DAYS #185: Brady demands answers from "Anita", Will & Sonny discuss Gabi moving out (11/03/14)

 ​

 

EPISODE 185

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

 

Brady stands in Anita's living room, stunned by her announcement that Anita is not, in fact, a kind stranger that plucked him from the river, but his grandmother, Loretta Toscano.

 

He struggles to speak a single word, sputtering as Anita tears up, Tyler holding her shoulders, trying to keep her calm.

 

BRADY: Wh....what did you say?

 

Anita stands shaking before Brady, terrified of what this revelation will do, before repeating herself.

 

ANITA: I am Loretta Toscano. Brady, I am...your grandmother.

 

Brady catches his breath after a moment, and clumsily tries to form a response without snapping at his grandmother.

 

BRADY: I...you...you can't be my grandmother. My grandmother died decades ago, she...my mother died of cancer, and...
ANITA: I know, Brady. I desperately wanted to be there, but it wasn't safe--

 

Brady snaps upon hearing this, turning his back to his grandmother, and beginning to pace the kitchenette nervously, before turning around suddenly, startling Anita with his anger, and raised voice.

 

BRADY: Oh come on, lady! I don't buy it. Not for a second. If you were really my grandmother, and you were ANYTHING like the woman you claim was your daughter, wild horses wouldn't keep you from seeing your daughter before she died. 

 

Tyler steps in, hoping to calm Brady down, to no avail.

 

TYLER: Brady, calm down. Anita is not lyling to you, she IS your grandmother, I prom--

BRADY: Bull!

 

Brady turns to look at Anita, an almost-maniacal glint in his eye, as he stares her down.

 

BRADY: Now, if, and I mean IF you really are my grandmother, I want an explanation about where you've been all these years.

 

Anita shivers, partly in fear, and partly in sadness, as she hears Brady's demand loud and clear.

 

BRADY: And I want it, right, now.

 

---

 

In the parking garage under the condo building where Marlena lives, Kim and Marlena shake hands, while Andrew looks on.

 

KIM: It's a date. I'll come with you to the hospital tomorrow at...

MARLENA: Meet me at 10am. 
KIM: Where, exactly?
MARLENA: Just outside Dr. Grant's office. 6th floor.

 

Marlena smiles, as does Kim, albeit weakly. Kim nods in agreement, as Marlena looks over to Andrew, beaming brightly at the handsome young man.

 

MARLENA: And if you'd like to come, it would be great to spend more time with you. It's been way too long.
ANDREW: Tell me about it! I've missed you. And Salem.
KIM: And we've missed you.
MARLENA: We have.

 

Marlena leans over to give Andrew a warm hug, before looking warmly at Kim, squeezing Kim's hand.

 

MARLENA: I'm sorry to have put you through so much worry. I really am. 

 

Kim smiles back, still half-heartedly, as Marlena collects herself to head back upstairs.

 

KIM: Thank you.
MARLENA: I'll see you both tomorrow.
KIM: Sure thing.
ANDREW: Goodnight, Marlena.
MARLENA: Goodnight, Andrew. Kim.

 

Marlena walks away, heading for the elevators, as Kim looks on. Andrew puts his hands on her shoulders, trying to comfort his troubled mother.

 

---

 

Sonny gets up from the sofa inside his apartment with Will, as Will shuts the door of the kitchen cabinet, having grabbed a glass for a drink of water. Sonny is stunned by what he's just heard Will tell him.

 

SONNY: I'm sorry, Gabi moved out?

 

Sonny stares at the open door to Gabi's room, seeing for himself that the room is virtually empty after Gabi's move to Nick's, earlier in the day.

 

Will turns on the tap, almost spitefully nonchalant in his reaction to the news, the polar opposite of Sonny's panic.

 

WILL: This afternoon. 

 

Will turns the tap off, having filled his glass, and turns back toward Sonny. Will is visibly annoyed by Gabi's departure, but replying glibly and dismissively.

 

WILL: I'm sure Nick sent movers in within minutes of hearing the news. I'm amazed they kept a crib for Ari. I expected they'd take any trace of her too.
SONNY: I'm afraid to ask--
WILL: Don't worry. Ari's staying with us. I didn't...take her tonight, I left her with Mom. I just...

 

Will sighs, looking down as his sarcastic demeanour softens, turning to a grim resignation. He paces the room, as Sonny watches him, still in disbelief.

 

WILL: I needed some time to...process...everything.
SONNY: I can imagine. Wh....when did you...when did you hear the news?

 

Will responds automatically, without thinking until he's halfway through his sentence.

 

WILL: Oh I heard it when I was out to dinner with Alex--

 

Will catches himself, and stops just after revealing the truth of what he did with his evening.

 

WILL: ...Alex and I were at the Penthouse Grille for work...sort of a...press preview of sorts, and....Maggie came in. Told us what she walked into at the breakfast table this morning.

 

Sonny remains surprised, probably too stunned to absorb most of what Will's just told him, nor his strange reaction to telling Sonny about the dinner, but stammers out his next question.

 

SONNY: Did um...did Maggie say why Gabi made the decision?

 

Will shakes his head. Still looking off at the ground mindlessly.

 

WILL: Nah. Nah, I didn't give her the chance to explain. I...I took off right away to the studio to...confront Nick. Get some answers out of him.
SONNY: And?
WILL: Well, they were already setting up for Nicole's special, so...Alex and I stayed in the studio to watch. And then...
SONNY: And then the light fell.

 

Will looks up at Sonny momentarily, then away again, nodding.

 

WILL: You heard.
SONNY: Heh, I think everyone in the state heard...or saw.

 

Will chuckles to himself a moment, rubbing his eyes from exhaustion as he does. 

 

WILL: Yeah. Yeah, I'm sure.

 

As Will chuckles to himself, Sonny looks intensely at Will as Will rubs his eyes, speaking seriously to him.

 

SONNY: That...begs the question, though. And I want you to be 100% honest with me.

 

Sonny hesitates momentarily before asking his question, almost afraid of the answer. Will  tenses up, worried about what Sonny might ask.

 

SONNY: Did you rig that light to fall on the stage?

 

Will looks up suddenly, surprised by Sonny's question. Sonny continues to look intensely into Will's eyes.

 

SONNY: Were you so angry at Nick, that you were willing to try to kill him?

 

Will is stunned, and can't answer, while Sonny frustratedly demands an answer.

 

SONNY: Will! Tell me! Were you??

 

---

 

 

---

 

Brady stands, incensed by Anita's deception. He steps in close to her, almost hissing his words to his grandmother, while Tyler hangs back, trying to observe the situation and keep everyone calm (and failing).

 

BRADY: Well? I'm waiting. 

 

Anita doesn't respond right away, prompting Brady to speak up once more.

 

BRADY: Where have you been?

 

Anita, holding her head in her hands, uncovers her face after a moment, tears in her eyes. She finally responds, regaining some of her composure through her tears.

 

ANITA: I was here. I was here all along. Watching. Waiting for any news I could get. 

 

Anita tries to step toward Brady, to take his hand in hers, but Brady recoils from her. Anita sees this immediately and stops herself. Instead, she sombrely relays her past to him.

 

ANITA: Victor wouldn't let me come to Salem. When Ernesto found out about my affair with Victor, he nearly killed me with that poison. Victor managed to make it look like I'd died, but whisked me away out of danger just in time, and...

 

Anita stops, before turning to face Tyler, taking his hand in hers.

 

ANITA: Victor had Tyler set me up with a new home. A new life. He demanded I never come back for my children until he knew for a fact it was safe to do so. 
BRADY: And it's been safe for years. Ernesto died before I was even born, and yet here you are.

 

Anita looks down, frustrated and ashamed.

 

ANITA: I know. And I probably should've fought harder, but...after awhile, you just lose the fight. And besides, just when I finally worked up the nerve, Hope came back and Victor was spooked. He figured...maybe Ernesto had managed to survive as well.

BRADY: So you stayed here. Playing dead.

 

Anita looks up at Brady, making her position clear to her grandson. She retorts firmly.

 

ANITA:  So I settled for the life I could have. I had already made a life out here. I met a lovely man. Had another daughter, got to know her children...I had a great life, Brady. 

 

Anita turns to face Brady, and looks him firmly in the eyes as she finishes her thought.

 

ANITA: But I never forgot my other family, Brady. And I made sure I stayed in touch with, and up to date about you. You mean the world to me. You must believe that.

 

Brady looks back with a look of skepticism, his words cutting Anita like a knife.

 

BRADY: And what if I don't?

 

---

 

After a tense moment staring at each other, Will begins to crack up at Sonny's assertion that he was the one responsible for the light falling at WXIR. 

 

WILL: Sonny, I WISH I had thought of that. But see, this is how you know I wasn't the one who did it.
SONNY: Why?
WILL: Because if I had done it? I wouldn't miss.
SONNY: Not funny.

 

Will cracks up even more at Sonny's serious tone, walking casually into the living area as he quips to Sonny about murdering Nick.

 

WILL: It's hilarious! What are you talking about?

 

Sonny sighs and walks back over to the couch, sitting down on the sofa again, overwhelmed by everything that's gone down today. Will, meanwhile, takes a sip of water, then continues to talk about his day.

 

WILL: But seriously, though. I didn't see anything that would help them figure out who dropped the light on the stage. 
SONNY: Did you get a chance to talk to Nick at all?
WILL: Eventually. I ended up driving him, Anjelica, and Alex back to the Kiriakis mansion.

 

Sonny turns to look at Will, amused and surprised.

 

SONNY: Anjelica? You drove Anjelica Deveraux home? Will, you drive a compact car with cloth seats--
WILL: Oh I know. And I heard all about it from her, believe me.

 

Sonny chuckles as Will continues.

 

WILL: Ugh, that wasn't the worst part of the ride, though.
SONNY: Oh?

 

Will sits on the arm of the sofa, next to Sonny.

 

WILL: Yeah. After gloating about Gabi moving in with him, Nick tried to imply something was going on between Alex and I.

 

Sonny tries to stifle a laugh, failing miserably.

 

SONNY: You cannot be serious.

 

Will feigns being wounded by Sonny's laughter.

 

WILL: I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was that hard to believe someone like Alex could POSSIBLY be interested in me.

 

Sonny playfully jabs Will in the ribs, causing Will to crumple in, shouting out in pain.

 

WILL: Ow! Stop! 
SONNY: Whatever, you know you're stuck with me.

 

Sonny starts to tickle Will, as Will wraps his arms around Sonny. Will yelps in discomfort from the tickling, as he inadvertently lands in Sonny's lap. 

 

WILL: Ah! Fine, fine! You win! (laughs)

 

Sonny finally stops tickling Will, figuring he's won, and the two look at each other lovingly.

 

SONNY: Good. Cos you know what I wanna do for you tomorrow to take your mind off all the stuff with Nick?
WILL: What?
SONNY: I wanna sit down and start pinning down our wedding plans.

 

Will beams at Sonny even mentioning their upcoming wedding.

 

WILL: It's a deal.
SONNY: Good. I think we've left enough of this up to your mom. It's time you and I take care of some things ourselves. What do you say?

 

Will rests his forehead against Sonny's.

 

WILL: I think you're right. Sounds like the perfect day. And you know what's a great way to start that perfect day?

 

Sonny smiles, kissing Will gently on the lips before answering his question.

 

SONNY: What?
WILL: Having the perfect night.
SONNY: Mmmm, I think you're right.

 

Will giggles, leaning in to kiss Sonny once, twice, three times, before grabbing his collar and pinning him down on the couch, just out of our view.

 

---

 

Kim and Andrew enter Kim's apartment, exhausted from the emotional situation at Marlena's. Kim flips the lightswitch on, as Andrew shuts the door behind them. 

 

Andrew calls out to Kim, who takes off her jacket, and heads for the closet, completely oblivious to her son's calls.

 

ANDREW: Mom. Mom?
KIM: You know Andrew, I swear that whole...scare with Roman wore me right out.

 

Kim hangs her coat up, almost in a trance. Andrew walks over to her, pulling her hand down after she hangs up her coat.

 

ANDREW: Mom.

 

Kim stops herself. She looks down at her hand, being held firmly in Andrew's, before looking up at her son, fear, hurt, and anger in her eyes.

 

KIM: Andrew, I...
ANDREW: Mom, are you alright?

 

Kim looks into Andrew's concerned eyes, and immediately wells up. She nods, before cracking, weeping openly as she wraps her arms around her son, trying to calm herself down, as Andrew comforts her.

 

ANDREW: It's okay, Mom. It's okay.

 

---

 

Arriving back upstairs in her penthouse, Marlena closes the door, and sees Abe emerge from the bedroom, having laid Roman down to sleep. Marlena smiles half-heartedly at Abe.

 

MARLENA: How is he?
ABE: Pretty shaken up. But he's asleep now. He'll be okay.

 

Marlena sighs, as Abe looks at her, very worried for her.

 

ABE: What about you, though?

 

Marlena shrugs, as Abe takes Marlena's hand in his.

 

MARLENA: I'll be alright. 
ABE: You sure?

 

Marlena nods.

 

MARLENA: My main concern is Roman.
ABE: I have to tell you, Marlena...under the circumstances...I cannot afford to have Roman stay on the police force.

 

Marlena sighs, knowing Abe's right. She nods reluctantly.

 

MARLENA: I agree. Unfortunately, I think, at this rate, Roman staying on the force will...definitely be more harmful than helpful.
ABE: I think you're right. Look, Marlena, I plan to put Roman on medical leave for the time being. I don't want to retire him completely until we have an official diagnosis.
MARLENA: That makes sense. I'm actually planning to get a firm answer on that tomorrow. So I'll let you know as soon as we hear something.

 

Abe smiles half-heartedly, nodding appreciatively.

 

ABE: Thank you. Leave letting Roman know to me. I'll tell him on Monday. I ah...I better go.
MARLENA: No, thank YOU. I know it's...incredibly late to be out.

 

Marlena guides Abe toward the door, as they continue saying their goodbyes.

 

ABE: It's no trouble at all. Believe me, I feel a lot better helping you out, under the circumstances.
MARLENA: I appreciate it so very much, Abe.

 

Abe and Marlena hug warmly, before Abe opens the door to leave.

 

MARLENA: Thanks again.

ABE: Goodnight, Marlena.

 

Abe walks toward the elevator, before Marlena closes the door behind him.

 

Now alone in the apartment, except for Roman, Marlena walks silently over to Roman's door. In the shadows created by the moonlight beaming in through his window, Marlena watches him sleep.

 

As James Blake's "Retrograde" begins to play, Marlena quietly cries as she thinks about the decline of her former husband.

 

 

---

 

[0:49]
As a light dimly flickers, we see the outline of two bodies laying unconscious in the basement of Stefano's compound in Italy.

 

Despite the darkness of the night, we begin to see Steve and Bo's faces, as they lay unconscious in a cell in the basement. 

 

[1:39]

Across from them, in the next cell, The Patient sits, tied to his chair.

 

[2:15]

He shakes, trying in vain to escape the restraints, while his eyes, forced to remain open, view a slideshow of violent images and short videos, punctuated by flashes of John Black's face.

 

[2:29]

We see closeups of the Patient's hand, clenched tightly, fighting the restraints, as he's tormented by the pictures being shown to him. We snap, with each beat of the music, between the images on the screen, and back to The Patient. His eye, his tied-up hand, his bound ankle, fighting to break free.

 

[2:53]
We cut to black, as the music continues to play hauntingly, as the hourglass appears for the closing credits to the end of the song.

 

---

​

DAYS #184: Brady learns the truth about Anita, Kim and Marlena come to an agreement (10/31/14)

​

 

EPISODE 184

Written by A. Washington-Beeby

Story Consultant: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco

 

Marlena sits with Roman in his SUV in the undergorund parking of her building. She appears concerned about him, as Roman stares out the front windshield, almost acting as though she's not there. Outside the vehicle, Kim, Andrew, and Abe look in on them.

 

After a moment's awkward silence between then, Marlena tries to coax him out of his apparent trance.

 

MARLENA: Roman? 

 

Roman continues to look out his window, looking out at Kimberly in particular. His focused stare unnerves Kim, which Marlena catches, momentarily looking out toward Kim herself.

 

MARLENA: Roman, that woman right there, that's Kimberly. Honey, your sister is alive. She's fine.

 

Roman, still looking at Kim, blinks momentarily, his fixation starting to break, as he shakes his head in disbelief.

 

ROMAN: Nah...no, that....that's not...
MARLENA: It's true, Roman.
ROMAN: No, Doc. She...I was out in the country by the Lake Road, and...there was...there was a woman in the back of this blue truck, and...she had red hair. She was dead, it...it was Kimmy. I tried to radio in and...I...I just...

 

Roman shakes his head, becoming visibly distressed by what Marlena's told him. 

 

Marlena motions to Abe to step in, she calmly leans in closer to Roman to try to get his attention.

 

MARLENA: Roman! Roman. Abe is going to take you inside, and we can relax. Okay?
ROMAN: No--no, Doc. That's not...damn it, you're lying! You're all lying to me! It was Kimmy in that SUV, you gotta find her!

 

Roman slams his fists on the steering wheel, as Abe rushes in to collect Roman. Marlena puts her hand on Roman's shoulder tenderly, though her voice raises with concern.

 

MARLENA: Roman! No one is lying to you, I promise. Kimmy is okay. Now come on. It's okay.

 

Roman holds in his sobbing, before giving in, and letting Abe take him out of the car.

 

As Roman and Abe head up toward the elevator, Kim and Andrew stand back away from Roman. Andrew holds his mother's shoulders as they watch Abe take Roman up to Marlena's penthouse. As they do, Marlena leaves Roman's vehicle herself. Looking serious, she walks slowly over to a visibly upset Kim.

 

MARLENA: Kimberly. I hate to keep harping on this, but...I thought I should let you know what's happening with Roman, and what I'm planning to do.

 

Kim turns around suddenly, fighting tears, with a hostile look on her face, as she looks to a stoic, serious Marlena.

 

---

 

Eric waits by the elevators down the hall from the TV studio at WXIR for Nicole. He plans to pick Nicole up from the TV studio, and finds her walking toward the elevators with Hope, as they emerge from scouring the studio for evidence of the light "accident". 

 

HOPE: So we'll inspect the cuts to the wire, and check for fingerprints. Should have it all analyzed by Monday.
NICOLE: Works for me. 
HOPE: Now, has there been anyone other than Abigail that's been around the station anytime in the last week?

 

Nicole looks around, racking her brain to think of an answer, she clocks onto one suddenly.

 

NICOLE: Jerome.
HOPE: I'm sorry?
NICOLE: Jerome, Abigail's friend. I wanna say his last name is Grant? Handsome guy, black...mid-20s?
HOPE: He's been here?
NICOLE: Yeah...he and Abigail were out for lunch, just like a friendly lunch date thing, and he was helping her out with some research one day, and he came by.

 

Hope's interest is piqued, she probes further.

 

HOPE: Did he seem to be...engaged or...?
NICOLE: Oh, no, he was totally into it. I didn't really think much of it, though. He's a postgrad student at Salem U, so...this is right up his alley.

 

The gears almost visibly turning in Hope's mind, she and Nicole finish their long stroll down the hallway toward Eric.

 

Nicole and Hope finally approach Eric, who gets up from his seat in the waiting area by the elevators. Once Nicole arrives, she wraps her arm around Eric's back, gently kissing his lips as a hello.

 

ERIC: Ready to roll?
NICOLE: I think so. Unless you need anything else from me?

 

Hope shakes her head, fairly comfortable with what she's collected so far.

 

HOPE: No, I think you're good for tonight. Look, thanks for everything, and ah...one thing. Make sure you call me first thing tomorrow morning, just in case they have any questions at the lab that might fill in any information gaps, okay?

 

Nicole nods, before turning to Eric.

 

NICOLE: Come on, let's go.
ERIC: Night, Hope.
HOPE: Night, Eric. 

 

Eric presses the 'down' button on the elevator, as Hope surprises them with a final question.

 

HOPE: OH! One thing! Do you know if Abby left for the night?
NICOLE: Ahhh, I sent her home about a half hour ago when you told me, but...I didn't see her leave.

 

Hope looks back toward the studio.

 

HOPE: Hm.
NICOLE: She's probably just being her usual eager beaver self and double checking some things in the control room.
HOPE: Alright, thanks. I'll have a look for her.

 

The doors to the elevator open, and Eric and Nicole step on.

 

Eric waves to Hope, who smiles warmly at her nephew.

 

HOPE: Night!

 

As the doors to the elevator close, Hope notices a small drop of blood on the floor by the foot of the elevator door. Curious, she kneels down by it. Realizing for sure what it is, she calls another officer over.

 

HOPE: Gabe!
GABE: Yeah? 

 

Hope waits til Gabe's run over, before pointing down at the blood drop.

 

HOPE: Blood. get a sample to the lab and find out how long it's been there.
GABE: Got it.

 

Hope steps away from the elevator, and looks around her. She lingers momentarily, looking as Gabe collects the blood sample from the floor, speaking to herself softly before carrying on to find Abby.

 

HOPE: Jerome Grant, hm? What a coincidence.

 

Hope raises one eyebrow, as she heads back toward the studio, in hopes of finding Abigail to question her on the night's events.

 

---

 

At Anita's cabin, Tyler walks back into the kitchen area, where Anita stands with Brady. They turn to face Tyler as they hear his footsteps walking away from the phone after his call to Victor. Anita speaks nervously after a moment.

 

ANITA: Tyler...h-how's Victor?

 

Tyler folds his arms before him, debating whether to be honest with her or not.

 

TYLER: He's fine. He'll be released from the hospital tomorrow.
BRADY: And what about you?
TYLER: (sigh) I....I have to leave Salem.
BRADY: What?

 

Tyler nods. Trying to make it clear that it's not a big deal to him.

 

TYLER: Call it...early retirement. I'll have to finalize some arrangements, and I'll be off to the Costa Del Sol by the weekend.

 

Brady tenses up, before Anita interjects.

 

ANITA: And just what are those arrangements?

 

Tyler hesitates momentarily, with Anita continuing before Tyler gets a chance to respond.

 

ANITA: Tyler, please tell me you won't let Victor know that Brady's staying here.

 

Tyler doesn't respond again, panicking Anita.

 

ANITA: PROMISE ME, TYLER!

 

Tyler finally cuts in, responding firmly in an exasperated tone.

 

TYLER: Alright! Fine. On one condition.

 

Anita shakes her head, knowing what Tyler is about to suggest. Tyler points to Brady as he offers his demand.

 

TYLER: You tell him who you really are. And you do it right now, or I will.

 

---

   

---

 

Kim stands with Andrew and Marlena in the parking garage below Marlena's building, her arms folded, as she speaks to Marlena pointedly.

 

KIM: Alright, Marlena. What have you planned for my brother now? Another DNA test to make sure he isn't another imposter sent by Stefano to upend all our lives?
MARLENA: Kim--
KIM: Look, I don't...I don't want to fight with you again. You're...you're a dear friend of mine, you're basically family, but...Marlena, I don't understand where your head's at with this. I mean, it's....it's so obvious to me that this is dementia, and that my brother needs treatment, and the sooner, the better.

 

Marlena nods in agreement with Kim, before interjecting with her support.

 

MARLENA: And I agree. Completely.

 

Kim looks at Marlena, somewhat skeptical, and equally surprised.

 

MARLENA: That's what I wanted to discuss with you. I was hoping you could join Roman and I at University Hospital tomorrow morning. We're meeting Eric there for a battery of tests, and then Valerie and I were going to go over a treatment plan for Roman--
KIM: Tests. DNA tests. Am I right?

 

Marlena sighs, nodding before carrying on.

 

MARLENA: Yes, I admit it. But Kimberly, I only want to run the test to be sure that the gene that caused Roman's and Caroline's dementia hasn't been passed along to Eric. Or potentially to Sami, or Carrie. 

 

Kim seems somewhat unmoved, and after a moment, Marlena continues.

 

MARLENA: Kimberly...I didn't do this as some kind of roundabout deception to get the DNA tests done. It was honestly a bonus, just to give myself peace of mind. But I also want you to know that I am serious about Roman's condition, and I want to keep him with us as long as possible. Believe me.

 

Marlena puts her hand on Kim's arm, trying to be of some comfort to her, as she explains herself passionately.

 

MARLENA: Now please. Come with me tomorrow. I promise you, you will be an active part of our plans for your brother. It would mean an awful lot. To him and to me.

 

Kim takes a moment, with Andrew joining in with Marlena in attempting to convince Kim to go.

 

ANDREW: Mom, I...I think it might be a smart idea. It might help...give you a sense of empowerment over the situation. I think you'd feel a lot more at ease if you had that right now.

 

Kim looks at Andrew, then Marlena, before slowly nodding.

 

KIM: Alright...I'll be there.

 

Kim extends a hand to Marlena in peace offering. Marlena smiles, as she shakes Kim's hand firmly.

 

MARLENA: It's a date.

 

---

 

 

Will walks into, then shuts the door to his apartment with Sonny. The apartment sits dark, as Sonny's gone to bed. 

 

Will sighs, exhausted from a frustrating day. Flipping the lights on, he slowly hangs up his jacket, and sets his new briefcase down in the closet, as a frustrated Sonny emerges from the bedroom.

 

SONNY: Will!

 

Will turns around with a start when Sonny calls out to him.

 

WILL: Sonny!

 

Sonny looks at his fiancé with a mix of exhaustion and annoyance.

 

SONNY: You made it. Would've been nice if you'd called.

 

Will sighs, walking toward Sonny.

 

WILL: Sorry. I know I should've. I just...
SONNY: I know, I know. The big day's coming. 
WILL: PR for Titan is...it's a lot of work.
SONNY: I know. More than you realize.

 

Sonny speaks in a resigned tone, as he sits himself down on the couch, just before Will flops down beside him.

 

SONNY: Look, I'm sorry if I've been...less than enthusiastic about this job. I just...I don't want you sucked into my family's problems, and working for them...you just, you can't escape them.

WILL: Sonny, I'm going to be sucked into them no matter what.

 

Will turns his head, a cock-eyed smile on his face as he touches Sonny's cheek gently.

 

WILL: I'm marrying you. Remember? 

 

Sonny smiles, laughing softly to himself.

 

SONNY: Yeah. And I can't wait.
WILL: Neither can I.

 

Will leans in to kiss Sonny gently on the lips. After their kiss, Sonny stares at his fiancé, soaking him in.

 

WILL: Look, don't worry about my job. If you're willing to move past it, I am too.
SONNY: Deal. (sigh) Speaking of work, how was it today?

 

Will takes the opportunity to get up from the couch, walking around to the other side of it, presumably toward the kitchenette.

 

WILL: Oh, fine. Until I heard the news about Gabi.

 

Sonny straightens his posture, wondering what Will means.

 

SONNY: Wh...what news?
WILL: Oh, you didn't hear?
SONNY: Will...Will, what are you talking about? I knew she was out, but I figured she was visiting Rafe, and...

 

Will laughs, rubbing his eyes in exhausted frustration, as Sonny turns his body while still on the sofa to face Will.

 

WILL: Oh no. No, Mom's watching Ari. No, the reason you don't see Gabi right now is...

 

Will walks over to Gabi's bedroom door, throws it open and turns on the light, revealing it to be empty.

 

WILL: Because she moved out. And in with Nick Fallon.

 

Sonny's jaw drops, as he looks into Gabi's room, completely dumfounded.

 

---

 

Outside the WXIR studio, standing by the elevators, Hope confers with another officer about the drops of blood found on the ground. 

 

As they talk, and the officer snaps photos, Abby walks to the elevator to leave, surprised to see Hope still there. 

 

ABBY: Hope!
HOPE: Abigail! I'm glad you're still here, I was looking for you.
ABBY: Yeah, I, ah, just had to go up to the control room and finalize a couple...paperwork things before I went home. Why...why, what's up?
HOPE: Well, I need you to make a statement about the accident, if you can.

 

Abby looks at Hope, stumped at what she could offer.

 

ABBY: Honestly, Hope, I...I don't know what I could tell you, I was so busy with all my...papers and trying to keep the show running, I...honestly, if I could tell you anything, I swear I would.
HOPE: And you didn't bring anyone along with you to the studio?

 

Abby furrows her brow, unsure what Hope's implying with her question.

 

ABBY: What do you mean?
HOPE: I mean, more than a couple people have seen you at the WXIR offices with Jerome Grant the last few days, and--

 

Abby cuts Hope off, slightly insulted by Hope's implication.

 

ABBY: Whuh, what are you implying, Hope?

 

Hope is caught off guard by Abby's defensiveness. Abby catches herself and backtracks when Hope's expression changes in reaction to Abby's response.

ABBY: Look, I...I actually specifically told Jerome not to come tonight. I didn't feel comfortable having him here in such a high-pressure environment. Especially when I'm so new.
HOPE: You worried he'd distract you?

 

Abby shrugs, trying to downplay her inner conflict.

 

ABBY: I guess. (sigh) Look, if you're wondering whether Jerome might have been here and potentially tampered with the cables, I'm almost 100% certain he wasn't here. But as to who WAS up on that scaffolding? I have no idea.

 

Hope nods, disappointed by the lack of information Abby was able to provide.

 

ABBY: Look, I gotta go.
HOPE: Yeah, sure. If you do remember anything at all, even if you think it's not worth mentioning, give me a call, 'kay?

 

Abby nods quickly, as she presses the 'down' button on the elevator.

 

ABBY: I will. Night, Hope.

 

The elevator door opens, and Abby steps on, leaving Hope behind with a couple other officers.

 

HOPE: Night, Abby.

 

Hope sighs, still sensing her bad feeling about Jerome Grant isn't misplaced. Hope mutters to herself.

 

HOPE: He's gotta tie into this somehow. But how?

 

---

 

Brady steps in between Tyler and Anita, baffled by the exchange occurring before him.

 

BRADY: Okay, does someone mind explaining to me what's going on here?

 

Anita tries to cool Brady's curiosity, speaking dismissively, before being cut off by Tyler.

 

ANITA: Brady, it's--
TYLER: ...Promise me, Anita. 
ANITA: Why, Tyler? What does it benefit you to put this on him now?

 

Tyler steps in close to Anita, looking her square in the eyes.

 

TYLER: He has a right to know. I've always thought that.
ANITA: Then why now?
TYLER: Because he's here now. It made no sense to tell him before. And quite frankly, if you're so adamant that there's no threat against you, then I don't see why you haven't already.

 

Anita turns away from Tyler, as Brady stands to one side, confused.

 

BRADY: Tell me what?

 

Anita stands, facing away from both Brady and Tyler, tearing up. Brady is getting increasingly agitated the longer he has to wait for some kind of response.

 

BRADY: Dammit, would someone just tell me what's going on here?

 

Tyler walks over, putting a hand on Anita's shoulder, as she turns to him, shaking her head.

 

ANITA: I can't do it.
TYLER: Of course you can.

 

Tyler takes Anita and turns her to face Brady. He gently answers his question.

 

TYLER: Brady, meet your grandmother, Loretta Toscano.

 

Brady's eyes widen in shock, as he realizes who Anita really is.

 

---

​

DAYS #183: Marlena finds Roman right under her nose, Anjelica sets Liam loose (10/30/14)

 

EPISODE 183
Written by A. Washington-Beeby
Story Consultant: C. Nathaniel Richardson & Nick Monarco

 

It's a cool dark night on the outskirts of Salem. A chilly wind has kicked up, as Tyler Houston steps toward the front door of Anita Hernandez's cabin. He knocks, as he looks out at the dark night around him. Rubbing his hands together to keep them warm in the cold, he tenses his body as he awaits Anita.

 

Opening the front door, Anita is surprised to see Tyler standing there.

 

ANITA: What the--what are you doing here?
TYLER: (sigh) It's a long story. 

 

Tyler waits a beat before continuing.

 

TYLER: May I uh...may I come in?

 

Anita hesitates, looking back inside at Brady, who's just entered the living room, curious about why Anita's at the door.

 

TYLER: I know he's here, Anita.
BRADY: Who's...

 

Anita opens the door to let Tyler in, as Brady stands back in the kitchen area, stunned to see Tyler again.

 

BRADY: Tyler...wh...look, if you came to track me down, I, I just can't--

 

Tyler steps into the room, and holds his hand up to stop Brady from continuing.

 

TYLER: Brady....no one knows you're here. And no one's going to know. Okay? I didn't come here to try to get you back to Salem.

 

Anita interjects, slightly annoyed by Tyler's return visit.

 

ANITA: So why are you here, then? Once wasn't enough?
TYLER: Look, I...ah, something's happened, and I need to leave town. And I won't be back.
ANITA: What? Why?
TYLER: It's...a long story, but I need to call Victor first, and on a secure line. That's why I'm here.

 

Anita nods slowly, confused by Tyler's vague information. She motions toward the landline phone, as Tyler nods in appreciation, and heads over to call Victor.

 

Anita turns to face a very baffled Brady, to whom she gives an equally confused expression.

 

---

 

At the Grant house, Jerome sits with his grandmother on the living room couch. He wears a strange expression as he questions his grandmother.

 

JEROME: You talk like you got some real beef with the Hortons.

 

Valerie shifts uncomfortably, trying to be somewhat dismissive of what she's already expressed to Jerome about the Hortons, but failing.

 

VALERIE: I don't really have beef, but like...(sigh) How shall I put it? 

 

Jerome laughs, breaking Valerie's thought.

 

JEROME: ...But you got beef with 'em! 
VALERIE: Look, don't get me wrong, Jerome. They're lovely people. They do their best. I have worked alongside this family for years. But I also know they have their fair share of problems. Ones that are extremely easy for a man like you to get caught up in. And I don't want that for you. I've...pulled your behind out of enough jams for one lifetime.

 

Valerie notices Jerome's crooked collar, and awkwardly, lovingly adjusts it as she fidgets to distract from her nervousness at the subject at hand. Jerome gently flinches, tickled by his grandmother's touch.

 

JEROME: Okay, I get that. But...what you mean? What kind of problems?

 

Valerie stops fidgeting and sighs, before deciding to tell Jerome.

 

VALERIE: Well...your Uncle Eli's father, for one.

 

Jerome turns his head quickly to look at Valerie's sheepish expression.

 

---

 

Marlena and Abe head into the underground parking at Marlena's building.  Marlena trails Abe, who is eager to get going. Abe looks back to see Marlena, slowly walking towards him, clutching herself as she walks, deep in thought. 

 

Abe walks over to Marlena, and comforts her as they walk toward Abe's car, Abe seeing Marlena clearly distressed by Roman's absence. 

 

ABE: We'll find him, Marlena.

 

Marlena sighs, leaning against Abe as they walk. 

 

MARLENA: I know. Still doesn't make me worry any less.

 

No sooner has Marlena finished her sentence do Kim and Andrew pull into a spot right near Abe and Marlena. Kim honks her horn, startling Marlena, as they both step out of Kim's car. Marlena looks stunned to see Andrew.

 

MARLENA: Oh my...Oh my God, Andrew! Ohh it's so good to see you! Oh, when did you get into town?

 

Andrew laughs as he gives his former aunt a hug, while Kim looks on, somewhat less-than-impressed by Marlena's enthusiasm, under the circumstances.

 

KIM: He ah...he just arrived tonight. We were finishing up dinner when we got the call.
MARLENA: Ohh, it's so good to see you. Oh that must've been a fantastic surprise for you, Kim.

 

Kim nods, with a subdued expression as she tries to speed things along to limit her time with Marlena, whom she's upset with.

 

KIM: It was. It was just what I needed. Look, um...I don't wanna...break up the reunion or anything, but....I think we need to start dealing with why we're here.
ABE: Kim is right. I think we need to split up and keep each other on a three way call. 
MARLENA: Makes sense. I can take the route down Riverside Drive.
KIM: Andrew and I can cover the south end.
ABE: And I'll handle the centre. Alright, let's get on this, the longer we take, the farther away he might have gotten.

 

As Abe, Kim, Marlena, and Andrew prepare to separate, we see inside the car just a few steps away from where they've congregated. Inside, Roman sits silently in the car, with the engine off. He's almost in a trance, as he states straight out from the drivers' seat, seemingly completely unaware of his surroundings.

 

---

---

 

Jerome looks quizzically at Valerie as they both sit on the sofa inside Valerie's house.

 

JEROME: Grandma, what about Uncle Eli?

 

Valerie takes Jerome's hand, and holds it gently, as she begins to explain the story.

 

VALERIE:Well...

 

Valerie breathes in deeply, as she considers her words extremely carefully.

 

VALERIE: See...you remember I told you about when I lived here allll those years ago, right?
JEROME: Mmhmm.
VALERIE: Well...I fell in love with a young man here named David Banning, and he just happens to be Miss Abigail Deveraux's cousin.

 

Jerome slowly nods, making the connection.

 

JEROME: And that...didn't go well.
VALERIE: Oh no, it was...I mean, it wasn't without its problems, but our relationship was fine. We loved each other. His family was incredibly kind to me, but...they...they had problems. I worked for Abigail's grandmother at University Hospital, and she...she spent a long time in an institution. Abigail's grandfather was a great surgeon, and a very kind man, but...very troubled. David was an alcoholic, like your great grandfather. (sigh) I think the pressure was too much for him.

JEROME: What happened to you and David, then?

 

Valerie sighs, looking down at nothing in particular as she reminisces.

 

VALERIE: He had a baby. With his cousin's girlfriend.
JEROME: I'm sorry.
VALERIE: I'm not broken up about it. Years later, we met again, away from Salem, and...you know, I think being with him away from Salem was a real blessing. We could be together without the pressure of our families and...people who knew us. It was a great time. It wasn't long but...Uncle Eli came from it, and...it means I have a reminder in my life of that special time. 

 

Valerie takes Jerome's hand in hers, and smiles wistfully.

 

VALERIE: Look, all I'm trying to say is, the Hortons are lovely people, but don't get bogged down in their problems. They'll take you with them. 
JEROME: I won't, Grandma.
VALERIE: Don't be so sure. I know how you take on the problems of people you care about, baby. I don't want you to sucked into something you can't get out of.

 

Jerome half-smiles, as Valerie pulls him into a tight hug. As she holds her grandson, she looks out from over Jerome's shoulder, a very worried look in her eyes.

 

---

 

At Anita's cabin, Brady pulls Anita aside and quietly asks her about Tyler, who's stood in the corner of the room, using her landline phone.

 

BRADY: Anita...how do you know that man?
ANITA: Brady, it's not a big deal--
BRADY: The hell it's not! Anita, I do not feel comfortable with that man in this house. He works for my grandfather...

 

Anita holds up her hands, trying to keep Brady from getting excited (and loud), as she attempts to explain the situation.

 

ANITA: Brady, don't...don't worry. Look, Tyler has come by before, and he didn't say anything about you being here then--
BRADY: What??! That's supposed to make me feel better?
ANITA: Just don't...shhh...Brady. Listen to me.

 

Brady stops himself from continuing, giving Anita a chance to finish, but folds his arms, looking mistrustfully at her.

 

ANITA: I will make sure he doesn't tell anyone you're here. I don't think he will, anyway, but I'll make sure. Okay?

 

Brady unfolds his arms, unsure if Anita will be able to convince Tyler.

 

 

 

On the phone, Tyler reaches University Hospital main reception desk.

 

TYLER: (into phone) Yes, may I be put through to Mr. Victor Kiriakis' room, please?

 

After a moment's wait, Tyler perks up again, hearing the phone ring in Victor's room.

 

...

 

In Victor's hospital room, the phone rings. Victor, watching TV in bed, grumbles silently about the interruption to his show, turning the TV set off with the remote by his bed before picking up the phone, answering exasperated.

 

VICTOR: (into phone) What?

 

...

 

TYLER: (into phone) Victor! It's Tyler!

 

...

 

VICTOR: (into phone) Oh, look who it is! The World's Worst Hired Help. You had one job, and I assume you're calling to apologize for botching it?

 

...

 

Tyler looks utterly baffled by Victor's snarky comment.

 

TYLER: (into phone) Wh...Victor, what are you talking about?
VICTOR: (via phone) He's still alive, you idiot! 

 

Tyler looks over at Brady and Anita, trying to speak in pointed but hushed tones.

 

TYLER: (into phone) Nick?

 

...

 

VICTOR: (into phone) Exactly. And now it's too late to make another attempt, so don't even bother trying. I can only imagine the Salem PD all over that studio as we speak collecting whatever they can to tie your sorry ass to it. So forget it. I sent you a portion of what I promised you, but only if you get out of town. 

 

...

 

VICTOR: (via phone) ...and get out tonight.

 

Tyler looks stunned, unable to respond to Victor, as the receiver drops from his ear.

 

---

 

Hope stands with Nicole and Eric in the WXIR studio, still relatively dressed up from her date with Aiden. She looks around, as other officers snap photos of the fallen lighting rig. Nicole stands in the middle of the studio, arms folded, and explains what happened during the filming of her TV special.

 

NICOLE: And that's when I heard the snap, and then the light just...came down.

 

Hope looks up at the scaffolding high above the soundstage. She squints slightly, as she mulls over what Nicole's told her.

 

After a moment, she asks Nicole a question in a somewhat official "police" tone.

 

HOPE: Right. Nicole, did you see any...movement up there at all? Maybe someone was on set who shouldn't have been there?

 

Nicole shakes her head, certain of her answer.

 

NICOLE: No. I mean, we had a lot of guests in the studio but...no one was anywhere they shouldn't be. I didn't see any movement above us until the light, and that's what caught my attention.

ERIC: And you're sure it wasn't an accident, then?
NICOLE: It couldn't have been. Honestly, Nick's been involved in all kinds of things lately that I think make him a target. I mean, the light that fell was almost exactly over where he was sitting when it dropped. I can almost guarantee someone was trying to kill him.

 

Eric looks to Hope with concern, wrapping his arm around Nicole. Hope appears surprised, before quickly raising her eyes back toward the lighting rig.

 

---

 

Anjelica and Liam stand on the foggy pier, Anjelica points at Liam accusingly, speaking quietly but hissing her words at him.

 

ANJELICA: You are letting your feelings get in the way of our goal, and it's becoming a liability.
LIAM: My feelings?
ANJELICA: Absolutely. You want to disengage because you're bitter about losing me to Stefano--
LIAM: It's not that...
ANJELICA: So NOW, you're going to put your energies into Jennifer Horton, which is fine by me, but whatever energy you have left goes to screwing me over as some kind of twisted catharsis for your broken heart. And let me tell you, Mr. Frasier: that's not going to happen.

 

Liam stares as Anjelica steps in close to Liam, part flirtingly, part threateningly.

 

After a moment, Liam leans in for a kiss. Anjelica catches him and backs away, never taking her eyes off Liam, as he looks on with disappointment.

 

ANJELICA: I want to remind you that you're already in this up to your neck, whether you want to be or not. Therefore, if you ever want to be reuinted with your long-lost love...

 

Anjelica discretely holds out the gun once again, waiting for Liam to take it from her.

 

ANJELICA: You need to take care of the problem. As soon as possible.

 

Liam looks down, mulling over his options for a moment before taking the gun from Anjelica, sighing as he puts the gun in his coat pocket.

 

LIAM: Consider it done.

 

Liam turns away without another word, and heads up the stairs away from the pier, leaving Anjelica alone. She watches as Liam walks up the stairs, before turning away, sighing as the stress of her situation weighs on her.

 

---

 

Kim, Andrew, and Abe walk away from their huddle in the car park at Marlena's condominium, as Marlena lingers behind, deep in thought, but jumping slightly when Abe touches her arm to get her attention as he walks away.

 

ABE: I'll bring the car around, Marlena.

 

Marlena smiles at Abe, as he walks toward the car. Looking away into the sea of cars before her, Marlena spots Roman's SUV parked nearby.

 

After a moment's glance, she realizes someone's inside.

 

It's Roman. 

 

Suddenly frenzied, she calls out to Abe, hoping he'll double back to where she is.

 

MARLENA: Abe? Abe! Abe, he's here!

 

Marlena makes a beeline for Roman's SUV, tapping on the front hood, as Roman stares ahead, in his own world as he sits in his parked vehicle.

 

MARLENA: Roman?

 

Marlena frantically tries to open the passenger's side door, to no avail. She bangs on the passenger's side window, as Roman looks her way.

 

MARLENA: Roman! It's Doc, open the door, please!

 

Roman hesitates for a moment, as though still in his trance, before finally unlocking the door. Marlena steps inside, as Kim and Andrew also double back, and Abe arrives.

 

MARLENA: Roman, I was so worried about you.
ROMAN: Doc, I...
MARLENA: Roman...

 

Marlena takes Roman's hand in hers, and holds it, realizing how very cold it is. She kisses it, and smiles warmly, as she begins to tear up again.

MARLENA: Roman, we're all so glad you're safe. Abe, Andrew, Kim, and I we were all about to head off to look for you!

 

Roman looks puzzled, as he looks out at Abe, Andrew, and Kim, who are standing outside the vehicle, deep concern in their eyes. He looks back at Marlena.

 

ROMAN: Doc, that...that can't be. Kimmy's dead. I saw her!

 

Marlena's jaw drops, baffled by Roman's obviously-untrue statement.

 

---

​