Curlyqgrl's Brenda Returns 2011 #11

Brenda Returns #11 Feb 17 - April 26, 2011: 8 hour original edit

Dvd #11A Brenda and Robin entered the chapel. Brenda admitted that the day didn't feel real to her. Robin warned her friend that if Brenda continued to worry about what might go wrong then Brenda would miss all the little things that made the day special. Brenda confessed that she hardly remembered her previous wedding day with Sonny. Robin didn't think that it was a bad thing because Sonny and Brenda would make new memories. Brenda smiled nervously, so Robin wondered if Brenda were still afraid that the wedding wouldn't happen.

2/18 Spinelli burst into Jason's penthouse with the disturbing revelation that Theo was actually the Balkan. He explained that Theo's DNA matched that of Alexander. Jason said it was time to turn the tables.

Shawn, outside of Brenda's room, called Theo at the law office to report that Brenda would be abducted as soon as she was alone. Hiding in Theo's office, a terrified Molly digested what she'd just heard. Theo called Suzanne for an update as Molly attempted to sneak out. Theo told Suzanne that he wanted her with him, but Suzanne replied that it would be suspicious if she were not at the wedding. However, Theo was insistent. After Theo ended the call, he thought he'd heard a noise and went to investigate. Just as he was about to find Molly, Alexis knocked and asked to look for her glasses. Alexis noted that Theo seemed to be in a great mood. He agreed and offered to walk Alexis out. Before she had a chance to escape, Molly heard the door open. It was Jason, Sam, and Spinelli. A relieved Molly told them that Theo was the Balkan. She elaborated on what she'd overheard. Jason asked if Theo had mentioned where he was going. Molly let them know Theo had said he was going to his room at the Metro Court.

In the chapel, Brenda shared with Robin that she was affected by all of the people who were against her marriage to Sonny. Robin said that she had no regrets for having married Patrick, even though Lisa had broken them up. Robin recounted how anxious she had been before Emma was born, but Emma turned out to be perfect. Robin's point was that Brenda and Sonny would be fine. They headed back to the dressing room, but Robin left to run an errand.

Shawn approached the dressing room, his gun leading the way. Before he could enter the room, Robin returned with Kristina. Not long after, Kristina left to find out why Molly had not gotten there yet. Brenda began to freak out over the tiniest of details, but Robin assured her that everything was going to proceed smoothly. Alexis arrived and wondered where her girls were. Robin explained that Molly hadn't shown up. Alexis called Sam to ask if Molly was okay. Sam replied that Molly was fine and would be on her way soon. Spinelli took Molly to the ceremony.

Once dressed for the wedding, Dante, Sonny, and Michael excitedly headed toward the venue. Just then, Max and Milo arrived at the front door, carrying Carly, who was kicking and screaming. They managed to hide before Dante and Michael saw them. Max and Milo explained that Sonny had asked them to detain her for her own good. Carly angrily argued that she was simply trying to save Sonny from himself. Max and Milo offered to do anything to make Carly comfortable. Carly asked for pizza from Trino's. Max nixed the idea because Trino's didn't deliver, and neither he nor his brother would leave to pick it up. Carly insisted, so Max let Milo go to make the pickup. Carly used her feminine charms to try to work Max, who squirmed as Carly flirted with him. Max made the mistake of turning his back on her, and she knocked him out with a vase.

The groom and two of his sons arrived at the chapel as Jax walked in with Morgan. Sonny pulled Jax aside and asked him not to disrupt the wedding. Sonny called a truce, at least for that day. Both men shook hands. Jax pointed out that he couldn't speak for Carly and, since he and she were not speaking, he couldn't be sure she wouldn't make trouble. Sonny smugly replied that he'd taken her into consideration. Luke wished Sonny the best and mentioned that he'd witnessed Max and Milo abduct Carly. Sonny confessed that he'd ordered the men to confine Carly in order to keep her from ruining the wedding. Tracy approached, surprising Sonny. Edward walked in and expressed the ominous feeling he had about the wedding. Luke mused that he felt uneasy as well.

Jax went to see Brenda in her dressing room to wish her well. He made it clear that he sincerely wanted her to be happy, even if it meant she married his arch-rival. After Jax left, Sonny walked in, sending Brenda into a tizzy. He convinced her that it wasn't bad luck for him to see her, as long as he didn't see the dress. Sonny went back downstairs, and Olivia wished him the best. Sonny acknowledged that it must have been tough for her to have raised Dante on her own but that she'd done a great job, and Dante had grown up to be a good man.

Molly and Spinelli entered the dressing room, and Molly apologized for her tardiness. Spinelli offered his heartfelt congratulations as Brenda "walked down the aisle of fate." He took his leave, and Kristina said that his statement had sounded portentous. Following tradition, the girls presented Brenda with something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. After Molly and Kristina left, Brenda put her dress on. Robin left soon after. Once Robin was gone, Shawn began to enter the room, but was surprised by Carly, who explained that she was there with a special present for the bride.

Suzanne showed up at Theo's room. She expressed her concern that people would notice she wasn't at the wedding. Theo suspiciously wondered if Suzanne's desire for revenge was wavering. Suzanne denied that she felt any sympathy for Brenda. They shared a toast to vengeance. Jason and Sam got the room key from the Metro Court clerk, because staff had a standing order to assist Jason any way they could. Jason and Sam went upstairs and approached Theo's room with guns drawn.

In the chapel, Robin worried that Jason had not yet arrived. Molly wondered who would walk Brenda down the aisle. Robin was inspired to find a suitable replacement and asked Edward to do the honors. Sonny and Dante noticed that Jason was a no-show, which worried them both. A smug Carly entered Brenda's room, prompting a perturbed Brenda to ask why Carly was there. "I just came to say goodbye," answered Carly with a smirk.

2/21 As guests gathered at the Archer Pavilion to celebrate Brenda's wedding. Jason and Sam entered Theo's room at the Metro Court. The room was empty, but the note they found confirmed that Theo was the Balkan and that he was expecting them. Sam and Jason raced to the wedding when they realized that Shawn, Theo's security consultant, was one of the Balkan's men and not on their side. At the Archer Pavilion, outside the chapel doors, Robin tried to convince Edward to stand in for Jason, who was a no-show, and walk Brenda down the aisle. With Molly and Kristina listening, Edward flatly refused because of his animosity for Sonny. Molly said Brenda could walk herself down the aisle. Molly protested when Kristina suggested calling Jason. Robin agreed and figured that Jason was busy taking care of Carly.

Inside the chapel, Dante told him that they had not heard from Jason. As Sonny paced, Luke approached and asked if Carly was responsible for the delay. Sonny said that Jason might have found the Balkan. Luke said that maybe Carly had some legitimate reason to stop the wedding, but Sonny was sure that Carly was in the care of Max and Milo, who would certainly call if she got away from them. Shawn listened outside the door as Carly confronted Brenda. When Brenda said that Carly could not ruin her wedding day, Carly dropped the bombshell. She asked Brenda how long Sonny would love her when he found out that she had made him a grandfather. Then Carly gloated as she showed Brenda the proof. Brenda spoke softly when she said that there was no limit on how low Carly would sink. Carly said that she was doing it for Sonny and her children.

Brenda wanted to know why Carly was confronting her in private when public humiliation was Carly's preferred method. Carly said she did not want to hurt Sonny or her kids. Brenda said that the only one hurting anyone was Carly. Carly said she was trying to be gracious. She said that she was giving Brenda the chance to keep her secret by walking away from Sonny and Port Charles, and leaving Sonny with his illusions. Carly said it was better for Sonny to have a small hurt than a big one. Brenda asked if Carly had slept with her mother’s husband and then lied to several men about Michael's paternity. Brenda said that Carly could not stand to be less that front and center in Sonny's life and that was the real reason that her marriage to Jax had failed. Carly smiled and said that Brenda could either leave in the limo out front or walk down the aisle and let everyone know that Dante had fathered her child.

Sonny and Dante joined the group in the vestibule as Edward continued his rant against Sonny. Sonny tried to go to Brenda, but the girls stopped him and said it was bad luck. Brenda appeared in the vestibule and smiled at Sonny. Edward went back inside after calling the wedding a travesty. Sonny hugged Brenda. He and Dante went back to the chapel. Robin comforted Brenda and told her not to let Carly ruin the wedding. Molly said that everything would be okay. Jason and Sam arrived, to the relief of the bride and bridesmaids. Jason asked Brenda if she was sure she wanted to proceed. When she said yes, Sam went inside.

The guests were relieved when the wedding music began. Molly walked down the aisle, followed by Kristina, who hugged Sonny. Sam noticed Shawn lurking behind a curtain. The guests stood as Jason and Brenda entered the chapel. Brenda was smiling as they walked down the aisle and met Sonny at the altar. As part of the very touching ceremony, Morgan gave a heartfelt speech welcoming Brenda to the family. She had tears in her eyes as she thanked him. When the minister asked if anyone objected, all eyes turned to Carly, including Brenda's. Brenda looked at Sonny and said she was sorry. Tears were streaming down her cheeks when she said that she had to object.

Shawn called the Balkan, but got no answer. He said that he had been unsuccessful in getting Brenda alone and needed further instructions. Sam got the drop on him, but he quickly disarmed her and said that she was a complication that he did not need. Jason caught up with them and had a gun trained on Shawn, who held a gun to Sam's head. Jason told Shawn to let Sam go and threatened to shoot him. Shawn asked Jason if he really wanted to take that chance.

Theo, the Balkan, walked through a cave tunnel to a secret door. When he entered, his minion Squirt, was waiting. After taking the Balkan's coat, Squirt asked him what he had been doing.

2/22 At the law office, Jason kept a gun trained on Shawn as Shawn held Sam hostage. Jason vowed to make Shawn pay if Shawn harmed Sam in any way. Jason informed Shawn that the Balkan's identity had been revealed, so Theo could no longer hide. Jason warned Shawn that many men had died to satisfy the Balkan's need for revenge; he was curious if Shawn were willing to be one of them. Shawn argued that Theo would kill him if Jason didn't. Jason insisted that Shawn had a choice. Shawn considered Jason's words for a moment and then released Sam. Jason immediately demanded to know where Theo was. Shawn explained that Theo hadn't confided that deeply in Shawn, so Shawn had no idea where Theo's safe house was. Jason was curious what Shawn's assignment had been. Shawn revealed that he had been hired to kidnap Brenda, but the attempt had failed because Carly had stopped by to talk to Brenda. Jason wondered why Shawn hadn't killed Carly. Shawn made it clear that he had been recruited to kidnap a bride, not kill witnesses. Shawn admitted that Carly was "good people," so Shawn hadn't been interested in harming Carly.

Jason questioned what Shawn would have done if the Balkan had ordered Shawn to snatch Molly. Shawn insisted that he would never have harmed a child. Moments later, Diane entered the office. Diane immediately looked away when she realized that Jason and Sam were armed with guns. Diane demanded to know why Jason was detaining Mr. Butler in her office. Jason revealed that Theo was the Balkan. Diane was livid; she couldn't believe that the New York office had allowed an international criminal to infiltrate her law firm. Jason asked Diane to check her records to see if Theo had left any revealing clues behind. Diane agreed, but she insisted that Jason and Sam take their captive elsewhere, so that Diane could have plausible deniability. Later, Jason and Shawn returned to Jason's penthouse. Shawn wondered where things went from there.

In the cave, Suzanne and Theo speculated about what was going on at the Archer Pavilion. Suzanne was worried because Theo's true identity had been exposed. She feared that it would work against them if his plan failed. Theo wasn't concerned about the world knowing his identity, as long as he had his revenge. Suzanne was concerned that her absence from the wedding would be noticed. Theo wondered if his "leopard is changing her spots." Suzanne resented Theo questioning her determination to see the plan through. She reminded him that Aleksander had been her son too. Theo suggested that Suzanne had spent a lot of time with Brenda and that he was aware of the "strange" tendency for women to bond. Suzanne claimed that she was concerned about Theo. Suzanne feared that Theo might have lost his advantage as an international criminal by not remaining anonymous. Theo argued that everything, except for Suzanne, had become second after they had lost Aleksander. Theo wanted Sonny and Brenda to feel the pain that Theo and Suzanne had felt when Aleksander had been killed.

At the Archer Pavilion, Brenda stopped the wedding. Sonny was stunned as he asked her, "Why?" "Cause if I don't, Carly will," Brenda explained. Sonny looked accusingly at Carly as he demanded answers. Carly was unrepentant as she slowly started to pull a folded document from her purse. "I have it covered," Brenda assured Carly. Brenda revealed that Carly had a document, which proved that Brenda had an affair with Dante in 2007. Sonny turned to Dante for Dante's denial, but Dante remained silent. Sonny's anger mounted as he realized the reason for Brenda and Dante's odd behavior over the previous few months. "You slept with him? With Dante?" Sonny asked in disbelief. Brenda began to weep as Sonny demanded to know if Brenda would have told him if Carly hadn't learned the truth.

"No, because none of it is true," Brenda answered. Carly produced the custody papers to show to Sonny. Dante took the papers from Carly and then explained that Carly had told the truth as far as Carly knew it; however, Dante revealed that Brenda's child hadn't been his. Dante denied that he and Brenda had ever had an affair, but he did admit to claiming to be the child's father and then relinquishing all rights to the child. Dante confessed that he had met Brenda when she had needed protection from a man who had been stalking her. According to Dante, the stalker had been the child's father. Dante had signed the papers, so that the man's family couldn't get their hands on the child.

Carly snorted as she accused Dante of fabricating a convenient lie. Sonny shouted at Carly to shut up and sit down. Brenda immediately began to apologize to Sonny for not telling him about the baby. Brenda acknowledged that it had been selfish of her and that she wasn't good enough for Sonny. Brenda realized that Sonny was disappointed in her, but she wanted him to know that she loved him and always would. Brenda started to leave, but Sonny called out to her. Sonny remembered what he had felt like when he had run out on Brenda during their last wedding. Sonny acknowledged that it had been the biggest mistake of his life, so he didn't want to repeat it. Brenda feared that Sonny would never be able to forgive her. Sonny insisted that he wanted to because it had screwed up his life not to trust the one person that he had loved the most.

Sonny was curious why Brenda couldn't trust him. Brenda admitted that she had been terrified that Sonny would leave her. Sonny argued that her father had been the one to leave her and that her father had been wrong to tell Brenda that she hadn't been worth loving. Sonny declared his love for Brenda and then promised that he forgave her. Brenda's eyes filled with tears as Sonny asked her to marry him. Brenda threw herself into Sonny's arms as she happily accepted the proposal of marriage. Moments later, Sonny and Brenda returned to the altar, where they exchanged vows and then wedding rings before being pronounced "husband and wife." Everyone, except for Carly and Lulu, erupted in applause as the happy couple kissed.

In the Balkan's cave, Theo received an update on Brenda's wedding. After Theo ended the call, he turned to Suzanne to let her know that Brenda had made it down the aisle. However, Theo revealed that there had been a brief scene prior to the wedding ceremony. Suzanne suspected that Carly had pulled a stunt. Suzanne's smile slipped when Theo explained that it had been revealed that Brenda had been pregnant in 2007 with their grandchild. Theo was curious if Suzanne had known about the pregnancy, since she had spent so much time with Brenda. Suzanne carefully lied as she told Theo that Brenda had fallen ill for a week during their trip to Africa. According to Suzanne, Brenda had been delirious with a fever, during which time Brenda had mentioned a child. Suzanne claimed that she had asked Brenda about the baby during Brenda's recovery and that Brenda had confided about miscarrying a baby boy weeks earlier.

Theo was furious that Suzanne hadn't told him about the baby. Suzanne explained that Theo had been too distraught over their son's disappearance that she hadn't had the heart to add to his grief. Theo wondered if Aleksander had known about the baby and if it were the reason that Aleksander had been so driven to find Brenda. Theo was horrified that Brenda had been carrying Aleksander's son when she had killed Aleksander. Theo felt as if Brenda had taken everything from him.

Suzanne reminded Theo that no one knew that she was the Balkan's wife, so she could still seek justice for their son. Theo agreed to forgo the pleasure of Suzanne's company, in order for her to return to the pavilion to make Brenda pay for what she had done to their family. Theo was confident that Suzanne knew what to do. Shawn called as Suzanne prepared to leave. Shawn quickly explained that he had failed to carry out the mission and then arranged to meet Theo at a remote location. Theo ended the call and then informed Suzanne that Shawn had switched sides. "That's not good," Suzanne observed. Theo disagreed; he thought it was the perfect opportunity for an ambush.

2/23 At the penthouse, Sam, Jason, and Shawn reviewed the plans to rendezvous with the Balkan at Pine Barrens. Jason feared that it might be a setup. Shawn insisted that he had a code of honor, which was why Shawn hadn't targeted Carly or Molly, so it was to Shawn's advantage to get Theo. Sam was certain that Theo would show up with a lot of firepower, so she worried that Shawn would double-cross Jason. Jason intended to get to Theo fast, so if anything went wrong then Theo and Shawn would be the first to be killed.

Later, Sam kept watch over Shawn while Jason changed clothes. Shawn assured Sam that her gun wasn't necessary, but Sam refused to be taken hostage by Shawn again. Jason entered the living room moments later. Sam started to go to the bedroom to change, but Jason told her that he needed her to keep an eye on things at the wedding. Sam argued that they needed to stick together, but Jason refused to endanger Sam. Jason relaxed when Sam agreed to abide by his wishes. However, she pointedly told Jason that she would see him soon. Jason nodded and then left.

At Pine Barrens, Shawn made a last-ditch effort to persuade Jason to let him walk away, but Jason insisted that it wasn't an option. Jason threatened to kill Shawn if it were a setup. "Fair enough," Shawn responded as Jason handed Shawn a gun. Moments later, Shawn stepped out to meet Theo, but shots immediately rang out.

In the Balkan's cave, Suzanne wondered how Theo knew that Shawn had switched sides. Theo believed that it was a logical conclusion to make, since his spy had reported that Jason and Shawn had left the wedding. Theo believed that Shawn had requested the meeting at Jason's urging. Suzanne assumed that she would have to skip the reception to deal with Jason, but Theo insisted that Suzanne stick to her plans. Suzanne apologized to Theo for not telling him about their grandchild. She explained that she had been concerned about Theo's health, which had been precarious after Aleksander's disappearance.

Suzanne had hoped to spare Theo the shock of learning that their grandson had died. Theo assured Suzanne that he understood. Suzanne hated leaving Theo in the damp cave, but he argued that it was a good place to hide. Suzanne suggested that they plan a trip to somewhere warm and tropical after Brenda had been dealt with. Her smile slipped when Theo suggested that she "hurry along." He promised to take care of everything and everyone while she created a diversion at the wedding reception. Later, Sam climbed into the driver's side of her car and then adjusted the rearview mirror. She was startled when she saw Theo staring at her from the backseat.

At the Archer Pavilion, guests applauded as Sonny kissed his new bride and then led her to the reception area. Guests quickly followed. Dante waited for Lulu to join him, but Lulu pointedly avoided Dante. As everyone began to mingle and sip on champagne, Brook Lynn and Nikolas congratulated the happy couple.

Dante continued to keep an eye on Lulu, but Lulu refused to go near Dante. Olivia pulled her son aside to talk to him about the custody papers that Carly had uncovered. Dante made it clear that he didn't have any regrets. Olivia admitted that it bothered her because Dante's new "stepmother" had taken advantage of him. Dante glanced at Brenda to see that Brenda was glowing with happiness as she smiled at Sonny.

Edward approached Brenda to chastise her for not turning to him for help in 2007. Brenda explained that she didn't want to dwell on it. Her eyes brimmed with tears of joy as she insisted that it was a day for happy tears just as Lila had wanted. After Edward left, Luke and Tracy walked up to congratulate the bride and groom. Sonny realized that Luke had known what Carly had planned to do and that Luke had tried to warn Sonny. Brenda insisted that Carly's stunt hadn't worked, so there wasn't any point discussing it. Tracy glared at Luke after Sonny and Brenda walked away.

At the reception, Spinelli congratulated Brenda and Sonny. Brenda thanked Spinelli for everything that he had done, including hiring a wedding planner. Spinelli quoted Lord Byron as he wished Brenda and Sonny many years of joy. As Spinelli walked away, Brenda admitted that she would miss living with him. She suggested that they invite Spinelli to move in with them in the house in the woods, but Sonny refused to consider it. Brenda was talking to Edward about Lila's handkerchief when Molly walked up to let Brenda know that it was time for them to take a family picture.

Sonny followed Carly out of the reception because he was curious if she was leaving. Carly smiled confidently as she assured him that she intended to stay for some wedding cake and to give Sonny the opportunity to thank her. Sonny wondered if it had ever occurred to Carly to show him the documents before the wedding. Carly was unapologetic, so Sonny thanked her. Sonny was grateful that he had been able to marry Brenda without any secrets between them.

Later, Sonny confided to Luke how it had felt to hear that Dante and Brenda had a child together. Sonny had been ready to lose it until Dante had explained everything. It had made Sonny realize that he wanted to spend the rest of his life loving Brenda instead of missing her.

Suzanne approached Brenda to apologize for trying to stop the wedding. She hoped that she and Brenda could be friends again one day. Brenda smiled as she insisted that their friendship remained intact. Brenda believed that she and Sonny could survive anything if they had managed to get married despite Suzanne and Cary's attempts to sabotage the wedding. Later, Olivia pulled Sonny aside to let him know that Brenda's secret had cost Dante more than it had cost Sonny. Robin invited Sonny and Brenda to share their first dance as husband and wife. After several minutes, everyone paired off and then joined the newlyweds on the dance floor to the "Home Again" performed by Daena Jay.

2/24 In the parking garage of the penthouse, Theo chided Sam for not having the foresight to check the back seat before she had gotten in the car. Sam warned Theo that Jason would stop him before Theo had a chance to carry out the plot for revenge. Theo chuckled confidently as he informed Sam that it would be difficult for Jason to do anything because Jason was busy dealing with an ambush at the Pine Barrens. Sam demanded to know what Theo wanted. Theo explained that it was a shame that Sam bore such a strong resemblance to the new Mrs. Corinthos because Sam would pay for it with her life.

At the Pine Barrens, Jason took cover while the Balkan's men fired shots. Eventually the gunfire ended, so Jason slowly made his way to the road. Jason looked around, but everyone, including Shawn, was gone. Jason jumped into his car and then raced back to the penthouse. In the parking garage, Jason called Spinelli to arrange for a meeting. A short time later, Spinelli arrived home to find Jason waiting. Jason was curious if anything had happened at the wedding reception. Spinelli confessed that he had left early because it had been difficult for Spinelli to watch Brenda and Sonny. Spinelli was curious if Jason had found any leads on Theo. Jason revealed that Shawn had double-crossed him at the Pine Barrens. Jason was certain that Shawn was with Theo, so Jason wanted Spinelli to find out where Theo could have disappeared to.

Carly left the reception and she was on her way home when she spotted a man lying unconscious in the road. Carly raced over to check on the man, only to discover that it was Shawn. Shawn quickly aimed a gun at Carly as he ordered her to help him to the car. Shawn threatened to kill Carly if she didn't cooperate. Carly assured Shawn that she had every intention of helping him, so he didn't need the gun. Shawn refused to put the gun down because he didn't trust Carly. Carly calmly let Shawn know that her car was nearby and then slowly helped him to his feet.

A short time later, Shawn and Carly arrived at her house. Carly explained that the kids were with her ex-husband, so they were alone. Shawn seemed leery as Carly helped him to the sofa and then tried to examine the wound. She was startled when she realized that he had been shot. She offered to fetch the first aid kit, but Shawn feared that she would try to escape. Eventually, Carly managed to persuade Shawn to let her patch him up. He was unaware that she had managed to dial Jason's cell phone. Jason was frustrated when he saw the incoming call from Carly. Jason started to tell her that he was busy, but then he heard her talking to Shawn. Carly cleverly let Jason know that she was at home. Carly was in the middle of assuring Shawn that she wouldn't turn him in because she felt that she owed him for helping Molly. Shawn appeared to relax until Jason suddenly loomed in the doorway with a gun aimed directly at Shawn. Jason ordered Shawn to drop the gun, but Carly leapt up to beg Jason not to shoot Shawn.

Robin decided to offer a toast to the bride and groom, since Jason wasn't there to do it. Robin talked about Sonny and Brenda's early days and how deeply they had loved each other. Robin explained that even though Sonny and Brenda had spent years apart, they had found their way back to each other. Robin held up her glass of champagne as she told the happy couple, "To my friends, Sonny and Brenda, may you be happy and in love for the rest of your lives." Patrick smiled at his wife as everyone raised their flutes of champagne.

As Robin vacated the dance floor, Molly cleared her throat to gain everyone's attention. Molly began to compare Sonny and Brenda to Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw from Wuthering Heights, so Kristina quickly cut her sister off to let Michael speak. Michael expressed his gratitude to Brenda for making Sonny happy. Morgan was the next to offer a toast. Morgan acknowledged that Sonny had always loved Brenda and that the family was thrilled that Brenda had agreed to marry Sonny. Kristina decided to quote Mignon McLaughlin, "A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." Kristina welcomed Brenda to the family as Brenda smiled with joy. Brenda thanked the children and then hugged each one of them. Sonny realized that it was his turn to make a speech. Sonny said that he loved his kids and was proud of each of them. Molly smiled when Sonny singled her out to let her know that she was a special niece. Sonny spoke from the heart as he insisted that Brenda made his life complete and that he looked forward to spending the rest of their lives together. A short time later, Robin announced that it was time to cut the cake.

Edward was showering Brenda with compliments when Tracy joined them. Tracy announced that it had been a lovely wedding and then quipped that no one had been shot. Sonny and Brenda cut the cake. Afterwards, the crowd dispersed. Dante approached Sonny and Brenda to apologize for ducking out on the reception. Sonny wondered how everything had gone with Lulu. Dante assured them that he was working on it. Brenda admitted that she was happy to be related to Dante. She couldn't believe that he had stood up during the wedding to explain everything. Sonny and Brenda thanked Dante for saving the day. Dante assured them that he just wanted them to be happy.

Robin called all the single ladies together for the bouquet toss. Alexis and Olivia reluctantly joined the other single ladies on the dance floor for the bouquet toss. Kristina was the lucky recipient of the toss. Sonny chuckled as he informed Kristina that she couldn't get married until he told her that it was okay. Kristina was curious how long that would be. "One, two, maybe three decades," Sonny answered as he hugged his daughter. Sonny and Brenda headed to the waiting limousine as the wedding guests tossed flower petals. Brenda waved to everyone one last time before Sonny helped her into the limousine. Sonny closed the door and then started to walk around to the other side when Luke called out to Sonny. Sonny sprinted over to talk to Luke and then turned back to the limousine just as it exploded.

2/25 At the chapel after the ceremony, giddy guests dispersed while Sonny and Brenda made their exit. Sonny helped Brenda into the limo and, as he prepared to walk to the other side, the car exploded. Ethan ushered Kristina, Molly, and Morgan into the chapel. All were distraught over what they'd just witnessed. Molly went online to research the odds of surviving such an explosion but began to cry as Kristina comforted her.

Outside, everyone began to react to the shocking scene. Sonny broke down in tears. He attacked the limo driver and accused him of having been in on the hit. Michael and Abby arrived, and Michael helped Luke and Dante restrain his father. Later, Abby warned Michael not to seek revenge.

Jason and Shawn aimed their guns at each other as Carly stood between them. She explained to Jason that Shawn was injured, but Jason told Carly that Shawn was working for the Balkan. Shawn countered that he had been trying to help Jason when Theo shot Shawn. Carly took the gun from Shawn without a struggle. Jason took a call from Luke, who explained that the limo had been rigged and that Brenda had been in it when it had exploded. Shawn promised that he had not been aware that Theo had been planning to kill anyone. Carly insisted that Jason go to Sonny. Jason made one last threat to Shawn and reluctantly left Carly to fend for herself.

Jason arrived at the pavilion and explained to Sonny that Theo's DNA was a direct match to Alexander's and that the lawsuit was simply Theo's way of getting Brenda to confess to having killed Alexander. Jason consoled Sonny. Luke tried to coax Sonny away from the scene, but Sonny declared he would not leave without his wife. Lulu returned and told Dante that she'd been a coward, giving up happiness for fear of getting hurt. Dante beat himself up for having conned himself into believing that Brenda would have been safe. Lulu and Dante looked on as Sonny sat in a daze.

Patrick dragged Robin back into the chapel. Robin felt that, if Brenda was dead, it was Robin's fault. Patrick tried to comfort Robin by telling her that Brenda had willingly made the decision to marry Sonny, despite the risks. Robin wondered if love was ever enough to keep people together. Patrick pressed Robin to go home, but Robin insisted on staying until Brenda's body was recovered. Robin went to Sonny and they shared tears.

Kristina called Alexis with the horrible news. Alexis told Jax that Brenda had been in an explosion. Jax and Alexis went to the scene, and Jax castigated Sonny for having left another innocent victim in Sonny's wake. Jason urged Jax not to spur a confrontation at that moment. Jax continued unabated, invoking Lily's similar fate. Alexis demanded that Jax stop, but he continued to taunt Sonny, telling him he should "do the noble thing" for once and shoot himself in the head.

Michael escorted Jax away, while Alexis apologized to Sonny. As she left, Edward showed up. He talked to Michael and expressed his profound sadness. He told Michael to promise not to waste his life by following in Sonny's footsteps. Edward compared Brenda to his late wife, Lila. Jason told Luke that he couldn't understand why Theo would have chosen that moment to kill Brenda when he'd had so many opportunities in the past. Jason took a call. On the other end of the line was Franco. Franco told Jason that he had a grand event to attend. Jason threatened to kill Franco, who insinuated that he might have had something to do with the explosion. Everyone stood around as the fire crew took Brenda's body to the ambulance. Sonny demanded to see her face. When he pulled back the sheet, it was Sam lying on the gurney.

2/28 Suzanne confronted Theo in his hidden lair and demanded to know if Brenda was dead. Theo said that if Brenda were indeed dead, he would have lost the last link to his son. Susanne told Theo that he would be sorry if he had killed Brenda. Theo asked if she were being disloyal. Suzanne said that she had spent years being nice to Brenda so that she would eventually get all her questions answered. She said that if Brenda was gone, then she had lost the opportunity to find out about her dead son. Theo told her that he needed to know that she was on his side.

At the Archer Pavilion, Jason was relieved to see that Sam was alive. Paramedics loaded her into an ambulance and headed for General Hospital with Jason following. Dante and Sonny speculated that Brenda was alive and being held captive. Dante said that the Balkan had finally slipped. He said that Theo probably expected Sam to be burned beyond recognition because he did not know about the last-minute bomb-proofing of the limo. Sonny agreed that Theo expected to have a long head start before anyone discovered that Sam was missing. Sonny said that Theo wanted Brenda so that he could take his revenge on her.

Jason called Sonny and reported that Shawn was at Carly's. When Sonny wondered if Shawn had escaped, Jason said that Shawn was wounded and Carly had a gun, which she knew how to use. When Suzanne arrived at the ER, Jax met her and told her that Sam, not Brenda, had been in the limo. Suzanne seemed shocked. Alone, Suzanne phoned a fellow conspirator and said to be ready to move at a moment's notice. Sonny and three of his men rushed in with guns drawn. Sonny pointed a gun at Shawn and demanded to know where the Balkan was hiding Brenda.

Jason got a call from Franco. Franco asked if Jason had ever posed for a photo. Franco tried to engage Jason in conversation but Jason remained mum. Finally Franco said he would be home soon. He said that he thought of Port Charles as home. He said that he had a present for Jason.

Robin told Alexis and Jason that Sam was waking up. Jason rushed into the treatment bay. Patrick encouraged Jason to talk to Sam. Jason took her hand and asked if she could hear him. Sam squeezed his hand and opened her eyes. Jason continued to talk to her, but Sam could only see his lips move. She was deaf.

Brenda woke up to find Theo standing over her. When she asked where she was, Theo said it was time to be reintroduced. He said that even though she knew him as her lawyer, he was also Aleksander's father and the grandfather of her child.

3/1 Lucky told Dante about Megan's claim that Theo had a wife. Dante wondered if perhaps "Mrs. Hoffman" realized that her husband had an alter ego or that he had gone to such great lengths to avenge their son. Lucky and Dante agreed that Theo would eventually have to check in with his wife. They decided that Theo's wife could be Theo's weakness, so they had to find her. Moments later, Morgan called Dante for help.

Carly and Sonny argued about Shawn. Sonny intended to torture Shawn, if necessary, to force Shawn to tell him where Theo had taken Brenda. Carly insisted that Shawn didn't know anything. Michael quickly made his presence known when he entered the living room. Morgan hid in the foyer, listening as Sonny and Carly tried to enlist Michael's help. Sonny wanted Michael to take Carly away while Carly wanted Michael to talk some sense into Sonny.

In the house, Michael tried to talk his father down. Carly warned Sonny that if he intended to harm Shawn then Sonny would have to do it in front of Michael because she refused to leave. Sonny and Carly were startled when Dante suddenly appeared in the doorway. Dante explained that Morgan had called him. Dante urged Sonny to let the police handle Shawn and to save the vengeful mob stuff for another time. Dante implored Sonny to be a father. Sonny looked around the room and then quietly left. Michael followed his father out and then joined Morgan in the car.

Sonny arrived at Greystone Manor to find Luke helping himself to a drink. Luke advised his friend to take some time to collect his thoughts before making a move against Theo. Sonny told Luke about Shawn. Luke suspected that Shawn had been a diversion intended to distract Jason, so that Sam could be switched for Brenda. Luke was curious if Shawn were dead. Sonny admitted that Shawn would have died if Michael, Dante, and Morgan hadn't been there. Luke agreed that having a cop for a kid was always a negative. Sonny regretted that Michael and Morgan had seen what Sonny was capable of. Luke knew what it was like to fall off of the pedestal that children put their parents on. "It's painful," Luke clarified.

After Luke left, Dante dropped by to give Sonny an update on Shawn. Sonny didn't want Dante involved because Sonny was certain that following the law wouldn't help Brenda. Dante disagreed. Dante reminded Sonny that Michael and Morgan had seen the worst of Sonny, so Dante urged Sonny to let them see the best. Dante promised that Theo would be held accountable by the judicial system. "Not if I get to him first," Sonny warned Dante.

3/2 Jason tracked Shawn down to the airport. Shawn was curious how Jason had found him. Jason pointed out that it hadn't been difficult because Shawn hadn't used an alias. Jason accused Shawn of luring Jason into a trap, so that Theo could kidnap Sam. Jason intended to make Shawn pay for that.

At the Balkan's cave, Brenda woke up in a small room as Jules, Theo's attendant, entered with a breakfast tray. Jules accidentally nicked himself on a knife that he held firmly clutched in his hand. Brenda suggested that perhaps he shouldn't carry it around, but Jules argued that Brenda should be grateful that he did. "Why?" Brenda wondered. Jules cryptically explained that she could use all the friends that she could get. Brenda turned on the charm as she tried to get her hands on the knife under the guise of concern about Jules' injury. Jules was wise to Brenda's ways, so he warned her to keep her distance because he could be lethal. "Good to know," Brenda replied as she switched tactics by trying to persuade Jules to get a message to someone. She promised Jules that her friends would hide him from his boss. Brenda insisted that she would do anything that Jules asked if he would help her. Jules confessed that he had fantasies about being a knife thrower with a beautiful assistant. According to Jules, Brenda would be the perfect assistant. Brenda looked uncomfortable as Jules slipped out of the room.

Brenda was shown to Theo's office. Theo pretended to be concerned about Brenda's comfort, but she demanded to know if Sonny had escaped the explosion. Theo assured Brenda that Sonny was alive, but mourning the loss of his new bride. Brenda was disgusted when Theo revealed that he had arranged to have a body planted in the limousine. Theo thought that it had been a brilliant plan; however, he wanted to discuss something with her that he had been waiting a long time to talk to her about. Brenda couldn't imagine what it could be about. "My grandchild," Theo clarified.

3/3 At the airport, Jason was furious that Sam had almost been killed. Shawn reiterated that he had only been hired to kidnap Brenda. Jason was curious why Shawn was running if he had didn't have anything to hide. Shawn clarified that he wasn't on the run; he intended to go to Manhattan to collect some records that might be able to help track down Theo.

At Greystone Manor, Dante entered the parlor as Sonny barked orders to Bernie over the phone and then slammed the receiver down. Dante assured Sonny that the police were searching for Brenda, but Sonny wasn't satisfied with that. Sonny insisted on doing things his own way. Dante warned Sonny that Sonny didn't have the right to turn Port Charles into a war zone in an effort to find Brenda. "Watch me," Sonny growled. Sonny refused to let anything get in his way, but Dante argued that Sonny's fear didn't mean that it was okay for Sonny to "break skulls." Sonny was curious why Dante was only interested in going by the book when innocent people, like Michael and Brenda, paid the price. Sonny immediately apologized for the cheap shot. Sonny then shifted gears to ask Dante to talk to Michael and Morgan about what they had witnessed in Carly's living room the night before. Dante refused to apologize on Sonny's behalf; he suggested that Sonny set an example by letting the police handle things. Sonny made it clear that he would not be stopped. Sonny offered to pay the tab if Dante took a leave of absence and then went on a long vacation with Lulu. Dante wondered if Sonny were seriously suggesting that Dante go to a beach to watch the sunset while Sonny stuck around town murdering people. "Yes," Sonny answered without hesitation. Sonny insisted that he would do whatever was necessary to find his wife.

Later, Lulu entered the parlor. Dante realized that Sonny had called her. Sonny quickly told Lulu about his offer to send Dante and Lulu on an extended vacation. Sonny explained that he didn't want to fight with Dante, so he thought that it would be best for Dante to be far away from Port Charles until Brenda had been found. Sonny instructed them to let him know when they had made a decision and then left.

In the cave compound, Theo demanded to know where his grandchild was. Brenda explained that the child didn't exist. She revealed that she had miscarried during her seventh month. Theo was certain that she had given the child up for adoption, so he insisted that Brenda tell him the names of the adoptive parents. Brenda accused Theo of being delusional. Theo ignored the insult as he informed her that she might have taken his son, but he refused to be deprived of his grandchild. Theo was curious when Brenda had realized that she was pregnant. Brenda revealed that it had been around the time that she had discovered that Aleksander had been a "sick and twisted criminal."

Theo cautioned Brenda that it would be wise of her to avoid such comments. Brenda ignored the advice as she informed Theo that Aleksander had stalked her and then had tried to kill a police officer. Theo suggested that she focus on the baby. Brenda conceded that Dante had claimed the baby as his own and then signed the custody papers, so that Brenda could raise the baby without any interference. Theo was curious when Brenda had altered her plans. Brenda insisted that she had intended to keep her baby. She had been given clearance to travel to Africa, but then she had fallen ill with a fever. Afterwards, she had been told that her son had been stillborn. Theo wondered if anyone could confirm her story. Theo was stunned when Brenda admitted that the director of ASEC, Suzanne Stanwyck, had been with her.

After Brenda was returned to her room, Jules delivered a lunch tray. Brenda immediately struck up a conversation with Jules about his boss, Mr. Big. Jules confided that Mr. Big kept him around because Jules knew where all the bodies were buried. Brenda tried to get Jules to help her escape, but Jules refused because he didn't want to be the next body that was buried. Jules explained that was the reason that he carried a knife. Brenda suddenly realized that Jules wasn't dangerous. "Only to myself," Jules admitted. Brenda smiled as she slowly approached him and then tried to persuade him to change his mind about helping her. Jules warned her that Mr. Big knew everything. Brenda suggested that he didn't have to know about "this." Jules looked nervous as Brenda gently stroked the lapels of his jacket.

Sonny went to Metro Court to thank Carly for stopping him from killing Shawn. He hated that Michael and Morgan had seen their father at his worst. Carly assured Sonny that she didn't judge him; she suspected that she would have had a similar reaction if their roles had been reversed. However, she was adamant that Shawn didn't know anything. Sonny admitted that it no longer mattered because Shawn had become untouchable when the police had entered the picture. Suzanne approached Sonny to find out if there had been any news about Brenda. Sonny told Suzanne that the police were working on it. Suzanne confessed that she didn't think that the police could find Brenda. Suzanne admitted that she didn't care what methods were used as long as Brenda was located. Seconds later, Suzanne's phone rang, so she stepped away to take the call. It was Theo. He demanded, "Come back, now. It's quite urgent."

After Suzanne left, Sonny asked Carly to give him a list of the people that Theo had dealt with during his stay in the hotel. Sonny wanted her to forward everything to Bernie. Carly immediately started making phone calls. Nearby, Jules entered the lobby. Jules hesitated a moment and then approached Sonny. "Excuse me, Mr. Corinthos? Sir?" Jules asked. Sonny turned to look at Jules and then asked, "What do you want?"

Suzanne returned to the cave to talk to her husband. She quickly updated him on her talk with Sonny. Theo wondered if perhaps she had been tipping off Sonny. Suzanne was shocked. "Why would I do that?" she demanded. Theo revealed that it appeared that she had done many things over the years that had defied explanation.

3/4 A very nervous Jules approached Sonny at the Metro Court front desk with information about Brenda. Another man looked on, which spooked Jules, who abruptly left. Carly told Sonny that he needed to stop berating anyone he thought might know anything about Brenda. Jax approached and let them know that he was helping Olivia dig up information on any guests who might have information on the Balkan. Jax made it very clear that Sonny was not welcome to anything they dug up. Jax said he knew that Sonny would have his men intimidate anyone on the list of people who might have any knowledge about Theo. Jax told Sonny that the police would contact the people on the list. The two men argued until Sonny left. Jax warned Carly not to sneak the records to Sonny.

Jason and Sonny entered Sonny's office as Sonny updated Jason on the efforts to find Brenda. He worried that they hadn't found with anything. The only real lead they had was Shawn. Jason let Sonny know that one of Theo's men had tried to kill Shawn but had been unsuccessful. Jason admitted that he'd let Shawn go to Manhattan to find clues in the records Shawn had kept there. Jason argued that Shawn was motivated to help them. Jason also informed Sonny that Lucky had discovered Theo was married, so they should concentrate on finding Theo's wife. Though frustrated that Shawn had left Port Charles, Sonny was relieved that he hadn't killed Shawn in front of Michael and Morgan. "Michael and Morgan now have seen what you've seen," Sonny uttered to Jason, "what I don't want anybody to see."

Sonny expressed regret that he and Dante stood on opposite sides of the law once again but vowed to do whatever it took to find Brenda. Michael arrived and told Sonny and Jason that the man who'd tried to kill Shawn had been arrested. Sonny left. Sonny arrived at the police station, where he found Dante. Sonny asked Dante to let the suspect go so that Sonny's men could work the man over to get the facts that would lead them to Theo. Dante said he wouldn't break the law but that he and Sonny might be able to work together. Dante went back to the interrogation room and told the man that he was being released. Someone had paid bail, Dante informed him. The man refused, but Dante let Sonny into the room and left them alone.

Brenda frantically tried to escape from the cave compound but was unsuccessful, having dropped the tool she was using on the other side of the door. She reminisced about the vows that she and Sonny had only recently taken, before she'd been kidnapped. Jules walked into the room and apologized for not having told Sonny about her location because one of "Mr. Big's" men had been in the Metro Court lobby. Just then, Theo entered the room and reminded them both of the consequences for crossing him. Brenda admitted that she'd been trying to get Jules to help her escape but that he'd refused.

Theo excused Jules, who left the tool Brenda had dropped near the door. Brenda continued to argue that her child had been stillborn but said that she'd have hidden him from Theo had her son lived. Theo refused to believe that his grandchild was not alive. Theo left Brenda alone and went to confront Suzanne over her knowledge that Brenda had lost the baby. Suzanne tried to convince him that she hadn't told him because she'd been trying to save him grief, but Theo wouldn't accept her excuses and replied that their grandson hadn't died and that Suzanne had known all along. Suzanne denied that their grandson was alive. Theo accused Suzanne of having hidden Brenda's child, and he menacingly told her he would do whatever it took to get the truth. Theo said he wouldn't let Suzanne keep their grandson from him the way she had tried to keep Alexander from joining Theo's organization. Suzanne maintained that they had no grandchild. Later, Theo returned to the room in the cave and was shocked to find it empty. Outside, a freezing Brenda searched for a way to escape.

3/7 At the Port Charles Police Station, Dante and Sonny questioned the thug who had pulled a gun on Michael. Sonny was menacing as he said that he was upset that his son had been threatened and his wife was missing. The goon said that he had been minding his own business when Michael had followed after him. Sonny said that the thought of anyone pulling a gun on his son made him angry enough that he wanted someone to suffer for the pain his family was feeling. As Sonny glowered, the ruffian asked for a lawyer, but Dante ignored him and said he was going for coffee. Before he could leave, Mac entered the door and wanted to know what was going on. After hearing Dante's explanation and the charges against Theo's henchman, Mac ignored the prisoner's pleas and left the hooligan alone with Dante and Sonny.

Theo's thug was convinced that Sonny would harm him, so he told Dante and Sonny what he knew. He said that he had stolen a van, painted it to look like the caterer's, and then parked it next to the limo. He said he had helped another of Theo's men remove Brenda from the limo and put Sam there in her place. He said he had driven the van to the airport where Theo was waiting. The prisoner said that Theo and the thug had put Brenda in a car and driven back to town. The henchman said that he had torched the van and taken a cab back to town. He said that the reason that he knew that Theo was the Balkan was because before he drove away, Theo had told the thug he would call later with instructions. He said he had no idea where Theo was hiding out or where he was holding Brenda.

In his lair, Theo threatened Suzanne. He told her she was playing a dangerous game by letting Brenda go. Suzanne denied helping Brenda escape, but Theo did not believe her. She said that she had not even known that Brenda was there. She told Theo that his paranoia was getting tedious. She told him to stop accusing her or risk losing her for good. Brenda managed to make it out of the cave and into the woods, but was stymied when she heard growling, snarling dogs. Theo and a very large goon found her. Brenda screamed and fought to get away, but the large ruffian dragged her back to the cave.

Once inside, Theo gave her a brandy. When Brenda hesitated, Theo told her that if he wanted to kill her, she would already be dead. He wanted to know who had helped her escape. She asked him what it felt like to be insane. Theo asked Brenda what it felt like to be a liar. He told her to be careful because her life depended on being truthful. After Theo left, Brenda searched the room but was frustrated to find nothing to aid her attempt to escape. When Theo returned, he wanted to know about his grandson. Brenda had tears in her eyes when she told him that she was sorry. Theo insisted on knowing the whereabouts of his grandson.

Upon arrival at Carly's, Jason wanted to know why Shawn had gone to her place. Shawn said that Theo's men had been waiting for him at his bank, but he had managed to get away from them and get the information he was looking for. He said that he feared Theo's men were watching Jason and Sonny, so he though it would be safer to go to Carly. Shawn shared all the information he had uncovered. He gave Jason the names of all Theo's subsidiaries and holding companies. Shawn said that he always paid his debts.

Jason went to Sonny's office to tell him what he had learned from Shawn about Theo's holding companies. Sonny told Jason about his conversation with Theo's thug at the police station. They speculated that Brenda was still in Port Charles. Jason said that it seemed like Sonny, not Brenda, was Theo's actual target. Sonny said that if Theo wanted a war, Sonny would give him one. Sonny said that he would tear the town apart brick by brick if that were what it took to find Brenda.

3/8 At Pozzulo's, Jason updated Sonny on the search for Brenda. Jason explained that Spinelli was trying to track Theo by using the records that Shawn had provided. Sonny didn't hold out much hope that Shawn had given them useful information, so Sonny decided to share his theory about Theo. Sonny suspected that Theo was using Brenda as a pawn to flush out Sonny. Sonny acknowledged that Theo had initially been after Brenda, but once she had fallen under Sonny's protection, Theo had shifted his focus to Sonny. Jason conceded that it was possible. Sonny suggested that Theo's attempt to force Sonny to relive Lily's tragic death, by planting a bomb in the limousine, was proof. Jason was curious how Brenda fit in with the plans. Sonny believed that Brenda had merely been a means to an end for Theo. Sonny hated that his enemy had decided to use Brenda to get to him. However, Sonny was confident that he knew how Theo thought and what drove the Balkan. Sonny was determined to crush Theo and then use him as an example to send a message to Sonny's other enemies. Dante entered the office in time to hear Sonny's intentions. Dante told Sonny and Jason about his theory that Theo had kidnapped Brenda to force her to tell him where her baby was hidden. Sonny feared that Theo would kill Brenda once Theo realized that the baby was dead.

After Jason and Dante left, Carly stopped by to talk to Sonny about Michael. Carly immediately became alarmed when she realized that Sonny was in a dark mood. Sonny confessed that he felt as if he had lost control. Carly warned Sonny not to sit in the dark, drinking and blaming himself for what Theo had done. Sonny was frustrated because he had failed to protect Brenda. Carly insisted that Theo had been fixated on Brenda for a long time, so Sonny wasn't to blame. Sonny confided that he couldn't lose Brenda. The conversation drifted to Carly's decision to expose Brenda's secret during the wedding. Carly explained that she had hoped to spare Sonny the pain of finding out about the affair after the wedding. However, she admitted that she had failed to take into account how much Sonny loved Brenda. She was certain that Sonny would find his wife and that they would have the life that he had dreamed of. Carly promised that she would be happy for Sonny.

Dante met Suzanne at the PCPD. Suzanne assured Dante that she was eager to help, but she didn't understand how she could be of assistance when she had barely spent twenty minutes in Theo's company. Suzanne was surprised when Dante began to ask her questions about Brenda's baby. Suzanne admitted that she had been with Brenda when Brenda had fallen ill and then lost the baby. According to Suzanne, the baby had been buried in Africa. Dante found it curious that Suzanne's story had matched Brenda's version of events almost verbatim. He admitted that it sounded as if they had read from a script. Dante urged Suzanne to be truthful with him if she wanted to save Brenda.

In the Balkan's hideout, Brenda stood in Theo's office as Theo demanded to know where she had hidden his grandchild. Brenda accused Theo of being a psychopath and then confessed that she would never let a child near him. Brenda warned Theo that Sonny would hunt him down, but Theo argued that Sonny couldn't protect her. Brenda suggested that Theo was as crazy as Aleksander had been. Theo responded to the insult by informing Brenda that her only chance to remain alive was to help him find his grandson. Brenda was certain that Sonny would destroy Theo if Theo harmed her. Theo insisted that Sonny wasn't invincible. Theo bragged that he had forced Sonny to face his darkest fears, so Theo was confident that Sonny would soon be carted off to a mental institution, crying for his mommy. Brenda promised to stop Sonny from harming Theo if Theo released her. Theo explained that there would be no turning back, so her pleas had fallen on deaf ears.

After Theo left, Jules entered the office with a tray of food for Brenda. Jules nervously played with his knife as he warned Brenda that it was only a matter of time before "Mr. Big" realized that Jules had contacted Sonny. Brenda urged Jules to go to Sonny for protection because she feared that Theo didn't plan to keep Brenda and Jules alive. Jules panicked as he questioned why she suspected that Mr. Big planned to kill them. Brenda explained that Theo wanted something from her. Jules insisted that Brenda tell Mr. Big everything, but Brenda argued that she couldn't do that. Brenda began to ask Jules about his family, in an effort to illustrate why she had to protect her loved ones. However, Jules looked at her blankly, so she wondered if he had a girlfriend, dog, or even a plant that he cherished. Jules insisted that he lived for his calling.

Brenda latched onto the admission to point out that that his calling meant everything to him, just like Sonny meant everything to her. Brenda confessed that no one had ever loved her except for Sonny. She admitted that all she had ever wanted was to be married to Sonny, but something had always gone wrong. Jules grumbled that he should never have left Philadelphia. Brenda made another attempt to get Jules to agree to go to Sonny, unaware that Theo lurked on the other side of the door, eavesdropping on heir conversation. Jules jumped when Theo entered the room moments later. "Why so nervous, Jules?" Theo wondered. Theo suggested that nervousness was a sign of a guilty conscience. He was curious if Jules had anything to confess.

3/9 At Pozzulo's, Sonny was on the phone, barking orders and issuing threats as Dante entered the office. Dante decided to ignore Sonny's outburst, so that he could update Sonny on the investigation. Dante revealed that Brenda's baby might be alive. Sonny refused to entertain the idea, even after Dante shared the details of his conversation with Suzanne, which had mirrored what Brenda had told him. Sonny was confident that Brenda would have told him everything when she had revealed the truth about her pregnancy to him. Dante argued that Suzanne's story hadn't deviated from Brenda's, which indicated that it had been rehearsed. Dante suggested that Brenda might have kept the truth from everyone to keep her child safe from Theo. Sonny continued to deny the possibility that Brenda had kept a secret from him. Dante thought perhaps Brenda might have been waiting for the right time to let Sonny know about the baby, but Sonny argued that Brenda would never have walked away from her own child.

In Theo's hideout, Jules poured Theo a cup of coffee while Theo played cat-and-mouse games with his servant. Jules handed Theo a cup of coffee as he politely addressed Theo as Mr. Hoffman. Theo found Jules's uncharacteristic respect surprising. Theo questioned if Jules were certain that he had nothing to tell Theo. Brenda's arrival spared Jules from further questioning. Theo invited Brenda to have a seat, but she declined. Theo revealed that he had a few questions for Brenda, so he expected her to answer them truthfully. Jules hovered in a corner as Theo proceeded to interrogate Brenda about her activities since she had left Africa.

Brenda realized that Theo hoped to determine if she had slipped away to see her child, so she freely provided Theo with a complete itinerary of her activities over the years, ending with her trip to India the previous spring. Theo wondered where Brenda had gone afterwards. Brenda explained that she had spent time in Tahiti with Murphy Sinclair. Theo was curious where Suzanne had been during that time. Brenda appeared puzzled by the question as she explained that it hadn't been her responsibility to keep track of Suzanne's activities. Theo warned Brenda that she would have to do better than that and then abruptly left. Brenda immediately urged Jules to go to Sonny. Jules nervously played with his switchblade and then surprised himself when he managed to open it without hurting himself. Jules decided that it was his moment.

A short time later, Suzanne entered Theo's office. Theo complained about the way the veal had been prepared and then suggested that perhaps Jules had tried to poison him. Jules nervously agreed, but then clarified that the food had been overcooked. Jules promised to have the cook executed immediately and then left. Theo picked up the phone and then instructed the person on the other end, "Do it, now." After Theo ended the call, Suzanne wondered if Theo had "labor problems." Theo chuckled as he promised her, "Not for long." Theo then focused his attention on Suzanne. He revealed that he'd had an enlightening converation with Brenda, which made him realize that Suzanne had gotten plenty of opportunity to visit their grandchild. Suzanne insisted that there wasn't a child, but Theo didn't believe her. Suzanne decided to change the subject by warning Theo that Sonny was on the hunt for him. Theo suggested that Suzanne pay Sonny a visit to gather information for her husband. Suzanne doubted that Sonny would confide anything to her, but she promised to talk to Sonny. Suzanne was about to leave, but Theo decided to question her about the trip to India. Suzanne confirmed that she had taken the trip with Brenda the previous spring. Theo was curious where Brenda had gone after India. Suzanne revealed that Brenda had gone to Tahiti with Murphy. She assured him that she had seen the pictures, so she knew that Brenda had been there. Theo wondered where Suzanne had been during Brenda's trip. Suzanne explained that she had gone to Bhutan on a retreat.

Later, Brenda was pacing in Theo's office when Theo entered. Brenda wondered if they were leaving. Theo confessed that it was very possible that Brenda might never leave the cave.

Dante stopped by to talk to Jason about the possibility that Brenda's baby might be alive. Jason had his doubts about Dante's theory, but Dante insisted that a parent would do anything to protect their child, even if it meant giving it up. Jason wondered why Suzanne would lie about the baby. Dante reminded Jason that Suzanne was all about helping Brenda, which meant that she would keep Brenda's secret. Jason acknowledged that the theory had some merit, but something seemed off. Moments later, Spinelli burst through the door with news. Jason asked to speak privately to Spinelli, so Dante excused himself.

After Dante left, Spinelli revealed that he had cracked the case. Spinelli handed his laptop to Jason to show Jason a picture of Theo and his beloved wife, Stephanie Wayne, shortly after their 1976 wedding in Manhattan. Jason was stunned when he recognized the woman in the photograph as Suzanne Stanwyck. Spinelli speculated that Stephanie had changed her name when Theo became involved in criminal activity. Spinelli also believed that Suzanne had been Aleksander's mother. A knock at the door heralded Suzanne's arrival. Suzanne begged Jason to tell her that he had some news about Brenda. Spinelli confessed that they'd had a breakthrough. Suzanne looked to Jason for answers, so Jason informed her that they knew that she was Theo's wife. Jason demanded to know where Theo had taken Brenda.

Jax met with Diane at the Metro Court Restaurant to request that she add a provision to the divorce papers that would require Carly not to expose the children to "gun-wielding bastards like Sonny Corinthos." Sonny approached the table to let Jax know that they had a problem. Diane made it clear that she didn't want to know any details when Jax and Sonny began to argue about Shawn and what had unfolded in Carly's living room following Brenda's abduction. Sonny and Jax ignored Diane as Sonny accused Jax of doing nothing to help find Brenda. Jax argued that he was letting the police handle the situation. Sonny insisted that he would do whatever was necessary to find Brenda, unlike Jax.

As the men continued to argue, Sonny realized that Jax intended to take Carly's children away from her. Sonny warned Jax that Jax would be fighting a losing battle if Jax tried to fight Carly for custody. Jax hoped that Sonny woke up before Sonny's entire family was killed off. After Jax stormed off, Sonny demanded to know what Diane had discovered about Theo. Diane confessed that Theo had covered his tracks well. Sonny remained determined to find Theo, so Diane pleaded with Sonny not to turn Port Charles into a war zone. After Diane walked away, Jules approached Sonny. Sonny immediately recognized Jules and was certain that he knew something. Jules admitted that he could take Sonny to Brenda.

3/10 At the Metro Court Restaurant, Sonny was certain that the man before him knew where Brenda was. Jules had difficulty speaking as he mumbled, "the blade." Sonny feared that the man was trying to warn him that Brenda had been stabbed, so he demanded to know where Brenda was. "Close within the city limits off of the highway," Jules replied as he collapsed into Sonny's arms. Sonny looked down to see a large knife protruding from Jules's back.

At the penthouse, Jason insisted that Suzanne tell him where Theo had taken Brenda. Suzanne acknowledged that Jason was good to have discovered that she was Theo's wife. She confessed that she and Theo had spent a considerable amount of money to hide all traces of their wedding and marriage. "Quit stalling," Jason shouted. Suzanne promised to help Jason, but Jason didn't trust Suzanne. Spinelli decided to share the details of what he had uncovered about Suzanne's past. According to Spinelli, Suzanne and Theo had gotten married on May 25, 1976, during the bicentennial celebration in New York City. Spinelli had learned that Suzanne had been a journalist and that Theo had been an attorney on the rise, despite having dabbled in criminal activity.

Jason accused Suzanne of spying for Theo, but Suzanne insisted that she had merely been trying to discover what had happened to her son, Aleksander. Suzanne explained that she and Theo had been frantic with worry when Aleksander had suddenly disappeared. Suzanne revealed that no one had been able to give them information, so she had struck up a friendship with Aleksander's ex-girlfriend. Suzanne was adamant that over time she had grown to genuinely care for Brenda; however, Theo had grown increasingly impatient. Jason was curious why Suzanne had reached out to him for help. Suzanne confessed that it had been to placate Theo and to protect Brenda. Suzanne admitted that Theo had recently convinced himself that Brenda's baby was alive. Suzanne offered to help them capture Theo, but Jason refused to allow Suzanne out of his sight because he was certain that she would try to warn Theo.

Eventually, Jason, Spinelli, and Suzanne hatched a plan to lure Theo out of hiding. Suzanne let Jason know that he was asking her to betray the man to whom she had been married for most of her life. Jason warned Suzanne that Theo would turn on her, if he hadn't already. Jason and Suzanne were about to leave when Sonny arrived to let Jason know about Jules. Sonny was curious what Suzanne was doing at the penthouse, so Spinelli introduced Sonny to Mrs. Theo Hoffman. Sonny wasn't surprised; he had suspected that something had been off about Suzanne from the beginning. Suzanne admitted that she had never thought that things would get as far as they had. Suzanne's resolve to help save Brenda was strengthened when Sonny told them about Jules's stabbing. They quickly reviewed their plans and then prepared to leave. Sonny vowed that if Brenda died then Suzanne "absolutely will too."

Dvd #11B 1/14Dante arrived just as Jason, Suzanne, and Sonny were about to leave. Dante remarked that they made an interesting group and that it appeared that they were on a mission. Dante reminded them that they would have to have someone with a badge present, so he insisted on accompanying them to Theo's lair despite Sonny's objection.

At the Balkan's cave, Theo accused Brenda of trying to turn his servant against him by enlisting Jules's help to escape. Brenda promised to smooth things over with Sonny if Theo released her, but Theo insisted that Sonny meant nothing to him. Theo claimed that Sonny had simply been an obstacle that would soon be removed. Theo continued to maintain that his grandson was alive, but Brenda was adamant that the baby had died. She pointed out that she would have been searching for her baby if her child had lived. Theo realized that Brenda didn't understand the gravity of her situation, so he explained that if she couldn't help him locate his grandson then she was of no use him.

Later, Brenda struggled to free herself from the tight grip of Theo's henchman while Theo ranted about how useless Brenda was. Brenda promised that Sonny would hunt Theo down and destroy him. Theo ignored Brenda as he gave her one final opportunity to tell him where his grandson was. "Your grandson is dead," Brenda yelled. Theo nodded to the henchman who quickly jabbed a needle into Brenda's neck. Theo explained that she had been injected with a new deadly neurotoxin that would eventually paralyze her. Brenda's eyes began to drift closed as Theo warned her that she would feel some discomfort when her lungs began to shut down, but he thought that was only fair after the pain that she had caused.

A short time later, Suzanne entered the office to implore Theo to leave while he had the chance. Theo realized that Sonny was on his way to the hideout. Suzanne was stunned when she saw Brenda on the sofa. She ran to check on Brenda as she demanded to know what had happened. Theo was disappointed to realize that Suzanne had turned against him. Suzanne begged Theo to turn himself in, but Theo ignored her. He glanced at Brenda as he remarked that Brenda looked like she belonged in a fairytale, the kind that they might have read to their grandson.

Theo insisted that he deserved to have his grandchild. Theo's bitterness increased when he realized that Suzanne had signaled to Sonny. He grabbed Suzanne to use her as a human shield during his escape. "Don't do this Theo," Suzanne pleaded, to no avail. Eventually, Theo, flanked by two armed henchmen, made his way to the entrance, where Jason and Dante were waiting with guns at the ready. Theo warned Jason and Dante that Brenda was out of time. At the same moment, Sonny entered Theo's office. Sonny quickly scooped up Brenda as he promised her that he would get her out. Brenda weakly wrapped her arms around her husband's shoulders as Sonny held her tightly.

3/11 The standoff continued at the cave compound. Jason and Dante held guns on Theo, who was holding Suzanne, and his henchmen, who had their weapons trained on Jason and Dante. Theo announced that, in order to save Brenda's life, Jason and Dante would have to stand down. Elsewhere in the cave, Sonny picked up a wounded Brenda and carried her to where Jason and Dante were. Theo announced that Brenda had been injected with a neurotoxin and that she'd be dead within an hour. He asked Sonny whether saving Brenda's life was more valuable to him than getting revenge on Theo. Sonny directed Jason to let Theo go. Theo left with his men and an unwilling Suzanne. Sonny had Brenda airlifted to General Hospital, while Jason and Dante combed through Theo's documents.

Dante found a receipt from a private airstrip. At the airstrip, Suzanne begged Theo to let her go. As Theo and company boarded the helicopter, Jason and Dante arrived and began shooting. Both of Theo's men were hit, and Jason took aim at the chopper and fired.

Brenda was rushed into a trauma room, and Patrick reviewed her chart. Sonny spoke supportively to Brenda. Robin explained to Brenda how important it was to fight until they knew which antidote to use. Patrick asked to see Sonny privately. He explained that they couldn't identify the neurotoxin and that Brenda was running out of time. If they administered the wrong antidote, it could kill Brenda, but doing nothing would yield the same result. Sonny authorized Patrick to do whatever he thought best. Patrick and Sonny returned to the trauma room. Sonny uttered words of encouragement to Brenda, while Patrick conferred with Robin. Robin injected Brenda's I.V. with what they all hoped would cause Brenda to improve.

3/14 Jason fired several shots at Theo's helicopter as it flew away. Dante forced Jason to stop shooting, which infuriated Jason.

At the hospital, Sonny talked to Brenda about their honeymoon plans in an effort to give Brenda a reason to keep fighting for her life. Patrick asked to speak with Sonny, so Sonny followed Patrick into the hallway. Patrick warned Sonny that they had no idea what Theo had injected Brenda with, so they would have to see if the antidote worked. Patrick explained Brenda would be put on a ventilator to help her breathe, but she might not make it. Robin joined Sonny and Patrick moments later. Sonny pleaded with Robin and Patrick to not give up on Brenda.

Sonny returned to sit at Brenda's beside as she lingered in an unconscious state, clinging to life. Edward arrived a short time later. Sonny explained that he had called Edward because Edward was special to Brenda. Sonny wanted Edward to help give Brenda the will to live. Edward made it clear that he held Sonny responsible for Brenda's situation. However, Edward loved Brenda, so he would do whatever he could to help her to recover. A few minutes later, Edward entered Brenda's room and then began to make plans with her to have tea after she was better. Patrick updated Sonny on Brenda's condition. Patrick revealed that the most recent tests had indicated that Brenda's condition had not improved.

Michael stopped short when he saw Sonny exit Brenda's room and then place a call to Bernie. Sonny ordered Bernie to hunt down Theo; Sonny vowed to kill Theo for hurting Brenda. Michael made his presence known after Sonny ended the call. Michael admitted that he had overheard his father on the phone, so he offered to help Sonny. Sonny ordered Michael to stay out of it. Sonny wanted Michael to be a better man than Sonny. Sonny didn't want Michael to have to ever worry about a loved one being taken away from him the way that Sonny did.

Sonny returned to sit vigil at his wife's bedside. He talked to Brenda about how beautiful she had been on their wedding day. He also confessed that he didn't regret any of the mistakes that he had made during their long relationship. According to Sonny, those mistakes had made them stronger as a couple. Sonny insisted that Brenda had made his life better and that she had taught him how to love and be loved. Sonny confessed that he had been devastated when the limousine had exploded because his world meant nothing without Brenda. Sonny smiled with joy when Brenda's eyes slowly opened as a tear slid down her face. Sonny called out to Robin and Patrick, who rushed into the room to examine Brenda. Robin was encouraged that Brenda was alert.

A short time later, Patrick let Sonny know that Brenda would make a full recovery. Patrick left to answer a page while Robin remained with Sonny. Robin was certain that Sonny's love had pulled Brenda through the crisis. Robin wanted Brenda's recovery to be enough. She pleaded with Sonny not to seek revenge against Theo. Sonny refused to make any promises, so he returned to Brenda's hospital room. As Sonny sat down, he suggested that Brenda get some rest. He promised her that he would be there to protect her, so that no one would ever hurt her again. Brenda smiled lovingly at her husband.

3/16 In Brenda's hospital room, Sonny was eager to spoil Brenda rotten and to make up for the time that had been stolen from them. Brenda was curious if Sonny had plans to seek revenge against Theo. Sonny grew silent, which frustrated Brenda. Brenda felt responsible for Suzanne being in their lives, so she insisted on discussing it with Sonny. Sonny reluctantly agreed. Brenda admitted that Theo had claimed to have made Sonny believe that she had died like Lily. Sonny acknowledged that Theo had done his homework because Sonny had been terrified that he had lost Brenda.

However, Sonny knew that he would find his wife when he realized that Brenda had been kidnapped, not killed. Brenda admitted that she had been confident that Sonny would find her. Sonny confessed that he had been frightened when he had found Brenda after Theo had injected her with the poison. Brenda confided that it had been hard on her to see Sonny in so much pain. Brenda feared that Theo had stolen too much from them. Sonny wondered if Brenda expected him to let things slide. "Maybe," Brenda replied. She wanted to focus on them instead of worrying about Theo.

A short time later, Sonny stepped into the hallway, where he ran into Dante. Dante was relieved that Brenda's condition had improved. However, he warned Sonny that the days of looking the other way and working with the mob were over. Dante reminded Sonny that the police were looking for Theo. Dante realized that Sonny was conducting his own search, but Dante made it clear that he would take Sonny in if Sonny were caught breaking the law. Sonny assured Dante that he understood and then invited Dante to spend some time with Brenda. Sonny was certain that Brenda would enjoy the visit. Dante entered Brenda's room while Sonny watched them from the window. Shortly after Dante left, Patrick gave Brenda a clean bill of health and then cleared her to go home. Brenda and Sonny were delighted, so Sonny began to pack Brenda's things. Brenda was curious where Sonny intended to take her. Sonny revealed that he wanted to take her to a secluded place where they could enjoy their honeymoon and shut out the rest of the world.

3/17 At Greystone Manor, Sonny and Brenda entered the parlor. Sonny reminded Brenda who everyone was and then explained that Diane, Max, and Milo's jobs were to make certain that Brenda was safe and happy. "What the hell is that?" Sonny suddenly asked with disgust when he spotted some pink decorations on a nearby table. Milo explained that Spinelli had provided the pink items to make Brenda feel more comfortable in Sonny's home. Brenda explained that she and Sonny didn't intend to live in Greystone Manor because they had a house in the woods.

Diane announced that the house in the woods had been sold. Brenda was upset that Sonny had let the house go. Sonny dismissed everyone, so that he could speak to Brenda privately. Sonny apologized for not telling Brenda about the house sooner, but he had been distracted by everything that had transpired after the wedding. Brenda insisted on being the first to know, not the last, the next time that he made an important decision about their lives. Brenda was sad that the house was gone, but she assured Sonny that her home was any place where Sonny was. Sonny offered to give Brenda a tour of Greystone Manor. A short time later, Sonny and Brenda snuggled together in bed after making love. Sonny confided that he had bought Greystone Manor to give the children a nice home near the water. However, he admitted that it had become lonely when the boys had moved in with Carly, and Kristina stopped visiting. Sonny was eager for Brenda to make it a home again.

3/18 On the road, a happy Sonny and Brenda proceeded toward the airport, Brenda begged Sonny to let her know where they were headed, but he only coyly gave her hints. Once in Sonny's jet, Brenda continued to wear Sonny down. Sonny continued to drop clues until Brenda guessed that they were on their way to Positano. Brenda wondered if Sonny was just trying to hide her from Theo. She made it clear that she didn't want their honeymoon spent managing the search for Theo. Sonny told Brenda to put Theo out of her mind. He promised that no one would harm her again.

In their limo, Theo and Suzanne discussed Suzanne's deception, having hidden their grandson from him. They arrived at a farmhouse, and Suzanne tried to escape, but Theo prevented her from exiting the car. He stated that he didn't believe their grandchild was even there. Theo wondered whether the boy had ever lived at the house or whether Suzanne had tipped the family off.

3/23 In Positano, Italy, Sonny and Brenda returned from having breakfast at a café. Sonny teased Brenda about a little boy who had been quite taken with her and then changed the subject to Theo and Suzanne. Brenda confessed that she couldn't believe that Suzanne was Theo's wife and the grandmother of her baby. Sonny warned Brenda not to feel sorry for Suzanne, but Brenda reminded him that Suzanne had carried around the same grief and pain that Brenda had.

Later, Brenda admitted that she felt comfortable to let her guard down with Sonny. She revealed that she occasionally felt the desire to talk about her baby and what she had missed out on with her son. Sonny realized that a child couldn't be replaced, but he assured Brenda that she could be a part of his children's lives. Brenda thanked him and then shyly asked if they could return to the café the following morning. Sonny agreed, but he warned her that they might not see the little boy. Brenda admitted that she felt lucky to have Sonny and his family in her life, but she regretted that she couldn't do more for her husband. Sonny assured her that having her marry him had been all that he had ever wanted. Brenda feared that something might destroy their happiness, but Sonny vowed to protect her.

In the limousine, Suzanne reminded Theo that ASEC was her life's work. Theo argued that she was holding their grandson hostage, but he pointed out that he had donated ten million dollars to her charity. Suzanne insisted that the money had been planted, so that it could be traced back to his friend and ally, Juan Ortega. "Mr. Drug Lord," Suzanne clarified. Suzanne feared that it would shut down ASEC. Theo told her that she could save ASEC by simply telling him where their grandson was.

Moments later, Suzanne's cell phone rang. The man on the phone revealed that they had managed to get away in time, thanks to Suzanne's call. He informed Suzanne that he and her grandson were on Iberia Isle, outside of Baton Rouge, in the last house on Plantation Road. The man needed her to wire him some money. Suzanne chose her words carefully to give Theo the impression that she was talking to someone about ASEC business. She warned the man on the phone that she wouldn't be able to help him and that they would have to talk at a much later date.

"Trouble I hope?" Theo asked after Suzanne ended the call. Suzanne resented Theo trying to destroy an organization that had helped thousands of children. "For what?" she demanded. "For my own," Theo callously replied. Seconds later, Theo's phone rang. After a brief conversation Theo ended the call and then casually asked how the weather was in Cajun country. Theo was curious if their grandson's caretaker had mentioned it during the phone call. Suzanne was stunned that Theo had traced her call. Theo smiled with satisfaction as he informed her that she had provided him with their grandson's location, so she was no longer needed. He explained that he would get out of the car and then the driver would take Suzanne "onward." Suzanne paled as she asked, "So that's it?" She realized that Theo intended to dispose of her.

Theo insisted that she wasn't the woman that he had married. She had no loyalty to him or their son. Suzanne's eyes filled with tears as she angrily accused Theo of being a bastard. She argued that she had loved Aleksander, but she had lost her son long before Aleksander had been shot on the pier. Suzanne blamed Theo for destroying Aleksander by trying to recreate their son in Theo's own monstrous image. Theo smiled smugly as he assured her that he would have a second chance with their grandson. Suzanne vowed that Theo would fail because he would drown in his own arrogance. She hoped that Theo remembered her words when it happened. Theo confessed that he had loved Suzanne once, but he couldn't quite recall why. As the door closed behind Theo, the locks slid into place. Suzanne swallowed nervously as the car pulled away.

3/29 At Greystone Manor, Sonny and Brenda arrived home to find the foyer table buried beneath a mountain of wedding gifts. Sonny apologized for cutting their honeymoon short, but Brenda assured him that she understood. Brenda confessed that she couldn't imagine what Jason was going through after suffering the tragic loss of his son. Sonny decided to pay his friend a visit. After Sonny left, Brenda went to the hospital to try to make peace with Carly for the sake of the children.

Jason arrived home to find Sonny waiting in the living room. Jason immediately warned Sonny that Franco had resurfaced, so Jason had hired Shawn to guard Carly and Josslyn. Sonny was leery about leaving Carly and Josslyn's safety in Shawn's hands. Jason explained that he had too much going on to deal with Franco, so Sonny immediately offered Jason his condolences. Sonny was shocked when Jason revealed that Luke had been the driver of the car that had killed Jake. Jason explained that traffic cameras had provided the police with seven suspects and that forensics had checked each vehicle. Sonny admitted that he had cut his honeymoon short after Michael had called to tell him that Carly had been one of the suspects.

Jason clarified that Jake's hit-and-run hadn't been an accident because Luke had been drinking. Sonny understood Jason's need to blame something for the senseless death of his son, but he doubted that Luke would drive drunk. Jason conceded that Luke might not have been weaving all over the road, but Jason believed that Luke might have seen Jake if Luke had been sober. Jason acknowledged that Sonny had never approved of Jason's decision to let Lucky raise Jake. Jason conceded that Jake might have been better off with him after all. Sonny reminded Jason that there weren't any guarantees in life about keeping loved ones safe. Sonny believed that all one could do was love, be there for those one cared about, and to make the best decisions possible. According to Sonny, Jason had done all of those things. "Do not doubt yourself," Sonny insisted.

Luke was sitting alone in the Haunted Star when Sonny entered the casino. "And the parade continues," Luke commented as Sonny approached the bar. Luke warned Sonny that he could save his breath if he intended to preach or blame Luke for the accident. However, if Sonny wanted a drink then he was welcome to take a seat.

3/30 Outside of Josslyn's hospital room, Brenda made an appeal to Carly to bury the hatchet for the sake of the children, but Carly refused. Brenda was curious why Carly seemed so determined to hold onto her grudge. Carly insisted that she didn't "give a damn" about Brenda; Carly's only concern was to protect Sonny. Brenda assured Carly that Sonny didn't need protection and that Sonny's children would be a part of Brenda's life, regardless how Carly felt about it. Carly assured Brenda that she would not encourage the children to spend any time with Brenda. Brenda couldn't understand why Carly couldn't leave the children out of it. Carly didn't have an opportunity to reply because Shawn walked up. Later, Carly thanked Shawn for his intervention.

Carly was certain that Brenda would accuse Shawn of manhandling Brenda, so Carly promised to talk to Sonny. Shawn didn't think it was fair that Carly had trouble with her husband and ex-husband. Carly explained that it couldn't be avoided because Jax wanted custody of Josslyn and Brenda was trying to push her way into the children's lives. Carly insisted that Brenda had no idea what it was like to have a doctor tell her that her child had cancer and that they would pump poison into her child's body because there wasn't any hope for a transplant. Carly eyes filled with tears as she added that Brenda also didn't know what it was like to have to ask her best friend, on the worst day of his life, to donate his brain-dead son's kidney. Shawn quietly walked up to Carly and then gently rubbed her back. Later, Carly returned to Josslyn's room to find Shawn quietly introducing himself to Josslyn. Carly smiled at the tender way that he spoke her daughter.

On Iberia Island, outside of Baton Rouge, Theo and his henchman entered the house on Plantation Road where Theo's grandson had been staying. No one was home, but the henchman confirmed that the young boy and his adoptive parents had been staying at the house. Theo didn't want anyone to look for him after he took custody of the child, so he instructed the henchman to be "thorough" with the adoptive parents. Theo also warned the henchman that Brenda must never know that her son was alive. Later, Theo was waiting for his grandson's arrival when the door opened.

Theo was startled to see Suzanne enter the house. Suzanne smiled with satisfaction as she took a moment to savor the expression on Theo's face, which she confessed was priceless. Suzanne closed the door as she bragged that she had stayed a step ahead of Theo by securing the loyalty of several men in Theo's employ. Theo was curious if the phone call leading Theo to Iberia Island had been part of an elaborate ruse. "Not at all," Suzanne assured her husband. She promised that their grandson and his adoptive parents were expected. Suzanne wondered how she and Theo had ended up in the position that they were in. Theo accused Suzanne of destroying their trust. Suzanne admitted that she wanted to rebuild what they had lost because she missed their closeness. Theo was curious about Suzanne's sudden change of heart, after she had gone through so much trouble to hide their grandson from him. Suzanne confessed that she had only recently realized that Theo had been as devastated by Aleksander's death as she had been. Theo wondered where that left them.

Suzanne suggested that they could raise their grandson together without Brenda ever knowing that the child was alive. She suspected that they had needed the crisis to remind them of what really mattered. Theo was pleased that they had been able to find some common ground. Suzanne insisted that nothing was more important than their flesh and blood. Theo agreed that their grandson was their legacy, and he vowed that the child would have all the benefits of Theo's vast empire. Suzanne carefully studied Theo as he talked about his plans to give their grandson everything that should have belonged to Aleksander. Suzanne stood up and then slowly walked behind the chair that Theo was seated in to rub his shoulders. She confessed that she had always admired him because he had never hesitated to go after what he wanted. Suzanne pulled a straight razor out of her pocket and then opened it as she told Theo that she was finally in a position to give Theo what he deserved. Without hesitation, Suzanne ruthlessly slit Theo's throat.

On the Haunted Star, Sonny assured Luke that Jake's death hadn't been Luke's fault. According to Sonny, no one could have seen Jake in the road that night. Sonny realized that Jake's parents would try to blame Luke, so he urged Luke to take an extended vacation. Luke refused to run from Jason. Sonny confessed that he hadn't supported Jason's decision to let Lucky raise Jake. Sonny didn't blame Lucky for what had happened, but he suggested that Jason just needed some space. Luke revealed that Jason had given him a reprieve because of Michael. Sonny continued to argue that the hit-and-run had been a terrible accident that couldn't have been avoided. Sonny believed that anyone could have hit Jake, so it had just been the luck of the draw. Luke appreciated Sonny's attempt to spin things, but Luke recalled that Sonny had once warned Luke that people didn't think clearly when they drank. Sonny continued to argue that Luke shouldn't blame himself for the accident.

Luke explained that he had to blame himself for the accident because he had killed Jake. Luke recalled how desperate he had been to find the driver of the car. "How's that for irony?" Luke wondered. Sonny pointed out that if Luke had been guilty then Luke would have been in a jail cell. Luke reminded Sonny that the police hadn't been able to prove that he had been drunk at the time of the accident. Luke admitted that it annoyed him that everyone wanted to blame the accident on his drinking. Sonny continued to defend Luke, which made Luke curious why Sonny was so determined to absolve Luke of wrongdoing. Sonny confessed that he had been where Luke was.

Luke wondered what Sonny would have done if Luke had hit Sonny's son. "I'd kill you," Sonny answered. "Get in line," Luke replied. Sonny acknowledged that Lucky and Jason were mourning the loss of a child, so they needed to process the pain before they could see things for what they were. "An accident," Sonny clarified. Sonny recalled what it had been like after Michael had been shot. Sonny had prayed that Michael wouldn't have to pay for Sonny's sins, but he had. Luke reminded Sonny that Sonny's son had lived, but Lucky's son hadn't. Sonny insisted that anyone could have hit Jake, so he urged Luke not to blame himself. Luke appreciated Sonny's absolution, but Luke couldn't forget that he had killed a child.

Sonny returned to Greystone Manor after his talk with Luke. Brenda was waiting. She told Sonny about her attempt to make peace with Carly and Carly's refusal to consider it. Brenda decided that she wasn't going to continue making overtures towards Carly because the arguing wasn't productive. "Good," Sonny replied. Brenda changed the subject to ask how Jason was doing. Sonny explained that Jason regretted the time that he had wasted by allowing another man to raise Jake. Brenda encouraged Sonny to remind Jason that Jason had done what Jason had believed was right and that the accident couldn't have been anticipated.

Sonny revealed that Jason didn't see things that way because Luke had consumed a few drinks before getting behind the wheel of the car. According to Sonny, Jason had to blame someone for Jake's death because Jason was drowning in grief. Sonny assured Brenda that it would have taken a whole bottle of scotch to get Luke drunk. Sonny reminded her that they had driven past Elizabeth's house, so they could have easily been responsible for the accident. He confessed that he wouldn't have been able to live with himself if he had killed Jake. Sonny admitted that he had told Luke that it had been an accident, but if Sonny had been in Luke's place, he would have wanted Jake's parents to put a gun to him.

3/31 At Greystone Manor, Sonny approached Brenda as she gazed at the acres of property. Sonny greeted his wife with a brief affectionate kiss. Brenda smiled and then joined Sonny in the parlor for breakfast as she talked about starting a garden. Sonny offered to help her find the perfect spot after they returned from the memorial service. Brenda confessed that she didn't think it would be a good idea for her to attend Jake's memorial because it might be perceived as disrespectful because Jason wasn't fond of her. Sonny sensed that Brenda was holding something back.

Brenda admitted that her failed attempt to make peace with Carly had influenced her decision. Sonny suggested that Brenda's timing had been off and that she should have expected Carly to have a bad reaction because that was the way that Carly was. Brenda agreed, which was why she thought it might be best to avoid Carly altogether. Sonny decided to stay home with Brenda, since he had never been good with funerals anyway. He also believed that Jason would appreciate Sonny keeping Brenda and Carly separated.

Later, Brenda called out to Sonny to help her go through the wedding gifts, so that they could send out thank you cards. She was surprised when Sonny entered the parlor with a birthday cake. Brenda couldn't believe that he had remembered her birthday. Sonny confessed that he had never forgotten it. Sonny lit the candles on the cake and then invited her to make a wish. Sonny asked her what she had wished for after she blew out the candles, but Brenda would only tell him, "It's impossible." Sonny assured her that nothing was impossible.

4/1 At Greystone Manor, Brenda was delighted by the necklace that Sonny had given her. She was touched that he had remembered her birthday when so much had been going on with Jason. Sonny regretted that he couldn't fulfill the wish Brenda had made when she blew out the candles on her cake. Brenda explained that it had been about her son. Sonny assured Brenda that they could call a lawyer, if she had any doubts about her son's death. Brenda hated that the thought had ever entered her mind; she was certain that she had suffered a miscarriage. Sonny didn't see the harm in making sure that everything had happened as Suzanne had claimed. Brenda's resolve wavered as she confessed that there were times that she wondered what her son would have looked like. Sonny warned Brenda not to go there because he didn't want to cause her more pain. Brenda decided that it hurt to hire a private investigator to verify that her baby had died.

Moments later, Sonny and Brenda were pleasantly surprised when Robin arrived to wish Brenda happy birthday. Sonny offered to leave, so that Brenda and Robin could have some privacy. He suggested that the ladies could open the wedding gifts, but Brenda insisted that she and Sonny do it together. After Sonny left, Brenda and Robin talked about Jake's tragic death. Brenda confessed that she felt like a "jerk" because she was so happy while Lucky, Elizabeth, and Jason grieved for their son. Robin reminded Brenda that Brenda had waited a long time to be with Sonny, so Brenda deserved to be happy.

Brenda was stunned when Robin shyly confessed that she had reconciled with Patrick. Brenda was curious what had changed between Robin and Patrick. Robin admitted that Jake's death had made Robin realize that she didn't want her past with Patrick to get in the way of her future with him. Robin acknowledged that she and Patrick had to work on their marriage, so they intended to go to marriage counseling. Brenda was curious if Robin and Patrick would have worked things out if it weren't for Emma. Robin admitted that she didn't know because Emma had completed their family in a way that Robin couldn't explain. Brenda imagined that it must be great to be a mom.

Sonny dropped by the hospital to visit Carly and Josslyn. He confessed that he had heard that Shawn was Carly's new bodyguard. Carly became defensive because she assumed that Brenda had complained to Sonny about Shawn's treatment of Brenda when Shawn had escorted Brenda out of the hospital. Sonny gently explained that Brenda had been at the hospital to make peace with Carly. However, he assured Carly that he wasn't there to fight; he just wanted to check on Josslyn. Carly immediately relaxed. Carly admitted that she had noticed that Sonny hadn't attended Jake's memorial service. Sonny confessed that it had been too difficult for him, so he had stayed home with Brenda. Carly revealed that Jason hadn't gone either. They agreed that Jason wasn't doing well, so Carly insisted that she and Sonny had to be there for Jason. Sonny agreed and then mentioned that he knew Luke had been the driver.

Carly confessed that the entire tragedy had been awful. Sonny realized that Carly was dealing with a lot, so he invited her to reach out to him if she needed anything. Carly explained that she took things day-by-day, in an attempt to try to understand why Jake had needed to die, so that Josslyn could live. Sonny suggested that Carly simply be grateful for the miracle that she had been given. Carly admitted that Josslyn's diagnosis of cancer, and the recommendation for chemotherapy, had been frightening because they had believed that a transplant hadn't been an option. Carly confessed that it had been incredibly difficult for her to ask Jason to donate Jake's kidney. According to Carly, Jason had persuaded Lucky and Elizabeth to give their consent. Sonny assured Carly that she had done the right thing. Carly was thankful that Josslyn was doing well, but she realized how fragile life was. Sonny was confident that Carly would have gotten Josslyn through the crisis, even if they hadn't found a donor. Carly confessed that Sonny's support and visit had meant a great deal to her.

4/5 At Greystone Manor, Diane tried to slip a release form in with some paperwork that Sonny had been signing, but Sonny realized what Diane had done. Diane explained that the publishing firm needed Sonny's permission to use his name in the book that she and Spinelli had collaborated on. Sonny refused to sign it because he didn't want his name associated with Spinelli's book. Diane and Sonny were in a heated argument about the book when Brenda entered the parlor. Brenda announced that it was her birthday, so she didn't appreciate Diane yelling at Sonny. Diane seized the opportunity to get Brenda to sign a release form for the book, but Brenda refused because she hadn't read the book.

Diane explained that it had merely been a courtesy because Brenda was a public figure, so her name could be used without permission. Sonny ordered Diane to take their names out of the book, so Diane threatened to quit. Sonny tried to call her bluff, but he lost the battle when Brenda realized that they were arguing about Spinelli's book. Brenda quickly agreed to sign the release form because she liked Spinelli, and wanted his book to succeed. Brenda then pushed Sonny to sign the release form. Sonny quickly caved under the pressure, much to Diane's delight. After Diane left, Brenda and Sonny sipped wine and talked about their plans to take the speed boat out in the summer. Moments later, someone knocked on the door. It was Suzanne. Suzanne held a young boy with curly dark hair in her arms. "Brenda, say hello to your son," Suzanne said with a broad smile.

4/6 At Greystone Manor, Brenda and Sonny were stunned when Suzanne announced, "Brenda, say hello to your son." Brenda and Sonny stared at the young dark-haired boy in Suzanne's arms. "I don't understand," Brenda replied. Suzanne proudly introduced Brenda to Lucian, the son Brenda believed had died three years earlier. Sonny assured Lucian that everything would be okay and then arranged for Max and Milo to watch the little boy.

In the parlor, Brenda demanded an explanation from Suzanne. Suzanne revealed that she had lied to protect Lucian from Theo. Sonny suspected that Theo was behind the sudden appearance of Lucian, but Suzanne promised that she didn't have a hidden agenda. Suzanne insisted that she had simply wanted to reunite her grandson with Brenda. Suzanne assured Sonny and Brenda that her work with ASEC had been real, but she did concede that she had reached out to Brenda a few months after Aleksander's disappearance. Suzanne also acknowledged that she had helped Theo until she had learned that Brenda was pregnant.

Suzanne explained that she knew that Theo would have stopped at nothing to get his hands on their grandson. Suzanne's fear was that Theo would eventually corrupt Lucian the same way that he had Aleksander, so she had been desperate to save her grandson. Sonny demanded to know how Suzanne had managed to pull off the deception. Suzanne confessed that Brenda hadn't been sick with a fever; Suzanne had drugged Brenda, and hired a doctor to deliver the baby early. Brenda angrily accused Suzanne of being a "heartless bitch."

Sonny comforted Brenda as Brenda wept in his arms. Suzanne insisted that it had been the only way to save Lucian. Suzanne admitted that she had seen how deeply the loss had affected Brenda, but Suzanne believed that it had been the only way to keep Lucian safe. Sonny didn't believe Suzanne; he suspected that Theo had put Suzanne up to the charade of claiming that Lucian was Brenda's son. Suzanne revealed that Theo was dead, which was why it had been safe to reunite Brenda with Lucian. According to Suzanne, her marriage to Theo had been over years before, so his attempt to use Suzanne as a human shield had not been an act.

Sonny refused to believe anything that Suzanne had told them, but Suzanne assured them that her only motivation had been to protect her grandson because she hadn't been able to save Aleksander. Suzanne insisted that Theo would have killed Brenda if he had known about Lucian. Brenda demanded to know what had become of the people who had been caring for Lucian. Suzanne revealed that she hadn't arrived in time to save them. Brenda wondered how she could possibly explain to Lucian that his parents were dead when he didn't even know her. Sonny admitted that Suzanne's story was compelling, but it didn't necessarily mean that it was true. He suggested that they check it out.

Suzanne quickly turned over Lucian's birth certificate, and the adoption papers, but Sonny ordered Suzanne to remain in town until they had verified her story. Suzanne assured them that she and Lucian would be at Metro Court Hotel, so Brenda was welcome to visit whenever she liked. Suzanne explained that she simply wanted to have an opportunity to get to know her grandson. Suzanne realized that raising a child was a huge responsibility that Brenda and Sonny might not be prepared for, so she promised to give Lucian a good life if they decided to leave him in Suzanne's care. Brenda made it clear that her son would not be leaving with Suzanne and then ordered Suzanne to leave. Later, Sonny found Brenda playing with Lucian in the parlor and talking about Italy. Sonny seemed sad when Brenda tearfully told Lucian that she was happy to meet him.

4/7 At Greystone Manor, Brenda and Lucian were playing with Morgan's old toys when Sonny entered the parlor. Sonny offered to make waffles and pancakes for Lucian, but Brenda revealed that she had promised to take Lucian to Kelly's for breakfast. "That's not going to happen," Sonny warned Brenda. Sonny sent Lucian off with Max, so that Sonny could have a private word with Brenda. Brenda insisted that she didn't like breaking promises to her son. She believed that Lucian needed love, assurance, and simplicity after losing the only parents that he had known during his short life. Sonny explained that his life was difficult, so he needed to make certain that securities were put in place to ensure Lucian's safety. Brenda insisted that Sonny didn't need to shift personnel around because she didn't have any intention of allowing her child to be raised by bodyguards. "Like my kids?" Sonny wondered. Brenda quickly apologized. She assured him that there had been nothing wrong with the way that Michael and Morgan had been raised.

Sonny admitted that protecting his family was his first priority. He realized that Lucian's arrival had been unexpected, so he suggested that Brenda take some time to let things settle down. Brenda felt as if she had missed so much of Lucian's life that she didn't want to waste another minute with her son. Sonny advised Brenda to take her time to get to know Lucian in the safety of Greystone Manor, without any interference from the outside world. The idea appealed to Brenda.

Sonny stopped by to ask Jason to rearrange the security detail. Jason was stunned when Sonny told him about Suzanne's appearance with a young boy that she claimed was Brenda's son. Jason wondered if Sonny trusted Suzanne's story. "No," Sonny admitted. Sonny explained that Brenda had already fallen in love with Lucian, so he had a stepson that he hadn't anticipated. Jason suggested that Max and Milo were the best choice to guard Lucian because they had experience and were good with children. Sonny agreed. Jason was curious if Sonny intended to accept Suzanne's story. Sonny conceded that the story fit, but he wasn't certain how Brenda would feel raising a child in Sonny's lifestyle. Jason became angry as he reminded Sonny that Brenda had signed on for it. Jason wondered what Brenda and Sonny planned to do. "Give the kid away?" Jason asked. Jason immediately apologized, but Sonny assured Jason that he understood what had prompted the outburst. Jason acknowledged that Jake hadn't been planned and that he had chosen to walk away from his son. Jason then shifted gears before Sonny could respond by assuring Sonny that the new guard assignments would work.

Sonny arrived and offered Lucky his condolences, but he knew that there weren't any words that could help Lucky. Lucky thanked Sonny and then explained that he had called Sonny because Luke was having a difficult time. Lucky admitted that he couldn't help Luke because Lucky refused to watch Luke drink his way through the grief. According to Lucky, the alcohol had led to Jake's death. Sonny had an idea of what Lucky was going through because Sonny had felt the same anger and grief after Michael had been shot. Sonny confessed that he had wanted the man who had pulled the trigger to pay with his life. Lucky reminded Sonny that Ian Devlin had died; however, the death of the man who killed his son wasn't an option for Lucky.

Sonny assured Lucky that Luke would never have intentionally hurt a child. According to Sonny, Jake could have fallen into a pool. Lucky argued that Jake had been hit by car that had been driven by Luke after Luke had been drinking. Lucky refused jump on the denial bandwagon like Luke and Lulu, so he couldn't pretend that alcohol hadn't been a factor in the accident. Lucky wanted to comfort Luke, but Lucky was afraid that he might self-destruct or implode, so he wanted Sonny to be there for Luke.

Brenda and Lucian were playing in the parlor when Carly strolled in. "Who's your friend?" Carly wondered. Brenda ignored the question as she explained that Sonny wasn't home. Carly insisted that it was important, so Brenda suggested that she should have called first. Carly sat down in the chair and then asked Lucian what his name was. Carly was shocked when Brenda quietly answered, "His name is Lucian. He's my son."

Brenda was disappointed when she returned a short time later, without Lucian, to find that Carly was still in the parlor. Carly assured Brenda that Max and Milo were great with kids, but Brenda quickly clarified that she intended to raise her son. Carly confessed that she had assumed that Lucian was Sonny's child when she had first entered because Lucian looked like Sonny. However, Carly couldn't figure out who Lucian's mother might be. Carly started to list Sonny's past lovers, but Brenda cut her off.

It astounded Brenda how rude Carly could be. Brenda was curious if Carly simply couldn't help it. Carly smiled smugly as she insisted that she had just been making conversation. Carly suggested that Brenda should have been thanking Carly for exposing Brenda's dirty little secret, otherwise Sonny would have been blindsided by Lucian's arrival. Brenda ignored the taunt, but Carly continued to goad Brenda by assuring Brenda that it was a good thing that Sonny had experience with children. Cary was certain that Brenda would be a disaster as a mother.

4/8 Carly and Brenda sparred over whether Brenda would be a good mother. Brenda declared that Carly was a fine one to talk, as Carly was a horrible mother. Carly defended her past actions, but Brenda pointed out that Carly had often used her children to manipulate their fathers. Brenda threatened to have Max and Milo throw Carly out, to which Carly simply laughed. Brenda pointed out that, each time Sonny had married Carly, it had been because he'd felt guilty with regard to the kids. Brenda further pointed out that she was a threat to Carly, which was why Carly couldn't stay out of her and Sonny's lives. "He's a cute boy; I feel sorry for him," Carly quipped as she exited. "He deserves a hell of a lot better than you," she added.

Jason went to see Brenda. Jason kept his emotions in check as he prepared to secure the home for Brenda's son, Lucian. Brenda tried to get Jason to talk about his feelings, but he minimized his pain.

Lucky talked to Sonny about the state Luke was in. Lucky asked Sonny to be there for Luke, but Sonny replied that what Luke needed was Lucky's support. Sonny said that anyone driving by Liz's house that night could have killed Jake. Lucky expressed that he was upset Luke had chosen to drink and drive that night. "Until he admits that drinking played a part in Jake's death," Lucky avowed, "I can't help him." Sonny suggested that Lucky give Luke the benefit of the doubt and implied that Lucky was feeling a little guilty too. Sonny assured Lucky that there was no reason to feel he'd failed Jake.

Later, Sonny visited Luke. Sonny explained that he was there to urge Luke and Lucky to work things out. Sonny let Luke know that Lucky would forgive Luke, in time. Sonny returned home and awakened a napping Brenda. They made plans to spend time with Lucian. Brenda told Sonny that Carly had barged in earlier and made light of Brenda as a mother. Sonny explained that he'd have a talk with Carly. That wasn't good enough for Brenda, who threatened to ban Carly from their home. Sonny didn't want his kids to be put in the middle of a war between Carly and Brenda. Brenda agreed. Sonny suggested that Brenda have a DNA test done to ensure that Lucian was actually her son, before she got too attached.

4/12 Brenda walked up to greet Kristina. Kristina was stunned when Brenda decided to introduce Kristina to Lucian, who was seated at a nearby table with Max. Kristina was curious how Sonny felt about Brenda's long-lost son. Brenda admitted that they were all trying to adjust, but things were better than Brenda could have imagined. Kristina proposed getting all the kids together to meet Lucian over lunch. Brenda loved the idea, but she wanted to wait a bit until Brenda and Sonny had a chance to bond with Lucian as a family. A few minutes later, Brenda gathered up Lucian, so that they could go home to work on some plans for a playground in the backyard. Brenda popped into the parlor, looking for one of Lucian's books. After Brenda left, Diane asked Max who Lucian was. Max reluctantly told Diane about Brenda's son. Diane felt a massive migraine starting, but Max reminded her that Sonny was a natural at being a dad. Diane disagreed; Sonny was a natural at making children, not raising them.

Jax arrived a few minutes later, looking for Brenda. Max dashed off to fetch Brenda, so Jax decided to question Diane about Michael's legal situation in regards to Brandon's murder. Jax wondered how worried he should be. "Moderately," Diane answered. Diane assured Jax that she was doing her best to keep Michael and Abby out of jail. Brenda entered the parlor seconds later, so Diane excused herself to give them some privacy. Jax admitted that he had heard about Lucian. Brenda beamed as she confessed that she was thrilled to finally have her own family. Brenda gushed about Lucian and then confided that it felt as if he were the last missing piece of her life. Jax was happy for Brenda; however, he warned her that it would change things. Brenda revealed that things were already different. Brenda eyes filled with tears as she confessed that she just wanted to keep her son safe.

4/13 At Greystone Manor, Sonny instructed Max to keep a low profile when Max was out in public with Brenda and Lucian. Max realized that Brenda wanted to live as normal a life as possible. Sonny reminded Max that there wasn't anything normal about his life or the situation with Lucian. Moments later, Diane entered the parlor to drop off some documents for Sonny. She was curious if Max were on break, but Max explained that he had been updating the boss. Diane acknowledged that Max was great with children, but she reminded Sonny that Max had a life outside of Sonny's world.

Sonny explained that he wanted to make certain that Brenda's maternal rights to Lucian were legal and airtight. Diane wondered what Sonny's role would be in Lucian's life. Sonny ignored Diane's question to add that he wanted Brenda's custody of Lucian to be ironclad. Diane wondered if Brenda had gotten a DNA test done to determine if Lucian were Brenda's biological child. Sonny insisted that they would deal with that later, so Diane agreed to draw up the paperwork. Sonny was relieved because he feared that Suzanne might cause problems if the custody issue weren't settled quickly.

Diane was curious who Lucian had been living with prior to arriving in Port Charles. Sonny explained that, according to Suzanne, the adoptive parents had been killed, so he worried that some of their relatives might decide to claim Lucian. Diane promised to check everything out, but she wondered if Sonny planned to adopt the young boy. Sonny admitted that he just wanted to support Brenda, which Diane thought was a wise decision. Sonny demanded to know what Diane meant by that. Diane dared Sonny to look her in the eye and then tell her that he wanted another child.

Sonny reminded Diane that he didn't pay her to pry into his personal life. Diane pointed out that Sonny was married to Lucian's mother, but Sonny was tired of Diane's lectures. Diane revealed that her book was a runaway best seller, so it would serve Sonny right if she were to quit her job to focus on her writing. Sonny made it clear that he was done talking, so Max volunteered to drive Diane to her office. Diane warned Sonny that Max would be taking a "well-deserved" five-hour lunch and then walked out. Dante stood in the doorway, watching the exchange.

After Diane left, Sonny admitted to Dante that Diane was a terrific lawyer, but he sometimes questioned if she were worth it. Dante advised Sonny to be nice to Diane because Michael might need her skill. Sonny became momentarily sidetracked when he made a quick call to line up a bodyguard for Lucian. Afterwards, Sonny admitted that he was frustrated because it was impossible to find someone qualified to watch over the little boy. Sonny noticed Dante's confusion, so he filled Dante in about Lucian. Dante was curious if there were any proof of Suzanne's claims.

Sonny explained that Suzanne had provided them with a birth certificate, but Dante pointed out that the piece of paper didn't mean anything, since he had been able to claim that the child was his at one time. Sonny wanted Brenda to be happy, but he didn't trust Suzanne. Sonny acknowledged that Lucian was a sweet child, but he confided that he didn't want any more children because he had his hands full with the children that he had. Dante was curious if things might have been different if Sonny had known about Lucian before the wedding. Sonny insisted that he would have loved Brenda, but he conceded that his life was difficult, so all he could do was adjust to the new situation.

Sonny then asked Dante about his earlier comment regarding Michael. Dante told Sonny about Brandon's murder, and how concerned Michael had been about Abby. Sonny argued that Abby was a big girl who could take care of herself; however, Sonny refused to let Michael end up back in prison. Dante confessed that Johnny might be trying to exploit the situation. Sonny was stunned when Dante revealed that Brandon had hired the Zaccharas' attorney, Angela Dwyer, to bail Brandon out of jail. Sonny was certain that Johnny wanted to set Michael up for Brandon's murder to get back at Sonny. Dante urged Sonny to be careful not to start a war, but Sonny insisted that he would do whatever was necessary to protect Michael.

Later, Michael paid his father a visit. Sonny admitted that he knew about Abby's ex-boyfriend's murder, so Michael quickly denied having killed Brandon. Sonny warned Michael that Johnny might be behind it, but Michael was skeptical because Johnny didn't have any reason to want to set up Michael. Sonny argued that getting Jason or Michael charged with murder would be a perfect way to distract Sonny. Michael wondered why Johnny would want to break the peace, so Sonny explained that the natural state of the Zaccharas was not peace, but rather chaos. Sonny explained that Brandon had hired Johnny's attorney, which meant that the dots connected to Johnny.

Michael was reluctant to rush to judgment, but Sonny insisted that Michael didn't owe Johnny any loyalty. Sonny demanded to know exactly what Johnny had said and done for Michael. Michael admitted that Johnny had loaned Abby some money, which he hadn't pressured her to pay back, and then warned Michael when Brandon's body had been found. Sonny ordered Michael to shut Johnny down if Johnny tried to reach out to Michael or Abby. Sonny explained that one of the principals of war was to know one's enemies; Sonny knew Johnny.

Later, Johnny was on the phone with Anthony, when someone knocked on the door. It was Sonny. Sonny accused Johnny of paying for Brandon's attorney and then wondered if Johnny thought that Sonny would allow Johnny to frame Michael for Brandon's murder.

4/14 At Johnny's penthouse, Sonny admitted that he wasn't surprised that Johnny had set up Michael for Brandon's murder. Sonny accused Johnny of being a coward and an opportunist. Johnny threw the insult back in Sonny's face by pointing out that Sonny's marriage to Claudia had been a business arrangement. Sonny suggested that Johnny was motivated by revenge, but Johnny argued that he was trying to save Michael from Sonny. Sonny reminded Johnny that he had honored the truce, so he warned Johnny not to push his luck. Johnny wondered when it became a violation of the truce to befriend Michael. Johnny conceded that his father, Anthony, was crazy, but Johnny insisted that his life had been a "cakewalk" compared to the way that Michael had had been raised. Sonny refused to let Johnny manipulate Michael, but Johnny reminded Sonny that Michael was an adult who could make his own choices. Sonny wanted Michael to complete his parole and then to go on to college, so Sonny warned Johnny to leave Michael alone, and stop hiding behind children.

Later, Sonny arrived to talk to Jason about Michael's situation. Jason and Sonny agreed that Johnny was trying to recruit Michael. Sonny warned Jason that Michael wasn't listening to Sonny's advice, so they needed to make sure that Johnny was "nailed" for Brandon's murder.

After Sonny left, Michael stopped by. Michael realized that Jason had spoken to Sonny about Johnny, but Michael insisted that Johnny wasn't trying to frame Michael for Brandon's murder. Jason hoped that Michael realized that Johnny was trying to recruit Michael to work for the Zaccharas. Michael didn't want Jason to worry about him, so Jason suggested that Michael stay away from Johnny. Michael refused to make any promises. Michael admitted that he would rather work for Jason and Sonny, but Jason made it clear that it wasn't an option. Michael argued that Jason had made the choice to join the organization, but Jason insisted that he hadn't realized what he had been getting into. Jason explained that he had to walk away from Jake to spare Jake from having to go through what Michael had endured. Jason insisted that the business had robbed him of the chance to know Jake, so the lifestyle had not been worth it.

Sonny was in a foul mood when Dante entered the parlor of Greystone Manor. Sonny warned Dante that Johnny was becoming a problem because Johnny was trying to recruit Michael. Dante pointed out that they couldn't do anything about it if Michael were receptive to Johnny's offer. Sonny made it clear that he expected Dante to do whatever was necessary, including bending the law, to keep Johnny away from Michael. Dante refused to twist the law to serve his needs. Dante admitted that he couldn't blame Michael from trying to follow in Sonny's footsteps because Sonny was married to a supermodel, and answered to no one while someone like Dante was just an underpaid cop. Sonny urged Dante to make Michael understand that Michael had the potential to be better than Sonny.

4/15 Suzanne shared with Brenda the fun she and Lucian had enjoyed together. After putting her son down for a nap, Brenda returned to find that Suzanne had left. Sonny maintained that he had not said or done anything to nudge Suzanne to leave. Brenda said that she owed Suzanne a debt of gratitude because Suzanne had reunited Brenda with Lucian. Sonny reiterated that he didn't trust the woman and that there was a chance that Lucian was not Brenda's son. He worried that, the more time Brenda and Lucian spent together, the harder the fall would be if the boy turned out not to be her son. He urged her to have a DNA test done, and Brenda agreed, though she said it would only prove what she already knew. She boasted how happy she was that Sonny would be Lucian's father, but Sonny countered that his kids had suffered because of the life he led. Brenda shared her opinion that most of Michael's problems existed because Carly was his mom.

Later, Sonny went to see a surprised Suzanne. Suzanne repeated that she had only hidden Lucian to keep the boy away from Theo. She told Sonny that Brenda was alive because Suzanne had run interference all those years, to keep Theo away from Brenda. Sonny replied that he didn't believe a word out of Suzanne's mouth. Suzanne suggested that she and Sonny put aside their mutual animosity for the sake of Lucian and Brenda. Sonny tried to get Suzanne to admit that she was using the boy to try to work Brenda. Suzanne vociferously denied the assertion and suggested that Sonny was feeling threatened by Lucian, because Brenda would be unable to devote one hundred percent of her energy toward Sonny. Suzanne offered to take the boy and disappear.

Michael went to see his dad but had a visit with Brenda instead. Brenda asked for his opinion as to whether Lucian would be happy having Sonny as a father. Michael stated that he loved his father but that he was thankful Morgan and Josslyn were growing up with Jax, because Sonny's business was no place for kids.

4/18 Sonny followed Suzanne to her hotel room because he wanted to know what her agenda was concerning Brenda and Lucien. She told him that she would raise Lucien if he and Brenda thought the mob lifestyle would harm the boy. Suzanne told Sonny that she knew him because she had lived with Theo. Sonny said that he was nothing like Theo. Suzanne responded that he led a dangerous life and one day Brenda would realize that it was harmful to Lucien and all Sonny's dream would crash down on him. Sonny asked Suzanne if all he had to do to keep his happiness with Brenda was to turn over Lucien to her and become a pawn in her game. She said that Lucien would be a reminder to Sonny that Brenda had an affair with her son. Sonny told Suzanne to get her head out of the clouds. He said that he would find out what she was up to. He told her that he could not imagine how Suzanne could claim to care about the person who had killed her son. He said there was no way in hell that he would be close to someone who had killed his child.

Michael went to see Sonny, but found Brenda home instead. She told him about Lucien. Michael told her that from his own experience he knew that life with a mobster was no fun for a kid. He said that the children become targets and a child learns what awful things people will do for money or power. Brenda said that parents have to be partners and present a united front in order to protect their kids. She said parents should be reasonable and compromise instead of constantly bickering in front of the children. Michael said that even though Carly and Sonny fought, he always knew they loved each other.

Michael said that in defense of Carly, she was always there when he needed her. Michael said that Carly was a good mother and Brenda could learn from her. Brenda said that she loved how Michael defended his mom. She said it was easy to criticize without knowing all the facts. She said she hoped Lucien would feel the same way about her. She said that she never thought that she could love anyone else as much as she loved Sonny. As Michael prepared to leave, Brenda told him that all she ever wanted was a family and a place to belong and that she was very, very happy to have so much family now.

When Sonny arrived home, Brenda told him that Michael had stopped by. Sonny told her about his visit with Suzanne. He said that he did not like or trust Suzanne, but Brenda could see not what agenda Suzanne could have. Brenda jumped to the conclusion that Sonny wanted Suzanne to take Lucien. Sonny said he would never ask Brenda to give up her son. Brenda worried because Sonny did not say "our" son when he referred to Lucien. Sonny said that was because he had just met Lucien, not know him all his life as he had Michael. Brenda apologized for jumping to conclusions. Sonny said it was not his intention to hurt Brenda. He said that he did not trust Suzanne. He said that Suzanne had been working Brenda for years and he acknowledged the possibility that she had an ulterior motive for her actions. Brenda defended Suzanne and said that she was protecting Brenda from Theo. Brenda said that Suzanne could have taken Lucien and dropped off the face of the earth. Sonny said that Suzanne was not "Lady Bountiful," and was up to something. He told Brenda that he would eventually figure it out.

Suzanne made a phone call and told the person on the other line to tell a third party that grandma's work was almost done and she would be home for good very soon.

4/20 In Sonny's office, Sonny thanked Abby for stopping by. Abby realized that Sonny had asked to see her for a reason, so she invited him to speak his mind. Sonny appreciated that Abby wanted better for herself, so he explained that he had the same expectations for Michael. Abby was surprised when Sonny asked her to help keep Michael away from Johnny. Sonny admitted that he was aware that Johnny had been "messing" with Michael's head, but Abby insisted that Johnny had only been trying to help them. Sonny was curious what Johnny had done for Abby and Michael, so Abby admitted that Johnny had loaned her some money, and then given her plenty of time to repay it.

Abby also revealed that Johnny had warned Michael about Brandon's murder after Brandon's body had been found. Sonny told Abby about his history with Johnny and Johnny's deep-seeded hatred of Sonny. Abby confessed that it didn't appear to extend to Michael because Johnny had treated Michael fairly. Sonny confided that Johnny and Claudia had been involved in a "twisted" relationship that Sonny refused to get into, but the end result was that Johnny had blamed Sonny for Claudia's death. Abby didn't seem convinced, so Sonny switched tactics by offering to pay off her loan to Johnny in exchange for her agreeing to work as a hostess at Pozzulo's. Abby wondered what the job would entail. Sonny explained that she would be expected keep Sonny updated about Michael's activities. Seconds later, Michael entered the office. Michael was surprised when he saw Abby, so Sonny admitted that he had offered Abby a job. Abby thanked Sonny, but she declined because she didn't want to owe her job to Michael's family.

Later, Carly found Sonny alone in his office. She immediately advised Sonny to give Michael some space. Sonny was determined to get through to Michael, so he refused to back down. Carly feared that Sonny would just alienate their son if he pushed Michael too hard. She warned Sonny that Michael would see Sonny's concern for Michael's future as a sign that Sonny thought that Michael was weak. Carly then reminded Sonny that Michael was still struggling with the rape. Sonny insisted that he wanted Michael to see that Michael had choices, but Carly wanted to find a solution, so she thought that they should be sensitive to how Michael thought. Sonny argued that Michael was trying to get into Sonny's world, so Sonny would deal with Michael his own way.

Sonny left his office, but then stopped short when he noticed a cake, with lit candles, on a table. Seconds later, Alexis, Carly, and the children jumped out of their hiding places to yell, "Surprise!" Sonny was touched that they had remembered his birthday. The kids quickly credited Molly for arranging the birthday party. Molly confessed that she had hoped to have it at Greystone Manor, but Brenda had feared that it might overwhelm Lucian. Carly was livid.

4/21 Carly stormed into the parlor to confront Brenda about not hosting Sonny's birthday party at Greystone Manor. Carly insisted that Brenda didn't have the right to dictate who was welcomed in Sonny's home. Brenda disagreed because Brenda was married to Sonny, so Greystone Manor was Brenda's home. Carly warned Brenda not to try to keep Sonny's kids away from him. Brenda had no idea what Carly was carrying on about, so Carly explained that she had been told that Brenda didn't want the kids around because Brenda feared that it might overwhelm Lucian.

Brenda insisted that there had been a misunderstanding. Brenda revealed that Kristina had proposed having a brunch, so that everyone could meet Lucian, but Brenda wanted to wait until Lucian had gotten a chance to settle in. Carly accused Brenda of being a coward for blaming Kristina instead of taking responsibility for pushing Sonny's children away. Brenda argued that it was up to Brenda and Sonny to decide when and how Lucian would be introduced to his siblings. Carly vowed to make Brenda sorry if Brenda tried to keep Carly's sons away from their father.

Jax paid Brenda a visit to thank her for the gifts that she had given to Josslyn. Brenda began to talk about Lucian and her desire to take things slowly to give her son time to adjust to his new life. She was excited that their kids would be able to have play dates soon. Jax confessed that Josslyn would not be allowed near Sonny. Brenda assured Jax that Sonny had taken steps to keep Lucian safe, but Jax didn't care. Jax insisted that the children would always be in danger as long as Sonny remained in the mob. Brenda explained that Sonny had regrets, but Jax suggested that Sonny would have quit the business if that had been true. Jax warned Brenda that one day one of Sonny's enemies would target Brenda and her son. Brenda insisted that Sonny had plenty of guards to protect them, but Jax thought that Brenda and Lucian deserved better. Brenda asked for Jax's support, but Jax couldn't give her that because he believed that Lucian wouldn't be any safer than Sonny's own children had been.

4/22 At Greystone Manor, Brenda regretted that she had expected Jax to be happy for her, Sonny, and Lucian. Jax assured her that he wished them all the happiness in the world, but he doubted that it was possible because of Sonny's lifestyle. Brenda was certain that Lucian would grow to love Sonny as much as Brenda did. Jax didn't doubt it; however he warned her that the danger in Sonny's life would eventually extend to Brenda's son. Jax explained that he didn't want to hurt Brenda, or replace Sonny in her life, but he spoke from experience. Jax urged her to take Lucian, and to get as far away from Sonny as possible.

Sonny immediately picked up on the tension in the room when he entered the parlor moments later. Jax revealed that he had given Brenda what Sonny hadn't been able to: honesty. Sonny was outraged that Jax had talked "smack" about Sonny in Sonny's own home. Jax insisted that Sonny couldn't keep Lucian any safer than Sonny had kept the rest of the Corinthos children safe. Sonny demanded to know who Jax was to judge anyone. Sonny reminded Jax that Josslyn had nearly died from kidney cancer, and that Jake had been killed in an accident, so there weren't any guarantees. Jax argued that the odds of something terrible happening to a child increased when they were around Sonny.

Brenda had heard enough, so she asked Jax to leave. Sonny accused Jax of using scare tactics to terrorize Brenda. Jax countered that Sonny had told Brenda the same lies that Sonny had told Carly over the years. Jax hoped that Lucian fared better than Michael had. Brenda assured Sonny that she had no idea that Jax would attack Sonny like that when she had invited Jax to stay. Jax refused to leave without one last parting shot at Sonny. Jax hoped that Brenda never had to live with what Carly had gone through when Michael had been shot and then lingered in a coma. Brenda was shaken as Jax finally left. Afterwards, Sonny and Brenda seemed at a loss for words as they stared at each other from across the room.

Sonny decided to go to Pentonville to have a talk with Anthony. Anthony sat in the visitors' room, looking forlornly at a plant with a single wilted leaf. Sonny dispensed with pleasantries as he informed Anthony that Johnny had targeted another one of Sonny's children. Anthony complained about the measly plant that he had been given to tend, which Anthony had named Claudia. "You notice the resemblance?" Anthony wondered. Sonny ignored the question to explain that Johnny was trying to be a mentor to Michael. Anthony suggested that Johnny was a generous young man, who made his father proud. Sonny didn't know if Johnny were acting on his own or following Anthony's instructions, but Sonny expected it to stop.

Sonny invited Anthony to fight like a man, instead of a wild animal who preyed on the weak. Sonny vowed that he would take Anthony down "like a rabid dog" if Anthony didn't back off from Michael. Anthony was disappointed that Sonny hadn't stopped by for a friendly chat, as Anthony had assumed when he had decided to take his new plant to the visitors' room. Sonny warned Anthony that the "Claudia plant thing" was not working. Anthony suggested that Sonny should be grateful that Johnny was making an effort to preserve the peace between the Zacchara and Corinthos organizations by reaching out to Michael in friendship. Sonny was adamant that Michael remain off-limits. Anthony promised that Sonny didn't have to worry about the Zaccharas hurting Michael because Sonny exposed Michael to enough danger. Sonny's temper flared as he reached out and then knocked the plant across the table. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt Claudia," Sonny said in a blatantly false innocent tone. Anthony burst out laughing after Sonny left.

At Greystone Manor, Brenda explained to Diane that Sonny wasn't at home. Diane insisted on waiting because she had news about Michael that Diane was certain that Sonny would want to hear. Brenda was curious what was going on, but Diane explained that she wasn't at liberty to discuss it. Brenda argued that she was Sonny's wife, so she had a right to know, but Diane revealed that Sonny had instructed Diane several times not to discuss Michael's problems with Brenda. Brenda wondered if the policy applied to Carly as well, so Diane reminded Brenda that Carly was Michael's mother.

Sonny returned home a short time later to find Diane alone in the parlor. Diane admitted that she didn't have good news about Michael; however, she felt compelled to warn Sonny that Brenda had stomped off to the bedroom to sulk because Diane had refused to discuss Michael's situation with her. Sonny suggested that Diane be more tactful with Brenda in the future and then asked for an update on Michael. Diane told Sonny about the cell phone footage of Michael confronting Brandon just before the shooting. Diane warned Sonny that the police would eventually be able to use the evidence to establish prior intent. Diane was certain that Michael would be charged with Brandon's murder, but Sonny refused to accept that as an option.

At Greystone Manor, Sonny ordered Dante to use any means necessary to help Michael. Sonny expected Dante to make the evidence disappear and to give Sonny the name of the person who had taped Michael confronting Brandon. Dante made it clear that he refused to break the law, even to help Michael.

4/25 Sonny called Dante to his home and urged him to destroy the phone video evidence against Michael. Dante told Sonny that he never learned. He said that the last time Sonny had tried to cover up a crime it had resulted in a prison sentence for Michael. Sonny said he did not want to see Michael go back to prison. Dante said he did not want Michael to go back to prison either, but he would not sacrifice his badge. He asked Sonny if he even card if Michael was innocent. Sonny said that in Michael's place he would have killed Brandon. Dante said that he thought that Michael was innocent and would prove it.

Sonny said that while Dante looked for the real killer the DA would use the video to railroad Michael. He begged Dante to destroy the evidence. When Dante refused again, Sonny asked why he would cover up for Brenda and not Michael. Dante said that his actions had caused a world of grief for Brenda. He said he had promised himself that he would never compromise his badge again. When Sonny said that Dante's badge was more important than his brother, Dante told Sonny to stop trying to cover up because his actions would only make things worse.

Kristina went to see Sonny and voiced surprise that he had asked her over. He said that she had misinterpreted Brenda when Brenda said that she did not want to overwhelm Lucian with a lot of visitors. He said Brenda was a new mother and very overprotective. Kristina said that she had seen the same thing happen to many of the kids at her school. The dad remarried a perfectly nice woman who wanted to keep him to herself, so the kids became visitors in their dad's home. Sonny said that his kids would never be visitors in his home. He said that they would never have two separate families. He said his kids were his heart and he would never be separated from his heart. Sonny told Kristina that he loved her and nothing would ever change that. Kristina told Sonny that she loved him too and kissed him on the cheek. They laughed and hugged.

After Kristina left, Sam walked in while Sonny was on the phone telling one of his henchmen to warn the Trujillos that if they sided with Johnny they would suffer the consequences. Sam told Sonny about her conversation with Luke and asked him to intercede. She said that Luke was drunk and out of control and that if he kept pushing Jason, Jason would push back. Sonny said that guilt was making Luke self-destruct.

Luke was surprised when Sonny, not Jason showed up on the Haunted Star. Sonny said that he thought Luke needed a friend. Luke offered Sonny a drink, but Sonny declined. Sonny picked up Luke's gun and commented that it felt light. He asked Luke if he was waiting for Jason. Sonny wondered if Luke planned to point an empty gun at Jason and give Jason an excuse to kill Luke.

4/26 At the Haunted Star Sonny tried to persuade Luke to abandon the suicidal plans. Luke warned Sonny that it wasn't Sonny's call to make. Sonny knew what Luke was going through, but Luke disagreed, since Sonny had never killed a child. Sonny reminded his old friend that Sonny had been responsible for Michael being shot. Sonny recalled that he had never been able to visit Michael in the after-care facility because the guilt of seeing what he had done to Michael would have killed him. Luke argued that Jake wouldn't wake up like Michael had. Sonny was confident that Luke would be able to get past the tragedy with time, but Luke insisted that "justice is justice." Luke had killed a child, the same child that Jason had dumped on Lucky to raise.

Sonny was curious if that was the reason that Luke wanted Jason to kill Luke. Sonny wondered if that were fair to Jason. "I don't give a crap about Jason," Luke informed Sonny. Luke couldn't understand why Jason hadn't taken Jake back after Elizabeth and Lucky had split up. Sonny assured Luke that Jason had a lot of regrets, and that one of them would be killing Luke if it went that far. Luke doubted that, since Luke had been responsible for killing Jake. Sonny reminded Luke of Lulu, Ethan, and Tracy. Luke was certain that they would be okay because they were survivors. Luke was confident that Jason would be able to make Luke's body disappear, so everyone would assume that Luke had left town on one of his long trips. Sonny wondered if Luke had considered that Lucky would spend the rest of his life looking for Luke. Sonny knew how Luke felt about his children. Luke confirmed that he loved them all.

Sonny refused to tell Luke how to live his life, but Sonny warned Luke that the guilt would eventually eat away at him if Luke didn't forgive himself. Luke pointed out that he was already there. Sonny admitted that he hated taking medicine for his bipolar disorder, but he did it for the sake of his children. Luke confessed that he respected Sonny more than any man that Luke had ever known; however, they were different men and fathers. Luke acknowledged that Lucky had survived a lot growing up, but he doubted that he and Lucky would be able to get past Jake's death. Luke admitted that he'd had a great life, but it was over.

Sonny went to Lucky's apartment to warn Lucky that Luke was trying to punish himself because the guilt was eating at him. Lucky confessed that he was afraid for his father. Lucky explained that his father had always been larger than life to him, so Lucky had never seen Luke as an "ordinary mortal." Sonny confided that Luke didn't want to be like Tim Spencer. Lucky insisted that Luke had been nothing like Lucky's abusive grandfather. According to Lucky, Luke had been an incredible father. Sonny revealed that a part of Luke felt as if he had run over Lucky on that tragic night. Sonny explained that Luke believed that Lucky attributed the accident to alcohol because Lucky couldn't stand to blame Luke for killing Jake. Lucky conceded that perhaps a part of him felt that way, but the alcohol had been an issue for years. Sonny feared that Luke wouldn't be able to forgive himself. Lucky agreed because Luke wanted to drown the pain with alcohol.

Sonny confessed that watching Luke and Lucky together had made Sonny want to be a father. Sonny recalled the time that the three of them had gone camping when Lucky had made Sonny and Luke pierce Lucky's ear with a fishhook. Afterwards, they had disinfected the ear with tequila. Lucky confessed that he had always thought of Luke as strong, so he had never expected Luke's demons to take over. Sonny realized that driving under the influence was wrong, but he thought that Lucky should consider the burden that Luke had to carry around for killing Jake. Lucky argued that Luke had been responsible for the accident because Luke had made the choice to drive after drinking alcohol. Lucky insisted that Luke was a high-functioning alcoholic, but they had all looked the other way because no one had ever imagined that Luke would mess up as badly as he had. Lucky realized that his father was in a freefall. Sonny wondered what Lucky planned to do. "I guess I'm going to try to catch him," Lucky replied.

**The End**