DAYS #125: Anjelica Returns! (08/08/14)

EPISODE 125
Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson

 
In the DiMera living room, Stefano sits alone at his desk, rifling through paperwork, when Harold steps in, Nick behind him.

HAROLD: Mr. DiMera...

Stefano responds, not looking up. Harold responds nervously.

HAROLD: Uh...Mr. Nicholas Fallon to see you, Sir.

Stefano looks up, as a smirking Nick steps forward in through the doorway of the living room.

STEFANO: Nicholas. What can I do for you this fine morning?

Nick walks toward Stefano, as Harold closes the doors to the living room, leaving Nick and Stefano alone.

NICK: I came to let you know, we're all ready.
STEFANO: You have put everything in place?
NICK: I have. And as of this afternoon, we will have control over Titan Industries.

Stefano looks up at Nick, smiling and beginning to laugh victoriously.

---


Sonny steps into his shared apartment, looking around to see if anyone's around. He calls out to be sure.

SONNY: Gabi? Will?


Gabi walks out of her bedroom, and Sonny smiles sheepishly.

GABI: Hey. Umm...Will's...Will's in the shower.
SONNY: Oh...ok.
GABI: Did you, ummm...did you talk to EJ about the...
SONNY: The gun. Yeah.

Gabi hesitates a moment, looking around awkwardly as she asks Sonny a question.

GABI: Did you umm...what did you decide?

Sonny looks at Gabi, and sighs.

---

 
Eric stands in the waiting room at City Hall, sighing as Marlena continues to try to talk him out of staying married to Nicole.

ERIC: Mom, I'm not running away from anything. Look...I don't have my vocation anymore. I don't have...my...(sigh) my faith abandoned me in my hour of need--
MARLENA: Don't you think that this could be a test of your faith, Eric? That this is only designed to make your stronger? And to make your faith stronger?

Eric snaps at Marlena, his voice quivering as he cuts her off.

ERIC: How strong do I have to be? How much is enough? At least I know for a fact that Nicole loves me, and is there for me when I need her.
MARLENA: Eric, you are so strong. You are every bit your father's son, and look what he's been through.

Eric looks away from his mother, responding sombrely, as the door to the waiting room opens behind him.

ERIC: Yeah, well, I may be my father's son, but I guess I'm not as strong as he is.


Nicole stands in the doorway, emotional. She calls out to her new husband.

NICOLE: You are every bit as strong as your father, Eric Brady. And I love you for it.


Eric and Marlena turn to see Nicole in the doorway, before Nicole walks into the room, and pulls Eric into a tight hug. Marlena stands back, folding her arms, as Sami stands in the doorway of the waiting room, equally unimpressed.

---

---

 
Billie stands in front of her desk at the Titan head office, as Justin looks on, concerned.

JUSTIN: Now, wait just a minute here. You're telling me you knew that someone was trying to hack into Titan's servers? Why is this the first I'm hearing about it?

Billie sighs, before carefully explaining the situation to Justin.

BILLIE: I knew because that's what I was brought back to Salem to do. Stop them from implanting the virus.
JUSTIN: I don't understand.
BILLIE: Look...before I tell you any of this, you have to promise me everything I tell you stays in this room. No exceptions.

Justin nods, empthatically complying with Billie's request.

JUSTIN: My lips are sealed. You have my word on that.

Billie folds her arms and begins to pace the room, as she begins to explain herself to Justin.

BILLIE: Kate wasn't the one who had me transferred back to Salem. It was the ISA.
JUSTIN: The ISA?
BILLIE: (sigh) Yes. Which is why I can't have you spreading this information anywhere.

Justin nods in understanding.

JUSTIN: No, no, I get it.
BILLIE: Kate was suspicious of one of our staff members, Sheryl Connors, and Jordan Ridgeway, who Kate had hired to help Rafe recuperate after he was shot...and...well...she kind of uncovered more about them than she bargained for.

JUSTIN: So...wait...Jordan and Sheryl....that's not their real names?

Billie shakes her head, still unsure how much she can safely share with Justin.

BILLIE: She...they're out to take Titan down, for a number of reasons, and...specifically EnerNext.
JUSTIN: Okay. So...what exactly happened last night, then? You say you...tried to stop them?
BILLIE: Right. But I didn't. Someone stopped them before I did.
JUSTIN: I think I know who that was.

Billie looks at Justin, surprised and curious.

BILLIE: You do?

Justin nods, looking off momentarily before looking back at Billie, very worried.

JUSTIN: Yeah. Nick Fallon. And because of that, I need your help.

Billie looks at Justin, confused and concerned.

---

Eric and Nicole stand in the City Hall waiting room, in a tight embrace, as Marlena and Sami stand around them, upset by the sight of them together.

After a moment, they separate, Nicole looking lovingly in Eric's eyes, as she shoots a look over to Marlena.

NICOLE: Marlena...I know this isn't what you wanted.

Marlena cuts Nicole off, speaking sharply to Nicole.

MARLENA: You can say that again.

Nicole stops for a moment before continuing.

NICOLE: But I want you both to know that I love Eric, with all my heart. He needs me just as much as I need him, and I am not going hurt him. Not this time.

Sami steps in closer to Nicole, arms still folded as she glares menacingly at her brother's new wife.

SAMI: You better hope you don't, Nicole. Because if you do, I will be on you like white on rice. You can bet on that.
NICOLE: Well then I guess you have nothing to worry about, then. Because we are going to be happy together, Eric and I. Forever.

Nicole puts her arm around Eric, and he does the same. Eric nods at Marlena and Sami, as he and Nicole step out.

NICOLE: Eric? Let's go.

Marlena and Sami look at each other, stunned by what's gone down, both deeply unhappy with Eric's nuptuals to Nicole, and feeling powerless.

---

Sonny steps into the living room, as Gabi looks at him, very concerned.

SONNY: Look, I'm not saying I love having a gun around the apartment with a baby in here.
GABI: If I'm being honest, neither do I.
SONNY: But I know what a threat Nick is. And I think that if the choice is between you and Ari being at risk, and us having someone to defend you against Nick? I mean...I know I don't like it but...(sigh) this has all gone so far...

Gabi nods, contemplating the gravity of the situation before them.

GABI: I know. It's...this is all way out of hand.
SONNY: But I understand why EJ gave it to you. We just have to make sure it's in a safe place away from Ari's reach.

Gabi smiles, nodding again, as she reaches out to hug Sonny.

GABI: Thank you.

Sonny hugs Gabi back, but looks on, a deep worry within him of the consequences of this choice.

---

Nick looks at Stefano, who continues to sign off on paperwork as he responds to Nick.

STEFANO: You know...our partner in all this is going to be very impressed by your ingenuity.
NICK: Well, I had great support from you.
STEFANO: And you shall continue to be compensated generously for your service to this organization. Believe me. However, remember one thing. I control the business. You take orders from me, and from our partner. You are not autonomous in this. You understand?

Nick nods in agreement.

NICK: I think I can control my impluses in this regard.
STEFANO: Excellent. When the time comes, I will give you more control over things, but for now, you listen to us. Understand?
NICK: I do.
STEFANO: Good. Now, I must ask you to leave and prepare for your board meeting. I unfortunately will be absent for the subsequent fireworks, as I shall be taking a rather...extended hiatus from Salem.

Nick looks at Stefano, surprised by the news.

NICK: Oh? I'm surprised. What brings this on?

Stefano looks over at Nick, somewhat frustrated.

STEFANO: There are some problems that have arisen in Italy and in Paris. If I don't attend to them, all of our plans will blow sky high. So I must leave tonight. But not to worry. I will be meeting with our partner today, and you be able to confer with her for the time being.

Nick looks over at Stefano, intrigued, as he leans on the arm of the easy chair nearest to Stefano's desk.

NICK: Oh, I finally get to meet our elusive partner, hm? Wonder what she's like?

Stefano looks at Nick, unimpressed by his cheeky nature.

---


On an airplane sitting on the tarmac awaiting takeoff from Charles De Gaulle Airport, John Black sits in first class, looking out the window, as a well-dressed woman sits in the seat next to his. John quickly looks over at the woman as she speaks to him.

ANJELICA: Well, well. Long time, no see.


John looks over and raises a curious eyebrow as Anjelica Deveraux flashes a sly grin back at him.

---

DAYS #124: Sami confronts Nicole about her secret wedding to Eric, Jerome cracks the code (08/07/14)

EPISODE 124
Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson

Valerie sits at home, preparing an e-mail to Crystal Clarke, the new nurse she's hired on at University Hospital.

She finishes up the e-mail, and hits send. Closing her laptop, she smiles.

VALERIE: Alright. There we go Crystal. Welcome to University Hospital.

---


Alex, Tyler, and Justin stand in the Kiriakis living room, contemplating their next step in dealing with Nick.

ALEX: Well, not knowing much about this Fallon guy, I...I mean the best thing to do is assume he has stuff on all of us and collect whatever we can on him.

Justin shakes his head, walking toward his briefcase to grab his tablet.

JUSTIN: Mmm, probably not enough time for that. We have the board meeting this afternoon.
TYLER: What we're going to have to do is ensure we have a strong bloc of board members who won't budge on Nick.
JUSTIN: That won't be easy. Especially when we're flying blind like this.  John's out of the country...

Tyler shakes his head, frustrated by the sudden turmoil everything's been flung into by Nick's hubris.

TYLER: We'll have to do some convincing other board members. Who else have we got?

Justin looks up at Tyler, suddenly having a thought.

JUSTIN: Billie Reed. Her and I have had a rapport as of late, it shouldn't be too hard to convince her, and if she's on side, Kate and Lucas will easily follow suit.
TYLER: Let's do it.

Justin zips up his bag, and pulls his cell phone from his front pocket on his soft briefcase.

JUSTIN: I'll have Billie meet me at the office.
ALEX: Excellent.

As Justin steps out of the room, Tyler shakes Alex's hand.

TYLER: I'll see you all at Titan, then. Good work, men.
ALEX: Absolutely. See you.

Tyler steps out of the Kiriakis mansion, his tension immediately lessens, as he exhales loudly.

TYLER: Let's just hope this stops everything from falling apart, now. Titan can't afford any more problems. And neither can I.

Tyler steps away, heading off for his car to head to Titan.

---


Daniel and Chloe pace the main lobby at City Hall, as they wait for Marlena and Sami to finish grilling Eric and Nicole on their now-not-so-secret wedding.

CHLOE: How do you think it's going in there?
DANIEL: Ohhh, pretty terrible, I'm sure.
CHLOE: I was afraid you'd say that.

Daniel sighs, putting his hands in his pockets as he looks toward the elevator door, expecting anyone from the family to step out.

DANIEL: Well...Sami's anger is all at Nicole, but I also don't think Marlena took too kindly to being shut out of her son's wedding, and personally, I can't blame her.

Chloe looks up at Daniel, nodding gently in agreement. She turns toward the elevator, looking very concerned for her friend.

---


Nicole stands with Sami in the Justice of the Peace's office at Salem City Hall. Visibly uncomfortable, Nicole folds her arms, as Sami looks back at her. Sami steps towards Nicole, arms folded, shaking her head at Nicole.

SAMI: You know, I'm really impressed by your chutzpah, Nicole. Sneaking away the first chance you get to marry my brother like that.

Nicole rolls her eyes at Sami's petulence.

SAMI: And it's funny, because you're doing it on company time, too.
NICOLE: Sami--
SAMI: You are SO lucky that your big report airs this week, because otherwise I'd have grounds to fire you.

Nicole looks at Sami, who's still staring her down, trying to intimidate her. Nicole holds firm.

NICOLE: If you try to have me fired, I will sue you for wrongful termination. And I will win.
SAMI: (laughs) Oh yeah right, Nicole. Even you're not that stupid.

Nicole ignores Sami's petty comments and speaks firmly and cuttingly in response, never taking her eyes off Sami.

NICOLE: I'll win because everyone in the entire state knows how much you hate me. You are so petty. Really, Sami, you're better than this. Don't even TRY to fire me.
SAMI: Oh why? So you can sink your claws even deeper into my brother? You know, it wouldn't surprise me if you had found those files on Dr. Chyka and you'd just been hiding them all along? That's how desperate you are, Nicole.

Nicole stirs uncomfortably at Sami's insinuation.


---

---


Marlena and Eric step into the waiting room at City Hall, Marlena closing the door behind them.

Eric looks over at Marlena, clearly displeased by Marlena and Sami's intervening in their wedding.

ERIC: Look, Mom, I said it in the other room, and I'll say it again. I have really nothing more to say about this.

Marlena holds up on hand to try to stop Eric from continuing.

MARLENA: I know. I know, but hear me out, anyway.

Eric sighs, and shakes his head as him mom carries on.

MARLENA: Eric, this is your wedding day. And, regardless of who you're marrying, I think your father and I deserved to be there.
ERIC: Mom, you knew that this was just a private little ceremony and that we were going to take our time and plan a big wedding with all the family down the road.
MARLENA: I know. But that doesn't change the fact that this....this looks like you're running away from something. And I'm pretty sure I know exactly what it is.

Eric looks at Marlena, annoyed by Marlena's prying.

---

Nicole stands in front of Sami, arms folded, uncomfortable with Sami's insinuation, but trying to deflect.

NICOLE: You know, Sami. I would have to be really sick to keep something so important from the man I love.

Sami looks at Nicole, a smug, mocking smile on her face, almost laughing as she responds.

SAMI: Yeah. Real sick. Sounds just like you.

Nicole rolls her eyes, and starts to head for the door.

NICOLE: I don't have to listen to any more of thi--

Sami grabs Nicole's arm as she walks past, stopping Nicole from leaving the room.

SAMI: Oh no, not so fast, Nicole.
NICOLE: Sami, there is absolutely nothing you can do. Eric and I are married. And nothing you, or Marlena can say is going to change that.

Nicole rips her arm away from Sami, and glares back at her.

NICOLE: If you'll excuse me.

Nicole turns to leave the room, leaving an annoyed Sami behind.

---


Billie sits at her office at Titan, behind her desk, finishing a phone call while putting away some papers in her desk drawer.

BILLIE: He'll be at the airport at 11:40am? Perfect. Okay, thanks, Shane. Yeah, I'll pick him up and fill him in. Great. Bye.

Billie hangs up the phone, breathing a bit of a sigh of relief, when she hears a knock at the door.

BILLIE: Come in!


The door opens, and Justin steps in. Billie looks up at him and smiles.

BILLIE: Justin! How are you?

Justin looks a bit less than enthused as he away from the door, closing it behind him.

JUSTIN: I've...been better.
BILLIE: Uh oh. What's happening?
JUSTIN: Well...I don't know if you heard about the attack on the Titan server last night.

Billie looks down, debating momentarily whether she should speak on it or not.

BILLIE: I uh...I had. In fact, I was trying to stop it from happening...but someone beat me to it.

Justin looks at Billie, confused and surprised.

---

Valerie walks through the main hall of her home, turning the lights out, and grabbing her coat and bag from the coat rack by her front door.

VALERIE: Okay...oven's off. Got my laptop. Got my...

As she grabs her jacket, she feels in her pocket, suddenly realizing she doesn't have her hospital key card.

VALERIE: Damn it...where's my key card.

Valerie frantically searches her purse, hoping to find the key card, but to no avail.

VALERIE: (sigh) Where is that damn thing?

---


Jerome steps toward Valerie's office at University Hospital, carefully checking to make sure the coast is clear, before pulling Valerie's key card from his pocket. He carefully inserts the card into the card reader on the door, unlocking it.

Checking once again to make sure there's no one around, he opens the door and quickly steps inside, closing the door behind him.

Once inside, he turns the office light on, heading for the office's desktop computer. At Valerie's desk, he moves the mouse slightly, waking the dormant machine back up.

JEROME: Computer still on, and logged in. Grandma, you need to work on your computer security a bit.

Double checking the info on his phone momentarily, he goes online, and accesses Crystal's e-mail. Quickly digging into his bag, Jerome pulls a USB from his bag, and plugs it into Valerie's computer. After a moment, a program loads.

JEROME: Alright. Let's open you up.

The program deciphers Crystal's password character by character, slowly plugging in the resulting characters into password input box on the screen.

JEROME: Come on...come on.

After a minute, the password is entered, and Jerome presses "enter" to login to Crystal's e-mail account.

Inside, he finds the first e-mail, sent by Dr. Valerie Grant. He smiles, as he notices it hasn't been marked as "read". He quickly deletes the e-mail, and empties the trash folder, covering his tracks, before quickly logging out.

JEROME: Alright, Sheryl. You are now officially Nurse Crystal Clarke.

---

DAYS #123: Jordan shows off her engagement ring to Kate, Jerome and Abby make a date (08/06/14)

EPISODE 123
Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultants: ML Cooks, Nick Monarco & C. Nathaniel Richardson

Jerome sits down in front of Sheryl's new laptop, inside her grungy motel room at the edge of Salem. As Sheryl paces behind him, almost supervising him as he works, Jerome types away, intensely focused at the screen as he helps formulate a plan to help Sheryl.

JEROME: There we go. And that should also give you access to Billie as well, since she'll be at this event with the rest of the Titan executive.

Sheryl takes a moment, and smiles. She nods and puts her hand on Jerome's shoulder in approval.

SHERYL: Yeah, I think this is good.  Billie Reed, you're gonna pay for what you've done to me...and I'm gonna make sure of it.

Sheryl smiles and laughs to herself as she thinks of what's to come.

---


Kate and Billie walk through town square, chatting as they sip their morning lattes. From the far end of the square, Rafe and Jordan emerge, holding each other. Kate looks over and stops dead.

KATE: Oh God.

Billie looks at Kate, baffled by what's distracted her mother.

BILLIE: What?

Billie follows Kate's eyes, and finds a happy Jordan and Rafe approaching them.  Jordan and Rafe smile as they come up to them, Jordan with a much less friendly smile than Rafe.

BILLIE: Oh.
JORDAN: Good morning, ladies!

Kate looks at Jordan, purse-lipped and scowling eyes.

KATE: Jordan.

Kate looks over to Rafe, a sudden shift to a more pleasant expression as she greets her ex-lover.

KATE: Rafe, how are you doing?
RAFE: Can't complain.
KATE: That's good.

Kate looks back at Jordan's smiling face, and works hard to resist rolling her eyes.

KATE: I wish I could say the same.

Billie elbows her mother to try to keep the interaction polite, Kate flashes a dirty look Billie's way.

BILLIE: (under her breath) Mom!
KATE: (quietly) Ow!

Jordan, ignoring the jab, keeps on smiling, as she excitedly tells Kate her news, knowing how much it'll irritate Kate.

JORDAN: Listen, Kate, I'm so glad to see you. I just couldn't wait to show you.

Kate looks confused, and mostly disinterested, as Jordan pulls her arm from around Rafe.

KATE: Show me what?

Kate gasps, and Billie does as well, as Jordan extends her hand, showing off her gorgeous new engagement ring.

JORDAN: Rafe and I are getting married. Isn't that great?

Kate and Billie look at each other, Kate in some kind of revulsion, Billie remaining stunned with surprise.

KATE: Just...fantastic.

---


Nicole, Sami, Eric, and Marlena stand in the Justice of the Peace's office at Salem City Hall. Nicole is standing uncomfortably, arms folded, as Sami stares her down, intimidating her with a bold question.

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

Nicole looks over at Eric, and shakes her head.

NICOLE: He doesn't have anything, Sami. Don't be ridiculous. The only thing that Nick wants is to tell his story, and that's to help his friend stop this stupid oil sands project.
SAMI: Oh please. You're not seriously gonna tell me that this rushed wedding isn't some kind of ruse to snow my brother before the other shoe drops, are you? I know you, Nicole.
NICOLE: No, you don't, Sami. Not as well as you think you do. I've changed. Loving Eric has helped me change.

Marlena interjects, stepping in to stop Nicole's saccharine story.

MARLENA: How touching. But if you've really changed as much as you say, don't you think having Eric's family be there for his wedding day would've been a nice gesture? His father is dying, Nicole. Why would you want to deny him that?

Eric cuts in as well, trying to stop his family from ganging up on Nicole.

ERIC: Hey, come on now! Don't lay that at Nicole's feet. We discussed this already. Like the adults that we are. And I know that's hard for either of you to believe, but we are grown adults who can make our own decisions. We decided that it would be better to take some time and find a way to make this easier for you all to accept, and THEN we were going to plan a big wedding. That was MY idea.
MARLENA: Eric, by then it might be too late for your father. He's declining every day. The other night, he ran off and slept in the park in 40 degree weather. He was that confused. He deserved to be here today. I deserved to be here, regardless of what I think of Nicole. I would have respected your decision.

Eric balks at his mother's statement, shaking his head in disbelief.

ERIC: Yeah. Yeah, your showing up here in a fit of rage, the two of you, shows me exactly how much respect my decision would've gotten had I done it your way. At least this way we get it all out in one shot, instead of weeks and weeks of people trying to guilt me out of marrying the woman I love.

Eric puts his arm around Nicole's waist. She snuggles in close to him.

ERIC: So you can save your guilt trips. Nicole and I are married, and there's not a damn thing you can do about it.

Sami and Marlena look at each other, then at Eric and Nicole, deeply unhappy about Eric's words.

---

---


Justin approaches Tyler in the Kiriakis living room, while Alex gets up from his seat, both Alex and Justin curious about Tyler's stern warning.

JUSTIN: I'm sorry...Nick Fallon is going to torpedo the company? Nick Fallon works in the cosmetics lab at MadWorld. How is HE going to destroy all of Titan?
NICK: Well, not to put too fine a point on it, but he knows everything. And probably about everyone.

Alex puts his hands on his hips, still not following what Tyler's saying.

ALEX: What does he know?
JUSTIN: Ahh...long story.
ALEX: Well, I've got nothing but time for this.

Justin sighs, holding the bridge of his nose momentarily while he looks down at the floor. Tyler resists momentarily before he turns toward Alex and begins.

TYLER: Basically, Victor never got rid of the shadier parts of his business. We all knew this. But he tried to keep them separate from the main Titan business, all sort of his attempt to appear legitimate once Isabella died.


As Tyler says this, Noelle emerges from upstairs, doing her hair up in the pony tail as she walks down the steps casually. Midway, she overhears Tyler, and stops to listen, slowly, quietly heading down toward the living room, making sure to remain out of sight.

TYLER: But he kept them all at an arms length through my business, using shell corporations to launder money whenever there needed to be any transfer of capital or resources to Titan. Now that Titan's in trouble, that's when he decided to, quote-unquote "buy out" EnerNext. When EnerNext was just a branch of the other business that I had been working on for the past twenty years.
ALEX: So you're telling me that EnerNext is basically an oil company that's mostly been used as a front for gambling, loan sharking, and smuggling this entire time, and only the bare minimum's been going to actual oil production?

Tyler sighs, nodding as he continues his story.

TYLER: Just enough to make us look legit to the outside. Now, granted, we did do a lot of work trying to partner with firms in the middle east to tap into those resources, but we ran into...complications.

From the foyer, Noelle smiles widely, loving all the turmoil and shady dealings that Titan has undertaken, and relishing the worries that it'll be exposed.

In the living room, Justin cuts in, hoping to stop Tyler from overdivulging to Alex.

JUSTIN: Look, this isn't really...relevant, nor is it something we really want everyone to know about. So...the important thing here is, how does Nick know about this, why does he want to use this against his own employer, and what are we gonna do about it?

---

Jerome steps off the elevator at University Hospital. He looks around after stepping off, and looks down at his phone momentarily to text Sheryl.

at UH. will fix email for u. will text when done


Putting his phone away, he notices Abby hugging Maggie outside Victor's hospital room, and approaches her.

JEROME: Well good morning!
ABBY: Oh, hey!
JEROME: Hey, I didn't expect to see you so fresh so early.

Abby chuckles to herself, blushing a bit as she responds to Jerome.

ABBY: Well, I'm a pretty early riser, plus, I had a lot to do today, and I had to check in on my Aunt Maggie's husband, who's a patient right now, so...

Jerome turns to face Maggie, extending a hand to her to shake, they smile warmly at each other.

JEROME: Jerome Grant.

Maggie's eyes widen in recognition before they shake hands, and Maggie jumps slightly, pointing toward Jerome, excitedly.

MAGGIE: OH! You're Valerie's grandson!

Jerome laughs as he answers.

JEROME: Yeah! How did you know?
MAGGIE: Ohh, we've known Valerie a lot of years. I was married into the Horton family for...well...most of my life, and we all knew and loved Valerie very much.

Jerome smiles back at Maggie, and finally does shake her hand.

JEROME: Well, it is good to meet you, Maggie. I hope your husband makes it out of here soon.

Maggie smiles warmly, but with a hint of sadness.

MAGGIE: I hope so, Jerome. And thank you.
ABBY: Listen, Maggie. I gotta head to the station, and I wanted to talk with Jerome, so I will see you later. Let me know if anything changes with Victor, okay?
MAGGIE: Absolutely. I'll talk to you later, Abby! Nice to meet you, Jerome.
JEROME: Likewise, Mrs. Kiriakis!

As Abby and Jerome step away, Abby looks playfully at Jerome.

ABBY: So...what brings you by here?
JEROME: Well, I had a little something to take care of for my grandma but...then I saw you and figured I'd maybe...ask you for a late breakfast?
ABBY: I could be persuaded...but I do need to get to the station. Nicole's big exposé on EnerNext airs tomorrow night, and we need to tighten up a lot of stuff before then, so...it all falls to me.

Jerome looks deeply into Abby's eyes, smiling widely, almost transfixed by his attraction to her.

JEROME: Edward R. Murrow would be proud. You don't see that kinda journalism anymore. Taking down the bad guys against all the pressure from big business? I admire that.

Abby giggles, blushing a little more as she averts her eyes for a moment, then looking back up at Jerome.

ABBY: Well, it isn't really my doing, but I'll take all the credit if you want.
JEROME: Hah...alright...well...if a late breakfast is no good...how 'bout I stop by around 2 and we'll make it a late lunch. That work?
ABBY: It's a date.
JEROME: Is it?
ABBY: You bet it is.

Abby winks as she walks off, heading for the elevator, catching glimpses back at Jerome, who still can't take his eyes off her.

---

At Horton Town Square, Jordan stands before a stunned Billie and Kate, showing off her engagement ring to Rafe, who stands next to her.
JORDAN: I know, it's probably nothing compared to the flashy, ostentatious stuff you would normally wear, Kate, but...for me, it's...better than all the money in the world. Anyway, I gotta go. Rafe? I'll see you after work?
RAFE: You got it, babe.

Jordan turns and wraps her arms around Rafe, and they kiss lovingly, making Kate visibly uncomfortable.

Jordan breaks the kiss, and waves at Billie and Kate as she happily trots away. Rafe watching Jordan lovingly as she walks away.

JORDAN: Bye!

Kate gives Jordan major sideye, and Billie waves politely. Once only Billie, Kate, and Rafe remain, Billie decides the time is right to make herself scarce to give Rafe and Kate a chance to talk alone.

BILLIE: Ahh...so they have free refills at the Java Café, so...I'm gonna...re...fill myself...a cup...yeah.

Billie steps away in a hurry, leaving only Rafe and Kate behind. Kate looks at Rafe with disappointment, but tries to feign happiness for her ex-.

KATE: I suppose congratulations are in order.
RAFE: Kate...
KATE: No, no. No...look...I knew whatever it was between us wasn't going to work, there was way too much in our way, between Stefano and...

Rafe reaches out to try to take listen, but she won't, and steps away from Rafe's hand.

RAFE: Kate, come on.
KATE: ...No, Rafe. I gave you the space, because there was so much happening at work, and...well, I guess I stupidly thought you and Jordan wouldn't last. I was wrong. So, I hope you're happy together. Because, I personally don't think you know what you're getting yourself into, and I don't want you to end up heartbroken at the end of all of this.

Rafe reaches out again to Kate, who tries to resist showing any vulnerability, but Kate steps away, heading back toward the café to meet Billie.

KATE: It's good to see you, Rafe. Congratulations.
RAFE: Kate...KATE.

Rafe watches as Kate walks away, frustrated and disappointed by how their conversation turned out.

---

Marlena stands with Eric, Nicole, and Sami, and takes Eric's hand for a second.

MARLENA: Eric...I'm sorry. Listen, can we...can we step into the waiting room down the hall and talk for a moment in private?
ERIC: Mom, I don't know what we have to talk abo--
MARLENA: Please. Please just...let's...I promise, I won't say anything to attack Nicole, I just...I want you to understand where I'm coming from, okay?

Nicole looks up at Eric, and lets go from his embrace. She nods approvingly at Eric.

NICOLE: Go ahead.

Eric sighs, before shaking his head, and stepping toward the doorway.

ERIC: Okay. Sure...sure, Mom. Let's go.

Eric and Marlena step out into the hallway, leaving Nicole and Sami behind. Sami stands with cocked eyebrow, arms folded, and an imposing stance, as Nicole rolls her eyes, uncomfortable around Sami.

SAMI: And then there were two.

Nicole glares back at a smug-looking Sami.

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JUSTIN: We need to tread really carefully here. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

SONNY: What do you want, EJ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

EJ nods solemnly, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

---

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

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

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

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

NICOLE: Well, you're too late.

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

NICOLE: Eric and I are already married.

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

NICOLE: So if you'll excuse us--

MARLENA: Oh no you won't! 

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

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

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

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

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

MARLENA: Thank you.

Marlena turns back toward Eric and Nicole.

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

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

---

---

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

SONNY: Well? I'm waiting.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

SAMI: But God knows I wish you would.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAMI: Oh, when?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sami steps in closer to Nicole, making her squirm.

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

Nicole glares at Sami, visibly uncomfortable.

---

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

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

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

SHERYL: Great. So this has everything I need?

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

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

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

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

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

JEROME: I try.

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

Jerome turns back toward Sheryl, confused.

JEROME: What's that?

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

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

---

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

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

JUSTIN: Thanks, Henderson, have him come in.

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

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

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

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

Justin turns to look at Tyler, confused.

JUSTIN: Action plan? For what?

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

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

---