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 near 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.
---
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