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EPISODE 82 Written by A. Washington-BeebyStory Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Will walks down the hallway on the EnerNext floor of Titan towards his office. As he walks, he passes Alex, who’s heading into his own office across the hall from Will. Will looks up, suddenly nervous as Alex locks eyes with Will and smiles. Will holds back a giggle and smiles back awkwardly. ALEX: Hey Will! How’s the first day going? Will nearly chokes on his words as he responds, voice cracking. WILL: Gre…(clears throat) great! Heh. Will immediately bugs his eyes out as he turns away, opening his office door and quickly scurrying away in embarrassment. Closing the door behind him, he leans up against the other side of the door, exhaling audibly in relief to be out of that situation. A moment later, Will’s cell phone rings. Frantically trying to remember where he’d put his phone, he jumps over to his desk to grab his phone. Seeing Sonny’s name on the screen, his face drops. Looking unimpressed, Will holds his finger over the ‘hang up’ button, but thinks better of it and, after a moment, answers. WILL: Hey. … Sonny is sitting standing by the bar at Club TBD, nervously tapping his fingers against the bar as he begins to speak to Will. SONNY: Will! Hey…I…uh…I’m glad you answered. … WILL: Sonny, I don’t really have much time, I got a lot of work to do. … SONNY: Don’t worry, this…this won’t take long. I uh…I just got off the phone with Maggie, she and Victor invited us to dinner at the mansion tonight. … Will rolls his eyes and tries to cut Sonny off. WILL: Sonny, I don’t really have time— … SONNY: Will, it’s…a big deal. Apparently Victor has a surprise for us or something. It’s a big family dinner. … WILL: This wouldn’t happen to be some ploy to get me to forgive you, would it? Because, seriously, Sonny, I’m really not in the mood for any more games right now, I’m serious— … SONNY: Will, I’m serious. This is no game. Now, please, can we just…put our problems aside, just for tonight and just…pretend everything’s okay? … Will bites his lip, looking to the sky as he mulls over Sonny’s plea. Reluctantly, he answers. WILL: Fine. But this does not mean everything’s good between us. Don’t even try to use this as an opportunity to try to squirm your way back into bed tonight. You understand. … Sonny closes his eyes in frustration, sighing audibly. SONNY: Fine. Meet me at TBD for 6 and we’ll head over together? … WILL: Meet me at Victor’s for 6:30 and we’ll walk in together. … Sonny snaps, finally losing his cool at Will. SONNY: Will, come on! … Will smiles evilly, knowing his got Sonny’s goat. WILL: Final offer! … SONNY: (sigh) FINE. See you at Vic’s. Sonny hangs up angrily. … Will hangs up, a deliciously evil smile on his face as he chuckles to himself. WILL: Sonny, you are not gonna get away with lying to me that easily. Will sits down in his office chair, smirking as he leans back confidently. WILL: You did the crime, now you’re gonna do the time. --- At the hospital, Billie steps into Laura’s office, having interrupted Daniel’s talk with Laura about Liam. Both Laura and Daniel are taken aback by Billie’s arrival, and both struggle to speak. DANIEL: Uh…Billie! Hey…uh…mm, Laura and I were going over some… BILLIE: …Something I’m not supposed to know about? Sorry to drop in like this, Laura. I couldn’t find Daniel in his office and I heard his voice from the hall. Laura, sensing tension in the air, looks back and forth between the two of them and starts to back away. LAURA: I think…I’ll leave you two for the moment. Daniel, we can finish this later. DANIEL: Sure, Laura. Laura walks towards the door, but, before walking out, stops and turns back toward Daniel. LAURA: Oh! And, by the way, Daniel! Thank you so much for everything. You’ll lock up behind me? Laura smiles, and heads out the door, as Daniel holds up his hand in a half-hearted wave back at Laura. DANIEL: Sure. Don’t mention it. Once Laura leaves, Billie crosses her arms, impatiently waiting for an answer from Daniel. BILLIE: Far be it from me to be sticking my nose in where it doesn’t belong, but what exactly was that? Daniel looks off to the side in frustration, knowing Billie won’t stop until she has an answer. DANIEL: (sigh) I can’t go into this with you, Billie. BILLIE: Oh come on, Daniel. I mean, I…Jenn’s a good friend of mine. If something’s wrong with her and Abigail, I want to know about it. DANIEL: Billie, there’s nothing wrong. I…Jenn’s worried about Abigail being in Italy working for the DiMeras, and Laura just wanted me to check in on her. Billie’s eyes peer down at Daniel, who’s sitting in front of Laura’s desk. Billie leans over and perches on top of Laura’s desk. She looks at him intensely as she responds softly and slowly to him. BILLIE: I don’t believe a word you’re saying. And I’m going to find out exactly what’s really going on. Daniel sighs in frustration at Billie’s resolve. --- In Jennifer’s office, Jenn sits behind her desk, working away on her computer, when she hears a knock at the door. JENNIFER: Come in. The door opens and Liam’s smiling face appears. Jenn smiles in return, pleased to see him. JENNIFER: HEY! I wasn’t expecting you! Liam comes in and walks immediately over to Jenn’s desk. The two kiss quickly on the lips. LIAM: I figured you could use a break from the nonstop…press releasing. Jenn laughs and smiles warmly as Liam sits down across from her at the other side of her desk. JENNIFER: Well, it’s definitely welcomed. I gotta get this all done by the end of the week. We have to announce the new head of HR that’s replacing Anne and then…ugh, I’m boring you, aren’t I? LIAM: Never. JENNIFER: Well, good, cos I’m boring myself. (laughs) So what brought you here, I thought you had to go consult at a hospital in Chicago. Liam shuffles in his seat a bit before leaning in close to Jenn, a sensuous look in his eye as he gives Jenn his news. LIAM: I…yeah, but I finished early, so, I thought you and I could leave work a little early today for a little…quiet dinner at Chez Rouge? Jenn leans in, smiling wider than ever, she nuzzles in close to Liam as she answers. JENNIFER: I think that is something that can be arranged, Mr. Frasier. Jenn leans in and touches Liam’s nose with hers. They look intensely in each other’s eyes before leaning in ever-so-slowly for a soft kiss. --- Gabi looks up from reading Nick’s tablet, as she sits across from him at a booth at the Brady Pub. She looks stunned by what she sees: An old modelling picture of her in an apparently new ad for MadWorld Cosmetics. GABI: Wh…what? You want me to be new face of MadWorld? Nick smiles broadly, anticipating a favourable reaction from Gabi to his gift. NICK: Absolutely. I mean, Gabi, you’re gorgeous, and you’re already established with MadWorld…there’s nothing stopping you. GABI: I…Nick, I mean, this isn’t the first time you’ve set up modelling jobs for me and it was a disaster— Nick holds up his hands to stop Gabi midsentence. He interrupts her. NICK: I know! I know, it’s…I didn’t go about it the right way last time. This way, you can stay here in Salem, you can co-parent with Will and Sonny, there’s no great upheaval. We can take it slow. GABI: Nick, you’re…you’re talking like… Gabi stops herself mid-sentence, stopping herself from letting Nick know her true (lack of) feelings for him, but Nick’s suspicious, and it shows in his eyes. NICK: Like what? Gabi tenses up almost immediately, trying to backtrack to allay Nick’s suspicions. GABI: You’re talking like…like I can just stay in Salem and model, I mean…that isn’t exactly how it works. Nick nods in understanding, but pinches the bridge of his nose, as though feeling a sudden pain. Gabi looks on, trying to sort out what’s happening. NICK: No, you’re…you’re right. GABI: Nick, you okay? A voice is heard approaching Gabi and Nick from behind, while the sound of approaching heels clicks closer slowly. KATE: Is he ever? Gabi and Nick look up in surprise to see Kate looking down with her usual sour expression. She catches a glimpse of the MadWorld ad and looks over at Nick, unimpressed. KATE: What are you up to now, Nick? --- --- Kate leans against the edge of the booth casually, waiting for an answer from an obviously pained Nick. NICK: Nothing, Kate. Just…ugh, taking care of business with Gabi. Kate, unmoved by Nick’s pain, grabs his tablet and looks at it momentarily before holding it up to show Nick the picture of Gabi. KATE: I see, and this wouldn’t have anything to do with your little…amateur adventures at Photoshop, would it? Because I never authorized you to set up any ad campaigns, Nick. You work in the lab, remember? You make the formulas, I sell them. Nick groans as he tries to keep up with Kate, trying to grab his laptop bag to grab his “ibuprofen” tablets. He replies as he searches. NICK: God, Kate. You never let up, do you? KATE: In business, if you let up, you get screwed. You should know that better than anyone. Kate looks over, watching Nick struggle to find anything in his bag. KATE: Having trouble, Nick? NICK: Yeah, can’t find my aspirin, you have any, Gabi? I’d take them from you, Kate, but you have a bit of a history with poisoning things, I’m not gonna take my chances. Kate rolls her eyes as Gabi hesitantly goes through her bag. Not finding anything, she gets up from her seat. GABI: Uh, no. I don’t…if you want, I’ll run down to the drugstore at the corner and grab you something, okay? NICK: Sure, thanks, Gabi. GABI: No problem, uh…Kate, can you do me a huge favour and watch over Ari— KATE: …Say no more, but hurry. I have places to be. Gabi turns back and nods appreciatively. GABI: Yep, no worries, I’ll be right back. Kate turns around and picks Ari up from her high chair, as Nick fumbles out of his seat. Outside the door, Gabi looks back to make sure she isn’t spotted by Kate or Nick. She walks just to the edge of the building, just out of sight from those inside. She grabs her cell phone and makes a call. GABI: (into phone) EJ! I need your help. NOW. --- Will walks onto the elevator to head for home. When the doors open, Will steps in, and leans casually against the back wall, catching up on messages on his cell phone. As the doors are nearly closed, a hand stops them from completely shutting, and the doors open again. Will sighs, impatient to go home, and looks up unimpressed by the new passenger. Until he sees who it is. WILL: Alex. Will immediately lights up as he sees his new supervisor dressed in skin-tight biking gear. Will’s eyes look Alex up and down as he steps on. Alex smiles back at Will. ALEX: Hey! Will! How you doing? WILL: I…uh…good, I…heh. You look, awfully casual. ALEX: Oh! Yeah, this. I…heh…I usually bike home from work, and I wanted to try the commute home from the new office before the weather got too cold. Will nods, half-listening to Alex, as he’s too distracted by Alex’s biking outfit, which leaves…little to the imagination. Will licks his lips and, catching himself, looks up at Alex, smiling. WILL: Yeah, it’s…good weather for that. Alex smiles, before the air fills with an awkward silence, broken only by the sound of the elevator as it beeps, passing each floor on the way down. Alex finally breaks it. ALEX: So, how was your first day? WILL: Oh, it was great. I’m…really glad you were able to help. I have a feeling I’ll…need a bit more. Heh. ALEX: Oh, don’t even worry about it. I’ll definitely be around whenever you need. Just ask. WILL: Thanks. Will looks up, looking at his watch. The awkward silence hits again for a moment, but Alex again takes the opportunity to break it. ALEX: So…you…uh…have any plans tonight? Will thinks a moment, before answering carefully. WILL: I…uh…yeah. A bit later, but...hey, maybe…did you wanna maybe grab a drink before you head home, we can maybe…go over…a few more things and get to know each other better… Will quickly realizes what he’s just said and quickly backtracks. WILL: In a totally professional way, of course. Alex laughs as Will blushes, Alex’s eyes linger into Will’s as the elevator finally stops at the ground floor. The doors open as Alex responds. ALEX: I would love that, but I have dinner plans tonight, and I’d better go shower before all that, so…maybe tomorrow? WILL: I…YEAH! Definitely. ALEX: Alright, I’ll see you tomorrow. Alex goes to head out the door, but puts a hand on Will’s lower back on his way out. Will tenses as he feels Alex’s hand touch him gently. ALEX: Great work today, by the way. Will nearly chokes as he feels Alex’s hand slide away, Alex walking out the door, smiling at him as he waves, that Will nearly forgets to leave the elevator himself. WILL: I…yeah…I mean, thanks! Will exhales as he exits the elevator. He watches Alex walk towards the door, mesmerized momentarily by his muscled body in his tight-fitting sportswear. Will snaps out of it a second later, feeling like the biggest fool on the planet. WILL: Yeah, Will. Great work. (sigh) --- Daniel gets up from his desk, still trying to find a way to allay Billie’s concerns. DANIEL: Billie, you can’t do anything about this. Billie watches from atop Daniel’s desk, looking at him incredulously. BILLIE: Like Hell, I can’t. Look, I know you want to protect them, but if something’s seriously wrong…I mean...you’re not exactly chummy with Jennifer since you two split. DANIEL: That’s…putting it mildly. Billie gets up from Daniel’s desk and slowly walks up behind him. She puts her hands gently on his shoulders and sensuously rubs them, as she softly speaks in his ear. BILLIE: So…why not let someone who’s a little less…let’s say…controversial get the goods you need, hm? Daniel smiles and has a bit of a laugh, but turns around to face Billie. Putting his arms around her, while she rests her arms on his shoulders again, he tries to let her down gently. DANIEL: I would love nothing more than to fill you in on every detail of this… BILLIE: Good— DANIEL: But…it’s not going to happen, Billie. This is something I have to do myself. Billie’s drops her arms to her side. She sulks as she backs away from Daniel. BILLIE: Fine! I’ll just go to Jenn myself and find out from her what’s going on— Daniel’s voice booms as he instructs Billie. DANIEL: NO YOU WON’T! Billie is stopped in her tracks by Daniel’s explosion. Her face looks toward Daniel, shocked by his intensity. Daniel walks back towards Billie. His voice returns to its soft tone, but the intensity remains, forcing Billie to take in every word. DANIEL: Look, you cannot go to Jenn about ANY of this, do you understand? She has no idea what’s going on, and if she does, she may be in grave danger, okay? And if I tell you, there’s a good chance that you’ll be in just as much danger as she is, okay? Billie looks at Daniel, a mix of worry and fear in her eyes as she nods slowly in understanding. BILLIE: But…will YOU be okay? Daniel bites his lip, thinking things over a moment before speaking. DANIEL: God, I hope so. --- Kate holds Ari, bouncing Ari in her arms as she speaks to Nick, unimpressed by his latest antics. KATE: I told you to keep out of my business. Nick, still struggling with his sudden headache, pinches the bridge of his nose while he responds. NICK: Kate, we had a deal. You had to get Gabi a contract with MadWorld or I say what I know. Kate leans in, speaking softly, as if to get Nick to quiet down by proxy by lowering the tone of her own voice. KATE: And it wasn’t time to offer anything to her yet. We had to have product first. NICK: No, no. You were stalling. I knew you were. And I decided to take matters into my own hands. You should be thankful this is all I did. You know what I could do. Kate rolls her eyes, unable to counter Nick once again. NICK: I’m gonna go check with Mrs. Brady and see if she has anything for this headache. Nick heads off to the bar to talk to Caroline, while Kate saunters over to the front of the pub. Suddenly spotting Gabi just outside the doorway, she walks closer to the door to spy on her. Outside, Gabi stands slightly off to the side, thinking she can’t be seen in the building. She has her cell phone out, talking on her phone. GABI: (into phone) I know I was supposed to just get him hooked and get him arrested but it wasn’t that easy… … EJ stands in his office at DiMera Enterprises, an agitated tone in his voice as he talks to Gabi. EJ: (into phone) What do you mean, Gabi? What’s happened? … GABI: (into phone) Hope didn’t take the bait. She couldn’t find the bottle of pills I switched out at all. I know he’s been using it, I mean, he’s been getting these really bad headaches. But…he’s out of pills and I don’t know what to do. Kate is now outside, looking on, brow furrowed as she catches some of what Gabi’s saying. She listens closer as she approaches, as quietly as she can. … EJ: (into phone) Okay…I have an idea. Just…head to the pier and meet the same guy as before in one hour. … GABI: (into phone) No, I don’t have that kind of time, EJ. He thinks I’m already headed out to the pharmacy. Please, you have to make it sooner than that. I can’t do this anymore. This time, the plan has to work. He has to be caught red handed before he goes any farther. … EJ: (into phone) Well, if the pills weren’t enough last time… … GABI: (into phone) Well, then we need something more incriminating then. A prescription pad, a…phony doctor’s note.SOMETHING. Kate is stunned by what she’s hearing. A wry smile starts to appear on her face as she begins to realize what Gabi’s up to. … EJ slams his fist on the desk in anger. He shouts into the phone. EJ: (into phone) Dammit, Gabi! Okay, just head there now. I’ll try to get my guy over there, but no promises. … GABI: (into phone) Oh my God, thank you, EJ. I owe you BIG time. Gabi hangs up the phone, and quickly walks off toward the pier. As she walks away, she doesn’t see a smiling Kate behind her. As she bounces baby Ari in her arms, she laughs quietly to herself. KATE: Bravo, Gabi. I gotta say, I didn’t think you had it in you. --- Liam and Jenn’s kiss is interrupted by Liam’s cell phone ringing. The pair are jolted out of their romantic moment, as Liam leans back in his chair, grabbing his phone and looking at who’s calling. Frustrated, he gets up from his seat and holds up one finger to indicate to Jenn. LIAM: Ahh I gotta take this, it’s Chiacgo, one moment. JENNIFER: That’s fine, take your time, sweetie. Jenn nods, going back to work, as Liam hastily leaves her office, shutting the door behind him. Liam storms into the hallway, checking all around to see who’s passing by, before sliding into the waiting room. As he turns into the waiting room, Laura passes by and spots Liam going in. She carefully follows to the doorway and, just out of his line of sight, listens in closely. LIAM: (into phone) This better be important. … EJ responds, now pacing his office, a headache developing for him as well now. EJ: (into phone) You need to get Percocets and a prescription pad to the pier in 15 minutes or less. … Liam reacts in angered disbelief. LIAM: (into phone) WHAT? … EJ: (into phone) Exactly what I just said. We’ve got an emergency on our hands and if Gabi Hernandez doesn’t get Percocets and a prescription pad in her hands by… EJ checks his watch hastily before continuing. EJ: …4:30, everything we’ve worked for is in jeopardy. … LIAM: (into phone) A prescription pad? EJ, I mean…the drugs are one thing but… Liam looks around the room to make sure no one’s watching or coming into the room. He leans in and speaks softer. Outside, Laura focuses in even closer. LIAM …a prescription pad? That’s not exactly easy to get. Laura looks on, confused as all get out as to what Liam’s up to. She whispers almost inaudibly to herself. LAURA: Prescription pad? And why is he talking to EJ? (sigh) I have a bad feeling about this. … EJ: (into phone) You’re in a hospital, you’ll manage. 15 minutes, Liam. No ifs, ands, or buts. … LIAM: (into phone) Oh, what? I’m just supposed to pull one out of my ass now? Come on, EJ. This is crazy. … EJ: (into phone) There is no time argue or question me. Get the pills, put them in the same ibuprofen package as before, get the prescription pads, give them to Gabi Hernandez, and tell her she needs to sneak the pad into the target’s bag when he isn’t looking. That’s it. … Liam, resigned to his fate, throws his hands up. LIAM: (into phone) (sigh) Yep. Right. I’ll be there. EJ hangs up the phone. Liam follows suit. LIAM: Okay. Percocets…and prescription pads. Good luck, Liam. You’ll need it. Liam turns and storms out of the room. Laura, still standing outside, leans up against the wall as closely as she can, praying Liam doesn’t spot her. He turns away from her, and walks down the hall in the other direction. She breathes a sigh of relief, but looks on, more worried than ever. LAURA: Selling pills and prescription pads…to EJ DiMera. Oh Daniel, I hope to hell you figure out what he’s up to before it’s too late. ---

EPISODE 81 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Hope walks through the Salem Police station towards her office as Rafe approaches. Hope looks over and smiles in greeting as Rafe does the same. RAFE: Hey! Just who I was looking for. HOPE: Well, don’t I feel flattered. Come in. Hope opens the door to her office and props it open for Rafe come in behind her. He shuts the door after entering as Hope sits down behind her desk. HOPE: So I got a few things I’ll need to take care of today so I’m not here long. What’s up? Rafe walks over to Hope’s desk and drops a file on it before her. RAFE: Well, this can’t really wait. There was another burglary in the west end again last night. Hope looks up, stunned and disappointed. HOPE: You’re kidding. RAFE: Nope! This time, they at least got a description of the suspect. It’s not perfect, but… Hope picks up the file and looks it over quickly, studying it as best she can. HOPE: Young male, black, 20-25, muscular build. Grey college hoodie, not Salem U. Wow, okay. Anything turn up so far? RAFE: Nah. This guy seems to have vanished into thin air after the robbery. All they know is he was in a rented moving van, but no one can trace it, they didn’t get the licence plate or anything. Hope drops the file on her desk as she looks back over at Rafe. HOPE: Damn. (sigh) Alright, well, we’ll keep looking. You doing okay? Rafe shrugs, smiling half-heartedly. RAFE: Yeah, I’m fine. Can’t complain too much. Hope looks at Rafe’s face and raises her eyebrow skeptically. HOPE: Why don’t I believe you? Rafe looks up, confused. HOPE: It’s Jordan, isn’t it? Rafe, is something going wrong between you? Rafe sighs, hesitant to get into this discussion now. --- Daniel stands, stunned in Laura Horton’s office at University Hospital. Laura looks up at him, worried about Daniel’s sudden silence. She gets up from her chair and tries to get Daniel’s attention. LAURA: Daniel? Daniel! Daniel blinks, suddenly back to reality. DANIEL: Hi. Sorry. Umm…look. I think I just…put two and two together and…yeah, I’m worried about Abigail. Very worried. Laura looks at Daniel, now more worried than before about her granddaughter. --- Nick sits casually on Percy’s sofa in the cabin, as Percy works away, carefully studying the Titan security videos. Nick scrolls through his tablet, earpiece in one ear, smiling widely at what he’s seeing and hearing as he suddenly gets up and turns to Percy. NICK: Got it! Percy looks up, peeling the headphones off his ears as though they’d been on for hours. Percy winces in pain as his ears appear, red as tomatoes. PERCY: My apologies, Nicholas. I didn’t hear you. NICK: I think I know exactly what we’re going to need to stick it to Victor. Check this out. Nick offers his tablet to Percy, who studies the image of Jordan, Sheryl, and Jerome’s meeting. After squinting at it a moment, Percy dons his bifocals, staring once again at the screen looking down his nose. PERCY: But…Nicholas, who is that young man there? I’ve never seen him before. Nick pulls his tablet away, casually flipping the case around it to close it as he heads back to the sofa to put the tablet away. NICK: That…is apparently a man named Jerome Grant. From what I caught, which, incidentally isn’t much because those girls need to stop mumbling so damn much, he knows Jordan and Sheryl from before they came to Salem. PERCY: Could he be a danger to us? Nick pulls out his cell phone from his bag, smiling his classic smug smirk. NICK: Ohhh, I don’t think that’ll be a problem, Percy. Look, I’m gonna head into town, I’ll see you later, okay? Nick grabs his laptop bag and slings it over his shoulder as he heads for the door. Percy smiles, nods, and waves as he begins to put his headphones back on. PERCY: Absolutely, I’ll keep you informed if I hear or see any so-called “juicy tidbits”, Nicholas! NICK: Great stuff, Percy. See you later on. Nick closes the door to the cabin, as he makes his phone call. … Gabi, sitting at a table at Town Square, rocking Arianna back and forth in her stroller, hears the phone. She suddenly stops and looks frantically for her phone. Pulling it out, she looks down with a sickened look on her face as she sees Nick’s name on her screen. GABI: Oh God. Quickly answering, she swallows hard, expecting the worst. GABI: Hey Nick, w…what’s up? … NICK: Hey, Gabi! Uh…look I really have something important to talk to you about. Can you meet me in 20 minutes at the Brady Pub? … GABI: Uh…sure. Yeah, I can! … NICK: Great. See you then. Nick hangs up the phone, beaming. NICK: Ohhh Gabi. You’re gonna love the surprise I have for you. Nick walks off toward his car, feeling on top of the world. …. Gabi hangs up the phone, a look of dread on her face, as she tries to distract Ari, but silently curses Nick. Her sudden tension isn’t lost on Ari, who begins to cry, upsetting Gabi even more. --- Marlena and Eric walk into Club TBD, Eric finally having a laugh with Marlena after spending two days in solemn silence. They find a seat and are handed menus by the server. Marlena and Eric both look up pleasantly, Marlena holding up her hand to stop her before she puts the menus down. MARLENA: Oh, it’s okay. I’ll just have a coffee. ERIC: Same for me. Marlena turns back to Eric with a serious, but loving face that Eric recognizes immediately. He reacts to it with a change of expression, back inward. ERIC: Mom… MARLENA: (interrupting) I know you don’t want me to pry… ERIC: No. Actually, I do. Mom, you’re the only person I can turn to about this. I’m…honestly, I’m really struggling. Marlena looks on, now really concerned for Eric. She squints a bit, staring intently at him. Eric catches this and looks down as his coffee is put down on the table in front of him by the waitress, Marlena’s in front of her. MARLENA: Eric…what’s the problem? Eric breathes in deeply, then sighs as he prepares to tell his mother about his dilemma. ERIC: Mom, I’ve been…really troubled ever since this whole…situation with Kristen went down and…I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. MARLENA: Okay. I mean, it’s understandable that you’d have a lot of conflicting emotions, Eric. You lost your vocation. It meant a lot to you, you don’t just…lose that overnight. ERIC: Right, but…(sigh), some things have happened since then…I mean…Sonny and Will’s wedding, among other things…and it’s made me sort of…realize… Marlena leans in, trying to catch Eric’s eyes. Eric, stirring his coffee mindlessly, stops, finally looking at his mom. MARLENA: Sweetheart. Realize what? ERIC: I’m thinking of leaving the church altogether. Marlena’s eyes widen at Eric’s revelation. --- --- Valerie stands in her office at University Hospital, leaning against her desk with her other hand on her hip, as she stares down her grandson, Jerome. VALERIE: Come on now, out with it! Something is on your mind, and you’re a bad liar. JEROME: Grandma… VALERIE: Well, maybe you can fool other people but you sure as Hell can’t fool me. Now spit it out. Jerome rolls his eyes, pausing a moment before he gives in. He turns and faces his grandmother, earnestly responding to her. JEROME: I just…I ran into old university friends from Toronto here and…we didn’t leave things on a good note. That’s all. VALERIE: Well, you know, it’s not like you’re still kids, Jerome. I think taking the year off before you started your PhD was probably a good idea. Maybe things have mellowed and you’ll work things out. JEROME: Hopefully….I just can’t shake the feeling that something’s happening that I don’t quite understand. I got a bad feeling, Grandma. Valerie smiles as she walks over to Jerome, putting her hand under his chin in a form of encouragement. VALERIE: You will be alright. In all your years on this Earth, you’ve managed to be smarter, and more resourceful than anyone I’ve ever met. You just remember that. Jerome smiles slightly, a warmth in his eyes as he looks at Valerie. He suddenly looks down at his phone and sees the time. Fumbling around a moment, he sets his phone on Valerie’s desk as he asks her a question. JEROME: Thanks, Grandma. Look, I gotta get going, uh…you got the keys to the new house? Valerie digs into her pocket and pulls out a keyring with three keys on it, tossing them Jerome’s way casually. VALERIE: Yep! Got ‘em right here. Jerome catches them with ease as he starts for the door. JEROME: Thanks. I gotta get this stuff into my room before I head into Salem U. Get into the registrar’s office before it closes. Thanks, Gran! VALERIE: See you later, Sweetie. As Jerome closes the door, Valerie watches him, a warm smile on her face, before she grabs her file folder on Roman. She stops as she picks it up, putting it back down again as she sees Jerome’s cell phone. VALERIE: Oh Damn it, JEROME! She jumps up from her seat and runs for the doorway, but Jerome is already gone. She stops in her doorway, turns back around and sighs. As she heads back to her desk, she stops before it, and stares at Roman’s file. VALERIE: Well...maybe it’s time we found some answers for you, Roman. --- Rafe looks at Hope, sitting opposite her at her office desk. Rafe tries to hold back his emotions a bit. Hope leans in, trying to catch Rafe’s eye. HOPE: Rafe, come on. I think we’ve known each other long enough to know when something’s up with each other. Rafe looks up at Hope and sighs. He decides to speak his mind. He begins, fidgeting uncomfortably. RAFE: Well…yeah, you’re right. I dunno. Jordan’s been…really distant the last few weeks and I can’t put my finger on why. Hope looks at Rafe, concerned. HOPE: Has anything changed in the last few weeks? Like…I know she’s been busy with work and all but… RAFE: Nah. It’s mostly been Sheryl. I think she’s going through something and…apparently can’t go to Lucas about it so she goes to Jordan. HOPE: And you get left out in the cold. RAFE: (sigh) Right. Hope reaches out and puts her hand over Rafe’s, giving him a comforting look. HOPE: Just be patient. Whatever’s going on is not going to break the two of you. I see the both of you and you’re always…incredibly happy when you’re together. Whatever’s going on with Jordan or Sheryl…it’ll pass. Rafe smiles slightly, as Hope gets up from her desk and slips on her jacket, and grabs her keys. RAFE: Hope you’re right. HOPE: I know I’m right. Look, I’m going to pick up Ciara from school, I’ll keep my eyes open for anything about the burglaries. Okay? Rafe gets up from his seat to head into the hallway himself. He holds the door for Hope as she exits the room, with Rafe right behind her. RAFE: Sounds good. I’ll text you in a bit if I come up with anything. HOPE: Great. See ya! RAFE: Bye! Rafe shuts the door behind Hope. He sighs as he grabs his phone to check for any notification from Jordan. RAFE: Nothing. (sigh) --- Laura looks at Daniel, she takes a moment before asking her next question to Daniel, almost afraid of the answer she’ll get. LAURA: I’m afraid to ask. Daniel immediately starts to pace the room, trying to calm himself a bit in hopes of also placating a now-frantic Laura. DANIEL: Look, just…I was Abigail’s doctor when she had that…accident at work. And…I’m not saying to panic but…I will look into this for you, okay? But…don’t worry. I will make sure Abigail is okay. Laura exhales and smiles at Daniel, nodding in satisfaction. She relaxes a bit, feeling reassured. LAURA: Thank you. Laura stops a moment, seeing that Daniel still appears troubled by their conversation. She puts a hand on his arm in reassurance. LAURA: And, Daniel. Just…I’m sorry to insert you back in Jennifer’s business like this…I know you two have, well, gone your own way. But…I feel like you…you know my family better than anyone at this hospital and…well…Jenn and Abigail could really use your help. I just…I didn’t know who else to turn to. Daniel nods in understanding. As he responds, Billie approaches Laura’s office door. She hears Daniel’s voice and stops, creaking the door open as he speaks. DANIEL: No, it’s okay. I…totally understand why you came to me, and I mean…I’m always going to love your daughter, no matter what’s happened between us. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep Jenn and Abigail safe. BILLIE: What are we keeping Jenn and Abby safe from? Daniel and Laura both turn around, surprised by Billie’s entrance. Billie looks back, a curious look on her face. --- Marlena looks at Eric incredulously. She leans in closer to him, almost scolding him with her reaction. MARLENA: Are you serious? Eric, you were so passionate about being a priest, it…it was your life— ERIC: …WAS my life, Mom. MARLENA: Eric, don’t let Kristen win. She’s taken so much from us already, you can’t… Eric holds up his hand to try to stop his mom from continuing. ERIC: Mom…please. It’s not about Kristen. In fact, I’m starting to think that it’s because everything that happened was because of Kristen, that…maybe that’s why it’s taken me until now to make this decision. Marlena chokes a bit on her words, unsure how to respond, but still not pleased. MARLENA: I…I, I mean how…look, you just need the proof that Dr. Chyka’s drug is what poisoned you that night, and you’ll be exonerated. We know that. Eric looks down, already exhausted by Marlena’s unrelenting pressure. ERIC: Mom— MARLENA: Eric! You can’t give up when you’re so close to clearing your name. ERIC: Mom! I’m not about to give up. I will never stop until people know the truth about what happened to me that night. But, Mom, how am I supposed to support a system of beliefs that tells me that my nephew…not only doesn’t have the right happiness with the man he loves, but that they both should be killed for it. Just for loving each other? How do I support a church that is so ready to throw me under the bus, and to judge me as this…monster, when I was a victim? There is so much…evil that is swept under the rug in this church, and they want to dismiss a priest who comes out as gay? I mean…Mom, they won’t even acknowledge your marriage to John, even with all the extenuating circumstances that caused your affair and your divorce from Dad. Marlena looks down, nodding sadly as she thinks back on her affair with John. MARLENA: I know that was hard, but… ERIC: Mom, it’s…I chose to overlook it for a very, very long time. Because I saw the good that being faithful, and being a priest could do. The benefit it could have to humanity, and the…the joy and comfort that my faith could bring, and I wanted to share that with the world. And maybe I was doing it, in a way to…make my family proud, I don’t know. But the fact remains that I could not reconcile my faith and my love for my family. And my desire to see them happy with the people they love. Marlena reaches out across the table and grabs Eric’s hands in hers. Squeezing them tightly, she begins to cry, a look of pride across her face. MARLENA: Ohh, Eric. My darling boy. I don’t care what your vocation is. I will ALWAYS be proud of you. And so will your father, and your grandmother, and your aunts and uncles and everybody. Eric and Marlena share a laugh, as Marlena holds Eric’s hands firmly. MARLENA: I want you to remember, no matter what…I couldn’t be more proud of you than I am right now. Don’t you ever forget that. ERIC: Thanks, Mom. Marlena and Eric get up from their seats and share a tight, warm hug that seems to last ages. As Marlena lets go of Eric, she looks him dead in the eyes, still a bit teary. MARLENA: And whatever you do decide…I will support you. No matter what. Eric nods, feeling the first bit of comfort he’s felt in a long time. ERIC: You know, you don’t realize how comforting it is to hear that. Seriously, thank you. I love you. MARLENA: Oh, Eric. Marlena pulls Eric in again for a hug, once again holding him tightly, like she was comforting him as a boy. --- Nick looks up from his tablet, as he sits in the booth at the Brady Pub. He spots Gabi in the doorway and gets up from his seat. He goes to grab Arianna, but Gabi tenses up, reactively pulling her closer to her chest. She tries to pass it off as nothing and points to the high chair in the corner. GABI: No, no! I got her, can you just…grab the high chair for me. Nick turns around and spots the high chair, springing into action dutifully. NICK: Oh! Yeah, absolutely. Nick steps over to grab the high chair, and sets it up for Ari to sit in. Gabi smiles and slots Ari in carefully, with Nick’s help. GABI: There we go! Easy does it. Once Ari’s in place, the pair sit down. GABI: Ohh, thank you, Nick. Nick shifts midsentence towards Ari, paying the beautiful young child some attention, but Ari is not having it and flinches at Nick’s touch. NICK: Anything for you and this beautiful little girl of yours! Hey sweetie!! Ari kicks Nick’s hand away, causing Nick to jump back a bit, and having a short laugh about it. NICK: Wow, she’s feisty today! Gabi laughs nervously in response before becoming fairly serious, nervously asking Nick the question of the hour. GABI: Heh, yeah. She’s…like that some days. You never know. So…uh…why did you ask me to come, Nick? It sounded...pretty important on the phone. NICK: Oh, trust me, Gabi. This is…life-changing news. Without a doubt. Gabi looks to one side, grimacing, trying to fake a smile and failing. GABI: Can’t wait. Nick looks down at his trusty tablet, swiping through different screens until he pulls up the screen to show Gabi. NICK: Kate and I have been working on a new line for MadWorld. It’s a young, fresh line of skin care that is 40% less heavy than your main line products with just as long-lasting coverage. Can’t really get into details more than that, but…it’s tested REALLY well. GABI: That sounds fantastic. W…what does it have to do with me? Nick turns the tablet toward Gabi and hands it to her. On the screen is a beauty shot from Gabi’s old modelling shoots with a tester from the new line photoshopped in. Gabi looks on in shock as Nick reveals his intentions. NICK: We want you to be the face of the new line. Gabi looks up at Nick, breathing in deeply, an almost panic-stricken look on her face. ---

Apologies for the weird formatting. Posting is still a challenge.

EPISODE 76 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Billie walks up to Daniel by the Nurses' station at University Hospital, and taps him on one shoulder, before darting in the opposite direction. Daniel turns around and looks confused momentarily before spotting Billie out of the corner of his eye and grabbing her. They both laugh heartily as Billie grabs Daniel's arm and smiles. DANIEL: Gotcha. BILLIE: Yeah, well, I don't put up much of a fight with you. How are you doing? DANIEL: Ahhh, alright. Ready for lunch if you are. BILLIE: I think that would be an excellent idea. You made the arrangements for tonight? Daniel looks at Billie and shakes his head. DANIEL: You know I can't talk about that here. BILLIE: I am being as vague as I can, but frankly, I just want to be sure you made the arrangements. This has got to work. Daniel leans in close and hugs Billie. DANIEL: Don't worry. Everything will be fine. As Daniel holds Billie, Kim steps off the elevator and catches the two of them in their embrace. She folds her arms immediately and stares disapprovingly. --- Sami walks down the hallway of University Hospital, just outside Dr. Laura Horton's office, making a quick phone call on her cell phone as she turns the corner. SAMI: Gabi! Glad I caught you...umm...are you free at all this afternoon? ... Gabi walks casually toward The Brady Pub while on her phone, pushing her stroller with her other hand, thinking momentarily before responding to Sami's question. GABI: Uh...yeah. Sure. I can...meet you. Why? Is something wrong? ... SAMI: Uh...no! No, everything's fine, I just...I have a proposition for you, so I just...figure we could meet up. ... GABI: Sure! I'm just about to sit down to lunch with Will, so...maybe after that? ... SAMI: I might have to make that a little later. I've got a quick stop to make to clear up some business so...maybe...around 3? ... GABI: Sounds good, I'll see you then. ... SAMI: Perfect, bye! Sami hangs up the phone before looking down at it again to check the time. She inhales deeply as she looks up at Laura's office. SAMI: Well, here goes nothing. Sami steps into Laura's office, but jumps back a moment when, opposite Laura, sits EJ. He smiles upon seeing Sami enter the room, and gives a small wave. Sami smiles back, relieved that he's made it. --- Gabi struggles into the Brady Pub with her stroller. Will, already inside, catches this and jumps over to help Gabi in. He laughs as he helps Gabi push Ari inside. GABI: Oh my God, thank you SO much, Will. Will lifts the stroller over the bump in the doorway, and lets the door shut behind him as he helps to guide the stroller. WILL: Heh, hey, I gotta make myself useful somehow today. GABI: Rough first day? WILL: Just a bit. Gabi finds their booth and sits down, positioning the stroller so that Ari can face her. WILL: Here, I'll just...grab a high chair, be right back. GABI: Kay. Will grabs a high chair from the corner and they set Ari up in it, at which point Gabi folds the stroller shut. GABI: There we go! WILL: So how was your morning? GABI: Pretty boring. Just...got Ari fed, got myself ready, came here. WILL: Must be nice. GABI: Well, it was pretty uneventful until a minute ago. Will's ears perk up. He looks at Gabi inquisitively. WILL: Oh? GABI: Yeah. Your mom just called me. Something she really wants to talk with me about. WILL: Sounds...serious. GABI: Yeah...and with your mom, I don't ever know what to expect. Will rolls his eyes and nods his head in agreement. WILL: Trust me, I've lived with her my entire life, it never gets any easier. Gabi snickers a bit before looking at Will with a bit of a bemused look as well. GABI: So...morning that bad? Will shrugs, looking down at his menu disinterestedly. Gabi tries to catch his attention. WILL: I guess...I dunno. Met my boss. GABI: And how's he? Will thinks carefully about his answer, recalling the tension he felt as Alex moved in close to him, and helping Alex peel his shirt off. He snaps out of it after a second as Gabi snaps her fingers, trying to regain his attention. GABI: Will! Will shakes his head, trying to get back to the land of the living. He looks at Gabi with a confused, smitten look that's hard to hide, even though he's desperately trying to downplay it. WILL: Sorry. I just...I don't know...I've never met anyone like this guy in my entire life. Gabi looks at Will, trying to downplay how shocked she is at Will's answer. --- --- Jordan awkwardly steps forward in Sheryl's office, half-smiling at Jerome as she goes to take a seat. Jerome gets up as she makes her attemps and steps toward her, causing her to step back slightly. JORDAN: Wow...It's...been a long time, Jerome. JEROME: How've you been...what is it now? JORDAN: Jordan Ridgeway. JEROME: Right. Jerome smiles and opens his arms for a hug. Jordan reluctantly accepts, wincing as Jerome pulls her near. She steps back and sits down as she looks daggers at Sheryl, she smiles smugly at the situation. SHERYL: So nice to see old friends reunited, no? Jordan rolls her eyes at Sheryl. She shakes her head as she responds. JORDAN: You know, you're really starting to make me question this partnership, Sheryl. Ever since we got to Salem, you've been doing nothing but antagonizing me. SHERYL: Well, if I don't push you, you'd be spending all your time cozying up to the good cop Rafael, am I right? Jordan tries to shush Sheryl as she mentions Rafe, but to no avail. Jerome's heard, and turns his head Jordan's way. JEROME: Rafael? You done got yourself some latin dude now? And a cop? My God, nearly going to jail for blowing up that bank really must have scared the crap out of you, Kay. JORDAN: JORDAN. My name in Salem...is Jordan. And no, it didn't. I just have other priorities than constantly trying to take down Western capitalism. It's called growing up. Sheryl lets out a dismissive laugh at Jordan's comment. She looks Jerome's way, while pointing to Jordan. SHERYL: You see what I've had to put up with? So come on now, let's just...get down to business. I don't have much time before Lucas comes to pick up for lunch so...let's get this plan down, okay? JORDAN: Sure, whatever. SHERYL: Not whatever. This is going to give us all the leverage we need to stop this EnerNext deal...with or without Nick Fallon's help. Jordan looks on, increasingly uneasy with Jerome suddenly involved in this situation, but sighs, looking at Jerome, a bit defeated. --- Gabi looks at Will, a bit surprised by his expression about his new boss. GABI: You sound like you're...smitten or something. WILL: I'm not... Gabi looks at Will, giving him a disbelieving "yeah right" look. Will looks to the side, knowing he's been caught. He leans in close to Gabi so as not to be overheard. WILL: He...(sigh)...Gabi, I don't know what I'm supposed to do. GABI: Are you attracted to him? Will sighs heavily, looking down at his coffee mug. He nods sheepishly. WILL: Yeah, I am. But...I just met him today, I mean...you've been attracted to people you've just met before, right? GABI: Well, yeah, but, I mean...I'm not always the most rational person when it comes to guys, now am I? WILL: You said it, not me. GABI: Rude. WILL: I know. Will winks at Gabi, and the two friends laugh a second, before Will looks at Gabi seriously. WILL: But...seriously...you...you can't...don't tell Sonny, okay? Promise me. Gabi takes Will's hand across the table and puts hers overtop, giving it a gentle squeeze. GABI: Will, why would I do that? You know I'd never say anything...but you have to be honest with yourself, Will. I mean...you've only ever really been with...Sonny...I mean...there's me but that... WILL: Hardly counts, I know. And...maybe you're right. Maybe my...brain or my body is just telling me that I'm just...not ready to be married yet. GABI: Maybe. But I do know one thing. I know you love Sonny more than anything. So, you really need to be sure before you take your vows. Will nods. He thinks over Gabi's words carefully before answering. WILL: Yeah. But I do know one thing...I know I can't hurt Sonny. And maybe I'm just...angry at him and want to...lash out because of yesterday but...I know that'll pass. I love him, Gabi. GABI: Then you need to be honest with him. Tell him what's going on, and figure out what you two need to do next. Do it now, before this goes any further. Will looks up at Gabi, struck by her seriousness. --- Sami looks pleasantly surprised to see EJ in Laura's office. She laughs awkwardly, as she steps forward, then takes a seat next to him. SAMI: EJ! Wow...I'm really glad you made it. EJ: Samantha, where else would I be? Laura smiles, seeing the natural closeness they share, she steps over toward her own seat, and sets herself down across from EJ and Sami. LAURA: You know, it's not often that I see such positive energy coming from both partners in a setting like this. It's a very good sign. EJ: It's simply how I feel for her, Laura. If this is what I have to do to give Samantha peace of mind, so be it. I will be here for her every step of the way. Sami looks over EJ, touched by his warm words, and sensing how genuine they seem. She smiles and replies softly and emotionally. SAMI: Thank you, EJ. Laura looks on, putting on her reading glasses as she grabs her notebook and tape recorder. She hits 'record' and begins to take notes as she looks over the top of her glasses at Sami and EJ. LAURA: Okay, shall we begin? Sami and EJ shuffle in their seats at Laura's announcement. SAMI: When ready. LAURA: Excellent. Now, Sami, I wanted to start with you. We've talked about how your relationship with your son has changed recently. How has that situation changed in the last few days? Sami looks up at the ceiling. She thinks a moment before responding. SAMI: Ohhh I don't know...I stepped into Johnny's room last night. Was watching him sleep. I wanted to reach out to him...run my fingers through his little curls...but I couldn't. LAURA: Okay, I just want to focus on something here though...you say you went to his room. Sami, that's actually a good sign. You weren't even able to look at him before without having flashbacks. EJ looks to Sami, seeing her stare straight ahead, letting Laura's words sink in. She hesitates to smile, as though unsure whether she believes Laura's optimism or not. --- Kim steps towards Daniel and Billie, who immediately separate from their embrace. Her arms folded, she tuts them as she shakes her head disapprovingly. KIM: Well! Far be it from me to break up a cozy scene. But don't you think that, as Theresa's doctor, you really shouldn't be so...cozy with the woman I've specifically had banned from my daughter's hospital room? Daniel turns to Kim, arms up to try to motion to Kim to cool down. DANIEL: Kim, you need to hold on a sec-- KIM: I am not going to hold on a second. How am I supposed to trust that you're not sneaking her in? BILLIE: Because I'm not. Kim glares at Billie as Daniel tries to cool the tension between the two women. DANIEL: Kim, I understand why you're concerned about this, but Billie and I have discussed the situation, and she will not be going in to see Theresa, okay? Kim shakes her head, refusing to buy into Daniel's words. KIM: No. I don't buy it. Kim raises her voice, pointing her finger towards the doorway to Theresa's room. KIM: I want that door protected by a police guard so I can be absolutely sure...that this woman... Kim points to Billie as her voice lowers to a hiss. KIM: Stays the hell away from my daughter. Billie sighs, biting her tongue hard as Daniel looks on, still trying to reason with Kim, who could shoot daggers at Billie with her eyes. ---

EPISODE 70 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Eric sits alone by the river, skipping stones into the river as he stares ahead intently. Deep in intense thought, he doesn't hear as Nicole approaches him carefully. As not to scare him, she simply takes her heels off and sits down with him. Eric finally stops to look and see Nicole sitting next to him before going back to looking out at the water. Nicole hesitates before finally speaking up, speaking gently to not antagonize Eric any further. NICOLE: You're not an easy man to find, you know. ERIC: I hate to say it, Nicole but...that was kinda the goal. NICOLE: I went to St. Luke's first thing and...they suggested coming out here, since you used to head out to the riverside whenever you were feeling lost. ERIC: I'm amazed you didn't know that. Nicole laughs half-heartedly. NICOLE: I guess I was too focused on not...falling back in love with you to notice? Sounds corny, doesn't it? Eric softens a bit at Nicole's words. He looks her way again, giving half a smile before he speaks, then returning to looking away at the water. ERIC: Nah...I understand. NICOLE: Well...I don't. What happened at the square that's got you so upset? You were fine before-- Eric tenses again, interrupting Nicole immediately. ERIC: ...It's nothing. Just...(sigh) Marlena gave me some news and... NICOLE: And? Come on, Eric, what is it? Is everything okay? ERIC: Will and Sonny are getting married. Nicole looks at Eric, confused by what he's saying until she suddenly clues in and reacts. NICOLE: I don't...wait, Eric. What are you saying? Do you have a problem with Will and Sonny getting married? Eric looks at Nicole, an upset and frustrated look on his face, matching Nicole's confused and disappointed look. --- Will storms into his shared apartment, with Sonny following not far behind. Will appears to ignore him, as he walks into the bedroom, leaving Sonny in the living room. Will walks back out with blankets and a pillow, hastily piled together and throws them down on the sofa, his eyes laser-focused on Sonny. Sonny looks at Will with concern and points to the sofa. SONNY: What, you're not gonna sleep out here tonight, are you? Will folds his arms and keeps his eyes focused on Sonny, a cold anger in his eyes. WILL: No. You are. Will turns and walks back into the bedroom, and shouts out to Sonny before the door slams. WILL: Goodnight! Sonny closes his eyes, wincing at the sound of the door slamming. --- Gabi stands in the park with Hope. She stammers, trying to cover herself about her plan for Nick. GABI: I...I meant I...I was so sure because he was...he was...he's been acting... Hope motions to Gabi to spit it out, finally finishing Gabi's sentence for her. HOPE: ...unusual? Like he had been before? Gabi nods, looking up hesitantly at Hope. GABI: Yeah. HOPE: Well, the thing is, Gabi. I don't buy it. Any of it. Gabi looks up, shocked by Hope's rebuttal. GABI: What?! HOPE: Gabi, I spent all afternoon with Nick. He seemed absolutely fine. GABI: No, no no no no, you don't understand. I saw him taking something this morning, I was out with him last night, he was off, he was... HOPE: Drunk, Gabi? Maybe he had a hangover and took an Aspirin. You know, people DO that sometimes. GABI: No, Hope, you don't understand. You need to go back and check his bag again. I'm telling you he's got to be on something. Hope shakes her head, silencing Gabi. HOPE: I can't. I looked, there was nothing. Look, Gabi, I'm worried about Nick too. I'm worried he isn't making the progress I thought he was after this whole ordeal with you and Sonny and Will, but...I can't just go searching through people's stuff on a whim. If I do find something? Gabi, it wouldn't hold up in court. It sure as hell wouldn't help Nick. Gabi looks pleadingly at Hope, petrified that her plan will fall through. GABI: Hope, please! HOPE: No. Gabi, I'm sorry. But until you can find me proof that something is up with Nick, I can't...and I won't go snooping again. I'll see you later. Hope walks off back toward the town square, leaving Gabi behind, shaking with anger and disappointment. GABI: Damn you, Nick. Damn you. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Billie steps into Club TBD, and, upon seeing Justin waving from one of the corner booths, smiles and heads over to him. BILLIE: Justin. JUSTIN: Billie! Long time, no see. Billie puts her bag down and sits down across from Justin at the table. BILLIE: Ha ha. Glad to see you're still keeping your sense of humour. JUSTIN: Well, we do what we can, even when we're the pariah of the family. BILLIE: I'm sure. Victor must be really livid with you about the divestment deal with Titan TV. Justin shrugs, clearly resigned to his fate. JUSTIN: It is what it is. Victor couldn't hold onto both the station and the oil sands project. I just...forced his hand a little. BILLIE: Well...I'm glad you did. Justin looks to Billie, intrigued by her interest. JUSTIN: Why's that? I mean...I know you voted in favour of divesting, but...I mean, you work with MadWorld, why do you care what happens to EnerNext? Billie looks to Justin, knowing what direction he's taking this conversation, she stops herself and gives Justin a 'gotcha' smile. BILLIE: I don't think you wanna get into that. JUSTIN: Oh, but I'm SO fascinated. Do tell! BILLIE: Let's just say that I want what's best for everyone at Titan. Now, let's get to why I asked you to meet me here. Billie reaches down into her bag and pulls out an envelope, containing the restraining order Kim presented her with earlier. JUSTIN: Is this business or...? BILLIE: Personal. But...I'm pretty sure I know which lawyer my, uh...the other party in this whole...situation consulted, so... JUSTIN: Say no more. So what's this about? Billie hands Justin her copy of the restairaing order. BILLIE: Well...obviously, since Brady and Theresa's accident...I've been visiting Theresa at the hospital for the last few days. JUSTIN: Right. And that...from what I can see here...really displeased Kim. BILLIE: That's...(sigh) putting it mildly. Justin, she hates that I have a relationship with her daughter. She gave some judge a...sob story about me harrassing her and her daughter and he bought it. Justin looks up from the order and shakes his head slowly. JUSTIN: I hate to tell you this, but a restraining order is very easy to put into effect. Billie looks a bit disappointed at Justin. Sighing as she speaks, she responds. BILLIE: And...not so easy to get lifted. JUSTIN: Unfortunately. So...whatever issues you're having with Kim, you may just have to find a way to work around them, I'm sorry to say. Billie nods, pondering over what Justin's said, gears turning in her mind. --- Gabi unlocks the door to the apartment and sees Sonny watching TV on the couch alone, blankets covering him. She looks on, confused, as she speaks softly, trying not to wake Ari. GABI: I...what are you doing out here? Sonny looks up from the TV, a resigned, shamed look on his face. SONNY: I'm uh...I'm kind of in the dog house right now. Gabi looks confused as she turns on the light in the living room. Sonny squints with the sudden change in light. SONNY: Ugh. GABI: What did YOU do to get thrown out of the bedroom. SONNY:Ohhh nothing huge, just...lied to Will about where I was going and then tried to convince my Uncle Vic that he should rescind Will's job offer. Gabi looks surprised and upset by Sonny's confession, nearly blurting out her surprise aloud before catching herself and returning to a soft voice, this time, agitated. GABI: I...you...are you serious, Sonny?? What kind of stupid move is that? SONNY: I know! I know...I should've just...kept my mouth shut. GABI: You don't say. You know I was waiting for you guys to come around at the memorial service and you never showed. I was getting worried something was wrong. Obviously, I had good reason to worry. SONNY: Yeah....and now Will is...so mad he's threatening to call off the engagement and...I...I just feel like a...an ass. So...yeah, sorry we couldn't meet you at the memorial. Gabi gets up off the couch and walks over to the kitchen to grab a drink of water, as Sonny looks at the time and realizes how late it is. SONNY: Oh yeah, speaking of which, that...that was...hours ago...where have you been, anyway? Gabi nearly spits out the water as she drinks it, trying to come up with an answer for Sonny. GABI: I, uh...I was catching up with Will's family. They...wanted to see Ari. Sonny nods, a bit unconvinced, but willing to accept Gabi's answer. SONNY: Makes sense. Gabi walks back around to sit beside Sonny, concerned more for him than her own trouble, she puts a comforting hand on his knee. GABI: So? What are you gonna do about you and Will? You think you'll work through this? Sonny sighs looking down at the floor in contemplation, almost as though Gabi weren't even in the room. SONNY: I'm not sure...I'm just not sure. --- Will stands in the bedroom, staring intently out his window at the moon shining outside. He looks at the alarm clock beside his bed and sighs, knowing he won't be able to sleep, between the pressure of the new day and new job, and his pressures at home with Sonny, Gabi, and Nick, Will has a lot on his mind, as, saying nothing, he closes his eyes, as if to make a wish. --- Eric stares up at the same night sky, by the river, Nicole by his side, upset by his reaction to the news of Sonny and Will's engagement. NICOLE: I mean, you can't be against them getting married. I never took you for a bigot, Eric-- Eric interrupts Nicole, clearly irritated by her implicit accusation. ERIC: ...I don't have a problem with them getting married. I mean...(sigh) It's complicated. Nicole looks on, confused by Eric's statement, she responds more emphatically this time. NICOLE: What's complicated about it, Eric? They love each other. They...they take care of that baby better than I've ever seen anyone care for a baby. There's...so much love in that home...that's the stuff marriages are made of...not that I'd know from experience or anything, but... ERIC: But there's more to it than that. Nicole, I've spent years dedicated to a church that tells me that marriage is a sacred vow under God between a man and a woman. It's about creating children together, and having their love recognized by God under his laws... Eric trails off at this point, clearly troubled by what he's saying. ERIC: ...but I can't look at Sonny and Will and think that their love's any different. And how can I reconcile that with what my beliefs have taught me? Nicole tries, unsuccessfully, to bring some levity to Eric's clearly troubled mind. NICOLE: Well...it's not like you've tried stoning me to death for not being a virgin on my wedding day. Eric looks up at Nicole, a wry smile on his face as Nicole chuckles and leans into Eric, playfully. NICOLE: Come on, Eric. My point is, maybe it's time you stopped following the....silly little intricate rules of the Bible and just...followed the basic outline. I mean...come on, one day...down the road, I'd love to get married to you, and I know you won't let some...archaic rule about not divorcing stop you from marrying me, right? Eric hesitates to answer, making Nicole nervous almost instantly. She looks back at Eric, very frantic, very fast. NICOLE: Right?? Eric looks up at Nicole. ERIC: That's the thing, Nicole. I don't think I can. NIcole's face turns white as a sheet at Eric's revelation. ---

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 50 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Gabi sips awkwardly on a glass of wine as she sits across the table from Nick at Club TBD. Nick can sense the tension, and breaks the silence. NICK: So....are Will and Sonny looking after Ari tonight? Gabi smiles and puts her glass of wine down, stopping herself from choking on her wine as she tries to speak. GABI: Mm! Yeah...sorry, yeah, Will and Sonny are at home tonight and so...they're fine to look after her. NICK: Even knowing that you're going out with me? Gabi looks away, giving a bit of a sheepish grin. Nick clues in immediately. NICK: ...They don't know, do they? Gabi shakes her head after a second's pause. GABI: No, they...I didn't tell them it was you, I...kinda told them I was going to visit Rafe tonight, so... NICK: You shouldn't have to lie on my account. GABI: No, honestly, Nick, it's just...easier this way. I need to keep the peace at home and this...this just isn't going to make it any easier if I start going out and spending time with you again. NICK: No....I understand. Just...I don't want to complicate things for you at home, that's all. Gabi smiles and reaches out a hand, hesitantly, to Nick's across the table, as she looks thoughtfully into his eyes. Just before she places her hand over his, T walks past, and Gabi raises her hand to get his attention instead. GABI: Oh T! Can I get a Vodka soda on the rocks. Gabi smiles and looks to Nick. NICK: Uh...make mine a double. Thanks. T smiles awkwardly at them both, not overly happy with the scene before him, but willing to serve as always. T: Yoooou got it. Coming up! GABI: Thanks! Nick looks back to Gabi and smiles. After a second, he finally speaks up. NICK: Gabi, you're not just going out with me because you're afraid of me, are you? Gabi's caught off guard by Nick's directness, and stumbles to find a safe reply. --- Will lights a tall candle at the dinner table before running to dim the lights in their shared apartment. Once the lights are off, he turns to call for Sonny. WILL: Alright, you can come out now! Sonny emerges from the bedroom, shutting the door slowly behind him, almost tiptoeing as he does. SONNY: Shhh! Ari's sleeping, this might be our only quiet moment tonig...wow! WILL: Impressed? SONNY: I mean...I didn't know you could cook, let alone make all that. Will glares at Sonny, as Sonny laughs at Will's exasperation. WILL: Lucky for you, I ordered in, now would you sit down? SONNY: Okay, okay. As Sonny sits down, he leans over to kiss Will gently. They begin to dig into their meal, and a moment later, Sonny remembers to ask Will something. SONNY: Oh, I forgot to ask, did you ever show anyone your new blog? WILL: Oh yeah, I, uh...I showed it to Aunt Maggie this morning when I ran into her down at the Club. We were both grabbing coffee and I put the link into her favourites on her tablet. SONNY: Nice! I read it while you were out and...honestly, your article about raising Ari and our life here...it sounds insanely cheesy...but it really touched me. Will laughs a bit at Sonny's earnest praise. WILL: Sonny, I'm trying to eat here. Sonny rolls his eyes, before smacking Will on his arm playfully. SONNY: God, would you just take a compliment already? Seriously! WILL: (laughs) Whatever, Sonny! You're the one who got all cheesy on me. SONNY: Whatever yourself! Honestly, you're one of the best writers I've read in a long time. And I can't wait to marry you. Will smiles sheepishly at Sonny's compliment. WILL: I can't wait either. The two lean in and share a kiss across the table, softly, gently, and sweetly. The smile as they look to each other, an intense, loving gaze that couldn't be broken. --- Maggie sits in Horton Town Square, reading something intently on her tablet. She looks smart in her business attire, and reading glasses on her nose. As she studies the article before her, Tyler approaches her at the table as she takes a sip of the coffee in front of her. TYLER: You look thoroughly embroiled in that story. Mind if I distract you for a moment? Maggie looks up with a start, before pulling off her glasses and looking a smiling Tyler. She smiles back. --- EJ closes the door to Abigail's hospital room, before making a beeline for the main room of the hospital, where Sami is sitting. He stops right before a visibly shaken Sami and startles her with his brusque proclamation. EJ: You and I need to have a little chat about Abigail. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Maggie's smile lingers on Tyler as she motions to the seat across the table from her. MAGGIE: Please do. As Tyler sits down, Maggie lays the tablet down on the table before her. MAGGIE: It's good to see you again. I know we had a sort of...quick meeting this morning when I was at Victor's office, but I'm curious, I thought you'd stepped down from EnerNext. What kind of work are you doing for Victor? TYLER: Well, basically I'm back running it now. Victor was going to take the reigns and I'd be able to pass quietly into retirement but...with this unfortunate turn of events with your grandson Brady, I'm going to be taking control back. Maggie appears less than impressed with Tyler's news. She pauses a moment and thinks carefully about what she says next. MAGGIE: I see...you know, i don't really have much good to say about that whole project you're trying to set up in the west end. TYLER: Well, why not? There's a lot of very lucrative jobs to be had, ones that will benefit your business quite handily, I might add. MAGGIE: How do you know I run a business? TYLER: It's not hard to find out these things, you know, especially with how much Victor talks about you. Maggie smiles sheepishly, blushing a little. MAGGIE: Well, it's always nice to know he's only saying nice things about his wife...uh...listen, Mr. Houston-- TYLER: ...Uh...Tyler. MAGGIE: Tyler...if you don't mind, I had promised my grand-nephew I'd read his article and tell him about it tonight, I really don't want to let him down so-- TYLER: Oh, your grand-nephew is a writer, hm? MAGGIE: Well, yes. A rather good one, I might add. TYLER: Do you mind if I have a look over it? MAGGIE: Not at all. Tyler takes Maggie's tablet from the table and sits down a minute to read it. Maggie leans in, putting her elbows down on the table and leaning into her hands. MAGGIE: Now, be easy on him, he's fresh out of college, you know. Tyler doesn't respond right away. Carefully reading his writing, Tyler seems transfixed by what he's reading. TYLER: That only makes what I'm reading more impressive. This boy has a real way with the written word that's rare in those twice his age. It's something we really need at EnerNext in our PR department. I...hope this isn't too presumptuous or anything, but...you wouldn't mind putting me in contact with him, would you? Maggie is taken aback by Tyler's enthusiasm for Will's work. She struggles to respond to Tyler's request. --- Nick is now starting to get a little more lazy in his movements as he sits with Gabi at Club TBD, the result of three double vodka sodas. Gabi tries to appear as though she's enjoying herself, but is having a hard time. NICK: (laughs) ...and so...then they came in and BAM! Gabi jumps back a bit at Nick's joke, putting a phony smile on her face and taking another sip of her drink. NICK: And...then...I forget the rest. You know...it's so good to be here with you again, Gabi. I...mmmissed you. GABI: Me too, Nick. Me too. NICK: You know, you and me should...we should go back to my new place. I just got a new place and we...we should go to it. Gabi smiles knowingly now. Almost relieved that Nick's made the suggestion now. GABI: Yes! Yes, that's a good idea. Let me settle up and we'll head up. Gabi goes to get up, but Nick waves to get her to stop, pulling his wallet out and lazily handing her arbitrary bills. NICK: Gabi Gabi Gabi Gabi Gabi HERE! He's handed her six $1s and a $100. NICK: Tell T he can keep the change. Gabi slowly walks over to pay the bill. T glances over to Nick, sitting less-than-gallantly at the table. T: You sure he's gonna be alrght? GABI: Oh he'll be fine. T: Yeah, but....what about YOU? GABI: T, for the first time in a very long time, I feel like everything is under control. --- Will and Sonny are cleaning up after dinner, when Will's cell phone starts to ring. He puts a plate he's rinsed on the dish rack before picking up the phone. WILL: Hm...strange. SONNY: What's that? WILL: Strange number. Let me see. Will answers the phone, an unsure tone in his voice. WILL: I...uh...Will Horton speaking. * * * Tyler replies at the Town Square. He paces back and forth as he speaks. TYLER: Yes, William. It's Tyler Houston from EnerNext. I was hoping to speak to you at some point. * * * WILL: Uh...yes, regarding what, exactly? * * * TYLER: Well, I just read some of your writing, and I'm interested in discussing an opportunity with our company's PR department. Uh...would you be available to meet with me this evening? * * * Will stutters and stumbles, in shock at the sudden offer dropped in his lap. --- Sami stands up, very displeased with EJ's tone and walks with him to the waiting room nearby. As the door closes, Sami tears into EJ. SAMI: How dare you come over to me like that when you know what I've been like this last week. I just got out of a therapy session and you come barrelling at me like that?? What the Hell's wrong with you?! EJ: (over Samantha's tirade) Samantha, Samantha! Woah! I'm sorry. I'M Sorry. Okay? Something has come up that I got excited about, and...I think you should listen to what I have to say. Sami steps back, arms folded. She glowers at EJ, who begins to relax after a moment of silence. EJ: Alright. So, DiMera has a rather...extensive project in Europe right now that we need a strong writer to help with publicity and marketing. And I think this is an excellent opportunity for Abigail. SAMI: I...you're right, it could be great, but...she just started with us at Countess W, I mean...don't you think she might be over her head a bit? I mean, she's been so stressed out lately herself... EJ: I don't think that will be a problem. In fact, I think this might be exactly what Abigail needs. A change of scenery, some new faces, the ability to work her magic on her own. It could be exactly what she needs. Sami thinks about it a moment, then turns back to EJ, nodding in agreement. SAMI: I think...I think you're right. We should go ahead with that. EJ: Excellent, I'll go tell her right away. EJ makes a beeline for the door, but Sami calls out to him just before his hand touches the doorknob. SAMI: Oh, wait, EJ. EJ: Yes, Samantha. SAMI: How is she doing? EJ: Great. She just had a hit on the head, she'll be out soon enough, maybe even tonight. SAMI: Maybe we should call Jennifer or somet-- EJ:...NO! No, I wouldn't worry about that. It'll be fine. EJ steps out of the office, leaving Sami confused by EJ's strong reaction to Sami's suggestion. EJ walks down the hallway, almost running for Abby's hospital room. He opens the door to her room, and Abigail turns to him, unpleasantly surprised to see him. ABBY: EJ... EJ shuts the door quietly but intensely. A menacing look across his face that immediately intimidates Abigail. EJ: So...when exactly were you going to tell me you were pregnant? ---