As EJ and Kristen Trade Threats, Belle Receives a Crucial Piece of Evidence In Johnny’s Case

Stephanie and Alex relax on the couch at home. Stephanie suggests they do something fun for the Fourth, like a picnic in the park. She also wants to check in on her Uncle Roman, who must be upset about Johnny’s arrest. She mentions that EJ asked her to do some PR work for Johnny, and she’s considering it.

Alex reminds her this is the guy who locked her in a morgue. Stephanie notes that, despite her dislike for EJ, this would benefit the hospital and her mom. She is meeting him next week to see what his offer is, and then she’ll make her decision. Alex says, “Or you quit this PR biz and focus on your new career as a famous author.”

Stephanie says she’s spent years growing her PR business, so she’s not giving it up. Plus, she likes doing PR. Alex points out she spent the last ten years secretly writing a novel. Stephanie calls it a fun hobby, and besides, she’s already agreed to publish it, so he doesn’t have to sell her. Alex comes clean and admits Titan is struggling, and her book could turn things around. She admits the idea of writing full-time is tempting. Plus, she’d have a great editor and publisher. They quickly end up in a passionate kiss.

Roman Needs Kate’s Help

At the pub, Kate tells Roman that Philip has been discharged from the hospital and is thrilled, but she’s worried about how he’s doing. She’s concerned he’s still blaming himself for what happened to Johnny. Roman says that because of him, Johnny knows what EJ did to Sami, which gave him the motive to shoot his father. Kate reminds him that Johnny is innocent, but Roman knows he didn’t do him favors by covering for him. They rehash everything that happened, who was where, and who knew what. Kate reminds him that half the town wanted EJ dead, and no matter what they think about the guy, EJ will fight like hell for Johnny.

Roman just wishes he didn’t have to bring Rachel into this, but Kate says too many people knew the truth about her, too. Roman thanks Kate for her support, and he hopes she’ll keep an eye on the pub more often as he’s going to need to be in that courtroom. She tells him that he can count on her.

Will Kate Quit Working at The Pub?

Stephanie and Alex stop by the pub to pick up supplies for their Fourth of July picnic and run into Kate, who is working. Alex thought she’d have quit by now as she starts at Titan next week. Kate admits she can’t take the job after all. She explains Roman is going to be consumed with Johnny’s trial and will need her help here. She admits Roman doesn’t know about the job offer. Alex pleads with her that Titan needs her, and Stephanie agrees that the notes she gave her were so insightful. Shocked, Kate asks, “Are you the author of ‘One Stormy Night?’”

Kristen and Brady Come to an Agreement

At Marlena’s place, the doctor finds Brady and Kristen discussing Rachel’s predicament and how she has no idea she’ll have to testify in court. Brady asks Marlena’s advice on how to prepare Rachel. Marlena says to keep it simple and advise her to tell the truth. Kristen says they all know that Johnny is the one who shot EJ. Marlena believes Johnny is innocent. As Kristen presents the facts that indicate Johnny did it, Marlena snaps and yells at her to stop it.

Kristin apologizes for upsetting Marlena. Marlena steps out for air, saying to Brady, “Text me when she’s gone!” Alone, Brady and Kristen argue over Johnny’s innocence or guilt, and that Rachel’s testimony could send Johnny away for a long time. Brady says Rachel needs to know they are both here for her, and he would like Rachel to stay here until the trial to keep her away from EJ. Kristen agrees it’s for the best, but she wants to be able to visit her anytime. Brady asks her to stay clear of Marlena as he doesn’t want to make things worse for her now.

Belle’s Back On the Case

At the Salem PD, Paulina finds Belle hiding out and catching up on work on the holiday. The mayor tells Belle she just got news from the judge that she’s been unrecused from Johnny’s case thanks to EJ. Belle can’t believe the judge doesn’t care that she’s the accused’s aunt, but Paulina points out the judge is also letting his father defend him. Paulina says EJ has also gotten the case bumped up over a dozen other cases on the docket.

Belle assures Paulina she’ll handle this with the utmost integrity. Paulina isn’t concerned about her relationship to Johnny, but more so about Belle falling prey to EJ’s ability to corrupt people. Belle understands her concerns and won’t fall prey to corruption from EJ or anyone else. Paulina knows this is a difficult situation for her, and Belle notes it is for Paulina, too.

Later, Marlena runs into Belle in Horton Square. Marlena vents to Belle about Kristen and her accusations against Johnny. Belle tells her mom that she can’t hear this and reveals that she’s been put back on Johnny’s case. She now must prosecute her nephew while going toe-to-toe with her boyfriend. Marlena asks if that is what they are calling EJ now. Belle knows her mom doesn’t like it, but she took her mother’s advice and decides she wanted to be with EJ. Marlena points out how complicated this trial will be personally and asks how she will manage it. Belle plans to do her job, so Marlena asks, “What if Johnny is convicted?” Belle answers, “Well, you won’t have to worry about EJ being my boyfriend.”

Why Is Chanel Angry at Paulina?

At her place, Chanel is on the phone with Lani, wishing her a happy anniversary. Abe drops by, as he thought she could use someone to listen to her. What she needs is a hug, so he complies. She gets him some tea, and they sit down. Chanel hopes her mom didn’t send him, as she’s not ready to forgive her yet. He says Paulina is in a no-win situation, and no matter what she did, half the town would disagree with her. Chanel doesn’t care about half the town, as she threw an innocent man in jail, and he could go to prison. Abe says she needs to have faith that the jury will do right and acquit Johnny, but she isn’t sure she believes that will happen.

Chanel also worries that EJ is going to use this situation to worm his way back into Johnny’s life. There is a knock at the door, and it’s Paulina, who Chanel isn’t happy to see. Chanel tells her mother that she has nothing to say to her, but Paulina has something to tell her daughter. Chanel invites her in, and Paulina is happy to see Abe there. Chanel lashes out at her mother for railroading Johnny and asks if she doesn’t believe in his innocence. Paulina admits she doesn’t know if he’s innocent or not. Chanel wants her mother out, but Paulina points out she paid for this place! Abe tells Paulina they should give Chanel space and go. Before leaving, Paulina tells Chanel she’ll be praying for her and Johnny.

What Is EJ About to Do to Protect Johnny?

At the DiMera mansion, EJ is going through lawbooks when Johnny arrives to discuss the case. EJ doesn’t have the best news, and Johnny learns Rachel saw him pointing a gun at his father that night. Johnny feels terrible for Rachel. EJ says the police haven’t questioned Rachel yet, but her testimony will be critical. He still can’t remember everything that happened, and they go over the facts that Gabi, Ava and Kristen were all here that night. EJ notes Kristen claimed she was in the shower, a lame alibi, and she could have used his or Roman’s gun to shoot him.

EJ feels new information could come to light that would benefit them. Johnny hopes his dad isn’t going to do something crazy, like suddenly remembering that Kristen shot him. EJ points out his memory is coming back in pieces, so who knows what he’ll eventually remember about that night.

Johnny tells EJ that if he lies and then remembers, it could backfire on him. EJ knows he gave plenty of people a reason to want him dead. Johnny still can’t believe his father protected him when he thought he shot him, and he appreciates his support. EJ just wishes Chanel understood that he only wants what is best for him instead of thinking he’s a terrible person. Johnny says Chanel is just trying to protect him and to give her time to come around. Johnny says she believes his representing him is a good idea and again asks his dad not to do anything crazy as they can win this case on merit. EJ says right now, the case is stacked against Johnny, and he must find a way to turn the tide. “Nothing crazy, right,” Johnny reiterates. EJ promises. Johnny again says he’s grateful his dad believes in him, and they embrace.

After Johnny heads out, Kristen arrives back at the mansion and finds EJ hard at work. She apologizes for Rachel talking, explaining she had a nightmare while at Marlena’s. EJ doesn’t care how it got out, saying he upheld his end of the bargain about her sainted mother, so will she do the same?

What Has Chanel Concerned?

Johnny returns home to Chanel and learns his wife got into another fight with her mom. Johnny is sorry as he doesn’t want to come between them, but Chanel says this is her mom’s fault. She asks how things went with his dad. Johnny says EJ has a pretty good handle on the case. Chanel asks what about on a personal level? Johnny admits they are working on repairing things, which Chanel isn’t happy about.

In the Show’s Final Moments

At the pub, Kate tells Stephanie, “You go, girl!” Stephanie can’t believe she let that slip, and Alex says Kate would have found out at some point if she had taken the job. Stephanie tells Kate she only agreed to let Alex publish her novel with Kate as her editor. Alex points out this would help dig Philip’s company out of a hole. Stephanie can tell Kate loves the creative process, and Alex knows she wants to take the job. Roman approaches them and wonders what is going on. Kate tells Roman that Alex offered her a job at Titan and she’s going to take it.

In Horton Square, Paulina tells Abe that she doesn’t know how to give a Fourth of July speech with Chanel so mad at her. Abe says her daughter needs someone to blame for Johnny’s situation, and that’s her. Paulina is grateful Abe is here for her and Chanel.

At their place, Chanel tells Johnny that she wants him to have the best defense, but she’s worried he’ll forget about all the bad stuff EJ has done. Johnny says he can’t forget, but he’s fighting for his life… their life… and he needs his dad’s help. He also needs her to be OK with that. Chanel says she’ll have to be but asks him to keep her guard up around EJ. He promises, and they hug.

Back at Marlena’s, she tells Brady she’s sorry she walked out earlier. Brady understands and is sorry Kristen upset her. He invites her to join them all for the fireworks tonight, and she says that sounds nice. They could all use some cheering up.

At the DiMera mansion, Kristen says the last thing she wants is for her daughter to testify. EJ suggests she coach Rachel to adjust the facts of the story, and put her daughter’s active imagination to good use. Kristen tells EJ that if he hurts Rahcel or her mother, he’ll live to regret it. EJ tells his sister that was a threat, so if his son goes to prison, it will have devastating consequences for her and the people she loves.

Back at the PCPD, Belle is shocked to find a blank envelope on her desk. She opens it, and in it is a microSD card. She flashes back to EJ telling her that he remembered someone planted a video camera in the room he was shot in. He wanted to go back and find it, along with the memory card, but they were gone.