Days of Our Lives Update
Update written by Joseph
Shawn is in his hospital bed, finishing a call with his sister Ciara as Jada arrives with flowers from the police department. Jada jokes about how they miss him because they are tired of covering his paper work. Jada asks how he’s feeling since she last checked on him. Shawn talks about completing his first physical therapy session. Shawn assures that he’ll be out of the hospital and back home ahead of schedule. Jada says she would expect nothing less but reminds him not to overdo it. Jada then informs Shawn that Belle offered to move in to help take care of him.
JJ is working at the police station but has trouble focusing. Theo then arrives and says he came to check on him.
The judge announces that she is inclined to impose the maximum penalty available to her. Kristen can’t believe it while Rachel worries and Brady tries to calm her. Melinda argues that seven years is a long time while the judge feels it’s fair. Kristen complains that she doesn’t even know why they are here and calls it a waste of time. Kristen thought she could get a fair shake but shouts that if this is the way it’s going to go, she can just send her back to prison right this minute, shocking Rachel and Brady. The judge responds that if that appeals to her, she can make it happen. Kristen remarks that she might as well and tells her to go ahead and lock her up.
EJ tells Marlena that he and Sarah were just discussing hospital business. Marlena questions that having to do with labs and secret rooms. EJ questions why Marlena is in the town square instead of at the hearing. Marlena tells him that the judge only wanted to deal with directly involved parties so she’s just been wandering around, waiting to hear the result. Marlena asks if EJ is nervous about his testimony. EJ says he has no reason to be and that it breaks his heart to see Rachel carry such a tremendous burden. Marlena agrees and hopes Kristen doesn’t have to go back to prison and that Rachel can get the help she needs.
The judge asks Melinda if Kristen has decided to represent herself or if she’d like to remind her how to behave in a court room. Melinda requests a recess which the judge grants for 15 minutes. Melinda then orders Kristen not to speak until spoken to from now on. Kristen complains that Rachel only wanted to confess so that she wouldn’t go back to prison and if she’s going back anyway on perjury charges, then there’s no reason for Rachel to admit what she did. Kristen questions putting her through this. Rachel argues that she needs to do this and she wants to tell the judge everything about why Kristen lied and how she protected her. Rachel believes that once the judge hears the truth, there’s no way she will send Kristen back to prison.
Shawn is surprised to hear from Jada that Belle wants to move in with him and notes that she didn’t say a word to him about it. Jada explains that she ran in to her in the town square earlier and that Sarah mentioned Shawn would need some help when he’s discharged, so she offered to stay with him. Jada notes that he doesn’t seem too thrilled about it which Shawn confirms.
Theo tells JJ that he heard about what happened last night with Shawn and he knows it’s the first time JJ had to pull his gun in the line of duty since he’s been back on the force, so he knows it probably brought up some stuff for him. JJ responds that it brought up what a screw up he is. JJ complains that he needed to step up and he froze like a damn rookie. JJ remarks that Shawn could’ve died because he couldn’t bring himself to pull the trigger and now he can’t stop seeing the moment he failed miserably as it’s burned in to his brain.
Belle tells Rachel that she does think there’s a good chance the judge could drop all the charges once she hears the whole story, but she can’t make any promises. The judge then returns to ask if Melinda has made a decision. Rachel declares that she has something she has to say and promises to tell the truth. Rachel goes over Kristen saying she shot EJ and explains that Kristen said that because she didn’t want anything happening to her. Rachel declares she’s guilty and Kristen is the innocent one as she states that she shot her uncle. The judge questions everyone knowing about this. Belle confirms that she knew and has a written statement from Rachel with corroboration from EJ. The judge says they will at some point discuss Belle’s failure to disclose this information immediately. She then asks Rachel to tell her what happened the night of the shooting. Rachel swears it was an accident and that she did not mean to shoot her uncle as she just wanted him to tell her where her Grandma was. Rachel explains that she saw the gun there and thought if she pointed it at him, EJ would tell her where she was because she’s seen that happen in movies. Rachel cries that she missed her Grandma so much and that Kristen was so sad, so she just wanted to fix it. Rachel repeats that she’s sorry and she didn’t mean to shoot EJ.
Shawn tells Jada that he’s comfortable with Belle and they get along fine, but he’s not sure about being close like that again. Jada asks what the problem would be. Shawn feels it would be awkward if she’s helping him shower and change clothes as he thinks that part of their relationship needs to stay over. Shawn assures that he appreciates the gesture but he thinks he’s going to tell Belle no. Jada says she understands but he can’t do this alone and will need someone to help take care of him. Shawn insists he’ll manage just fine. Jada then suggests he could let her take care of him.
Theo asks what JJ is talking about. JJ responds that he had a clean shot at the son of a bitch who shot Liam and he should’ve taken it as he was in the right and had the go ahead, but he still couldn’t pull the trigger. JJ adds that after it was over, he kept telling himself there was nothing he could’ve done differently but Shawn remembered that he froze, so because of him, Shawn took a bullet. Theo tells JJ that he’s sorry. JJ says he’s the one that is sorry. JJ declares that Theo was right that he never should’ve put the badge back on.
Brady and Kristen encourage Rachel that they are proud of her. Rachel cries that she’s worried about Kristen. Kristen assures that she’ll be just fine and promises they will never be apart again. The judge asks Belle how long her office has known the truth about Rachel’s confession. Belle admits she’s had knowledge for some time but with Kristen missing, it wasn’t possible for her to act on it. Belle strongly recommends that no charges be filed against Rachel in this accidental shooting and adds that EJ is ready to testify in support of that decision. Belle brings up Brady having Rachel voluntarily committed to Bayview where she received intense therapy. Belle presents a sworn affidavit from Rachel’s therapist, who confirms she is making steady progress. The judge asks how they can be sure that Rachel won’t abandon her treatment. Melinda insists that Kristen is committed to Rachel remaining in treatment and assures she will do whatever it takes for Rachel’s mental wellness. Kristen brings up that Marlena will also be treating Rachel. Melinda states that Rachel has a strong and loving family to support her. The judge declares that she’s heard enough and would now like to hear from the victim which Belle says won’t be a problem.
EJ guesses Marlena is worried about something and that she knows something he doesn’t. Marlena responds that she’s just concerned about Rachel’s mental health and well being. EJ then gets a text from Belle that the judge is ready for him and tells Marlena that it’s the moment of truth as he then walks away.
Jada tells Shawn that she has a spare bedroom and no stairs so it would be easy for him to get around. Shawn reminds her that he’s familiar with her apartment and her bedroom, but he doesn’t want to be a burden and points out that she is his boss, but she’s also been more than that. Jada calls him her friend and asks if he thinks things will get too complicated or messy. Shawn assures that he’s very at ease with her, but he hates needing help. Jada repeats that he is her friend, so it would make her feel really good to help him and he’d be doing her a favor. Shawn then accepts her offer and thanks her.
Theo tells JJ that taking his time to pull the trigger is not a bad thing. JJ argues that in some situations, it absolutely is. JJ says when everything is coming at you fast, you have to act and there’s no time to overthink it or someone could be dead and last night that could’ve been Shawn. JJ adds that on top of that, the shooter is dead so now Shawn has to live with taking a life because he didn’t. Theo can’t imagine what it must be like to have to make that kind of life or death decision and mentions only ever being on the opposite end which JJ calls another time he screwed up. Theo feels JJ is being awfully hard on himself while JJ states that he let his partner down, who is his own cousin. JJ declares he’s made two near fatal mistakes, so he’s not going to make a third. JJ feels he won’t be allowed to because he knows Jada will ask for his badge after she talks to Shawn. Theo tells JJ that he’s sorry and that he’s a good person which is why it’s hitting him so hard. JJ thanks Theo for checking in. Theo says he’ll let him get back to work, but he’s there anytime he needs to talk. Theo then exits the station.
Brady tells Rachel that Tate is in the hallway and ready to take her home. Rachel hugs Brady and Kristen as EJ arrives. Rachel tells EJ that she’s really sorry. EJ responds that he’s sorry too as she exits. The judge resumes and asks EJ to describe what happened the night of the shooting. EJ recalls being alone at home when Rachel came downstairs from the bedroom and confronted him with a gun that had been left there. Belle points out that was the gun that EJ took from Johnny in the original trial. EJ continues that Rachel was upset and blamed him for her Grandmother’s disappearance. EJ says he made the mistake of not locking the gun away when Johnny left, so Rachel picked it up and when he reached for it, the gun accidentally went off. The judge argues that’s not what EJ said in his original testimony. EJ states that at the time, he hadn’t remembered what happened nor had Rachel and if she had, she wouldn’t have let her mother go to prison for the shooting. EJ declares that Rachel is his niece who he adores and calls her a bright and sensitive girl with far too much hardship in her young life. EJ assures that Rachel never meant to hurt him and once she remembered what she had done, she owned up to it immediately and did not intentionally lie to the court in the previous hearing. The judge thanks EJ and excuses him, so he exits. She says not to celebrate just yet as she wants to review Rachel’s full file from Bayview and that they will reconvene in 30 minutes.
Brady and Belle join Marlena in the town square. Marlena questions the recess. Belle explains that the judge just called for Rachel’s full psychiatric review from Bayview. Marlena says they will find that Rachel was discharged against medical advice. Belle worries that the judge won’t be happy that she kept that information from her. Brady argues that this doesn’t fall on her but on Kristen for going rogue and taking Rachel out of Bayview when they all knew that was a terrible idea. Belle then gets a text that the judge wants Marlena to testify because Kristen invoked her as part of Rachel’s ongoing treatment.
Kristen and Melinda go to the Brady Pub where Kristen asks if the review of Rachel’s Bayview records is going to be a problem. Melinda feels it will open her up to more scrutiny. Kristen talks about Rachel making improvements and tremendous strides which is what matters. Melinda then gets a text that Marlena has been asked to testify. Kristen is sure that the judge just wants confirmation that Marlena agreed to supervise over Rachel and feels it could actually help their case. Melinda asks if she’s sure about that since Kristen told her that Marlena was furious over her taking Rachel out of Bayview against medical advice. Kristen assures that Marlena won’t say anything that could send Rachel back to that horrible place. Melinda then exits the Pub.
Jada tells Shawn the house rules about the toilet seat, toothpaste, and dishwasher, joking that she has ways to enforce the rules as police commissioner. Shawn brings up that he might snore. JJ then arrives, so Jada says she’ll give them time alone but JJ says he came to see her. JJ informs Jada that rather than have her come find him, he thought he’d deliver his badge and gun to her as he’s surprised she hadn’t already demanded it. Jada asks what he’s talking about. JJ says he figured she’d want it after Shawn’s statement. Shawn tells JJ that he doesn’t have to do this while JJ says that he does. Jada says that’s enough and questions what the hell is going on.
Brady complains that they promised Rachel that everything would be okay and she wouldn’t be punished, but now he worries that he was wrong. Belle tries to tell him not to go there but Brady questions how he can’t and shouts about Rachel being sent back to Bayview. Brady decides he just needs to be alone. Marlena says she’ll see him at the courthouse.
JJ tells Jada that he’s made an unforgivable mistake again as it’s his fault that Shawn is in the hospital bed. JJ informs her that he had a shot at Klaus and he froze. Jada asks Shawn if this is true. Shawn says it all happened so fast and JJ hadn’t slept after working on Stephanie’s case. Jada guesses it is true. Shawn argues that if he hadn’t shown up and taken the shot at Klaus, then JJ would’ve been the one lying on the ground. JJ argues that it should’ve been him. JJ declares that he knows Shawn won’t feel safe with him as his partner and he can’t keep the citizens of Salem safe either. JJ announces that he’s done and is turning in his badge, telling Jada not to fight him on it this time.
Theo comes out from the Brady Pub and runs in to EJ. EJ asks how he’s feeling. Theo says he’s getting stronger and ready to return to work. EJ asks about the transition with Johnny. Theo says they haven’t really started but it’s going smoothly. Theo admits it will be a big loss not having Johnny around at DiMera. EJ praises Johnny having a knack for leadership and jokes that it runs in the family. Theo mentions telling Johnny that he’d love to have him stay on in senior management, but he turned him down and said he wasn’t interested.
Brady, Belle, Melinda, and Kristen return to the courthouse with Marlena. The judge asks Marlena if she was aware of Rachel being discharged from Bayview against medical orders which Marlena confirms she was. The judge then brings up learning that Rachel gave Sarah a known allergen that led to her almost dying. She says that Kristen earlier led them to believe that Marlena was willing to supervise Rachel’s outpatient care and calls her an excellent witness. Marlena responds that she is Rachel’s Grandmother but she’s never treated her professionally and doesn’t know if it would be appropriate to treat her. Melinda wants that on record that Marlena’s relationship with Rachel is strictly personal. The judge asks Marlena if she believes Rachel would not be a danger being back in school with other kids or if she belongs back in Bayview under psychiatric care. Belle argues that Rachel is not Marlena’s patient, so her professional opinion is irrelevant. The judge rephrases by asking Marlena if she agreed with the decision to remove Rachel from Bayview against medical advice. Marlena admits that she did not. The judge asks if she’s had reason to change her mind since then. Marlena states that she was pleasantly surprised to see how well Rachel had done after her first time at Bayview. Marlena then flashes back to when Rachel pinched her on St. Patrick’s Day and then learning from Brady about Holly’s supplements being switched. Marlena then declares that as much as it pains her to say this, she thinks Rachel still needs to be at Bayview.
Jada tells JJ that he just did a very brave thing. JJ complains that he was a coward when it mattered and walks out. Shawn calls out to him but Jada says to let him go because he needs space. Jada then warns Shawn that she should suspend him for filing a statement that wasn’t accurate. Shawn argues that everything he wrote was true while Jada argues that it wasn’t the whole truth as he left out knowingly keeping a broken cop on the street and that could have cost someone else their life.
EJ tells Theo that it was worth a try urging Johnny to stay at DiMera but he’s always been determined to carve his own path. EJ asks Theo to come by the house tomorrow as he has something to show him that he believes will mean a great deal to him. Theo says he will see him there and walks away. EJ pulls out his phone and makes a call, saying Lexie is going to have a very special visitor tomorrow and he suspects it will mean the world to her.
The judge announces she is ready to rule that Kristen’s conviction for attempted murder is vacated and that she is sentenced to time served for perjury while the entire record of this hearing will be served. She agrees that there should be no criminal charges in the accidental shooting of EJ, based on what she’s read in Rachel’s records and Marlena’s testimony, she finds that Rachel is in need of continued in-patient care and treatment. The judge orders Rachel back to Bayview under court supervision, leaving Kristen glaring at Marlena.
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