8 hour original edit
Dvd #2A1/29 At the Jerome apartment, Julian greeted Alexis. Alexis looked away from his open shirt and explained that she was there to talk to Ava. Julian closed the door as Alexis entered the living room and looked around, noting that Ava was not there. Julian imagined that Alexis wondered why he was staying with his sister, but Alexis admitted that she was more curious about who had taken a tire iron to his face. Julian smiled and gave her three guesses. Alexis decided that ignorance was bliss.

Julian explained that Sonny's "moll" had tossed him out of the hotel. "Good for Olivia," Alexis said with a big smile. Julian realized which team Alexis was on, prompting her to wonder if there had ever been any doubt. Julian admitted that he had hoped that she would be interested in hearing his side of the story, but Alexis cut him off and told him to let Ava know that she had stopped by. Julian followed Alexis to the door and offered to help her. Alexis tensed when he reached for her arm to stop her, so she warned him not to touch her. Alexis then shifted gears to explain that he couldn't help her because her business with Ava concerned Sam.

Julian reminded Alexis that Sam was their daughter and then revealed that he knew about Silas' arrest and Sam's theory that Ava had framed Silas. Alexis was surprised when Julian admitted that Sam had asked for his help and that he had questioned his sister about it, but Ava had denied everything. Alexis was certain that Sam had been grateful, which Alexis was equally confident had been the plan. Julian didn't deny that he would do anything to get into both of his children's good graces because he wanted to be a part of their lives. Alexis was startled when Julian confessed that he wanted to be a part of Alexis' life, too, because he had been drawn to her years earlier and again when he had seen her at the Floating Rib. Julian dared Alexis to deny that she felt the same about him. Alexis nervously looked away as she accused Julian of having a unique way of rewriting history. "Love at first sight at the roadhouse?" Alexis asked as she tried to put some distance between her and Julian.

Alexis reminded Julian that he had lied to her for months to save his own "ass," but he insisted that he'd had to. Alexis pointed out that he had flaunted his relationship with Carly, so Julian confessed that he had never wanted Carly; he had wanted to get under Sonny's skin. Julian insisted that Alexis was the only woman that he was interested in, but Alexis made it clear that she refused to get involved with a criminal. Julian argued that it had never stopped Alexis before. He reminded her that she had once admitted to him that she had been drawn to the bad boy thing. Julian suggested that perhaps he wasn't dangerous enough for Alexis and then slowly pulled her closer. He assured her that she need only tell him to stop and he would. "Don't," Alexis said as Julian pulled her into his arms. "Stop," she added as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Julian and Alexis fell to the sofa, but Alexis suddenly put the brakes on and slid out from under Julian. "What is wrong with me?" Alexis asked as she quickly gathered her things. Julian tried to stop Alexis from leaving, but she made it clear that she would not get involved with Julian and then fled the apartment. Julian smiled as he watched her go.

2/4 Julian paid Silas a visit in jail, but Silas made it clear that he had nothing to say to Julian. Julian ignored the remark and explained that he was there as Sam's concerned father because of the accusations against Silas. Silas immediately denied any involvement in Nina's overdose. Julian was pleased and revealed that he wanted to help clear Silas' name. Julian admitted that he was motivated to help Silas in part because Julian wanted to be a part of Sam and Alexis' lives. Julian hoped that he could prove to Sam and Alexis that he was someone that both women could turn to. Silas remained skeptical and wondered how Julian would feel if it turned out that Ava had been responsible for Nina's overdose. Julian promised that his sister would not get away with the crime because ultimately Julian's loyalty was to his children, not his sister. However, Julian warned Silas that if Silas had tried to kill Nina then Julian would make certain that Silas never saw Sam again.

Heather started to leave, but Olivia spotted her and called out to Heather. Heather immediately bolted, so Olivia started to follow Heather, but Julian entered the restaurant and suddenly blocked Olivia's path. Olivia barked at Julian to get out of her way, prompting Julian to apologize because he hadn't realized that he had been prohibited from entering the restaurant when Olivia had wrongfully evicted him from the hotel. Olivia demanded to know if Julian had seen Heather, but Julian had no idea what Olivia was talking about. He suggested that perhaps it had been one of Olivia's visions. Sam told Alexis about Nina Clay's will that had bequeathed everything to Silas. Alexis pointed out that it wasn't unusual for a wife to leave everything to her husband. Sam agreed, but she argued that Silas had kept too many secrets from her, so she felt as if he had told one lie after another. Alexis urged Sam to evaluate the evidence as a private investigator, but Sam confessed that Nathan's case against Silas was strong. Sam told her mother about the pharmacist and then asked if Alexis could talk to Ava and perhaps get a confession out of Ava. Alexis revealed that she had already stopped by the apartment to talk to Ava but had run into Julian instead. Sam sensed that her mother was holding something back, so Alexis started to tell Sam about the visit with Julian. However, Julian walked up and asked if he had heard someone mention his name.

"So, how are my two favorite women?" Julian asked as Alexis and Sam stared at him. Sam wanted nothing to do with her father, so she stood up with the intention of leaving, but Julian revealed that he had paid Silas a visit. Alexis was surprised, but Sam explained that she had shared her theory about Ava with Julian. Julian admitted that he had wanted to look Silas in the eye when he asked Silas about Silas' intentions towards Sam. Julian conceded that he had believed Silas when Silas had denied trying to kill Nina, so Julian had decided to do everything in his power to prove that Silas was innocent. Sam was at a loss for words. Julian assured his daughter that he just wanted her to be happy and would do whatever he could to help her. Sam explained that she needed to get home to Danny and Rafe and then fled. Alexis tried to follow suit, but Julian stopped her. "I left the oven on," Alexis said as she floundered for an excuse. Julian confided that he hadn't been able to stop thinking about their kiss. He dared Alexis to deny that she felt the same way. Alexis refused to answer him, so Julian wondered why she was afraid of him. Alexis clarified that she was afraid of herself, not him, and then walked away.

2/6 At the cemetery, Carlos met with Julian. Julian was curious where Carlos had been, so Carlos explained that he had thought it would be best to lay low in case Sonny had decided to finish Carlos off. "Or you did," Carlos quietly added. Julian appeared surprised, but Carlos was certain that the thought had crossed Julian's mind. Julian pointed out that "messes" happened in their line of work, so Julian would not cry over a "little spilled blood." "So, we're good?" Carlos asked. Julian nodded and asked why Carlos had asked to meet in the cemetery. "It's a little creepy, no?" Julian asked. Carlos confessed that he had thought it fitting because he had almost ended up in the hole that had been cordoned off with police tape. Carlos admitted that a part of him wished that he had. Julian suspected Carlos' morose mood had something to do with Sabrina, so Carlos told Julian about Sabrina's pregnancy. Julian thought that it was commendable that Carlos had been ready to raise another man's child as his own. Carlos confessed that it felt as if he had lost a child. Julian opened up to Carlos about Lucas and how Lucas had rejected him. Julian wanted to reach out to his son, but he didn't know how. Julian was startled when Lucas suddenly rounded the corner. Carlos quickly excused himself with a promise to catch up with Julian later.
After Carlos left, Julian asked why Lucas was at the cemetery. Lucas revealed that he was there to see his real father, Tony Jones, because it was the eight-year anniversary of Tony's death. "I'm sorry," Julian said, but Lucas questioned Julian's sincerity. Julian promised that he had meant it and admitted that he would have liked the opportunity to thank Tony for being there for Lucas when Julian couldn't be because it was clear that Tony had done a fine job of raising Lucas. Julian admitted that he wanted to get a chance to know Lucas and for Lucas to get to know him. Lucas was curious why, so Julian revealed that he wanted to be the kind of father that his own father hadn't been. Julian realized that it might be too much to ask of Lucas, so he decided to leave. Lucas called out to Julian and asked what Julian wanted to know about him. "Anything and everything," Julian admitted. Julian was curious what Lucas liked to do and if Lucas had a girlfriend. Lucas smiled and revealed he didn't have a girlfriend because he was gay.

2/7 Alexis arrived at the police station to talk to Sam about Silas' case. Sam was frustrated because she hadn't heard from Julian, who had promised to get Ava to confess to trying to kill Nina Clay. Alexis suggested that perhaps Julian hadn't made any progress, but Sam suspected that Julian simply hadn't had time for his long-lost daughter. Alexis was certain that Julian had been sincere in his desire to earn Sam's trust, so she advised Sam to give it some time. Sam questioned Alexis' sudden defense of Julian, but Alexis quickly changed the subject by reminding Sam that they needed to focus on Silas. Alexis pointed out that Nathan had been given forty-eight hours to charge Silas with a crime, so Nathan had to release Silas from custody unless Nathan had new evidence to move forward with the charges. Nathan walked up and announced that something new had surfaced.

Alexis and Sam followed Nathan to his desk as he credited Sam with finding a key witness. Sam scoffed at the suggestion that the pharmacist's convenient recollection of filling a prescription for Silas over twenty years earlier was reliable. Alexis agreed and warned Nathan that the questionable statement wasn't enough to charge Silas. Nathan revealed that he had also obtained a copy of Nina Clay's will bequeathing Silas millions of dollars. Nathan handed Alexis a copy of Nina's will, so Alexis asked how he had obtained it. Nathan explained that he had found it in his mailbox the previous evening and that there hadn't been a return address. Alexis questioned the legitimacy of the will, but she pointed out that the will wasn't sufficient proof because it wasn't uncommon for spouses to leave each other money. Nathan argued that Silas had had a pregnant mistress.

Alexis insisted that Nathan didn't have the facts or evidence to proceed with the charges, but Nathan countered that Silas had stood to gain millions if Nina had died. Alexis reminded Nathan that it wasn't his call to make and demanded to talk to the district attorney, Scott Baldwin. Nathan agreed to track Scott down, but he made it clear that Silas couldn't leave before he and Scott returned. Alexis thanked Nathan in advance for getting the case against Silas dismissed, but he ignored her and left. Sam smiled with pride because she enjoyed watching her mother in lawyer mode. Alexis appreciated Sam's support but cautioned Sam that it was too soon to celebrate. Alexis and Sam talked about the sudden and convenient appearance of Nina's will.

Moments later, Ava left the interrogation room. Sam immediately confronted Ava about the will, certain that Ava had sent it to Nathan, since Ava had been one of the few people who had known about its existence. Ava denied that she had sent the will and then admitted that Julian had tried to get Ava to confess to trying to kill Nina. Ava assured Sam that Sam could rest easy knowing that Julian had been willing to throw Ava under the bus to get closer to Sam. After Ava left, Alexis received a call from Julian, but she let the call go to voicemail.

At the cemetery, Lucas revealed that he was gay. "What's the problem, Dad? I'm not the kind of son you always wanted?" Lucas asked when Julian seemed at a loss for words. Julian conceded that he was surprised, so Lucas became defensive and asked if he had made Julian uncomfortable. Julian tried to find the right words, but Lucas wanted to know if Julian had a problem with Lucas' homosexuality. Julian was curious if Lucas was gay or just confused. Lucas promised that he was gay because he liked "dudes," slept with them, and loved macramé. "Macramé?" Julian asked with a puzzled expression. Lucas admitted that the last part had been a joke because Lucas had no idea what macramé was. Lucas explained that he had been out of the closet since he was a teenager, so he wasn't confused or going through a temporary phase. Julian suggested that perhaps if Lucas had had a stronger hand to guide him and teach Lucas about sports and girls then Lucas might have turned out different. "Oh, you mean normal," Lucas countered. Julian denied that he had said that. Lucas assured Julian that Tony had taught Lucas how to respect woman and to play sports. Lucas bragged that he had been the "QB1" on his college football team and he was the captain of his gay football team in Seattle. Lucas revealed that it had never mattered to Tony that Lucas was gay and that Tony's dying words had been about how proud Tony had been of Lucas. Tony had also urged Lucas to never let someone into Lucas' life if the person disrespected Lucas or made Lucas feel less of a man because Lucas was gay.

"He accepted me. That's what a real father does," Lucas informed Julian. Lucas made it clear that Julian was not his father and then started to walk away, but Julian asked Lucas not to write him off the way that Sam had. Lucas was stunned that Julian would insult Lucas in one breath and then expect sympathy with the next. Julian apologized and explained that he needed time to take everything in. Julian pointed out that he had just learned that he had two children and a grandchild, so Julian needed time to adjust and sort out his feelings. "And then what?" Lucas asked. Julian didn't have an answer, but he wanted to be honest with Lucas, so Julian admitted that he was having a little trouble with Lucas' revelation. Lucas conceded that he was having trouble with Julian, too, because Julian was a mobster.

Julian insisted that it was different. Lucas agreed because Julian had made the choice to be a criminal. Lucas wondered if Julian thought that it was worse to be gay than to be a criminal. Julian didn't answer. "Yeah, that's what I thought," Lucas said with disgust. Lucas tried to leave again, but Julian wanted to continue their conversation. Lucas made it clear that there was nothing to say unless Julian could accept that Lucas was gay. Lucas walked away because he was there to see his real father, not Julian. After Lucas left, Julian called Alexis, but the call went to voicemail. Julian asked Alexis not to delete the message without listening to it because he wanted to see her. "I need you," Julian confessed.

2/11 At the police station, Alexis reminded Anna that Silas had been in custody for over forty-eight hours without being charged. Anna explained that she needed to check with Scott before authorizing Silas' release because it wouldn't make sense to let Silas go only to have to turn around and arrest him again. Alexis insisted that it was Anna's problem, not Alexis'. Moments later, Alexis joined Silas and Sam to announce that Scott had refused to press charges against Silas, so Silas would be released from jail.

Later, Silas stood with Sam and Alexis in the squad room. He thanked Alexis for standing by him and for finding a way to get him out of jail. Alexis insisted that Sam deserved all of the credit, but Alexis promised to send him a bill. Silas smiled and quietly thanked Sam, so Sam promised to send him a bill as well. Nearby, Alexis bumped into Nikolas. He told her that Anna and Nathan had gone to Wyndemere because Heather had been spotted on Spoon Island and there was reason to believe that Franco had followed his mother to the island. Alexis and Nikolas agreed that whatever was going on between Franco and Heather likely involved Carly.

2/12 At the penthouse, Sam was on the phone with her mother. Sam thanked Alexis for getting Silas out of jail, so Alexis urged Sam to make certain that Silas stayed out of trouble.

At the lake house, Alexis jumped with fright when she noticed Julian seated on the porch in a dark corner. Julian was curious if she had listened to his message, but she explained that she had sent his call to voicemail because she refused to get involved with him. Julian quickly assured her that he wasn't there for that and then revealed that he needed to talk to her about Lucas. Alexis was curious why Julian hadn't turned to Ava for advice, so Julian explained that his sister wasn't the best parent or a good listener. Alexis reluctantly invited him inside, but she warned him that he couldn't stay long. Alexis poured Julian a drink and asked him what had happened. Julian revealed that he had learned that Lucas was gay. Alexis was surprised that Julian hadn't known because Lucas had been "out and proud" since before Lucas had left for Seattle. Julian couldn't understand what Lucas had to be proud about. "You don't want your son to feel good about himself?" Alexis asked.

Julian assured Alexis that he did, so she realized that he had an issue with Lucas' sexuality and asked why Julian didn't approve. Julian explained that it wasn't his place to approve or not approve, but Alexis argued that was exactly what Julian had done. Julian conceded that if he'd had a choice between a straight or gay son, he'd have picked straight. Alexis pointed out that Lucas was still Julian's son, so Julian would have to accept Lucas for who Lucas was if Julian hoped to have a relationship with his son. Julian wondered if Alexis would be okay if Molly was a lesbian. Alexis didn't hesitate to assure Julian that she wouldn't have a problem with having a gay child, but she would hate for Molly to have to face any kind of adversity or judgment because of it. "Why do you have a problem?" Alexis asked. Julian explained that his father, Victor, had handed down his views on life and the world to Julian. According to Julian, Victor had drilled it into him what being a "real man" had meant and that the mafia had had a very strict definition of the term. Julian explained that it hadn't hit him what that had entailed until he had been in high school and had decided to try out for a school play. Victor had told Julian that being in a play was for "sissies" and then had added that real men didn't wear makeup and "prance" around on stage. Alexis was curious if Julian had had any other male role models.

"No," Julian answered. He revealed that his only exposure to homosexuality was a distant cousin who had been a hairdresser. Julian explained that he would occasionally see his cousin at family gatherings, so Alexis was curious if Julian had liked his cousin. Julian admitted that he hadn't had a problem with the cousin, but Victor would make disparaging comments about the cousin because to Victor, homosexuals were freaks. Julian explained that Victor thought that being gay was a weakness rather than something to be proud of. Alexis knew what it was like to have difficult parents, but she warned Julian that he couldn't afford to hold on to the baggage from Victor if Julian hoped to have a relationship with Lucas. Julian didn't know how to let it go, but Alexis insisted that he needed to find a way. Alexis was curious how Lucas had felt about Julian being a mobster, so Julian admitted that Lucas hadn't liked it. However, Julian had made it clear that he was more than his business. Alexis pointed out that Lucas was more than his sexual orientation. Alexis reminded Julian that he expected Sam and Lucas to overlook a huge part of his life, yet Julian had not extended Lucas the same courtesy. Julian conceded that Lucas had said the same thing.

"Smart kid," Alexis replied. Julian argued that Lucas was a smart kid who didn't want anything to do with Julian. Alexis advised Julian to find a way to fix things with Lucas, but Julian explained that he couldn't magically be okay with his son being gay. Alexis assured Julian that no one expected Julian to change his views overnight, but Julian could change his actions by apologizing to Lucas and explaining that Julian had been caught off guard and hadn't reacted well. Alexis reminded Julian that regardless how Julian felt about homosexuality, Julian still loved Lucas. Julian was glad that he had talked to Alexis because he felt better. Alexis suspected that it was the scotch talking, but Julian assured her that it wasn't. Alexis sensed a shift in Julian, so she quickly reminded him that Molly would be home soon. Julian thanked Alexis and then left.

2/13 At Ava's apartment, Ava proceeded to download files from Julian’s laptop onto a flash drive. Moments later, someone knocked on the door. Ava was annoyed when she saw Alexis standing on the doorstep, so Ava denied framing Silas and sending a copy of Nina's last will and testament to Nathan. Alexis pushed her way into the apartment and explained that she was there to see Julian. Ava was surprised because she knew that Alexis loathed Julian. Ava wondered if perhaps Alexis had decided to glom onto the only man remotely interested in Alexis because Valentine's Day had made Alexis realize that Alexis was all alone. Alexis shot back that with people skills like Ava's, Ava should have considered a career in public relations. Ava ignored the remark and asked why Alexis wanted to talk to Julian. Alexis explained that she had been concerned about Julian after his encounter with Lucas. Ava was confused because it had been her understanding that Lucas had run screaming from Julian like Sam had. Alexis realized that Julian hadn't been kidding about his relationship with Ava, so she filled Ava in about Lucas' confession. Ava imagined that her "bigoted" brother hadn't taken the news well that his son was gay. Alexis conceded that Julian had antiquated views about homosexuality, but Alexis and Julian had talked, so Alexis was hopeful that she had gotten through to him. Ava's cell phone rang, so Ava stepped away to take a call from Morgan. Morgan wanted to know if Ava had found something that would prove to Sonny that she intended to help take down Julian. Ava assured Morgan that she had been working on something, so Morgan confessed that he was eager to reunite and celebrate Valentine's Day with her. Ava assured Morgan that she felt the same.

Meanwhile, Alexis received a phone call about an email, but she hadn't seen it because of a glitch with her phone. Alexis spotted the laptop on the table, so she decided to check her email on the laptop. "Hey, what the hell are you doing?" Ava barked when she saw Alexis at the laptop. Ava slammed the laptop shut as Alexis explained that she had simply been trying to access her email. Ava informed Alexis that it was Julian's computer and that he wouldn't appreciate Alexis messing with it while he was downloading files. Ava suggested that Alexis check her email elsewhere and then ordered Alexis to leave. Alexis was curious if Ava could at least tell her where Julian was, so Ava revealed that he was at the hospital. After Alexis left, Ava retrieved the flash drive from the laptop. "Can I really do this to Julian," Ava wondered.

At the hospital, Julian was surprised that Kiki had accepted Ava's help to get out of jail because he thought that Kiki had despised her mother. Kiki assured him that she did, but Julian wondered why Michael hadn't helped Kiki. Kiki refused to discuss it with her uncle, so he let the matter drop but warned Kiki to be careful because Ava would expect Kiki to repay the favor. Kiki thought that it was ironic for Julian to warn her about Ava, but he pointed out that he had never mistreated his children the way that Ava had Kiki. Julian shifted gears to ask where Carly's room was because he was looking for Lucas. Kiki explained that she couldn't help him because she was there to check on Franco. Julian started to leave, but reminded her not to let her guard down around Ava. "Noted, pot," Kiki replied as Michael walked up.

Julian rounded the corner and saw his son in Brad's arms. Julian waited until Lucas and Brad pulled apart and then asked for a word with Lucas. Lucas assured Brad that it was okay. After Brad left, Julian asked about Carly. Lucas assured Julian that Carly would recover and then asked why Julian had been looking for him. Julian explained that he wanted to apologize for being a jerk. Julian hoped that Lucas could forgive him, but Lucas admitted that he needed Julian to accept him for who he was. Julian assured Lucas that he was trying because he wanted to have a relationship with Lucas. However, Julian conceded that it would take him time to process everything. Julian promised Lucas that he was sorry for how he had reacted. Julian realized that it wasn't an excuse, but he had grown up in an environment with a conservative father, so Julian had believed that Victor's closed-minded attitudes had been right and had begun to share those views without realizing it. Julian explained that regardless of what Julian's views on homosexuality were, Lucas was his son, and Julian wanted to get to know Lucas. Lucas was moved by Julian's heartfelt confession and accepted Julian's apology. Julian sighed with relief and thanked Lucas. Lucas was surprised by Julian's turnaround, so Julian explained that someone had shown Julian the error of Julian's ways. Lucas advised Julian to listen to that person more often.

Later, Alexis caught up with Julian to find out if he had smoothed things over with Lucas. Julian told her about his talk with Lucas and admitted that he might have a chance to have a relationship with his son thanks to Alexis. Alexis was happy for Julian, so he asked how she had found him. Alexis revealed that she had stopped by Ava's apartment and mentioned Ava's reaction to Alexis using Julian's laptop to check her email. Julian tensed because he hadn't downloaded any files.

2/14 At Corinthos Coffee, Ava handed Sonny the flash drive and explained that it had all of Julian's confidential information on it. According to Ava, the flash drive contained everything that Sonny would need to take Julian down. She revealed that Julian's plan had been to bankrupt Sonny's legitimate holdings to make the illegal assets worthless. Ava assured Sonny that the flash drive had a list of Julian's contacts, associates, safe houses, and all of the information that Julian had collected on Sonny.

2/18 At Ava's apartment, Julian poured himself a drink as he thought about his talk with Lucas. Moments later, Ava returned home. Julian greeted his sister and then asked where she had been. Ava was evasive, so Julian kept pushing for an answer until she told him that she had been with Kiki. Julian revealed that he had seen Kiki earlier and that Kiki had indicated that Kiki and Ava were still on the outs. Ava assured her brother that it was a work in progress, but it was clear that Julian didn't believe her lie. Ava was curious what was troubling Julian, so he confronted Ava about what Alexis had told him. Ava denied that she had touched Julian's laptop and accused Alexis of lying. Ava reminded Julian that Alexis worked for Sonny and even had a child with their enemy, so she suggested that Alexis had tried to sew the seeds of discontent between Ava and Julian. Julian conceded that it was possible, but he trusted Alexis and suspected that Ava had tried to double-cross him.

Ava was offended by the accusation, but Julian reminded her that she had recently threatened him with a gun because of Morgan. Ava tried to downplay the incident, but Julian made it clear that he wouldn't hesitate to take Ava out if she pushed him against the wall. Ava doubted that Julian would kill his own sister, but Julian pointed out that he had done it before when their sister Olivia had crossed him. Ava's smile faded as she warned Julian that he didn't know who he was dealing with. Ava pointed out that Sonny might not kill Julian because of Danny, but Ava wouldn't have any qualms. "That little brat you call a grandson means nothing to me," Ava growled. Moments later, Ava's cell phone beeped, so she checked her text messages and then announced that she had to leave. "Let me guess, Kiki again?" Julian snidely asked. Ava ignored the question and left. In the apartment, Julian was working on his laptop when he received a video call from someone. Julian accepted the call. "Well, well, well, speak of the devil," Julian said by way of greeting.

2/21 Sam bumped into Julian in the hallway outside her penthouse. She pressed the button for the elevator as she explained that she was on her way to New York City to clear Silas' name. Julian assured Sam that he hadn't given up trying to get information from Ava about Nina's overdose. Sam appreciated Julian's help, but she revealed that she had another plan that she was working on. Sam didn't elaborate, so Julian admitted that he had stopped by to talk to her about Danny. Sam revealed that her son was with Alexis, but Julian clarified that he had meant her brother, Danny McCall. He knew that it was the eight-year anniversary of Danny's passing. Sam was surprised when Julian confessed that he had made a point of learning as much about his daughter as he could, so he was also aware of her criminal background and everything that she had done to help Danny. Sam refused to apologize, but Julian assured her that he understood because her adoptive father, Cody McCall, had influenced her and taught her to break the law, just like Victor had taught Julian.

Julian revealed that Lucas had agreed to give Julian a chance to get to know Lucas, so Julian hoped that Sam would do the same. Julian was grateful when Sam agreed to think about it. He thanked her and then handed her a manila envelope. Julian explained that he had done some research about fragile X syndrome, the genetic disorder that her brother Danny had suffered from. Sam was pleasantly surprised when Julian revealed that they had made a lot of progress in treating the disorder, so he had made a donation in Danny's name. Julian explained that they had sent him a certificate with Danny's name on it, which Julian had decided to give to Sam. Sam was moved by the gesture and hugged her father. Julian was startled by the unexpected display of gratitude, but he decided not to push his luck, so he quickly wished her luck and then left.

Alexis entered the house with Danny and announced that Danny would be spending the night because Sam had gone out of town with Silas. Alexis revealed that she had movies and snacks for a fun slumber party, but Molly explained that she had plans to spend the night at her friend's house, so Molly and Carson could study for the Standard Achievement Test. Alexis was proud of Molly for wanting to study but suggested that Molly invite Carson to spend the night there. Molly argued that she and Carson would end up playing with Danny and would not get any work done. Alexis conceded that Molly had a point.

Later, Molly prepared to leave. Alexis was surprised that Molly was dressed up. Molly claimed that Carson liked to dress to the nines, so Molly had wanted to keep up with her friend. Alexis worried that Molly might be stressing herself out with studying and made it clear that she didn't want Molly worrying about getting into college because it would happen. Alexis urged Molly to have fun. Molly heard her friend's car horn honk, so she told her mother goodbye and left. Alexis chatted with Danny as Danny played with building blocks. She talked about being pregnant with Sam at Molly's age, which Alexis realized had been incredibly young. However, Alexis was confident that Molly was far more sensible than Alexis had been.

Moments later, the doorbell rang. Alexis' smile faded when she saw Julian on her doorstep. Julian greeted Alexis and then Danny as Danny played in the living room. Julian confessed that Sam had told him that Danny was there. Alexis was surprised that Sam had sent Julian over, but Julian confessed that Sam had only mentioned in passing where Danny was. Julian asked Alexis if he could enter, but Alexis was reluctant to agree. Julian was disappointed and asked her to have a heart because she had put him on the right track with Lucas, so he wanted the same chance with Danny. Alexis relented and invited Julian inside.

2/24 At the lake house, Julian and Alexis sat on the floor and played with their grandson. Julian admitted that Lucas, Sam, and Danny were the most important people to him. Alexis noticed that Julian hadn't mentioned Ava, but Julian didn't reply.

Later, Alexis observed that Julian was good with Danny. Julian confessed that he regretted that he hadn't spent time with Lucas and Sam when they had been children. He thought that he might have been a positive influence on his children because they would have had a positive impact on his life. Julian thought that things might have turned out different for him, but then he realized that his family was pretty toxic. Alexis broached the subject of Julian and Ava's relationship. Julian downplayed the recent tension between him and Ava by claiming that it was a case of sibling rivalry. Julian decided to leave, but he only took a few steps towards the door before turning back and kissing Alexis. She responded by throwing her arms around him and kissing him with equal passion. Julian pulled away to suggest that they take it to the bedroom. Alexis answered by kissing him. Julian picked her up with the intention of carrying her to the bedroom, but someone knocked on the door. Alexis pulled away and took several deep breaths before heading to the door.

Alexis was surprised when she saw Rafe on her doorstep, so she quickly explained that Molly was spending the night at Carson's house. Rafe explained that Molly was at Metro Court with T.J. and that T.J. had gotten a hotel room. Stunned, Alexis immediately tried to call Molly, but the call went to voicemail. Alexis grabbed her coat and started to leave, but Julian suggested that she wait because Molly was a teenager. Alexis reminded Julian that she had been a teenager when she had gotten pregnant with their daughter. Julian realized that Alexis had a good point, so he decided to go with Alexis. Alexis argued that someone had to stay with Danny. Rafe quickly volunteered.

2/25 In the hotel room, T.J. and Molly kissed, but Molly became distracted when someone repeatedly knocked on the door. T.J. decided to send the person away, so he jumped out of bed and went to the door. He was stunned when he saw Alexis and Julian on the doorstep. T.J. stepped in the hallway and tried to close the door behind him as Alexis demanded to know where Molly was. T.J. nervously explained that Molly had spent the night at Carson's house to study for the Standard Achievement Tests, but Alexis ordered T.J. to stop talking and step aside. Alexis marched into the hotel room with Julian trailing behind her and stopped at the foot of the bed to order Molly to get dressed. Molly defiantly refused. Alexis realized that Molly was under the mistaken impression that they were having a conversation, so Alexis warned Molly not to push and then repeated the order. Molly demanded to know how Alexis had known where Molly was, but Alexis insisted that it didn't matter. Molly's temper flared as she denied that she and T.J. had been doing anything wrong, but Alexis disagreed.

Alexis pointed out that they were standing in a hotel room, T.J. was shirtless, Molly was dressed in a negligee, and there were condoms on the nightstand, which were all indications that Molly and T.J. had been about to have sex. Molly countered that at least she and T.J. had intended to have safe sex, unlike Alexis, who had gotten pregnant in the backseat of a car by Julian. Molly demanded to know where Alexis got off judging Molly when Molly had been far more responsible than Alexis ever had been at the same age. Furious, Alexis made it clear that Molly was never to speak to her mother in such a disrespectful tone again because Alexis was the parent and Molly was the child. Alexis insisted that Molly had been the one who had screwed up because Molly had lied about studying when in reality Molly had gone to a hotel to have sex. Molly resented that her mother had made it sound cheap and then reminded Alexis that Alexis had told Molly to have more fun. Alexis clarified that she had meant for Molly to go to the movies or out on a date to a well-lit area. "I certainly didn't mean this," Alexis added. T.J. tried to interject to smooth things over with Alexis, but Julian warned T.J. to stay out of it. Alexis reminded Molly that Molly was sixteen and still lived under Alexis' roof, so she once again ordered Molly to get dressed because they would be leaving. "Now!" Alexis shouted.

Later, T.J. took full responsibility for what had happened and begged Alexis not to be mad at Molly, but Alexis had nothing to say to T.J. Molly returned from the bathroom, dressed in the clothes that she had arrived in. She apologized to T.J. and told him that she loved him and then followed her mother out the door. Julian stayed behind to have a chat with T.J. about the warehouse shooting. T.J. promised that he hadn't talked to the police, so Julian assured T.J. that he believed T.J. However, Julian thought that it was time for Sonny and Morgan to be face justice. T.J. was curious what Julian planned to do if T.J. refused to cooperate. "Kill me?" T.J. asked. Julian smiled as he revealed that he simply wanted T.J. to go to the police and tell the truth about what had transpired at the warehouse because it was the right thing to do. At the door, Julian expressed regret for messing up T.J.'s special night with Molly but suggested that T.J. could have another chance in a few of years if T.J. played his cards right. T.J. didn't reply as he watched Julian leave.

Alexis and Molly arrive home. Alexis and Molly's argument quickly died on their lips when they entered the house and saw Ric. Shocked, Alexis demanded to know what Ric was doing there. Ric claimed that he was in town to visit his daughter, but Alexis was skeptical. Ric ignored his ex-wife and asked his daughter for a hug. Molly ran into Ric's waiting arms and hugged him tightly. Ric was amazed how much Molly had grown and conceded that she was no longer a little girl. Molly asked Ric to remind her mother of that because Alexis continued to treat Molly like a child. Ric was curious if that was the reason that Alexis and Molly had been arguing.

"Ask her," Molly replied as she glared at her mother. Alexis carefully explained that it had been a bad day for Ric to show up unannounced. Ric was surprised that Alexis and Molly had been arguing because mother and daughter had always seemed "tight." Ric admitted that he couldn't imagine why Alexis would be upset with Molly because Molly had always been a good girl. Alexis explained that Molly had lied and gone to a hotel to have sex with Molly's boyfriend. "God only knows how many other times she's done that," Alexis added with irritation. "Never," Molly angrily barked at her mother. Molly insisted that it had been the first time and that T.J. had gone out of his way to make certain that everything had been perfect. Molly added that she and T.J. were in love and had intended to practice safe sex. Alexis turned to Ric for support, but he shocked her by siding with Molly. Molly felt vindicated and accused Alexis of being irrational.

Alexis sarcastically conceded that perhaps all of the years that Alexis had spent providing Molly with food, clothing, shelter, and an education had clouded Alexis' judgment. "By all means, listen to the parent who's raising you on Skype," Alexis added. Ric defended his support of Molly by pointing out that Molly was in love and that it was clear that Molly and T.J. had been responsible. Alexis countered that Molly had lied, which hadn't been the act of a responsible person. Ric argued that Molly had been forced to lie because Molly had known that Alexis would object. Alexis and Ric argued about Molly until Molly stepped in and demanded to know who had told Alexis that Molly and T.J. had been at the hotel. Molly's question was answered when Rafe entered the living room. Molly was livid and began to berate Rafe, so he decided to leave. Molly followed him to the door, accusing him of being a weasel and a snake. Alexis suggested that she and Molly talk, but Molly insisted that she had nothing to say to Alexis and then stormed off to her bedroom. Alexis glared at Ric and once again asked why Ric was in town. Ric maintained that he was there to visit his daughter.

2/26 At the lake house, Alexis called out to Molly to warn Molly that Molly would be late to school. Moments later, Julian stopped by to check on Alexis. Alexis invited Julian inside as she grumbled about having caught their daughter in a hotel about to have sex with a boyfriend. Julian felt bad for Alexis. Alexis was relieved that she had someone on her side. Julian was curious if things had improved after Alexis and Molly had left the hotel, so Alexis sarcastically confessed that the car ride home had been a barrel of laughs because Molly had accused Alexis of being a controlling prude who didn't want Molly to be happy. Alexis revealed that things hadn't improved when they had arrived home because Molly's long-lost father, Ric Lansing, had been waiting and had promptly taken Molly's side. Julian tensed and asked why Ric was in town. Alexis revealed that Ric had shown up unannounced claiming to want to spend time with Molly. However, Alexis was skeptical because Ric always had another agenda.

Later, Alexis returned from Molly's bedroom to announce that Molly still hated her. Julian phone rang, but he let it go to voicemail so he could focus on Alexis. Julian suggested that perhaps Molly had been mortified that Alexis had caught Molly and T.J. together. Alexis worried that she had overreacted, but Julian assured her that she had been trying to protect her daughter. Alexis wasn't satisfied with the answer, so Julian admitted that teenagers would have sex and reminded Alexis that she had slept with him when Alexis had been Molly's age. Alexis insisted that it had been a mistake because she hadn't known what she was doing and had ended up pregnant. Julian was curious if perhaps Alexis' reaction to Molly and T.J. had been more about Julian and Alexis rather than the teens. Alexis was stunned by the suggestion that she might have been jealous that Molly and T.J. had been about to have sex, so she refused to dignify the question with an answer. Alexis shifted gears to explain that she had to get her daughter to school, but she didn't want to wake Danny. Julian agreed to watch their grandson, so Alexis called out to Molly to meet her at the car and then left. A short time later, Julian returned the call that he had received earlier. He apologized for not answering his phone and explained that he had been tied up. The conversation was cut short when someone knocked on the door. Julian ended the call with a promise to call back and then went to the door. It was Shawn.

2/27 At the lake house, Shawn asked where Alexis was. Julian explained that Alexis had taken Molly to school and then started to close the door, but Shawn pushed it back open. "Then I guess we got the place to ourselves," Shawn said as he glared at Julian. Julian advised Shawn to save the threats for a lesser man because it was embarrassing. Shawn was curious if it was more embarrassing than a man hiding behind his grandson or threatening a teenager. Julian claimed that he had no idea what Shawn was talking about. Shawn accused Julian of going after T.J. after Shawn had explicitly warned Julian to stay away from T.J. Julian assured Shawn that it had just been a little talk, but Shawn shoved Julian against the wall and warned Julian to leave T.J. alone. Julian pointed out that Shawn wasn't in a position to carry out any threats because Sonny would not be pleased if Shawn endangered Danny. Shawn pointed out that Julian could donate bone marrow from a wheelchair and then took a swing at Julian. Shawn pulled back on the punch at the last second when Alexis suddenly appeared in the doorway and demanded to know what was going on. Alexis was furious that Shawn had been about to attack Julian when Danny was asleep in the next room. Shawn assured Alexis that he hadn't known that Danny was in the house, so Julian claimed that he had tried to alert Shawn of Danny's presence, but Shawn had shoved Julian against the wall.

Shawn countered by accusing Julian of threatening T.J. Julian admitted that he had talked to T.J. after Alexis and Molly had left, but he denied threatening T.J. Julian explained that he had asked T.J. to tell the police what had really transpired at Sonny's warehouse when Max had been shot. Julian insisted that Sonny and Shawn had been the ones to ask T.J. to cover up the crime because Sonny and Shawn hadn't wanted the police to know that T.J. had witnessed Sonny and Shawn about to execute Julian's associate. Julian revealed that Sonny and Shawn had also tried to kill Julian when Julian had intervened on his associate's behalf. Julian also revealed that Sonny and Shawn had forced Julian's associate to dig his own grave and had kept the man tied up for days. Julian invited Shawn to interject if anything that Julian had said was untrue. Shawn glared at Julian but remained silent, so Alexis ordered Shawn to leave. Shawn asked Alexis not to hold Shawn's mistakes against T.J. because T.J. was a good kid who loved Molly.

Shawn wondered if the same could be said for Julian, but Alexis didn't respond. After Shawn left, Alexis confessed that she suspected that the real truth of what had transpired at the warehouse would make Julian appear far less innocent than his version of events. Julian promised Alexis that he had told the truth and admitted that he couldn't stand it if she thought the worst of him. Julian insisted that Sonny and Shawn were the bad guys, not Julian, but Alexis thought that it would be best for Julian to leave. Julian thanked Alexis for letting him watch Danny and assured her that he would gladly do it again anytime. On the porch, Julian called a mystery person and informed the person that it was time for them to meet face-to-face.

3/5 On the pier, Julian met with a mystery person. He admitted that he was surprised that the mystery person was in town, but he realized that it was because the mystery person wanted to personally take down Sonny. Julian suggested that he and the mystery person wrap things up because Julian didn't want to risk Ava questioning where had had been. Julian confessed that he was relieved that he hadn't told his sister about the mystery person's existence because Ava was no longer trustworthy. Julian knew that the mystery person intended to check in with an ex, so Julian bid the mystery person goodbye and then walked away. At Ava's penthouse, Sonny shot A.J. and watched with a blank expression as A.J. collapsed to the ground. Sonny then walked over to check A.J. for a pulse, prompting Ava to ask if A.J. was dead. "The son of a bitch is still breathing," Sonny growled with frustration as he stood up. Sonny explained that he had flashed back to when he had walked in on A.J. strangling Connie and had snapped when A.J. had denied killing Connie. Sonny countered that it wasn't necessary to shoot A.J. again because A.J. would soon bleed out, but they had better figure out a plan because someone in the building had likely reported the gunshot to the police. Ava realized that Sonny was right, so she took the gun from Sonny, wiped it down to remove their fingerprints, and then set it on the floor next to A.J.

A short time later, Julian arrived home. He called out to his sister, but tensed when he spotted A.J.'s body on the floor. Julian quickly checked A.J. for a pulse, but became alarmed when he heard a noise. Julian grabbed the gun and then ducked around a corner as he alerted the possible intruder that he was armed. Seconds later, Ava and Nathan burst through the front door with their guns raised. Anna spotted Julian and ordered him to drop the gun, so Julian quickly complied. Meanwhile, Nathan checked on A.J. and then called for an ambulance. Julian quickly explained what he had walked in on, but Anna didn't believe Julian, especially when Julian was forced to acknowledge that the gun used to shoot A.J. was registered to Julian. Anna handcuffed Julian, but Julian continued to deny shooting A.J. Anna was curious how A.J. had ended up shot in Julian's apartment if Julian hadn't pulled the trigger. Julian admitted that it was his sister's apartment, but he refused to accuse Ava of the shooting. Julian continued to proclaim his innocence, so Anna asked if he had an alibi for the time of the shooting.

3/6 At the lake house, a frantic Alexis left Molly a sixth voicemail message and sternly ordered Molly to return the call because it had been hours since school had let out. Moments later, Molly arrived home, so Alexis demanded to know where Molly had been. Molly snidely replied that she had been having sex with T.J. and then assured her mother that Alexis could relax because Molly had been at school with a tutor. Molly was offended when it was clear that Alexis didn't trust her, but Alexis countered that her trust in Molly had flown out the window when Molly had lied. Molly argued that she had only lied once because it had been necessary. Alexis disagreed because Molly should have given Alexis the opportunity to talk about Molly having sex. Molly laughed at the idea that Alexis would have accepted Molly's decision as Ric had. Alexis' temper flared because she resented Ric having a say in the matter after being absent for five years. Molly accused Alexis of thinking that Molly would follow in Alexis' footsteps and get pregnant, but Alexis denied that she had tried to punish Molly for the mistakes that Alexis had made. However, Alexis conceded that the fear was in the back of her mind, but Alexis appreciated that Molly was more responsible than Alexis had been at the same age.

Molly was curious why, if that were true, Alexis had been upset at the idea of Molly having sex. Alexis pointed out that sex was a big deal, so Alexis wanted to be certain that Molly was old enough to handle it. Molly promised that she was because she and T.J. loved each other and had been together for years. Molly then added that they'd had the foresight to pick up condoms. "Seriously, how much more mature could we be?" Molly asked with frustration. Alexis became irritated at the reminder of Olivia's role in Molly and T.J.'s rendezvous and threatened to have a word with Olivia. "Who rents a hotel room to children?" Alexis asked with annoyance. Molly wanted to know why Alexis trusted Molly's judgment in every aspect of Molly's life except sex. Alexis recalled Julian's suggestion that perhaps Alexis' reaction to Molly and T.J.'s tryst had had more to do with Julian and Alexis than Molly and T.J. Molly sensed that her mother was not telling her something, so she demanded to know why Alexis was against Molly and T.J. having sex. "Because I'm your mother and I love you," Alexis gently explained. Alexis hoped that Molly would one day understand that that should be enough, but Molly wasn't satisfied and left the room.

In Anna's office, Julian denied shooting A.J. and informed Anna that he didn't know A.J. much less have a grudge against the man. Anna didn't believe Julian because she had walked in on Julian holding the gun that had been used to shoot A.J. Julian advised Anna to look at Ava as a suspect, but Anna suggested that Julian clear things up by providing the name of the business associate that Julian had claimed to meet during the time of the shooting. Julian refused and decided to call his attorney. Anna handed him the phone and then left to check on A.J. in the hopes that A.J. could name the shooter. Julian hoped that Anna was right and then waited for her to leave before he made his call. A short time later, Alexis entered the office. Julian was relieved to see her and quickly explained that he had been implicated in A.J.'s shooting, but he couldn't divulge the name of his alibi. Alexis insisted that she would need to know the associate's name to help Julian, but Julian admitted that he couldn't reveal the person's name.

Alexis and Julian looked up when Anna returned to the office. Anna wasn't surprised when she saw Alexis, but Alexis quickly denied being Julian's attorney. After Anna was called to a crime scene briefing, Julian expressed disappointment that Alexis refused to defend him. Alexis explained that it was a conflict of interest because she was Sonny's attorney. However, she recommended that Julian contact Diane. Julian wasn't interested in retaining his sister's attorney, so Alexis suggested that Julian call her ex-husband, Ric Lansing. Alexis conceded that Ric was Sonny's half-brother, but she assured Julian that the brothers despised each other. Alexis added that she wasn't fond of her ex-husband, either, but she promised that he was an excellent attorney. However, she warned Julian that Julian would have to share the alibi's name with Ric.

3/7 At the lake house, Alexis thanked Ric for stopping by. Ric assumed that Alexis had called to talk about Molly, but Alexis revealed that it was about Julian Jerome. Ric admitted that he had heard of the mobster through Sonny, prompting Alexis to wonder what Sonny had said about Julian. Ric confessed that it had been the usual ramblings that Sonny reserved for anyone who threatened Sonny's criminal organization. Alexis was curious if Sonny had said anything about her relationship with Julian, so Ric admitted that he knew that Julian was Sam's father. Ric commented that Alexis had been nothing if not consistent in her fondness for criminals. Alexis shot back that Ric was part of that pattern, but he wondered how bad he and Sonny could be if she had managed to ensure that their gene pool continued by giving each brother a child. Annoyed, Alexis explained that she hadn't invited Ric over to discuss their dysfunctional past but rather to ask if he would represent Julian. Ric questioned why Alexis wouldn't take the case herself, so she reminded him that it was a conflict of interest. Ric confessed that he had never thought that coffee importing and publishing would overlap each other. He was also surprised that someone as intelligent as Alexis would be completely lacking in wisdom. Alexis refused to argue, so Ric invited her to tell him about the case against Julian. She started to tell Ric about A.J.'s return to town, but Ric revealed that he had been at the hospital when A.J. had arrived by ambulance.

Alexis' eyes narrowed as she asked why Ric had been at the hospital. Ric became evasive, but Alexis pushed until Ric reluctantly admitted that he had paid Elizabeth a visit. Alexis warned Ric that Elizabeth had suffered a horrendous amount of heartbreak over the past five years with the loss of a child, Jason's death, and Lucky walking out, so she asked Ric to leave Elizabeth alone. Ric made it clear that whatever time he spent with Elizabeth didn't concern Alexis. Alexis agreed to drop it and focus on Julian. She admitted that she would consider it a personal favor if Ric took the case, but Ric wondered why she hadn't asked another attorney. Alexis conceded that Ric was an excellent attorney despite being a lousy father and a despicable human being. Ric agreed to take the case, but he stopped at the door to quickly inform Alexis that Molly would be moving in with him. He ducked out of the door before Alexis could react.

Later, Alexis left Molly a tearful voicemail message reminding her daughter of everything that she had done for Molly and then asking Molly to return the call.

In the Port Charles jail, a police officer announced that Julian had a visitor. It was Carlos. Julian greeted his enforcer and then waited until they were alone. Julian quickly filled Carlos in on what had transpired at the apartment when he had found A.J. bleeding on the floor and then asked Carlos to find the real shooter. Carlos was curious if Julian had a suspect in mind, so Julian pointed out that it had been Ava's apartment. Carlos tried to cover for Ava by reminding Julian that Ava didn't have a motive to kill A.J. because she hadn't associated with A.J. since her failed bid for ELQ. Julian didn't know why A.J. had been at the apartment or what had motivated Ava to pull the trigger, but he expected Carlos to find out. Julian suggested that Carlos use Ava's soft spot for Carlos to his advantage and then reminded his enforcer that Julian, not Ava, paid for Carlos' loyalty, so there would be consequences if Carlos failed. Shortly after Carlos left, Ric arrived and greeted Julian.

3/11 At the jail, Ric and Julian shook hands. Ric confessed that it had been a productive meeting and expressed satisfaction that everything had fallen neatly into place. Moments later, Anna walked up and commented that Ric and Julian seemed as thick as thieves, which she thought was an especially fitting description for the two men. Ric realized that she assumed that he and Julian were associates, so Ric quickly introduced himself and clarified that he was Julian's attorney. Anna admitted that she knew who Ric was and then confessed that she was impressed that he had managed to avoid going to prison despite numerous crimes and a stint as corrupt district attorney. Ric smiled indulgently as he reminded Anna that he was there to discuss Julian's situation. Anna insisted she could keep Julian in custody for up to 48 hours without charging Julian with a crime. Julian immediately argued that he had picked up the gun next to A.J. to defend himself against a possible intruder.

Ric pointed out that it was a plausible excuse, but Anna countered that she knew firsthand about Julian's criminal history, prompting Ric to threaten to sue for harassment. Ric explained that he knew that Mayor Lomax was looking for a reason to fire Anna, so Ric would be happy to provide the mayor with what she needed to get rid of the police commissioner. Anna explained that Julian could easily clear things up by providing her with the name of the associate that Julian had met at the time of the shooting. Ric denied that it was necessary for Anna to know the man's name, but Anna disagreed, since the law and the facts were on her side rather than on Julian's.

At the lake house, Alexis left Molly a voicemail message warning Molly that avoiding Alexis' phone calls would only make things worse. As if on cue, Molly walked in, so Alexis confronted Molly about moving in with Ric. Molly accused Alexis of overreacting to Molly's decision to live with Ric, but Alexis informed her daughter that it hadn't been part of Alexis and Ric's custody agreement. Molly argued that things were different because Molly wasn't a little girl anymore. Alexis conceded that Molly wasn't a child, but she quickly pointed out that Molly wasn't an adult, either, and certainly not old enough to do what Molly had planned to do with T.J. Molly hoped that her father would see things differently when Molly moved in with him. "Over my dead body," Alexis warned Molly. Molly argued that it wasn't Alexis' decision to make because Alexis and Ric had shared custody of Molly, and Ric had returned to town and was looking for a place to live. Alexis explained that she couldn't allow Molly to live with Ric because of the types of people that Ric associated with, including the likes of Faith Roscoe and the Zaccharas. Molly reminded Alexis that Alexis represented Sonny, who was also a mobster.

Alexis refused to bend, so Molly stormed off to the bedroom. Alexis started to follow her daughter, but the doorbell rang. Alexis' frustration mounted when she opened the door and saw Ric standing on her doorstep. Ric sensed that it was a bad time, but Alexis decided to seize the opportunity to discuss Molly's desire to live with Ric. Ric explained that he had agreed to let their daughter move in because it was clear that Molly and Alexis weren't getting along. Alexis accused Ric of taking advantage of the situation, but Ric insisted that Alexis was the one who had refused to allow their daughter to grow up. Ric suggested that some distance might help Alexis and Molly, but Alexis made it clear that she wasn't a fan of long distance parenting. Alexis insisted that Ric should have discussed things with her before agreeing to let their daughter move in. Ric apologized and then shifted gears to explain that he had stopped by to let her know that he had decided to take Julian's case. Alexis was curious if Julian had been released from jail, so Ric admitted that he was still working on it. However, he warned Alexis that Anna was determined to make the charges stick. After Ric left, Alexis called out to Molly. Molly didn't respond, so Alexis checked her daughter's bedroom. She was furious when she realized that Molly had slipped out of the house.

A.J. remembered Sonny shooting him, but A.J. was too weak to share the details of the shooting. Michael wondered if Julian had shot A.J. "No," A.J. weakly replied. Shocked, Michael asked if A.J. was certain that Julian hadn't shot him. A.J. nodded, so Michael asked who had shot A.J. A.J. tried to answer the question, but A.J.'s eyes suddenly rolled back as he appeared to suffer a seizure and then flat-lined.

3/12 At the lake house, Alexis left Molly frantic voicemail message asking Molly to return the call. Moments later, someone knocked on the door. Alexis was surprised when she saw Julian standing on her doorstep. Julian quickly explained that A.J. had regained consciousness and had cleared Julian of the shooting. Alexis was relieved and invited Julian inside. Julian entered and then handed Alexis a bouquet of flowers. Alexis was touched by the gesture and asked how Julian had known that gardenias were her favorite flowers. Julian realized that she might not believe him, but he confessed that he recalled that she had smelled like gardenias when they had first met years earlier in Hanover. Alexis quipped that she had feared that she had smelled like stale beer, but Julian wasn't amused and assured her that she had been as beautiful then as she was at that moment. Alexis nervously cleared her throat and then explained that Julian couldn't stay because she had to focus on sorting things out with Molly. Julian warned Alexis that she would eventually run out of excuses to get rid of him or simply ignore them when she finally realized that what he and Alexis shared was too much for Alexis to continue to resist.

Later, Alexis greeted Sam and asked about her daughter's trip to New York City. Sam explained that things hadn't worked out as planned because the pharmacist that Sam and Silas had intended to question had died under circumstances similar to Silas' wife's overdose. Sam admitted that the police suspected Silas of the murder because Silas had been at the hotel during the time of Mr. Nakamura's overdose. However, Sam was certain that Ava, not Silas, had killed the pharmacist.

Sam explained that Ava had unexpectedly shown up in the city to visit Ava's mother, Delia, whom Ava hadn't seen in many years. Alexis realized that Ava couldn't have shot A.J. if Ava had been in the city. Stunned, Sam asked what her mother was talking about, so Alexis quickly filled Sam in about the shooting and then revealed that Ric was back in town. Sam was shocked and asked how long Ric intended to stay. Alexis admitted that she didn't know because Molly had decided to move in with Ric when Alexis had put a stop to Molly's tryst with T.J. in a hotel room. Alexis quickly steered the conversation back to Silas' predicament, prompting Sam to reveal that Nathan had also shown up in New York City and had called Silas out for not visiting Nina. Sam explained that she and Silas had gone to pay Nina a visit, but Silas' wife had disappeared from the facility. Sam confided that she suspected that Ava had been responsible for Nina's sudden disappearance.

Carlos warned Ava that Julian remained convinced that Ava was guilty. Ava argued that the police wouldn't keep Julian in jail if they didn't have evidence to prove that Julian had shot A.J. "You were saying?" Julian asked as he entered the apartment. Ava was shocked when Julian revealed that A.J. had woken up and had cleared Julian of the shooting. Ava carefully asked if A.J. had said anything else, but Julian was curious why she was interested in what A.J. had said. Ava assured her brother that she hadn't shot A.J. and then pointed out that she had barely known A.J. Julian didn't believe Ava and suggested that she was protesting too much. Ava explained that she had only recently arrived home from a trip to New York City, so she couldn't have been responsible for the shooting.

Ava decided to head to the hospital on the pretext of checking on Kiki, but Julian suspected that Ava's true motive was to find out if A.J. had incriminated her in the shooting. Ava ignored her brother's remark and asked Carlos to drive her to the hospital because the check engine light was on in her car. Julian objected and suggested that Ava take a cab. Annoyed, Ava left. Julian immediately questioned Carlos about anything that Ava might have said that might incriminate her in the shooting. Carlos covered for Ava, but Julian sensed that Carlos was hiding something, so he reminded Carlos that Carlos worked for him, not Ava. Julian admitted that Ava could no longer be trusted, so Julian wouldn't hesitate to take out anyone who was loyal to Ava rather than Julian.

3/17 At the lake house, T.J. and Molly got passionate on the couch. Just as they decided to take it up a level and go to Molly's room, Alexis got home and surprised them. Before Molly could start an argument, Alexis suddenly conceded that she no longer objected if the teens had sex. In fact, she encouraged them to go to Molly's room while she waited in the living room for them to finish. Both teens were embarrassed, and T.J. could not leave fast enough. Molly accused Alexis of deliberately embarrassing T.J., and Alexis admitted that she had. Alexis also told Molly that she had been wrong not to trust Molly to know when it was the right time to have sex. Alexis said that she had been afraid that Molly would be hurt like she had been, but Alexis had finally realized that Molly was not Alexis. Molly said that she had another advantage that Alexis had not had, and that was a loving, supportive mother. Mother and daughter kissed and made up.

3/18 At the Jerome Gallery, Julian handed Ric documents with a promise that everything was on the up and up, as they had discussed. Julian was curious when they could move forward with the next phase of their partnership, but Ava strolled in before Ric could answer. Ava was curious what was going on, so Ric introduced himself and Julian explained that Ric had represented Julian when the police had suspected Julian of shooting A.J. Ava was curious if Julian had landed in more legal trouble, but Julian assured his sister that he didn't have any charges pending. Ric stepped aside and looked around the gallery as Ava questioned Julian about his association with Ric. Julian explained that he intended to retain Ric to handle the contracts for the various art shows at the gallery. Ava recalled Sonny warning her that Julian had a secret moneyman bankrolling the Jerome organization, so she balked at the suggestion of Ric working for the gallery and reminded Julian that Diane handled all of the gallery's legal affairs. Julian countered that Diane had been difficult to reach since Max's shooting and then pointedly suggested that Diane might blame the Jeromes for what had happened to Max.

Ava countered that Ric was Sonny's brother and wondered if Julian was interested in Ric because of the bad blood between Ric and Sonny. Ric assured Ava that he was no longer out to get his brother and that he was only interested in doing aboveboard work for the gallery. Ava appeared skeptical as she wondered if that was the extent of Julian's association with Ric. Ric promised her that it was and then innocently asked what else there could be. "You tell me," Ava challenged. Ric decided to let Julian and Ava sort things out, so he left. Julian resented Ava's hostility towards Ric, but she was unapologetic as she demanded to know what was really going on. Ava reminded Julian that the gallery belonged to her and was just a front for Julian, but Julian explained that they needed to cover all of their bases. He pointed out that they had been targeting Sonny's legitimate businesses, so Sonny might want to retaliate by doing the same to them. Julian admitted that he couldn't trust Ava to keep the business safe because she had botched the ELQ takeover, but she saw through the ploy to misdirect her and demanded to know if Julian's interest in Ric had anything to do with the person who had been bankrolling the Jerome organization.

Julian was curious what had made Ava believe that anyone had been bankrolling his organization. Ava insisted that it was their organization but added that she'd simply had a hunch. Julian didn't believe her and suggested that Alexis had been right to warn him that Ava had been snooping through his computer files. Ava insisted that she deserved to know the truth because she was Julian's partner, so she demanded to know if Ric had been funding their organization. Julian informed Ava that he didn't answer to anyone and then added that it was none of her business.

At the lake house, Alexis was reading a news article about Julian's release from jail. She recalled how Julian had told her that one day she'd run out of excuses and realize that the attraction between them was too much to resist. Moments later, someone knocked on the door. It was Sonny. Sonny explained that he needed Alexis' help, so Alexis offered him some coffee because he looked exhausted. Sonny admitted that he had spent the night at the hospital with Michael because of A.J. He grumbled that A.J. had appointed Michael to make all medical decisions for A.J. "Typical," Sonny spat with irritation. According to Sonny, it had been a desperate ploy on A.J.'s part to show Michael that Michael had meant something to A.J.

Alexis knew that A.J. had been shot, but she hadn't realized that A.J. had been in critical condition. Sonny explained that A.J. had suffered an aneurysm, so Michael had decided to ask Patrick to operate. Alexis was curious if the operation had been a success, but Sonny admitted that A.J. remained in surgery. Alexis felt terrible for Michael because it was not okay for a kid to have to make that kind of choice for a parent. However, she suspected that it wasn't the reason for Sonny's visit. Alexis wondered if Sonny needed legal advice, prompting Sonny to ask why she would think that. She pointed out that Julian had been released from jail, which meant that the shooter was still on the loose. She quietly reminded him that anything he told her would be kept in the strictest of confidence because of attorney/client privilege, but Sonny assured her that he had kept his promise to Michael not to hurt A.J. Sonny then added that he had an alibi; he had been with Duke at the time of the shooting.

Alexis was curious why Sonny had sought her out, so Sonny revealed that he wanted to talk to her about Ric and Julian's association. Alexis explained that she had asked Ric to represent Julian when the police had suspected Julian of shooting A.J., but Sonny revealed that someone had been secretly bankrolling the Jerome organization through Barrett Enterprises. Alexis was surprised that Sonny suspected Ric because Ric didn't have access to that kind of money. Sonny argued that they had no idea what Ric had been up to during the five years that Ric had been away. Sonny suggested that Ric could have put together a hedge fund, but Alexis thought that Sonny was reaching. Sonny insisted that he had always had a sense that Julian's vendetta against Sonny had been personal and then added that Ric had always had a lifelong grudge against Sonny, so it made perfect sense to Sonny that Ric would be Julian's moneyman. Alexis wondered if Sonny had any proof of his claims, but Sonny shook his head and explained that was why he needed Alexis' help. Alexis explained that she was barely on speaking terms with Ric, but Sonny clarified that he wanted Alexis to get the information out of Julian.

Shocked, Alexis explained that she and Julian were not that close, but Sonny didn't believe her because he was certain that Alexis and Julian were involved. Alexis conceded that she had been attracted to Julian when she had believed that he was Derek Wells, but she had rebuffed all of his advances once she had learned who Julian really was. Sonny explained that Alexis was Julian's weakness and that she could use the attraction that Julian felt for her to her advantage to glean information. Alexis refused to do it, so Sonny urged her to consider Molly because Ric's involvement with Julian could endanger Molly. Alexis doubted that Julian would tell her anything, but Sonny urged her to try and then suggested that she invite Julian to Nikolas' engagement party. Alexis wasn't comfortable inviting Julian to a family function or entrapping Julian, but Sonny insisted that was what he paid Alexis for. Alexis informed Sonny that he was her client, not her pimp, but she agreed to do it to make certain that Molly stayed safe. Moments later, Alexis called Julian to invite him over so they could talk.

3/19 At the art gallery, Julian promised to meet Alexis right away and then ended the call. Ava was curious who had Julian on such a short leash, but he ignored the question as he made his way to the door. Ava wondered if it was his mysterious business partner, so Julian pointed out that he had never told her that he had a partner. Ava countered that Julian hadn't denied it either. "Touché" Julian replied and then left.

At the lake house, Alexis primped and applied lipstick before Julian arrived. She was surprised when Molly suddenly arrived home. Molly explained that she'd only had a half day of school, but she assured her mother that she planned to head to T.J.'s because she and T.J. intended to have an orgy. Alexis was not amused, so Molly smiled and explained that it had been payback for Alexis embarrassing Molly and T.J. the previous day. However, Molly admitted that she was headed to Kelly's because T.J.'s mother was in town. Alexis was surprised because she knew that T.J. and his mother hadn't had much contact. Molly reminded Alexis that Shawn had planned to send T.J. back to Maryland when T.J. had landed in hot water with Julian but had changed his mind at the last minute, so Molly assumed that T.J.'s mother had decided to pay her son a visit. Alexis advised Molly to make friends with T.J.'s mother, but Molly was curious why Alexis was wearing a new shade of lipstick that didn't suit Alexis.

Moments later, Molly had her answer when Julian arrived. Alexis quickly shooed Molly out the door, which surprised Julian because Alexis had objected to Molly spending time with T.J. the previous day. Alexis admitted that a lot had changed in the previous twenty-four hours and then admitted that she had wanted to talk to Julian alone. Julian wondered if it was business or "other." "Other," Alexis answered. Pleased, Julian moved closer to Alexis with the intention of kissing her, but she quickly backed away and explained that she had wanted to invite him to go to a family engagement party. Julian was surprised because he hadn't expected Alexis to want to be seen in public with him.

Julian sensed that Alexis had an ulterior motive, but Alexis innocently asked what other reason she could have. Julian pointed out that in his line of work, he had to be cautious, especially since Alexis' attitude had been quite a turnaround. He wondered if she was concerned about how Sonny would react to her going out with Sonny's enemy, but Alexis argued that she was Sonny's attorney, so Sonny didn't get a say in what she did in her private life. However, Alexis offered to call Ric to see if Ric would be interested in attending the party with her. Julian was curious why Alexis would want to go to the party with Ric. Alexis explained that she and Ric were on better terms and had made peace, but Julian took the phone away from Alexis and told her that she couldn't get involved with Ric. Alexis wondered why not, so Julian explained that Ric was not the man for her. Julian insisted that he was the man for Alexis and that it was time that he made her realize that. Julian arranged to pick her up later that evening and then went to the door. Alexis smiled because she guessed that they had a date. "There's no guessing about it," Julian replied and then left. Alexis sighed and then fanned herself with her hand.

3/20 At the lake house, Alexis asked Sam and Molly what they thought of Alexis' dress. Both of Alexis' daughters agreed that their mother looked "hot." Alexis beamed and returned the compliment by admitting that Sam and Molly cleaned up nicely as well. Alexis then shifted gears to ask if they were ready to party. Sam and Molly nodded, and then Sam admitted that she could use a drink. Alexis agreed that a drink sounded good, so Molly assured Sam and Alexis that they could head to the party as soon as Silas and T.J. arrived. Alexis was curious why Molly had left out Alexis' date. Surprised, Sam wondered who Alexis' date was. As if on cue, Julian knocked on the door. Sam's smile disappeared when she saw her father standing on her mother's doorstep. Sam sidled over to her sister to ask if Molly had known that Julian was Alexis' date. Molly admitted that she'd had a hunch.

Meanwhile, Julian complimented Alexis, so Alexis thanked him and then warned both of her daughters that they could hear them talking. Sam admitted that she was thrown to discover that her parents had a date. Julian confessed that he had been surprised by Alexis' change of heart and had assumed that Sam had persuaded Alexis to give him a second chance. Sam admitted that she hadn't talked to her mother about Julian, but Julian was undaunted because he was grateful to whoever had convinced Alexis to change her mind about him. Alexis recalled Sonny urging Alexis to invite Julian to the party to glean information about what Julian and Ric were up to, but she shoved the thought aside, and she pasted on a nervous smile. A short time later, Silas and T.J. arrived. T.J. tensed when he saw Julian and accused Julian of threatening him. Julian denied the allegation and clarified that he had merely urged T.J. to go to the police with the truth about Sonny.

Julian admitted that he still thought that it was the right thing to do, but Julian respected T.J.'s decision to keep quiet, even though it frustrated Julian that the entire town was "hellbent" on protecting Sonny. However, Julian conceded that the evening was not about Sonny or business, so he suggested that they each focus on their gorgeous dates and having fun. Alexis and her family arrived at Britt and Nikolas' engagement party at Wyndemere. Alexis was confident that Nikolas and Britt would be happy because Britt lived in the "mausoleum" and hadn't complained, which meant that Britt was a keeper. Julian confessed that he thought that the castle was perfect. As the guests continued to arrive, Nikolas confided that he was surprised that there hadn't been any drama.

Sonny greeted Alexis and Julian. Julian imagined that Sonny was surprised to see Julian at the party, but Sonny admitted that he wasn't because Alexis had always had bad taste in men. "Except for me," Sonny added with a smile. Lucas walked up to greet his father, so Julian stepped away to have a chat with Lucas. Sonny immediately seized the opportunity to talk to Alexis about Julian and Ric. Alexis pointed out that Ric was at the party, so she doubted that Julian would say anything revealing about Ric. Sonny wanted Alexis to try to get Julian to open up because Sonny was certain that Ric and Julian were plotting against Sonny.

3/21 Britt and Nikolas' engagement party at Wyndemere. Alexis and Sonny noticed Julian talking to Ric in a corner. Sonny realized that Julian was on guard, so Alexis wondered how she was expected to get Julian to open up about his association with Ric. Sonny was confident that Alexis would find a way, but Alexis believed that Sonny had her confused with Mata Hari. Alexis pointed out that Julian and Ric's connection could be legitimate, but Sonny doubted it and pushed Alexis to find out. After Sonny walked away, Alexis furtively drifted close to Julian and Ric in time to hear Julian and Ric agree that it wasn't the place for them to talk because someone might overhear them. Alexis approached Julian and admitted that she had stayed away to avoid Ric. Julian was surprised because he had thought that Alexis and Ric were on good terms. Alexis explained that it only worked if she and her ex maintained their distance and then seized the opportunity to question Julian about the nature of his association with Ric. Julian reminded Alexis that Ric had gotten him out of jail, but Alexis suggested that Julian and Ric had seemed rather chummy. Julian claimed that he had talked to Ric about Lucas, which had surprised Alexis because she knew that Lucas was a sensitive topic for Julian.

Moments later, Julian's cell phone beeped indicating that he had received a text message. Alexis was eager to see what the text message read, so she bumped into him and sloshed her drink on his shirt and phone. Alexis quickly grabbed a napkin and then handed it to Julian to blot his shirt, while she took his phone to dry it off. She saw that the text message was a request for Julian to meet someone as soon as possible and then returned the phone to Julian before he noticed what she had done. Julian excused himself to clean up in the bathroom, so Alexis promised to wait, since they were like little caged rats trapped on the creepy island. Alexis told Sonny about the text message that Julian had received. She explained that there hadn't been a phone number with the message, but Julian had promised to return shortly, which indicated that the meeting would take place on the castle's grounds. Alexis assured Sonny that she knew the place like the back of her hand, so she was confident that she could track Julian and the mystery person down.

A short time later, Alexis overheard Ric congratulate a mystery person and brag that their plan had worked. She was startled when she entered the room and saw Ric talking to Cam. Ric noticed that she seemed surprised and wondered who she had expected him to be talking to.

Outside, Julian received another text message requesting that Julian go to the stables. Julian entered the stables. "What's going on?" Julian asked as Luke turned to face Julian.

3/24 Britt and Nikolas' engagement party was in full swing at Wyndemere. Alexis revealed that she had expected to find Ric with Julian, not Cam, whom Ric had been talking with about Cam's success with Emma. Ric figured out that Alexis was getting information for Sonny and assured her that his business with Julian was strictly legal. Sonny found Ric and Alexis together. Ric confronted Sonny and told Sonny bluntly that he had nothing to do with trying to take Sonny down. Ric was adamant when he told Sonny that he wanted to leave the past in the past. Sonny was skeptical. Ric took Cameron and left in a disgusted huff. Alexis said that she had seen a text message on Julian's phone requesting a meeting, and she had been looking for him. When she heard Ric, she had thought she had found them together. Alexis believed that Ric was not the one trying to take Sonny down, but Sonny thought otherwise and accused Alexis of giving up his advantage to Ric and Julian. Alexis became angry with Sonny and told him to find a better spy than she was. She also walked out in a disgusted huff.

Julian went to the stables to have a meeting with his secret financial backer, Luke, who revealed that his goal was to take Sonny down. Luke said that he had only gotten engaged to Tracy as a way to get control of ELQ, because his plan required a legitimate business. Luke was upset because Julian had not achieved the goal of destroying Sonny. Luke told Julian that it was time for Plan B. Luke said that his bold new plan would cross lines that Sonny would not cross. Tracy found them in the stables together, just as Luke said that he would do whatever it took. Tracy wanted answers. Luke gave a very credible cover story that he had been warning Julian about mistreating Lucas. Julian and Luke pretended to argue. Tracy believed Luke's explanation. Luke and Tracy left the stables, but Luke sent Tracy ahead so that he could retrieve his lost lighter. Luke and Julian agreed to move forward with their new plan. Luke said that all he cared about was results. When both men left, Spencer emerged from the stall where he had been hiding.

The guests assembled in the main ballroom so that Nikolas could toast the bride. The entire party was smiling and laughing with the happy couple when Lulu walked in and shouted that Britt should take her hands off Lulu's baby.

3/25 At the lake house, Alexis received a text message from Molly, informing her mother that Molly and T.J. were at Kelly's, trying a new item on the menu. "Sexual chocolate," Alexis added with an eye roll. Julian smiled as he admitted that Molly had a good sense of humor. Alexis sarcastically agreed that her youngest child was a riot. Julian shifted gears by pointing out that they had the place to themselves for a while, so Alexis suggested that he be careful because she might get the impression that he wanted to spend the night. Julian pointed out that they were on a date, but Alexis admitted that she hadn't really noticed because he had vanished for a good portion of the evening. Julian apologized for taking a phone call that he claimed had been important. However, he admitted that he would have left his cell phone at home if he had to do it over because Alexis had deserved better.

Alexis confessed that Julian deserved better, as well, and then admitted that she'd had an ulterior motive for asking him to attend the party with her. Alexis claimed that she had been concerned about her daughter, Molly, so Alexis had hoped to find out how far Julian and Ric's association had gone. Julian reminded her that she had asked Ric to help with Julian's legal troubles, but Alexis wasn't satisfied with the answer and asked if Julian had known Ric before she had introduced them. Julian resented Alexis suspecting him of blatantly lying to her, but Alexis demanded an answer. She asked him if Ric had been calling the shots against Sonny and if Ric had returned with an agenda to destroy Sonny. Julian moved close to Alexis and quietly whispered, "Go to hell." Taken aback, Alexis claimed that she had simply wanted to protect her daughter and then reminded Julian that he couldn't be trusted because he had initially arrived in town as Derek Wells.

Julian confessed that he had been relieved when the truth about his identity had been revealed and promised her that he had been honest with her since she had learned who he really was. Julian thought that he and Alexis had had something special, but he realized that he had been nothing more than a means to an end for her. Alexis explained that she couldn't put herself out there for a man who had left a trail of violence in his wake, but Julian argued that she had been involved with men like Sonny and Shawn and had engaged in various other dangerous liaisons throughout her life.

Alexis insisted that she had changed because she wanted something better for herself. Julian questioned why, if that were true, she was always around him. Julian suspected that she pushed him away because she was afraid of her feelings for him, but Alexis stubbornly remained silent until she succumbed to temptation and kissed him. Moments later, she shoved him away. Frustrated, Julian decided to leave because he was tired of playing games. He warned her that once he walked out the door, he would not return. Julian wished Alexis luck finding someone that would give her a run for her money and then reached for the doorknob. Something in Alexis appeared to snap as she marched up to him and then kissed him again. Passion flared between them as they began to rip off each other's clothes and then made love.

3/31 Luke met Julian at the gallery. He told Julian that he had a new plan to run drugs through Port Charles because Sonny did not. Julian was reluctant, but Luke pulled out a large brick of white powder, took some out, rolled a one hundred dollar bill into a straw and offered it to Julian, who seemed revolted and passed. Luke did not. He insisted that Julian take a whiff also, but Sam interrupted, and Luke, who was sitting with his back towards Sam, quickly scooped everything back into his bag before Sam noticed. Luke explained that he was in the gallery, looking for a birthday present for Tracy. Sam said that she needed to talk to Julian privately. Luke left, but not before making suggestive comments to Sam, who noted to Julian that Luke's behavior was strange, even for Luke. Sam asked Julian if he had meant what he had said when he had agreed to help Sam proved that Ava had framed Silas. Julian said that he had. Sam told Julian her plan, and he agreed to help her.

4/2 At the Jerome Gallery, Ava arrived for work in a chipper mood. Julian questioned his sister's rare good mood and wondered if it had had anything to do with A.J.'s passing. Ava glanced at the newspaper that her brother showed her featuring an article about A.J.'s passing and conceded that she had heard about A.J.'s demise, but it had nothing to do with her mood. She claimed that she was simply happy because it was spring. Julian doubted that Ava's "bliss fest" had anything to do with dandelions and dogwoods, so Ava admitted that she hadn't been particularly fond of A.J, but she assured Julian that she hadn't wished the man dead. Julian pointed out that the person who had shot A.J. was still out there. "Or should I say she's in here?" Julian amended. Annoyed, Ava wondered why Julian was so certain that she had killed A.J., so Julian pointed out that the shooting had taken place in her apartment. Ava argued that she had been in New York City at the time of the shooting, prompting Julian to mention the investigation into Nakamura's overdose. Julian was about to show his sister the article about Nakamura sudden return from the dead when Jordan Ashford walked in and asked about the job opening.

Julian excused himself to take a call from his daughter as Ava looked over Jordan's résumé. Ava wasn't impressed with Jordan's spotty work history and lack of experience beyond majoring in art in school. Jordan asked for a chance and promised that she was a quick learner, but Ava was unmoved. Jordan admitted that she had moved to town because Jordan had wanted an opportunity to get closer to her son. Ava glanced at a picture of Kiki as Jordan opened up about her rocky relationship with T.J. Ava relented and offered Jordan a job. Ava instructed Jordan to report to work the following day at ten in the morning. After a grateful Jordan left, Julian asked why Ava had hired Jordan, who was likely going to report everything back to Shawn Butler, Sonny's right-hand man. Julian suddenly realized that perhaps Ava hoped that Julian's activities would get back to Sonny, but Ava scoffed at the suggestion and accused Julian of being paranoid. Ava then shifted gears to ask Julian about the article that he had wanted to show her before Jordan had arrived, so Julian handed his sister the newspaper folded open to the story about Nakamura.

4/3 At the Jerome Gallery, Ava was stunned when she read the news article about Mr. Nakamura being alive. She immediately demanded to know if it was true and asked who Julian's sources had been. Julian smiled knowingly as he refused to give Ava any information. Moments later, an infuriated Detective West entered the gallery and demanded to talk to Julian about the newspaper article. Nathan pointedly glared at Ava and clarified "privately." Ava bristled with indignation, but left to go to her office. Julian quietly warned the detective that Ava would circle back within thirty seconds to eavesdrop, so Nathan suggested that they make it sound good. Seconds later, Ava appeared around the corner to listen in on the conversation.

Nathan feigned fury that Julian had endangered the life of Nakamura, who was scheduled to spill all of his secrets to Detective West. Nathan wondered if perhaps Julian had written the article to help his sister, Ava, who was considered a prime suspect in the investigation along with Silas Clay. Julian admitted that he didn't trust his sister, so it would be to Julian's benefit if Ava was implicated in the crimes that the pharmacist intended to discuss. Surprised, Nathan asked for Julian's help by running an article claiming that pharmacist would be kept at a brownstone on Elm Street to send anyone who wished Nakamura harm in the wrong direction.

Julian refused to knowingly print a lie in the newspaper, so Nathan agreed to give Julian an exclusive with Nakamura in exchange for Julian's cooperation. Julian agreed provided that Nathan told him Nakamura's true location. Nathan reluctantly revealed that Nakamura was at Metro Court in Room 617. After Nathan left, Julian called out to Ava. Ava quietly hovered in the corner a few seconds and then rounded the corner pretending that she had walked all the way from her office. She asked about the detective's visit, but Julian explained that he had to take care of some newspaper business and then left with the promise that they would finish their earlier discussion soon.

4/7 At the Jerome Gallery, Julian looked at the newspaper article about Nakamura and then quietly wished Ava luck at Pentonville. Moments later, Ric entered to inform Julian that Ric had become the focus of an inquiry about Julian's silent business partner. Julian pointed out that there was nothing to be concerned about because Ric was only involved in Julian's legitimate businesses. Ric had worked hard to clean up his act, so he refused to risk being linked to Julian's criminal activity because Ric wanted to be able to look his daughter in the eye to assure Molly that at least one of Molly's parents wasn't in bed with the mob. Alexis appeared in the doorway, cleared her throat, and then asked if she had interrupted the gentleman. Ric sarcastically confessed that she had caught him in the act of conspiring with Julian and then clarified that he had resigned as Julian's attorney.

After Ric left, Alexis asked Julian if what Ric had said was true. Julian was curious if Alexis was there to talk about her ex-husband or what had happened between Julian and Alexis following the party. Alexis revealed that she wasn't ready for Molly to know about Alexis' relationship with Julian in part because Julian had once held T.J. at gunpoint. Julian reminded Alexis that the cat was out of the bag because Molly and T.J. knew that Julian and Alexis had gone out on a date. Alexis agreed, but she wasn't ready for her youngest daughter to realize the exact nature of Alexis' relationship with Julian.

Julian smiled when Alexis assured him that their night together had been more than a one-night stand. However, she felt hypocritical getting involved with Julian when she had ended things with Shawn because of the lifestyle choices that Shawn had made. Julian suggested that perhaps Shawn simply hadn't been the right man for Alexis. Julian conceded that he might not be the right guy, either. He thought that he Alexis owed it to themselves to dig deep and explore what had developed between them. Alexis agreed, but she wanted to take things slowly and one step at a time. Julian slowly popped a button loose on Alexis' jacket as he asked if it was a good first step. Alexis smiled, so Julian leaned forward and then kissed her passionately as they slowly made their way to his desk. 4/10 Outside of the Floating Rib, Julian called Sam. He apologized for calling so late, but he had been anxious to find out if the plan to clear Silas' name and catch Ava had worked. Sam revealed that they had caught someone, but it hadn't been Ava. She quickly filled him in on what had transpired at the hotel, so Julian offered to help if Sam needed further assistance. Sam thanked her father and then ended the call.

Moments later, Luke walked up. Luke was curious if the phone call had been good news, so Julian shook his head and revealed that Ava was still in the way. Luke smiled despite the slight snag in plans because he anticipated that the problem with Sonny would soon be resolved. Julian and Luke entered the bar separately. Julian hesitated in the doorway when he spotted Nathan at the bar, but Luke proceeded to a booth and waited for Julian to join him. Julian sat down and warned Luke that it might not be a good idea for them to be seen together because there was a cop at the bar. Luke was unconcerned because as far as anyone else was concerned, Luke was an art collector and Julian his supplier. Luke revealed that he would need Julian to pick out "any piece of crap" that Luke could pass off as art because Luke had promised Tracy a birthday present.

After drinks were served, Luke bragged that he had fanned the flames of hatred between the "brothers Corinthos." Julian was curious why, so Luke explained that it had been to keep Sonny off-balance and looking in the wrong direction. Julian admitted that it might have been a mistake to try to pit Sonny and Ric against each other because Ric had decided to quit working for Julian. Luke shrugged and suggested that perhaps Sonny would see it as an attempt by Ric to throw Sonny off. Julian was impressed with Luke's ideas, but Julian suggested Luke keep Julian in the loop rather than play games. Luke made it clear that his plans for Port Charles were deadly serious and then revealed that a new drug shipment would be arriving within the hour. Julian assured Luke that Julian had people on it, but Luke wanted Julian to supervise the unloading of the shipment because Luke needed the product to move quickly. Luke explained that the sooner that they got their hands on the money from the sale of the drugs then the sooner they could launder it through ELQ. Julian promised to rally the troops and then left.

4/15 At the Jerome Gallery, Ava marched in as Julian ended a phone call with Luke. She immediately blasted her brother for running the false article about Nakamura with the hope that Ava would be ensnared in the trap. Ava angrily pointed out that she hadn't injected Nina or killed Nakamura, but she resented that Julian had thought that she had. Ava dared Julian to admit that Julian had helped the police and Sam because he had wanted Ava out of the picture. Julian agreed to do so if she would confess to feeding Sonny information about the Jerome organization. Ava's anger evaporated as Julian informed her that Sonny's henchmen had raided a couple of their safe houses over the past few weeks. Ava acknowledged that it did appear that they had a leak in their organization, but she assured Julian that it was not her. Julian disagreed because he was certain that he was looking at the traitor, but Ava insisted that Julian didn't have any reason to suspect her. Julian pointed out that Ava's "boy-toy" was Sonny's son, but Ava resented Morgan being referred to as a "boy-toy" because she and Morgan were in love.

Julian scoffed at the suggestion that Ava's relationship with Morgan was real, but Julian was curious why Ava showed more loyalty to Morgan than she did to her own brother, Julian. Ava accused Julian of betraying her with a false article in an attempt to send Ava to jail. Julian and Ava continued to yell back and forth until Jordan appeared in the doorway and asked if it was a bad time. Ava immediately seized the opportunity end the argument by focusing on Jordan. Ava offered to get Jordan started on cataloging the artwork, but Carlos walked in an asked for a moment of Ava's time. Ava smiled nervously as Julian watched Ava and Carlos with interest, so she tried to send Carlos away by explaining that she didn't have time to discuss their project. Ava claimed that she had asked Carlos to look into the shipping options of importing sculptures, but Carlos insisted that it was urgent. Julian was suspicious, but he agreed to get Jordan acclimated.

Jordan halted Julian after a few steps because she had decided to clear the air about T.J. Julian assured Jordan that both Jordan and T.J. had nothing to worry about and promised her that nothing nefarious was going. Moments later, Luke strolled in. Luke took an instant liking to Jordan when Julian introduced Luke to the new gallery employee. Luke flirted with Jordan until Julian sent her to wrap up an expensive painting for Luke. Luke questioned Julian about Jordan, but Julian advised Luke to be careful because Tracy might not be pleased with Luke's interest in Jordan. Luke realized that Julian had a point, so he took his wrapped painting and then left. Afterwards, Julian apologized to Jordan for Luke's behavior. Jordan assured Julian that she could handle Luke, so Julian asked how Jordan had liked her first day on the job. Jordan confessed that she'd had something else in mind. Julian tensed as he asked her to clarify what she had meant, so Jordan explained that she knew about the drug operation.

4/16 At the Jerome Gallery, Jordan quietly confessed that she knew about Julian's drug operation. Julian pretended that he had no idea what Jordan was talking about, so Jordan suggested that she broach the subject with his sister, Ava. Julian didn't react, prompting Jordan to reveal that she knew that Julian had received a shipment on the Atlantic Light. Julian suggested that she stay away from drugs, but Jordan assured him that she had never touched drugs, but she knew how to traffic them, so she wanted in on Julian's lucrative business. Jordan bragged that her expertise was in the area of distribution and that Julian could use her because she had easily gotten the information about the shipment. Jordan warned him that his people were sloppy, but she assured Julian that she would make certain that the venture ran smoothly and didn't become vulnerable. Julian continued to play it cool by acting surprised that his sister had hired a drug dealer, but Jordan wasn't fooled and confided that she had once run a profitable business in the "D.C. corridor."

Jordan warned Julian not to wait too long to take her up on her offer because she knew that Sonny had a stronghold in Port Charles and had successfully kept drugs out of the territory for many years. Jordan promised that she could keep the cops and Sonny out of Julian's hair because she had experience. "The best you'll ever have," Jordan added with confidence. Julian thought that Jordan had a high opinion of herself, but he didn't trust her because he suspected that she was in cahoots with Anna and wore a wire. As if to confirm his fears, Anna and Dante entered the gallery but called out for Carlos.

Julian and Ava were startled when Anna explained that they had some questions for Carlos about A.J.'s murder. Carlos became defensive and made a move for Dante, so Anna promptly arrested Carlos for assaulting a police officer. Julian and Ava objected, but Anna and Dante ignored them as they marched Carlos out the door. Ava tried to follow Carlos to the police station, but Julian blocked her exit. Ava warned her brother to get out of her way, but he wanted to know what was really going on between Ava and Carlos. Julian pointed out that Ava and Carlos had been conspiring in a corner out of Julian's hearing, so Julian was certain that Ava and Carlos were hiding something. Ava denied it, but Julian vowed to get to the truth with or without Ava's participation. Ava suggested that Julian get his priorities straight because one of their own needed their help.

However, Ava suddenly noticed Jordan standing in the corner, so she apologized to her new employee and assured Jordan that it wasn't normal for the police to show up at the gallery. Julian doubted that it would faze Jordan if the police showed up on a regular basis because he had noticed that Jordan had conducted herself with poise as if she had been around police raids her entire life. Ava gave Julian an odd look and then left. Afterwards, Julian admitted that there had been a moment when he had thought that Anna had arrived to rescue Jordan. However, he still demanded proof that Jordan wasn't wearing a wire. Jordan's cell phone rang, but Julian snatched it out of her hand because their business was more important than her phone call. He once again asked her to prove that she wasn't wearing a wire, so Jordan slowly unbuttoned her shirt and opened it. She asked if he was satisfied or if he would like a more thorough look. Julian declined, so Jordan invited him to call her when he was serious about making his business a success and then left.

Note not on 4/17- 4/28/14

Dvd #2B DVD #2B 4/29 At the Jerome Gallery, Alexis lit candles for a romantic dinner as Julian entered the room, grumbling that she would rather sneak around than have anyone see them together. Alexis apologized and conceded that she was probably being paranoid because Molly and others had been onto Alexis and Julian's relationship since the disastrous engagement party at Wyndemere. Julian kissed Alexis and then asked when they could go public with their relationship because he doubted that their secret would last long. As if to prove Julian's point, Morgan marched into the gallery, demanding to talk to Julian about what Ava had done. Julian informed Morgan that the gallery was closed, but Morgan was confident that Julian would want to hear what Morgan had to say. Julian wasn't interested because Morgan had run back to Sonny "screaming like a little girl." Morgan insisted that Ava, not Morgan, had been working against Julian.

Alexis tried to leave, but Morgan told her to stay and then revealed that he was tired of keeping Ava's secrets. Morgan told Julian that Ava had been spoon-feeding information to Sonny for months and that Ava had downloaded Julian's computer files on a flash drive and then had given it to Sonny. Morgan admitted that it had been his idea; he had wanted Ava to prove her trust to Sonny, so Morgan and Ava could continue to date. Julian was curious why Morgan had suddenly decided to "squeal" on Ava, so Morgan confessed that Ava had cheated on him. Julian felt bad that Ava had broken Morgan's heart, but Julian pointed out that he had warned Morgan. Alexis scolded Julian for rubbing salt in Morgan's wound, but Morgan admitted that Ava had never denied having feelings for Silas. Alarmed, Julian wanted to know if Ava had cheated on Julian and Alexis' daughter, Sam, with Silas. Morgan quickly assured Julian that Silas hadn't been Ava's latest lover, so Julian wondered who the other man was. Morgan grabbed his jacket and then suggested that Julian focus on worrying about what Ava had been doing behind Julian's back, not Morgan's.

After Morgan left, Julian apologized to Alexis because he had to cut their evening short. Alexis worried about what Julian intended to do and then reminded him that he had already suspected Ava of double-crossing him. Julian explained that he had to deal with his sister because he had confirmation of her betrayal. Alexis was concerned because she had lowered her guard and had let him in. "Don't make me sorry," Alexis quietly said. Julian promised Alexis that he wouldn't let her down, but Alexis warned Julian not to do anything that they might both regret. She kissed him and then left. A short time later, Jordan returned to the gallery with a briefcase. She set it on Julian's desk and confirmed that she had picked up the delivery. Julian wondered if there had been any problems, so she admitted that she had hit a snag, but she had taken care of it. "This should prove that I'm on your side," Jordan said as she slid the briefcase toward him.

After Jordan left, Julian called his sister, but the call when to voicemail. Julian toyed with his gun as he left his sister a message requesting that she return his call because they needed to discuss an important matter. Later, Alexis approached Sonny in the lobby of the hotel, but Sonny informed her that he didn't have time to deal with her. Alexis suggested that he make some time because Morgan had paid Julian a visit to warn Julian that Ava had cheated on Morgan. Sonny tensed until Alexis added that Morgan hadn't mentioned Ava's lover's name. However, she added that Morgan had revealed that Ava had been funneling information to Sonny about Julian's operation and that Julian was not happy.

4/30 At the Jerome Gallery, Julian left Ava a voicemail message urging her to return his phone call. After the call, Julian began to read the newspaper until Luke strolled in and asked if Julian was hard at work. Julian reminded Luke that Julian was also a newspaper publisher, but Luke scoffed and dismissed it as a hobby. "Who the hell reads newspapers anymore?" Luke asked. Julian ignored the remark and commented on Patrick and Emma's car accident. Julian was surprised when Luke informed Julian that it hadn't been an accident, so Julian wondered why Luke would say that. Luke chuckled and suggested that Julian read the end of the article where it stated that Patrick had been forced off of the road. Luke realized that Julian hadn't proofread the article, but Julian explained that he had been too busy taking care of other business matters to read each article.

Luke pounced on the opportunity to discuss their new drug trade, so Julian handed Luke the briefcase of cash. Pleased, Luke thanked Julian for a job well done and decided to take the money directly to ELQ to be "laundered." Julian admitted that the credit went to the new head of distribution, Jordan Ashford. Luke was infuriated that Julian had hired Jordan because Luke didn't know if Jordan could be trusted. Julian promised that he had made certain that Jordan hadn't been wearing a wire and that her references had been checked. Luke resented that Julian hadn't discussed it with Luke first, but Julian pointed out that he couldn't run every little aspect of the business past Luke while dealing with the day-to-day operations of running the organization. Luke conceded that Julian had a point, but Luke couldn't risk exposure. Julian promised that as far as Jordan was concerned, she worked for Julian and only Julian. Both men looked up when they suddenly heard a noise.

Jordan stood in the doorway, smiling politely. Luke and Julian each relaxed when it became clear that Jordan hadn't overheard anything revealing. Luke began to flirt as Jordan offered to show Luke a few new paintings. Luke declined, but he leered at Jordan and then kissed her hand before leaving. Julian apologized for Luke's behavior, but Jordan waved away Julian's concerns. However, Jordan was curious why the briefcase of money was out in the open. Julian explained that no one would question what was in the ordinary-looking briefcase and then added that the illegal money was on its way to be laundered. He immediately became suspicious when she offered to take it to the launderer herself to avoid extra hands handling the money. Julian assured her that he would take care of it, so Jordan shrugged and admitted that it didn't matter as long as she received her share of the profits.

5/2 Outside of Kelly's, Alexis spotted Ned and greeted him with a warm hug. She quickly offered her condolences on A.J.'s death but admitted that she was happy to see Ned. Ned sat down at Alexis' table as he confessed that he had been so focused on keeping A.J. out of ELQ that he hadn't realized that he should have been looking elsewhere. Alexis was surprised when Ned revealed that there was "a new fox in the henhouse," and then added that Luke had decided to take a job at ELQ because Luke didn't want to be separated from Tracy during the workday. "The mind reels," Ned confessed.

"And the frequent multi-month sabbaticals are no problem?" Alexis asked as she pointed out why Luke's reasoning didn't make any sense. Ned agreed and then confided that something didn't add up. Ned feared that Luke was once again trying to take get his hands on Tracy's money. Alexis conceded that Luke had married Tracy in the past for her money, but she admitted that Luke appeared to genuinely love Tracy this time around. Ned was skeptical because not too long before, Tracy and Luke had ended things. Alexis suggested that some couples occasionally broke up and then made up, but Ned didn't think that it was normal nor was it normal for Luke to hit on Michael's girlfriend. "Kiki?" Alexis asked with a mixture of disbelief and disgust. Ned assured her that it was true because he had heard it directly from Morgan and Kiki. Alexis warned Ned to take what Morgan and Kiki had said with a grain of salt because Morgan had a history of deception, and Kiki tended to be flighty. Ned told Alexis about his failed attempt to expose Luke, so she suggested that perhaps Ned's problem was that he was slightly possessive of his mother, but Ned remained adamant that something was off with Luke.

Alexis decided to shift gears by asking about Ned's love life. She revealed that Jax had expressed concerns because Ned hadn't been getting out enough. Ned chuckled and admitted that it was true, but Ned was willing to rectify the problem. He asked if Alexis had plans for the evening, so she confessed that she was dating Julian Jerome. Ned was surprised because she had dated gangsters in the past, and things had never ended well. Alexis confided that she cared about Julian and that Julian was Sam's father and Danny's grandfather. However, Alexis confessed that she was concerned about Ava because Ava had been leaking information to Sonny. Ned realized that Alexis feared that Julian would make Ava "sleep with the fishes." Alexis was not amused, so Ned apologized and then explained that he couldn't help himself. Alexis accepted the apology and then revealed that she had tried to talk Julian down, so she was hopeful that she had gotten through to Julian.

Ned noticed the time, so he announced that he had to leave, but he had enjoyed his visit with Alexis. Alexis decided to offer Ned a piece of advice. She admitted that she and Tracy were somewhat alike, so if Tracy had her heart set on something, then Tracy would follow it no matter who tried to talk her out of it, including Ned. Alexis urged Ned to give his blessing to Luke, unless Ned wanted to lose Tracy to Luke.

Julian entered Luke’s office. Luke immediately demanded to know what Julian was doing there, but Julian assured Luke that Luke could relax because Julian had claimed to be there to drop off the receipt for the painting that Luke had bought for Tracy. Julian then placed the briefcase filled with Luke's share of the drug money on Luke's desk. Julian realized that Luke had been forced to leave the briefcase behind because Luke hadn't wanted Jordan to realize that Luke was involved in the organization. Luke was pleased that Julian had dropped off the money, but admitted that they had another issue to deal with. Luke wanted to know what was going on with Ava. Julian revealed that they had been right; Ava had been feeding Sonny information about the organization for months. Luke was curious how Julian had discovered the betrayal, so Julian told Luke about Morgan's visit to the gallery the previous evening.

Luke was surprised because he had been under the impression that Morgan had aligned with Sonny and that Morgan had been "knocking boots" with Ava. Julian explained that things had changed when Morgan had discovered that Ava had been sleeping with someone else. Luke wanted to know who, but Julian pointed out that it didn't matter because the problem was that Ava had been giving Sonny inside information about the organization. Luke decided that the only way to eliminate the problem was for Julian to kill Ava. Shocked, Julian thought that it was a rather extreme solution when there were other options available. Luke refused to appear weak to Sonny, so Luke made it clear that if Julian didn't kill Ava, then Luke would find someone else to take care of it and then kill Julian because Luke couldn't afford to have Julian show more loyalty to Ava than to Luke. "Now, get out of my office. I don't want to see you again until the job is done," Luke ordered.

Ava open the gallery safe to retrieve some documents and money. She shoved everything into her purse but tensed when she sensed that someone stood behind her. It was Julian. Julian asked if Ava was headed out of town, so Ava claimed that she intended to take a quick trip to check out a new artist. She resumed placing things into her purse, unaware that Julian had pulled out a gun. Julian informed Ava that he couldn't let her leave, so Ava turned to discuss it with her brother, but her eyes rounded with shock when she noticed that he had a gun aimed at her.

At Kelly's, Sam approached her mother's table and apologized for being late. Sam explained that she had been talking to Patrick, prompting Alexis to ask how Patrick's son was. Sam gave Alexis an update and then admitted that Patrick was a total disaster. Alexis didn't blame him because she had been beside herself when Molly had been born under less than ideal circumstances. Sam explained that besides the baby's premature birth, Patrick's marriage might be over because Robin had refused to return home.

5/5 Alexis was at the door with papers in hand that needed Sonny's signature. Sensing that something was wrong, she asked if Olivia was all right. Olivia disclosed that she'd just had a run-in with Morgan. Alexis didn't blame Morgan for being angry after Ava had cheated on him. A shocked Olivia wondered where Alexis had gotten the information. Alexis answered that she'd heard from Morgan, but Morgan had refused to say who Ava had cheated on him with. Noticing that Olivia seemed upset, Alexis hoped she'd said nothing wrong, and she left.

A minute later, Shaun bumped into Alexis outside of Kelly's, and sh wondered where he was rushing off to. He quickly replied that he needed to get Ava out of town before Alexis' "boyfriend" got to her first. Shaun rushed off, leaving a confused Alexis. Ava was rushing to put cash and her passport into her purse when she sensed someone behind her. She turned and saw Julian, who asked if she was going somewhere. As she turned to put her coat on, she lied that she was taking a short trip to look at a new artist. When she turned back around, Julian had a gun pointed straight at her.

Julian started that he knew Ava had been feeding information to Sonny. She protested, but he informed her that Morgan had told him the entire story. He wondered who had caught Ava's eye, because he thought it was "good business to pay attention to the person you screwed." She swore that she had only passed on old information so Sonny would leave her alone and told Julian to stop overreacting. Ava thought that Julian wouldn't kill her because she was his sister, but he reminded her that he'd killed their sister Olivia. She suggested that he cut her out of the business or take the art gallery from her in order to punish her. He'd considered alternatives but told her that "it's not up to me." She was surprised to learn that he'd been taking orders from someone. He apologized, but he told her that if he didn't kill her, he would be killed.

Ava begged Julian not to kill her as she cried. Suddenly, someone hit Julian on the back of the head with a vase. Julian fell to the floor, unconscious, and Ava saw that it had been Morgan who'd saved her. She hugged him and thanked him for saving her life. He admitted that he'd ratted her out, not thinking that Julian would kill his own sister, and he apologized for it. Morgan again apologized for ratting her out but told her that he was through with Sonny and with Ava. Morgan got up to leave, and Ava ran after him, begging him not to go. As Julian woke up and reached for his gun, Morgan told Ava that he could never be with her again after she'd slept with his father. A few minutes later, Julian almost had a grip on his gun when Ava stepped on his hand. She grabbed the gun and pointed it at him. "Nice try, Julian," she said smugly.

5/6 At the Jerome Gallery, Julian tried to reach his gun that had skidded out of his reach, but Ava stepped on Julian's hand and then quickly snatched the gun away before he could get a grip on it. Ava was curious how it felt knowing that his life was about to end, so he attempted to talk to his sister. Ava's temper flared because Julian hadn't afforded her the same courtesy when their situations had been reversed minutes earlier. Julian insisted that he hadn't had a choice because his boss had threatened to kill Julian if Julian failed to kill Ava. Ava argued that everyone had a choice, but unlike Julian, Ava intended to follow through on shooting Julian. Shawn suddenly appeared in the doorway with a gun aimed at Ava. Ava was surprised as Shawn explained that he couldn't let her kill Julian because Danny's life depended on Julian staying alive. Shawn warned Ava that Sonny cared more about Danny's life than about Julian's death, so Sonny would not appreciate Ava killing Julian. Ava reluctantly lowered the gun and then collected her things with the intention of leaving.

Julian slowly stood up and informed Shawn that Shawn should know something about Ava before leaving with her. Ava growled a warning for her brother to be quiet, but Julian assured Shawn that Sonny would be interested in knowing what Ava had done. Shawn was shocked when Julian revealed that Ava had shot Olivia. Julian smiled as he reminded Shawn that both Shawn and Carly had been suspects because of the shooting. After a few snide remarks about Ava's lack of disclosure, Julian left. Shawn demanded to know if it was true. Ava explained that she had been desperate to protect Kiki from Franco and then reminded Shawn that Shawn had also been in a sniper's perch that fateful night because Franco had posed a threat to Sonny's loved ones. Shawn was undaunted as he made it clear that he intended to tell Sonny the truth, so Ava advised Shawn to reconsider. She threatened to go to the police with the truth about A.J.'s shooting if Shawn told Sonny that Ava had been responsible for shooting Olivia. Ava smiled with satisfaction when Shawn didn't reply, so she suggested that they leave because she had a plane to catch.

Julian strolled into the office. Luke resented Julian continually stopping by the office, but Julian promised that Luke's assistant had been told that the visit had pertained to gallery business. Satisfied, Luke asked if Julian had killed Ava. Julian conceded that he had intended to, but the plan had hit a snag when Shawn had shown up. Luke was tempted to kill Julian, but Luke admitted that he needed Julian alive. However, Julian and "that bitch," Ava, were not off the hook.

5/8 On the red carpet entrance to the Nurse’s Ball, Alexis arrived with Julian Jerome, and T.J. and Molly joined them as reporters snapped pictures. Lucy stepped onto the stage. She received a standing ovation and welcomed everyone to the 2014 Nurse’s Ball!

5/9 In the ballroom, Everyone clapped as Eddie Maine appeared on stage and sang, "You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth (Hot Summer Night)."

Luke took advantage of the spotlight by reminding Tracy that he had told her that he had a surprise planned for her. Tracy was stunned when Luke suddenly suggested that he and Tracy get married right then and there in front of their friends and family. Alexis noticed Julian's smile, so she questioned why Luke's ambush wedding had amused Julian. Julian claimed that he simply liked seeing people who were as happy as he was.

Lucy began the ceremony. Tracy ignored Ned and exchanged vows and rings with Luke. Lucy invited Luke to seal the wedding vows with a kiss, but his eyes began to wander around the room as he looked at all of the beautiful ladies who were present. He cautioned himself to take it easy because he was close to getting his hands on ELQ. "Just kiss the damn bride," Luke told himself as he plastered on a saccharine smile and then kissed Tracy.

Lucy returned to the stage to introduce the next performers, "Magic Milo and the Magic Wands." Milo, Nathan, Lucas, Felix, T.J., and Michael marched out on stage and then stripped down to their underwear to "You Shook Me All Night Long.” Molly yelled for T.J. to take it off, earning a side-eye glare from both Alexis and Jordan.

5/12 Out in the hallway, Luke poured champagne into two glasses. Julian walked over and asked how the "happy groom" was doing. Luke said that he'd finally bitten the "bitter bullet and married the bitch." He was happy to "have ELQ in the palm of my hand." Julian decided to leave before Tracy returned.

Alexis was introducing herself to Jordan when Julian arrived at her side. Alexis realized that Jordan and Julian worked together, but Jordan clarified that she was more on the "art side" of things. Julian noticed that Sonny and Olivia seemed to be having problems. Alexis wondered why he thought she would comment on that. Julian told her that not everyone could be as happy as he was.

5/13 At the Nurses Ball, Felix introduced the next act, T.J. and Molly, who sang "Just Can't Get Enough.” After the ball ended, everyone hugged and said their goodbyes.

5/14 At the lake house, Julian patiently waited as Alexis bid Molly goodnight and then entered the bedroom. He asked if he had again managed to successfully throw Molly off by sneaking into Alexis' bedroom through the window. Alexis locked the bedroom door as she explained that she didn't want Molly to see Julian parading in and out of the bedroom when Alexis was trying to impress upon her daughter to wait to have sex. Julian clarified that she had used the wrong verb because Alexis had been smuggling him into her bedroom, not parading him through the house. Julian reminded Alexis that Molly was a kid, while he and Alexis were adults. Alexis argued that she didn't want to sound like a hypocrite to her daughter, so Julian decided to let the matter drop and tried to lighten the mood by assuring her that he was familiar with sneaking through bedroom windows because he had gotten a lot of practice during his teenage years. Alexis was not amused and asked him to clarify what "a lot" meant. Julian was evasive, but Alexis thought that it was only fair that he tell her about his first time having sex, since he knew about her first time.

Julian relented and told Alexis about a girl named Janice who had lived in New Jersey. Julian explained that he had known Janice since childhood because their fathers had been in business together. However, their fathers hadn't approved of their kids dating. He also revealed that Janice's mother, Olivia, had been strongly opposed to the relationship because the woman had been crazy, manipulative, and abusive, which had eventually driven Janice away. Julian claimed that the romance had ended when Janice had left the country, but Alexis didn't believe him because she recognized the story as a plot line from the Sopranos. Julian chuckled because he had been caught, so he confessed that he barely remembered his first time because the girl had been a cheerleader who hadn't meant anything to him. However, Alexis was a different matter because he cared about her. Alexis smiled as Julian kissed her and then made love to her.

Later, Julian realized that it was time for him to leave to avoid being caught by Molly in the morning. Alexis surprised Julian by inviting him to stay. Julian happily agreed as Alexis cuddled up next to him. "Goodnight, Julian," Alexis whispered as he turned off the light. "Goodnight, Janice," Julian replied. Alexis playfully slapped him as he chuckled.

5/15 At the lake house, Julian slipped out of bed to make a phone call while Alexis slept. The call to Luke went to voicemail, so Julian congratulated Luke again on the nuptials and their "new enterprise." Julian was confident that ELQ would prove to be an extraordinarily useful cover. He then wrapped up the message by asking Luke to return the call because they had business to discuss. "Business? With whom?" Alexis asked as she sat up. Julian ended the call and then returned to bed to explain that it had been a business associate in the Asian market. Alexis didn't believe Julian, so he wondered if she really wanted to know the truth. Alexis backed down, prompting Julian to distract her from the topic by making love to her. Later, Julian thanked Alexis for inviting him to spend the night and then confessed that the last time that he had felt as content as he was at that moment had been with Cheryl. "Lucas' mom?" Alexis asked. Julian nodded, but confessed that it had felt as if it had been a million years ago.

Julian pointed out that he now had Alexis, Sam, Lucas, and Danny, so he had gone from having nothing to having everything. He admitted that he didn't know what he would do without Alexis, so she asked him to leave the mob. Julian was surprised, but Alexis argued that he shouldn't be because from the beginning she had let him know that she had objected to the criminal aspect of his life. Alexis admitted that she hated feeling like a hypocrite by dating him, but she didn't want to lose him either.

Alexis believed that if Julian truly wanted to have a relationship with her and the rest of the family then he would leave the mob and focus on his publishing empire. Julian confessed that it wasn't that easy because the publishing company had been a front and he answered to someone who would have to agree to let Julian walk away. Alexis realized that Sonny had been right about Julian having a secret partner, so she agreed to help Julian get out of the mob, but she needed the name of his partner first. Julian refused to give her the man's name because it would not only endanger Alexis, but everyone that she cared about. Alexis insisted that Julian was one of the people that she cared about. She knew that he wanted to be his own person, but she was curious how Julian expected to do that when he had managed to slip out from underneath his father's shadow only to land under someone else's thumb.

5/16 At the lake house, Julian hated to leave Alexis after what they had just shared, but he was late for a meeting. He kissed her and then promised to see her later as he walked to the door. Alexis called out as she ran to him and then quickly apologized if she had pushed him too hard about leaving the mob. Alexis appreciated that it was easier said than done, but Julian smiled with tenderness as he thanked her for giving him a lot to think about. He kissed her passionately and then left. Alexis' smile faded as she returned to the house to make an urgent call.

A short time later, a frantic Ric arrived and asked if Molly was okay. Alexis quickly apologized for resorting to the ruse to get him over there, but she insisted that she had been desperate to talk to him because she needed him to allow Julian to walk away from the mob. Ric was livid that Alexis would use their daughter to manipulate him, but he assured Alexis that he was not in any way affiliated with Julian's organization. He reminded Alexis that she had been the one to ask him to represent Julian, but he had cut all ties with his client because Ric hadn't wanted to be associated in any way with Julian's illegal activities. Alexis accused Ric of lying because Ric had a very long history of having a tenuous relationship with the truth. Ric refused to argue about his past, but he conceded that he had returned to Port Charles for a reason. He admitted that he had hoped to get to know their daughter better and to rekindle a relationship with Elizabeth. Ric refused to risk losing Molly or Elizabeth to get payback on Sonny. Alexis was curious what had spurred him onto the path of becoming a better man. "Elizabeth," Ric answered.

Ric explained that Elizabeth had agreed to give him another chance and then added that the best part was that she seemed to be over Alexis' nephew, Nikolas. Alexis appeared to weaken, so she asked Ric to swear on Molly that he wasn't Julian's partner or in any way working against Sonny. Ric didn't hesitate to do as requested, prompting Alexis to wonder in frustration who Julian could be answering to. Ric suggested that she ask Julian, but Alexis explained that Julian refused to tell her, so Ric pointed out that if Alexis didn't want to be with someone in the mob then perhaps she shouldn't get involved with mobsters. Alexis confided that she had tried to walk away from Julian, but she hadn't been able to because she hadn't felt as strongly for someone as she did for Julian in a long time. She assured Ric that Julian wanted out of the mob, but Julian was trapped. Ric hoped for Alexis' sake that Julian found a way out because Ric genuinely cared about Alexis. Alexis smiled as he hugged her.

On Pier 54, Julian chuckled as he approached Luke and then pointed out that many men would be happy to be married to Tracy. Luke coldly remarked that they could have her and then demanded to know what Julian had wanted to talk about. Luke hoped that Julian had managed find out where Sonny had stashed Ava because Luke wanted Ava dead, but Julian admitted that he had no idea where his sister was. However, Julian made it clear that he didn't want any part of killing Ava or the incoming drug shipment.

"I quit," Julian informed Luke. Luke wondered if it was about trafficking drugs in Port Charles, but Julian shook his head and clarified that it was everything involving the lifestyle. Luke was surprised because he couldn't recall Julian complaining about the business during the years that they had been working together, so Julian explained that things had changed. Julian conceded that he had been a broken man without a name when his association with Luke had started, so Julian hadn't minded laundering money for Luke because it had allowed Julian to amass money to build a successful publishing company. Luke scoffed at the idea of Julian going legitimate and reminded Julian that Julian had been able to step out of anonymity because of Luke. Julian assured Luke that he was grateful for what Luke had done for him, but Julian pointed out that he had repaid Luke for everything by meeting all of Luke's demands.

Julian insisted that he had a family to consider, so Julian intended to stand on his own and focus on his legitimate businesses. Luke reminded Julian that Luke's money had funded those businesses, but Julian promised to compensate Luke for everything, with interest. Julian pointed out that Luke no longer needed Julian's company because Luke had ELQ, but Luke angrily shouted that Tracy's son had managed to wrest control of ELQ away from Tracy. Luke refused to let Julian walk away. "Request denied," Luke said in a menacing tone, but Julian wasn't intimidated and clarified that it had never been a request. Julian reminded Luke that Julian was familiar with how things worked in the mob, but Julian was not Morgan or some punk that Luke had plucked off the streets. Julian pointed out that he had been Luke's second in command, which meant that Julian knew where all of Luke's bodies were buried. Julian warned Luke that Luke couldn't threaten Julian without risking exposing Luke's own identity, but Julian genuinely wished Luke the best.

Julian promised not to stop or get in the way of Luke taking Sonny down and then extended his hand. Luke hesitated and then shook Julian's hand, so Julian wished Luke luck. Luke returned the well wishes, but his smile faded as Julian walked away. "You're going to need it," Luke said with malice.

Later, Julian called Alexis, but the call went to voicemail. Julian asked her to return his call because he had news to share with her that he was certain would please her.

5/19 At Sam's, Lucas opened the door to leave, but he stopped short when he saw Julian standing in the doorway. Julian entered the apartment and invited Sam and Lucas to a family dinner celebration that night. After agreeing that they were both free, they wondered what the occasion was. Instead of answering, Julian picked up Danny and started to play with him. Sam asked again what the occasion was. Julian revealed that he had news, but they'd have to be at the art gallery at eight in order to hear it. Julian hoped it would be the first of many family dinners. He informed his children that they could each take a date, and he left. Julian entered with a gun pointed at Shawn and demanded that he leave. Shawn insisted that he was only there to talk to Jordan. Shawn remembered his conversation with Duke about going against Sonny's wishes. "Don't say I didn't try," Shawn said, and he left. Julian wondered why Shawn had been there. Jordan admitted that Shawn never missed an opportunity to remind her of her drug trafficking past.

However, she insisted that Shawn had no evidence of her involvement with Julian's operation. She was ready to go get the shipment at the pier but was surprised when Julian said he wasn't going. Julian informed Jordan that he'd broken the news about quitting the business to his boss a few hours before. "What boss?" Jordan questioned. He explained that he worked for someone else, but Alexis had made him rethink his priorities. He'd realized that he needed to get out before he was arrested or killed.

Outside Alexis', Luke loaded a gun and put it into his pocket. He knocked on the door, and Alexis happily let him in. She was surprised that he wasn't on his honeymoon, but he related that he had to see Alexis. She wondered why. "So I could kill you," he stated.

"Any particular reason?" Alexis inquired, presumably playing along. Luke thought back to Julian quitting the business. Luke chalked it up to the "faux pas" of Alexis not congratulating him on his marriage. She apologized, congratulated him, and gave him a hug. However, she knew that hadn't been the reason for his visit. "I'm here because of Julian," he informed her. Alexis had had no idea that Luke and Julian knew each other. Luke wondered if her relationship with Julian was serious. "We're going steady," she jokingly gushed. Luke cared about her and wanted her to be as happy as Luke was in his relationship. He'd heard that the battle between Sonny and Julian was escalating, and he didn't want to see Alexis caught in the crossfire. She assured Luke that she and Julian had discussed him leaving the business and that he was "weighing his options."

"I hope he considers it carefully for your sake and the kids," Luke said ominously. Luke continued that it was hard to walk away from the business "clean, unless you're the boss. And Julian isn't," he clarified.

"How do you know that?" Alexis wondered. Luke said that Sonny had told him, and that he had his money on Ric as Julian's boss. Alexis countered that Ric had sworn on Molly's life that he had nothing to do with Julian's business. Luke knew that, whoever it was, he or she wouldn't let Julian go without a fight or retaliation. Alexis offered Luke a drink, and he readily accepted. When she left the room to get drinks, he took out his gun. Alexis returned just as there was a knock on the door. She set the drinks down and opened the door to T.J. He asked for Molly, but she wasn't home. He revealed to Alexis that he was dying to show Molly his new car.

Alexis invited him inside to wait for Molly. Luke quickly put his gun away. Alexis introduced T.J. and Luke, and T.J. congratulated Luke on his nuptials. Just then, Alexis got a text message from Julian. She told T.J. and Luke to get to know each other, and she left the room to find out what Julian wanted. Luke offered T.J. a drink, but he refused.

Jordan asked Julian who she was supposed to answer to when Julian was gone, but his phone rang. He walked away to answer Alexis' call. He told her about his dinner and invited her. A short while later, Jordan again demanded to know who her boss would be. He assured her that he'd put in a good word for her, and advised her to be "very, very careful" when she finally met the man. "He let you go, right? How much of a tyrant can he really be?" she wondered, and she left.

Luke asked an uncomfortable T.J. about his "beautiful" mother, who had sold Luke a painting. Luckily for T.J., Alexis returned. She announced that she had to go get ready for the celebration Julian was having that night at the art gallery. Luke wondered about the occasion. Alexis answered that Julian wouldn't say, but she hoped it was good news. Luke assured her that he wanted her and Julian as happy as Tracy and Luke were, "'til death do you part." After Luke was gone, Alexis allowed T.J. to stick around and wait for Molly. T.J. asked if Alexis and Luke were close, because he believed Luke to be "a little out there." Alexis guaranteed that worse things had been said about Luke, and she agreed that Luke could be a little "strange." Outside of Alexis', Luke was on the phone. "I have a job for you," he said. He continued that Julian had a party planned for that night. "He needs to be taught a lesson. One he'll never forget," he added.

5/20 In the park, Luke met with a nefarious associate named Harry. Luke explained that he wanted Harry to make Julian understand that there were consequences for trying to leave the organization. Luke revealed that Julian was at the gallery, having dinner with Julian's family, so Harry wondered if Luke wanted Harry to kill Julian. Luke admitted that it wouldn't do any good to kill Julian because Julian was needed back at work and in line. However, Luke conceded that a strong message could be sent by hitting Julian close to home. Luke showed Harry pictures of Alexis, Sam, and Lucas, prompting Harry to wonder if Luke wanted Harry to take out all three of Julian's loved ones. Luke explained that Julian would have nothing left to live for if all three people were dead, therefore only one death would suffice. Luke flipped through the pictures as he tried to decide who should die.

At the gallery, Julian greeted Alexis with a kiss as a waiter bustled about getting everything ready for the dinner. Alexis was anxious to know what Julian's big announcement was, but Julian wanted to wait until everyone had arrived. Alexis confessed that she enjoyed delayed gratification and was certain that Julian would feel the same later that evening when they returned to the lake house. Julian understood the underlying threat, so he agreed to tell her, but Sam and Silas walked in before Julian could say anything. After Alexis and Julian greeted their daughter and Silas, Sam mentioned that Silas had received flowers from a secret admirer and then told her parents what the card had said. Alexis and Julian jokingly tried to analyze if the gift had been something to be concerned about or not. Silas asked everyone to drop it because it wasn't as if Silas had received a "severed horse head." "No offense," Silas added as he looked at Julian. Julian chuckled.

After Lucas and Felix arrived, everyone sat down to dinner. Julian admitted that he had been impressed with the way that Felix had taken over master of ceremonies duty during the Nurses Ball when Lucy had fled. Alexis seized the opportunity to ask Julian to make the announcement, so Julian decided to share his news. He stood up and then confessed that he had been in a different place when he had returned to Port Charles the previous year. Julian admitted that he had thought that he'd had everything, but he had been wrong. According to Julian, everything had changed when he had been reunited with Alexis and had learned about the existence of his two wonderful children and beautiful grandson. Julian admitted that family was everything to him, so he had decided that both his life and his businesses would be completely legitimate. Alexis beamed with joy, but Lucas and Sam appeared skeptical. Julian assured his family that they didn't have anything to worry about and then kissed Alexis.

Alexis confessed that she and Julian had discussed it earlier, so she had hoped that Julian would try to find a way out of the mob. Julian once again assured everyone that the criminal aspect of his life was over, prompting his loved ones to raise their glasses and then toast "to family and freedom." Afterwards, everyone resumed eating. Julian was surprised when Alexis casually mentioned Luke's visit and the suggestion that there might be some kind of retaliation if Julian left the mob. Julian assured Alexis that she need not worry because he would do whatever was necessary to protect his family, unaware that Harry had entered the gallery dressed as a waiter. A few minutes later, Harry entered the area where everyone was gathered. Harry stood behind Sam and Silas until everyone turned to look at him. Once Harry had their attention, he removed a dishtowel that had been draped over his arm, concealing his gun with a silencer, and opened fire.

5/21 At the gallery, Harry entered the dining area and then opened fire on Lucas. Sam quickly pulled out her gun and immediately gave chase to a fleeing Harry, while Silas and Felix rushed to Lucas' aid. Alexis started to follow her daughter, but returned to the room as she called 911. Julian hovered over his son, begging Lucas to stay with them, but Lucas cried out in pain as blood poured out of him.

Moments later, Anna, flanked by several police officers, entered the gallery. Alexis quickly explained what had transpired and then revealed that Sam had chased after the gunman. Within minutes, Sam returned to the gallery to report that the gunman had gotten away. As the paramedics arrived and loaded Lucas onto a gurney, Sam gave Anna a description of the gunman and confessed that he had seemed like a professional because he had known what he had been doing and had used a silencer. Anna promised that the shooter would not get away with it, but Sam couldn't understand why anyone would want to shoot Lucas. Julian started to follow the paramedics out of the gallery, but Anna stopped Julian and informed him that he was under arrest. Alexis sputtered with outrage, while Julian calmly pointed out that Anna didn't have any reason to detain him. Anna disagreed and informed him about the bust on the piers. Anna insisted that all of the men arrested had been known Jerome associates, but Julian denied any involvement with the drug shipment and reminded Anna that he had been dining at the gallery with his family during the drug bust.

Alexis and Sam vouched for Julian and then explained that they had been at the gallery, celebrating because Julian had quit the mob. Anna argued that Julian was adept at lying. Julian was desperate to get to the hospital to check on Lucas, so he refused to stand around defending himself to Anna. He turned to leave, but Anna stopped him. Julian turned to Alexis for help, so Alexis asked to see Anna's evidence against Julian. Anna handed Alexis an arrest warrant and then handcuffed Julian. Alexis advised Julian not to say anything, but Julian was more concerned about Lucas, so Julian asked Sam to go to the hospital to check on her brother. Anna carted Julian away as Sam agreed. Alexis instructed Sam to call her with an update on Lucas. Sam asked her mother to call when Alexis got to the bottom of things.

In the park, Luke smiled and then turned the gun on Harry and fired. Stunned, Harry fell to the ground, clutching his chest. Luke calmly put the silencer on the barrel of the gun and then apologized. According to Luke, it wasn't personal, but rather business. Harry begged for his life, but Luke coldly pumped several more shots into Harry until Harry was dead.

5/22 At the police station, Julian was livid that he had been prevented from going to the hospital to check on his son. Moments later, Alexis arrived and asked for a word alone with her client. Julian begged Alexis to get him out of there, so she urged him to stop talking because he could inadvertently give the police more ammunition to use against him. She then reminded Julian that Sam was at the hospital with Lucas.

Later, Julian was pacing in the interrogation room when Alexis entered. She revealed that Sam had called to let her know that Lucas was in surgery. Julian's concern for his son mounted as he begged for assurance that Lucas would survive. Alexis assured Julian that everything was being done to save Lucas' life, but Julian was filled with guilt and remorse. Julian realized that it had been arrogant for him to think that he could walk way from the organization without consequences, but Alexis insisted that it had been courageous.

However, Alexis wondered if it was possible that an enemy had targeted Lucas rather than Julian's boss. Julian wondered if she honestly believed that Sonny would go after Lucas, so Alexis conceded that it wasn't Sonny's style. Julian was certain that it had been a message from his boss to let Julian know that walking away was not an option. Alexis explained that it was time for Julian to reveal the boss's identity, but Julian insisted that it wasn't that easy. Alexis warned Julian that things would not work out well for Julian if Julian refused to identity the boss. Julian was determined to protect his family, but Alexis begged Julian to expose the man's identity. Julian admitted that he was afraid because Lucas' shooting had been intended as a message to Julian that there was no way out for Julian.

5/23 In the hallway, Alexis bumped into Luke and asked for an update on Lucas. She was delighted by the good news and eager to share it with Julian, but Luke growled that Lucas had been shot because of Julian. Alexis clarified that the "son of a bitch" that Julian answered to was responsible for the shooting and then recalled Luke's warning that Julian's boss would retaliate for Julian's leaving the mob. Luke tensed when Alexis insisted that the only way out for Julian was to name names. Luke warned Alexis that it would be the worst mistake possible because Julian's boss might target Alexis, Sam, or even Danny next if Julian talked, but Alexis argued that the only way for Julian to protect Julian's loved ones was to put Julian's boss behind bars. Luke changed the subject by asking Alexis to persuade Bobbie to go to the cafeteria for something to eat because he was concerned about his sister. Alexis understood Bobbie's reluctance to leave Lucas' side, but she agreed to do what she could.

At the jail, Julian repeatedly shouted for a guard until Jordan asked Julian to calm down because no one had responded to Julian's countless previous summonses. Julian's temper flared because he blamed Jordan for their predicament. He accused her of being incompetent and regretted trusting her to take care of the shipment after he had left the organization. Jordan was stunned when she learned that Lucas had been shot and asked what had happened. Julian would only reveal that Lucas hadn't been shot by a police officer. Jordan thought that she had a right to know who she was dealing with, especially when the boss of the organization targeted family members, so she implored Julian to tell her who their boss was. Julian refused to tell her because he could only think about his son, who had been completely innocent. Julian blamed himself for Lucas getting hurt, so Jordan admitted that she felt the same way about her son.

Julian was desperate for news about his son and threatened to sue the police department if they continued to deny him the phone call that he was entitled to. The police officer decided to take Julian to the squad room. Julian was led into the squad room, demanding an update on Lucas. Anna told Julian that Alexis had called to report that Lucas had made it through surgery and was stable. Julian sagged with relief but demanded to make the phone call that he was entitled to. Anna granted Julian's request and then walked away.

Scott advised Julian to make it a "good" call because Scott intended to see Julian in court. Julian surprised Scott by revealing that Julian no longer needed to make a phone call because the person that Julian wanted to speak to was Scott. Scott tensed as he led Julian into the interrogation room for a private talk. Julian didn't hesitate to remind Scott that Scott had won the election because Julian had provided Scott with damaging information about Scott's opponent. Julian demanded to be released from jail, but Scott refused to because the evidence against Julian was too strong. Julian denied any involvement with the shipment of drugs because Julian had been at the gallery, watching as his son was shot. Julian vowed to release the damaging recording that Julian had made of his meeting with Scott during the election to ensure that Scott faced corruption charges by lunchtime if Scott failed to help Julian. Resigned, Scott agreed to send Julian to the courthouse for arraignment.

5/27 In Lucas' hospital room, Luke cinched the breathing tube from the ventilator to restrict Lucas' airflow, unaware that Julian had approached the room. A police officer blocked Julian from entering Lucas' hospital room, but Julian glanced in and saw between the gaps in the mini blinds that Luke was trying to kill Lucas. Eager to get into the hospital room, Julian explained that he was Lucas' father, but the police officer insisted that Julian was not on the list of approved visitors and that Julian should be in jail. Julian informed the police officer that Julian had been released from jail and then marched into Lucas' hospital room despite the police officer's continued objections. Luke immediately released the breathing tube as Julian ordered Luke to get away from Lucas.

Seconds later, the police officer entered Lucas' hospital room, prepared to remove Julian by gunpoint, but Luke intervened on Julian's behalf and assured the police officer that Julian was Lucas' father and not a danger to Lucas. The police officer argued that Julian was a notorious mob boss, but Luke vouched for Julian, so the police officer reluctantly agreed to permit the visit. After the police officer left, Julian approached his son's bed to assure Lucas that he was there with Lucas and that Lucas would be okay. Luke doubted that Lucas had heard Julian because Lucas had been heavily medicated. Julian angrily accused Luke of hiring the hit man to shoot Lucas and then trying to finish the job before Julian had entered Lucas' hospital room. Luke smugly asked what Julian planned to do about it and then reminded Julian that Lucas wasn't the only person close to Julian whom Luke could make a target.

Luke freely admitted that he wouldn't have a problem arranging for Alexis, Sam, or even Danny to be killed, but Julian refused to be intimidated because Julian was confident that he could keep his loved ones safe, knowing that Luke was the danger. Luke argued that Julian couldn't watch everyone all of the time, so Luke wouldn't hesitate to take out each person close to Julian until Julian was the last person standing. "Not if I turn you in," Julian quietly countered. Luke warned Julian that Luke had a far reach, so sending Luke to jail wouldn't protect Julian or Julian's loved ones. Julian argued that Anna wouldn't allow innocent people to pay for Julian's crimes, but Luke scoffed at the idea that Anna would help Julian. Luke insisted that the only way for Julian to guarantee everyone's safety was for Julian to get back to work. "Isn't that right, Lucas?" Luke asked as he gently patted the top of Lucas' head.

Luke promised that if Julian returned to the fold then they could put everything behind him, but Julian pointed out that the organization was in shambles because Luke had lost control of ELQ and the police had intercepted the shipment of drugs. Luke insisted that those things had been minor setbacks and that he had a plan to rebuild the Jerome organization with Julian at Luke's side. Luke made it clear that Julian had a choice: rat out Luke to the cops and face the consequences or return to the organization. Julian didn't think that it was much of a choice, but Luke shrugged his shoulders and then offered to give Julian some time to mull things over. At the door, Luke admitted that he liked Lucas and would be pulling for him, but Julian barked at Luke to get out.

5/28 At the hospital, Alexis was surprised when she saw Julian and immediately asked how he had managed to get out of jail. After they hugged, Julian explained that he had been granted bail because it appeared that Scott had lacked sufficient evidence to hold Julian until a trial. Julian muttered that he was grateful that things had worked out as they had because he had made it to the hospital in the nick of time. Confused, Alexis asked what he was talking about, so Julian was forced to cover his slip by claiming that he had managed to sneak in a visit with his son during a rare fleeting moment when Bobbie hadn't been at Lucas' bedside. Alexis admitted that she had returned from spending time with Bobbie, so she offered to talk to Bobbie on Julian's behalf. Julian was curious if Alexis thought that it might help, but Alexis conceded that it was unlikely to work. Julian didn't blame Bobbie for holding Julian responsible for Lucas' shooting because his son had been shot as a warning to Julian.

Alexis was stunned when Julian admitted that he had talked to his boss and that his boss had confirmed Julian's suspicions. Julian realized that the only way to protect his family was to return to the mob, but Alexis objected because she believed that Anna could provide Lucas the protection that Lucas needed. Julian explained that others close to Julian would be targeted like Alexis, Sam, and even Danny, but Alexis urged Julian not to return to the mob. Julian insisted that he couldn't trust Anna to keep his loved ones safe once Anna had what she needed from him, so Alexis admitted that she didn't know if she could remain with Julian if he returned to the mob because he would be walking in a path of blood. She begged Julian to reconsider and assured him that she loved him. After a brief kiss, Alexis walked away.

5/29 At the lake house, Alexis arrived home and was delighted when she saw Nikolas waiting for her. She called out to Molly, but Nikolas explained that Molly had gone to the library to study for exams. Alexis smiled awkwardly when he added that Molly had invited Alexis to "ping" Molly if Alexis had any doubts. Nikolas realized that things remained rocky between Alexis and Molly, so Alexis confessed that it wasn't easy for her to trust Molly again after what had happened with T.J., but Alexis was trying. Alexis set the phone down to prove her point, but seconds later Alexis received an alert.

"Don't judge me, it's a work in progress," Alexis muttered as she picked up the phone to confirm that Molly was at the library. Nikolas smiled, so Alexis changed the subject to ask why Nikolas had stopped by. He claimed that he had been concerned about Alexis, following the shooting, but Alexis reminded him that they had talked about it on the phone earlier that day, and she had assured him that she was okay. She wanted to know the real reason for the visit, so Nikolas confessed that he was concerned about Elizabeth. Nikolas opened up about how he had felt hurt when Elizabeth and the boys had suddenly moved out and that he was worried about Elizabeth's decision to give Ric another chance because of Ric's history. Alexis was curious if her nephew had talked to Elizabeth about his feelings and concerns, so he told Alexis about his encounter with Elizabeth at the hospital when he had kissed Elizabeth and Elizabeth had made it clear that there wouldn't be a romantic relationship between Elizabeth and Nikolas.

Nikolas was surprised when Alexis confided that Ric had mentioned wanting to rekindle things with Elizabeth, so he was curious how the subject had cropped up. Alexis explained that Ric had wanted to assure Alexis that Ric was not in charge of the Jerome organization, but Nikolas was skeptical of Ric's innocence because of Ric's past. Alexis appreciated that Nikolas wanted Ric to be the bad guy because it would clear the path to Elizabeth, but she assured Nikolas that Ric had sworn on Molly's life that Ric was not Julian's boss. Nikolas claimed that he simply wanted to make certain that Elizabeth and the boys were safe. However, he conceded that he also wanted Elizabeth back. Alexis wondered if perhaps Nikolas hoped to fill the void of losing Britt with someone that Nikolas couldn't have. Nikolas quickly clarified that he had been in love with Britt, but Elizabeth had always been in his heart, and he had questioned his engagement to Britt even before he had learned about Ric's intentions to ask Elizabeth for another chance. Nikolas insisted that a part of him would always love Elizabeth, but Elizabeth being with Ric worried him because Ric had always been up to no good.

In the interrogation room, Julian told Anna that he was ready to cooperate with the police and reveal the name of his boss. Anna suspected that Julian wanted to work out a deal to avoid jail time, so Julian conceded that he hoped to stay out of jail, but his primary goal was to protect his family. Julian admitted that Lucas' shooting had been a message from Julian's boss, so Julian didn't have any qualms about handing the boss's head on a sliver platter to Anna. Anna remained skeptical, but Julian promised that he had proof to confirm that the man he intended to identify was indeed the head of the Jerome organization. Anna rejected Julian's offer because she refused to squander the opportunity to send him to jail by working out a deal. She insisted that Julian didn't have anything to offer that would compare to the satisfaction that she and Duke would derive from knowing that Julian was behind bars. Julian wasn't surprised that Anna was only interested in a pursuing her personal vendetta against him, so he had gone over her had by contacting her boss. Confused, Anna wondered who Julian was talking about.

"That would be me," Scott answered as he entered the interrogation room. Anna was livid that Scott would consider working out a deal with Julian in exchange for Julian's boss's name, but Scott made it clear that he intended to give Julian full immunity to get the drugs off the streets of Port Charles. However, Scott made it clear that he wouldn't sign off on anything until he saw what Julian had to offer. Julian led Scott and Anna to a computer and then went to work as he explained that a man using shell companies and an alias had bought Barrett Enterprises. Julian admitted that he had decided to find the man behind the alias -- "Liam Cunning" -- as insurance. After a few more keystrokes, Julian's file appeared on the monitor, so Julian showed Scott and Anna who Liam Cunning really was. Anna and Scott were shocked and conceded that the information was ironclad proof and enough to put Julian's boss away for life.

Moments later, the doorbell rang, so Luke called out for Alice to answer the door, but Alice hadn't heard him. Luke ended the call and then marched to the door. He demanded to know what Julian was doing there, so Julian assured Luke that he would make it quick. Julian revealed that he had done as they had discussed by identifying the head of the Jerome organization. However, Julian pointed out that they both knew that the man was innocent. Luke was pleased that Julian had made the right decision by returning to the fold and admitted that he had anticipated Julian's cooperation. According to Luke, Luke had taken the precaution of planting evidence in the man's room to support Julian's claims to the police. Luke then shifted gears to explain that he had to leave town for a while to take Tracy on a honeymoon. Luke expected Julian to continue running the organization until Luke returned. Julian agreed and then left.

A short time later, Julian arrived at the lake house to talk to Alexis. Julian claimed that he had decided to continue to sever ties with the mob by going to the police and naming his boss. Alexis was relieved and asked who Julian's boss was.

5/30 At the lake house, Alexis was overjoyed when Julian claimed that he was out of the mob and that he had cooperated with the police by revealing the name of his boss. Alexis threw her arms around Julian and then asked who he had been answering to. Julian tensed as he advised Alexis to prepare herself because she wouldn't like his answer. Alexis was shocked when Julian quietly claimed that Ric had been his boss. She refused to believe it because Ric had sworn on Molly's life that Ric had not been mixed up with Julian's organization. Julian shifted uncomfortably as Alexis' eyes filled with tears and she begged him to tell her the truth. Julian recalled Luke's threats against Julian's family, so Julian carefully explained that he would do anything to protect his children. Julian insisted that he was to blame for Lucas' shooting, so Julian was determined never to let anything like that happen again. Alexis continued to have doubts about Ric's guilt because she couldn't imagine how Julian and Ric had ended up in league together.

Julian claimed that Ric had approached Julian while Julian had been in the Witness Protection Program because Ric had been desperate to take down Sonny. Julian admitted that he had liked the idea of reclaiming his father's territory because he had been living a lonely soul-crushing existence in the Witness Protection Program. Alexis' eyes welled up with tears as Julian assured her that he hadn't known about her or her connection to Ric until Ric had arrived in Port Charles. Alexis' burst into tears as the enormity of the situation hit her because she realized that the news of Ric's arrest would shatter Molly's heart because Molly idolized Ric. Julian wavered as he saw the raw pain etched on Alexis' face, so he started to tell Alexis the truth but a knock at the door cut him off. Fearing that it had something to do with Ric's arrest, Alexis ran to the door, but she stopped short when she saw Elizabeth standing on the doorstep. Elizabeth tearfully begged for Alexis help because Ric had been wrongly arrested for crimes that Ric hadn't committed. Alexis gently suggested that Elizabeth talk to Diane and then explained that the police had strong evidence against Ric.

Elizabeth tensed when Alexis mentioned what Julian had told Alexis. Elizabeth realized that Julian was in the house, so she pushed her way into Alexis' home to confront Julian. "You bastard," Elizabeth said as she accused him of lying and planting a gun in Ric's suite. Julian was genuinely surprised about the gun and assured Elizabeth that he hadn't known anything about it. Elizabeth turned to Alexis to ask if Alexis believed Julian. "Yes, I do," Alexis quietly admitted. Disgusted, Elizabeth stormed out. Julian was filled with remorse and guilt as he repeatedly apologized and then confessed to making many mistakes. Julian felt like everything had spiraled out of control, so he begged Alexis to promise him that they would get through the mess together no matter what. Alexis kissed Julian and then promised him that he had nothing to worry about. Julian decided to head to the hospital to check on Lucas when Alexis picked up the phone to call Molly. After Julian left, Alexis reached Molly and then asked her daughter to return home.

6/2 Julian was sitting at Lucas' bedside when Lucas opened his eyes. Julian wondered if he could get Lucas anything. "Just answers," Lucas responded. Julian explained that his boss hadn't taken his departure from the business very well, so he'd sent a hit man to send a message to Julian. He apologized for Lucas paying the price. He assured Lucas that Julian's boss was "out of the picture." Before Julian could answer, Felix entered to change Lucas' bandage. Julian had to go get ready for Danny's birthday party later that afternoon. He promised to check in with Lucas later, and left the room.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Bobbie demanded to know when she saw Julian outside of Lucas' room. He responded that he was seeing his son. "Not if I have anything to say about it," she shot back. She warned him to stay away from Lucas, because she'd known that Julian would put Lucas in danger. Julian thought that Lucas was in more trouble from Bobbie's family than Julian's. Julian lied to a confused Bobbie that Carly was dating a serial killer. Bobbie reminded him that Franco had had nothing to do with Lucas' shooting. "I love my son, and I'll do everything in my power to protect him," Julian said and walked away.

Alexis looked at the front page of the paper about Ric's arrest. Molly happily entered the living room and told Alexis what a good mood she was in. She apologized for not having the time to talk to Alexis the night before and wondered what was wrong. Alexis informed Molly that the police had arrested the person responsible for Lucas' shooting. "Good, I hope he rots in jail for life," she spat. Alexis doubted that Molly would think that once she found out who it was. "Your father," she confessed. Molly didn't understand why Ric would want to hurt Lucas when he barely even knew Julian. Alexis told Molly that Ric was Julian's boss and handed her the newspaper. Molly told her mother that the paper was Julian's, so he could write whatever he wanted, and it was all lies. Alexis told Molly about the evidence given by Julian. "Because he's never been dishonest before," Molly said sarcastically.

Molly demanded to know why Alexis wasn't at the police station, helping Ric. "I can't," Alexis stated. Molly blew up at her mother, saying that Alexis could help her other daughters' fathers, but not Molly's. She accused Alexis of turning her back on Ric and yelled that she never would, and she stormed off into her room. Alexis was begging Molly to return to the living room when there was a knock on the door. Alexis opened the door to Julian, who noticed her irritation. "I just talked to Molly about Ric," she revealed. He expressed his sympathy and hugged Alexis. "I wish I could do something," he said. "There is," Molly said, appearing at the foot of the stairs. "Admit you're lying about my father," she challenged him.

6/3 At the lake house, Julian confessed to Alexis that he felt bad for Molly and that he wished that he could do something for the teen. Molly rounded the corner to suggest that Julian start by telling the truth about her father. Molly dared Julian to look her in the eye and confirm that her father was the monster that Julian had made Ric out to be. Alexis gently interceded by reminding Molly that Ric had a history of stepping outside the law, but Molly insisted that Ric had changed. Alexis argued that the police hadn't just taken Julian's word for it; there had been evidence to back up Julian's claims. Molly wasn't satisfied and angrily accused Julian of using Ric as a scapegoat. Julian agreed that he had been facing jail time, so he had agreed to name his boss to avoid going to prison.

However, Julian insisted that everything that he had said about his boss had been true and that Ric had wanted to take Sonny down from the beginning. Molly refused to believe Julian and decided to go to the jail to talk to her father. Molly was about to leave when Alexis walked out onto the porch to reveal that Anna had called with an update. Anna had told Alexis that the FBI had picked up Ric to question him, so Anna would let Alexis know when Ric would be available to receive visitors. Molly was furious that she couldn't visit Ric, but Alexis gently asked if Molly could set aside her anger toward Julian for a while, so they could celebrate Danny's birthday in the park. Molly agreed, but she made it clear that she would not let it go.

Later, in the park, Molly glared at Julian as Alexis and Julian put up a birthday banner for Danny. T.J. asked if Molly was okay. Molly questioned how Alexis could be with a man like Julian and then groused that Julian couldn't even properly hang a banner. Meanwhile, Alexis quietly asked Julian if Molly was still watching them. "Like a hawk," Julian confirmed. Julian doubted that Molly would stop watching him until she knew for certain that he had told the truth. Alexis warned Julian that Molly would not give up easily. Julian expected nothing less because Molly was Alexis' daughter. Alexis confessed that she was furious with Ric for sending a hit man after Lucas, so Alexis felt that Ric didn't deserve to be Molly's father.

Sam and Danny arrived for the party. Sam explained that Rafe had decided to skip the party, but Silas would be along shortly. Alexis greeted Sam & Silas later as they returned to the party and then confided that Danny had made a new friend. Silas tensed when he heard a woman talking to Danny. Silas and Sam were shocked when the woman turned to greet them. It was Nina Clay.

6/4 Alexis decided to call an end to the party by asking Molly and T.J. to take Danny to the swings or to Kelly's then text message Alexis when they arrived. Molly and T.J. quickly scooped up Danny and then left. Nina's smile quickly faded as she confessed that she was exhausted and eager to catch up with Silas at home. Silas and Sam tensed, so Julian told Nina that her brother, Nathan, was in town. Nina referred to Nathan as James as she confessed that she would visit with her brother when she felt less overwhelmed because James had been five years old when Nina had last seen him, so she wasn't prepared to see him as a grown man. Sam encouraged Silas to take Nina home. Silas reluctantly pushed Nina's wheelchair out of the park. Alexis and Julian hugged their daughter as Sam watched Silas leave.

6/5 In the park, Sam helped Alexis clean up after Danny's birthday party, but Sam had been rattled by Nina's appearance. Sam admitted that the old Sam McCall would have gone after Silas to seduce him away from Nina, so Alexis pulled a bottle of wine from the cooler and then poured each of them a cup of wine. Afterwards, Alexis and Sam sat down to talk about the situation with Silas and Nina. Sam revealed that ironically, Silas had told Sam that very morning that he had been ready to put Nina in the past and move forward. Sam admitted that Silas had even told Sam that he loved her. Surprised, Alexis was curious how Sam had responded. Sam confessed that she was in love with Silas, too, so the day had been the beginning of a new chapter for both Sam and Silas.

However, Sam feared that Nina's appearance had changed everything because Silas might still be in love with his wife. Alexis urged Sam not to jump to any conclusions, but Sam was worried that Nina might assume that Silas and Nina could pick up where they had left off. Alexis was confident that Sam could handle whatever happened and then wrapped her arms around her daughter to hold her. Alexis gently rocked Sam as she assured her daughter that Silas would do the right thing and have everything resolved by the following day. Sam feared that Silas might decide that staying with Nina was the right thing.

6/6 At Kelly's, Sam sat down with Alexis, Julian, and Danny to enjoy breakfast. Sam quietly asked her mother how Molly had been handling Ric's arrest, so Alexis confessed that Molly hadn't taken the news well. However, Alexis wanted to focus on Danny's birthday "do-over." Julian confessed that he had been surprised by what had unfolded in the park the previous day during Danny's party and wondered if Nina knew that Silas and Sam were together. Sam assured her father that Silas intended to break the news to Nina soon, but Julian wasn't satisfied. Sam explained that she had asked Silas to wait, so Nina could have time to adjust to everything. Julian warned Sam that if Silas didn't say anything to Nina right away then Nina might get the wrong idea and assume that Silas and Nina could work on their marriage. Sam suggested that Julian focus on spoiling Danny, not Sam's day, so Julian apologized for being overprotective because he hadn't been there for Sam when Sam had been growing up. Sam appreciated having her father's support, but she promised him that she was perfectly capable to taking care of herself. Alexis smiled when Julian leaned down to give his daughter an affectionate peck on the cheek and then left.

6/9 Julian called Luke, who was on his honeymoon with Tracy. Tracy yelled at Luke for breaking their no cell phone agreement. Luke claimed that he was on the phone with Lulu. She told him to hurry up because she was going to book massages for them. When she finally walked away, Luke threatened Sam. Julian reminded his boss that he'd done what he was supposed to and framed Ric. Luke wanted Julian to "get back to work." Julian didn't think continuing in the drug business was a good idea so soon after the bust. Luke reminded Julian that Julian had gotten immunity and advised him to get Jordan back into it as well. Julian thought that Alexis, who thought Julian had left the business, would be suspicious. Luke suggested that all the work be done through Jordan. Julian also thought that, with drugs in the city, the police would quickly figure out that Ric wasn't really Julian's boss.

Luke assured Julian that there were "mountains of evidence" against Ric. Luke threatened to send someone to "visit Sam." Julian promised that he was a man of his word. Tracy returned and told Luke that they needed to go to their massage appointment. "Enjoy," Julian said sarcastically and hung up the phone.

Jordan bumped into Julian. Julian told her that their boss wanted them to "get back to work." Jordan surmised that Ric couldn't do much from behind bars. "I'm not talking about Ric," Julian revealed.

6/10 At Kelly's, Alexis told Molly that Anna had called to let Alexis know that the FBI had returned Ric to the Port Charles Police Department. Molly was eager to see her father, but Alexis feared that Molly didn't fully appreciate the trouble that Ric was in. Molly insisted that Ric was innocent and was offended that Alexis believed Julian over Ric. Alexis explained that it wasn't just Julian's word; the police had irrefutable evidence that had tied Ric to the head of the Jerome organization. Molly remained adamant that her father was innocent and then suggested that Alexis was jealous because Molly had developed a close relationship with Ric since Ric's return. Molly asked Alexis to do Ric and Molly a favor by staying out of Molly's way and then stormed out.

Later, Nikolas joined Alexis at Kelly's, so she told him about Molly's reaction to Ric's arrest. Nikolas was relieved that at least Elizabeth had seen the light and had realized that sticking by Ric would only cause Elizabeth more grief. Alexis was surprised because she'd had the impression that Elizabeth had been staunchly on Ric's side. Nikolas admitted that Elizabeth had had a change of heart when he had shown her the newspaper article about Ric's arrest that had included a list of evidence against Ric. Alexis thought that it was interesting that, after Nikolas' "informal prosecution," Elizabeth had changed her mind about Ric and that Ric's possible conviction would clear the path for Nikolas straight to Elizabeth. Nikolas couldn't disagree, so Alexis was curious where Britt fit into things. Nikolas insisted that he and Britt were over and that Britt was out of his life for good.

In the park, Jordan was startled when Julian revealed that Ric was not their boss, so they needed to get back to work. Jordan refused to do anything until she had answers. Julian explained that Ric had been set up as part of a contingency plan in the event that things had gone wrong. Julian explained that the need had arisen to use Ric as a scapegoat when Lucas had been shot and Julian had been arrested. Stunned, Jordan thought that Julian had quit the mob, so Julian explained that Lucas' shooting had been a message and that the only way for Julian to keep his family safe was to follow their boss's orders. Jordan wanted to know who their boss was, but Julian refused to tell her. However, he made it clear that they were expected to pick up where things had left off. Jordan argued that it was impossible because the organization had been dismantled and that the police would watch her closely because the charges against her had been dismissed on a technicality.

Julian accepted Jordan's decision, so he agreed to let their boss know. However, he advised Jordan that the boss might not take the news any better than when Julian had tried to quit. Jordan refused to agree to help Julian without insurance, so she once again requested the name of their boss, but Julian insisted that she'd be safer not knowing the man's identity. Julian added that as far as the rest of the world was concerned, Julian had retired from the organization, so it was imperative that Jordan not openly contact him. Jordan was curious how she was expected to get everything off the ground, but Julian assured her that he would make certain that she got what she needed. After Julian left, Jordan called Anna to let Anna know that they had a problem.

6/13 At the police station, Alexis arrived and immediately wrapped her daughter in a tight embrace as Molly cried. Molly tearfully told Alexis about what had transpired when Molly had heard gunshots ring out and then later when Molly had seen Ric's body transported in body bag. Alexis had no idea why Ric would try to grab a police officer's gun, but Molly suspected that Ric had acted out of desperation because Ric had been framed for crimes that Ric hadn't committed. Alexis didn't want to debate what might have motivated Ric because Alexis was more concerned about Molly. Molly cried that she needed to see her father. Alexis explained that it wasn't possible because Ric was at the morgue, but Molly was certain that Alexis could find a way because Alexis was an attorney. Alexis agreed to see what she could do.

At the morgue, Anna unzipped the body bag as she let Ric know that they were alone. Ric's eyes snapped open as he took a deep breath then jumped out of the bag. He immediately let Anna know how incredibly difficult it had been for him to listen to his devastated daughter and girlfriend weep over his body at the police station.

Moments later, Alexis knocked on the door to the morgue, demanding to talk to Anna. Anna ordered Ric to hide, warned him to be quiet, and then slipped out of the morgue to deal with Alexis and Molly. Alexis explained that Molly wanted to see Ric because Molly was in shock and refused to believe that Ric was dead. Anna pulled Alexis aside to explain that it wouldn't be a good idea for Molly to see Ric because Ric had been disfigured during the shooting. Molly remained determined to see her father, so she slipped into the morgue. Alexis and Anna quickly followed, but Ric was nowhere to be seen. Molly demanded to know where her father was.

Anna claimed that Ric's body was in another room, prompting Alexis to gently explain that Ric would not want Molly to see him because his injury had been too horrific. Ric lurked in the next room, tears streaming down his face, as he heard his heartbroken daughter cry for him. Alexis and Molly exited the hospital, so Nikolas and Elizabeth approached them. Nikolas offered Molly his condolences and hugged his cousin.

6/16 In the park, Julian was on the phone with Luke. He told Luke that Jordan would have the "operation" up and running soon. He also informed Luke that Ric had been killed while in police custody. "How many more people have to die before your vendetta is complete?" he wondered. He hung up the phone and saw Duke standing there. Duke told Julian that Anna was under oath to uphold the law but, "unlucky for you, I'm not under the same constraint."

Julian told Duke that he was out of the business, and he just wanted to live a peaceful life with his family. Duke remembered wanting the same thing, but Julian and his family hadn't allowed it. Julian wanted to end the feud between him and Duke. Julian continued that he didn't want any more hatred or violence. He extended his hand to Duke. Duke reminded Julian that, because of the Jeromes, Duke had ended up in a Turkish prison. He informed Julian that the only two thoughts that had kept him going had been returning to Anna and getting revenge on Julian whether he was "reformed or not." Duke stormed away. Julian wondered how he could face Alexis, Molly, or anyone else who'd been close to Ric. Just then, Sonny appeared.

**The end**

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