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

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

EPISODE 79 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson Maggie walks down the stairs at the Kiriakis mansion, a worried look on her face as she calls out to her husband. MAGGIE: Victor?? Maggie looks toward the doorway, then the living room. Not seeing Victor, or indeed anyone else, she slowly walks into the living room. Spotting an envelope on Victor's desk, she sees her name written on the front of it. Curious, she touches the envelope reluctantly. She then turns around, looking behind her, making sure Victor isn't looking in on her. Once she deems the coast clear, Maggie slowly opens the envelope, pulling the paper out and unfolding it nervously. She struggles to read it, having left her reading glasses in her purse. MAGGIE: Oh My God. Hearing a noise behind her, Maggie turns around to find a morose-looking Victor behind her. She smiles warmly at him. MAGGIE: The title for the Penthouse Grille. Victor smiles slightly. Maggie looks on lovingly. VICTOR: I wanted to make sure you had control over the property regardless of what happens to Titan. Maggie looks at Victor, surprised by his attitude. MAGGIE: Victor...what on Earth are you talking about? Victor looks down, away from Maggie, the sadness and worry plain on his face as he struggles to answer her. --- Marlena opens the door to her office at University Hospital. Roman and Valerie follow Marlena into the room. Valerie immediately closes the door behind her, ready to get down to business. VALERIE: Okay, so, talk to me. Tell me about these memory lapses. Roman stands, head down, hands on his hips, as he thinks over the moments he's missed so far. His reluctance to talk about his problem being obvious as he stutters his way through his troubles. ROMAN: Well...they...just started a few months ago. Minor stuff. There were these....holes in my memories that weren't there before. VALERIE: Such as...? Marlena, resting against the front of her desk, chimes in. MARLENA: The first time I met Bo, for a start. Roman turns to look at Marlena. He makes a strong face of frustration, recalling her reaction to his misremembering of that memory. Marlena sees his frustration and stops herself for a second, having been caught off guard by his look. --- Nicole walks into the studio at what is no longer Titan TV, as many of her colleagues mill about, chattering. All are fascinated by what's going on, curtains obscuring the studio wall that formerly held the Titan logo. Nicole looks around, as Miles appears, immediately going to speak to Nicole. NICOLE: Miles! MILES: Hey, Nicole. You excited about the news? NICOLE: To be honest...I'm more nervous than excited. Miles nods, and takes a moment before responding. MILES: Yyyyeah. So am I. If the news matches the rumours I heard, you won't like the news any more than I will. Nicole looks up, eyes widened. A thousand negative outcomes fill her head. --- Kate sits at her desk at her office. She looks up at a worried Lucas, who has just come in panicked about Sheryl and Jordan. Lucas, meanwhile, paces back and forth in front of Kate's desk as Kate tries to relax him. KATE: Oh come on, Lucas. What do you mean, you can't carry the charade with Sheryl? You owe this to me, and to your sister. She's worked way too hard on this for you to back out now. LUCAS: I'm not backing out, I just...we need to talk to Roman and Billie and get them to start making a move. KATE: Oh sure! And blow this whole thing up? And then what? Kate holds up her hands and dramatically makes air quotes. KATE: "Jordan Ridgeway" and "Sheryl Connors" catch wind of what we're doing, and throw US under the bus. No way. LUCAS: Well, Mom. I'm sorry. But I just can't keep up this ruse anymore. I'm not gonna sit there wasting all of my time and energy on a phony relationship just so YOU can win Rafe back. Billie steps into the room as he finishes his sentence, closing Kate's office door behind her, startling Lucas. BILLIE: Well, you're gonna have to, or else this whole operation goes down the toilet. And this is way bigger than keeping Rafe away from Jordan at this point, Lucas, and you know it. Lucas looks on at his sister, sighing audibly. --- --- Valerie, Roman, and Marlena stand in Marlena's office at the hospital, going over Roman's recent history of memory lapses. Marlena hesitates to continue, knowing Roman's frustration and hurt over his disappearing memories is building each time she brings them up, but she presses on. MARLENA: He...I mentioned the day I met Bo, and his "wedding gift" for us...and...well, it troubled Roman quite a bit that he couldn't remember it properly. Valerie looks on, almost through Marlena and Roman as she contemplates the situation. VALERIE: Properly, or at all? Roman looks down, shaking his head. He sighs before turning back toward Valerie. ROMAN: At all. I don't remember that happening. But it WAS over thirty years ago. These things don't always stay as clear in your mind as you get older. Marlena looks on, concerned for Roman, she attempts to chime in, but Roman interrupts. MARLENA: Roman, I-- ROMAN: Now, look, I...want to figure this out as much as you do...but I...I gotta get going. I have to deal with some police business, okay, Doc? Marlena closes her eyes, visibly frustrated by Roman's volatility. She exhales before speaking. MARLENA: Okay. Sure. Roman turns back to Valerie as he turns to head out of Marlena's office. He speaks sternly, with a hint of irritation in his voice. ROMAN: Valerie. If you need anything more from me, let me know. But I can't do this right now. I'll see you later. Roman leaves, closing the door behind him forcefully, causing Marlena to tense up visibly. Valerie shuts her eyes a moment, before looking back up at a troubled Marlena. VALERIE: He's worried, Marlena. MARLENA: (sigh) I know. So am I. Valerie racks her brain, deep in thought over what she's witnessed. She throws her hands in the air, before pacing across Marlena's office. An idea strikes her. VALERIE: I mean...the symptoms, top to bottom....it reads like Alzhymer's. But... Marlena nods. She herself looks down, not giving Valerie eye contact, as her troubled mind racks through all the possibilities. Valerie stops pacing, and looks up at Marlena. VALERIE: Roman's medical records. MARLENA: What about them? Valerie, perking up, moves toward the doorway, an idea having finally hit her. VALERIE: I'm going to grab them. If there is any clues as to what may be wrong with him...chances are it'll be there. I'll be right back. Valerie opens the door, almost running down the hallway towards the records room. Marlena stays behind, a concerned but hopeful expression on her face. MARLENA: My God, I hope you're right, Valerie. --- Maggie shakes her head at Victor in disbelief. She puts down the title deed for The Penthouse Grille and puts her hand on her hip, the other on the desk beside her. MAGGIE: Victor, nothing is going to happen to Titan. It hasn't so far, and there's no way it will now. VICTOR: You can't guarantee that, Maggie. MAGGIE: Oh I don't have to. I've seen how much blood and sweat you put into this company, Victor. And I'm not exactly new to this whole business thing myself, you know? VICTOR: Maggie, that's different. You run a restaurant, not a conglomerate. Maggie looks at Victor, exasperated. MAGGIE: Victor, I've never seen you be such a defeatist. In my entire life, I haven't. Victor looks away from Maggie. He shrugs. VICTOR: Maybe I've always had a reason to fight before. Maggie's face changes, realizing how Victor's been affected by Brady's demise. She approaches him and puts her hands on his shoulders, prompting Victor to look up at her. MAGGIE: Victor...do you remember when I lost Janice? VICTOR: Maggie, this isn't the same-- Maggie raises a finger to hush Victor up. She raises her voice over him. MAGGIE: NOT...a word! Now, I recognize that the circumstances were different...but we pulled through Janice's death. It took time....but we were able to put our lives back together. And remember...you have Phillip, you have Daniel...whether you believe it or not, you have Justin! Victor rolls his eyes, holding back his feelings at the moment about Justin, which Maggie anticipated, and quickly continues before Victor can retort. MAGGIE:...and you have me. Just rememeber that. Victor leans in to kiss Maggie, and embraces her warmly, as Maggie smiles. --- Billie walks into Kate's office, pleasing Kate, as she could use the backup against Lucas' hysterical position. Lucas folds his arms, knowing what's coming from his sister. BILLIE: We have too much on the line for you to be giving this up already, Lucas. We nearly have them right where we want them, right? Lucas rolls his eyes, answering begrudgingly. LUCAS: Right. BILLIE: And...we are VERY close to getting them to do something major that will get them into jail. The deeper we dig, the better the chances of getting Jordan and Sheryl in jail, where they belong. KATE: Exactly. So Lucas, you're doing us all a favour by staying the course for just a little longer. Lucas sighs heavily. Throwing his hands up in defeat, he responds. LUCAS: Okay, fine. Sure. I'll stay with Sheryl for now, but we need to figure out what they're up to with this...Jerome charater. And fast. KATE: Jerome? Who the... LUCAS: That's what I wanna know. I was just in Sheryl's office and Jordan was there...with this...guy named Jerome Grant. Said they were working on a project together. She made out like it was for my birthday but... Billie thinks a moment, before pointing Lucas' way. BILLIE: Okay. I'm gonna look up this Jerome Grant guy, and see what his story is. If that's his real name, and we can get a handle on what he's actually here for, we might be able to intercept them before they do too much damage. Kate smiles Lucas' way, confidence beaming in her eyes. Lucas looks back, much more unsure than Kate. --- Nicole looks around, making sure no one's paying attention as she talks quietly with Miles. NICOLE: What do you mean? What did you hear? MILES: I heard a major corporation was taking over the station, and they're planning to flip the whole operation on its head, and it's someone well-known to us. NICOLE: Like who? Miles hesitates to answer. He stutters a bit as he does. MILES: I erhh...it's someone you know very well, put it that way. NICOLE: I don't like the sounds of this at all, and if you're playing a game on me, Miles, I swear to God... Nicole hears 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. ---

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

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