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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 87 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Will, stood in the living room of the Kiriakis mansion alongside his fiance Sonny, looks on at Noelle and Alex's cosy togetherness. Stunned, he can barely choke out a response to Alex's introduction of Noelle, his wife. WILL: I...your wife! I...wow! You...I didn't realize. Alex laughs at Will's surprise, as Sonny reaches out to Noelle. SONNY: It's so good to finally meet you. NOELLE: And you, Sonny. Noelle breaks free from Alex's arm to give her brother-in-law a hug, as Adrienne steps forward into the scene from across the room, as Victor, still stood in front of the living room bar, looks her way. ADRIENNE: Well, now that we've all had a chance for introductions, shall I uh...set the table? VICTOR: Nonsense, Adrienne. Have a seat. Would you like a drink? Adrienne looks behind her to the chair behind her. She sits herself down as the others follow suit, seated across the sofa, with Maggie taking the easychair opposite Adrienne. ADRIENNE: Uh, no thank you, Victor. I'll just...wait until dinner. Maggie senses tension in the air, and tries to break it after a moment of awkward silence. MAGGIE: Ah, so...Noelle! It's...really nice to see you again. Ah, I was just saying to Adrienne and Noelle in the kitchen that I hadn't seen her since she were a little girl. And now here you are...all grown up-- Noelle looks Maggie's way, smiling, as Victor interrupts Maggie with a snarky remark. VICTOR: Marrying for money and status, just like her louse of a father. Maggie immediately turns to Victor, disgust plain on her face, as Victor takes a sip of his drink. MAGGIE: Victor, we have guests. They may be family, but it is no time to be airing your greivences. Adrienne chimes in, hoping to reclaim some good humour in the room. ADRIENNE: I agree. This is supposed to be a pleasant evening, and... MAGGIE: ...And it's a time for celebration. Alex is back in Salem, with a beautiful new bride, no comment from the peanut gallery, thank you. Victor scowls as Maggie looks pointedly his way. MAGGIE: And we have one more marriage soon to come in the family. As Will will soon be part of our family as well. Will smiles awkwardly as Maggie gets up from her seat to pour herself a soda. Sonny puts a hand on Will's knee, causing Will to look down quickly, before looking up at Sonny. Sonny's eyes are glued to Will's, almost pleading with him to be civil. Will looks at Sonny, lovingly, but with a degree of coldness. MAGGIE: Adrienne, would you at least like a soda to toast with? Adrienne looks away from Sonny and Will, as if snapping out of a daze. She responds to Maggie, awkwardly, but pleasantly. ADRIENNE: Ahh....oh, yes! Yes, thank you! Maggie turns back to pour the drink, as Victor paces behind the sofa, observing all the tension bubbling under the proceedings. His face tells the story, as his scowl persists. MAGGIE: There you are. So, to our guests of honour. Will, Sonny, Alex, and Noelle. May they live and love for many years to come. As everyone raises their glasses, Maggie fixes her gaze on an unmoved Victor, who raises his glass only at the behest of his wife. --- Billie picks up a cup of tea from the coffee table in the Horton living room, as Jennifer sits down in the chair near her. JENNIFER: Billie, I don't see why you're so curious about my feelings for Daniel. Billie stirs uncomfortably, as she tries to answer Jennifer as gently as possible. BILLIE: Look...Jenn, I don't mean to pry, that certainly isn't my intention. But...I think you should know...Daniel and I have been...well, we've been seeing each other, and it's been getting pretty serious. Jennifer keeps a cool exterior, setting down her tea on the coffee table. She nods at Billie and feigns a smile. JENNIFER: That's great. That's good to hear, Billie. But Daniel and I are through. What he does is really none of my business. BILLIE: Well...that's where you're wrong. Jennifer looks at Billie, confused, and a touch resentful at Billie's insistence. JENNIFER: What do you mean by that, Billie? Billie looks down at the ground, trying very hard not be tactless in how she answers the question. BILLIE: Because, based on what I've seen today, it's obvious to me that he's still very much in love with you. Jennifer looks at Billie, contemplative and a bit frustrated, by Billie's revelation. --- Laura knocks gently on JJ's bedroom door. JJ sits at his desk, typing away on an assignment, with her earbuds in, and doesn't hear Laura. Laura, seeing this, lets herself in, walking over to JJ and tapping him on the shoulder. JJ jumps, and upon seeing Laura behind him, takes his earbuds out. JJ: Grandma! LAURA: Sorry if I scared you, but...I wanted to give you some news. JJ turns around, as Laura sits down at the edge of JJ's bed. JJ: Okay, what's up? Laura smiles, trying to sum up everything she's learned today. Still a bit tense and uneasy with some of it, she decides to start with the good news first. LAURA: Well, there's some good news, and some...troubling news. JJ: Alright, lay the bad on me first. LAURA: Well, maybe I should give you the good news first. I...I don't want to cause you alarm. JJ: Grandma-- LAURA: Look, the good news is...I spoke to Daniel today, and...well, he agreed to look into Liam a bit more deeply for us. JJ smiles, a look of relief on his face. JJ: That's fantastic! Do you...do you think this will mean that...maybe there's a chance they'll find their way back to each other? Laura looks down, a bit worried. She shakes her head. LAURA: JJ, I know you just want your mother to be happy, but...it's too late for your mother and Daniel. JJ: But, I mean, he still loves her, right? I mean, he's agreed to help us-- LAURA: ...That doesn't mean that they're getting back together. Look, I know you blame yourself for your mother and Daniel splitting up, but...what's important right now is that we keep your mother safe. JJ nods, a bit disappointed, but understanding his grandmother's thinking. JJ: No, you're right. So...what was the bad news, then? Laura breathes in deeply, hoping the right words will come out. LAURA: Look, I don't want to...(sigh)...I don't mean to worry you, but...I overheard Liam having a conversation on the phone at the hospital today. JJ: A conversation? Okay, with who? Laura takes a second to answer, her eyes staring intensely at JJ as she speaks, worry causing her voice to shake. LAURA: EJ DiMera. JJ looks on, more worried for his mom than ever. --- --- Valerie and Jerome step into their new house. Valerie tosses her car keys casually on the table by the door, as she and Jerome step in from the winter cold. VALERIE: Well...it's not exactly how I planned your welcome. (sigh) But here it is. Jerome looks around, a smile on his face as he takes in his surroundings. JEROME: Well, well. Not bad, Grandma. Valerie turns around, cracking a smile. She puts her hand up to Jerome's face, looking affectionately at him. VALERIE: I'm glad you're alright. You know, I know it sounds like I'm paranoid but...I mean, you know this, every time you...turn on a TV or look at a newspaper, it's another black person dying in custody, and-- JEROME: Grandma, I told you. You don't need to worry about me. VALERIE: That's where you're wrong, Jerome. You're dead wrong. Jerome looks at his grandmother, confused by her persistance. JEROME: What do you mean, Grandma? I mean, you talk like you're speaking from experience or something. Valerie sighs, hesitating to answer. She looks unflinchingly at Jerome, a simmering rage inside her that she tries desperately to hold back. VALERIE: Maybe I am. Jerome looks on, dumfounded, shaking his head, as his phone rings. The disruption cuts the tension, as Jerome turns to find his jacket, where the phone is. JEROME: I gotta get that. Valerie sighs, as Jerome walks over to pick up the phone. Seeing that it's Sheryl, he immediately answers, but quietly. JEROME: (into phone) Hey. ... Sheryl steps off the elevator at the lobby of the Titan building. Her cell phone in hand, as she responds. SHERYL: (into phone) Hey, where are you? ... JEROME: (into phone) Ohhh I'm at my new house. Just settling in after my stint as a hardened criminal. ... Sheryl, surprised by the news, scrunches her face in displeased surprise. SHERYL: (into phone) WHAT? You're joking. ... Jerome continues, looking at Valerie, trying to keep the conversation light. JEROME: (into phone) No joke. Look, I uh...I don't really wanna get into it right now, but...you alright? ... SHERYL: (into phone) Not really. ... Jerome rolls his eyes, knowing Sheryl's problems will be something petty. JEROME: (into phone) Alright, spill. What is it? ... SHERYL: (into phone) I think Lucas might be onto us. I don't know how but...something's wrong. ... Jerome looks ahead, responding without hesitation. JEROME: (into phone) Meet me at Jordan's in 20 minutes? ... Sheryl again furrows her brow, confused by Jerome's request. SHERYL: (into phone) I can't until morning. Uh...besides, you don't even know where she lives... ... JEROME: (into phone) Text me directions now. She and I need to clear the air. You be there at 8:30 tomorrow morning. Bye. Jerome hangs up abruptly, putting his jacket back on, much to Valerie's chagrin. Valerie starts to head toward Jerome. VALERIE: Jerome Grant, where are you going? Jerome opens the front door of the house, barely stopping to explain himself. JEROME: There's an emergency at the University I have to deal with, Grandma. I'll see you in a bit. VALERIE: Jerome, wait! The door slams shut behind Jerome, causing Valerie to flinch, before looking off resigned and angry. --- Nick walks up to Stefano's grand leather chair. Resting against the back of it, he watches the fire along with Stefano. NICK: You know...you remember those...photos I sold you? Those ones Percy took of Abigail and EJ doing the do? Whatever happened to those? Stefano laughs heartily, never taking his eyes off the fire as he answers Nick. STEFANO: Ohh I have them in a very safe place. And if Elvis plays his cards right, they won't move from that place. --- Jennifer gets up from her seat, arms crossed, pacing the room uncomfortably as Billie looks her way, hoping to find a way to calm her nerves. BILLIE: Jenn, I'm sorry if I upset you, but... Jenn shrugs, shaking her head, deep in her own thoughts, almost not answering Billie, but just verbalizing her inner thoughts. JENNIFER: No, it's...it's okay, Billie. it's not your fault, and I'm sorry it's gone this way. But Daniel and I can't be together...I can't trust him. Besides, I've moved on. Billie looks Jenn's way, uncertainty in her eye. BILLIE: Jenn, I mean...maybe it's my insecurity talking but...it doesn't sound like you have. Jenn stops pacing, clicking back and turning to face Billie. She puts her hand over to meet Billie's, which rests on the top of the sofa near where Jenn was pacing. She smiles warmly at her longtime friend. JENNIFER: I have. And I've met a wonderful man who loves me and...it feels like we've known each other forever. Billie cracks a smile, as Jenn walks around to the other side of the sofa, never letting go of Billie's hand as she goes to sit on the sofa next to Billie, where she begins to gush about Liam. BILLIE: That's...GREAT. Tell me more! JENNIFER: Oh, Billie, I mean, you know, I know, I've..moved on kinda fast but...this guy, we talk about he just...he understands where I'm coming from, and he...I mean he even remembered Abigail's birthday a couple months ago, I like...I barely remember mentioning it to him. (laughs) Billie doesn't join in Jennifer's gushing, schoolgirl laughter, though she tries momentarily. The realization hits her, that this was what Laura was talking about to Daniel. She tries to hide her concern. BILLIE: What a...sweetheart. JENNIFER: He really is. Billie, I can't wait for you to meet him. BILLIE: I'm sure I will soon. He uh...he works at the hospital as well? JENNIFER: Yeah! He's a uh...pharmaceutical rep. BILLIE: I see. Billie nods in feigned approval, before starting to get up from the couch. BILLIE: Look, I need to get going, but I'm glad I stopped by. It's good to see you again. Jennifer gets up from the couch as well, smiling widely. She reaches quickly over to hug Billie. JENNIFER: It's SO good to see you. Ohhh my gosh, you, Daniel, Liam, and I...we should get together sometime soon. Billie smiles, nodding in strained agreement. BILLIE: Yes, we...definitely should. And...again, I'm sorry if I upset you. JENNIFER: No! Sweetie, never. I know what you're feeling right now. You're going through a lot of emotions. You're feeling...vulnerable. Insecure. It's okay. I understand that. And if you need me, I'll be there for you. Okay? Billie smiles earnestly, almost blushing at her friend's warmth and caring. BILLIE: Thank you. Billie turns and heads for the door, as Jennifer stays behind in the living room, an intense, thoughtful look on her face, as Billie heads out the door. Outside, Billie stands in the doorway, more concerned than ever. BILLIE: Alright, Billie. Time to find out who this Liam Frasier guy is...and what he wants. --- JJ gets up from his seat, his worry about his mom's safety palpible, he starts to panic as he speaks, building himself up into a bit of a frenzy, which Laura can't bear to watch, worried she'll be worked up herself. JJ: Grandma, what are we gonna do? I mean...if this Liam guy is really working for the DiMeras...I mean...mom could be in serious danger...and Abigail. I mean...she's working for them already. What if they're spying on her. What if this trip to Italy was...what are they gonna do to her? Laura looks at JJ, welling up with concern for her family, she can no longer hold back. She stands up from the edge of JJ's bed LAURA: I don't know, JJ. But I do know one thing for sure, is that you need to be kept safe from all of this. And I promise you, I will keep you safe, no matter what it costs me. Laura leans over and takes JJ in her arms, holding her grandson tightly. --- Maggie continues to try to cool the frayed nerves in the Kiriakis living room, trying to keep the mood light with banter, which falls on deaf ears to the rest of the party. MAGGIE: So it looks like The Penthouse Grille reopening will be ready to go by the spring. Isn't that great? ALEX: That's fabulous news, Maggie. I can't wait to see the place. Just then, Justin walks in the doors of the living room. Upon seeing his son looking back at him, Justin's face lights up, as does Alex's. ALEX: DAD! JUSTIN: You gotta be kidding me! Come here, big guy! Justin and Alex laugh and share a warm hug, as Adrienne gets up from her seat to greet her husband. JUSTIN: And I'm assuming you brought Noelle with you? NOELLE: Hi! JUSTIN: Noelle! It's been awhile. NOELLE: (laughs) Yes, it has. Justin steps over to Noelle, giving her a kiss on the cheek as a greeting. Adrienne, awkwardly stands near Justin, finally piping up. ADRIENNE: Ahh, Justin. Sweetie. Justing and Adrienne quickly kiss on the lips, Justin smiling warmly at his wife, though sensing her tension. JUSTIN: Yes, my dear. ADRIENNE: Could I, uh, speak to you in the kitchen a moment. Justin shrugs casually, pouring himself a quick drink before taking off. JUSTIN: Sure! Adrienne leads Justin out of the room into the side room. Inside the living room, Will's eyes follow Adrienne and Justin out, an air of suspicion as he watches them leave. Victor walks back around toward his previous seat. VICTOR: God, I hope dinner's soon. All this fretting and suspicious behaviour is working up my appetite. Maggie, starting to lose her cool, begins to crack, her voice raising in irritation not just as Victor, but everyone. MAGGIE: Victor, I swear to God. One more snide remark out of you-- VICTOR: ...And what, Maggie? You'll divorce me? Maggie gets up from her seat, finally blown her cool. MAGGIE: Don't press your luck, Kiriakis! Noelle sits, revelling in Victor's misery, but Sonny thinks better of the situation and gets up as well to try to calm things down. SONNY: Okay, maybe we should go set the table. I think Chef is nearly ready for the starters, so... Will follows suit, still more fixated on Adrienne and Justin's whereabouts, but using this as an opportunity to spy. WILL: Yeah. Yeah, I think that's a great idea, Sonny. NOELLE: Ohh, and miss all this great together time? Victor will be so disappointed. Won't he? Victor stands stoically by the bar set. Taking a sip of his drink, he casually retorts. VICTOR: Blow it out your nose, Hussy. MAGGIE: That does it! I've had enough. Victor, I hope you enjoy the poolhouse, because that's where you're staying tonight. Victor looks at Maggie, incredulously. VICTOR: What on Earth are you talking about, woman? This is MY house! MAGGIE: And I own half of it. Remember? I'll be in the kitchen. Victor scowls in defeat, as Maggie steps around Victor, heading to the kitchen to join the others in preparing dinner. Victor lingers in the living room, alone, save for Noelle, who has stayed behind, a smug smile on her face. Once the last of the group leave the room, Noelle begins to clap at Victor's misfortune. NOELLE: Great work, Victor. I have to say...that's one for the books. You've managed to alienate your entire family before the first course is even served. That's got to be a new record. Even for you! Victor looks away from Noelle, shaking his head slowly, before quickly downing the rest of his drink. --- Will and Sonny head for the kitchen, but Will stops just short of the kitchen. Sonny looks back in Will's direction, and Will motions to him, holding one finger up to tell him to hold on a moment. WILL: Just need to have a pit stop for a moment. SONNY: Okay. Sonny disappears through the saloon doors into the kitchen, while Will hangs back, spotting Adrienne and Justin chatting in the garden. Being sure not to be seen, he hides around the corner, just close enough to overhear their conversation outside. Adrienne stands stone still. Arms folded, staring straight ahead, as Justin tries desperately to discover what's wrong. He walks up behind Adrienne, putting his hands tenderly on her shoulders. JUSTIN: Hey, you alright? ADRIENNE: (sigh) I hope so. Justin, unsatisfied with his wife's answer, resists his urge to roll his eyes, as Adrienne continues. ADRIENNE: I uh...I think I must be losing my mind. JUSTIN: Oh? Adrienne momentarily laughs at herself a bit, before carrying on. ADRIENNE: Yeah! Well...see...you know how I've always....had some misgivings about Will and Sonny being together. Justin nods, worried that he knows the direction this conversation's headed. JUSTIN: Yyyes. And we've reminded you to stay out of it. Let the boys handle it. Adrienne spins around quickly, almost cutting Justin off. ADRIENNE: Yes! Exactly! And I told you over and over again that Will is just...he is too much like Sami, and Lucas has not been a much better example for him. JUSTIN: Okay. I mean, Lucas has had his fair share of drama, but...you know...so did we. Adrienne looks seriously into her husband's eyes. She inhales deeply while she works out her next thought. ADRIENNE: Well, I didn't realize how right I was...not until tonight. Justin, this wedding CANNOT happen. I won't let it happen. Justin looks on, stunned by his wife's sudden emboldened, and passionate plea. Will, meanwhile, hides around the corner, enraged by Adrienne's pointed disapproval. ---

EPISODE 86 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Sonny walks up to the door of the Kiriakis Mansion, and rings the doorbell, while Will stands behind him, trying to hide his annoyance at having to be at this family dinner to begin with. Henderson opens the door. SONNY: Hey, Henderson, we're here... Sonny is taken aback, when he looks behind Henderson, to see a face he hasn't seen in years. SONNY: Oh my God....Alex??? ALEX: Hey, my man, how are you?? SONNY: Oh WOW, this is...WOW, look at you, man! It's so good to see you! Sonny races inside to give Alex a hug, as Will steps inside, a wave of horror washes over him. Sonny turns to face Will, a huge smile on his face as he speaks. SONNY: Alex, I want you to meet my fiancé, Will Horton. Will, this is my brother, Alex Kiriakis. Will turns ghost white, stunned into silence. Realizing what's happening, he snaps out of his daze and chokes out a reply. Feigning a smile. WILL: I...yeah, we...we've met. ALEX: Yeah! Turns out Will's my new employee. WILL: Yeah! Keeping it in the family. You know. Will sneaks a look at Sonny, whose eyes beg Will not to keep antagonizing him on this night. Will smiles, as Alex motions them into the living room. ALEX: You, uh...you guys wanna come into the living room. We're having drinks before dinner. SONNY: That...sounds like exactly what I need. Will? WILL: Absolutely. Lead the way. Sonny and Alex head into the living room, Will following closely behind, his face dropping as his sudden tension at being at dinner with both Alex and Sonny shows. --- Jennifer walks into her living room, a file folder in hand, as Laura sits on the sofa, reading a book on her tablet. As Jennifer walks in, Laura looks up at her daughter and smiles. LAURA: Jennifer! How was your day? Jennifer sets the file folder on the desk in the corner of the room, before turning toward her mother, smiling, but with an visible tension about her body language. JENNIFER: Oh, it was good. You know...quiet day. I had...a press release to finish up about our brand new chief of staff. LAURA: Ohh Valerie Grant. It's...so exciting to have her back. I mean, I wish it were under different circumstances, but... JENNIFER: I know...it's such a shock...Kayla taking off like that so suddenly. No word on why or...what's happening with Steve and Joey. LAURA: I just hope they're okay. JENNIFER: Yeah...so do I. Jennifer looks to one side in the momentary silence between mother and daughter. She smiles quickly before heading for the kitchen. JENNIFER: I, uh...I should go get myself together. Liam and I are going out tonight. This causes Laura's eyes to bug out, suddenly worry showing across her face as she watches her daughter head out of the room. LAURA: Going out, again? You...Jennifer, you and Liam have become...really close really quickly. Jennifer stops in her tracks in the doorway. Turning around, a strange look on her face. JENNIFER: Yes, we have. Uh...Mom...you know, you've been rather...uneasy with Liam lately. I mean...I know JJ has also had some...rather vocal misgivings about him as well. LAURA: Yes, he has. And...I confess...so have I. But-- JENNIFER: ...Has JJ been putting these ideas in your head, Mom? Laura turns to Jennifer, trying to put her at ease and reaching out, as Jenn walks back into the room, arms folded. LAURA: Darling, no! Look, we just...we love you, and with Abigail away, and it being so little time since you and Daniel split...I just...I don't want you to rush into anything, I mean...are you going to be coming home tonight? Jennifer turns to face Laura, arms still folded in discomfort at her mother's invasive line of questioning. JENNIFER: Mother! Look, this is none of your business, I am a grown woman with adult children of my own. I don't have to tell you where and when I'm spending the night with a man I'm dating. Laura puts up her hands to try to calm Jennifer down a moment. LAURA: That's....that's not how I meant it. I'm just....I'm just saying, I want you to take it slow. I know how Daniel hurt you by lying about JJ and Theresa and I just... JENNIFER: You're just looking out for me, I know... Jennifer walks away again, her arms unfolding as she tries to calm down, realizing her mother's only looking out for her. After a moment, she turns again, cooled off enough to speak again. JENNIFER: I know. It's just...JJ's different. I know he wants me and Daniel together, and...I don't know... LAURA: Do you think JJ's making up trouble for nothing? Jennifer ponders Laura's question a moment before answering. JENNIFER: I don't know. I mean, maybe. Maybe he's just looking out for me. Jennifer shrugs as she continues, pacing the room as she talks to Laura, almost thinking aloud as she does. JENNIFER: Sometimes I wonder about Liam. I mean...today he came to visit me at work, and...he had some phone call. He hurried off. It was...it was bizarre, he seemed so...tense. LAURA: A phone call? JENNIFER: Yeah...some deal he had to close with another hospital. It really seemed to upset him and he ran off. Laura feigns cluelessness, as she tries to coax more information out of her daughter. LAURA: Well, hopefully it clears up before tonight. Laura gets up from the couch, putting a hand on her worried daughter's shoulder. LAURA: Look, JJ will come around, and soon Abigail will be home, and...things will get back to normal again. Jennifer smiles, the tension starting to ease off as she turns to face her mother, a warm smile on her face again. JENNIFER: Thanks, Mom. And for the record, I have not been to Liam's home yet...I actually...honestly don't even know where he lives, if I'm honest. It's...strange, isn't it? Suddenly, the doorbell rings, prompting a chuckling Jennifer to head for the door again, leaving Laura behind, her worry intensifying. Laura responds quietly, as Jenn leaves the room. LAURA: Yes...very strange. Jennifer steps into the foyer. Opening the door, she's surprised to see Billie waiting at her door. JENNIFER: Billie! Oh my God, it's so good to see you! Billie smiles widely, looking almost too happy to see her old friend as she waits at the door. --- --- Jennifer hesitates for a moment, before stepping back from the door to invite Billie inside. JENNIFER: Uh, sorry, oh gosh, Billie, come in. Billie steps in, all smiles, with a tension in her smile, as she looks around to see if anyone else is at home. Jennifer turns to face Billie, holding her arms out for a hug. BILLIE: Ohhh, thank you, it's so good to see you! Jennifer and Billie hug tightly. Billie steps away from Jennifer, still holding her hands. JENNIFER: You too. I'm surprised to see you just...drop by. BILLIE: Yeah, sorry, I should have called first. I've been in town...well...a month or two now and...I just never called. I'm sorry, there's just been....a lot happening. Jennifer looks with concern at Billie. JENNIFER: I heard what happened with Theresa. I can't see her and I...ever saw eye to eye but...she didn't deserve this. Billie looks down, trying to hold in her emotions. Her voice cracks a bit as she talks to Jennifer. BILLIE: Yeah, well...ahem...she'll pull through this. She's pulled through a lot already. Jennifer simply smiles in response. After a moment, Laura walks over, a bright smile on her face as she sees Billie. LAURA: Billie! It's good to see you again. BILLIE: Hi! Yes, it's been...years. Wow! LAURA: Look, uh...Jenn, I'm just going upstairs a minute. I have a call to make. JENNIFER: Alright, Mom. Laura heads upstairs, as Jennifer guides Billie into the living room. Jennifer motions to the couch for Billie to sit. Billie obliges, as Jenn steps to the side table. JENNIFER: Did you, uh...did you want some tea? BILLIE: I'd love some, thanks. Jennifer flips over two teacups from the tray on the table, pouring out tea from the pot next to it. Billie reluctantly speaks up, breaking the increasingly awkward silence. BILLIE: So, uh...Jenn. I uh...I hear you've been...seeing someone. Does this mean you are...you know...over Daniel? Jennifer looks up, setting the tea down before she overpours the tea. Turning to face Billie, she looks on with confusion at Billie's strange line of questioning. --- Lucas sits at his desk at Titan, typing away at his computer, as Sheryl knocks on the door of his office. Lucas barely flinches at the distraction, choosing to continue his work. Sheryl, refusing to be ignored, speaks up. SHERYL: Oh Mr. Horton. You have a visitor. Lucas looks away finally, seeing Sheryl looking at him sensually. Lucas smiles back. LUCAS: Sheryl! Hey! Um...hey, come in, I'll just be one second, okay? SHERYL: Alright. Sheryl steps into Lucas' office, walking up behind him, putting her hands on his shoulders, sensing tension in them. Lucas flinches as Sheryl rubs his shoulders gently. SHERYL: Ooh, someone's feeling a bit tense. Sheryl leans in, speaking softly into Lucas' ear as she rubs Lucas' shoulders more deeply. Lucas can't hide the discomfort he increasingly feels. As she does, Kate is about to enter Lucas' office, but stops, hearing Sheryl inside. She leans against the door and listens in silently. SHERYL: I guess I should...(whispers) take care of that. Sheryl bites Lucas' earlobe, finally causing Lucas to jump back. Sheryl jumps back as well, stunned by Lucas' strong negative reaction. LUCAS: Sorry, I just...you caught me at a bad time. Sheryl looks Lucas up and down, annoyed at the reaction to her sensual play from her partner. SHERYL: I should say so. God, far be it from me to disturb you. Lucas gets up from his seat, putting a hand to his forehead, as he tries to apologize. LUCAS: Look, it's...it's not you, I just...there's a lot of stuff going down right now with work. You know, the TV station selling, the oil sands fiasco, and Brady dying. It's just...I got a lot on my mind. Sheryl takes a moment, before stepping towards Lucas again, trying to put a comforting hand on his shoulder. Kate spying even closer by the door, just out of eyeshot of the two inside. SHERYL: Honey, I know that. That's why I wanted to...surprise you with a little...you know...affection. LUCAS: I know, babe, but...look, just...just give me ten minutes and, I promise...I'll make this up to you, we'll go for some drinks and maybe a late dinner at Club TBD? How's that sound? Sheryl cracks a smile again, noticing Lucas relaxing again. SHERYL: Alright, you're on. LUCAS: Great, uh...why don't you go ahead of me and, I'll meet you there in 20. SHERYL: Sure. As Sheryl responds, Kate opens the door to let herself in. Sheryl looks on, surprised to see her. SHERYL: Kate! KATE: Sheryl! What a surprise to see you in so late...putting in those overtime hours is paying off? SHERYL: You could say that. Kate smiles, but with an underlying coldness in her tone that Sheryl can sense. KATE: Well, I wouldn't want you to overwork yourself. Go enjoy your evening. SHERYL: Ohh, I intend to. I'll see you later? KATE: Indeed. Sheryl walks toward the door as Kate steps inside. Sheryl turns back to speak to Lucas as she rests her hand on the doorknob. SHERYL: See you in a half hour? LUCAS: Sounds good. SHERYL: Alright, bye, honey. As Sheryl closes the door, Kate turns to face Lucas, looking unimpressed. KATE: A piece of advice? Lucas looks at his mother, dreading what's about to come. LUCAS: No, but I'm sure you'll give it to me anyway. Kate leans over Lucas' desk, never taking her eyes off Lucas for a second. KATE: If you intend on seeing this plan through, you're going to have to be an awful lot more convincing than what just went down. Lucas looks on, looking simultaneously annoyed at his mother, and confounded that she was able to listen in. --- At the DiMera Mansion, Stefano sits quietly in his executive chair, facing a raging fire, as the sun dims into dusk. He stares directly into the fire, contemplating the many matters on his mind at the moment. As he does, the doors of the living room open, Nick Fallon making something of a grand entrance. NICK: Mr. DiMera, Sir! You will be pleased to know that everything is moving ever-so-quickly into place. Stefano smiles, his eyes never moving from the fire as he responds to Nick. STEFANO: I should hope so. You've done very well in bringing us Titan TV, now to bring us the rest of the empire...and Victor Kiriakis' head on a platter. --- Victor stands in the living room, pouring himself a drink, as Sonny, Will, and Alex step inside. Victor looks over, and smiles. VICTOR: Ah! Sonny! Will! Glad to see you've made it. A drink? Will immediately pipes up, cheerily chiming in his response. WILL: I'll have a double. Sonny looks back, annoyance still lingering on his face, as Victor responds, holding a glass up. VICTOR: Sonny? Sonny hesistates, trying to communicate to Will to cool it, before turning to respond to Victor. SONNY: Uh, yeah, Uncle Vic. Just a single for me, though. VICTOR: Fine. You, Alex? ALEX: I'll pass, Uncle Vic. Victor prepares the drinks, as Victor continues, casually starting conversation. VICTOR: So, Will! How are you finding working for EnerNext? Will looks at Sonny, then Alex, smiling wryly as he responds to Victor. WILL: So far, I love it. Everyone's been lovely, and your uh...nephew here has been incredibly welcoming. Victor turns, heading over to hand Will his drink. VICTOR: That's good to hear. And how are things between you and Sonny? Sonny and Will look awkwardly at each other, before Sonny tries to end this line of questioning. SONNY: Uh...Uncle Vic, I'd rather not-- WILL: ...Oh it's fine, Sonny. After all, you were more than open with Victor about how you feel about me having this job, I'm sure Victor won't mind me sharing how I feel. Sonny looks at Will, shocked by his petulence. SONNY: WILL! ALEX: I...think I should go...check on...dinner... WILL: No, no! Alex, don't be ridiculous. Stay, it's nothing major. Victor looks at the situation, taking a sip from his drink while he frets about the mess created. VICTOR: So you heard about our conversation then, Will? Will looks at Victor, smiling, a smugness in his eyes. WILL: Oh yes. We had a really...intense talk about it. Oh, don't worry. He and I came to a very good resolution about it. I mean, you know...it's not perfect but...well, I'm definitely not going to be giving up my job anytime soon. VICTOR: That's good to hear. We're lucky to have you with us, Will. WIll smiles warmly, the layer of artifice melting away at Victor's compliment. WILL: Thank you, Mr. Kiriakis. Victor smiles back, as he hands Alex his drink. Alex obliges, nodding slightly in thanks. Alex turns to Will in the same moment. ALEX: Victor's right, you know. I'm really glad Sonny has gone along with this job. Personally, I didn't think he would be down with it. He's really....proud that way. Sonny laughs uncomfortably at Alex's dig at him. Alex continues before Sonny can respond. ALEX: Ahhh, I'm just playing. Look, bro. Your fiancé's a great writer. He's gonna be an awesome addition to the team. Sonny smiles graciously, if sheepishly. He nods in agreement, though looking to the ground, deep in thought. SONNY: Yeah, that's...no surprise to me. He's a very talented guy. WILL: You're all so kind. I mean, honestly, thank you. All of you. As Will finishes, Maggie, Adrienne, and Noelle walk into the living room from the side room leading to the kitchen. Maggie's face lights up upon seeing Will and Sonny. MAGGIE: Will! Sonny! You're here! Maggie walks over quickly, giving a hug to both Will and Sonny, while Noelle hangs back, curling her arm around Alex's. Adrienne, meanwhile, hangs back, watching Victor's quickly-souring face as he watches Noelle slinking herself around Alex, never talking her eyes off Victor as she does. A moment later, Adrienne's eyes are taken with Will's sudden fascination with Noelle and Alex's closeness. Will looks stunned, almost despondent, by the gesture of affection between Noelle and Alex. WILL: Um...Alex...who is this? Alex looks over at Noelle, who rests her head affectionately on Alex's shoulder. ALEX: Oh! Yeah, where are my manners? I'd like to introduce you and Sonny to my wife. Noelle Curtis. Noelle smiles proudly as Will's face drops, another bombshell hitting him. Victor, meanwhile, grips his drink tightly, immediately taking a sip while he looks away bitterly, and Sonny looks on, cheerily oblivious to everyone else's displeasure. Adrienne, meanwhile, looks on from the corner, fixated on Will's miserable expression. She can't hide the displeasure and concern in his face. ---

EPISODE 85 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Laura, Marlena and Will walk into Laura's office at University Hospital, laughing as Laura tries to break the tension from her earlier close encounter with Liam. LAURA: So, I was hoping to grab something Ariana was really going to need, but...I kept thinking to myself, "Laura, remember when you just had Jennifer, and all you wanted was a couple glasses of wine to mellow you and Bill out?"...and then I remembered that you and Sonny are nowhere as dysfunctional as Bill and I, so (laughs) I just went with it. Will and Marlena laugh as Laura reaches down into the cabinet behind her desk and pulls out a rather large box. Will looks on, pleasantly surprised by Laura's gesture, as she sets it down on her desk, but is unsure whether or not to open the package. Laura motions towards him. WILL: I...what is this? LAURA: Go on! Open it! I have another one for your wedding, so don't feel like you have to wait on Sonny. This one is all for you. Will smiles warmly at Laura. Feeling a bit emotional, he sighs as he responds. WILL: Thank you, Laura. You know, you don't have to do all these things for us. LAURA: But I enjoy doing them. MARLENA: And, I have to say, she is persistent too! Everyone shares a laugh, as Will opens the package, revealing a set of wine glasses, and a pair of fine wines, one red, one white. Will is stunned by the gift. WILL: I...Laura! Oh my GOD, you didn't have to do this for us! Will leans over and gives Laura a warm hug. Will, Laura, and Marlena share a laugh, as Will's phone rings. Separating from their hug, Will looks at Laura and Marlena apologetically. WILL: Sorry, I...I gotta take this. LAURA: Oh, not to worry. Go ahead. WILL: Thanks. Will turns to head out into the hall, and sees who's phoning. He glowers a bit when he sees it's Sonny. ... Sonny calls Will's phone from outside Club TBD, hoping to get an answer from his fiancee. As the phone rings repeatedly, Sonny becomes increasingly impatient. SONNY: Come on....come on, Will, pick up. Exasperated, and just about to hang up, Sonny is about to move the phone from his ear when Will finally answers. ... WILL: (into phone) Hello? ... Sonny immediately bugs his eyes out, glad to finally get an answer, but annoyed he had to wait so long. He covers his annoyance on the phone. SONNY: (into phone) Hey! I uh...I'm heading to Victor's now, just...wanted to check to see if you were on your way. ... Will closes the door to Laura's office behind him, a bit annoyed by Sonny's persistence. Will doesn't hide his exasperation, however. WILL: (into phone) Of course, I am, Sonny. Just...finishing up at the hospital. ... Sonny, sensing Will's frustration, gets a bit agitated, but tries to suppress it. SONNY: (into phone) Look, I'm sorry I bugged you, but...we haven't been talking much the last few days, and I was worried you were gonna back out. ... WILL: (Into phone) I'm not gonna back out, Sonny. I keep my promises. ... Sonny bites his tongue, knowing the subtle implications of what Will just said. He smiles sarcastically, and responds politely, but coldly. SONNY: (into phone) I'll be there in 15. Meet you at the gate? ... WILL: (into phone) Will do. Will hangs up the phone immediately. ... SONNY: (into phone) I-- Sonny hears the phone click, ending the call. He stammers in frustration at Will's continued petulence. SONNY: ...love you. Sonny sighs, disappointed by how the call's gone. He walks off toward his car. --- Kate walks back toward the seat where she and Nick had been waiting for Gabi, with Ari in her arms. Nick still looks distraught, the searing headache still gripping him. She looks on, feigning concern, slightly. KATE: Didn't find anything for that headache, hm? Nick looks up, sitting at the booth, lifting his head from the table. He looks groggy. NICK: No, I did. Just...didn't work. KATE: I see, so I guess Gabi's your only hope then, now, hm? NICK: I dunno. These headaches have been getting pretty bad. Kate smirks as she starts to put Ari in her high chair. KATE: Well, then! I guess you're going to need something stronger to dull the pain, aren't you? Trying to hold in her smug laughter, Kate looks over suddenly as she hears Gabi walks in just at that moment, the bag of pills in hand. Almost leaping over to the table, she reaches into the bag and pulls out the bottle of what appears to be acetominophen. Handing it over to Nick, she smiles. GABI: Here you go, Nick. Nick smiles back, accepting the pill bottle eagerly. Kate looks on with amusement. NICK: You're a lifesaver. KATE: Yes, she certainly is. Gabi looks at Kate curiously, as Kate looks back with her trademark smirk. Nick takes the glass of water on the table in front of him and downs two of the pills quickly. Gabi breathes a quick sigh of relief, as Nick gets up from his seat. NICK: I uh...I need to go to the bathroom just a minute. You'll...you'll watch my things, yeah? GABI: Of course! NICK: Thanks. I'll be right back. Kate smiles, playing with Ari as she watches Nick leave. KATE: We'll be waiting! Once Nick's out of eyeshot, Gabi sits down nervously by Nick's things. Kate looks at Gabi with a knowing look, which renders Gabi ten times more nervous than she was already. GABI: Kate, you're....you're scaring me. KATE: Oh, I'm sorry. I just...I can't get over your chutzpah! Gabi looks at Kate, increasingly confused. GABI: My what? Kate, what are you talking about? KATE: Why Gabi, don't be so coy! It's not every day you get your psycho ex-boyfriend hooked on prescription drugs again. Quite frankly, I'm impressed. Gabi looks at Kate, horrified that she's been caught, as Kate casually sips on her martini. --- Hope is at the Salem Police Station, questioning Jerome in the interrogation room, as Valerie Grant storms into the station, the look of a woman on a mission. She stops at Rafe's desk, trying to grab his attention. RAFE: Uh, can I help you? VALERIE: Yes, you can start by explaining to me why my grandson has been arrested for having the audacity to move into my home, and make it fast. Rafe looks on, a cocky grin on his face as he prepares to do battle with Valerie. --- --- Inside the interrogation room, Hope interrogates Jerome about his alleged crime spree. Jerome continues to evade all of Hope's questions, looking straight ahead at nothing in particular, deep in his own thoughts. HOPE: Look, we're getting nowhere, and you're going nowhere before you talk. Jerome doesn't respond, as though not even in the same room. Hope becomes exasperated and gets up from her chair, slamming the palms of her hands against the table in frustration. HOPE: Dammit, Jerome, talk to me. Jerome doesn't move, except for his eyes, which suddenly flash, as he looks at Hope. JEROME: Why? So you can intimidate me with what you claim you know about me? HOPE: No, because we need the truth. Now, I'm not gonna ask you again: What were you doing with that rental van? Jerome bites his lip a moment, before finally answering. JEROME: You want the truth, hm? Hope stands upright, thinking she's finally got somewhere. HOPE:Ideally. Jerome looks Hope dead in the eyes, disdain and malice cutting the tension in the air. JEROME: How's this for you? If you had done any research before making your arrest, you would know that that was my rental that I used to bring my stuff from Toronto to Salem. If you had bothered to check whose house you stopped at, you'd know that was my grandmother's house I was parked in front of, trying to move my things inside. If you remembered anything, which I get the strange feeling you know a lot more than you're letting on, you'd know that Valerie Grant was going to marry your nephew, a certain...David Banning? Yeah. So you only had to make one two minute phone call to see that my story checks out. But that would be too difficult for you, wouldn't it? Because anytime a black man 'fits the description', y'all are all too happy to scoop him up whether you have a shred of credible evidence or not-- Hope finally snaps, not wanting to hear Jerome's accusations of racial prejudice. HOPE: ...ENOUGH! Look, this has nothing to do with the colour of your skin, Jerome. Whether you want to believe it or not, we had every reason to arrest you for these burglaries. The description matched you perfectly-- The sound of Valerie's voice cuts through, stopping Hope in her tracks. VALERIE: ...Let me guess. Black male, mid-to-late 20s, muscular build, wearing a hoodie. Hope turns around to see a fuming Valerie at her door, with Rafe close behind. Valerie continues into the room, a confident stride as she steps toward Hope in confrontation. VALERIE: Am I getting warm, Detective Williams? Hope stands, unable to think clearly when faced with her nephew's ex-fiancee. She looks to Rafe, who looks on, a bit sheepish. HOPE: What is she doing in here? This is an interrogation ro-- VALERIE: ...And this interrogation is OVER. It ends NOW, Hope. RAFE: The, uh...the boys brought in the real perp. Caught in a woman's house on Greeson St. Hope turns, and Jerome looks up to see the main room, where a man in a similar hoodie to Jerome's is brought in...but the man is white. Valerie looks back in the room, giving almost menacing looks at Rafe and Hope. VALERIE: Another accurate description by the local police. And they wonder why we're dying. Valerie looks at the ground, disappointment stinging her watering eyes, before she speaks again, looking at Hope at the tail end of her sentence. VALERIE: Is my grandson free to go? Hope doesn't speak, only nodding in agreement. Valerie turns to Jerome, as Rafe walks over to remove his handcuffs. VALERIE: Let's go, baby. As Jerome's handcuffs are removed, Valerie guides Jerome out the door. Before stepping out, she turns to Hope one last time. VALERIE: Give David my regards, Hope. Hope looks on, too stunned to respond, as Rafe guides Jerome and Valerie out of the room. The door closes behind them, as Hope turns away, looking shellshocked by what's just transpired. --- Gabi looks behind her, hoping that Nick hasn't heard what Kate's just said, before leaning in and speaking just above a whisper to Kate. GABI: What are you talking about, Kate? Kate almost chokes on her martini, setting it down on the table as she tries to hold back her laughter. KATE: Gabi, come on! You can drop the act. I heard your phone conversation. GABI: WHAT? You were spying on me, Kate? KATE: Ohhh, relax. Honestly, I'm actually impressed. I wish I'd come up with it, myself. The truth is, if you're going to get rid of Nick, the best way to work is under his nose. So tell me, who's supplying you? Gabi sighs, as she tries to find a way to evade the question. GABI: Look, Kate, I really can't talk about this here. Nick could be back any moment, and-- KATE: ...And you don't want to get caught with that perscription pad you're also trying to hide from me, right? Gabi looks down, terrified that Kate really does know what's going on. Kate looks quickly down toward Nick's bag and nods very subtly, a signal to Gabi. Gabi takes the cue and gently glides Marlena's perscription pad into Nick's laptop bag. Kate reaches out at this point across the table to Gabi, attempting to reassure her. KATE: Gabi, you need to understand something. I've been in your shoes before. My ex-husband was an absolute tyrant, and I regret not having taken the steps to put him away when I had the chance. I lost years with Billie and Austin I'll never get back because of that, and there's no way I'm going to let the likes of Nick Fallon do the same to you. GABI: Kate, thank you. But you don't need to get involved in this, I'm handling it. KATE: I'm sure you are...as well as you're able to. Gabi looks at Kate, a bit annoyed at her lack of faith. GABI: What's that supposed to mean? KATE: It means you need all the resources you can get. I heard you on that phone call. Let me guess, the police didn't take the bait the first time, and that's why you're trying again, this time taking the extra...embellishment of planting perscriptions pads on him? It's smart, but you have to have a plan B. Someone to help you with the potential pitfalls. Kate looks over at this point, and sees Nick approaching. She nods and almost mouths her next words. KATE: (whipsers) Think about it. Nick steps over to the table, still a bit groggy. GABI: Nick. How are you feeling? NICK: I'm uh...still a litle sore, but...the pain's going down at least. Thanks for running out and grabbing the pills for me. I owe you one. Gabi waves dismissively at Nick's offer. GABI: Oh, it's nothing. Don't even worry. You don't have to pay me back for that. Kate looks at Gabi, trying to hold back a smile at the hidden irony, as Gabi tries to ignore Kate's look. GABI: Uh, hey. If you're free at all tomorrow night, we should get together for a bit. NICK: I'd like that. GABI: Great, text me. NICK: Sounds good. Hey, could you grab me my bag from the corner there. GABI: OH, sure! Gabi reaches around to lift Nick's bag over, the perscription pads poking out slightly. Gabi spots it and slyly pushes them in as Nick takes the bag. NICK: See you ladies later on. OH, and Kate. We have to talk about your current proposal soon. Kate looks ahead, drink in hand, almost completely ignoring Nick. KATE: Nick, we have nothing to talk about. You handle your business, and I'll handle the rest. NICK: So you're okay with Gabi taking on the modelling gig? KATE: If she's okay with it. Kate looks at a stunned Gabi, who is studying Kate's face, looking for a clue as to what she should say in this moment. On the spot, she chokes out a reply. GABI: I....sure! Yes! Sure. KATE: Great! We'll sign the papers at my office tomorrow morning, okay? GABI: Sure! NICK: Okay, well, I'm out then. KATE & GABI: Bye, Nick! As Nick heads out, Gabi and Kate wait with baited breath to see him close the door to the Brady Pub behind him. The moment it closes, Gabi turns quickly, and angrily to Kate. GABI: What was that, Kate?? You told me you were trying to get me away from Nick, not sucking me deeper into his...sick...web. Kate raises her glass, smiling widely as she offers a toast to Gabi. KATE: Oh, don't worry, Gabi. You may not realize it now, but I have everything under control. You're just gonna have to trust me. Kate takes a sip, smiling as she does, while Gabi looks on in stunned amazement. --- Will walks up to an awaiting Sonny outside the front door of the Kiriakis manion. Will looks anything but pleased to be there, but Sonny manages a half-hearted smile. He speaks nervously. SONNY: Hey...you made it. WILL: Yep. Just like I promised. SONNY: Yeah, you mentioned on the phone. Look, Will...just...speaking of promises, can you and I...make a deal? A pact? Will almost laughs in Sonny's face, giving a spiteful smile to Sonny's request. WILL: Heh...Sonny, come on. Your promises don't mean much to me right now. SONNY: Will, I'm serious. Let me...make this a chance to make it up to you. Will's smile disappears, looking down to one side as he sighs, knowing Sonny's being earnest. WILL: Alright. What do you want us to do? Sonny steps toward Will, placing his hands on Will's shoulders tenderly. Will flinches, but doesn't step back. SONNY: Just...pretend to be happy, for tonight. Look, my...my parents will be here, and...you know how my mom is about you and I...just...we'll pretend nothing's wrong, and whatever we're feeling, we can talk it out tomorrow. We'll sit down, have breakfast...and we'll talk. Just you and I. Will takes a moment to think over his words, still not quite looking Sonny in the eye. He finally looks up, nodding slowly in agreement. WILL: Okay. But don't expect instant results. Sonny smiles, finally being given a glimmer of hope by his fiancé. SONNY: Thank you. (sigh) Look, we...we better go in. WILL: After you. Sonny walks up to the door, and rings the doorbell. Henderson opens the door. SONNY: Hey, Henderson, we're here... Sonny is taken aback, when he looks behind Henderson, to see a face he hasn't seen in years. SONNY: Oh my God....Alex??? ALEX: Hey, my man, how are you?? SONNY: Oh WOW, this is...WOW, look at you, man! It's so good to see you! Sonny races inside to give Alex a hug, as Will steps inside, a wave of horror washes over him. Sonny turns to face Will, a huge smile on his face as he speaks. SONNY: Alex, I want you to meet my fiancé, Will Horton. Will, this is my brother, Alex Kiriakis. Will turns ghost white, stunned into silence. ---

EPISODE 73 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Marlena steps out of the coffehouse in Horton Town Square, cup of coffee in hand as she sits down at one of the tables out in the square. She sits down as her cell phone rings, she picks it up and talks as she rifles through her bag. MARLENA: Dr. Evans...yes...yes, I can be at University Hospital in...20 minutes....Board room? Uh, sure! I'll be there. Bye bye. As Marlena hangs up her phone, she looks around and sees a young blonde woman walk into the square, looking a bit lost. She looks on, a bit of recognition in her eyes as she smiles, looking the young woman's way. Finally, the woman stops upon seeing Marlena and smiles widely. She approaches Marlena, who remains seated. MARLENA: Noelle? Noelle looks back excitedly as Marlena recognizes her. NOELLE: Marlena! Marlena jumps up from her seat, as Noelle and Marlena hug each other tightly. As they pull away, their screams of joy begin to turn to giggles. MARLENA: Oh my LORD, it's so good to see you again! I've missed you. NOELLE: I was amazed you even recognized me, it's been so long. I think I couldn't have been more than...what, 12 when I last saw you? MARLENA: Probably. Marlena smiles warmly as she looks at Noelle proudly. They hold each others hands. MARLENA: Your dad would be so proud of you. I'm so sorry to hear about his passing. Noelle's demeanour changes almost immediately. Her face drops as she steps away from Marlena momentarily before sitting down at the table. NOELLE: Yeah, thanks. MARLENA: I'm sorry to have brought him up. I know it's still relatively fresh for you and your mother. NOELLE: Yeah, well...there's a lot of....adjusting to do. In more ways than one. --- Nicole sits at her desk at her office, staring down Nick, who's sitting across from her, lazily lounging in his chair, a typical cocky look on his face. Nicole tries to posture to appear unmoved by Nick's threats. NICOLE: I need to remind you of something, Nnnnnnick! You need my help more than you're willing to admit. Nick leans back in his chair, sitting himself in a casual position almost mockingly. NICK: Oh this oughta be good. Where's the popcorn? NICOLE: I'm serious. If you and your little minion didn't have me telling everyone in Salem how disastrous this oil sands project would be, no one would give a damn about Percy and his little...owl-watching sanctuary. You'd have been a thirty-second human interest curiosity on one newscast before the Titan spin machine forced the public's hand and the city's, into forcing him to sell his land. And then where would that leave you? Nick tenses as Nicole speaks, the smile slowly fading from his face, but still trying to appear relaxed. NICOLE: Face it, Nick. I have more power than you're willing to admit. And it bugs the hell out of you. --- --- Will steps off the elevator at the Titan Building on the EnerNext floor. He luckily steps off the elevator as Tyler steps into the hallway. Tyler notices Will immediately and greets him with a professional smile. TYLER: Ah! William! Perfect timing. You're looking rather chipper this morning. WILL: Thanks, Mr. Houston. I...had a hard time sleeping last night. TYLER: Well, it certainly doesn't show. Ready to meet everyone? WILL: I sure am. TYLER: Great. Tyler motions Will to follow him down the hallway. Will smiles, trying to hide his nervousness. Tyler looks over, sensitive to Will's uncertainty, and tries to break the tension. TYLER: So I guess I should tell you a bit about what you'll be doing here. WILL: Could help. (laughs) [b[TYLER: Well, you'll mostly be writing press releases, dabbling a bit in advertising copy. We will need you to focus a bit on speechwriting, as I'll want someone who really understands spin and how to avoid any potential...pitfalls. Will nods, understanding what Tyler's getting at. WILL: A bit of...persuasive writing, if you will. TYLER: Precisely. Tyler smiles and puts his hand on Will's back in a father-like way. He motions them forward again as they approach the door to an office. TYLER: So here's where your new office space will be. Will steps into the room, beaming as he examines the lush surroundings.Dark wood covers the walls of the office, with the light streaming in from the window right behind his new desk. Will stands in awe of his workspace, as a young, chiseled man with dark hair steps in from the hallway. WILL: It's...amazing. As Will speaks, the man knocks on the doorframe. Tyler looks behind him towards the door, and sees the young man. He immediately walks over to him and ushers him into the room. TYLER: Ah! William! This is Alex, you'll be reporting directly to him. Will turns to face Alex and smiles immediately. A rush coming over him as he looks him over. Alex extends his hand for Will to shake. Will stands awakwardly for a moment before clueing in and shaking his hand in return. WILL: Oh...nice...to meet you, I'm Will. Alex smiles back, lingering in their handshake slightly longer than expected. Will smiles a bit of a goofy smile and Alex smiles back. ALEX: Pleasure. --- Noelle walks with Marlena across Town Square, both ladies with coffee cups in hand. They laugh as they share stories. NOELLE: (sigh) Thank you for meeting me today. I was...honestly really worried about coming back to Salem. Marlena stops and touches Noelle's cheek gently, moving a strand of hair away from her face lovingly. MARLENA: I know it's difficult moving back here after all these years. And so far from your mother. How is Liz holding up? NOELLE: Oh she's...alright. We've been helping her out as much as we can, but....it isn't so easy from so far. MARLENA: Why doesn't she come back to Salem with you? Noelle shakes her head, shrugging as she continues to look straight ahead, in thought as she speaks. NOELLE: A lot of memories. I think mostly of Dad. Mother couldn't really take it. Marlena stops and looks at Noelle with concern in her eyes. MARLENA: It's been well over a year, Noelle. I mean...do you think it's healthy for Liz to still be so... NOELLE: I think Dad's death and...well, I just think that she's hurting a lot more than she's willing to believe. MARLENA: Is she working? Noelle looks down, laughing almost to keep from crying. She shakes her head. NOELLE: No. She hasn't in months. Marlena, her first performance in two years, and dad was at home dying of a heart attack. She's...she's never forgiven herself for it. MARLENA: Surely she knows it isn't her fault. Noelle looks up to keep from crying, this time starting to lose the battle. NOELLE: Listen, can we....can we continue this later. I...I have to get some errands done today before dinner. MARLENA: Sure. Noelle takes Marlena's hand and squeezes it, smiling warmly her way through her tears as she tries to wipe them away. MARLENA: Listen, Noelle. Just remember, if you need someone to talk to... NOELLE: Thanks, Marlena. I'll call you soon. Noelle walks away as Marlena lingers behind, still looking on with real worry on her face. --- Nick gets up from his seat. He leans over Nicole's desk, trying to intimidate her, but Nicole responds cooly. She remains in place, arms folded on her desk, a calm expression her face. NICK: You think you got this all figured out, don't you, Nicole? NICOLE: I know that you'd be stupid to use what you've got on me unless you absolutely had to. NICK: Don't be stupid enough to think I won't. Nicole leans back finally, laughing in Nick's unmoved face. NICOLE: I don't think you understand this at all. Your plan's worked just fine so far, but what happens if even ONE piece of your little...convoluted plan fails? City council could still allow EnerNext to buy out Percy's land. NICK: That won't happen if you do what you're instructed to. Nicole leans back in, looking menacingly at Nick. NICOLE: I don't take instructions from you, you little twerp. Nick gets back up from leaning on Nicole's desk. He shakes his head at Nicole's insolence. NICK: You really don't get it, do you? I have every document you kept hidden from Eric in your desk drawer safely stored where you can't find it. I can pull it out whenever I feel like it. NICOLE: And I know you won't do that. Nick, you can't overplay your hand here. The Titan executive is gonna get wise to you, and then you and your little plan here are gonna crumble like stale bread. Nick smiles smugly. He responds ever so calmly, yet menacingly. NICK: Not now they're not. Remember that old saying, Nicole? Loose lips sink ships? Nicole still looks on dismissively. NICOLE: I'm sorry, am I talking to the Riddler? Would you just spit it out? NICK: Well, Nicole. Let's just say that no matter what happens around this building, I know about it. Nicole furrows her brow, confused and a bit worried by the implication Nick's making, but disbelieving it simultaneously. NICOLE: How is that even possible? Did you develop ESP or did you hit up Dionne Warwick for a psychic friend? NICK: I wouldn't say that so much as....the walls, Nicole? They have ears. And trust me, you've been so very helpful. Especially now that I have video that shows our little...exchange here about what you did. The colour drains from Nicole's face as Nick smiles a winner's smile. ---

EPISODE 74 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson At what is for now Titan TV, Nick smiles smugly while lounging in a chair opposite Nicole's desk. Grabbing his laptop bag as he pulls out his tablet, he taps and slides his finger across the screen before showing Nicole footage of their exchange up to now. NICOLE: You....what? NICK: I have it all right here. See, I've got eyes, Nicole. Everywhere. You know, once you master the art of hacking, you really can do anything! It's crazy! The colour drains from Nicole's face, as Nick puts his tablet back in his bag, and pulls out a flash drive from his bag, placing it on the desk before a stunned and terrified Nicole, who was just caught by Nick's surveillance equipment admitting to hiding the documents proving Eric was drugged. Nicole gulps audibly before responding to him with as strong, but cool a voice as she can muster, which comes off more upset and wavering than she'd like to believe. NICOLE: What do you need me to do, Nick? Nick nods, still smiling as Nicole squirms, hating cowtowing to her blackmailer's increasing demands. NICK: Much better. Everything you'll need is on that flash drive. Just remember to destroy it when you're done. Have a great day, Nicole! Nicole holds up the flash drive, looking it over as Nick grabs his bag and leaves Nicole's office. Nicole holds it firmly in her fist, silently cursing Nick. She sits down at her desk and thinks aloud. NICOLE: There has GOT to be a way to trap that little rat in his own game. But he's on the side of the good guys...how the hell does that work? Nicole shakes her head as she puts the flash drive into her computer and waits for it to load. --- Will walks down the hallway towards his new office at EnerNext, holding a coffee mug in his hand, before stopping at the door. He turns the doorknob and steps in, jumping back upon seeing Alex standing inside. ALEX: AH! Will! I was looking for you. Will stands at his doorway, keeping a goofy smile on his face, stunned by Alex's presence in his office. --- Laura walks off the elevator at University Hospital and stops at the nurses' station. Maxine greets her immediately with a warm smile. MAXINE: Well! Good morning, Dr. Horton. How's it going? Laura smiles, but with a tension in her face that Maxine can't quite put her finger on. LAURA: Oh, just fine, Maxine. Uh...you haven't seen Dr. Jonas around anywhere, have you? MAXINE: No, he's taken a late start today. In fact he's requested to work evenings all week. Should I have him get ahold of you when he comes in? LAURA: Yes, if you don't mind. Thanks! MAXINE: Anytime, Dr. Horton. Oh! And, uh, by the way, there's a very improtant meeting at 10:45 in the board room. Laura looks up from her mail, a bit surprised, but smiles Maxine's way. LAURA: Oh. Alright, thanks. Any idea what it's about? Maxine shrugs dismissively. MAXINE: I dunno, usually it's about not wasting paper in the photocopier and boring budget updates. I wouldn't worry too much. LAURA: Heh, alright. Thanks again, Maxine. MAXINE: Have a good day, honey. Laura steps away from the nurses' station and over to the coffee machine. Pouring herself a cup, she sighs heavily while looking over to see none other than Liam talking with one of the doctors at the opposite end of the room. Laura looks on momentarily, before muttering to herself. LAURA: Alright, Laura. Keep calm, and tread lightly. Daniel may be able to help you keep on eye on Liam, but don't overplay your hand. Jenn and JJ's safety depends on it. --- Brady wakes up, pale and sweaty, to find a tray of breakfast food arranged beside his bed, a note laid down beside his plate of eggs, bacon and toast. Brady rubs the sleep from his eyes and reads the note carefully, his vision still not the greatest. Figured you'd want a nice breakfast. If you need anything, just holler. Anita Brady tries to get up from his bed but quickly realizes he can barely move them, after days of bed rest. As he tries to shuffle over to his breakfast, Anita walks in, hearing the rumbling. ANITA: Oh good, you're up. Here, I wasn't sure if you'd be able to reach the food, but I knew that you'd better eat something or you'd shrivel up and die. Anita rushes in and grabs the tray from the TV dinner table set up beside the bed. She quickly pops the tray on Brady's lap. BRADY: Well, I'm not so sure I'm not gonna shrivel and die yet. ANITA: Don't talk like that. You're looking better every day. BRADY: You know, I'm...I'm still not hungry. I feel so... ANITA: That's probably you coming down from your drugs. Brady looks up, shocked that Anita was even aware of his relapse. BRADY: What? How...? How did you even know I-- ANITA: The doctor told me during his house call. You had a rapid heart beat and dialated pupils. He figured you were high when you ended up in the water. Honestly, from what that doctor told me, it's a miracle you're even alive. Brady looks up at Anita, alarmed by her sombre statement. --- --- Anita sits at the edge of Brady's bed, conversing with him about his situation. Brady looks at Anita with a concerned look. BRADY: What do you mean, lucky to be alive? ANITA: You showed up washed ashore by the lake. Limp as a fish. I thought you'd drowned, but thankfully...I'm a retired nurse so... Brady flops down, exhausted, in the bed. Looking at the ceiling before inhaling deeply and shutting his eyes, trying to soak in each breath. BRADY: Why don't I feel so lucky? ANITA: Probably withdrawals. And your body's probably weak. Lucky for you, I managed to get your body warmed up, or that cold lake water would've killed you before the withdrawal symptoms ever could. BRADY: Great. (sigh) I don't think I wanna eat. ANITA: I'll leave it here for you anyway. You might get hungry later. But you do need to eat. Anita gets up and heads for the door, stopping and turning back, as though remembering something. ANITA: I'll make you a pot of tea, that might help. Brady continues to stare blankly at the ceiling. BRADY: I...sure. Anita stands in the doorway and smiles. ANITA: I'll be back in a minute. As Anita walks out, Brady summons the strength to sit up again in the bed. Looking around the room, he looks out the window overlooking the lake. The images flood back in his mind of the night of his accident. His harsh words for Theresa. The sound of his car speeding into the icy water. He shudders as he relives the moment of panic, recalling the impact. He flops back in bed, squinting his eyes shut, as if shutting his eyes will wipe the memories away. --- Sami stands in the DiMera living room, standing before the desk. She closes up her briefcase after filing away some papers, and putting her tablet inside her purse, as she hears the living room doors swing open. She continues preparing, assuming EJ is at the door to motivate her to get a move on. SAMI: I'll be there in a sec, EJ, just gotta... Sami turns around and jumps back immediately upon realizing Nick is at the door, not EJ. NICK: Oh come on, Sami! I'm way skinnier than EJ. But I appreciate the compliment. He's a looker, that one! Sami looks on, eyes squinting with malice. SAMI: What do you want, Nick? NICK: Just wanted to have a little talk with you. SAMI: Well, I don't have time right now. I have to get to the hospital, as a matter of fact. Sami tries to walk out, appearing busy as she collects her things. Nick grabs Sami's arm to stop her, causing Sami to stop in her tracks, a bit of a shiver as she looks at Nick with an insane contempt. Nick looks back, an arrogant, dangerous nonchalance in his eyes. NICK: Not so fast, Sami. This will only take a minute. And I think it's in your best interests, and Kate's...and Gabi's...if you stuck around for....just a minute. Don't you think? Sami continues to stare him down as Nick retains his firm grasp on her arm. --- Nicole sits at her office desk and looks down at the flash drive Nick's given her. NICOLE: (sigh) Alright. Let's see what dirty little secrets you have locked inside you. Nicole holds the drive in her hand before rolling her eyes. NICOLE: Although, knowing Nick, he's probably just loaded a virus onto this thing to wipe my hard drive clean. Oh well, I'll just expense a new one with my new boss, I guess. With a bit of a laugh, Nicole plugs the flash drive into her computer. She talks herself through the process as though she's at a slot machine in Vegas. NICOLE: Alright, baby, show Mama the money.... Nicole looks on with laser-focus as the document list appears on her monitor. Clicking on the first document, she waits with baited breath as the document loads on her screen. She inhales deeply as she soaks in the information. NICOLE: My God. Victor, you're going DOWN. Nicole smiles a satisfied smile as she reads on. --- Will relaxes a moment, miraculously keeping his coffee cup in tact as he steps inside his office toward Alex. WILL: I...Alex. I...sure, what do you need? ALEX: Come here. Alex opens a folder as Will steps close to him. Alex leans in close to him, causing Will to tense up. Alex begins to show him a document for Will to work on. ALEX: I'm gonna start you off slowly, just to get your feet wet, so...here...is a press release we'll be sending out tomorrow regarding the property acquisition problems we're having. As Alex speaks,Will feels Alex's body move in close to him, his breath on his neck, and every touch, no matter how inadvertent, excites him. Will breathes in deeply to try to relax himself, all the while, so focused on holding himself back, that he barely listens to Alex. ALEX: Okay, so... Will sits himself down at his desk to look over the file, as Alex crouches down beside him. Will sets his coffee on the table and leans in close again, as Alex explains the file. ALEX: So essentially, you'll be editing this for time, and we need this to read more like progress is being made on this front. We can't let the press see that we're stagnant on this issue. Will moves his arm over to point to a piece of this document. WILL: Right, so, here... Will clips his coffee mug as he points over the folder and knocks it off his desk...and all over Alex's shirt. Alex jumps back and Will jumps up from his seat. WILL: Oh God. I'm... Alex looks himself over, holding back a curse as he tries to undo his tie and shirt before the heat of the coffee burns him. ALEX: Ow Ow ow ow ow! WILL: Ahhh I'm sorry, here, here, here, let me get that off...you... As Will jumps over and helps peel Alex's wet shirt off him, they both stop a moment. Will looks down at Alex's body and swallows hard. He stutters as he tries to speak. WILL: I...I'm so sorry. I just...I... Alex laughs a bit, looking at an obviously embarrassed Will. ALEX: Don't worry. I'm...a klutz half the time myself. Uh...look. Let me...go change. I bring a change of clothes usually just in case...a pen explodes...bit of my lunch falls on me... WILL: Some idiot newbie spills coffee on you on the first day. Alex smiles, putting a hand on Will's shoulder in reassurance. ALEX: Nah, come on. Don't be so hard on yourself. Will. I'm not gonna fire you for this. If I was going to, I'dve fired myself last year. Okay? Will nods sheepishly. Alex now puts both hands on Will's shoulders, looking up at Will to try to convince him to look up his way. Will finally does, and their eyes lock. Will's defenses go down and he smiles at Alex, they both laugh gently at their situation, as Will's eyes get distracted by Alex's shirtless body. --- Marlena arrives at University Hospital's board room to find it filled with people from all over the hospital. She quickly walks over to Laura, who looks over and greets Marlena. LAURA: Good morning. I take it you got word about the meeting? MARLENA: Yes, I did. It's unusual of them to ask so many people to one of these meetings, so I'm rather curious what it could be about. LAURA: Sounds serious. MARLENA: It very well could be. Laura looks over to see Jennifer walk into the room with Liam in tow. Laura stares with a deeply troubled look, which Marlena immediately picks up on. MARLENA: Laura...are you alright? Laura holds her gaze a moment longer before responding, looking Marlena's way only as she finishes speaking. LAURA: I'm fine. I'm...just fine. MARLENA: Why don't I believe you? Laura smiles and tries to reassure her friend, but is barely able to reassure herself. LAURA: Don't worry. I'll be just fine. Marlena looks on, deciding to drop it, as the door closes behind a newly arriving Kayla, who calls out to the room for their attention. KAYLA: Good morning, everyone! Let's get started! Kayla walks over to the head of the board room table. She remains standing as she speaks to the crowd gathered in the room. KAYLA: So...you're probably wondering why I've called this meeting this morning. And I do want to thank you all for coming out on such short notice....but I am...officially announcing my resignation as Chief of Staff at University Hospital. The crowd look on, stunned by Kayla's announcement. ---