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

EPISODE 68 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson John stands before the crowd, with Victor beside him, the crowd still milling about, conversing warmly and sharing memories of Brady. John turns to Victor and quietly asks him a question. JOHN: Now...you're sure you don't want to speak? VICTOR: Positive. As far as I'm concerned, this whole thing is a farce. I'll be mourning my grandson only if they find me proof that he's really dead. As the kids say, I wanna see the reciepts. John shrugs, nodding his head in understanding. JOHN: Alright. But I gotta tell ya, Vic. You're gonna regret not speaking today. And you know it. VICTOR: I'll take my chances. As John and Victor finish their conversation, Hope and Aiden explode into the square. Still bickering, they cause a scene in the square as they storm in, Hope storming in first, trying to ignore Aiden as he follows her, shouting at her. AIDEN: ...And I swear, I've never see a cop be such a rotten driver in my entire life! Hope stops and turns around, pointing at Aiden. HOPE: And you need to learn what a turn signal does. AIDEN: Oh, THAT again? Come on! Hope, you're being ridiculous. HOPE: Oh, I'm being ridiculous? Right, I'm not the one who's trying to weasel his way out of a ticket by trying to cozy up to the officer issuing the ticket. Aiden snaps in a voice loud enough to be heard in the next county. AIDEN: YOU OFFERED ME A RIDE! Aiden's outburst is greeted by stone silence from everyone in the square. Aiden and Hope immediately feel sheepish for having rendered the crowd silent, and Hope immediately sits down in the nearest seat. Victor pats John gently on the back as John turns to the crowd before the collection of chairs assembled by Tom & Alice Horton's tree. JOHN: If I can have everybody's attention, please. Please, everyone, have a seat. The crowd hushes as everyone begins to filter into the seats. Hope looks daggers at Aiden as he sits down in front of her, an equally sheepish look on his face. She mutters angrily to him. HOPE: I hope you're satisfied. As she says this, Caroline shuffles in to sit beside Hope on one side, with Maggie down beside her. Daniel, naturally, by her side. Caroline speaks softly to Hope, as she puts a hand on her shoulder. CAROLINE: I'm glad you could make it. HOPE: Thanks. It's good to see you too. DANIEL: I gotta admit, that was quite an entrance. Hope blushes, making an embarrassed face as she replies to Daniel. HOPE: Yeah, I...guess I should just stick with saying 'hello' and hugs, right? MAGGIE: I was just surprised it took you this long. HOPE: Well...I got kinda...tied up. Hope looks Aiden's way as she speaks, with Maggie, Caroline, and Daniel's eyes following Hope's, before looking at each other, knowingly. --- EJ files away papers in his office at DiMera Enterprises when his text tone goes off. Stopping what he's doing, he steps over to his desk and checks his phone. He sees Sami's text and immediately jumps into action. He sits down at his desk, opening his laptop and immediately typing in www.salemspectator.com. The main headline pops up, as do EJ's eyes. TITAN TV TO BE SOLD TO PRIVATE INVESTOR EJ stops a minute, soaking in the information. EJ thinks quickly, grabbing his phone and makes a call. EJ: Yes, I need to get ahold of Chad DiMera. Tell him it's urgent, his brother needs him. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Liam walks up behind Jennifer in the park just off to the side of Town Square, placing her hands on her shoulders firmly, but tenderly, as Jenn converses with her son, JJ. JJ scrambles to cover himself after having begun revealing what he overheard Liam say earlier in the same park. JJ: Sorry, I didn't mean any harm, I just... LIAM: Nonsense! You have every right to be concerned. Your sister just flew off halfway around the world. You're concerned! Thing is, I am too. JJ nods, looking down at the ground, hoping not to make matters worse. JJ: I'm sure. And...and I appreciate that! Jenn smiles at JJ, while putting one hand on top of Liam's. JENNIFER: See? It was just a misunderstanding. Honey, Liam cares about both of you. I trust him. and I know you'll learn to trust him too. LIAM: Your mom's right, JJ. I'm really concerned for both of you. You're great kids, and I just want to make sure Abigail's safe. So I put in a call to someone I know from the hospital who knows Sami and EJ, and they'll try to keep tabs on her while she's in Italy. Jenn smiles at Liam, turning around to face him, lovingly. She wraps her arms around Liam's neck. JENNIFER: That's wonderful. Ohhh wow. Thank you! I mean, you didn't have to do that at all and yet... LIAM: Anything for you guys. Jenn smiles before turning back towards JJ. JENNIFER: We really do appreciate it. Don't we? JJ nods, still deep in thought and still trying not to rock the boat. JJ: Yeah. Thanks, man. LIAM: Anytime. Now, shall we get back? I thought I heard someone announce that the ceremony was getting underway. JJ: Great, I'll uh...be right there in a sec. JENNIFER: Alright. I love you, sweetie! JJ: Love you too, Mom. Jenn hugs JJ quickly before taking off, arm in arm, with Liam. As Liam turns the corner towards the square, he shoots JJ a very tellingly menacing look. JJ looks up in time to catch Liam's look, striking terror in his heart, but JJ tries to maintain a cool exterior with some degree of success. JJ: I don't know what's going on, but none of it is good. --- Gabi arrives at the service at Town Square and has a seat next to Eric and Nicole, near the aisle so that she can keep Ari in her carriage. As she rocks the carriage back and forth for Ari, she texts Will as discreetly as possible. Hey! Is everything ok w/ u & sonny?? Gabi looks up at the podium where John is speaking, a worried look on her face as she mutters quietly to herself. GABI: Come on, Will. What's going on over there? --- Will stares Sonny down in the office at Club TBD. Sonny stands in front of the door, hoping to keep Will from running out as he explains himself. Will, for his part, leans almost pointedly casually against Sonny's desk, arms folded. However, he cannot contain his shock at Sonny's confession. WILL: You what? SONNY: I...went to talk to my Uncle Vic. I asked him not to give you the PR job with EnerNext. WILL: What...why the Hell would you do that, Sonny? SONNY: Because I don't want you involved in something like this. It's...it's...Uncle Vic trying to control you and by proxy me, and control control control everyone in this family and I just...I can't let him do that to you-- WILL: ...Did you ever think for a second to let ME decide that? Sonny steps forward towards Will, trying to cool things down a bit. SONNY: You were blinded by the flashy contract and the...glamourous job. WILL: And what if I was? Sonny, it's my career. And you know what? I'm sorry, but in this day and age, you don't get ahead by playing by the rules. It's about taking an opportunity when it's presented to you, not by being proud and working your way up purely on your own back. Sonny seems incredibly unimpressed by Will's attitude, but Will is undeterred by Sonny's disapproving looks. SONNY: Are you serious? WILL: Dead. Serious. Sonny stands a moment, at a loss for words. SONNY: I'm...I'm sorry. WILL: Oh, you will be. Heh, you know, I might have been swayed if you'd just been upfront with me about all this, but going behind my back? Trying to get my job taken away from me because you don't like who it comes from or what the job entails? How dare you? Sonny looks down at the ground, increasingly apologetic. SONNY: I know. I just don't want you to get...manipulated. WILL: You don't want me to change, in other words. You don't want me to have to stand up for myself because you like doing everything for me. Is that it? Well, let me tell you a little secret, Sonny. I'm not your child. I'm your fiancee. And if you want it to stay that way...you need to stay out of my professional life. Understood? Sonny's apologetic look melts away as Sonny feels the intensity of Will's tone. Sonny's face suddenly becomes defensive and threatened by Will. --- John continues to talk to the crowd gathered at the square about Brady. JOHN: He was my son. He was our friend. He was sometimes our greatest adversary, but his heart was always in search of love. The crowd are tearing up a bit at John's heartfelt speech. John himself starts to get a bit emotional, before breathing in and carrying on, a smile across his face, as much in tribute to Brady as anything. JOHN: I want to keep this party light, as Nicole and Eric requested, and I'm glad that so many of you have come out to help me celebrate Brady's life. So let's remember him in the same way that he would want to be remembered: A great young man with a huge heart that wanted to share the best of everything with everyone he knew and loved. The waiters from the restaurant in the square appear with flutes of sparkling drinks for the crowd. JOHN: In case you couldn't tell, I'm proposing a toast. The crowd laugh as they raise their glasses in tribute, following John's lead. JOHN: Obviously, these are non-alcoholic. Because the one thing we need to remember...is that though this is a good day to remember Brady, it is to remind us of the importance of sobriety, and caution, and remebering the disease that is addiction...and what it can cost us. Here's to one of the finest men I've ever known. John looks up to the sky as he raises his glass. JOHN: I love you, son! The crowd clink their glasses together in what is surprisingly close to unison, as they shout out. ALL: To Brady! --- The sound of clinking glasses descends suddenly into the sound of screeching tires and the loud smash of a breaking windhshield suddenly. The flash snaps Brady out of a nightmare as he sits bolt upright in bed, sweat pouring from his face, he gasps for breath as he looks around him, terrified.

EPISODE 67 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Chloe stands in the Horton Town Square, surrounded by Brady's friends and family, facing off with Victor at Brady's memorial. VICTOR: Who invited this pox on our family, anyway? Nicole steps in to defend her friend, retorting sassily to Victor. NICOLE: I did. Victor gives Nicole the sideeye. VICTOR: You're lucky you're no longer my employee. I assume word got out that we're selling the station off. If not, surprise! It's your lucky day! Your newest dumb move didn't result in a pink slip. You might want to drop by the corner store and pick up a lottery ticket. Maggie cuts in, frustrated by Victor's petulance. MAGGIE:Victor, enough! This is about Brady, and in case you forgot, Chloe happens to have been married to Brady. VICTOR: Oh trust me, I wish I could forget. The damage she's caused my grandson is the reason we're here today. Victor turns back to Nicole and Chloe. VICTOR: You've got some nerve dragging that bitch here. She turned him to drugs, and broke his heart over and over. I hold you responsible in large part for Brady's accident. Both of you. Nicole steps in to defend her friend, but just then, John interjects, trying to cool down the proceedings. JOHN: Woah! Woah, Vic. Come on. Chloe's just here to mourn her ex-husband. Now, you two may not see eye to eye, but...just let her be here. This is about Brady. VICTOR: Yes, it is. And he would want Chloe here. God knows why. Come on, Maggie. Victor and Maggie walk off, as Chloe leans over to John. CHLOE: Thank you. JOHN: Don't thank me. Just trying to keep the peace around here. How've you been? CHLOE: I'm alright! It's good to see you. I just...wish it were under-- JOHN: ...Better circumstances, I know. But you know, I know that Brady wouldn't have wanted us to dwell on that, and that's exactly why I think this whole wake thing is a great idea. Chloe smiles, a little misty-eyed. she nods in agreement with John. ... Sami and Laura arrive at the Town Square, and Marlena, who has been chatting with Maggie, Roman, Eric, and Nicole (begrudgingly), smiles and reaches out to greet Sami and Laura with hugs. MARLENA: Ohh it's good to see you both. SAMI: Hey Mom. While hugging Laura, Marlena begins to get emotional, and holds her eyes shut a moment to fight back tears. MARLENA:Ohh, what a...bittersweet day. I'm glad you both could come. You came together? Sami hesitates to answer, looking Laura's way before telling her mother. SAMI: Uh...yeah, Laura was at the...house, she offered me a ride down. Marlena nods, trying to read between the lines. Sami senses Marlena's probing and is immediately uncomfortable. MARLENA: I see. Sami, you sure you're okay? Sami responds a bit defensively, hoping Marlena will back off. SAMI: Yes, Mom. I'm fine. Promise. MARLENA: Alright. You're in good hands with Laura. Sami, a bit relieved that Marlena isn't probing any further, smiles. SAMI: I know. Hoping to change the subject, Sami interrupts the group's conversation with an almost-too-cheerful question for the group. SAMI: Hey! Uh, has anyone seen Will or Sonny yet? --- Sonny walks into Club TBD, looking more than a little nervous as he looks Will's way. Will sits at the bar, a sour, pissed off look on his face. SONNY: Will. WILL: So...hard at work at the club, I see. SONNY: Will, I-- WILL: ...NO excuses, Sonny. Now, do you wanna tell me where you actually were? Or should I give you this ring back now? Sonny looks mortified at Will, as his biting question hits him. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- Eric stands with the group at Town Square, responding to Sami's question. ERIC: Haven't seen Will or Sonny yet, why? SAMI: Well...I wanted to thank them for the offer to stay with them while I was....working on my issues with EJ. I think I'll be okay there at the mansion for now, there's a whole empty wing I can stay in for the time being, and...they're a bit of a full house right now. Marlena's far from thrilled by the news, and pipes up immediately. MARLENA: No! No, Sami...you can stay with me if you like. SAMI: Mom, it's okay. I'll be fine. Sami immediately tries to change the subject again, hoping her mother will stop trying to insert herself into her affairs. SAMI: Speaking of Will and Sonny, they've been trying to...give me some news for the past while. Has anyone found out what it is? I'm so curious. MARLENA: Yes! They did tell me the other day at lunch. They had been hoping to tell you first, actually. Sami's standoffishness quickly changes, as her own nosiness into HER child's life creeps in. The others in the conversation smile with anticipation. SAMI: Oooh, tell me! Tell me! Tell me! MARLENA: Well...I really shouldn't be saying anything. I don't wanna steal their thunder, but... Everyone huddles up like schoolchildren in on the latest gossip, giggling in anticipation. MAGGIE: Come on! Tell us! MARLENA: Okay, okay! (laughs) Marlena takes Sami by the hands and smiles excitedly as she tells Sami the news. MARLENA: Your son, and Sonny are engaged to be married. Sami's eyes light up. The first bit of great news she's had in awhile. She's speechless, as the others in the group gasp in excitement, then begin to chatter away excitedly to each other. Everyone, that is, except for Eric, who looks on in stunned silence, trying to absorb the news. --- JJ and Jennifer are having a tense moment in the park just outside Town Square. JJ looks to a stunned Jennifer with worry, as he tells her about what he'd just seen. JENNIFER: What did you just say? JJ: Okay, so I...I came to Brady's memorial and on the way in, I saw Liam off the side of the park, and he was on the phone. Jenn looks at JJ, a bit confused. JENNIFER: Okay? JJ: He was talking about Abigail's trip. And something about...keeping tabs-- JENNIFER: Woah, woah, woah, no, STOP! JJ, seriously. This has got to stop. First Daniel, now Liam? Now JJ looks at Jenn, confused as to what she's talking about. JJ: Wh...what? I don't-- JENNIFER: First you do everything you can to tear me and Daniel apart, and I understood, because you miss your father, and now, once you decide that, oh, Daniel's okay, and I move on with someone else, you decide to go after Liam? I mean, JJ, are you ever gonna be happy with any man that comes into my life? JJ: Yes! But I don't trust this guy. JENNIFER: Don't lie to me. You've done enough of that today already. JJ: Mom, I was respecting Abigail's wishes. Mom, she didn't even want ME to know where she was going. She told me she was going to California. I had to sneak a look at her boarding pass to find out she was actually heading to Rome. Jenn looks away, incredulous. JENNIFER: My God! JJ: And I'm worried, because when I heard Liam on that phone, he-- A voice interrupts JJ, causing both he and Jennifer to jump. LIAM: ...I was trying to figure out where she was and if she was okay. JJ looks on in fear as Liam walks into the park. --- Sami steps away from the group, taking a moment to step aside and grabs her cell phone. Holding it up, she texts EJ. did u read the news? if not, check the spectator website Sami hits 'send' and looks back up. She talks quietly to herself. SAMI: Hopefully EJ has some insight on how we can make this deal work for us. She smiles slyly before turning back to the crowd and rejoins the conversations. --- Will and Sonny step into the office at Club TBD, and Sonny shuts the door to the room behind him. Will leans against the desk, arms folded, a contemptuous look on his face, while Sonny is looking worried himself, but angered by Will's outburst in the main room. SONNY: There, now we can talk like adults instead of some trashy reality show! WILL: Why? Didn't want your three patrons out there to hear what a rotten liar you are? SONNY: Will, enough! Sonny steps toward Will, his expression and tone become a much cooler, calmer one as he continues. SONNY: I need you to understand what happened today-- WILL: ...Oh, you mean you need to explain why you lied and said you'd be at the Club when you were really...? Sonny looks down, away from Will. Will follows his eyes, making sure Sonny never gets an opportunity to look away from him. Sonny rolls his eyes. WILL: Not gonna tell me? Do I really need to take this ring off, for real? SONNY: How dare you even suggest that...let alone twice. WILL: Sonny, you need to understand something. I have had such an unstable upbringing between all the guys that my mom would force out of her life,and mine, of course...that I don't put up with lies. And if we're going into this on lies, then we aren't going into it at all. You understand me? SONNY: Alright. I get it. Will gestures, waiting for Sonny to spill the beans. WILL: So? I'm waiting. Where were you this afternoon instead of at the club? Sonny sighs heavily, closing his eyes as he confesses. SONNY: I went to see Victor about his company hiring you. Will shakes his head in stunned disbelief. ---

EPISODE 66 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Laura reaches out to Sami, as they stand in the foyer of the DiMera Mansion, and Sami gives Laura a grateful hug, almost needing Laura to keep her upright from the emotional exertion she just went through. SAMI: Thank you so very much, Laura. I....seriously don't know how I could have got through the day without your help. LAURA: It's my pleasure.Sami, you've grown so much, and...I want you to remember, no matter what's happened in your past, whatever you may have said or done, you're a fantastic mother. And I know you love Johnny so very much. Just remember that. Sami nods, trying to hold herself together, wiping away tears from her face. SAMI: I'll try. Umm..hey! Are you going to Brady's memorial today? LAURA: Yes! I was just going to call Marlena and let her know I'm on my way. Did you...did you need a ride over? SAMI: Uh...yeah! I can totally go with you. Let me just...grab my keys and a couple other things. LAURA: Sure. Sami runs into the living room to grab her things, including her tablet. As she picks it up, she sees a notification on the screen. It catches her eye and she unlocks the screen to read it more closely. SAMI: Oh my God! Laura looks up, concerned by Sami's outburst. The screen reads out the headline from the Salem Spectator's website that's gone around town. BREAKING: TITAN TV TO BE SOLD TO PRIVATE INVESTOR Sami looks up at Laura, the shock still on her face. LAURA: Sami? What's wrong? SAMI: Uh...I...nothing. Let's go! Laura seems unconvinced, but smiles halfheartedly anyway, as Sami guides her out the door of the house. --- Will and Gabi lock up the apartment, Gabi rocking the stroller with Ari inside back and forth gently. Will turns to Gabi, still stewing over Sonny's lie. He holds his cell phone in his hand, looking up at Gabi while he texts. WILL: So, I'll meet you and Ari at Town Square? GABI: Sure. I hope you guys are alright. WILL: Yeah...so do I. Gabi leans over to give Will a hug, before heading off. GABI: Okay, I'll see you then. Let me know what happens with Sonny. WILL: Yeah...I will. Will looks up, sighing heavily as he thinks back to Sonny's rushed exit from the apartment. *** FLASHBACK to Episode 64 Sonny turns to grab his jacket from the closet, and calls out to Gabi and Will. SONNY: I have to go for a minute....there's a...uh...problem with a shipment at the club. Meet you at Town Square? WILL: Alright. *** It's T, calling from the club, where a rush of rowdy customers are calling out to T, who's a bit frazzled behind the bar. T: Uh...hey, Will! It's T. Any idea where Sonny is? ... WILL: I...yeah, he's on his way to the club now, T. Didn't he just tell you that? ... T looks confused, looking over his shoulder as he speaks, holding up one finger to a customer. T: Uh, no. Sonny hasn't spoken with us since this morning, dude. Look, it's really busy at the club, and I can't get Sonny to answer his phone, so can you just let him know to come down here ASAP when he can? *** Will shakes his head, as he finishes up his text to Sonny. How r things @ the club? WILL: I'm gonna find out what you're up to, Sonny. --- JJ runs back into the Town Square to try to avoid getting caught by Liam, who was just in the adjacent park. He tries to casually walk over to get his mother's attention before Liam comes back, but is too late, as he turns around to see Liam surprise Jennifer by wrapping his arms around her as she stands at a nearby table. JJ looks on in fear at the exchange, now worried about his mother's safety. --- Maggie knocks on Victor's office door at Titan, as he finishes up putting his documents into his briefcase and closes it up. He looks up and smiles. VICTOR: Maggie! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes! Maggie smiles warmly as she walks into the room, ever so casually. She laughs a bit at Victor's comment, obviously flattered. MAGGIE: Ohh...you're either the sweetest man on Earth, or you had a really rough day. VICTOR: I'd say a bit of both. Maggie smiles again as she walks towards her husband, wrapping her arms around his collar. MAGGIE: You know what? I'll take it. Maggie quickly kisses Victor on the lips before continuing. MAGGIE: Now. I've been busy all morning helping Caroline out with the memorial for Brady, and you still haven't told me whether or not you're even going to be there or not. Victor's face drops at Maggie's implied question. He sighs loudly as he tries to answer. VICTOR: Maggie-- MAGGIE: Victor, come on now. You heard what Hope said. That car was travelling too fast for Brady to survive. Maggie pulls Victor's face to look right into her eyes. She barely blinks as she tries to talk sense to Victor. MAGGIE: Honey, I know you're skeptical. I understand why you would be. But you have to face the real probability that Brady didn't survive that crash. --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og7-6YubuS4 --- At the Town Square, Jenn chats with Marlena, Eric, and Caroline about Brady, while Liam is off at the desserts table that has been set up for the guests. JJ finally sees an opportunity to talk privately to his mother about what he heard Liam say, and excuses himself from his conversation with Kayla, Adrienne and Justin, interrupting Adrienne's comment as politely as he can. JJ: Sorry, Aunt Adrienne, I...just gotta ask my mom something real quick. ADRIENNE: Okay, sure thing, sweetie. JJ: Thanks. JJ smiles as he walks off, over to his mother, tapping her gently on the shoulder. Jenn turns to face him, still with that hint of motherly disappointment thanks to their earlier conversation about Abigail's whereabouts. JJ: Uh, sorry, Mom? JENNIFER: Hey, Honey! JJ: Uh...I...when you got a second free, it's...really important I talk to you...alone. Jenn looks to him, concerned. JENNIFER: Sure. Is something wrong? JJ looks around to make sure Liam's still a ways away. JJ: Uh...yeah. But I think...if we have a minute now might be a good-- As JJ finishes his sentence, Nicole arrives, with a special someone in tow, Chloe. Chloe's arrival stirs everyone in the room and Jenn is immediately distracted by her arrival. Jenn appears pleased but tense with Chloe arriving, reminded of Chloe's machinations from her last visit to Salem. Caroline, however, is pleased to see her. CAROLINE: Chloe! How good to see you! Caroline heads over to give her a hug, as Jenn looks up at JJ and smiles. She leans over and whispers to him. JENNIFER: Yeah, now might be a good time. JJ: Let's go to the park? JENNIFER: Yeah. Jennifer takes JJ by the arm and heads over toward the park. As they head off, Liam heads back to where Jenn had been and can't find her. He scans the crowd and sees nobody, and begins to look around the square in vain. Caroline, Marlena, Eric, and Nicole, meanwhile, hang back to chat with Chloe, catching up with her and reminiscing about Brady. The group is laughing as Chloe tells them stories about her adventures. CHLOE: ...So I've mostly been dealing with the more...mature ladies and gentlemen, that kind of fans instead of screaming teenage girls, you know? MARLENA: I'm so glad your singing is going well for you again. CAROLINE: So am I! We were so worried when you came back from that accident all those years ago. CHLOE: Honestly, it took a lot of time, training, and patience, but...you know...Brady was always there to help me. Chloe begins to choke up, thinking back on Brady. She smiles through her tears. CHLOE: If he hadn't been there for me, I don't think I would've made it back. Oh my God, I'm gonna miss him. Nicole leans over to give Chloe a comforting hug, as Victor walks in with Maggie in tow. Clearly having overheard the end of Chloe's story, he makes his presence known with a snide remark. VICTOR: And it's too bad you did come back, seeing as this whole mess we're in now is your fault. Chloe turns around quickly to face Victor, visibly upset by yet another of his abusive remarks at her expense. --- In the park, JJ leads Jenn, before taking her arm and huddling in closer to her, trying to be as quiet about what he knows as possible. Jenn stands back, concerned for her son. JENNIFER: Okay, what did you need to talk to me about? JJ: Okay, well...before I tell you, you have to promise me you're not gonna freak out. Jenn folds her arms, convinced JJ's done something to make her freak out. JENNIFER: I can't guarantee anything, JJ. JJ: No, Mom, I'm serious. This is...really important, and you need to know. JENNIFER: Know what, JJ? Is this about your sister? Because, honestly, I don't know if I can handle much more bad news about her-- JJ: ...Not...not really. I mean, yes, but... JENNIFER: Oh, God, JJ! What is going on-- JJ: It's about Liam! Jennifer looks at JJ, stopped in her tracks by his connecting Liam to Abigail's departure from Salem. --- Will arrives at Club TBD, and notices the immediately the crowds have dissipated. He looks over to see a relaxed T behind the bar. He notices Will come in and nods at Will in greeting. WILL: Hey, T. So...did Sonny ever come around? T: Nah, man. I'm proud of myself, man. I took care of the whole crowd and CLEANED UP. Look, look, look, look. T reaches into his pockets and pulls out the tips he's collected over the past couple hours. Will looks surprised and laughs with T, slapping his buddy on the back in approval. WILL: Oh my God, that's amazing. Just...just tips? T: 100%, dude! WILL: I...Wow! T: Yep. So...okay, so did you pass along the message to Sonny. WILL: I...no, I never had a chance, I just...was on my way out anyway so I decided to come down myself but...it looks like you got it all under control. T: Yeah, man! Totally! Will looks down at his phone, having felt a buzz in his pocket. T looks over his shoulder. T: That Sonny? WILL: Yeah. Will checks Sonny's message and frowns, shaking his head at Sonny's response: yeah got it all figured out, heading out soon ... Sonny walks casually past the Brady Pub, texting as he walks. The same frown on his face as Will. He sees Will's response come up on his phone: gonna call u. got a question Sonny sighs. SONNY: Uh oh. As Sonny's phone rings, he picks up almost immediately. SONNY: (into phone) Hey Will. ... Will looks off, a bit of a bitchy look on his face as he speaks to Sonny. WILL: (into phone) Hey Sonny, Gabi and I are just heading down the Town Square. I had to pass on a message to T, can I speak to him a moment? ... Sonny's eyes widen, a bit panicked by Will's question. He kicks into action and walks away from the pub toward TBD. SONNY: I, uh...he's downstairs at the moment, just grabbing some condiments for-- ... Will interrupts Sonny, a smug grin on his face as he cuts in. WILL: Oh, never mind. He's right here. Say 'hi', T! Will passes the phone over to T, who awkwardly takes the phone from Will, not sure what he's getting himself into. T: Hey, Sonny! Where were you, man? It was a madhouse down here! ... The colour drains from Sonny's face as he realizes he's been caught. He stops in place, taking a second to figure out what he'll do. Unable to respond for a moment, Sonny stammers as he tries to collect himself enough to continue walking towards the club. SONNY: I...uh...I'll be there in a sec. ... WILL: Yeah, you better be. And you better have a really good explanation, too. Will hangs up the phone, before slamming it down on the bar. Will breathes in deeply, frustrated, hurt, and angry at his fiance for his lie, but also worried what Sonny was actually up to. ---

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