DAYS #99: EJ makes his case to Sami, Stefano gives Liam a gift (07/03/14)

EPISODE 99
Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson

Daniel walks into his office at University Hospital, his face heavy with the stress of having to care for an ailing Victor. Looking over his chart on his tablet, he sits down in his chair, sighing and shaking his head.

Putting the tablet down, he looks up as the door to his office opens. Laura steps in, holding a tray of coffee.

LAURA: Good morning!
DANIEL: Hey! How're you?

Laura steps in, smiling as she steps in, carefully waving the coffee cups before her as she approaches Daniel's desk.

LAURA: I'm good. I figured you might uhh...need one of these.
DANIEL: Ohhh ho ho ho, after the night I've had, you know it.
LAURA: Well then, help yourself.

Laura sets the tray of coffee cups on Daniel's desk as they both grab one. Laura sits down opposite Daniel at his desk. Their mirth quickly wears off as Laura's face drops, awkwardly contemplating how to broach the obvious subject.

LAURA: So uh...were you able to find anything out about Liam after I spoke to you yesterday?

Daniel sets his coffee cup down, barely having had a sip. A bit of frustration on his face as he sighs. Laura looks at him, guiltily.

---

Stefano sits alone in the DiMera living room. The lights out, the cloudy day shows the darkened room, lit only by the fire. He sits at his chess set, as he did when Nick was there.

Moments later, the door opens to the living room. Stefano looks up and sees a familiar face.

STEFANO: Ah! You're here. The time has come for the next part of our plan.

From the shadows, Liam steps slowly forward into the glow of the fireplace.

LIAM: Well, I'm listening. What do I have to do?

---

 
Sami sits down in front of EJ's desk at DiMera Enterprises. She scowls as he stands behind his desk, having just exploded after her rant.

EJ: Now, I had been concerned for awhile now that Nick Fallon was about to do something drastic. He had been sitting quiet for too long, and you know what they say when the tiger cage gets really quiet.
SAMI: Okay...
EJ: So when Gabi called me, saying that she was concerned that Nick was making moves in her direction again, she begged me to take action.
SAMI: So you decided the best thing to do would be to take a stick and poke at the tiger.

EJ: Samantha!

SAMI: EJ, have you lost your mind?!

EJ rolls his eyes, raising his voice again to stop Sami's hysterics.

EJ: No, I have not!

EJ breathes audibly for a moment, before continuing back at a normal tone. Sami looks on, exapserated.

EJ: We have a plan to make sure Nick pays for his actions. I have men watching over him as we speak to make sure he's dealt with before things go too far. My main priority is keeping you, Gabi, and the kids safe. Alright?

Sami gets up from her seat, accepting EJ's argument, but unimpressed, nonetheless. Before heading out the door, Sami stops and gives her last thoughts to EJ.

SAMI: And I wish I could trust you right now, EJ, but I don't see how this could go anywhere but downhill. And if it does. I am blaming you.

Sami opens the door, but stops and turns around for a second before heading out.

SAMI: I'll see you at home.

Sami shuts the door forcefully, causing EJ to wince momentarily. EJ looks on, frustrated by Sami's reaction, and knowing that the tension in their relationship is once again mounting.

---

 
Julie sits with Nick at Club TBD, Julie excitedly getting Nick up to date with all the family news, while Nick looks on, but appears distant. This isn't lost on Julie, but she carries on.

JULIE: ...And so David's asked Marie if they can spend Christmas here in Salem this year, and your parents are thinking of coming up as well. Oh, it's going to be fantastic. And once Maggie opens up the new Penthouse Grille, I just...I can't wait.
NICK: Yeah, that's....that's great, Julie. Uh...

Nick grits his teeth as the pain of his recurring headaches hit him once again. Julie looks on with concern.

JULIE: Nick...Nick are you okay? You look like you swallowed a fly.
NICK: Yeah! No, no, I'm doing good. I just...ugh, I got a lot on my mind.
JULIE: Well, what's been happening.
NICK: Oh just...work stuff. Trying to sort out a new deal with Gabi.

Julie smiles slightly at the mention of Gabi.

JULIE: Does that...uh...does this mean that you and Gabi are getting close again?

Nick breathes out as the pain momentarily subsides. He smiles and nods.

NICK: Yeah. I mean...slowly. But I'm working my magic, and I have a feeling that...things between us are going to work out just fine.

---

---

Julie smiles at Nick, as they sit at their table at Club TBD. She leans in, putting her hand on his.

JULIE: I'm happy to hear that. 

Julie looks at a still-distant Nick. She continues.

JULIE: You know, I was really worried about you for awhile, Nick. You seemed so....lost. So unhappy.
NICK: I have been. You know....I keep trying to do the right thing. It's like...for everyone else in this family, it....it comes so easily. And yet, for me...heh...for me it's like an uphill battle.
JULIE: Nick. Look at me.

Nick closes his eyes a moment, stopping himself from staring out the window as he speaks to Julie. His eyes slowly travel to meet hers. Julie looks on intensely, with a smile.

JULIE: I know what that feels like better than anyone else. I was never the 'good' child. Do you know how much work it took to create the perfect angel you see before you now?

Nick smiles, giving a small laugh as Julie cracks a wide smile, still never taking her eyes from Nick's.

JULIE: But I know what's in your heart.
NICK: You know...when I came back from th...when I came back from New York...all I wanted to do was fix everything that I'd broken here in Salem. I saw....so many people doing so many....awful things. Telling all kinds of lies and...they all think the ends justify the means. They think they can get away with being cruel to each other in the name of doing what they think is right. I couldn't let that continue. I wanted to beat them at their own game.
JULIE: ...And...how did that go?
NICK: Heh...you know...I tried it....and the game's eating me alive.

Nick begins to tear up as he speaks to Julie, once again breaking her gaze as he looks out the window again.

NICK: And I don't know if I'll survive it. But I'm gonna try.

Julie takes Nick's hands into her own, and holds them tightly from across the table. She smiles warmly at Nick.

JULIE: You'll survive. You're a Horton. And we're tougher than steel. You're gonna be just fine, Nicholas Fallon.

Nick, trying to hold himself back emotionally, can't resist smiling through eyes starting to tear up. He and Julie share a laugh between them, hands still tightly held together.

---

 
Alex stands with a visibly annoyed Will in the hallway outside Will's office in the Titan building. Alex is surprised by Will's frustration over the surprise of finding out Alex is married, and Sonny's brother.

ALEX: I...heh...I didn't honestly put two and two together myself.
WILL: Well, that makes two of us.

Alex tries to placate Will, trying to smooth things over with a calm rationalization.

ALEX: Look, I...I know you probably feel like this is all just....Kiriakis meddling and that you weren't offered this job because of your talents, but...honestly, Tyler had no idea you were Sonny's fiance when he hired you, and I made a point of not telling you who I was because I wanted you to feel like your work was being judged only on its own merits.

Will sighs, seemingly unmoved, but still listening, as Alex puts his hand on Will's shoulder.

ALEX: Will. I've seen what you can do with the written word. You're a gifted writer, and...whatever your last name, or...whomever you marry, I'd still have pushed to have you on this team. Don't ever doubt that, okay?

Will finally relents, rolling his eyes a moment before giving Alex a smile. Alex smiles back, relieved that Will's anger's subsided.

WILL: Okay. But just promise me one thing.
ALEX: Ooo, making demands on your supervisor, tut tut.
WILL: Yeah, well, this one's important. Don't keep anything from me like that again. I think we'll work better together if we can totally trust one another. No secrets.

Will holds out his hand for Alex to shake. Alex looks down for a second, and with a suave smile, shakes Will's hand back. Will tenses himself as he looks deeply into Alex's eyes. The two can't help but smile back at each other as they share a firm handshake.

As they shake hands, Noelle walks around the corner, spotting Alex and Will's moment. She stands off to one side, observing the two of them closely.

---

Daniel looks up at Laura from his office desk, a worried look on his face as he asks her a question.

DANIEL: I'll be honest, Laura...I didn't get much of a chance to dig into it, but...ugh...Billie didn't come to see you last night, did she?

Laura looks confused as she answers.

LAURA: Uh...as a matter of fact, she did. I mean, she wasn't there long but...

Daniel slams his hand down on his desk, frustrated.

DANIEL: Dammit!
LAURA: Why?
DANIEL: She was trying to dig to find out information for us about Liam, trying to figure out what I was up to.
LAURA: Oh God. So...well...what did she find out?
DANIEL: No idea, I haven't seen her since she was in my office last night.
LAURA: Well, do you think Liam's onto her?

Daniel sighs, concern now painted on his face.

DANIEL: (sigh) I hope not.

Laura looks even more worried as she continues.

LAURA: Well...same here. Because, it turns out, Liam is probably more dangerous than either you or I thought.

Daniel looks up at Laura, curious about what she means.

LAURA: It turns out that Liam is supplying EJ DiMera with drugs. He's on the DiMera payroll. I'm certain of it now.

Daniel looks on, now deeply concerned for Billie, and the Hortons.

---

Stefano sits in his chair, looking up at Liam, who stands before him in the DiMera living room.

STEFANO: The time has come to give something back to me for everything that I have done for you.
LIAM: Anything you say, Stefano.
STEFANO: Good. I have something for you on the table over there.

Stefano points toward the living room table. Liam turns around to spot a small black box. Leaning down to pick it up, he looks back Stefano's way. Stefano nods, prompting Liam to slowly open the box.

Inside are a pair of keys, and a business card with only an address on it.

2547 Copenhagen Drive
Salem County
49445

Liam pulls the keys out of the box, holding them up as Stefano looks on.

STEFANO: Everything will be waiting for you there.

Liam looks on, he puts the keys back in the box and nods.

LIAM: I'm on my way.

Liam heads for the door, as he closes it, Stefano looks on, smiling widely.

---

DAYS #98: Sami confronts EJ about Gabi's plan, Adrienne and Sonny make up (07/02/14)

EPISODE 98
Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson

 
Sami storms into EJ's office without knocking, jolting him out of his work, as he sits at his desk.

EJ: What the...?

Sami slams the door of EJ's office behind her, then folds her arms as she glares at EJ with laser-focused eyes.

SAMI: When the Hell were you gonna tell me you were helping Gabi turn Nick Fallon back into a junkie?

EJ sighs heavily, frustrated that Sami's found out about the plan.

---

 
Stefano sits across from Nick at the chess table in the DiMera living room. Stefano looks unimpressed by Nick's display of bravado as he has just called checkmate to Stefano.

STEFANO: I hope you realize that part of our arrangement is that you bring everything you gain from Titan to me. This is not an opportunity to seize power for yourself.

NICK: Ohhh, you know me better than that. I think I know by now that you don't double-cross Stefano DiMera.

STEFANO: That's very wise of you. I just hope you don't think that you're smarter than me. Because on your best day, you'll never be half as smart as me. You understand?

Nick shakes his head, cool, calm, almost zen-like.

NICK: The thought never crossed my mind.
STEFANO: Good.
NICK: Just remember though, we do have a deal. And you need to live up to your end of that bargain just the same as me. 

Stefano looks at Nick, maintaining his laser-focused gaze that would shatter weaker men.

STEFANO: I have not forgotten.
NICK: Good. Because I have what you want. I know you want to take Kate and Sami down. And if I get what I want...you'll have everything you need.

---

 
At University Hospital, Adrienne sits in the waiting area near Victor's room, fidgety. Alex approaches Adrienne and sits down next to her, putting his hand over hers.

ALEX: You okay?

Adrienne nods, almost too emphatically. Her look of worry still plain on her face.

ADRIENNE: Yeah. I'm just...just worrying about Victor.
ALEX: I get that...I think we're all a little...(sigh)...we're a bit worn down after last night.
ADRIENNE: Yeah, you could say that.
ALEX: Look...Dr. Jonas seems to think he's gonna be just fine, so...at least the worst is over, right?

 
Adrienne nods slowly as Daniel walks out of Victor's room. Sonny walks over toward Adrienne, and Alex, as Daniel steps toward them.

SONNY: Daniel...any news?

Daniel looks on, a bit concerned, he speaks carefully.

DANIEL: Well...he's stable. I don't want any of you to panic but...we've elected to keep Victor in an induced coma until we can be sure his recovery is on track.

ALEX: Well...how long will that be?
DANIEL: Depends...could be a few days...could be longer. I will say it does look good so far, so...I'm cautiously optimistic he'll be ready to wake up by the end of the week.

Adrienne finally smiles, the first time anyone's seen her smile in awhile.

ADRIENNE: Well that's...that's good news, right?

Alex wraps his arm around Adrienne's shoulder. Sonny puts a hand on her shoulder as well.

DANIEL: It sounds like a cliché but...I promise...I'm gonna do everything I can.

Daniel smiles at Adrienne before he steps away.

DANIEL: I gotta do my rounds, I'll be back later on.
ADRIENNE: Thanks Daniel.
ALEX: Yeah, thanks, man. Hey, look, guys. I'm gonna head off to work. I'll be back later?

Daniel and Alex give each other a quick pat on the back as they pass each other, in gratitude. Adrienne and Sonny nod, both their faces heavy with concern.

ADRIENNE: For sure.
SONNY: I'll see you later, Alex.
ALEX: Will do, Man. Bye, Adrienne.
ADRIENNE: Bye, Honey.

After Alex gives Sonny and Adrienne quick hugs and leaves, Adrienne turns away. Sonny tries to stop her before she steps away.

SONNY: Uh...Mom.

Adrienne stops, nervously anticipating what Sonny says next.

SONNY: Mom, can I....can I talk to you for a minute?

Adrienne sighs, taking a moment before turning around. 

ADRIENNE: Sure, Honey. Let's talk.

---

---

   
Roman sits in Hope's living room, surrounded by Hope, Lucas, and Kim, as he looks at Marlena, stunned by her suggestion to move in with her. 

ROMAN: Doc, I...I don't think that's such a good idea...
MARLENA: Now, I will not take no for an answer. Roman, you had us petrified last night. You ran off, not knowing who your sister was...you barely recognized my face.
KIM: Marlena's right. Roman, this might be something serious. You need a familiar face to help you...deal with everything day-to-day.

Roman looks at Kim, annoyed. He finally cuts in, getting up from the sofa.

ROMAN: Look, when did I become an invalid? Since when am I incapable of making my own decisions?
HOPE: Roman, we're not. We're just concerned about you.
ROMAN: Well, Hope, I appreciate that, but, with all due respect, I think I'm more than capable of making my own decisions about where I live.

Marlena sighs, getting up from the sofa herself, putting a hand on Roman's shoulder, speaking gently to him to cool him off.

MARLENA: Roman...listen...all I want...all your sister wants...and Hope...we all want to make sure that you're safe. That you're able to be healthy, and do your job for as long as you can--
ROMAN: ...Before I lose my mind? Before my brains turn to mush? Doc, I don't want to be dependant on anyone.

Marlena stops Roman from turning away, holding him back, hand still on his shoulder.

MARLENA: You won't be. Roman...Roman, you know this is about making sure you're independent as long as possible. May...maybe you'll be able to keep hold of more of your independence for longer if you have someone around who...

Marlena stops herself before finishing her sentence. Roman looks on, curious to what Marlena's holding back.

MARLENA: Someone who loves you.

Roman looks at Marlena as though there were no one else in the room. They look at each other intensely.

Eventually Roman breaks their gaze, and solemnly nods.

ROMAN: Alright, Doc. (sigh) Yeah. Yeah, I'll do it.

Marlena, Hope, Kim, and Lucas smile, relieved to hear Roman's decision. Roman stands up, but points Marlena's way, affirming a point.

ROMAN: But this does not mean you're going to be doing everything for me. We're going to be roommates, and that's all.

Marlena nods in approval, still smiling in relief.

MARLENA: You got it.

Marlena walks over to Roman and throws her arms around him. As the two embrace, Roman looks on, a bit of worry still on his face, despite the joy of the others around him.

---

Nick walks through Horton Town Square, typing furiously on his phone, texting Nicole instructions.

you better be @ percy's for 1. NO EXCUSES!!!

After hitting 'send', Nick looks up, feeling the dull head pain start to come back, he holds his hand to his mouth, blinking furiously as he's startled out of his own thoughts by a voice calling out behind him.

JULIE: Nick! There you are!

Nick turns around suddenly to see Julie walk towards him, arms out expecting a hug. As she reaches over to hug him, she continues.

JULIE: I've been trying to call you for weeks. I've been worried about you. You know, you are an incredibly hard man to get ahold of. That Kate Roberts is working you too hard.
NICK: Julie, Julie, Julie, don't blame Kate. I...I've been really caught up in work, and...and it's all on me. I need to learn to say 'no'.

Julie pulls out of her hug with Nick, and playfully smacks him. An annoyed look on her face as she continues.

JULIE: I'll say! Listen. You have time for lunch? We need to catch up.

Nick looks down at his phone, seeing the time. He nods reluctantly.

NICK: I...yeah, yeah, but I got a busy day, Julie. We gotta make it a quick one, okay?
JULIE: I'll take whatever time I can get.

Julie smiles as she speaks, looking up at Nick as she guides him toward the exit to Town Square.

---

Stefano sits alone in the DiMera living room. The lights out, the cloudy day shows the darkened room, lit only by the fire. He sits at his chess set, as he did when Nick was there.

Moments later, the door opens to the living room. Stefano looks up and sees a familiar face.

STEFANO: Ah! You're here. The time has come for the next part of our plan.

---

Sonny and Adrienne step into the waiting room, and close the door. Adrienne immediately goes to talk, but Sonny holds up his hands and speaks over her.

SONNY: Mom...let me say something.
ADRIENNE: No, I need to say something to you first. Look, I'm sorry for what happened earlier--
SONNY: No...no, Mom. I am. Look, I said some....absolutely awful things before, and I didn't mean them. You know...I know you think he's...too immature to marry me, but...Will talked to me earlier and...he helped me see that you're just trying to look for me. You're being a good mom.

Adrienne smiles, tearing up as she hears her son.

ADRIENNE: Yes...exactly. Look, I know I was out of line but...you have to understand, I mean...one day, you'll be looking out for Arianna the exact same way, I'm sure.

Sonny looks up at Adrienne, smiling back at her.

SONNY: I intend to. I love her like she's my own. And I think I understand where that protectiveness comes from. 

Sonny leans over to Adrienne and hugs her warmly. Adrienne reciprocates, holding her son tightly. 

SONNY: You're always welcome in our home. I want you to know that. I'm sorry, Mom.
ADRIENNE: It's okay, Sweetie. It's okay.

---

Will walks into the hallway outside his office at Titan, yawning from exhaustion after a sleepless night at the hospital. Turning to walk down the hallway, he nearly runs into a smiling Alex.

ALEX: Wow, someone's burning the candle at both ends. You doing alright?

Will looks at Alex, a twinge of annoyance in his eyes.

WILL: Ohh, I'm fine. I mean, obviously I'm not the only one who's been busy.
ALEX: Yeah, man. That report is killing me too.
WILL: Yeah. So...hey, tell me something, why didn't you tell me about your wife? Or...you know...the fact you're my fiancé's brother?

Alex's face drops, surprised by Will's sudden interrogation.

---

Sami stands opposite EJ in his office, arms folded, as a seated EJ tries to explain himself from behind his desk.

EJ: Look, Samantha...
SAMI: Oh don't Samantha me. You know how serious this is, EJ! Nick is dangerous on pure air, and you're feeding him the same drugs that drove him to kill. There's no telling what he can do this time around.

EJ shouts over Sami's rant, momentarily silencing her.

EJ: He's not going to do anything, Samantha. Gabi is only keeping this going until the police are made aware of his habit, and then he's right back to jail. You KNOW how strict the drug laws are in this state.
SAMI: Yeah, too bad his cousin's on the force, and conveniently "couldn't find" the pills. Do you realize how much danger you're putting me in? Kate? or how about Gabi, Will, Sonny, and all our kids?
EJ: I am doing this to protect all of you from that loose cannon before he goes spilling all our secrets out to everyone. And I'd think you'd be grateful.

Sami looks at EJ with a fiery intensity as she leans over his desk, almost spitting her response to him.

SAMI: I would be a whole lot more grateful if you weren't keeping it all a great big secret from me. Why did I have to hear about this from Kate Roberts, EJ? I thought that this whole....counselling thing? I thought it was supposed to help us with our trust issues, not make them worse.

EJ sighs, not sure how to respond to Sami.

EJ: Look, I'm sorry I didn't tell you about this before, but...
SAMI: But nothing. Suddenly I'm really glad I sent the kids off to Colorado, because I swear to God, EJ, if anything happened to them, and if anything does happen to ANY of us...this is all on you--

EJ explodes, standing up from his seat and slamming his hands down on his desk as he shouts at Sami.

EJ: ENOUGH! Now you are going to sit down and listen right now, or I can guarantee you your little escapade by the river WILL get you all thrown in jail. Do you understand?

Sami shakes her head slowly, enraged by EJ's brute reaction.

---

DAYS #97: Roman comes home, Sami, Kate, and Gabi plot their next moves against Nick (07/01/14)

EPISODE 97
Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson

Marlena stands in Hope's house. Marlena is still pacing the living room, feeling the same sense of dread she felt earlier. Hope walks into the living room, a cup of tea in each hand. She offers one to Marlena, who kindly accepts.

HOPE: I figured you could use something to help relax you.
MARLENA: Thank you. You know, I should have thanked Rafe before he took off.
HOPE: Don't worry, I'll let him know. Besides, hopefully he can turn up some leads on where Roman is.

Marlena looks at Hope, a deep sadness in her eyes.

MARLENA: Yes. I hope so too. 

Hope puts her hand on Marlena's shoulder in comfort.

HOPE: I know what it's like...I mean...I know you've been divorced a long time but...those feelings don't go away. Especially when you don't know whether they're safe or not.
MARLENA: Yes, well...sometimes it takes something like this to remind you of those feelings in the first place.

As Marlena finishes her thought, the doorbell rings. Hope and Marlena jump at the sound, with Hope darting for the door.

Hope opens the door to find Kim, Lucas, and Roman standing at the door. Marlena looks on, and immediately begins to beam with delight and relief.

MARLENA: Oh my GOSH you're safe!

Marlena steps past Hope, Kim and Lucas to hug Roman, who stops a moment before hugging back. Kim, Hope, and Lucas look on with worried smiles.

---

Jordan and Jerome stand in Sheryl's office at the Titan building, shocked by the news Sheryl's just shared.

JORDAN: Did they seriously just say that? Like...just there, in the hall?

Sheryl stands behind her desk, still working away at her computer, glancing up at Jordan every so often with an annoyed look on her face. She responds sarcastically.

SHERYL: No, they said it in the men's toilets three stories up. I heard them through the radiator. Of course, they did in the hall, Jordan.

Sheryl's office phone suddenly rings, causing Sheryl to growl in irritation.

SHERYL: WHAT?

...

Nick is now stood in his lab coat, eyeing fluids in a test tube. He speaks to Sheryl via bluetooth as he carries on working on his "official" work.

NICK: (into phone) My God, are all the women in Salem on the same cycle this month?

...

SHERYL: (into phone) Don't even make those kinds of jokes, you little twerp. What do you want?

...

NICK: (into phone) To give you a head's up. I had an idea, I figured you'd wanna know...I think it's time we started to protest the oil project. We've put it off long enough.

...

Sheryl smiles, unsure how this bit of "kismet" has happened.

SHERYL: (into phone) Well, what a coincidence. I was just organizing one. In case you hadn't heard, your little corporate friends here are planning to start digging all around your British friend's property by the start of next week. Not to mention, I figure now's the perfect time to strike since a certain Victor Kiriakis is in hospital.

...

Nick sets the test tube over the Bunsen burner and smiles.

NICK: (into phone) Well, isn't that a coincidence! And..uh...yeah, I heard about ol' Vic earlier today, that's part of the reason I think now's the time to strike. Anyway, I'll pass that along about them starting the digging. I've uh...contacted the press already, so if you wanna rally your troops, we'll be down this afternoon at 2.

...

Sheryl gives Nick a wry smile, a sense of calm coming over her previously frustrated exterior.

SHERYL: (into phone) Good. We'll be on it. I should get going, we have a lot of work to do.

...

NICK: (into phone) Indeed. Talk soon.

...

Sheryl hangs up the phone and turns back to Jordan and Jerome.

SHERYL: And THAT, my friends, is proof positive that there is a God.

Jerome and Jordan stare at each other, confused.

---

Nick ends the call, before turning off the Bunsen burner in the lab. He turns to a concentrating Percy who is still sitting at the computer.

NICK: Right. I need you to head home right away. Nicole will be there with a camera crew for 1, the protest should be starting about an hour after that.

Percy slips the headphones off and looks up at Nick, hopeful.

PERCY: Fantastic, Nicholas. Uh, will you be coming along as well?
NICK: No, I uh...not right away, I have some business to attend to here. But I'll be along later on.
PERCY: Grand. I...I suppose I should be on my way then.

Nick checks his watch quickly, nodding when he sees the time.

NICK: Yeah, probably a good idea. Um...hey, look. Percy...if anything happens in the next day or so that seems...like the plan's going off course, don't worry. Everything's under control. We're gonna save your land, alright?

Percy looks on, at first concerned, then smiling.

PERCY: Of course, Nicholas. I do have to thank you for everything.

Nick puts a hand on Percy's shoulder.

NICK: Anytime.

Percy turns, heading out of the lab, leaving Nick behind. Nick's expression changes almost immediately. His face shifts into an almost maniacal smile as he walks over to his bag.

NICK: Of course, your land is the least of my concern. But you don't need to know that, Percy. Not yet anyway.

---

---

Sheryl steps back over toward the door of her office, stopping short of opening it, as Jerome interjects.

JEROME: Well, what happened?

SHERYL: That was Nick. Apparently he had the spontaneous idea to organize a protest today. Which means he's already contacted the press, and...you...

Sheryl points to Jerome, giving orders out like a drill sergeant.

SHERYL: ...Need to get to the University, get organizing the troops, and never show your face around this building ever again. It's not safe anymore. Any more contact between us is going to look suspect once you become the face of these protests, got it?
JEROME: Got it.

Jerome nods dutifully, as Sheryl pats him on the shoulder, motioning him out by opening the door.

SHERYL: I'll fill you in on where we'll connect going forward this afternoon, okay?
JEROME: Sounds good. I'm out!

Jerome shuts the door behind him, leaving Sheryl and Jordan behind. Sheryl looks to an ever-nervous Jordan. She grabs her friend's shoulders and rubs them vigourously.

SHERYL: Ohhh relax! Just think, once this is over and we can nail...you know who, we won't have to worry about anything. Hey, maybe you can take your cop boyfriend to Barbados with you. Haha!

Jordan looks on, unimpressed, and more worried than ever about what's to come.

---

Sami sits with Kate, and Gabi, who is bottle-feeding Arianna. Sami looks over at Kate, a pensive look on her face.

SAMI: Kind of off-topic, but have you spoken to Will and Sonny about the wedding yet?
KATE: Not yet. I wanted to throw some ideas their way, but I figured I'd leave them to handle it.
SAMI: Have you heard anything, Gabi?

Gabi turns to look at Kate and Sami, shaking her head.

GABI: No, I haven't heard anything at all. They've been mostly just been arguing the last couple weeks.
SAMI: Yeah, Will was saying...I uh...I was actually hoping to uh...well, I wanted to do something really special for it. Like...I'd love to have Eric do the ceremony, and maybe we'll have it as a huge celebration. Like...the social event of the year, you know?

Kate nods approvingly to Sami before responding.

KATE: It sounds great, you just need to get them to agree to it first.

Sami smiles confidently.

SAMI: Oh, I'm pretty sure I can. I have a way with Will.

Kate rolls her eyes a bit at Sami as she responds.

KATE: Ohh don't I know it.

Sami gathers her things quickly, excited to get started on the wedding plans.

SAMI: Look, I'm gonna take off, I gotta get started on wedding plans, and I got some things to take care of at work, so...I'll talk to you later on, okay? And Gabi...please, make sure you talk to Rafe. We wanna make sure this...Nick situation gets taken care of before it's too late, yeah?

Gabi nods in agreement.

GABI: Oh totally, I will.

Sami stands up from the table, her handbag on her arm, a broad smile on her face.

SAMI: Great. Let me know how it goes. OH! And before I go...

Sami pulls out a manilla envelope from her bag and hands it to Gabi.

SAMI: Look this over tonight, and I'll meet up with you tomorrow and tell me what you think, okay?

Gabi looks up, surprised, but takes the envelope from Sami.

GABI: I....sure!

Kate looks on, intrigued.

KATE: Well, what's this? Something for the wedding?

Sami smiles at Kate, trying not to let on, lest Kate get any ideas.

SAMI: It's kind of a...gift to the household, in a way. Anyway, excellent. I think...you'll be really happy with what's inside.

GABI: Great, thanks Sami.
SAMI: No problem.

Sami turns to Kate, nodding while smiling her way.

SAMI: Kate. Thanks for keeping me in the loop. Fingers crossed, guys.

Kate looks on, a bit suspicious, but willing to play along.

KATE: Indeed.

Sami quickly heads out of the pub, leaving Gabi and Kate at the table with Ari still in her high chair. Gabi looks Kate's way, a worried expression still on her face.

GABI: Kate, what happens if I tell Rafe and Nick tells him what we did at the river? I don't think I can do it.

Kate leans in, looking Gabi straight in the eyes as she speaks sternly at her.

KATE: Gabi, you have two choices. You can tell Rafe that Nick's using drugs and risk Nick telling the police what happened at the river, or you can do nothing and let him take over your life again. Either way, there's a chance you'll end up imprisoned one way or another, but if you say nothing, it's a guarantee. And you'll be stuck for the rest of your life.

Kate's words chill Gabi to her core, as her whole body tenses listening to Kate's warning.

---

Marlena guides Roman into Hope's house, as the others follow them inside.

MARLENA: Oh, this is such good news. We were worried sick.
ROMAN: About me?
HOPE: Of course. Roman, Marlena was inconsolable when you were missing. 

Kim chimes in, equal parts relieved and annoyed at her brother.

KIM: As was I. Roman, we're all really worried about you, even now.

Roman looks at Kim as he and Marlena sit down on the couch, a bit confused by the outpouring of concern.

ROMAN: Look, I'm fine. I...I don't know what came over me last night, but...I promise you, that's over with. I'm totally fine.
MARLENA: Well...that's what concerns us most. You've been....you've been wandering in and out of this haze for weeks now. Your memories are fuzzy...and when we ran into you in Town Square last night, it appeared as though you didn't rememeber ever seeing Kim before in your life. 

Roman looks down, trying to process what Marlena's telling him. He sighs heavily before speaking.

ROMAN: Right. So what do you think is happening to me, then?

Marlena takes a moment, looking up at Kim.

MARLENA: Well...we were talking with Valerie about your situation and...she thinks it's an aggressive form of dementia. And after what I saw last night....I'm inclined to agree with her.

Roman looks up at Marlena, an intense fear in his eyes.

ROMAN: Wha...well...what are we gonna do about it, then? I mean...we gotta do something. I mean, Bo and Ma went to California and she's been doing great...

Marlena nods in agreement as Hope answers.

HOPE: Yes, she has. We might have to look into that.
MARLENA: We may. But for now, what's most important is to keep your brain active. Personally, I think that you need to keep working for as long as possible.
KIM: Are you sure that's a good idea?
MARLENA: I'm positive. Maybe on less intense duties, but the work will keep his mind active, which will slow down any deterioration that may happen.

Roman snaps, fed up of the conversation happening around him.

ROMAN: Dammit, why da Hell are you all talking like I'm not even in the room?! Why doesn't anyone ask me what I want?

Marlena stops herself, putting her hand in Roman's.

MARLENA: I'm sorry, Roman. I just think it's important that you keep yourself going as much as you can.
ROMAN: It's fine just...dammit, stop treating me like I'm incapable of taking care of myself. Alright?

Marlena nods solemnly a moment, before looking over at Kim. Kim looks back with a knowing look, almost prompting Marlena to continue.

MARLENA: I uh...Roman, while we're on the subject...I...I did want to ask you, if it makes things a bit easier, while we're sorting all this out, if you wanted to move into the penthouse with me.

Roman looks down at Marlena, stunned by her suggestion.

---

Nick walks into the DiMera living room, where Stefano waits, sitting at his chess table alone.

Upon spotting Nick, he looks up momentarily, before turning his attention back to his game.

STEFANO: I expect you have some good news for me?

Nick saunters over to the chess table, a wide grin on his face.

NICK: Oh I have more than that. I have everything going exactly the right way.
STEFANO: Good. Because we spent enough time messing about. It's time to take down Titan once and for all.
NICK: Well, see...that's the thing, we don't have to take Titan down at all...all we need to do...is take over. And that...

Nick picks up the queen from his side of the chess board, and holds it up as he casually sits down across the table from Stefano.

He analyzes the queen for a moment, as he answers.

NICK: ...Is exactly what I intend to do.

Nick moves the queen across the table, knocking over Stefano's king. Stefano and Nick lock eyes in that moment. Stefano looks unimpressed, but Nick looks incredibly confident.

NICK: Checkmate.

---