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EPISODE 90 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Inside Anita's cabin, the dark night is lit up by the roar of the fire. A late winter snow and wind whips past outside, but inside, the home is warm and comforting. Anita sits inside, curled up on her sofa, engrossed in a book. She stares down at the page through her reading glasses, perched on the tip of her nose, as the sound of footsteps emerge from the guest bedroom. It's Brady. Anita turns, surprised to see him finally up and out of his room. ANITA: Good Lord! You're out of your room! Brady looks at Anita, inquisitively. BRADY: Yeah! I mean...well...the fire and all... Anita pulls her reading glasses off, a smile on her face as she looks at Brady, amazed to see him out. ANITA: I just...well...I knew you'd been moving around your room but...you've barely been out since you've been here. BRADY: I...I know. I just...I'm glad you gave me the space to...you know...recover and...clear my mind. Anita moves over slightly on her sofa, then pats the space next to her, encouraging Brady to sit down, he walks slowly over and sits down, though awkwardly, his legs weak from weeks of under-use. ANITA: Sit, sit! Look...Brady, I...you know I don't mean to pry but...darling, what happened to you before I found you on the shore? Whatever it is...it's deeply troubling you, and...maybe I can help you with it? Brady looks down, sighing, as his mind wanders back to the night of his accident. The memories flood back to him. *** FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 39 Theresa pulls her little vial of cocaine out for Brady. He brazenly pours it out on the table in front of him and grabs his wallet to grab a credit card to cut it up with. Theresa is barely paying attention, as she uses her cell phone camera to try to get a good look at her makeup. THERESA: I still look so good right now. Better than that bitch Chloe. God, her singing got on my nerves you know that? BRADY: Stop talking about Chloe like that! She's...great. THERESA: Sure, Brady. Whatever. I think I'm gonna take a selfie of this. Theresa fumbles with her phone, trying to flip the phone around to use the flash, but ends up reversing which lens is in use, and begins recording a video of Brady as he does the line of cocaine from the table. Theresa, not sure why the camera isn't working, flips the phone back around in frustration. THERESA: Ugh, this damned phone. Never...oh... BRADY: What? THERESA: Nothing. Stupid camera was on the wrong function, just... BRADY: It didn't get a shot of me, did it? THERESA: I can't even tell. Nothing's working right. *** FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 41 As the car takes off, Brady is back at the club, looking for Theresa. Unable to see her, he sees Chloe and stops her to ask. BRADY: Hey, uh...have you seen Theresa at all? CHLOE: No, the last time I saw her she was heading out the door in a hurry. BRADY: What? *** FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 43 Brady opens the doors to the board room, overhearing Victor's announcement. VICTOR: Then it is so...as of today, the 27th of July, 2014, Brady Black is temporarily relieved of his duties as CEO of Titan Industrie-- BRADY: NO! The board turn around in shock at Brady's outburst... *** FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 45 Brady's foot presses more and more on the accelerator, as the car pushes up towards 70, 75, 80mph. Theresa holds onto the grip on the door tightly. THERESA: B...Brady, slow down. Brady is looking straight ahead, barely even acknowledging Theresa's existence. BRADY: Why? THERESA: Well...well the speed limit, Brady is-- BRADY: Do you honestly think I care right now? Like...at all? Do you think what you want matters to me right now? THERESA: Brady, you're scaring me. Brady starts to pay closer attention to Theresa now, but it is mostly anger he shows her as he intermittently divides his attention between her and the road before him. BRADY: Do you think I'm scared? Huh? Do you think I can feel anything right now? THERESA: Brady, what are you talking about? BRADY: What do I have now, Theresa? Think about it for a second, yeah? I just lost my job, my reputation is ruined, the woman I thought I was getting to know and care about, she double-crosses me because she's so damned insecure about me being able to be nice to my ex-wife. Every single woman I ever get involved in betrays me. My family hates me. Tell me, Theresa.What do I have to live for now? Tell me. THERESA: Okay, okay, Okay-- BRADY:...TELL ME! Do you get it? THERESA: Okay! I'm sorry, Brady, would you PLEASE slow down. Brady takes his eyes off the road now entirely, and begins to lean in closer and closer to Theresa. His speed is now reaching 85mph. BRADY: Ohhhh no. You don't get it, do you? I want you to listen to me for once. No distractions. No one around to watch you to see the glamourous life you're living off my back. Just you, finally facing the person you are. The despicable, self-absorbed piece of street trash you really are-- Theresa looks away from Brady. 90mph. Theresa looks up and sees a sharp turn in the road ahead, she panicks and screams out. THERESA: BRADY, LOOK OUT! Brady looks up and tries to steer into the turn while slamming on the brakes. Theresa, in a moment of quick thinking, pulls her door open and leaps from the vehicle, but due to the speed the car is travelling at, she is knocked unconscious and severely injured immediately upon impacting the ground. Brady's car skids off the road and drives through the barrier, off the side of the embankment, into the lake below. *** Brady snaps out of his haze, as he begins to breathe heavily, almost having a panic attack right in front of a very concerned Anita, who has wrapped her arm around Brady's shoulders. ANITA: Brady! Brady! Are you alright? Talk to me! Brady shakes his head, coming out of his state, he looks at Anita, swallowing heavily before answering her, still gasping for air. BRADY: I...I can't, Anita. I just...I gotta... Brady gets up from the sofa, and grabs a coat from the coat rack. He quickly darts toward the door and steps out, shutting it hastily behind him. Left behind in the house is Anita, looking at the door in shock. She settles back down on the couch, mouth left hanging open in shock. --- Sheryl lies asleep in her bed, lying next to a wide-awake Lucas. Lucas stirs silently, unable to close his eyes. He sighs as he turns to look at a dormant Sheryl, he breathes heavily, looking uncomfortably at Sheryl in bed. He swallows, as if gasping for air, as he turns away to get up out of the bed, trying not to wake Sheryl. He sits quietly at the edge of the bed, as though trying to catch his breath. He looks up, standing up as quietly as possible, grabbing his boxers from the floor and hastily putting them on before turning to walk over to the window. Deep in thought, he looks out and sighs as he stares off into the night. --- Nicole and Eric flop down, spent from the passionate sex they've just had. Breathing heavily, they look lovingly at each other in bed. Nicole turns back towards her new fiance and puts her hand on his chest, playing with his chest hair as she talks softly to him. NICOLE: You know...if it's like this every time, I can't wait to be Mrs. Eric Brady. Eric smiles, laughing a bit to himself as Nicole looks on, mock-offended. NICOLE: What?! ERIC: I just had a thought... Nicole looks at Eric, inquistively. NICOLE: And that is...? Eric turns his head to face Nicole. He raises his eyebrow and replies casually to her. ERIC: Are you gonna take me to Red Lobster now? Nicole punches Eric's arm playfully as he laughs, clutching his arm in pain momentarily through his laughter. NICOLE: You're so WEIRD. ERIC: (laughs) No, but seriously...I was thinking...why wait? Why don't we get married tomorrow? Nicole looks at Eric, shocked by his suggestion. --- Inside the living room of the Kiriakis mansion, Victor stands, sipping his drink slowly. While his family appears to unravel before his eyes in the garden, and his great-nephew is married to a woman he loathes, his stress is high. His glass of bourbon shakes in his hand as he simmers with rage. Looking down after taking a sip, he sees a picture of Brady on his desk. Feeling emotional, Victor grits his teeth hard. Suddenly, something appears to jolt Victor from within. He drops his glass of bourbon on the carpet, as he grabs his chest, the glass shattering on the ground. --- --- Jordan and Jerome stand in Jordan's hotel room, a palpible tension between the ex-lovers. Jerome stands behind Jordan, waiting for an answer. Jordan turns, looks at Jerome, annoyed by his probing questions, and answers angrily. JORDAN: My decisions and who I'm with now are no longer any of your concern, got it? Jerome stares at Jordan a moment, before bursting out laughing. He shakes his head at Jordan, crossing his arms. JEROME: That was a great performance, girl. I gotta hand it to you. But I'ma tell you something. Okay, you...you're in love with that dude. It's obvious. And you and I know damn well how dangerous that is when you're in town on a job. Especially when you in deep with a cop. Jordan turns away from Jerome again, now folding her arms, and rolling her eyes, not wanting to hear Jerome's advice. Jerome responds by stepping in closer to his ex. JEROME: For God's sake, Kay! Have you looked this Hernandez dude up? He used to be an FBI agent! You know how much danger you're in if he figures out your ties to this EnerNext takedown? You have no choice but to leave town...and him. Jordan turns back around, walking right past Jerome toward the door again, not even looking him in the eye. JORDAN: You're just trying to stir up trouble becuase you want me back. And as God is my witness, I am never EVER going back to you. You need to get that through your head, Jerome. Jordan swings the door open to her suite, pointing the way out to Jerome. JEROME: I'm not trying to stir anything up. I'm just looking out for you. Evidently something you aren't doing. JORDAN: I am looking out for me. And I found a better way out. So whatever you and Sheryl have cooked up for tomorrow, I want no part in. Jerome shakes his head as he steps toward the door. JEROME: I got news for you. You're already too far in. There's no way out now. Jordan snaps at Jerome, staring him down menacingly as her voice raises at him. JORDAN: GET. OUT! Jerome obliges, never taking his eyes off Jordan as he steps past the doorway. He turns before Jordan closes the door, and gives Jordan one last tidbit of advice. JEROME: Alright! I'm out. But remember. There is no way out of this. Even if you do manage to worm your way out of this situation, your little detective friend is gonna find out all about your...extra-curriculars. And it ain't gone end well. Jordan looks unmoved by Jerome's warning. JORDAN: Goodbye, Jerome. JEROME: See you tomorrow, Kay! Jordan rolls her eyes as she slams the door shut behind him. Jordan leans against the door after its shut, the front of strength she put up against Jerome withering away, as she looks around, panicked by his stern warning. --- Lucas looks intensely out the window of Sheryl's apartment. The night sky is dark, and the cloudcover means not a star in the sky. Looking out over the lights of the centre of Salem, he barely blinks as he thinks over what has just happened. Sheryl's words still linger in his head from earlier. "You know....I never could understand...how a man....could still call himself a man...and not want to make love." Lucas looks back at Sheryl, a bitterness in his eyes as she glares her way. Wordlessly, he walks back over, puts on pants, and hastily throws back on his white t-shirt and dress shirt, barely managing to grab his suit jacket before he heads for the door. On his way out, he takes one look back at Sheryl, before quietly closing the door behind him. On the floor near the door, his tie has fallen in his haste to leave. --- Nicole can barely choke out her reply to Eric about his offer to elope, as she lays in bed next to him, wide-eyed, and open-mouthed. NICOLE: I...what? Eric, I mean...that's not what I had in mind for this wedding...at ALL! Eric interrupts her just at the end, taking her hand in his as he speaks gently to her, trying to calm her nerves with reason. ERIC: I...I know. Look, I would love to do it the traditional way and have a huge wedding with all our families there but...I mean...think about it, Nicole. That's really unlikely with my family. Nicole shrugs, acknowledging the facts Eric's laying out. NICOLE: Fair enough, I mean, your sister alone would probably try to drag me back up the aisle. ERIC: ...Aaaaand not to mention my mother. I...I had a long talk with her and...I mean, we're just patching things up after what happened with Kristen and...(sigh) I just don't...I don't want another huge falling out. I'd rather just...quietly get married and...well, we can tell our families in our own time. Hopefully, without drama or any attempts to stop the wedding from happening. NICOLE: Do you honestly think we can make that happen, though? Eric thinks momentarily, sighing at the thought of having to hide his nuptuals. ERIC: We stand a better chance of just making it to the altar this way. NICOLE: But we'll still have to face your family when we get back. I mean, Eric, I don't want our marriage to be this deep, dark secret, like we're ashamed of it. ERIC: I know. But...I'll make you a deal. We get married officially tomorrow. Just a simple justice-of-the-peace ceremony, and once my family gets used to the idea of us being together and..their opinion of you mellows a bit, we do a big ceremony, the right way. Okay? Nicole smiles, nodding slowly in agreement to Eric's idea. NICOLE: I think I can handle that. ERIC: Good. I uh...I'll call Daniel in the morning, and we'll get this all organized? NICOLE: And I guess I'll call Chloe, and...we head up to Chicago? Eric smiles warmly at his soon-to-be-wife, raising a hand to gently stroke her cheek. ERIC: You ever feel like a teenager? NICOLE: Doing something BAD and rebellious? Eric and Nicole giggle as they lean in slowly to gently touch each other's lips in a kiss. --- Brady stands out by the lake, watching the waves crash against the shore. He stares straight ahead, barely even blinking as Anita walks over to him, wrapped warmly in her winter coat. She stands silently beside him for a moment, looking up at him with a piping hot cup of tea in her head. Looking up, she offers him the tea. ANITA: You took off in a real hurry. Brady breaks his gaze, looking down at Anita, as he accepts the cup of tea. BRADY: I had to get out of there. Brady takes a sip of the tea, before raising the cup in a toast. BRADY: Thanks for the tea, by the way. ANITA: Anytime. I thought you'd be cold out here. BRADY: Nah...it's not that bad. Besides, gives me some time to think. Some fresh air's good for the ol' brain. ANITA: I would have thought you'd have plenty of time to think cooped up in that room all the time. Brady laughs a bit at Anita's remark, still staring straight out at the water before him. BRADY: Funny enough, I spend most of my time in there trying not to think. About anything, really...sneaks up on you sometimes. ANITA: What do you mean? BRADY: (sigh) Just...thinking about your family. What you left behind. Anita stops a moment before responding. She hesitates even to say it, but eventually goes ahead anyway. ANITA: Brady, don't you think you should eventually go back to Salem? Brady looks back out at the water, shaking his head quickly. BRADY: Nah. No way. If I do go back, my life in Salem is over, anyway. There's nothing left for me there. Anita looks at Brady with a pained expression. Brady continues to look straight out for a moment, before turning to look at Anita. BRADY: You know...you ever get the feeling that something terrible is about to happen, you just...no rhyme or reason to feel that way, it's just...your gut? ANITA: Ohhh yeah. I've had that feeling a lot the last few weeks. BRADY: Yeah...I'm feeling that now. And it feels like it's partly my fault. Brady stares back out at the water. Anita joining him as the sound of the waves crashing against the shore mesmerize them. --- Maggie, Alex, and Noelle stand in the kitchen at the Kiriakis Mansion. Maggie, still prepping dinner for everyone, turns toward the couple, who are stood together, with Alex embracing Noelle from behind. She smiles at them, loving their closeness. MAGGIE: Well, you two. Dinner's almost ready. I'm just going into the living room to let Victor know and we'll be ready to start. Okay? NOELLE: Alright, Maggie. We'll be in the dining room in a minute. MAGGIE: Alright, but I don't want you two lovebirds to be late to the dinner table either, okay? Alex and Noelle laugh as Maggie heads for the swinging door to the kitchen. ALEX: Alright, promise. Alex and Noelle hold up one hand, gesturing the promise to Maggie, who shakes her head while laughing at the happy couple. After Maggie steps out of the room, Noelle quickly turns around to face her husband, kissing him quickly on the lips. NOELLE: You know, I could really get used to being a Kiriakis. ALEX: Now THAT is something I never thought I'd hear you say. NOELLE: (laughs) It's true, though. Honestly, I'm grateful that Maggie's been so welcoming to me. It's really made a difference. Alex takes both of Noelle's hands and looks her intensely in the eyes. ALEX: Look, Victor will come around. Just give him time, and whatever misgivings he has about you are gonna fade away. NOELLE: I'm...not so sure. ALEX: Well, I am. So don't worry, okay? Noelle smiles, leaning in to kiss Alex again. The couple wrap their arms around each other as their kiss evolves from a quick peck on the lips to a more passionate one. --- Outside, in the Kiriakis garden, Justin puts a hand on Sonny's shoulder to try to get his attention, but Sonny shrugs it off immediately, aggravated by Justin and Adrienne's intense conversation at his and Will's expense. SONNY: Don't...touch me right now, Dad. I'm serious. You two have seriously got to back off. All the way off. Adrienne pleads with her son, stepping towards him, and trying to take his hand, but Sonny will have none of it and lurches away. ADRIENNE: Please, Sonny, just...you have to understand, I'm just trying to look out for yo-- SONNY: ...No! No, you need to stop doing that. Okay, your idea of looking out for me, which, by the way, I don't need because I am an adult...is smothering me, and it's toxic. It is starting to tear away at my relationship with the man I want to spend the rest of my life with, and we haven't even made it to the altar yet! Adrienne stops, trying to choke out a response to Sonny while holding back tears. ADRIENNE: I just don't want you to make a big mistake. And I'm sorry, Will, but I think that Sonny marrying you would be a huge mistake. Will shakes his head, feigning cluelessness at Adrienne's reasons for not wanting he and Sonny to marry, knowing that her answer will sound absurd to Sonny. WILL: But why, Mrs. Kiriakis. I mean, you know Sonny and I have been through a lot. And I've stood by him. So why are you so concerned now? ADRIENNE: Because, Will, I know what your mother's like, and I've seen the way you look at-- Adrienne gets cut off by the sound of Maggie's shocked voice coming from inside the house. MAGGIE: (from inside) OH MY GOD, VICTOR! Everyone turns around suddenly, stunned by what they hear. Sonny is the first to react, running quickly inside, as the others filter in. Inside, Maggie kneels by Victor's limp body, sobbing as she panicks, trying to figure out whether Victor is alive or dead. Sonny arrives first, followed by Alex, Will, Adrienne, and Justin, as Noelle slowly saunters in behind them all, arms folded, with a much different look on her face from the others. Maggie looks up as Sonny rushes into action, pulling his phone out from his pocket. Maggie shouts out to the others. MAGGIE: I think he's had a heart attack, call the ambulance. Sonny dials 911 immediately, as the others are stunned, almost too stunned to react, as they observe Victor lying on the floor, struggling to breathe. Justin then jumps over, kneeling down with Maggie, as he grabs Victor's hand. SONNY: (into phone) Yes, this is Sonny Kiriakis, we think my uncle's just had a heart attack... ---

EPISODE 69 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Nick walks up to the door of Percy's cabin, and knocks on the door. After a short wait, Percy answers merrily, as always. PERCY: Greetings, Master Fallon! How are you doing this fine day? NICK: Just great, Percy! Percy steps out of the way to allow Nick to step inside. Closing the door behind Nick, Nick gets down to business almost immediately. PERCY: So to what do I owe the pleasure, Nicholas? Nick puts his bag down on the table and unzips it. NICK: Well, I have some news, and a job for you. Nick pulls out his laptop and sets it on Percy's dining room table. NICK: Uh...you don't mind if I plug this in at all, do you? PERCY: Not at all. NICK: Thanks. As Nick plugs the computer into the outlet in the wall, he continues to talk to Percy. NICK: So...my news is...ah, there we go...that we finalized the Titan TV sale. The propaganda campaign is off. Percy smiles from ear to ear at the news. He walks over to the dining room table, holding back a bit his glee, in his own, incredibly posh British way. PERCY: I...oh, I am so grateful to you, Nicholas. You have truly saved the day. I...how can I ever repay you for your kindness? Nick sits down at the table in front of his computer, and opens it. He smiles up at Percy. NICK: Funny you should ask. I have a little job for you, as I said. And you won't even have to leave your home to do it. But...for that to work, you're going to have to connect yourself to the world wide web. PERCY: ...I'm sorry? NICK: The internet. Because you, Percy, my friend, are going to be doing some...surveillance. Percy looks on, baffled by Nick's request. --- Sami talks with Marlena, Maggie, and Laura after Brady's memorial has ended in the town square, sipping on what's left of her drink, before hearing her phone ring. SAMI: Oh...uh...I think that's my phone...just one sec. Sami searches through her bag to find her phone as she steps away from the group. Pulling her phone out, she sees that it's EJ. She excitedly answers, while trying to find a quiet spot to talk. SAMI: Hey! EJ! What's up? I'm just at the memorial, it's wrapping up. ... EJ: Samantha. Saw your text. Listen to me carefully. We are making a bid on Titan TV. Meet me at the house immediately. Tell NOBODY what you're doing. You understand me? ... SAMI: Completely. See you in a minute. Sami hangs up and smiles widely. Looking around her to make sure nobody's looking, she talks to herself. SAMI: Ohhh EJ. You did it again. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- The crowd returns to conversing at Town Square for Brady's memorial after John's speech. Most if not all still have drinks in hand. Gabi spots Hope in the crowd and waves, trying to subtly get her attention. Hope notices and stops her conversation with John, and excuses herself before heading over to Gabi. GABI: So, did you do it? Hope grabs Gabi's arm and looks around to make sure no one's listening in. HOPE: We can't talk here, Gabi. GABI: What do you mean? Hope looks at Gabi incredulously. HOPE: Are you nuts? There's people we know everywhere. Come with me, now. Gabi stutters to respond before following Hope out of the square, both of them looking around with suspicion as they do. Nicole stands with Chloe, sipping on their sparkling juice and having a chat. Chloe looks uncomfortable, a fact Nicole picks up on. NICOLE: You alright, you seem a little...nervous. CHLOE: Well, wouldn't you be if Victor Kiriakis spent all his time staring you down? Nicole rolls her eyes, dismissively gesturing at Chloe's comment. NICOLE: Oh please! Chloe, haven't you ever heard of 'resting bitch face'? Chloe looks at Nicole, confused. CHLOE: Yeah... NICOLE: Well, it's something like that. Honestly, if I got as worried as you are every time Victor tried staring me down, I'd never get any work done. Chloe shrugs in acknowledgement. CHLOE: Fair enough. I just don't trust Victor when he's mad. NICOLE: Honey, don't let it to you. Look, let's just...celebrate Brady, okay? That's what we're here for. Not dwelling about...whatever bone Victor wants to pick with you. Right? Chloe cracks a faint smile. CHLOE: Right. Nicole raises her glass, Chloe meets with hers as they toast. NICOLE: Come on. Let's go mingle. Nicole turns to walk with Chloe, but spots a sour-looking Eric in one of the seats set up for the speeches. Concerned, she looks Chloe's way a moment. NICOLE: Uh...you go ahead without me a second, okay? Chloe, spotting Eric as Nicole speaks to her, clues in immediately, and nods. CHLOE: Sure. NICOLE: Thanks. Nicole squeezes Chloe's arm as a goodbye before walking over to sit with a solemn Eric. NICOLE: Hey. You gonna join the party or what? ERIC: Nicole. Hey...yeah...I...just give me a moment, okay? Nicole leans into Eric, putting arm around him. NICOLE: I miss him too. Eric stands up, in an effort to shake off Nicole's touch. ERIC: it's not Brady, Nicole. It's...everything. NICOLE: What do you mean, Eric? ERIC: I just...I need to go. Alone. Eric storms off, leaving Nicole sitting in her seat, flabbergasted by Eric's strange reaction. --- Brady lays in bed, looks around the bedroom he's woken up in, trying to decipher where exactly he is, when a woman walks in. An older woman, but it's plain to see she was stunning as a young woman, and has aged beautifully now. She appears pleasantly surprised to see Brady awake. ANITA: Ah! You're awake, finally. I was starting to worry when it took you about a day longer than the doctor expected to wake up. Brady looks up at the woman, confused. BRADY: I...wha...where am I, exactly? The woman smiles and sits down on the bed next to him, she puts a hand to his forehead. ANITA: About thirty miles from anywhere...Hah! You're not even running a fever anymore. BRADY: Wait, what? Who...who are you exactly? ANITA: My name's Anita. I'm the one who found you floating around in the lake. Brady furrows his brow, confused by Anita's statement. BRADY: I...what? ANITA: The lake. We're right by Smith Lake. You are...very, very lucky, I have to say. BRADY: Woah, woah, woah, wait....lucky? What...what happened to me? Anita looks down at Brady, shaking her head. ANITA: That...I could not tell you. --- Gabi and Hope step into the park alongside Town Square. Gabi looks at Hope with a worried look. GABI: Hope...what is happening? Did you... Gabi looks around to make sure no one hears them before continuing. GABI: ...did you find anything at Nick's apartment? HOPE: No, Gabi. That's what I wanted to tell you. Nick's apartment turned up clean. There wasn't so much as a bottle of Aspirin. Gabi looks at Hope, shocked. GABI: That's impossible, I... HOPE: You what, Gabi? Gabi catches herself before saying anything more, but is now panicked, searching for an answer. --- Sami bursts into the DiMera mansion living room, excited by EJ's earlier call. EJ sits at his desk, but stands up quickly as Sami walks in. SAMI: Okay, so what's the deal? EJ walks over to the living room doors and looks out into the hallway before shutting them. He looks back Sami's way and holds his finger to his lips. EJ: Careful, just in case father's lurking. Sami rolls her eyes and whispers as loudly as she can, SAMI: Okay, okay, now SPILL! EJ: I just got off the phone with Chad. We're going to use one of our hidden shell corporations to pick up Titan TV for a bargain right under Victor's nose. SAMI: I had a feeling you were onto something. EJ: Right, now, once we pick up Titan TV, we use that to grow Countess W's advertising base, and end this travesty of an energy project Victor's hellbent on setting up. It's a win-win. Sami looks excitedly at EJ, the tension between them non-existant in this moment. SAMI: I can't believe you've pulled this off. EJ: Well, I haven't yet. But I know that if we hadn't done it, Nick Fallon would have been controlling your lives until the end of time. Sami is crashed back into reality, remembering Nick's blackmail. SAMI: Oh, how could I forget? Do you really think that going so far out of our way to give into Nick's demands is a good idea. EJ: Samantha, the more control we have over this situation, the less Nick can control you, Gabi, and Kate. That's what matters. It's just a little...added bonus that we can use this TV station to stick it to Victor. No? Sami raises and eyebrow and smiles at EJ, the first smile EJ's seen from Sami in weeks. He smiles in kind. --- Percy stands at his table in his cabin, looking at Nick with a confused look on his face. PERCY: I...eh...Nicholas... Nick looks up from his laptop, a smile on his face. NICK: Yep? PERCY: What on Earth do you mean, surveillance? I...I barely know how to use a computer! NICK: Oh. It's nothing. Nick waves dismissively as he stands up from the dinner table, and reaches into his bag. He pulls out a small black plastic box and places it on the table with almost ceremonial care. NICK: This....is an external hard drive. You are going to collect as much data as you can on every...single...member of the Titan executive as you can. Nick pulls a set of papers out from his bag and hands them to Percy. NICK: These are the people you need to focus on. Study them carefully, their faces, their responsibilities. Percy flips through the pages before stopping Nick and looking at him quizzically. PERCY: I'm sorry, Nicholas but...what exactly is the meaning of this? Nick stops, looking Percy's way with a huge grin. NICK: Why, it's quite simple, Percy. Blackmail. ---

EPISODE 68 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson John stands before the crowd, with Victor beside him, the crowd still milling about, conversing warmly and sharing memories of Brady. John turns to Victor and quietly asks him a question. JOHN: Now...you're sure you don't want to speak? VICTOR: Positive. As far as I'm concerned, this whole thing is a farce. I'll be mourning my grandson only if they find me proof that he's really dead. As the kids say, I wanna see the reciepts. John shrugs, nodding his head in understanding. JOHN: Alright. But I gotta tell ya, Vic. You're gonna regret not speaking today. And you know it. VICTOR: I'll take my chances. As John and Victor finish their conversation, Hope and Aiden explode into the square. Still bickering, they cause a scene in the square as they storm in, Hope storming in first, trying to ignore Aiden as he follows her, shouting at her. AIDEN: ...And I swear, I've never see a cop be such a rotten driver in my entire life! Hope stops and turns around, pointing at Aiden. HOPE: And you need to learn what a turn signal does. AIDEN: Oh, THAT again? Come on! Hope, you're being ridiculous. HOPE: Oh, I'm being ridiculous? Right, I'm not the one who's trying to weasel his way out of a ticket by trying to cozy up to the officer issuing the ticket. Aiden snaps in a voice loud enough to be heard in the next county. AIDEN: YOU OFFERED ME A RIDE! Aiden's outburst is greeted by stone silence from everyone in the square. Aiden and Hope immediately feel sheepish for having rendered the crowd silent, and Hope immediately sits down in the nearest seat. Victor pats John gently on the back as John turns to the crowd before the collection of chairs assembled by Tom & Alice Horton's tree. JOHN: If I can have everybody's attention, please. Please, everyone, have a seat. The crowd hushes as everyone begins to filter into the seats. Hope looks daggers at Aiden as he sits down in front of her, an equally sheepish look on his face. She mutters angrily to him. HOPE: I hope you're satisfied. As she says this, Caroline shuffles in to sit beside Hope on one side, with Maggie down beside her. Daniel, naturally, by her side. Caroline speaks softly to Hope, as she puts a hand on her shoulder. CAROLINE: I'm glad you could make it. HOPE: Thanks. It's good to see you too. DANIEL: I gotta admit, that was quite an entrance. Hope blushes, making an embarrassed face as she replies to Daniel. HOPE: Yeah, I...guess I should just stick with saying 'hello' and hugs, right? MAGGIE: I was just surprised it took you this long. HOPE: Well...I got kinda...tied up. Hope looks Aiden's way as she speaks, with Maggie, Caroline, and Daniel's eyes following Hope's, before looking at each other, knowingly. --- EJ files away papers in his office at DiMera Enterprises when his text tone goes off. Stopping what he's doing, he steps over to his desk and checks his phone. He sees Sami's text and immediately jumps into action. He sits down at his desk, opening his laptop and immediately typing in www.salemspectator.com. The main headline pops up, as do EJ's eyes. TITAN TV TO BE SOLD TO PRIVATE INVESTOR EJ stops a minute, soaking in the information. EJ thinks quickly, grabbing his phone and makes a call. EJ: Yes, I need to get ahold of Chad DiMera. Tell him it's urgent, his brother needs him. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Liam walks up behind Jennifer in the park just off to the side of Town Square, placing her hands on her shoulders firmly, but tenderly, as Jenn converses with her son, JJ. JJ scrambles to cover himself after having begun revealing what he overheard Liam say earlier in the same park. JJ: Sorry, I didn't mean any harm, I just... LIAM: Nonsense! You have every right to be concerned. Your sister just flew off halfway around the world. You're concerned! Thing is, I am too. JJ nods, looking down at the ground, hoping not to make matters worse. JJ: I'm sure. And...and I appreciate that! Jenn smiles at JJ, while putting one hand on top of Liam's. JENNIFER: See? It was just a misunderstanding. Honey, Liam cares about both of you. I trust him. and I know you'll learn to trust him too. LIAM: Your mom's right, JJ. I'm really concerned for both of you. You're great kids, and I just want to make sure Abigail's safe. So I put in a call to someone I know from the hospital who knows Sami and EJ, and they'll try to keep tabs on her while she's in Italy. Jenn smiles at Liam, turning around to face him, lovingly. She wraps her arms around Liam's neck. JENNIFER: That's wonderful. Ohhh wow. Thank you! I mean, you didn't have to do that at all and yet... LIAM: Anything for you guys. Jenn smiles before turning back towards JJ. JENNIFER: We really do appreciate it. Don't we? JJ nods, still deep in thought and still trying not to rock the boat. JJ: Yeah. Thanks, man. LIAM: Anytime. Now, shall we get back? I thought I heard someone announce that the ceremony was getting underway. JJ: Great, I'll uh...be right there in a sec. JENNIFER: Alright. I love you, sweetie! JJ: Love you too, Mom. Jenn hugs JJ quickly before taking off, arm in arm, with Liam. As Liam turns the corner towards the square, he shoots JJ a very tellingly menacing look. JJ looks up in time to catch Liam's look, striking terror in his heart, but JJ tries to maintain a cool exterior with some degree of success. JJ: I don't know what's going on, but none of it is good. --- Gabi arrives at the service at Town Square and has a seat next to Eric and Nicole, near the aisle so that she can keep Ari in her carriage. As she rocks the carriage back and forth for Ari, she texts Will as discreetly as possible. Hey! Is everything ok w/ u & sonny?? Gabi looks up at the podium where John is speaking, a worried look on her face as she mutters quietly to herself. GABI: Come on, Will. What's going on over there? --- Will stares Sonny down in the office at Club TBD. Sonny stands in front of the door, hoping to keep Will from running out as he explains himself. Will, for his part, leans almost pointedly casually against Sonny's desk, arms folded. However, he cannot contain his shock at Sonny's confession. WILL: You what? SONNY: I...went to talk to my Uncle Vic. I asked him not to give you the PR job with EnerNext. WILL: What...why the Hell would you do that, Sonny? SONNY: Because I don't want you involved in something like this. It's...it's...Uncle Vic trying to control you and by proxy me, and control control control everyone in this family and I just...I can't let him do that to you-- WILL: ...Did you ever think for a second to let ME decide that? Sonny steps forward towards Will, trying to cool things down a bit. SONNY: You were blinded by the flashy contract and the...glamourous job. WILL: And what if I was? Sonny, it's my career. And you know what? I'm sorry, but in this day and age, you don't get ahead by playing by the rules. It's about taking an opportunity when it's presented to you, not by being proud and working your way up purely on your own back. Sonny seems incredibly unimpressed by Will's attitude, but Will is undeterred by Sonny's disapproving looks. SONNY: Are you serious? WILL: Dead. Serious. Sonny stands a moment, at a loss for words. SONNY: I'm...I'm sorry. WILL: Oh, you will be. Heh, you know, I might have been swayed if you'd just been upfront with me about all this, but going behind my back? Trying to get my job taken away from me because you don't like who it comes from or what the job entails? How dare you? Sonny looks down at the ground, increasingly apologetic. SONNY: I know. I just don't want you to get...manipulated. WILL: You don't want me to change, in other words. You don't want me to have to stand up for myself because you like doing everything for me. Is that it? Well, let me tell you a little secret, Sonny. I'm not your child. I'm your fiancee. And if you want it to stay that way...you need to stay out of my professional life. Understood? Sonny's apologetic look melts away as Sonny feels the intensity of Will's tone. Sonny's face suddenly becomes defensive and threatened by Will. --- John continues to talk to the crowd gathered at the square about Brady. JOHN: He was my son. He was our friend. He was sometimes our greatest adversary, but his heart was always in search of love. The crowd are tearing up a bit at John's heartfelt speech. John himself starts to get a bit emotional, before breathing in and carrying on, a smile across his face, as much in tribute to Brady as anything. JOHN: I want to keep this party light, as Nicole and Eric requested, and I'm glad that so many of you have come out to help me celebrate Brady's life. So let's remember him in the same way that he would want to be remembered: A great young man with a huge heart that wanted to share the best of everything with everyone he knew and loved. The waiters from the restaurant in the square appear with flutes of sparkling drinks for the crowd. JOHN: In case you couldn't tell, I'm proposing a toast. The crowd laugh as they raise their glasses in tribute, following John's lead. JOHN: Obviously, these are non-alcoholic. Because the one thing we need to remember...is that though this is a good day to remember Brady, it is to remind us of the importance of sobriety, and caution, and remebering the disease that is addiction...and what it can cost us. Here's to one of the finest men I've ever known. John looks up to the sky as he raises his glass. JOHN: I love you, son! The crowd clink their glasses together in what is surprisingly close to unison, as they shout out. ALL: To Brady! --- The sound of clinking glasses descends suddenly into the sound of screeching tires and the loud smash of a breaking windhshield suddenly. The flash snaps Brady out of a nightmare as he sits bolt upright in bed, sweat pouring from his face, he gasps for breath as he looks around him, terrified.

EPISODE 66 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Laura reaches out to Sami, as they stand in the foyer of the DiMera Mansion, and Sami gives Laura a grateful hug, almost needing Laura to keep her upright from the emotional exertion she just went through. SAMI: Thank you so very much, Laura. I....seriously don't know how I could have got through the day without your help. LAURA: It's my pleasure.Sami, you've grown so much, and...I want you to remember, no matter what's happened in your past, whatever you may have said or done, you're a fantastic mother. And I know you love Johnny so very much. Just remember that. Sami nods, trying to hold herself together, wiping away tears from her face. SAMI: I'll try. Umm..hey! Are you going to Brady's memorial today? LAURA: Yes! I was just going to call Marlena and let her know I'm on my way. Did you...did you need a ride over? SAMI: Uh...yeah! I can totally go with you. Let me just...grab my keys and a couple other things. LAURA: Sure. Sami runs into the living room to grab her things, including her tablet. As she picks it up, she sees a notification on the screen. It catches her eye and she unlocks the screen to read it more closely. SAMI: Oh my God! Laura looks up, concerned by Sami's outburst. The screen reads out the headline from the Salem Spectator's website that's gone around town. BREAKING: TITAN TV TO BE SOLD TO PRIVATE INVESTOR Sami looks up at Laura, the shock still on her face. LAURA: Sami? What's wrong? SAMI: Uh...I...nothing. Let's go! Laura seems unconvinced, but smiles halfheartedly anyway, as Sami guides her out the door of the house. --- Will and Gabi lock up the apartment, Gabi rocking the stroller with Ari inside back and forth gently. Will turns to Gabi, still stewing over Sonny's lie. He holds his cell phone in his hand, looking up at Gabi while he texts. WILL: So, I'll meet you and Ari at Town Square? GABI: Sure. I hope you guys are alright. WILL: Yeah...so do I. Gabi leans over to give Will a hug, before heading off. GABI: Okay, I'll see you then. Let me know what happens with Sonny. WILL: Yeah...I will. Will looks up, sighing heavily as he thinks back to Sonny's rushed exit from the apartment. *** FLASHBACK to Episode 64 Sonny turns to grab his jacket from the closet, and calls out to Gabi and Will. SONNY: I have to go for a minute....there's a...uh...problem with a shipment at the club. Meet you at Town Square? WILL: Alright. *** It's T, calling from the club, where a rush of rowdy customers are calling out to T, who's a bit frazzled behind the bar. T: Uh...hey, Will! It's T. Any idea where Sonny is? ... WILL: I...yeah, he's on his way to the club now, T. Didn't he just tell you that? ... T looks confused, looking over his shoulder as he speaks, holding up one finger to a customer. T: Uh, no. Sonny hasn't spoken with us since this morning, dude. Look, it's really busy at the club, and I can't get Sonny to answer his phone, so can you just let him know to come down here ASAP when he can? *** Will shakes his head, as he finishes up his text to Sonny. How r things @ the club? WILL: I'm gonna find out what you're up to, Sonny. --- JJ runs back into the Town Square to try to avoid getting caught by Liam, who was just in the adjacent park. He tries to casually walk over to get his mother's attention before Liam comes back, but is too late, as he turns around to see Liam surprise Jennifer by wrapping his arms around her as she stands at a nearby table. JJ looks on in fear at the exchange, now worried about his mother's safety. --- Maggie knocks on Victor's office door at Titan, as he finishes up putting his documents into his briefcase and closes it up. He looks up and smiles. VICTOR: Maggie! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes! Maggie smiles warmly as she walks into the room, ever so casually. She laughs a bit at Victor's comment, obviously flattered. MAGGIE: Ohh...you're either the sweetest man on Earth, or you had a really rough day. VICTOR: I'd say a bit of both. Maggie smiles again as she walks towards her husband, wrapping her arms around his collar. MAGGIE: You know what? I'll take it. Maggie quickly kisses Victor on the lips before continuing. MAGGIE: Now. I've been busy all morning helping Caroline out with the memorial for Brady, and you still haven't told me whether or not you're even going to be there or not. Victor's face drops at Maggie's implied question. He sighs loudly as he tries to answer. VICTOR: Maggie-- MAGGIE: Victor, come on now. You heard what Hope said. That car was travelling too fast for Brady to survive. Maggie pulls Victor's face to look right into her eyes. She barely blinks as she tries to talk sense to Victor. MAGGIE: Honey, I know you're skeptical. I understand why you would be. But you have to face the real probability that Brady didn't survive that crash. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- At the Town Square, Jenn chats with Marlena, Eric, and Caroline about Brady, while Liam is off at the desserts table that has been set up for the guests. JJ finally sees an opportunity to talk privately to his mother about what he heard Liam say, and excuses himself from his conversation with Kayla, Adrienne and Justin, interrupting Adrienne's comment as politely as he can. JJ: Sorry, Aunt Adrienne, I...just gotta ask my mom something real quick. ADRIENNE: Okay, sure thing, sweetie. JJ: Thanks. JJ smiles as he walks off, over to his mother, tapping her gently on the shoulder. Jenn turns to face him, still with that hint of motherly disappointment thanks to their earlier conversation about Abigail's whereabouts. JJ: Uh, sorry, Mom? JENNIFER: Hey, Honey! JJ: Uh...I...when you got a second free, it's...really important I talk to you...alone. Jenn looks to him, concerned. JENNIFER: Sure. Is something wrong? JJ looks around to make sure Liam's still a ways away. JJ: Uh...yeah. But I think...if we have a minute now might be a good-- As JJ finishes his sentence, Nicole arrives, with a special someone in tow, Chloe. Chloe's arrival stirs everyone in the room and Jenn is immediately distracted by her arrival. Jenn appears pleased but tense with Chloe arriving, reminded of Chloe's machinations from her last visit to Salem. Caroline, however, is pleased to see her. CAROLINE: Chloe! How good to see you! Caroline heads over to give her a hug, as Jenn looks up at JJ and smiles. She leans over and whispers to him. JENNIFER: Yeah, now might be a good time. JJ: Let's go to the park? JENNIFER: Yeah. Jennifer takes JJ by the arm and heads over toward the park. As they head off, Liam heads back to where Jenn had been and can't find her. He scans the crowd and sees nobody, and begins to look around the square in vain. Caroline, Marlena, Eric, and Nicole, meanwhile, hang back to chat with Chloe, catching up with her and reminiscing about Brady. The group is laughing as Chloe tells them stories about her adventures. CHLOE: ...So I've mostly been dealing with the more...mature ladies and gentlemen, that kind of fans instead of screaming teenage girls, you know? MARLENA: I'm so glad your singing is going well for you again. CAROLINE: So am I! We were so worried when you came back from that accident all those years ago. CHLOE: Honestly, it took a lot of time, training, and patience, but...you know...Brady was always there to help me. Chloe begins to choke up, thinking back on Brady. She smiles through her tears. CHLOE: If he hadn't been there for me, I don't think I would've made it back. Oh my God, I'm gonna miss him. Nicole leans over to give Chloe a comforting hug, as Victor walks in with Maggie in tow. Clearly having overheard the end of Chloe's story, he makes his presence known with a snide remark. VICTOR: And it's too bad you did come back, seeing as this whole mess we're in now is your fault. Chloe turns around quickly to face Victor, visibly upset by yet another of his abusive remarks at her expense. --- In the park, JJ leads Jenn, before taking her arm and huddling in closer to her, trying to be as quiet about what he knows as possible. Jenn stands back, concerned for her son. JENNIFER: Okay, what did you need to talk to me about? JJ: Okay, well...before I tell you, you have to promise me you're not gonna freak out. Jenn folds her arms, convinced JJ's done something to make her freak out. JENNIFER: I can't guarantee anything, JJ. JJ: No, Mom, I'm serious. This is...really important, and you need to know. JENNIFER: Know what, JJ? Is this about your sister? Because, honestly, I don't know if I can handle much more bad news about her-- JJ: ...Not...not really. I mean, yes, but... JENNIFER: Oh, God, JJ! What is going on-- JJ: It's about Liam! Jennifer looks at JJ, stopped in her tracks by his connecting Liam to Abigail's departure from Salem. --- Will arrives at Club TBD, and notices the immediately the crowds have dissipated. He looks over to see a relaxed T behind the bar. He notices Will come in and nods at Will in greeting. WILL: Hey, T. So...did Sonny ever come around? T: Nah, man. I'm proud of myself, man. I took care of the whole crowd and CLEANED UP. Look, look, look, look. T reaches into his pockets and pulls out the tips he's collected over the past couple hours. Will looks surprised and laughs with T, slapping his buddy on the back in approval. WILL: Oh my God, that's amazing. Just...just tips? T: 100%, dude! WILL: I...Wow! T: Yep. So...okay, so did you pass along the message to Sonny. WILL: I...no, I never had a chance, I just...was on my way out anyway so I decided to come down myself but...it looks like you got it all under control. T: Yeah, man! Totally! Will looks down at his phone, having felt a buzz in his pocket. T looks over his shoulder. T: That Sonny? WILL: Yeah. Will checks Sonny's message and frowns, shaking his head at Sonny's response: yeah got it all figured out, heading out soon ... Sonny walks casually past the Brady Pub, texting as he walks. The same frown on his face as Will. He sees Will's response come up on his phone: gonna call u. got a question Sonny sighs. SONNY: Uh oh. As Sonny's phone rings, he picks up almost immediately. SONNY: (into phone) Hey Will. ... Will looks off, a bit of a bitchy look on his face as he speaks to Sonny. WILL: (into phone) Hey Sonny, Gabi and I are just heading down the Town Square. I had to pass on a message to T, can I speak to him a moment? ... Sonny's eyes widen, a bit panicked by Will's question. He kicks into action and walks away from the pub toward TBD. SONNY: I, uh...he's downstairs at the moment, just grabbing some condiments for-- ... Will interrupts Sonny, a smug grin on his face as he cuts in. WILL: Oh, never mind. He's right here. Say 'hi', T! Will passes the phone over to T, who awkwardly takes the phone from Will, not sure what he's getting himself into. T: Hey, Sonny! Where were you, man? It was a madhouse down here! ... The colour drains from Sonny's face as he realizes he's been caught. He stops in place, taking a second to figure out what he'll do. Unable to respond for a moment, Sonny stammers as he tries to collect himself enough to continue walking towards the club. SONNY: I...uh...I'll be there in a sec. ... WILL: Yeah, you better be. And you better have a really good explanation, too. Will hangs up the phone, before slamming it down on the bar. Will breathes in deeply, frustrated, hurt, and angry at his fiance for his lie, but also worried what Sonny was actually up to. ---

EPISODE 45 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Sami steps off the elevator at University Hospital, and grabs her cell phone, she makes a quick call to her secretary at Countess W. SAMI: (into phone) Yes, Jessica? It's Sami. Look, if you can cancel my appointments for the morning, I'll be in an important meeting...Thanks. I'll let you know when I'm heading back. Bye. Sami hangs up as she approaches Dr. Laura Horton's door. She sighs heavily before stepping inside. --- EJ arrives back at the DiMera mansion, on his cell phone with somebody. He is focused and serious with them as he heads directly into the now-empty living room. EJ: (into phone) So she should be contacting you shortly. I want you to make sure you have that exact medication ready for her...precisely...alright. Call me when it's done. EJ hangs up the phone, a smirk develops across his face. EJ: One way to squash a fly... EJ's smug moment of satisfaction is interrupted by the sound of an argument in the foyer between Harold and a person at the door. EJ's curiosity piqued, he heads for the door. Anne is at the door, enraged, while Harold tries to keep her at bay. ANNE: You WILL let me in because I have something very important to share with Mr. DiMera and if you think that-- EJ: Ms. Milbauer. How lovely to see you. Come in. Harold takes a step back, while Anne smiles a phony "gotcha" smile to Harold, and steps forward towards EJ. --- Theresa walks through the path towards the University Hospital parking lot. She's uneasy, and deep in thought about her actions the previous night in Chicago. She looks at her phone and reads the news reports about Brady's ousting at Titan. She feels regretful, but flashes back to seeing the couple that appeared to be Brady and Chloe kissing at the party. THERESA: You deserved it, Brady. You and that little oompa-loompa of yours. Just then, Brady pulls up in his car. He looks exhausted and wired. He glares at Theresa with an intensity and anger that Theresa isn't used to from him. BRADY: Get in. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Tyler steps into Victor's office, while looking down at a file folder with paperwork. He knocks as he opens the door, but steps right in without concern. TYLER: Victor, I think we need to go over the details of your succession plan, iron out the details so we're covered with regards to Brady...oh. Upon looking up, Tyler realizes that Victor is not the one in the office, but Maggie. She turns around the face Tyler, smiling warmly. MAGGIE: You know, I'd heard of married couples starting to look the same over time, but this is ridiculous. Tyler is taken aback, feeling a bit sheepish for his error, but Maggie gives a cheeky smile, before extending a hand in greeting. MAGGIE: I'm Maggie Kiriakis. TYLER: Pleasure to meet you. Tyler extends his hand in greeting, the two linger a little too long in shaking hands. --- Anne storms into the DiMera living room, as EJ motions to Harold. Harold nods and heads for the kitchen. EJ steps into the room casually, as though he knows exactly what's going on. Anne is visibly agitated, and ready for a fight. EJ: And what can I help you with, Ms. Milbauer? Anne reaches into her bag and slaps the freezer bag containing the suspect letter against EJ's chest. ANNE: Either you're really bad at intimidating me, or this is more of your macabre DiMera humour. Seriously, EJ? Suspiciously powdered letters? EJ takes the bag and opens it, casually pulling the letter out of the bag, and opening it, as he speaks, he pulls the letter out to show Anne, while dusting it off. EJ: I confess, I was not at the office this morning when this was sent to you. I was working from home on the fundraising for the hospital for you, and when the delivery man arrived, I'd already begun baking cookies with the children. As EJ says this, Harold strolls into the room with a platter of cookies. EJ hands the letter over to Anne, who looks it over suspciously, before looking up at EJ, who has taken two cookies from the platter. EJ: I was unable to clean my hands so I'm sorry for the uhh...heh, baking powder all over the letter. Uh...would you like a cookie? The children worked very hard on them. Anne looks down at the cookie, and shakes her head. ANNE: You really must think I'm an idiot. Like I'm gonna take cookies from you, you know you're really a sick man. EJ: Oh come on, Ms. Milbauer, it's not like they're poisoned. See? EJ takes one of the cookies and takes a big bite from it. He smiles, and holds his arms out almost victoriously. EJ: See? I'm fine! I don't know why you're so paranoid, Ms. Milbauer. At this point, Anne is livid and steps towards EJ menacingly. ANNE: You know exactly why I'm suspicious of you, EJ. And don't chalk it up to paranoia. You have the audacity to threaten me, and then play these ridiculous, childish pranks in order to scare me out of town so your little affair with Little Miss Sunshine doesn't get found out? You think I'm that stupid? I know it was you sending someone to follow me last night, to freak me out? EJ: I did no such thing... ANNE: I know you sent me that letter today with the suspicious powder to make me think it was some kind of poison, and I know those cookies are just your way of making me think I'm losing my mind, or at the very least to discredit me. And you know what? It's not going to work. Because you don't have the balls to actually follow through on any of your threats. You have too much to lose. So stop with the little warning shots, because I know you. You'll all talk, and no walk. Excuse me. Anne backs away from EJ, grabs her bag and heads off towards the door, grabbing a cookie from the tray on the way out. She tastes one, stopping before she's out the door. She turns to face EJ with a sour look on her face as she chews it. ANNE: Mm...some advice? Never open a bakery. Anne turns back around and heads out the door, throwing the cookie out into the bushes as she goes. EJ laughs to himself as Anne closes the door. --- Sami steps into Laura's office. She appears incredibly tense, and Laura can instantly sense this in her. Laura motions for Sami to sit down in a chair on the other side of Laura's desk. Sami obliges. SAMI: Thanks. I'm...so glad to see you. It's been a really long time. LAURA: Likewise. Your mother showed me pictures of your children the last time she visited me. They're beautiful. Sami tenses a bit, thinking of her hesitation with Johnny the previous week, as she finally began to come to grips with his conception. She responds less than happily. SAMI: Uh...thank you...you know, I've hired your granddaughter, Abigail. She's been...really helpful to me at Countess W. LAURA: I'm glad. It's such a shame she had problems here at the hospital. I was hoping we could work together, but... SAMI: Yeah. Some people just don't get along, I guess. LAURA: I suppose...look, Sami. I noticed your tension when I mentioned your children just now. Are they doing okay? Sami hesitates to answer for a moment, but smiles and forms an answer. SAMI: Yes, they're fine. I just...we had some... LAURA: Sami, are you worried you're disconnecting from your children? Sami stops and thinks for a second. She nods to Laura hesitantly. SAMI: And it's not just that. I...the other night, EJ and I fought and...he brought up the night that...Johnny, my youngest son, the night he was....conceived and... LAURA: Sami, is Johnny's conception a happy memory for you? Sami looks to the ground. She tries in vain to fight back tears as she struggles to answer Laura. She finally chokes out an answer, barely audible. SAMI: No. And I'm...I'm afraid of... LAURA: What are you afraid of, Sami? Sami swallows, and breathes deeply. After a moment, she finally answers. SAMI: I'm afraid I'm going to push him away...because when I look at Johnny now...I see what happened that night, and not my beautiful little boy anymore...and I can't...I need help, Laura. --- Gabi walks through the park, trying to look inconspicuously for someone. She sits down on the bench and begins to check her texts. EJ's text instructs her to wait on the bench at 3pm for a gentleman. Not describing him any further, Gabi's unsure what to look for. GABI: Real helpful, EJ. Just as she says this, a man sits down on the bench next to her, and quietly speaks. MAN: You Gabi? Gabi looks over at the man, and nods. GABI: You have it? MAN: It's all yours. The man hands her a small pill bottle, as discreetly as possible. Gabi looks up at him, while looking around to see if anyone else is looking. She slips the pills into her bag, and the man looks her intensely. It's Liam. LIAM: And remember, you've never seen me before, and you won't recognize me if you see me again. If you need anything else, contact EJ. Gabi stares nervously at him, and nods, before grabbing her bag and taking off. --- Brady drives aggressively down the road. Theresa sits next to him in his car, visibly nervous. So nervous, in fact, she can barely look over at him, nearly transfixed on the road. THERESA: So...Brady. BRADY: I thought we could go for a drive....have a little talk. You and I. THERESA:oh...oh yeah? What about? BRADY: Well, what happened to you last night when you left the party...you know I wanted to find you. THERESA: Ohh yeah? Brady looks at Theresa and smiles. BRADY: Yeah. I wanted to surprise you. I was gonna rent out the biggest suite at that hotel across the street you loved so much. You know, you said it was so glamourous, and you just...you wish you could spend one night there. THERESA: You...you would do that for me? BRADY: Yes. Yes, I would. And I almost did too. But I couldn't find you...or my credit card. So I ended up going back to Salem where I find out that my company credit card, there's this...$200-plus cab fare on it. And it's funny because, the charge was made around the same time I went looking for you at the club. THERESA: Look, Brady, I-- Brady's anger is starting to creep into his voice, his motions becoming ever more staccato, as his foot presses harder on the gas. The car enters the highway leaving Salem. BRADY: You know, then this video is online of me...doing cocaine. And it's like...it's so funny, it's at that same time when you were trying to take a selfie and you were too drunk to figure out your phone? Such a weird coincidence, huh? Brady's foot presses more and more on the accelerator, as the car pushes up towards 70, 75, 80mph. Theresa holds onto the grip on the door tightly. THERESA: B...Brady, slow down. Brady is looking straight ahead, barely even acknowledging Theresa's existence. BRADY: Why? THERESA: Well...well the speed limit, Brady is-- BRADY: Do you honestly think I care right now? Like...at all? Do you think what you want matters to me right now? THERESA: Brady, you're scaring me. Brady starts to pay closer attention to Theresa now, but it is mostly anger he shows her as he intermittently divides his attention between her and the road before him. BRADY: Do you think I'm scared? Huh? Do you think I can feel anything right now? THERESA: Brady, what are you talking about? BRADY: What do I have now, Theresa? Think about it for a second, yeah? I just lost my job, my reputation is ruined, the woman I thought I was getting to know and care about, she double-crosses me because she's so damned insecure about me being able to be nice to my ex-wife. Every single woman I ever get involved with betrays me. My family hates me. Tell me, Theresa. What do I have to live for now? Tell me. THERESA: Okay, okay, Okay-- BRADY:...TELL ME! Do you get it? THERESA: Okay! I'm sorry, Brady, would you PLEASE slow down. Brady takes his eyes off the road now entirely, and begins to lean in closer and closer to Theresa. His speed is now reaching 85mph. BRADY: Ohhhh no. You don't get it, do you? I want you to listen to me for once. No distractions. No one around to watch you to see the glamourous life you're living off my back. Just you, finally facing the person you are. The despicable, self-absorbed piece of street trash you really are-- Theresa looks away from Brady. 90mph. Theresa looks up and sees a sharp turn in the road ahead, she panicks and screams out. THERESA: BRADY, LOOK OUT! Brady looks up and tries to steer into the turn while slamming on the brakes. Theresa, in a moment of quick thinking, pulls her door open and leaps from the vehicle, but due to the speed the car is travelling at, she is knocked unconscious and severely injured immediately upon impacting the ground. Brady's car skids off the road and drives through the barrier, off the side of the embankment, into the lake below. ---

EPISODE 44 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Eric stands in Nicole's hotel room, studying the newspaper she just handed him. Eric is in disbelief at the headline. TITAN'S BRADY BLACK DRUG SCANDAL Nicole hesitates to reach out for Eric, looking at the pained expression on Eric's face. She finally steps to his side, putting her hands on Eric's shoulders. ERIC: This is all my fault. NICOLE: What?! No! How could you even think that? Eric flinches a bit at Nicole's touch, causing Nicole to jump back a little. Eric turns to her, a look of pain in his eyes. As Eric speaks, the anger in his voice mounts. ERIC: It's true. If I hadn't been so trusting of Kristen and encouraged her to marry Brady, worked with her. I saw good in that woman and...look what she's done to us? Nicole steps back, in part sympathy but in fear of Eric's mounting anger. --- Nick steps into the lab at Titan, where Percy is working on some paperwork. Nick is beaming with glee as he walks with his tablet in hand. NICK: Percy, I have the best news you'll hear all week. Percy turns to face Nick, perked up by the tone in Nick's voice. PERCY: Well, I do love a bit of good news. NICK: We may be one step closer to getting EnerNext off your back. Nick holds up his tablet, which shows the SalemSpectator.com's article for Brady's drug scandal. NICK: And with Stefano's help, it shouldn't be long now. Percy smiles while looking over the article quickly, then looking up to Nick with a grateful smile across his face. --- EJ turns to Stefano, knowing that helping Gabi probably has something to do with Nick. He almost speaks, then turns back to Gabi. EJ: Gabriella, I do believe we should find somewhere else to talk. Uh...Father's somewhat busy with business matters at the moment. I, myself, was just about to step out. Maybe...maybe we could have a nice brunch today. My treat. Gabi looks up at EJ, then to Stefano. Gabi's constant state of panic makes her appear confused by EJ, but eventually she appears to clue in and nods her head in agreement. GABI: Sure. I...The Brady Pub okay? EJ: Excellent. Come with me, I'll drive. EJ takes Gabi by the arm and quickly steps out of the house. Stefano smiles, knowing what Gabi is likely concerned about is Nick. Outside, EJ closes the door, looks around cautiously, and whispers emphatically to Gabi. EJ: I need you to do me a favour and not come back to this house without calling first. GABI: What do you mean? EJ: I mean, we can't be too careful. Particularly where my father's concerned. Never, ever trust that man. GABI: You make it sound like he's up to something, he isn't up to something, is he? EJ Thankfully, no. But with all that's happened the last little while, it wouldn't surprise me if he did. Be. Careful. --- Anne walks into the hospital lab and hands the lab tech the freezer bag containing the powder-covered letter DiMera sent her. ANNE: I want you to run tests on this. Find out what's on it, and report it back only to me, immediately. The lab tech, a somewhat and intimidated clueless young man, looks up at Anne with concern. TECH: But what if it's dangerous? I mean this looks like it's got some stuff on it, it could be-- Anne rolls her eyes, clearly lacking patience for this exchange. She interrupts him midway through his dopey dissertation. ANNE: ...Then wear gloves. Just find out what it is right away, or your entire department will be finding the dangers of the unemployment line. Got it? Anne storms off, leaving the confused lab tech with the envelope. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KZsiMhziRI --- Brady stands in the doorway of the Titan board room, a look of terror across his face. He stammers in disbelief at what Victor has just announced. BRADY: Yo...you....you're not serious. VICTOR: Unfortunately, I'm dead serious, Brady. You need help. BRADY: But...but...Grandfather, I can't-- VICTOR: ...Brady this isn't the time or place for this. Brady steps into the board room. He looks around the room at the faces of the board members, hoping to get through to them as he speaks. BRADY: No! No, this is the place. Before this entire board...of...people who claim to support me, and my decisions. Brady looks around, sauntering with a simmering anger around the board room. BRADY: You...you are a room of backstabbing vultures. That's what you are. You come here, after weeks of telling me "we support you, Brady", "you're doing such great work, Brady". And I have to hear about my own firing on the RADIO! VICTOR: Brady, that's enough! The board is doing the right thing. You need help more than you need to be running this company. BRADY: Right, and just when did you become a doctor, Granddad? When did you decide when people are ready for rehab? VICTOR: Brady, you have a problem. And now the whole world knows it. This is damage control. Our shares have dropped another 15% just this morning, and it's thanks to you and whoever shared that video. Brady suddenly stops. He turns to Victor in confusion. BRADY: Video? VICTOR: Yes, how the Hell else did you think the entire world knew about your drug habit. Someone sent a video of you at that swishy club in Chicago, doing lines off someone's tablet or something. Brady remembers back to Theresa fumbling with her phone at the club. *** FLASHBACK TO DAYS OF OUR LIVES #39 Theresa fumbles with her phone, trying to flip the phone around to use the flash, but ends up reversing which lens is in use, and begins recording a video of Brady as he does the line of cocaine from the table. Theresa, not sure why the camera isn't working, flips the phone back around in frustration. THERESA: Ugh, this damned phone. Never...oh... BRADY: What? THERESA: Nothing. Stupid camera was on the wrong function, just... BRADY: It didn't get a shot of me, did it? THERESA: I can't even tell. Nothing's working right. BRADY: Theresa, remember what we said about you being careful? THERESA: Look who's talking. Mr. Doing-a-line-in-front-of-200-people. God, just chill out, okay? No one saw anything. BRADY: There's a difference between a bunch of drunk Chicago socialites seeing me do a line and your friends and family in Salem seeing it because your girlfriend couldn't figure her cell phone out. *** Brady's eyes light up with the realization that it had to have been Theresa that threw him under the bus. BRADY: Oh my God. VICTOR: Finally! He sees the light. BRADY: I...I gotta go. I'm sorry, everyone, I...I have to take care of something. Brady makes a beeline for the door of the conference. Victor turns to call him back, concerned by what he may do next. VICTOR: Brady! Brady! Get back here! Victor stops as the doors to the board room close behind Brady. --- Nicole stands behind a reeling Eric. Unsure what to do to console him, she puts a hand gently on his shoulder. When Eric doesn't flinch, she feels safe to rest her hand there more firmly. NICOLE: You can't blame yourself for what Kristen did. You're a priest. You guys kinda have this thing about turning the other cheek and forgiveness. You saw a light in Kristen. You wanted to bring out the goodness in her. And she-- Eric turns around abruptly, his anger flaring up again, causing Nicole to jump back a bit. ERIC: ...And she destroyed my faith in forgiveness. Nicole, it's like part of the very fabric of doing God's work...and I can't even bring myself to do it for my own greivences. NICOLE: I think being drugged and raped goes a bit beyond a grievence, but... Eric turns away from Nicole, hoping to avoid crying in her line of sight. His plan fails. ERIC: But it's made me question so much about my life. My vocation. I mean...what kind of just God would do what has been done to my family, to myself. If this is a test...how many more trials do I need to go through before I finally am able to smile again, Nicole? Nicole struggles to find words. She begins to cry a bit herself. --- Anne sits at her desk at University Hospital when the lab tech from before walks into her office. Anne looks up, expectantly. The lab tech is nervous approaching the imposing HR woman. TECH: I, uh...Mrs. Mil-- ANNE: ...MS. Milbauer. Mrs. Milbauer is my mother-in-law's name, and if you want to be down one tongue, you keep using that name. The tech stops dead in his tracks, even more nervous than before. TECH: Big fan, then? ANNE: Huge. What have you got for me? Is the testing done? TECH: Uhh...YES! Suddenly remembering he has the results in his hand, he hands the report over to Anne, who brusquely grabs it from him. ANNE: Thank you. TECH: I have the...uh... ANNE: THANK YOU! TECH: Okay, bye! The tech hastily walks out of Anne's office. Anne opens the file as the door shuts behind him. As she reads the file, Anne beams with delight. ANNE: You son of a bitch. You're bluffing. --- EJ and Gabi sit at a table in the Brady Pub. They sip their coffee together quietly, hoping to avoid arousing suspicion. Gabi is doing a typically awful job at this. GABI: ...So I need you to do something about Nick. After what he told Rafe last night, I'm afraid to be anywhere near him. I'm worried what he's going to do next. EJ: Gabriella, I think you overestimate the power this man has. He's clearly lost his mind, but you need to stop panicking. This will only make things worse. Gabi is visibly nervous, hands shaking her cup of coffee in front of her. EJ puts his hand over hers, causing Gabi to realize how off-kilter she is. GABI: I know. I know, you're right. But, I just...I can't shake the feeling that Nick's gonna find a way to...I don't even know what he's gonna do. I'm scared, EJ. EJ: What do you want me to do, Gabi? GABI: You've got to stop him. Like, I wish he never got out of prison. EJ takes a second to think, and looks over at the table to the left of Gabi, looking at the day's Salem Spectator, featuring the headline about Brady's drug scandal. His face lights up. EJ: I think I might know just what we can do. --- Nick walks down the hallway at Titan, heading for Sheryl's office. He knocks on the doorframe, seeing her at work at her desk. Sheryl recognizes him immediately, and barely looks up from her computer screen. SHERYL: What do you want, Nick? NICK: To share the good news with you. SHERYL: I heard. So what's our next move. NICK: Time to watch Brady Black self-destruct. Hopefully it happens before the Titan TV vote, and then Titan's poisoned influence over this town will be over. Sheryl looks up at Nick, a pleased look across her face. --- Theresa walks through Town Square, deep in thought, when her phone rings. She pulls it out of her purse and checks who it is, half-hoping it's Brady, but usure if she would answer if it is. It's Anne. Theresa rolls her eyes and answers. THERESA: (into phone) What do you want? ... Anne sits at her desk, using her office phone. ANNE: (into phone) A warmer greeting for a start. ... THERESA: Sorry, I'm just...I'm waiting on a call, kay? Can this wait? ... ANNE: No. It can't. I've got something important to tell you. ... THERESA: Okay, well, say it fast, I don't have a lot of time, I'm busy. ... ANNE: Cut the snark, okay? I'm really getting sick of-- ... THERESA: Anne! I'm waiting for Brady to call. I don't have time for this. ... ANNE: Hey! Cool it, little lady. Look, you remember our little...situation with sweet little Abby Deveraux, right? ... Theresa rolls her eyes at the thought of Abigail. THERESA: Yyyyep! ... ANNE: Well...turns out EJ DiMera knows what's going on, and he's a little pissed off. He's been trying to rile me up the last week or so, and he's using some pretty lame tricks to do it. So if you happen to run into him, or feel like anything weird's going on, you just let me know, and take it with a grain of salt, okay? ... THERESA: Noted. K, bye. Theresa hangs up the phone, having been totally disinterested in Anne's little piece of lame gossip. Just as she does, she gets a text. She checks it. It's from Brady. Meet me @ UH parking lot in 10, need 2 talk Theresa is concerned by Brady's text, and rushes off to meet him. --- Brady, sitting in his car, puts his phone away, cleans up the cocaine residue off the tablet on the car dashboard in front of him, and revs the engine of his car, then heads off to meet Theresa at UH. ---