Steve Ropes Kayla Into His Plot, But EJ’s Secret Dealings Could Ruin Everything

Johnny sets down his money clip in his Salem Inn room with Xander’s Titan business card on top when Marlena drops by to visit. She heard about Tate’s “visit” and asks how her grandson is doing. They sit and talk about how things went with telling Chanel and Marlena reassures Johnny that once he “sorts things out” he’ll be ready to start a family.

Chad meets with Cat in the square to talk about her date with EJ. “That’s not happening,” he says, telling her that there’s got to be an ulterior motive. He’s not sure what it is, but there’s an angle. Cat admits bidding on a date with her as soon as he wakes up from a coma is… weird. So Chad promises to get to the bottom of it.

EJ Gets Some Visitors

EJ’s looking forlorn on the couch as he thinks back to seeing Johnny the night of the shooting. Chanel interrupts him by bursting in and launching right into yelling. “What the hell is the matter with you?!” She’s back to yell at him about the adoption being off. Again.

She fills EJ in on Johnny’s identity crisis because of him. EJ apologizes profusely and asks how he can fix this, but Chanel snaps at him that Johnny will never be the same because of what EJ did. “You stole that joy and that light from him. And I will never stop hating you for it.”

As she’s about to leave, Chanel runs into Marlena, stopping by. Marlena tells her granddaughter-in-law that Johnny is heartbroken about hurting her, and he loves her so much. Chanel loves him, too, but he broke her heart.

EJ’s crying as he looks at a photo of him and Johnny when Marlena walks in. EJ mentions Chanel stopping by and wishing he could do something to help Johnny. “Maybe give him some space,” Marlena suggests. EJ just wants him to know he loves and is proud of Johnny.

But he also lets slip that he’s worried, and Marlena flat out asks if he thinks Johnny shot him. EJ insists Johnny’s not capable of trying to kill anyone — especially his own dad. He’s worried Johnny’s going to let this anger destroy him.

He asks Marlena to tell him that no matter what Johnny feels, EJ will always be there for him. Marlena promises to, then pivots to saying she wants to talk about his relationship with Belle. But before she can say much more, Chad arrives and Marlena promises they’ll pick this up later.

EJ’s little brother cuts right to the chase and asks what’s up with the date with Cat. EJ just says he wanted to contribute to helping out the hospital — this would be more fun than just a donation. What’s the problem? Chad just thinks EJ’s up to something, and offers to buy him out of his bid.

“Wait a minute. Are you jealous, Chad?” EJ asks with a grin. He’s got no feelings for Cat — he’s with Belle now — but does Chad? Chad stammers his way through excuses and EJ insists that he deserves happiness and should follow his heart.

Cat Offers Chanel Encouragement

Chanel’s heading back from EJ’s when Cat spots her in the square and stops her to talk. When Cat mentions EJ won a date with her at the hospital auction, Chanel stops her and tells her to stay far, far away from that man.

She tells Cat about the adoption collapsing, and Cat tells her there’s still time to talk to Johnny. Maybe they can at least move forward and find understanding.

Johnny and Shawn Catch Up

Steve and Shawn meet in the pub to go over intel about how to steal the miracle drug from Dr. Russell. Steve suggests they need to bring Kayla in, despite him wanting to keep her out. She hates breaking the law, but he also knows how much she loves Bo; they’ve got to take the risk. Steve heads out to talk to her.

Johnny shows up shortly after, looking for Grandpa Roman. He left a message saying he had news about the family, and Shawn fills him in on Bo’s sepsis. There’s no treatment right now, but they’re not giving up hope.

They talk a bit about how EJ’s doing and Johnny tells Shawn how messed up he’s been since finding out what his dad did. It may have even cost him his marriage. Shawn tells Johnny to give Chanel some time to come around. Being a parent is something that needs full commitment.

Shawn knows how much it hurts to know you hurt someone you love. Like what he did to his father. The guilt of shooting his father is overwhelming. Johnny just clenches his jaw.

Steve Pays Kayla a Pointed Visit

Russell knocks on Kayla’s door, stopping by to revisit their conversation — but no, he’s not there to let Bo use his drug. OK, she says, so what does he want? He wants to leave. And Kayla’s not letting it happen. Dr. Russell accuses her of not letting him leave out of revenge for not letting her use his drug, which she vehemently denies before he storms out.

Steve shows up after he’s gone and Kayla fills him in on the doc wanting to take his drug to big pharma. He casually asks if he can take a look at the drug’s research and learn more about it, but Kayla just squints at her husband and asks what he’s up to. After some prodding, he tells her he needs her help.

How about she take a walk while he catches up on some light reading? Kayla mentions how helpless she feels, then apologizes, saying she has to cut their visit choice; she’s got to get ready for a staff meeting. Steve offers to get her something from the cafeteria, saying he’ll leave it on her desk if she’s still gone when he gets back.

“Thank you for loving my brother,” Kayla says tearfully as he walks out.

Cat gets to the hospital and asks Marlena if there’s any news about John. No, Marlena says curtly and changes the subject to congratulating Cat on the hospital fundraiser. They raised enough money to keep the doors open a few more months — even if she’s in an awkward position right now. She mentions EJ’s bid and Marlena cheerfully agrees with Chad’s thought that EJ’s got an ulterior motive.

In the Show’s Final Moments

Johnny gets back to his room and calls Roman, asking him to keep him posted on Uncle Bo. There’s a knock at the door and it’s Chanel, looking to talk. She’s still furious with him for dropping a bomb on her, but she can understand where he’s coming from.

Johnny thanks her for understanding… “Does this mean you’re ready to forgive me?” No. Not yet. She needs time and space before he comes home. Johnny swears he’ll do whatever it takes to make it right.

EJ offers to give his date with Cat to Chad, who asks what the deal is. “Thanks to my coma, I’m a changed man.” Supposedly, he’s kinder and gentler now. Chad thanks him, but can’t take the date. EJ insists this is the perfect setup.

Steve slips into Kayla’s office, puts an apple on her desk and goes through Dr. Russell’s research files. He finds the security codes for the lab.

Shawn’s on the phone with Hope, telling his mom that they might just get a miracle for Bo when Dr. Russell walks into the pub picking up lunch. Shawn just stares at him until he walks out. Outside, the doc gets a call, ticked off that the hospital won’t let him out of his contract.

On the other end of the phone is… EJ. “Don’t worry, Dr. Russell. All hope is not lost. Trust me.”