DAYS #166: Nick tries to ease Gabi's nerves, Victor gives Tyler some explosive info (10/07/14)

EPISODE 166

Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultant: C. Nathaniel Richardson

Tyler steps off the elevator at University Hospital, making a beeline for Victor's room.


As Tyler opens the door, he's followed in by Daniel, who tries to stop Tyler from advancing.

DANIEL: Ahh...Mr. Houston...
TYLER: Yes?
DANIEL: I'm sorry, I'm...just about to do a quick check-up on Victor, and...


Victor, hearing Tyler and Daniel's voices, opens his eyes, and interjects.

VICTOR: It's alright, Daniel. Can you give us five minutes?

Daniel sighs, knowing Victor won't budge.

DANIEL: Victor, I gotta finish my rounds before noon. I have a lunch date with Billie.
VICTOR: Tell her to postpone. This is important.

Daniel takes a moment, before giving in.

DANIEL: Yeah. Okay. But just five. I'll be at the nurses' station.

Tyler turns, nodding in appreciation to Daniel, as Daniel reaches for the door on his way out.

TYLER: Thank you.

As Daniel shuts the door, Tyler turns his attentions back to Victor, speaking dryly to his longtime business associate.

TYLER: You called?
VICTOR: Yes. I was just paid a visit from our good friend Nick Fallon. How long were you all gonna keep me in the dark about what he's up to, anyway?

Tyler sighs, frustrated and disappointed that Nick's broken the news to Victor of his takeover of Titan.

---


Sheryl emerges from the service elevator at University Hospital, checking around to ensure no one has spied her with the wheelchair, before placing it back by the locker room door, as before.

Sneaking back into the locker room, she walks over to her locker, realizing that Crystal's phone is inside, ringing.

She checks to see who's calling.

It's Kim.

Ignoring the call, Sheryl puts the phone back in the locker, and locks it up.

SHERYL: Okay, Crystal. Time to deal with your next problem. Jordan Ridgeway.

Sheryl walks off in search of Jordan.

---


Kim puts her phone down from her ear, as she stands behind the bar at the Brady Pub, somewhat confused by "Crystal" hanging up on her, as Nick walks into the pub, a bright smile on his face.

Kim turns to greet him.

KIM: Nick!
NICK: Hey Kim! Ah...have you seen Gabi anywhere?

Kim shakes her head, as she scans the restaurant to be sure she hasn't missed Gabi somehow.

KIM: Ahh no. Can't say that I have. You're supposed to meet her here to get the rest of your things?

Nick leans casually against the bar, smirking with his usual self-satisfaction.

NICK: Mmmm...you could say that.


Just then, Gabi steps in, causing Nick to turn his head around excitedly.

NICK: There's the woman I've been waiting to see!

Gabi walks in, suitcase in tow. Nick looks down, and realizes what this means. He looks back up at Gabi, with a growing smile on his face.

NICK: You....is this what I think it is?

Gabi smiles ,nervously, breathing in deep before answering. She flashes back to what EJ told her when they met earlier:

***

FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 156
 

Gabi stands with EJ on the pier, her face lined with worry, as she speaks to EJ softly, trying not to be heard lest someone overhear.
 
GABI: Alright. So how am I going to go about finding these pictures?
 
EJ looks at Gabi, deadly serious.
 
EJ: He'll have them. You're going to have to put yourself in very close proximity to him to get them. Make certain you bring your weapon to keep yourself protected, but don't let him think for a second that you're nervous around him.
GABI: Even if that means I have to go to bed with him?
EJ: Absolutely, if you have to.
GABI: EJ, I...I can't do that. The thought of sleeping with that man again makes my skin crawl.
EJ: I realize. But your family's lives are at stake here. You need to be prepared to do whatever it takes to take Nick down.

***

Gabi smiles at Nick, feigning a warm look as she tells him her decision.

GABI: Yeah. I'll do it, Nick. I'll move in with you.

---

---


Hope walks out of the café in Horton Town Square, a coffee cup in hand to go, as she see Aiden approach the café at the same time.

Catching each other's eyes, Hope moves to go around Aiden without greeting, but Aiden calls out to her, stopping her in her tracks.

AIDEN: Hope.

Hope responds coldly, not even turning to face Aiden.

HOPE: What do you want, Aiden?
AIDEN: I wanted to...apologize for how I behaved the last time we...heh, ran into each other.

Hope turns around, speaking politely, but not warmly.

HOPE: Aiden, there's nothing to say. Just....forget about it. You live your life, and try to stay out of mine.
AIDEN: Well, wait. Look, I...I kinda wanted to make it up to you. If you don't mind, that is.

Hope furrows her brow, unsure what Aiden means.

HOPE: Don't mind what?
AIDEN: Well...I was hoping to maybe...heh, maybe I could buy you dinner or something? Maybe meet up at Club TBD tonight?

Hope looks on, stunned by Aiden's turn in attitude.

---

Nick beams with delight as he hugs a tense Gabi, who looks on as Nick embraces her, positively stunned by what she's doing. 

Nick laughs obliviously with excitement as he pulls Gabi out of their hug.

NICK: Oh wow! This is...this is the best news I've had today. Seriously.
GABI: Well, you...you've had a lot of good news lately, I...I'm just the icing on the cake, I'm sure.
NICK: That you are.

Nick puts a hand on Gabi's arm, as Gabi looks on, trying not to let his discomfort with Nick's touch show. She looks over at Kim, who takes the cue and speaks up.

KIM: Ah, Gabi! Did you...did you want a coffee or something?

Gabi looks over at Kim, as she steps over toward a table for two.

GABI: Ah...double vodka, straight.

Nick looks curiously at Gabi as they sit down.

NICK: You ah...you drinking so early?
GABI: Nick, I need all the courage I can to live under Victor Kiriakis' roof. Especially if I'm going to be living there as your guest.
NICK: That's just it, Gabi. It's not Victor's....it's my house. I own it.
GABI: Doesn't make it any less awkward. I mean, I'm moving out of Sonny and Will's and...I mean, I haven't even told them I'm leaving, and...

Nick grabs Gabi's hands and holds them across the table. He looks seriously into her eyes.

NICK: No. No, it doesn't need to be. Gabi, I'm serious. The Kiriakises are guests in our home. If anyone gives you trouble, you leave them to me. Okay?

Gabi nods slowly, feeling very uncomfortable with the situation. Nick lowers his voice as he leans in closer.

NICK: And as for Will & Sonny? We'll figure it out, we'll...we'll make a schedule for Ari, whatever you need. But you need to remember, you're entitled to live your own life. Now, I know Will won't mind as much, he usually doesn't...but If Sonny has that much of a problem with you living with me, I will make sure he stays out of our way, okay?

Gabi interjects, cutting the end off of Nick's last statement.

GABI: No, Nick, you don't have to--
NICK: No, I...I think this is important. Let me handle Will and Sonny. You just need to make yourself comfortable, and we'll choose some great furniture for Ari's new bedroom, and...
GABI: Nick, no, I can't--
NICK: I...insist. I'll ask Maggie to help you out. It'll be no problem. I just want this place to feel like home for you, okay?

Gabi looks down, nodding as she feigns a smile.

GABI: Anywhere I go with you feels like home.

Gabi looks up at Nick, hoping to see for sure if her lie was convincing to Nick.

---

Tyler steps towards Victor's hospital bed, trying to explain himself to an impatient Victor.

TYLER: Victor, we wanted to make sure you were alright before we bombarded you with business.
VICTOR: Oh, save it. It's not like I'm at death's door.

Tyler looks at Victor, vaguely amused by his resolve.

TYLER: Maggie just wanted to be sure you made a speedy recovery. Any undue stress would've risked a relapse.
VICTOR: I'd rather know now and get ahead of it than be blindsided by that arrogant weasel. He came in here giggling and bragging like he'd lost his virginity on prom night.
TYLER: Well, there's an unpleasant thought.

Victor relaxes slightly as he responds to Tyler's wry comment.

VICTOR: It was equally unpleasant to hear. But it wasn't the worst of it.

Tyler looks at Victor with a hint of confusion.

TYLER: What do you mean?
VICTOR: I mean that little worm's not working alone.
TYLER: Well, we suspected that for awhile. I mean, no one gets their hands on enough money to singlehandedly buy out a major corporation like that without major financial backing.
VICTOR: Mmm, that's no lie. You'll be as surprised as I was to hear the source of that financial backing.

Tyler rests against the edge of Victor's bed, now extremely curious to know who Victor's talking about.

TYLER: And just who is that?
VICTOR: Stefano DiMera.

Tyler shakes his head, confirming his suspicions about Nick's sudden victory.

---


Jordan sits at her office chair at University Hospital, as she hears a knock at the door. Looking up, she calls out to the person.

JORDAN: Come in.


Checking her watch, Jordan assumes it's another patient. But it's Maxine, with some paperwork for her.

JORDAN: Maxine! Hi!
MAXINE: So...how'd it go with Rafe?

Jordan gets up from behind her desk, taking the paperwork from Maxine's outstretched hand.

JORDAN: Very well...I think we're gonna be okay.

Maxine beams at the news.

MAXINE: I'm so glad to hear it. 

Jordan quickly steps over to the other side of her desk and gives Maxine a warm hug.

JORDAN: Ooo thank you so much, Maxine. You don't know how much your advice helped.

Pulling away from their hug, Maxine gives Jordan a stern look, wagging her finger as she speaks.

MAXINE: Listen, Jordan. If you ever need anything at all, any advice, I will be here. Even if it's just to listen. Sometimes that's all you need.
JORDAN: I'll remember that. Thank you.
MAXINE: Anytime, honey.

Maxine steps out the door, closing it behind her, and Jordan turns her back to the door to check out the documents Maxine left behind.

A moment later, there's another knock on the door. Jordan calls out again without turning to look.

JORDAN: Maxine (laughs) what did you forget?

The door opens, revealing Sheryl disguised as Crystal Clarke. Putting on her best fake southern accent, Sheryl steps just inside Jordan's office.

SHERYL: Oh, nothin' big. Just came to get you.

Jordan looks up from her papers, confused by the voice she hears.

She turns suddenly, as Sheryl looks back at her, grinning widely. Jordan's face drops, terrified by Sheryl's arrival.

---

DAYS #165: Nick falls into Victor's trap, Kate gives Billie some unsolicited advice re: Daniel (10/06/14)

EPISODE 165

Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco

Kate stands in her penthouse condo, finishing pouring a smoothie in her kitchenette, as she hears the front door unlock.

She turns to see who it is, and smiles upon seeing Billie's face.

KATE: Ah! You finally made it.

Billie walks in, clutching her jacket, trying to hide the fatigue in her eyes. Kate turns around and smiles wider, trying to hide her laughter at her daughter's disheveled appearance.

KATE: Long night, I see.
BILLIE: Shut up, Mom.

Kate sours her expression momentarily, scolding her daughter for her response.

KATE: Hey, now! Watch it! I could just as soon use that room I've given you as a home office.
BILLIE: Sorry. What's that you're drinking?

Billie plants her purse down on the kitchen island, as Kate takes a sip of her green smoothie. She winces as she tastes it. Setting it down, she passes it over to Billie.

KATE: Green smoothie. My nurtitionist said it'll help my immune system and help keep my weight in check, but I think the only reason I won't gain weight is from being too nauseated to eat anything the rest of the day. Try it.

Billie looks down. She gives an unimpressed look back to Kate and turns away.

BILLIE: I'll pass.
KATE: Ungrateful child.

Billie laughs, as Kate picks the smoothie back up, and tries another sip of it. Billie sets herself down on the sofa in the living room area.

KATE: So how was last night?

Billie looks back over at Kate, a wide smile on her face.

BILLIE: Absolutely beautiful. We were gonna have a moonlight picnic, but it was raining so, Daniel set his place up to be just like the park, and the place was lit up with all these lights...oh, I'm telling you, Mom. It was amazing.
KATE: That's good to hear. I just hope he isn't using you like he used me and Chelsea.

Billie sighs, immediately exasperated by Kate's overbearing nature.

BILLIE: Mom...
KATE: I'm sorry, but he's screwed over me, your brother, and your daughter, and I'll be damned if he makes a fool out of three entire generations of this family.
BILLIE: And just how is he gonna do that, Mom? He loves me.

Kate scoffs at Billie. She steps over toward her, sitting next to her on the sofa.

KATE: Honey, I know this man. He's with you on the rebound from Jennifer. As much as he's going to deny it, he's still in love with her. And I know you know that.

Billie grimaces, furrowing her brow as she looks back  disapprovingly at her mother.

---


Anita stands facing Tyler in her cabin. She sets her cup of tea down on the dining table, as she nods to Tyler, feigning a solemn expression.

ANITA: Well, it's disappointing to hear, but...I don't see why you should put Victor through any more pain. If Brady's gone, then....he's gone.
TYLER: I'm sorry, Anita. 

Anita shrugs. She paces past Tyler, leaning out the window by the doorway.

ANITA: (sigh) Not much you can do. I understand.
TYLER: You seem...somewhat resigned about all this.

Anita turns back to face Tyler, snapping at him for his line of questioning.

ANITA: Well, what am I supposed to say, Tyler? What do you want me to feel? Happy? I know there's nothing we can do. Just like there's nothing I can do about my situation.

Tyler walks towards Anita, appearing sympathetic.

TYLER: I know. I'm sorry. I...I wish there was another way, but...it's been too long. To change things now would just...it would cause more problems than it would solve. You know this. I know this.

Tyler puts a hand on Anita's shoulder, as she sighs, shaking her head.

ANITA: I guess so. (sigh) But I do wish I could be closer to Salem...my loved ones.
TYLER: We both know that's not possible.
ANITA: The threat is gone, Tyler. It has been for years. I know it's going to be complicated, but...

Tyler grabs Anita by the shoulders, trying to shake a bit of sense into her.

TYLER: But nothing, Anita. You are going to stay living as Anita Hernandez, and you are going to stay away from Salem. And that's final.

Anita looks at Tyler, wide-eyed, infuriated by his forceful manner.

---


Nick stands inside Victor's hospital room at Univeristy Hospital. As Nick watches Victor's comatose body, he continues to speak to Victor.

NICK: You know, I didn't set out to do any of this, yeah? All I was trying to do was get enough evidence against you to stop EnerNext from taking over Percy's land. 

Nick sits back down on the stool facing Victor's bed. He rests his arms on the edge of the bed.

NICK: You know Percy, right? My right hand at the lab. Says "Greetings" when he walks into a room? Yeah, him. Well...he saved my life a little while ago when your friends Kate and Sami tried to drown me in the river. (laughs) I know, right? Unbelievable. Two known killers trying to kill again. 

Nick giggles as he rests his arm on the side of Victor's bed. He sighs, pausing a moment before continuing.

NICK: How did I get so lucky? I should be honoured. They were willing to throw their lives away for little ol' me.

Nick's expressions changes, as he remains laser-focused on Victor's eyes, he becomes more stern.

NICK: Well, this time...they weren't so lucky. Percy found me, and this....this is my thank you to him. Watching you suffer. And believe me, it feels good.

Nick sneers the last part of his sentence, never once moving or looking away from Victor's face.

---

---

Billie closes the door to the fridge in Kate's kitchenette, frustrated with her mother's intrusiveness. Kate, meanwhile, sits on the sofa in the adjacent living room, looking Billie's way.

KATE: You know, I'm only telling you this for your own good, right?
BILLIE: (sigh) Mom. Remember why I left Salem the last time?
KATE: Because I was interfering in your life, and being deceptive.

Billie holds her arms out, as though denoting Kate's 'a-ha' moment.

BILLIE: She gets it! She finally gets it!
KATE: Yes, well, a leopard can't change its spots, and I guess, maybe I'm protective of you and Austin because I lost so many years with you.
BILLIE: Yes, but you don't get it. The more you try to control everyone's lives, the more years you go without us in your life. You have to let us live ours, make our own mistakes. 

Kate gets up from the couch as Billie speaks and reaches over to take Billie's hand across the kitchen island.

KATE: I just don't want you repeating the same ones I made. Daniel can be a very charismatic man, and I'm sure he really is enjoying his time with you, but you're going to have to realize that he does this whenever he loses somebody he loves. 

Billie bites her tongue, looking away as Kate squeezes Billie's hand gently.

KATE: And he loves Jennifer. Very much. 

Billie pulls away from Kate, and looks at Kate defiantly.

BILLIE: Well, maybe he loves me just as much. Did you ever think of that? Or is it just impossible for you to believe that I could be the woman to help him get over Jennifer Horton?
KATE: Maybe you're right. But I'd rather spare you from finding out you're wrong.

Billie looks at a concerned Kate, trying to maintain her stern expression, but a hint of uncertainty is in Billie's eyes.

---

Anita shakes Tyler off her suddenly, her enraged look never leaving Tyler's eyes as she raises a finger in stern scolding.

ANITA: Don't you EVER lay a hand on me like that again, Tyler Houston. 

Tyler backs away slightly, looking sheepishly.

TYLER: I'm sorry, I--
ANITA: You have absolutely no grounds to keep me here. Not anymore. I am not beholden to Victor Kiriakis, and certainly not to you.
TYLER: Anita, now, hold--
ANITA: I will not hold on. 

Anita looks increasingly emotional, as she stands a good two feet away from Tyler, scolding him like a child.

ANITA: You and Victor have spent the last 30 years controlling where I go, what I do. You threatened to pull my stake in Titan when my grandchildren moved to Salem, and I had to beg you to leave them alone. What good has that done me? What good has any of this done me?
TYLER: We were keeping you safe. That's all we wanted to do.
ANITA: That's great. Well, I'm safe. I'm alone, I'm facing destitution. But I'm safe. I bet you don't even know what you're protecting me from anymore.

Tyler looks sternly at Anita.

TYLER: If you come back to Salem, there will be too many questions that need to be answered.

Anita steps toward Tyler, she looks him dead in the eyes, with the same sternness he showed her. She speaks softly, but firmly.

ANITA: You go back to Victor, and you tell him to bring 'em on. I'm ready for every single question they can throw at me.

Tyler shakes his head, frustrated by Anita's determination.

Anita, meanwhile, walks over to the door. She opens it wide, showing Tyler the way out.

ANITA: Now get out.

Tyler walks toward the door, stopping momentarily before he leaves.

TYLER: I will come back. And you'd better still be here when I do.


Tyler walks off, as Anita slams the door behind him. Brady walks back into the living room moments later, confused.

BRADY: Anita? Was someone at the door?

Anita brushes off her frustration, and puts on her best smile for Brady.

ANITA: Nah, just someone lost on the road, needed directions.
BRADY: Oh, okay.

Brady accepts the answer as they make their way back to the dining table.



Outside, Tyler lingers outside in the bushes near the front door of Anita's cabin, struggling to see who is inside with Anita through the dirty window. 

---

Nick steps away from Victor, holding his head, wincing slightly in pain as he reaches for his meds in his bag. He pulls them out as he continues.

NICK: You know, It's really funny, Vic. 

Nick opens his bag up, and pulls out a metal water bottle. He pops two pills in his mouth and washes them down with the water from his bottle before continuing.

NICK: You almost had me there.

Nick turns back to face Victor, smirking again.

NICK: But I got the drop on ya. And the best part of all this is...well, I got everything I wanted. 

Nick slowly walks over to Victor's bedside again, and plants himself back on the stool next to the bed.

NICK: ...And then some. See, the part you don't know, and that you're neeeeever gonna figure out, is who's helping me out. I mean, obviously I got the oil sands project stopped, but...with a little persuasion from two of your favourite people, I was able to pull off the coup of the century!

Nick laughs, holding his water bottle up, as if to give a toast.

NICK: Wanna guess who I'm talking about?

Nick waits a moment, mockingly waiting to hear an answer from an unresponsive Victor.

NICK: That's right. Anjelica Deveraux....and Stefano DiMera.

Nick laughs heartily at the "genius" of his own plan. 

NICK: Crazy, huh? Yeah, see, our future governor's in cahoots with Stefano DiMera. Betcha didn't know that lil' tidbit. Oh, I had some other help along the way. See, Jordan and Sheryl, they're really these internationally known eco-warriors, and they were gonna plant this virus in the Titan mainframe. You remember that, right, Vic?

Nick waits a beat before continuing.

NICK: But, see...I stopped them, and the board were SO grateful to me for saving their asses, that...with a little bit of extra incentive, they gave me to top slot. Go figure, eh? (laughs) I swear, you would be so proud of what I've managed to pull off. I'm just playing by your rulebook, you know?

Nick's smile fades, he looks a little more intensely at Victor, shaking his head before he carries on.

NICK: But, you know what? The best part of all of this...is knowing that I can finally be the man that Gabi needs. I fought my way up to the top of the food chain. I got mine, I am a success thanks to MY hard work. 

Nick becomes more intense, more cutting with his words, as he leans in close to Victor.

NICK: All the people, all the people in this town who get away with everything because of their power, and their money...

Nick suddenly pounds his fist against his chest, hissing his words out at Victor.

NICK: I own them now. I will ruin them. And tonight, on Nicole's special, I'm going to make sure that everyone knows....they're on notice.

Nick smirks, as he gets up from his stool.

NICK: Godspeed, Victor. Hope you live to see what Titan can be now that it's part of DiMera Enterprises.

Nick grabs his bag, and steps out of Victor's hospital room. 

Moments after the door shuts, Victor's eyes open, intense with fury. He musters the strength to reach for the telephone on the table by the bed. He immediately calls Tyler.

...

Tyler is surprised by the sudden vibration of his cell phone in his pocket. He turns back, away from Anita's door, and answers quietly.

TYLER: (into phone) Hello?

...

VICTOR: (into phone) Tyler, it's me. Get your ass into my hospital room, RIGHT NOW!

Victor slams down the receiver, before laying back in his bed, shaking with fury at what he's just experienced.

...

Tyler looks down at his phone, checking to see that the call's ended. He looks baffled by Victor's harsh tone, but looks back one last time to see inside Anita's cabin, before giving up.

TYLER: I know someone's in there, Anita. But who the hell could it be?

Tyler shakes his head before turning back away and walking to his car.

---

DAYS #164: Nick taunts Victor, Sami gives Marlena a piece of her mind (10/03/14)

EPISODE 164

Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco

Sami storms down the hallway at University Hospital, making a beeline for Marlena's office. Visibly enraged by the news Kim has just passed onto her, she knocks loudly on her mother's office door.


Inside, Marlena looks up from her desk, concerned by the urgency of the knocking sound.

MARLENA: Come in!

Sami throws the door open, taking everything within her not to shout at Marlena.

SAMI: How could you, Mom? 

Marlena takes her reading glasses off, and sighs, already knowing the answer to the question she's about to ask.

MARLENA: How could I what?

Sami slams the door behind her, looking intensely at her mother.

SAMI: How could you ask us to get DNA tests to prove dad isn't really who he says he is?

Marlena sighs, looking frustrated.

---


Brady sits down at the dining room table at Anita's cabin, as Anita lays down an omelette on a plate before him. Brady looks up at Anita and beams with delight.

ANITA: Western omelette, and your coffee coming right up.
BRADY: Oh yeah! Anita, I gotta ask...

Anita stands at the kitchenette counter, pouring Brady's coffee as she answers him.

ANITA: Yes, Brady, dear?
BRADY: How is it that you can make this just as good as my dad used to when I was kid?

Anita turns with his cup of coffee and sets it down before him. She shrugs casually.

ANITA: Maybe we're both gifted chefs? Who knows?

Anita and Brady share a laugh as Anita sits down with her own plate of eggs and toast.

BRADY: Well, I thank you.
ANITA: You're welcome, Brady.

Anita smiles, as she picks up her fork. She suddenly remembers something she needs to tell Brady.

ANITA: By the way, I've been meaning to ask you if you were able to get that part for the backup generator or not.

Brady finishes a bite of his food before responding.

BRADY: Mm! I did. But I haven't put it in yet, it's in the shed.

Brady gets up from his seat, and sets down his napkin by his plate, while Anita tries to stop him from going.

BRADY: I'll bring it in now while I'm thinking about it--
ANITA: Oh Brady, no. You don't have to now, finish your breakfast.
BRADY: No! No, it's okay. It'll only a take a minute. I'll be right back, I promise.

Brady begins to take off, out the front door, as Anita calls out to him.

ANITA: Okay, but don't let your food get cold.
BRADY: I won't!

As the back door closes to the cabin, Anita shakes her head in amusement. As she's about to sit back down at the table, she hears a loud knock at the front door.

Surprised, Anita turns around, and walks over. The knocking continues, an almost frantic tone to it. This prompts Anita to call out to whomever is there.

ANITA: One second!

Upon opening the door, Anita is stunned to see a very familiar face before her.

ANITA: Tyler?!


Tyler looks at Anita, a frustrated look in his eyes.

TYLER: How could you do it, Anita?
ANITA: Do what?
TYLER: Sell your shares. Do you know what you've just done?

Anita looks on, puzzled by both Tyler's visit, and his tone, as he invites himself inside.

---


Victor lays silently in his bed, resting in his hospital room at University Hospital. The darkened room lay silent save for the gentle hum of his respirator and the gentle rhythmic beep of the heart monitor.


A moment later, the door to Victor's room opens, and Nick steps inside. 

Closing the door softly, he steps over to Victor's bedside. Slowly, a smile grows on his face, as he tries to hold in the laugh that's building inside him, as he sees the powerful man he appears to have defeated lying motionless before him.

NICK: Hello, Victor. Good seeing you like this.

---

---

Anita slams the door to her cabin behind her as Tyler walks in, with an indignant expression on his face.

ANITA: I beg your pardon? 

Tyler turns to face Anita, his voice raised as he responds to her.

TYLER: You sold your shares in Titan. 4% of the company stock, and now we've been bought out.
ANITA: What do you mean?
TYLER: I mean that that was the amount we needed to hold onto Titan, and you just sold it. Now we have a novice running the show, bankrolled by God-knows-who, because if there's one thing I do NOT believe, it's that a lab technician can afford to buy 51% of a company's stock. Even a company in dire financial straits like ours.

Anita stands, arms folded. Her expression one of defiance, as she paces the living room area.

ANITA: And there it is. The reason I sold the shares in the first place. You know, Victor told me that if I took those shares, I would never want for anything in my life ever again. I would have my home, I would have enough to live on, comfortably. I would have enough to retire on. That was our deal, Tyler. I stay out here in this cabin in the middle of nowhere, build a new life, and he would take care of the rest.
TYLER: He's done his best, and so have I.
ANITA: And you failed. You, and Victor failed me. And you failed Brady. You failed Isabella. You're damn lucky I was able to get Gabi, Rafe, and Dario out the door and into good careers before you failed them too with your incompetence, though I guess the jury's still out on Dario, since you have him on your payroll.

Tyler sighs, realizing the precarious position Anita's in, as he looks around the room. It's run down, in bad need of repairs. Water damage apparent on the upper walls. As he does, the kettle begins to whistle on the stovetop. Anita walks over to take it off the element.

TYLER: Speaking of which, you'll be pleased to know Dario's job is secure, for now.

Anita responds with an acidic sarcasm, as she pours herself some tea.

ANITA: OH! Well, that's a relief. You haven't failed another member of my family. YET. Would you like a medal?
TYLER: Anita...

Tyler turns to rebutt but is struck by two placesettings at Anita's dining table. Realizing she's probably not in the house alone, Tyler's expression changes. He looks quickly around the room and spots nobody. Anita barely notices, as she's putting a lump of sugar in her tea before turning around.

ANITA: No, I'm not done, Tyler. You have an awful lot of nerve coming into this house and chastizing me for protecting myself from being out on the street, penniless.
TYLER: We wouldn't have let that happen, and you know it.

Anita turns around, placing her tea on the table, and looking up at Tyler, speaking gently, but firmly.

ANITA: I don't know anything. But I certainly was not going to trust you with controlling interest in Titanic Industries.

Tyler shakes his head, sighing again, as he holds his hands up, hoping to stop the argument.

TYLER: Look, I get it. I wish you had consulted with me or Victor before you had sold the shares, but...I get it.
ANITA: I wasn't about to do that. The payout was more than enough to ensure I could reinvest the money in a company that wasn't about to bottom out. Simple as that. Now, if that's the only reason you came out here--
TYLER: It's not. 

Anita looks at Tyler, confused by his answer.

ANITA: Alright. Tell me, then. What did you want to tell me?

Tyler sighs heavily before answering Anita, almost ashamed to say what he's about to say.

TYLER: Victor's in the hospital from a heart attack.
ANITA: I heard.
TYLER: Well...what you probably haven't heard is that he ah...he was sinking a lot of company resources into finding Brady, even though we all know Brady's dead.

Anita remains tight-lipped, knowing better, but not saying anything.

After a moment, she nods slowly.

TYLER: Justin...and I, we made the call to...call off the search.

Anita feigns showing sadness at the news. Her muted reaction to the news is curious to Tyler.

---


Liam stands midway down the Horton house stairs, as JJ and Laura look up at him from the foyer, surprised by his appearing there.

LIAM: JJ! You ah...you all packed up?
JJ: Yeah, just...couple more boxes. Ahh...Grandma, did you wanna help me out?
LAURA: Sure.

Liam walks down the rest of the way, sensing something is off. Meanwhile, Laura bends down to pick up a box of JJ's things, and turns to head out the door.

LIAM: Oh, don't trouble yourself, Laura. I'll take it.
LAURA: Oh, you don't have to.

Liam stops Laura, putting his hands on the box Laura is attempting to carry out.

LIAM: Look, I must've interrupted something very important, so...I'll just help in any way I can and let you both finish.

JJ looks uncomfortably at Laura, who smiles awkwardly at Liam, before letting go of the box.

LAURA: Alright. Thank you, Liam.
LIAM: Anytime.

As Liam walks out the door with the box, Laura looks on, turning back to face JJ the second the door shuts behind Liam, her voice speaking with a newfound urgency.

LAURA: I don't trust that man.
JJ: Neither do I. But there isn't a lot we can do right now.

Laura sighs, frustrated by the situation.

LAURA: Look, I know it's going to be hard trying to research this from afar, but...honestly, JJ, maybe it's safer for you this way.
JJ: I hope so.


At this point, Jennifer descends from upstairs, all smiles.

JENNIFER: Hey, guys! Have you seen Liam at all?

JJ turns to face his mother, feigning a smile, himself to put his mother's mind at ease.

JJ: He just stepped out to help me finish packing.

Jennifer beams, thrilled by Liam's supposed cooperation.

JENNIFER: Great. Ahh...so Abigail left early, she had to finish some kind of assignment for Nicole, but she says she'll meet us at the pub and we'll all grab lunch there before you head off, okay?
JJ: Sounds good, Mom.

Jennifer looks at her son, beaming with pride. She gently carresses his cheek.

JENNIFER: You know how proud I am of you right now, JJ?
LAURA: We all are.

JJ blushes a bit, laughing awkwardly at his family's fawning over him.

JJ: You guys are too much. (laughs)

JJ pulls himself together, looking a bit misty-eyed as he smiles at his mom and grandma.

JJ: Thank you. Thanks for supporting me. I really appreciate it.
JENNIFER: Anytime, JJ.
JJ: I'm gonna miss you guys.

Laura, and Jennifer get emotional as JJ pulls them both in for a group hug.

As they do, Liam returns from the car, and witnesses the tender moment. He flashes back to his mysterious phone conversation earlier, while he was in Jenn's bedroom.

***

FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 163
Liam paces the room, looking intensely at the chest of drawers, where a photo of Jenn, JJ, Abby, and Jack rests. Liam glares at it, menacingly.
 
LIAM: (into phone) Trust me. They'll never know what's really going on. Promise.

***

Liam sighs as he observes the family bonding moment, holding in his unsteady emotions.

---


In the Salem University Hospital parking garage, Sheryl suddenly gets up from being crouched over Crystal Clarke's lifeless body in the wheelchair. Having heard the voice of Dr. Daniel Jonas behind her, she turns around suddenly, putting on her best southern accent for him.

SHERYL: Ah...no. Nah, I'm good. But thank you!
DANIEL: Well, I know it's not easy helping someone into their car. She....she not waking up?

Sheryl shuffles nervously, trying to hide Crystal's face from Daniel, though she's covered by a blanket.

SHERYL: Oh she's pretty sleepy. We ah....she's a very quiet old lady. Just gettin' over the flu, ya know? She's being discharged, but her daughter just had to go validate the parking ticket, so I agreed to help get her mama up and at 'em so they could get home.

Daniel looks on, a curious look on his face, as Sheryl smiles at him.

DANIEL: Yeah. Yeah, I'm sure. You, ah, you're now around here?

Sheryl smiles warmly, extending a hand to Daniel.

SHERYL: Why, yes, I am! I'm Nurse Crystal Clarke.

Daniel smiles in turn, slowly extending his own hand to "Crystal's".

DANIEL: Ah, Crystal. Yeah. Valerie mentioned she was looking to hire a few new nurses. Welcome aboard.
SHERYL: Well, thank you, Dr. Jonas! It's a pleasure to meet you.

Daniel once again tries to get a look at the patient in the wheelchair, but Sheryl once again distracts his attention.

DANIEL: You sure you don't want a hand there? I don't have to be upstairs for another few minutes--
SHERYL: Oh, oh no, I appreciate the offer, but...I gotta take care of this one myself, ya know?
DANIEL: You sure?
SHERYL: Oh I am. Thank you, though!

Daniel starts to walk away, though unsure if he's making the right decision. As he walks toward the elevator, Sheryl crouches down by Crystal, pretending to gently wake her up. All the while, her eyes are on Daniel.

After the doors to the elevator finally close, with Daniel inside, Sheryl sighs in relief. 

SHERYL: Thank God he's gone. Now to deal with you.

Grumbling to herself as she moves the front seat back, then hoists Crystal into the backseat of the small SUV. As Sheryl struggles, she dumps Crystal onto the backseat.

SHERYL: Alright. Do I take care of this orientation meeting now, or do I make sure you don't escape?

Sheryl thinks a moment before opening the glove box, and pulling out some yellow rope, and duct tape.

SHERYL: Always gotta be prepared. Glad girl scouts was useful for something.

Sheryl pushes the front passenger seat  gets herself back into the truck, where she ties Crystal's arms behind her back, as well as her feet together. She covers her mouth with the duct tape, then covers Crystal once again with the blanket.

Once Sheryl's finally done, she pushes the front passenger's seat back into place, and shuts the door to her SUV. Locking the vehicle manually before she does.

SHERYL: Well, that's one problem down. Time to take care of the rest of this agenda.

Sheryl walks away back toward the elevator, leaving a comatose, bound and gagged Crystal Clarke in her SUV.

---

Sami stands in the doorway of Marlena's office, visibly upset with her mother.

SAMI: How could you do this to Daddy?

Marlena stands up from her desk, trying to keep Sami calm, to no avail.

MARLENA: Sami, I have my reasons for this.
SAMI: There is no good reason to be doing this right now, Mom. Dad is dying, his memory is slipping away day by day.
MARLENA: And that is exactly why we need to do it now.

Sami looks at Marlena, incredulous, as Marlena steps away from her desk.

SAMI: What are you talking about, Mom? We don't even know what's causing his symptoms.
MARLENA: No, but I have a pretty good idea. But without Roman's medical records, we have nothing.
SAMI: I know, Kim told me.

Marlena folds her arms, frustrated by the news, though unsurprised.

MARLENA: Well, that figures. Look, I don't know what your Aunt Kim told you, but she misconstrued my intentions--
SAMI: Oh, of course she did. Because nothing you do is ever wrong. Right?
MARLENA: Sami...
SAMI: No. Mom, enough. Look, we all know you don't care what happens to Daddy, otherwise you wouldn't have left him for John all those years ago in the first place.

Marlena snaps at her daughter's petulance.

MARLENA: Samantha Gene Brady, that's enough!

Sami stops interjecting immediately, holding her sniveling rage in while Marlena continues.

MARLENA: your father means the world to me. He is staying in my home. I have to watch him...deteriorate little by little every single day, right before my very eyes. 

Marlena begins to tear up, as she becomes more emotional telling Sami her reasons.

MARLENA: So maybe this feels for you like I'm giving up on your father. But for me, this feels like the only way I can keep your father with us. And I'm not going to let go of that hope, that...that dream that maybe we can keep him with us. Not until I know for sure that there is no hope.

Sami takes a moment, holding her own emotions in, as she responds, softly, but wavering with emotion.

SAMI: Well, I'm sorry, Mom. But forgive me if I don't go along with your dream this time. Excuse me.

Sami turns and heads out the door, leaving a sorrowful Marlena behind in her office. Marlena bites her lip, trying to suppress the tears building inside her.

---

Nick stands over Victor, lying motionless in his hospital bed, smirking gleefully at his rival's frail appearance.

NICK: You know, never in a million years would I think I would be looking down at you like this. But...here we are. 

Nick laughs to himself, holding his arms out, almost in triumph.

NICK: I get to run the company you started with all your mob money. I get all your toys. Your cars, your office...your desk. 

Nick saunters over to Victor's bedside, and pulls a stool over to sit on. As he sits down, he finishes, gloating ever-so-close to Victor's face.

NICK: Your house.

Nick begins to crack up, starting softly and building into an echoing horror that fills the room.

NICK: I am going to have everything I ever wanted Victor. And you and your pathetic family aren't gonna be able to stop me. 

---