Thursday, February 16, 2017

DAYS #110: Noelle lets loose on a comatose Victor, Jordan gets some disappointing news (07/18/14)

days_zpshcduktyy.jpg
EPISODE 110
Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson


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Jordan sits in the exam room, deep in thought about her potential pregnancy, as she hears Daniel enter the room. She looks up, a smile back on her face as she awaits the news.

JORDAN: So! Tell me it's good news. Am I pregnant?

Daniel looks on, managing his best poker face as he flips over to her test results to give her the news.

DANIEL: Uh well...the thing is...

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As Daniel speaks, Rafe opens the door to the exam room, a big smile on his face. Daniel turns around, surprised to see him come in.

DANIEL: Rafe...
RAFE: Hey! Sorry for interrupting. Maxine said I could come in so...heh...hi.
JORDAN: Rafe! Daniel was just about to give me my pregnancy test results.

Jordan looks excitedly as she motions for Rafe to come over with her. He obliges, and puts his arm around Jordan as he looks back Daniel's way.

RAFE: So, Dr. Jonas...I guess we're gonna be shopping for a stroller and a crib soon, right?

Daniel looks at Rafe and Jordan, as they look back, excitedly anticipating the news.

---

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Noelle and Alex sit in the hospital waiting area outside Victor's room, as Maggie emerges from Victor's room. Maggie looks over at Noelle and Alex, as they sit, hand in hand.

MAGGIE: Alex! Noelle! What are you doing here?
ALEX: Oh, we were just sorta...checking in. I was gonna visit Victor for a minute but Daniel tells us you're his last visitor for the night, so...just wanted to see how you were doing.

Maggie smiles, putting a hand on Alex's shoulder as a show of thanks.

MAGGIE: Oh thank you. I'm alright.
ALEX: Any change?

Maggie shakes her head sadly.

MAGGIE: No. None so far.
NOELLE: I'm so sorry, Maggie.
MAGGIE: Thank you, Noelle. Uh...Alex, I'm going to head to Julie's, we're going to go over some things for the Penthouse Grille's re-opening. I was hoping you'd be able to help us draw up some proposals for the marketing campaign. If you're able to join us at the mansion for say...8:30 tonight?
ALEX: Ah...sure!

Maggie smiles, waving to both Alex and Noelle as she walks away.

MAGGIE: Great. I'll see you soon.
ALEX: Bye Maggie.

Alex turns toward his wife, his hand firmly clasped in hers.

ALEX: Hey, umm...I need to make a quick call to Will about this campaign for the Penthouse Grille. Are you okay to wait here a minute?
NOELLE: Yeah! Sure, I'll be here.
ALEX: Great. One sec.

Alex quickly kisses Noelle on the lips before getting up and heading for the waiting room to make his call to Will.

Once Alex is out of sight, Noelle slowly gets up. Nervously checking around her, she walks toward Victor's hospital room door. Sneaking inside, the quietly shuts the door and stands just inside, a crooked smile on her face.

NOELLE: Alright Vic. It's just you and me now.

---

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Billie exits Sheryl's office at Titan, checking to make sure the coast is clear, she sees Justin walking away in the opposite direction and heads out the door away from him. As the door shuts, Justin turns around, changing his mind on where he's going and spots Billie. He calls out to her, causing Billie to jump.

JUSTIN: Billie?

Billie turns around, looking like a deer caught in the headlights, as Justin smiles, confused by her reaction.

BILLIE: Justin!
JUSTIN: Um...hey. I uh...I was wondering how you've been doing since we spoke last.

Billie smiles nervously. She stammers a bit as she answers.

BILLIE: Oh...oh you know, good. I...mean...things are going as well as can be expected. Theresa's still in a coma and...work is a mess.
JUSTIN: I hope you haven't been to see Theresa. You know, visiting her in that hospital puts a lot of people at risk.

Billie rolls her eyes, replying dismissively to Justin.

BILLIE: Oh don't be ridiculous, Justin. Of course I'm not going to violate a protective order. No matter how ridiculous it is.
JUSTIN: Well...I'm not disagreeing with you, but...Kim thinks it's better to keep you away from her daughter and...

Billie looks down, folding her arms in discomfort.

BILLIE: Don't remind me.

Justin puts his hand on Billie's shoulder, trying to comfort her, she looks up at him sadly.

JUSTIN: Hey. Don't worry. I know it seems hopeless but...Daniel's her doctor, he'll make sure she recovers. I know it's a slow process but she'll get there.

Billie smiles half-heartedly at Justin, nodding slowly.

BILLIE: Thanks, Justin. Hey, I heard about Victor. I'm sorry to hear about his heart-attack.

Justin drops his arm to his side, putting his hands in his pockets as he begins to get a bit wistful himself.

JUSTIN: Yeah. He's ah...still out like a light, too. Tyler and I are covering for him but...it's overwhelming.
BILLIE: I understand. He's gonna make it though.

As Billie finishes her sentence, she hears her phone ring. A text message from Lucas comes through.

on her way back. go.

Billie sees the text, and is snapped back into a sense of urgency. She looks at Justin, panic on her face.

BILLIE: Oh my God, I forgot something, um, sorry, I gotta go, Justin.
JUSTIN: Uh...sure, sure. Yeah! Look, let's grab drinks later?
BILLIE: Sure!

Billie takes off like a shot for the elevator, frantically pressing the button to open the door.

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After a moment, the door opens. Sheryl gets off, coming face-to-face with Billie.

---

---

Billie stares at Sheryl, trying to hide how nervous she is.

BILLIE: Sheryl. Uh...how are you?
SHERYL: Good. Just...uh...got back from seeing your brother.
BILLIE: Oh yeah! How's Lucas? I've been...darting all over the building today, I haven't had a chance to see him.

Sheryl looks unconvinced, but plays along.

SHERYL: He's good. Really good, he uh...left something behind at my place last night so...I was just dropping it off for him. I'm uh...I'm surprised to see you on this floor, this is more advertising, you tend to stick to those...executive VIP areas instead of down here with us underlings.

Billie smiles, knowing the subtle shade being thrown her way.

BILLIE: Yeah, well...I was just checking on something with Justin Kiriakis and someone told me he was down here so I tracked him down. So...if you'll excuse me...

Billie attempts to get on the elevator, but Sheryl grabs her arm to stop her.

SHERYL: You know if you...could pass on a message to your mom for me?
BILLIE: What kind of message?

Sheryl looks at Billie, deadly serious.

SHERYL: If she's trying to manipulate Lucas into breaking things off with me...I will know. Lucas is not very good at masking his feelings. But he's an adult, and bad things happen when she inserts herself into situations where she isn't welcome.

Billie looks at Sheryl, a displeased look on her face, as Sheryl walks away toward her office.

SHERYL: Have a great evening.

Billie watches Sheryl walk away, stunned by her audacity before catching the elevator door start to close, she jumps to try to stop it, jamming the door momentarily as she clumsily steps in.

---

Daniel sighs as he steps in closer to Rafe and Jordan. Jordan and Rafe's excitement turns quickly to concern as they see Daniel's stoic expression.

JORDAN: Daniel...come on...tell us. Are we going to have a baby or not?
DANIEL: I'm sorry, Jordan...Rafe. Your home pregnancy test gave a false positive.

Jordan is stunned by the news, she sits next to Rafe, mouth agape, as Rafe pulls her in close. She begins to tear up at the news. After a moment, she begins to shake. Unable to stay composed, Jordan breaks away from Rafe.

JORDAN: I'm sorry, I just...
RAFE: Jordan!

Rafe reaches out to stop Jordan from running off, but to no avail. Jordan grabs her purse and coat and runs out the door of the the exam room, leaving behind a worried Rafe, and a saddened Daniel.

DANIEL: I'm sorry, Man.
RAFE: So am I. Sorry, I gotta...I gotta go.

Rafe runs out the door after a distraught Jordan.

---

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Will is in his office at Titan, putting on his jacket to leave for the day, when his office phone rings. Exasperated, he initially considers ignoring it, but thinks better of it and answers.

WILL: (into phone) Will Horton.

...

At University Hospital, Alex stands in the waiting room at University Hospital, cell phone in his ear.

ALEX: (into phone) Hey, Will, it's Alex.

...

Will's expression changes almost immediately, mellowing into one feigning coldness but enjoying hearing Alex's voice all the same.

WILL: (into phone) Oh, hey! What can I do for you?

...

ALEX: (into phone) Well...I need you to do two things before you leave tonight.

...

Will listens intently as Alex lists off his plans for the evening, his expression souring as Alex continues.

ALEX: (via phone) I need you to drop off the polished draft of the press kit for the EnerNext project to Tyler, and then I need to meet you at the Kiriakis mansion.
WILL: (into phone) Oh? What for?
ALEX: (via phone) Well, Maggie's asked us to come by to start on promotional work for the Penthouse Grille reopening...

...

Alex stands shaking a packet of sugar as he's about to pour it into his cup of coffee, his head leaning against his shoulder, holding his cell phone up to his ear.

ALEX: (into phone) So I need you there by about 8:30 to meet with Maggie and Julie and I. That cool?
WILL: (via phone) Uh...yeah! Yeah...I'll let Gabi know I'll be home late and she can make sure Arianna gets her dinner. Umm...sure. I'll see you then.
ALEX: (into phone) Great, man. Thanks!

...

Will hangs up after he hears the dial tone. He puts down his phone, sighing.

WILL: There goes the work-life balance. And I'm sure Adrienne will love trying to twist this one into something it isn't while she's at it.

Will sighs again as he reaches over to a folder on his desk, grabbing it and sauntering out the door of his office, shutting it behind him as he heads for Tyler's office upstairs.

---

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Laura puts on her jacket, heading out of her office. She opens the door to find Maggie standing in the doorway. Pleasantly surprised, Laura stops and smiles.

LAURA: Maggie! I didn't realize you were still here.
MAGGIE: I was just heading out to meet Julie. I wanted to stop by to check in on you.

Maggie's expression changes slightly. A bit of concern on her face.

MAGGIE: Uh...Laura...you never answered me before...I saw that look you gave when Liam ran into Jennifer. It's almost like...it's almost like you're afraid of him.

Laura looks down, not really wanting to get into it with Maggie.

---

Noelle stands in Victor's hospital room. The room, darkened, is deadly quiet other than the quiet beeping of the heart monitor. She looks down on Victor's still body, a serious look on her face. Her glare, laser focused on Victor, never wavers.

She steps toward Victor slowly as she begins to speak to him.

NOELLE: You know...it's kind of poetic justice. You lying here after a heart attack...

Noelle stands by Victor's bed, arms folded, as she continues, a quiet vitriol in her voice.

NOELLE: When the stress you put my father under all those years from your loan sharking, and your squeezing any penny you could from us...gave him a heart attack...

Noelle pulls up a stool so she can lean in close to Victor while she taunts him.

NOELLE: ...And that heart attack killed him.

Noelle smiles, laughing softly, but almost maniacally.

NOELLE: So you know what, Vic? I'd say this is karma in action. Do you understand what I went through? Dr. Neil Curtis, working day and night to the point where I barely saw him through the entire time I was in high school? All so he could pay off debts he owed you. Debts you just couldn't bear to forgive because you're spiteful, miserable old man.

Noelle looks down at Victor. As she continues, her tone becomes more and mroe mournful. She sighs as she speaks again.

NOELLE: And I had no idea. I spent the last years my father was alive resenting him, giving him the cold shoulder when he tried to reach out to me...

Noelle gets up from her stool, and begins to pace the room, her hands on her hips as she thinks back to her teen years.

NOELLE: ...and... funny enough, I did all kinds of...crazy stuff just to get his attention all the same. I remember one time I stayed out until 5am the night before finals in my junior year? I was with some guy from the football team. My dad didn't sleep that night. Mom called him at midnight when I didn't come home and...he drove all around town...he woke up my friends' parents...(laughs) some of my friends' parents actually got up themselves and started searching with him...and I came home. Mom was there waiting. She wouldn't let me go to bed until dad got home...and my dad said, "Blondie, go to bed, I can handle her."

Noelle tries to fight welling up as she sits back down on her stool by Victor's bed, leaning on the bar along the side of it.

NOELLE: And this man, who I spent all those years resenting, and thinking he didn't give a damn about anything but his work, he told me what he'd done that night, and that all he cared about was me and my mom, and that he was worried. He said he knew he hadn't been there for me as much as he wanted to, but that sooner or later, I was going to understand. And he apologized to me. And here I was expecting I was going to be read the riot act. But he knew it was on him. I didn't realize why that was until just this last year.

Noelle's expression changes, as her eyes zero on on Victor again. A quiet rage simmering in her as she becomes increasingly agitated.

NOELLE: My dad and mom got into it. I'd been accepted into UCLA...I was...I was going to be a nurse. You know...follow my father's footsteps into the medical field like a trooper! And Mom comes back from the bank...and lo and behold...my trust was empty. The money we all thought was going to my education was going to you. Mom thought you'd taken enough from us when you took Blondie's from us...but nope. No, no, no...you'd kept nickel-and-diming my father to death all these years, and guess what? This time his heart gave out.

Noelle stands up, leaning in angrily over Victor's bed. Her voice getting louder and louder as she gets increasingly emotional.

NOELLE: And I never saw my father again. And then his will had nothing for myself, or for my mother, and my mother has been struggling for years, and I had dreams, and I had goals and now we have NOTHING but BILLS and DEBTS and PAIN, and it's ALL because of YOU, VICTOR!

Noelle breathes for a moment, her body and voice trembling with rage as she looks at the man she holds responsible for her family's ruin.

NOELLE: So you ask me why I would marry into your family. I'll tell you why. I want what's mine. And if I have to use your nephew's son to get every PENNY you owe me, SO BE IT!

As Noelle shouts out in rage at Victor, Alex's voice calls out to her from the doorway.

ALEX: Noelle! What the Hell are you doing?!

Noelle turns to see a confused and angry Alex standing in the doorway, Noelle looks on, still shaking with rage.

---

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

DAYS #109: Brady and Liam's near-miss, is Billie busted? (07/17/14)


EPISODE 109
Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson



Brady, driving down Anita's country driveway, turns on the switch for her old SUV's high beams as he approaches the turnoff to the county road, not slowing down as he approaches the turn-off.


The SUV juts out into the intersection as Liam's car passes, causing Liam to swerve suddenly to avoid hitting Brady's car.

***


Jennifer, attempting to talk to Liam on the phone from her office at University Hospital, hears the commotion from the scene and is immediately frantic.

JENNIFER: (into phone) Liam?? Liam? Are you okay?

***

Liam swerves violently, stopping while barely avoiding being hit by Brady's large older SUV. Brady's headlights shine brightly into Liam's car, momentarily blinding Liam as he looks up at Brady's car.

Brady looks back, stunned by the near-miss accident, before Liam quickly puts his car back in gear and zooms off. Brady's left stunned in his truck a moment, before taking a deep breath and turning onto the same road in the opposite direction.

...

Jennifer's voice calls out frantically through Liam's car speakers. Liam catches his breath enough to respond now.

JENNIFER: (through speakers) LIAM???
LIAM: Jenn! I'm here! I'm fine, just....nearly got hit, some jackass came out of a driveway out of nowhere...I'm fine.
JENNIFER: (through speakers) Okay good...

...

Jennifer leans on her desk as she speaks to Liam, feeling somewhat relieved.

JENNIFER: (into phone) Oh Thank God. I'm just glad you're okay. So...you said about a half hour?

...

LIAM: Yeah, about that. I'll see you then, Jenn.

...

Jenn, now relaxed enough to smile a bit, sighs before she responds to Liam.

JENNIFER: (into phone) Will do. Love you.


As she hangs up, a familiar voice calls out from behind her.

ABBY: Well I hope you also have some time to give a bit of love to your daughter?

Jennifer smiles as she turns around, glowing as she turns, arms open wide to greet Abigail.

JENNIFER: Always, sweetheart. In fact, you're just what I needed right now.

The two embrace warmly, a smile on Jennifer's face, though a more troubled look on Abby's.

ABBY: Same here, Mom. Same here.

---


Jordan steps off the elevator at University Hospital, and walks over to the nurses' station. Maxine greets her with her usual enthusiasm.

MAXINE: Jordan, honey! You look fantastic. Is that some kinda glow I see in your eyes?

Jordan laughs at Maxine's observation. She smiles warmly as she responds to Maxine.

JORDAN: Ohhh, I'm pretty sure you're onto something there. I'm actually here to book a pregnancy test appointment.

Maxine's face lights up at this news, she leans in and speaks a bit softer, but with an excited tone.

MAXINE: You and that fine police officer are gonna have a baby?

Jordan tries in vain to contain her excitement, giggling as she replies to Maxine.

JORDAN: I did a home test this morning (giggles) It was positive so...just coming in to make sure, but...yeah. The signs are there.
MAXINE: Well, I'm just thrilled for you, honey. I'll get you in with Dr. Jonas immediately if I can...you got time? I can get you in before dinner time.
JORDAN: The sooner the better.

Maxine steps away to book the appointment, while Jordan beams, impatiently waiting for Maxine to make the arrangements.

---


Sami sits on Gabi's sofa at her apartment, while Kate sits on the easy chair at the other end of the coffee table from her. Gabi paces back and forth behind the sofa, as they try to formulate a plan to beat Nick at his own game.

SAMI: So Nick demanded we both offer Gabi a modelling contract, and made sure we didn't let her get away...so who should put in the winning bid?
GABI: Well, Nick works for Kate...so it's probably wise to make sure I sign with Sami, just so I can keep distance from him at work.
KATE: Probably for the best. The less potential for interaction he has for you, the better.
SAMI: Alright. I think we should offer Gabi a few counteroffers to throw him off the trail a bit, make it look more like we're really fighting over her.

Kate nods in agreement with Sami.

KATE: Absolutely. I can get that drawn up for you tomorrow, there's a lot going on tonight at the office.

Sami looks at Kate, intrigued.

SAMI: Really! How'd you manage to tear yourself away then?
KATE: I ALWAYS make time for family, Sami. You should know that.

Sami smiles, tilting her head to the side as she responds sardonically to Kate.

SAMI: Oh, do I ever.

Gabi plants her hands down firmly on the back of the sofa to get Sami and Kate's attention.

GABI: We're getting distracted. Now...what happens when I make the official announcement?

Kate looks up at Gabi, confident of her handle on the situation.

KATE: Simple. We stand back, and wait.

Gabi and Sami look back at Kate, a lot less confidently than she is.

---


---


Brady opens the door to Anita's cabin, a shopping bag in his hand. He pulls his jacket off, putting it back on the coat rack, while Anita sits on her easy chair by the fire, sipping another cup of hot chocolate.

ANITA: Brady! I was worried about you. I heard screeching tires at the end of the road, are you alright?
BRADY: Yeah! No just some...guy was driving down the road and I...I guess it's been awhile since I've been driving...didn't expect to see anyone out there. We didn't crash or anything, so...
ANITA: Well, that's good.

Anita puts down her cup and gets up, heading Brady's way. She takes her reading glasses off, letting them fall down around her neck as the neckstrap keeps them from falling to the ground. She folds her arms, uneasy about bringing up their previous topic. Brady, meanwhile, determined to avoid the subject, flashes a smile as he pulls the marshmallows out of the shopping bag.

BRADY: I got the marshmallows!

Anita is unmoved, and responds with a serious tone, which displeases Brady.

ANITA: Brady...we need to finish our conversation from earlier.
BRADY: (sigh) I'd rather not.
ANITA: Well, sooner or later, you're going to have to. Look, I know you don't want to right now, but if you ever want to go back to the life you had in Salem, and give your friends and family peace of mind? You're going to have to take that step and talk about what happened to you.

Brady looks down, knowing Anita's advice is sound, but not wanting to admit it. He looks at her, but can't keep eye contact, trying to hold himself together.

BRADY: I'm gonna make another pot of hot chocolate.

Anita stands back as Brady walks off toward the kitchen, saddened and frustrated by Brady's bullheadedness.

---

Abby sits in Jennifer's office with her mother, talking about her first day working for Nicole at WXIR.

JENNIFER: So do you think it all went well then?
ABBY: Yeah...honestly, I have no idea whether or not Nicole's gonna like my work or not, but...well...seems she and I are getting along okay.
JENNIFER: Yeah well, Nicole's still a viper if you get on her bad side. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Abby and Jenn share a laugh, as Abby nods.

ABBY: No, I know. So far, we have an understanding, but I'm definitely not gonna push my luck. This is too good an opportunity to follow in parents' footsteps.

Jennifer smiles, as she grabs Abby's hand in hers gently from across her desk.

JENNIFER: Your dad would be really proud of you, Abby. You have to know that.

Abby smiles warmly at her mom, as she squeezes her mom's hand.

ABBY: Thanks, Mom. It means a lot to be able to do it, even if I got flung into it by Sami.
JENNIFER: Well...Sami seems to know where your strengths lie, and I guess you proved yourself to her with whatever you did on your trip. I just wish you felt you could tell me you were going, I was worried.

Abby begins to feel uncomfortable with this line of questioning and pulls away from her mom, as she shifts in her seat. Getting up, she begins to walk away from her mom, holding herself uncomfortably.

ABBY: (sigh) Look, Mom...that was not up to me at all. I promise. It was all...confidential deals and...it was all last minute. I had absolutely no control over any of it. I'm sorry. I should've said something, but...it was...really stressful.

Jennifer gets up from her desk and walks over to her daughter. Holding her arms as she attempts to comfort Abby.

JENNIFER: It's okay, Abigail. It's just that...motherly concern...you'll know what I mean one day.

Abby looks up, trying desperately to hold her feelings in, and her secret.

After a moment, she turns around, faking a smile.

ABBY: Uh...hey...let's check on Aunt Maggie, shall we?
JENNIFER: Yeah! That's a great idea. Come on.

...


In the main hall of the hospital, Laura stands talking with Maggie, holding Maggie's hands in her own.

LAURA: Maggie, listen...Daniel is going to make sure Victor makes a full recovery. He'll wake up very soon. I know he will. And if you need anything at all, just let me know.

Maggie looks at Laura, teary-eyed. She squeezes Laura's hand as she responds.

MAGGIE: Thank you, Laura. Honestly, having the family around has been such a huge help.
LAURA: I'm sure it has.

As Maggie continues, Jennifer and Abby come out into the main hall, and Laura looks over to them to get their attention.

MAGGIE: I don't want to take anyone's time, but it's been a huge help having you here and...

Maggie's distracted by Laura looking over at Jenn and Abby, but just before Laura's able to catch their eyes, the elevator door opens, and Liam emerges. Both Maggie and Laura look over as Jenn runs over embrace her lover, and Abby follows her slowly over, a smile on her face.

Maggie looks back to Laura, who glares at Liam, a look of anger and fear on her face. Maggie is immediately worried for Laura.

MAGGIE: Laura...what's wrong?

Laura, in her rage, shakes, and doesn't answer Maggie, simply glaring at Liam, who is hugging Jennifer tightly, a big smile on his face.

---

Jordan sits on the exam table waiting for Daniel to return. She recalls all the warnings Sheryl gave her previously.

***

FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 105
 

Jordan glares at Sheryl, folding her arms in discomfort.
 
JORDAN: Sheryl, you know how much I wanted another baby. I gave up my chance the last time, but I am NOT going to pass up the chance to be a mother this time. Not when I could be happy with a man I love. With a baby. A career where I can actually help people. You know that’s important to me.
 
Sheryl snaps back at Jordan, irritated by her sudden attack of domesticity.
 
SHERYL: And impossible! You are a wanted woman.
JORDAN: Kaylie Matthews is a wanted woman.
SHERYL: YOU are still Kaylie Matthews, and the ISA and the Salem PD are going to figure that out VERY shortly.

Jordan looks down, arms still folded in discomfort as she tries to hold herself back. She sighs heavily, as she wordlessly listens to Sheryl’s emphatic words.

SHERYL: We are THIS close to taking down the EnerNext oil sands, Jordan. We are SO DAMN close to saving this town from a lifetime of cancer, of disease, of pollution. You wanna help people? Help us bring Titan and EnerNext down. Because you aren’t going to be able to help them from a jail cell.
JORDAN: I’m not going to jai—
SHERYL: …Like hell you’re not!

***


Jordan snaps back to reality, as she hears Daniel enter the room. She looks up, a smile back on her face as she awaits the news.

JORDAN: So! Tell me it's good news. Am I pregnant?

Daniel looks on, managing his best poker face as he flips over to her test results to give her the news.

---


Lucas gets a call from his secretary. He walks over to the phone.

LUCAS: (into phone) Hello? ... Yeah, send her in.

Hanging up the phone, Sheryl steps into Lucas' office a moment later. Lucas feigns being happy to see her, as Sheryl looks at him with a sultry smile and greets him in a sing-song voice.

SHERYL: Hi.....

Closing the door behind her. She coyly presents Lucas with his tie he'd left at her place the night before.

Lucas smiles as he accepts it, but Sheryl won't let go, pulling herself into Lucas' arms.

SHERYL: You're not gonna get away from me that easily, Mr. Horton.

Lucas looks into hers, pretending to feel anything for her with every ounce of conviction in him.

LUCAS: Well you know I couldn't stay away from you for that long.
SHERYL: Mmm, and I hope you don't stay away too long for the rest of the night.
LUCAS: Well...that's....kinda what I needed to talk about.

Sheryl looks at Lucas, a bit disappointed, and backs away from her embrace of Lucas.

SHERYL: What? You're not cancelling tonight, are you?
LUCAS: No! No...just...I have to postpone our dinner plans, that's all. I...uh...I have to finish a proposal to give to mom tomorrow, we're trying to optimize our shelving space at Bartlett's, and...yeah.

Sheryl smiles, playfully rolling her eyes at the situation. She answers with mock-indignance.

SHERYL: Fiiiiine, I guess. Let's just do something casual tonight, okay? I'll meet you at the Brady Pub for 10?
LUCAS: Might be 10:30 , that alright?
SHERYL: Sure.

Sheryl leans in and kisses Lucas on the lips. She turns toward the door, turning back at the door to smile at Lucas, who stares back as she's leaving.

SHERYL: I'll see you then. Love you.

Lucas hesitates a moment to respond to Sheryl, before smiling and nodding to Sheryl.

LUCAS: Me too.

As Sheryl shuts the door to Lucas' office, Lucas scrambles to check his phone, all the while wiping his mouth to get the taste of Sheryl out of his.

LUCAS: Blech. If I never have to taste that woman in my mouth again as long as I live...

Lucas grabs his phone, hoping to see a message from Billie. Not seeing any messages as of yet, he texts Billie to let her know Sheryl's on her way back, and looks up afterwards, anxious.

LUCAS: Dammit, Billie. Get out of there before it's too late.

---


Billie turns the lights on in Sheryl's office and immediately looks around cautiously.

BILLIE: Alright...where is the best place for this baby...

Billie pulls the bugging device out of her pocket as she walks over toward Sheryl's desk. She looks at her laptop and, thinking fast, places the bug right underneath the bottom lip of her computer.

BILLIE: Always with you, and you'll never notice.

All clear, Billie steps back toward the door, mission completed.

...


Outside the door of Sheryl's office, Justin walks down the hallway with Tyler, deep in a business discussion.

TYLER: But we need to get this land acquisition done as soon as we possibly can, and this delay because of the city server malfunction is going to require some kind of press release to assuage our shareholders.

Tyler stops just outside Sheryl's office, and Justin follows suit. Their intense conversation continues, as Billie quiets down, hoping the two men leave in time for her to sneak out.

JUSTIN: I agree, but I don't think we need to panic, honestly. The team is on it and we should have our case heard within the next week. Just have Will and Alex work on the news releases and the data sheets for the mailers and we should be fine.
TYLER: Alright, but I'm going to be letting that young Horton kid that the rough draft needs to be in my hands tonight.

Justin pulls his phone out to text Alex the instructions to pass on. He raises the phone to motion to Tyler, who walks away toward his own office.

JUSTIN: On it.

As both men step away from Sheryl's office door, Billie figures the coast is clear after a moment. Shutting off the lights and opening the door a crack, she sees Tyler gone and Justin walking away in the opposite direction while texting Alex and figures the coast is clear. As the door shuts, Justin turns around, changing his mind on where he's going and spots Billie. He calls out to her, causing Billie to jump.

JUSTIN: Billie?

Billie turns around, looking like a deer caught in the headlights, as Justin smiles, bemused by her reaction.

---

Monday, January 30, 2017

DAYS #108: Billie and Lucas trick Sheryl, Brady needs driving lessons (07/16/14)


EPISODE 108
Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: ML Cooks & C. Nathaniel Richardson




Lucas walks over to his office desk at Titan and picks up the phone. A heavy look on his face, he frets about his sister's plan to plant a bug in Sheryl's office. He dials the extension to Sheryl's office.

...


Sheryl, in her own office, fixated on her computer, stops and picks up the ringing phone on her desk.

SHERYL: (into phone) Sheryl Connors.

...

Lucas answers sternly, trying (and failing) to feign enthusiasm.

LUCAS: (into phone) Sheryl! It's Lucas.

...

SHERYL: (into phone) Lucas! Hey, babes. How are you doing?

...

LUCAS:  (into phone) Fine. Look, I...uh, needed to see you when I had a chance, could you possibly meet me in my office a minute.

...

Sheryl raises an eyebrow at this, taking on an alluring tone on the phone with Lucas.

SHERYL: (into phone) Oh, I see. Well, it's a good thing too. You left something behind last night at my place.

...

Lucas cringes slightly at Sheryl's obvious attempts at seduction, replying in a cold, but polite manner.

LUCAS: (into phone) Oh, great. Can you be here in five and bring it with you?

...

Sheryl, put off by his aloof response, shifts in her seat, her face suddenly frowning in confusion.

SHERYL: (into phone) Sure. I'll be there.

Sheryl hangs up the phone, and, getting up from her seat, she takes her blue blazer off and rests it on the back of her office chair. She walks out of her office.

...

Lucas hangs up his office phone and sits down at the edge of his desk. He texts Billie immediately.

ready to go shes heading up now

Lucas looks up, a concerned look on his face.

LUCAS: (sigh) Oh Billie. This better work.

---


Jordan stands outside Rafe's loft, having knocked on the door. A bright smile is on her face that she's trying to mask as the door opens. As the door opens, she turns quickly to face Rafe, and immediately leans in to kiss him. Rafe is pleasantly surprised by Jordan's arrival and wraps his arms around her as they kiss deeply in the doorway.

RAFE: This is a surprise.
JORDAN: (giggles) You have no idea.

Jordan lets go of Rafe and steps into his loft. Rafe, still smiling, closes the door and walks over toward a positively giddy Jordan, who plops her purse down on the sofa.

RAFE: So what's got you in such a good mood?

Jordan tries to calm herself down before giving Rafe her news, her hands shake in excitement.

JORDAN: I...I...ahah, oh my God, I have some news for you. And I think...you're gonna be really excited.

Rafe looks at Jordan, unsure what to make of her demeanour.

RAFE: Heh...okay. Go ahead.

Jordan takes a moment before she speaks, trying to contain her excitement.

JORDAN: I did a test today....and....we're pregnant.

Rafe looks at Jordan, stunned by her news, Jordan studies Rafe's face to see whether he's excited or disappointed.

---


Brady sits on the sofa at Anita's cabin. He quietly reads a book  near the crackling fire as Anita walks in carrying a tray with hot chocolate on it.

Brady looks over and smiles at the elderly woman.

ANITA: I figured you could use something to keep you warm.

Anita sets the tray down on the old oak chest she uses as a living room table. Brady eagerly grabs the hot chocolate from the tray.

BRADY:  That sounds actually really good.

Anita sits down and looks at Brady, a motherly concern on her face.

ANITA: You know, Brady. You've healed up very well here...physically, I mean. And I'm really pleased to see your progress, and you've been a real help to me out here...
BRADY: Anita, it's no big deal. Trust me, you've helped me do a lot of healing.
ANITA: I'd like to keep doing that, Brady. You've been troubled since I found you. Now...I have no idea what happened to you before I found you washed up on the shore all those months ago...but I think you should try to talk about it with me. It might help you.

Brady looks away, frustrated by Anita's prying.

---


Marlena sits across from Valerie at Valerie's desk at University Hospital. She's stunned by Valerie's news about Roman.

MARLENA: I'm sorry?
VALERIE: Roman Brady's hospital records prior to 1997 have completely vanished. I have absolutely no idea what's happened to them.

Marlena looks down, in disbelief at what she's hearing. Valerie looks at Marlena, a concerned curiosity on her face.

VALERIE: Marlena...did something happen to Roman that year that was at all...significant?

Marlena looks at Valerie, dead seriously. An intense look in her eyes as she responds.

ROMAN: Yes. We thought Roman was dead...Kristen DiMera brought him back the night John and I were going to be married.

Marlena flashes back to that day, his bandaged face.

***



***


Marlena breathes in deeply, realizing suddenly the possibility that something's been amiss all this time.

MARLENA: Oh...oh my Lord.

Valerie looks on, puzzled by Marlena's reaction.


---


---

Marlena paces Valerie's office as Valerie gets up from her seat, a deep concern on her face as she walks away from Valerie.

VALERIE: Marlena...what is it?

Marlena takes a moment and turns around to face Valerie. She stutters as she tries to repsond to Valerie, still stunned by all the new information coming her way.

MARLENA: Valerie...di...(sigh)...you say there was absolutely no record whatsoever for Roman Brady prior to 1997?
VALERIE: Well, no. I pulled up John Black's file and found some records in his folder also marked Roman Brady for the years 1985 through...
MARLENA: ...1991. We...initially thought John was Roman...Stefano...he led us to believe that Roman and John were the same person.

Valerie looks on, understanding the situation a bit more clearly.

VALERIE: Oh. I see.

Marlena steps back toward Valerie's desk, an intense look in her eyes as she looks down at the floor, weighing the situation.

MARLENA: And nothing from Roman's childhood?
VALERIE: No. That's what I found so odd. There isn't a single record anywhere in Roman's folder from before 1997, and nothing in the new database to suggest that Roman was even born at this hospital.

Valerie stops for a moment, as Marlena's face doesn't change, and she continues to look away. Valerie steps over to Marlena, putting a hand on her friend's shoulder.

VALERIE: Marlena...what happened when Roman came home in 1997? Is there some kind of connection between Kristen bringing him home and his records disappearing?
MARLENA: That's what I'm starting to think. When Roman came back, his face was...bandaged up. He didn't look like the man who left Salem a couple years before. I refused to believe that was him.
VALERIE: ...Marlena...are you starting to think that the man that's been living as Roman all these years...you think that he may not be Roman Brady?

Marlena's focus suddenly crystallizes, she turns to look at her friend, a confused, and petrified look on her face.

MARLENA: I don't know...I don't know what to think.

---

Sheryl walks out of her office, heading for the elevators up to the executive floors at Titan.

After a moment's wait, the door for the elevator going up arrives and Sheryl steps on. The door closes behind her. As the door to her elevator shuts, the elevator heading down stops on the same floor and the door opens.


Billie steps off that elevator, purse in hand and looks around carefully. Observing she's alone, she takes her pumps off, and shoves them in her purse, trying to unzip, then zip the bag as quietly as possible.

Looking around cautiously as she steps around the corner toward Sheryl's office, she observes the coast is clear and approaches Sheryl's door. She steps up to the door, and, as slowly and gently as she can, Billie opens the door a crack, observing the lights are off, Billie opens the door and sneaks in, turning the light on as she shuts the door behind her.

---


Gabi stands, hands on her hips, looking annoyed at a shocked Sami and Kate, who sit around her coffee table in her apartment. Sami reaches down and looks at the contracts on the coffee table, both addressed to Gabi.

SAMI: She...you mean we both were asked to offer Gabi a modelling contract?
KATE: Evidently. And he threatened to expose us if I didn't make sure you signed with us.
GABI: So, obviously, we know what's going on. Nick's trying to start a bidding war to pit the both of you against each other and potentially implicate both of you in trying to drown him.

Sami and Kate look at each other, stunned by how easily they were both duped.

SAMI: Alright, ladies. Now that we know what's going down...how are we gonna get the jump on Nick Fallon?

---

Rafe stands in his living room, in disbelief after the news that Jordan's pregnancy test. He looks at Jordan and struggles to say anything to her for a moment.

RAFE: Uh...wow. Jordan, this is...
JORDAN: It's fantastic news, isn't it?

Rafe looks at her, smiling for a moment before pulling her into an embrace. He looks deep in thought before having a moment of realization and pulling Jordan abruptly out of the embrace.

RAFE: Ma!
JORDAN: Huh?
RAFE: My mom, she...ohhh she's gonna have something to say to me about this...

Rafe begins to pace the room, as Jordan looks at him, a bit concerned.

JORDAN: Well, Rafe, I mean...your mom will understand, I mean...you're a grown man.
RAFE: Yeaaah it's not that easy. She's ah....a bit of a traditionalist, and...

Jordan steps toward a pensive Rafe, putting a hand on his shoulder as he looks away from her.

JORDAN: ...And she won't be happy that you're having a baby with a woman you aren't married to. Am I getting warm?

Rafe takes a moment before a smile appears on his face. A moment later, he turns to Jordan, a certain excitement in his voice.

RAFE: ...I got it.
JORDAN: You got what?

Rafe leans in excitedly, pulling Jordan in close and gives her a quick kiss. And then another, and another.

RAFE: I got it, I got it, I got it!
JORDAN: WHAT?? What is it?? (laughs)

Rafe puts his jacket on, beaming as he answers Jordan.

RAFE: You'll see.
JORDAN: Well, wait, wait wait wait!
RAFE: What??

Jordan steps toward Rafe, and takes his hands in hers.

JORDAN: Look, I just...I want to be absolutely sure of this before we make any big moves so...I'm gonna pop into the hospital and make an appointment to get a proper pregnancy test, you know, just in case.
RAFE: Good idea. Look, how about I meet you at the hospital in about an hour and a half?
JORDAN: Alright.

Rafe and Jordan lean in to kiss each other, and then Rafe steps out of his apartment, followed by Jordan. After he locks up, he kisses her again.

RAFE: Congratulations, honey. You're gonna make a fantastic mother.
JORDAN: Thank you, Rafe. I love you.
RAFE: I love you, too. See you in a bit.

Rafe and Jordan kiss again as Rafe heads for the elevator. Jordan turns the other way from Rafe, smiling widely with excitement.

---

Brady sits, stonefaced on Anita's couch, staring ahead silently for a moment near the crackling fire, before Anita speaks up, breaking the tense silence.

ANITA: Brady...I think you need to talk about what happened the night of your accident...it might help you to--
BRADY: ...No, it won't! There's no point dredging up the past.

Brady cuts Anita off, quickly getting up from the sofa and walking toward the door. Anita looks on in shock.

ANITA: Brady! Where are you going?

Brady grabs his coat from the coat rack by the door of the cabin and starts to put it on as he answers Anita's question, a certain coldness in his voice.

BRADY: I'm going to take the truck out to the gas station. See if I can get some more marshmallows for that hot chocolate.

Anita starts to get up from the sofa, struggling a bit as Brady steps out the door, closing it behind him.

ANITA: Brady! Brady, wait!

As the door slams shut, Anita's left behind, worried about Brady's state of mind.

---


Liam drives towards Salem, down a gravel road. It's close to dusk, and the light outside is getting increasingly dim. He sets up his bluetooth to through the in-car stereo to call Jennifer at the hospital.

The phone rings through the car stereo.

JENNIFER: (over the stereo) Jennifer Horton.
LIAM: Jenn, it's Liam.

...


Jenn sits at her desk at University Hospital, all smiles as she speaks to her beau.

JENNIFER: (into phone) Liam! It's good to hear your voice. Is this about dinner tonight?

...

Liam shouts over the sound of the gravel under his tires.

LIAM: Yeah, babe. I'm ah...I'm just heading home now, I should be back in about half an hour. I'll pick you up from the hospital, that okay?

***

Brady drives down the gravel road on his way off of Anita's property. By now, the light of dusk has dimmed tremendously, and Brady struggles to see, even in the heightened view from his older SUV.

Still somewhat upset by the events of a moment ago, Brady is slightly distracted and nearly veers off the driveway, quickly correcting his path immediately thereafter.

BRADY: Woah! Brady! Focus...focus...

Brady approaches the end of the driveway, fumbling with the headlights on the older vehicle.

***

Jenn notices the background noise on Liam's phone call, and strains to hear him.

JENNIFER: (into phone) Yeah, Liam. The Hospital's fine...where ARE you?

...

Liam shouts over the sound of the gravel road beneath him so Jenn can hear him on the phone.

LIAM: Just had to make a detour at a gas station in the country, that's all.

***

Brady turns on the switch for the truck's high beams as he approaches the turnoff to the county road, not slowing down as he approaches the turn-off.

The SUV juts out into the intersection as Liam's car passes, causing Liam to swerve suddenly to avoid hitting Brady's car.

***

Jennifer hears the commotion from the scene and is immediately frantic.

JENNIFER: Liam?? Liam? Are you okay?

***

Liam swerves violently,as he's about to be hit by Brady's large older SUV. Brady's headlights shine brightly into Liam's car, momentarily blinding Liam as he looks up at Brady's car, shouting out in panic.

---

Thursday, January 19, 2017

DAYS #107: Gabi calls Sami and Kate to a meeting (07/15/14)


EPISODE 107
Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson




Abigail stands in Nicole's office at WXIR with her cameraman. She is surprised as she's just heard a voice from the doorway, and looks over, stunned by EJ's arrival.

ABBY: EJ!

EJ looks at Abigail, smiling warmly at her as he stands expectantly in the doorway.

He steps into the room, and motions to the cameraman.

EJ: Would you mind if I spoke with Ms. Deveraux alone?

The cameraman nods obediently, heading immediately for the door.

CAMERAMAN: Oh! Certainly, Mr. DiMera.
EJ: Cheers.

The cameraman stops just at the doorway and turns to tell Abigail something.

CAMERAMAN: I'll be in the editing suite if you need me.

Abby looks over at the cameraman and smiles.t

ABBY: Okay, sounds good. Thanks again!

As the door shuts behind him, EJ steps in closer to Abigail. His demeanour changes immediately to a serious one, which is offputting to Abigail.

ABBY: So....EJ, what did you need to talk to me about?
EJ: You and I need to have a chat about your little adventure in Italy.

Abigail looks at EJ seriously, she folds her arms in discomfort.

---


Gabi sits at the apartment, bottle feeding Ari, when the doorbell rings. She puts Ari in the basinette, before walking over to the door.

GABI: Just a second!


Gabi walks over and opens the door. It's Sami.

SAMI: Hey! Gabi!
GABI: Sami! Just who I wanted to see!

Sami looks on, surprised, as Gabi moves out of the way so Sami can step inside.

SAMI: Oh! Well...great! Uh...are Sonny and Will here?
GABI: No, Sonny's at the hospital checking up on Victor, and Will's just finishing up at the office. Did you want a coffee or something?

Sami closes the door and takes a seat in the easy chair, Gabi comes around and sits on the sofa, after pouring herself a cup. Sami looks over into the basinette and says hello to Ari.

SAMI: No, no thanks. Well HELLO Arianna!

After Sami finishes with the baby, Gabi sets her coffee down and looks at Sami seriously. Sami looks curiously back.

SAMI: So did you go over the papers I gave you? What did you think?
GABI: Well...I don't know if you're trying to get us all thrown in jail, or if you're just trying to throw me under the bus, but it stops right now.

Sami looks on, aghast at Gabi's accusation.

---

Aiden Jennings sits at his desk, reviewing a case file when he gets buzzed by his secretary outside his office. He picks up his office phone.

AIDEN: (into phone) Yes?
SECRETARY: (on phone) A Nick Fallon to see you.
AIDEN: (into phone) Send him in.


Aiden gets up from his desk, as Nick steps into the room, a mischevious smile on his face. Nick approaches Aiden's desk, hand outstretched in preparation for a handshake.

NICK: Mr. Jennings.

The two men shake hands firmly as Aiden responds.

AIDEN: Mr. Fallon. To what do I owe the pleasure?

Nick sits casually down at Aiden's desk, the smug, satisfied smile quickly becoming his trademark on his face.

NICK: I think it's time we gave our dear friend Eric Brady a nice little wedding gift.

Aiden looks confused at Nick, who stares back, smiling evilly.

---


--

Sami looks on, confused by Gabi's accusation. She takes a second before repsonding to Gabi.

SAMI: Gabi, what are you talking about?
GABI: Oh come on, Sami. First Kate makes me an offer to model for MadWorld, and now you're offering me about 50% more to go to Countess W. This reeks of the exact same kind of crap Nick was doing behind my back the last time, remember? Except now, he's starting a bidding war between you and Kate.

Gabi gets up from her seat upon hearing the doorbell ring again. She walks over to the door as Sami looks over at her, stunned.


Gabi opens the door, Kate is there.

KATE: Gabi! I got here as soon as you called.
GABI: Great! Come in!

Sami looks on, still in shock at what's just been revealed to her.

SAMI: I'm sorry, what? Kate already made an offer to you for MadWorld.
GABI: Mmmhmm! So, would either of you like to explain to me then exactly what's going on, and how Nick ties into it, because I know for a FACT it's him who's behind it.

Kate and Sami look at each other, stunned.

---

Aiden looks confused at Nick, who sits opposite him at his office desk.

AIDEN: Somehow, Nick, I don't see a flash drive, a small leather box, and an envelope with a single sheet of paper inside as being a particularly grand gesture.

Nick chuckles before responding, he gets up from his seat and leans on Aiden's desk, his casualness confusing Aiden even further.

NICK: Ahhh Aiden, you have absolutely no idea how grand this gesture really is.

Nick turns back around and begins to pace Aiden's office, again to Aiden's chagrin.

NICK: See, that flash drive has all kinds of information, and really valuable stuff on it that I think will be so...

Nick is hit by another headache at this moment, but he tries to hold it in as he finishes his thought.

NICK: ...pertinent.

Nick spins around, masking his increasing pain as he walks back toward Aiden.

NICK: I don't think he'll be able to resist. And also, just...so we're clear, we're only presenting the flash drive and the envelope. The flash contains just a tiny little....smidgeon of the info that's in that box, so...I'm going to be holding onto that box for myself, you see.

Aiden nods, increasingly curious as to what Nick is alluding to.

AIDEN: I see. So would you rather I send a messenger to deliver it to Mr. Brady or...
NICK: No, no. I want you to hand deliver it to him tomorrow evening. I am almost 100% certain he will be at Nicole Walker's residence for the evening, but if I find out differently, I'll be sure to let you know.

Aiden looks at Nick, more puzzled than ever.

AIDEN: This sounds like something that's time sensitive.
NICK: It is. I can't really say more than that.

Aiden nods in understanding, before continuing his thought.

AIDEN: No, that's fine. Without getting into details about it, then...should I contact Mr. Brady myself and try to arrange a meeting point?
NICK: Absolutely not. Leave all that to me. You just deliver the goods to Eric Brady when I give the go-ahead, and where.

Aiden nods silently, as Nick looks back at him, an almost crazed level of intensity in his eyes.

---

Abby stands in her office with her arms folded, looking irritated and uncomfortable around EJ.

ABBY: There's nothing to talk about, EJ.
EJ: Yes, there is still. We need to be absolutely clear on this: you cannot tell anybody about your baby.
ABBY: EJ, I wasn't planning on it. I'd rather forget that I even gave birth in the first place, let alone that I gave the baby up for adoption to a couple I never got to meet.

EJ looks down as he sits down in the chair in front of Abby's desk. He leans in and speaks gently to her.

EJ: I am sorry about that. I did think it was best though that we kept the arrangements of the adoption as impersonal as possible. I felt it would be less painful for you.

Abby cuts EJ off, an embittered tone in her voice.

ABBY: Don't you think you should've let ME decide that? It was my baby too, EJ. All I know is that an American couple with a good home in the country adopted my baby, I didn't get to speak with them, I didn't get to meet them, nothing.

EJ nods sheepishly.

EJ: You're right. But I couldn't let anything happen to jeopardize our plan. Too many people would get hurt if they knew about the baby.

Abby looks off, distantly, as though she's barely listening to EJ anymore.

ABBY: I know. I remind myself of that every day.
EJ: I know it mustn't be easy for you. Believe me, it's hard enough on me.

Abby nods, trying to find something to distract herself to mask her anger and upset.

ABBY: Yeah, welll...you have your other kids...you have Sami. And I....have work, so...if you don't mind.
EJ: Abigail.

Abby sits down at her desk, before looking up at EJ.

ABBY: Yes?
EJ: I'm sorry.

Abby nods, looking away from EJ to try to keep from crying. She barely chokes out a response.

ABBY: So am I.

EJ steps out, as Abby tries to hold in her tears. Once he's out, she sits in still silence, tears forming in her eyes.

---


At a cabin far outside Salem, a baby lays in his crib, gurgling. A woman we can't identify plays with him, as, in the background, Liam steps toward the door.

LIAM: If there's anything you need, just call.

Liam smiles as he steps out the door, before turning back.

LIAM: I'm glad you're home.

Closing the door behind him, Liam breathes in the crisp winter air, as he texts Jennifer.

ur place 4 dinner 2nite? txt me

He smiles to himself as he walks down the front steps of the cabin towards his car and gets in.

---


Valerie sits in her office at University Hospital, as Marlena pokes her head in. Valerie looks up, and smiles.

VALERIE: Marlena! Hi, darling, come on in!

Marlena smiles half-heartedly as she steps into Valerie's office, Valerie gets up and hugs Marlena.

MARLENA: Ohhh thank you for seeing me.
VALERIE: Anytime for you. I'm actually glad you stopped by.

They separate from their hug and take seats on either side of Valerie's desk. Marlena looks on surprised.

MARLENA: Oh? Is it about Roman?
VALERIE: Yes. (sigh), I'm assuming that's what you wanted to talk to me about?

Marlena's face drops as she looks down, concern now plain on her face.

MARLENA: Yes...I uh...Roman was out all last night, he had a huge lapse in his memory and...he ended up spending the night in the park.

Valerie looks on, aghast at Marlena's news.

VALERIE: In this weather? Marlena, it's so cold out this time of year!
MARLENA: I know. Lucas Horton managed to find him and brought him to Club TBD to warm up, thankfully, but...Valerie, he's off again working the EnerNext protest as we speak. I'm...I'm worried he's in over his head, so I need to know if you found....anything in his medical history that would give some small clue as to what's going on.

Valerie draws herself up, visibly uncomfortable having to say what she has to say.

VALERIE: Well...I guess this leads into what I was going to tell you....I wish I could tell you anything about Roman's medical history, but I can't...because before 1997....it doesn't exist.

Marlena looks at Valerie, stunned by the revelation.

---

Sunday, January 8, 2017

DAYS #106: Nick figures out Nicole and Eric's plans, Jordan's moment of truth (07/14/14)

days_zpshcduktyy.jpg
EPISODE 106
Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson



AbigailDeveraux_zpsf4740a23.png
Abigail stands in the field before Percy Ruggles' cabin outside Salem, with the televison camera on her, as she reports on the protests against Titan and EnerNext's plans to commence extracting oil out of the land near Salem. The crowd of protesters chanting behind her means Abby must speak loudly over the din into her microphone.

ABBY: ...And as the protests begin, many in Salem's west end are showing their support tonight, by using only sparse electricity throughout the evening hours in their own protest, aimed at encouraging EnerNext and Salem City Council to invest in more environmentally-friendly sources of power, such as wind and solar panels. For Salem's own WXIR News, I'm Abigail Deveraux.
CAMERAMAN: Aaaand cut! Great work, Abby, especially for your first time out.

Abby smiles sheepishly as she walks toward the cameraman.

ABBY: Well, thanks! Now I just have to convince the rest of Salem of that.
CAMERAMAN: You'll be fine. Besides, it's only for today while Nicole runs her errand, and if she isn't satisfied with how you covered it, she can voice over it for the news tonight.

JeromeGrant_zps3db0050c.png
Abby nods in understanding as they pack up. Heading for her car, she looks back over and spots Jerome looking her way. Abby smiles back him, holding her hand up in the air to give him an "ok" gesture with her fingers before stepping into the car.

Jerome, facing the crowd of protesters he's leading, smiles back, deeply intrigued by the young woman.


HopeBrady_zps02bf2c16.png RafeHernandez_zpsjumsi5bu.png RomanBrady1_zpsd27ec5e1.png
From the edge of the crowd, Hope, Rafe, and Roman all stand together, watching their fellow officers patrol the protest, maintaining order. Hope looks as Abby and Jerome look at each other, and continues to feel discomforted by their interaction.

---

JordanRidgeway_zps956gtxca.png
Jordan walks into her suite at the Salem Inn with a shopping bag in hand. Hastily slamming the door, she makes a beeline for the vanity, where she lays down her purse and pulls a pregnancy test out of the shopping bag.

She stares intesnely at the pregnancy test box, sighing heavily as she contemplates it.

JORDAN: This could be everything you've ever hoped for, Jordan. But you can't tell Rafe until you know for sure. And if you are pregnant...then you might finally get the chance to have everything you thought you'd never have in your life.

Jordan smiles at the thought of potentially having a baby and starting a life with Rafe, but is so nervous the smile fades.

---

BillieReed_zpscb154cd4.png LucasHorton_zpsfcd9c82d.png KateRoberts_zpsac4681d4.png
Billie puts down the phone in her office at Titan, a wide smile on her face as she looks up at Lucas and Kate, who've reassembled there.

BILLIE: It's on. Shane just gave us the go-ahead to put surveillance on Sheryl and Jordan's computers, and they'll be remotely guiding us through disabling the virus installation through live chat tonight.

Lucas and Kate beam, surprised by the good news.

LUCAS: Fantastic! So that means this nightmare's gonna finally be over.

Billie looks cautiously at Lucas, holding up a finger to remind him.

BILLIE: Might. I can't guarantee anything, but based on the evidence that one of them was responsible for hacking into the city council's server this morning and erasing the files on the expropriation of Percy Ruggles' land? We've got enough to at least make charges stick if we catch them in the act tonight.
KATE: And what about the rest of the Titan executive? Should we fill them in now on what's going on, or is it safe yet to do that?

Billie looks at Kate, a look of uncertainty remaining on her face.

BILLIE: Shane said that until we know for certain that it is Sheryl and Jordan working on this and that they aren't being helped out by anyone higher up in the company, that we should keep everything within these four walls. There are too many unknown factors at play, especially with all the rejigging and new hires they've had to do since EnerNext merged with Titan.
LUCAS: Makes sense.

Kate looks over at Lucas, then back at Billie, the whole time extremely pensive. Billie, meanwhile, begins to rummage through her bag, looking for something in particular.

KATE: Alright. So...now what?

Billie pulls out a tiny bugging device from her bag, and holds it up for Kate and Lucas to see.

BILLIE: Lucas? Wanna go on one last little mission for me?

Lucas looks on, deeply uncomfortable with this idea, knowing interacting with Sheryl will be required.

---



---

Hope, standing with Rafe and Roman, stares off from the edge of the anti-EnerNext protest as Abby and Jerome stare at each other from a distance. Concern plain on her face, but she doesn't move toward Abigail as Abigail steps into the WXIR News vehicle. Her moment of observation is interrupted by Roman.

ROMAN: Alright, so we're gonna have to just keep this contained, but I suggest we try to break this up sooner rather than later.

Rafe and Hope look at Roman, confused. Hope speaks up.

HOPE: Roman, I don't know if that's such a good idea.

Roman cuts in, curtly speaking over Hope's suggestion.

ROMAN: Hope, with all due respect, I don't feel it's right that I should have my authority overruled right now.

Rafe, stepping in to defend his partner, tries to maintain a calm demeanour as he responds to Roman.

RAFE: The protest is soon to end anyway, Roman. Besides, there's no need to escalate things. It's been a peaceful protest so far.

Roman looks at Hope, feeling cut down by Hope and Rafe. He sighs and looks down as he responds.

ROMAN: Yeah. Fine.

Roman begins to walk toward his car, while Hope quickly speaks to Rafe.

HOPE: I think we're gonna be fine if you wanna head home.

Rafe nods, also concerned about Roman, but obliges.

RAFE: Sounds good. I'll call you in a bit.
HOPE: 'Kay.

Hope and Rafe separate and Rafe heads for his car. Roman's also heading for his car when Hope pulls him aside, a great deal of concern on her face.

HOPE: Roman...I'm sorry, okay? I'm just...I'm worried about you.

Roman hisses back, agitated by Hope's concern, but trying to keep word quiet on the force about his memory lapses.

ROMAN: Don't...okay? Dammit, Hope, I don't want you treating me like I'm incompetent because of my memory lapses, okay?
HOPE: You know that's not what I'm doing. But last night was really scary, Roman. And I don't think any of us want you making any rash decisions that could cost you or one of the other officers their lives.
ROMAN: Don't you think I want to keep you all safe? Dammit, Hope, you're gonna have to trust my judgment.

Hope, thinking back to Jerome's recent false arrest, and Roman's recent memory lapse that saw him spend a frigid night in the park, looks down, a tense, pensive look on her face.

HOPE: I don't know if I can do that right now, Roman. But I'm going to try. Just know that this isn't coming from a place of disrespect or trying to...pull some kinda power play on you. I'm just concerned.

Roman looks at Hope, dejected and embarrassed.

ROMAN: Spare me your concern, Hope. I need you to trust that I know what the right thing to do is, and if my officers can't do that, then I can't do my job. And I'm not going to give up this job without a fight.

Hope looks at Roman, a look of respect and sadness in her eyes.

---

Abby steps back into the office at WXIR with her cameraman and sets down her bag. She and he laugh as they joke about the goings on of the day.

ABBY: I can't believe it all was so easy. And I am SO not telegenic, Nicole is totally gonna scrap my on-camera bit.
CAMERAMAN: Don't be so sure, Abby. You know, you've definitely got your mom's touch in front of the camera.

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A voice calls out to Abby from the doorway of the office, startling both her and the cameraman.

EJ: That she does.

Abigail looks over, stunned by EJ's arrival.

ABBY: EJ!

EJ looks at Abigail, smiling warmly at her as he stands expectantly in the doorway.

---

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Inside the Titan Lab, the sound of test tubes bubbling under the heat of bunsen burners colour the otherwise silent air. Nick leans back against one of the counters in the lab, playing with the prescription pad that had been placed in his laptop bag earlier in the day. He closely analyzes the pad. The name on the pad: Dr. Marlena Evans.

NICK: Dr. Marlena Evans.

Looking over at his open laptop on the desk nearby, Nick saunters over to the desk. He places the prescription pad down next to his laptop and begins to think as he stares at his screen.

NICK: Now she wouldn't do this herself...so...who is connected to Dr. Evans...Sami...but Stefano's got her right where he wants her...it couldn't be Eric...

Nick's eyebrows raise slightly when he makes a quick realization.

NICK: Nicole.

Nick quickly opens a program and pats himself down to try to find his new cell phone. Opening that up, he quickly hunts through his contacts to try to find Nicole's phone number.

NICK: Okay...23...4.

Nick waits a moment before a map of Salem appears, with a chain of red dots appearing across the map, indicating where Nicole's cell phone's been today. Nick looks up at the strings of dots scattered across the map, before changing the time parameters in the search bar at the top of the map.

NICK: Between 11am and 3pm.

Nick hits 'enter', and the chain of red dots mostly disappear, except for a small series of dots moving from the DiMera tower to City Hall, then Club TBD. Nick looks up from his screen, remembering the fleeting moment he spoke to Nicole that afternoon.

***

FLASHBACK TO EPISODE 103
 
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Nick stands outside Salem U's main hall, on the phone with Nicole. He speaks to her on the phone, increasingly agitated in his tone.
 
NICK: (into phone) I asked YOU to be there, not your assistant. And I don’t appreciate you trying to pull one over on me. Or ignoring my phone calls.
 

 
Nicole rolls her eyes, as she drives down the road to meet up with Eric, already exasperated by Nick’s constant demands, she fights hard not to snap at him.
 
NICOLE: (into phone) Oh, get over it. You’ll get your story, Nick. Abby’s not exactly an amateur, you know. Look, I gotta go. I have an appointment and I have to meet Eri—I gotta go.
 
Nicole hangs up quickly, kicking herself for slipping up as she presses “end call” on her phone, and carries on driving.

***

Nick snaps out of his memory, and immediately smirks, realizing he has a good idea what the meeting was about.

NICK: City hall. Eric Brady.

After a moment of clicking his mouse and frantically typing, Nick accesses the Salem City Hall server, and searches through their database for Eric Brady.

After a moment, a result, from today.

Nick looks it over and starts to laugh to himself.

NICK: Gotcha!

---

Lucas gets up from his seat in Billie's office, enraged by his sister's request.

LUCAS: Dammit, Billie! No! I'm not going to do anything else to keep this charade going between me and Sheryl. I'm done.

Billie gets up from her seat, trying desperately to calm Lucas down.

BILLIE: Lucas! It's...woah...it's just one last thing. It'll just take five minutes and it'll give us everything we need to get this whole operation over with today.
LUCAS: No! Okay, I'm done.

Kate, still in her seat, goes to touch Lucas' hand, but Lucas flinches and draws his hand away from his mother.

KATE: Lucas, calm down! Hear Billie out.
LUCAS: Na--come on, both of you! I have been the bait in this operation for way too long, and I'm so fed up of it.

Billie walks around to the other side of her desk and looks at Lucas, standing close to him. She reaches to him to put her hands on his shoulders, but Lucas starts to back up.

BILLIE: Look...Lucas. All I need is for you to call down to Sheryl's office and ask her to come to your office. Once she's there, I'll slip into her office and get the bug planted and I'll be right back out. She won't even know I'm there. All you need to do is distract her for a few minutes in your office. Make it something simple, and something believable so she doesn't get suspicious, and we'll be in and out.

Lucas looks at Billie, knowing she's right, but still reluctant to agree. He finally nods.

LUCAS: Yeah, sure. But this is the LAST TIME, I'm telling you, Billie!

Billie raises her right hand, smiling goofily at her little brother.

BILLIE: Promise. Now! Lucas, give me a call on my cell the moment you've got off the phone with Sheryl and confirm to me that she's alone in that office, okay?

Lucas, already headed for his office, responds as he opens Billie's office door.

LUCAS: Got it.

Kate gets up from her seat, and grabs the bottle of champagne she'd left in Billie's office earlier. Holding it as she walks over towards Billie, who's now gone back behind her desk.

KATE: And hopefully, by the end of tonight, we will be toasting to the downfall of Jordan Ridgeway and Sheryl Connors.

Billie smiles and nods in agreement with her mother.

---

Jordan emerges from her suite's bathroom, pregnancy test in one hand, her cell phone in the other, as the timer ticks slowly down. She looks on, nervously anticipating the result. She thinks of the possible future she would have with Rafe, and begins daydreaming.

...

In her dream, Rafe and Jordan stand in the opposite corner of the room peering lovingly into a bassinet. Rafe looks up at Jordan and smiles warmly.
 
RAFE: You know...I never imagined I'd ever be this lucky.
JORDAN: Neither did I. I can't believe that this is my life. A wonderful man like you to love and cherish me...and our beautiful baby. It's...Rafe, it's everything I ever wanted in life.
 
Rafe and Jordan stand up, looking deeply into each other's eyes as they lean in closer. Jordan wraps her arms around Rafe as they kiss.
 
RAFE: It's everything I've ever wanted...and so much more.
 
Rafe immediately kisses Jordan again, as they begin to kiss passionately.

...

Jordan's knocked out of her dream by her cell phone's alarm noise. Shutting off the alarm, she holds up the pregnancy test, shutting her eyes in nervous anticipation.

JORDAN: The moment of truth.

Jordan opens her eyes, and looks at the result, the shock is plain on her face.

JORDAN: Oh my God!

---

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

DAYS #105: Jordan makes her choice, Billie finds her evidence (07/11/14)

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EPISODE 105
Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson



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Nicole walks into her apartment, Eric following behind. They both appear frustrated by the day’s events. Eric shuts the door behind them, as Nicole sets her purse down on the couch. She then turns to face Eric, putting her arms around his waist.

ERIC: So…explain to me who you told about the wedding?
NICOLE: I didn’t…exactly tell anyone but…I definitely slipped in front of…someone at work, and…ugh. It’s….I don’t wanna talk about it.
ERIC: Well, it’s obviously bugging you, and whatever bothers you…bothers me, too.

Nicole smiles half-heartedly at Eric’s sweet remark. She looks deeply into his eyes and leans in to quickly kiss him on the lips.

NICOLE: It’s alright. As hokey as it sounds, just being with you right now makes me feel better.
ERIC: Good. Cos whatever happens, we’ll get through it together. Always.

Nicole wraps her arms around Eric, and hugs him tightly. After a moment, she looks past him, the fear still not gone from her eyes, as she holds her fiancé for dear life.

---

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Hope and Rafe pull up in the squad car outside Percy’s. Rafe, driving the car, turns the car off, as Hope stares out the window intensely. Rafe picks up on this as he looks out as well, following her eyes.

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Outside the car, a group of students are setting their signs up, chatting and laughing as they do. Front and centre among them is Jerome.

RAFE: Well! What a coincidence! If it isn’t our old friend Mr. Grant.
HOPE: Yeah.

Rafe’s face changes in reaction to Hope’s half-present answer, knowing something’s up.

RAFE: You’re still thinking about his arrest, aren’t you?

Hope turns to look Rafe’s way, a concerned look on her face.

HOPE: How can I not? Rafe, we arrested a man based on not just faulty information, but information that’s highly prejudicial, and could open us up to a whole mess of legal trouble if it continues.

Hope turns back to look out at the crowd gathered. Her solemn face remaining as she finishes her thought.

HOPE: Or worse…could end up ruining innocent lives.

Rafe looks on thoughtfully as he watches the crowd as well, studying them.


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Outside the car, Percy steps out from his house to greet the protesters. Jerome beams as he approaches Percy. He extends a hand to him to shake.

PERCY: Greetings, everyone! I take it you’re here to help spread the word about our campaign to spare my home.
JEROME: We are indeed, my man! I am Jerome Grant, I’m heading up the protest, and you must be the infamous Percy Ruggles.
PERCY: It is an absolute pleasure, good sir!

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Percy and Jerome shake hands tightly, as, among the group gathered, Abby and her cameraman set up. Abby nervously talks to the cameraman as she readies herself. Jerome looks out, and spots Abby from afar. His eyes fixate on her momentarily, before he centres himself back on Percy.

JEROME: The pleasure’s all mine. Uh…look, before we begin, I was hoping before everything starts if we could get some press stuff ready. We got a young woman here from the local news and she’ll probably wanna interview you, so…
PERCY: I’d be more than happy to. Just let me know.

Jerome smiles broadly at Percy, as he steps away to go talk to Abigail.

JEROME: Alright, my man. I’ma be with you in a sec.
PERCY: Absolutely.

Jerome heads down, just as Abigail and her cameraman adjust her microphone for the shot. Jerome puts his hands on Abigail’s shoulders from behind, startling her for a second as she turns around.

ABBY: Jerome! Hey!
JEROME: Hey! How you doin’?

Abigail casually brushes her hair to one side as she smiles at Jerome, her eyes locking onto his for a second as she stutters in her attempts to respond.

ABBY: I..I…heh, I was just looking for you, actually. Since you’re the face of this protest, I figure I should maybe get a quick interview with you.

Jerome flashes a sly grin as he shrugs in response.

JEROME: Well…you could say that…I mean I organized it, but…really it’s all about that man Percy back there.
ABBY: Okay…

Abby turns to see Percy on his porch, she smiles, as she nods in understanding.

ABBY: Right, so…I guess, I should maybe talk a bit more to you and this Percy, and maybe you can fill in any gaps I have…

Abby looks down at her tablet, not really paying attention to the heinous double entendre she just uttered. Upon catching herself, her eyes widen, and she looks up at a smiling Jerome. She blushes in embarrassment.

ABBY: In my story! WOW! Phrasing!

Jerome tries unsuccessfully to hold back a laugh, as Abigail playfully smacks him.

ABBY: That’s not funny! You’re gross.
JEROME: Hey! You’re the one who thought it, not me.

Abby rolls her eyes, mocking indignation as Jerome laughs a little longer, before they both catch each other’s eyes again, smiling back at each other.


Inside the cruiser, Hope and Rafe look on, spotting Abby and Jerome’s playfulness together. Hope looks concerned by their interaction.

---

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Billie rushes into Salem City Hall, as the woman who helped Eric earlier is just about to get up from her station. Billie, panicked about the time, calls out to her as she races over to the desk.

BILLIE: EXCUSE ME! Hi! Sorry! I hate to bug you at this hour, I know you’re probably about to close up for the day, but…this is kind of an emergency.
CLERK: I uh…I hate to be rude, miss but…I’m done my shift and the info desk closed about five minutes ago—
BILLIE: Yes! Yes, I know! And I’m sorry, but…this is a life and death situation, and I desperately need your help. It’ll only a take a minute, I swear!

The clerk sighs, shaking her head as she goes to step away from her desk.

CLERK: I’m sorry, Miss, I really, I don’t mean to be rude, but our hours and clearly stated on the website and on our door, and—
BILLIE: That’s exactly what I need to ask you about.
CLERK: I’m not a tech person, ma’am, I can barely use my smart phone.

The clerk turns away from Billie, reaching for the lightswitch to close up for the day, when Billie approaches slightly closer to her, her expression changing in an instant as she pulls out her ISA ID to discreetly show the clerk.

BILLIE: Look, Ma’am. I don’t think you understand.

The clerk stops dead in her tracks, as she sees the ISA ID card in front of her. She looks up at Billie, eyes widened with worry.
---



---

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Gabi steps into the living room in her apartment, emerging from Ari’s room, having just put her down for a nap. Sighing with relief after a busy lunch hour, she looks down at the coffee table, and sees the envelope Sami’s gifted her.

She takes a moment, deep in thought before she walks over to it and opens it. Taking a moment to read it over, Gabi looks on, shocked by what she finds.

GABI: Now SAMI wants me to model for her at Countess W?

Gabi sets the contract down on the coffee table, putting her hands up to her head and pulling them through her hair in frustration.

GABI: UGGGH! Now I KNOW they’re up to something. Either Nick’s forcing them to do this…

Gabi takes a moment, getting up off the couch, pacing to herself as she thinks out loud. She stops, and looks back at the contract, as she finishes her thought.

GABI: Or Sami’s trying to pull some kind of twisted test of loyalty on me. And either way, I’m not gonna fall for it this time.

---

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Sheryl stands in her office, arms crossed, as she waits for Jordan to answer her question about what's caused her to be so seemingly neurotic recently. Jordan breathes in deeply, before reluctantly saying the truth.

JORDAN: Okay. I’m late.

Sheryl throws up her hands in exasperation, knowing what Jordan’s implying.

SHERYL: Of course you are!
JORDAN: I haven’t taken the test yet though, but…I’m never late. Like…EVER.

Sheryl rolls her eyes as she turns away from Jordan, shaking her head.

SHERYL: So you’re gonna tell me that now you’re gonna get all baby crazy again?

Jordan glares at Sheryl, folding her arms in discomfort.

JORDAN: Sheryl, you know how much I wanted another baby. I gave up my chance the last time, but I am NOT going to pass up the chance to be a mother this time. Not when I could be happy with a man I love. With a baby. A career where I can actually help people. You know that’s important to me.

Sheryl snaps back at Jordan, irritated by her sudden attack of domesticity.

SHERYL: And impossible! You are a wanted woman.
JORDAN: Kaylie Matthews is a wanted woman.
SHERYL: YOU are still Kaylie Matthews, and the ISA and the Salem PD are going to figure that out VERY shortly.

Jordan looks down, arms still folded in discomfort as she tries to hold herself back. She sighs heavily, as she wordlessly listens to Sheryl’s emphatic words.

SHERYL: We are THIS close to taking down the EnerNext oil sands, Jordan. We are SO DAMN close to saving this town from a lifetime of cancer, of disease, of pollution. You wanna help people? Help us bring Titan and EnerNext down. Because you aren’t going to be able to help them from a jail cell.
JORDAN: I’m not going to jai—
SHERYL: …Like hell you’re not!

Sheryl’s raised voice cuts Jordan off, Jordan looks down again, doubling down on her denial of the situation.

SHERYL: You can pretend like you have this great future with Rafe, Jordan, but we both know that once we launch that virus tonight, the ISA and the Salem PD are going to be onto us, and you and I will have to leave town and take on a new identity. There’s no way out Jordan. Even if you back out now.

Jordan tenses, as she looks up at Sheryl with a steely resolve. She spits out a reply to Sheryl before turning and storming out of Sheryl’s office.

JORDAN: Oh, you wanna bet? Just watch me. I’m out.

Sheryl looks on in stunned disbelief as Jordan storms out of her office. Sheryl calls out to her.

SHERYL: Jordan?....JORDAN! Don’t be…

Jordan slams the door to Sheryl’s office shut as she makes her way out to the elevator. Sheryl winces as the door slams, staying put in her office, arms folded.

SHERYL: …stupid. (sigh)

---

Nicole and Eric sit together on the sofa at Nicole’s apartment. Eric and Nicole lay in each other’s arms, quietly watching TV on their unexpected afternoon off. Eric sits, blissfully unaware that Nicole is still deep in thought about Nick’s threats against her.

Nicole thinks to herself as she sits wordlessly next to Eric:
NICOLE: (voiceover) All I need is one more day…if I can keep Nick from blowing his stack…and keep the proof I hid Dr. Chyka’s files from Eric…maybe we can make it

Nicole snaps out of her mind as Eric prods her slightly.

ERIC: Hey! You look like you’re miles away.
NICOLE: (sigh) Yeah…I guess I am. You…uh…heh, sorry.
ERIC: It’s alright. Look, I know it’s gonna be hard keeping this marriage a secret for awhile but…well…we can do this.

Eric shuffles over, as he and Nicole both sit more upright on the sofa.

ERIC: Here’s an idea. Why don’t we plan a little weekend away in Chicago, sort of a…mini-honeymoon for the two of us.
NICOLE: I don’t know if I can get the time away, I mean…there’s so much happening with the EnerNext story and…

Eric looks at Nicole, giving her puppy dog eyes that make Nicole start to crack up. Her defences down, she starts to chuckle as she changes the end of her thought.

NICOLE: …and I think Abigail can handle it.
ERIC: I’m so glad to hear you say that.

Nicole giggles as Eric throws his arms around Nicole, pulling her in for another passionate kiss as Nicole pulls herself on top of Eric. They begin to kiss passionately in the dim glow of the TV in front of them.

Across the room, Nicole’s phone buzzes while on top of the kitchen counter. Nicole doesn’t hear it as she keeps busy with Eric.

The Titan lab phone number appears on the screen.

---

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On the other end of the line,  Nick paces in front of the lab phone at Titan. When Nicole's phone goes to voice mail, Nick's anger kicks off yet again, this time leaving a threatening voice mail message for Nicole.

NICK: (into phone) This is your last warning, Nicole. I have a really strange feeling I know what you were up to today instead of doing what I asked you to. Don't screw with me, lady. You have too much on the line.

Nick slams the phone down on the receiver, as he goes to grab his bag, muttering to himself.

NICK: Now I guess I gotta get a new cell phone at Salem Place...

As Nick lifts his bag up, something falls out of his bag.

Nick spots it and looks down at the ground before bending down slowly to pick it up.

He looks it over thoughtfully, and suddenly realizes what it is: Dr. Marlena Evans' prescription pad. A mix of rage and amusement cross Nick's face as he flips the prescription pad back and forth between his fingers.

NICK: Now who would've given me a gift like this? Hmmm...

---

Billie types away at the Salem City Hall office computer, while the desk clerk waits impatiently in the corner, looking suspiciously around the corner, unsure whether she’s doing the right thing or not.

CLERK: How much longer is this gonna take?

Billie cuts the clerk off, never taking her eyes off the computer screen as she continues typing.

BILLIE: Not much longer, but it’s gonna take even longer if you keep asking.

The city clerk rolls her eyes as she leans against the doorframe, sighing heavily. Finally, Billie bolts upright, a smile suddenly on her face.

BILLIE: Got it! I just hope it’s not too late.
CLERK: What do you mean?

Billie turns around to face the clerk, smiling from ear to ear now.

BILLIE: You’re gonna wanna call the Salem PD. I found your hacker, and they’re going down tonight.

---