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

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

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

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

EPISODE 78 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Kim sits quietly in Theresa's hospital room, watching her comatose daughter. She looks on, visibly pained by her daughter's condition, as she holds her daughter's limp hand. The sound of the heart monitors beep behind Theresa, the only sound in the room. As Kim squeezes Theresa's hand, the door opens, causing a focused Kim to jump slightly, as she turns her head toward the opening door. Kayla walks slowly in to see her sister and niece. Kim quickly wipes away tears as she greets her sister. KIM: Uh, Kayla! Hi! Kayla smiles with a tempered smile as she walks over to her sister, putting a hand gently on her shoulder as they both watch Theresa's lifeless body. KAYLA: Hey Kim. How are you holding up? KIM: Ohh, you know. Same as always. You? KAYLA: Well, actually...I'm glad I found you. I wanted to tell you before I told Roman or Ma. Kim turns around to face Kayla, a worried look on her face. KIM: Kay? Is everything alright? KAYLA: Oh yeah! No, everything's fine! Don't worry...I...I just have some...well...big news. Kim smiles, a bit confused. Anticipating the worst, she asks her sister the obvious question. KIM: Well...what is it? Kayla breathes in deeply and, taking Kim's hand in hers, makes her announcement. KAYLA: I'm leaving Salem...tonight. Kim looks on, shocked into speechlessness. --- In the hospital cafeteria, Roman stands in the doorway, confused by Valerie Grant's greeting. Marlena stands by Valerie, attempting to figure out how intervene. ROMAN: I...I'm sorry? VALERIE: Chris? Don't you remember me? Valerie Grant. Marlena cuts in to try to stop the situation from escalating. MARLENA: I...uh, think you should know that-- ROMAN: ...Ahh, it's alright, Doc. I remember Valerie. I just can't figure out who de hell she think I am. Valerie furrows her brow slightly, unsure what's going on. VALERIE: What do you mean? You're Chris Kositchek. I mean, you sure look like him, I... ROMAN: Valerie, I'm Roman Brady. You...do remember me, don't you? Valerie looks stunned, now even more confused as she looks Roman up and down, before turning to look at Marlena, who stands, nodding in agreement with Roman. --- Lucas looks around at Sheryl's office, seeing Jordan and a stranger, Jerome sitting all around. He asks Sheryl again his previous question. LUCAS: I asked you what the hell was going on, Sheryl. Now come on! Answer me! Sheryl looks on with a raised, sarcastic eyebrow from behind her desk as Jordan and Jerome look back and forth between Lucas and Sheryl. SHERYL: Obviously, it's a meeting. LUCAS: Between your friend, who's a physiotherapist, and...who are you exactly? Jerome stands up and immediately extends a hand to Lucas, rather formally, catching Lucas off guard. JEROME: My name is Jerome Grant, and you are...? Lucas looks at Jerome with a baffled look as they shake hands, Lucas moving his hand towards Jerome's very reluctantly. LUCAS: Lucas Horton...what...exactly are you doing here, exactly? Sheryl pipes up as the two men firmly shake hands, interjecting from her seat. SHERYL: Ah HE...is an old friend of Jordan's and I. He's...uh...here to help me with a project. LUCAS: A project? SHERYL: Yes, honey. Uh...look, can I...talk to you a second outside? Lucas looks over to Sheryl and nods, unsure what on earth is going on. LUCAS: Uh...sure. Yeah. Sheryl steps out from behind her desk and heads hastily for the door, grabbing Lucas' hand as she heads out. She turns quickly back toward Jordan and Jerome. SHERYL: Great! Okay you two...try not to kill each other while we're gone, yeah? Sheryl flashes a cheeky smile and winks at Jordan and Jerome. Jordan glares back, irritated by Sheryl's behaviour, as Sheryl shuts the door behind them. Jordan immediately turns to Jerome, hissing as she points toward the door. JORDAN: That was too damned close, Jerome? What the Hell are we gonna do? And why the hell are you really here anyway?! --- --- Nicole stands in Town Square, arms folded, her face showing her displeasure plainly to Eric, who separates from a hug with his old friend, Noelle. NOELLE: Uh...Eric? ERIC: Yes, Noelle? NOELLE: This wouldn't happen to be someone you know, would it? Nicole steps forward, never taking her eyes off Noelle as she extends a hand to greet her. Noelle looks cautious as she meets Nicole's hand. They shake, Nicole squeezing Noelle's hand a little too firmly, causing Noelle to resist wincing. NICOLE: Nicole Walker. Eric's girlfriend. You know what that means, don't you? Noelle rolls her eyes quickly as she responds curtly to Nicole. NOELLE: Oh I know well. NICOLE: And you are? NOELLE: Noelle Curtis. Childhood friend of Eric and Sami. Oh, and... Noelle holds up her hand, showing her diamond wedding band off to Nicole. NOELLE: ...a married woman. Happily. Married woman. Nicole looks on, slightly embarrassed at having given Noelle a hard time, but refuses to let it show, and leans back, folding her arms again with a disapproving look on her face. Eric looks on, surprised. ERIC: Married? Noelle turns to face Eric momentarily, putting a hand on his shoulder. NOELLE: I'll explain later. Let's have lunch tomorrow? ERIC: Sure. NOELLE: Great. Good seeing you, Eric. Noelle turns and nods, her face turning quickly to a scowl as she looks to Nicole. NOELLE: Nnnnicky. Nicole doesn't respond verbally to Noelle as Noelle steps past her on her way out, but her returning scowl follows Noelle out as well. Eric observes disapprovingly, and once Noelle's out of earshot, he immediately cuts into Nicole. ERIC: What was that? Nicole, that was unbelievable! Nicole turns back to Eric, surprised and annoyed by Eric's reaction. NICOLE: Excuse me? You wanna stand there trying to tell me how unreasonable I'm being? You're the one who told me that this relationship will never go anywhere because you're so attached to a church that's rejected you because they can't prove you were raped! ERIC: How dare you? NICOLE: I could ask you the same thing. Don't waste my time moralizing about God's laws when you can't even figure out that He's obviously not here for you. ERIC: Nicole! Nicole holds her hand up to stop Eric from speaking. Getting emotional, she finishes. NICOLE: Seriously, Eric, you know what? If you ever find your brains, come find me at the station, figuring out who my new boss is. Excuse me. Nicole storms off, leaving a stunned Eric behind, looking on as she walks away. --- Marlena steps over to guide Roman in closer, as Valerie stumbles over her words, trying to form an apology to Roman. VALERIE: I...I don't understand. Wh...what's going on? MARLENA: Uhh...Roman...came back looking somewhat....different last time. He uh...he had an accident and... VALERIE: And came back looking like someone else? MARLENA: Well...it's a long story. VALERIE: I'd love to hear it. Marlena tries to shake the awkward moment she, Valerie, and Roman are sharing, and clasps her hands together tightly. MARLENA: Ah, well...we can maybe do that in my office? Valerie, I have something...important to talk with...both of you about? That...research I was hoping you could do? Valerie takes a moment, still transfixed by Roman's similarity to Chris, before she turns to Marlena, and nods in agreement. VALERIE: Ah, yes! Yes. Let's do that. Roman? ROMAN: Lead the way. Valerie looks Marlena's way, conveying her astoundment at the situation. Marlena motions to Valerie to head for the door after Roman, and she complies, with Marlena following close behind. --- Kim sits up in a chair beside Theresa's bed as Kayla sits down across from her. KIM: I...I don't understand, Kay. I mean...why are you leaving, it's so... KAYLA: Sudden? Yeah. Well, see John was in town for Brady's memorial service and...well, he asked me to come over with him to...Europe. KIM: Why? KAYLA: Well, it seems like Steve needs my help with something so...John's going to fly me out. Kim looks at Kayla, observing the concern in her eyes. She turns her head slightly and reaches out to hold her sister's hand. KIM: I know you wouldn't leave so suddenly without a good reason. So...is everyone okay? Should I be worried? I mean... KAYLA: No, no, no, no, no, no. Kim, no. Don't worry. In fact, when I get back, we may have some really good news for everyone. Kim smiles, squeezing Kayla's hand as Kayla puts her other hand over top of Kim's. KIM: I hope so. How long will you be away? Kayla shrugs, trying to fight tears off. KAYLA: Oh, I don't know. As long as it takes. Few weeks, few months. CAROLINE: Well, I hope it's sooner than that. I can only afford so many plane tickets to see my kids, you know. Kayla and Kim turn around to see Caroline standing in the doorway. KAYLA: Ma! CAROLINE: And just when were you gonna tell me you were leaving town? I had to hear it from Maggie. Kayla gets up from her seat and walks over to Caroline, giving her a big hug. KAYLA: I'm sorry, Ma. I just...it was so last minute, It's a bit of an emergency. CAROLINE: Why? What's wrong? Kayla hesitates to say anything, but continues. KAYLA: Nothing. Nothing's....wrong. In fact, if this all goes to plan, a lot of things may be right. Caroline looks on, a bit confused. KAYLA: Just...trust me, Ma. I'll be fine. I'll fill you in when I can. Caroline mulls it over a moment, before coming to accept Kayla's words, nodding before putting a hand on Kayla's shoulder. CAROLINE: Well...just make sure that you keep me updated on how Joey is doing, okay? KAYLA: I will. And I'm so sorry to just...up and leave like this. It's just... CAROLINE: Don't worry about it now. You can explain it to me later. Just be safe. Caroline and Kayla return to their hug, as Kim gets up and slowly comes over, wrapping her arms around Caroline and Kayla as well. They share a laugh as they cry softly. --- Jerome smiles and almost begins laughing aloud at Jordan's histrionics. Sauntering across the room, before leaning against Sheryl's desk casually. JEROME: You know? I almost miss your...melodramatic way, you know? Jordan rolls her eyes at Jerome, reacting with disgust at his coolness. JORDAN: Oh, don't you dare patronize me, Jerome. You know this isn't the first close call. JEROME: Oh, I know! That's why we need to begin meeting at a more discreet location. JORDAN: OH? Where's that, exactly? Jerome smiles cheekily. JEROME: Your place. Jordan's eyes widen in disbelief. JORDAN: Wha...Absolutely NOT! You can't... JEROME: Oh, I can. And I will. And I think that Sheryl would agree with me. Jordan folds her arms, shaking her head in disbelief. JORDAN: I cannot believe you. You know, now I remember why we broke up. Jerome keeps smiling, trying not to laugh. JEROME: Oh really? Why's that? JORDAN: Because you never take anything seriously. Nothing I say, nothing I do. Anything that happens is a joke. My reactions, my concerns. Look at you! You're trying not to laugh as we speak, I mean, I can't believe Sheryl still wants to work with you at all! JEROME: And yet, she does. And you're gonna have to get used to that. Jordan stands, displeased by Jerome's obstinance. ... Sheryl turns Lucas around abruptly and grabs the lapels of his suit, pulling him in for a quick kiss on the lips that's still full of passion. Lucas relaxes almost immediately. LUCAS: So...what's this...project? Sheyl leans back, slowly opening her eyes from her seductive kiss and smiles widely. SHERYL: Mmmm....I can't tell you yet. LUCAS: Oh? It's for me then? SHERYL: Suffice to say you'll be incredibly surprised...and VERY pleased that I didn't tell you anything right now. LUCAS: Ehhh, I like the sound of that. Sheryl giggles slightly, never taking her eyes off Lucas. SHERYL: I knew you would. Now you...get back to work. I gotta finish these plans up, okay? Sheryl jabs Lucas gently with her finger as she directs him away. Lucas reluctantly complies. LUCAS: Ohhh fine, if you insist. SHERYL: I do. Come on now, people will talk. LUCAS: Yeah, well, I'm their boss so they better not. I'll see you tonight? SHERYL: Always. The two kiss quickly as Lucas darts off down the hallway. The relief and relaxation as Sheryl sees Lucas leave is clear on her face, as she rolls her eyes back, shoulders dropping as she turns to head back into her office. SHERYL: God, I wish I could get away with drinking at the office sometimes. ... Jordan turns abruptly to Jerome and, holding back a bit, speaks to him. JORDAN: You know, I think we were doing pretty damn good without you. So you know how to manipulate a computer. So what? Sheryl opens the door at this moment and steps in in time for Jerome to respond. She hangs back to listen to him. JEROME: The difference is that without me, neither of you would have gotten out of that prison cell in Canada, you'd never have made it back into the States, and you never would have made it to Salem so you could go screw up your lives all over again. You want my honest opinion? You shoulda thanked me for saving your ass. And instead, you dump my ass for some cop? SHERYL: Far be it for me to interrupt a personal moment... Jordan and Jerome jump in surprise as Sheryl breaks up their tense moment. Sheryl calmly continues. SHERYL: ...But we had better get to work right now...or we are all going to end up right back in those prison cells. --- Kate sits in her office when her office phone rings. She quickly picks it up, hardly breaking her focus from her work. KATE: Ahh, I see you're at your desk for once, Francince...Lucas? Sure, let him in. Kate hangs up the phone, and a second later Lucas walks in, a concerned tension on his face and his walk that alarms Kate immediately. KATE: Rough morning? LUCAS: Oh yeah, we got problems. KATE: What kind? LUCAS: With Jordan and Sheryl, mom. I don't know how much longer I can keep up this charade. We need to stop them. NOW. ---

EPISODE 77 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Valerie and Marlena sit in the cafeteria in University Hospital, sipping on coffee as they pick away at their lunch. The old friends smile as they catch up. Marlena pulls a picture from her wallet. MARLENA: So this is my daughters Belle and Sami. VALERIE: What beautiful young women they are...Wow. Roman must be so proud of them. Marlena looks down awkwardly, which Valerie catches. VALERIE: Okay, Marlena...you gotta get me up to speed on this whole...Roman situation. What happened between you two? Marlena nearly spits out her coffee at Valerie's unintentionally loaded question. MARLENA: Valerie, if you wanted me to fill you in on that, you'd need all afternoon, not just a lunch date. Valerie smiles, laughing quietly, but realizing how out of the loop she's been. She furrows her brow subtly as she responds. VALERIE: Cliff notes? Marlena puts down her coffee, trying hard to hide her frustration at Valerie's persistance, but Valerie catches on, and holds up her hands. VALERIE: Okay...if you don't want to talk about it... MARLENA: No no. It's just...it's very complicated. (sigh) Basically...we thought we had lost Roman...many many years ago....not to...get into too much detail but...a man came to town. John Black. We...we all thought he was Roman and...I married him. VALERIE: But Roman was alive the whole time? MARLENA: He had been held prisoner...for seven years. And then they kidnapped me as well. Valerie looks on, shocked by Marlena's story. VALERIE: My God! Marlena, I'm...so sorry. Marlena smiles re-assuringly. She puts her hand over Valerie's. MARLENA: It's alright. We managed to escape. Either way, once we were all back in Salem...things got complicated. John and I had an affair...and that's how we had Belle. VALERIE: I see. Is....that why you and Roman aren't together anymore. Marlena nods with a hint of sadness. Valerie looks at Marlena with a sympathetic face. VALERIE: I'm sorry to hear. MARLENA: Oh it's okay. That was a long time ago. I just wish things were going well with John now. Marlena stares off in a distance as she thinks over her recent problems with John, and their divorce. --- Daniel stands by the nurses' station at the hospital, trying to step between Billie and and angry Kim, who has caught Billie and Daniel in a warm embrace. DANIEL: Okay...Kimberly, I want you to understand something here. This hospital is extremely well-protected without a police guard. There will always be someone within eyeshot of Theresa's room, so all this talk about a police guard is unneccessary. Okay? KIM: Says the man that I just caught hugging the woman I have a restraining order against. Come on, Daniel. I'm not stupid. Daniel sighs, as Billie rolls her eyes. Giving up, Billie presses the down button on the elevator. BILLIE: Look. I have to get back to Titan, but, Kim. Just...let it go. I'm not going to see Theresa, okay? I'm respecting your wishes. KIM: If that's the case, then why are you here? BILLIE: Believe it or not, I have friends at this hospital that aren't named Theresa. I had to go see Jennifer for a moment, if you must know. Alright? So just relax and call your dogs off. The door to the elevator opens, with Billie staring Kim down as she steps on, making a snarky remark before leaving. BILLIE: But I will not stop caring about Theresa. And when she wakes up, you better hope she doesn't put a restraining order out against you. Especially conseridering how well you two get on. Have a nice day, Kim. Daniel? I'll see you at Club TBD? Billie steps onto the elevator, while Kim stares her down as the doors close. Kim points to Billie as she looks up at Daniel, who's had quite enough of Kim, himself. KIM: Do you see that? And you try to explain to me why I shouldn't have a police guard up. Daniel finally snaps, looking over Kim's head as he shouts out at her. DANIEL: Okay, Kim, ENOUGH! There will be no guards for Theresa's room and that's final, got it?? Kim looks at Daniel, stunned and disgusted by his strong reaction, and his domineering. --- Eric walks through Town Square, deep in thought as he quickly grabs his phone from his pocket to check a newly received text message. As he does, he continues walking. Turning the corner by Tom & Alice's tree, he slams into a woman passing by, who jumps back before she falls down, herself not having paid close enough attention. NOELLE: Oh God, watch...! ERIC: I'm so sorr-- Eric stands back, shocked to see Noelle again. Eric looks on, at a loss for words momentarily, as is Noelle. ERIC: Noelle Curtis...what are you doing here? --- --- Eric offers a hand to Noelle as he lifts her up off the ground of Horton Town Square. The both smile, surprised to see each other again after so long. NOELLE: My God! Eric Brady, it's been...ages! Noelle leans over and gives Eric a warm hug. Eric smiles and hugs back. ERIC: It's been a...long while. You're looking...fantastic. Eric pulls out of the hug and, still holding her hands, backs away from her to see how beautiful she looks. Noelle smiles, flattered by Eric's compliment. NOELLE: You're not looking so bad yourself. I heard you...have had...quite a year. Eric's face drops, as he nods, a sad look across his face. ERIC: ...Or two. Yeah, you could definitely make a case. But I'm pulling through. NOELLE: Good. I'm glad. Yeah, it's...definitely not be an easy year for me either. ERIC: I heard about your dad. I'm sorry to hear. Neil and my mom were good friends for a very long time. Noelle smiles half-heartedly, a certain sadness in her eyes. She nods as she looks down, deep in thought in a way, as she continues to talk to Eric. NOELLE: Yeah. It wasn't easy on any of us. Especially since now I'm...helping to support her. Eric looks shocked by Noelle's revelation. He looks into Noelle's eyes with a deep concern. ERIC: What?? Noelle holds up her one hand to motion to Eric not to panic. NOELLE: It's...not a big deal, don't worry. I'm taking it all in stride. I'm just...gonna have to make it work is all. ERIC: Well, I hope it does work itself out. Hey, how long are you in town for? 'Cause I really would love you to meet everyone, catch up with me and Sami and... Noelle laughs at Eric's enthusiasm as she interrupts him to give him her news. As she does, Nicole appears from the opposite end of Horton Town Square and spies Eric and Noelle speaking. She hangs back, observing their body language from afar. NICOLE: Who the Hell is that? Noelle smiles and responds to Eric. NOELLE: Well...we'll have plenty of time for all that. I'm staying in Salem...hopefully for good. Eric's eyes light up at the news. He smiles widely, still standing hand-in-hand with her. ERIC: Really?? NOELLE: Really! ERIC: That's fantastic! Eric pulls Noelle back in for a big hug as Nicole looks on. Now blind with jealous rage, she storms over to Eric and Noelle and, upon approaching them, makes herself known. NICOLE: And just what in the HELL is going on here? Eric pulls away from Noelle and turns to face Nicole, his face immediately twisted into one of confused displeasure. --- Jordan sits down at Sheryl's desk, sitting in a chair next to Jerome. Sheryl leans over her desk, placing down before the both of them a single page each. Jordan squints at the page as she picks it up, looking up at a smirking Sheryl as she scans the page. JORDAN: You're serious about this? SHERYL: Absolutely. Jordan sets the paper down on Sheryl's desk. She looks over incredulously at Jerome. JORDAN: You're going to steal all the data Titan has on EnerNext from their mainframe and cover your tracks with a virus? SHERYL: Not just any virus, Jordan. That's why I brought Jerome back to help us. He can explain it a lot better than I can. Sheryl motions to Jerome to continue. He smiles wryly and begins, hands clasped together as he sits casually at his seat. JEROME: We will be accessing that specific server only. Once the files are accessed and copied, which should only take about twenty minutes, we would have to cover our tracks to avoid any chance of Titan's security system catching the transfer. As a result, we will systematically corrupt and effectively paralyze the Titan servers, top to bottom. JORDAN: And what if the firewall stops us before then? I mean, wouldn't someone not get a warning that there was a breach in the firewall? SHERYL: Not if Jerome's plan goes correctly. Jerome looks over to Jordan, who is still a bit lost on the logistics of the plan. JEROME: There is a hole in every firewall. We just have to figure out where it is, and take advantage of it. SHERYL: Once we're in, we take what we need, and then effectively set fire to the house. Jordan looks at Sheryl, unimpressed, and responds sarcastically. JORDAN: Sounds extreme. JEROME: It's the best way. It's effectively untraceable, destroys Titan's inner workings, which will cost them millions if not billions, and whatever we collect on the project will go straight to the media, which will put the final nail in Titan's coffin. Jerome turns to Sheryl at this point, pointing and smiling, looking impressed. JEROME: Oh, and by the way. Great work with the Titan TV sale. I didn't think you could pull that one off, but it helps us out big time. SHERYL: Thank you. JORDAN: Won't that still be a bit of a battle? I mean, I'm sure there's a boatload of Titan loyalists still left at the station. I can't imagine they'd be thrilled with this. Jerome looks back to Jordan, a wry smile on his face, and a glimmer in his eye. JEROME: Trust me. When the man isn't signing their cheques, they'll take him down in a heartbeat for a good story. You can believe that. SHERYL: And truth be told, I'm certain that by the end of the week, there won't be a Titan for them to worry about anyway, and we'll be miles away by then. As she finishes her sentence, Sheyl looks up shocked as the door to her office swings open. Lucas looks on, confused by the scene he sees in front of him. LUCAS: Miles away from where? Sheryl looks on, stunned and at a loss for words as Jordan and Jerome turn to see Lucas in the doorway. LUCAS: Sheryl, what the Hell is going on here? --- Daniel pulls Kim into his office, with Kim attempting to free herself from his clutches, as he shuts the door. Kim pulls off him, finally, and curses him as she feels her not-as-sore-as-she's-making-out upper arm. Daniel leans against his desk and points a finger at Kim as he starts in on her. KIM: Let go of me! What kind of neanderthal are you? DANIEL: One that's concerned about your daughter's well-being. Daniel stops a moment, relaxing somewhat as his tone changes to a more reserved, concerned one. DANIEL: ...And yours. Kim looks up from studying her arm for bruising. She squints at Daniel in wonder. KIM: My well-being? (laughs) Daniel, I've been through...so much worse than this. DANIEL: Yeah, and how did you handle that? Kim looks away a moment, annoyed by Daniel's interference. KIM: I don't want to get into this with you, okay? Daniel raises his voice, hoping to stifle Kim's objections. DANIEL: You need to, Kimberly! Daniel stops a moment before softening his tone again, his eyes unmoving from Kim's. DANIEL: Your daughter has been in a terrible accident. The longer she's in that coma, the greater the chance she'll never wake up from it. Now, I want to do everything I can to make sure she does wake up, but that includes her being surrounded by friends and family that will help her heal. And whether you want to admit it or not...that includes Billie. Kim looks away at the window, shaking her head in denial. As she responds to Daniel, she becomes increasingly emotional, tears beginning to form in her eyes. KIM: That woman has caused us nothing but pain. She's torn every bit of stability and normacly away from that girl. And just when I finally get my daughter back... Kim stops a moment to collect herself as she begins to break down. Daniel looks on, sympathetically, but folds his arms and stays put, not wanting to step towards Kim. KIM: I can't take any chances with this, Daniel. Billie Reed poisoned my daughter against me, and I'm not going to let her near my daughter again, ever! Daniel looks down, retaining his composure as best he can as he takes in Kim's emotion. DANIEL: It's not right. And you know it. Kim nearly hollers over Daniel, refusing to accept what he has to say. KIM: Oh to HELL with what's right for Billie! She has no right to insert herself into this. DANIEL: Okay, Kim...I want you to realize something. Okay? I saw Billie with Theresa, and I saw how much Billie cares about that girl getting better. That kind of energy is sometimes exactly what can make the difference between someone coming back out of a coma, and someone never waking up. Kim stays silent, wiping away her tears as she listens to Daniel. DANIEL: But I have to respect that restraining order. If I don't, I run the risk of losing my job, and my licence. Why would I risk that? Just...don't let this anger consume you, Kim. Billie may be in my life, but that's not gonna give her special privilege where Theresa's concerned. You need to trust that. Kim stops a moment, mulling over what Daniel's said before continuing. KIM: Okay...fine, I won't ask for a guard for Theresa's room, and I will respect...whatever thing you have going with her...but if I ever catch Billie Reed in my daughter's hospital room again, so help me, you will live to regret it. Do you understand me? And trust me, if she's in there, I WILL find out. I can guarantee you. Daniel looks up again, afraid to even make a response against Kim's strong reaction. --- In the hospital cafeteria, Valerie studies Marlena's troubled expression with concern of her own. VALERIE: What do you mean by that? Is everything okay with you and John? Marlena sighs as she answers, not able to quite look Valerie in the eyes, hoping to retain her composure. MARLENA: No, I can't say that they are. We're getting a divorce. Marlena feigns a smile, as Valerie reaches out across the table to touch Marlena's hand in comfort. VALERIE: I'm really sorry to hear that. But I'll tell you something, you look a hell of a lot more conflicted than sad about this. Marlena...are...are you sure this is what you want? Marlena looks down, contemplating Valerie's question. She slowly nods, before looking back up at her friend to answer her question. MARLENA: Yes. Yes, it's probably for the best. Too much water's passed under the bridge, and as much as I don't want to admit it, I have much more important priorities to consider right now. Valerie raises an eyebrow at Marlena's vague statement. VALERIE: Such as...? MARLENA: What to do about Roman. VALERIE: What do you mean? Is he okay? Marlena takes a sip of her coffee before answering. Putting the cup down, she shakes her head subtly, hoping to maintain discretion concerning his situation. MARLENA: No. And actually, that's something I really should ask you about, especially with your expertise in neurology. VALERIE: Absolutely, anything. Marlena leans in, looking around to make sure no one could be listening in on them as she softly asks Valerie her question. MARLENA: Roman's been having very...bizarre memory lapses and these...strange moments that almost seem like the beginnings of dementia... VALERIE: It very well could be, but he's so young, that's a surprise to me. MARLENA: To me too. And it comes so soon after his mother's diagnosis with Alzheimer's as well. But, that's the thing. The symptoms don't quite line up. Valerie looks on, head tilted slightly in confusion. VALERIE: How do you mean? MARLENA: I mean that something in my gut is telling me something else is happening to him. And I need you to figure out what it is. VALERIE: I'll do whatever I can. Marlena smiles at Valerie warmly. MARLENA: Thank you. I'll be meeting with Roman after lunch so maybe we can have a chat with him then. VALERIE: Sounds good to me, I'm free for a little while longer, so I don't mind at a... Before Valerie can finish her sentence, she spots another familiar face walk through the door of the cafeteria, looking for someone. She spots Roman immediately and calls out to him as she stands up, smiling widely. VALERIE: Chris Kositchek! Aren't you a sight for sore eyes! Roman looks at Valerie, bewildered, and as though looking at a stranger, as Marlena looks on, a flash of deep concern hits her as she looks quickly back and forth between Roman and Valerie. ---

EPISODE 75 Written by A. Washington-Beeby Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson Sami stands in the DiMera living room, her arm being firmly grasped by Nick, who's attempting to stare her down. Sami glares back, determined with every fibre of her being not to allow him to. SAMI: Nick. Let go of my arm. NICK: Will you at least hear me out. Sami finally wavers, looking down at where Nick's grasping her arm. She sighs in defeat. SAMI: Sure. Nick releases Sami as she forcefully breaks away from him simultaneously. She steps back away from Nick as she looks back toward him, while holding her arm where Nick held it. SAMI: Who knew such a skinny little rat had such a strong grip. Ow. NICK: I'll take it as a compliment. Sami snaps, cutting Nick off before he can continue his 'witty' banter. SAMI: Just what do you want, Nick? Nick ensures the doors to the living room are shut and saunters ever-so-slowly over to the sofa. He casually sits down and looks at Sami. NICK: We had an agreement, did we not? SAMI: What do you mean? I've done everything you've asked of me. NICK: Except...neither you, nor Kate have offered Gabi that modelling job I requested you to give her. Sami rolls her eyes at Nick's persistent request. --- At the board room at University Hospital, the crowd of staff are aghast at Dr. Kayla Brady's revelation that she will be quitting her position as Chief of Staff. MAXINE: Dr. Brady, how soon are you leaving us? KAYLA: Today will be my last day. The crowd is even more shocked by this turn of events. Kayla immediately tries to cool down the crowd, talking over each other in shock and dismay. KAYLA: Everybody! Calm down! It's...not a big deal, I swear! MARLENA: Kayla, what's wrong? Why are you leaving? Kayla tries to hold back, recalling John's request that she tell nobody of her plans. She inhales deeply as she answers Marlena. KAYLA: I...have a bit of a...personal trip I'm going to need to take. I'll be in Africa for the forseeable future with Joey and Steve. MAXINE: Well we, at the hospital, are gonna miss you, Kayla. And I am gonna throw you one hell of a going-away party. The crowd cheers Maxine's plan on as Kayla stands awkwardly, again trying to silence the crowd. KAYLA: I'm...I'm sorry to disappoint anyone...but I will be leaving tonight. There won't be time for a goodbye party. However... Kayla has to take a moment over the sound of disappointment from the staff. She holds her hands up once again to try to calm the crowd. KAYLA: However...I do have some great news, especially for those of us who have been at University Hospital for a long time. I'd like to welcome our new chief of staff. An old friend of ours with an extensive resume here and in Europe. It's my honour to welcome back to Salem, and to University Hospital...Dr. Valerie Grant. The door to the board room opens as the group filling the room turn to see Valerie standing in the doorway. Applause slowly builds in the room as Valerie steps in, smiling widely as she looks around the room. --- --- Rafe and Jordan lie in bed together at Rafe's, cuddled naked together comfortably in their sleep. Rafe begins to stir from his sleep, which rouses Jordan. She turns to face Rafe, who puts his arm around her, as they gently kiss good morning. RAFE: Well if there was a better way to wake up, I sure don't know about it. Jordan giggles as she quickly kisses Rafe again, never taking her smiling eyes off his. JORDAN: I could get used to this being every morning. RAFE: Mmm...I like the sound of that. As they roll over again, Rafe now on top of Jordan under the sheets as they begin to kiss more intensely, their eyes shut as Jordan wraps her arms around Rafe's neck, pulling him in closely to her. This would be when Jordan's cell phone begins ringing, prompting Rafe and Jordan to stop suddenly, but after a moment's shock, Jordan realizes who it likely is and chooses to ignore it, grabbing the back of Rafe's head and pulling it back towards her. After another moment of kissing, Rafe leans back up again. RAFE: Aren't you gonna get that? JORDAN: No. Another kiss, Jordan is determined to distract Rafe from her ringing phone, but Rafe stops again, starting to exasperate Jordan. RAFE: Jordan, that could be important. JORDAN: It isn't. Trust me. I just wanna focus on you right now. Jordan looks seductively at Rafe, her hands running up and down his chest and shoulders. Rafe smiles back at Jordan, as Jordan's phone goes silent, the call going to voice mail. Rafe and Jordan get back into the mood, as Rafe leans in again, starting to kiss down Jordan's neck and slowly kissing down it toward her chest, causing Jordan to stir pleasurably. Jordan's phone begins to ring again. This time Rafe immediately slumps down in frustration, while Jordan flops back as well, staring at the ceiling. JORDAN: I guess I have to get that now. RAFE: Yyyup! Rafe sighs as he rolls back over off of Jordan, who leans over to grab her phone off the bedside table. Naturally, it's Sheryl. ... Sheryl sits at her office desk, dressed impeccibly as always. She sits in her office chair, relaxed, and looking over at someone sitting across from her on the other side of her desk. SHERYL: Finally! ... JORDAN: Ugh...Hi. ... SHERYL: Don't be so happy to hear from me! Where were you? ... JORDAN: Just in bed, I'm not due into work for another two hours so...we were taking it easy. ... SHERYL: What can I say? I've got a gift for timing. Listen, I need you to head over to Titan, ASAP. ... JORDAN: Now? ... SHERYL: No time like the present. I got a surprise for you. ... Jordan's eyes widen, realizing what this means. She stutters a bit before speaking, trying to hide her sudden panic from a concerned Rafe. JORDAN: I'll...I'll be right there. Hanging up her phone, Rafe looks on with concern as Jordan immediately starts to get up from her bed. Rafe paws at her in a vain attempt to keep her in bed. RAFE: Wait, wait, wait, you're not going so soon, are you? We were just getting started! JORDAN: I know, and I'm sorry, but...patient at the hospital is in a...really really bad way right now and they need me there early. Rafe sighs, not able to argue with Jordan's job. He starts to get up from the bed himself, reluctantly. RAFE: Fair enough. But I think we've got time for some time alone, still. Jordan goes pilfering through her drawers quickly, looking for clothes for work and not paying attention as Rafe walks over behind her, still naked himself. JORDAN: No we don't, I really need to go. Jordan stops suddenly and turns back toward the door, bumping immediately into an upright, smiling Rafe. She looks up in a bit of shock at him as he holds her arms in his hands. RAFE: I can help wash your back at least. Jordan smiles back, almost giggling at Rafe's suggestion. --- Sheryl puts down her phone at the office and looks back at her guest. She laughs as she begins to speak to him. SHERYL: I caught her in a bit of a...personal moment. The man she talks to looks back her way, having a bit of a chuckle as he replies to her. SHERYL: You know, it's good to have you back with us, Jerome. Now our plans are finally gonna start to really gel. You know? Jerome looks back from the chair opposite Sheryl, hands clasped together, one leg crossed over the other casually as he sits in his smartest pinstripe suit. JEROME: Well, let's hope Jordan thinks so. Otherwise you may find youself in over your heads, and I guarantee you, you'll end up drowning. --- Valerie steps up the head of the table in the board room, and begins to address the group. VALERIE: Well, I told you I'd come back, I just...didn't expect it to take so long! Everyone laughs, including Valerie, as she continues on, in a more serious tone. VALERIE: But in all seriousness, I am thrilled and honoured to return to University Hospital. I spent a very long time away, and I've missed seeing so many familiar faces. I'm so glad to be back! the crowd applauds, as Valerie looks around, a smile on her face. VALERIE: I would like to thank Dr. Kayla Brady for recommending me for this position. I know we haven't seen each other in a long time, but I'm grateful that you thought of me, and I will do my best not to disappoint you. Kayla and Valerie hug, as the crowd applauds again, and Marlena heads up to greet her old friend. MARLENA: Hello, stranger! VALERIE: Marlena! Ohh it's so good to see you again! How are you? MARLENA: I've been well. Lots has happened since I last saw you! The two women laugh as Marlena and Valerie stand, holding each other's hands. VALERIE: Well, listen, I'd love to catch up with you, if you're able to. Maybe we can meet up today for lunch? MARLENA: I'd love to, but I'm meeting Roman for lunch already. Unless you'd want to join us. I know it's been an eternity since you've seen him! VALERIE: I'd LOVE to! Absolutely! Are you two still married? Marlena looks off to the side whimsically, and answers with a bit of a laugh, as she turns to head out of the room, putting her hand on Valerie's shoulder. MARLENA: That's...a very, very long story. Valerie looks on, a bit confused as the two women walk toward the door. --- Sami plays cool with Nick, though she's clearly exasperated by his persistence. SAMI: We've played this game before, Nick. Remember? You trying to get Gabi a modelling job so that you could whisk her away to New York and live happily-ever-after with my son's baby? And how did that turn out, exactly? NICK: I dunno, you tell me. SAMI: As I recall, it went over as well as...well (laughs) a giant boulder. NICK: Don't try to be clever, Sami. It doesn't suit you. That's more of a...Nicole thing. Sami glowers at Nick, unable to resist his obvious baiting. She bites back loudly. SAMI: Say what you need to say and get out, Nick! Nick doesn't move from the sofa, instead smiling widely, knowing that he got a rise out of Sami. NICK: Offer Gabi a modeling contract. Make her a contract, have me vet it. If you get sneaky, I'll catch it, so don't try to put any clause in there that could upset me. Because you don't want me upset, Sami. Sami rolls her eyes and folds her arms, knowing Nick's won. SAMI: Fine. I'll draw it up. Now get out. Sami grabs her bag and heads to the door, opening it, then standing by it and motioning to Nick to leave. Nick gets up but turns away from her, facing the doorway to the garden, pinching the bridge of his nose, but trying to hide it from Sami, who senses something is off. She steps forward slightly, trying to catch Nick's attention. Nick is distracted by the surge of pain in his head. SAMI: Did I stutter? Nick draws himself up and turns around, still feeling the pain in his head, but working his best to not appear weakened. NICK: Just remember, don't even think about double-crossing me, or you'll have an awful lot to answer for, to a lot of people. See ya! Nick waves, and sets off walking casually out the door of the DiMera living room, as Sami rolls her eyes. She sighs heavily as she grabs her bag, and leaves the living room herself, shutting the living room door behind her. --- Jordan storms into Sheryl's office, visibly irritated by being summoned yet again. She sighs audibly as she greets Sheryl. JORDAN: You summoned, m'lady? SHERYL: I told you I had a surprise for you. Jordan stops as her face drops, as the colour drains from it, looking down as the chair in front of Sheryl's desk turns around slowly. Jerome appears, smiling slyly as he does. JEROME: Hey stranger. JORDAN: Jerome.... Jordan breathes in deeply, trying to maintain as the shock hits her. ---