DAYS #134: EJ has a reminder for Sami, Nick and Percy arrive for the board meeting (08/21/14)

EPISODE 134

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

for more information on ongoing storylines, click here.

Nick and Percy walk onto the elevator together at the Titan building. Both men appear to be in a chipper demeanour, standing silently as the doors to the elevator close.

Nick presses the button to the floor they intend to travel to, and the lift begins to move. Percy turns to Nick with a nervous smile.

PERCY: Nicholas, I...I hate to ask--

Nick immediately interrupts, looking straight ahead, unflinchingly.

NICK: --Then don't.

Nick turns to look at Percy. He smiles, as Percy's smile fades, suddenly far more nervous.

NICK: We've got this.
PERCY: Are you absolutely certain?
NICK: Totally. I even have insurance now. 

Percy looks back at Nick, wondering what he means. Nick recognizes Percy's look of curiosity immediately.

NICK: When I was meeting with Tyler last night, I found the press release Will was working on for the EnerNext project.
PERCY: Alright. What exactly is the significance of this press release?
NICK: Well, I took a moment to read through it...and then I did some fact-checking...and they made every bit of their research up. Anything they didn't pull out of thin air, they paid off scientists to back them up on. So I did a bit more digging. Found out who paid what, how much, as to whom. If that press release goes out, there's a lot of people whose careers will be in shambles.

Percy looks on, contemplative, before the elevator announces its arrival at their floor. The ding of the opening door snaps Percy's head back forward.

PERCY: I see. Then I do believe we're in good stead. Onward!

Nick and Percy step off the elevator in lock step.

---


In the Titan board room, Billie walks in to find Justin alone in the room, unpacking his tablet at the table. Billie smiles warmly at him.

BILLIE: Well, long time, no see.

Justin looks up with the same smile as he logs into his tablet.

JUSTIN: Likewise. How did it go with the family?

Billie rests her bag on the table across from Justin, giving him a grimace.

BILLIE: It...it was an interesting talk.
JUSTIN: You're making me nervous now.
BILLIE: That's because I'm nervous enough for the both of us. My mother's preparing to cave to Nick's proposal, and she expects me to follow suit.

Justin looks at Billie, stunned.

---


Abby and Jerome sit together on their lunch date at the Brady Pub, sitting across from each other at a booth. They look relaxed together, enjoying each other's company thoroughly.

ABBY: Sorry about...Nick interrupting.
JEROME: No no! Don't worry about it. The guy gives me a bad vibe but...you two are cousins. I can tell you care a lot about him.

Abby smiles, as she looks down at her coffee cup, stirring it casually as she stares into the cup. Jerome's expression changes to one of concern.

JEROME: I...I...Earth to Abby.

Abby snaps out of her thoughts, blinking momentarily as she looks up again at Jerome.

ABBY: Sorry. Yeah, I...I guess I've just been worried about him.
JEROME: Why's that?

Abby sighs, unsure whether she wants to delve into the whole story, but, after a moment, she looks up at Jerome.

ABBY: He hasn't been himself in a very long time. He was this...sweet tech nerd kid growing up. You know...always willing to help someone out and he'd....he'd make stupid mistakes sometimes but you always knew he was trying to do the right thing.

Jerome looks on, interested in Abby's story.

JEROME: So what changed?

Abby sighs, looking down sadly.

ABBY: He was shot...and the pain meds they gave him while he was in recovery...they...they totally messed him up. He became addicted.
JEROME: I'm sorry.
ABBY: It's...not your fault. I thought he'd kicked it while he was in jail, but...when I saw him the other day at Salem U, the way he was acting...it was like...
JEROME: Like he was still on the pills?
ABBY: Honestly, I wonder if he ever stopped. And it's almost like he was going through withdrawals or something. 

Jerome looks at Abby, thoughtfully and contemplating her view on Nick's behaviour.

---

---

Abby looks down, still slowly stirring her coffee, as Jerome looks on, taking a sip. Suddenly, she appears to snap out of it, looking back up at Jerome.

ABBY: Sorry, I know you didn't come here to hear me talk about my weird cousin.
JEROME: Nah, it's cool. Like...I know you love the guy. I just worry after what I saw at Salem U. Abby, I just get this feeling this guy's up to something, and it's not good. I feel like I need to protect you from him.

Abby smiles at Jerome, reaching a hand out to touch his across the table.

ABBY: You don't have to. But I love that you want to. It's sweet.

Jerome looks down at Abby's hand, resting on his, and cups his other hand over hers. He looks into her eyes seriously.

JEROME: I think you're a very special lady, Miss Deveraux.

Abby giggles, as Jerome squeezes her hand gently, a smile on his face knowing he made Abby laugh.

JEROME: You got this...this look in your eye. There's a lot more to you than what I see on the outside, I can tell.

Abby blushes, smiling a goofy, embarrassed smile as Jerome charms her.

JEROME: I'd like to get to see what's under that calm surface...if you'd let me.

Abby smiles, and nods softly.

ABBY: We'll see.
JEROME: That's all I can ask for.

Abby pulls her hand away, and grabs her bag from beside her on the seat.

ABBY: I hate to cut this short but, I gotta see what's on this flash drive and report back to my boss.
JEROME: You sure you wanna bug your boss when she told you specifically not to?

Abby gets up from the booth and pulls the flash drive out, holding it in her hand and casually waving it as she makes her point to Jerome, who's also gotten up from the booth.

ABBY: If what's on here is important enough that Nick would take the time to track me down in the middle of a work day? It may warrant it, yeah.

Jerome looks on, casually nodding in agreement, before heading for the door.

JEROME: Well, come on. Let me drive you to the office.
ABBY: Thanks.

Jerome and Abby head for the exit, as Jerome drops enough money to cover the cheque on the table before heading out.

---


EJ looks up from his desk at DiMera Enterprises, surprised by the news Sami's just given him.

EJ: Nicole married Eric? As in your brother, Eric.

Sami leans against the edge of EJ's desk, fuming.

SAMI: YEP! Mom and I tried to stop them but we were too late, and now Eric isn't speaking to either of us.
EJ: No surprise there.

Sami glares at EJ, shouting him down for his quip.

SAMI: I'm sorry, WHAT?! My brother just married a lying BITCH and you're making jokes--
EJ: No, no, I'm not saying I don't blame him, Samantha, but I know how people are when they're...that in love with someone.

Sami sighs, rolling her eyes, balking at the idea that Eric's feelings for Nicole are that strong.

SAMI: Love. Yeah, right. He was manipulated into marrying her. He was vulnerable because your sister raped him, and he was kicked out of the priesthood because YOUR FAMILY made sure the proof disappeared.

EJ gets up from his desk, suddenly feeling defensive of his family.

EJ: Okay, Samantha, that's not fair.
SAMI: The hell it isn't! 

EJ sighs, holding his tongue before he says anything he regrets. Sami, meanwhile, continues her tirade.

SAMI: Your father is always bailing that harpee of a sister of yours out like she's an eight year old child instead of making her take responsibility for her actions, and you're so afraid of getting on his bad side that you just let him. 

EJ stands behind his desk, folding his arms as he quietly, but sternly responds to Sami.

EJ: Need I remind you of everything I am doing to protect you and your loved ones, including your son from being implicated in an attempted murder. Without my help, Nick Fallon would have had you all in jail months ago, and taken off with your grandchild and that insipid idiot Gabriella Hernandez.

Sami looks down, sheepishly. The reminder snaps her back to reality, and she answers EJ, a guilty calm suddenly in her voice.

SAMI: Yeah, I remember.
EJ: So don't you ever think for a second that I am not thinking of what is best for you. You are everything to me. I know we have our problems, Samantha, but I am dedicated, 100% to making sure you know every day that you are the most important thing to me. You got that?

Sami looks up at EJ, a faint smile on her face as she nods, acknowledging EJ's vow.

---


Brady steps back into Anita's cabin, calling out to her to let her know he's returned.

BRADY: Anita! I'm back!

Anita steps out from the kitchen, a casserole dish in her hands, as she walks over to the dining table in the main room. She smiles as she greets Brady.

ANITA: So, is she sold?

Brady pulls a wad of bills from his pocket and holds it out to her.

BRADY: $800 cash. All for you.

Anita sets the casserole down on the table, and turns back to take the wad of bills from Brady, before taking two bills from the wad to give back to Brady, a huge smile on her face. She presses the bills into Brady's hand.

ANITA: Your commission, kind sir.

Brady looks down and laughs as Anita laughs playfully with him. He hesitates a moment before handing the money back to her.

BRADY: You know, I don't know, Anita. You really don't need to give me this.
ANITA: Absolutely, I do. You need money. And you did a great thing for me.
BRADY: Well, yeah. But you've done so much for me already. I feel like I owe you. I...I can't accept this.

Anita holds up her hand, shaking her head.

ANITA: You can, and you will. Besides, I hear southerners drive a hard bargain!
BRADY: Well, that's the thing. See...she talked like she was from the south, and all...but...there was something about her, Anita. I swear, I recognize her. Like...I've seen her somewhere before.

Brady looks over at Anita, racking his brain to place "Crystal's" face.

---


Sheryl backs the big blue SUV she'd just purchased from Brady into a secluded spot off the side of the road. Turning off the engine, she steps out of the car, to look over at the road, and see how well-hidden the truck is to traffic.

SHERYL: At least I'm not too far from that general store. Gotta get this thing hidden away well enough that no one will find it when I make a getaway.

She grabs her phone from her pocket and makes a voice note:

SHERYL: (into voice memo on her phone) 2.4 miles up State Road 45, past Six Mile Road. Look for the old beige fence ending with a group of large pine trees. 

Putting her voice memo away, Sheryl looks over the position of the truck, making sure it's hidden from all angles. Once she's satisfied, She locks up the truck, and calls a cab. 

SHERYL: (into phone) Yes, I'd like a cab to the corner of County Road 8 and Smith Island Road, please? ...yes, and please hurry, my car broke down, and I'm running late...thank you.

Sheryl hangs up the phone, satisfied with herself, as she walks off toward the country intersection.

---

Justin stands across the board room table from Billie, stunned by the bomb she's just dropped.

JUSTIN: I'm sorry, what? Your mother's voting IN FAVOUR of Nick's proposal?
BILLIE: Look, there's more to it than that, it's just--

As Billie tries to tell Justin Kate's reason for her vote, the doors to the board room open, and Nick and Percy walk in with a confident stride.

NICK: Ahh, I see we're nice and early for the festivities.

Justin and Billie turn to look at them, a somewhat disdainful look on their faces. Justin comes back with a quick retort.

JUSTIN: Not that you should be privvy to them in the first place. But yes, we aren't due to start for another twenty minutes.
NICK: Well, I think I've got enough going for me that I won't be missing any more of these going forward. 

Nick sits his bag down on the conference table and unzips it, pulling his laptop from his bag as he talks.

NICK: I think, personally, this is going to be a very productive meeting. Don't you?

Billie and Justin look uncomfortably at each other, then looking back Nick's way with the same uneasiness. Nick, meanwhile, pulls out his stack of envelopes, one for each of the Titan board members. He lays them neatly on the conference table in front of him, as he sits down, looking very self-satisfied.

---

DAYS #133: Nick hands more evidence to Abby, Sami vents to EJ about Nicole & Eric's wedding (08/20/14)

EPISODE 133

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

To learn more about current ongoing storylines, click here!

Noelle paces nervously inside the Kiriakis Mansion by the glass doors to the garden. She holds her cell phone up to her ear, hoping her call will be answered, checking to see if anyone's coming from either the kitchen or the living room.

NOELLE: Come on, Nick. Pick up your damn phone.

After a second, the call goes to voice mail. Noelle hangs up in frustration and walks back into the living room, upon which point she hears the doorbell ring. Further exasperated, she walks out into the foyer and opens the door.


It's Anjelica.

ANJELICA: Ahh! Dear daughter-in-law. 

Noelle looks stunned by Anjelica's arrival.

NOELLE: A...Anjelica.

Anjelica responds with a chipper tone, dripping with a phony pleasantness.

ANJELICA: Well, aren't you gonna let me in?

As Anjelica says this, she walks right through the opened door, as a surprised Noelle stands back in shock.

Once inside, Anjelica makes a beeline for the Kiriakis living room, as Noelle turns and closes the door.

NOELLE: What are you doing here? And why haven't you been answering my phone calls?

Anjelica walks over to the bar in the corner of the room and pours herself a scotch, as though in her own home. As she does, she pours a second glass for Noelle.

ANJELICA: Oh come now, Noelle. I'm surprised at you! You know that the signals emitted from cellular devices have been known to interfere with the mechanical equipment on airplanes. 

Noelle looks annoyed at Anjelica, while folding her arms, as Anjelica turns around and holds a drink out to Noelle.

NOELLE: Of course, how could I forget?

Anjelica smiles at Noelle's sarcastic reply, as Noelle takes the drink from Anjelica's hand.

ANJELICA: I did get your messages, though. Have you been able to get ahold of Nick?
NOELLE: Not yet. But I honestly don't think it'll make a difference. Once he lets the board know what we have on them, they're gonna be eating out of the palm of his hand.

Anjelica raises an eyebrow to Noelle, a wry smile on her face as she casually leans her glass over to toast Noelle's. They share a quick laugh as they take a sip from their respective drinks.

---


Brady stands in front of the truck outside the rural general store, as a heavily disguised Sheryl stands before him, scarf covering most of her dyed-red hair, and large sunglasses. 

Brady pulls himself upright off the front of the truck fender, and extends a hand to shake Sheryl's.

BRADY: And you must be...
SHERYL: Crystal. Crystal Clarke.

Brady smiles, intrigued by "Crystal's" myserious appearance.

BRADY: Nice to meet you. Although, I gotta say...you look awfully familiar. Have we...have we met?

Sheryl looks on at Brady, mouth agape, as she tries not to show her internal panic on her face.

---


Abby and Jerome sit in the Brady Pub at a booth, laughing awkwardly as they smile at each other. Abby takes a sip of her soda, as Jerome looks her in the eyes with a warmth that Abby finds irresistable.

JEROME: You know...I think I'm starting to get to like Salem.
ABBY: Well, good. Cos I could get used to having you around. So tell me, where were you before here, anyway?

Jerome takes a sip of his beer before answering Abby, answering almost too quickly.

JEROME: Toronto. I was finishing my Masters' at University of Toronto.

Abby looks on, impressed.

ABBY: Oh NICE! What in?
JEROME: Computer science.
ABBY: Oooh a tech guy.


Abby laughs, giving Jerome a flirtatious look, as Nick opens the door to the pub, immediately spotting Abby and Jerome on their date. He smiles, observing them from afar.

---

---


Sami slams the door to EJ's office at DiMera Enterprises, startling EJ who is sitting at his desk.

SAMI: UGGGGH! That...woman!

Sami paces the room, tense and enraged. EJ looks up at Sami, still uncomfortable, as he looks at her through his reading glasses.

EJ: Jeez...what woman, Samantha?
SAMI: I'll give you three guesses.

EJ sighs and takes off his glasses, placing them down on the desk in front of him.

EJ: Nicole?
SAMI: We have a winner!
EJ: What did she do this time? Is that why you went running out of the house this morning?

Sami laughs maniacally, as she walks over to EJ's desk and leans over it, staring intensely at EJ.

SAMI: That's right! That manipulative bitch married my brother.

EJ looks at Sami, genuine surprise on his face.

---

Anjelica walks over from the bar in the Kiriakis living room, planting herself on the sofa kitty corner from Noelle, who sits in the armchair. She hands Noelle another scotch on the rocks, and holds another in her own hands. Anjelica sounds self-satisfied as they speak of their impending victory over the Titan board.

ANJELICA: You know, I was a bit skeptical at the beginning, but I think this relationship is going to work out just fine between us.
NOELLE: Well, it can. It all depends on you.

Anjelica takes a sip of her drink, then feigns shock, holding a hand to her chest.

ANJELICA: Me?

Noelle looks at Anjelica, speaking in a no-nonsense tone.

NOELLE: Yes, you. I thought we agreed that we would be in close contact whenever either of us made any moves.
ANJELICA: Well, we have, haven't we?

Noelle picks up the newspaper from the coffee table, showing Anjelica's picture prominently on the front page. She holds it up, looking unimpressed.

NOELLE: You call this communication?
ANJELICA: I call that publicizing what we've already discussed for months. 

Anjelica sets down her drink, her tone changing from one of light-hearted repartee to a more serious business voice.

ANJELICA: Listen, I have not only this campaign to run, but I also have business deals to take care of, and family matters to ensure are being attended to. That's why I asked you to be involved in this arrangement. 

Noelle leans back, looking away and rolling her eyes as Anjelica becomes increasingly empthatic.

ANJELICA: You are the only woman that my son is ever going to love, and if I want my bid for the state legislature to be a successful one, that requires any and all scandals be headed off at the pass. 

Noelle continues to look away, and Anjelica leans in closer to Noelle, hardly blinking as she softly, but cuttingly delivers her next remarks.

ANJELICA: Harper Deveraux ran his political life on being a man of family values, and I intend to run my house the same way. Now, you know Alex has been involved in certain relationships that a lot of my base would be incredibly upset about. But he loves you enough to put those affairs behind him.
NOELLE: I know he does, Anjelica. And I love him just as much.
ANJELICA: Good. Then we have no problem here. 

Anjelica gets up from her seat, walking toward the doorway of the Kiriakis living room. She grabs her clutch from the side table. Stopping momentarily before stepping out, she looks down, and turns back to face Noelle.

ANJELICA: Don't question my methods again, Noelle. I need you to trust that I know what I'm doing at all times. Even a second of doubt on either of our parts could ruin everything.

Anjelica turns back toward the door, leaving Noelle alone in the living room, deep in thought as the front door of the house closes behind a departing Anjelica.

---

Sheryl stands opposite Brady at the General Store parking lot, looking uneasy. She swallows hard, hoping to stay in character despite Brady's vague recognition.

SHERYL: Ah...no. I just...you must be mistaking me for someone else, I...I just moved up here from down south the other night.

Brady looks on, unsure for a second, before laughing to himself.

BRADY: Yeah, I guess I'd remember meeting someone with a southern accent in Salem. Well, look, if you wanna test drive her before you take her...

Sheryl shakes her head. She smiles as she looks the car over.

SHERYL: Nah, I...I think we're good. It's just a temporary thing until I get myself settled in and I get myself a new car. You know?
BRADY: Makes sense. 

Sheryl walks around to the other side of the car and reaches over to her purse to look for her cash.

SHERYL: Uh...how much do I owe ya?
BRADY: Ah, what was it, we agreed on $1000?
SHERYL: Well, how 'bout we do $800 cash, and you don't have to worry about them brakes?

Brady looks "Crystal" up and down for a second, before furrowing his brow. Sheryl holds up the $800 and smiles at Brady.

SHERYL: Do we have a deal?
BRADY: We do.

Brady takes the money, and hands "Crystal" the keys to the truck. Sheryl smiles and unlocks the door.

SHERYL: Good doing business with ya, Mister. You wanna ride back to your house?
BRADY: Ah, sure!

Brady loops around to the passenger side, as Sheryl puts on her best phony cowgirl voice and enthusiastically invites him in.

SHERYL: Hop in!

Brady opens the door to the passenger side of the truck, as Sheryl looks in the rear view mirror, smiling cockily as she realizes her disguise has worked.

---

Abby and Jerome sit at their booth at the Brady Pub, their eyes barely straying from each other, as Nick approaches the table. Spotting her cousin from across the room, Abby waves Nick over, to Jerome's chagrin.

ABBY: Nick! Hey! How are you doing?
NICK: I'm doing better. Was just at the hospital to make sure everything was okay.
ABBY: I'm glad, I've been worried.

Jerome stays silent, staring Nick down, menacingly, monitoring his interaction with Abby to ensure he doesn't fly off the handle again at her.

NICK: Not to worry. Listen, I...I don't mean to interrupt your date, guys, but...

Jerome tries to interject to try to get Nick to back off, but Abby cuts in before he can.

ABBY: You're not...interrupting, Nick. Don't worry.
NICK: Well...I had something I had to give you. It's ah...it's work-related.

Abby looks at Nick, confused.

ABBY: Oh...ah...for me?
NICK: Well, strictly speaking, it's...it's for Nicole but...well, she's not taking my phone calls right now.
ABBY: Oh, she's...well, she had to take the day off today. She's not even answering MY calls, so...

Nick nods, trying to feign innocence when he knows the real reason Nicole stopped responding.

NICK: Right. Well, this is part of the big story you're working on for Nicole's special this week. I think you'll find it very interesting. 

Nick pulls a flash drive from his bag and hands it to Abby.

NICK: Make sure Nicole gets it as soon as possible. Let her know that if there's any doubt about where it comes from or if it's real, that I have the originals.

Abby holds the flash drive tightly in her hand, before looking up at Nick and nodding.

ABBY: Alright. I'll let her know.
NICK: Thanks. Enjoy yourselves.
JEROME: Bye.
ABBY: Glad you're feeling better, Nick.

Nick waves back at Abby, as Jerome scowls at him, watching him leave the pub.


Once outside, Nick looks ahead, his trademark smirk on his face.

NICK: And another domino falls. Sorry, Will.

Nick walks off, as inside, Abby holds the flash drive in her hands, curious about its contents, before she carefully places it in her bag.

---

DAYS #132: Brady meets "Crystal Clarke", JJ deposits Liam's cheque (08/19/14)

EPISODE 132

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

For complete story arcs: check our Stories section.

 Brady walks into the main room of Anita's cabin, as she sits on her sofa reading the paper. Hearing Brady come into the room, she looks over her shoulder to see him putting his jacket on.

ANITA: Going somehwere?
BRADY: Not far. Just gotta meet with that woman I was telling you about.

Anita sets down the paper and turns her body toward Brady. She looks on, pleasantly surprised.

ANITA: Already?

Anita pulls her reading glasses from her face, and shakes her head in amazement.

ANITA: I'm telling you, today's technology is a miracle.
BRADY: Tell me about it. From when you told me about it until now, we're looking at about...ohh...about a four hour turnaround time. Crazy, huh?
ANITA: You better believe it. If I'd have known how much I could get done this fast, I'dve gotten on this internet years ago.

Brady and Anita laugh, as Brady opens the door to the cabin to head out.

BRADY: Right? Okay, I've gotta meet this woman at the general store in about 10 minutes, so I'll be back in about an hour. Hopefully minus one blue SUV.
ANITA: ...and plus a thousand dollars or two.

Brady points at Anita, agreeing to her point.

BRADY: Exactly. (laughs)
ANITA: Alright, I'll see you in a bit.
BRADY: Yep!

Brady shuts the door to the cabin behind him, leaving Anita behind, as she looks over at the PC sitting in the corner. She contemplates sitting down to use it.

ANITA: Well...you've seen enough people use it, Anita. About time to try it for yourself, no?

Anita hesitates as she steps towards the computer, sitting down in the office chair. She rests her fingers on the keyboard. She looks up at the screen, a determined look on her face.

ANITA: Besides...you've got some work to do.

---


Laura sits with JJ on the bench at Horton Town Square. JJ hugs a despondent Laura.

JJ: No one is going to hurt mom, or Abigail, or me. You got that? I'm gonna make sure of it.

Releasing Laura from his hug, Laura looks down, suddenly no longer hungry. She gets up to throw her partly-melted ice cream sundae in the nearby garbage can, and turns back toward JJ.

JJ looks at Laura with a hint of determination in his eyes.

JJ: Grandma, we have no choice. If I refuse this money, it'll just force mom even further toward Liam. This way, Liam thinks I'm pacified, and I'm far enough removed that I can do some digging in safety. This way, mom, and Abigail, and you are safe.

Laura takes a moment, before slumping down beside JJ on the bench. She nods, fully understanding JJ's position.

LAURA: You're right, JJ. There's no other way.

Laura turns, looking intensely at JJ as she emphatically instructs JJ.

LAURA: Cash the cheque.

---



Nick sits in the exam room, on the exam table, as Daniel taps away at his tablet, editing Nick's chart. Nick looks on, still hazy from his fall.

Maggie stands by Nick, a hand on his back, being concerned for her relative.

NICK: Dr. Jonas, I don't mean to rush you but...I have somewhere to be.

Daniel doesn't look up, still fixated on his work on the tablet. Despite this, he answers Nick immediately.

DANIEL: Yeah, well, I'm not quite done yet. One more question...did you...prior to this fall you took today...did you suffer any other head injuries recently?

Nick looks up at Daniel, before having a flashback to the night he was dumped in the river. Nick remembers being on top of Gabi, and being hit in the head with a rock.



As the rock makes impact with Nick's head, Nick snaps out of his flashback, immediately locking eyes with Daniel.

NICK: Yeah. Yeah, I did. But uh...it wasn't anything major.
DANIEL: Well, sometimes these injuries sort of...lie dormant for awhile before symptoms appear. I might want to schedule some more tests for you.

Nick looks at Daniel, sighing as he worries about missing the Titan board meeting.

NICK: Ah...Dr. Jonas. I'd love to do that but...can we schedule these for another time? I...I'm really running behind.

Maggie steps in before Daniel can respond, voicing her concern to Nick.

MAGGIE: Nick...I know you're eager to get back to work, but...Honey... head injuries are so unpredictable. If you don't stop and think about your health for a moment...it could kill you.

Nick looks up at Maggie, affected by her grave warning, but unsure whether or not to proceed.

---

---


Jordan sits in her office, consumed by the realization that her safety is in jeopardy thanks to Nick. She plays with her engagement ring nervously, as she stares straight ahead, oblivious to everything around her.

JORDAN: As long as Nick's alive...you'll never be safe...you'll never be free...

Jordan looks on, unblinking, unmoving. She fixates on the point as she continues to fidget with her engagement ring.

JORDAN: As long as he's alive.

As she receives a notification on her phone of a voicemail, she snaps out of her trance, and looks at it. Knowing it's from Sheryl, Jordan ignores it, and quickly gets up from behind her desk.

JORDAN: Dammit...

Scooping up her phone, and realizing the time, she grabsher tablet and heads quickly out into the hall.

JORDAN: Gotta get down for my 5pm.

Closing and locking the door to her office, she quickly walks down the hallway, and into the main lobby. As she steps into the lobby, Maggie steps out of the exam room Nick is in with Daniel. Out of the corner of her eye, she spots Nick inside. Quickly turning to Maggie, she nervously smiles.

JORDAN: Maggie!

Maggie smiles, a bit nervous herself from all the health crisies in her family.

MAGGIE: Jordan. How are you doing?
JORDAN: Oh, I'm....I'm good. Just...on my way to my next patient. Uh...I saw Nick in there...everything okay?

Maggie furrows her brow slightly, still smiling, but with a curious expression on her face.

MAGGIE: Ah....I think so...

Maggie hesitates a moment before continuing.

MAGGIE: I didn't realize you knew Nick.
JORDAN: Oh, we...we only met once or twice but...well...you know me, always concerned.
MAGGIE: Oh, I know. And I appreciate it...

Maggie looks down, spotting Jordan's engagement ring. Her face lights up with excitement.

MAGGIE: ...Oh MY! What is THIS???

Jordan takes a moment to realize what Maggie's referring to, before Maggie takes her hand and Jordan happily extends her hand out to show off her ring.

JORDAN: Oh! Yes! Rafe and I are engaged. I'm...I'm so overwhelmed I didn't even...(laughs)

Maggie looks at the ring, holding Jordan's hand in hers. She looks up at Jordan, a seriousness in her voice, but with an earnest joy.

MAGGIE: Jordan, it's beautiful. You're a very lucky woman. And Rafe is an extremely lucky man.

Jordan begins to tear up at Maggie's kindness. They exchange a warm, congratulatory hug.

---

Inside the exam room, Nick hops off the exam table, and readjusts himself, preparing to leave. Daniel looks up at Nick, putting his tablet down on the counter.

NICK: Look, Dr. Jonas. I appreciate that you wanna help and all, but...I need to schedule these tests for another day. I'm already way behind for this meeting I've got to get to today.
DANIEL: You know, I wish you would go in for the tests right away but...I can't force your hand. Look, I'll see if I can schedule you for first thing tomorrow morning, and if I can, I'll give you a call on your cell. Okay?
NICK: Appreciate that.

Nick extends his hand to Daniel, and they share a firm handshake, as Nick grabs his laptop case from beside the exam table.

DANIEL: It's what I do. Oh, and Nick.

Nick stops as his hand is on the doorknob, ready to step out of the room.

NICK: Yeah?
DANIEL: You're not on any medications, right?

Nick looks at Daniel, shrugging off his recent pill popping.

NICK: Ah...no. Just...since I've been having these headaches I've been taking Aspirins whenever one flares up, but...nothing more than that.
DANIEL: Hmm, ok. If anything that should help your blood pressure. (sigh) Okay. Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow morning.
NICK: You got it. Thanks, Dr. Jonas.

Nick walks out of the exam room, and closes the door behind him. Taking a second, he texts Gabi.

hey. U avail 2nite? meet me @ TBD 4 dinner. 8pm xx

He smiles as he hits send. He then puts his phone in his pocket and walks away.

---


Jennifer and Liam sit out at a table outside the café at Horton Town Square, laughing and holding hands.

JENNIFER: It was a great idea to bring me to lunch. Thank you, Liam.
LIAM: Anything for you, Jenn. You don't know how much it means to me to have you in my life. I want to take every moment I can.
JENNIFER: Me too. And I wanna thank you as well. Your gift to JJ was...beyond what I ever expected. I mean...where did you even FIND that kind of money to give away like that?

Liam stumbles momentarily, trying to find an answer, as JJ and Laura approach them. Jennifer spots them and waves, beaming as they approach, a more solemn expression on both their faces. Liam turns as well to see who's approaching.

JENNIFER: Hey JJ! Mom! What are you two up to?
LAURA: Oh, JJ and I had some free time before I had to head back to the hospital, so I took him out for lunch and we grabbed a frozen yogurt. And you?
LIAM: Well, Jenn and I were just having a quick lunch break together.
JENNIFER: We've already ordered but would you like to join us?

JJ nods while looking over at Laura, who looks equally stoic. Laura then turns her attention back to Jennifer, feigning a smile through her nervousness.

LAURA: Ah, sure!

Liam gets up to pull up a chair for Laura, who sits down, looking over graciously at Liam. JJ grabs a chair for himself and sits down as well.

LAURA: Thank you. Ah, so...how's your day been, everyone?
JENNIFER: Oh, fantastic. Liam and I were talking before about the family cabin on Smith Island. It's really beautiful going out there this time of year.

Jennifer looks over at Liam, excitement in her eyes as she reaches her hand out to tap Liam's thigh.

JENNIFER: You know, I've got the long weekend free, why don't we go up together for a quiet weekend, just the two of us?

JJ and Laura try unsuccessfully to hide their discomfort at the idea, while Liam looks back at Jenn uncomfortably as well.

LIAM: I ah...Jenn, I'm sorry. I have contractors coming up to my house this weekend, I've gotta...supervise them. Need to...put on a new roof.

Jenn smiles, shrugging off Liam's disappointing news.

JENNIFER: That's fine. I'll just come up there with you. I haven't seen the house yet, and all.

Laura nervously observes the exchange, as Liam squirms yet again.

LIAM: Yeah, that's...I'm sorry, Jenn. The house is a mess, and...look, I just think it's better we don't do it this weekend. I'm sorry.

Jenn looks on, disappointed.

JENNIFER: That's...that's alright. Yeah, we'll do another weekend.

JJ eyes Liam studiously. Observing something is strange in his behaviour, he interjects.

JJ: Hey! I ah...I forgot to mention, Liam. (sigh) I ah...I decided to take you up on your offer. I'm accepting the cheque. I put in my acceptance at Stanford for the winter semester.

JJ looks Liam dead in the eyes as Jennifer looks at JJ, once again excited for her son.

JENNIFER: Oh, Honey, that's fantastic! And thank you, Liam.

Liam looks back at JJ, a smile on his face, but both men barely blinking, as they look each other dead in the eyes.

LIAM: It's my pleasure, Jenn. Anything to help you and your family.

JJ remains locked in with Liam, as Laura looks on, eyes darting back and forth between the two men, and reading the tense body language between them.

---

Outside the country general store, Brady leans against Anita's old blue SUV. He checks his watch as from around the corner, a taxi pulls up. A woman steps out of the car wearing a navy blue trenchcoat, sunglasses, and a sheer white kerchief over her head, disguising her flame red hair.


It's Sheryl.

She hands the taxi driver money, and he takes off. She strides confidently over to Brady, who looks at her with interest.

SHERYL: Brady?
BRADY: Yes! Hi.

Brady pulls himself upright off the front of the truck fender, and extends a hand to shake Sheryl's.

BRADY: And you must be...
SHERYL: Crystal. Crystal Clarke.

Brady smiles, intrigued by "Crystal's" myserious appearance.

---