Nick arrived at the sorority house with Max. When Chelsea said it was a "private party," Steph said Max could hang out with her. Max knew something was wrong and asked Steph about it. Steph explained how jealous she'd been when Max started dating Morgan, so she went looking for someone to help her handle it: Ford. Chelsea told Nick about the night Ford disappeared. The Theta girls had invited him to the house and drugged him. Ford drugged Chelsea, too, and planned to rape her. Ford chased her up the stairs and ended up falling to his death. Chelsea recounted hiding the body and moving it with Max's help. Nick was appalled and left. Steph recounted going to Ford's room and trying to fight him off, but he raped her. Max comforted Steph and urged her to get some rest, promising he'd be there when she woke up.

Philip arrived at the police station and volunteered to watch Claire so Belle and Roman could look for Marlena. Chloe met Philip, who asked if she'd heard about Belle and Shawn's breakup. Philip reminded Chloe he'd help her from being extradited if she moved in on Shawn. Meanwhile, Marlena held her gun on the masked man and warned him to stop. The man inched closer and fixed Marlena's windshield wipers with a knife. Roman called out for Marlena, and the man vanished. Marlena told Roman and Belle what happened. Then, Roman offered to drive Marlena to meet Crystal.

In their cell, EJ and Lucas fought off Carmine as Lucas yelled for help. Sami, who'd been trying to visit Lucas, heard the screams and raced to the cell with the cops. Carmine was carted away. Lucas accused EJ of coming there so he could play hero and win Sami's trust. EJ insisted it wasn't a stunt as he was taken off. Sami laced into Lucas for telling Will he'd shot EJ and for failing their family. "I'm not the one who put our kids in the middle of the DiMera/Brady feud," noted Lucas.

At the pub Hope videotaped Shawn before he headed off to his orientation session at the academy, while Crystal waited for Marlena. Bo and Hope gifted Shawn with a St. Michael medal before he left. Hope overhead Crystal on the phone talking about Marlena and recognized the psychic. Crystal asked Hope to deliver a message: Marlena was in danger and needed to be careful. Hope delivered the message to Bo, who got a call from Abe informing him about the Lucas/EJ/Carmine situation. Bo left, and Marlena, Belle and Roman arrived. Hope filled them in on Crystal's warning and the attempt on Lucas' life. Roman left for the PCPD and Marlena tagged along. Shawn returned, followed by Chloe, who had a message for him. Philip was watching Claire. Shawn could pick her up at Marlena's.

At the station, Marlena talked to Lucas while Bo questioned EJ about the cell attack. Abe called the DA to try to cut a deal to have Lucas released. Belle arrived, and Sami went off about Lucas shooting EJ and not telling her about it. Roman reminded Sami of all the times Lucas had forgiven her. The DA arrived and Bo asked about pleading down Lucas' charges. Stefano had sent a hit man to kill him. Bev asked if EJ would give a statement against Stefano. Definitely not. "Then we can't prove it was a DiMera hit," said Bev, noting Lucas was staying in jail.

Marlena worked on EJ. If he wanted to prove his sincerity, he should give Roman something to put Stefano away with. Later, Marlena told Belle and Sami she'd spoken to Lucas and reminded Sami that Lucas was family. They had to work together to protect each other. Marlena confronted Roman, Bo and Abe and asked what they were doing to keep her family safe.

Stefano and Rolf surveyed the site of Marlena's encounter with the mystery man. Rolf announced that "he" had been there, despite the massive drugs he'd been given. Stefano scolded Rolf for failing him. An arm went around Rolf's neck and he gasped. Stefano turned around and told the man to release Rolf. Then he praised his soldier, noting he'd make a good addition to the DiMera family. Meanwhile, Crystal made another call, reporting they were running out of time and were going to have to take Belle and Claire by force.

Kate told Billie that Lucas was arrested for shooting EJ. She begged Billie to convince Lucas to see her. His life could depend on it, since he was nearly murdered in his cell courtesy of Stefano. Kate explained how EJ figured out the plan and stopped the hit. Billie was surprised by EJ's heroics. Kate warned Lucas still wasn't safe. Stefano would strike again, but Kate had a plan. Billie just had to make sure Kate's name was on Lucas' visitors' list. Later, Billie told Kate that Lucas didn't want to see her and advised Kate to give Lucas some space. Shawn, with Chloe in tow, arrived to pick up Claire. Philip, who was babysitting, explained that Belle had an emergency involving Marlena. "Belle should have called me," snapped Shawn, adding that Philip may have stolen his wife but wasn't going to snatch his daughter. Philip swore he was just doing Belle a favor. When Shawn went to fetch Claire's things, Philip told Chloe everything was working out as planned, but he wanted her to do one more thing: talk bad about him when they got to the pub. If Shawn got angry and lost it in front of Belle, it would make Philip look better. Philip loved Belle and believed she still loved him. He just needed to help her realize it.

EJ arrived at the mansion, and Rolf tried to get rid of him. EJ heard a noise, surmised it was their "house guest," and asked why they were holding him. Rolf shooed EJ off, but he vowed he'd be back. EJ returned and snuck into the room holding the mystery man. He pulled off a sheet and was stunned to see John. "Magnificent, isn't he?" asked Stefano, noting that he was securing Johnny's future. EJ was appalled and tried to call for help. Stefano grabbed the phone, insisting EJ wasn't going to turn against him. EJ said he wasn't going to let Stefano torture John. Stefano warned there would be severe consequences if EJ tried to stop him. Later, Stefano instructed John to study a file and mentioned a woman who knew secrets — one that could destroy everything his father worked for. She was John's mission.

At the station Marlena told Bo, Roman and Abe that she wanted Stefano arrested and wouldn't stop until he was. She wanted John's killer brought to justice. If stopping Stefano couldn't happen by the book, it was time to consider another alternative. Abe warned Marlena about taking matters into her own hands. She could end up in jail. Marlena didn't care. She would no longer be a victim. Roman promised no one would rest until Stefano was put away. Later, Roman, Bo and Abe decided to put a tail on Marlena.

Marlena and Belle arrived home, and Philip told Belle about Shawn coming to get Claire and how angry he was that Belle left the tyke with him. Belle thought she was doing Shawn a favor not interrupting his orientation. Marlena asked what Belle expected by leaving Claire with the man she'd had an affair with. Philip left and headed to the police station where he'd been summoned by Kate. She informed Philip of the attempt on Lucas' life. Kate needed Philip's help to get Lucas out of jail. "Until Stefano's dead, your brother will never be safe," she cautioned. Meanwhile, Marlena apologized for going off on Belle. She promised her daughter she wasn't judging her, just trying to keep Belle from making the same mistake she'd made with John and Roman.

At the pub, Shawn sat with Chloe and chatted about Claire. Chloe told Shawn what a great dad he was and went on about Philip not being the man he used to be. Chloe prepared to go and asked if she and Shawn could hang out again. Shawn suggested they go play pool tonight, and they left.

EJ arrived on Sami's doorstep in a panic, asking if Johnny was okay. EJ said he'd stood up to Stefano, which meant he, Sami and Johnny could be in danger. Sami asked what Stefano was planning. EJ said he didn't know, but it was bigger than anything he'd done before.

Back at the station, Bo went through mug shots, but couldn't find Crystal among them. Roman decided to check the building where Marlena first met Crystal. Soon, he returned with a copy of the deed, noting the building belonged to a C. B. DiMera.

At the pub, Hope asked Kayla about her visit to the fertility specialist. Kayla reported all went well. Now Steve just had to visit the doctor. Roman, Bo and Steve discussed the police's non-progress in John's "murder" case, Lucas' attack in jail, and the threats against Marlena, Belle and Claire. Roman mentioned Crystal possibly being at the center of it all. Bo chimed in that the building she worked out of was owned by a C.B. DiMera, but a judge denied their request for a search warrant. Steve said there were ways around that, and offered his services. Kayla reminded Steve he had that doctor's appointment and he left.

Marlena put a gun in her purse as she recalled her last meeting with Stefano, while Belle got ready to pick up Claire. Belle left and her bodyguard followed. Rob and Crystal emerged. On the phone, Crystal reported the police were all over Belle and asked what she and her cohort should do. Meanwhile, at the DiMera mansion, John puffed on a cigar and told Stefano he wanted out. Stefano said he couldn't, since John was a fugitive and would be tossed in jail if he was spotted. Rolf emerged, announcing that Marlena was there. Stefano sent John to another room and Marlena burst in, demanding to know what Stefano had done to Brady. Stefano claimed he hadn't a clue. Marlena mentioned Belle and Claire almost being kidnapped. Again, Stefano knew nothing. Marlena went on about John's murder, Lucas' cellblock beating, Crystal the psychic...Stefano offered no explanations, so Marlena pulled out her gun, promising Rolf she'd save a bullet for him. John listened from the other room and recalled helping Marlena with her car. Suddenly, John heard gunshots and started towards the door. Marlena informed Stefano this had been a warning. Next time, she wouldn't miss.

Stephanie woke up screaming after a nightmare about Ford. Max comforted her and suggested she see a professional. Max even offered to go with her. Finally, she phoned Dr. Whitney and made an appointment. Later, Steve arrived at the hospital to see Dr. Walker, followed by Steph to see Dr. Whitney. Max waited until Steph emerged from her session. As Dr. Whitney handed Steph a sleeping pill prescription, Steve surfaced and began asking questions. Steph claimed Kayla knew about it. They'd talked. Steve hugged Steph and left. Knowing Steve would go straight to Kayla, an anxious Steph called her mom.

Roman and Bo decided to take a drive to Crystal's storefront. Rob came out and said he was renovating the place. Roman asked to speak to the owner. Rob said he was out of the country. Roman mentioned C.B. DiMera. "Hasn't that name been in the news?" asked Rob. Roman and Bo wanted to look around inside. Rob opposed, since they didn't have a warrant.

Belle arrived at the pub to pick up Claire. While Kayla went to fetch the tyke from the kitchen, Hope asked about Marlena and Belle apologized for messing things up with Shawn. Kayla returned with Claire, and Belle left. Bo returned and asked Hope to accompany him on a stakeout. She happily accepted. Steve returned from the doctor's office telling Kayla he was ready to "make a baby" and remembering back to Steph's birth. Kayla's phone rang and it was Steph, reporting that Steve had just seen her at the psychiatrist's office. Kayla said Steve hadn't mentioned it and promised not to breathe a word about Steph's rape without her permission. Later, Belle returned to Marlena's with Claire. Marlena asked how things went with Hope. "She actually said she felt badly for me," noted Belle, asking how Marlena's meeting went. "I made my point," purred Marlena.

Bo and Hope posed as a homeless couple and sat outside Crystal's storefront. Hope snapped pictures of Rob with her cell phone when he returned. After Rob left again, Bo said they'd show the picture to Belle. If she recognized Rob, they could haul him in for questioning. Soon, Crystal arrived. Bo and Hope bombarded her with questions about John's death, Brady, Belle, Claire and Marlena. Crystal claimed she was a psychic and was only trying to warn Marlena. Bo and Hope didn't believe her and took Crystal down to the station.

Marlena told Roman she missed John and wondered if it was possible he might still be alive. Roman reminded Marlena she'd seen him get hit by a car and watched him take his final breath. He urged Marlena to let John go. After Roman left, Nick arrived. Marlena said she wanted to know if John was really dead and asked Nick to run tests on his ashes. Nick agreed to oblige and left with an urn of ashes, bumping into Roman on his way out. Roman asked what was going on. She explained she had John cremated, so Stefano couldn't pull something later on. But she wanted to make certain the ashes were John's. Roman reported that Bo and Hope had Crystal down at the station and asked if Marlena wanted to go with him to question her. She did, and they left.

Kate and Philip visited Lucas in jail. Philip explained that Lucas' legal team believed his best defense was temporary insanity. Lucas raged against the idea, but Kate and Philip pressed the issue. Kate went on about everything Sami had put Lucas through over the years. When they finally got married, Sami gave birth to the twins and divorced him to marry the man who allegedly raped her. Kate and Philip said Sami had made a fool of Lucas, prompting him to go off. Philip urged Lucas to talk to Sami about testifying on his behalf. Kate urged Lucas to write Sami a letter; his fate was in her hands.

Sami complained to EJ about her rift with Will. EJ assured her that the boy would come around. Kate arrived to see Sami just as EJ heard something in the hall and found someone carting off his couch. EJ told Sami he'd put his assets in Stefano's name after his troubles with the SEC. Now his father was taking those assets. EJ left to confront Stefano, while Kate urged Sami to help Lucas and handed her his letter. Sami read it and cried, as Lucas went on about how much he loves her and wants a happy life with their family. Sami headed to the jail to meet Philip and Cameron Reese, who explained about the temporary insanity plea and how they needed Sami to testify. Cameron rattled off all the things Sami had done to Lucas, including divorcing him and marrying her rapist. Sami was furious they wanted her to take responsibility for driving Lucas to shoot EJ. Philip got Cameron to leave and tried to reason with Sami. She fumed, however, noting Lucas didn't even have the nerve to ask her himself. Then, she stormed off.

John demanded to know why Stefano wouldn't let him out of the mansion. Stefano reiterated John was a fugitive. Rolf interrupted and Stefano told him John was asking too many questions. Couldn't Rolf do something? Rolf pointed out upping John's medication might prevent him from carrying out the mission. EJ arrived, asking why Stefano was taking his furniture. They bickered back and forth and Stefano mentioned EJ keeping him away from Johnny. EJ mentioned Stefano's despicable project with John. "If you choose to interfere in my business, I will destroy everything that you hold dear," warned Stefano. EJ demanded all his possessions be returned or he'd leave, head straight for the brothers Brady and tell them about John.

Bo and Hope questioned Crystal at the station and she stuck to her psychic story. Crystal swore she didn't know who the owner of her building was and she was not working for the DiMeras. Marlena and Roman entered just as Crystal was about to leave. "Tell me, is John alive?" pleaded Marlena.

Chloe snapped pictures of Shawn and Claire at the pub. When Shawn went to change out of his uniform, Belle arrived, found Chloe with Claire and was annoyed. Shawn returned and Belle voiced her disapproval. She then brought up Brady. Chloe swore she had no idea what happened to him but was worried. Belle didn't believe her innocent act and wondered why Chloe was walking around free. Chloe said Philip was the reason; he was covering her legal costs. Caroline emerged with cake to celebrate Shawn's first day at the academy. Belle took Claire's piece to go and left. Chloe apologized to Shawn for make things worse with Belle. Shawn asked Chloe about the hold Philip had over her and Belle. Chloe explained she went to him because he had resources and influence. Shawn asked if Chloe had anything to do with Brady's disappearance. Chloe swore she didn't. The people who took Brady threatened her too, which is why she feared going back to Vienna. After a game of darts, Shawn thanked Chloe for being there for him and Claire, and they decided to hang out more often.

Sami refused to be Lucas' scapegoat. Philip begged Sami to help his brother. Sami said she loved Lucas, but couldn't go along with this stupid idea. "If you love him, then help him," said Philip. Sami wanted Lucas free, but wasn't going to give a twisted confession about being the reason he shot EJ.

Stefano warned the consequences would be dire if EJ told anyone about his houseguest. He reminded EJ he didn't have any money. EJ said he had a good education and could get a good job, so Stefano could keep his money. Stefano went on about the DiMera name. EJ insisted he was happy being Elvis Wells. He didn't want what Stefano had. He wanted freedom for himself and his family. EJ agreed to keep mum about John, if Stefano backed off and left him and his family alone.

Belle met Philip at Java Café and asked why he helped Chloe fight extradition. Philip explained Chloe needed his help. The guys who took Brady weren't messing around. He was worried about Chloe and didn't want her going back to Vienna. "I didn't know you cared so much about her," said Belle. "Are you jealous?" asked Philip, assuring Belle that she was the only one he was interested in.

At the police station Marlena pleaded with Crystal, who finally admitted Stefano had John. Marlena gasped. Bo and Roman didn't believe it. "We want proof," said Hope. Crystal's attorney arrived, demanded the police release her client, and they left. Marlena demanded the cops head to the DiMera mansion to find John. Bo, Hope and Roman went on about not having a search warrant. Marlena didn't care about going through the proper channels. She wanted to get to John. Bo, Hope and Roman worried about Marlena buying into Crystal's psychic babble. Marlena insisted this was real and begged them as her friends to give her the benefit of the doubt. Nick arrived with the results of John's ashes and announced they definitely weren't his. "So how about getting on that search warrant now? asked Marlena.

Back at the apartment, EJ told Sami he'd taken Tony's advice and gone toe-to-toe with his father. Then, he asked Sami to join him in fighting against Stefano. Sami went on about Stefano being a threat to her family. EJ understood and noted he was looking toward a future of hope. Sami agreed to help EJ fight his father. Suddenly, Marlena arrived with Bo and Hope rambling on about John being alive. "We have to get inside the mansion before Stefano realizes what we know," said Marlena, noting she needed EJ's help. Finally, EJ admitted John wasn't dead.