabi, trying to hold back his shock at Nick being in Gabi's bed.
     
    WILL: You...I wasn't expecting to see Nick here, that's...that's all. Just...
     
    Gabi, still groggy, squints, as she holds the bridge of her nose momentarily, trying to stifle a bit of a wine hangover of her own.
     
    GABI: Sorry, I should've texted you. Just...we were out late, and I knew you were bringing Ari home from the sitter's after dinner, but...then we got here and Nick had SUCH a bad headache...I didn't feel comfortable letting him go home alone so...
     
    Sonny emerges from the bedroom, less than pleased by Gabi's explanation. Nick gets up as well, heading for the doorway of Gabi's room. He leans, exhausted, against the archway.
     
    SONNY: Well I'm deeply touched that you're so concerned about your slimy ex-fiancé's well-being. You could put that much concern in for your daughter's well-being too, you know?
    NICK: Sonny, don't blame her for this. Okay?
     
    As Nick finishes his sentence, Gabi receives a phone call. Clamouring for her phone, she uncovers it under the blankets she slept under on the sofa.
     
    It's EJ.
     
    GABI: (into phone) Hey...uh...this is a...not a good time.
     
    ...
     
    EJ stands, fully dressed and ready for the day, in the DiMera living room. He sips on his morning coffee as he responds to Gabi.
     
    EJ: (into phone) Well, unfortunately, Gabriella, I don't have any other time, so...meet me at the Pier in one hour.
     
    ...
     
    GABI: (into phone) Ah...sure.
     
    Gabi hangs up, looking apologetically at the others in the apartment.
     
    GABI: I have an emergency meeting for my new job. So...I have to go get ready.
    SONNY: I thought you hadn't decided yet on who to sign with.
     
    Gabi gets up from the sofa, hastily grabbing her keys, her phone, and heading toward her room to grab a change of clothes and a towel.
     
    GABI: That's what the meeting's about. Kate came to TBD last night, trying to outbid Sami...so now I have to make a decision as to which way to go. So...I'll see you all later. Hopefully I don't look too shabby for having just got up, but...I'm sure I'll figure it out. Nick...I'm glad you're okay.
     
    Nick gives Gabi a tired smile as he steps out of her bedroom dooway. Gabi walks toward him, then looks Nick up and down with an awkward smile as she then shuffles past him.
     
    NICK: Thanks, Gabi.
     
    As Gabi steps into her room, closing the door behind her, Sonny looks over at Nick, menacingly.
     
    NICK: I think I'd best be leaving.
    SONNY: Yeah, I think you should.
    NICK: Guys, I'm...I'm sorry for crashing here last night unannounced. It won't happen again.
     
    Will looks back at Sonny, before they both turn to a sheepish Nick. Nick gives a half-hearted smile as he grabs his bag and heads out the door. Just before closing the door, Nick turns back, and mentions something to Sonny and Will.
     
    NICK: Oh! Before I forget, tell Gabi she can give me an answer anytime. There's no rush.
     
    Sonny looks on, arms folded. He appears irritated by Nick's request.
     
    SONNY: Sure.
     
    Once outside, Sonny snaps at Will.
     
    SONNY: Do you see? This is exactly why I want all this to stop, Will. This plan is putting us all in danger.
    WILL: Don't you think I know that? We don't have any choice now. We are too far in to turn back now. Gabi, my mom, my grandmother? All their futures are at stake now. 
     
    Sonny shakes his head, unmoved by Will's dedication to the plan to take Nick down.
     
    ---
     

    EJ prepares to head off from the DiMera living room to meet Gabi at the pier, but is stopped in his tracks as Sami walks in. She looks at EJ with a tepid smile.
     
    EJ: There you are!
    SAMI: Here I am. You ah...you heading out?
     
    EJ stands back, awkwardly as Sami grabs a cup from the tray and pours herself some coffee.
     
    EJ: Ah yeah. We ummm...Gabriella and I need to go over something.
    SAMI: Is it to do with Nick? Because if it is, I should probably know about it, don't you think?
    EJ: Ah...yes. I suppose. 
     
    Sami waits a moment before turning to face EJ, expectantly.
     
    SAMI: Well? I'm waiting.
    EJ: It's...I think Gabi needs to get in even closer to Nick, and hopefully she can snag those photos that...Greetings man has taken of you and Kate trying to help drown Nick in the river.
     
    Sami begins to interject, but EJ continues, stopping her from rebutting by raising his voice slightly.
     
    EJ: If she can get those pictures...and destroy them...we may all be in the clear, and Nicholas won't have a single bit of leverage against you, and Gabi won't have to entangle herself in Nick's life any further.
     
    Sami looks back at EJ, not sure whether she approves of this plan or not.
     
    ---
     
    Liam lays in bed next to Jennifer, with a serious look on his face, though he's trying to hide it.
     
    LIAM: No...no, nothing's wrong.
     
    Jennifer looks down at Liam, giving him a skeptical look that Liam immediately recognizes.
     
    LIAM: Seriously!
    JENNIFER: Come on, you've been distracted ever since we ran into Gabi at Club TBD last night. I mean...it seemed to me like that was the first time you two had met, but...you've been...
    LIAM: Sorry, no, no, it's...it wasn't Gabi. 
    JENNIFER: Well, then...what's wrong? Honey, you've been so distant.
     
    Liam looks down, keeping himself in check, as he attempts to explain away his mood.
     
    LIAM: Sorry, just...the renovations at my house are going slower than I wanted.
    JENNIFER: Oh, Honey, I'm sorry. 
     
    Jenn puts her arm on Liam's shoulder in comfort. Liam looks up, smiling half-heartedly as he continues.
     
    LIAM: Yeah, I...I was supposed to have the place painted on Saturday and...they just texted me last night saying it'll be another week, then the roof needs to get done.
     
    Jenn interrupts, responding excitedly.
     
    JENNIFER: Well, there's only one thing to do, then!
     
    Liam's brow furrows in confusion, as Jenn excitedly gets out of bed, and heads for her closet to pull out clothes to wear.
     
    LIAM: Wh...what are you (laughs) where are you going?
    JENNIFER: We're gonna go get some paint and paint your house, of course!
     
    Jenn smiles widely, as Liam sits upright in her bed, a stunned and worried expression on his face, which Jenn begins to spot, as her face drops.
     
    ---
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