Sunday, September 24, 2017

DAYS #127: Stefano's partner appears at the mansion, Billie and Kate go over their options (08/12/14)

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EPISODE 127
Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson

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John and Anjelica sit next to each other in First Class on the flight from Paris to Salem. John sits, looking at the Salem Spectator headline displayed on Anjelica's tablet:

DEVERAUX KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN: DISGRACED SENATOR'S EX-WIFE ENTERS GOVERNOR'S RACE

He looks up at Anjelica, as she looks back, a wry smile on her face.

JOHN: Governor Anjelica Deveraux, hm?

John hands Anjelica back her tablet, as she moves to put it away in her bag.

ANJELICA: That's the plan. I mean, I could've done with a slightly less antagonistic headline, but I'll take the free publicity.
JOHN: Well, these days, is there really any such thing as bad publicity?

Anjelica points John's way playfully.

ANJELICA: Touché, Mr. Black.

John laughs at Anjelica, as the flight crew make an announcement through the loudspeaker.

FLIGHT ATTENDANT: (via speaker) Attention, passengers. We are commencing our descent into Salem International Airport. Would all passengers please take their seats, and fasten their seatbelts as we prepare for landing in Salem.

Anjelica looks John's way, a broad smile on her face as she buckles her seatbelt.

ANJELICA: Well. Look out, Salem. Anjelica's comin' home!

---

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Billie walks into Club TBD, finding Kate sitting at a booth alone, sipping a gin martini. Billie sighs as she looks at her mother, heading over to sit with her. Kate looks up, a half-hearted smile on her face as she sets her drink down.

BILLIE: Isn't it a bit early to be drinking, Mom?

Kate sets her drink down on the table, choosing to ignore Billie's comment.

KATE: You were looking for me, I presume.

Billie crosses her arms as she stops in front of Kate's table.

BILLIE: You're damned right, I was. Mom, I was worried the way you just...ran off like that after talking with Rafe.
KATE: Well, it took you awhile to find me.

Kate looks up and gestures to Billie to come sit with her.

KATE: Well, don't just stand there glaring, come sit.

Billie sits down across from Kate in the booth. She leans in toward her mother and speaks to her sternly.

BILLIE: I figured you went to the office, so I went there.
KATE: I couldn't focus. I just needed some time alone. You know, just to...process everything that's happened.

Billie looks down, then nods her head in understanding.

BILLIE: I get it. But you need to understand, you played a part in creating this situation, Mom.

Kate rolls her eyes, immediately retorting to Billie.

KATE: I know, I know, you can blame it all on me. I should've vetted this woman better before inflicting her and her psychotic best friend on all of Salem, I get it. Alright?

Billie sighs, looking down again with regret.

BILLIE: I'm sorry, Mom. I shouldn't have said that.
KATE: It's okay. I know you're just trying to help. But I need to understand there's no way to fix this.

Billie nods, before looking up at her mother, who finishes her martini.

KATE: Now...let's focus on things we CAN control. You were just at the office. Any new developments?

Billie sighs heavily as she gives a worried look Kate's way. Kate catches this and her face echoes Billie's.

KATE: What happened?
BILLIE: We may not have as much control over what's happening next as you think.

---

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Kim and Roman sit in the Brady Pub at a booth. Kim leans in toward Roman, her hand cupping his across the table. Roman looks at Kim, a grave sadness in his eyes. Kim looks back at him, a deep concern in hers.

KIM: Roman, I don't want you to think that I'm trying to push you to retire...or to do anything you don't want to do. But...
ROMAN: But you think that these...memory lapses I'm having are starting to affect my ability to do my job.

Kim looks away from Roman for a second before slowly nodding.

KIM: Yeah. I do.

Kim's eyes looks back into Roman's, an earnest concern still plain in her eyes, as Roman looks back, disappointed by his sister's assessment.

---



---

Roman looks on, as he contemplates what his sister has told him. He sighs before responding.

ROMAN: Look....Kimmy, I know....I've been having some...lapses in my memory. But you need to understand...I need this job. It's the only thing keeping me going every day. I...

Kim squeezes her brother's hand. She looks deep into his eyes, and nods before answering her brother.

KIM: I know. I know, you're...you haven't had an easy few years, but...Roman, your line of work, it's...(sigh) people's lives are on the line here. I don't know how responsible it is for you to carry on working on the police force on the front lines making decisions like that.
ROMAN: Kimmy, I...

Kim interrupts Roman, trying to clarify her position.

KIM: I know. But...I had an idea. And...jJust....tell me you'll think about it.

Roman sips his coffee, unsure about what his sister's about to suggest.

ROMAN: I'm listening.
KIM: Okay, well...ma's...not doing so well...and you know...I've been struggling since Theresa's been in the hospital. I'd like to help ma out. You know...try to...handle the pub for her. I'd like you to help me.
ROMAN: Kim, that's a...that's a really important thing you're doing. And I think it's great that you want me to help you out, but...

Kim smiles, holding up her hand to stop him from continuing.

KIM: Roman...just...promise me you'll think about it? I just...I want you to try to take a step back  from the force before you hurt someone, especially yourself?

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Roman smiles, still holding his sister's hand as he nods in understanding. As they complete their exchange, Sami and Marlena storm into the pub. Recognizing Roman and Kim, they make a beeline for their booth, which catches both Kim and Roman's attention.

ROMAN: Doc! Sami?
SAMI: Daddy, we have a huge problem.

Roman looks on, brow furrowed, as Marlena and Sami stop in front of their booth. Kim looks up at them, also worried.

KIM: Why? What happened? Is everyone okay?
MARLENA: Depends on what constitutes 'okay'. Eric just married Nicole Walker.

Roman and Kim both look on, stunned by the news, as Marlena and Sami look down at both of them, distinctly unimpressed, and aggravated.

---

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Nicole and Eric burst through the door of his suite at the Salem Inn, Eric carrying Nicole into the room, deep in an intense liplock.

Breaking momentarily from their kiss, Nicole giggles gleefully, opening her eyes slightly to look at her new husband.

ERIC: Welcome, Mrs. Brady.
NICOLE: Mmm, you know how I love to be called that.

Eric and Nicole kiss again, laughing happily.

ERIC: Yeah, well...you'd better get used to it!
NICOLE: (laughs) I think I can manage that. In fact, I will. Gladly.

Nicole looks into Eric's eyes as they kiss again, deep in their newlywed bliss.

ERIC: Great. Let's start now. Where to, Mrs. Brady?
NICOLE: Ohhh I'm sure you know where, Mr. Brady.

Eric smiles as he and Nicole stop momentarily before walking over to the hotel room bed, where Eric lays Nicole gently down, as Nicole wraps her arms around Eric's neck, never allowing him back up. They continue to kiss deeply as Eric carefully leans forward into their kiss and lays down on the bed with Nicole.

---

Billie and Kate sit at their booth at Club TBD. Kate looks at Billie with concern.

KATE: What do you mean, we won't have as much control as we think? What aren't you telling me?

Billie sighs as she sips her drink. Billie puts her drink down before responding.

BILLIE: Justing came to see me this morning.

Kate raises an eyebrow as she raises her own cocktail.

KATE: Oh?

Billie looks at Kate, knowing what she's hinting at.

BILLIE: Don't.

Kate puts her drink down and raises her hands, feigning surrender.

KATE: I'm just saying, Justin is a great guy, and definitely a step up from our spray-tanned surgeon friend--

Billie rolls her eyes, cutting Kate off before she starts a full-on rant against Daniel.

BILLIE: ...Mom! Stop. I don't get to judge you on your partner choices, you don't get to judge mine. Okay?
KATE: I'm just looking out for you. Now, come on. Tell me what Justin said to you.

Billie sighs, taking a second to clearly tell Kate her story.

BILLIE: He told me that Nick Fallon is planning a coup. He has all kinds of...dirt on every member of the board, and he's planning to use it to take control of Titan at today's board meeting. And if we don't do something about it, Mom....he could very well succeed.

Kate looks away, stunned by the news, and trying to figure out how to deal with it.

---

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Nick and Stefano stand in the DiMera living room, as Nick looks amused, enjoying the new tidbit of information Stefano has just given him.

NICK: John Black trying to save Roman Brady, hm? I don't exactly see Roman in any imminent danger.

Stefano snaps, holding a finger up to Nick's face, making his previous point extra-clear.

STEFANO: NO QUESTIONS! You do NOT get to find out anything more than what I give you. Do you understand?
NICK: Oh, I understand.

Stefano backs down slightly, but still glares unflinchingly at Nick.

STEFANO: Good. Because I will not be able to tell you anything. Don't try to squeeze even a DROP more from me. You will not get it, Nicholas. You just keep your head down, and do as I say.

As Stefano finishes his sentence, the doorbell rings. Stefano's demeanour changes slightly with the arrival of their guest.

STEFANO: Ah! Our partner has arrived.

Harold opens the doors to the living room, as Stefano and Nick turn to face their guest.

STEFANO: Ah! Welcome!

Anjelica Deveraux stands into the doorway, smiling widely as she slowly steps into the room.

---

Monday, September 4, 2017

DAYS #126: Stefano passes on a big clue to Nick, Anjelica & John connect mid-Atlantic (08/11/14)

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EPISODE 126
Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson


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Stefano sits in his living room on the recliner, as Nick sits on the adjacent sofa. Stefano looks intensely at Nick, who listens attentively.

STEFANO: I need to be clear with you about this, Nicholas. This woman is MY partner in this plan. You are only privvy to this information to assist me. You will not hold any sway when it comes to decision making. Much like things stand now. Do you understand?

NICK: I do.
STEFANO: Good.

After a moment, Nick leans in, giving Stefano an intense, confident look as he continues.

NICK: But I think it should be made clear that I don't intend to remain silent forever. I want to work hard for you and prove that my ideas are just as valid anything you or your partner come up with.

Stefano laughs, shaking his head. He leans over and pats Nick on the hand.

STEFANO: You impress me, Nicholas. That will be very useful to us going forward.

Stefano leans in a little closer, holding a finger up as he becomes increasingly intense.

STEFANO: But...do not overrule me...or there WILL be consequences.

Nick looks back at Stefano, unflinchingly.

---

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On a flight high above the Atlantic, John Black sits in his First Class seat next to Anjelica Deveraux. Both of them returning to Salem. John sits back in his chair, his head tilted toward  a smiling Anjelica.

JOHN: You know...we never really talked much when you were in Salem before.
ANJELICA: That's because you didn't have anything I needed then. I think it had something to do with you claiming to be Roman Brady. I didn't have much use for policemen when I was engaged in dalliances with heirs to multinationals, and doctors and the like.

John laughs quietly at Anjelica's comment, nodding in response.

JOHN: Yeah, that might have something to do with it.

John stops a moment, before looking back Anjelica's way.

JOHN: A lot's changed in all those years.
ANJELICA: Tell me about it. I hear Victor's stepped down from his pedastal as Big Bad of Salem since I've been away.
JOHN: Yeaaah that's mostly true.

Anjelica retorts, a quick roll of the eyes as she shoots out a pithy remark.

ANJELICA: How noble of him.
JOHN: Well, it hasn't hurt him business at all. He's still a very powerful man in Salem.

Anjelica stays looking focused on John, as though trying to carefully read him.

ANJELICA: So I heard. And likewise, I've heard the same about you.

John looks at Anjelica, an eyebrow cocked, unsure what Anjelica's getting at.

---

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Billie gets up from behind her desk at Titan and steps toward Justin. She looks flustered at Justin's news.

BILLIE: I'm sorry, what?
JUSTIN: Nick Fallon...is the one that halted the EnerNext virus last night.

Billie nods, contemplating the ramifications.

BILLIE: Okay...so what does that mean?
JUSTIN: It means we need to take action, and fast.

Billie narrows her eyes, unsure what Justin means.

BILLIE: Wh...why?

Justin sighs, looking down away from Billie as he chooses his words carefully.

JUSTIN: Apparently...and...I don't know how he knows this, but...Tyler came around this morning, and...Nick has somehow managed to dig up information on the entire Titan board.
BILLIE: How?
JUSTIN: That I can't say. But it means that he'll be at that board meeting this afternoon, and he will use what he knows if he has to. That's why I need your help.

Billie looks at Justin, concerned and surprised.

---



---

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Kim walks into the Brady Pub, excited to find her brother Roman waiting in one of the booths. Roman lifts himself out of the booth and gives Kim a tight hug.

KIM: Ohh Roman. It's so good to spend some time with you.

As they separate from their hug, Kim holds onto Roman's arms, looking warmly at her brother.

KIM: How are you feeling?

Roman nods, smiling as he responds to his sister.

ROMAN: Well...you know...I feel a heck of a lot better than I did the other night, that's for sure.

Kim laughs at Roman's answer, and Roman joins in, as they both sit down in the booth. Their waitress comes by, and they both look up at her, responding before she has a chance to speak.

KIM: I'll have a cup of coffee, please.
ROMAN: Same for me.

Turning back toward Kim, Roman smiles at his sister, eager to catch up with her.

ROMAN: So! How's things going with Theresa?

Kim looks down, a bit wistful as she answers Roman's question.

KIM: Still nothing.

Roman looks back, puzzled.

ROMAN: Nothing? I thought she was coming home for...

Roman catches himself, realizing his memory's slipped again. His face drops.

ROMAN: She's had that accident...I forgot.

Kim looks over at her brother, taking his hands in hers across the table.

KIM: Trust me, I wish I COULD forget.
ROMAN: Kimmy--
KIM: No, no, Roman. It's okay. Listen, Theresa's in good hands. And as soon as there's any changes, I will let you know.

Roman smiles, squeezing his sister's hands.

ROMAN: I appreciate that.

Kim smiles back at Roman, not letting go on his hands.

KIM: Roman.
ROMAN: Yeah, Kimmy.

Kim looks down, trying to tread carefully with her next statement.

KIM: Look...I know this isn't my place...and I think that it's really important to keep your mind active with everything going on.

Roman looks over at Kim, expectantly.

ROMAN: But...?

Kim hesitates a moment, closing her eyes as she finishes her thought.

KIM: I think you might need to...take a step back from the force.

Roman looks at Kim, stunned.

ROMAN: Wh...Kim...Kim, I can't do that.

Kim looks back at her brother, a deep concern in her eyes.

---

Billie leans against the front of her desk, with arms folded, as she takes in what Justin's told her.

BILLIE: So, wait...Nick Fallon...he stopped the virus from being implanted...how would he know it was even being put in?
JUSTIN: I have a few ideas, but no evidence to back it up.

Billie walks past Justin, pacing the room in contemplation.

BILLIE: I can't see any other way than...

Billie looks up, spying a small security camera in the corner of her office. She looks on, having a moment of realization before turning suddenly toward Justin.

BILLIE: Of course.
JUSTIN: What?

Billie laughs to herself, almost amazed that she'd overlooked the obvious.

BILLIE: I should've know, paranoid Victor has this place rigged up like Big Brother. Nick would've have to have been tapping into Titan's server, not to mention the surveillance system. If we can prove it...

JUSTIN: I'm sure you're right, but that's not gonna stop the board from panicking and giving into his demands.

Billie turns to face Justin, curious about his last statement.

BILLIE: What do you mean?
JUSTIN: Well, Tyler told us about a run-in he had after the virus got taken down last night, and...he says Nick knew a lot...specifics about things, information that needs to stay private.
BILLIE: Okay...
JUSTIN: Tyler was under the impression that Nick is going to use that at today's board meeting as blackmail.

Billie looks incredulous.

BILLIE: To what end? He's gonna get laughed out of that board room.

Justin looks back at her, less than amused.

JUSTIN: I wouldn't be so sure. And by the time we get concerte evidence that Nick's been performing corporate espionage to blackmail the board, it'll be too late. That's why I need you to promise me, you'll get your mother and your brother to form a voting bloc against Nick today.

Billie nods, still frazzled by all the information coming her way.

BILLIE: Naturally. Do you think that'll be enough?
JUSTIN: Well...between you three, myself, and John...that should be enough people with clean hands that we should be able to stop Nick from taking us all down in one fell swoop.

Billie raises her eyebrows, arms still folded. She looks at Justin with concern.

BILLIE: Well...we'd better, and we'd better find out exactly what Nick's doing and prove where he's getting his information from, or else we may not have much of a Titan left to save.

---

John sits in his seat on the plane, chuckling about Anjelica's statement about his riches.

JOHN: You know, you don't mess around, do you?

Anjelica looks back, a self-satisfied grin on her face as she looks John's way.

ANJELICA: After this many years? Why start now?
JOHN: Good point.
ANJELICA: Thanks. I try. You didn't answer my question, though.

John shakes his head, looking straight ahead before responding seriously.

JOHN: I've been fortunate enough to have resources I never imagined I'd have. Through family, business...but I've lost a lot too.

Anjelica looks thoughtfully at John.

ANJELICA: You're talking about your son.
JOHN: Brady, yeah.
ANJELICA: I'm sorry to hear. I don't know what I'd do if I lost Alexander.

John nods, not looking Anjelica's way as he responds.

JOHN: Let's hope you never have to find out.

Anjelica smiles, showing rare genuine concern for John's situation, as John crooks his neck to better look at Anjelica, he looks at her curiously.

JOHN: So, tell me...what's brought you back to Salem after all these years?

Anjelica's smile shifts into a devilish grin, almost chuckling as she answers John, while pulling her tablet out from her bag.

ANJELICA: Oh I've got a number of...fascinating projects on the go.

Anjelica opens the browser, showing him the Salem Spectator headline.

ANJELICA: Starting with the governor's office.

John looks down at the headline:

DEVERAUX KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN: DISGRACED SENATOR'S EX-WIFE ENTERS GOVERNOR'S RACE

Surprised, and intrigued, he looks back at Anjelica, who raises her eyebrows cheekily in response.

---

Nick sits on the sofa by Stefano, smiling at his boss cockily.

NICK: Mr. DiMera...I am hardly worried about any consequences. You know I do good work.
STEFANO: As you should.

Nick gets up from the sofa, and wanders around the back of it, heading toward the terrace doors.

NICK: But, just for the sake of us all being on the same page...what exactly are these issues you're attending to?

Nick looks quickly over at the desk, and spies upon a manila envelope from University Hospital.

Stefano responds firmly to Nick's question.

STEFANO: That is none of your concern. They are simply business issues that need attending to.

Nick quickly diverts his eyes back toward the terrace doors.

NICK: Right.
STEFANO: Your main concern is this meeting. Now, I have given you all the envelopes for the board members, yes?

Nick nods as he turns his attention back Stefano's way.

NICK: Yeah, they're in my bag.
STEFANO: Okay, now, there is a strong possibility that John Black will be back for this meeting. If he returns, I want you to give him this envelope, and I want you to tell him something so that he KNOWS you're not fooling around.

Nick walks over to the chair and takes the envelope from Stefano's hands. Nick walks back over to the sofa, and puts the envelope in his bag with the others, as Stefano continues.

STEFANO: I must be clear. This must stay strictly between yourself, and John. No one else must hear this information, okay?

Nick nods dutifully, as he turns back to face Stefano.

NICK: Okay.

Stefano points toward Nick, speaking softly, but very firmly.

STEFANO: You must tell him you're onto his little mission to save Roman Brady. And you must tell him it ends immediately.

Nick smiles, pleased by this extra tidbit of information.

---