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

EPISODE 138

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abby steps in, nervously, but firmly supporting Jerome.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abby then looks back to Nicole.

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

Abby throws her hands up.

ABBY: Fair enough! I totally get it.

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

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

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

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

---


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---


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

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

...


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

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

...

Anjelica smiles wryly as she answers Stefano.

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

...

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

---

---

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

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

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

STEFANO: Maria.

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

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

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

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

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

---


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

SHERYL: Well THAT could NOT have gone any better.

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

SHERYL: Come in, come in, come in.

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

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

Jerome looks at Sheryl, surprised and confused.

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

Sheryl turns around, positively beaming.

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

Jerome looks at Sheryl, stupefied.

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

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

---

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

NICOLE: This is explosive.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---


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

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

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

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

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

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

Kate turns to face Lucas, agitation in her tone.

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

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

Nick looks out into the crowd, and smiles broadly.

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

---

DAYS #137: Eric reassures Nicole, The Titan board reels from Nick's coup (08/26/14)

EPISODE 137

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

Gabi paces in her apartment, holding the modelling contract in her hand, as she debates whether or not to sign. She turns to Arianna, who sits in her crib, playing, and rests on the ledge of it. She talks to her.

GABI: Should I even do this?  Sami and Kate say that playing along is the best way to keep Nick in line. But I don't want you to get hurt. And I don't know if playing along with Nick any more than I have is even safe.

Gabi sighs as her phone's text tone goes off. Looking over at the desk where the phone sits, Gabi gets up from the side of the crib and walks over, looking at the phone.

The text is from Nick:

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

Gabi sighs, putting down the phone, as she debates how to reply.

---


Eric holds the documents proving Kristen used Dr. Chyka's formula to drug him in his hands, as he stands by the door of his hotel room.

Nicole looks at him, a deep fear in her eyes as Eric looks up at her, stunned. Slowly, Eric begins to smile widely.

ERIC: Oh my God.

Nicole responds timidly, almost stuttering her meek reply.

NICOLE: Wh...wh..w...what is it?
ERIC: It's a miracle. Nicole, It's...amazing. I finally have the proof.

Nicole looks at an excited Eric, still unsure of whether to be excited or scared.

---


Nick steps to the head of the conference table at the front of the Titan board room. He looks around as he finishes his toxic presentation making his case for why he should be named CEO of Titan.

NICK: ...In fact, my messenger should be presenting Ms. Walker with the evidence I have against her right now. It's enough to destroy her brand new marriage to Eric Brady.

Lucas, Billie, Kate, Justin, and particularly John, all look on in surprise at the news. Nick pretends to have accidentally spilled the beans, holding his hand coyly over his mouth.

NICK: Oops! I wasn't supposed to say anything about that either. (laughs) My bad.

Nick leans against the edge of the conference table, as he looks around the room with an over-confident demeanour. The others look on, with Kate, in particular, scowling his way.

NICK: So...I guess that tells you everything you need to know to make your decision, folks. What say you?

---

---

Eric looks up at Nicole, thrilled by the news he's just received by the courier. Nicole looks on, still nervous, as she steps forward to look at the papers.

NICOLE: Can I...Can I see that for a moment?
ERIC: Yeah! Sure!

Nicole takes the documents and looks them over, knowing exactly who sent them to Eric. She flips through them to check the contents of every page, almost frantically. Eric senses Nicole's tension and puts a hand on her shoulder.

ERIC: You alright? You don't seem...thrilled by this.
NICOLE: I'm just...I feel like there's some kind of catch. Like...who had these all this time?

Eric turns Nicole around and kisses her quickly on the lips, leaving Nicole speechless.

ERIC: Nicole. I know why you're worried.
NICOLE: You do?
ERIC: Yeah. You're worried that now that I have the evidence that Dr. Chyka drugged me, that I'm going to abandon you for the priesthood.

Nicole looks away, giving a shrug and a cockeyed smile.

NICOLE: Well, I...I can't say I'd be surprised if you did. 

Eric begins to laugh as Nicole reaches out to put her hands on Eric's shoulders, she responds emphatically.

NICOLE: Eric, the priesthood meant SO MUCH to you. Never in a million years would I think I could compete with that...dedication you had to your faith, your vocation--

Eric puts his finger up to Nicole's lips, and Nicole stops herself midsentence.

He sighs, as he looks down momentarily, thinking for a second about what to say to Nicole.

ERIC: Nicole...my dedication and my faith are in you now. I can see that...this was planned all along. I love you, and no matter what happens now that we have this evidence...I made a promise to you today. And I intend to keep it. We are gonna take every step of this journey together. Okay?

Nicole begins to cry, hearing Eric's reassuring words. She throws her arms around Eric and kisses him deeply to show her gratitude to him.
However, under the chest of drawers by the door of the hotel room, one of the pages Eric received in the package lies, unchecked, hidden just out of both Eric and Nicole's view.

---

Gabi looks down at her phone, looking at the text message Nick sent her. She sighs before replying to him.

sure, see u then xx

Hitting 'send', Gabi puts her phone down on the table, sighing heavily. 

GABI: Not exactly how I wanted to spend the evening. But...gotta stick to plan.

Looking at the contracts on the desk, Gabi tenses for a moment, knowing she will have to make the decision of whether or not to sign the contract, as she, Sami, and Kate had discussed.

GABI: Speaking of 'plans'. 

Gabi throws her hands up and steps back over to the table, making a call to Sami.

GABI: (into phone) Hey, Sami. I'm ready to sign....yeah, let's get this over with.

---

Justin, John, and Tyler all step onto the elevator at Titan, heading down to the lobby to leave after the board meeting. All three men have sombre expressions on their faces, and remain quiet as the doors shut.

After a moment of awkward silence, Justin finally breaks it.

JUSTIN: I trust we have a plan to deal with this.

Tyler turns to Justin, an unwavering resolve clear in his reply.

TYLER: You just leave this to me. If this press conference goes how I hope...he'll be toast by sunset.

John immediately cuts in, looking stoically in Tyler's direction, causing both Tyler and Justin to turn suddenly in John's direction.

JOHN: Don't be so sure about that. If I'm right about him, Nick Fallon could be very dangerous to all of us.

Tyler and Justin stay focused on John, a grave concern on both their faces.

---

Billie, Kate, and Lucas stay behind in the board room at Titan, Billie and Lucas looking dejected, while Kate packs up her things, looking unworried. Billie seems on edge, almost slamming her files and papers into her bag, which doesn't go unnotcied by Kate.

KATE: You know, if you slam those into that bag any harder, you'll tear a hole in the bottom.
BILLIE: Well, I'm due to get a new one anyway. You know, I can't believe this, Mom. This is a complete disaster.

Kate rolls her eyes, as she continues to get her things organized in a blasé manner.

KATE: You are being so melodramatic right now.
BILLIE: I think I have a right to be. You just exposed all of us to a serial blackmailer, and you let him win.
LUCAS: Billie's right, Mom. He knows we we were onto him, and he knows all about our plans, which, while Sheryl and Jordan are still out there, means we're all in danger.

Kate, finally exasperated with her children's worries, stops putting her things away and turns toward Billie and Lucas, looking at them sternly as she puts a hand on her hip.

KATE: Okay. Enough. You are both acting like scared children right now, and it's for nothing.

Lucas laughs sarcastically, irritated by Kate's dismissive attitude.

LUCAS: I wouldn't call this nothing, Mom. Nick's got enough on everyone to turn all their votes in his favour when he has ZERO experience running so much as a popsicle stand. That means he's got enough to sink ALL of us, and YOU know it.
KATE: Maybe he does. Hell, Nick could have enough information to put the Pentagon to shame. But that doesn't mean he's going to get away with it.
BILLIE: And how do you know that?

Kate turns her head to look straight at Billie. She looks at her daughter with a cocky smile.

KATE: Because nobody pisses off that many Kiriakises that quickly without retalliation. He may think that with Brady dead and Victor in a coma that the family's been defanged, but I have consorted with these people longer than that child has been alive, and I can tell you now...he's overdue to be knocked down a peg or two.

Lucas and Billie look at each other, unsure whether to believe Kate or not. Lucas folds his arms and looks Kate's way skeptically.

---


Anjelica stands in the DiMera living room, organizing files on her tablet, as the door opens. She looks over to see Nick walking in. She spots a confident expression in his eyes and sets her tablet down on the desk.

ANJELICA: Well, you certainly have a spring in your step.
NICK: You could say that.
ANJELICA: I suppose this means it's good news.
NICK: You could say that as well. Because as of about twenty minutes ago, you are looking at the new CEO of Titan Industries.

Anjelica's face lights up at the news, and she begins to chuckle to herself gleefully.

---

DAYS #136: Anjelica goads Adrienne at the Town Square, Nick delivers a hard blow to the Titan board (08/25/14)

EPISODE 136

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

for details of ongoing storylines, click here.

Eric and Nicole lay in bed together, truly happy. They smile, breathing heavily as their heart rates descend from a long session of lovemaking. Nicole rolls over, resting against Eric's naked chest, before leaning in for a kiss.

NICOLE: You know...I could handle this whole...being married thing if this is how it's gonna be every day from now on.

Eric laughs, as Nicole smiles back at him.

ERIC: Yeah, if this was all being married was about, I could get used to it too.
NICOLE: Well, it could be. You know...I think we're both...very secure in our love for each other...and I know that whatever comes our way...I think we can get through it, as long as we work together.

Eric smiles, taking his hand and putting it up to Nicole's face.

ERIC: I will always be here for you, no matter what.

Eric pulls Nicole in for another kiss, as Nicole's phone goes off. They both stop and sigh. Nicole's head falls face-first into Eric's chest, as Eric laughs quietly to himself.

ERIC: You'd better get that.

Nicole lifts her head, and begins to whine jokingly.

NICOLE: But I don't wannaaaa...

Eric continues to laugh, as Nicole leans over and grabs her phone from the bedside table.

It's Abigail.

Nicole's expression immediately changes, as she answers the call.

NICOLE: (into phone) Abby?

...


Abigail stands in Nicole's office, her back to Jerome, who sits at Nicole's desk, looking at her computer. He looks on, stunned by what he's seeing on the screen.

ABBY: (into phone) Hey Boss! Uh...I...I'm sorry to bother you. I know you had an appointment and all, but...

...

Nicole furrows her brow, a bit annoyed and a bit confused as to why Abby's calling.

NICOLE:  (into phone) Uh...it's fine. Now's not really a...great time...

...

ABBY: (into phone) No! I, I'll make it quick. Promise. It's...really important.

Abby looks over her shoulder to see a stunned Jerome reading the article headline from the flash drive Nick sent them.

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

ABBY: (into phone) You're gonna wanna come down to the office...right away.

---

Nick paces the Titan board room, holding a pack of sealed envelopes in his hand, as the rest of the Titan board sits in stone silence, stunned by what Nick's held over their heads, and what he wants. Tyler, ready to stop Nick before he goes too far, gets up from his seat.

TYLER: I...uh...I think we've heard enough to make our decision on your proposition, Mr. Fallon.

Nick smiles, and turns to face Tyler, responding with a condescending tone.

NICK: Oh, I don't think so. Not quite yet. 

Nick holds the envelopes in his hand up to prominently display them to the rest of the room. He paces up and down the room still, as the others, most notably Kate, look on in discomfort. Tyler sits down, knowing he won't be able to stop Nick.

NICK: You see, as I mentioned before, I've been keeping a veeeery close eye on all of you here at Titan. And I've gotta say, you guys know how to cover your tracks. But not quite well enough.
JOHN: And what exactly does that mean?

Nick looks over to John, placing the first envelope down in front of him. Without breaking his gaze for a second, even to blink, he looks John dead in the eyes.

NICK: Why don't you open the envelope and find out?

Nick suddenly breaks gaze, and turns to walk around the table. As he does, Nick flips through the envelopes, placing down one before each board member as he finds the ones for the person before him.

Once completed, he leans on Kate's shoulders slightly, causing Kate to stiffen instantly.

NICK: I think we're ready to begin. 

Nick looks at everyone, a sickening, smug smile on his face, as the board members glare at him murderously.

---

---


Anjelica stands in the Horton Town Square, smiling at a less-than-impressed Adrienne, who stands opposite Anjelica, with her arms folded.

ADRIENNE: Anjelica. What are you doing back in town?
ANJELICA: Well, I see you don't pay much attention to the news. Not that that surprises me. You always were a bit of an intellectual lightweight.

Adrienne rolls her eyes at Anjelica's jab, biting her tongue before she says something she'd regret.

ANJELICA: Among other more...personal matters, I am here as part of my campaign for the state governor's office.

Adrienne can't help but crack up at Anjelica's announcement. Incredulous, she responds, very amused.

ADRIENNE: As if you have a snowball's chance in Hell of winning.
ANJELICA: Oh, come now, Adrienne. A person's past indiscretions are hardly a reason to keep a person out of government these days, we all know that.
ADRIENNE: Yes, well, I don't think I've ever seen anyone run for office after having tried to blow someone up.

Anjelica looks at Adrienne, a more serious, lethal expression in her eyes, as the smile disappears from her face.

ANJELICA: Ah! those old lies, and innuendoes. Frankly, Adrienne, I think being in that explosion knocked something loose that should've stayed in place. You're long overdue for a doctor's visit. May I suggest ah...Dr. Marlena Evans?

Adrienne, fed up, grabs her shopping bags, and brushes past Anjelica to leave.

ADRIENNE: I don't have to listen to this. Enjoy your visit, Anjelica. I hope it's very short.

Anjelica turns to call out to Adrienne, goading her once more, and stopping Adrienne in her tracks momentarily.

ANJELICA: Oh, I expect it won't be. Seeing as my son's living with you and Justin. I hope I'll see you at dinner tonight at the Kiriakis mansion?

Adrienne sighs, before turning back around to face Anjelica.

ADRIENNE: Well, I would but we tend to not let stray cats in the house, much less eat off the dinner table.
ANJELICA: What are you saying? You're not even going to let me share a meal with my son?
ADRIENNE: Anjelica, quite frankly, I'm sure no one would have an appetite with you there. And I hate wasting food.

Anjelica chuckles to herself.

ANJELICA: Ahh yes, that old blue collar spirit. Waste not, want not!
ADRIENNE: Which reminds me that I don't have the time to waste on you. So...

Adrienne grabs her shopping bags from the bench and gives Anjelica a fake smile.

ADRIENNE: Have a great day, Anjelica.

Adrienne walks off, leaving Anjelica behind, a raised eyebrow and shaking her head.

---

Kate holds open the card Nick's enclosed in her envelope, sighing as she's reminded of her part in his attempted drowning. Lucas looks over, panicked as he holds his card in Kate's direction, tensing in frustration. He whispers forcefully.

LUCAS: How the HELL does Nick know about the entire plan?

Billie sighs, resting her fingertips on her forehead, as she reads her card.

Billie, the spy came to town to hide in plain sight at Titan. Trying to get the goods on her mama's boytoy's new girlfriend. What a wonderful waste of our secret service's resources.

Billie sighs, knowing her reason for being in Salem has been found out.

BILLIE: Maybe mom was right.

Kate looks over momentarily at Billie, shrugging as she looks back toward Nick.

KATE: Trust me. This is the best thing we can do.

Across the table, Justin looks at his card, reading:

Justin, actively trying to falsify environmental assessments so you can rush through a forcible eviction from a citizen's hard-earned property? You should be ashamed.

Justin looks over at Billie, a similarly concerned expression on her face as his. He closes his card and lays it down on the table, as he looks over at a smug Nick.

JUSTIN: And just how do you think you can prove any of this.
NICK: You really wanna test this theory, huh? That I didn't come to this meeting prepared? 

John jumps in, closing his own note. He holds his arms out, looking at Nick incredulously.

JOHN: Oh, come on, Nick! You're bluffing! There's no way you have something on every single one of us with enough proof to back it up that you could take each of us down.

Nick saunters over to John, staring him down with his trademark grin.

He leans in close to John, never breaking gaze.

NICK: I wouldn't push your luck, Mr. Black.

Nick leans in and whispers in John's ear.

NICK: (whispering) I know about your little plan to save Roman Brady. And it's not gonna work.

John tenses immediately. He recognizes Nick is serious, and looks over at a concerned Justin. Sitting back down, he puts his hand over his mouth, sighing heavily.

Nick, meanwhile, turns back toward the head of the table, leaning over it to speak to the rest of the room.

NICK: Now, as I said, I'm not bluffing. In fact, as I speak, I am about to have a small...wedding present sent to one of my greatest allies in the fight to stop this little project of yours: Nicole Walker. 

...

Nicole readies herself to leave Eric's hotel room, frantically trying to adjust her dress, as Eric stands nearby, shirtless, trying to help zip her back in. Meanwhile, we hear Nick's voice over the hurried scene.

NICK: (voiceover) You see, I've sent a little document to her new husband, detailing some of the things I've uncovered about HER indiscretions, using the same methods I used to dig up all kinds of dirt on all of you. I'm sure you'll be hearing all about it shortly.

As Nick speaks: Outside the hotel room, a man walks toward the door. After a moment, he makes his over and knocks on the door.

Inside, Nicole and Eric stop in their tracks, before Eric heads quickly over to open it.

ERIC: I'll get it. Might be room service. I didn't get them in time.

Nicole laughs quietly, as she adjusts herself, before putting her shoes on.

Eric opens the door, to find the messenger Aiden sent to his room, with a large manila envelope in hand.

MESSENGER: Eric Brady?

Eric looks on, confused, as he clutches the envelope.

ERIC: Yeah. That's me.

After taking the envelope, the messenger holds out a tablet and a stylus for Eric.

MESSENGER: Sign here.

Eric signs for the document, still unsure of what to expect to find inside. As he finishes, he hands both the tablet and stylus back to the messenger, before shutting the door behind him.

Inside, Nicole looks puzzled as well, as Eric begins to open the document.

NICOLE: What is it?
ERIC: Dunno. Wasn't expecting anything. Were you?

Nicole shakes her head, as Eric opens the envelope and pulls out what's inside. As he does, one of the pages of the document falls out of
Eric's grasp and falls to the floor, just out of sight underneath Eric's nightstand.

NICOLE: What is it?

Eric's jaw drops, as he struggles to catch his breath. He realizes the information the documents contain.

ERIC: Oh my God. This is it.
NICOLE: What?
ERIC: It's the Chyka file. I finally have proof that Kristen drugged me.

Nicole gasps in horror, as she realizes Nick's taken action against her. She braces herself for Eric's reaction. For now, Eric looks up at Nicole, stunned, but with a bit of a smile on his face.

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