DAYS #122: EJ tries to convince Sonny to follow his plan, Marlena & Sami crash Eric & Nicole's wedding (08/05/14)

EPISODE 122
Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson

Alex stands, tablet in hand, in the Kiriakis living room. He taps a few spots on his tablet screen before handing his tablet to a waiting Justin, who sits in the easy chair nearby, looking baffled.

ALEX: Mom's decided to follow in Harper's footsteps.

JUSTIN: I'm hoping you mean that exclusively in the political sense.

Justin studies the electronic edition of the Salem Spectator for a moment, before looking up at his son, stunned by the news.

ALEX: Well...considering her history...it could go either way.

JUSTIN: We need to tread really carefully here. 

Justin hands back Alex's tablet, deeply contemplative, as Alex places the tablet back in his briefcase, nodding in agreement with his father.

ALEX: Exactly. If she supports EnerNext, and her past becomes tabloid fodder, we could go down in flames with her.

JUSTIN: Or, on the other hand, we distance ourselves from her, she reacts by campaigning against the oil sands, and she wins...

ALEX: And the project could be dead in the water as well.

Justin nods, trying in vain to think of a solution.

JUSTIN: (sigh) There's only one way to deal with it. And it's not one I'm a big fan of. We have to wait for her to make the first move.

Alex sighs, equally frustrated by the spot they now find themselves in.

---

EJ follows an enraged Sonny into the Brady Pub, where he puts a hand on Sonny's shoulder, forcing him to turn to face him.

SONNY: What do you want, EJ?

EJ leans in closer to Sonny, speaking softly so as not to catch the attention of the rest of the pub.

EJ: Listen, you and I need to have a serious chat about what's going on with Gabi.

SONNY: Oh, you mean, you want to convince me that putting a deadly weapon in an apartment with a toddler is a smart idea? I don't think so.

EJ: Sonny, stop. Okay? I know you're angry about this. Trust me, I wasn't too keen on coming by with that gun, myself. But you have to understand exactly what's happening and why I'm so worried about Gabi.

Sonny looks at EJ, unconvinced, but willing to listen. Barely.

SONNY: Alright, I'll bite. But this better be the best explanation you've ever given anyone, so help me.

EJ nods solemnly, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

---

Nicole, Eric, Chloe and Daniel stand in the office of the Justice of the Peace, stunned by the sudden arrival of Marlena and Sami at the conclusion of Eric and Nicole's wedding.

ERIC: Mom! Sami, what are you guys doing here?

Sami storms into the room towards Eric. Nicole steps in to ward off Sami from Eric.

SAMI: Stopping you from making the biggest mistake of your life.

NICOLE: Well, you're too late.

Nicole stares down Sami for a moment, before looking Marlena's way, smiling defiantly at both of them.

NICOLE: Eric and I are already married.

Nicole takes Eric's hand, and attempts to walk him out of the office, but Sami stops him, as Marlena advances to try to intervene as well.

NICOLE: So if you'll excuse us--

MARLENA: Oh no you won't! 

Marlena attempts to intimidate Nicole as well, staring at her intensely before turning to Daniel and Chloe.

MARLENA: Daniel. Chloe. Would you excuse us a moment?

Chloe and Daniel look at each other, gravely concerned for what's to come, before Daniel puts his hand on the small of Chloe's back, guiding her to the door.

Justice of the Peace Watkins surveys the situation and addresses Marlena as well.

JP WATKINS: I'll...uh...I'll see myself out as well.

MARLENA: Thank you.

Marlena turns back toward Eric and Nicole.

MARLENA: I think it's time, we all had a little talk.

Nicole looks exasperated, looking at Eric to see a similarly frustrated expression on his face.

---

---

Sonny and EJ sit down at a booth at the Brady Pub. Both with coffees in hand, they look at each other solemnly.

SONNY: Well? I'm waiting.

EJ sips his coffee, before looking at Sonny, keeping his voice low so as not to alarm anyone.

EJ: Look, Sonny...all I can say is that Gabi has been trying so hard to get Nick out of everyone's life before he goes too far, and at every turn he's evaded us so far. 

SONNY: But then why does that mean you have to go to such extreme lengths to get rid of him?

EJ: Sonny, come on. This is Nick Fallon we're talking about. He's a convicted murderer, and kindapper. He tried to rape Gabi, and tried to manipulate her into leaving the state with him, just so he could keep her daughter away from you and Will. We know what he's capable of, and we know what he can do to all of us if we don't deal with him exactly the right way.

Sonny leans in, emphatically pointing at EJ as he responds sternly.

SONNY: That does NOT mean you bring a gun into our home. I know full well what Nick is capable of. Quite frankly, he terrifies me. But I know that that gun is only going to escalate things. And someone's gonna end up hurt...or dead.

EJ: I agree. But where you and I differ, Sonny...is that I see it as an inevitability, whether or not Gabi has a weapon at her disposal. The difference being that, unarmed, there's a far greater chance that the person who may be killed is Gabi, or Will...or yourself. And I can't allow that to happen.

Sonny looks at EJ, then looks down into his cup of coffee, deep in contemplation.

---

Nicole folds her arms, as the door to the Justice of the Peace's office shuts, leaving only Marlena, Sami, Eric and Nicole inside.

NICOLE: Well, if you're going to try to get me to leave, you can save your breath. I'm not going anywhere.

SAMI: But God knows I wish you would.

Nicole shoots a look at Sami, snapping back at her snarky remark.

NICOLE: Well, too bad, Sami. I'm his wife now.

SAMI: I swear to God, Nicole, if I had legal grounds to, I'd be firing you so fast right now.

NICOLE: But you can't. And I'd like to see you try to make that hold up in court--

Eric steps in, cutting Nicole and Sami's argument off.

ERIC: ...Okay, enough. Both of you. Listen, I don't know how the two of you found out about this wedding, but we weren't doing this to pull one over on you.

MARLENA: Well, you could have fooled me. Eric, I know you're hurting over what happened with Kristen, and I know you feel some kind of gratitude toward Nicole for trying to track down Dr. Chyka, but to sneak around behind everyone's back and MARRY her?

ERIC: Mom, I am in love with her. Whether you and Sami believe it or not. And we were going to tell you--

SAMI: Oh, when?

ERIC: As soon as we figured out the best way. We were going to...take our time, let things settle down with dad, and...hopefully give you some time to start seeing Nicole in a different light.

Sami rolls her eyes, laughing at the thought of forgiving Nicole. Eric ignores his sister's petulence and continues.

ERIC: And when the time was right, we were going to let you know, and plan a big wedding for the family. But we wanted the time to allow you to accept our relationship first.

MARLENA: So to do that, you had to marry first? You couldn't wait for us to accept her and THEN marry?

ERIC: Mom, I just...I didn't want to wait.

SAMI: No, Nicole didn't want to wait. Because, like usual, Nicole rushes into things when she's up to something.

Sami steps in closer to Nicole, making her squirm.

SAMI: I know you've been cozying up to Nick and Percy the Greetings guy for the EnerNext story, but we all know Nick never does anything out of the goodness of his heart...so, tell us, Nicole...what's he got on you that's got you so nervous? Hm?

Nicole glares at Sami, visibly uncomfortable.

---

Jerome shuts the door to the motel room, a laptop bag in his hand, which he sets down on the desk for Sheryl.

JEROME: Okay. I pulled some strings and got you a basic laptop so you can get what you need done while you're out here.

Sheryl steps over to the desk, arms folded. She looks down as Jerome opens the screen, and plugs the USB stick into the laptop.

SHERYL: Great. So this has everything I need?

JEROME: I recorded the interview with my grandmother, took a copy of her resumé, and did a search on her professional profile. I think that we've got enough here that you'd be able to fool the people at University Hospital pretty easily into thinking you're Crystal.

SHERYL: Well...it's not like they know her.

JEROME: Exactly. Valerie's the only one who's spoken to her, and you'll just have to work on Jordan until you're able to get her alone and get her out of there, and then you can get out of town.

Sheryl smirks, putting a hand on Jerome's shoulder.

SHERYL: You do think of everything, don't you?

JEROME: I try.

SHERYL: Just one thing you didn't think of.

Jerome turns back toward Sheryl, confused.

JEROME: What's that?

SHERYL: What we're gonna do about Billie Reed. She's the only one who knows it's me, and not Nick that put that virus on the server. If we don't take her out somehow, the entire plan falls apart.

Jerome looks back at the laptop screen, sighing under his breath, as he thinks about what to do about Billie.

---

Justin packs up to head off for the office, as Alex finishes his cup of coffee, still deep in thought about how to deal with his mother's campaign for governor, and the server breach at Titan, when Henderson walks into the room, with Tyler in tow.

HENDERSON: Good morning, gentlemen. A Mr. Houston to see you.

JUSTIN: Thanks, Henderson, have him come in.

Henderson stands back to allow Tyler to come in, before exiting the room.

TYLER: Justin! Alex! I'm glad I caught you before you headed in for the day. I think we need to have a bit of a talk.

ALEX: Us? I thought we were having an emergency board meeting today?

TYLER: We are. And it's an all-departments one so you'll be expected to join us, Alex. But the three of us are going to have to come up with an action plan beforehand.

Justin turns to look at Tyler, confused.

JUSTIN: Action plan? For what?

TYLER: For how exactly we're going to make sure Nick Fallon doesn't singlehandedly torpedo this entire company.

Alex and Justin look at each other, more baffled than ever. Tyler looks at both of them with deadly seriousness.

---

DAYS #121: Sami & Marlena, Wedding Crashers? (08/04/14)

EPISODE 121
Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson

Alex comes down the steps of the Kiriakis mansion, adjusting his tie as he prepares for work. At the bottom of the steps, he turns to enter the living room, finding Justin there, as he ends a call on his cell phone.

JUSTIN: (into phone) Yeah, thanks. I'll be there.

Hanging up, Justin turns to face Alex.

JUSTIN: Alex! Good morning!
ALEX: Hey, Dad. I've uh...I've got some news.
JUSTIN: Yeah, so do I. Uh...you want a cup of coffee before you head out?

Alex walks into the living room and sits down on the sofa, as Justin steps over to the caraffe placed on a silver tray in the corner.

ALEX: Yeah, sure. Thanks.

Justin pours Alex a cup, as well as one for himself, and hands one over to his son. He then sits down in the easy chair next to Alex.

ALEX: So uh...what's your news?
JUSTIN: Well...it looks like we've got a hell of a day ahead of us...someone tried to break into the Titan server last night, someone who was trying to sabotage the EnerNext project.

Alex looks up at his dad, surprised and concerned.

---


Jerome walks back into the living room from the kitchen at the Grant house, finding Valerie sitting in her living room, finishing up her interview with Crystal Clarke, the nurse she's looking to hire at University Hospital. She makes a final note on her notepad, before looking up at the screen.

VALERIE: Alright, I think that's everything I need. Listen, Crystal, you've really impressed me, so...I can't guarantee anything, but there's a very good chance you'll be coming on board with us at University Hospital.
CRYSTAL: (through the computer) Oh that's great, thank you so much!
VALERIE: Now, I have to check your references, but either way, I'll let you know by this afternoon if you have the job or not, okay?

Jerome stands back, out of his grandmother's sight, listening in on the end of the interview. As he does, he looks toward the coat rack by the door, and quietly as possible, makes his way over to it.

Jerome smiles widely as he realizes his plan's coming together nicely. He leans into Valerie's coat pocket, and pulls out her hospital key card, slyly placing it in his own pocket, as Valerie finishes up her interview, oblivious to Jerome's theft.

CRYSTAL: (through the computer) I can't wait. Thanks again, Dr. Grant.
VALERIE: It's no trouble at all, Crystal. I'll speak to you soon.

Valerie shuts her computer and Jerome comes into the living room about then. Valerie looks up, and smiles.

VALERIE: Oh hi, Baby.
JEROME: Hey Grandma!
VALERIE: Did you get yourself a cup of coffee from the kitchen?
JEROME: Yeah! Yeah I did. Hey...uh...how did the interview go?
VALERIE: Oh, extremely well. I'm absolutely going to be hiring her. I just...you know, I can't say it straight out or else I can get into all kinds of trouble.

Jerome hangs back, as Valerie gets up from her seat on the couch, and picks up her laptop from the table, putting it in her laptop bag.

JEROME: So how soon will you have her come to Salem, then?
VALERIE: Well...if everything works out right...I'm hoping we can have her up here by the end of this week.

Jerome nods, trying to hide a smile as he collects his information for Sheryl's plan.

---


At the office of the Justice of the Peace, Eric, Nicole, and Daniel wait with the Justice of the Peace for Chloe's arrival. As they mill about, chatting excitedly, the door opens. Chloe pokes her head in and smiles, calling out to the group in a singsong voice.

CHLOE: I'm heeeere!

Nicole screams in excitement as she runs over to give her best friend a hug.

NICOLE: Ohhhh I'm so glad you could make it.
CHLOE: Ohhh I wouldn't miss this for the world.

As they pull out of their hug, they hold each other's hands and smile at each other.

CHLOE: You have no idea how happy I am for both of you. You deserve this, Nicole.
NICOLE: Thank you.

Nicole turns toward everyone else, a big, glowing smile on her face.

NICOLE: Well, I guess we should get started.

Nicole steps toward Eric, and the Justice of the Peace, while Daniel and Chloe stand behind them, as Eric takes Nicole's hand in hers, and looks deeply into her eyes, as they begin the ceremony.

---


Sami and Marlena sit in traffic, Sami anxiously trying to find a way to escape the endless traffic jam she finds herself in.

MARLENA: Do you know when they were planning to start the ceremony?
SAMI: No idea. Nick just said they were headed there now, so I don't think we have much time.
MARLENA: Oh God. What is Eric THINKING?
SAMI: Oh come on, you know Nicole's his achilles heel, Mom. She's suckered him in once before.
MARLENA: You're right...I just hope we aren't already too late.

Marlena looks out the window and sees the next exit clearing up ahead. She frantically points toward it to get Sami's attention.

MARLENA: Sami! Take the next exit, right there. Quick!
SAMI: I'm on it!

Sami quickly puts her signal on, turning out into the next lane to make their way off the crowded highway.

---

---


Gabi and Will stand in their living room, looking down at the gun that EJ has handed Gabi for protection. Will sighs as he slowly looks up at Gabi.

WILL: I hate to say this but...EJ was right to give you this.
GABI: You won't hear any argument from me.

Gabi starts to walk away toward the kitchen area to put on a pot of coffee. Will watches her walk off, surprised by her appearance of nonchalance.

WILL: You don't seem the least bit fazed by this.

Gabi stops, as she grabs the caraffe from the coffee maker. She looks at Will and shrugs.

GABI: Will, I'm doing what I have to do to protect all of us.

Will looks on at Gabi, incredulous.

WILL: You don't think this is just a bit...extreme? Gabi, this should be such a red flag to you of how far this whole situation has gone. Don't you see how deep you've got yourself involved in all this?

Gabi runs the water, filling up the caraffe, before turning and placing the caraffe down on the countertop, exasperated.

GABI: Don't you think I know that? Don't you think I've replayed this over and over and over in my mind a million times? I'm terrified, Will. I'm fighting for my life, and your life, and Sonny's life...but most important is that little girl over there.

Gabi points toward Ari sitting in her crib, Will looks over at his daughter momentarily, a mix of love and worry in his eyes, as Gabi continues, growing increasingly emotional, before starting to tear up.

GABI: I am fighting to make sure that Arianna doesn't have to live another day with the threat of that sick bastard hanging over all our heads. I want that little girl to grow up with her family around her. And I am running out of ways to do that. And I am scared, Will. I am so scared.

Will looks back at Gabi, realizing how terrified shs really is for the first time, and responds softly.

WILL: You don't have to be scared, Gabi. We're all here for you--

Gabi snaps, cutting Will off as she becomes more and more emotional.

GABI: YOU CAN'T GUARANTEE THAT, WILL! Not if we don't do something to stop Nick. And fast. Because I will not let my daughter lose her parents, or her grandparents because of that sleaze. EVER.

Will stares at an almost-crazed Gabi, both of them deeply worried and deeply upset by their circumstance. Will walks over to an emotional Gabi and gives her a hug, as Gabi begins to sob on his shoulder.

---

Alex looks at his father, totally stunned by the news he's just heard.

ALEX: I'm sorry, what?
JUSTIN: The um...the same people that hacked the City Hall server yesterday that was in the news? They tried to break into Titan's servers last night, and corrupt all the files associated with the EnerNext oil sands project, including all your promotional work you've been working on with Will.
ALEX: Oh my God.

Justin holds up a hand, hoping to stop Alex from freaking out.

JUSTIN: Now, hold on. Before you panic, we stopped them in time, but you have to know, it's someone in the graphic design department that's responsible.
ALEX: That means they're under my watch.

Justin nods, uncomfortable sharing the news with his son.

JUSTIN: Yeah. Now, Tyler may have something to say about that. Umm, for now the press doesn't know, but they want to hold an emergency board meeting about it later today, and...hopefully, we can get some of this sorted out.

Alex looks down, away from Justin's gaze. He tries to soak in all the information, momentarily holding his head in his hands.

ALEX: God. When it rains, it pours, doesn't it?
JUSTIN: You can say that again.

Alex gets up from his seat and begins to pace the room, Justin looks on, trying to reassure him.

JUSTIN: Listen, I don't think anything grave is going to happen where your department is concerned. I just want to give you the head's up. Keep quiet if anyone calls or any press get wind of it. We need to keep this out of the press at all costs. There's way too much riding on getting this project off the ground.
ALEX: I know, Dad. Don't worry. (sigh) But...that's not even the biggest problem we've got right now.

Justin looks over at Alex, confused.

JUSTIN: What do you mean?

Alex pulls his tablet out from his briefcase, and, after pressing a few spots on the screen, hands it over to Justin.

ALEX: Mom's decided to follow in Harper's footsteps.

Justin studies the electronic edition of the Salem Spectator for a moment, before looking up at his son, surprised by the headline.

---


Sheryl steps out of the bathroom, her hair wrapped in a towel, and wearing a matching white dressing gown. She hears a heavy knock on the door and quickly makes her way over to the front door of the motel room, checking to see who it is through the peephole. Seeing that it's Jerome, she quickly lets him in, hoping no one sees him.

SHERYL: Get in, get in, get in.

Closing the door behind her, she looks at Jerome expectantly, as Jerome takes off the hat he wore to disguise himself, and reaches into his pocket.

SHERYL: So...what did we get?

Jerome pulls a USB stick from his pocket, and hands it to Sheryl.

JEROME: Everything you need to become Crystal Clarke, RN.

Sheryl cocks an eyebrow, impressed by what Jerome has managed to do.

---

Sami pulls up to the City Hall, and quickly puts her car in Park and turns the car off.

SAMI: Okay. We're here!
MARLENA: Now, let's just hope we get in there before it's too late.
SAMI: From your mouth to God's ear, Mom.

Ripping the keys from the ignition, she and Marlena, make a made dash inside, hoping to stop the wedding in time.

...

Justice of the Peace Watkins stands before a beaming Eric and Nicole, as they stand before him, holding each other's hands.

JOP WATKINS: Well, good morning, and I am pleased to stand before you today, to join Nicole, and Eric, in matrimony.

...

Running up to the front desk, Sami waves frantically, trying to get the attention of the front desk clerk.

DESK CLERK: Can I help you ladies?
MARLENA: Yes, I'm Dr. Marlena Evans, and I--

The desk clerk lights up, recognizing Marlena immediately.

DESK CLERK: Oh my GOSH! Dr. Evans! I remember you from when you used to have that radio show on years ago! Never thought I'd see the day...

Marlena tries to cut her off, impatiently trying to move things along without being rude.

MARLENA: Yes, that was...years ago, listen, my son is getting married today, and we need to know which room they're in. Can you help me and my daughter? We're very late.

The desk clerk smiles, ever-so-casually getting up from her seat, and smiling warmly at Marlena.

DESK CLERK: Oh, for you? Anything, Dr. Evans.
MARLENA: Thank you. I don't mean to be short but we're very late, and I don't want to miss the big moment, so...if you could.

The desk clerk sits herself slowly down at the computer, nodding happily.

DESK CLERK: No trouble at all, Dr. Evans.
MARLENA: Thanks again.

Much to Marlena's chagrin, the desk clerk continues to prattle on as she slowly starts to look up the room for the wedding.

DESK CLERK: You know, you hear all these things about what's happened to you in the years since the show ended, and I think it's just such a shame, all these ridiculous rumours that swirl around, them saying you killed all those people but...really...kidnapped them and...I can't even keep track! (laughs) People really need to stop with all this fake news, you know?

Marlena resists rolling her eyes, as Sami gives Marlena a look of pure irritation.

...

JOP WATKINS: If anyone sees just cause why these two should not be joined, let them speak now, or forever hold their peace.

After a moment of silence in the room, Nicole quietly laughs, thrilled that the ceremony can go on without objection.

JOP WATKINS: In that case...Eric Brady, do you take Nicole Walker to be your wife?

Eric smiles warmly at Nicole, squeezing her hands gently, as he answers softly.

ERIC: I do.

...

The desk clerk clicks on a tab on her computer screen, almost too deliberately, before turning toward Marlena and Sami.

DESK CLERK: What did you say your son's name was, Dr. Evans?
MARLENA: Ah, Eric Brady...he's to be married to a Nicole Walker.
DESK CLERK: Alright...

The desk clerk hits "search" on her database window, and the computer begins to work.

After a tense moment, the desk clerk looks back at Marlena and Sami and smiles, slightly apologetically.

DESK CLERK: I don't know if you heard, but the servers were down here yesterday, so it's taking a while for the system to get back into the groove of things. (laughs) Oh, you know technology!

Sami and Marlena smile awkwardly, as Sami responds this time.

SAMI: Oh, do I ever.

...

JOP WATKINS: Do you, Nicole Walker, take this man, Eric Brady, to be your husband?

Nicole, without a moment's hesitation, excitedly answers, nearly bouncing as she answers.

NICOLE: I do!

Everyone laughs, as Nicole continues to jiggle with girlish excitement.

....

A moment passes, as Sami cracks her knuckles, unsure whether this relieves any tension, or if she's winding up to punch the desk clerk. Finally, the results come in.

DESK CLERK: Here we go!

Sami and Marlena snap back to the desk, staring attentively, awaiting their answer.

MARLENA: Yes, which room is it?
DESK CLERK: Ooo! You better hurry, it's happening now. It's in Room 341. It's on the third floor, three doors down on your right...
MARLENA: Thank you!

Marlena and Sami take off like a shot for the elevator. The desk clerk barely having time to finish her thought. She looks on, as both Sami and Marlena disappear around the corner.

The desk clerk shouts out to them, while waving.

DESK CLERK: Good luck, Dr. Evans!

The desk clerk sits back down in her seat, her expression immediately changing to one of irritation as she does.

DESK CLERK: Damn society folks in this town, always in such a hurry they forget their manners.

...

Eric places the wedding ring on Nicole's finger. She beams as she looks at the beautiful silver wedding band.

ERIC: I promise, when we do this properly with the family, I'll have something a little bit more...formal prepared (laughs) but for now....just know that I love you, and I am so grateful that I've been given a second chance with you. I don't know what I'd do without you, Nicole.

Nicole begins to tear up, as she leans in to kiss Eric.

NICOLE: Oh, Eric! I love you too...

As they kiss, the Justice of the Peace makes his final declaration.

JOP WATKINS: By the power vested in me by the state, I now pronounce you, husband and wife.

As he finishes the announcement, and Daniel and Chloe begin to clap in congratulations, the door to his office swings open, and a voice screams out, startling everyone inside.

MARLENA: NO!

Nicole and Eric break their kiss, as they, the Justice of the Peace, Daniel and Chloe turn around with a start, finding a panicked Marlena and Sami standing just inside the doorway.

---

DAYS #120: EJ, Gabi, and Will try to talk Sonny down (08/01/14)

EPISODE 120
Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson

Sonny stands with EJ in the living room of his apartment, as Gabi lays Ariana down in her crib. Sonny looks at a half-asleep Will, who stands in the doorway to their bedroom. Sonny is mystified by Will's acceptance of EJ gifting Gabi a gun to protect her.

SONNY: What is wrong with you, Will? You think it's a good idea to keep a gun in this house? With your daughter nearby?
WILL: Okay, Sonny, look. Nick has gone off the deep end before, and we all know that. And he has access to our lives in ways we may have absolutely no concept of. What's to stop him from finding a way to kidnap Gabi or Ari? He's already manipulated his way back into Gabi's life, and she was too afraid to say anything.
GABI: Not...exactly.
SONNY: What do you mean by that?

EJ interjects, trying to keep Gabi from spilling the beans on their plot.

EJ: Gabi...

Gabi sighs as she turns toward EJ. She shakes her head before she reveals her real plans with Sonny and Will.

GABI: EJ, we can't keep this from them. Look...my trying to reconcile with Nick, it's all been a ruse. Like Will suggested before. I've been trying to reel him in and get him to trust me again so I could use it against him.
WILL: Okay...but...
SONNY: Gabi, please tell me you're not doing anything dangerous.

Gabi shakes her head emphatically.

GABI: No, no. I umm...no, I went on a date with Nick and...well...EJ suggested I get him drunk and...give him his old pain medication to stop his hangover. And then...I replaced his Ibuprofens with lookalikes EJ had made that are really a stronger version of the pain meds Nick got hooked on when he killed Trent Robbins.
SONNY: WHAT?! Gabi, what the--
GABI: I had Hope investigate and I was hoping to have him caught with the pills before his parole ran out so that I could have him arrested, but...
Will sighs, putting a hand on his forehead as he finishes Gabi's sentence.
WILL: But she didn't find them, and now Nick's back to full-on psycho mode, and if he finds out that Gabi's been duping him...

Sonny turns back toward Gabi and EJ, who both look on very seriously at Will and Sonny.

EJ: You all could be in very grave danger.

---


Jerome steps into the living room at the Grant house, just as Valerie is about to begin her video interview with Crystal Clarke, the nurse she's looking to hire at the hospital.

He steps into the room and interrupts her before she hits "connect".

JEROME: Hey! Grandma, just...one thing I forgot to do before you start that call.
VALERIE: Oh! Sure, honey! Go ahead.

Jerome opens up the computer's media player, and sets up the media player to begin recording video and audio of Valerie's computer screen (including the video interview) without Valerie noticing.

Once the recording is set up, he turns the computer back over to Valerie.

JEROME: There you go, Grandma.
VALERIE: Thanks, baby. Okay, here we go.

Valerie hits "connect", and Crystal appears on the screen, ready to start the interview. Jerome hangs back, watching the interview begin with a big smile on his face.

---


Sami and Marlena sit in traffic along the highway, desperately trying to get to City Hall in time for Eric and Nicole's wedding.

SAMI: Come on, come on, come on!!

Sami blares on her horn, trying in vain to move traffic. Marlena winces from the noise of the horn blast.

MARLENA: Sami, that's not going to help.
SAMI: No, but it makes me feel better.

After a moment's pause, Marlena looks over, a bit annoyed at Sami's impatience, and dubious of her motives.

MARLENA: And just what, exactly, is Eric doing that's going to ruin his life? You never did explain that one to me.

Sami sighs heavily, not wanting to say anything but deciding there's really no time like the present.

SAMI: well...I guess, since we're stuck here. I might as well tell you.

Marlena snaps back, sick of all the mystery.

MARLENA: Tell me what?
SAMI: Eric's getting married this morning. To Nicole.

Marlena looks back at Sami, completely in disbelief.

---


Eric and Nicole step up to the door of the Justice of the Peace's office. They stand together, holding hands, and looking lovingly at each other.

ERIC: You ready?
NICOLE: Am I ever.

Eric opens the door to the office and they step in together, hand in hand.

---

---

Eric and Nicole walk into the office of the Justice of the Peace, hand in hand. Both of them smiling widely as the smiling older gentleman behind the desk looks up, greeting them.
JUSTICE OF PEACE: Mr. Brady, I presume?
ERIC: Good morning! Mister...
JUSTICE OF PEACE: Greg Watkins.


Justice of the Peace Watkins extends his hand to Brady and then to Nicole, both of whom graciously shake his hand. As Nicole shakes his hand, Daniel opens the door and steps into the room. Eric and Nicole turn to see who's come in and smile.

DANIEL: I...uh...I heard there was gonna be a wedding in here?

Eric walks over and greets Daniel with a handshake and a hug, as the two laugh.

ERIC: It's good to see you, man.
DANIEL: You too. Nicole, you're looking fantastic.

Nicole smiles and curtsies in jest.

NICOLE: Thank you.
DANIEL: I uh...I'm sorry I was a bit late, I had to drop Billie off at Kate's.

Nicole raises an eyebrow at Daniel after his remark about Billie.

NICOLE: You and Billie, eh?  Sounds like that's getting pretty serious.
DANIEL: Well....you could say that.

Eric smiles, and pats Daniel on the shoulder.

ERIC: I'm really happy for you.

Eric turns toward Nicole and JOP Watkins, checking to see who's here.

ERIC: Are we ready to go?
NICOLE: Uh...just waiting on Chloe.
DANIEL: Chloe texted me about five mintues ago, she's just parking her car. She'll be up in a minute and we can get started.

Nicole walks over to Eric and takes his hands in hers. She beams with excitement as she leans in and quickly kisses her husband-to-be on the lips.

NICOLE: Eeee it's happening!
ERIC: I know! (laughs)

---

Marlena sits in heavy traffic in Sami's car, stunned by the news that Eric is marrying Nicole.

MARLENA: You've GOT to be joking!
SAMI: I am not.
MARLENA: How did you find this out?
SAMI: Nick Fallon came over this morning. We'd been working on a project for Countess Wilhelmina and, he let me know that he'd found out. I guess to give me a warning as a....bizarre thank you for helping him out.

Marlena looks on, confused by the scenario.

MARLENA: Nick Fallon...but doesn't Nick work for Kate?
SAMI: It's...it's a long story. The point is we have to get to City Hall before that wedding happens.
MARLENA: Oh you're not kidding. After all the hell that woman put Eric through...and you? I'll be damned if she gets her claws into Eric again.

Marlena and Sami stare out the window, internally screaming as they watch the traffic remain at a standstill before them.

---

Sonny looks to Gabi, completely stunned by her plan to hook Nick back on his meds.

SONNY: Gabi, what did you think was gonna happen when you started feeding Nick those pills?
GABI: I seriously thought that Hope was going to see the pills and arrest him.
SONNY: Oh. Yeah. Hope. Nick's cousin. You know much tension that would cause in the Horton house if they found out Hope was the one that busted Nick? She's not going to bust him even if she DID find the pills.
GABI: As I found out at Brady's wake.

Will looks over at Gabi, interested.

WILL: What do you mean?
GABI: I uh...after I got Nick hooked on the pills, Hope didn't find anything, and so I...had someone grab more of the same pills and he...kinda...stole Marlena's perscription pad so that it would look like Nick was stealing drugs from the hospital...

Sonny interjects, rolling his eyes at Gabi.

SONNY: Oh God, Gabi--
GABI: Well, I had to because by that time, Nick's parole was up and I wouldn't have been able to have mere possession stick, so...unfortunately...
WILL: Let me guess...she wouldn't look into it.

Gabi looks down, arms folded. She looks back over at Will and Sonny and shakes her head. Sonny reacts immediately.

SONNY: Figures. See, Gabi, you're always going off and...taking matters into your own hands when we should be all trying to get through this together.
GABI: Look, I know, okay? But I didn't think you guys needed the added stress with everything else you guys are dealing with right now, and Will starting a new job and you're trying to plan a wedding. I just didn't wanna burden you.
SONNY: Well, consider us sufficiently burdened. Now Nick's so far off the deep end, we have to keep a gun in the apartment. Good job, Gabi.

Gabi looks down, not responding to Sonny's words. Sonny, angry about the situation, grabs his jacket, and heads for the door.

SONNY: I need to go grab a coffee.
WILL: Sonny, wait...

Will jumps in, heading for the door to follow Sonny, hoping to calm him down, but EJ stops him.

EJ: William...I'll...you stay here, I'll...take care of him.

Will stops, before nodding at EJ. EJ takes the gun, and hands it to Will. Will holds it in his hands, as EJ closes the door to the apartment. He and Gabi look down at the gun, grave concern in both their eyes.

---


Sheryl lays back in her hotel room at the dive motel at the edge of town where Jerome's put her up. She lies on the bed, watching TV, thoroughly bored. She shouts at the TV as a game show plays.

SHERYL: NO, you idiot, $600!

As she shouts out, the hotel room phone rings. She leans over to pick it up, still annoyed at the contestant on the TV screen.

SHERYL: Dumbass...

Picking up the phone, she speaks, knowing who's calling.

SHERYL: (into phone) What you got for me?

...

Jerome paces the Grant kitchen, trying to speak just softly enough so that Valerie can't hear him from the living room.

JEROME: (into phone) Okay, so she's doing the interview now, and I'm 100% this chick's got the job.

...

Sheryl listens, contemplating her plan of action.

SHERYL: (into phone) Okay. So how are we gonna pull this off?

...

JEROME: (into phone) Simple. I'll try to access her e-mail based on her resumé, and delete the acceptance letter when it comes in, hopefully before she sees it and makes the arrangements, and no one will be the wiser.

...

SHERYL: (into phone) And if she does?

...

JEROME: (into phone) Then we cross that bridge when we get to it.

...

Sheryl sits up in the bed, getting increasingly agitated.

SHERYL: (into phone) No, that's not good enough. There is no recourse on this. If she sees that e-mail and comes to Salem to start this job? We have to stop her...and I think I know exactly how to do it.

Sheryl gives a bit of an evil grin.

...

Jerome looks off, unsure if he likes what Sheryl has cooked up.

---

DAYS #119: Sami rushes to stop the wedding, Sonny stands up to EJ (07/31/14)

EPISODE 119
Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson

EJ stands in Gabi, Sonny, and Will's apartment, holding a pistol he was about to hand Gabi. Sonny stands in the doorway to the bedroom, glaring angrily at EJ.

EJ: Sonny.

Gabi turns around to look at Sonny, who walks hastily over and takes the gun from EJ's hand.

SONNY: What the HELL do you think you're doing bringing a gun in this house, EJ?
EJ: Sonny, let me explain--
SONNY: NO! No, you LISTEN to me, EJ. I am not going to have Ariana living with a deadly weapon lying around, ready to be used whenever a wind picks up and a treebranch taps the window pane because we're all so terrified of what Nick Fallon's gonna do next.

EJ looks away, shaking his head as he allows Sonny to finish his rant.

SONNY: And before you tell me this is supposed to protect us, I think we can find a slightly better way than packing heat everywhere we go.
EJ: Sonny, Nick Fallon is threat.
SONNY: He may be, but he's too smart, and too cunning to attack us at this stage in the game with violence.

EJ looks at Sonny, an unsure look on his face.

EJ: Not...neccessarily. Not anymore.

Sonny looks back at EJ, confused.

---


Sami stands in the DiMera living room, shocked by the news she's just heard from Nick, who sits causally in the easychair facing her.

SAMI: He's WHAT??!
NICK: Getting married to Nicole. In...

Nick checks his watch for a second, before looking up at Sami, smiling widely.

NICK: About an hour?

Sami rushes forward, heading for the door of the living room to show Nick out.

SAMI: You're lying. I KNOW you're lying. You're just trying to get me going and...
NICK: I saw the appointment booking. They're probably headed the justice of the peace right now.

Nick gets up from his seat, turning toward Sami who has her hand on the knob of the door leading out of the living room. She stops before opening it, then turns back to face Nick.

SAMI: My brother wouldn't be so stupid as to marry Nicole Walker.
NICK: Do you really have the time to debate me about it? Look, you've done me a huge favour by offering Gabi that contract, and I'm willing to pay it forward. I'm not trying to get one over on you.

Sami laughs to her herself as she responds sarcastically.

SAMI: Oh...that's a first.

Nick looks at Sami, deadly serious as he steps toward her.

NICK: Sami. Do you really think you have the time to second guess me on this? If I were you, I'd be in my car already, trying to stop this farce of a wedding from happening. No?

Sami stops a moment, looking away from Nick before opening the door to the living room.

SAMI: I guess I'd better get ready to go.

Nick smiles smugly as he heads out.

NICK: You're welcome.

After heading out, Sami closes the door behind him. Frustrated, she contemplates her action plan.

Having a sudden epiphany, she heads over to the landline phone on the desk at the opposite end of the room, and makes a call.

...


At Marlena's penthouse, a relaxed Marlena gets up from having breakfast and digs through her purse to find her cell phone.

Putting it to her ear, she answers.

MARLENA: (into phone) Sami?

...

Sami answers, a definite sense of urgency in her voice.

SAMI: (into phone) Mom, where are you?

...

Marlena's expression shifts immediately, suddenly concerned by her daughter's tone.

MARLENA: (into phone) I'm at home. Sami? What's going on?

...

SAMI: (into phone) I don't have time to explain, meet me at city hall right now. It's an emergency.

Sami hangs up the phone, almost slamming it onto the receiver, before taking a moment to think of her action plan.

SAMI: You're not gonna get away with this, Nicole. Not on my watch.

...

Marlena stands in her living room, confused and worried, as she tries to get Sami to answer.

MARLENA: (into phone) Sami? Sami? Are you...?

Marlena looks at her phone, seeing that Sami ended the call. Worried, she immediately heads for her bedroom to get ready to go meet Sami.

---


Valerie sits on her sofa in her living room, attempting to set something up on her laptop. Visibly frustrated, she tenses up as though ready to hit the computer, before hearing Jerome come down the stairs, ready to head off for the day. Valerie turns, hopeful that Jerome can help.

VALERIE: Oh! Jerome! Good morning!

Jerome stops once he reaches the bottom of the staircase. Turning to face his grandma, she pulls him by the shirt toward him to greet him with a morning kiss on the cheek.

JEROME: Hey, Grandma.
VALERIE: Hey. You want some breakfast before you head out?

Jerome hesitates, not wanting to stick around, but trying not to be rude.

JEROME: Uhhhh actually, I was gonna meet some guys from the university at the Brady Pub.
VALERIE: Oh. That's a shame. I uh....I actually needed your help with something before you left. Do you...do you have a second for me?

Jerome shrugs, politely smiling at his grandmother.

JEROME: Yeah. Sure.
VALERIE: Good. Cos' this here is about to make your grandmother lose her mind.

Valerie walks Jerome over to her laptop, motioning to him.

JEROME: Okay, what's the problem?
VALERIE: I have to do an interview for a nurse I'm looking to hire for the hospital, and they want me to do it online using this....video chat business. And I do NOT know the first thing about setting this up.

Jerome laughs for a second with Valerie, before nodding.

JEROME: Yeah, that's cool. I can set you up in two seconds.
VALERIE: Jerome Grant, you are a lifesaver.

Jerome sits himself down on the couch and quickly sets everything up for the video chat, he looks up at Valerie, who stands over him, watching what he's doing. He asks her a question.

JEROME: Now I just need her name and account name so we can finish setting it all up.

Valerie points to a specific tab on the computer screen to guide Jerome.

VALERIE: Oh! It's um...this one here.

Jerome clicks on the tab that shows the woman's resumé. After plugging in her handle into the chat program, her profile appears on the screen, complete with her picture.

Her name is Crystal Clarke.

Jerome stops a moment, suddenly very focused on the woman's face. A very pretty woman with short, bright red hair in a pixie cut, soft chubby cheeks, and a bright smile.
After a moment he notices a striking resemblance to Sheryl. Certainly, the two women have some significant differences in their appearance. This woman's hair, in colour and length, differ significantly from Sheryl's. Additionally, this woman is somehwat chubbier than Sheryl, and their eye colours are somewhat different. But the resemblance is still uncanny to Jerome.

Thinking fast, Jerome looks back at his grandmother.

JEROME: I...uh...I think we're ready. So just...

Jerome gets up from his seat, and guides Valerie onto the couch in his stead. He points toward a specific spot on the screen.

JEROME: Just...click there when you wanna connect the call, and you're good.
VALERIE: Thank you, baby.

Valerie kisses Jerome lovingly on the cheek before he steps away from the couch. He stops to tell Valerie something.

JEROME: Anytime. Look, I...uh....I think I will stick around and grab some coffee at least.
VALERIE: It's all ready for you in the kitchen.

Jerome smiles at his grandma before continuing on to the kitchen.

JEROME: Thanks, Grandma.

Jerome heads for the kitchen, stopping just at the doorway as he continues to think over his plan.

JEROME: If I didn't believe in miracles before...this might be just what we needed to finish this job once and for all.

---

---


Sheryl paces her hotel room in the sleazy hotel at the edge of town Jerome has set up for her. The darkness of the room irritates her, as she has on the bedside lamps and turns on the room's lights, but it's still not enough. She looks over at the room's phone, contemplating making a call to Jordan, but quickly realizes that would be at once foolish and in vain.

SHERYL: Are you stupid? Jordan's not gonna take your calls at this rate. You just gotta sit tight and wait for word.

Suddenly, the room's phone rings. Sheryl lurches forward, quickly pulling the receiver to her ear in desperation.

SHERYL: Hello?

...

It's Jerome. He stands in his kitchen at home, stirring his cup of coffee as he cheerfully greets Sheryl, almost in a singsong voice.

JEROME: (into phone) I've got some good news for you.

...

SHERYL: (into phone) I could use some right about now. What is it?

...

JEROME: (into phone) I may have a way for us to pull this job off after all.

...

Sheryl smiles widely, a sudden glimmer of hope finally coming through for her.

---


Alex walks over to Noelle, who is still lying in bed nursing her hangover. Noelle holds up her tablet which shows his mother's picture on the front page of the Salem Spectator, alongside the headline:

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

Alex sighs as he reads the headline. He responds sarcastically.

ALEX: Great. She finally did it.
NOELLE: Look, I know this is...a huge issue between you guys--

Alex snaps at Noelle, trying to stop her from carrying on with this topic.

ALEX: Look, I don't...I don't wanna get into this right now. You know how I feel about my mother and her...politics.

Noelle leans over in bed, as Alex sits down on the bed next to her. She puts a hand on his shoulder, hoping to comfort him.

NOELLE: I do. And I know that you want to keep your life out of the spotlight, and her running for office...severely hampers that. We can keep our distance from her. I mean...she's not in Salem, so we won't have to attend all kinds of party events and fundraisers.
ALEX: That's not the point. I'll still get asked for my input. What am I gonna say? No, I don't support anything my mother stands for. No, I don't want her to win the governor's seat! Why do you ask?

Noelle laughs momentarily, while rubbing her husband's shoulders, starting to lift herself out of bed.

NOELLE: Look, just...don't let it bug you too much. If it helps, I'll call Anjelica and we'll work something out. Okay?

Noelle leans in close to Alex's ear, and whispers sensually into it.

NOELLE: Now...why don't you...take a bit more time getting ready.

Noelle giggles, as she lets her hands wander from her husband's shoulders, leading down to his chest.

NOELLE: I guess I'm starting to feel a bit better.

Alex smiles, but takes Noelle's hands off him, and gets up.

ALEX: I wish I could but...I have too much to go over this morning, and Justin sent me a text saying there was something big that came up last night I have to deal with so...I gotta run. I'm sorry.

Noelle smiles, disappointed but understanding.

NOELLE: It's okay. I understand.
ALEX: Look, I gotta get ready. You gonna stay in bed awhile.
NOELLE: Yeah.

Noelle sits in bed, as Alex leans in and kisses Noelle gently on the lips.

ALEX: I'll let you rest. I'll see you tonight. I might have a surprise waiting for you.
NOELLE: Ooo! I look forward to it. I love you.

Alex breaks away from Noelle and heads for the door, flashing a sexy smile at his wife.

ALEX: Love you too.

Once Alex closes the door, Noelle sighs. She gets up from her bed and grabs her cell phone, placing a call.

After a moment, someone answers, and Noelle is none too pleased.

NOELLE: (into phone) Just when the Hell were you gonna tell me you were running? We had a deal, Anjelica!

---

Sonny reacts to EJ's comment in equal measures of frustration and confusion.

SONNY: Wh-what do you mean, not anymore? I...


As Sonny reacts, Will emerges from the bedroom, half-asleep and confused.

WILL: Guys, what's all the...EJ?

EJ looks over at Will, feeling guilty for having woken him up. He nods a greeting Will's way.

EJ: William.

Sonny turns toward Will, almost laughing at the situation he finds so absurd.

SONNY: Will! You know what all this noise is? EJ's decided that the best way to protect us from Nick is to bring a gun into our home. Because that's a responsible environment to raise Ariana in. Don't you think?

Will looks over at Sonny, Gabi, then EJ, and back to Sonny, responding a little sheepishly.

WILL: Well, uh...I mean...maybe it's because I'm still half-asleep but...he may have a point.

Sonny looks back at Will, mystified and outraged by his statement.

---

Marlena walks out of the front door to her building. Spotting Sami's car out front, she approaches, surprised to see her daughter there.

MARLENA: Sami?
SAMI: Mom,  get in.
MARLENA: What are you talking about?
SAMI: Mom, Eric may be about to make the biggest mistake of his life. There's no time. Come on, I'll drive.

Marlena looks at Sami, more worried than ever, as she wordlessly gets into the passenger's side of Sami's car and closes the door.

Sami immediately speeds off once they're both inside.

---


Nicole and Eric sit in the car together, the both of them blissfully happy as they head for Salem City Hall to be married.

ERIC: You excited?

Nicole cocks an eyebrow at Eric, who chuckles to himself as Nicole responds.

NICOLE: What do you think? Seriously though, I am so grateful that we got a second chance, Eric. You don't even know how happy I am to be getting married to you today.
ERIC: You and me both. I know I don't...speak about this much but...you know...after what happened with Kristen and...Dr. Chyka getting away and...all that stuff with the church...I could've very easily fallen into a really dark place.

Nicole zones out, contemplating her own part in the Dr. Chyka affair. She flashes back to her meeting with Hope upon their return from Dr. Chyka's cabin, when Hope told Nicole that it was better they hadn't found anything in the cabin, as it would harm Eric's case rather than help.

She then recalls putting the files proving Kristen drugged Eric in her desk drawer.

Eric squeezes Nicole's hand, snapping her out of her thoughts.

ERIC: Nicole.

Nicole looks up, back at Eric. She smiles.

NICOLE: Sorry. My mind...wandered.
ERIC: Apparently!

Nicole and Eric laugh together as Eric turns into the parking lot at the city hall. Stopping the car, he puts the car in Park and pulls the keys from the ignition. He stops before getting out and looks over at Nicole.

ERIC: Well, I just want you to know...I thank you. I couldn't have made it through all of this without you.

Nicole begins to tear up, leaning in to kiss Eric. After they kiss gently on the lips, Eric unfastens his seatbelt and opens the door.

ERIC: Are you ready to become Mrs. Eric Brady?

Nicole laughs, unable to hide her glee.

NICOLE: I am SO ready.
ERIC: Well, let's go!

Nicole unbuckles her seatbelt and quickly leaves the car at the same time as Eric. They shut their respective doors almost completely in sync.

---