Days Transcript Thursday, February 20, 2025

Days of Our Lives Transcript

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Transcript provided by Suzanne and Thane

THIS STILL NEEDS EXTENSIVE EDITING!

[dramatic music]

Mm. Mm. I must be dreaming.

I’d better not be. [both chuckle] – Feliz Día del amor, mi amor. – Pero eso fue ayer.

Huh?

That was yesterday.

Oh, well, every day feels like Valentine’s Day with you.

Aw.

Although I’m wondering if you should go sit over there because I only have nice things to say about you and last night and today, tomorrow.

[shushing] Deja de hablar.

Huh?

This. [smooching]

[laughs]

[grunts] Oh. Good morning.

Good morning.

Why are you looking at me like that?

I was just watching you sleep– well, listening to you sleep, actually.

Oh. Was I snoring?

Talking.

Really?

Mm-hmm.

About what?

About Jada Hunter and how you set her up for a fall.

[knock at door]

I have nothing to say to you.

Wait, Jada. Jada, listen, OK? I’ve been a total idiot, all right? I don’t know what came over me. I don’t believe any of this manufactured evidence against you. I know that you’re innocent, OK? I am sorry. I am sorry that I ever doubted you and– but EJ obviously set this whole thing up. And I can’t believe that I fell for it.

If you really loved me–

I do love you. I still love you, and I still want to marry you.

Jada, please, take this ring back. Take me back.

I love you so much. Can we just–can we just pretend these last few weeks were all just a bad dream?

[tense music]

I’m sorry I’m late with your breakfast. I was busy upstairs.

[muffled speech] [phone rings]

Hold that thought. Hello.

Mother, I still can’t believe I’m hearing your voice.

[muffled shouting]

Kristen, oh, it’s such a blessing to hear your voice. Don’t mind the annoying background noise. How are you, dear? How’s Rachel?

We’re fine.

I hope you haven’t punished her for all this business with Ava. After all, it was my idea.

She is not being punished, no. But at some point, she does need to learn that hostage-taking is not an acceptable way to solve her problems.

I do admire her ingenuity, though, I must say.

[sighs] As do I, I admit. Well, for now, she has no idea that I know that she lured Ava to Aremid, let alone that EJ dumped Rafe there too. I am so sorry that you have to deal with him as well.

Oh, it’s no trouble, dear.

Well, even so, you won’t have to take care of Rafe or Ava much longer because I have a solution– a permanent one.

[soft orchestration] announcer: Like sands through the hourglass, so are the “Days of Our Lives.”

I’m gonna have to let you go. I’ll call you back. [sighs] Hi, Brady.

Hi. I overheard you saying something about a more permanent solution. To what?

DiMera business. Sorry, but I can’t be sharing trade secrets with a competitor, can I?

Work is the last of my concerns, Kristen. Or should I say our concerns?

Why? What’s wrong? [tense music]

I had a little visit from Child Protective Services. We have a big problem.

[sighs]

Well, my daughter sure hung up in a hurry. I hope everything’s all right.

[muffled speech]

I’m sorry. I didn’t get that. Maybe this will help.

[screams]

Oh. Are we still doing this?

[screaming]

I told you– wasting your breath.

[screams] Help!

[muffled] What was that?

[chuckles] So you heard me saying–

That you set up Jada, in those words. God, I should have seen right through all your denials.

[chuckles] I didn’t lie, Belle.

Then how do you explain what you said in your sleep?

I didn’t say it. That’s how I explain it. I’m not the one lying here, Belle. You are.

If you’re saying that I misheard what you said–

I’m not saying you misheard. I’m saying you made it up entirely. You see, the thing is, I never talk in my sleep. Ask any woman I’ve ever slept with. Ask Samantha.

Oh, ha-ha-ha.

And even if I had dreamed about setting up Jada, I’ve also dreamt about traveling to Mars, where everyone there spoke Swahili.

[chuckles] OK, fine!

Mm. So you admit you made it up.

Listen, I’m just trying to figure out what’s going on here. Someone set up Jada, and it does have your fingerprints all over it.

Is it too hard for you to believe she’s guilty?

Yes, it is. And furthermore, if you continue coming after my job…

My job.

I am going to continue coming after you with all of the ammunition I’ve got.

Well, I expect no less from you, Belle. But trying to trick me into confessing to something I didn’t do, that hurt my feelings– below the belt, if you will, especially when we are here in my bed the morning after Valentine’s Day, having spent a wonderful evening… speaking for myself, anyways. [dramatic music]

Well, I didn’t mean to hurt your feeling. [both chuckle]

Well, I’m afraid you’re just going to have to make it up to me.

Hmm. What’d you have in mind?

Oh, I have a couple of ideas.

[chuckles]

I wish that I could stay here all day.

I wish you could stay here every day. So when’s the next Longhorns game?

Tonight.

So is it a date?

As long as Gabi doesn’t keep me overtime until midnight like she did the other night.

Who won last night’s game, anyway? I seem to remember getting distracted by something and missing the end.

Mm-hmm. Well, let me check.

[knock at door]

Steve, good morning.

Hey.

Come on in.

Thank you.

If you’re looking for Stephanie, she had an early meeting over at the mayor’s office.

No, I was looking for you. Stephanie told me that you were staying here with her till you find a place of your own.

Yeah, and I am very grateful to her for that. This may come as a shock to you, but it is nearly impossible to rent a place with no job, no income, and a criminal investigation hanging over your head.

I’m really sorry, Jada.

I’m just glad that my father isn’t around to see this.

Oh, come on. Marcus would know what a raw deal you got, just like everyone who loves you knows that. And listen, I am still determined to prove that EJ DiMera set you up.

Well, I am very grateful for that, especially considering that you’ve had so much going on yourself, you know, with John being gone and Rafe quitting to get back on the force and you worrying about Kayla. How’s she doing, by the way?

Oh, she’s much better. Thanks. But I was just pulled in on a missing persons case that Brady wants me to look into.

Who’s missing?

Ava Vitali.

I don’t want it. I want you to let me go.

I’m sorry. You know I can’t do that.

And now I see where Kristen gets it.

Gets what?

Oh, let’s see. Crazy, felonious.

[laughs] That’s funny. I’ve heard all those things about you. [chuckles] You gonna eat this or not?

Not.

Fine. I’ll just give it to someone who will appreciate it.

Yeah? Who’s that, the Parrot Man?

Or someone else who could use a good meal.

[grunts]

[sighs]

The CPS worker basically grilled me about why Rachel ran away.

Well, what did you tell them?

I told her the truth, obviously, that it was a cry for attention because she wants her parents to be back together.

Yes, exactly. Exactly. This is not a case for CPS. [scoffs] Oh, my God. Every child runs away at least once. I mean, it’s not like we’re abusing her.

Kristen–Kristen, it’s not that simple, or I wouldn’t be here right now.

OK, fine. Go on.

The file that CPS had was an inch thick. They knew all about our custody battles over the years. They knew all about our respective criminal histories. They said that Rachel has been through too much trauma. And I couldn’t disagree. I also didn’t disagree with the fact that a lot of this is on us.

Yes, I mean, we’re parents. We’re not perfect, Brady. But damn it, I mean, nobody– nobody loves that child more fiercely than you and I.

I know that. I know that. You know that. I’m sure our daughter knows that. But I needed to warn you that this woman is gonna want to talk to you and probably to Rachel.

OK, then we need to all be on the same page.

Kristen, what we need to do is make sure that nothing else goes wrong with Rachel. Nothing. No more lying, no more running away, no more–no more kidnapping, no more forging, no more blackmail. And that goes for all of us here.

What? What?

Well, nothing, nothing. You’re right. You are right.

Look, I know this sounds dire. If it sounds that way, it’s because it is. This woman basically put me on notice and said, if we get one more black mark against either of us–

Black mark?

An incident that they deem detrimental to Rachel’s emotional or physical well-being. If it happens, they can take her out of her home and they put her into protective custody. Kristen, we could lose our little girl forever.

I can’t believe this is still in the headlines.

Corruption, scandal, sex– unfortunately, this story’s got it all.

But there is no corruption. Jada is being made out to be the bad guy when everyone that knows her knows that she’s innocent. I mean, I know her. We’re friends. We bonded. We lived under the same roof.

Well, Rafe lived under the same roof with her too.

Look, I know he’s my cousin, but this dirt that he’s dug up on her can’t possibly be legit. I mean, she’s being made out to be this awful, amoral person when Rafe’s the one who cheated on her.

Nothing you can do about it now.

Not about the headlines, but–

But what? [dramatic music]

I don’t know. I’m starting to have second thoughts about telling Jada the truth about Rafe.

Well, look who’s finally awake. Thought I was gonna have to give you a good shake. [chuckles]

Where am I? And who are you?

I’m here to take care of you.

So you’re, like– you’re, like, what, one of EJ’s minions?

Beg your pardon?

Yeah, well, last I remember, EJ had me in his basement, and he was coming at me with a syringe.

Now I’m here. So you, like– you on his payroll like Rita?

I have no idea who Rita is, and I do not take orders from EJ DiMera.

Then why?

I’m doing this for my family, no one else.

[grunts]

That’s insane! Nobody’s going to tell me that we’re bad parents, Brady, or that she’d be better off in someone else’s care.

Of course she wouldn’t be.

They’re not gonna take her away from us. They can’t.

That’s why we can’t give them a reason to.

What? You tell me what you’re thinking right now.

I–I’m just–I’m shaken up because I thought this was a nothing case, that they would just dismiss it out of hand.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

All right, well… it’s OK. I appreciate the heads-up.

[sighs] Hey, listen, I know this sounds a little bit like doomsday. It doesn’t have to be. We just have to take this warning seriously and do what we need to do.

Right.

We can do it.

Yeah.

We can. We just–hey, we have to keep our eye on the prize, focus, pull each other in the right direction, and…[snaps fingers] It’s doable.

You always know the right thing to say, don’t you?

[chuckles] Rachel has a half day of school today. Would you like to stay and hang with her?

I would–I would love to, but I have to meet with Steve Johnson.

Steve Johnson? About what?

Ava’s disappearance. [tense music]

Thanks.

Mm-hmm. So you’re saying Ava didn’t go to China?

Mm-mm. She never contacted Tripp, and there’s no record of her boarding any flight.

Mm. Where could she be?

I have no idea. But she left Brady a voicemail on the day she disappeared. But the reception cut out, and the last part of the message was indecipherable.

How much was missing?

Well, everything potentially useful.

Well, all’s not lost. At the department, we have this new equipment–

Thank you, but I already hired a sound guy to enhance the audio. And we’ll see if there is a clue as to where she might be.

And?

Well, still waiting.

You know, we had evidence like this for a case a couple months back. And we were able to find some ambient noise in the original that helped us pinpoint the location.

Yeah. Yeah, we tried that too.

Mm. Well, if I was still commissioner, I’d make–

You’d do everything you could to help out. I know.

Don’t mind me. Old habits.

I understand. Jada, we’re gonna get you back where you belong real soon. I promise. And in the process, it will give me great pleasure to bring EJ DiMera down.

Well, I don’t know about you, but I am starving.

EJ.

Hmm?

Did you seriously pass out on me?

[mumbling] I did it.

What?

I did it. I set up Jada.

Oh!

[chuckles] I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself.

All right. I’m gonna go to work.

No, no, no, no, no. Please don’t. No, no, no, no, no. I was only joking. Don’t be mad.

How can I not be mad when you’re trying to steal my job?

Well, maybe I wouldn’t do that if you’d stop trying to entrap me. This is the part where one of us says, all’s fair in love and war.

Except it’s not love.

Well, I hope it’s not war either.

What?

Belle, I just– I just want to let you know that… I’ve enjoyed the time that we’ve spent together.

OK, we had this conversation last night.

No, no, no, no. Let me–let me finish. [dramatic music] I know that this is complicated for a myriad of reasons– because of Shawn and Samantha and the job and many other things. And maybe this will blow up in spectacular fashion one day. We know the odds. But I just want to let you know that I– I care about you. This isn’t just a casual fling for me.

It’s a genuine affection that I feel for you. And I sincerely mean that.

I don’t know what to say.

You don’t have to say anything. [dramatic music] I know that you’re coming off of a divorce. I just wanted to be up-front about my feeling…

[chuckles]

Which isn’t always easy for me to do.

I know. I really can’t believe you just–

Laid my soul bare? [both chuckle] Although some people don’t believe I have a soul.

I know better.

Mm.

[chuckles]

Family? So are you related to EJ or Feniger?

Feni-who? No. I’m doing this for my daughter and granddaughter. They mean the world to me, and all I want is to ensure their happiness.

OK, I don’t get it. What does this have to do with me?

So you want to tell Jada about Rafe and the stripper?

You know that I was ready to tell her at the wedding. But when Rafe stopped everything and left her at the altar, it seemed kind of beside the point.

Yeah, well, isn’t it beside the point now too? It’d be like kicking her when she’s down. And they’re not getting married anytime soon.

But I’m tired of everybody making Jada out to be the villain. I feel like she should know that Rafe has no right to be acting high and mighty with her.

OK, I–I see your point. But wouldn’t it hurt her more to know that Rafe cheated on her the night before their wedding, no less?

Or maybe it would help her get over him.

You know, I love how loyal you are to Jada when Rafe is the one you’re related to.

Yeah, well, I haven’t spent time with him in years. He’s just not the guy that I remember. Jada deserves so much better.

It will give us all great pleasure to see EJ go down. And, Steve, I appreciate everything you’re doing, but Shawn texted me earlier, and he told me that he and JJ are already looking into the case against me.

But still–

But nothing. Look, they have access to police files, so it’s much easier for them than it would be for you or me. Priorities, OK? Ava is the mother of your son, and she needs to be found. It would make me feel a lot better if you just focused all of your energy on finding her.

Are you sure?

100%. I am so lucky to have somebody like you in my corner– you and Stephanie and Kayla.

Well, we love you, Jada.

Yeah.

You’re family, and we believe in you. And we won’t rest until your name is cleared. OK? Come here. Oh, there’s my other baby girl.

What does Steve know about Ava’s disappearance?

Well, he’s helping me track her down now that I know that she’s not in Hong Kong with Tripp. That’s why I have to meet with him now, to see if he has any new leads.

OK, well, keep me posted.

I will. And let me know if you hear from CPS, OK?

I will.

And please give Rachel my love and tell her that I’ll call her and wish her good night, OK?

Yeah. If anyone finds out that Rachel helped kidnap Ava Vitali, oh, God help us.

Longhorns won, by the way.

Yay!

I wish I didn’t have to go to work. We could celebrate.

Well, at least you have a job to go to. Remind me. Money is that green papery stuff, right?

Mm-hmm, but you are going to get a job soon. I am sure of it.

Hmm. I wish I were sure. I have sent out reams of résumés and not a nibble, not that I’m surprised. I wrote soaps; before that, a gossip column. What kind of job am I expecting to get with a résumé like that?

Well, who knows what kind of talent you may have waiting to burst out? [laughter]

All right, let’s see. I can do a really incredible impression of a baby crying.

Ooh.

I can find a song to fit any situation. And if it doesn’t fit, I can change the lyrics so that it does. And since I seem to be genetically incapable of getting a brain freeze, I can chug a slushy without consequence.

Ooh. [laughs] You are going to set the world on fire, babe.

I am. Mm.

I’ll see you tonight?

Mm-hmm.

OK.

Bye. [jazzy music]

Oh.

“Couple Slain, Police Suspect Homicide”? Crackerjack Salem PD strikes again or copywrite foul? Oh. Oh, this–this is just utter drivel.

Well, I hope you have a productive day at the office.

Oh, not the office– my office. [laughter]

I’ll talk to you later.

OK.

Oh, it’s for Kristen.

Oh. Well, I’ll make sure that she gets it. [dramatic music] Come here.

Hmm.

[light music]

Javi, how’s it going?

Hey, I’m OK. How are you doing? Stupid question. Jada, I’ve been thinking about nonstop, and I just hate what’s happened.

Thanks. Me too. Listen, I already told Gabi yesterday, I returned your mother’s ring to Rafe. So be sure he gives it back to you.

I haven’t been home yet, but when I see him, I’ll definitely do that.

For the record, I don’t think Rafe’s been home either.

Did you run into him?

No, I mean– never mind.

No, no, no. Come on, tell me.

No, I don’t want to pull you into this. You two are cousins.

Girl, I’m already pulled into it. I want to know.

Last night, he had the gall to invite me up to his room at the Salem Inn.

What?

Yeah. Can you believe that… or the fact that I proceeded to cry myself to sleep over that jerk?

Damn, Javi. What’s it gonna take for me to get over him?

Mm. There you are.

Here I am. This came for you.

Thank you.

Kristen, as I told you last night on the phone… [clears throat] We need to figure out what we’re going to do with Ava and Rafe. Your mother can’t babysit them for…forever.

Yes, yes, that is an issue that urgently needs to be addressed, one of several. See, I got Child Protective Services breathing down my neck. And Brady has got Steve Johnson looking into Ava’s disappearance. But there’s nothing to worry about, because I am formulating a plan.

Oh.

Mm. [dramatic music]

Look, I’m here to feed you breakfast, not to answer your intrusive questions.

Maybe I can help your family.

And maybe you could shut your mouth. Your life is literally in my hands. Now, I may look meek and mild, and you may even think I’m a little dotty. But I will stop at nothing to protect the people I love.

Look, Steve, I know that you said you’d call me if you found any more info on Ava. But I’m going crazy here, OK?

Perfect timing. I was just on the phone harassing the audio lab. They’re gonna send me everything they’ve been able to enhance so far.

OK. [phone beeps]

Well, here it is now.

– Brady, it’s Ava. You need to call me back as soon as you get this. I just got a call from Rachel. I know where she is. I’m heading there right now. The address is 2311 Riverbend Way.

Oh, my God, I know where that is.

You do?

We–we have to get to Aremid now.

Aremid?

Hello, Chadwick. It’s Leo. And you will be thrilled to hear that I– who have an amazing work ethic, a wonderful way with words, and, although sometimes I push a little too hard for a joke, am really fun to have around– would be interested in coming back to “The Spectator.” [jazzy music] OK, well, maybe you won’t be thrilled to hear that, but I’m hoping you’ll at least consider it.

The first thing I saw this morning was a hit piece about me in “The Spectator.”

I saw it too. [light music]

At first, I was mad at the whole situation but especially at Rafe for messing with my mind last night. Then I was sad. Because even though I know that I just need to move on and put him behind me, there’s a part of me that still loves him very much and misses him.

Jada…I hope that you do not waste any more of your tears on my cousin, especially because–

Because what?

There’s something that you need to know about Rafe.

He cheated on you. [dramatic music]

Now, let’s go over the ground rules before you eat your breakfast. No biting, no spitting, and definitely no yelling. I have very sensitive ears. And we live in a remote area, so no one will come, anyway. OK?

Yeah. But I heard a woman’s voice earlier.

Oh, her. Yeah, well, she definitely won’t be coming to rescue you. [laughs]

Huh. Why is that?

Well, let’s just say that you’re not the only prisoner in this house.

Huh.

Ava. Oh, God.

[groans]

Come here, it’s OK.

Oh, Brady, Steve.

All right?

Thank God. Thank God.

It’s OK. Hey, hey, it’s over. It’s over.