Jason & Liz #13  September 18 - December 17, 2008 - 8 hour original edit

#13A  Carly rushed into Jason's office and told him about her online dating experience. She tells him that she is pretty sure that one of the guys was Scotty Baldwin. She tells Jason that she matched matched with one guy on 24 out of 25 personality and compatibility points and it was Jason!  Jason was furious to learn Spinelli had made a profile for him and put it on an Internet dating site after Jason told him not to do it. Jason knew Maxie was behind it, because Spinelli always did what Maxie asked him to do. Carly wanted him to guess which one they didn't match on. Jason wasn't interested in playing games, though. They bantered briefly before Carly announced the one trait they didn't match was that they were both stubborn. It was the one personality flaw of Jason's that meant they could never have a romantic relationship. Carly kissed Jason on the cheek and pranced out happily.

Spinelli walked into Jason's office, where he was interrogated as to how Jason's profile got put online. Spinelli revealed he was only trying to get Jason to understand his feelings for Elizabeth, the maternal one. Jason was still mad and told Spinelli he was in love with Elizabeth and didn't want to date anyone else. Spinelli was told to go home, and he sadly sulked out of the office. Jason was surprised to see Kate arrive, she asked if he would attend her and Sonny's wedding. She had looked at the invitation list and had seen the glaring omission. Jason said he could not attend.  Kate thought it was because he had sided with Carly over custody, but Jason said it was because he did not want to go if Sonny did not know he was coming. Kate told Jason that Sonny thought of him as family and that she had come to personally invite him. Jason thought about it, but told Kate that he felt that it was best if he did not surprise Sonny by showing up without a personal invitation. A disappointed Kate left Jason's office.

A tearful Carly dropped in on Jason. She was trying to come to grips with her split from Jax. Jason listened as she poured out her regrets over sleeping with Sonny and breaking Jax's heart. She was ready to "lie, cheat, and steal" to get Jax back, but Jason said that was what got her into her predicament. A distraught Carly went back to the hotel. Maxie showed up at Jason's penthouse to see Spinelli, who was excited when she asked him to be her date at Kate and Sonny's wedding. When Jason showed up, Maxie wanted to know what he was wearing to the wedding. When Jason said he was not attending, Maxie started telling him all the reasons he should be there.

As Jason prepared for a meeting, Spinelli tried desperately to get Jason's measurements for a tux. Jason became exasperated and asked what Spinelli was trying to do. Spinelli said Maxie just didn't want Jason to end up with a bad tuxedo or one that didn't fit just because he didn't plan ahead for the wedding. Jason said he would not be attending the wedding. Spinelli was frustrated because he had promised Maxie that he would get Jason to go to the wedding. Jason told his young friend to find another way to impress Spinelli's girlfriend. Spinelli was suddenly giddy at the thought of Maxie as his girlfriend.

Jason went home to the penthouse and found Spinelli pirouetting to Greek music in anticipation of dancing at Kate and Sonny's wedding. Jason asked Spinelli to do him a favor. As Spinelli did "Stone Cold's" bidding, he babbled about how happy he was that Jason was finally getting together with the "maternal one." Jason admitted to Spinelli that he had asked Elizabeth to marry him the day before Michael was shot, but retracted his offer after the shooting in fear for her safety. Diane's knock on the door interrupted them. She told Jason that a prime piece of dock property was available, but that they had to act immediately if they wanted to purchase it. Jason was ready to go with Diane, but Spinelli put up a spirited argument as to why Jason should not dump his personal plans for business. Despite Diane's arguments to the contrary, Jason told her that if he had to act immediately, he would pass on the opportunity. After Diane left, Spinelli was out of his mind with happiness because "Stone Cold" had followed his heart instead of being controlled by his business.

Lucky sought out Elizabeth at the hospital to ask her if he could take the boys camping with Sam for a week. Elizabeth thought about it and decided that it would be good for the boy to get to know Sam. As Lucky was getting on the elevator, Ric was getting off. When Ric told Lucky that Johnny was headed to Shadybrook, Lucky's temper flared. Elizabeth got a call from Jason. When she met him at her studio, she was taken completely off guard when Jason asked her to go to Italy with him. They had always talked of seeing Italy together, so the choice had a special meaning to them. Elizabeth was delighted by Jason's romantic gesture and happily accepted his invitation. Jason was eager to embark on their trip; he wanted to fly out after Sonny's wedding. Elizabeth didn't think she would have a problem rearranging her schedule. Lucky had plans to take the boys camping for the week and Elizabeth had accumulated vacation time, which she needed to use before it expired. Before they left the loft, Jason and Elizabeth kissed and agreed to meet at the airport.

At Jason's penthouse, Carly pleaded with Jason to take her to Sonny's wedding. Jason sensed that Carly was up to something. Jason refused to help Carly if she planned to sabotage Sonny's wedding to Kate. Carly assured Jason that she didn't have any tricks up her sleeve. She wanted to attend the wedding so that she could watch as everything fell apart for Kate. Jason stopped by Sonny's house to warn him that he would be escorting Carly to the wedding. Sonny knew Carly was unpredictable but he didn't seem too worried. Sonny reminded Jason of the time he had shown up at Jason's office. He had come there that day to invite Jason to the wedding. Diane and Max's breakup had taken precedence and Sonny never had the right opportunity. Sonny was glad Jason would be attending the wedding. They talked about when Jason took the business over from Sonny and how Jason didn't think people like them could ever be happy. Sonny hoped he was proving Jason wrong by marrying Kate.

Jason arrived at the Metro Court to pick up Carly. Diane tried to talk to Jason but was sidetracked by Carly's dress and hair. She finally got her moment to warn Jason that it was not a good idea to escort Carly to Sonny's wedding. Jason assured Diane that Carly would not cause any problems at the wedding. At the wedding, Diane and Alexis tried to warn Sonny about two of his guests. Sonny was not to be deterred, though. The two women walked away as Jason and Carly arrived. Jason left Sonny and Carly alone to talk.  Everyone was settled in the church while Kate and Olivia began to fight, screaming at each other, loud enough for the guests seated in the church to hear.

Kate and Sonny's wedding got off to the perfect start as Kate, in a lacey designer-original dress, walked down the aisle of a tastefully decorated, picturesque chapel. When she reached Sonny, she handed her bouquet to Olivia and turned to face him. As they looked lovingly into each other's eyes, a shot rang out. Spinelli covered Maxie, Jax protected Carly, and Jason pulled his gun and started looking for the shooter. Both Sonny and Kate were surprised to see a bright red spot appear on her wedding gown just before she slumped to the floor. As the guests rapidly left the chapel, Olivia tried to stanch the blood flow. Sonny begged Kate to hang on and Mike dialed 911.  Jason, and Sonny worked frantically to save Kate. While Olivia followed Jason's instructions to keep pressure on the wound, Sonny made an impassioned plea for Kate to survive. She was barely conscious as she mumbled something about a secret she had to tell him. Both Olivia and Sonny told her
it could wait until she was better.

Cody showed Jason a bullet casing that he found in the choir loft. They concluded that Kate, not Sonny, was the intended target, because the shooter had had time for a second shot, but did not take it.  Jason wanted Spinelli to use his cyber skills to identify the shell casing that they were examining. Spinelli wanted to do something more "manly," but Jason was insistent that Spinelli not be associated with him when the Port Charles Police Department (PCPD) arrived. The EMTs arrived and took Kate away. Scott went after Jason and tried to find some reason to arrest him, but Diane came over and refused to let Jason answer questions. Scott blustered and threatened to have them both arrested.

Lucky and Sam stopped by Elizabeth's house to pick up the boys for their camping trip together. Lucky got irate when Elizabeth said she was going away with Jason. When Lucky tried to forbid it, Sam pointed out gently that as long as Elizabeth kept her relationship with Jason separate from the boys, he had no say in who Elizabeth kept company with, just as Elizabeth had no say in who Lucky kept company with. Lucky seemed to get a grip and acceded to Sam's assessment that it was only fair to meet Elizabeth halfway. They parted on a good note.  Elizabeth arrived at the airport early for her trip to Rome with Jason. But when time passed and passengers boarded the plane, she was left in a quandary as she waited forlornly for Jason.

As Sonny waited outside Kate's room, Jason reported his findings. Sonny acknowledged that Jason had been right when he had told Sonny that it would not be easy to leave the business. Jason took no pleasure in it and shared his sincere sympathy for Sonny. When Jason told Sonny that Cody had found a shell casing and that they were analyzing it before taking action, Sonny got hot. He was convinced that Karpov's shooter had pulled the trigger and he wanted immediate action to "send a message to Karpov" to stay away from Sonny and those around him. Jason looked uncomfortable. While Kate was unconscious in the ICU, Sonny demanded Jason retaliate against Andre Karpov. He just knew Mr. Karpov was responsible for Kate's shooting. Jason said he wanted to get more information before he acted. Spinelli soon came to the ICU and told Jason that the bullet that shot Kate was Russian and it was shot from a Russian gun. Sonny again insisted Jason kill Andre, but Jason didn't think the Russian mobster was their man. That thought was confirmed for Jason when Andre approached them in the hallway. Sonny pushed Andre up against the wall and threatened him, but Andre said he would not hold Sonny's grief against the man. Andre said he was just there to express his condolences.

Ric didn't seem too surprised to see Anthony standing on his own two feet. He was curious what was going on, and Anthony elaborated and told Ric all about his plan to take over the mob in Port Charles. Anthony framed Andre Karpov and shot Kate. No one was going to suspect Anthony, especially since he was wheelchair-bound. Sonny would not have the manpower to retaliate against Andre, so he would insist Jason do it. Sonny's one fault had always been his emotions, and he would act before he verified the facts. Jason would not act, though, until he made sure he knew whom the shooter was. That would cause Sonny to betray Jason and turn to another mob family, the Zaccharas. Anthony would provide the necessary shelter for Sonny and would take Jason out.

Liz desperately tried to get Jason on the phone to find out what was going on. They finally talked, and Liz was filled in on the details of Kate's shooting. She quickly returned to Port Charles and arrived at the hospital to help out. Jason and Sonny continued to fight outside Kate's hospital room. Sonny wanted Jason to take immediate action against Andre Karpov, but Jason said he had to make sure he was retaliating against the correct person. There were too many lives at stake within his organization to risk killing the wrong person. Sonny was furious and told Jason he was a traitor and a coward. He told him to get out. Jason left and met Spinelli in the hall. Spinelli was prepared to go to war, but Jason said he needed more information before he could retaliate against Kate's shooter. Just as Liz walked in, Jason said that was the reason why he couldn't be in a relationship.

Spinelli and Jason were in the hospital waiting area when Elizabeth approached Jason. She told him that what happened to Kate was awful but it did not matter. She still wanted to be close to him. Spinelli was all for it, but Jason was reluctant. He did not want to put Elizabeth in the same position as Kate. He told her there was something that she needed to see. After Jason took Elizabeth to see Kate and warned her that she could be lying there, Olivia took Jason to task for making Kate the poster child for what happens when you marry the mob. Elizabeth left and Jason apologized. Olivia left Jason alone with Sonny, who tried to persuade him to act against Karpov. Jason remained firm with Sonny and refused to start a mob war without proof.

Spinelli caught Jason in the waiting room and wanted to know if he was going away with Elizabeth. Jason said it was not safe for them. Before Spinelli could make more arguments in favor of "the maternal one," Jason got a call from Carly who wanted to know what was going on. After he hung up, Jason left Spinelli at the hospital while he went to check on Carly. Jason met Carly in her suite. He told her that Kate, not Sonny, was the target. She guessed that he had a lead. Jason affirmed that he did, but cautioned that it could be taking him and Sonny in the wrong direction. When Jason told Carly that the bullet was Russian, she concluded that it was Karpov. Jason said that he had confronted Karpov and believed that he was not involved. Carly argued that Karpov's character indicated that he was capable of shooting Kate. Jason said that bottom line it did not matter. The act was personal, against Sonny and Jason could not put his organization at risk for an act of personal revenge. He said that he felt bad for Sonny, but he had to say no. Carly speculated on how long it would be before Jason caved in to Sonny's demands. Carly wanted to know when Jason had ever been able to refuse Sonny anything, even when he was wrong.

Diane, Max, and Jason were gathered in Jason's office discussing Kate's shooting. Diane was completely against the idea of Jason retaliating for the shooting and made sure her views on the matter were heard. Before she stormed out, she told Jason that she did not want to have to buy funeral clothes for Max's burial. Alone with Jason, Max admitted that he was flattered by Diane's obvious concern for him, but he made it clear that he would follow Jason's orders if Jason decided to make a move against Karpov. Max was stunned when Jason told him that there would not be a retaliation for Kate's shooting. Max wondered how Jason could turn his back on Sonny after everything his mentor had done for Jason over the years.

Jason approached Kate's hospital room and over heard Sonny make a promise to Kate. He told her that he had decided to reclaim the reigns of his mob empire and vowed to make the person who had hurt her pay for shooting Kate. Sonny swore that no one would ever come after him or his again. Bernie tried to talk Spinelli into convincing Jason that going to war with Karpov was the wrong idea. Jason walked in on their conversation and Bernie admitted what he was talking to Spinelli about. Jason said Bernie would do better to speak with him directly, instead of going through Spinelli. After Bernie left, Spinelli told Jason he thought going to war was the right thing to do. Jason needed to do right by Sonny. Spinelli thought Karpov's men wouldn't retaliate once Karpov was dead. They were interrupted when Spinelli's phone rang. It was Nadine asking to see him right away.

Sonny told Jason that he wanted the business back, but Jason refused to let go. Sonny was angry, but Jason told him that he was only doing what Sonny had taught him to do. No matter how many times, Jason told Sonny that he did not want to start a war or kill Karpov on circumstantial evidence, Sonny still wanted Karpov dead. When Jason refused to do Sonny's bidding for the third time, Sonny left Jason's office and told Jason that he was dead to him. Jason met with Cody and told him about his meeting with Sonny. He said that he was telling Cody because all the other lieutenants had previously been with Sonny and might want to side with Sonny against Jason. Cody said it was already happening and that he had been ask to switch sides. Jason was stunned when Cody said that he had agreed to side with Jason's opponents.

Nikolas went to the hospital to talk to Elizabeth. He was unsure about what was happening with Nadine. Elizabeth told Nikolas that Nadine was overcompensating. She was trying not to show how much she cared by showing how little she cared. Liz came over to talk to Nikolas while Nadine was being checked out and they talked about Nadine and Nikolas' relationship. Nikolas thought Nadine didn't like him, but Liz pointed out that Nadine was humiliated, but she obviously had a crush on him-especially since she had just literally fallen head over heels for him.

Jason and Cody talked about the men that could be turning against the organization and helping Sonny. Cody thought most of the men would be loyal to Jason, though. The men Cody had talked to liked the way Jason ran the business, but Jason knew Sonny was aggressive, and most of the men would appreciate that aggressiveness against men like Andre Karpov and Anthony Zacchara. Spinelli walked in and Jason put him right to work looking up who Sonny had called within the organization within the past few days. Soon, Spinelli had a list of men whom Sonny had called multiple times. Cody left to contact those men while Spinelli and Jason had a moment alone. Spinelli couldn't figure out why Jason wouldn't just turn over the business to Sonny. The war wasn't necessary. Spinelli knew Jason didn't really want to be in control, but he couldn't understand why he didn't give Sonny back his power. Jason tried his best to explain that he couldn't back out of his position of power since he had already accepted that responsibility.

Cody and Jason stood outside a warehouse and listened as Sonny tried to convince one of their lieutenants to betray Jason. After hearing enough of the conversation, Jason walked in and told Sonny it was over. It wouldn't do anyone any good if the organization betrayed itself. Sonny tried to get the other associate to side with him, but the man said Jason was in charge and that had been a good decision for the business. Jason told Sonny he had already talked to all the other lieutenants, and Sonny became upset. He couldn't believe Jason was turning his back on him during his time of need. Sonny told Jason he hoped he wouldn't regret that decision later, but Jason said he already regretted his decision.

Jason was in his office when Max came in to ask a favor. Max was obviously uncomfortable. He began by asking if Jason was aware that his father was the notorious Maximus Giambetti. Jason did not know that Max was the son of the legendary gangster, but he did know that Max's father had been deported 20 years before. Before Max could tell Jason what he wanted, his brother Milo rushed in and wanted to know if Jason would help. Max kept dancing around what he wanted as he explained that he and Milo had different mothers and that his father had just divorced a sixth wife. Max kept repeating that he and Milo always traveled to Palermo to visit and that he never expected his father to come to the States to visit him. Jason asked Max to get to the point, but before he could, Diane walked in and Max was diverted again.

Jason got a phone call from Elizabeth and he rushed off to see her. He told Diane to listen to what Max wanted and advise him on what to do. Jason went to see Elizabeth at her studio. She wanted to give back her ticket, but he told her to keep it. Jason regretted that they could not go to Italy. Elizabeth understood that Kate's shooting and its aftermath were taking up most of Jason's time, but she wanted to know if there would ever be time for them. Jason said that Kate's shooting illustrated that once you were in the business you could never get out. Elizabeth wanted to know why Jason did not give the business back to Sonny. Jason said that he could not because Sonny was not rational. He said that there were too many people depending on him and he could not let them down. Elizabeth wanted to know why Jason could not let go and just be happy. A remorseful Jason said that after all the things that he had done, he did not deserve to be happy. After telling Elizabeth again how much he regretted not going to Italy with her, he turned his back and walked out on her. Lucky and Sam brought the boys back to Elizabeth's place, they had just started kissing again when Elizabeth walked in.

Jason was talking on his cell phone and not paying attention to his surroundings when he rushed into his office. When he looked up, he saw Max sitting in the chair behind his desk. Diane and Milo were standing beside him. Jason saw Maximus sitting in front of the desk and heard him ask Max what kind of organization he was running. Maximus wanted to know if anyone in the organization showed Max respect. Max looked uncomfortable. Jason looked confused. Maximus didn't waste any time expressing his disapproval over Max's "bodyguard." He found Jason's mode of dress to be disrespectful to Max and demanded that Jason resolve the situation promptly. Jason played along for Max's sake and left. He returned a short time later, dressed in a dark suit, fully playing the bodyguard role. Maximus was pleased with Jason's new appearance and gave Jason his approval. Things took a tense turn when Bernie called regarding an emergency. Playing the boss, Max answered the call and tried to take care of the problem, but clearly was in over his head. Diane came to Max's rescue by distracting Maximus and leading him out of the office.

As soon as Jason and Max were alone, Jason laid down a few ground rules. Jason had all of his calls redirected to his penthouse and gave Max three days to play mob boss before Maximus was sent on his way. Jason reminded Max of the volatile situation they faced in Port Charles as a result of Kate's shooting. He warned Max that when the three days were up, Jason intended to resume his position with the mob, regardless of whether Maximus was in town or not. Later, Carly walked in and was surprised to discover Jason dressed in a suit and Max sitting behind the desk. Max introduced her as his girlfriend, or "Little Lady." Carly seemed shocked, but Diane seemed upset. Max and Carly explained they had just begun their relationship, because Carly was recently divorced. Carly was confused but quickly caught on and played along. Max's father wanted to have dinner with Carly, but she kindly declined and left.

Maxie and Spinelli arrived to see Jason, but they were surprised to find Max sitting behind the desk. Spinelli did not immediately realize what was going on, but Maxie quickly understood. Maxie took advantage of the situation and asked for drinks, snacks, and a fashion magazine from Max's new bodyguard, and Jason complied. Maxie also hit it off with Max's father by complimenting him and Max's so-called business. Mr. Giambetti wasn't sure what to make of Spinelli until Max revealed Spinelli was the computer genius of the organization. Max's father laughed and said he also had a computer genius when he ran a mob. The man also talked funny, and Max's father said it was a sad day when he had to be killed. Spinelli looked upset at this news, but Maxie advised it was not wise to question a successful businessman. Finally, they got down to business and showed the note to Max and his father. Max's father immediately said that it was not the work of Andre Karpov. He knew of Mr. Karpov's reputation, and the Russian mobster wasn't that sloppy or obvious.

Diane and Jason talked in Jason's office, finally away from Maximus. Jason wanted to go after Max, who was trying to convince Sonny not to kill Karpov. Diane told Jason he needed to trust Max to handle the situation on his own. If Jason interfered, Max would never be able to save face with his father. Carly walked in and wanted to speak with Jason privately. Diane was still upset with Carly's performance as Max's girlfriend, so Diane left as soon as Carly said she wasn't needed. She said she would go home to take a hot bath since her rear end was still sore from Max's father's smacks. Once they were alone, Carly told Jason that she tried to talk to Sonny. Kate thought Carly could convince Sonny not to go after Karpov, but Carly and Sonny's bond had been broken the night Michael was shot. Carly knew Sonny would be doing the exact opposite of what she had advised.

Max and Maximus arrived back at Jason's office, where Max promptly took his place at the desk. Jason did his best to learn what had occurred without asking any questions. Once Jason overheard that Max had talked Sonny down, Jason quickly made an excuse to leave and went to visit Sonny. As soon as he was gone, Maximus commented on Jason's independent streak. He thought Jason either needed to be bumped up or killed. Maximus asked if Max wanted him to take care of the problem. Jason was worried that Karpov would come after Sonny, thinking the truce had been broken. Sonny asked if he should also be worried about Jason coming after him. Sonny said he had been left with no choice after Jason betrayed him. He had to avenge the shooting.

In Jason's office, Claudia played along with Max to help keep up the illusion that he was the mob boss. As Milo looked on, Claudia turned on the charm for Max's dad, Maximus, as they reminisced about the time when Maximus had done business with Anthony. Claudia pretended that she and Max were star-crossed lovers from rival mobs. Just as she cozied up to Max, Diane walked in and separated them. She called Claudia a barracuda and they exchanged words. Before she left, Claudia planted a steamy kiss on Max. Jason went to Sonny's place to try to calm him down. It was to no avail. No matter how Jason tried to explain his reasons for not killing Karpov, Sonny remained unmoved and determined that the only course of action was revenge. His anger and determination to follow through with his plan for revenge drove a wedge in his friendship with Jason. Jason left Sonny alone after Sonny accused Jason of betraying him.

Claudia went to Jason and told him that she was there to stop a war. She excused Johnny's harassment of one of his ships as letting off steam over his loss of Lulu. Jason told her that he would let it pass, but if it happened again he would take action. When Claudia wondered why Jason was not out after Karpov, Jason said he was not sure that Karpov was guilty. Claudia immediately got serious and told Jason that she had seen Karpov directly after the wedding and she was convinced that he was innocent. When she asked Jason whom he suspected, he said it could be anyone, even the Zaccharas. Max went to Jason's office looking for Diane. She was not there, but Jason was relieved to learn that Maximus was returning to Palermo. Max thanked Jason for playing along with his charade. Before leaving, he told Jason that if he ever wanted to retire, Max liked being the boss, and he thought he had a talent for it and would be willing to take over. Jason just looked at him like he had completely lost his mind.

Spinelli went to Jason's office with a fruit smoothie for his friend. Spinelli was concerned after Jason had failed to return to the penthouse the previous night. Jason declined the offer of the beverage and explained that he had been busy with the escalated mob activity. Spinelli offered to help Jason by turning to a chessboard for help. Spinelli believed that it would help them see things in a clearer light. Jason went along with it, but in the end, Jason was no closer to figuring out who had set up Karpov than he had been when Spinelli had walked in. Spinelli wasn't as certain that Karpov had been set up because of the Russian bullet found at the scene of the shooting. Jason disagreed. He felt that leaving behind a bullet and waiting months to retaliate for a business disagreement wasn't logical.

At the hospital, Nadine confided to Elizabeth about her troubles with Nikolas. Nadine said that she hadn't told Nikolas how she felt because things between them had been very awkward since the night that they had spent together. Elizabeth advised Nadine to stop putting pressure on herself and to enjoy the time that she spent with Nikolas.

Carly headed over to Jason's office to discuss the business offer. She wanted Jason's advice about whether or not to enter into a partnership with Nikolas. Carly admitted that a part of her was interested in accepting the deal to spite Jax. Jason cautioned Carly against jeopardizing the Metro Court to get to Jax. Carly thanked Jason for helping her to see things more clearly and then breezed out the door. As Carly left, Jason's cell phone rang. It was Elizabeth. It sounded urgent when she asked Jason to meet her. Jason met Elizabeth at her studio loft. Elizabeth was relaxed and casual as she invited Jason inside and began talking about using her studio again. She told him that she had decided to paint the walls before she started working on her art. Elizabeth asked Jason if he would help her with the painting by popping over to paint when he had some free time. Jason tried explaining that things were volatile in Port Charles at that moment and that he didn't have any spare time. Elizabeth understood-she had two kids, a demanding career, and a temperamental car that she was always worried about. However, Elizabeth said, she found time to relax and she felt that Jason needed to do the same. Jason became defensive and said that he rode his bike to relax. Elizabeth didn't think flying at high speed down deserted roads was relaxing. It was dangerous.

Elizabeth told Jason that she wasn't asking for much. She just wanted to be able to spend some time with him, talking and unwinding. Jason took a moment to absorb that and then shrugged out of his jacket and asked Elizabeth where she wanted him to start painting. Elizabeth smiled and the two began painting and talking about Italy. Elizabeth let Jason know that she wasn't angry that they couldn't go. She was resigned to it being a fantasy and appreciated being able to spend time with him. When Jason went to kiss Elizabeth, she playfully sidestepped it and put Jason back to work. Things took a comical turn when Jason climbed a ladder and then ended up falling flat on his back.

Just as Liz tried to warn Jason about the ladder, it tipped and Jason fell to the ground. Liz couldn't help but laugh. She told him after all the enemies he had fought, it was a ladder that finally took him down. Liz made Jason sit down on the couch so she could look at his ankle. She wrapped it for him and smiled. Liz told Jason she liked taking care of him. He noticed a picture of Jake on the table and asked what he was holding in the picture. Liz explained that their son was holding the gavel to his xylophone. Jake loved playing with that toy. Liz wished she had thought to bring more pictures. Liz thought Jason's life was like a metaphor. He was like a caged animal, he was in the most danger when he was in captivity. Jason said he only fell because he couldn't help but look at Liz. He was distracted by her beauty. Just as they started to kiss, Jason's phone rang. It was Sonny, and he wanted to see him right away.

Jason arrived at Sonny's house, where Sonny offered his old friend one last chance to sign the business over to him. Jason wasn't interested and reminded Sonny that they had no proof Karpov was behind Kate's shooting. Sonny threatened to turn to the Zacchara family if Jason wouldn't help retaliate against Karpov. Jason wouldn't sign the paperwork and warned Sonny that he would lose everything if he sided with the Zacchara's. Jason met Karpov on the docks. Karpov wanted to know where he stood with Jason. He also wanted to know if Sonny was under Jason's protection. Jason said that he had no argument with Karpov, but that Sonny had new friends and allies. Jason told Karpov that if he were smart, he would leave the city. Sonny wanted revenge against Karpov so badly that he went to Anthony's home and told him that he would take Anthony up on his offer to have Sonny take over the Zacchara mob. Sonny demanded to be in complete charge of the organization with no middleman and no questions asked about his decisions. He told Anthony that his first order would be to kill Karpov.

Olivia intercepted Jason when he tried to see Kate. Olivia questioned him about his relationship to Sonny. Jason was reluctant to speak up, but Olivia guessed the situation. When Jason said that he wanted Sonny and Kate to be happy, Olivia let him see Kate. Jason asked Kate for help with Sonny. He told her that Sonny was about to make a very bad alliance. Kate wanted specifics, but Jason did not want to give any. Kate told Jason that she did not believe him because she knew that he did not like her. She asked him to leave. Jason went to Anthony and threatened him if he made an alliance with Sonny. Ric strolled in at the end of the conversation and told Jason that he was making an empty threat because Ric knew that Jason would never go up against Sonny.

Robin left the hospital and met Jason at the Metro Court hotel. She gave him an invitation to the wedding, but Jason said he couldn't come. Robin really wanted him there, because he had talked to her and reasoned with her. It was Jason's sound advice that had made Robin realize she really did want to marry Patrick. Jason told her he was very happy for Robin and Patrick, but he could only be there for Robin in her heart. He could not attend the wedding.

In Jason's penthouse, he and Spinelli were going over Internet research that showed Sonny had telephoned Anthony Zacchara three times. As Jason was giving Spinelli new instructions, Maxie burst in and demanded Spinelli's help for Lulu. Jason acquiesced when Spinelli said he could work on Jason's project while he helped Maxie. Carly went to see Jason. She urged him to give the business back to Sonny. She told Jason that she wanted him to be happy. Jason said he did not want the power like Sonny thought, but he felt obligated to keep Sonny from starting a war and hurting all the people who depended on him. Carly said that she knew Jason had taken over the business because of her, but because she had custody of Morgan, Jason could let the business go. Carly told Jason that she wanted what was best for him. Jason was in his office, on the phone with Bernie, when Claudia walked in. He told her to leave, but she told him that what she had to say would profoundly affect his business. Jason told her that he already knew that Anthony wanted to make a deal with Sonny. Jason's interest was piqued when Claudia told him that what he did not know was that the deal had to go through her first.

After Robin left the station, Epiphany and Elizabeth discussed their plans for Robin's surprise. When Robin came back, Elizabeth was gone and Epiphany told Robin that all her day's appointments had cancelled. Robin thought that it was very mysterious, but before she could do much about it, Patrick swept her away with promises of a special afternoon. The lights were out when Robin and Patrick entered Jake's. When they came on, Elizabeth, Epiphany, Nadine, Kelly, Dr. Winters, and Coleman were gathered near the pool table, which was covered in presents. Robin was both surprised and touched. Many heartfelt words of friendship and happiness were exchanged. Patrick told the ladies that he had picked Coleman as his best man because he had given Patrick good advice and been a friend no matter what Patrick did or said. There was a lot of hugging, including Patrick and Coleman.

Claudia went to Jason's office to tell him about Anthony's offer to hand over the Zacchara organization to Sonny after Sonny married Claudia. Claudia suggested that there was only one way to keep Sonny from obtaining the power that he coveted. If Jason married Claudia, Anthony and Sonny would both be denied what they wanted. To Claudia's surprise, Jason agreed to marry Claudia immediately. Before she could blink, Claudia found herself in a limo with Jason on her way to a Justice of the Peace. She tried to get Jason to open up about himself but Jason refused. Claudia took offense to Jason's attitude and insisted they had to find a way to communicate since they were soon to be husband and wife. Jason was blunt as he let her know that their marriage would only be one of convenience. Claudia didn't appear too happy with that idea. She reminded Jason that she was an important player in what happened next and that Jason had to convince her that marrying him was her best option. Jason reminded Claudia that she came to him, not the other way around. He also suggested that she had another option. Claudia could simply leave town. Claudia was intrigued with the notion but ultimately dismissed the possibility. She told Jason about a time when Johnny had run away and taken refuge with their cousin. When Anthony found Johnny, he had their cousin and the cousin's immediate family killed as a message to Johnny. Claudia refused to leave her brother behind without an ally. After telling Jason the story, Claudia looked up and realized that they had arrived at their destination. She asked Jason if they were going to get married or not. Jason didn't answer.

Claudia and Jason appeared before a minister and his wife to have a quick wedding ceremony. Claudia said she wanted it easy and painless. Jason provided the cash so Claudia could bribe the minister past all the ceremonial parts and straight to the vows. The man was having a hard time marrying Jason and Claudia, since they wouldn't hold hands; Claudia kept arguing; and Jason hadn't said a single word. The minister just couldn't marry them if they weren't in love. Claudia stormed out and told Jason he knew how far she would take the charade. Jason asked for the unsigned marriage certificate and apologized for wasting the minister's time. He gave the man and his wife additional money for the inconvenience. Back in the car, Claudia asked Jason if he would have really gone through with marrying her, and said if he had just given the organization back to Sonny, Jason wouldn't have to marry her. Jason said too many people depended on him, so he couldn't return the business to Sonny. He reminded her that she didn't have to marry Sonny, but Claudia knew she would go ahead and marry the man. It was the first time she was actually in a position of power within her family, and she wanted to make sure Johnny wasn't cut out of the business completely. Claudia would soon become Mrs. Corinthos, while Jason would soon go to war with his best friend.
 
Jason went to Sonny's house to talk to him about Claudia. Jason told Sonny that he had almost married Claudia to protect Sonny from himself. Sonny was not impressed by Jason's near sacrifice. He felt that Jason had made a crucial error in judgment. Had Jason married Claudia, then Jason would have been able to head the Zacchara organization. Sonny went on to accuse Jason of working against him since Jason had helped Carly to strip Sonny of his parental rights to Michael and Morgan. Jason insisted that he had only wanted to protect Sonny, but Sonny didn't believe him. Sonny painted a painful picture of how Kate's shooting had left him shattered. Sonny realized that Anthony wanted a war between Jason and Sonny, but he refused to be vulnerable again. Sonny made it clear that he would stop at nothing to regain the power he had once enjoyed as the head of an organization. If that meant that he and Jason would be on opposite sides, Sonny was willing to accept it. With nothing left to say, Jason walked out.

Maxie went to Jason's office and demanded that he attend Robin's wedding. Maxie pointed out that Robin had a powerful impact on Jason's life, and he on hers. Maxie said that Robin would only marry once, and that it was important to Robin for Jason to witness the momentous occasion. Elizabeth, wearing her bridesmaid dress, walked into the church. She stopped short when she noticed Jason standing in the aisle by the first pew. Jason seemed to sense Elizabeth's presence and turned. He silently watched as Elizabeth quietly walked to him. He opened his hands and took Elizabeth's when she stopped directly in front of him. Words were not exchanged as they looked deep into each other's eyes and softly smiled. Jason dropped by the church to see Robin, but ran into Elizabeth instead. Mac and Robin arrived and met up with Maxie. They strolled into the sanctuary and interrupted Jason and Elizabeth. Mac threatened to have Jason arrested if he did not leave, but both Robin and Maxie insisted that Jason was an invited guest, so Mac relented.

Maxie, Elizabeth, and Robin shared girl talk before Maxie left to get dressed and Elizabeth styled Robin's hair. Mac caught Maxie before she could leave and they reminisced. Mac remembered when he had first seen Robin as a determined little girl. He talked about how his life had changed as a result of raising Robin, and then adopting Maxie and Georgie, after he married Felicia. When Maxie asked if they had been a burden on him, he told her that his girls had brought joy and happiness to his life and he did not regret one minute of the time they had spent together. As Elizabeth styled Robin's hair, Robin told her how much their friendship meant. She also told Elizabeth that she had invited Jason to the wedding as much for Elizabeth's sake as for hers. After Elizabeth was done with Robin's hair, she left Robin alone to rest. Instead, a relaxed Robin chatted with her baby and told her how much she loved Patrick and what a happy life they would have together.

Sonny ran into Jason at the wedding. They talked about their early relationship with Robin. Sonny told Jason that no matter what had gone down between them, he was glad that they could both be there for Robin. Jason nodded his agreement. Patrick was very late to the wedding, Epiphany told Elizabeth that she would not have the patience for a husband like Patrick, who was late for his own wedding. Elizabeth reminded Epiphany that Robin and Patrick loved each other. Elizabeth was confident that the wedding would proceed. Sonny realized, when Jason asked him about wedding etiquette, that Jason had not turned to him for advice lately. He wondered how the two of them had ended up on opposite sides. When Jason started to talk, Sonny cut him off and reminded him that they were at the church for Robin, not to discuss their recent rift. Sonny went on to tell Jason that he might have been proud of Jason, were he not certain that Jason was wrong about Karpov's involvement in the shooting. Jason thanked Sonny for everything that he had done for him over the years and then walked away.

Radiant in her wedding gown, Robin went to speak to her guests. She thanked them for their patience and promised them that Patrick would arrive soon. All heads turned when Patrick ran into the church, calling out Robin's name. Robin beamed as her groom joined her in the front of the church and apologized for being late. He explained that he had been delayed by emergency surgery. Robin and Patrick were set to begin the ceremony but Mac piped up. He refused to allow Robin to marry Patrick without first walking Robin down the aisle. Father Coates began the ceremony, but before the happy couple could exchange vows, Robin's eyes widened, her water suddenly broke and she doubled over in pain with her first contraction. The minister asked if there was a doctor in the crowd, and the majority of the guests stood up. Robin was rushed to GH and Liz did her best to keep her family and friends informed, the baby's umbilical cord was being compromised, so they were going to try to float the cord. The umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby's neck and it was strangling the baby every time Robin had a contraction. Elizabeth assisted Dr. Kelly Lee, who advised against an immediate C-section because of Robin's HIV status and the danger to the baby. Instead Kelly advised a drug that would let the umbilical cord unwind and make it safer for the baby in the birth canal. The C-section was complicated, but Kelly was able to successfully remove the umbilical cord from the baby's neck and deliver the baby. There was no sound from the baby as Kelly and Elizabeth rubbed it with towels. Robin wondered aloud if her baby was breathing. Later, Liz came out of the operating room and told Robin's family that both mama and baby were fine. Only family could go in to see them, though.

Sam arrived in the warehouse district to meet Jerry. When she heard a noise, she pulled her gun for a confrontation. Instead of Jerry she ran into Jason, just as an explosion went off in a trash bin on the corner where she had been standing. The force sent them both flying. Jason recovered quickly, but Sam had some cuts and scrapes. Jason helped Sam back to his penthouse. While she took care of her wounds, she told him the story about her undercover work on the drug ring and about how Jerry had set her up with the police. Jason told Sam that she should let the police handle the matter, but Sam was determined to get the goods on Jerry. Jason looked through the peephole when someone knocked on his door and spied Jerry. He motioned for Sam to hide. While Sam eavesdropped, Jerry told Jason that he had come over to do him a favor. He said that he wanted Jason to know that Sam had been doing business with Karpov and that she had stolen from him. Jerry was concerned that Jason might feel compelled to break his truce with Karpov and retaliate if something happened to Sam. Jerry said he wanted to head that off by letting Jason know the facts ahead of time.

Jerry tried to convince Jason that he was only there to make sure the truce with Karpov wasn't broken because of Sam. Jason wasn't fooled and told Jerry that Mr. Craig would be the first to die if a war broke out. Jerry noticed blood on the papers on Jason's coffee table and said there was satisfaction in dealing with someone who was utterly predictable. Once Jerry was gone, Sam came out of hiding and told Jason she didn't want to cause trouble for him. She asked to see the piece of the detonator from the bomb, and Jason handed it over. He wanted to have Spinelli check it out to see if there were any similarities between that bomb and the one from the Metro Court explosion. Sam told Jason her suspicions about Jerry being involved with Karpov and the illegal drug smuggling. She didn't have any evidence, but she was certain Jerry was in business with Karpov. Jason thought Sam was in over her head and should go to the police, but Sam said she had no real evidence. She told Jason about the clinic fire, also. The clinic was where Nadine, Nikolas, Lucky, and Sam had always met to discuss the drug smuggling. They had been getting close to finding answers when the fire was set. Sam was more determined than ever to get the evidence against Jerry on her own. When Sam arrived home, her cell phone rang, and it was Jason checking to make sure Sam had made it home okay. She said she was home, but Sam dropped the phone when Jerry came out from the shadows and put his hand over her mouth.

#13B  Jerry wrestled the phone away from Sam, disarmed her, and held her at gunpoint. Jason was on the other end of the line when Sam's phone went dead. When Jason dialed back and got voicemail, he rushed over to Sam's. While Jason was on the way, Jerry told Sam his plan to take her away and have Jason running around in circles looking for her. Sam thought Jason would rescue her, but Jerry predicted that Jason would arrive to check on her any minute. He told Sam that if she did not pretend to Jason that everything was okay with her, he would kill Jason. When Jason knocked on Sam's door, Jerry hid behind a screen with his gun aimed at Jason. Sam told Jason that nothing was wrong and that she had hung up on him because she was over him and did not want to see him any more. Jason seemed puzzled by Sam's answers, but left when she insisted.

Jerry smirked and gloated after Jason left. Sam struggled when Jerry tried to drug her, but he succeeded in pumping a needle into her arm. As Sam lay on the couch, nearly immobile, she struggled to get to her cell phone, but Jerry intervened and took it away from her. As Jerry tidied up the living room to remove any signs of his struggle with Sam, she managed to retrieve the bomb fragment from her pocket and drop it as a clue. Jason was in his penthouse talking on the phone to Bernie when he saw a suspicious drop of blood on a file folder. He realized that Jerry might be on to Sam and rushed to her apartment. Sam and Jerry were gone, but Jason found the clue that Sam had left behind. On Jerry's freighter, a drugged Sam asked Jerry where they were going. He told Sam that it was her last trip. Jerry then showed Sam the bomb he planned to kill her with. While Sam appeared momentarily stunned, Jerry taunted her. He said that she would go out with a bang.

At the penthouse, Jason handed Cody the detonator from the bomb that had been planted at Sam's meeting place. He wanted Cody to track the purchase of the device. Jason stepped out of the elevator at GH and inquired after Robin. Maxie told Jason that Emma was healthy, but Robin's condition remained grave because of a blood clotting disorder. Jason knocked on the door to Robin's hospital room. Patrick stood up and invited Jason into the room. When he told Jason about Robin's condition, Jason offered him hope. He told Patrick that Sam had suffered from the same condition and had made a full recovery. Patrick appreciated Jason's attempt to ease his worries and asked Jason to stay with Robin for a few moments while he stepped away. After Patrick left, Jason sat down at Robin's bedside and took her hand in his. He reminisced about their past and the impact that Robin had on his life. He was interrupted by Anna's arrival. As Jason gathered his things and prepared to leave, Anna stopped him. She told him what he was to Robin and assured him that she would let Robin know that he had stopped by for a visit.

Jason enlisted Spinelli's help to find Sam and expose Jerry. They broke into Sam's apartment and were soon interrupted by a knock at the door. It was one of Sam's neighbors. When they explained that Sam was missing, the woman revealed that she had seen Sam earlier with one of her boyfriends. Jason produced a picture of Jerry and showed it to the neighbor. She confirmed that he was the man she had seen Sam with. She went on to tell them that she suspected that Sam and her beau were in an amorous mood because Sam had been draped all over the man.

Jason went to the Metro Court to tell Jax his suspicions about Jerry. Unfortunately, Jax wasn't interested in hearing about Jerry's latest escapade. He told Jason that people like Sonny, Carly, and Jerry always went from one dramatic event to the next. Jason was on his own, but Jax did authorize Jason to go up to Jerry's room to see if there were any clues.  After searching Jerry's room, Spinelli and Jason went back to the office to decide on their next move. Jason wasn't surprised that nothing had come of their search. It was almost as if Jerry had cleaned the room so nothing of interest could be found. Spinelli decided to search the Internet for any recent sales in the Port Charles area of the parts that were used to make the bomb detonator Jason had found. It wasn't long before Spinelli had a hit. One of Jerry's aliases had purchased a lot of explosives and they had been delivered earlier in the day. Jason and Spinelli wondered aloud what Jerry was planning to blow up and how Sam was involved

Jason and Spinelli decided that the evidence pointed to Sam's being Jerry's hostage. As they were trying to figure out where Jerry had taken Sam, Spinelli's computer notified him about a false distress call from a boat in the harbor. When he checked the report, they recognized the boat owner's name to be the same as the alias that Jerry had used to buy the explosives. They immediately began trying to locate the freighter. A very seasick Spinelli did his best to help Jason, but he was unable to accompany Jason due to his illness. Before Jason took off to look for Sam, Liz called and told him Robin had stabilized. He was thankful for the call. Liz asked if he wanted to meet up later, but he told her he had to work. When he hung up the phone, Spinelli saw the smirk on Jason's face and asked if he had just spoken with the "maternal one." Jason smiled but said they weren't going to talk about Liz. He rushed off before Spinelli could tell Jason to be careful.

A shaken Olivia arrived at the hospital and ran into Elizabeth. Olivia remembered that Elizabeth had been with Jason when Kate was shot. She wanted to know how someone could love a person who could kill another person in cold blood, even if the killing was justified. Elizabeth said it was a personal matter, which Olivia took as "turning a blind eye," Elizabeth was baffled as Olivia continued to ramble on about a hypothetical murder.

Jason returned to find Spinelli still unconscious. When he awoke, Spinelli told Jason about being knocked out by Jerry. Fortunately, Spinelli had been able to place a tracking device in Jerry's pocket before the young man had been knocked out. Soon, Jason found the room where Sam was and set to work getting her free. Jerry walked in, though, and held them both at gunpoint. Jason put his hands in the air and left his gun sitting on the bed next to Sam. She finished getting out of the handcuffs and grabbed the gun, shooting at Jerry. Jason and Jerry struggled and the men fell onto the explosive device that had been left in the cabin. The device started the countdown. Sam and Jason rushed to get off the boat, while Jerry struggled as his legs became tangled in netting. Sam and Jason escaped the freighter by flinging themselves overboard moments before an explosion rocked the harbor. They left Jerry behind struggling to reach the detonator. As soon as they
were clear, he stopped struggling and smirked.

Maxie confronted Elizabeth at the nurses' station and berated her for not doing her job. Elizabeth shot back a few harsh threats at Maxie, including telling Spinelli about some of Maxie's past misdeeds. Maxie left the hospital fuming. Sam and Jason walked into Jason's penthouse. They were dripping wet. Maxie started making wise cracks and jumping to conclusions. Rather than explain that they had survived by swimming away from an exploding freighter, Jason asked Maxie to leave. After Spinelli left for errands, Jason and Sam got into dry clothes. A few minutes later, Elizabeth came to the door. When Jason opened it, Elizabeth was angry to see Sam and wanted to know what she was doing with Jason.  Elizabeth turned to Jason for answers. She wanted to know why his ex-girlfriend was able to cozy up to his fireplace while Elizabeth could barely get past the front door. Jason realized that Elizabeth was hurt, and he told her that about Jerry kidnapping Sam. Elizabeth turned to Sam and told her that she was glad that Sam was okay, but wondered why she hadn't gone to Lucky for help. Sam started to explain, but seemed to realize that Elizabeth and Jason needed to work things out for themselves. She quickly gathered her things and left the apartment.

As soon as they were alone, Elizabeth admitted that it had bothered her that he and Sam had an adventure. However, she was more concerned by the fact that Jason hadn't trusted her enough to tell her about it. Jason explained that it hadn't been a matter of trust, but rather an effort to protect Elizabeth, that had prompted the lack of details. "But it's okay to involve Sam?" she asked, to which he replied, "No." With the matter of trust raised, Elizabeth decided to tell Jason about the decision to reveal the truth about Jake's paternity to Laura. Jason was stunned. Elizabeth didn't regret her decision. She told Jason that when she was faced with her lies again, she had been filled with an overwhelming sense of regret. Jason appeared uncomfortable with the confession and asked her what she was trying to tell him. Elizabeth told Jason that she loved him and wanted the freedom to express her feelings for him without having to sneak around on the side. She went on to tell Jason that they needed to be completely honest and begin living that truth.

She reminded Jason of the time that he had asked her how Jake would feel when he learned that the adults around him had lied. Elizabeth realized that Jason had been right to be concerned about Jake's reaction. She no longer wanted to risk hurting Jake like that. Instead, Elizabeth wanted Jake to grow up knowing that Jason was his father. Jason reminded Elizabeth of the danger that they would face if Jason claimed Jake as his. Elizabeth understood Jason's fear but reminded him that Michael and Kate's shootings had been a result of Sonny's choices, not Jason's. Sensing Jason's reluctance, Elizabeth put everything on the line and asked Jason if he wanted to be with her or not. Jason only took a moment to tell her, "Yes." Elizabeth was overjoyed as Jason pulled her into his arms and kissed her. The two began talking about their future, until Elizabeth noticed the time. She told Jason that she had to pick the boys up from daycare, then asked him over for dinner later that evening. Jason happily accepted, and gathered his things after Elizabeth left. He was on his way out the door when a knock at the door changed everything.

Cody told Jason that Karpov was dead and that Sonny had been arrested. Before Jason could absorb that information, Cody announced that Karpov's men had made their move and began to retaliate.  Jason called Elizabeth to cancel their date. Elizabeth turned off her phone when Jason began telling her that it would be too dangerous to see her. With the call disconnected, Elizabeth gave in to her fury and threw the phone across the room. On the other side of town, Jason stood in his penthouse, holding his phone. His expression was pensive.

Maxie told Jason about the Russians who had destroyed Kelly's and beaten Mike. Jason wanted to know if Maxie would be able to identify the men, and Maxie thought she would be able to at least identify a tattoo she noticed on the men who had spoken with Russian accents. Maxie had not told her Uncle Mac what she knew, though. Jason complimented Maxie and told her she had done well. In the same breath, though, Jason told Maxie she needed to leave. She had proven she couldn't be trusted. Due to her friendship with Spinelli, Maxie was permitted in Jason's home and place of business. This caused Maxie to hear things she shouldn't hear. Maxie's actions with Liz had upset Jason and he would not allow Maxie to treat Liz as she had. Once Maxie had stormed off, Spinelli apologized for Maxie and promised he would not reveal any confidential information to Maxie anymore. Jason said he would not dictate who could be Spinelli's friend and who could not be. However, Jason saw Maxie as having some Carly-like qualities. Both Maxie and Carly couldn't think past the person who most recently hurt their feelings and how to exact revenge on that person. He would not allow Liz to be a casualty of Maxie's attitude.

Bernie updated Jason on the status of their transport yard and said it was totally unsalvageable. Jason's men were angry that Sonny had caused retaliation on their organization. Jason asked Bernie to set up a meeting so he could alleviate his men's concerns, but Bernie had already set it up. The meeting was too early, though, so Jason asked Bernie to push it back one hour. Bernie asked what was more important than meeting with their men.

At the hospital, Epiphany mentioned to Liz that Mike's tests were back. Liz was in a terrible mood, so Epiphany told her she needed to work things out with her attitude. Sam soon stopped by, much to Liz's dismay. Sam wasn't going anywhere until she had a chance to talk to Liz. She explained to Liz that Jason's rescue of Sam was totally random. Sam had no intentions of rekindling her romance with Jason. Sam felt lucky to have come to a place in her life where she and Liz could actually get along, and Sam liked being able to be around Lucky and Liz's boys. Liz apologized for overreacting, and the two women talked about the problems in their own relationships. After talking about Jason and how she and Jason couldn't seem to reconnect, Liz asked out loud if love was enough. Sam seemed to support Liz and Jason's relationship and reminded Liz that Jason truly did love her.  Elizabeth and Epiphany were talking about Jason at the nurses' station when Patrick slowly pushed a wheelchair holding Robin and Emma to the desk. Epiphany told him to sign the papers so Robin and the baby could leave, and to stop obsessing. Robin, Elizabeth, and Epiphany shared a laugh at Patrick's overprotective behavior as he wheeled his ladies into the elevator for the trip home.

Jason stopped by the hospital to see Liz, but she told him she was busy. Just like his work was important, Liz said her work was equally as important. Jason heard the bitterness in Liz's voice and said he deserved her comments. He would wait on the roof to speak with her once she got a break. Soon, Liz met with Jason and apologized for her behavior. She didn't want to be a "bitch" and she knew it was a possibility they would never be together. Jason said she didn't have to apologize. He loved her, but he wasn't sure Liz understood the reality of his life. He wasn't a regular guy with a regular life. Jason stopped and suddenly noticed from up on the roof that his office was on fire. Unknown to Jason, Olivia (Kate's cousin) was trapped inside his office. Sonny happened on the scene as the barista stumbled out. He told Sonny that Olivia was in the office. Sonny went in to get her. Jason arrived on the scene in time to help them both out of the fire. The paramedics arrived and Olivia was taken to General Hospital.

Sonny and Jason talked as the fire crew worked to put out the coffeehouse blaze. Sonny told Jason that they had to retaliate. Jason told Sonny that there was no "we." He also said that there would be no need to retaliate if Sonny had not killed Karpov. Sonny said that he had no choice, because Karpov had stabbed him and tossed him in the harbor. Jason maintained that Sonny was at fault for jumping to conclusions in the first place. Jason said that he would do what he had to in order to protect his men. He said that Sonny was on his own against Karpov's mob. Spinelli intercepted Lucky as he tried to talk to Jason and Sonny, but Jason said it was okay. When Lucky asked what happened, Jason said to talk to his lawyer. Sonny, however, spilled the beans and told the truth about what he knew as Jason watched. Sonny walked away and so did Lucky.  Jason told Spinelli to get to his computer and start finding out everything he could that would help them combat the
Russians. After Spinelli left for the apartment, Cody arrived.

Matt and Elizabeth exchanged pleasantries at the nurses' station. He told her that Olivia was fine and could go home the following day. He was less forthcoming when Sonny arrived, but Elizabeth Olivia's room number to Sonny after Matt walked away. As soon as Sonny headed down the hall, Elizabeth grabbed her bag and left the hospital. Jason told Cody that it was time to strike against the Russians. Jason also said that when he was done, no one would ever dare come after him again. Before he could say more, Elizabeth arrived on the scene. Liz walked up as Jason was giving orders to Cody. Once they were alone, Liz hugged Jason, thankful he was okay. Jason told her it wasn't a good time for her to be around him. Liz explained that two of her patients had died that day. She was with a man when he was told his fiancée had passed. He cried for the time he had missed spending with the one person who meant more than anything else to him. It made Liz realize she wanted to be with Jason. Lucky was walking into the crime scene when he saw Jason and Liz talking. He immediately walked over and chastised her for being seen at a crime scene with a known mobster. She was undoing everything he had done by declaring himself as Jake's father. Lucky escorted Liz back to the hospital where Sam was waiting. Sam wanted to know details about the fire, but Liz asked for a moment alone with her ex-husband. Liz wanted Lucky to butt out of her relationship with Jason and told him she thought Lucky and Sam's relationship was comparable to her and Jason's relationship. Lucky said she was fooling herself if she thought she could have any type of a real life with Jason.

Jason went to visit Olivia as she and Kate were talking about Sonny and Dante. He offered to pay for Olivia's medical bills, but Kate said she would be taking care of her cousin's medical expenses. Kate also told Jason that she and Sonny had broken up, and that Sonny was planning to marry Claudia in order to gain the Zacchara family's power. Later, Sam met up with Jason and tried to convince him to let her help with the Russians. She reminded him that she had been spending time with them and working with them on her undercover drug bust. Sam wasn't like Liz, and Sam thought Jason wasn't in the position to turn down help.

A tired and distraught Spinelli returned to Jason's apartment. He was putting Jason's gun away when Jason found him. He told Jason that he wanted revenge for Maxie. Jason told Spinelli to let him handle it. Spinelli thought it was because Jason thought Spinelli was a wimp, but Jason said no, it was because hurting someone else left a dark, dirty hole in the heart and he did not want Spinelli to feel the darkness. Before he could say more, Bernie called and an unconvinced Spinelli used the call as an excuse to exit Jason had no choice but to talk to Bernie. He told Bernie to get everyone ready to retaliate for the harm done to Jason's property and friends.

At the nurses' station, Epiphany and Elizabeth welcomed Patrick back. Epiphany cautioned Elizabeth about the danger inherent in her relationship with Jason.  Patrick kept asking for baby advice while Elizabeth tried to discuss patient business. Finally Epiphany told Patrick that while the entire staff was very happy for him and Robin, they actually preferred doing medical business rather than baby business. She advised him to go home if he could not keep his mind on his job.

Jason met with Cody and told him to get all the men prepared. Jason intended to call a meeting with Sasha for the ostensible reason of making a truce. Once she was in the meeting, Jason intended to attack the warehouse where her remaining men were housed. Jason told Cody to make sure there were no civilians inside, and then Jason wanted to make sure that none of the Russians left the warehouse alive. Outside the warehouse door, Jason, Cody, and their men prepared to enter the warehouse. When Jason opened the door, they entered with guns blazing and Sam was caught in the crossfire.  Gunfire was exchanged between Jason's men and the Russians. Sam was caught in the middle and tried to scramble to safety. She had managed to get her hands on a gun when Jason came around a corner. She fired her gun but missed Jason. Jason was surprised to see Sam and demanded to know what she was doing in the warehouse. He didn't give Sam an opportunity to answer as he hustled her to safety.

Elizabeth was surprised when Lucky told her that Sam had called and asked to meet him at his ex-wife's house. Her surprise turned to stunned disbelief when she learned that Lucky had heard gunfire in the background. Elizabeth worried that Sam might be inviting danger into her home and reminded Lucky that the children were upstairs. Lucky quickly backpedaled and suggested that he might have been mistaken about what he had heard. A few minutes later, Jason and Sam arrived at the house. Jason pulled Elizabeth aside and quickly explained that the Russians were retaliating and a mob war had broken out. He wanted her to pack up the children and go into hiding along with Sam. Sam, meanwhile, tried to bring Lucky up to date on what had transpired at the warehouse. A phone call from the police department interrupted her. When Lucky ended the call, he questioned Jason about the shootout at the warehouse and the dead bodies found inside the torched building. Jason
said little beyond that he did what he had to do.

Lucky insisted that the women and children be taken to a remote cabin that Lucky knew of, rather than one of Jason's safe houses. Everyone agreed, and Elizabeth went upstairs to pack a few things and fetch the boys. After Jason left, Sam sensed that Lucky was troubled. She wondered if he was mad at her, but Lucky didn't answer. Later, as Elizabeth and Sam loaded the back of Elizabeth's car, Sam asked Elizabeth not to blame Jason for leaving. Elizabeth seemed genuinely confused by the advice, and clarified that she did not have a problem with Jason's abrupt departure. Just then, Lucky walked around to the back of the car and told Sam and Elizabeth that he had received a call from Mac. Mac wanted Lucky to follow up on a lead that they had received on the Russians. Elizabeth told Lucky to go. She assured him that they wouldn't have a problem following the directions to the cabin. As Elizabeth, Sam, and the kids pulled out of the driveway, a Russian thug stepped out from behind some bushes. He reached for his cell phone and placed a call.

Jason returned to his penthouse. Spinelli immediately realized that Jason was a man on a mission. Jason explained that with Elizabeth and the children safely out of town, he could focus on the mob war and eliminating the Russian threat. Spinelli confided in Jason that he had taken one of Jason's guns and tried to avenge Maxie's injuries from the Russians. Spinelli was upset because he couldn't be the hero for his love, Maxie. He had drawn his gun on two Russians down by the docks, but froze up and couldn't shoot them. If Johnny hadn't shown up, Spinelli probably would have been killed. Jason told Spinelli that he didn't need to shoot anyone to be Maxie's hero. Spinelli was too smart for that. Jason told his friend that if he wanted to be Maxie's hero, Spinelli needed to stay true to the man that he was.

Olivia showed up at Jason's penthouse and asked him to let Sonny back into the mob business. Jason said he wouldn't talk business with Olivia, especially since he hardly knew her. Olivia thought Jason should make peace with Sonny before something terrible happened. If Sonny married Claudia, Kate would be devastated. Olivia knew Sonny and Jason must have had a close friendship for them to have worked together all those years. She couldn't believe Jason wanted Sonny in alliance with the Zacchara family. They were interrupted when Ric knocked on the door. He was shocked to see Olivia there, but he told them he had interesting news for both of them. Sonny had agreed to marry Claudia and take over the Zacchara organization. Jason asked if Ric was telling him that to warn him, but Ric said he was just telling Jason so that if he wanted to stop it, he would get moving.

Sam and Liz drove towards the cabin Lucky had set up for them, and made small talk along the way. Sam talked about camping with the boys until suddenly they heard a loud bang. At first they thought it was a gunshot, but it ended up just being a blown tire. Sam quickly changed the tire so they could get on their way again. Liz thanked Sam and said she had been apprehensive at first about hiding out with Sam. Both women admitted to being a little jumpy when the tire blew, but they smiled as they seemed to bond. Once they arrived at the cabin, Liz got the boys settled in and called Jason, while Sam unloaded the car. Jason was furious when he learned Lucky had not gone with them to the cabin. He still had his doubts about whether or not Liz would be better off at one of his safe houses. Liz said they were fine, but their cell phones didn't work. She gave Jason the phone number to the cabin before he had to get off the phone. While Sam was outside gathering firewood, she heard enough rustling in the leaves to know they were not alone. Sam went inside the cabin and locked the door before telling Liz that they had been followed. Liz picked up the phone to try to dial out, but the phone line had already been cut. Sam told Liz they were on their own. After Jason hung up the phone from speaking with Liz, he answered the door to find Detective Harper. Jason was being arrested for murder and arson.

Mac put a handcuffed Jason in the interrogation room of the Port Charles Police Station. He blamed Jason for all the mob violence in Port Charles and vowed that Jason would pay the ultimate price. Diane visited Jason at the Port Charles Police Station. Jason wanted out of the clink and told Diane that they had no evidence against him. Diane spied Alexis outside talking to Mac and feared that getting Jason out on bail might be a hard sell.  Diane went to talk to Alexis and Mac. Alexis took her aside and advised her to drop Jason as a client. Alexis said that Jason was going to pay for all the violence that was going on in Port Charles, and that Mac intended to hold Jason until they had evidence against him. Diane scoffed as they walked to the interrogation room. Alexis told Jason that she knew that he was supposed to be the "good" mobster, but that no longer held any sway. She told him that he was going to pay and that he could count on going away for a
long time.

Sam, Elizabeth, and the boys were having fun at the cabin in the woods. Sam went outside for firewood and noticed a man hiding in the bushes. She calmly took some wood inside and locked the door. When Elizabeth tried the phone, the line was dead. Sam told her they were on their own. Sam helped Elizabeth move mattresses over a bedroom window to make a safe room for the boys. They built a fort and played a game that kept the boys entertained and willing to stay hidden.  Sam found a shotgun and gave Elizabeth her handgun. As they waited, Elizabeth blamed herself for not listening to Jason's advice to stay away from him. Sam told her to focus on their survival and let the adrenaline kick in. When Elizabeth asked, Sam told her that she would lay down her life rather than let harm come to Elizabeth's children.  Sam and Elizabeth waited for the Russians to strike, but nothing happened. Just when Elizabeth started hoping that the killers had left or that Jason and Lucky would show up in time to help them, the quiet was broken as a gunshot came through the window, scattering broken glass all over the living room floor and barely missing Sam.

Jason waited in the interrogation room as Diane and Alexis argued over whether Jason would be released or not. Diane thought Alexis was just being hard on Jason because of Jerry. She had turned a blind eye to Jerry's dealings, so someone had to take the fall. Alexis said she owed it to the public to do her duty as prosecuting attorney.  Spinelli interrupted the two attorneys when he came in and asked to speak with Jason. At first, Alexis said Jason couldn't have any visitors, but Diane said she was just being spiteful. Spinelli said he had an alibi for Jason, and an exasperated Alexis said she knew Spinelli would lie for Sonny, along with a group of other people. Alexis finally relented and left the room with Diane to give Spinelli five minutes with Jason. Once they were alone, Spinelli told Jason he had learned his lesson and decided not to try to be like Jason. Spinelli realized his technological prowess was what Jason needed, and he hacked into INTERPOL and created a file saying the bombing was from a rival gang in another country. As they talked, an INTERPOL agent could be seen from the interrogation room talking to Alexis and Diane and showing them paperwork. Soon, Alexis and Diane came back into the room and told Jason he was free to go. INTERPOL was taking over the investigation and confiscating all the evidence.

As soon as Jason was released, he talked to Bernie and said he needed to check on Elizabeth and the boys. He tried calling the cabin but the phone line was out of order. Jason decided to go check on Elizabeth, Sam, and the boys in person. Meanwhile, Sam and Elizabeth were doing their best to keep the Russians at bay. Sam came up with the strategy to be quiet and make the Russians think the girls were dead. Sam and Elizabeth would lie in wait and shoot them as they entered the door. Elizabeth asked how Sam could take another person's life, and Sam told her about her upbringing and how she first shot a person when she was only eight years old. Sam's theory about lying in wait for the Russians seemed to be working but was very slow. She killed one Russian before Cameron started to yell out for his mother. Liz needed to get to her boys and calm them down. Sam promised to protect them-or die trying.  When Liz got back from checking on the kids, she was forced to shoot a mobster herself. She was upset about taking another human life, but Sam pointed out that the very same man Liz had shot would have easily killed them if he had not been shot first. Unfortunately, the Russians changed tactics and decided to kidnap Jake. Jason pulled up just as Liz discovered her missing son. She screamed for Jake and told Jason to get her baby back.

Robin dreamed that Patrick went to Jake's and hit it off with Elizabeth, and they started dating. Robin had a hard time understanding what Elizabeth saw in Patrick. Elizabeth told her that he was really just a sweet lost little boy inside.  Elizabeth broke it off with Patrick. She told Patrick that though she had fun with him, she wanted a man who wanted to be a father to her child. She wanted a family and she wanted to be with a man who wanted the same things that she did. Patrick was stunned to be dumped for the second time.

Jason learned that the Russians had kidnapped Jake. Sam jumped in the car with him and they took off after the kidnappers, who were ahead by only minutes. Sam reloaded her gun from Jason's ammo supply. She managed to get a cell phone signal just long enough to call the police and send them to Elizabeth and get an APB out on Jake.  Sam apologized for watching when Jake had been previously kidnapped and not doing anything. She said she would do anything to make sure that Jake was returned safely. She told Jason what had happened at the cabin and how Elizabeth had saved her life by shooting one of the kidnappers before he could shoot Sam.  Jason despaired because he had not spotted the black van the kidnappers were using, but knew of an abandoned mine nearby that the Russians were reputed to use. Sam feared that it might be a trap. Jason said that regardless, he had to go, and that there could be no other reason to take Jake except to make Jason come to find him.  Sam and Jason found activity at the Russian mine. Sam distracted a guard and Jason knocked him out. They got past two other guards to get into the mine, but once inside, found it deserted. They were about to leave when Sam found Jake's shoe. As they were examining it, they heard a loud rumbling noise. Before they could react, the tunnel caved in on them.

Elizabeth kept Cameron safe at the cabin. She told him not to be frightened and that she would take care of him. She was startled when she heard a knock on the door, but relieved when it turned out to be Lucky. She told him everything that had happened and her worries about Jake.  A trooper took Elizabeth's statement at the cabin. She became frustrated when he asked her if she had heard from Sam or Jason since they had gone off after the kidnappers, and was very frustrated when she explained again that there was no cell signal and the phone lines had been cut by the kidnappers.  Back home at Lucky's place, Elizabeth broke down and blamed herself for what had happened to Jake. She told Lucky that she had been wrong not to listen to him. She said that even Jason had tried to warn her away but she would not listen. Elizabeth cried, as she feared that she might cost her son's life.
 
Jason and Sam were trapped by a cave-in. As they removed rocks from the passageway, they talked about their plans to locate Jake and whether or not Jake was kidnapped because the Russians knew he was Jason's son. Sam thought it was because Cameron had stayed hidden as Elizabeth had asked, but Jake had not, so he was easily taken. Jason said that even though he suspected the kidnapping was a trap for him, he had to go after Jake, anyway.  After another near cave-in, Jason and Sam were able to clear a pathway through the rocks. They escaped the cave and headed for Jason's car.

Elizabeth was at the Port Charles Police Station with Lucky, looking at mug shots, when Mac and his detective brought Karpov's lawyer, Sasha, in for questioning. Elizabeth was curious about what was being said in the interrogation room. Lucky was sure that Sasha would help, rather than be implicated in the kidnapping. As she was being escorted out, Elizabeth confronted her and demanded to know where Jake was. Lucky restrained Elizabeth, who wanted to attack Sasha. Sasha remained cool and told Elizabeth that she did not know anything. She said that she sympathized, but if anyone was to blame for Jake's kidnapping, it was Elizabeth because she was Jason's girlfriend. Mac quickly escorted Sasha out of the building. Elizabeth went back to looking at mug shots, but broke down in tears. She told Lucky that Sasha was right, that she was to blame for Jake's kidnapping. Lucky said that he had also failed by sending her, Sam, and the boys to a remote cabin instead of to one of Jason's safe houses, and also by not going with them when he knew they were in danger. Elizabeth cried as she said that the ultimate blame fell on her for putting her own needs above those of her children.

Alone in her office, Sasha had a conversation by speakerphone with a mystery voice that wanted to know if Jason would be able to find the location where Jake was being held. When Sasha assured him that Jason would find Jake, she got orders to have Jason killed. Sam and Jason located the Russian warehouse. They snuck around to the back and spotted Jake through a window guarded by several Russians. Jason told Sam that calling the police was too risky because the police might make a noise, alert the Russians, and get Jake killed, instead of rescued. Jason told Sam that they would have to rescue Jake themselves.

Liz called the police for an update on Jake, but no one knew anything additional about her little boy. When she hung up the phone, she answered a knock on the door. It was Patrick. He and Robin had heard about Jake and wanted to check on Elizabeth and Cameron. He even thought to bring some of his racecars for Cameron to play with. Patrick couldn't understand why the Russians would take Jake. Elizabeth explained that she was involved with Jason Morgan. The Russian mob took Jake to get to Jason. Elizabeth was wracked with guilt for putting her children in danger. She worried that Cameron would feel guilty for letting his little brother get kidnapped. Cameron knew he and his brother were supposed to stay in the tent, but Jake had gotten curious and crawled out.

Elizabeth felt bad for not even asking Patrick about Emma, since he was a new dad. Patrick said Emma was great, and he looked forward to her sleeping more than two hours at night. Elizabeth told him that love was not enough. Patrick had to do everything possible to make sure his child was safe. Emma was counting on him. Suddenly, Elizabeth stood up and asked Patrick if he could wait with Cameron until Lucky got back. Elizabeth had something to do. Patrick agreed and Elizabeth quickly left. Elizabeth went to her studio and reminisced about her past with Jason. She found a sharp letter opener and started to destroy all of her paintings. Lucky walked in and took the knife out of her hands. A sobbing Elizabeth collapsed in his arms.

Inside the shack where Jake was being held, a Russian mobster showed Sasha that bombs had been set all around the place. He handed her a remote detonator. All she had to do was get Jason Morgan there.  Sam convinced Jason that she was his best bet to get Jake out safely. Sam went into the shack and told the head Russian mobster that she was there looking for work. She used to work for Karpov on one of his ships. She knew he was dead, but she needed a way to pay her bills. She was just as good on ground as she was on a ship. Sasha walked in and asked Sam what she was doing there. The last time Sasha had seen Sam was right before the warehouse had blown up. Amazingly, everyone had perished except Sam. Sasha wondered if Jason had saved her. She remembered that Jason and Sam had a history together. Sam assured Sasha that Jason had used her and they no longer had feelings for each other. Sasha seemed convinced and said she might have a job for her. Sasha left to get the information, and Sam asked for a drink. She started to go around the bar where one of the bombs was mounted, but the mobster stopped her. Sam held up her hands and apologized.

Jason headed towards the back of the shed to check on Jake and was almost caught by the man in charge of watching Jake. He headed back to the front of the shack and started to enter. A man yelled out to him and they exchanged shots. Jason fell to the ground. The man walked up to Jason to check his pulse, and Jason grabbed him and broke his neck. Jason revealed a bulletproof vest as he pulled the shell out of the vest. Meanwhile, Sam was inside and asked to visit the bathroom. The main Russian mobster frisked her before allowing her to leave. Sam located the room where Jake was being held and threw a flask at the door. That caused the two guards to run out, looking for whatever had caused the noise. Sam used that opportunity to go in and rescue Jake. Unfortunately, Sasha was close behind and pulled a knife out on Sam's throat. She said she knew Sam was too good to be true. During a musical montage, Jason entered the shack and started firing at anything that was moving. Sam was busy in the back of the shack, fighting off Sasha. Jason thought he had killed all the mobsters, but the main Russian was still alive behind the bar. He set the remote detonator off and blew Jason out of the shack. Stunned, Jason stood up and realized what had happened, yelling out for Jake.

At the roadhouse, Jason had a shootout with the Russians while Sam fought hand-to-hand with Sasha and baby Jake played with blocks. Jason shot all the Russians, but one of them managed to trigger a bomb under the bar before expiring. The explosion threw Jason clear, but the bar area was an inferno. As the front of the building collapsed, Jason called for Jake. Jason was at his car searching for firefighting tools when Sam called out that Jake was safe. Sam explained that Sasha had not finished the fight with Sam but had fled instead, so Sam had grabbed Jake and dived through a window just before the explosion. Jason was overcome with emotion as he held his son. He told Sam that they were even. He thanked her sincerely for saving Jake.

A tearful Elizabeth was slashing all the paintings in her studio when Lucky arrived and stopped her frenzy. She said that painting was a waste of time just like being with Jason. Lucky told her hat her paintings were not in the same class as her desire to be with Jason. Elizabeth told Lucky that he could not possibly know how she felt. Lucky told Elizabeth that her desire for Jason was exactly like his desire for drugs. He told her that she was bottoming out and that what mattered was not what had happened in the past, but what she did from that time forward. At that moment, Elizabeth's phone rang. Epiphany called to say that Cameron was at the hospital because Patrick had been called in to work and had to bring Cameron with him. Elizabeth beat herself up again for not being home with Cameron. At the hospital, Patrick thanked Epiphany for taking care of Cameron, but she pointed to Matt, who was keeping Cameron entertained with toy cars. Patrick was impressed and, when Elizabeth and Lucky arrived a few minutes later, Cameron was in good spirits. Patrick told Elizabeth to stay positive and not to give up. The phone was ringing when Lucky arrived home with Elizabeth and Cameron. It was Sam telling them that Jake was okay. Elizabeth said that she should have had more faith. She said that she should have known that Jason would rescue Jake. Lucky wanted to know if she was changing her mind about staying away from Jason.

Olivia ran down to the docks and was trying to make a phone call when Sasha hurried by talking on her phone. She did not see Olivia as she told the person on the other end that Jason had showed up at the roadhouse and the trap had been sprung, but she did not know if Jason had been killed or not. When Sasha noticed Olivia, she pulled a knife on her and demanded to know how much Olivia had heard. Olivia said that she heard nothing and was just passing through. Sasha appeared to let Olivia go, but as Olivia passed by, Sasha stabbed her. Before she could finish Olivia off, Patrick showed up, and Sasha fled.

Jason had tears in his eyes as he drove Jake and Sam back to town. Sam talked and played with Jake. Elizabeth called and talked to Jake, and Sam assured her that he was okay. It was a joyous homecoming when Jason and Sam arrived at Lucky's. Elizabeth was radiant as she held a healthy, unharmed Jake in her arms. Liz, Lucky, and Cameron rushed outside as Sam and Jason were bringing Jake back home. Everyone was very excited to see Jake again, but Jason was clearly uncomfortable. Lucky took the boys inside to get snacks while Liz thanked Jason and Sam. Jason tried to say Sam was the true hero, but Sam said Jason was the one who found where Jake was being held. Liz didn't care about the specifics; she was just thankful her boy was safe. Liz went inside to allow Lucky the chance to come out and properly thank Jason and Sam. When Lucky came outside, he hugged Sam and thanked God she was okay. Lucky asked what had happened, and Sam and Jason briefly recapped rescuing Jake. Lucky was upset they hadn't called the cops, but Sam said they did what they thought was best at the time. Lucky decided it was time to get back inside, but asked Jason to make sure Sam got home safely. Lucky went in the house and read a book to Jake and Cameron with Liz at his side. They all agreed that they liked being back together.

As they drove, Jason asked Sam if she was okay. Her hip was hurting a bit, but she was glad to be alive and happy Jake was safe. Sam said she hoped Jake was okay, but he had acted calm and steady. Actually, she thought Jake acted a lot like his father. Jason said he didn't want Jake to be like him. He didn't even want Jake to remember who he was. Sam said Jason was being too hard on himself, but Jason blamed himself for setting off the explosion. It wasn't the first time he put his son in danger, but it would be the last. When they arrived at Sam's, Jason thanked Sam for her role in saving Jake's life. Sam admitted that she owed Jake and Elizabeth for the past, but Jason said that was over. Sam thanked Jason for the ride and they went their separate ways.

Jason arrived home and was talking to Spinelli about Jake's rescue, when Maxie came downstairs at the penthouse where she had spent the previous night in the guest room. Before Maxie could make much of an explanation of why she was there, Jason told her that it was not safe for her to be around him and she had to go elsewhere.  Jason explained to Spinelli why he did not want Maxie in their place. He told Spinelli that Jake would have died in the explosion if it had not been for Sam's quick thinking. Jason blamed himself for triggering the explosion. He thought that the explosion was a result of the gunfire. He did not know that the bomb had been deliberately set off by one of Sasha's henchmen. Jason was very regretful and said that he did not want anyone else hurt because of him. He said he did not want his son to know anything about him.  Diane showed up and told Jason to get dressed because he had a meeting downtown with the Feds. Spinelli was gone when Jason came beck downstairs in a suit. Jason wanted to know if Diane had taken care of some private business that he had asked her to handle and to keep confidential. Diane said she had done as he asked, but that business could wait so that Jason could concentrate on the upcoming meeting. Diane told Jason that the Feds wanted to question him about the shootout at the roadhouse. She told him that his usual silent treatment would not work because he would be looked at as arrogant and would face every charge they could throw at him. Diane advised Jason to be honest and tell the truth about what really happened at the Russian roadhouse.

Lucky brought Elizabeth and the boys home after they had spent the night at his house. Elizabeth appreciated Lucky's consideration and hospitality. She told him that they were blessed to have him in their lives and thanked him for everything he had done for them. Lucky told Elizabeth that he loved the children as his own, so thanks were unnecessary. Elizabeth smiled and suggested that they plan a family outing to celebrate Jake's return. Lucky agreed and mentioned taking the boys to the zoo to see the Christmas decorations. Elizabeth thought it was a wonderful idea; unfortunately a phone call put those plans on hold. Elizabeth was asked to go to the courthouse to give a statement about the events that had led up to Jake's kidnapping. Lucky agreed to stay with the boys until Audrey could arrive to take over

At the courthouse, Sam and Jason waited to be interviewed by FBI Special Agent Thomas Rayner. As they sat outside his office, Sam and Jason talked about Jake's rescue. Sam was happy that everything had worked out, but confessed that all the pressure, tension, and split-minute decisions made the aftermath seem flat. She likened it to the end of the Wizard of Oz when everything returned to black and white. Then she realized that Jason probably never saw the movie, and therefore wouldn't understand what she meant. She was wrong; Jason admitted in a sad voice, that he knew exactly what she meant. When they were seated in Agent Rayner's office, the questions began. Jason and Sam kept the self-incriminating information to themselves and gave the agent an edited version of what had transpired. The agent wasn't completely fooled and asked them whose decision it had been to rescue Jake without calling the police. Jason and Sam each took responsibility. Sam went
on to explain that it had been the only viable option under the circumstances.

The agent then moved on to the deaths of the men found at the scene. He pointed out that not all of the five men killed had died in the explosion. One had a broken neck and several others had died of gunshot wounds. Again, Sam and Jason gave him a watered down version of what had happened. In the end, the agent concluded that they had acted in the defense of a child, and cleared them of any wrongdoing. Before Sam left the courthouse, she let Jason know that she intended to go after Sasha. Jason said nothing as she walked away. A moment later, Diane walked up. As she was talking, Elizabeth arrived at the courthouse. Diane quickly realized that Jason wasn't paying any attention to her; his entire focus was on Elizabeth. Diane felt that it wasn't the appropriate time for the lovers to have a heart-to-heart talk, but Jason ignored her. Diane walked away as Jason approached Elizabeth. When he sat down with her, Jason told Elizabeth that he wanted her to ask Agent Rayner about the five men who were killed. Jason wanted Elizabeth to hear the gory details so that she could understand that Jake could have met the same fate as some of the men who had died if Sam had not rescued him in time.

At the courthouse, Jason tried to explain to Elizabeth why they could never see each other ever again. He explained in graphic detail how Sam rescued Jake and how their little boy could have died. Liz couldn't understand why Jason was reliving their nightmare, but Jason said Liz needed to know why their relationship was ending permanently. Liz understood, and apologized for not listening to him all the other times he tried to warn her. She had just wanted to be with him. Jason tried to take some of the blame from her and said they were both at fault. He would never have any contact with her, Jake, or Cameron ever again. He set up a trust fund and paid off the house Elizabeth was renting. Liz didn't want to take his money, but Jason said it was the only thing he could do. He would never see his son again, and Jake wouldn't have Jason's last name. He wanted to at least support his family. Liz promised to give their son a good, safe life. She also apologized for not listening to him and for putting their family in danger. Jason said they were both at fault.

Lucky met up with Liz at the courthouse, where she told him about the testimony she had given. Lucky asked her why she was so upset, and she revealed her conversation with Jason. They had agreed it would be their last conversation together. Even if Jason hadn't suggested they never see each other again, Liz had already decided to break things off with him. Liz had been given a second chance to prove she wasn't a terrible mother. She hadn't put her children first, and Lucky should be furious at her. She told him about the trust fund Jason had established for the boys, and Lucky agreed not to refuse the money. Liz thanked Lucky for being such a good friend to her and a great father to her boys.

Jason arrived home and started working out by punching his punching bag. Carly soon arrived and asked him why he hadn't returned any of her phone calls. It only took one look for her to realize something was seriously wrong. Jason explained that he would never see his son again after realizing the risks he put Jake through just by associating with Elizabeth. When they were rescuing Jake and the shack exploded, all Jason could think about was that he was watching his son die. He realized no one was safe anymore-no one. When Spinelli arrived home, he started to tell Jason about Maxie's new apartment. Jason said he couldn't talk about Maxie, because he needed Spinelli to focus on getting information about the Russians. Spinelli said he had a file about Karpov already, so Jason thought they should start there. Jason asked if there were any other apartments available in Maxie's building, but Spinelli didn't think so. Jason thought it might be a good time for Spinelli to move out, also. Spinelli was concerned that he had upset Stone Cold, but Jason revealed he was just worried about Spinelli's safety. Spinelli said he would only be in danger if he left Jason's penthouse. As they talked, they were sidetracked and didn't notice the message that appeared on Spinelli's laptop, saying files had been copied.

Sam hid and watched as Sasha and her guard walked into a building. As soon as the coast was clear, Sam got into their vehicle to look through files that were kept in the back. It didn't look like she was finding anything, but suddenly, Sam heard the door slam and knew Sasha was coming back. Sam ducked down and listened as Sasha's phone rang. Sasha told the caller it might not be as easy as they thought to eliminate Jason Morgan. Sam followed Sasha to the docks and overheard her telling her minions that their Russian bosses were not happy that Jason had survived the explosion. Sasha told her goons to go after Jason again, and to make sure they got him. At the penthouse, Spinelli told Jason that he would not move out because of the danger posed by his living arrangement. Spinelli felt he could help Jason best by being close by to provide his cyber skills. He also encouraged Jason to ask for Sonny's help. Jason said that he did not want to ask Sonny because he was not sure that they were friends. He said that Sonny had changed since Michael had been shot. Jason said Sonny felt betrayed because Jason had sided with Carly and insisted that Sonny give up custody of his sons. While they talked, someone copied the files from Spinelli's computer unnoticed.

When an FBI agent knocked on Jason's door and wanted to talk, Spinelli took his computer and skedaddled. The agent told Jason that they had a big file on him. The agent said that Jason had been an upright citizen until he had an auto accident that caused brain damage when he was twenty. The agent said that he was in the position to offer Jason a deal. The agent told Jason that he could have immunity immediately and leave organized crime, or, if he chose to continue in his occupation, his actions would become a very low priority for law enforcement. The agent said that Jason would not even have to testify. All Jason had to do was give the agent information that would bring down both Sonny and Anthony Zacchara.  Jason told the FBI agent that he would have to talk to his lawyer. The agent told him not to take too long, because the offer would not stay on the table. As he left, the agent told Jason that eventually he would cooperate; it was just a matter of time until the FBI found the right lever to ensure his compliance. As soon as Sasha and her men left, Sam tried to call Jason, who did not answer his phone. When she left her hiding place, Sasha's men were waiting for her.

Sasha told Sam she was tired of Sam being a constant thorn in her side. Sam tried to convince Sasha and her goons that she could be used to get to Jason, but Sasha pointed out that she had already tried that with Jake. Sam said Jason would retaliate if she turned up dead, but Sasha disagreed. Jason was too busy trying to hold onto his territory to fight for an ex-girlfriend. They took Sam to a wooded area and Sasha asked Sam if she had any last words. As Sam talked, she managed to get a small knife out and lunged at one of the goons. She took off running in the opposite direction as quickly as she could. Sasha yelled at her goons and they attempted to shoot at Sam as she ran away. Sam continued to run until she fell into an apparent trap and was knocked unconscious.

Diane wanted to know about the deal the Feds had offered Jason. He explained he would get full immunity in exchange for information about Sonny and the Zacchara family. Diane was shocked that he would get such a good deal and said he would be a fool not to take it. Jason said it wasn't a deal someone in his position took. Diane told him he would eliminate all the competition by turning Sonny and the Zacchara family in. Jason would be able to raise his children in a town free from enemies. Jason said he already took care of Elizabeth and Jake, but Diane made a good point that Elizabeth and Jake weren't necessarily any safer with Jason out of their lives. Jason said Sonny had been like a father to him. The least Sonny deserved was Jason's protection, and the more Jason thought about it, the more he realized he should have offered more.

Jason arrived at Sonny's house after Sonny had already left. Max let him in and Claudia offered him a drink. Claudia thanked him for not marrying her previously, because it had freed Claudia up to marry Sonny. It had been one of the best moves she had made. Claudia told him about Sonny's decision not to retaliate against the Russians until Jake was safe, and Jason said he wouldn't have expected anything less from Sonny. Claudia said it was time for Sonny to step up and take the reins to lead their organization. Jason asked if she was insinuating that Sonny make a move against him.  Claudia decided she should take a message for Sonny because she wasn't sure when her husband would be back, but Jason said he had to speak with Sonny in person. Claudia reminded Jason it was too late for him and Sonny to make up, and Jason asked if Claudia spoke for Sonny. It wasn't that long before that Claudia couldn't stand Sonny. Claudia said she and her new husband were finding common ground. She thought maybe it was good that Jason was making the first move. Maybe Jason and Sonny could coexist. Sonny walked in and asked Jason what he was doing there. Jason said he thought they needed to talk, but decided there wasn't anything to say. Jason did thank Sonny for not acting against the Russians while Jake was kidnapped. Before Jason left, Sonny congratulated his former friend on his son coming home safely. Once alone, Claudia said she couldn't understand Jason. He had waited all that time to speak with Sonny, and then only said two words before he left. Sonny said that Jason realized he had forced Sonny to make an alliance with the Zaccharas. Jason had essentially forced Sonny to become his enemy.

**The End**