Guarded by Kiriakis henchmen, Stefano seems near death as Philip and Victor await the exchange. At the same time, EJ is stunned when Owen informs him that he's not handing over Stephanie, fearing EJ might hurt her. Desperate to save his father, EJ decides to bluff his way through the meeting without a hostage. Meanwhile at the Java Café, Brady has told Bo that he fears Stephanie is missing. He relays everything he knows, and Bo sets up a plan to stop the impending danger. Brady is told to stay put, as Bo rushes off past Melanie. Brady can't believe she didn't hawk Stephanie's earring. Brady realizes the earring could be a clue to Stephanie's disappearance. At the pier, the meeting is underway. After the two men demand the release of their loved ones, Philip realizes EJ's bluff of not having Stephanie, and Philip goes on the attack. The men fall to the floor, and before blood is spilled, the exchange is interrupted by a swarm of police. All bodyguards are arrested while Philip runs off. EJ tries to follow, but is intercepted by Bo, who arrests a slightly bruised EJ on the spot. Stefano is found by the police hidden in van, and is taken to the hospital. EJ is sent to the hospital to be treated as well, and he's reunited with Stefano, whose health is failing fast. Back at the pier, Bo summons Victor and lays into him over his actions. Victor plays coy, but Bo demands Philip's whereabouts. Victor tries to cover for Philip, but is foiled when Brady shows up. Victor calls Brady a traitor and Bo warns Victor to keep his cool. Meanwhile, Owen comes to a decision to free Stephanie, and she misinterprets. Owen explains that he and Stephanie will spend the rest of their lives together and must flee the country - tonight. She does her best to talk him out of the idea, but is put back in the drawer. After, Owen decides to retrieve clothing for Stephanie- beginning step one of their new life together. Meanwhile, Philip is successful in his escape from the pier. He makes his way back to the Kiriakis mansion to find Melanie waiting for him. She presents him Stephanie's lost earring, and Melanie tells Philip she found it on the terrace where she happened to spot Owen. At the same time, Owen walks down from upstairs, oblivious to Philip and Melanie in the next room. Back at the morgue, Stephanie struggles to free herself from the morgue drawer, and soon realizes she may die from a lack of oxygen. Lucas and Daniel both have vivid dreams about Chloe. Lucas confides his fears regarding Chloe to Maggie while Daniel considers leaving town. He ultimately tells Chloe that he's not leaving because it doesn't matter. He will still love her no matter where he is. Meanwhile, Lucas reveals he thinks Chloe, Kate, and Daniel are keeping something from him and Maggie's reaction only deepens his suspicions. Chloe tells Daniel she fears Lucas is getting on to the truth as Lucas recalls a moment when he was drunk the night of his accident.Monday, May 25, 2009