Truth and Consequences (Read 1,476 times)

[Sparkster]

Hey, everybody! I have written (finally! ) the sequel to my story Truth and Consequences. I wanted to repost this story so people could refresh their memories or read it for the first time if you didn't catch it over on the other board. I'm going to post it in it's entirety so that I can start posting the new story, The Ultimate Revenge, starting tomorrow morning.


Brady Pub

Nicole is sitting at the bar sipping on a martini, scrolling through pictures on her phone. She comes across a picture of Sydney. A smile comes to her face. She thinks of how much she misses her.
Nicole: Quit deluding yourself, Nic, move on!
She flips over to her Facebook account, scrolling through the status updates. She hears someone come up behind her.
Melanie: Checking out how many “likes” Locker Room Lolita is getting? Or maybe you’re plotting to steal another baby? Or I know, maybe you’re making up more stories to cover for that bitch of a stepmother of mine?
Nicole: Listen here, you little twit, you oughtta get your facts straight before you go spouting off at the mouth.
Melanie: What, like you weren’t a porn star?
Nicole: No, I wasn’t. And I am sick to death of everyone in this town saying that as if I was a willing participant! My sorry excuse for a father drugged me and forced me into it. I was quite young and didn’t have much choice in the matter. Come to think of it, you and I have a lot in common regarding our upbringing, not to mention that I was also abused by Trent. But you wouldn’t know that because you’re too caught up in your own little world about little miss Melanie and making everyone’s business your own. It’s not all about you! Get over yourself.
Nicole grabs her purse and gets up to leave.
Melanie: Geez, what a bitch!
Nicole turns around.
Nicole: You know, let me offer a little bit of advice. Calling every woman you can’t stand a “bitch” is not doing you any favors in the friend department. I wonder what your precious Maggie would think of that? Oh that’s right, she’s your only female friend now that Arianna is gone.
Nicole walks out of the Pub. Melanie takes a seat on a barstool.
Melanie: I don’t think Maggie would mind my calling you that, Nicole. She doesn’t like you anyway and is just too nice to use that word.

The Park

Sami and Rafe are sitting on Benchie watching Johnny, Allie, and Sydney play on the jungle gym.
Sami: Sydney, stay close to your brother so I can keep an eye on you.
Sydney: What about Allie?
Sami: Oh, yeah, and your sister too.
Sydney: Ok, Sami!
Sydney goes trotting off with Johnny and Allie.
Sami: Unbelievable. Do you think she’ll ever view me as her mother? It’s kind of embarrassing to have your child calling you by your first name.
Rafe: Relax, she knows you’re her mother. She’s at that age where she repeats everything. She probably just hears me calling you Sami.
Sami: Yeah, I suppose.
Just then Nicole comes around the corner and sees the kids playing. She has a pained smile on her face as she watches Sydney go happily down the slide laughing the whole way down. She remembers back to her time with Sydney, realizing how much Sydney has grown up since then.
Click on the link to see what Nicole is remembering: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETa8K5ZcC94&feature=related
Nicole eyes Sami and Rafe and decides she better leave.
Sydney: Mommy!
Sami: Yes, sweatheart-
Sami’s smile soon turns to a look of horror and disgust as she sees Sydney go taking off across the park and throwing herself into a startled Nicole’s arms. Sami tells Rafe to stay with Johnny and Allie while she takes off after Sydney.
Nicole: Oh, my! Hi there Sydney!
Sami: Get your filthy little hands off my daughter!
Nicole: Sami, I didn’t mean to-
Sami: No, of course not, Nicole. You never just mean to do anything.
Sami scoops up Sydney in her arms and walks back toward Rafe. Sydney has a sad look on her face.
Sydney: Bye, Mommy.
Sami: No, honey. She’s not your mommy. I’m your mommy. I’m so sorry you’re so confused. It’ll be ok. I promise.

The Pier

Later that day, Sami and EJ are at the pier arguing over custody arrangements and the upcoming hearing.
EJ: You know damn well you can’t keep me from my children forever! The court hearing is only a few days away and I am certain they will rule in my favor.
Sami: What, did ya have Fatha pay off the judge?
EJ: I really doubt a judge is going to give custody to a psychotic bitch who tried to murder her children’s father.
Sami (shaking her head): It still amazes me that a bullet to the brain didn’t kill you. Besides, you have no proof of that. I, however, do have proof that you kidnapped Sydney and made everyone think she was dead!
Nicole has now walked up.
EJ: She’s not even yours!
Sami: What the hell are you talking about? She is MY daughter!
EJ: Well, she’s also mine!
Sami: And I’m going to make sure you never see her again!
Sami goes stomping off. EJ looks up and sees Nicole standing there.
EJ: What the hell do you want?
Nicole: What was that all about? And why did you say Sydney wasn’t Sami’s?
EJ: Oh, Nikki, mind your own bloody business.
Nicole: But why would you say something like that?
EJ: I just meant that she is my daughter too, not just Samantha’s.
Nicole has a quizzical look on her face.
Nicole: No, I think there’s more to this.
He moves closer to her and gets in her face.
EJ: Seriously, you need to get a life. I really thought by now you’d be over your jealousy of Samantha. Sydney is hers, not yours. It’s time for you to realize that sweetheart.
He gives her a light slap on the face, then turns and walks away. Nicole shudders a bit and then turns to head home.

DiMera Mansion

Stefano is at the wetbar fixing himself a drink when EJ walks into the room.
Stefano: Oh, Elvis. Good, you’re home. I think we should discuss the custody case. I have some ideas on how to rid us of that ridiculous excuse for a mother, Samantha, and that Hernandez idiot too.
Stefano pours another glass and hands it to EJ.
EJ: Not now, Fatha.
Stefano: What? What is wrong with you? We need to strategize. I do not want Giovanni and Sydney being raised by those nutburgers.
EJ: I almost let the truth slip to Samantha earlier.
Stefano: What? How could you do that?
EJ: Oh, don’t worry it gets worse. Nicole overheard my slip.
Stefano: Oh Dio mio! Elvis, how could you be so careless?
EJ: Well don’t worry! I covered alright! Everything is going to be fine. I will be sure of that. There’s no way Samantha will keep me from my children.
EJ angrily slams his empty glass down on the table and storms out of the room.
Stefano: Hmm, what am I going to do with you Elvis?
Stefano looks thoughtfully at his portrait on the wall. He looks around to make sure no one is around. He walks over to the portrait, swings it open to locate the safe in the wall behind it. He turns the dials and opens the door to the safe. He reaches inside and pulls out a manila envelope, tapping his fingers on it.
Stefano: You’re not the only one keeping a secret, Elvis. You must never know about this. And neither should Katherine.
A voice comes from the doorway, startling Stefano.
Lucas: What secret?
Stefano: Oh, Lucas, you startled me. When did you get back into town?
Stefano hastily closes the safe back up and puts the portrait back into place.
Lucas: Just now. So what are you hiding from my mother this time?
Stefano: Not to worry Lucas. I recently got some poor investment advice and don’t want your mother to worry.
Lucas: Why the hell would she be concerned about that? She runs her own company and has plenty of money of her own. I still don’t get why she married you. Oh, that’s right, you’re protecting her from going to prison for trying to kill my ex-wife.
Stefano: You’re still stuck on that? I love Katherine. She makes me very happy.
Lucas: And you make me sick. So where is my mother? She wanted me to stop by to discuss business.
Just then Kate walks into the living room.
Kate: Oh, Lucas! It’s so wonderful to see you!
She walks over and gives Lucas a big hug. Lucas gives a half-hearted hug back.
Stefano: Well, I’ll leave you two alone to discuss business. Darling, I’ll see you later for dinner.
Kate: I am so glad you stopped by on your way from the airport. I want to discuss something important with you.
Lucas: Yeah, sure, never mind going to see my son and daughter who I haven’t seen since summer. I’d much rather come here to talk business.
Kate: Oh, I won’t keep you long and I know you’re looking forward to seeing Allie and Will. But I think you’re going to like what I have to say.
Lucas: You finally figured out a way to dump Don Corleone?
Kate: Lucas, be serious. No, this is about business. I have been thinking about taking a less active role here at our headquarters in Salem. You’ve done a wonderful job in the Hong Kong office but I think you’d prefer to be here to be closer to your children. So, what do you say?
Lucas: Are you being straight with me? How do I know you’re not going to change your mind again in a couple months or years?
Kate: And here I thought you’d be grateful to have the opportunity to stay here in Salem and raise your children.
Lucas: I just want to be sure there’s no ulterior motive or fine print or something.
Kate: So you’ll head up the Salem division of Hearth and Home?
Lucas: Yes, I’ll do it.
Kate: Excellent! Now, go visit with those two beautiful children of yours and then why don’t you come back here and have dinner with Stefano and me.
Lucas: Let’s not push it, mom. I put up with you because you’re my mother and my boss, but I will not be having any cozy family dinners with the devil and his evil spawn of a son. I don’t trust them. And neither should you.
Kate: I can handle myself around here, Lucas.
Lucas: I know you can. Just be careful. I think Stefano is keeping something from you. And EJ too. I think it’s something big.
Kate: Why would you say that?
Lucas: When I walked in earlier, he was putting something back into the safe over there behind that hideous picture and mumbling about making sure you and EJ didn’t find out about something. He looked really surprised when I walked into the room and made some flimsy excuse as to what he was doing. Maybe we should crack the safe and find out what it is.
Kate has a concerned look on her face but tries to reassure Lucas.
Kate: No. Don’t worry, I’m sure it’s nothing. Go see Allie and Will. We’ll talk tomorrow.
Lucas: Alright. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Lucas turns and walks through the foyer and out the door. Kate paces around the living room. She looks at the portrait of Stefano.
Kate: So what are you keeping from me now, Stefano?

The Pier

It’s late at night, EJ is strolling down at the pier. He stares out towards the river. He thinks back to his argument with Sami earlier and Nicole overhearing.
EJ: I can’t believe I almost let that out. I’ve already got enough to deal with. They can never know about that. Although at this point it would almost serve Samantha right.
He bangs his hand on the railing.
EJ: You stupid idiot! How could you let yourself fall in love with that slut again? Well, she will pay. And that fool Hernandez too. I will not let HIM be a father to MY children.

Nicole’s Apartment

Nicole is lying on her bed watching tv but her mind is very distracted and she can’t stop thinking about her encounter with Sydney earlier in the day. She turns off the tv and pulls out a photo album with pictures of Sydney’s first year of life. She stops on a family photo of her and EJ with Sydney in her lap.
Nicole: Oh, EJ. As much as I loathe you now, I really did want to have a family with you. We were so happy then. I wonder if I’ll ever find that again.
Nicole puts the album away and climbs back into bed and eventually falls asleep. She begins to dream about Sydney. Then she dreams back to that fateful day when she lost her baby.
Click on the link to see what Nicole is remembering. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmvLldoXFZY&feature=related)
All the sudden Nicole wakes up and sits up in her bed.
Nicole: Oh my God! Was that just a dream or did that really happen? Did I really hold my baby after she was born? What if my baby is alive? What am I thinking? This is crazy. Hmmmm. Well, I know exactly who I need to talk to.

[Sparkster]

The Loft

Sami is playing a game with Johnny in the living room.
Sami: Oh, Johnny, you are getting so good at this game. You’re beating me!
Johnny: I know! I used to beat Daddy all the time too.
Sami: Well, he probably just let you win, huh?
Johnny: I miss Daddy.
Sami: Oh, sweetie. I know you do.
Johnny: Is Rafe gonna be my new daddy?
Sami: Well, he’s going to be another daddy to you. Mommy is going to marry Rafe soon and then he will be a daddy to you.
Johnny: But I already have a daddy.
Sami: I know you do, honey. But sometimes people have two daddies or two mommies. Do you know that I have two daddies?
Johnny: Really?
Sami: Uh huh. Grandpa Roman is my dad. But so is Grandpa John because he’s married to my mom.
Johnny: Ohhhhh….I get it.
Johnny gives a little smirk to Sami. Sami laughs. She knows she’s seen that same smirk before…all the sudden there’s a knock at the door. She gets up off the couch and goes to the door. She opens it.
Sami: Oh my God! It’s you!

DiMera Mansion

Kate is pacing around the living room of the mansion. She can’t stop thinking about what Lucas told her about his encounter with Stefano. She eyes the portrait of Stefano on the wall, knowing the safe is behind there, wondering how difficult it would be to break into it.
Kate: Maybe I’m just imagining things. I mean, what could be so big that Stefano is keeping it not only from me but from EJ also? It doesn’t make any sense.
She walks over to the portrait and puts her hand on it, ready to open it. All the sudden she hears a voice behind her.
Stefano: What do you think you’re doing?
Kate: Oh! Darling, you scared me! I was just trying to fix your portrait. It looked crooked.
Stefano: Mm. Yes, well, we have plenty of staff here to handle things of that nature.
Kate: You’re right. So, how was your day?
Stefano: Just fine, darling. I’m sorry Lucas could not join us for dinner last night.
Kate: Yes, well, you know how it is.
Stefano: Are you ok, Katherine? You seem a bit jittery or something.
Kate: Oh, I just have a lot on my mind with the business and getting ready to hand over the reins to Lucas.
Stefano: Are you absolutely sure you want to do that?
Kate: Of course I am. He is fully capable of handling it and I’m looking forward to a semi-retirement.
Stefano: Indeed. Then let’s celebrate.

The Loft

Sami: Oh my God! It’s you!
Lucas: Hi!
Sami: What are you doing here? I didn’t even know you were coming back into town?
Lucas: Well, good to see you too, Sami.
Sami gives Lucas a hug.
Sami: Of course it’s good to see you! It was just a total surprise.
Johnny: Lucas!!
Johnny goes running toward Lucas and gives him a big bear hug.
Lucas: Hey there Johnny! How’s it going, buddy? High five!
Johnny: Are you here to see my sister?
Lucas: I’m here to see everybody. Are they all here? Where’s Allie and Will? And Sydney?
Sami: Well, Will is at school, Allie is playing at her friend’s house, and Sydney is taking a nap.
Lucas: Oh, right, I think I’m still on Hong Kong time.
Johnny: Mommy, can I go play in my room?
Sami: Sure, Johnny.
Lucas: So, how are things going? I heard you and EJ are in for the custody battle of the century.
Sami: Oh, Lucas. It’s horrible. I was able to get a restraining order for awhile but now the hearing is coming up.
Lucas: Shouldn’t you be able to get full custody hands down after what EJ did.
Sami: Under normal circumstances, yes. But you know me, there is no such thing as normal.
Lucas: What have you done now?
Sami: That obvious, huh?
Lucas: You do realize I’m the only person who knows you better than…well, you.
Sami: I know. EJ claims he has evidence that I was the one who tried to kill him.
Lucas: Did you?
Sami: Well, yeah, but…
Lucas: Geez….well, I guess we both got bad aim, huh?
Sami: I know, right. I can’t believe that someone could take a bullet to the head, lie there for hours, barely survive surgery, go into a coma, have the plug pulled, and be perfectly fine a couple weeks later.
Lucas: It’s those damn DiMera’s. They got nine lives or something.
Sami: I just wish I had never met EJ Wells DiMera. I mean, I love Johnny and Sydney but I really wish he wasn’t their father.
Lucas: Well, hopefully you’ve learned your lesson with falling for his crap again.
Sami: Oh, believe me. I will NEVER fall for that bastard ever again. It’s one thing for him to do stuff to me but once my children were put in the crossfire, something just snapped in me. No one messes with my kids and gets away with it.
Lucas: There’s the Sami I know and love. The fighter.
Sami: So you haven’t told me, what are you doing back in Salem?
Lucas: My mother asked me to come back to town to run Hearth and Home here. I just got in last night and would have come over sooner but it was getting late after I spoke to my mother.
Sami: So you’re back for good?
Lucas: Looks that way.
Sami: Oh, Will and Allie will be so happy to have their father back in town. And me too.
Lucas: Thanks, Sami. It’s probably for the best anyway. That way I can keep an eye on Stefano and try to figure out what he’s keeping from my mother.
Sami: What are you talking about?
Lucas: I’m not sure. I walked in on him fiddling with something in his safe over at the mansion and overheard him talking about some secret. I think it’s something big. And it has to do with EJ too.
Sami: EJ? Hmmm….I wonder what that could be about.

Statesville

Nicole shows up at the prison waiting room area and takes a seat on one side of the table. Dr. Baker is ushered in by the guard and he takes a seat across from her.
Dr. Baker: What, did you miss this place so much, you wanted to come back for a visit?
Nicole: Actually I was hoping for a conjugal visit. <sarcasm>
Dr. Baker: Should I be flattered or disgusted?
Nicole: Easy there, Dick, keep your jumpsuit on. I’m actually here on official business.
Dr. Baker: I don’t have any official business and certainly none with you.
Nicole: I need information about my baby.
Dr. Baker: Which one? The one you lost, the one you were planning to pass off as your own, or the one you stole from Sami?
Nicole: I want to know about my baby. The one you say I lost.
Dr. Baker: But you DID lose that baby. It died.
Nicole: SHE died. Or so you say. I was never fully convinced of what happened that day. I remember holding my daughter. What happened? What did you do to her?
Dr. Baker: Your baby was stillborn. You know that.
Nicole: But I remember holding her. I remember her cooing and crying. Where is she? Where is my little girl?
Dr. Baker: Look, lady, you came into the clinic in labor. You gave birth to a dead baby. You were delirious afterwards insisting that you hold your baby. We put the baby in your arms for a moment then took her away to be cremated. You were so distraught after that. We gave you a sedative and then your boyfriend Brady told you what happened. The end.
Nicole: No, I don’t think so. I overheard EJ yesterday telling Sami that Sydney wasn’t even hers. How do you explain that? Are you and EJ in cahoots about this?
Dr. Baker: I don’t know what you’re talking about. And maybe you shouldn’t walk in on other people’s conversations. You probably misunderstood.
Nicole: I know what I heard.
Dr. Baker: You’re reaching out for something that just isn’t there. Get over it.
The guard walks in and tells them time is up. Dr. Baker stands up.
Dr. Baker: See you later. Or never.
Nicole: This isn’t over Dick. I will get to the truth.
Nicole walks out of the room and the guard starts to lead Dr. Baker back to his cell.
Dr. Baker: Wait, I’d like to make a phone call.
Guard: Nope. You’re going back to your cell.
Dr. Baker: Come on, one little call. It’ll take just a couple minutes.
Guard: Not right now. When I return from my lunch break I’ll see if I’m feeling nice enough to allow you that call.
The guard slams the cell door shut and walks off. Dr. Baker starts pacing around his cell.
Dr. Baker: Why are you asking questions now, Nicole? Damn it! I am dead for sure if the truth comes out. I hope that guard gets back soon so I can make that call.
He sits on the bed and waits. Soon he hears the guard’s footsteps coming up. He rushes over to the door.
Guard: Alright, Baker. It’s your lucky day. You got two minutes.
The guard ushers Dr. Baker over to the pay phone. Dr. Baker inserts a quarter and dials a number.
Dr. Baker: Hey, it’s Baker. We got a problem. Nicole is snooping around for answers about her baby.

Outside Brady Pub

EJ is standing outside the Pub when his cell phone rings.
EJ: What?
Dr. Baker: Hey, it’s Baker. We got a problem. Nicole is snooping around for answers about her baby.
EJ: What did you tell her?
Dr. Baker: Nothing
EJ: Well, you had better keep your mouth shut! That lying bitch is to never know the truth, you hear me? Don’t forget about our little arrangement and that I know people in prison who will not think twice about shutting you up for good if necessary!
EJ slams his phone shut and walks away. Nicole slowly comes around the corner having heard everything.
Nicole: You were talking to Baker, EJ, I just know it. You two are keeping a secret you definitely don’t want anyone finding out. But what?
Nicole looks inside the Pub and sees Sami and the kids sitting at a table eating lunch. Sami is trying to get Sydney to eat some broccoli. Sydney is crinkling her little nose and shaking her head, refusing to eat it. Nicole laughs. She remembers her mother telling her how she could never get her to eat her broccoli when she was a toddler and she would make faces too.
Nicole: Oh my God! Could that even be possible? No, come on Nicole, you’re reaching. Lots of kids don’t eat their veggies. There’s no way. Your baby died. Or did she? What if Sydney is really mine? I always kind of thought she looked like me but I just shrugged it off since Sami and I have similar features and EJ was the father to both babies. Hmmmm. I think I know who might be able to help me out with this.
Nicole pulls out her phone and dials a number.
Nicole: Hey, it’s Nicole. I need to see you. Can you meet me at the pier?

DiMera Mansion

EJ is sitting alone in the living room looking at a picture of Sydney.
EJ: I can’t wait to see you again, sweetheart. You and me and your brother will be together again soon. I will keep you from your mother, one way or another.
He thinks back to when he had Sydney at the cabin with Anna. After everything that happened with Sami keeping her pregnancy from him and Nicole lying to him about their baby and then the switch, he knew he couldn’t trust either of them. He wanted to be sure Sydney was really his. He decided to have his own DNA test run on her.
EJ: Hmmm. Those results still boggle my mind a bit.

The Pier

Nicole walks down the steps toward the pier.
Nicole: Oh, good, you’re here.
Rafe: Against my better judgment.
Nicole: I need some information from you.
Rafe: What kind of information?
Nicole: It’s about the DNA test you ran on Sydney.
Rafe: That’s none of your business. You know she’s not yours. Why are you bringing this up now?
Nicole: Well, I’m doing a story about how easy it is to do DNA tests and I thought maybe you could offer a few tips.
Rafe: Like what?
Nicole: Well, for example what did you use to test the DNA? Hair sample, saliva, blood, what?
Rafe: I used one of Sydney’s teething rings and Sami’s toothbrush.
Nicole: Toothbrush? Wow, I never would have thought about that!
Rafe: Right. Are we done here? I need to meet Sami and the kids.
Nicole: Sure. Thanks again for your help.
Rafe walks away heading towards the Pub. The wheels are already starting to turn in Nicole’s head.
Nicole: So I was missing a toothbrush. I always thought I just lost it in my haste to get away from EJ with Sydney. It still doesn’t prove anything. I need more information. I know just who can help me.
She gets out her phone and makes a call.
Nicole: Hey, it’s me. Feel like taking a little road trip?

Statesville

The next day Nicole and Brady arrive at the prison and wait for Dr. Baker to be brought out to the visitor room. Nicole filled Brady in on her theory that Sydney might be hers and the information she has discovered over the last couple of days. Brady wasn’t quite sure if he believed her or not but knew that if EJ or the DiMera’s were involved anything was possible. Nicole was so insistent about it. Plus if Baker knew something they’d have a better chance of getting the information with both of them there. The guard brings Dr. Baker into the room. He rolls his eyes when he sees who is here to visit him.
Dr. Baker: What, you didn’t get enough yesterday and now you brought this bozo with you?
Nicole: Yep. Now sit down, Dick. I need some answers about the day my baby was born.
Dr. Baker: Stillborn. I already told you everything yesterday. Ask him, he was there that day, he knows exactly what happened to your baby.
Brady: No. Actually I don’t. I only know what you told me happened.
Nicole: I had a very interesting conversation with EJ yesterday.
Dr. Baker: Oh? What did that lowlife have to say?
Nicole: Only that my baby didn’t really die and that you would know exactly what happened to her.
Dr. Baker: <laughs> That’s the craziest story I ever heard. Really? He told you that? Come on, sweet cheeks. We both know you’re digging for something that is just not there.
Nicole: I know Sydney is mine.

DiMera Mansion

Stefano: So, what is the latest on the Nicole situation? Is she still digging around?
EJ: I don’t think so. I think I’ve been able to divert her.
Stefano: Are you sure? You know how she gets when she has her mind set on finding the truth. And to be honest, with your track record, I’m not sure I can trust you when you tell me you’ve got it “handled”.
EJ: Don’t worry, Fatha! Right now, I’m more worried about the custody hearing so I can get my kids back.
Stefano: Exactly. Although, given that Samantha is being such a, how do you say, a twit, about custody you have to wonder if maybe it would be a better situation if the truth came out, hmm?
EJ: Believe me, I’ve thought about that. But that would probably just create a new set of problems.
Stefano: Indeed. It’s still hard to believe what went on at that Clinic. That imbecile Baker is lucky he’s in the comforts of prison.
EJ: I know. I should have taken him out when I had the chance for what he did. As long as he keeps his mouth shut he’ll live. I was extremely surprised by the results of the DNA test I ran on Sydney while I had her at the cabin with Anna. I just couldn’t take any chances. With both Nicole and Samantha lying to me about their pregnancies and then the switch and Grace dying, I needed to be sure that she was mine.
Stefano: Yes, of course.
EJ: I still almost can’t believe it. It’s just so bizarre.
Stefano: Are you regretting how you handled things after your discovery?
EJ: Well, at the time Nicole was in prison and I had the stupidity of falling in love with Samantha again. So it seemed perfectly ok to keep things the way they were, so to speak. You know, no reason to tell the truth.
Stefano: And now?
EJ: Now, I’m not so sure.
Stefano: It’s too late to change course. All you’ll accomplish is destroying your custody case even further if you bring to light these facts.
EJ: I understand that, Fatha. It’s a bit of a catch-22 isn’t it?
Stefano: Yes, damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
EJ: At least I don’t have to worry about Johnny. That boy is definitely a DiMera/Brady child.
Stefano nods but has a concerned look on his face…

Statesville

Dr. Baker: Now, I know you’re delusional.
Brady: Quit stalling, Baker. We know that Sydney is Nicole’s daughter. EJ told her everything. You see, Nicole caught him in the lie and he finally broke and admitted it. We know you and EJ have been in on this for awhile now. So spill it. How did it happen? What really happened the day Sydney was born?
Dr. Baker: I can’t believe he told you! I just spoke to him yesterday and he told me to not say anything!
Nicole and Brady look at each other and give each other a little knowing smile. Dr. Baker catches this and starts to realize what happened.
Nicole: Wow, Dick, that was just a little too easy.
Dr. Baker: I don’t know what you’re talking about. I just meant that I, I…uh, I don’t know what you’re talking about!
Nicole: Alright. We got ya. Now, why don’t you calm down and tell us what we need to know. We already figured out that you and EJ have been in on this and that Sydney must really be my daughter. What we need to know now is what really happened that day and has EJ or Stefano been in on this from the beginning?
Dr. Baker: Don’t you realize I’m gonna get killed for telling you this?
Brady grabs Dr. Baker by the collar and gets in his face.
Brady: Not our problem, Baker. Tell Nicole the truth. What happened the day her baby was born?
Dr. Baker: <sighs> Ok. Fine. Here’s the truth. Yes, you went into early labor. Your baby was born prematurely. She was not in very good health initially and I thought for sure she would die so I just thought it would be easier to lead you to believe she was stillborn.
Nicole: How in the hell would it have been easier for me to believe she died!? She was alive! She was MY baby! How could you do this to me?
Dr. Baker: I really didn’t think she would make it. We cared for her at the clinic. She kept getting better and better as the weeks went by. I was nearly at the point of getting ready to broker her and then that girl Sami showed up to the clinic in labor and you showed up with Mia’s baby.
Nicole: Right. I walked into the room with Mia’s baby right after Sami’s baby was born.
Dr. Baker: Yes. Only…
Nicole: Only, what?

[Sparkster]

The Loft

Sami: I can’t believe this custody hearing is only a couple days away.
Rafe: The judge has to rule in your favor. You have the tape of EJ admitting to kidnapping Sydney plus character witnesses. EJ doesn’t have anything. He’s just trying to scare you.
Sami: I know, I just worry about what he might try to do if I get awarded full custody.
Rafe: I’ll protect you.
Sami: And I love you for that. I’m also worried about Johnny and Sydney. Unfortunately they love their father. They’re already asking questions, wondering why they can’t see him.
Rafe: Well, they’ll have me in their life. I’ll love them like they’re my own.
Sami: I know you will. You’ll be a much better father than EJ could ever be. Plus, with Lucas back in town, that will be good for them too. It was so cute yesterday how Johnny just lit up when he saw Lucas. I wish I could get that same enthusiasm out of Sydney towards me.
Rafe: You’re still upset about what happened at the park with Nicole, aren’t you?
Sami: Well, how can I not be? She still has this connection with Sydney that I just can’t seem to break. And poor Sydney is so confused.
Rafe: She’ll come around.
Sami: I hope so. Sometimes I feel like she’s not even related to me.

Statesville

Dr. Baker: That wasn’t Sami’s baby.
Nicole: What do you mean that wasn’t Sami’s baby?
Dr. Baker: Her baby didn’t make it.
Nicole: So then, who’s baby…Oh my God! You were going to give Sami my baby?!
Dr. Baker: Kinda sucks being on the other end of that doesn’t it?
Brady: Hey, don’t be smart, Baker!
Nicole: My baby….Sydney really is my baby.
Dr. Baker: Kind of ironic that day. You were so insistent on switching the babies, giving Sami Mia’s baby and you taking her baby. You actually ended up with your own child, how weird is that? Until you screwed it all up of course.
Nicole: You bastard! I’m gonna kill you!
Nicole stands up and lunges across the table. Brady gets up to hold her back. The guard re-enters the room and starts to lead Dr. Baker away.
Nicole: You’re going to pay for this, Dick!

In the car heading back to Salem

Nicole: What am I going to do Brady? I can’t just march into Sami’s apartment and demand my daughter back. Do you think I should confront EJ about it?
Brady: No, absolutely not. You need to tread very carefully with both Sami and EJ on this given your history with them.
Nicole: You’re right. I need proof.
Brady: How do you think you’re going to go about that? You’ll need a DNA test to prove that Sydney is your daughter.
Nicole: Exactly. And I think I know just how to accomplish that and who can help me.

University Hospital

Nicole and Brady walk up to the nurses’ station. Melanie is standing behind the desk entering some data into the computer. She looks and smiles at Brady but then sees Nicole and rolls her eyes.
Melanie: Hi Brady. What are you doing here with her?
Nicole: Good to see you too Melanie. Is Daniel around?
Melanie: What’s it to you?
Brady: Mel, we don’t have time for games. Is your father here or not?
Melanie: Yes, I’ll have him paged. What’s this about anyway? You guys seem serious.
Nicole: It’s none of your business. Why don’t you page Daniel now?
Melanie pages Daniel and informs Nicole and Brady that he will be there shortly. A few minutes later Daniel walks up.
Daniel: Hey, Brady. Nicole. What can I do for you?
Nicole: Daniel, we’re so glad you’re here. I have something to discuss with you. She eyes Melanie standing nearby looking on intently. Is there someplace private we can talk?
Daniel: Sure, let’s go to the waiting room.
He leads Nicole and Brady into the waiting room and closes the door behind him.
Daniel: So, what’s this about?
Nicole: I was hoping you could run a DNA test.
Daniel: On whom?
Nicole: Sydney.
Daniel: Why? She’s EJ and Sami’s daughter. Why would you need a DNA test for her?
Nicole: I’ve recently come to know some new information that leads me to believe that Sami may not be her mother.
Daniel: What are you talking about? Who do you think is Sydney’s mother?
Nicole: Me.
Daniel laughs a little bit.
Nicole: Don’t laugh. I’m serious.
Brady: Daniel, I think you should listen to her story. It was a little hard for me to believe at first too. Tell him, Nicole.
Nicole recounts to Daniel about overhearing EJ telling Sami that “she’s not even yours”, her visit to Dr. Baker, then overhearing EJ threatening Dr. Baker to keep it secret, then talking to Rafe about the DNA test he ran on Sydney, and finally her and Brady’s confrontation with Dr. Baker and getting the truth out of him.
Daniel: Wow. I don’t even know what to say.
Nicole: Say you’ll help me out and run a test comparing Sydney’s and my DNA.
Daniel: Alright. We’ll need to get a sample from Sydney. How do you plan on going about that?
Nicole: Well, that’s the tricky part. I was hoping maybe the hospital might have some sort of blood sample on hand from Sydney, possibly from one of her visits here.
Daniel: I can check and see if we have anything stored here.
Brady: Great, Daniel. We really appreciate your help and also your discretion.
Daniel: Of course. I’ll check with the lab on Sydney’s DNA sample. In the meantime, Nicole, why don’t you stop and give your own blood sample. I’ll let you know if we run into any issues with Sydney’s sample. Otherwise, I’ll run the test and put a rush on it.
Nicole: Thank you, Daniel. I truly appreciate what you’re doing for me.

DiMera Mansion

Kate walks into the living room.
Kate: Stefano and EJ are out and I gave the staff the night off. Maybe I can crack that safe.
She walks over to the portrait of Stefano, opens it and takes a look at the dial to the safe.
Kate: So, if I were Stefano, what would my combination be? Let’s try Theo, Johnny, and Sydney’s birthdays. Hmmm. No, that’s not it. How about our wedding date? Ah-ha! That’s it!
She takes a final look around and then opens up the safe. She sees a manila envelope inside. She reaches in and pulls it out. She reads aloud what it says on the outside in black marker:
Kate: “Samantha Brady”. Oh, geez, what the hell do I care about anything to do with Sami? Hmmm. But Lucas said he heard Stefano say something about keeping a secret from both EJ and me.
Kate opens up the envelope and inspects the contents.
Kate: Oh my God!! This can’t be true! How could you do this Stefano?

The Loft

Sami is trying to get Johnny to go to bed.
Johnny: No, mommy! I don’t want to go to sleep! I want my daddy!
Sami: Johnny, sweetie, your daddy is not here. It’s really late, way past your bedtime, you need to go to bed.
Johnny: Well, you know what, mommy, you know what?! I don’t have to!
Sami: Why does that sound so familiar? Look, Johnny, let’s talk about your daddy tomorrow, ok? Right now, I just need you to go to sleep.
Sami wraps her arms around Johnny and gently rocks him, thinking about what he just said to her…

DiMera Mansion

Kate is still holding the envelope staring at the paper inside.
Kate: This doesn’t make any sense. Can this be true? It has to be. And it would be so like Stefano to keep something like this from everyone. I need to tread carefully with this. How do I confront him about it? And worse yet, what do I do with this information? This could blow up in my face if I don’t handle this right.
She looks back in the safe and sees a box, slightly hidden by a piece of black fabric, toward the back of the safe.
Kate: I wonder what this is.
She pulls it out and looks inside. There are some receipts, phone records, a few video tapes, a flash drive, a vile of some sort of liquid and other various papers and items.
Kate: Is this what I think it is?
She closes the safe and the puts the portrait back in its place. She sits on the sofa contemplating what to do.
Kate: Well, first of all I need to make some copies of this Sami file for insurance reasons. Then I need to come up with a plan. I need to show Stefano that I now hold the cards. I know exactly what I will do with this information.

The Loft

Sami is sitting in the living room, having finally got Johnny to bed. There’s a knock at the door. She walks over and opens the door. Lucas is standing there with a sleeping Allie in his arms.
Lucas: Hey, Sami. Sorry I’m bringing Allie home so late. She was having such a good time with me and Maggie today. Luckily she fell asleep in the car on the way home.
Sami: That’s ok, I was getting ready to call you. Why don’t you take her into her room and put her to bed.
Lucas goes and puts Allie down and then comes back out into the living room.
Lucas: Where’s Rafe?
Sami: He’s at the pub hanging out with Gabi. I think Will is with them.
Lucas: Alright, I’ll get out of your hair, then.
Sami: No, Lucas. Don’t go. Stay. We can chat and catch up some more. Can I get you some water or a soda or something?
Lucas: Sure, soda sounds great. You ok? You seem a little…off. Is this about EJ and the hearing?
Sami: Kinda. I’m worried about Johnny. He’s really missing EJ and wondering why he can’t see him. I feel bad having to lie to him about it. Tonight, he had a fit when I was trying to put him to bed.
Lucas: Poor little guy. I wish there was something I could do to help.
Sami: Just being here helps. And you being a part of Johnny’s life is important to me too, especially since you’re back in Salem. I mean, he has Rafe to look up to, too. But you’re Allie’s dad and I know Johnny loves you too.
Lucas: He’s a great kid. I know he misses his dad but I think he’ll be better off not having much contact with EJ. That guy doesn’t deserve to live, much less be a father.
Sami: Don’t I know it. I wish you had been Johnny’s dad. It’s weird though.
Lucas: Weird, how?
Sami: Johnny has been saying things lately that remind me of you. Even some of his mannerisms are like yours. It’s surreal.
Lucas: Ha! Well, that’s a good thing right? Wouldn’t you rather he act like me than EJ?

University Hospital

Maxine: Dr. Jonas, the lab just brought this up for you. They said it was urgent and extremely sensitive information.
Daniel: Yes, thanks, Maxine.
Daniel takes the envelope from Maxine and holds it in his hands for a moment.
Daniel: Well, I hope this gives you the answers you’re looking for, Nicole. That’s some crazy story you told me. I’d hate for you to be let down after all that.
He opens the envelope and pulls out the lab paperwork. He stares at the results.
Daniel: Oh, my God. I don’t believe it.

The Pier

Nicole is walking along the pier thinking about Sydney. She stares at her phone wondering why she hasn’t heard from Daniel yet about the DNA test.
Nicole: Come on, Daniel. Call me. God! Why won’t you call?!
Brady: Hey, is everything all right?
Nicole: Oh, Brady. I’m so glad you’re here. I’m waiting for Daniel’s call and it’s driving me crazy.
Nicole’s phone starts ringing.
Nicole: Hello?
Daniel: Nicole, it’s Daniel.
Nicole: I know who it is! Just tell me, did you get the test results back.
Daniel: Yes, I did. Can you come to the hospital right away?
Nicole: We’ll be right there.

University Hospital

Nicole and Brady come rushing into the hospital. Daniel walks over and ushers them off to the side. He has the envelope in his hand. He hands it to Nicole.
Daniel: I think you should take a look at this.
Nicole: What? Can’t you just tell me?!
Nicole hurriedly opens the envelope and pulls out the paper and begins to read the results.
Nicole: With 99.98% certainty, sample A, Nicole DiMera is a match to sample B, Sydney DiMera. Sample A is confirmed to be the biological mother to sample B. Oh, my God. I think I need to sit down.
Brady helps Nicole to a chair. Daniel comes over with a cup of water and hands it to her.
Daniel: I didn’t want to believe you when you first came to me about this. I was pretty shocked at the results to be honest. I’m glad I was wrong.
Nicole: Well, I’ve been known to make up stories and embellish a bit. But, wow…I was actually right about this one. I almost can’t believe it myself. She’s mine. She’s really my daughter.
Daniel: She is. Now, go find your little girl.
Brady: Thank you, Daniel. I knew we could count on your help.
Daniel: You bet.
Daniel turns around and walks away. Nicole, still staring at the test results, starts to cry. Brady sits down next to her and puts his arms around her.
Brady: Shhhh…it’s ok. Those are happy tears, right? Isn’t this amazing? Sydney really is your daughter.
Nicole: How could I have not known that she was mine? I’m a horrible mother. I should have known from the beginning. I should have known.
Nicole continues to sob in Brady’s arms.
Brady: Oh, sweetie. I’m so sorry. But you know what? I bet if you look back, you probably did know deep in your heart that she was yours. You and Sydney have always had a connection even after you lost her to Sami. But you had no way of knowing that you were being deceived by Baker and EJ. None of that matters now. You have the proof you need to get her back.
Nicole: But is it enough?
Brady: What do you mean? You have biological proof that Sydney is your daughter.
Nicole: But what about legal proof? This whole thing is such a mess. Sami is going to be devastated. Losing another child that isn’t really hers and finding out that her actual child did indeed die.
Brady: I know. I hate to see my sister mourn another child but she needs to know the truth.
Nicole: Plus, there’s EJ. How do I compete with him in court for custody? He knows every dirty trick in the book, thinks he’s above the law, and come on, let’s face it, once he gets wind of this he is not going to just lay down and take it. He’s already proven that he’s willing to take off with his kids if his back’s against the wall. What am I going to do, Brady? I need my little girl.
Brady: I’ve got an idea. Come on, let’s get out of here.

Kiriakis Mansion

Justin walks into the living room. Nicole and Brady are sitting on the sofa.
Brady: Justin, thanks for getting here so quickly.
Justin: Sure, Brady. It sounded urgent. What’s going on? Are you in some sort of trouble?
Brady: Not exactly. Nicole is actually the one that needs your help.
Justin: Ok. What can I do for you?
Nicole: I need you to represent me in a custody case.
Justin: Custody? As far as I know you don’t have any children, and didn’t Pookie die?
Brady: This is serious, Justin.
Nicole: It turns out that Sydney is really my daughter. And I need your help in getting her back.
Justin: I’m going to need a little more information.
Nicole hands him the DNA test. Justin’s eyebrows raise a bit as he looks it over.
Justin: What have you done so far? Have you informed Sami?
Nicole: No, we just came from the hospital. The three of us and Daniel are the only ones who know this test has been done. But there’s more to the story.
Justin: Alright, I’m listening.
Nicole and Brady fill Justin in on everything.
Justin: Wow, that really is amazing. I think I can help you. We’re definitely going to have a legal battle on our hands here. But hopefully we can try to nail EJ for his culpability in keeping this information from you. It will be difficult to prove though. And I doubt Dr. Baker is going to be willing to admit to anything in court. We may need to bring Bo in on this as well from an investigative standpoint but we’ll cross that when we get there. So, EJ has no idea that you know the truth?
Nicole: No, not exactly. He knows that I have been fishing for information.
Justin: Ok, here’s what I think we should do. I’m going to petition for an immediate hearing. It’s tricky because there’s already a custody trial for Sydney, between EJ and Sami. However, it could actually work in our favor. EJ already has a lot working against him with his kidnapping of Sydney and faking her death. And if we can prove or even hint that EJ has known for many months the true maternity of Sydney, it is possible a judge would revoke EJ’s parental rights.
Nicole: Do you think I could get full custody?
Justin: I can’t honestly say. Let’s just take it one step at a time.
Nicole: I just want my little girl back.

DiMera Mansion

Kate is fixing herself a drink at the wetbar and recalling finding the envelope in the safe. Stefano comes in, walks up to her and leans in to kiss her on the cheek.
Stefano: Oh, Katherine, lovely to see you. A little early in the day for a drink, eh?
Kate: Save the pleasantries, Stefano.
Stefano: Excuse me. What is wrong, darling?
Kate: I know about your dirty little secret.
Stefano: Surely, I don’t know what you mean.
Kate: Oh, I think you know exactly what I mean.
Stefano: Sounds like I’ll need a drink for this.
He goes over to the bar and pours a drink.
Stefano: Come, let’s sit down and talk about what’s got you so upset, Katherine.
Kate: I found some interesting information recently.
Stefano: Oh?
Kate: Something that could drastically change many lives, most notably your son’s.
Stefano: What are you trying to say?
Kate: I know all about the big secret you have been keeping from EJ all these years.
Stefano: What do you think you know, Kate?
Kate: You know, you really ought to have a better hiding place for secrets of that kind of magnitude. Or at least come up with a better combination for the lock, although I appreciate the sentiment you feel about our wedding day.
Stefano glances over at his portrait, realizing what Kate is talking about.
Stefano: Alright, enough dancing around this. You know what I have been keeping from Elvis. What do you plan to do about it?
Kate: What do I plan to do about it?! Are you serious?! I plan on blowing you out of the water, that’s what!
Stefano: Don’t forget about our little deal, Katherine. If you tell anyone about this, I will have no problem turning over evidence to the police proving that you tried to murder your former daughter-in-law.
Kate smiles an evil little grin at Stefano.
Kate: Oh, no. See, that’s where you’re wrong, my dear. Did you think that I would not find that in your silly little safe too? You really should hide these types of things better. My, my, my. You DiMera’s have really been slipping lately with guarding secrets and the security at this house.
Stefano: What do you plan to do?
Kate: Well, I know the first thing I’m going to do is file for divorce since I now have no reason to stay in this sham of a marriage. And then I’m going to blow this secret wide open!
Stefano: Are you threatening me?! Do not forget who I am. I am Stefano DiMera and you would be wise not to cross me or my family.
Kate: Family?! You claim to be so protective of family. What about MY family and what this secret means to THEM?! But it’s only about YOUR family, right Stefano? Have you even stopped to think about what this will do to EJ? He is going to be devastated!
EJ has walked into the room.
EJ: Devastated about what?

[Sparkster]

DiMera Mansion

Stefano: Not to worry, son. Katherine and I were just having an argument about something.
Kate: Oh, no! You are not getting away with this, Stefano! Tell EJ the truth! Tell him!!
EJ: What the hell is going on?
Kate: Your father has been playing God with your life.
EJ: Fatha, what is she talking about?
Stefano: Oh, my son. I hope you can forgive me. I only did this because I love you.
EJ: Did what? What have you done? Will someone please tell me what the hell is going on here?!
Kate: I’ll let your father explain. I’m out of here.
Kate leaves the room. EJ glares at Stefano.
EJ: What have you done Fatha?
Stefano: Elvis, please try to understand-
EJ: Tell me damn it! What did you do?!
Stefano: It concerns Giovanni.

Kiriakis Mansion

Justin: Alright. All the paperwork has been filed. The judge is aware of the new facts being brought into the case of custody of Sydney DiMera. What we need to do now is schedule a meeting right away between you, EJ, and Sami. I think it would be better to have a face to face meeting than to have a surprise outburst in court.
Nicole: Are you sure? EJ is going to go ballistic when he finds out. What if he does something crazy like try to take Sydney and leave the country?
Justin: Well, he currently has a restraining order against him and suspension of custody. Sydney is currently in Sami’s custody so I don’t think we need to worry about that.
Brady: I’d like to be there too. My sister is going to be devastated.
Nicole: I know. There’s no love lost between me and Sami but I understand the pain she’s about to feel.
Brady: I’ll call Sami and EJ and have them meet us.

DiMera Mansion

EJ: What about my son? What have you done to him?
Stefano: Nothing. It’s what I did for you several years ago.
EJ: What you did for me? Just spit it out, Fatha!
Stefano: Giovanni is not your son.
EJ: <laughs> Nice try, Fatha. Johnny is every bit the DiMera. Why on earth would you say something like that?
Stefano: Because it’s true.
EJ: Did Kate put you up to this? Is this some disgusting game that you two are playing? Johnny is MY son!
Stefano: No. Unfortunately he is not biologically yours. I altered the DNA test to show that Giovanni was yours. Katherine somehow got her hands on the proof. I’m not sure what she is going to do with it yet. We may be able to contain this if we can stop her from telling anyone.
EJ: You just informed me that the boy that I have been raising as my son the past four years is not my flesh and blood and you’re worried about how to contain the secret?! How could you do this to me Fatha?! Why?!
Stefano: Elvis, please, try to understand. You are very much that boy’s father. He is my grandson. I had hoped that both children would be yours, or at least one, but the DNA proved that Lucas was the father to both babies. I was not about to let Samantha get away with it. I just wanted more grandchildren.
EJ: No, you just wanted more pawns in your sick and twisted game! You only brought me here to Salem to plant the DiMera seed in Samantha Brady!
Stefano: Which you failed to do.
EJ: Oh shut up! It was just all a part of your ridiculous vendetta against the Brady’s. I was just part of your little game. You wanted me to plant my seed so you could just stick it them. And when that failed you figured you could still get your revenge by making them think they share a child with the DiMera’s. You truly are sick!
Stefano: Isn’t that exactly what you are doing with Sydney?

The Cheatin’ Heart

EJ is drowning his sorrows at the bar. He had to get out of the mansion after his confrontation with Stefano. He was still trying to process the information he learned today. He knew it was only a matter of time before Kate told Lucas. Fatha was wrong, there’s no way to contain this.
EJ: Not unless someone kills that bitch. <laughs> That could be arranged. Oh, God. What am I going to do? Samantha is just going to have a field day with this one. Well, at least there’s still Sydney. I may need to play that trump card now since Johnny is not my son.
EJ’s cell phone rings.
EJ: What the hell do you want?
Brady: Well, hello to you too EJ.
EJ: What is it Brady?
Brady: I need you down at the Pier in an hour.
EJ: For what?
Brady: It’s about the custody hearing. Sami would like to broker a deal.
EJ: The hearing is tomorrow.
Brady: I know. She’s hoping maybe you can settle things without the courts.
EJ: Fine. I’ll be there.
EJ gulps down the rest of his drink and bangs on the bar asking for another.
EJ: What are you up to Samantha? I wonder if she knows about Johnny yet. Hmmm. I may need to get myself a little insurance.
He finishes his drink and stumbles out of the bar. He stops at his car and gets something out of the glove compartment. He puts it in his pocket and starts walking toward the Pier.

The Pier

Nicole: Oh, Brady, I’m so nervous. What if they don’t believe us?
Brady: They have to. Justin will be here as your legal consult and I’ve asked Daniel to come down too to verify the DNA test. Don’t worry. I’m here for you.
Nicole: Thank you so much for everything you’re doing to help me. I don’t know if I could have gotten through today without you.
Brady: I’m always going to be here for you. And for Sydney.
Sami: What about Sydney?
Brady: Oh, hi Sami. I’m glad you’re here.
Sami: What is this all about? And what the hell is she doing here?
Just then Justin and Daniel arrive.
Sami: Will someone tell me what the heck is going on here? Brady, why are Justin and Daniel here?
EJ: That’s what I would like to know.
They all turn around and look at EJ.
EJ: Brady, why is that here? <pointing at Nicole> You said Samantha wanted to make a deal.
Sami: What?! I said no such thing! Brady, why did you tell him that?
Brady: I needed to get you both here so I kinda made some stuff up.
Sami: This is ridiculous. I’m out of here. I don’t know what you’re trying to pull here Brady, but I’m not sticking around to find out.
Nicole: Oh, yes you will, Sami. You’re going to want to hear what I have to say. It concerns Sydney.
EJ’s eyes start to widen a bit and he glares at Nicole.
Sami: MY daughter is none of your concern, Nicole. You can’t seem to get that through your head! She’s not yours, never was, never will be! Get over it!
Nicole: That’s where you’re wrong, Sami. Sydney is very much MY daughter.
EJ’s mouth is agape. Sami starts to laugh.
Sami: Wow, you’ve really lost it, haven’t you? I guess I’ll have to add you to my restraining order lists.
Brady: She’s telling the truth, Sami.
Sami: You actually believe this liar?! Brady what is wrong with you?
Brady: Sami, I’m really sorry to have to tell you this. But Sydney isn’t your daughter. She’s Nicole’s.
Sami: That’s impossible. Her baby died. Then she stole my baby and passed it off as her own.
Nicole: That’s what we thought happened. It turns out my baby didn’t die. I thought that Sydney was yours when I took her. It turns out Dr. Baker was pulling one over on both of us. I started having some suspicions recently so Brady and I confronted Dr. Baker about it. He admitted the truth. I had a DNA test run between me and Sydney. Daniel?
Daniel: I ran the test comparing Sydney’s and Nicole’s DNA. There is no doubt that they match. Nicole is indeed Sydney’s mother. I’m so sorry, Sami.
He hands Sami the paper with the DNA results on it.
Sami: No. That’s not possible. Rafe ran a test on her a long time ago. It came back positive for me and Sydney. How do you explain that?
Nicole: I actually spoke to Rafe about the test because that had me confused too. The reason it came back a match was because he tested my toothbrush to Sydney’s teething ring. He thought he was testing yours.
Sami: Oh my God. That’s when you were staying with me.
Nicole: Exactly.
Sami: I think I need to sit down.
Brady goes over and helps Sami onto the bench. He puts his arm around her.
Sami: So, um, then that means that Grace really was mine, right? Oh my God. My baby.
Brady: Um, well, actually…oh, Sami, I am so sorry. No, Grace was Mia and Chad’s baby. Due to the complications with your birth, your baby died when she was born. I am so sorry.
Sami begins crying as Brady tries to comfort her.
Sami: This can’t be happening. I feel like I just got my little girl back and now I’m losing her all over again.
Nicole: Sami, I understand that you hate me right now-
Sami: No, not just right now. Try all the time! She glances over at EJ. You’re awfully quiet over there. Why haven’t you said anything?
Nicole: Because he already knew that Sydney was mine, didn’t ya, EJ?
Sami: You knew about this?!
EJ: You bitch. You just couldn’t leave it alone, could you Nicole?
Nicole: Leave it alone? Are you kidding me?! You’ve known about this for God knows how long and you were content to have Sami go on believing that Sydney was hers and keeping me from my daughter. Well, not anymore, EJ! I will be taking you to court and I assure you I will get full custody. There’s no way I am going to let you keep her from me any longer.
EJ: No way! You are not taking my daughter from me! I will not allow you to do that! She is MINE! I will not have another child taken away from me, do you hear me?
Sami: Face it EJ, you’re going to lose both of your kids. You are a despicable excuse for a human being much less a father. There is no way you’re going to get any kind of custody of Johnny!
EJ: Don’t you get it?! This is all YOUR fault! I am losing everything and it’s all because of YOU!
Rafe has come around the corner with Johnny.
Sami: MY fault?! You are the one who kidnapped Sydney! You are the one who has constantly lied and manipulated to get what you want! You are the one who has done this to yourself!
EJ: Don’t you get it? It all comes down to you Samantha Brady. And now I know what to do about it.
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a gun.
Brady: EJ, what the hell are you doing? Put the gun down!
EJ: Goodbye Samantha.
Johnny goes taking off toward EJ.
Rafe: Oh my God!
Lucas comes around the other corner, sees EJ pointing the gun at Sami and goes running up behind EJ, knocking him to the ground. A shot is fired.
Lucas looks up to see what happened.
Lucas: Oh God, no!
Sami: <shreaking> Johnny! Oh my God! Johnny, no, no, no!
Johnny is lying on the ground, unconscious, not moving, with blood starting to pool underneath him. Sami and Rafe are kneeling beside him. Daniel runs over and starts tending to him. Justin takes out his cell phone and dials 911. Brady goes over to help Lucas keep EJ on the ground. Nicole goes over and kicks the gun out of EJ’s reach.
Sami: Oh my God, Johnny, hold on, baby! Hold on! You’re going to be ok! She turns toward EJ. You bastard!! Look what you did! You shot Johnny!
Sami gets up and starts taking off towards EJ. Rafe reaches up and grabs a hold of her.
Rafe: No, Sami, don’t! Come on, let’s just worry about Johnny right now. I hear the sirens, the ambulance will be here soon.
Sami: I hate you EJ! You are going to die for this! You shot my son! Oh Johnny!
She starts crying hysterically, falling to the ground.
Lucas: Oh my God! This is all my fault. Damn it, EJ! You shot your own son!
Brady has EJ pinned to the ground. He starts laughing maniacally.
Lucas: You think this is funny?! You really are sick, you know that? You shot your own son! Have you gone mad?!
EJ: You just had to intervene, didn’t you, Lucas. Be the hero. Hahaha! You have no idea what you’ve done. You may have just killed your-
Just then the cops and paramedics come rushing to the scene. The paramedics immediately start working on Johnny, getting him onto a stretcher. Daniel is on his cell phone calling the hospital to get an OR ready and to have several pints of blood on standby. The cops slap cuffs on EJ and begin to read him his rights.
Lucas: <talking to himself> What the hell is he talking about? What a freaking lunatic.
Bo walks up, looking around the scene.
Bo: I just got the call. Something about a shooting. What the hell happened?
Justin: EJ pulled a gun. He was aiming for Sami but Lucas tried to knock him down. A shot was fired anyway.
Bo: Who got shot?
Lucas: Johnny. Oh my God. This is all my fault.
Brady: No, Lucas. Don’t do that to yourself. You were trying to stop EJ.
Bo: Oh, man. Sami has got to be beside herself. Alright. We’re going to need to get all your statements.
Nicole, Brady, Lucas, and Justin all give their statements to the officer as Johnny is loaded into the ambulance. Sami, Rafe and Daniel all get in and head to the hospital.

University Hospital

Johnny is wheeled in on a gurney and immediately taken into surgery. Sami is pacing around the waiting area. Roman walks in. Sami runs over and throws herself in his arms.
Sami: Oh, Daddy! I’m so glad you are here.
Roman: Oh, sweetheart. I am so sorry. Bo called me from the scene. EJ is currently sitting in a jail cell. That son of a bitch ain’t going anywhere and he’s going to pay bigtime for this.
Sami: He was aiming for me. I should be the one in the OR right now. Or maybe in a body bag.
Roman: Hey, hey, hey. Don’t you dare talk like that, alright? Johnny is going to be ok, you have to believe that.
Daniel comes walking out of the OR and into the waiting room. Sami rushes over to him.
Sami: Daniel, how’s Johnny? Is he ok? Were you able to remove the bullet?
Daniel: We’ve been able to stabilize him for now. But he’s lost a lot of blood. He’s still going to be critical until we can transfuse him. He seems to have a relatively rare marker in his blood typing making it difficult for us to replace that blood.
Kate has walked up.
Sami: So what are you saying? I’ll give you blood, whatever you need. Just save my little boy.
Daniel: Our best chance is blood from a parent or full sibling. We’ll keep checking the local supply of blood here in town. We may find a match that way from a non-relative but it’s not as likely. We’ll need you to get tested right away.
Sami: Of course. I’ll go right now.
Rafe: Me too. Come on, let’s go down to the lab.
Lucas and Will walk in. They spot Roman and Kate.
Lucas: What’s going on? How’s Johnny? He’s going to be ok, right?
Roman: They’re trying to stabilize him but he needs blood. He apparently has a rare marker making the transfusion difficult. Sami and Rafe just headed down to the lab to give blood. I need to head to the station and see about getting a blood sample from EJ.
Will: What?! He tried to kill my mother and brother. Do you really think he’s going to be able to save Johnny now? That bastard deserves to die! I’ll kill him myself if I have to!
Lucas: Come on, Will. Calm down. If EJ’s blood can help save Johnny’s life then that’s a good thing.
Will: Leave me alone! I need some air.
Kate: Let him go. He needs to blow off some steam. He’ll calm down. How are you doing? Are you alright?
Lucas: No, mom, I’m not alright. Because of me Johnny was shot.
Kate: Don’t say that Lucas. You were trying to stop EJ from shooting someone.
Lucas: I just feel so helpless, like there’s nothing I can do.
Kate: Maybe there is something you can do.
Lucas: Like what, go back to China?
Kate: Why don’t you go down to the lab and give some blood.
Lucas: What’s the point? We’re not related.
Kate: Well, you never know. Daniel said that everyone should give blood because there’s always a chance a non-relative could be a match. Maybe you could be that match, help save Johnny’s life.
Lucas: Alright, fine. I’ll go give blood.
Later on, Sami and Rafe are sitting in the waiting room. Will is pacing back and forth. Kate and Lucas are off to the side talking. Roman comes walking back into the room.
Sami: Daddy, did you get blood from EJ?
Roman: No, Sami, I did not. Seems the bastard is unwilling to offer his help to save his own son.
Sami: I swear to God, if anything happens to Johnny I will personally go down to that jail and kill EJ with my bare hands.
Daniel comes walking through the OR doors as several nurses wheel Johnny into one of the rooms.
Sami: Daniel, is he ok? Can I see him?
Daniel: We were able to remove the bullet and we found a good match for blood so we were able to stabilize him.
Sami: Oh thank God. So you only needed my blood, since EJ was unwilling to give his.
Daniel: Well, actually, no, Sami, it wasn’t your blood that saved Johnny’s life. It was Lucas’.
Lucas: What? Really? How is that possible?
Kate: Because he’s your son.
Everyone whips their heads around and stares at Kate.
Lucas: What did you just say?
Kate: Johnny, he’s your son. Not EJ’s.
Sami: Oh my God. I think I’m going to faint.
Lucas: Where is this coming from, mom? What the hell are you trying to pull?
Kate: It’s the truth.
Lucas: How long have you known about this?
Kate: I just found out. It was all Stefano’s doing. He altered the DNA tests done on the twins shortly after they were born. It was all part of his twisted plan against the Brady’s. He had hoped that one or both of the twins were really EJ’s but when that turned out not to be true he switched the results.
Roman: That son of a bitch! So, EJ must know about this, since he was unwilling to give his blood.
Kate: Yes, he just found out earlier today. He must have gone out on a drinking binge and then showed up to the pier with a gun.
Lucas: It all makes sense now.
Kate: What makes sense?
Lucas: Earlier. After I tackled EJ to the ground he was laughing like he had gone completely mad and mumbled something about if I knew what I had just done and that I may have just killed my…and then he trailed off. He must have been talking about Johnny being my son. I can’t believe it.
Daniel: Would you guys like to see him?
Sami: Yes, of course.
She turns to Lucas and gives him a smile through a few tears.
Sami: Let’s go see our son.
Lucas puts his arm around Sami and they head into Johnny’s hospital room.

[Sparkster]

University Hospital

It’s the next morning. Sami and Lucas stayed in Johnny’s room all night waiting for him to wake up. Lucas has just walked back into the room with a cup of coffee for Sami as she is groggily waking up after sleeping the chair next to the bed.
Lucas: Here ya go. I thought you might need some coffee.
Sami: Thanks Lucas.
She looks down tenderly at Johnny sleeping and gently takes his little hand in hers.
Sami: I was hoping when I woke up this would all just be a nightmare.
Lucas: Oh, Sami. I’m so sorry. I still feel so guilty about Johnny getting shot. I hope you can forgive me. I hope Johnny can forgive me.
Sami: Lucas, stop doing this to yourself. You were trying to protect me. You had no way of knowing Johnny would be the one to take the bullet. And Daniel says he’s going to be fine. The only one to blame here is EJ.
Johnny starts to stir a little bit.
Johnny: <barely whispering> Daddy…
Lucas: Hey buddy. Your mommy and I are right here. It’s going to be ok, alright?
Johnny: What happened?
Sami exchanges a nervous glance with Lucas.
Sami: Um, well, Johnny, there was, uh, an accident and, uh…
Lucas: Don’t worry about that right now, big guy, ok? We’ll talk about it later. Right now, you just need to get some rest, ok?
Johnny: Ok. Where’s Nigel?
Lucas looks perplexed. Sami smiles.
Sami: I’ll have Rafe bring your favorite penguin for you. Now, get some sleep. We’ll be back in a little while.
Roman is waiting outside Johnny’s hospital room when Sami and Lucas come out.
Roman: How’s Johnny doing?
Sami: Pretty good all things considered.
Lucas: I’m just so thankful he’s going to be ok.
Sami: All because of you.
Lucas: Right. And we may have never known if those damn DiMera’s had their way. Any updates on that situation, Roman?
Roman: Well, actually yes, I do have an update for you.

Courthouse

Nicole and Justin are seated at the front of the courtroom awaiting the judge to make a ruling in the custody case for Sydney. Brady is sitting directly behind Nicole. The judge walks back into the room and takes a seat at the bench.
Judge: In light of the new evidence presented in the case of custody of Sydney DiMera, I hereby grant full custody to Nicole DiMera. It is my recommendation that Sydney be given back to her mother immediately. Also, due to the legal issues of the father, Elvis DiMera, I hereby revoke all of his parental rights indefinitely. This court is adjourned.
Nicole stands up, turns around and gives Brady a tearful embrace.
Nicole: This is it! It’s finally over. I can finally get my little girl back! Thank you so much Justin. This means so much to me.
Justin: Glad I could help.
Just then the courtroom doors open and Caroline comes walking in with Sydney. Sydney lets go of her hand and goes trotting down the aisle toward Nicole.
Sydney: Mommy!
Nicole: Oh my baby!
Nicole scoops her up in her arms and twirls her around.
Nicole: Thank you Caroline. I know this is really difficult for your family. I appreciate you doing this.
Caroline: Well, this isn’t easy, you know. Just promise me you’ll take good care of her.
Nicole: I’ll guard her with my life.
Caroline: And if it’s not too much trouble…
Nicole: What?
Caroline: Do you think we can see her from time to time?
Nicole: Of course you can. We all love Sydney. That’s never going to change. We’re just more of an extended family now.
Caroline smiles, tells Nicole thank you, and hugs Sydney goodbye. Nicole turns to Brady and smiles as she cradles her daughter in her arms.
Brady: Well, should we head home?
Nicole: Home?
Brady: Well you can’t take Syd back to that rinky-dink one room apartment. I want you both to come back to the mansion with me.
Nicole: Really? I wonder what Victor will have to say about that.
Brady: Who cares? I’ll have Henderson start getting things ready. We’re going to need lots of stuff, huh Sydney?
Sydney: Yeah!
Nicole: Aww, Brady. I love you so much.
Brady: I love you too. Now let’s get this little girl home.
Nicole: Ok. But there’s something I want to do first.

University Hospital

Sami: So, Dad, are you able to nail Stefano with altering the paternity test? What about EJ?
Roman: Well, unfortunately all we have to go on is that Stefano had a piece of paper stating that Lucas is Johnny’s father. We don’t really have anything to implicate him in the actual alteration of the test.
Sami: Dad, come on, you know Stefano changed those results for his own sadistic purposes.
Roman: I do know that Sami. Unfortunately we just can’t prove that right now. However, I do have some good news regarding EJ.
Lucas: Please tell me that bastard is going away for a very long time.
Roman: On top of the air tight case we have against him with the shooting and then him kidnapping Sydney, we’ve had some new evidence come to light.
Sami: What kind of evidence?
Roman: It seems EJ was recognized by someone in jail as the ring leader of the Salem drug ring. He’s willing to testify against EJ and turn over quite a bit of evidence in the case in exchange for protection. I think we’ve got EJ this time.
Sami: Oh, Daddy, you don’t know how good it feels to hear that. I still wish we could get something on Stefano.
Roman: Me too. I’ve spent a good part of my life wanting that bastard dead.
Lucas: He’s got to slip up sometime.
Roman: Let’s hope so.

DiMera Mansion

Stefano is blasting one of his lawyers on the phone.
Stefano: What?! How is that possible? Salem Drug Lord? Oh Dio mio… damn you Elvis! So what are you saying? He will not be getting bail? Do they know who I am? I am Stefano DiMera, damn it! I can afford any price they set. Just get my son out of jail, NOW!
He slams down the phone and then throws it across the room.
Stefano: Damn it, Elvis! Why do I constantly have to clean up after you?! You idiot! What the hell were you thinking showing up at that pier with a gun? Now, my grandchildren have been taken from me, Katherine has left me, you are in prison. Hmm. What to do. It’s all because of those filthy Brady’s. Well, I’ll show them. No one takes on Stefano DiMera and lives to tell about it. I know exactly what I have to do.

University Hospital

Sami: Hey, I just got off the phone with Rafe. He’s going to bring Will and Allie up here later to see Johnny now that he’s feeling better.
Lucas: Yeah, he’s really improved a lot since this morning. He’s a tough kid.
Sami: Takes after his dad.
Lucas: That’s going to take some getting used to.
Sami: <sighs> How are we going to explain all this to Johnny? You heard me earlier. I couldn’t even come up with a reason that he would understand as to why he’s here in the hospital. I was so glad when you jumped in and covered for me.
Lucas: I’m always going to be here for you. And our kids. All three of them. We’ll figure this out together, ok?
Sami: <smiling> Thanks, Lucas. She hugs him. You always know the exact thing I need to hear.
Just then, Rafe, Will, and Allie come around the corner.
Sami: Hey, I thought you guys were coming up later!
Rafe: They wanted to see their brother.
Allie: Can I see Johnny?
Lucas: You sure can, sweetie.
Allie: What about Sydney? Where is she?
Sami: Oh, Allie, um, Sydney is, uh…
Nicole: Right here.
Nicole, Brady, and Sydney have all walked up.
Sami: Oh, Sydney… Nicole, what are you doing here?
Nicole: We just came from the courthouse. I’m sure you’ve talked to Caroline.
Sami: Yeah. So, what? You wanted to come down here and rub it in?
Nicole: No, not at all. I wanted to offer an olive branch. Sydney obviously still considers Will, Johnny, and Allie her siblings. I was hoping for the kids’ sakes we could put aside our animosity so that they can continue their relationship. Plus, Sydney loves you and I’d like you to still be a part of her life.
Sami: Really? You’d do that? <starting to tear up> I don’t know what to say. I guess I just thought after everything that’s happened and our history you would try to keep her from me.
She kneels down to Sydney’s level.
Sami: Hi Sydney. It’s so good to see you. Would you like to go see Johnny?
Sydney: Ok.
Sydney takes Allie’s and Will’s hands and they walk together toward Johnny’s hospital room.
Sami: Thank you Nicole. This really means a lot to me.
Sami and Nicole somewhat awkwardly embrace in a hug.

Kiriakis Mansion

Later that night Nicole and Brady are back at the mansion having gotten Sydney all settled in. Nicole comes down the stairs and into the living room where Brady is waiting for her.
Nicole: Oh, my goodness, Brady. Sydney is so excited about her new room here. She said she’s never seen so many stuffed animals. She wanted to start naming them all but I told her to pick her favorite two to take with her to bed. She picked a duck named Quacker, only when she says it, it sounds like “Cracker”; and a dog named Sparky which sounds like “Barky”. <laughing>
Brady: <smiling> God, you’re beautiful.
He hands her a glass of champagne.
Brady: Just listening to you and watching you as you talk about Sydney…I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this happy.
Nicole: That’s because I’ve never been this happy before. I couldn’t have done this without you. I love you Brady Black.
They clink champagne glasses and take a long sip.
Brady: I love you, Nicole. I’m so happy you have your daughter back and I’m glad you moved into the mansion. I hope it’s long term.
Nicole: Long term? What are you trying to say Brady?
Brady: I’m saying I want you and Sydney to stay here and for us to be a family.
Nicole: Oh, Brady…
Brady: I mean like a real family…I want to be Sydney’s daddy, and I want to do it the right way, so…
He reaches into his pocket, pulls out a little box, takes Nicole’s hand, and goes down on one knee.
Brady: Nicole Walker, will you marry me?
Nicole: Oh my God! Yes, yes, YES!!
Brady puts an exquisite sparking ring on her finger. Nicole admires it for a second then wraps her arms around Brady as he picks her up and swings her around. They both are smiling and laughing, happy as can be.
Brady: May I kiss my future wife?
Nicole: Thought you’d never ask, future husband.
Brady pulls Nicole close and leans in for a long lingering kiss. He then lifts her up and carries her upstairs to celebrate their engagement in the bedroom.

[ghoulgirl]

I decided to delete my post out of the middle of the story and post it at the end! LOL

YAY! You just made me so happy Sparkster! I cannot wait until you start tomorrow! Truth and Consequences was a FABULOUS story! thanks for reposting it!

[Kpatch]

Yay Sparky! Congratulations on finishing the sequel. I can't wait to start reading it. I know it has been a labor of love. And thank you for posting Truth or Consequences here!

[sportsgirl]

I loved this story... can't wait to start reading your new one!

[Tom Horton]

I'm so excited for this sequel! I loved Truth and Consequences ... but my memory is poor so Thank You for posting it!!

[fluffysmom]

Terrific story! I can't wait to read the sequel.