Even as Ashley is making dinner for Grayson, her beau is being stabbed in the stairwell at Garland Memorial. Ashley has nothing to wear, but Tide — product placement alert! — comes to the rescue. She’s shocked when her wounded beau shows up on her doorstep. (At the same time, Ren calls Lia to say the job is done. She’s displeased by his actions, sighing, “Always with the violence!”) Ashley is stunned as Grayson is relatively honest, saying he got in over his head while trying to get money to care for his mom. Speaking of mothers, hers picks that moment to arrive. The harried nurse tries literally pushing her mom out the door, but Jan notices blood on her hands!

Vanessa’s (Kinda) Moving In!

Vanessa tells Joey she wants to be more involved in his business. While he isn’t necessarily ready for that, he says she should move things into his condo that will make it feel like she lives there as well. After swinging by to visit with Anita — who voices her disapproval of Vanessa and Joey’s relationship — the realtor goes to the condo and places a few items around the space.

Vernon is relieved when Madison calls to give him good news about his test results. Anita, however, is not thrilled that he was keeping her in the dark. Sure, he had a good reason — what with everything she’s going through. But she makes it clear that they should go through everything — good and bad — together. Having received a new planner from Vanessa, Anita marks the date when she and Vernon will be able to resume sexual relationship with a big, red heart.

Trouble For Martin and Smitty

Smitty is taken aback when a clearly reluctant Martin reveals his plan to run for the senate. But he’s almost less upset about the news than the fact Martin told Nicole, Bill, Anita and Vernon first. It turns into an argument about trust and where Smitty comes in his husband’s life. As if to illustrate the danger, Joey walks in and observes the couple from the bar. But the real danger comes from Smitty’s end when he receives a message from Jacob — who was just threatened by Ren — urging him to rush to the hospital.

Smitty goes to the hospital and is unable to find Grayson. As he’s on the phone with Jacob, Lia walks by, leaving us to wonder if she heard and might be suspicious. Back at the club, Joey approaches Martin and suggests that if Smitty is refusing protection, he could arrange guards that the journalist would never even notice. But Martin makes it clear he doesn’t want to be any more indebted to Armstrong than he already is!

Next on Beyond the Gates, Nicole’s ready to spend time with one of her beaus… but the other might find a way to intrude! (Wouldn’t we all love to have her problems?!?)   For more Friday preview from all five soaps, click here! Meanwhile, we have a whole lot of questions — the kind only true soap fans would think to ask. See if you agree with what’s bugging us by clicking through the gallery below!