DAYS #140: Sami gives Abby an ultimatum, Eric tells Marlena about the Chyka file (08/29/14)

EPISODE 140

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

for details of ongoing storylines, click here.

Sami glares at Abby as they stand in Nicole's office at WXIR. Abby looks on, somewhat uncomfortable by the position Sami is putting her in, and stands with her arms folded.

SAMI: Well? Should I be worried that this report is going to implicate Will?

Abby sighs, dropping her arms to her side in frustration.

ABBY: Sami--
SAMI: I think I have a right to know. My son took a job at Titan, and no, I'm not happy about it, but I am still going to protect him.

Abby responds, looking away thoughtfully.

ABBY: I understand that. I would...(sigh) I would want the same for my child.
SAMI: Then, as your boss, I should tell you that if Will is involved in this EnerNext mess in any way...you will keep his name out of Nicole's report.

Abby looks at Sami, struggling to answer.

---


Daniel stands at the nurses' station at University Hospital, as Kim approaches him, a look of concern on her face.

KIM: Daniel!

Daniel turns around with a start, looking pleasantly at Kim.

DANIEL: Kim! Hey! I'm glad you're here.
KIM: Well, I heard there was some news about Theresa and I headed straight down.
DANIEL: Yeah...

Kim's brow furrows as she questions Daniel's peculiar reaction.

KIM: It's good news right?

Daniel struggles to give Kim an answer, causing Kim to look even more concerned.

---


Marlena walks into her living room, surprised and worried, as Roman and Eric look over at her.

MARLENA: Eric!

Eric looks at Marlena, respondingly politely but coldly.

ERIC: Mom.

Marlena, unsure how to approach the situation, looks over at Roman as she continues to approach.

MARLENA: Roman...what is going on? Are you alright?

Roman relaxes somewhat, but is still deeply frustrated. He turns, and, without looking at Marlena, begins to walk away.

ROMAN: Yeah. Fine. I'm gonna head out.

Roman grabs his jacket, but Marlena tries to stop him.

MARLENA: Roman. ROMAN! Where are you going?

Unable to stop Roman from leaving, Roman quickly responds before walking out and closing the door.

ROMAN: To work!

As the door slams shut, Marlena winces, and Eric looks over at the closed door. He looks back at Marlena, suddenly worried, but trying to hide it.

ERIC: Mom, I'm sorry. I...

Marlena interrupts, overwhelmed and angry. Unable to stay calm anymore, she grabs Eric's arm, forcing him to look her in the eye.

MARLENA: Eric, what did you say to him?

Eric meets Marlena's stare, confused and surprised.

---

---

Eric pulls away from his mother, looking away after a moment of intensity between them.

ERIC: I didn't say anything. I realized he didn't remember me or the entire Kristen fiasco and he...he lost it.

Marlena stops a moment, before turning back to Eric, a bit confused.

MARLENA: Kristen?
ERIC: Yes, Kristen. The whole mess that YOU helped create.

Marlena stops herself, looking down partly in shame and partly to cool her misplaced anger.

MARLENA: I know.
ERIC: I came here to give you both news about it, in case you're wondering.

Marlena looks up, intrigued.

MARLENA: Oh?

Eric nods, remaining cold and sombre, not quite able to look Marlena in the eye.

ERIC: (sigh) Yeah. A package came in the mail for me after Nicole and I got home from City Hall.

Eric reaches over to the sideboard where he'd placed the envelope containing the Chyka files. He hands them to Marlena, who immediately pulls them out, looking them over in an increasingly excited way.

MARLENA: Oh my...Oh my God, Eric! This is the evidence you needed! Oh HONEY!

Marlena lurches forward, hugging Eric tightly, causing him to tense up, before gently forcing Marlena from her hug.

ERIC: Mom. Please.
MARLENA: Wh--Eric, I'm sorry.
ERIC: Just...don't right now. After the stunt you and Sami pulled today, just...don't. I came here to tell you the news, that's all.

Marlena reaches out to stop Eric before he leaves.

MARLENA: No. Eric, stop. 

Eric stops in his tracks, rolling his eyes and sighing as he turns back to face his mom.

ERIC: Mom, I don't have time for this, I--
MARLENA: This, this will just take a second. I need to know what this means for you and...you and the priesthood.

Eric looks to Marlena, as Marlena waits impatiently for his answer.

---


Nick stands behind the podium at the press conference in Horton Town Square, gesturing for Tyler to step forward and join him at the podium. Once Tyler does, very reluctantly, step forward, Nick continues his announcement.

NICK: Mr. Houston here has been a major help to me in not only tracking down these hackers, but also with giving me the...confidence to put my name in the ring to lead this company. With his help, and my vision, I firmly believe that Titan will be a successful power player into the coming decade and beyond. Thank you, everyone.

Tyler grabs Nick's arm and pulls him aside just out of the earshot of the microphones, as the press begin to buzz furiously within seconds of Nick's speech ending.

Tyler looks at Nick, enraged.

TYLER: What the HELL do you think you're doing?

Nick laughs softly, giving Tyler a shrug.

NICK: I thought you'd be thrilled. I keep your secret, you help me fullfil my goals.
TYLER: And what if I don't. I have no loyalty to you, kid.
NICK: Then I guess you'd better develop a loyalty to the colour orange. Cos' that's the only colour you'll be wearing if you back out now.

Nick quickly looks Tyler up and down, before chuckling to himself.

NICK: ...Nah. Not your colour.

Nick walks away, heading out of the square, leaving Tyler behind, incredulous. Justin approaches him, his eyes trained on Nick. Justin puts a hand on Tyler's shoulder.

JUSTIN: Something tells me that appointment wasn't exactly a mutual decision.
TYLER: You'd be right. And it's not going to happen, either. Excuse me.

Tyler walks off, following Nick out of the town square.

---

Daniel and Kim step into Theresa's room. It's dark, and the only sound is the beep of the heart monitor, as a comatose Theresa lays in the bed.
Kim looks down lovingly at her daughter, as she holds Theresa's hand. Daniel looks over at Theresa before he begins.

DANIEL: I have reason believe she may be starting to...come out of the coma.

Kim looks on surprised and thrilled by the news, but it's immediately tempered by Daniel, as he interjects to stop her from reacting.

KIM: Oh my--
DANIEL: Wait...Kim, there's something else you need to know.

Kim's face drops as she moves from excitement to panic.

KIM: What? Is something wrong? Wh-what's happening?
DANIEL: She's...we...okay, I don't mean to alarm you, it's...it's likely nothing, but, I noticed something in her chart, I' ve never seen it before. Coma patients don't tend to start emerging from their coma and then immediately drop back into it...not unless they're being induced into it.

Kim clutches Theresa's hand, increasingly worried, as Daniel tries to keep calm.

KIM: Well you're not inducing the coma, obviously. I mean, that's...that doesn't make sense.
DANIEL: You're right. And we aren't.

Kim looks over at the door, then Daniel, confused and increasingly frustrated.

KIM: Well, then, I don't get it, I...I mean you have the door guarded, they would've seen anyone who's been coming in or out of here, they'dve had to. We're trying to keep Billie out, so...

Daniel looks away for a moment, sighing, as he tries to keep Kim from digging any deeper.

DANIEL: Yes...it's just been me, you, and the nurses. That's all, I promise you.
KIM: So, then, I don't understand, Daniel. Are you saying one of the nurses could be drugging my daughter?

Daniel sighs, unsure whether to tell Kim or not.

---

Abby folds her arms, as she furrows her brow, frustrated by Sami's interference.

ABBY: Sami, I can't force Nicole's hand. She's going to see right through me if I do that.
SAMI: Find a way, Abby.
ABBY: It's not that easy.
SAMI: I'm sorry, who's your boss here?

Abby sighs, dropping her arms to the side, and tensing her hands into fists, as she stops herself from shouting at Sami.

ABBY: If I suppress information about this story to protect Will or anybody else, for that matter, I might as well kiss my career goodbye. We have journalistic standards to adhere to.
SAMI: Let me handle that. Just keep Will out of it.

Abby throws her hands up, exasperated. After a moment, she argues back.

ABBY: Look, Will's name probably won't even be important enough to mention on air.
SAMI: Like Hell it won't be. He wrote all their press releases.
ABBY: So we may have to speak with him to get more information. Look, Sami, I honestly don't think Will is the one you should be worried about right now.

Sami folds her arms, raising an eyebrow as she looks at Abby incredulously.

SAMI: Oh really? And just who should I be worried about?
ABBY: Nick. 

As Abby says this, Nicole opens the door to her office, not hiding her irritation at Sami's presence.

NICOLE: Abby's right. You should worry about Nick.

Nicole looks over to Abby, exhausted, and worried.

NICOLE: He just declared himself CEO of Titan Industries.

Sami looks back at Nicole, jaw dropped, as Abby's eyes widen, looking over to Sami with the same surprised face.

---

DAYS #139: Roman explodes at a worried Eric, Sheryl makes the connection (08/28/14)

EPISODE 139

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

In Marlena's penthouse, Roman walks through the living room, sandwich in hand. He's evidently walked in for a quick bite to eat while on duty.

ROMAN: Thanks, Doc for the sandwich, I'll be back around 7.


He grabs his jacket to quickly put on as he's heading back out to work, when the doorbell rings. Looking back to see if Marlena's headed over or not to answer it, Roman walks over and opens the door to find Eric standing there.

ERIC: Dad! I've got some great news.

Roman looks at Eric, trying to appear upbeat but confused, regardless.

---


In her motel room, at the edge of Salem's city limit, Sheryl stands in front of Jerome, laughing at her great fortune, as Jerome stands next to her, somewhat less enthused. The TV plays quietly in the background as she and Jerome speak.

JEROME: Brady Black...as in, the guy that drove himself and his girlfriend off an embankment into the lake trying to kill himself and her?
SHERYL: The very same. And trust me, I know it's him.
JEROME: How?
SHERYL: He's the one I bought our getaway vehicle from, silly. I've got it all planned out. Just need a few things from in town...

Sheryl walks over to the desk, and grabs a notepad and pencil. Quickly jotting down what she needs, Sheryl tears the paper from the pad and hands the list to Jerome.

SHERYL: ...which...I will need you to order for me. Make sure the Salem PD can't track your IP address or you'll have to make a break for it, too.
JEROME: Duh.
SHERYL: Anyway, so, knowing that Brady's alive...it means that if we can get the word out that Brady isn't actually dead...the EnerNext project can be delayed if not completely halted.

Jerome sighs, before shaking his head, causing Sheryl to look at him, somewhat alarmed.

SHERYL: What?
JEROME: You may not need to use that information after all. Not that I'd be able to spill that tea anyway since that makes a clear line between you and me.
SHERYL: Okay. Still not getting why we may not need it.

Jerome wordlessly points up at the TV, where Nick Fallon appears, giving a press conference. Sheryl looks on, curious, as she quickly grabs the remote and turns the volume up.

Nicole's voice blasts through the TV, giving a preamble to the proceedings.

NICOLE: (via TV) ...Mr. Fallon will be making his address shortly, he is expected to make a major announcement in Titan's name.

---


Nick stands at the podium at Horton Town Square, where most of the Titan board, as well as Nicole, and various other members of the press, are gathered to hear Nick speak. 

Nicole finishes her report as the rest of the crowd begins to simmer their conversations.

NICOLE: Now, this is unusual for a lab technician to be speaking for a corporate board at his level, but, as we've learned with Titan in recent months, expect the unexpected.

With the TV cameras on, Nick lays on the charm for the masses, as he waits for the crowd to go silent. He leans into the microphone slightly, and begins his speech.

NICK: Today, Titan Industries has a new hope for the future. After months, perhaps, years of struggling in an uncertain economy, we have decided as a company to make a radical change of direction. 

Kate looks on from the crowd, trying not to roll her eyes as she listens to Nick's speech. Billie leans over and whispers to her mother.

BILLIE: Is it too late to sell a chunk of my Titan stock?
KATE: Honey, if this ship is sinking, we go down together.


As Nick carries on, Anjelica appears from the back of the square. She hangs back, not wanting to be seen by the larger crowd, standing with her head ccovered by a black scarf and dark glasses, as she observes Nick from afar. Nick is still able to spot her, as he carries on in his speech.

NICK: Due to a series of tragedies that have befallen the Kiriakis family in recent weeks, the....board felt it best to appoint someone...more youthful. An outsider with a clear, decisive vision for the company. One who would be willing to make the changes neccessary to carry the company well into the next decade.

Anjelica nods approvingly from her post at the back of the crowd, as Nick looks right at her as he delivers his announcement.

NICK: That person is me.

The crowd buzzes at the announcement, with camera flashes going off, the board members standing around, solemn as Nick looks around from his perch, beaming.

---

---


Abby sits at Nicole's computer, working her way through the documents Nick sent her about EnerNext, when Sami steps in.


Abby looks up from the computer, surprised to see Sami.

SAMI: Abby! How's everything?
ABBY: Good! I uh...I'm just...working on something for Nicole.
SAMI: I figured. Listen ah...I hope you remember exactly why I'm having you work with Nicole.

Abby looks up from the screen to look at Sami. She sighs.

ABBY: Sami, I'm not....really comfortable with what you were suggesting, I--

Sami interrupts, holding her hands up to stop Abby from continuing.

SAMI: I know. I know. I know, I shouldn't have asked but...(sigh) Nicole's not exactly a model employee. She's incredibly...tricky.

Abby turns away from the computer, giving Sami her entire focus, still sitting in Nicole's chair.

ABBY: Oh, believe me. I know. She and my mom have a hell of a history. But I'm trying to just...let the past stay in the past. She's doing some...really great work on this EnerNext story.
SAMI: So I've heard. I just want you to tread carefully. If anyone you love is implicated in this story...Nicole...can't be trusted. A lot of people could get caught in the crossfire.

Abby gets up from her seat, walking over toward a frustrated Sami.

ABBY: You're worried about Will, aren't you?

Sami turns around to look at Abby, sternly.

SAMI: Should I be?

---

Roman steps back to let an excited Eric in. Somewhat awkwardly, he responds.

ROMAN: I...uh...I'm just about to head back to work. Wh...what is it?
ERIC: Dad, I...well...I just got some really good news about what...what happened with Kristen.

Roman looks at Eric, trying to appear excited but looks almost blankly at Eric, who slowly realizes something's horribly wrong.

ERIC: You don't...you don't know what I'm talking about, do you?

Roman explodes, shouting in a frustrated rage at Eric.

ROMAN: Dammit, would you cut that out? You know, between you and Doc and the rest of the damn family trying to take any opportunity to test my memory. I've had it just about up to here with it!
ERIC: Dad! Calm down, I was just--

Roman gets right in Eric's face, shaking with rage, as Eric grabs Roman's hands and holds them tightly, trying to stop Roman from physically attacking him.

ROMAN: I WILL NOT CALM DOWN!! You...Dammit, let me GO!


Marlena races over from the opening to the kitchen, worried about the shouting she hears from the living room.

MARLENA: What is going on here? Eric?? Roman? Are you two alright?

Eric and Roman turn to look at a deeply concerned Marlena, who approaches them cautiously.

---

At Town Square, Nicole's voice cuts through the din of the rabbling crowd, as she asks a question of Nick.

NICOLE: How is it that you, someone with exactly zero experience, have managed to secure the vote to take over Titan?

Nick smiles at Nicole before responding with a phony graciousness to her question.

NICK: I'm glad you asked. Ah...well, you see, the board had to make some tough decisions. It actually brings me to a very important point I need to bring up. See, last night, Titan Industries was targeted by outside forces in a major attempt to breach our computer systems, steal vital corporate information, and destroy our servers. I will be in contact with the Salem PD later today to track down the perpetrator or perpetrators, and make sure they are brought to justice.

Nick clears his throat as he continues, looking directly into Nicole's camera. Nicole takes this opportunity to interject again.

NICOLE: Do you know the name or names of the hackers?
NICK: I can't speak on that at this time. However, I will say this. The Titan board was grateful to me, as I was the one who discovered that there had been a security breach, and was able to prevent the virus from causing any major damage. Thanks to my efforts, as well as my proposals, which I will be detailing at a later date for the turnaround of Titan Industries, I have been named CEO of Titan, with none other than Tyler Houston as my right hand through the transition period.

Tyler looks on, stunned by the news, he looks over at a shocked Justin, while Nick smiles his trademark smirk as the crowd once again begins to buzz with chatter, as Anjelica, still at the back of the crowd, gives Nick an 'ok' gesture with her hand.

---

As the press conference plays on TV, Sheryl and Jerome look on, stunned by the news. Sheryl looks on, slack-jawed as her rage builds.

SHERYL: That little BASTARD.

Sheryl looks over at Jerome, whose head twists to meet her gaze. Sheryl speaks to him with intensity, finger pointed at the TV screen.

SHERYL: HE'S the one who stopped the virus. And I'm gonna make that little twerp pay.

---

DAYS #138: The Titan board regroups, Sheryl shifts her target (08/27/14)

EPISODE 138

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

Nicole rushes into her office at WXIR, where Abby and Jerome await her. The sound of the opening door causes Abby to turn toward the door, exciting her as she steps toward Nicole.

ABBY: Nicole! Just in time!
NICOLE: Why? What's happening? 

Nicole stops in her tracks as she sees Jerome at her computer. Her demeanour changes instantly, as she points to Jerome while speaking to Abby.

NICOLE: What's he doing here?
ABBY: Oh, Jerome and I were on a date, and...

Nicole, not waiting for Abby to answer, immediately shoos Jerome from her desk.

NICOLE: And he's not going to be sitting behind my desk on my computer. I've got sources on there I'd like to keep anonymous.
JEROME: Sorry. Sorry.

Jerome jumps up from Nicole's desk chair and steps away as Nicole sits down in it.

NICOLE: Oh you will be if I find out even one of my sources backs out of the story for the special.

Abby steps in, nervously, but firmly supporting Jerome.

ABBY|: Nicole, I wouldn't worry about Jerome. He's on our side in this.

Nicole turns to look at Abby, then over at Jerome. She points at Abby, looking her squarely in the eyes.

NICOLE: I'm holding you to that.
ABBY: Fine by me.

Jerome looks at Nicole, feeling uncomfortable staying, he looks at Abby, and nods.

JEROME: You know what, it's fine. I gotta get going anyway.
ABBY: You sure?
JEROME: Yeah. Look, I had a great time, even with the interruptions.

Abby takes Jerome's hands and kisses his gently on the lips.

ABBY: So did I. Let's do it again?
JEROME: You know it. I'll call you.
ABBY: 'Kay.

Jerome kisses Abby again, before taking off out the door of Nicole's office.

Abby then looks back to Nicole.

ABBY: There! Now it's just us.
NICOLE: Good. Look, try to keep your dates out of our personal business stuff, okay? There is way too much as stake here, regardless of whether he supports this story or not. I just want to keep this under tight wraps until we go to air.

Abby throws her hands up.

ABBY: Fair enough! I totally get it.

After a moment, she sighs, and turns her chair to look at her screen.

NICOLE: Good. Okay. Now, what am I looking at?
ABBY: Well...that's what I was gonna tell you. Nick tracked us down on our date today. Seems he had been trying to get ahold of you for awhile to give you this.

Abby leans over and moves Nicole's mouse over to click the tab where Nick's PDF file is open. Nicole reads the headline, causing her eyes to widen immediately.

EnerNext & Titan: Fraudulent Arguments in Environmental Impact Study & Associated Payoffs

---


In Horton Town Square, a podium is set up for a press conference, as Justin, John, and Tyler stand by, uncomfortably mulling over their situation. Justin steps toward John, and asks him a question.

JUSTIN: John, if you don't mind my asking...just what did you mean about not underestimating Nick? I mean, come on. He's a...cocky kid with a criminal record. Surely there's no way he could run Titan, we have rules stating he couldn't take over if he'd committed a felony.
JOHN: And I'm sure Nick is also plenty aware of the number of crimes Brady and Victor have committed over the years. Not to mention the dozens of crimes neither of them have ever been held criminally accounatable for that they probably should've. He's not gonna let that slide, Justin. If you poke the tiger enough times, he's gonna bite back.


John looks over as he spots Kate, Lucas, and Billie arriving at the square.

JOHN: Besides, that's not the biggest thing I have to worry about with him.

Justin looks on at John, puzzled by his vague last statement, but before he can say anything, John grabs the attention of Billie, who nods in recognition of John's greeting. They stand by Tom & Alice's tree, and huddle together, speaking quietly.

BILLIE: Okay, what did you find out?
JOHN: This kid is in up to his neck.
BILLIE: Well, I figured that. Out of curiosity, what did he whisper to you at the meeting?

John shakes his head, looking over his shoulder to ensure the others aren't approaching.

JOHN: He said he knows about my plan to help save Roman. Now that can mean only one thing.
BILLIE: Yeah, but what if he's bluffing?
JOHN: How is Nick Fallon gonna find out about our mission unless he's working for the guy?

Billie sighs, knowing the truth of the situation, and realizes the gravity of it.

BILLIE: So it's true.
JOHN: There's only one person that can be behind this, and it means that this goes way deeper than we thought. It's GOT to be Stefano.
BILLIE: I'll contact Steve and give him the heads' up.

Billie heads out of the square, phone in hand, preparing to call Steve, as John hangs back, looking over at the rest of the crowd at the square, as Nick shows up, looking ever the image of smugness.

---


Anjelica sits in the back of her limo, alone. Cell phone in hand, she looks out over the city as it moves past her. Finally, someone picks up.

ANJELICA: (into phone) We have good news. He's got it. Titan is in our hands now.

...


Stefano sits on the DiMera jet, finishing a martini as he holds the plane's phone up to his ear. He enjoys the end of the drink and laughs heartily at the news.

STEFANO: (into phone) Excellent. And once I take care of our business here in Italy, we can celebrate your victory as state governor, yes?

...

Anjelica smiles wryly as she answers Stefano.

ANJELICA: (into phone) I look forward to it. You still haven't explained to me exactly what you're doing in Italy.

...

STEFANO: (into phone) Nothing for you to worry about. This is a little project of mine I need to handle...on my own.
Stefano looks out the window, looking stern as his plane descends into Aeroporto Elba.

---

---

Stefano sits in the DiMera jet, looking pensively out the window as the plane makes it descent into Aeroporto Elba on Elba Island, Italy. 
As he looks out over the island, the pilot makes his announcement.

PILOT: (over intercom) Good evening, Mr. DiMera, we are about to make our final approach into Aeroporto Elba, please prepare for landing, and fasten your seatbelt. 

As Stefano fastens his seatbelt, he speaks with his attendant, who passes by on her way to her seat.

STEFANO: Maria.

Maria, the attendant, stops and stands by Stefano's seat, looking at him with a warm smile.

MARIA: Yes, Mr. DiMera.
STEFANO: Is everything ready for my arrival?
MARIA: Yes, I spoke with the driver. They've already arrived, and they're ready to take you to the yacht immediately upon your arrival at Elba Island. The ship to Capraia Isola is manned and ready for you to board as well.
STEFANO: Thank you, my dear.

Maria leaves for her seat, leaving Stefano alone. He thinks to himself about his upcoming plans.

STEFANO: And once I'm on the compound, my plans for Roman Brady will finally be realized.

Stefano sits back in his seat, a sense of comfort washes over him.

---


Sheryl walks back into her motel room, taking her handkerchief off her head and removing her sunglasses. She shakes out her dyed-red hair before flopping down on the edge of her bed, smiling widely.

SHERYL: Well THAT could NOT have gone any better.

Sheryl hears a knock on the door, and gets up, heading for the door. Checking to see who it is, she opens it immediately upon recognizing Jerome through the window.

SHERYL: Come in, come in, come in.

Jerome walks inside, a somewhat shaken look on his face.

JEROME: Hey, how'd it go?
SHERYL: Better than you could imagine. We have new leverage we can use against Titan if they keep trying to push the oil sands project through.

Jerome looks at Sheryl, surprised and confused.

JEROME: I thought you were done with all that? Isn't time to cut and run and protect yourselves here? That was what this whole disguising yourself as Nurse Crystal Clarke thing was meant to be about. Convince Jordan to leave town with you, and move on with new identities.
SHERYL: Well...let's just say I had a change of heart after today.
JEROME: What's that supposed to mean?

Sheryl turns around, positively beaming.

SHERYL: Because whatever vote Titan takes on anything is completely null and void.

Jerome looks at Sheryl, stupefied.

JEROME: What? How?
SHERYL: Let's just say that...rumours of Brady Black's demise have been greatly exaggerated.

Jerome's eyes widen, as Sheryl starts to laugh at her great fortune.

---

Nicole turns quickly back to Abby, stunned by what Nick's presented to them.

NICOLE: This is explosive.

Abby nods, stepping toward Nicole, who's still sitting in her computer chair.

ABBY: I know. I was...floored by what was in there.
NICOLE: This is enough to destroy Titan completely. This is huge, we can't afford any mistakes on this.
ABBY: I understand.

Nicole gets up from her seat, and prepares to take something from her bag, when Miles bursts into her office, startling Abby and Nicole.

MILES: Nicole! You need to get down to the Town Square right now. Titan's holding a press conference. Looks like it's a big one.
NICOLE: I'm on it.

Nicole turns to Abby and points at her while giving direction.

NICOLE: I need you to make a list of everyone implicated on that document, and find out who wrote all their press materials. I'll go through the list when I'm back.
ABBY: Got it.

Abby springs into action, sitting herself down in Nicole's chair, and launching herself into the task, as Nicole packs her bag back up and races out to the press conference.

---


John steps back into the Town Square, as Nick approaches Tyler near the podium. They engage in a somewhat secretive chat.

NICK: I'm gonna need you to play along with this. I don't think I have to explain why, but you are a crucial part of this handover.
TYLER: I don't see why I have to be involved in any of this.
NICK: Need I remind you that your very freedom rests in whether or not you can play nice for the cameras. Unless you want the world to know that you've been running a shell corporation used primarily for money laundering and bankrolling a failing enterprise all this time.

Tyler sighs, looking down as Nick threatens him. Once Nick finishes, Tyler looks up at Nick, and shakes his head.

TYLER: You're in way over your head, kid.
NICK: No more than you are.

Nick turns to step toward the podium, as Billie returns to the square, having finished her call to Steve. She steps over to John's side. John looks over to her, and she nods, before stepping over to stand with Kate, Lucas, and Justin. Kate, Lucas, and Justin all stand around, looking sombre.

JUSTIN: So...who wants to put money on how long before he's thrown out of the tower by security?
KATE: Less time than you think.
LUCAS: That's fascinating, Mom. Especially since you're part of the reason he was made CEO in the first place.

Kate turns to face Lucas, agitation in her tone.

KATE: I had no choice, and you know it.
LUCAS: Yeah, you keep saying. Too bad we don't know why your hands were tied or we might've been able to change your mind.
KATE: Ohhh trust me. Lucas, there's no changing my mind. Like I told your sister, I'll still come up trumps on this. Just you wait.
Lucas, Billie, Kate, and Justin all look up, as Nick steps up to the podium. As he does, Nicole arrives with her cameraman, ready to get the footage from Nick's press conference.

John looks over at Tyler, who stands behind Nick, trying to hide his frustration at this turn of events.

Nick looks out into the crowd, and smiles broadly.

NICK: I think we can get started now. Welcome everybody!

---