While Rafe is in the crosshairs of the assassin's rifle, EJ leaps at the assassin just as he shoots. Rafe goes down, and when EJ makes his way to him, he stops to find the folder containing the DNA results. Before EJ can get his hands on the folder, Rafe grabs it and reveals he's unharmed. Later, the police arrive and the assassin, Matteo, confesses that Stefano hired him. EJ alerts Stefano, who decides to skip town, and entrusts Kate to take charge while he's gone. Meanwhile, Mary has a family emergency and passes Sydney to Kate who gives her to Chloe. At the police station, Roman brings in Rafe and EJ for questioning. Rafe asks Roman to let him go in order to see Sami and give her some incredible news, and Roman agrees. Knowing EJ stopped Stefano's assassin, Roman wonders whose side EJ is on. Sami insists Nicole tell her the information Rafe has that concerns Nicole and Sydney. Nicole says Rafe is making it up to drive a wedge between Sami and Nicole but Sami doesn't believe her and insists she can handle whatever Nicole has to tell her. Nicole, believing Rafe will be dead soon, lets her emotions get the better of her. When she overhears a call between Rafe and Sami, she learns Rafe survived Stefano's attack. She takes off to grab Sydney and run only to learn that Sydney is no longer at the DiMera mansion. Meanwhile, Sami meets with Rafe who tells her that her daughter is alive. Stephanie and Nathan share a warm moment, interrupted by Melanie who announces she aced her latest nursing exam. Nathan hugs her, and Stephanie witnesses. She stuffs her discomfort. Melanie and Stephanie go off to mend their friendship and celebrate Melanie's good news. They run into Philip. Stephanie notices the sexual tension between Melanie and Philip, and Melanie admits she has feelings for both Philip and Nathan and doesn't know what to do about it. Meanwhile, Philip leaves a message for Melanie, saying he's going to continue to pursue her as they're meant to be together. He leaves, unaware that Nathan overheard him. Nathan swears that he will not let Philip be with Melanie. Arianna is touched Brady believes her and they make love. Afterwards, she says she won't let Brady help her nail the head of the drug cartel, fearing he'll put his life in danger. Brady only wants to protect Arianna. Brady decides to ask Victor about the people who tipped him off to Arianna's drug dealing, thinking he can find the answers without tipping off Victor that Arianna is working undercover.