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EPISODE 122 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Alex stands, tablet in hand, in the Kiriakis living room. He taps a few spots on his tablet screen before handing his tablet to a waiting Justin, who sits in the easy chair nearby, looking baffled. ALEX: Mom's decided to follow in Harper's footsteps. JUSTIN: I'm hoping you mean that exclusively in the political sense. Justin studies the electronic edition of the Salem Spectator for a moment, before looking up at his son, stunned by the news. ALEX: Well...considering her history...it could go either way. JUSTIN: We need to tread really carefully here. Justin hands back Alex's tablet, deeply contemplative, as Alex places the tablet back in his briefcase, nodding in agreement with his father. ALEX: Exactly. If she supports EnerNext, and her past becomes tabloid fodder, we could go down in flames with her. JUSTIN: Or, on the other hand, we distance ourselves from her, she reacts by campaigning against the oil sands, and she wins... ALEX: And the project could be dead in the water as well. Justin nods, trying in vain to think of a solution. JUSTIN: (sigh) There's only one way to deal with it. And it's not one I'm a big fan of. We have to wait for her to make the first move. Alex sighs, equally frustrated by the spot they now find themselves in. --- EJ follows an enraged Sonny into the Brady Pub, where he puts a hand on Sonny's shoulder, forcing him to turn to face him. SONNY: What do you want, EJ? EJ leans in closer to Sonny, speaking softly so as not to catch the attention of the rest of the pub. EJ: Listen, you and I need to have a serious chat about what's going on with Gabi. SONNY: Oh, you mean, you want to convince me that putting a deadly weapon in an apartment with a toddler is a smart idea? I don't think so. EJ: Sonny, stop. Okay? I know you're angry about this. Trust me, I wasn't too keen on coming by with that gun, myself. But you have to understand exactly what's happening and why I'm so worried about Gabi. Sonny looks at EJ, unconvinced, but willing to listen. Barely. SONNY: Alright, I'll bite. But this better be the best explanation you've ever given anyone, so help me. EJ nods solemnly, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. --- Nicole, Eric, Chloe and Daniel stand in the office of the Justice of the Peace, stunned by the sudden arrival of Marlena and Sami at the conclusion of Eric and Nicole's wedding. ERIC: Mom! Sami, what are you guys doing here? Sami storms into the room towards Eric. Nicole steps in to ward off Sami from Eric. SAMI: Stopping you from making the biggest mistake of your life. NICOLE: Well, you're too late. Nicole stares down Sami for a moment, before looking Marlena's way, smiling defiantly at both of them. NICOLE: Eric and I are already married. Nicole takes Eric's hand, and attempts to walk him out of the office, but Sami stops him, as Marlena advances to try to intervene as well. NICOLE: So if you'll excuse us-- MARLENA: Oh no you won't! Marlena attempts to intimidate Nicole as well, staring at her intensely before turning to Daniel and Chloe. MARLENA: Daniel. Chloe. Would you excuse us a moment? Chloe and Daniel look at each other, gravely concerned for what's to come, before Daniel puts his hand on the small of Chloe's back, guiding her to the door. Justice of the Peace Watkins surveys the situation and addresses Marlena as well. JP WATKINS: I'll...uh...I'll see myself out as well. MARLENA: Thank you. Marlena turns back toward Eric and Nicole. MARLENA: I think it's time, we all had a little talk. Nicole looks exasperated, looking at Eric to see a similarly frustrated expression on his face. --- --- Sonny and EJ sit down at a booth at the Brady Pub. Both with coffees in hand, they look at each other solemnly. SONNY: Well? I'm waiting. EJ sips his coffee, before looking at Sonny, keeping his voice low so as not to alarm anyone. EJ: Look, Sonny...all I can say is that Gabi has been trying so hard to get Nick out of everyone's life before he goes too far, and at every turn he's evaded us so far. SONNY: But then why does that mean you have to go to such extreme lengths to get rid of him? EJ: Sonny, come on. This is Nick Fallon we're talking about. He's a convicted murderer, and kindapper. He tried to rape Gabi, and tried to manipulate her into leaving the state with him, just so he could keep her daughter away from you and Will. We know what he's capable of, and we know what he can do to all of us if we don't deal with him exactly the right way. Sonny leans in, emphatically pointing at EJ as he responds sternly. SONNY: That does NOT mean you bring a gun into our home. I know full well what Nick is capable of. Quite frankly, he terrifies me. But I know that that gun is only going to escalate things. And someone's gonna end up hurt...or dead. EJ: I agree. But where you and I differ, Sonny...is that I see it as an inevitability, whether or not Gabi has a weapon at her disposal. The difference being that, unarmed, there's a far greater chance that the person who may be killed is Gabi, or Will...or yourself. And I can't allow that to happen. Sonny looks at EJ, then looks down into his cup of coffee, deep in contemplation. --- Nicole folds her arms, as the door to the Justice of the Peace's office shuts, leaving only Marlena, Sami, Eric and Nicole inside. NICOLE: Well, if you're going to try to get me to leave, you can save your breath. I'm not going anywhere. SAMI: But God knows I wish you would. Nicole shoots a look at Sami, snapping back at her snarky remark. NICOLE: Well, too bad, Sami. I'm his wife now. SAMI: I swear to God, Nicole, if I had legal grounds to, I'd be firing you so fast right now. NICOLE: But you can't. And I'd like to see you try to make that hold up in court-- Eric steps in, cutting Nicole and Sami's argument off. ERIC: ...Okay, enough. Both of you. Listen, I don't know how the two of you found out about this wedding, but we weren't doing this to pull one over on you. MARLENA: Well, you could have fooled me. Eric, I know you're hurting over what happened with Kristen, and I know you feel some kind of gratitude toward Nicole for trying to track down Dr. Chyka, but to sneak around behind everyone's back and MARRY her? ERIC: Mom, I am in love with her. Whether you and Sami believe it or not. And we were going to tell you-- SAMI: Oh, when? ERIC: As soon as we figured out the best way. We were going to...take our time, let things settle down with dad, and...hopefully give you some time to start seeing Nicole in a different light. Sami rolls her eyes, laughing at the thought of forgiving Nicole. Eric ignores his sister's petulence and continues. ERIC: And when the time was right, we were going to let you know, and plan a big wedding for the family. But we wanted the time to allow you to accept our relationship first. MARLENA: So to do that, you had to marry first? You couldn't wait for us to accept her and THEN marry? ERIC: Mom, I just...I didn't want to wait. SAMI: No, Nicole didn't want to wait. Because, like usual, Nicole rushes into things when she's up to something. Sami steps in closer to Nicole, making her squirm. SAMI: I know you've been cozying up to Nick and Percy the Greetings guy for the EnerNext story, but we all know Nick never does anything out of the goodness of his heart...so, tell us, Nicole...what's he got on you that's got you so nervous? Hm? Nicole glares at Sami, visibly uncomfortable. --- Jerome shuts the door to the motel room, a laptop bag in his hand, which he sets down on the desk for Sheryl. JEROME: Okay. I pulled some strings and got you a basic laptop so you can get what you need done while you're out here. Sheryl steps over to the desk, arms folded. She looks down as Jerome opens the screen, and plugs the USB stick into the laptop. SHERYL: Great. So this has everything I need? JEROME: I recorded the interview with my grandmother, took a copy of her resumé, and did a search on her professional profile. I think that we've got enough here that you'd be able to fool the people at University Hospital pretty easily into thinking you're Crystal. SHERYL: Well...it's not like they know her. JEROME: Exactly. Valerie's the only one who's spoken to her, and you'll just have to work on Jordan until you're able to get her alone and get her out of there, and then you can get out of town. Sheryl smirks, putting a hand on Jerome's shoulder. SHERYL: You do think of everything, don't you? JEROME: I try. SHERYL: Just one thing you didn't think of. Jerome turns back toward Sheryl, confused. JEROME: What's that? SHERYL: What we're gonna do about Billie Reed. She's the only one who knows it's me, and not Nick that put that virus on the server. If we don't take her out somehow, the entire plan falls apart. Jerome looks back at the laptop screen, sighing under his breath, as he thinks about what to do about Billie. --- Justin packs up to head off for the office, as Alex finishes his cup of coffee, still deep in thought about how to deal with his mother's campaign for governor, and the server breach at Titan, when Henderson walks into the room, with Tyler in tow. HENDERSON: Good morning, gentlemen. A Mr. Houston to see you. JUSTIN: Thanks, Henderson, have him come in. Henderson stands back to allow Tyler to come in, before exiting the room. TYLER: Justin! Alex! I'm glad I caught you before you headed in for the day. I think we need to have a bit of a talk. ALEX: Us? I thought we were having an emergency board meeting today? TYLER: We are. And it's an all-departments one so you'll be expected to join us, Alex. But the three of us are going to have to come up with an action plan beforehand. Justin turns to look at Tyler, confused. JUSTIN: Action plan? For what? TYLER: For how exactly we're going to make sure Nick Fallon doesn't singlehandedly torpedo this entire company. Alex and Justin look at each other, more baffled than ever. Tyler looks at both of them with deadly seriousness. ---

EPISODE 123 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Jerome sits down in front of Sheryl's new laptop, inside her grungy motel room at the edge of Salem. As Sheryl paces behind him, almost supervising him as he works, Jerome types away, intensely focused at the screen as he helps formulate a plan to help Sheryl. JEROME: There we go. And that should also give you access to Billie as well, since she'll be at this event with the rest of the Titan executive. Sheryl takes a moment, and smiles. She nods and puts her hand on Jerome's shoulder in approval. SHERYL: Yeah, I think this is good. Billie Reed, you're gonna pay for what you've done to me...and I'm gonna make sure of it. Sheryl smiles and laughs to herself as she thinks of what's to come. --- Kate and Billie walk through town square, chatting as they sip their morning lattes. From the far end of the square, Rafe and Jordan emerge, holding each other. Kate looks over and stops dead. KATE: Oh God. Billie looks at Kate, baffled by what's distracted her mother. BILLIE: What? Billie follows Kate's eyes, and finds a happy Jordan and Rafe approaching them. Jordan and Rafe smile as they come up to them, Jordan with a much less friendly smile than Rafe. BILLIE: Oh. JORDAN: Good morning, ladies! Kate looks at Jordan, purse-lipped and scowling eyes. KATE: Jordan. Kate looks over to Rafe, a sudden shift to a more pleasant expression as she greets her ex-lover. KATE: Rafe, how are you doing? RAFE: Can't complain. KATE: That's good. Kate looks back at Jordan's smiling face, and works hard to resist rolling her eyes. KATE: I wish I could say the same. Billie elbows her mother to try to keep the interaction polite, Kate flashes a dirty look Billie's way. BILLIE: (under her breath) Mom! KATE: (quietly) Ow! Jordan, ignoring the jab, keeps on smiling, as she excitedly tells Kate her news, knowing how much it'll irritate Kate. JORDAN: Listen, Kate, I'm so glad to see you. I just couldn't wait to show you. Kate looks confused, and mostly disinterested, as Jordan pulls her arm from around Rafe. KATE: Show me what? Kate gasps, and Billie does as well, as Jordan extends her hand, showing off her gorgeous new engagement ring. JORDAN: Rafe and I are getting married. Isn't that great? Kate and Billie look at each other, Kate in some kind of revulsion, Billie remaining stunned with surprise. KATE: Just...fantastic. --- Nicole, Sami, Eric, and Marlena stand in the Justice of the Peace's office at Salem City Hall. Nicole is standing uncomfortably, arms folded, as Sami stares her down, intimidating her with a bold question. SAMI: I know you've been cozying up to Nick and Percy the Greetings guy for the EnerNext story, but we all know Nick never does anything out of the goodness of his heart...so, tell us, Nicole...what's he got on you that's got you so nervous? Hm? Nicole looks over at Eric, and shakes her head. NICOLE: He doesn't have anything, Sami. Don't be ridiculous. The only thing that Nick wants is to tell his story, and that's to help his friend stop this stupid oil sands project. SAMI: Oh please. You're not seriously gonna tell me that this rushed wedding isn't some kind of ruse to snow my brother before the other shoe drops, are you? I know you, Nicole. NICOLE: No, you don't, Sami. Not as well as you think you do. I've changed. Loving Eric has helped me change. Marlena interjects, stepping in to stop Nicole's saccharine story. MARLENA: How touching. But if you've really changed as much as you say, don't you think having Eric's family be there for his wedding day would've been a nice gesture? His father is dying, Nicole. Why would you want to deny him that? Eric cuts in as well, trying to stop his family from ganging up on Nicole. ERIC: Hey, come on now! Don't lay that at Nicole's feet. We discussed this already. Like the adults that we are. And I know that's hard for either of you to believe, but we are grown adults who can make our own decisions. We decided that it would be better to take some time and find a way to make this easier for you all to accept, and THEN we were going to plan a big wedding. That was MY idea. MARLENA: Eric, by then it might be too late for your father. He's declining every day. The other night, he ran off and slept in the park in 40 degree weather. He was that confused. He deserved to be here today. I deserved to be here, regardless of what I think of Nicole. I would have respected your decision. Eric balks at his mother's statement, shaking his head in disbelief. ERIC: Yeah. Yeah, your showing up here in a fit of rage, the two of you, shows me exactly how much respect my decision would've gotten had I done it your way. At least this way we get it all out in one shot, instead of weeks and weeks of people trying to guilt me out of marrying the woman I love. Eric puts his arm around Nicole's waist. She snuggles in close to him. ERIC: So you can save your guilt trips. Nicole and I are married, and there's not a damn thing you can do about it. Sami and Marlena look at each other, then at Eric and Nicole, deeply unhappy about Eric's words. --- --- Justin approaches Tyler in the Kiriakis living room, while Alex gets up from his seat, both Alex and Justin curious about Tyler's stern warning. JUSTIN: I'm sorry...Nick Fallon is going to torpedo the company? Nick Fallon works in the cosmetics lab at MadWorld. How is HE going to destroy all of Titan? NICK: Well, not to put too fine a point on it, but he knows everything. And probably about everyone. Alex puts his hands on his hips, still not following what Tyler's saying. ALEX: What does he know? JUSTIN: Ahh...long story. ALEX: Well, I've got nothing but time for this. Justin sighs, holding the bridge of his nose momentarily while he looks down at the floor. Tyler resists momentarily before he turns toward Alex and begins. TYLER: Basically, Victor never got rid of the shadier parts of his business. We all knew this. But he tried to keep them separate from the main Titan business, all sort of his attempt to appear legitimate once Isabella died. As Tyler says this, Noelle emerges from upstairs, doing her hair up in the pony tail as she walks down the steps casually. Midway, she overhears Tyler, and stops to listen, slowly, quietly heading down toward the living room, making sure to remain out of sight. TYLER: But he kept them all at an arms length through my business, using shell corporations to launder money whenever there needed to be any transfer of capital or resources to Titan. Now that Titan's in trouble, that's when he decided to, quote-unquote "buy out" EnerNext. When EnerNext was just a branch of the other business that I had been working on for the past twenty years. ALEX: So you're telling me that EnerNext is basically an oil company that's mostly been used as a front for gambling, loan sharking, and smuggling this entire time, and only the bare minimum's been going to actual oil production? Tyler sighs, nodding as he continues his story. TYLER: Just enough to make us look legit to the outside. Now, granted, we did do a lot of work trying to partner with firms in the middle east to tap into those resources, but we ran into...complications. From the foyer, Noelle smiles widely, loving all the turmoil and shady dealings that Titan has undertaken, and relishing the worries that it'll be exposed. In the living room, Justin cuts in, hoping to stop Tyler from overdivulging to Alex. JUSTIN: Look, this isn't really...relevant, nor is it something we really want everyone to know about. So...the important thing here is, how does Nick know about this, why does he want to use this against his own employer, and what are we gonna do about it? --- Jerome steps off the elevator at University Hospital. He looks around after stepping off, and looks down at his phone momentarily to text Sheryl. at UH. will fix email for u. will text when done Putting his phone away, he notices Abby hugging Maggie outside Victor's hospital room, and approaches her. JEROME: Well good morning! ABBY: Oh, hey! JEROME: Hey, I didn't expect to see you so fresh so early. Abby chuckles to herself, blushing a bit as she responds to Jerome. ABBY: Well, I'm a pretty early riser, plus, I had a lot to do today, and I had to check in on my Aunt Maggie's husband, who's a patient right now, so... Jerome turns to face Maggie, extending a hand to her to shake, they smile warmly at each other. JEROME: Jerome Grant. Maggie's eyes widen in recognition before they shake hands, and Maggie jumps slightly, pointing toward Jerome, excitedly. MAGGIE: OH! You're Valerie's grandson! Jerome laughs as he answers. JEROME: Yeah! How did you know? MAGGIE: Ohh, we've known Valerie a lot of years. I was married into the Horton family for...well...most of my life, and we all knew and loved Valerie very much. Jerome smiles back at Maggie, and finally does shake her hand. JEROME: Well, it is good to meet you, Maggie. I hope your husband makes it out of here soon. Maggie smiles warmly, but with a hint of sadness. MAGGIE: I hope so, Jerome. And thank you. ABBY: Listen, Maggie. I gotta head to the station, and I wanted to talk with Jerome, so I will see you later. Let me know if anything changes with Victor, okay? MAGGIE: Absolutely. I'll talk to you later, Abby! Nice to meet you, Jerome. JEROME: Likewise, Mrs. Kiriakis! As Abby and Jerome step away, Abby looks playfully at Jerome. ABBY: So...what brings you by here? JEROME: Well, I had a little something to take care of for my grandma but...then I saw you and figured I'd maybe...ask you for a late breakfast? ABBY: I could be persuaded...but I do need to get to the station. Nicole's big exposé on EnerNext airs tomorrow night, and we need to tighten up a lot of stuff before then, so...it all falls to me. Jerome looks deeply into Abby's eyes, smiling widely, almost transfixed by his attraction to her. JEROME: Edward R. Murrow would be proud. You don't see that kinda journalism anymore. Taking down the bad guys against all the pressure from big business? I admire that. Abby giggles, blushing a little more as she averts her eyes for a moment, then looking back up at Jerome. ABBY: Well, it isn't really my doing, but I'll take all the credit if you want. JEROME: Hah...alright...well...if a late breakfast is no good...how 'bout I stop by around 2 and we'll make it a late lunch. That work? ABBY: It's a date. JEROME: Is it? ABBY: You bet it is. Abby winks as she walks off, heading for the elevator, catching glimpses back at Jerome, who still can't take his eyes off her. --- At Horton Town Square, Jordan stands before a stunned Billie and Kate, showing off her engagement ring to Rafe, who stands next to her. JORDAN: I know, it's probably nothing compared to the flashy, ostentatious stuff you would normally wear, Kate, but...for me, it's...better than all the money in the world. Anyway, I gotta go. Rafe? I'll see you after work? RAFE: You got it, babe. Jordan turns and wraps her arms around Rafe, and they kiss lovingly, making Kate visibly uncomfortable. Jordan breaks the kiss, and waves at Billie and Kate as she happily trots away. Rafe watching Jordan lovingly as she walks away. JORDAN: Bye! Kate gives Jordan major sideye, and Billie waves politely. Once only Billie, Kate, and Rafe remain, Billie decides the time is right to make herself scarce to give Rafe and Kate a chance to talk alone. BILLIE: Ahh...so they have free refills at the Java Café, so...I'm gonna...re...fill myself...a cup...yeah. Billie steps away in a hurry, leaving only Rafe and Kate behind. Kate looks at Rafe with disappointment, but tries to feign happiness for her ex-. KATE: I suppose congratulations are in order. RAFE: Kate... KATE: No, no. No...look...I knew whatever it was between us wasn't going to work, there was way too much in our way, between Stefano and... Rafe reaches out to try to take listen, but she won't, and steps away from Rafe's hand. RAFE: Kate, come on. KATE: ...No, Rafe. I gave you the space, because there was so much happening at work, and...well, I guess I stupidly thought you and Jordan wouldn't last. I was wrong. So, I hope you're happy together. Because, I personally don't think you know what you're getting yourself into, and I don't want you to end up heartbroken at the end of all of this. Rafe reaches out again to Kate, who tries to resist showing any vulnerability, but Kate steps away, heading back toward the café to meet Billie. KATE: It's good to see you, Rafe. Congratulations. RAFE: Kate...KATE. Rafe watches as Kate walks away, frustrated and disappointed by how their conversation turned out. --- Marlena stands with Eric, Nicole, and Sami, and takes Eric's hand for a second. MARLENA: Eric...I'm sorry. Listen, can we...can we step into the waiting room down the hall and talk for a moment in private? ERIC: Mom, I don't know what we have to talk abo-- MARLENA: Please. Please just...let's...I promise, I won't say anything to attack Nicole, I just...I want you to understand where I'm coming from, okay? Nicole looks up at Eric, and lets go from his embrace. She nods approvingly at Eric. NICOLE: Go ahead. Eric sighs, before shaking his head, and stepping toward the doorway. ERIC: Okay. Sure...sure, Mom. Let's go. Eric and Marlena step out into the hallway, leaving Nicole and Sami behind. Sami stands with cocked eyebrow, arms folded, and an imposing stance, as Nicole rolls her eyes, uncomfortable around Sami. SAMI: And then there were two. Nicole glares back at a smug-looking Sami. ---

EPISODE 61 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Sonny gets up from the sofa in his apartment, a bit angry as Will holds onto the contract from EnerNext, which he had attempted to present to Sonny. WILL: What do you mean, I can't take this job? SONNY: You can't, Will! This job...it's a mistake. Will gets up from the sofa, and walks over to the desk, placing the contract on it, deliberately where Sonny can see. WILL: Why? Because you don't like it? I thought you just said you believed in my work. SONNY: I've told you why, Will. It's not about your talent or your work, it's that you're working for a corrupt organization-- WILL: That your Great Uncle owns. That your father works for as legal counsel. If they're so damned evil, why is it that every penny of your family's money stem from that corporation. Sonny walks off toward the bedroom, shaking his head as Will follows him. WILL: Don't walk away from me! You know I'm right. Sonny stops and turns around, pointing angrily at Will. SONNY: No. No, I don't know you're right, Will. In fact, I can give you a hundred reasons why this is the worst decision you could possibly make. --- EJ stands in the DiMera living room, looking over some paperwork quickly, when he hears a commotion from the foyer. After a moment of listening, he heads for the doorway and not long after, the doors to the living room swing open, with Harold trying in vain to keep an enraged Jennifer Horton from walking into the room. JENNIFER: You! EJ: Good Lord, Jennifer! I would've figured a family of middle class doctors would have raised their children to have better manners than that. JENNIFER: Don't even START with me, EJ! I want answers. EJ: About what? JENNIFER: About where my daughter is, and why did you send her halfway across the world, and don't even think for a second it wasn't your idea, I saw you yesterday at the hospital, so give up the game! EJ looks frustrated, and looks away for a moment to try to answer respectfully. --- John steps into the Titan board room, striding in with casual confidence, much to Victor's chagrin. VICTOR: John! What a surprise. I expect you've come for the meeting. JOHN: Well, I wasn't planning on it, mostly because no one told me until just very recently. John stops behind Kate's seat and casually puts a hand on Kate's shoulder. Kate tenses, a bit surprised by John's touch, but looks back to Victor, who notices the small but pointed gesture. VICTOR: Fascinating. JOHN: I thought so. Now, I've got a question for you, Vic. VICTOR: Now isn't a great time, we're in the middle of a vote. John puts both hands on his hips. A smile grows on John's face as he walks towards Victor. JOHN: A vote, hm? See. Now, that actually, was exactly what my question was about. VICTOR: Really. JOHN: You know it! Here's what I wanna know, Vic. Have you retained Brady's place on the board, or have you had him declared dead? --- --- Will folds his arms, looking unimpressed at Sonny as Sonny lays into him for considering the EnerNext job. WILL: Alright. Go ahead, Sonny. Tell me why I shouldn't take the best damned job that's ever been offered to me. SONNY: Will, there will be other jobs that are just as good as this one. WILL: Oh, so I should follow my dreams, but only when they line up with your world view. SONNY: Will, that's not what I'm saying. WILL: Yes, it's exactly what you're saying! What makes you the authority on what's right and what's wrong? SONNY: I'm saying that I know what it's like to have someone flash a lot of money in front of your face. It can change you really quickly. Sonny walks in closer to Will and puts his hands on Will's shoulders. He looks intently into his eyes. SONNY: I want you to be careful, Will. WILL: I'm not exactly from a poor home, you know. I can take care of myself. Sonny looks down, dropping his hands to his sides as he thinks his answer through. SONNY: Okay. I don't think you should take this job, but if it's something you really want, and I mean truly, truly, want....then I will support that. Will leans over and kisses Sonny on the lips. They both smile as they look warmly at each other. WILL: Thank you. SONNY: Just remember, Uncle Vic can suck in even the best, most generous people in the world, and turn them into cynical, bitter, entitled bastards. Watch yourself. Will nods in understanding. WILL: Got it. Will and Sonny come together for a warm embrace, before slowly leaning in to kiss each other gently on the lips. They look at each other, standing forehead-to-forehead and giggle before kissing again. Flopping down on the couch, they kiss a bit more intensely, before Will pushes Sonny back gently and climbs on top of him. Gabi walks in just at that same moment and jumps back, but smiles as she sees her roommates together. GABI: Well what did I just walk in on. Sonny and Will laugh as they separate. Will jumps off the couch and heads towards Gabi, greeting her with a quick hug. WILL: Ohhh nothing, just some fiancee/fiancee bonding time. Oh I have some news. GABI: Oh yeah? Will walks over to the desk again and pulls the contract from the manila envelope it had been in. He shows it to Gabi. WILL: I have been offered a job. A very...very...good...job. Gabi's eyes widen as she quickly looks at it. GABI: Wow! PR for Titan. That's HUGE, Will. Congrats! Gabi and Will lean in to hug each other. Gabi's smiling widely as she embraces him. Will pulls back after their hug and looks at Gabi a little oddly. WILL: You seem so...relaxed. Gabi's taken aback slightly by Will's statement. She walks past him, heading for the couch, where she quickly flops down. GABI: Really? Why, was I super-tense before? SONNY: Well...not to put too fine a point on it, but....yeah. Gabi looks at Sonny, who's sitting next to her on the sofa, and laughs a bit. GABI: Well...if I am, it's because all of our troubles are soon gonna completely disappear. --- EJ sighs as he walks over to the minibar and grabs a glass, holding it up as he speaks to an unimpressed Jenn. EJ: You look like you could use a drink. EJ turns around as Jenn smacks the glass from his hand, smashing it against the wall. EJ stands still, stunned by her rage. EJ: Or several. JENNIFER: This is not a game, EJ. I want to know where my daughter is. EJ: Jennifer, your daughter took a job in Italy for a few weeks. It is not a big deal. It's a very short assignment that came up last minute. I apologize if she didn't talk to you about it, but I have a feeling, considering your rather hysterical reaction just now that I know why she didn't. Jennifer, undaunted, steps in close to EJ, an intensity in her eyes that says she means business. JENNIFER: My daughter would not have done anything like this if it weren't for you. She has been acting like a complete basket case for months ever since she quit the hospital. EJ: And you blame me for that. JENNIFER: Yes, I blame you! You are the only thing that connects all of this. Ever since you two have been talking about Jack's book, ever since she's been looking after Johnny and Sydney and Allie, then quitting her job out of nowhere to work for you and Sami. EJ stops Jennifer, holding up one finger to make a quick interjection. He speaks almost too calmly back to an enraged Jennifer. EJ: That was all Samantha's idea. She saw your daughter was in need and did what any good friend and shrewd businesswoman would do. JENNIFER: Because of you. It's all because of you. It's so obvious to me now. You did something or said something to her that upset her so much that she was forced out of the hospital. Didn't you? EJ rolls his eyes, worried that Jenn is onto him, he looks back at Jenn with a frustrated look. --- Victor stands at the head of the board room table, looking on angrily at John. VICTOR: How dare you? Of course I'm retaining Brady's seat on the board. No one's declared him dead yet, have you? JOHN: Nope, I had no intention of it. I know strange things can happen in this town, and I won't believe he's gone until I see a body. VICTOR: Then what the hell are you asking for? John steps forward towards Victor and puts his briefcase down on the table. He speaks very casually, which is offputting to Victor. JOHN: Well, Brady made me proxy in the event of his absence from all vital Titan board meetings, and I know that in the event of my absence, that you, Victor, would gain his proxy vote. Victor sighs, knowing John is right, and with a glint of worry in Victor's eye. VICTOR: That is the truth. TYLER: We were just coming up on Brady's vote, in fact. JOHN: Perfect. I'd be happy to help. Victor looks sharply at Tyler, muttering to him in hopes John doesn't hear. VICTOR: Be careful, Houston. We may be in big trouble now. TYLER: (quietly) Well, you thought Kate and company were on your side as well, so John may surprise you yet. VICTOR: Fair enough. Kate looks at the goings on at the head of the table and pulls both Billie and Lucas in close. KATE: (whispering) I think I see sweat forming on Victor's brow already. LUCAS: (whispering) Let's just hope for everyone's sake that John doesn't vote against us. Billie shushes both her mom and brother, pointing to the front of the board room. Victor looks back John's way, as Tyler clears his throat, looking back toward John. TYLER: So! Yes. Back to the vote. John Black, as proxy voter for Brady Black, a vote of 'yay' would mean you are in favour of retaining the Titan TV division, a vote of 'nay' would mean you are in favour of Titan divesting of all Titan TV properties. What say you? John looks calmly around the room, smiling as the rest of the room impatiently waits for his answer. ---

EPISODE 121 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Alex comes down the steps of the Kiriakis mansion, adjusting his tie as he prepares for work. At the bottom of the steps, he turns to enter the living room, finding Justin there, as he ends a call on his cell phone. JUSTIN: (into phone) Yeah, thanks. I'll be there. Hanging up, Justin turns to face Alex. JUSTIN: Alex! Good morning! ALEX: Hey, Dad. I've uh...I've got some news. JUSTIN: Yeah, so do I. Uh...you want a cup of coffee before you head out? Alex walks into the living room and sits down on the sofa, as Justin steps over to the caraffe placed on a silver tray in the corner. ALEX: Yeah, sure. Thanks. Justin pours Alex a cup, as well as one for himself, and hands one over to his son. He then sits down in the easy chair next to Alex. ALEX: So uh...what's your news? JUSTIN: Well...it looks like we've got a hell of a day ahead of us...someone tried to break into the Titan server last night, someone who was trying to sabotage the EnerNext project. Alex looks up at his dad, surprised and concerned. --- Jerome walks back into the living room from the kitchen at the Grant house, finding Valerie sitting in her living room, finishing up her interview with Crystal Clarke, the nurse she's looking to hire at University Hospital. She makes a final note on her notepad, before looking up at the screen. VALERIE: Alright, I think that's everything I need. Listen, Crystal, you've really impressed me, so...I can't guarantee anything, but there's a very good chance you'll be coming on board with us at University Hospital. CRYSTAL: (through the computer) Oh that's great, thank you so much! VALERIE: Now, I have to check your references, but either way, I'll let you know by this afternoon if you have the job or not, okay? Jerome stands back, out of his grandmother's sight, listening in on the end of the interview. As he does, he looks toward the coat rack by the door, and quietly as possible, makes his way over to it. Jerome smiles widely as he realizes his plan's coming together nicely. He leans into Valerie's coat pocket, and pulls out her hospital key card, slyly placing it in his own pocket, as Valerie finishes up her interview, oblivious to Jerome's theft. CRYSTAL: (through the computer) I can't wait. Thanks again, Dr. Grant. VALERIE: It's no trouble at all, Crystal. I'll speak to you soon. Valerie shuts her computer and Jerome comes into the living room about then. Valerie looks up, and smiles. VALERIE: Oh hi, Baby. JEROME: Hey Grandma! VALERIE: Did you get yourself a cup of coffee from the kitchen? JEROME: Yeah! Yeah I did. Hey...uh...how did the interview go? VALERIE: Oh, extremely well. I'm absolutely going to be hiring her. I just...you know, I can't say it straight out or else I can get into all kinds of trouble. Jerome hangs back, as Valerie gets up from her seat on the couch, and picks up her laptop from the table, putting it in her laptop bag. JEROME: So how soon will you have her come to Salem, then? VALERIE: Well...if everything works out right...I'm hoping we can have her up here by the end of this week. Jerome nods, trying to hide a smile as he collects his information for Sheryl's plan. --- At the office of the Justice of the Peace, Eric, Nicole, and Daniel wait with the Justice of the Peace for Chloe's arrival. As they mill about, chatting excitedly, the door opens. Chloe pokes her head in and smiles, calling out to the group in a singsong voice. CHLOE: I'm heeeere! Nicole screams in excitement as she runs over to give her best friend a hug. NICOLE: Ohhhh I'm so glad you could make it. CHLOE: Ohhh I wouldn't miss this for the world. As they pull out of their hug, they hold each other's hands and smile at each other. CHLOE: You have no idea how happy I am for both of you. You deserve this, Nicole. NICOLE: Thank you. Nicole turns toward everyone else, a big, glowing smile on her face. NICOLE: Well, I guess we should get started. Nicole steps toward Eric, and the Justice of the Peace, while Daniel and Chloe stand behind them, as Eric takes Nicole's hand in hers, and looks deeply into her eyes, as they begin the ceremony. --- Sami and Marlena sit in traffic, Sami anxiously trying to find a way to escape the endless traffic jam she finds herself in. MARLENA: Do you know when they were planning to start the ceremony? SAMI: No idea. Nick just said they were headed there now, so I don't think we have much time. MARLENA: Oh God. What is Eric THINKING? SAMI: Oh come on, you know Nicole's his achilles heel, Mom. She's suckered him in once before. MARLENA: You're right...I just hope we aren't already too late. Marlena looks out the window and sees the next exit clearing up ahead. She frantically points toward it to get Sami's attention. MARLENA: Sami! Take the next exit, right there. Quick! SAMI: I'm on it! Sami quickly puts her signal on, turning out into the next lane to make their way off the crowded highway. --- --- Gabi and Will stand in their living room, looking down at the gun that EJ has handed Gabi for protection. Will sighs as he slowly looks up at Gabi. WILL: I hate to say this but...EJ was right to give you this. GABI: You won't hear any argument from me. Gabi starts to walk away toward the kitchen area to put on a pot of coffee. Will watches her walk off, surprised by her appearance of nonchalance. WILL: You don't seem the least bit fazed by this. Gabi stops, as she grabs the caraffe from the coffee maker. She looks at Will and shrugs. GABI: Will, I'm doing what I have to do to protect all of us. Will looks on at Gabi, incredulous. WILL: You don't think this is just a bit...extreme? Gabi, this should be such a red flag to you of how far this whole situation has gone. Don't you see how deep you've got yourself involved in all this? Gabi runs the water, filling up the caraffe, before turning and placing the caraffe down on the countertop, exasperated. GABI: Don't you think I know that? Don't you think I've replayed this over and over and over in my mind a million times? I'm terrified, Will. I'm fighting for my life, and your life, and Sonny's life...but most important is that little girl over there. Gabi points toward Ari sitting in her crib, Will looks over at his daughter momentarily, a mix of love and worry in his eyes, as Gabi continues, growing increasingly emotional, before starting to tear up. GABI: I am fighting to make sure that Arianna doesn't have to live another day with the threat of that sick bastard hanging over all our heads. I want that little girl to grow up with her family around her. And I am running out of ways to do that. And I am scared, Will. I am so scared. Will looks back at Gabi, realizing how terrified shs really is for the first time, and responds softly. WILL: You don't have to be scared, Gabi. We're all here for you-- Gabi snaps, cutting Will off as she becomes more and more emotional. GABI: YOU CAN'T GUARANTEE THAT, WILL! Not if we don't do something to stop Nick. And fast. Because I will not let my daughter lose her parents, or her grandparents because of that sleaze. EVER. Will stares at an almost-crazed Gabi, both of them deeply worried and deeply upset by their circumstance. Will walks over to an emotional Gabi and gives her a hug, as Gabi begins to sob on his shoulder. --- Alex looks at his father, totally stunned by the news he's just heard. ALEX: I'm sorry, what? JUSTIN: The um...the same people that hacked the City Hall server yesterday that was in the news? They tried to break into Titan's servers last night, and corrupt all the files associated with the EnerNext oil sands project, including all your promotional work you've been working on with Will. ALEX: Oh my God. Justin holds up a hand, hoping to stop Alex from freaking out. JUSTIN: Now, hold on. Before you panic, we stopped them in time, but you have to know, it's someone in the graphic design department that's responsible. ALEX: That means they're under my watch. Justin nods, uncomfortable sharing the news with his son. JUSTIN: Yeah. Now, Tyler may have something to say about that. Umm, for now the press doesn't know, but they want to hold an emergency board meeting about it later today, and...hopefully, we can get some of this sorted out. Alex looks down, away from Justin's gaze. He tries to soak in all the information, momentarily holding his head in his hands. ALEX: God. When it rains, it pours, doesn't it? JUSTIN: You can say that again. Alex gets up from his seat and begins to pace the room, Justin looks on, trying to reassure him. JUSTIN: Listen, I don't think anything grave is going to happen where your department is concerned. I just want to give you the head's up. Keep quiet if anyone calls or any press get wind of it. We need to keep this out of the press at all costs. There's way too much riding on getting this project off the ground. ALEX: I know, Dad. Don't worry. (sigh) But...that's not even the biggest problem we've got right now. Justin looks over at Alex, confused. JUSTIN: What do you mean? Alex pulls his tablet out from his briefcase, and, after pressing a few spots on the screen, hands it over to Justin. ALEX: Mom's decided to follow in Harper's footsteps. Justin studies the electronic edition of the Salem Spectator for a moment, before looking up at his son, surprised by the headline. --- Sheryl steps out of the bathroom, her hair wrapped in a towel, and wearing a matching white dressing gown. She hears a heavy knock on the door and quickly makes her way over to the front door of the motel room, checking to see who it is through the peephole. Seeing that it's Jerome, she quickly lets him in, hoping no one sees him. SHERYL: Get in, get in, get in. Closing the door behind her, she looks at Jerome expectantly, as Jerome takes off the hat he wore to disguise himself, and reaches into his pocket. SHERYL: So...what did we get? Jerome pulls a USB stick from his pocket, and hands it to Sheryl. JEROME: Everything you need to become Crystal Clarke, RN. Sheryl cocks an eyebrow, impressed by what Jerome has managed to do. --- Sami pulls up to the City Hall, and quickly puts her car in Park and turns the car off. SAMI: Okay. We're here! MARLENA: Now, let's just hope we get in there before it's too late. SAMI: From your mouth to God's ear, Mom. Ripping the keys from the ignition, she and Marlena, make a made dash inside, hoping to stop the wedding in time. ... Justice of the Peace Watkins stands before a beaming Eric and Nicole, as they stand before him, holding each other's hands. JOP WATKINS: Well, good morning, and I am pleased to stand before you today, to join Nicole, and Eric, in matrimony. ... Running up to the front desk, Sami waves frantically, trying to get the attention of the front desk clerk. DESK CLERK: Can I help you ladies? MARLENA: Yes, I'm Dr. Marlena Evans, and I-- The desk clerk lights up, recognizing Marlena immediately. DESK CLERK: Oh my GOSH! Dr. Evans! I remember you from when you used to have that radio show on years ago! Never thought I'd see the day... Marlena tries to cut her off, impatiently trying to move things along without being rude. MARLENA: Yes, that was...years ago, listen, my son is getting married today, and we need to know which room they're in. Can you help me and my daughter? We're very late. The desk clerk smiles, ever-so-casually getting up from her seat, and smiling warmly at Marlena. DESK CLERK: Oh, for you? Anything, Dr. Evans. MARLENA: Thank you. I don't mean to be short but we're very late, and I don't want to miss the big moment, so...if you could. The desk clerk sits herself slowly down at the computer, nodding happily. DESK CLERK: No trouble at all, Dr. Evans. MARLENA: Thanks again. Much to Marlena's chagrin, the desk clerk continues to prattle on as she slowly starts to look up the room for the wedding. DESK CLERK: You know, you hear all these things about what's happened to you in the years since the show ended, and I think it's just such a shame, all these ridiculous rumours that swirl around, them saying you killed all those people but...really...kidnapped them and...I can't even keep track! (laughs) People really need to stop with all this fake news, you know? Marlena resists rolling her eyes, as Sami gives Marlena a look of pure irritation. ... JOP WATKINS: If anyone sees just cause why these two should not be joined, let them speak now, or forever hold their peace. After a moment of silence in the room, Nicole quietly laughs, thrilled that the ceremony can go on without objection. JOP WATKINS: In that case...Eric Brady, do you take Nicole Walker to be your wife? Eric smiles warmly at Nicole, squeezing her hands gently, as he answers softly. ERIC: I do. ... The desk clerk clicks on a tab on her computer screen, almost too deliberately, before turning toward Marlena and Sami. DESK CLERK: What did you say your son's name was, Dr. Evans? MARLENA: Ah, Eric Brady...he's to be married to a Nicole Walker. DESK CLERK: Alright... The desk clerk hits "search" on her database window, and the computer begins to work. After a tense moment, the desk clerk looks back at Marlena and Sami and smiles, slightly apologetically. DESK CLERK: I don't know if you heard, but the servers were down here yesterday, so it's taking a while for the system to get back into the groove of things. (laughs) Oh, you know technology! Sami and Marlena smile awkwardly, as Sami responds this time. SAMI: Oh, do I ever. ... JOP WATKINS: Do you, Nicole Walker, take this man, Eric Brady, to be your husband? Nicole, without a moment's hesitation, excitedly answers, nearly bouncing as she answers. NICOLE: I do! Everyone laughs, as Nicole continues to jiggle with girlish excitement. .... A moment passes, as Sami cracks her knuckles, unsure whether this relieves any tension, or if she's winding up to punch the desk clerk. Finally, the results come in. DESK CLERK: Here we go! Sami and Marlena snap back to the desk, staring attentively, awaiting their answer. MARLENA: Yes, which room is it? DESK CLERK: Ooo! You better hurry, it's happening now. It's in Room 341. It's on the third floor, three doors down on your right... MARLENA: Thank you! Marlena and Sami take off like a shot for the elevator. The desk clerk barely having time to finish her thought. She looks on, as both Sami and Marlena disappear around the corner. The desk clerk shouts out to them, while waving. DESK CLERK: Good luck, Dr. Evans! The desk clerk sits back down in her seat, her expression immediately changing to one of irritation as she does. DESK CLERK: Damn society folks in this town, always in such a hurry they forget their manners. ... Eric places the wedding ring on Nicole's finger. She beams as she looks at the beautiful silver wedding band. ERIC: I promise, when we do this properly with the family, I'll have something a little bit more...formal prepared (laughs) but for now....just know that I love you, and I am so grateful that I've been given a second chance with you. I don't know what I'd do without you, Nicole. Nicole begins to tear up, as she leans in to kiss Eric. NICOLE: Oh, Eric! I love you too... As they kiss, the Justice of the Peace makes his final declaration. JOP WATKINS: By the power vested in me by the state, I now pronounce you, husband and wife. As he finishes the announcement, and Daniel and Chloe begin to clap in congratulations, the door to his office swings open, and a voice screams out, startling everyone inside. MARLENA: NO! Nicole and Eric break their kiss, as they, the Justice of the Peace, Daniel and Chloe turn around with a start, finding a panicked Marlena and Sami standing just inside the doorway. ---

EPISODE 120 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Sonny stands with EJ in the living room of his apartment, as Gabi lays Ariana down in her crib. Sonny looks at a half-asleep Will, who stands in the doorway to their bedroom. Sonny is mystified by Will's acceptance of EJ gifting Gabi a gun to protect her. SONNY: What is wrong with you, Will? You think it's a good idea to keep a gun in this house? With your daughter nearby? WILL: Okay, Sonny, look. Nick has gone off the deep end before, and we all know that. And he has access to our lives in ways we may have absolutely no concept of. What's to stop him from finding a way to kidnap Gabi or Ari? He's already manipulated his way back into Gabi's life, and she was too afraid to say anything. GABI: Not...exactly. SONNY: What do you mean by that? EJ interjects, trying to keep Gabi from spilling the beans on their plot. EJ: Gabi... Gabi sighs as she turns toward EJ. She shakes her head before she reveals her real plans with Sonny and Will. GABI: EJ, we can't keep this from them. Look...my trying to reconcile with Nick, it's all been a ruse. Like Will suggested before. I've been trying to reel him in and get him to trust me again so I could use it against him. WILL: Okay...but... SONNY: Gabi, please tell me you're not doing anything dangerous. Gabi shakes her head emphatically. GABI: No, no. I umm...no, I went on a date with Nick and...well...EJ suggested I get him drunk and...give him his old pain medication to stop his hangover. And then...I replaced his Ibuprofens with lookalikes EJ had made that are really a stronger version of the pain meds Nick got hooked on when he killed Trent Robbins. SONNY: WHAT?! Gabi, what the-- GABI: I had Hope investigate and I was hoping to have him caught with the pills before his parole ran out so that I could have him arrested, but... Will sighs, putting a hand on his forehead as he finishes Gabi's sentence. WILL: But she didn't find them, and now Nick's back to full-on psycho mode, and if he finds out that Gabi's been duping him... Sonny turns back toward Gabi and EJ, who both look on very seriously at Will and Sonny. EJ: You all could be in very grave danger. --- Jerome steps into the living room at the Grant house, just as Valerie is about to begin her video interview with Crystal Clarke, the nurse she's looking to hire at the hospital. He steps into the room and interrupts her before she hits "connect". JEROME: Hey! Grandma, just...one thing I forgot to do before you start that call. VALERIE: Oh! Sure, honey! Go ahead. Jerome opens up the computer's media player, and sets up the media player to begin recording video and audio of Valerie's computer screen (including the video interview) without Valerie noticing. Once the recording is set up, he turns the computer back over to Valerie. JEROME: There you go, Grandma. VALERIE: Thanks, baby. Okay, here we go. Valerie hits "connect", and Crystal appears on the screen, ready to start the interview. Jerome hangs back, watching the interview begin with a big smile on his face. --- Sami and Marlena sit in traffic along the highway, desperately trying to get to City Hall in time for Eric and Nicole's wedding. SAMI: Come on, come on, come on!! Sami blares on her horn, trying in vain to move traffic. Marlena winces from the noise of the horn blast. MARLENA: Sami, that's not going to help. SAMI: No, but it makes me feel better. After a moment's pause, Marlena looks over, a bit annoyed at Sami's impatience, and dubious of her motives. MARLENA: And just what, exactly, is Eric doing that's going to ruin his life? You never did explain that one to me. Sami sighs heavily, not wanting to say anything but deciding there's really no time like the present. SAMI: well...I guess, since we're stuck here. I might as well tell you. Marlena snaps back, sick of all the mystery. MARLENA: Tell me what? SAMI: Eric's getting married this morning. To Nicole. Marlena looks back at Sami, completely in disbelief. --- Eric and Nicole step up to the door of the Justice of the Peace's office. They stand together, holding hands, and looking lovingly at each other. ERIC: You ready? NICOLE: Am I ever. Eric opens the door to the office and they step in together, hand in hand. --- --- Eric and Nicole walk into the office of the Justice of the Peace, hand in hand. Both of them smiling widely as the smiling older gentleman behind the desk looks up, greeting them. JUSTICE OF PEACE: Mr. Brady, I presume? ERIC: Good morning! Mister... JUSTICE OF PEACE: Greg Watkins. Justice of the Peace Watkins extends his hand to Brady and then to Nicole, both of whom graciously shake his hand. As Nicole shakes his hand, Daniel opens the door and steps into the room. Eric and Nicole turn to see who's come in and smile. DANIEL: I...uh...I heard there was gonna be a wedding in here? Eric walks over and greets Daniel with a handshake and a hug, as the two laugh. ERIC: It's good to see you, man. DANIEL: You too. Nicole, you're looking fantastic. Nicole smiles and curtsies in jest. NICOLE: Thank you. DANIEL: I uh...I'm sorry I was a bit late, I had to drop Billie off at Kate's. Nicole raises an eyebrow at Daniel after his remark about Billie. NICOLE: You and Billie, eh? Sounds like that's getting pretty serious. DANIEL: Well....you could say that. Eric smiles, and pats Daniel on the shoulder. ERIC: I'm really happy for you. Eric turns toward Nicole and JOP Watkins, checking to see who's here. ERIC: Are we ready to go? NICOLE: Uh...just waiting on Chloe. DANIEL: Chloe texted me about five mintues ago, she's just parking her car. She'll be up in a minute and we can get started. Nicole walks over to Eric and takes his hands in hers. She beams with excitement as she leans in and quickly kisses her husband-to-be on the lips. NICOLE: Eeee it's happening! ERIC: I know! (laughs) --- Marlena sits in heavy traffic in Sami's car, stunned by the news that Eric is marrying Nicole. MARLENA: You've GOT to be joking! SAMI: I am not. MARLENA: How did you find this out? SAMI: Nick Fallon came over this morning. We'd been working on a project for Countess Wilhelmina and, he let me know that he'd found out. I guess to give me a warning as a....bizarre thank you for helping him out. Marlena looks on, confused by the scenario. MARLENA: Nick Fallon...but doesn't Nick work for Kate? SAMI: It's...it's a long story. The point is we have to get to City Hall before that wedding happens. MARLENA: Oh you're not kidding. After all the hell that woman put Eric through...and you? I'll be damned if she gets her claws into Eric again. Marlena and Sami stare out the window, internally screaming as they watch the traffic remain at a standstill before them. --- Sonny looks to Gabi, completely stunned by her plan to hook Nick back on his meds. SONNY: Gabi, what did you think was gonna happen when you started feeding Nick those pills? GABI: I seriously thought that Hope was going to see the pills and arrest him. SONNY: Oh. Yeah. Hope. Nick's cousin. You know much tension that would cause in the Horton house if they found out Hope was the one that busted Nick? She's not going to bust him even if she DID find the pills. GABI: As I found out at Brady's wake. Will looks over at Gabi, interested. WILL: What do you mean? GABI: I uh...after I got Nick hooked on the pills, Hope didn't find anything, and so I...had someone grab more of the same pills and he...kinda...stole Marlena's perscription pad so that it would look like Nick was stealing drugs from the hospital... Sonny interjects, rolling his eyes at Gabi. SONNY: Oh God, Gabi-- GABI: Well, I had to because by that time, Nick's parole was up and I wouldn't have been able to have mere possession stick, so...unfortunately... WILL: Let me guess...she wouldn't look into it. Gabi looks down, arms folded. She looks back over at Will and Sonny and shakes her head. Sonny reacts immediately. SONNY: Figures. See, Gabi, you're always going off and...taking matters into your own hands when we should be all trying to get through this together. GABI: Look, I know, okay? But I didn't think you guys needed the added stress with everything else you guys are dealing with right now, and Will starting a new job and you're trying to plan a wedding. I just didn't wanna burden you. SONNY: Well, consider us sufficiently burdened. Now Nick's so far off the deep end, we have to keep a gun in the apartment. Good job, Gabi. Gabi looks down, not responding to Sonny's words. Sonny, angry about the situation, grabs his jacket, and heads for the door. SONNY: I need to go grab a coffee. WILL: Sonny, wait... Will jumps in, heading for the door to follow Sonny, hoping to calm him down, but EJ stops him. EJ: William...I'll...you stay here, I'll...take care of him. Will stops, before nodding at EJ. EJ takes the gun, and hands it to Will. Will holds it in his hands, as EJ closes the door to the apartment. He and Gabi look down at the gun, grave concern in both their eyes. --- Sheryl lays back in her hotel room at the dive motel at the edge of town where Jerome's put her up. She lies on the bed, watching TV, thoroughly bored. She shouts at the TV as a game show plays. SHERYL: NO, you idiot, $600! As she shouts out, the hotel room phone rings. She leans over to pick it up, still annoyed at the contestant on the TV screen. SHERYL: Dumbass... Picking up the phone, she speaks, knowing who's calling. SHERYL: (into phone) What you got for me? ... Jerome paces the Grant kitchen, trying to speak just softly enough so that Valerie can't hear him from the living room. JEROME: (into phone) Okay, so she's doing the interview now, and I'm 100% this chick's got the job. ... Sheryl listens, contemplating her plan of action. SHERYL: (into phone) Okay. So how are we gonna pull this off? ... JEROME: (into phone) Simple. I'll try to access her e-mail based on her resumé, and delete the acceptance letter when it comes in, hopefully before she sees it and makes the arrangements, and no one will be the wiser. ... SHERYL: (into phone) And if she does? ... JEROME: (into phone) Then we cross that bridge when we get to it. ... Sheryl sits up in the bed, getting increasingly agitated. SHERYL: (into phone) No, that's not good enough. There is no recourse on this. If she sees that e-mail and comes to Salem to start this job? We have to stop her...and I think I know exactly how to do it. Sheryl gives a bit of an evil grin. ... Jerome looks off, unsure if he likes what Sheryl has cooked up. ---

EPISODE 119 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson EJ stands in Gabi, Sonny, and Will's apartment, holding a pistol he was about to hand Gabi. Sonny stands in the doorway to the bedroom, glaring angrily at EJ. EJ: Sonny. Gabi turns around to look at Sonny, who walks hastily over and takes the gun from EJ's hand. SONNY: What the HELL do you think you're doing bringing a gun in this house, EJ? EJ: Sonny, let me explain-- SONNY: NO! No, you LISTEN to me, EJ. I am not going to have Ariana living with a deadly weapon lying around, ready to be used whenever a wind picks up and a treebranch taps the window pane because we're all so terrified of what Nick Fallon's gonna do next. EJ looks away, shaking his head as he allows Sonny to finish his rant. SONNY: And before you tell me this is supposed to protect us, I think we can find a slightly better way than packing heat everywhere we go. EJ: Sonny, Nick Fallon is threat. SONNY: He may be, but he's too smart, and too cunning to attack us at this stage in the game with violence. EJ looks at Sonny, an unsure look on his face. EJ: Not...neccessarily. Not anymore. Sonny looks back at EJ, confused. --- Sami stands in the DiMera living room, shocked by the news she's just heard from Nick, who sits causally in the easychair facing her. SAMI: He's WHAT??! NICK: Getting married to Nicole. In... Nick checks his watch for a second, before looking up at Sami, smiling widely. NICK: About an hour? Sami rushes forward, heading for the door of the living room to show Nick out. SAMI: You're lying. I KNOW you're lying. You're just trying to get me going and... NICK: I saw the appointment booking. They're probably headed the justice of the peace right now. Nick gets up from his seat, turning toward Sami who has her hand on the knob of the door leading out of the living room. She stops before opening it, then turns back to face Nick. SAMI: My brother wouldn't be so stupid as to marry Nicole Walker. NICK: Do you really have the time to debate me about it? Look, you've done me a huge favour by offering Gabi that contract, and I'm willing to pay it forward. I'm not trying to get one over on you. Sami laughs to her herself as she responds sarcastically. SAMI: Oh...that's a first. Nick looks at Sami, deadly serious as he steps toward her. NICK: Sami. Do you really think you have the time to second guess me on this? If I were you, I'd be in my car already, trying to stop this farce of a wedding from happening. No? Sami stops a moment, looking away from Nick before opening the door to the living room. SAMI: I guess I'd better get ready to go. Nick smiles smugly as he heads out. NICK: You're welcome. After heading out, Sami closes the door behind him. Frustrated, she contemplates her action plan. Having a sudden epiphany, she heads over to the landline phone on the desk at the opposite end of the room, and makes a call. ... At Marlena's penthouse, a relaxed Marlena gets up from having breakfast and digs through her purse to find her cell phone. Putting it to her ear, she answers. MARLENA: (into phone) Sami? ... Sami answers, a definite sense of urgency in her voice. SAMI: (into phone) Mom, where are you? ... Marlena's expression shifts immediately, suddenly concerned by her daughter's tone. MARLENA: (into phone) I'm at home. Sami? What's going on? ... SAMI: (into phone) I don't have time to explain, meet me at city hall right now. It's an emergency. Sami hangs up the phone, almost slamming it onto the receiver, before taking a moment to think of her action plan. SAMI: You're not gonna get away with this, Nicole. Not on my watch. ... Marlena stands in her living room, confused and worried, as she tries to get Sami to answer. MARLENA: (into phone) Sami? Sami? Are you...? Marlena looks at her phone, seeing that Sami ended the call. Worried, she immediately heads for her bedroom to get ready to go meet Sami. --- Valerie sits on her sofa in her living room, attempting to set something up on her laptop. Visibly frustrated, she tenses up as though ready to hit the computer, before hearing Jerome come down the stairs, ready to head off for the day. Valerie turns, hopeful that Jerome can help. VALERIE: Oh! Jerome! Good morning! Jerome stops once he reaches the bottom of the staircase. Turning to face his grandma, she pulls him by the shirt toward him to greet him with a morning kiss on the cheek. JEROME: Hey, Grandma. VALERIE: Hey. You want some breakfast before you head out? Jerome hesitates, not wanting to stick around, but trying not to be rude. JEROME: Uhhhh actually, I was gonna meet some guys from the university at the Brady Pub. VALERIE: Oh. That's a shame. I uh....I actually needed your help with something before you left. Do you...do you have a second for me? Jerome shrugs, politely smiling at his grandmother. JEROME: Yeah. Sure. VALERIE: Good. Cos' this here is about to make your grandmother lose her mind. Valerie walks Jerome over to her laptop, motioning to him. JEROME: Okay, what's the problem? VALERIE: I have to do an interview for a nurse I'm looking to hire for the hospital, and they want me to do it online using this....video chat business. And I do NOT know the first thing about setting this up. Jerome laughs for a second with Valerie, before nodding. JEROME: Yeah, that's cool. I can set you up in two seconds. VALERIE: Jerome Grant, you are a lifesaver. Jerome sits himself down on the couch and quickly sets everything up for the video chat, he looks up at Valerie, who stands over him, watching what he's doing. He asks her a question. JEROME: Now I just need her name and account name so we can finish setting it all up. Valerie points to a specific tab on the computer screen to guide Jerome. VALERIE: Oh! It's um...this one here. Jerome clicks on the tab that shows the woman's resumé. After plugging in her handle into the chat program, her profile appears on the screen, complete with her picture. Her name is Crystal Clarke. Jerome stops a moment, suddenly very focused on the woman's face. A very pretty woman with short, bright red hair in a pixie cut, soft chubby cheeks, and a bright smile. After a moment he notices a striking resemblance to Sheryl. Certainly, the two women have some significant differences in their appearance. This woman's hair, in colour and length, differ significantly from Sheryl's. Additionally, this woman is somehwat chubbier than Sheryl, and their eye colours are somewhat different. But the resemblance is still uncanny to Jerome. Thinking fast, Jerome looks back at his grandmother. JEROME: I...uh...I think we're ready. So just... Jerome gets up from his seat, and guides Valerie onto the couch in his stead. He points toward a specific spot on the screen. JEROME: Just...click there when you wanna connect the call, and you're good. VALERIE: Thank you, baby. Valerie kisses Jerome lovingly on the cheek before he steps away from the couch. He stops to tell Valerie something. JEROME: Anytime. Look, I...uh....I think I will stick around and grab some coffee at least. VALERIE: It's all ready for you in the kitchen. Jerome smiles at his grandma before continuing on to the kitchen. JEROME: Thanks, Grandma. Jerome heads for the kitchen, stopping just at the doorway as he continues to think over his plan. JEROME: If I didn't believe in miracles before...this might be just what we needed to finish this job once and for all. --- --- Sheryl paces her hotel room in the sleazy hotel at the edge of town Jerome has set up for her. The darkness of the room irritates her, as she has on the bedside lamps and turns on the room's lights, but it's still not enough. She looks over at the room's phone, contemplating making a call to Jordan, but quickly realizes that would be at once foolish and in vain. SHERYL: Are you stupid? Jordan's not gonna take your calls at this rate. You just gotta sit tight and wait for word. Suddenly, the room's phone rings. Sheryl lurches forward, quickly pulling the receiver to her ear in desperation. SHERYL: Hello? ... It's Jerome. He stands in his kitchen at home, stirring his cup of coffee as he cheerfully greets Sheryl, almost in a singsong voice. JEROME: (into phone) I've got some good news for you. ... SHERYL: (into phone) I could use some right about now. What is it? ... JEROME: (into phone) I may have a way for us to pull this job off after all. ... Sheryl smiles widely, a sudden glimmer of hope finally coming through for her. --- Alex walks over to Noelle, who is still lying in bed nursing her hangover. Noelle holds up her tablet which shows his mother's picture on the front page of the Salem Spectator, alongside the headline: DEVERAUX KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN: DISGRACED SENATOR'S EX-WIFE ENTERS GOVERNOR'S RACE Alex sighs as he reads the headline. He responds sarcastically. ALEX: Great. She finally did it. NOELLE: Look, I know this is...a huge issue between you guys-- Alex snaps at Noelle, trying to stop her from carrying on with this topic. ALEX: Look, I don't...I don't wanna get into this right now. You know how I feel about my mother and her...politics. Noelle leans over in bed, as Alex sits down on the bed next to her. She puts a hand on his shoulder, hoping to comfort him. NOELLE: I do. And I know that you want to keep your life out of the spotlight, and her running for office...severely hampers that. We can keep our distance from her. I mean...she's not in Salem, so we won't have to attend all kinds of party events and fundraisers. ALEX: That's not the point. I'll still get asked for my input. What am I gonna say? No, I don't support anything my mother stands for. No, I don't want her to win the governor's seat! Why do you ask? Noelle laughs momentarily, while rubbing her husband's shoulders, starting to lift herself out of bed. NOELLE: Look, just...don't let it bug you too much. If it helps, I'll call Anjelica and we'll work something out. Okay? Noelle leans in close to Alex's ear, and whispers sensually into it. NOELLE: Now...why don't you...take a bit more time getting ready. Noelle giggles, as she lets her hands wander from her husband's shoulders, leading down to his chest. NOELLE: I guess I'm starting to feel a bit better. Alex smiles, but takes Noelle's hands off him, and gets up. ALEX: I wish I could but...I have too much to go over this morning, and Justin sent me a text saying there was something big that came up last night I have to deal with so...I gotta run. I'm sorry. Noelle smiles, disappointed but understanding. NOELLE: It's okay. I understand. ALEX: Look, I gotta get ready. You gonna stay in bed awhile. NOELLE: Yeah. Noelle sits in bed, as Alex leans in and kisses Noelle gently on the lips. ALEX: I'll let you rest. I'll see you tonight. I might have a surprise waiting for you. NOELLE: Ooo! I look forward to it. I love you. Alex breaks away from Noelle and heads for the door, flashing a sexy smile at his wife. ALEX: Love you too. Once Alex closes the door, Noelle sighs. She gets up from her bed and grabs her cell phone, placing a call. After a moment, someone answers, and Noelle is none too pleased. NOELLE: (into phone) Just when the Hell were you gonna tell me you were running? We had a deal, Anjelica! --- Sonny reacts to EJ's comment in equal measures of frustration and confusion. SONNY: Wh-what do you mean, not anymore? I... As Sonny reacts, Will emerges from the bedroom, half-asleep and confused. WILL: Guys, what's all the...EJ? EJ looks over at Will, feeling guilty for having woken him up. He nods a greeting Will's way. EJ: William. Sonny turns toward Will, almost laughing at the situation he finds so absurd. SONNY: Will! You know what all this noise is? EJ's decided that the best way to protect us from Nick is to bring a gun into our home. Because that's a responsible environment to raise Ariana in. Don't you think? Will looks over at Sonny, Gabi, then EJ, and back to Sonny, responding a little sheepishly. WILL: Well, uh...I mean...maybe it's because I'm still half-asleep but...he may have a point. Sonny looks back at Will, mystified and outraged by his statement. --- Marlena walks out of the front door to her building. Spotting Sami's car out front, she approaches, surprised to see her daughter there. MARLENA: Sami? SAMI: Mom, get in. MARLENA: What are you talking about? SAMI: Mom, Eric may be about to make the biggest mistake of his life. There's no time. Come on, I'll drive. Marlena looks at Sami, more worried than ever, as she wordlessly gets into the passenger's side of Sami's car and closes the door. Sami immediately speeds off once they're both inside. --- Nicole and Eric sit in the car together, the both of them blissfully happy as they head for Salem City Hall to be married. ERIC: You excited? Nicole cocks an eyebrow at Eric, who chuckles to himself as Nicole responds. NICOLE: What do you think? Seriously though, I am so grateful that we got a second chance, Eric. You don't even know how happy I am to be getting married to you today. ERIC: You and me both. I know I don't...speak about this much but...you know...after what happened with Kristen and...Dr. Chyka getting away and...all that stuff with the church...I could've very easily fallen into a really dark place. Nicole zones out, contemplating her own part in the Dr. Chyka affair. She flashes back to her meeting with Hope upon their return from Dr. Chyka's cabin, when Hope told Nicole that it was better they hadn't found anything in the cabin, as it would harm Eric's case rather than help. She then recalls putting the files proving Kristen drugged Eric in her desk drawer. Eric squeezes Nicole's hand, snapping her out of her thoughts. ERIC: Nicole. Nicole looks up, back at Eric. She smiles. NICOLE: Sorry. My mind...wandered. ERIC: Apparently! Nicole and Eric laugh together as Eric turns into the parking lot at the city hall. Stopping the car, he puts the car in Park and pulls the keys from the ignition. He stops before getting out and looks over at Nicole. ERIC: Well, I just want you to know...I thank you. I couldn't have made it through all of this without you. Nicole begins to tear up, leaning in to kiss Eric. After they kiss gently on the lips, Eric unfastens his seatbelt and opens the door. ERIC: Are you ready to become Mrs. Eric Brady? Nicole laughs, unable to hide her glee. NICOLE: I am SO ready. ERIC: Well, let's go! Nicole unbuckles her seatbelt and quickly leaves the car at the same time as Eric. They shut their respective doors almost completely in sync. ---

EPISODE 118 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Gabi walks around the main room of her shared apartment with Sonny and Will, holding Ariana in her arms as she feeds her her bottle. Ari stays peaceful and quiet as Gabi quietly sings to her, as a knock on the door is heard. Surprised, as it's relatively early in the morning for visitors, Gabi walks cautiously toward the door. GABI: Seriously? It's like...6:30 in the morning. Who the... Gabi opens the door to find EJ standing on the other side, looking back at her gravely. GABI: EJ? EJ: Gabi, I'm sorry, but this is an emergency. Gabi looks back at EJ, confused and surprised by EJ's rather dramatic greeting. --- Sami stands in the DiMera living room, trying in vain to get EJ to pick up his phone. SAMI: Ugh! Straight to voicemail again? Come on, EJ! Putting the phone down on the desk, she pinches the bridge of her nose momentarily, trying to figure out what emergency EJ could possibly have at 6:30am, when Harold emerges from the foyer, getting Sami's attention immediately. SAMI: Harold? HAROLD: Uh, a Mr. Fallon to see you, Mum. Sami's expression changes immediately to one of irritation as Nick steps into the room, a smile on his face. --- Daniel stands behind his desk in his office at University Hospital, putting down his tablet, as someone knocks on his office door. DANIEL: Come in! Billie bursts through the door, a bit out of breath and an excited look on her face. BILLIE: Daniel! Come, quick! Daniel walks toward Billie, a worried look in his eye. DANIEL: Billie? What happened? Billie starts to smile as she tells Daniel her news. BILLIE: It's Theresa. I think she's starting to wake up. --- In Theresa's hospital room, a woman in black pumps stands by the door. In her hand, a filled syringe. She slowly steps toward Theresa, being careful not to make a sound as she approaches Theresa's hospital bed. Theresa lays in her bed, still unconscious, as the woman standing over her leans over to grab her IV. As the woman jabs the syringe into the IV line and injects the liquid into Theresa's IV, Theresa's head begins to move as her eyes begin to twitch. Theresa struggles to wake up as she sees the blurry shape of a woman standing over her. The woman pulls the syringe out and quickly makes her way out of the room. Theresa, squinting as she struggles to wake up, tries in vain to lift her arm up to reach out to the woman before her energy dissipates yet again and she descends slowly back into her coma. --- --- Noelle wakes up, groggy and sore. She opens one eye slowly, making a sour face. Checking the room around her, she spies Alex walking to the vanity by the bed in nothing but a towel, drying his hair with another towel. Noelle slowly flops over to face her husband. NOELLE: Ughhh. ALEX: Good morning to you too. Noelle lies back in bed, closing her eyes again, hoping to dull her throbbing headache. NOELLE: Ugh wake me up next month. Alex rolls his eyes, somewhat amused by his wife's hangover. ALEX: You know, I know you don't wanna hear this, but it serves you right. Noelle stays lying back in bed with her eyes closed as she whines back at Alex. NOELLE: Shut uuuup. What do you mean? ALEX: Well, you know, if you hadn't snuck into Victor's room and had a go at him-- NOELLE: Aleeeex, come on. Let this go, please? Alex turns around, exasperated. ALEX: Well, come on, Noelle. He's family. Whether you like it or not. NOELLE: Ugghh, don't remind me. Noelle fumbles about, flailing to try to feel where her tablet is. Finding it on the bedside table, she haphazardly pulls it toward her and turns it on to read the news. Alex, meanwhile, bends down to open his underwear drawer, pulling out his briefs for the day. ALEX: I'm just saying. Noelle doesn't look up, simply shakes her head gently as she tries to ignore her husband, hoping he either stops talking or changes the subject. NOELLE: Fine. Whatever. After a moment, Noelle's eyes widen, shocked by the headline. NOELLE: Oh God. Alex stops grabbing his clothing from the drawers of the vanity and straightens up, looking over at Noelle by staring into the mirror. ALEX: What? NOELLE: Not what....who. Noelle turns her tablet to face Alex. Before him is a picture of his mother under the headline that reads: DEVERAUX KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN: DISGRACED SENATOR'S EX-WIFE ENTERS GOVERNOR'S RACE Alex looks over, visibly displeased by the headline. --- Daniel steps excitedly into Theresa's room, immedately stepping to her side to check her vitals. He inspects everything, but sees nothing unusual. He opens her eyelids to check for signs of consciousness, flashing a light into them, before stepping back. He shakes his head, hanging back a moment in hopes that maybe he was wrong. Daniel waits a moment before stepping back in closer to her, and taking her hand in his, gently calling out to her. DANIEL: Theresa? It's Dr. Jonas. Daniel waits a moment, before continuing. DANIEL: Theresa? Can you hear me? If you can, squeeze my hand. Daniel waits for some kind of small sign from Theresa's again-comatose body, before letting go of her hand and heading out into the lobby, where Billie awaits. Once Daniel emerges, Billie anxiously walks over to him and puts a shaking hand on his chest. BILLIE: So? Is she coming to? Daniel sighs and slowly shakes his head, as Billie's hands quake even more. DANIEL: There's no indication she's coming around at all, Billie. I'm sorry, I-- BILLIE: Did you call our to her? Did you put your--your hand, did...did you hold her hand? Daniel looks down as Billie holds her still-shaking hands up, before resting them against his body. DANIEL: I'm sorry, Billie. She presses herself against Daniel's body as he takes her in his arms to comfort her as she begins to cry. BILLIE: No...she...I felt her hands, Daniel... DANIEL: I know...I know... Daniel strokes Billie's head with one hand and holds her close to him in the other, as she rests her head against his chest. --- Sami leans against the desk in the DiMera living room as Nick stands just inside the doorway. Harold steps out of the room and closes the door behind him, leaving Nick and Sami alone in the room. Sami barely blinks as she glowers at Nick and his sunny expression. NICK: Well, good morning to you too, Sami! SAMI: What do you want, Nick? NICK: Oh, trust me. Nothing bad. Nick all-too-casually steps toward the armchair, sitting himself down and making himself comfortable in it as Sami remains leaned against the desk, scowling back at him. SAMI: Why does that somehow scare me even more? NICK: A negative outlook. Seasonal depression. Irregularity. Could be a lot of things. Nick looks over at Sami's mug on the desk beside her and points to it, cracking another joke. NICK: Oo! Coffee could help, maybe you're the kind that need two cups in the morning. Sami stands upright, folding her arms in as she maintains her distance from Nick. SAMI: You know, you're awfully quick with a cheap crack for 7am, Nick. You might wanna cut back on the energy drinks, yourself. NICK: Nah, I'm high enough on life right now. And besides, you could make my high even greater if you have that little...proposal we talked about? SAMI: Oh, you mean Gabi's modelling contract? Yeah, I sent it to her yesterday, she'll give me her decision this afternoon. Nick smirks as he clasps his hands together in almost comical self-satisfaction. NICK: Good. Excellent work, Sami. I think you've earned yourself a little reward for your efforts. Sami guffaws at Nick's offer, laughing at the absurdity of the situation. SAMI: A reward? Nick, I hardly think you have very much that I would want. NICK: Ohhhhh, I think you might want this. In fact, I guarantee it. Sami squints, studying the situation and Nick's guarded body language, before speaking up. SAMI: Okay, I'll bite. What's my great reward? NICK: My continued silence about your questionable lifesaving skills...and some valuable information. SAMI: Information? What kind? NICK: Ohhh very valuable. You might wanna sit down for this. Sami rolls her eyes as she resolutely refuses to move from her spot by the desk. SAMI: I'll take my chances, what is it? Nick's expression changes to one of deadly seriousness. NICK: It's your brother, Eric. He's getting married today. To Nicole Walker. Sami's eyes widen as the colour drains from her face. --- Gabi stands in the doorway of the apartment, stunned by EJ's early visit. GABI: I...wh--come in, wh...what's going on? Gabi steps out of the doorway to let EJ in, and she shuts the door behind him. EJ: Samantha told me about the bidding war Nick's setting up to try to reel you in. GABI: Oh...yeah...what about it? EJ steps in closer, in disbelief about Gabi's nonchalance regarding the situation. EJ: Gabi, you've readdicted Nick to the same prescription that drove him to murder, and kidnapping in the first place. GABI: Well, yeah, but I can handle it. Nick's gonna slip up soon and we'll catch him and get him thrown in jail before it goes too far. EJ becomes increasingly emphatic with Gabi, trying to get her to see the gravity of the situation, while simultaneously trying to hold his voice down so as not to be overheard by Will or Sonny. EJ: No, you cannot handle it on your own, Gabi. I didn't tell you this but that dosage I gave you was far stronger than the first bottle I gave you. Nick is about one step away from a total meltdown right now and if he finds out you, Samantha, and Kate are trying to play him, he's going to take some drastic steps, and I don't think anyone will be safe if he does that. Gabi curls in her lips, frustrated by EJ's clarity. After a moment of trying to rock Ariana so as to keep her calm in this tense situation, Gabi sighs and responds to EJ. GABI: Okay, fine. What are we gonna do then? EJ reaches into his jacket as he replies. EJ: Well, I'll tell you the first thing you're going to do, and that's carry this with you everywhere you go. EJ pulls a Glock pistol from his jacket, immediately causing Gabi to tense up. EJ holds the gun out for Gabi to take, but a voice calls out before Gabi can reach out for it. SONNY: What in the HELL is that gun doing in our home?! Gabi and EJ both turn around quickly to see a just-awoken Sonny standing in the doorway of his and Will's bedroom, looking stunned and infuriated. ---

EPISODE 117 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Billie steps off the elevator at University Hospital. Standing at the nurses' station is Daniel. Billie and Daniel smile at each other as they give each other a peck on the lips as a greeting. DANIEL: Well, you're out and about awfully early. Billie chuckles to herself, checking her watch as she responds. BILLIE: More like up really late...we had a hell of a night at work and...(sigh) I just needed to see some friendly faces. Daniel looks up from his tablet, where he's finalizing some work, and gives Billie a stern look. DANIEL: Well, I hope one of those faces isn't Theresa Donovan. Billie furrows her brow at Daniel, frustrated. BILLIE: Of course she is. Daniel sighs, glowering at Billie's bullheadedness. DANIEL: Billie-- BILLIE: ...Well, what do you expect me to do, Daniel? That girl was like a daughter to me before I had Chelsea in my life. I'm closer to her than her own mother. I have a right to see her, regardless of what her mother says. DANIEL: You and I know that but I still don't think it's a risk you should be taking. Remember? If I let you in that hospital room, I'm putting my career on the line, and yours as well. Billie looks to the side, biting her lip, trying to hold in her frustration at Daniel. BILLIE: Five minutes. DANIEL: Billie-- Billie gets agitated, leaning in close to Daniel so as not to project her voice and potentially have others hear their conversation. BILLIE: Daniel, come on. Just...five minutes, you stay closeby, check in and I'll head home. Okay? Daniel hesitates another moment, Billie persists. BILLIE: The guard's on his break, no one will know I'm there. Come on. Daniel sighs, before taking a moment and motioning silently toward the door. Billie turns and makes a beeline for Theresa's hospital room door, she looks back at Daniel and smiles warmly at her boyfriend before winking at him, then stepping into the room, closing the door behind her. Daniel looks on, gravely concerned for the consequences if she's caught. --- Sami stands in the DiMera living, still in her robe. It's early in the morning with the sun just peaking out. She paces the living room, studying work documents on her tablet, as she sips her morning coffee. Down the steps comes EJ, groggy, but noticing the lights on in the living room. He steps into the room, surprised to see Sami up so early. EJ: Samantha...what are you doing up at this hour? Sami turns to look at EJ, she sets her coffee and tablet down on the desk in front of her. SAMI: Oh, I...I couldn't sleep so I...I figured I could at least get some work done. EJ steps into the room and walks over toward Sami, he hesitates before putting a hand on Sami's shoulder, unsure of her reaction. Sami doesn't pull away, though the uncertainty is still on her face. EJ: I...umm...if there's anything I can do to help. Sami looks up at EJ, and smiles. SAMI: Nah it's...it's okay. I gotta present this contract to Gabi at some point today and then...help Will with some wedding plans, and... EJ: Contract? Sami turns back to the desk to pick up her tablet, she taps it a couple times before presenting it to EJ. SAMI: Oh yeah...it seems Nick Fallon's trying to pit Kate and I against each other for his golden girl. So Kate, Gabi, and I are gonna play along and get the drop on Nick. And hopefully he'll keep his mouth shut on what happened by the river that night. EJ looks down at the tablet, before looking up at Sami, a grave concern on his face. --- Nicole stands in front of the mirror, beaming from ear to ear as she looks at herself in her wedding dress. NICOLE: Well...take two, Nicole. Hopefully this time, it goes off without a hitch and you'll become Mrs. Eric Brady. Nicole looks herself over, before her face drops, the worry hitting her like a ton of bricks. NICOLE: Just so long as Nick Fallon doesn't pull anything first. (sigh) Nothing can go wrong today. I won't let it. --- Aiden sits in his office, taking a sip of his first coffee of the morning. He sets it down on his desk, then getting to signing a document on his desk, when a knock is heard at the door. He looks up, calling out to the person at the other side. AIDEN: Come in! A delivery man steps into the room. AIDEN: Oh! Great. Yes. Ahhh....here it is. Aiden picks up a large manila envelope and hands it to the delivery man. AIDEN: And that's going to Mr. Eric Brady at the Salem Inn. That's Room 226. DELIVERY MAN: Need a signature on that? AIDEN: I will, yes. And uh...please make sure, no earlier than 6pm this evening. Aiden and the Delivery man nod to each other, acknowledging their arrangement, as the man steps out of Aiden's office. As the door closes, Aiden looks on, sighing. AIDEN: Alright, Nick. I hope you know what you're getting yourself into. --- --- EJ's concerned face confuses Sami, she furrows her brow as she steps over to the desk in the DiMera living room, grabbing her cup of coffee to take a sip. SAMI: Why do you look like something terrible's just happened. EJ looks away, suddenly deep in thought. EJ: Because something terrible may be just about to happen. Sami suddenly looks concerned. SAMI: What do you mean, EJ? EJ turns to face Sami, a sense of urgency in his voice. EJ: I can't get into it, but you need to be VERY careful how you proceed around Nick Fallon from now on. You, Gabi, and Kate. EJ turns to head out of the room, leaving Sami stunned and confused. SAMI: EJ? What...where are you going? EJ: I have to take care of something. Sami stands dumfounded as EJ runs off up the stairs. --- Nicole continues to insepct herself in the mirror, when she hears a knock on the door. She turns around quickly, confused as to who would be there. NICOLE: Now who would that be at this hour? Nicole opens the door to find Eric standing on the other side, dressed in his tuxedo and ready to go, taking Nicole by surprise. ERIC: Morning! Nicole jumps back behind the door to hide her wedding dress. NICOLE: Aah! Eric! What are you doing here?? It's bad luck to see me in my wedding dress before the ceremony! Eric chuckles to himself as he leans against the doorframe. ERIC: You're really gonna play traditional right now? This is probably the least conventional wedding I've ever seen. NICOLE: Yeah, well...I have my reasons for being a little bit superstitious. This doesn't exactly have the highest marital success rate, if you hadn't noticed. ERIC: Yeah, well...I figure we can be an exception. Eric smiles widely and melts Nicole's defenses. She cracks a smile and chuckles to herself before looking into her fiancé's eyes. NICOLE: (sigh) Okay. Let me grab my coat, and let's go! Nicole steps away from the door, and grabs her coat, putting it on and grabbing her purse before opening the door to her suite. She steps out to find Eric stood with his elbow stuck out to one side, inviting Nicole to wrap her arm around his. ERIC: M'lady. Nicole takes Eric's arm and looks warmly in his eyes as they head for the elevator. --- Aiden continues to work at his desk, when he receives a call. Without looking up from his papers, he picks up the phone on his desk. AIDEN: (into phone) Aiden Jennings. ... Nick stands in the Brady pub, a to-go cup of coffee before him as he shakes the sugar packets in his other hand. NICK: (into phone) Aiden, it's Nick Fallon. Is it sent? ... AIDEN: (into phone) It is, as requested. ... NICK: (into phone) Excellent. I'll be contacting you probably tonight with what I need next from you, alright? ... AIDEN: (into phone) Hey, as long as you keep paying my fee, I'm all yours, Fallon. ... Nick stirs his coffee casually as he looks up, smirking once again. NICK: (into phone) Oh, trust me, that won't be a problem. Nick hangs up the phone, chuckling smugly to himself. --- Billie sits next to Theresa's comatose body in her hospital room. She holds Theresa's hand as she speaks gently to her. BILLIE: Hey, Sweetie. I've been meaning to come see you more but...well...you know your mom. Billie laughs half-heartedly to herself as she looks down at her friend. She sighs, trying to hold her emotions in. BILLIE: I guess I should let you know what's up. I...uh...well, Daniel and I are getting pretty serious now. I know he's...not exactly your favourite person, but...he's been good to me. Hell, he's the one making sure I can still come to see you, so that's gotta count for something, right? Billie stops a moment, never taking her eyes off Theresa's face, as she holds Theresa's hand in hers. BILLIE: We miss you, Theresa. I know you've got a long way to go and...you may...no, I'm not gonna think like that...I'm not giving up. You're gonna make it all the way back to us, you hear me? As Billie squeezes Theresa's hand, she feels Theresa squeeze gently back, her thumb moving, causing Billie to jump after a moment, as the heart monitor makes note of Theresa's slight increase in heart rate. BILLIE: Theresa?? Billie jumps up, and heads for the door of the room to find Daniel to let him know that Theresa's starting to wake up. She stops for a second at the door, a big smile appearing on her face, as she carefully steps back out into the hallway to look for Daniel. After a moment, the door to Theresa's room, creaks open. A woman in a pair of black pumps steps into the room. She carefully closes the door behind her. In her hand is a filled syringe. ---

EPISODE 116 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Percy finishes apply bandages from the First Aid kit in the Titan lab to Nick, as Nick sits on the island counter of the lab, he winces slightly as his tender wounds are touched. PERCY: There you are, that should cover it. NICK: Ugh, thanks, Percy. Nick looks over his wounds before jumping down off the counter, walking over toward his laptop, as Percy puts the contents of the First-Aid kit back together. PERCY: You know, you gave me quite a scare, Nicholas. NICK: Yeah, I...I dunno, Percy. These headaches I've been getting-- Percy turns around, surprised to hear about headaches. PERCY: Headaches? Nicholas, you've been...rather hazy for weeks...are these headaches connected? Nick looks down at the table, closing his laptop and putting it into his case, he speaks nonchalantly to Percy. NICK: (sigh) Yeah. Just didn't want to alarm you...or anyone else. People seeing me in pain is seen as a showing of weakness in the business world. Always best to struggle through your pain. PERCY: You're far beyond struggling through, Nicholas. You're in great pain, Nicholas. I mean, you've been moody and irritable for weeks. And now I find you...sprawled out on the floor of the lab. Is someone trying to harm you, Nicholas or...is something else going on? Nick keeps looking down, a serious look on his face as he packs the last of his things away. --- JJ sits in the Horton living room, alone, contemplating the cheque that Liam's given him, when Laura opens the front door and steps in. JJ turns around, and, upon seeing his grandmother, gets up from the sofa. Laura beams as she walks toward her grandson, giving him a warm hug. LAURA: JJ, darling. How are you? JJ: I'm good. I'm good. Uh...how are you? Pulling out of their hug, Laura smiles warmly at her grandson. LAURA: I'm alright, sweetheart. A bit tired, though, I'm going to head up to bed if you-- As Laura turns to head up the stairs to her room, JJ stops her, a serious tone in his voice that catches Laura's attention. JJ: Ah, Grandma! Please. I need to talk to you about something, it's really important. Laura looks at JJ, concerned by JJ's tone and troubled expression. She nods slowly before redirecting toward the Horton living room. LAURA: Okay...so...what seems to be the trouble, JJ? JJ stops before Laura. He sighs as he looks down at Liam's cheque, before unfolding it, and presenting it to her. Laura hesitates before taking the cheque, studying it intensely before breathing in deeply. A look of grave concern on her face as she slowly begins to look up toward JJ. --- Noelle sits with Nicole at Club TBD, now rather sloshed, as they continue to laugh and drink. As they continue to laugh at a joke, the door to the bar opens, and Alex steps in. Noelle takes notice of her husband's presence and straightens herself up, donning a serious expression that makes Nicole take notice. Nicole turns around to face Alex, unsure who it is approaching. NICOLE: Well, who is this handsome devil? Alex, smelling the martini on Nicole's breath, makes sure not to get to close, instead rests casually on the bar next to her, trying to maintain a sense of humour despite being rather unimpressed by his wife's public drunkedness. ALEX: Ohh nobody, just the tired husband here to collect his wife. Noelle leans against the bar, sloppily pointing a finger Alex's way. NOELLE: You got my text. But I am not some meat piece you pick up. I am a woman. NICOLE: That she is. A woman who's clearly been drank under the table by an experienced professional. Nicole takes on a mocking haughty tone as she sips the last of her martini. Noelle shakes her head at Nicole, her eyes squinted partly in irritation, partly in exhaustion. NOELLE: I don't have to take this. But I do have to take this ride because taxis are eps...expensive. As Noelle stumbles to get out of her seat, she nearly tumbles, but Alex manages to break her fall. ALEX: I think you're right. Noelle, still not paying enough attention to try to regain her balance, objects loudly. NOELLE: Hey! Don't take her side on this! ALEX: I'm not, honey. I promise. Look, we need to go. I hope you two had a good evening. Alex pulls Noelle back upright, and she struggles to keep balance as she holds onto Alex's arm for dear life, attempting to no avail to maintain a sense of dignity on her way out. Nicole waves goodnight to them, quite amused. NICOLE: Oh, absolutely, had a blast, get home safe, you two! NOELLE: Goodnight, Nikki! Noelle turns back to talk to Alex as they head out of the bar. NOELLE: You know, that Nicole is so much nicer when you're not near a man, it's like day and night... As Noelle and Alex head out the door, Nicole sighs, shaking her head with amusement. T walks over and points toward Nicole. T: You wanna settle up? NICOLE: Are you kidding? The other fake blonde's the lightweight here. Hit me up! T laughs as he steps away to make Nicole another martini. In curiosity, Nicole checks her phone. Seeing Nick's name in her contacts, she looks down and sighs. After a moment, she shakes her head, and says something to herself. NICOLE: You know what, Nick? You're not controlling me anymore. Nicole hits a button on her phone, blocking calls from him Nick's number. She looks up with a sense of satisfaction. NICOLE: Because tomorrow morning, I will be Mrs. Eric Brady, and even if Eric sees those files, I'm gonna know he chose me. You can't hurt us anymore, kiddo. As she turns back to the bar, putting her phone down on it, T presents her new martini, which Nicole takes a congratulatory sip of. --- --- Alex drives through the night with a stern expression on his face. Next to him, a decidedly uncomfortable Noelle sits, uneasy with the tense silence between them. She finally breaks the silence, trying to maintain her composure despite her obvious intoxication. NOELLE: How was your eveni-- ALEX: It was good. Noelle senses the terse tone in her husband's voice, and immediately knows something is indeed very wrong between them. NOELLE: Look, Alex, I don't wanna fight abo-- ALEX: Then don't, okay, Noelle? I'm really not in the mood right now. Noelle sighs, before folding her arms and slouching down in her seat. As the pair hit a red light, Noelle looks back over at her husband and tries talking again. NOELLE: I had a really good talk with Nicole tonight. That was...Eric's...fiancé...back at TBD... Alex's stone silence as he presses down heavily on the gas from the stoplight makes Noelle lean back slightly in her seat, only adding to her discomfort as she looks out at the road ahead. NOELLE: She helped me relax a bit...and I'm sorry about earlier at the hospital... Alex still doesn't react. Noelle persists, trying to provoke some kind of response from Alex. NOELLE: Alex? Did you hear me? I said I was sorry about earli-- Alex finally reacts, still keeping his eyes on the road as he snaps back at Noelle. ALEX: I heard you. Alex finally looks over momentarily at Noelle. Catching her eyes, his eyes snap back to hers, causing him to relent a little. ALEX: Look, I just....Noelle, I heard you but... Noelle leans back in her seat, trying to retain her composure, gurgling out a response. NOELLE: But what? ALEX: But I don't know if I believe you or not. You....you had such anger toward Victor, it just...I don't kn...I...Noelle? Noelle puts her hand over Alex's, as she begins to sweat. NOELLE: Alex pull over. Alex looks over, confused. ALEX: Huh? Noelle begins to look panicked, as she raises her voice to Alex. NOELLE: Pull over. ALEX: Noelle, I'm not gonna let you walk home from here, it's still about three miles from the ho-- NOELLE: Now! Please! Noelle puts her hand over her mouth, sweating more and more profusely as Alex realizes what's wrong. His expression changes and he immediately checks behind him before pulling over by a park. Noelle immediately gets out and runs from the car, sick from the excess martini. Alex sits in the car, rolling his eyes momentarily before stepping out of the car to check on his wife and hold her hair back like a dutiful husband. --- Jennifer and Liam sit at a table at Chez Rouge, as the waiter pours them glasses of white wine. As the waiter, walks away, Jennifer looks up and smiles. JENNIFER: Thank you. Jennifer looks over to Liam, raising her glass to toast him. JENNIFER: Well, I would like to make a toast to you, tonight. LIAM: To me? JENNIFER: Yes! To you! Liam and Jennifer laugh as Liam also raises his glass. LIAM: What for? JENNIFER: For reaching out to my son. For trying to build bridges even though you've had problems in the past. It means a lot to me, and I know that, despite his reservations, JJ appreciates it too. Liam smiles as he moves his glass toward Jenn's and they toast. After taking a sip from their glasses, Liam sets his glass down and smiles at Jenn. LIAM: I just hope that I can keep making you happy, and you know what? I'm gonna make sure JJ comes around, even if it kills me. Jennifer laughs as she leans across the table to peck Liam on the lips. --- Laura stands in the living room of the Horton house with JJ. She turns suddenly to face JJ, horrified by Liam's latest 'gesture'. LAURA: JJ, you cannot accept this money. JJ: I know. I don't want to but-- LAURA: No buts. JJ, this is dirty money. JJ looks at Laura, puzzled. JJ: Grandma, Liam offered me this to go to Stanford. He said this would cover my tuition and my living expenses for awhile, and-- Laura holds up her hands, stopping JJ midsentence. LAURA: JJ, Liam works for Stefano, he's been supplying people with pharmaceuticals on the sly, this is dangerous to get involved with him. Besides that, isn't it obvious he's trying to buy you off and get you out of town so he can manipulate your mother further? JJ looks down, sighing. He nods solemnly. JJ: Yeah, it looked that way to me too. Laura walks closer to JJ and cups his hands in hers. She stares deeply into her grandson's eyes as she instructs him. LAURA: That's why you cannot accept this money. Your mother needs you. Your sister needs you. I need you. We've got to stay together to protect this family. JJ looks down, soaking in what his grandmother's telling him. LAURA: Please, JJ. JJ: Look, Grandma, I understand what you're saying. And I agree, my family needs me...but what if there's another way? What if this money is our ticket to stopping this guy from destroying this family? Laura looks at JJ, unsure what he has in his mind. --- Nick zips up his bag and nods, turning toward Percy to respond to him. NICK: Listen, Percy. I don't know what's going to happen from here on out. All I know is, I have a target on my back. And so will you. Percy looks at Nick, confused. PERCY: Nicholas, I don't understand-- NICK: Listen, Percy. Tonight I stopped Sheryl and Jordan from planting that virus in the Titan server. Percy looks stunned at Nick, shocked that he would back away from their plan. PERCY: Wha--why? I mean, that was our plan all along was to allow them access to Titan's computer system to stop this blasted deal-- NICK: I know...I know, that was what we planned, but... PERCY: But Nich-- NICK: Percy, just...just hear me out. Nick looks at Percy, emphatically explaining his change of plan, as Percy looks back, incredulous. NICK: See...Sheryl was setting me up to take the fall for the virus...and if we were going to see this thing through...I can't let that happen. I can't go back to prison. Ever. So, I decided the best way to stop the oil sands project, is to control it from the inside. Percy's eyes grow wide, as he realizes the change in Nick emerging. PERCY: Good lord, Nicholas. You're not saying... Nick smiles, as he interrupts Percy. A devilish smile on his face. NICK: Yes, Percy. We're not gonna take down Titan. We're gonna take OVER Titan. ---

EPISODE 113 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Jennifer and Liam laugh and chatter as they walk into the Horton living room, as JJ sits on the couch, snacking and watching TV. JENNIFER: JJ! Hey, honey. JJ turns toward Liam and Jennifer, greeting his mom and her boyfriend unenthusiastically. JJ: Oh. Hey, guys. JENNIFER: Listen, JJ, honey? Liam and I are just getting ready for a later dinner, so I'm gonna pop quickly in the shower. JJ: Sure, Mom. Jennifer turns to Liam for a moment. JENNIFER: You don't mind if you wait for me a few minutes? LIAM: Yeah! That's great. I uh...I had something I wanted to talk about with JJ, anyway, so... Jennifer smiles warmly at Liam as she leans in to give him a quick peck on the lips before heading upstairs. JENNIFER: Alright. See you in a few minutes. LIAM: You bet, Jen. Jennifer runs upstairs, as Liam walks toward the archway between the Horton living room and foyer. JJ tries to avoid engaging with Liam, instead focusing closely on his TV show. He can sense Liam's presence and is made increasingly uncomfortable, before Liam speaks. LIAM: Hey, JJ. JJ: Yeah. Hey Liam. Liam saunters into the Horton living room casually, hands in his pockets as he moves toward the sofa, where JJ is. LIAM: Look, I...I kinda feel like you and I we...we started off on the wrong foot. JJ: You could say that. Liam pauses a moment, looking over JJ's unchanging expression, before carrying on with his attempts to converse with him. LIAM: I ah...I talked to your mom about you. JJ continues to avoid Liam's gaze, staring instead straight ahead at the TV set. JJ: Oh yeah. LIAM: Yeah...I uh...(sigh) Look...JJ.... Liam steps over to sit beside JJ on the sofa, JJ still trying to avoid engaging, but upon Liam sitting down, JJ looks over, and locks eyes with his mom's mysterious beau. LIAM: I know I've sorta...given off a very negative impression to you in the last few months and I...I didn't know really what I could do to change your mind. JJ shrugs dispassionately, trying to turn his attentions back to the TV. JJ: I dunno. You kinda freaked me out there a couple times but...I don't really have a bad impression of you. Liam smiles warmly at JJ. LIAM: That's good. Liam reaches into his blazer pocket, and pulls out an envelope, handing it to JJ. LIAM: Because I was hoping that I could change that impression into something really good. JJ looks down at the envelope, then, confused, up at Liam. Liam meets JJ's eyes and nods, trying to prompt JJ to take the envelope. --- Nick sits at his computer in the Countess W lab, he suddenly leans back in his chair, lurching back looking victorious. It shocks a focused Tyler, who looks over at Nick. NICK: Got it! TYLER: What? Did you get 'em? NICK: And dropped them right in your lap. Tyler walks over towards Nick, staring at his laptop seriously, trying to figure out what's happened. TYLER: Alright, but what, or should I say, who...did you drop in my lap? Nick turns to look up at Tyler, smugly satisfied. NICK: One employee in marketing by the name of Sheryl Connors...except that's not exactly her real name. She's been trying to take down your systems...and your company for months. And tonight, she and her cronies attempted to launch a virus to take your systems out, just like they did this morning with the Salem City Hall servers. Tyler looks at Nick, stoic and taking in all the information he's being given. TYLER: But you...stopped them in time? NICK: There's some damage but nothing that's unrecoverable. So...yes. TYLER: Did you get enough info on them to make charges stick. Nick gives his now-trademark smirk, savouring the moment. NICK: Ohh yeah. And then some. --- Sheryl looks down at her smoking laptop, stunned and amazed by the collosal meltdown of her computer. Her shock quickly fades into anger as she realizes what's happened. SHERYL: I'll kill h... Sheryl picks up her laptop suddenly, ready to toss it across the room, when she notices a bump just on the lip of the bottom side. Turning the unit around suddenly, as the heat is too much for her hands, she drops the computer back onto her desk, and sees the bug Billie planted on her unit. She flashes back to the door of the elevator opening and seeing Billie standing there. Jolted back to reality, she comes to the obvious conclusion. SHERYL: Billie. --- Billie sits at her computer desk at Titan, flanked by her brother Lucas, and her mother, Kate. They all look on in awe as Billie exclaims suddenly. BILLIE: They beat me. LUCAS: Who did? BILLIE: I have no idea...but someone got to them before we did...and now we...well...now we basically have nothing. Kate's face sours instantly, standing up in frustration and begins pacing the room at her daughter's news. KATE: DAMMIT. I can't believe that little tramp wins again. BILLIE: Well...on the bright side, we did stop them from taking the entire company's secrets and flushing them down the drain on their way out. KATE: That's cold comfort when the whole reason we did all this was to put Jordan Ridgeway and Sheryl Connors behind bars where they belong. Billie looks up at her mother, a strange look in her eye. BILLIE: Well...what if there's still a chance they do? Kate stops, looking skeptically at Billie, as Lucas looks over at Billie, confused. --- --- Noelle walks into Club TBD, where she looks around to see the crowd. She spies a seat at the bar, and walks casually over, before speaking to the woman sitting the next seat over. NOELLE: Excuse me...I seem to have caught this place on a busy night...is this seat taken? The woman turns around to face Noelle. It's Nicole. She looks at Noelle, sighing as she looks her up and down. She shakes her head. NICOLE: No. It's free. Have a seat. As Noelle lifts herself onto the stool, Nicole turns herself slightly toward Noelle. NICOLE: Look, I'm...I'm sorry I snapped at you the last time we met... Noelle pauses a moment before realizing Nicole's prompting her for her name. NOELLE: Noelle-- NICOLE: Noelle! Yes! Sorry. I...look, I feel bad, I...I've had a really bad few weeks at work and...Eric and I...I don't have the best luck with men, and...Eric...he's the love of my life, and we were supposed to get married today. Noelle looks at Nicole, nodding in understanding. NOELLE: But the server at City Hall was down. Eric told us earlier. NICOLE: Yeah... Nicole laughs half-heartedly to herself before taking a drink of her martini. During that moment, Noelle quickly prompts to T to give her a martini of her own, as Nicole continues. NICOLE: I just really want this stress to be over with. NOELLE: Oh, I get it. More than you'll ever know. Nicole looks back at Noelle, intrigued. NICOLE: Oh yeah? You sound like you had a rough evening, yourself. NOELLE: I did indeed. And I have one Victor Kiriakis to thank for it. Nicole looks on, suddenly fascinated by their common adversary. --- JJ stares at the envelope Liam's handed to him, as he sits on the sofa in the Horton living room. After a moment, he reaches for the envelope, as Jennifer emerges from upstairs. JENNIFER: Liam, what's that? JJ and Liam turn quickly around to see Jenn walking down the last of the stairs and heading toward the living room, wearing a simple dress and her hair still in a towel. Jennifer has a smile on her face as she approaches her boyfriend and her son. LIAM: Oh this? Liam points to the envelope he's just given JJ. He then turns to face JJ and smiles earnestly. LIAM: This...well...see...when I said your mom and I we...talked about you...see...we talked about your dreams, JJ. How you wanted to go to Stanford, pursue a law degree. Well...that's expensive. Jennifer looks at Liam, and back at JJ, trying to gauge the other's reaction. A smirk on her face as she wonders what Liam has up his sleeve. Meanwhile, JJ looks stunned by Liam's sudden shift in demeanour and tone towards him. JJ: Yeah...it is... LIAM: Your mom, she ah, she told me you'd have to take out student loans for this if you're accepted and that that's...put you off applying...I think...I hope this will make you reconsider. JJ hesitates a moment before slowly opening the envelope. Inside, a cheque for $50,000. JJ's taken aback. JJ: Wh...what?? What is this? Liam points to the cheque and smiles at a confused JJ. LIAM: Think of it as an investment in a great young mind. JJ looks stunned, turning to a beaming Jennifer, who begins to tear up looking back at JJ, then back to a beaming Liam. --- Tyler stands in the Countess W lab, staring seriously at a very self-satisfied Nick. TYLER: So you're saying that you've got this Connors woman...but what about her cronies? NICK: The cronies are a bit harder to crack, but...I think if I...work on a bit...I should be able to get them too. Tyler finally cracks a smile at the end of it all. TYLER: That's fantastic, then. Tyler shakes Nick's hand firmly, a proud look on his face, as he turns to head for the door of the lab. TYLER: Listen, I'll make sure you receive a commendation with the board for this, and I'll have security escort Ms. Connors out right now-- Nick interrupts him, stopping him in his tracks as he emphatically interjects. NICK: Wait wait wait wait. No, stop. We can't just go in there and throw her out. We're gonna do this my way...and she'll never see it coming. TYLER: What do you mean? NICK: If you want what I've got here, you're going to have to agree to my terms, Mr. Houston. Tyler looks disgusted at Nick, shouting back in protest. TYLER: I beg your par-- NICK: ...This is NOT a negotiation, Mr. Houston. Let Sheryl go for tonight. She won't be going anywhere just yet. She's got too many loose ends to tie up in Salem first. --- Sheryl hastily packs up her things from her office, including her computer and hard drive. She gets on her bluetooth and frantically calls Jerome as she grabs her jacket to leave. ... Jerome stands in the Grant living room, holding the phone up to his ear, concerned. JEROME: (into phone) Hey, Sheryl, what happened? ... Struggling to put her jacket on as she races out, Sheryl speaks to Jerome. SHERYL: (into phone) Someone caught us, and I'm pretty sure I know who. We need to meet NOW. ... Jerome's eyes bug out, suddenly in crisis mode. JEROME: (into phone) Woah woah woah, wait. No no. We are not meeting now, not if they know about you. ... SHERYL: (into phone) Well, what else are we gonna do, Jerome? ... JEROME: (into phone) Just chill, ok? Get your stuff out your hotel room, check out. I'll get you a room at a motel at the edge of town. We'll meet there. I'ma text you the address, ok? ... SHERYL: (into phone) Fine, but make it quick. All hell's about to break loose. Sheryl ends the call, and closes the door to her office, she sighs heavily, checking the hallways to make sure they're empty before heading out. SHERYL: If it hasn't already. Sheryl makes a beeline for the service stairwell, hoping the trip down eight floors will be faster and make her less liable of being caught. --- Kate stands by Billie and Lucas in Billie's office, looking unsure. KATE: What do you mean? Is there a chance we can still nab them? Billie looks down at her computer, thoughtfully. She taps her desk as she thinks, before turning toward Kate. BILLIE: Well...the bug still caught a lot. Enough that we can probably still get charges to stick...and whoever it was that DID stop her from taking the server out...they're probably going to play their hand very soon. LUCAS: So what are you saying? We just have to wait and see what happens? Billie turns toward Lucas, nodding slowly. BILLIE: Pretty much. Kate and Lucas look at each other, incredulous. ---

EPISODE 112 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Nick and Tyler burst into the MadWorld lab, making a beeline for Nick's laptop, which sits on a conference table at the far side of the room. TYLER: I'm telling you, this better be the real deal or I'll have your head on the chopping block so fast, Mr. Fallon-- NICK: Don't worry. Once I show you what's going down...you'll be thanking me. Nick leans over the table where his laptop sits, and opens it. Pressing the "on" button, the computer boots up quickly. NICK: I don't make a habit of wasting anyone's time. Particularly my own. TYLER: You better hope not, or I'll get security to hightail you out of this company so fast your head will spin. NICK: That won't be neccessary. Just wait. I promise this'll be worth it. Nick pulls up a chair and sits down in front of his computer. Opening up his surveillance program, he logs into Titan's security camera system. Tyler looks on, stunned. TYLER: Wait, how did you get access to this? And who authorized it? NICK: There's no time to explain that. I started checking things out when I became suspcious something was rotten with our suspect here, and this helps me keep tabs on them. Nick turns to face Tyler, a blank, matter-of-fact look on his face. NICK: You know, you really need to work on your firewalls. For a multinational, your digital security is incredibly vulnerable. Tyler looks back at Nick with concern and surprise. Nick turns back toward the screen as he zeroes in on Sheryl's office. NICK: Quite frankly, a security breach would be not only embarrassing...but could be really catastrophic. Tyler and Nick focus in on Sheryl's office, where they spy her working away furiously at her workstation. --- Sheryl sits at her desk, Bluetoon in ear, as she stares intensely at her screen. She speaks to Jerome through the Bluetooth, careful never to utter his name as she types and clicks her mouse through the various screens, preparing to load the virus that would destroy Titan's servers into her work computer. SHERYL (into phone): I'm through the EnerNext partition. Through her bluetooth, Sheryl hears Jerome's voices come through into her ear with his next instruction. JEROME (via phone): Alright. Two minutes to launch. Make sure you start in the backup hard disk. The backup isn't typically in use, therefore will be harder to detect we're in there before it gone. Sheryl stares dead ahead at her screen. A smug smirk appears on her face as she answers Jerome. SHERYL: (into phone) Roger that. --- Billie sits in her office, Lucas by her side, as she focuses on her computer screen as well. Hoping to catch some activity from the marketing wing where Sheryl works, she and Lucas listen in on her conversation, unsure who she's speaking with, as they only hear her side. BILLIE: Come on, Sheryl. Slip up. Say this guy's name. LUCAS: You know, I think I know exactly who it is. BILLIE: Oh? LUCAS: I'm pretty sure it's this guy...Jerry? Or Jerome? He came into her office last week when I was there. I hadn't seen him before, and I just...I get a feeling about him. BILLIE: Well...we're not gonna be able to use a feeling as evidence, unfortunately. We gotta have her say his name and make it clear he's connected to what she's up to or else it doesn't exist. As Billie finishes her sentence, Kate comes into the office. Billie and Lucas turn to face her. KATE: It's just me. What did I miss? Billie guffaws as she turns back toward her computer screen as she answers her mother's question. BILLIE: Well...you missed me nearly getting caught by Justin Kiriakis, and Sheryl Connors as I bugged her office. KATE: You didn't... BILLIE: No. Thankfully, I didn't. But I did run into her at the elevator. Apparently Sheryl thinks you're manipulating Lucas into possibly breaking things off with her, Mom. Kate turns toward Lucas with a sour expression. KATE: Lucas, I told you you had to keep up the charade with Sheryl, and I meant convincingly. LUCAS: Okay, enough, Mom. Look, it's nearly over now, and I don't see the point in trying to hide my feelings about her any longer than I have to. KATE: Well, you still had to while Billie was putting the bug in Sheryl's office, didn't you? And apparently, you didn't do a very good job and you might have put this entire plan in jeopardy. Kate turns back toward the screen, shaking her head in indignance at her son's irresponsibility. KATE: I just hope this is enough to get Rafe away from that conniving little tramp, Jordan Ridgeway or whatever her name is supposed to be. Lucas looks back Kate's way, shaking his head at his mom's persistance. LUCAS: You just better hope this plan DOES work, or else you're gonna alienate Rafe more than you already have. Kate looks back at her son, the both of them glaring at each other, as Billie seems oblivious to it all, keeping close watch over the Titan server, and Sheryl's actions. --- --- Nick types and clicks furiously at his computer, as Tyler paces behind him, on his cell phone with Justin. TYLER: (into phone) Justin, I know, but this kid is certain that there's about to be an attack and he says it's directly related to the City Hall server crash and the delay in approving the Ruggles land expropriation deal. I know he's got a handle on this...yes, I know you don't like him...I have a strong feeling he....well we don't have much choice right now, do we? If we wait on this...it might be too late... Nick smirks as he listens on, simultaneously listening to Sheryl through a single earbud, studying Sheryl's movements closely as she is about to launch her virus. ... Sheryl, meanwhile, is still at her desk, very nearly ready to launch her attack (with Jerome's remote help). SHERYL: (into phone) Alright, we ready to do this thing? JEROME: (via phone) In 3...2...1... Sheryl hits "Enter" on her keyboard, almost ceremoniously. ... Up in Billie's office, Kate, Lucas, and Billie study the screen as Billie jumps into action, noticing the activity appear in the backup server. BILLIE: Damnit! She started in the backup system. I have to double back to access it. Billie types away furiously to try to access the backup server, but is denied access. LUCAS: Do you know the password? BILLIE: No, but there's other ways to work around it. Billie moves her mouse over to another window, and begins to work from there, disabling a specific firewall that protects the backup server from being accessed by her computer. ... Nick, meanwhile, is overwhelmed by the activity. Realizing suddenly that someone else is trying to work on the backup server, he flips back to the surveillance program, and realizes it's Billie, Kate, and Lucas. NICK: Oh, no. Tyler, upon hearing Nick, quickly ends his call to Justin and darts over to Nick's computer again. TYLER: Yes, it...I gotta call you back, Justin. Don't worry, it's under control. Tyler looks intensely at the screen, as Nick springs back into action. TYLER: What's wrong? NICK: Nothing. I'm on it. TYLER: I hope so. Nick ignores Tyler's panicked threats, and takes advantage of Billie's disabling the firewall and leaps in. As the files from the backup server begin to be downloaded, then systematically destroyed, Nick locates the IP address for Sheryl's laptop. NICK: Not so fast, little lady. ... Sheryl's laptop displays the progress of the virus installation: 2%... Sheryl smiles as her external hard drive she's attached to her computer works overtime, downloading and destroying the Titan files. SHERYL: (into phone) We're on our way now. JEROME: (via phone) And we only saving the small files and documents about the workings of the company, right? SHERYL: (into phone) Not to worry, I programmed it to only save document files, spreadsheets, graphics, media. The rest is getting corrupted and discarded. JEROME: (via phone) Perfect. How far we at? SHERYL: (into phone) Only 3% so far. ... Billie digs further in, tracking down Sheryl's IP. LUCAS: What are you doing now? BILLIE: I'm gonna throw the program they're using into an endless loop that hopefully will jam the program up, and buy me enough time to close up the security hole so they'll be booted from the system. KATE: Do you have enough time? BILLIE: I'll be fine... Billie looks on her screen, and realizes there's someone else accessing the server. BILLIE: If someone else doesn't beat me to it. Kate looks over at Lucas, who looks back at her, concerned. They both turn their attentions back to Billie, and to her computer screen. ... Sheryl looks on more and more intensely. The progress bar inches forward... 5%... SHERYL: (into phone) I'm gonna shift this over to the EnerNext subserver once we're done with this backup. JEROME: (via phone) Got it. SHERYL: (into phone) Okay...we're in. Downloading EnerNext's documents... 6%... ... Nick plugs a memory stick into his laptop, as he continues to work furiously at stopping Sheryl. Tyler looks on in wonder. TYLER: What are you plugging in there? NICK: Just a program to destroy whatever device these guys are using against us. TYLER: Like...digitally... Nick looks up at Tyler, his classic smirk on his face. NICK: Oh no. Not just digitally. Tyler looks on, concerned by Nick's plan. ... Billie continues to work away at stopping Sheryl's virus from progressing, as Kate and Lucas sit on pins and needles. LUCAS: Billie, how much longer is this gonna take. BILLIE: Not long now, I'm nearly there. KATE: This better work. BILLIE: It will, Mom. Don't worry. Billie focuses in as she clicks to access Sheryl's computer remotely, so she can trip it up and stop it from continuing to spread the virus. BILLIE: Almost there. ... 8%... Sheryl stares straight ahead as she notices unfamiliar activity happening around her. SHERYL: (into phone) Dammit! We got company. Sheryl clicks to kick Billie's computer out of hers. ... Nick double clicks his mouse, launching his counterattack against Sheryl. NICK: Buh-bye! ... Billie's computer is suddenly kicked out of the server altogether, shocking Billie, as she leans back in her seat, taking a stunned Kate and Lucas with her. LUCAS: What happened? ... 11%... Sheryl looks down quickly at her work computer and her external hard drive, as her computer's fan abruptly shuts down, and her computer's processor goes into overdrive, causing the computer to freeze up. SHERYL: (into phone) What the Hell? JEROME: (via phone) What's wrong? Sheryl??? As Jerome tries in vain to get Sheryl to answer him, her and laptop begin to overheat quickly, and sparks, with a plastic burning smell and smoke emerging from the laptop. The sparking causes Sheryl to jump back from her laptop, breathing heavily from the shock, as Jerome continues to call out to her over the phone to her Bluetooth. JEROME: (via phone) SHERYL....SHERYL! You there??? SHERYL... ---

EPISODE 92 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson The sunlight fights its way through every available crack between Nick's blinds. One beam brightly hits Nick right in the eyes, jolting him from his slumber. The bright sunlight shocks him, causing him to squint. Nick goes to sit up, but is hit almost immediately with a searing headache. It nearly cripples him, but he manages to stumble over to the window of his small studio apartment. Looking out the window, he sees the bright day, sighing as he winces, the sunlight hurting his eyes. He turns back to find his laptop bag. Rifling through it, he finds his pills. But his fingers slide across what's resting next to the pill bottle: Marlena Evans' perscription pad. Just as he's about to lift the pad up, he lurches back in pain. The pad gave him a papercut. Nick puts the cut finger in his mouth, wincing at the pain and discomfort. NICK: Mm! Dammit! Nick holds in his pain a moment to awkwardly open the bottle of pills. He struggles, as his hands shake violently. He looks at them, concerned greatly by his symptoms. He quickly opens the bottle, taking two pills from the bottle. He looks down at the bottle, shrugs, and pulls another one out. Taking all three, he steps into the bathroom, and turns on the tap, pouring half a glass of lukewarm water, which he uses to wash down the pills. After downing his medication, he looks into the bathroom mirror. He looks at his messy appearance, the emerging circles under his eyes, and shakes his head. NICK: You gotta get it together, Fallon. You got too much to do today to let this stop you. Wayyy, way too much. --- Sheryl lies half-asleep in bed, sighing after a good night's rest, before she reaches out slowly to caress Lucas' face. She reaches out and finds no one there. Opening her eyes in surprise, she gets up with a start. She looks confused around her room. SHERYL: Lucas? Getting up from her bed, covers, of course, covering her body, she inspects the bathroom before looking for her phone. SHERYL: Where the Hell did you go? Pulling her phone out, she looks down, seeing no texts or calls from Lucas. She looks up, confused by his absence. --- Hope walks into her living room, dressed and ready for work, coffee cup in hand, as the doorbell rings. She jumps momentarily, before putting her coffee cup down, and calls out toward the door. HOPE: One second! She runs over to the door, looking in the small window in the door, she spots Marlena. She opens the door, smiling. HOPE: Hey! Marlena! Her face drops, however, upon seeing the heavy concern on Marlena's face. MARLENA: Hope, I... HOPE: ..W...What's wrong? Come in, come in! Hope moves back away from the door, welcoming Marlena in. Marlena walks in solemnly. She hesitates to speak, sighing as she begins. MARLENA: Thank you. Uh...I had to see you, and I'm...I'm sorry to bother you so early in the morning. Hope shakes her head, looking very concerned at Marlena. HOPE: No, no! Nonsense, you're always welcome here, you know that. Uh...sit down. You, uh...you want some coffee? I just made a fresh pot. MARLENA: Ah...no. No, thank you. I couldn't possibly keep anything down right now. Marlena obliges Hope's request, sitting down, breathing heavily, struggling to hold herself together. Hope quickly walks to Marlena's side and sits down next to her. HOPE: Marlena...you're scaring me. What's wrong? Marlena looks up at Hope, starting to tear up. MARLENA: Roman's missing. And I need your help to find him. --- Lucas wanders through the park, deep in thought over the events of the previous night. Up ahead, he spies Club TBD. He craves a drink, but resists. Looking at the nearby bench, he spots something unusual. It's Roman, asleep by the bush. Lucas looks on, baffled by the sighting, and calls out to him. LUCAS: Roman? Roman doesn't answer, but is startled by Lucas. He stirs, as Lucas approaches. Lucas kneels down next to him, shaking him gently to make sure he's okay. LUCAS: Roman! Hey, man. You alright? Roman grunts as he starts to wake up. Lucas bursts into action as he takes his jacket off to try to warm a freezing-to-the-touch Roman up. LUCAS: Man, you're freezing! Here, take my jacket. ROMAN: Uh...where am I? LUCAS: You're in the park, just outside Club TBD. Are...are you okay? What are you doing sleeping out here? It's got to be like...fourty degrees outside! Roman's eyes widen, as he struggles to catch his breath. He looks around, confused. ROMAN: I...I have no idea. I went for a walk and...who...how did I end up here? LUCAS: I dunno, man, but we gotta get you inside. Come on. Lucas hoists Roman up on his feet and guides him slowly towards the club. --- A tray of food is set down in front of a sleeping Sonny. The sound of the tray hitting the table jolts Sonny from his sleep. He looks, wide-eyed at the tray, before looking up, and seeing Will standing over him, a smile on his fiance's face. WILL: Good morning! Sonny looks stunned a moment, before lifting himself off the couch he'd spent the night on in the hospital lounge. He stutters a bit before he answers. SONNY: I...ah...Will...hey! Will laughs a bit, watching Sonny stumble over his words. WILL: You surprised to see me? I've been with you all night. SONNY: You...you have? WILL: Yeah. I was worried about you. I...I saw Adrienne walk out of here last night, she...she seemed really upset. Did you-- SONNY: ...Yeah. We talked. Will folds his arms, nodding slowly, knowing exactly how it turned out from Sonny's reaction. WILL: Aaand obviously that didn't go very well. Sonny raises his eyebrows, before shrugging, a hint of sadness in his voice. SONNY: You could say that. Will sits down next to Sonny, putting his arm around Sonny's waist, drawing him close to him. Sonny leans into Will, feeling comforted by Will for the first time in a long time. WILL: I'm sorry, Sonny. I...feel like I'm...I dunno, like it's my fault this all happened. SONNY: (sigh) Don't say that. It's not your fault my mom has this...vendetta against you. WILL: Well...what happened? Sonny lifts himself off Will's shoulder, turning to face Will. He sighs with sadness in his eyes before answering him. SONNY: Well...she came to me to tell me what her and my dad were fighting about in the garden. Will looks at Sonny, a very concerned look on his face as he asks Sonny a question, almost not wanting an answer. WILL: And...what was it? SONNY: She says that you are a carbon copy of your mother, and that you are, and I quote: lusting after my brother. Will tenses up, knowing that Adrienne has his number, but he hides the uneasiness. --- --- Sami stands in the DiMera living room, sipping her coffee, as she flips through some paperwork. She hears her phone ring. Picking it up, she quickly answers. SAMI: (into phone) Hey! Uh...Suzanne, it's Samantha Brady...yeah. I, uh, I'm heading into the station today and I just need you to pass along a message to Nicole Walker. EJ walks into the DiMera living room, Johnny on his shoulders, laughing heartily. Sami turns and sees EJ and Johnny step into the room. She smiles as she sees them come into the room, but is immediately striken with tension, as they approach. She fights the tension, as she continues her phone conversation. SAMI: (into phone) ...YES! I, I just want to pass along to her that I would like to meet with her for 11am. Tell her it's imperitive that I speak with her, and she should cancel all other arrangements for that time...Thank you. Hanging up the phone, she looks at Johnny and EJ and smiles. JOHNNY: Mommy! SAMI: Hey, sweetie! You ready for your trip today? JOHNNY: Yup! EJ and Sami laugh as Sami gently pats Johnny's head. She smiles, though her hand trembles. EJ catches Sami's hesitation and speaks up. EJ: I uh...I packed the children's things, Harold...helped me out, but... SAMI: That's great. Thank you. Uh... EJ leans down to lift Johnny off. EJ crouches down by Johnny and speaks kindly to him. EJ: Now, I need you and your sisters to be downstairs in twenty minutes. No later. Alright? JOHNNY: Okay! Johnny runs off out of the living room, heading upstairs, as EJ approaches Sami. He nearly places a hand on her shoulder, but thinks better of it, as Sami, sensing the nearness of his hand, flinches slightly. Setting his hand down by his side, EJ sighs. EJ: Are you sure about this? Sami responds, not turning around the face EJ. SAMI: I think it's better that they are with family far away from all this tension right now, yes. EJ sighs, as Sami turns to face him, explaining her rationale. SAMI: Look, EJ, I don't want them to go to Colorado any more than you do, but the truth is that while you and I are going through therapy and I'm struggling with...our...past...it just isn't healthy for them. They need to feel loved and cared for. I can't give that to them right now, especially Johnny. EJ nods, trying to understand. EJ: I understand...but it seems as though you're punishing the children for something that I did. And by extension, you're punishing me, and yourself. SAMI: I have to do what's best for them. And what's best for them isn't to be around us right now. Not until I'm able to deal with what happened between us that night, and not until I'm comfortable...I'm comfortable being with you again. EJ looks down, fighting his emotions, as he nods. He tries to understand Sami's situation, though he struggles. He finally responds. EJ: I...uh...I need to go check on the children. I'll see you at the office later? SAMI: Yeah! I'll be in after I take care of business at the station. EJ: Alright. Samantha... Sami turns back at look at EJ, who stares at her, hurt, but lovingly. EJ: I do love you, very very much. Sami smiles, unsuccessfully holding in her desire to cry. SAMI: Me too. EJ swallows heavily as he turns back around, heading out after Johnny. Sami stays behind, wiping her tears away, as she hears another notification ping. She looks at her phone, stunned. SAMI: Oh my God! Sami reads the headline: Victor Kiriakis suffers heart attack, hospitalized --- Will sighs heavily, biting his lip as he looks up at Sonny, almost afraid to ask what Sonny did next. WILL: And...what did you say about that? SONNY: Well, of course, I told her it was nonsense...and then I told her that I wanted her to stay away from you, and from me. Will looks stunned, unsure what to say in response to his fiance's act of loyalty. WILL: Sonny...you didn't have to do that-- SONNY: Yes...I did, Will. Look, you know...this is why I was afraid of you taking this job at EnerNext. I...I don't mean to interfere in your career, but...my family, they have this way of...meddling, of worming their way into our lives. And it looks like they found their way in already. Will takes Sonny's hand, and holds it tightly. He smiles warmly at his fiance. WILL: Sonny, I love you. And I really appreciate what you did for me. But I don't want you to ruin your relationship with your mom over me. It's not fair to you, or your mom. SONNY: No, what's not fair is my mom deciding to meddle in our business. She's trying to create problems and make me doubt you. And I'm not going to let her do that. Will looks down, still tightly gripping Sonny's hand, he smiles warmly at him. WILL: I know. But don't you think you're just...both under a lot of stress right now, what with Victor's heart attack, and Chad being AWOL from TBD, and...our...problems at home...don't you think you overreacted just a bit? Sonny looks at Will, then looks down. He thinks over what Will says intensely. --- Hope gets off the phone to the station, and turns back around to Marlena, who is furiously texting, a very worried look on her face. HOPE: Okay, uh...so I just spoke to Rafe...they can't formally put out a missing persons' report yet, but...they are looking into it. Hope looks down at Marlena finishing up her text. HOPE: Who are you texting? MARLENA: Kim. She was with me when...Roman took off. Hope looks on, increasingly concerned for Roman. She takes a moment, unsure whether to ask or not, but decides to go ahead. HOPE: Marlena...is something wrong with Roman? Marlena looks up at Hope, incredibly hesitant to tell her the truth. She looks down and sighs before responding. MARLENA: In all honesty, I don't know. But if we don't find him, I'm very concerned for his well-being. Hope, shocked, rushes over to the sofa again and sits at Marlena's side. HOPE: Good God...it's not Stefano is it? Has Stefano kidnapped-- MARLENA: ...No! No, no, no, it's not Stefano...at least not that I'm aware of. No, it's...Roman himself...I am so worried that he may be a danger to himself. Hope looks on, before pulling a tearful Marlena into a hug. Still unclear as to Marlena's concern, she furrows her brow, concerned for her brother-in-law. --- Lucas sits Roman down on the bench, as T comes over to see what's wrong. T: Hey, uh...Lucas...what's wrong with Mr. Brady? Is he okay? LUCAS: I uh...I think he's okay, but...he's been outside for quite awhile, can you grab us some coffee for him? T: Yeah, absolutely. T runs off to grab Roman a cup of coffee, as Lucas pulls out his phone. ROMAN: Who are you calling? Lucas doesn't look up as he scrolls through his contacts. LUCAS: I'm calling Marlena, first off. She needs to know you're okay. Roman panics at Lucas' suggestion, holding his hand up to reach out for Lucas' phone to stop him. ROMAN: I don't want Marlena to hear about this, you understand me? Lucas looks at Roman, stunned and concerned. --- Nick steps into the lab, where Percy sits at a desk, headphones in, listening intently to various conversations throughout the Titan complex. Nick waves silently to Percy, who, over the sound of his headphones, welcomes Nick loudly. PERCY: GREETINGS! Percy fumbles, realizing not everyone hears the things he is, and quickly takes his headphones off. He walks quickly over to Nick. PERCY: Oh, Nicholas, I have very important news for you. NICK: Oh do you. PERCY: Well...strictly speaking, I have two items for you to look over, but...this first one is of utmost importance. Nick looks to Percy, intrigued, as he sets down his bag on the table. NICK: I'm listening. PERCY: Well...you may not be especially thrilled about this first one. NICK: Try me. PERCY: Well...it seems as though Miss Ridgeway and Miss Connors have taken on a new addition to their ensemble-- Nick pulls out an apple, which he bites into as he replies. NICK: Oh yeah...I met him last night. Jeremy or... PERCY: Yes, uh, a Jerome Grant. Well...it seems as though the three of them have some sort of...computer software they're looking to install on the Titan servers, and it appears to me, as though today is the day they will go ahead with this. It sounds actually like something that could really cause a lot of damage. NICK: Really! Nick smiles wryly as he crunches into his apple. PERCY: Yes...I say this because I have a concern that...well...they may try to use you as a...what did they call it, a...uh...."fall guy" for their plan. And knowing that your intentions are only to assist these young ladies...I wouldn't want to see you harmed. Nick laughs, slapping Percy heartily on the back before pulling him in close to him. NICK: (laughs) Ohhh Percy. Not to worry, I won't be taking the fall for anyone. You can bet on that. Nick looks down at his apple, and bites into it, almost maniacally. ---

EPISODE 91 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson The doors to the elevator at University Hospital open, to find the Kiriakis clan step out, by and large upset and a bit panicked, as Maggie in particular moves briskly to the nurses' station to ask Maxine about Victor. MAGGIE: Maxine! Where's Victor's room? Maxine quickly points down the hall to guide Maggie, as she turns herself toward the room. MAXINE: Just over here, Maggie. But you can't go in yet, they're operating! Maggie runs before Maxine's even finished her sentence toward the door, stopping just outside, upset that she can't go in to see her ailing husband. Alex, Sonny and Will hang back, as Justin and Adrienne step forward, the shock still plain on their faces. Daniel steps out from the room VIctor's in and immediately sees his mother's worried face. He sighs, giving a half-hearted smile, as Maggie rushes over to him. MAGGIE: Daniel! How is he? Daniel holds up one hand, a half-hearted attempt to calm Maggie down, as the others move over closer to him to hear what he has to say. DANIEL: He's stable. Victor had a heart attack. Maggie clenches, upset by the news, she grabs Adrienne's hand for support. ALEX: How bad was it? DANIEL: (sigh) It wasn't minor. But...I wouldn't worry too much, he's getting prepped for surgery now. WILL: Is he gonna be okay? DANIEL: Victor's in...remarkably good health for his age. I think the bulk of the problem has been the stress he's been under lately. We may have underestimated how much pressure he's been under the past few months. Maggie looks at her son, the feelings of guilt rushing over her as she recalls her snapping at him, knowing the pain he's been through. JUSTIN: Alright, Daniel, just...keep us updated. DANIEL: For sure. Daniel stops to give Maggie a hug, before stepping away to prep for surgery. DANIEL: Alright, I gotta go prep for surgery, I'll let you know as soon as I know anything. I love you. MAGGIE: I love you too. Thank you. Daniel walks off at a determined pace, as Maggie starts to crumble. Sonny takes her other hand and pulls her towards him, putting her in a tight embrace. MAGGIE: It's all my fault. ADRIENNE: No, sweetie! Absolutely not! You were upset, and we've all been under a lot of pressure. You can't blame yourself for this. Maggie begins to sob as she holds onto Sonny, Adrienne provides comfort, gently stroking Maggie's back, as the family circles Maggie for support. --- Kim walks through Horton Town Square, quickly scurrying to get to her car as she's walking alone at night, when she spots a familiar face. KIM: Roman! Hey! Roman looks confused, before turning to face his sister. He looks at her with a look of a total stranger. ROMAN: I...Hello... Kim looks at her brother, a concerned look on her face and she leans over to touch his shoulder. KIM: I...Roman, it's...it's me...Kimmy! Roman stares at Kim, totally bewildered by her. Kim looks back, a smile on her face, but with an increasing tension and panic in her face. --- Jennifer smiles as she and Liam sit at a late evening dinner at Chez Rouge. Liam pours Jennifer a glass of champagne, never taking his eyes off her. JENNIFER: You know, you have this really sexy look in your eyes right now. LIAM: Oh yeah? Well if that's a come-on, we haven't had our food yet. Jennifer feigns offense, as Liam laughs. JENNIFER: Well, I never! Putting off romance for food? I don't know about you, Mister! LIAM: Ohh, I've always got time for romance. Liam leans over the table and gently kisses Jennifer on the lips, before sitting back down in his seat. LIAM: But I've also learned, that good things come to those who wait. JENNIFER: Isn't that the truth. Jenn raises her glass, as Liam does the same. They toast, once again never taking their eyes off each other. --- A woman in black pumps walks quickly into the terminal of Salem International Airport. She walks over toward the exit, but stops just beforehand. Pulling her phone out, she taps the screen on her phone to get an Uber from the airport to the Horton House. It's Abigail. --- Nicole lies in bed, Eric's arms around her, as she sleeps soundly, deep in a dream: *** Nicole stands before the justice of the peace, beaming as she looks at Eric. Flowers in her hand, she's about to become Mrs. Eric Brady. JUSTICE OF PEACE: We are gathered here to today to join Nicole Walker, and Eric Brady in marriage. Daniel and Chloe stand on either side of Nicole and Eric, smiling, happy for their friends' big day. Nicole can't help herself and blurts out to Eric in joy. NICOLE: I can't believe it's finally happening for us. I love you so much. Eric, far cooler and reserved, smile back, responding warmly but casually. ERIC: Me too, Nicole. The justice of the peace continues: JUSTICE OF PEACE: If anyone can show just cause why these two should not be joined in marriage, may they speak now, or forever hold their-- SAMI: STOP THIS! Everyone jumps as Sami's voice cuts the happy mood in the room, jolting everyone out of the moment. Sami and Marlena storm into the room, Sami and Marlena shooting daggers from their eyes at Nicole. Nicole turns around in horror as Sami walks over to her. ERIC: Sami...Mom, what are you doing here? SAMI: We're here to stop you from making the biggest mistake of your life, Eric. Eric looks at his sister, annoyed at her constant interference. ERIC: Sami... MARLENA: No! Eric, she's right. Nicole has gone way too far this time. Nicole rolls her eyes, irritated at the interruption, and trying to remove them from the room. NICOLE: Oh whatever, you know what, you two have done more damage to our happiness than I ever could have. SAMI: Oh that's REALLY rich, Nicole. Eric, upset by what's happening, cuts in between Nicole and Sami, who are now right up in each other's faces. ERIC: Wait wait wait wait wait, STOP! What is the meaning of this. MARLENA: Eric. Nicole lied to you. She DID get the evidence proving that Kristen hired Dr. Chyka to drug you in that hotel room. ERIC: What?! NICOLE: No! I wouldn't do that! If I knew what happened to that evidence, don't you think I would have turned it over? Sami looks at Nicole, an angered, mistrustful look on her face. SAMI: I don't know, would you? NICOLE: You know, if I did do all this, where IS the proof, where did you get it? NICK: I think I have the answer to that question. Nick saunters into the room, a smug, self-satisfied look on his face, as Nicole begins to hyperventilate. Nick walks over to Eric, and casually places the folder with all the documentation into Eric's hands. He places a small flash drive on top for him. NICK: Merry Christmas. Oh, and if you're wondering what the flash drive is, it's proof that she had this folder the whole time and just hid it in her desk so you wouldn't see it. At least, not if I hadn't broken in. (laughs) Nicole panics, almost unable to breathe, before letting out a bloodcurdling scream, jolting her out of her dream. *** NICOLE: NOOOOO!! Eric, scared stiff, jumps up, shocked at Nicole's freak out. He looks quickly at Nicole, and wraps his arms around her to comfort her. ERIC: Shhh! Shhh! It's okay. It's okay. I'm here. Nicole sobs, shaking in fear over her nightmare. NICOLE: No, no no no no, it can't it can't, no... --- --- Kim looks with a sense of dread at her brother, as Roman looks at her like she's a stranger. ROMAN: I...I'm sorry. I... KIM: Roman...come sit here with me. You do remember me, right? Roman looks down as Kim takes his hand, holding it tightly. His confusion plain on his face as he tries to back off. ROMAN: I'm sorry, Ma'am. I... Marlena walks past at that moment, spotting their exchange and immediately springs into action, as Roman looks her way. MARLENA: Kim! Kim, it's okay. Roman, Roman! Marlena walks over quickly, as Roman begins to panic, feeling ambushed by Marlena and Kim. ROMAN: Lady, let go! MARLENA: Roman! It's okay! It's okay. It's me. It's Doc. Look at me! As Kim lets go of his hand, she steps back, tears in her eyes. She observes the panic in Roman's eyes as he begins to calm down. MARLENA: Roman. You recognize me? It's Marlena. Roman, breathing heavily, nods as he holds Marlena's face in his hand. He gently carresses her cheek as he begins to tear up. ROMAN: Doc...what is happening to me? Who...wha... MARLENA: Roman, that woman is your sister. It's okay. Her name is Kimberly Brady. Do you remember a Kimberly Brady? Roman shakes his head a moment, before cooling down. ROMAN: That name means something to me, but... MARLENA: That's her. That's your sister. Roman squeezes Marlena's hand, nodding in understanding. Marlena looks at Kim and guides Roman to the bench. MARLENA: Look, let's...let's sit down. Kim approaches Marlena and Roman as Roman sits on the bench. He puts his hands behind his head and leans down, looking down at the ground. ROMAN: My God...What's happening to me, Doc? KIM: No, seriously, Marlena...what's happening to him? MARLENA: I..uh...I'm going to talk to Kimberly for a moment, okay? Roman nods, as Marlena takes Kim's arm and steps away from Roman for a sec to talk quietly to Kim. MARLENA: I think...I don't want to say for certain before we've had a chance to look closer into things but... KIM: Marlena, I can take it. Just...tell me straight up. Marlena looks back at Roman, seeing him taking deep breaths on the bench behind them. MARLENA: Valerie Grant and I are looking into it. We...we think it could be some form of dementia, but... KIM: Roman as well? MARLENA: That was my first thought, but...it's progressing too quickly to be anything like Caroline's...and anyway, I don't think this is the same situation as Caroline, anyway. KIM: Wha...why is this the first I've heard about it? MARLENA: Well, if I'm being honest, I didn't realize until today it was getting so bad so quickly. Honestly, Kim, I wanted to wait until I had a definitive answer before I said anything, and Roman...well, he didn't want to alarm you all what with Kayla leaving and Bo still missing... Kim nods, understanding Marlena's point. KIM: I understand that...but I wish you'd told me something was wrong sooner. MARLENA: I know...and I'm sorry, just...I had to think about Roman's wishes as well. KIM: I know. (sigh) Look, I...I think we should speak to someone at the police station about this before Roman ends up hurt. I mean... MARLENA: I thought about that as well...I think, considering what's happened tonight, we might...maybe consult with Hope and...maybe Abe as well. I know Abe isn't...directly involved with the police right now, but... KIM: It's still worth a try. I mean, I just...I don't want my brother to end up injured on duty or worse. MARLENA: I agree. Look, for now, let's just get him home. Kim nods again, in agreement. KIM: I agree, I think...uh...I'd rather he not be alone though, maybe he should go with you. MARLENA: Absolutely. Kim sighs, a bit relieved, though still horribly concerned for her brother. KIM: Okay. Marlena and Kim turn to grab Roman from the bench, only to stop in their tracks upon realizing he's vanished. MARLENA: Oh my God. KIM: Oh no, he's gone. --- Nicole is held in Eric's arms as she breathes deeply, still deeply shaken by her dream. ERIC: It's okay...do you...do you want to tell me about it? Nicole shakes her head as Eric cradles her. NICOLE: No, it was too awful. I just...just hold me. ERIC: I'll never let you go. Just know that, okay? Nicole looks off, desperate to believe that what Eric says is true. NICOLE: Okay. Eric, sensing her tension, kisses her gently on the lips and smiles at her. ERIC: I love you. NICOLE: And I love you. More than you'll ever know, Eric. Eric smiles as Nicole finally smiles again, they kiss again deeply, as Nicole holds onto Eric for dear life. --- Jennifer laughs again as Liam finishes a story. She's not drunk, but has had a few glasses on champagne by now. JENNIFER: You know...I don't have to work tomorrow and...well...JJ's out with Rory...God help him, and my mom went out with some friends for the evening...so...we have the house to ourselves, you know. LIAM: I'm listening... JENNIFER: Unless...you...maybe wanted to take me back to your place? I haven't seen it yet and all... Liam stiffens at the suggestion, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. LIAM: I...uh...I think we should maybe...maybe your place is a better idea. Jennifer looks concerned suddenly by Liam's shuffling. JENNIFER: You...you okay? I... LIAM: Yeah, no. I'm...I'm fine, I just...my place is a disaster zone still, we're...we're kinda...still renovating the place so... Jennifer smiles, a bit relieved but still thinking about what Laura told her earlier. JENNIFER: That's fine...maybe we should just...take it easy tonight, if you're not up to it. Liam catches on, and changes his tone again, trying to reassure Jenn. LIAM: No! No, it's fine, I just...(sigh) I just don't want to disappoint you at all. You know? Jenn smiles, reaching her hand across the table to meet Liam's. JENNIFER: You could never disappoint me. Trust me. Liam smiles back, grasping Jenn's hand in his. They both gaze intensely into each other's eyes. --- Abby arrives at the Horton house. The lights all out. She turns them on as she walks into the living room. ABBY: Well...so much for surprising everyone. (sigh) Abby looks down at the table, and sees Jennifer's files from work. She looks wistfully at them, recalling the circumstances that led to her leaving the hospital. ABBY: Back to keeping secrets and telling lies. Thank God it'll be easier now. No one will ever know about the baby now. --- In the University Hospital lounge, Adrienne stands, holding a cup of coffee in styrofoam cup. Her hands shaking like a leaf as she struggles to raise it up to her lips to take a sip. Her sons, Alex and Sonny sit in the opposite corner of the room, a deep concern for Adrienne plain on their faces. Sonny sighs, as he slowly gets up, as Adrienne nearly spills her coffee. He puts a hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump momentarily. SONNY: Mom...are you okay? Adrienne turns to face her son. She smiles as she takes her son's hand. Alex looks on from the corner, a smile on his face as well. ADRIENNE: Honestly, I'm terrified. But I'm grateful my boys are here. SONNY: Mom, we wouldn't be anywhere else. Alex gets up from his seat, taking Adrienne's other hand. ALEX: Sonny's right. We're here for you and for Dad. ADRIENNE: Thanks, sweetie. Uh...Alex, honey, can...can I talk with your brother alone for a moment? ALEX: Of course, Adrienne! I..uh...I'm gonna go check on Noelle. Adrienne gently squeezes Alex's hand as he walks off toward the hallway. As he disappears around the corner, Adrienne turns to Sonny and looks at him intensely. ADRIENNE: Sonny...look, I don't want to start a fight, but..I-- SONNY: Then don't. ADRIENNE: Sonny! SONNY: No! Seriously, Mom! This is SO not the time to start going in on me about my marrying Will. Sonny turns away from Adrienne, as Adrienne reaches out, pleading with her son to listen. ADRIENNE: Sonny, Listen! I didn't want to start a fight. All I'm saying is I want you to be careful. (sigh) Will has never been with another man before, and... Adrienne pauses, looking out the door to make sure no one hears what she's about to say. Sonny, not watching his mother, interjects, prodding her for an answer. SONNY: ...And?? ADRIENNE: ...And I saw Will...I saw how he was looking at... Sonny turns around, exasperated by his mother's stalling. SONNY: At??? At who, Mom? Spit it out! Adrienne shouts out her response, shaking in fear and frustration over Sonny's demand for an answer. ADRIENNE: At Alex! He was giving your brother the eye. The whole evening we've spent in that house, Sonny. I couldn't stand it. You were looking at him with such...love and affection and...it's so honest and...all I could see was the lust in Will's eye for Alex. Sonny looks at his mother, absolutely stunned at what she's saying. Sonny begins to laugh at his mother's answer, totally in disbelief. SONNY: You...you have absolutely lost your mind! ADRIENNE: I'm serious, honey. I'm not making this up. I swear, I saw it with my own eyes. Sonny backs away from his mother, holding his hands up to stop her from approaching. SONNY: No! No no no, THIS...this is it, Mom. I know you can't stand the idea of me marrying Will, but to make up something like THIS? You stay away from my home, and away from Will. Adrienne begins to tear up, petrified of losing her son. ADRIENNE: Please! No... SONNY: No, Mom! Enough! If you want to see Arianna, I'll bring her to the house, you can see her then, but I'm not going to allow you to meddle in our lives anymore. I've had it. ADRIENNE: Sonny! SONNY! Adrienne shouts out as she watches her son walk out of the room. She holds her head in her hands as she cries. ---

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 89 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Rafe and Hope stand in their office at the Salem PD. Hope looks at Rafe with a concerned look on her face, as Rafe stands stunned at what Hope's just asked her. RAFE: I...I don't even know how to answer that...I mean...I know these cops like they're family to me, Hope. No, I don't think they're racist. HOPE: But what if...what if it's deeper than that. What if we've...(sigh) what if we're so used to seeing certain faces committing crimes that we've started to believe that they're inherently criminal people? Hope walks away from Rafe, increasingly uncomfortable looking him in the eyes. She paces the room, deep in thought, as Rafe's eyes follow her around the room. HOPE: I know it's...I know it's not that they're bad people. I mean, we're trying to keep the community safe. I mean...everyone loves Abe...they loved Lexie when she was on the force, you're respected...but... RAFE: Hope, come on. Don't let this one case hit you so hard, I mean...so the profile was wrong. There's a million ways that could have happened. The eye witness could have seen the wrong person, it could have been dark out...Hell, the perp could have an accomplice, this may not even be over yet-- HOPE: ...But what if it is, Rafe?! What if the Salem PD is the problem here? What if Jerome was right? Rafe sighs as he looks at Hope, shaking his head in disbelief of what she's asking him. --- Sheryl sits at the table at Club TBD, where the lights are dimmed as the evening clientele mills about, having their cocktails and eating their dinner. She keeps one eye on the door as she looks over her menu. Her impatience building as she sees each person step in, and not seeing Lucas. Finally, Lucas steps in the door, nervously looking around for his date. Sheryl immediately spots him, and waves in his direction. After a moment, Lucas feigns a smile and heads over to greet her. Sheryl gets up from her seat, a big smile on her face as she reaches out to her date. SHERYL: Lucas, honey! I'm glad you finally escaped your mother's clutches. LUCAS: Sheryl-- SHERYL: ...Oh come off it, Lucas, it was a JOKE! LUCAS: Yeah...sorry. I'm just...you know, tense. Sheryl leans over to touch Lucas' shoulder, causing Lucas to flinch again at her touch. Sheryl looks on, hurt again by Lucas' resistance to her. SHERYL: Okay...I'm sorry. I guess I'm just...not used to you being quite so...prickly. Sheryl sits down, a sense of defeat in her eyes. Lucas follows, adjusting himself a bit as he gets comfortable in his seat. Sheryl looks at Lucas, a bit annoyed at him. Lucas picks up on it, and leans in to speak softly to Sheryl. LUCAS: Look, I'm sorry. I haven't had a very good couple days. With work, and...the TV station selloff...I've been really overloaded. SHERYL: I understand that. Sheryl reaches out across the table to Lucas, almost touching his hand, but hesitating at the last moment. She pulls her hand back into her lap. She looks down, appearing a bit sombre. SHERYL: I just...I wish I could...maybe find a way to help...I dunno, make it easier on you. Maybe take some of the load off. Lucas sighs, remembering his mom's advice before he left for dinner to be more convincing in his 'relationship' with Sheryl. Lucas looks up at Sheryl, who looks back at him with a lustful look in her eye. Lucas looks back curiously, as Sheryl gently slips her left pump from her foot, and glides it up his leg. Lucas' eyes widen, as Sheryl's not-so-subtle come-on becomes obvious to him. LUCAS: Well! I uh...ahem...Gee I...I feel better already. Uh... Lucas quickly turns to get T's attention as he passes by. LUCAS: Hey! T! Can you uh...can you get me a cup of coffee...and a uh... Lucas turns to face an expectant Sheryl, who looks Lucas' way unwaveringly, as she makes her order. SHERYL: Double vodka on the rocks. T looks on at the situation before him, slightly amused, and intrigued as he responds, fighting back laughter. T: Alright...coming up, guys! T rushes off, leaving an uncomfortable Lucas at the mercy of Sheryl. He squirms uncomfortably, but decides to play along, against his better judgment. LUCAS: I uh...I knew you wanted to help me unwind but...I had no idea you meant like this. Sheryl looks on, raising her eyebrow seductively, as she responds to Lucas. SHERYL: Maybe we should skip dinner. I think I'm feeling hungry for something a little different. Lucas tries to hold back an uncomfortable look, as he tries to formulate a response to Sheryl. --- Jerome steps off the elevator at the Salem Inn, walking over to Jordan's door. He knocks. Inside, Jordan jumps up from her chair, startled by the sudden unexpected visitor. Through the door, she hears Jerome's voice. JEROME: Kay? Baby, it's me. Jordan races over to the door, hoping none of her neighbours heard Jerome call her by her real name. She quickly opens the door and motions him inside, an irritated look on her face. JORDAN: I told you not to call me that! Get in here! NOW! Jerome slides casually inside, with Jordan stuffing him inside as she tries, through her frustration, to close the door while resisting her urge to slam it. She glares as she speaks menacingly to him. JORDAN: How did you find me here? Jerome smirks as he looks at his ex-, appearing to take pleasure in her dismay. JEROME: I texted Sheryl. She said you could use the pep talk. JORDAN: Oh right, I forgot. Sheryl's my mom now and I need her to tell me what I need to do. Jordan opens the door back up, motioning to Jerome to leave, as Jerome walks toward the door. JORDAN: Look, I'm sorry you wasted your time, but I don't need you, and I don't need your 'pep talks'. Jerome puts his hand against the back of the door, shutting it, while blocking in Jordan. They stand mere inches apart, as Jerome looks lustfully in Jordan's eyes. Jordan, still clearly attracted to Jerome, looks at him intensely. JEROME: Maybe you don't know what you need as much as you think you do. Jordan looks back at him, her defenses wearing thin against Jerome, though still trying to put up the front. --- Adrienne stands, still uncomfortably cold in the Kiriakis garden with Justin, as Adrienne tries to explain her calling Alex "Justin's son". ADRIENNE: I didn't mean it like that, Justin. JUSTIN: No, but what else COULD it mean, Adrienne? You've always resented Anjelica's presence in our lives, even being just on the peripheral. ADRIENNE: Well, I don't know, Justin. Maybe her trying to blow me up might have something to do with it? I mean, I know, I'm just talking crazy here, but-- Justin sighs, knowing this argument's going to go around in circles. He tries to stop it from moving further down this road. JUSTIN: Adreinne. I don't blame you for hating Anjelica. But you have helped raise Alex from the time he was a toddler. I thought you have accepted him as your own-- ADRIENNE: ...I have, Justin...I just... JUSTIN: You just...what? You see Anjelica every time you look at him? You...resent his presence in our lives again? You question his motives in marrying Noelle Curtis because you're just, so certain that he's got something to hide? ADRIENNE: A mother knows her son, Justin. Justin explodes with anger at Adrienne's remark. JUSTIN: You just reminded me he isn't your son, Adrienne! So how do you know he's hiding something? And how do you know that Will is so...eager to play the field that he's willing to risk what he has with Sonny to make a play for his brother. His brother who is married to a woman? Justin and Adrienne jump back, looking towards the door as a voice calls out to them. SONNY: Is that really what you feel, Mom? Adrienne stands, shocked and at a loss for words as she's caught by her visibly upset son. --- --- Rafe puts his hand on Hope's shoulder, as Hope stays fixated on the view through her office window. RAFE: Hope, you can't fix everything, you know. Hope stays fixated on the street below, leaving Rafe unsure if she's even listening. He squeezes her shoulder gently, hoping to rouse some kind of reaction in Hope. RAFE: Look, I know this case has thrown you for a loop. That's why I was pushing Grant so hard. But you gotta realize, we're only human. HOPE: Yeah, but we also need to have some humanity. Hope sighs, turning around to face Rafe finally. HOPE: You know, I just...seeing Jerome and...seeing Valerie again just reminded me why I became a cop in the first place. I didn't do it to hurt people, or...punish people. I did it to help protect people. To make my community a better place. RAFE: And you do that. Every day. I see that. Rafe puts his arms around Hope, as she reciprocates, holding Rafe in a tight embrace. HOPE: Well, I need to do more, Rafe. I need to figure out a way. As Rafe and Hope separate from their hug, Hope walks over to her desk, grabbing her purse and jacket. As she puts it on, she sighs. HOPE: I gotta...I gotta pick Ciara up. She's probably upset, I've been...really busy lately. RAFE: You want me to give you guys a ride home? I gotta head that way anyway, pick up Sheryl at the Salem Inn. Hope smiles a bit, nodding appreciatively. HOPE: Yeah. I'm...not exactly in any shape to drive right now, am I? RAFE: Come on, Partner! Rafe puts his arm around Hope, walking with her out of her office, finally coaxing a lasting smile out of his sombre partner. --- Jordan inhales deeply, taking in Jerome's scent as she tries to hide her discomfort, and her attraction to Jerome. JORDAN: Don't patronize me, Jerome. Jerome lifts his right hand up to gently carress Jordan's face, causing Jordan to flinch, and push Jerome away. Jerome doesn't fight back as Jordan walks away from her. JORDAN: Dammit, Jerome! Don't you get it? It's over between you and me. And it has been for a very long time. JEROME: You know...that's funny because...I didn't think we ever officially broke things off between us. You know, as far as I remember...you just up and left town without saying where you were going, what you were doing, or who with. Now, what I wanna know is...is that how you normally break things off with the men you get with, or am I just a special case? Jordan turns around to face Jerome, eyes rolling, cutting him off as he finishes his question. JORDAN: I didn't...I didn't think we had anything more to talk about. You didn't want to tie yourself down to me, and...then this whole...EnerNext thing came up. I mean...Kate's offer to come to Salem came up way sooner than Sheryl and I expected. JEROME: And you couldn't take two minutes to pick up a phone and tell me what was happening. Say goodbye? Dear John letter? A text message-- JORDAN: ...I couldn't! Dammit, Jerome. It wasn't safe! The RCMP were onto us, and if I stopped to make that call, I'd be setting myself up. Jerome looks down, shaking his head, knowing Jordan's making excuses. Jordan looks him dead on, as earnestly as she can. JORDAN: Look, I know I left suddenly. And I'm sorry for that. But we were having too many problems to ignore. And it wasn't going to get any better if I stayed in Toronto. JEROME: But you don't know that. Jordan stops, sighing as she looks up to the ceiling. She throws her hands up in defeat. JORDAN: No. No, I don't. But it's too late to go back now. We have a job to do. That's the only relationship we're going to have here in Salem. You put that virus in the Titan server, and it's done. Jerome cocks his eyebrow, sensing a hint of hope. JEROME: And after that? Jordan rolls her eyes at Jerome's badgering, she looks away, folding her arms in discomfort. JORDAN: After that, I don't know. JEROME: Does that mean you'll be leaving Salem? Jordan hesitates, looking down, away from Jerome's intense gaze. JORDAN: I haven't decided yet. Jerome leans toward where Jordan's looking, hoping to catch her gaze. Jordan looks away, and Jerome follows her eyes. Jordan sighs again, as it hits him just why she's hesitating. JEROME: Oh God. It's that sumbitch cop you been screwing around with. Hah! You're in love with him, aren't you? Jordan bites her lip, trying to avoid giving Jerome the answer he's searching for. --- The elevator dings before the door opens to Sheryl's floor. As it opens, Sheryl is pressed up against a visibly-uncomfortable Lucas, who is trying to get into the mood for the sake of Kate's plan, but Sheryl notices his tension. They kiss, but Sheryl, feeling Lucas' tension, steps back. SHERYL: Lucas! Come on, what's wrong? Sheryl grabs Lucas' hand and guides him from the elevator toward her apartment door. LUCAS: Ahh, it's nothing. I guess I'm just still tense from the office. Sheryl wraps her arms around Lucas, smiling seductively at him. He feigns a smile in return, putting his arms around her. SHERYL: Well, you know what I say to that. LUCAS: Yes, I do. SHERYL: Well, do you want to come in? Maybe I can...work out those knots in your shoulders, and maybe...help you relax? Lucas inhales, trying to gather his strength to go through with what's surely about to happen. LUCAS: I think that's a great idea. Sheryl smiles back, as she turns to open the door to the apartment. SHERYL: Good. As Sheryl steps in, Lucas lingers behind, almost afraid to step inside. Sheryl laughs at Lucas' reticence, coaxing him inside. SHERYL: (laughs) Come on, silly. You're acting like a school boy. Haven't you ever been to a girl's bedroom before. Lucas furrows his brow, as though Sheryl's wounded his pride. LUCAS: Hey! I resent that! I'll have you know I've been to...p...a few ladies' bedrooms in my time. Sheryl giggles as she sits herself down on her bed. Kicking off her shoes, she bites her lip seductively as she looks up at Lucas, who stands nearby, hands in his pockets, looking Sheryl up and down. SHERYL: Hmm...that's good to know then. Aren't you gonna come over here. LUCAS: I uh...ahem, I dunno if I'm up to it. Sheryl looks up at Lucas, getting up off the bed and walking over to him. He backs up slightly, as Sheryl forcefully grabs his belt buckle and undoes it. Lucas resists momentarily. LUCAS: Sheryl... SHERYL: Not. A. Word. Sheryl leans in, nearly kissing Lucas, but instead whispers, half seductively, half threateningly, as she kisses his cheek, and slowly nibbles his earlobe. SHERYL: You know....I never could understand...how a man....could still call himself a man...and not want to make love. Lucas' resists the urge to leave, his masculinity called into question, but simultaneously hearing his mother's voice in his head, nagging him to stay: 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. Before he can respond, Sheryl pushes Lucas onto her bed, straddling him aggressively. LUCAS: Wh...what are you doing, Sheryl? SHERYL: Isn't it obvious? Sheryl rips open Lucas' shirt, as she kisses him full on the mouth. Lucas looks disgusted, but doesn't resist, replaying his mother's words over and over in his head, and Sheryl's emasculating whispers spliced between his mother's voice. you'll have to do better than that what kind of man doesn't want to make love? better than that SHERYL: I want you, Lucas Horton. Make love to me. Sheryl leans over aggressively to kiss Lucas again, her legs straddling his torso as she kisses down his neck, kissing further and further down his chest, as Lucas lays back, closing his eyes momentarily, trying to simply go along with Sheryl's desire as best he can, still hearing the threatening voices circle in his head. what kind of man... you'll have to do better than that ...doesn't want to make love I never understood you'll have to do better... Lucas gasps in a combination of mental anguish and physical stimulation as Sheryl moves her way down his body. Tensing with an anxious uncertainty as Sheryl takes sexual control over him. --- Maggie and Alex carry on talking to each other in the kitchen, as Noelle steps into the kitchen. MAGGIE: Noelle! NOELLE: Hi, Maggie! I just came to check in on my husband. Noelle wraps her arms around Alex, who turns his head to kiss his wife on the cheek. Noelle smiles widely as she hugs him. Maggie looks on, smiling. MAGGIE: I'm so glad you two are so happy. (sigh) We could use a lot more of that in this house lately. Noelle looks on, sighing quietly, understanding Maggie's pain. NOELLE: I'm sorry, Maggie. I...I know the last few months haven't been easy on you and Victor...but...I have a feeling things are going to change very soon. Maggie smiles at Noelle, leaning against the island, feeling Noelle and Alex's concern and warmth. MAGGIE: Thank you, both of you. I hope so, too! --- Sonny and Will step into the garden, Sonny fuming at his parents' argument over his relationship. Adrienne stumbles over her words as she tries to respond to her son's question. ADRIENNE: I...I...Sonny! Look, your father and I-- SONNY: ...Were just nosing their way into my personal business. Again. ADRIENNE: Sonny... SONNY: Can it, Mom! Justin steps in to defend Adrienne, glaring at Sonny angrily. JUSTIN: Sonny. Don't talk to your mother like that. Will steps toward Sonny, touching Sonny's arm gently. WILL: Sonny...look, I didn't mean to cause trouble, I-- SONNY: No. No, that's all my mother's job. My mother, who can't seem to separate mother from son. My mother, who seems to think that Alex Kiriakis and Anjelica Deveraux are the same person, just like Sami Brady and Will Horton. Adrienne tries to calm Sonny down, trying to step toward her son, but Sonny shakes his head, backing away from her. ADRIENNE: Sonny... SONNY: No! No, not this time, Mom. I love Will. And I know that Will is in love with me just as much. Whatever problems we're having right now, we will work them out, because that is what marriage is about. I know that's hard for you two since you seem incapable of going half a decade without some kind of litigation against each other, but-- JUSTIN: Sonny! Enough! Now, you owe your mother, and myself, an apology. Sonny laughs mockingly at Justin, incredulous that Justin would make such an assertion. SONNY: Hah! Like Hell, I do! You know, this is exactly why I wanted Will away from Titan. I didn't want him to be involved in all this family drama, and melodramatics. And I definitely didn't want anyone in this family, especially my own parents, to spend so much energy trying to run our lives, and trying to manipulate, and and and speculate about our sex lives. I mean, what business is it of yours? Adrienne and Justin look solemnly at each other, realizing only now the depth of Sonny's anger at his family's involvement in his life. They stand, stunned, not realizing that inside the house, from the doorway, stands a solemn Victor, holding a drink in his hand. He listens closely to the entire conversation. Victor takes a sip from his drink, before breathing in heavily, an almost pained expression on his face as he contemplates his family's growing tensions. ---

EPISODE 88 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Hope stands in her office at the Salem PD, staring thoughtfully out the window. Rafe slowly opens the door. Observing Hope, he sighs to himself, as he stands in the doorway, holding a cup of coffee in his hand. Never once looking away, barely even blinking, Hope doesn't notice as Rafe walks over to her, and hands her the cup. She jumps a bit, startled by Rafe. She looks down at the coffee cup and smiles as she takes it from Rafe. RAFE: Figured you could use this. HOPE: Thanks. RAFE: You alright? Mrs...what was it, Grant? She really got to you. Hope looks down, then back out the window, not looking Rafe's way as she takes a sip of her coffee. She takes a second before replying to him. HOPE: Was it that obvious? Hope turns around to face Rafe, a slight smile on both their faces, as they attempt to relieve a bit of the tension from dealing with Valerie and Jerome. Rafe shrugs as he makes a bit of a joke. RAFE: Enh, not really. Heh. But seriously, that Valerie woman really shook you up. You...obviously have met before? Hope looks down, nodding slowly as she answers Rafe, though almost zoning out. HOPE: Ohh yeah. My...nephew David was supposed to marry Valerie a looong long time ago. RAFE: And...obviously that didn't work out so well. HOPE: You could say that. Rafe looks on with concern, as Hope stays brooding in her own head, as though Rafe wasn't even in the room. RAFE: Look, I don't wanna pry here, but...you look really upset by this. HOPE: Yeah, well...(sigh) besides all the personal history...there's something about this whole situation that...it's just not right. Hope looks up, looking intensely at Rafe, who looks back in stunned confusion. --- Nicole and Eric unlock the door to Nicole's unlit apartment, laughing in between kisses. Eric holds a bottle of champagne in his hand, and places it down on the kitchen counter, as Nicole quickly turns on the light. NICOLE: Ahhh! I...I cannot believe this. Nicole runs back over to Eric, wrapping her arms around him from behind, much to his surprise. Eric laughs as he loses his balance while trying to grab champagne glasses from the cabinet above. ERIC: Woah! Hey, Miss soon-to-be-Mrs. Brady. NICOLE: Mmm, I like the sound of that. Eric turns around, champagne glasses now in hand as he puts one arm around Nicole. Guiding her around to his side, he grabs the bottle and squeezes Nicole gently. ERIC: Well, you better get used to hearing it, because I can't wait to make you my wife. Eric twists off the cork with a loud pop. The cork flies out of the bottle and smashes the lightbulb above them, rendering the apartment once again pitch black. Nicole and Eric duck momentarily to protect themselves from the shattering glass, before looking up in stunned silence. NICOLE: Oh God. ERIC: Well...at least the darkness is romantic. NICOLE: Yyyyyeah, I was never a fan of making love on broken glass, though. Nicole turns toward the cupboard, pulling out a big flashlight. NICOLE: Fortunately... Nicole turns on the flashlight, startling Eric, who jumps back to protect his eyes from the bright light. ERIC: ...AH! Hey! NICOLE: I'm prepared for anything! Nicole strides quickly back around, heading for the closet to find another bulb. NICOLE: Don't move, I don't want you to step in the glass or anything. ERIC: Yeah. Sure. Eric looks on, sighing at the romantic, celebratory mood being gradually killed before his eyes. --- Adrienne and Justin stand outside the Kiriakis Mansion, in the garden. Adrienne holds herself tightly, cold from the chilled winter air, as her husband drapes his jacket across her shoulders. JUSTIN: You're shivering. Adreinne waves dismissively at him. ADRIENNE: I'm fine. I can handle it. Thank you. I just...I needed to breathe. You could cut the tension in that room with a knife. JUSTIN: Don't I know it. You never explained yourself, why are you suddenly so against this wedding. Adrienne steps in close to Justin, her voice gets softer as she explains herself. From inside, Will stands by the slightly-ajar door, straining to hear her. ADRIENNE: I saw what was happening with Will and Sonny in there, Justin. JUSTIN: And what was happening, exactly? Remember, I just got here. Adrienne responds incredulously. ADRIENNE: You didn't see it?? Justin, Will might as well have been on another planet, he was so completely...fixated on Alex. JUSTIN: Well...Alex is an extremely attractive guy, I mean, it doesn't mean anything. Alex is with Noelle. Adrienne rolls her eyes at what she views as her husband's naivete. ADRIENNE: Oh please, Justin, I've told you a thousand times, Alex isn't with that girl for love. It's so obvious. JUSTIN: You know, I don't exactly appreciate you making assumptions about my son's sexuality-- ADRIENNE: Why? Are you ashamed of Sonny now? Justin looks down, stopping and sighing before answering as thoughtfully as he can. Careful not to say something he'll regret. JUSTIN: You know that's not what I meant, Adrienne. I just-- ADRIENNE: ...You just still wish he were straight? I don't get it. Justin explodes in anger, raising his voice, pointing back into the house emphatically, as though Sonny stood behind him. JUSTIN: NO! I am so proud of our son, Adrienne. He has more strength and self-respect than most men twice his age. I would go to my death for that kid. ADRIENNE: Then you need to stop him from making a huge mistake. JUSTIN: He can decide that on his own, Adrienne. Adrienne leans in close to Justin again, her one finger raised to make her point to Justin. She speaks softly but firmly. ADRIENNE: If it isn't Alex, it'll be some other guy. He's Sami Brady's son in every. Single. Way. Will leans back, the back of his head hits the wall behind him. He rests himself there, standing in stunned disbelief at what he's overheard. He breathes heavily before looking around for Sonny, then darting off. --- --- Nicole kneels on the kitchen counter of her apartment, as she finishes screwing in the lightbulb that had previously burnt out. Eric looks on from behind the counter, silently spotting Nicole, trying to protect her if she loses her balance. NICOLE: Aaaaalllmost got it. Aaaaaand THERE! The light flickers on, causing Nicole to throw up her arms in victory. NICOLE: HaHA! So? How many Nicoles DOES it take to change a lightbulb? ERIC: I'd say one. Nicole looks down, glaring at Eric for his dry 'wit'. NICOLE: Smart-ass. Nicole leans over to playfully swat Eric, but misses and loses her balance. She shrieks as she falls into Eric's arms. After a moment of panic, Nicole and Eric stop for a second, looking into each other's eyes. After a long moment, they slowly lean in and kiss each other passionately. Their kiss leads to Nicole reaching around to wrap her arms around Eric's neck, as she draws him in closer. Aroused by the intensity, Eric lifts Nicole onto the counter, as Nicole draws Eric close to her. She wraps her legs around his waist as he pulls open her blouse, kissing down her neck as Nicole closes her eyes, enjoying the sensation of every kiss. Nicole takes a breath as Eric lifts his head, looking into Nicole's eyes. She smiles wryly, as she pulls his shirt off quickly, exposing his rippled body. NICOLE: The bedroom? Eric nods, a playful glint in his eye. ERIC: Bedroom. Eric effortlessly scoops Nicole up into his arms, her arms and legs still wrapped around his body. The kiss passionately as he carries her into her bedroom, the lights, newly changed, left on. --- Noelle casually walks toward Victor, both of them standing in the Kiriakis living room alone. She looks at him smugly, as Victor tries to ignore her completely, looking the other way. NOELLE: You know, this really is such a beautiful home. I could get used to it here. Victor squints his eyes, trying to stop from spitting his drink out, as he chokes out an answer. He turns around, glaring at her. VICTOR: You expect to live here? I was hoping you'd at least settle for a neighbouring zip code. Noelle crosses her arms, a wry smile on her face. She begins to pace the room as she talks, contemplating as she speaks. Victor gets tense as she speaks. NOELLE: Victor, you're a card. You know as well I do, though, that as long as Alex is staying here with you and Maggie... Noelle turns around suddenly, staring down Victor. NOELLE: ...I...will be right here with him. I mean, I am his wife, after all. Victor grimaces, never once looking away from Noelle as they each try to intimidate the other. VICTOR: Mm. Don't remind me. Noelle laughs quietly as Victor turns back around, finishing his drink. She saunters around to the other side of Victor, grabbing a glass for her own drink as she picks up the caraffe and begins to pour herself a drink. NOELLE: Oh come now, don't you want your nephew to be happy? VICTOR: Yes. Which is exactly why I want him far away from you, and preferably the rest of your dysfunctional family to boot! Noelle takes a sip from her drink, savouring the flavour, as she responds to Victor's repeated snipes, again with a smile and cool exterior. NOELLE: Well, don't worry about my family. You've already done your part in tearing ours apart. And juding by how tonight's going...it looks like you're doing wonders on your own. Victor looks menacingly at Noelle, who takes the opportunity to turn toward the hallway heading for the kitchen. NOELLE: I best check on Maggie and the boys. Enjoy your wallowing! Victor watches from his peripheral vision as Noelle casually walks out of the room. Once gone, he quickly finishes his drink, before slamming the glass down on the desk before him. VICTOR: Damn that little... --- Maggie turns around in the Kiriakis kitchen, holding some serving bowls she's pulled out from the pantry, and walks slowly toward the centre island, where Sonny leans against the counter, and Alex sits casually on a bench. They're relaxed, catching up, and helping bring a smile back to Maggie's face. MAGGIE: It's so nice to be back in a kitchen again. Alex, who's stealing some mini-profiterols from a bowl on the counter, looks over to Maggie, a wide smile on his face. ALEX: You know how funny that sounds, knowing you own a restaurant? Maggie and Sonny laugh, as Maggie smacks Alex's hand away as he reaches over to grab another profiterol. MAGGIE: Restaurants! And you're gonna spoil your supper if you keep that up. SONNY: And those abs, I might add. Alex gives Sonny a smug, mocking look. ALEX: Ahh you're just jealous because I got the good genes. SONNY: Yeah, well, apparently modesty's a Johnson thing anyway. ALEX: Ohhh! I know you didn't go there just now. SONNY: I SO did! As the boys laugh, Maggie leans over the table and grabs their hands, squeezing them tightly as she smiles, looking back and forth between the two of them. MAGGIE: You know...can I just say...this was exactly what I needed? SONNY: I'm glad to hear it, Maggie. I'm sorry about what's been happening between you and Uncle Vic. Maggie smiles warmly at Sonny. MAGGIE: Thanks, Sonny. I mean...I know it's not his fault. With everything that's happened. Titan being in so much trouble, and...Brady dying...I know it's been hard on him. ALEX: But it's not your fault, either. SONNY: Exactly. Don't be afraid to have some sort of...release. Maggie nods, sighing in a sense of relief of having been able to talk this out with Alex and Sonny. MAGGIE: I know. I was never very good at that. At least tonight, I've got the kitchen free for a bit. SONNY: Yeah! I was amazed you got Chef to go home early. Maggie gives a cute smile to Sonny. MAGGIE: I have my ways. As Maggie winks at the boys, everyone laughs, and Alex smiles, nodding in approval of his great aunt. MAGGIE: But you know...honestly, it's nice having a kitchen again. I thought I'd love being waited on hand and foot but...I miss everyone coming down to my house and hanging out in my kitchen. SONNY: Yeah! That used to be like...every lunch break. Me, Chad, Will, Gabi, Melanie... MAGGIE: I really miss that. But...I wouldn't trade it for life with Victor for anything. Alex pats Maggie's back gently, smiling approvingly, as Sonny takes a sip of his drink. ALEX: Well...we wouldn't trade you for anything either. You make a great addition to this family. Sonny holds up his drink, as Alex reaches over to grab his. Maggie, not having hers, laughs awkwardly, slightly embarrassed by the praised being given to her. SONNY: Hear hear! As Sonny and Alex toast, Will bursts into the room. He sees Sonny and Alex toast and senses the same tension as before. ALEX: Hey, Will! Will stops a moment before calling out to Sonny. WILL: Hey! ...Uh...Sonny, can I...talk to you a second? Sonny, sensing something's troubling Will, immediately walks over. SONNY: Uh, sure. Everything alright? WILL: Yeah, I just...I need to ask you something...in private. SONNY: Ssssure. Sonny and Will both look back into the room, with Sonny giving both Maggie and Alex a smile, while Will looks on, fixated on Alex, before catching himself and looking away. WILL: I won't keep him long, I promise. Maggie and Alex laugh quietly, as Sonny is dragged into the hall. Once in the hall, Sonny looks around, a bit annoyed by Will's awkward behaviour, he whispers intensely at Will. SONNY: What's wrong? You alright? Will begins to panic as he grabs Sonny, holding him tightly for a moment. WILL: I...I don't know. Sonny reciprocates, holding Will tightly in his arms for the first time in days. He savours the moment, as much as he worries for Will. SONNY: What is it? Tell me. Will holds back tears as he pulls back from his embrace with Sonny. Looking intensely at his fiance, tears in his eyes, he answers. WILL: It's your mom, Sonny. Sonny looks on, worry and aggravation painted on his face. --- Adrienne stands in the Kiriakis garden, facing away from a confused Justin. Justin stands, hands on hips, trying to sort out Adrienne's thought process. JUSTIN: Do you seriously think that Will is going to marry our son, his first boyfriend, I might add, only to throw everything they've worked so hard for away just as things are starting to smooth out for them? Adrienne laughs softly, as she turns around, shaking her head at her husband. ADRIENNE: Justin, you cannot be that naive. JUSTIN: And you can't possibly be that cynical. Do you hear yourself right now? Will is Sami's son, therefore he's inevitably going to turn to be a Samantha Gene Brady mini-me? Adrienne sighs, holding in her feelings as Justin ravishes her for her remark. ADRIENNE: That's not what I'm sayin-- JUSTIN: Then what ARE you saying, Adrienne? Because whatever it is, I don't think it's fair to Will, or to our son if you start trying to separate them again. All you're going to do is alienate them both. Is that what you really want? ADRIENNE: No! Of course not! Justin, I just...there is something going on between Alex and Will, and so help me, if your son comes between Sonny and Will-- Justin, taken aback by Adrienne's slip, cuts her off, stunning her into silence with his interjection. JUSTIN: My son? Adrienne, you helped raise Alex like he was your own...what are you saying? Adrienne struggles to find an answer, hoping not to make matters worse. Justin looks on, an increasingly hurt and angered look in his eye. --- Rafe looks confused at Hope. He looks on, attempting to figure out what she's referring to. RAFE: I...I don't know what you mean...I mean...we went on the info we had on this guy...it turned out to be wrong. End of story. Hope turns around, shaking her head in disagreement. She takes a second, sighing before responding to Rafe. HOPE: Not...exactly. Rafe squints in confusion, now shaking his head. RAFE: I don't get it. HOPE: Oh, Rafe, dammit! I just...I have...concerns. RAFE: About-- Hope turns around quickly, interrupting Rafe, a sudden intensity and anger in her voice. HOPE: ...About Jerome! About why we arrested him when he was...so diametrically opposite to what the real thief looked like. Rafe shrugs, trying to rationalize with Hope, but still uncomfortable. RAFE: Well...these things happen all the time, you know that-- HOPE: No! This...it's more than that. I mean... Hope looks down, turned back away from a confused Rafe. She looks at the ground, as if not even focused on anything in the room. She's intensely inside her own thoughts, and Rafe, her audience for her self-reflection. HOPE: ...I mean...Rafe, that profile. How many profiles have we seen...black male...early 20s... Hope turns back around, prepared to look at Rafe again. HOPE: What...what if Jerome's right? What if he was only made a suspect in the first place...because he was black? Rafe looks on, a conflicted look on his face, as he contemplates what Hope says to him. ---

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

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

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 84 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Billie sits at Theresa’s bedside, holding her friend’s hand, watching her comatose body rest. Billie looks on, solemnly, and deep in thought. She smiles after a moment. BILLIE: Theresa. It’s me. Billie. Billie stops a moment as she watches her friend lie in silence. The only sound in the room is the machinery around her bed, the beep of her heart monitor. Billie fights the urge to tear up, and smiles instead. BILLIE: You know, I was thinking the other day...about one of our phone calls. You were fifteen and you were so mad at your Dad because he was…off on another ISA mission, and you had made plans with him for the weekend to have a ski trip in Colorado. You were…so upset, but you told me that you knew that you had to be there for your mom. You knew what she was in for when your dad left…I….I know you love your mom, Theresa. No matter what she’s done…underneath all that anger. Billie’s tears up, in spite of her best efforts. The door to the room opens, startling Billie. Daniel walks in, allowing Billie to relax a bit. She gets up from her chair, regardless. BILLIE: Daniel… DANIEL: You…probably shouldn’t be here right now. BILLIE: I know. I just…I needed to cool off a bit. Daniel looks on, concerned, noticing Billie’s teary eyes. DANIEL: Yeah, I’m not so sure you succeeded at that. BILLIE: Yeah. Really. Billie wipes the tears from her eyes, and puts her hands on her hips, trying to regain her composure. BILLIE: Look…uh…Daniel…about…earlier. DANIEL: Billie, I…I can’t talk about it, you know that. Billie holds up her hands to stop Daniel continuing. BILLIE: I know. Look, it’s…it’s not about that. I just…look, I know we haven’t been together very long, but...you know…listening to you talking to Laura and…doing…whatever you’re doing to protect Jennifer…I…I mean… Daniel looks at Billie with uncertainty. DANIEL: What are you saying? BILLIE: Daniel, you’re still in love with Jennifer, aren’t you? --- Nicole slams her files down on her desk in frustration. Sighing audibly, she begins talking to herself aloud. NICOLE: And yet again, my shadow follows me. (sigh) Except now I gotta work for her. Dammit! As she raises her fist in aggravation, she stops herself. NICOLE: Having said this...EJ did give me the go-ahead to do the EnerNext exposé... Nicole smirks a bit, realizing how this could work to her advantage. NICOLE: Maybe that little bastard Nick isn't such a bad guy after all. Laughing to herself, Nicole is suddenly interrupted by a text message. Searching momentarily for her phone, she finds it. Picking it up, she swipes over to check her messages. It's from Eric. meet me @ Anderson park 535. dont b late, its important. Love, eric Nicole looks a bit concerned. She scrunches up her face. NICOLE: Hm! Wonder what HE wants. Maybe he's finally made up his mind... Nicole stops herself a moment before continuing, laughing sarcastically. NICOLE: Right. Maybe the Pope's become an atheist too! God, I need a drink. Good thing TBD's near the park. Nicole grabs her files, shoves them hastily into her briefcase before grabbing her coat, and heading out of her office. --- Tyler sits uncomfortably in his seat in Victor's office at Titan, as he tries to talk his way out of his dismissive comment against Maggie he just made to Victor. Victor, meanwhile, stands in the corner of the room, sorting through some documents. TYLER: I...I'm sorry, Victor. I didn't realize...Maggie was...your...wife. Victor turns, smiling wryly as he saunters over to his desk, slowly sitting himself down in his executive chair. VICTOR: I had a feeling. Personally, I'm amazed you've made it this far in business without learning to do your due diligence. A man in your position could stand to be a bit more careful. Tyler swallows hard, nodding fervently as he swivels himself slightly to reach a jug of water on Victor's desk. Pouring himself a glass, he continues to backtrack. TYLER: Well...knowing what I do about Maggie now...I...well...she'd be a great fit. I will say though... Victor glares Tyler's way as Tyler continues to fumble. TYLER: You, uh...you might want to take a few days to...you know....assess the situation. VICTOR: Well, naturally, I'll be attending to some other things, dealing with the last of Brady's affairs with Titan, and handling the selloff of Titan TV. Tyler, suddenly snapping out of his own worries, remembers something important to bring up to Victor. Scurrying to grab his tablet, Tyler gets up from his seat, and walks to Victor's side of the desk. TYLER: Speaking of which, you uhh...you might want to look at this. Tyler hands Victor his tablet, showing the news report, revealing DiMera Enterprises has acquired Titan TV. Victor's rage escalates immediately. VICTOR: Dammit! --- Gabi walks carefully down the steps onto the foggy pier, looking cautiously around for Liam. Spotting him approach through the mist, she looks nonchalantly about before heading his way. Gabi cautiously looks around before speaking to Liam, who never quite looks her in the eye as they chat. GABI: Have you got it? LIAM: Yeah. Gabi looks at Liam intensely suddenly, holding out her hand in anticipation, but Liam doesn’t hand the bag containing the pills quite so quickly. LIAM: NOT…so fast. I didn’t go to all this trouble for you to just grab and go. You need to understand a few things first. Gabi breathes quickly, very uncomfortable suddenly with a very intense Liam. --- --- Jerome is escorted by Hope into the police station in handcuffs. He stays silent, but has an intense, embittered look on his face as Hope leads him into the interrogation room, where a curious Rafe joins them. Looking over, he points toward Jerome. RAFE: Who's this? HOPE: THIS is the burglar that's been targeting the houses in the west end. RAFE: Is that so? Well, then I guess it's time we had a little chat then, huh? JEROME: I'd love to...after my lawyer shows up. Hope rolls her eyes as Rafe leans over the table, trying to stare Jerome down. Jerome won't engage. He stares at the floor, head tilted. RAFE: You'll talk now if you know what's good for you, man. That's the eighth house you've hit this month. You're a hard man to track down! JEROME: I thought I was entitled to a phone call. Rafe grins, shaking his head. RAFE: Heh. Yeah, no. You're not entitled to one. JEROME: I know my rights. What little I have-- RAFE: ...You've been watching too much Law & Order. You're not going anywhere until we hear those magic words. Jerome sighs, fighting his urge to roll his eyes. He simply closes them and responds as if on cue. JEROME: Please? HOPE: Wrong magic words, Jerome. He means "I did it". Jerome finally turns to face Hope and Rafe, as if suddenly HIS magic words have been spoken. He looks intensely at Hope as his temper flares. JEROME: Would it make a difference if I did? HOPE: What's that supposed to mean? JEROME: It means when a black man is in the wrong place at the wrong time, he could saving the President from a terrorist attack and you suckers would think he's the one trying to kill him! Rafe steps toward Jerome in anger, but Hope holds him back. She focuses in on Rafe a moment, speaking softly to him. HOPE: No. We're doing this my way, okay? After a moment, Rafe cools off and nods. Hope turns back to Jerome. HOPE: You want your lawyer? Call them. JEROME: I need to contact my grandmother to get a lawyer for me. Hope sighs. She walks up to Jerome. HOPE: Stand up. Jerome responds dutifully, as Hope walks him toward the door. Rafe hangs back, as Hope leads Jerome out into the main room, Rafe following behind them, arms folded, looking imposing. HOPE: We have to book you anyway. RAFE: You alright or you want me around? HOPE: I think I can handle this one. RAFE: Alright. Suit yourself. You know where to find me. HOPE: Yup...alright, sit down here. Jerome sits down in front of the desk, as Hope motions another cop to stand behind Jerome to monitor him, which elicits a momentary eye roll from Jerome. Hope barely notices as she pulls up the file on the computer. HOPE: Right. Full name. JEROME: I'm not getting my phone call first-- Hope interrupts in a booming voice that could silence a football field. HOPE: FULL NAME. Jerome looks down again, defeat in his voice as he responds. JEROME: Jerome Grant. Hope looks up suddenly, taken aback by Jerome's last name. HOPE: Uh...right. I think the uh...booking can wait. Did you...your phone call. It was to... JEROME: University Hospital. Ask for Valerie Grant. Hope looks over at Jerome, wide eyed, her cool truly lost. --- Daniel and Billie walk into Daniel's office. Daniel shuts the door behind them as Billie walks in, still emotional from her visit with Theresa, and with her questions for Daniel. BILLIE: You didn't answer me, Daniel. DANIEL: No, I didn't. Because I wasn't going to start an argument in a room you're not even supposed to be in. Billie sighs as Daniel walks over to her, putting his hands firmly on her upper arms. He holds her there, staring deeply into her eyes. DANIEL: Look...Billie, I know it hasn't been that long that I've been...separated from Jennifer, but....you really need to understand. What she and I had together...it's over. Completely. BILLIE: That's not what I asked, Daniel. Billie tries to shake Daniel off of her, but Daniel lets go anyway. Billie starts to pace the room, looking down as she carefully chooses her words. BILLIE: Look...I don't want to bring up the past and...painful memories any more than you do, but...when I saw Laura in your office, and you were talking about helping Jenn and Abby out, I...I saw the look in your eye, Daniel. You still love her. DANIEL: Well, yes. I mean...it's not like those feelings just...disappear overnight, you know. I mean...yes...YES, I love Jenn. I probably always will. But, Billie... Daniel walks back over to Billie and tenderly caresses her cheek with his hand. Billie initially tries to wriggle away but relents quickly, as Daniel continues. DANIEL: I'm IN love with you. That's all that matters. Billie says nothing, sighing a bit as she leans her face into Daniel's hand. DANIEL: Right? Billie starts to crack a smile as she steps toward Daniel, putting her arms around him. BILLIE: I guess...I guess you're right. DANIEL: Thaaaat's better. Daniel smiles as he holds Billie. They lean in for a kiss. Separating, Billie smiles. BILLIE: Look. I...I have to get going. Thanks again for getting me in there today. DANIEL: Anytime. BILLIE: Uh...maybe we can meet up tonight? Dinner at my... Daniel looks at Billie, shaking his head. BILLIE: ...mom's...bad idea. Simultaneously they shake their heads, responding over each other.# DANIEL: Baaaaad idea. BILLIE: Yeah, no. Not going there. Well...I'll text you? DANIEL: Better idea. BILLIE: Alright. Billie leans against the doorway to Daniel's office, she smiles playfully, blowing a kiss Daniel's way. BILLIE: I love you. DANIEL: I love you too. As Billie turns the corner, her expression changes immediately to one of determination. BILLIE: Alright, Daniel. What are you trying to protect Jenn from, and why are you Laura's only hope. Inside Daniel's office, Daniel shakes his head, expression changed as well, as he mulls over what he knows about Jenn, and Abby. DANIEL: God, I hope Billie doesn't go digging now. I'm not even sure Abby's safe now. God help her if Billie gets involved. --- Gabi looks fearfully at Liam, who's grabbed her one arm, hands her a plastic pharmacy bag, containing a bottle of what's marked as generic Acetaminophen, and Marlena's stolen perscription pad. GABI: What...what's in here? LIAM: Everything you asked for. But you can't go demanding anything like this again. It's too risky. You got it? No more contact. Gabi nods furiously, scared stiff. LIAM: Okay, here's what you need to know. These are Dr. Marlena Evans' perscription pads. Slip them in his bag when his back's turned, and make sure they nab the guy this time. GABI: Okay. Okay. Look, what if this doesn't work? LIAM: Then he's your problem. There's no third chance here. Gabi sighs. Eventually nodding. She grabs the bag and runs off, stopping momentarily to thank Liam. GABI: Thank-- Gabi looks and finds Liam's already vanished into the mist. Gabi sighs audibly and heads quickly back up toward the pub. GABI: This HAS to work. Please, God. For my daughter's sake. Gabi looks around again, careful not to be seen by anyone as she makes her way up the steps from the pier. --- Nicole walks into the clearing at the park. Looking around for Eric, she doesn't see him. Or anyone. She stands in her winter coat, shivering as she goes to grab her phone from her purse. She looks down to see a bright red envelope attached to the bench in front of her. Intrigued, she steps towards it, picking it up. Her name is on the front. Opening it, she begins to crack a smile as she sees the card inside. She pulls the all-white card from the envelope and reads its inscription. Nicole looks up. NICOLE: 8-3-5? What the...? Jarred by the abrupt end to the letter, she begins looking around again. She notices a single red rose on the ground on the other side of the bench. Tilting her head around, she approaches it. Picking it up, she sees a trail of roses leading into a larger, but dimly lit clearing on the other side of the bushes. As it's getting dark, she fishes through her bag to pull out a small flashlight she keeps on her keychain. Following the trail leads her to a small box with a combination lock on it. Nicole studies the box carefully as she picks it up. A song gently begins as she does. (0:13) Nicole checks the note again and begins to plug in the combination. --- (0:26) Valerie hears her office phone ring at the hospital, as she prepares to leave for the day. Picking up the receiver, she's immediately upset by what she hears on the other end. Tearing up as she shakes her head, she responds to the person on the other end shortly before hanging up. --- (0:51) Jerome looks straight ahead, a distant blank look in his eye as the phone is placed back down at the police station. Hope looks on, now more distracted and concerned than she would normally be on the job. She tries to speak to Jerome. HOPE: Is she on her way? Jerome doesn't answer, lost in his own mind, he doesn't even look Hope's way. HOPE: Jerome? Knowing he's not paying attention, Hope carries on with the paperwork, sighing in resignation. --- (1:30) Billie drives down the road, deep in thought about her friend Jennifer and the insecurity she feels about her relationship with Daniel, as well as the tragic circumstances that have led to her close friend Theresa ending up in a coma she may not wake up from, and Kim barring Billie from visiting Theresa in hospital. Distracted, she begins to veer into oncoming traffic. (1:55) She catches herself as a horn blares out, causing her to quickly jerk the steering wheel right, pulling her car over to the shoulder. Braking hard, she begins to tear up. Resting her head against the steering wheel, she lets her emotions out, crying hard in her car. --- (2:08) Victor sits alone in his office, the headline of DiMera taking over Titan TV resting on his desk. Victor looks over to see a picture of Brady looking back at him. He stares into it, wistfully. --- (2:30) Nicole finishes setting the combination on the box, and opens it. Seeing a beautiful diamond ring, she takes a step back, trying in vain to hold back from crying. (2:45) Eric appears, as a series of lights are turned on via dimmers. Eric smiles warmly at a teary-eyed Nicole. The lights are strung up to read "Will you marry me?". Nicole reads them over, and tears up even more. ERIC: So...I've been doing some thinking. Nicole laughs through her tears, Eric joining her. Nicole responds as she wipes her tears away. NICOLE: I can see that. ERIC: I just want you to know that...if doing the right thing means a life without you...I don't want that life. Nicole wraps her arms around Eric, moved beyond words. ERIC: Nicole. I love you...so...much. So...what do you say? Nicole breathes in deeply, as Eric gets on one knee to put the ring on her finger. ERIC: Nicole Walker. Will you marry me? (3:34) Nicole shouts out her answer, bouncing in place, still freezing. NICOLE: Oh my God, YES! Eric puts the ring on, lifting Nicole into the air for a passionate kiss that they wish would never end. Eric and Nicole's hands wrap around each other, holding each other tightly as they kiss with an intensity that heats up the cold evening. When they do end their kiss, Nicole rests in Eric's arms, as they tenderly hold each other, Nicole's tears still smearing her mascara. Eric looks on with a look that shows he's finally at peace. ---

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 46 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Abigail steps into the Horton living room, feeling groggy from the previous night's sleep. She looks in the mirror, studying the bags under her eyes, and thinks back to her tryst with EJ. She snaps herself out of it as Jenn walks in. JENNIFER: Hey, Honey. You heading for work soon? ABBY: Uh...yeah. Soon. Jenn's a bit concerned by Abby's drowsiness. She walks over to her, as Abby tries to pretend she's fine. JENNIFER: Honey, are you okay? ABBY: Yeah, Mom, I'm fine. JENNIFER: Are you sure? You've been so...down lately. ABBY: Well...what do you mean? JENNIFER: Well, you're tired all the time, you've put on weight, you're complaining about being sore when you get home from work. I mean, Abigail, you were never like this at the hospital. Are you sure you're enjoying working at Countess W? ABBY: Yeah! It's good. Jennifer isn't convinced, and presses some more, putting a hand on Abby's shoulder. JENNIFER: Really? You know, Abigail, you can tell me anyth-- Abby finally snaps at Jenn, and turns sharply to face her. ABBY: ...Yes, Mom! It's a great job, and I'm fine. Could you please just stop...badgering me. Abby turns away and runs up the stairs, leaving Jenn in the living room, dumfounded. --- Rafe and Jordan drive down the highway, heading away from Salem. Smiling, and enjoying the drive despite the heavy cloudcover. RAFE: Yeah, it's gonna rain soon. JORDAN: Well, we got at least a couple more hours to drive yet, so, at least we'll stay dry, right? RAFE: Yeah. You know, I'm really glad you and I could get away for the weekend and you finally get to meet my mom. She's...pretty excited to finally meet you. Jordan smiles at Rafe. JORDAN: I'm really excited to meet her. Anita sounds like a lovely woman. Jordan looks away, her smile fades as she thinks back to what Sheryl told her. *** JORDAN'S FLASHBACK Sheryl looks matter-of-factly at Jordan, and, almost without emotion, issues a stern warning. SHERYL: If you get involved with that cop, you keep it strictly business. You use him as an in to find out what you can about EnerNext, and we'll use that in to get what we need. Do not catch feelings, Kaylie. I'm serious. *** RAFE: You alright? Jordan snaps out of it, and turns to Rafe. She smiles again. JORDAN: Yeah. I'm fine, just...thinking about work. RAFE: Well, look. You've got a whole weekend to not think about work, so just...don't worry about it. JORDAN: That's not always the easiest thing, and you know it. Rafe takes Jordan's hand in his and quickly smiles at her, before looking back at the road. Jordan smiles back, feeling reassured. The rain begins to come down against the windshield. Jordan looks out ahead. As she looks out, she sees a clearing off the upcoming embankment, with a group of cars lining the shoulder. Looking closer, she sees someone lying down on the side of the road. JORDAN: Oh my God, Rafe. Pull over. RAFE: What the...? Rafe pulls over and Jordan jumps out, and he and Jordan jump from the car. Rafe walks over to where the people are gathered around the woman lying on the side of the road. RAFE: What happened here? A middle-aged man turns to Rafe and explains emphatically. MAN: I was driving up behind when I seen these two drive right off the edge of the road here and off into the lake. The girl here jumps out and the car went right off the edge, I was freakin' out, ya know? RAFE: What the... Looking down, he sees that the woman on the ground is Theresa. As Jordan leans down to check Jordan's vitals, Rafe immediately calls into the station. --- --- Sheryl and Nick are having something to eat at the Brady Pub. Discussing business, as per usual. Sheryl appears very pleased by Nick's news. SHERYL: I got to admit, Nick. You've really surprised me. NICK: Oh really? SHERYL: Yeah. I mean, I didn't expect you'd be such a good ally in all this, but...I mean, you've got the media eating out of your hand, you've got all the technology in the world at your fingertips, and you've got the key to prime real estate for the oil sands project in your control. I couldn't have asked for a better ally. NICK: And now that Brady is out as CEO, I think we'll finally be able to get Titan TV fully in our corner. And then the rest of Titan's house of cards will collapse right on cue. As Nick says this, Sheryl raises her glass to toast him. As they clink glasses, Gabi walks into the pub. She spots Nick and walks over. GABI: Nick! Hey! Sorry if I'm interrupting, do you have a moment? Nick turns and smiles at Gabi. Sheryl looks up, and smiles Gabi's way. SHERYL: Oh, don't mind me. I can make some calls. I need to take care of something anyway. If you'll excuse me. Sheryl gets up and courteously steps away, spotting Jordan quickly heading for the front door to enter the pub. Sheryl motions to Jordan to turn back around and stay outside. Jordan obliges and heads back into the pathway outside the pub, where Sheryl steps out and meets with her. SHERYL: I thought you and your cop were taking a "romantic getaway" this weekend. JORDAN: Well, we WERE, and then we stumbled upon what might be something huge to help us win this whole thing. No violence, no fight, nothing. Sheryl is in disbelief. She looks behind her to make sure no one is watching before turning back to Jordan. SHERYL: Okay, what is it? JORDAN: Theresa Donovan was in a car accident outside Salem. The car skidded and drove off an embankment and into the river, but Theresa managed to jump out before the car crashed. Sheryl looks side to side, confused and disinterested. SHERYL: What does that have to do with anything? JORDAN: Rafe is pretty certain he knows who was driving the car. SHERYL: Okay. Who? Jordan leans in closer, a bit of a sinister's happy look on her face. JORDAN: Brady Black. Sheryl's face cannot hide the surprise of the news. Her eyes pop out a bit as she chokes out a reply. SHERYL: What?? Inside, Gabi sits down across from Nick and smiles warmly. NICK: So, to what do I owe the pleasure? GABI: Well...I have something to ask you. NICK: Yeeeees? Nick leans in with interest as Gabi fights with everything in her not to recoil in terror, pretending to be at worst, pleasant, and at best, warm and engaging with Nick. She finally, after a few awkward seconds, gets up the courage to ask him. GABI: ...Did you want to maybe...have dinner with me tonight? NICK: Yes! I mean...absolutely, I'd love to. Uh...but where did this come from? GABI: Oh I just...it's nothing. I just...I thought about what you said, Nick, and...I agree. Nick looks on warmly, as though Gabi's his whole world. Gabi is a bit more reticent. GABI: ...And I think that you've been....so good with this whole....living situation and...really great with Will and Sonny, and of course with Arianna. NICK: I...love that little girl so much. As if she were my own flesh and blood. Gabi smiles, she takes a moment before contining her thought. GABI: So I wanted to thank you.And how better than a little...date between us. Gabi cringes a bit as the thought of another date with Nick, but she hides it. NICK: Okay, but only if I get to be the one to pay for it. You're not exactly a Rockafeller, you know. GABI: (laughs) I know. (short sigh) Fine, it's a deal. Gabi extends her hand to Nick, a cute smirk on her face, and the two shake. --- Tyler and Maggie break their handshake as the door to Victor's office opens and Victor returns. He looks up and sees both Maggie and Tyler in his office. VICTOR: Ah! Tyler. Excellent. I see you've met my wife. Tyler clears his throat, and nods graciously to Maggie. TYLER: Indeed I have. You're both very fortunate people. Maggie is lovely. VICTOR: Well, thank you. I'd like to think after this many tries at marriage, I'd at least get one right. Now, is this the paperwork on how we'll be handling the switching over from Brady's control to mine? TYLER: Uh...yes. MAGGIE: Wait...you've taken over Titan from Brady. Victor looks up from his desk, hesitant to share this news with Maggie. VICTOR: Yes, there was a meeting this morning. Brady needs to enter rehab. He can't run a company in the state he's in. MAGGIE: You were all gung ho about this before, what changed your mind. VICTOR: Theresa Donovan and that video she filmed of Brady doing lines of cocaine in some seedy club, then immediately shared it with every vulgar celebrity tabloid she could think of. Something needs to be done. MAGGIE: So it's damage control for Titan? VICTOR: No! It just makes sense to do it this way. Either way, we've got important business to discuss, Maggie, sit down. Tyler, thank you. TYLER: No problem, Vic. And, uh...it was lovely to meet you, Mrs. Kiriakis. Maggie looks up as Tyler extends a hand once again. She smiles and shakes his hand gently. MAGGIE: Likewise. Victor is consumed by his work and pays no mind to the goings-on before him. Once Tyler leaves, Victor launches into his plan. VICTOR: Okay, let's get down to business. MAGGIE: Business? VICTOR: Yes. I wanted to give you an anniversary gift...have a look. Victor places before Maggie a paper, a proposal to re-open the Penthouse Grille, and naming Maggie as majority owner. A wide smile of surprise and disbelief crosses Maggie's face as she reads. --- Abigail stands in her room, changing into her work clothes after a shower. She's deep in thought. She stops and notices herself in her full-length mirror. She's wearing a towel across her body and one over her head to help dry her hair. Looking in the mirror, Abby analyses every curve in her body. Stretch marks that weren't there before. She runs her fingers along her thighs and to her lightly protruding belly. She stops. As if something is hurting her, she recoils her hands away from her stomach. She stares at her stomach with an intense and distressed look, and tries to suck it in. When this doesn't yield the desired result, Abby takes the towel on her head and uses it to cover the mirror. She walks over to her vanity, which has a letter on top from University Hospital. The letter is not, however, about her job there. The letter, dated July 14, 2014, notes that Abby is at approximately 4 months pregnant, and that UH has confirmed her appointments with her OBGYN. Abigail looks over the letter carefully, a look of sickness across her face. She crumples up the letter and throws it across the room, after which she holds her head in her hands, trying to fight back tears. ABBY: Damn you, EJ. Damn, damn, damn you! --- Hope and Rafe are investigating the scene of the accident. The rain complicates their investigation, but they remain unfazed, though Hope is obviously concerned. She walks over to Rafe, who's just stepped away from the edge of the embankment, where he was talking to another investigator. HOPE: So what's the word on the car? RAFE: Well...they pulled it from the river, and they're just running the plates now to see whose it is. No driver inside. Seems Theresa opening the door may have helped whoever it was out. There's a chance the driver may be alive. Hope looks over at the car being towed away from the scene. She looks at it with a look of recognition. Suddenly the lightbulb goes off. HOPE: Oh my God. That's...that's Brady's car. RAFE: You sure? HOPE: Yeah, I see him drive that same one all the time with the cobra on the side. I mean, I don't know a lot about cars but...I'd know it anywhere. It's his baby. Damn it! I just...I was...we have to contact John and...oh my God... RAFE: It's okay. I know. As Hope's emotions begin to take over, Rafe puts a comforting hand on Hope's shoulder. --- The elevator doors open at University Hospital as Theresa is wheeled into the Emergency Ward. The doctors and nurses kick into action as her unconscious body is wheeled into a room, as the doctors' talk in medical jargon. Daniel, having been paged from his office, darts over to Theresa's bedside, ready to jump into action. He asks Maxine questions as he heads over. DANIEL: What've we got? MAXINE: Accident victim, thrown from a car just before it drove off an embankment. Patient is unconscious, with major fractures to her ribs, two broken arms, and a broken leg. Possible head trauma as well. DANIEL: Thanks, Maxine. Let's have a look at he-- When he looks down, realizing who his patient is. He is stunned. DANIEL: Oh. My. God. ---

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. ---