Safe House
Sami watches The Nutcracker ballet on TV and yells at Rafe to hurry up in the shower. She pulls out the flyer from the nearby church and attempts to sneak out. When she opens the door, Rafe is standing right there, which scares her and makes her scream. She realizes that he snuck out the bathroom window and says she hates him on so many levels. He warns her that he’s on to her and implores her to just quit. “I don’t quit. Not ever,” she affirms. He unbuttons his shirt, intent on changing his clothes and going out. She begins to open the door, but he cautions her that there’s a big surprise just outside.
Rafe soon emerges from the bathroom shirtless and she remarks how he has the ugliest pants she’s ever seen. She then sits down and moans how she should be watching It’s a Wonderful Life with her mom and kids and planning their Christmas celebration. Rafe puts his undercover shirt on which says “Salem Cable” and sits down next to a crying Sami and apologizes. He assures her that there’s a good surprise for her right outside the door and asks her to stop crying. He apologizes for being a jerk. Sami states that she’s always been better at being angry than at being sad, so she intends to focus on what an unbelievable jerk he is. She urges him not to be nice to her or to even say the word “Christmas.” Rafe is taken aback by her request and says he’s sorry. They hear a knock on the door and Rafe answers it to Hilda, who has a Christmas tree and is singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” “How could you do this to me?” yells Sami to Rafe.
Hilda puts the Christmas tree in place and Rafe offers to get rid of the tree. Sami cries how he can’t do that, predicting that the tree would be sad and lonely in a dark alley otherwise. Rafe expresses concern for Sami before leaving. Sami realizes that Rafe is in disguise and going undercover. “Like a steel trap,” confirms Hilda. Sami urges him to promise to be careful. “You’re worried about me,” notes Rafe. Sami claims she’s worried about herself and warns him how dangerous Stefano DiMera is. She knows he’s going to the DiMera mansion, since she’s his only case right now. Hilda appears amused at their banter. Rafe states his intention to crack this case so she can get back to her family. She notes that his shoes are too clean, so he should probably scuff them up before he goes. Rafe asks Hilda to try and be nice to Sami, claiming he doesn’t want her to be a basket case when he returns. Sami asks Hilda if she thinks Rafe will be alright. Hilda points out that for two people who supposedly can’t stand each other, they sure do worry a lot.
Sami goes on a rant about how Rafe is cocky, arrogant, and stupid. Hilda interrupts and tries to assure Sami that she doesn’t have to worry about Rafe, since he knows what he’s doing. Sami whines how she’s worried about her family and her kids. She urges Hilda not to tell anyone about the baby. Sami is overwhelmed with emotion when Hilda presents her with photos of her twins. Hilda remarks what beautiful children they are. Sami extends a heartfelt thanks to Hilda. Hilda says it’s against policy to get too personal, but brings up a time when she was separated from her son and they made up for lost time. She assures Sami that they will get her home and they won’t give up. Sami laments how she never got a chance to shop for her twins or buy them anything for Christmas. “They don’t want presents. All they want is you,” assures Hilda.
Sami thanks Hilda again for the pictures. Hilda warns her not to tell anyone about the photos, especially Rafe. Sami surmises that Hilda doesn’t want anyone to know that she was nice to her. “You blow my cover and I’ll bring ya down, babe,” jokes Hilda. Sami imagines how magical it would be if she could be with her twins. Hilda encourages her not to give up hope. Sami remarks how she had no idea how hard it would be when she agreed to enter the Witness Protection Program.
DiMera Mansion
Nicole wonders how she can tell E.J. the truth now, knowing how she’s done something horrible which she can’t get out of. She encounters Stefano in the living room, who offers her a drink and invites her to join him for a night cap. She reminds him that she can’t drink. Stefano remarks what a devoted mother she is, willing to sacrifice everything for her unborn child. She questions what E.J. wanted to talk to her about. Stefano affirms that he’s the one who wants to talk to her. “About what?” questions Nicole. “Your pregnancy,” replies Stefano. He wants to know exactly what went on at the clinic. E.J. then emerges and tells Stefano to back off and apologize.
Stefano claims that the prospect of having another grandchild elates him, referring to himself as imperious. He insists that he only wants the best for Nicole and her child, so he has arranged for a famous obstetrician from Switzerland to arrive tonight and examine her. “No! Absolutely not!” refuses Nicole. “Just who the hell do you think you are?” demands Nicole. She also berates E.J. for discussing things behind her back. E.J. insists that they were only trying to help, but Nicole counters that they were trying to take over. She takes a stand and affirms to Stefano that he doesn’t bring in a man from Zurich to examine her without talking to her first. Stefano figured that concern for her unborn child would trump hysterical feminism. Nicole states that overplaying his hand is the mark of a rank amateur, which amuses Stefano. She exhorts that if anything like this happens again, she’ll rethink everything, pointing out that she and E.J. don’t have a legal agreement.
Stefano follows Nicole into the other room and notes how angry she is. He insists that bringing the doctor in was his idea. Mary interrupts and tells him he has a call. Stefano implores Nicole not to blame Elvis for his mistake, then leaves them alone.
