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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 83 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Eric walks out of the flower shop at Town Square, a huge bouquet of red roses in his arms, as he ponders his next stop. He strolls alongside the shops lining the town square before stopping before The Hourglass. Looking inside, he smiles before opening the door to step in. ERIC: Perfect. The door creaks as it shuts behind him. --- Jerome makes his way down the street in his rented van, transporting his belongings to his new home in Salem. He approaches his grandmother’s new house. Radio on, he overhears the news. RADIO: Salem PD are on the lookout this hour for a suspect involved in a string of burglaries in West Salem. Suspect is said to be an African-American male— Pulling into the driveway in his rented U-Haul, he turns the van off, pulling the keys out of the ignition, shaking his head. JEROME: Always a black man. (sigh) Opening the van door, he remembers to press the button to automatically unlock the back of the van. Walking around to the back, he pulls out one lighter box from on top, breezily slinging the box under his arm. Jerome shuts the back of the van before heading for the door. Looking through his keys, he finds the key that Valerie told him would open the door. Awkwardly trying to balance the box and manoeuvre himself around to get the key in the lock, he nearly drops the box. Jerome finally gives up, and places the box on the ground, focusing his attention on unlocking the door to his new home. The key doesn’t work. Jerome’s arms drop to his side, frustrated, he curses in his head, as he pats his jacket, searching for his phone. JEROME: Where the Hell…is my phone?? --- Jerome’s phone sits on Valerie’s desk in her new office at University Hospital. As she flips through the files on Roman Brady, she’s struck by something. Concerned, she flips back to the previous page, studying the page through her reading glasses. VALERIE: Wait a minute…this file…there’s nothing in here from before in 1997…maybe it’s still in John’s file? Valerie flips through to find John’s file. Opening that up, she takes a minute to search through his records before closing that file. Valerie looks up, deep in thought. VALERIE: Where on Earth is the rest of Roman’s file? --- Liam walks quickly into the lobby at University Hospital. Looking around, he sees Marlena step off the elevator, and head for her office. Hanging back, he watches her intently. She stops, then turns back towards the opposite hallway, stopping quickly at the nurses’ station. MARLENA: Maxine, is Jennifer still in her office? MAXINE: Yes, Dr. Evans, she’s in her office right now. Marlena smiles her trademark warm smile as she heads back towards Jenn’s office. MARLENA: Thank you. As Marlena disappears down the hall, Liam smirks, and begins down the opposite hall, heading for Marlena’s office. Not far behind is Laura, still trying to keep out of sight from Liam. Maxine watches as Laura follows Liam at a distance. She furrows her brow as she tries to figure out what’s going on, but Laura’s eyes are trained on Liam, as she makes her way down the hall. Around the corner, Liam looks around to make sure no one sees him. Sensing the coast is clear, he closes his eyes momentarily as he puts his hand on Marlena’s office door handle. Twisting it, the door opens and Liam breathes a sigh of relief as he enters, still checking to see if anyone’s looking. As he steps inside and goes to shut the door, Laura turns the corner. Seeing the door shut, Laura looks on in fear for her friend’s safety. She doubles back to seek out Marlena. --- --- At Titan HQ, Victor steps into Tyler’s office, an unhappy look on his face. Tyler turns around, surprised to see him. TYLER: Victor! I thought you were working from home again today. VICTOR: I was, but I had to go over some things quickly with you before the day was out, and it isn’t anything we can go over on the phone. Tyler, sensing something serious is up, sets down the files he had in hand and sits down in his chair behind his desk. TYLER: Alright. What’s the trouble? VICTOR: John’s declared Brady dead. Says he doesn’t want to drag the matter out any longer when there’s so little chance of Brady being alive. And as much as I don’t want to believe that he’s really gone…I really don’t have much choice but to accept it. Tyler looks on, mulling over Victor’s words. He nods gently as he responds. TYLER: I’m sorry, Victor. Victor doesn’t look up from the ground after Tyler speaks. He continues, still deeply in his own mind. VICTOR: I have, as a result, room to appoint a new member to the Titan board. TYLER: Do you have anyone in mind? VICTOR: Not really. No one I particularly trust, anyway. Phillip’s removed himself from the board while he’s working for another company, and Daniel has no interest in the business. TYLER: I see. Victor looks up at Tyler suddenly, his gaze piercing through Tyler, almost causing Tyler to jump back a bit. VICTOR: I was considering my wife. TYLER: Oh? VICTOR: Yes. I have set up arrangements so that my wife will have full ownership over the top floor of this property. She’ll be regenerating the space as The Penthouse Grille once again. I’ll need your sign-off, of course on that. Tyler, still a bit off-kilter, almost intimidated by Victor, nods quickly to Victor’s request. TYLER: Absolutely. No problem. I do have to...well, question your taking on your wife as a board member, I mean…what kind of business credentials does she have, really? Victor looks at Tyler incredulously. He scoffs back at Tyler. VICTOR: She owns three thriving restaurants across the city, and is about to reopen a fourth, all while also running a health spa. I don’t know, Tyler. You tell me. She goes by Maggie Horton in the professional world, perhaps you’ve heard of her. Tyler’s eyes widen, surprised to hear the woman he’d been flirting with was Victor’s wife, and so accomplished. --- Eric steps out from the parking lot outside Horton Town Square and locks his car remotely. He stands in the park just outside Town Square and smiles widely, a relaxed feeling he hasn’t felt in ages. ERIC: Everything’s set. Now…the last step. Eric pulls his phone out of his pocket and texts Nicole. meet me @ Anderson park 535. dont b late, its important. Love, eric Eric smiles as he hits send. ERIC: And now, we wait. --- Laura walks briskly back down the opposite hallway, in hot pursuit of Marlena, who’s just about to enter Jennifer’s office. Before Marlena has a chance to knock, Laura calls out to her. LAURA: Marlena! Marlena turns quickly to see a panicked Laura. LAURA: I really need you for a moment, it’s urgent! I think someone’s breaking into your office. Marlena draws herself up, a worry rushing over her as she lets go of the handle of Jennifer’s door. --- Inside Marlena’s office, Liam leaves the light off, but pulls a pocket flashlight from his pocket, attached to his key ring. Holding the keys so they don’t jingle, he walks over to Marlena’s desk. He crouches down, and attempts to open the top drawer. It’s locked. Noting that a couple are locked, he quickly adjusts his key ring to pull out a long pin-shaped device. Sliding the device into the lock, he manages to fix the lock to open the drawer. He begins to dig inside, while holding the flashlight above the drawer. He spots what he’s looking for. LIAM: Bingo. Pulling the pad out, and sliding them quickly into his pocket, Liam quickly closes the drawers and gets up, heading quickly for the door. As Liam heads for the door, Will makes his way down the hallway, approaching Marlena’s office door. As he puts his hand up to the handle of her office door, Laura and Marlena quickly approach, concerned looks on their faces as Marlena call out to him. MARLENA: WILL! Will turns around fast, smiling widely as he spots his grandmother and Laura. His smile fades as he looks at their worried expressions. WILL: Hey! I was just looking for you. Uh…you alright? MARLENA: Yes. I…we’re fine. We just had a scare. Laura was…just telling me she thought someone had broken into my office. You…weren’t just in there looking for me, were you? Laura looks on, realizing that Will is dressed almost exactly the same as Liam, and realizes she could easily have confused him for Liam. She sheepishly responds as she begins to second-guess herself. LAURA: Uh…maybe I…I must have made a mistake. I…saw you in the hall, Will and had to…call Marlena over. I thought…well, it doesn’t matter. Uh…mm…hey, I bought Arianna an early Christmas gift. It’s…in my office if you wanted to come see. Will smiles broadly, though still confused. He nods at Laura, while Marlena smiles. WILL: Uhmm…sure! I have to get going in a minute though. Family…dinner tonight or something. LAURA: Oh, I won’t keep you long. MARLENA: I have to grab something from you anyway, so I’ll come along. LAURA: Great! Let’s go… Laura scurries away, as Marlena and Will look at each other with confusion. After Marlena and Will walk away, Liam creaks the door open to Marlena’s office. Seeing them round the corner, and noting that coast is now clear, he slyly exits Marlena’s office, before heading casually back down the hall. He gets on his cell phone once again. LIAM: (into phone) I got everything you need. I’ll be at the pier in ten. Liam hangs up, rolls his eyes, and sighs, as he walks over to the elevator, hitting the down button and waiting for the elevator to arrive. --- Hope drives the road, heading for the elementary school to pick up Ciara. As she drives, she’s in the middle of a call piped through the sound system in her car. It’s Rafe. RAFE: (through the speakers) I’m just gonna put through the final papers on that case and we’re done, alright? HOPE: Sounds good, Rafe. Um…Rafe, I have to meet with that…(sigh) Aiden Jennings tomorrow morning, can you… Midsentence, Hope spots the infamous rental van parked outside a house she’s driving by. She becomes transfixed by it, nearly running herself off the road. Hope slows down slightly, as she changes her subject to Rafe. HOPE: Uhm…Rafe? RAFE: (through the speakers) Yeah. HOPE: What was that description you gave me of the burglary suspect? After a moment, with the sound of papers ruffling, Rafe finally answers. RAFE: (through the speakers) Uhhhh…black man, 6 foot, driving a rental van. Possibly wearing an out of state college sweater— Hope interjects before Rafe can even finish. HOPE: …I think I just got him. Hold on. RAFE: (through the speakers) What? … Rafe’s next comments get cut off as Hope parks her car and quickly turns off the ignition. She steps out into the street, as Jerome walks back over the back of the van, placing the box he had planned on bringing into Valerie’s house back inside the van. He mutters to himself. JEROME: I can’t believe I forgot my phone… As Jerome shuts the back doors to the van, Hope appears behind the door, gun in hand, pointed at a stunned Jerome. HOPE: Put your hands up! You’re under arrest! JEROME: WHAT?!? HOPE: NOW! Jerome, visibly angered, but knowing he shouldn’t say another word, raises his hands, palms facing Hope as he turns to face her, a resigned look on his face. ---

EPISODE 80 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Laura sits in her office at University Hospital, recalling what JJ told her the previous night about Liam. ... FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 71 Laura breathes in deeply, standing in her bedroom, as she tries to relax herself and keeps asking JJ questions. LAURA: Right. Okay...so...JJ...what happened after that conversation you had with your mother? JJ: Well...they took off, mom and Liam did...and I stayed behind to try to...sort this out in my head...and as they left...Liam...he looked at me...I caught him trying to...like...stare me down or something. But I'm more worried about Abigail than anything. I mean...she's working for Stefano but...Liam works at the hospital, he has no ties to Stefano. ... Laura thinks intensely about what JJ said, while shaking her head. She swallows hard before talking to herself. LAURA: Ohhh, let's just hope I'm wrong about Liam. As she finishes, Daniel opens her door, knocking gently on it. Laura looks up and smiles at him. LAURA: Daniel! DANIEL: You asked to see me? LAURA: Yes, I...I have a favour to ask you. Daniel squints a bit, unsure what to expect. DANIEL: Oh? What kind of favour? Laura stirs awkwardly for a moment, trying to find the best way to ask. LAURA: I need you to do a bit of digging on someone...Liam Frasier. Daniel looks down, sighing in frustration. --- At the former Titan TV studio, Nicole stands with Miles before hearing the sound of the doors to the studio opening, as a group of people enter the room. She closes her eyes, anticipating the worst before turning around to see who's come in. As she turns, she spots a group of men in suits approaching. Followed by none other than Sami Brady and EJ DiMera. NICOLE: No! Sami stops before the group of men, and immediately launches into her announcement. SAMI: Good afternoon, everybody! I'm sure you all know by now, I'm Samantha Brady. And I will be operating the TV operation formerly known as Titan TV, as of today. Nicole breathes in deeply, choking back a scream, as Sami locks eyes with Nicole, a huge smile across Sami's face. NICOLE: No! You've got to be joking! Sami smiles widely, trying to stop herself from laughing as EJ responds. EJ: Oh, believe me, Nicole. This is anything but a joke. Nicole looks at EJ incredulously, before looking back towards Sami. NICOLE: How is it not? Samantha Brady has as much experience running a TV station as Billy Baldwin has at the Oscars. SAMI: My God, Nicole. Even your references are dated... Sami saunters over a little too causally over towards an agitated Nicole. She stands inches in front of her as she continues. SAMI: You know...considering how our...advertisers demand our programming be....youthful, fresh...ahead of the curve? I might be really careful what I say around here. Know what I mean? Nicole scowls at Sami, as Sami smiles smugly. --- --- Marlena walks into the 7th floor lobby at University Hospital as the door to the elevator opens. Eric walks out, catching Marlena's eye. He spots her as well and stops, walking back towards his mother. MARLENA: Eric! It's good to see you. ERIC: Mom. The two hug warmly, though Eric's troubled face doesn't get past Marlena, who immediately begins to worry. MARLENA: You alright? You seem...a bit distracted. ERIC: Yeah, you could say that. The two separate, and Marlena looks at her son. She steps back a moment before answering, a worried look on her face. MARLENA: You want to grab a coffee and we can talk about it? Eric nods solemnly. ERIC: I'd like that. Marlena smiles warmly as she presses the down button to the elevator, headed for the ground floor. MARLENA: Great. I've had quite a morning myself. As the door opens, the two step on, and Eric looks on, puzzled himself. ERIC: Oh? What happened? MARLENA: Ohhh....it's a long story. The elevator doors shut as Marlena looks over at her son, whose own worried expression is now equally directed as his mother as it has been at himself. --- Valerie steps into her office, holding Roman's medical files in hand. Pouring over them, she looks confused by the contents. VALERIE: This...can't be right... As she speaks, Jerome steps into the room, knocking on the door of her office, causing her to jump a moment. JEROME: Hey Grandma. VALERIE: Jerome! Baby, how are you?? When did you get into town? Valerie puts the folder down, and almost runs over to Jerome, throwing her arms around him, gleeful at seeing her grandson. JEROME: Just this morning. I...actually haven't had a chance to go to the house and drop my things off yet. VALERIE: Well, actually that's good because I should probably go help you out when I'm done here. JEROME: Okay, I'll meet you after. Valerie smiles, happy to see her grandson again. VALERIE: Sounds good. I should be done in an hour or so. I just gotta...figure out something with this patient file first. Hey, did you get everything settled at the university yet? Jerome stops a moment, a strange look on his face that Valerie spots immediately. JEROME: I...yeah...I just was taking care of a couple things. Valerie looks at Jerome, squinting her eyes like she knows something's up. VALERIE: Jerome Paul Grant. I have raised you from the time you were in diapers, and I know you're lying to me. Now out with it. What were you really up to? Jerome breathes in, eyes darting quickly to the side as he tries to quickly come up with something to tell his grandmother. --- Nicole keeps her eyes firmly locked on Sami, as she puts one hand on her hip. NICOLE: You know, this is hardly the way to build workplace morale, Sami. SAMI: Well, I always figured it wasn't exactly great for workplace morale to have a murderous psycho on staff, but these folks seem to manage just fine. Nicole rolls her eyes. NICOLE: (sigh) Sami, get over it. Whether you want to admit it or not, I'm good at my job, and I work hard. So at least someone thinks I have something worth holding onto. Sami begins to laugh at Nicole's assertion. SAMI: Like who? NICOLE: Your brother for a start! SAMI: Right, well, Eric always did have rotten taste in women. NICOLE: Oh that's rich, considering you're the one taking my sloppy seconds. EJ finally has had enough and interjects. EJ: Okay, ladies, that's enough, alright? Look, Nicole, I recognize you've done a lot of fine work for Titan TV, and you're in no danger of losing your job now, you understand. Nicole looks back EJ's way with a smug smile. NICOLE: Thank you, EJ. EJ walks up behind Sami, putting both hands on her shoulders. EJ: Besides, Samantha, we have a very special project for Nicole to work on for us. NICOLE: And what would that be, exactly? EJ: You're going to work on that expose of all the shady business practices over at EnerNext. We'll give you every dollar you need. I want you to nail the bastards for us. Nicole smiles widely, partly in relief to get her bosses' support. NICOLE: Oh, I think I can arrange that. --- Daniel squirms as he tries to respond to Laura's request, visibly uncomfortable getting involved in this situation. DANIEL: Laura...I want you to understand something, okay? Jenn and I...when we split, I made the point to stay out of her life as much as possible, and I've held to that-- LAURA: ...Yes, but now she needs you, Daniel. DANIEL: What do you mean? I mean...Liam's a good guy, I work with him every day here at the hospital. Laura begins to appear visibly agitated by Daniel's refusal, her desperation becoming clear to him as she continues. LAURA: Daniel! Look, I know what your situation has been with Jennifer, and I understand you're moving on, but I do NOT trust this man at ALL. Daniel looks stunned by Laura's statement. Laura, meanwhile, gets up from her desk, and begins to pace nervously around the room. DANIEL: Wha...why not? I mean, he treats Jenn really well from all accounts, and...honestly, I don't understand what all the fuss is about, Laura. LAURA: No, you don't understand. Look, before I say anything to you about this, you need to promise me this stays between you and I. Nobody else can know about any part of this. Do you understand. Daniel puts his hands up in surrender, as Laura stands tense before him, looking directly into his eyes with a great intensity that is offputting even to Daniel. DANIEL: You have my word. LAURA: Alright... Laura looks away, a bit more relaxed again, but once again pacing the room. LAURA: JJ came to me last night...he was...he was shaking, Daniel. He was terrified. Daniel looks at Laura, a real concern starting to come across his face. DANIEL: Terrified of what? LAURA: Of Liam. He had overheard Liam talking to someone outside the Town Square on his cell phone, and that someone mentioned that they would be keeping tabs on Abigail while she's out of the country, and...something about reporting to Stefano. Daniel looks down a moment, mulling over what Laura's just told him. Daniel thinks back to Abigail's fall, and her being his patient afterwards. He recalls her nervousness regarding her pregnancy. ... FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 49 Abigail lies in her hospital bed as Daniel casually goes over her chart. Abigail is nervous thanks in part to Daniel's close ties to her family and ex-colleagues at the hospital. ABBY: That's good. Uh...Daniel...umm...you're not going to tell my mom about any of this, are you? DANIEL: Nah, that's...that's not gonna happen. See, your mom and I are, in no uncertain terms, finished. ABBY: Good. Uh...that's....not quite what I meant. I mean, I just...well, you know a lot of my family and friends and... DANIEL: Doctor-patient confidentiality. Cross my heart. Abigail smiles, feeling reassured that Daniel won't speak to anyone about her condition. ... After this moment, his eyes snap back up towards Laura, a realization having struck him. DANIEL: My God. ---

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. ---

EPISODE 71 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Jordan and Rafe sit down at a table at Club TBD. Rafe tries to prod a smile out of Jordan, who is deep in thought. RAFE: Hey! Earth to Jordan. Come on, what's up? Jordan snaps out of it, though she still looks concerned and distracted. She gives Rafe a half-hearted smile. JORDAN: Ugh, I'm sorry, Rafe. I just...I got so much going on at work, and... RAFE: Aaaand you're not at work. Look, you've been distracted all day. you didn't make it in time for Brady's memorial, and you've spent every moment... Rafe sees Jordan looking away every couple seconds at her cell phone, which is planted face-up on the table. Rafe puts his hand over her phone and slides it towards himself. RAFE: ...looking at your phone. What's going on? --- JJ knocks on Laura's bedroom door. Laura's still awake and calls out to him from her vanity stool, where she's finishing putting lotion on her face. LAURA: Come in! JJ walks in carefully, as Laura turns and smiles to see her grandson. LAURA: JJ! How are you? JJ: I'm alright, Grandma. I...uh...I wanted to talk to you. It's...really important. LAURA: Sure! What is it? JJ breathes in deeply before speaking, a hopeful look on his face as he quietly speaks to his grandmother. JJ: I need you to talk to my mom about Liam. Laura's face drops as JJ brings Liam up to her. LAURA: What do you mean? JJ: Okay...so...when I got to Brady's memorial today? I saw Liam, he was with my mom, but...then he got this phone call. And I...I followed him out into that park by the square? Laura nods in understanding, all the while still intently focused on what he's saying. LAURA: Okay? Then what happened. JJ looks down a moment while speaking, before looking up at his grandmother, a worried look on his face. JJ: I overheard his conversation, and I'm certain I heard him say that he was watching over Abby for Stefano. Laura draws herself up immediately, a wave of panic on her face. --- Daniel walks up to his door to the sound of someone knocking frantically on his door. He's half-naked and clearly not fully awake. The frantic knocking causes him to scurry quickly to the door, if only to make the persistent knocking stop. He opens the door to find Billie standing in front of him. He's surprised to see her at this hour. DANIEL: Billie! BILLIE: Oh thank God, you're still up. Billie walks into Daniel's apartment before Daniel even gets a moment to react. DANIEL: Come...in? BILLIE: I'm SO sorry I'm barging in at this hour, I just...I needed to ask you something. As Daniel tries to object, Billie holds up her finger to stop him. BILLIE: And before you say a word, no, it can't wait until tomorrow. Daniel sighs, giving up. He looks to Billie, arms folded, an exhausted look on his face, eyes half-open. DANIEL: Okay...what do you need? BILLIE: I need you to find a way to get me in to see Theresa. Daniel's eyes squint even harder, trying to process what Billie's proposing. ---- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Nicole sits with Eric at the edge of the river. Visibly upset by what Eric's just told her, she looks intently at Eric. NICOLE: What do you mean, you can't marry me, Eric? EVER? Eric nods, slowly, and with a heavy heart. ERIC: Nicole, my faith means a great deal to me. I...I can't just...turn my back on the teachings of the church because they're convenient for me-- Nicole interrupts, hurt and upset, a rage coming over her. NICOLE: ...Convenient isn't the word for it! Eric, this is what's right, this is not convenience. Damn it, Eric, we love each other. I think there's a reason why we've been...brought back together after...all these years. It's meant to be, Eric. You can call it...God. Or...whatever you want. But would a just God want to deny you the one thing that makes you happy because I married the wrong person once or...a few times? Eric says nothing. Staring straight out at the water. Deep in thought, contemplating what Nicole's saying, and his own perspective. NICOLE: Eric? Still staring out, Eric doesn't even acknowledge that he's listening. Nicole tries desperately to get Eric to respond. NICOLE: Eric, say something! Eric sighs, finally speaking up. ERIC: Nicole, just because it...feels right doesn't mean it is. NICOLE: Why? Why is it not right? Who is it hurting, Eric? Eric sighs again, this time reluctant to answer. Nicole doesn't wait for his answer. NICOLE: There's a reason you can't answer that. Because you know, in your heart...that I'm right. Eric looks at Nicole, a very troubled look still stuck on his face, as he gets up and walks away, leaving Nicole by the river, still tense with anger, and confused and upset by Eric's reluctance to dedicate himself to her. --- Jordan tries in vain to get Rafe to give her back her cell phone. He slides the phone off the table and puts it in his shirt pocket. Jordan tries to reach for it frantically. JORDAN: Rafe, give that back. RAFE: Ah ah ah! nope. We agreed to spend a quiet evening together. Not checking our social media every few seconds. Jordan rolls her eyes before giving up. JORDAN: Okay. Okay. Sorry. RAFE: Well, it's better to at least see something other than the top of your forehead. Jordan squints her eyes, unimpressed by Rafe's humour. JORDAN: Ha ha. Very funny. I was actually waiting for a call from someone. RAFE: And when it rings, I can hand you the phone. It's no big deal. JORDAN: Rafe, yes it is. That's a very important call. Rafe becomes more and more agitated as Jordan becomes more and more frantic. RAFE: From who? Jordan, you're not acting like yourself at all. What's wrong? Jordan flashes back to her last conversation with Sheryl. *** FLASHBACK TO 64 Jordan sits attentively at her desk at the hospital, waiting on Sheryl to fill her in on what the next step of their plan is. JORDAN: Okay. Tell me, what's this great plan of yours? SHERYL: Simple. I made a phone call today, to an old friend of ours. Jordan's brow furrows, as she pulls her glasses off her face. JORDAN: An old friend? Sheryl leans in, smirking confidently at Jordan as she quietly tells her the name of their old friend. SHERYL: Jerome Grant. Jordan leans back, surprise plain on her face as the news hits her. *** Jordan sighs, before rolling her eyes and telling Rafe what he wants to hear. JORDAN: I'm worried about...a friend. RAFE: Anyone I know? JORDAN: Yes. Okay, fine. It's Sheryl. Look, she and Lucas have been...I dunno. He's been so busy with work lately that she hasn't heard a word from him and she's getting a little...anxious. You know? Rafe shrugs, before taking Jordan's hand and looking into her eyes, hoping she'll listen to his advice. RAFE: Well that's for them to worry about. Not you. Jordan looks away, trying to avoid Rafe's gaze, but he holds his hand up to her chin, guiding her gaze back his way, ever so gently. RAFE: Hey, hey. I know you're concerned about your friends. I understand. But you can't fight everyone's battles for them. Sometimes you just gotta...let whatever's happening happen. Jordan nods reluctantly, smiling half-heartedly at Rafe. JORDAN: I guess you're right. RAFE: I know I am. Now...come on. Let's enjoy our evening together. No. Distractions. Jordan finally gives in, smiling warmly at Rafe as he leans in across the table. She gets up slightly from her end as they gently kiss each other's lips. --- Daniel shakes his head slightly, checking to be sure he heard Billie correctly. DANIEL: You...you want me to what? BILLIE: I want you to find a way to sneak me in to see Theresa. Daniel blinks, shaking his head again in disbelief. DANIEL: I...Billie. Seriously? This is all kinds of...illegal and unethical. BILLIE: And doable. Kim doesn't have a guard at the door of that room. And you know full well that if I go in later in the evenings, the hospital will be quiet enough that no one will see me, as long as we're careful. Daniel holds up his hands to object to Billie, but Billie won't hear of it. DANIEL: Billie, I can't-- BILLIE: No buts, Daniel Jonas. I will not have Kimberly Brady trying to concoct some kind of parallel history that denies my relationship with her daughter. Theresa is my friend, and I am one of her ONLY friends. She needs me around her. You know that. DANIEL: Billie, I can't interfere with a court order. I mean...do you understand what you're asking me to do, here? BILLIE: I think I might. I used to be a cop, remember? Come on, you don't have to be any more involved than just...schedule your checkups on Theresa for later in the evening and let me in. Daniel laughs in disbelief at Billie's suggestion. He takes a moment to respond so as not say anything too harsh. DANIEL: You have no idea how my rounds work, do you? It's not that simple, Billie. Billie chokes up a bit as she walks in close to Daniel. She looks intently at him, hoping to appeal to his symapthies. BILLIE: I know it's not simple, but...please. Daniel. I need this. I need to see Theresa. This is the only way I can make this work. Daniel shakes his head as he puts his hands on Billie's shoulders. DANIEL: Do you realize what could happen if we're caught doing this? I could lose my license, and you would go to jail immediately. Billie sighs, looking at the ground before she looks up at Daniel, nodding. BILLIE: I'm ready to deal with that. I don't care, as long as I get to see Theresa. Daniel, people in comas, they hear us. And I know that it'll be good for Theresa to hear my voice. That girl needs to hear my voice, Daniel. Please. Do this for me. Daniel thinks it over a moment, walking over to the window before turning around suddenly to face Billie. DANIEL: Okay. Billie smiles immediately, rushing over to hug Daniel. BILLIE: Thank you. Thank you...oh God. Thank you, Daniel. Daniel holds Billie tightly, but looking out, a concerned look on his face as he contemplates what he's about to do. --- Laura looks concerned as JJ speaks to her, the concerns she's had about Jennifer and Liam's relationship coming out JJ's mouth. JJ: I'm worried, Grandma. He...he was talking to some guy and...I know I heard her name. LAURA: Did you tell your mom? JJ: Yes, but...this is what's really scaring me, Grandma. Liam came out of nowhere and he heard me tell mom about his conversation. He knows I heard him. Laura's now trembling in fear from JJ's comments. JJ sees Laura tremble and takes her hands into his. JJ: Grandma...you okay? LAURA: I...I don't know. JJ: Just...try to relax, okay? Laura breathes in deeply, as she tries to relax herself and keeps asking JJ questions. LAURA: Right. Okay...so...JJ...what happened after that conversation you had with your mother? JJ: Well...they took off, mom and Liam did...and I stayed behind to try to...sort this out in my head...and as they left...Liam...he looked at me...I caught him trying to...like...stare me down or something. But I'm more worried about Abigail than anything. I mean...she's working for Stefano but...Liam works at the hospital, he has no ties to Stefano. LAURA: JJ, I don't...I don't understand any of this. I mean...what business would Liam have spying on Abigail for Stefano, unless... Laura halts midsentence. JJ immediately more tense as Laura's expression becomes even more terrified. JJ: Grandma?? Grandma what's wrong? Laura tries in vain to allay JJ's fears, too terrified herself to relax. LAURA: JJ...I...I have to ask you something. JJ: Anything, Grandma, what? Laura leans in close to JJ, trying to ensure JJ listens carefully to her. LAURA: Don't do anything else. I have a terrible feeling that I know exactly what's going on. JJ: What? What, Grandma, tell me what it is. LAURA: I can't, JJ. If I tell you...I don't know if either of us will be safe. Just...leave it alone. Leave it all to me. I will take care of this. Okay? Promise me! JJ looks on, now terrified for his family, but not sure what Laura won't tell him. He nods in agreement as he gets up from the edge of Laura's bed, where he was sitting. JJ: Okay. I promise. Goodnight. JJ walks out of the room in a daze. Confused by Laura's reaction and petrified by what Laura won't tell him. He closes the door behind him as Laura stares into the mirror, visibly terrified and upset. LAURA: Damn you, Stefano! You better not be up to what I think you are. ---

EPISODE 65 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Jennifer steps into the town square, and sees Liam off in the corner. Jenn looks over and waves his way, as Liam walks over to her from across the square. Liam notices the glum look on Jenn's face and, as he meets Jenn near one of the tables in the square, he gently touches her chin and smiles as she looks up at him. LIAM: Jenn? You alright? Jenn sighs heavily before answering Liam's question. She turns away slightly as she answers, her voice heavy with concern. JENNIFER: I don't really know. LIAM: Well...what's wrong? JENNIFER: (sigh) Aibigail...disappeared this morning. Liam appears distressed by the news, Jenn immediately tries to placate him. LIAM: What? JENNIFER: No! No, she's okay... Liam breathes a sigh of relief at the news, visibly relaxing after a moment's tension. LIAM:Oh, thank God for that-- JENNIFER: ...but the problem is where she's gone. Liam looks up, confused, Jenn tries to calmly explain the situation, hoping not to upset Liam again. LIAM: What do you mean? JENNIFER: (sigh) It turns out that Sami sent her on an assignment to Italy last minute, and so now, one day after she's in hospital for that fall, she's on a plane to Europe to work for the DiMeras. Liam looks at Jenn, not sure quite how to respond or react to Jenn's news. He looks off, away at nothing in particular, deep in his own thoughts. --- Sami stares out the window at the DiMera mansion, deep in thought as she considers the possibility that Abigail's project in Italy may not be purely a business decision on EJ's part, but a clever manipulation among many others. Considering Jennifer's words from earlier, Sami is mentally checked out. ***Sami flashes back to Episode 63*** JENNIFER No. (sigh) When I came here, I was upset and I was...blaming EJ for it because I just...I had this feeling that it's all this big...plan to get Abigail back on side so that Chad can move back in but... *** Sami snaps back to the current moment and realizes she needs to speak to someone. She walks quickly over to her purse and pulls her cell phone out, she quickly makes a phone call. SAMI: (into phone) Laura? You wouldn't happen to be free for a house call, would you? --- Hope drives down the road at lightning pace, obviously speeding as she makes her way towards Horton Town Square in time for Brady's memorial. Her impatience is plain on her face and in her mannerisms as she moves frenetically between looking at the road and checking the time on her car stereo. HOPE: Come on, come on, come on. Ugh, this damned guy in front of me would just MOVE! Hope honks angrily on her horn as she shouts at the cars in front of her. HOPE: COME ON! Ohhh my God, I'm so late. Hope leans back in her seat, looking to the sky, trying to calm down, as she mutters to herself. HOPE: Come on, Hope. You're not supposed to be the one getting road rage, you're a cop. You're supposed to obey the traffic laws, and smile and drive defensively! Hope takes a second to breathe before finally getting fed up and turning into the next lane, when the car in front of her turns abruptly to make the same move. Hope hits her brakes, but not soon enough and bumps into the side door of the car in front. Hope curses as she undoes her seatbelt to get out of the car. HOPE: Damn it! Damn it, damn it, damn it! Hope gets out of the car, infuriated. She continues to curse as she steps out on the roadway and turns toward the driver of the car she hit. HOPE: As if this day couldn't get any... Hope slams her car door shut and turns around to see the man in the car in front get out. It's Aiden. HOPE: ...worse. --- Victor stands by his office desk at Titan, and looks at Sonny incredulously. VICTOR: Rescind the offer? What for? SONNY: Because I don't want him sucked into this world of greed and lies, I just... Victor's face turns to one of anger and frustration upon realizing what's going on. VICTOR: You've been sucked in by those knuckle-dragging treehuggers, haven't you? SONNY: No, I-- VICTOR: Because I've got news for you, Sonny. The offer stays on the table, and you'd better back off if you ever want to see Will Horton stand at the altar with you. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Laura sits in a chair in the DiMera living room, a recording device in hand as she leans over to speak to Sami, who is casually laid down on the nearby sofa, shoes off. Sami is still deep in thought as Laura tries to coax out her inner most feelings to try to give Sami some sense of healing. LAURA: Tell me what you feel at this exact moment. Sami pauses a moment, staring straight out at nothing in particular. A very expressionless look on her face as she ponders, then answers Laura's question. SAMI: Helpless. I feel like...like I've finally run out of ways to fight back...or maybe I just don't want to fight anymore. I can't tell. LAURA: That's not, in my experience, your usual way of reacting. SAMI: No. It's not. LAURA: For as long as I've known you, you seem to lash out when you're backed into a corner, so tell me what's different this time. Sami hesitates, breathing in deeply as she tries to honestly answer Laura, but is almost afraid to respond so openly. SAMI: Because this time, it's my son who would bear the brunt of it. I can't defend myself without...destroying Johnny. LAURA: What do you mean? Sami becomes increasingly emotional, but tries to hold herself in as responds. SAMI: I mean I can't look at my own child without thinking about how he was conceived. I can't feel his touch anymore and feel the love he clearly feels for me and the warmth and love I saw...see. Every time I look at my own son, I love him, I know I do, but...there's this... Sami looks down at the engagement ring EJ got for her. She looks at it thoughtfully as she pulls it off her finger, and holds it up for Laura to see. SAMI: It's like this ring. You see, I have looked at this ever since EJ put it on my finger. Laura smiles as she looks at the beautiful diamond ring, clearly noteworthy for the size and shine of the diamond. LAURA: It's absolutely beautiful, I have to admit. Sami manages a weak smile as she takes the ring in the palm of her hand and closes her fist around it tightly. SAMI: Yeah. I always thought so too. But then I was looking at it from a weird angle one day when I was out and....you know...the sun just...hit it at just the right angle. And...you know, I saw this...tiny, tiny imperfection just on the top right hand corner. It's...barely visible to any normal person, even if you looked it over with a magnifying glass, you'd never notice it. Sami holds the ring up again, this time right up in front of her eyes, shaking her head, disappointment in her face and her voice. SAMI: ...But you know...now...that's all I see is that tiny little flaw. And I can't unsee it. I don't know if I ever will, and I know that I shouldn't let it overtake everything else about it for me but...I'm worried I can't help but feel that way. I mean...this is just a ring. But, I mean, we're talking about my son. My beautiful....beautiful boy. And I can't see him without thinking of how...the man I'm supposed to be marrying...he forced me to have sex with him in exchange for his sister's father's life. Sami stands up and begins to pace before the couch. Laura follows her every step carefully, her every expression, her every gesture. SAMI: I mean...how screwed up is that? How...terrible of a situation to be in, not to mention how he even came to be. Sami stops and sighs heavily. She sits down again and looks earnestly at Laura, struggling to ask her a question as the emotion wells up in her voice. SAMI: Laura...how am I going to...when the time comes...I mean...he'll have questions. How am I going to be able to tell my son that he was the product of rape? --- Hope sheepishly looks Aiden's way as he steps over to Hope's car. Aiden looks at Hope sternly. AIDEN: I thought the police were meant to be better drivers than the rest of us. HOPE: I'm....really sorry. I just...I thought you were gonna turn with the car in front and then you just...turned fast into me and... AIDEN: Oh, so now you're gonna blame this on me? Hope shrugs, trying to play nonchalant with Aiden, who is quickly getting angrier. HOPE: Well...you turned out of your lane without signalling...you know I could have you ticketed for that. AIDEN: Ohhh you're gonna pull THAT one out now. Just throw your weight around? You know, I was on my way to a meeting with a new client, a real important client and-- HOPE: ...And I was on my way to my friend's son's funeral. And now I'm gonna be late. And I'm not happy. Aiden, upset, and worried, walks over to the driver's side door of his car as he speaks. AIDEN: Oh, YOU'RE not happy. I don't have a fender now because of you...you...you know what? Just, let's just...I'm going to the repair shop now, and maybe I can get a rental in time to meet with my cli...client... Aiden looks over to see Hope taking her cell phone out and taking pictures of the damage to his car. He walks back over AIDEN: What in the hell are you doing? Aiden doesn't look up at Hope, but at her car, then back at his page. HOPE: Writing down your licence plate number, and...I'll need your insurance info. AIDEN: Oh for...Hope, let's be reasonable, okay? You have to get to your friend's memorial service, and I need to get to your client, so can we agree to do this later? Our cars are still perfectly capable of getting to where we're going, so we can just-- HOPE: We can just...don this by the book. Okay? Or would you rather that ticket I was talking about? AIDEN: Okay. Okay...look, you're right. Let's just...drive down to the police station, we'll get this checked out and...I'll just...have to call my client and say I'll be a bit late. HOPE: There we go, now you see sense! Aiden walks around to the driver's side door again and Hope to hers, before they both step into their respective vehicles, Aiden looks over to Hope and shakes his head before stepping in. He sits down in the driver's seat and turns the key in the ignition. The car grumbles and then fails. AIDEN: Ohhhh great. Hope, overhearing Aiden's car's failure, saunters over to his window. He winds it down and looks out to see Hope's smug face, raised eyebrow and smirk. HOPE: Need a lift? --- Sonny stands in Victor's office, arms folded as he angrily counters Victor's threat. SONNY: Are you seriously gonna stand there and tell me that unless I cowtow to your demands, I'm gonna lose my fiance? VICTOR: Will needs a job, this is a great opportunity for him. If you deny him this, he'll resent you until the day you die...which will be about twenty minutes after he finds out we had this conversation. SONNY: He won't find out if you don't tell him. Victor stands, unmoved. Sonny gestures in frustration. SONNY: Which you will. Of course. Because everything needs to be your way. VICTOR: Sonny, I've had a hard day. We lost a member of our family, and I've had to make some tough business decisions. You should be thrilled that I'm welcoming Will into the family fold, especially considering the bunch of winners he calls his kin. SONNY: Well, I'm not. Not under these circumstances. You're pitting him against me to prop up your dirty business. As if you think you can buy my approval of this disgusting project of yours. Well it's not gonna work. VICTOR: I'm doing no such thing. Sonny tries to hold back from yelling at Victor. He fights it a moment but his frustration lets loose regardless. SONNY: Yes, you are! Don't act like I'm stupid, Uncle Vic. Please, just...tell Will that you...decided to go with someone more experienced and no one has to know we ever had this conversation. Please. For Will's sake, for my sake. Ari's. Just...please just take the offer back. Victor looks straight into Sonny's eyes, a stern, almost stone-like expression on his face. VICTOR: I'm sorry, Sonny. I can't. Sonny shakes his head before turning toward the door. SONNY: No. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I ever tried to talk any sense into you. Because it's obvious to me that all you care about is the bottom line. You're no better than any of these other snake CEOs trying to...pillage the land of every drop of oil they can get their hands on at any cost. Well, guess what? You just cost yourself an awful lot more than just money, Uncle Vic. Victor looks steadfastly ahead, never once looking away from Sonny, though it's clear the hurt this is causing both of them. Sonny turns back around when Victor calls out to him. VICTOR: Sonny! Sonny looks at him, eyebrows raised, looking like he isn't really interested in what Victor will say, but he gives him the opportunity regardless. VICTOR: You'll thank me soon enough. Sonny guffaws as he begins to turn back around for the door. SONNY: Right. See you around. Sonny slams the door to Victor's office shut as Victor looks away, mad at himself for the turn things took. --- Liam stares off into the distance. Jenn looks concerned by Liam's sudden distraction and calls out to him. JENNIFER: Liam? ....Liam?? Liam snaps back to reality. He turns towards Jenn and puts a hand on her shoulder. LIAM: I...have to make a quick call, I'll be right back, okay? Jennifer watches with concern as Liam steps off towards the exit of the Town Square. JJ walks in from another entrance as Liam leaves. Liam pulls his phone from his jacket on his way out. Observing Liam walking out, and Jenn's concerned reaction, JJ decides to discretely follow Liam out, as Jenn gets distracted by Maggie handing her program bookets for the memorial service. Outside the square, Liam gets on the phone, while JJ hides behind the archway, obscuring any way of Liam seeing him. LIAM: (into phone) Yeah, so when exactly were you gonna tell me about Abigail Deveraux? ...mmmhmm?...Yeah? Well, tell Stefano I want an update every day until she's back then. Got it? JJ's eyes widen as he makes a connection between Liam, Abigail and Stefano. Terrified for his sister, he sneaks off quickly from the park towards the square, unsure what he'll do next. ---