Sonny & Alexis #4  February 21 - April 23, 2002 - 8 hr original edit

Adam/Max reports that they have found no trace of Courtney. They are however still looking and have the whole city covered. Sonny orders them to keep looking and also to keep an eye on AJ Quartermaine. Mike arrives and is disappointed to find that Sonny hasn’t found Courtney either. Mike tries to talk to Sonny about his attitude with people who disappointment him; unfortunately he make two mistakes. The first one is that it sounds like a lecture and the second is that he compares Sonny to himself. Sonny is quick to dismiss Mike’s words and even quicker to say he is nothing like Mike. The phone rings, it’s one of Sonny’s men saying the saw Courtney on the docks. Sonny rushes out and even consents to bring Mike along.

Down on the docks, Mike, Sonny and his men watch as AJ hands a corndog to his young blonde companion. Sonny approaches and demands an explanation. However, when the young woman turns around it’s not Courtney. AJ introduces her as Anne Something-or-other; a P.I. HE has hired to help find Courtney. Anne recognizes Sonny and tells him she will do her best to find Courtney and bring her home safely. Sonny warns AJ to keep out to it. After Sonny stalks off Mike lingers behind and tells Anne that if she finds Courtney to tell her that her father loves her. AJ gives Anne an out by saying he understands if she wants to drop the case now that she knows Sonny is involved. Anne assures AJ she will find Courtney-she just needs a lead.

Back at Sonny’s office, Sonny lets Mike in on his growing suspicions. It wasn’t just coincidence that AJ was on the docks with a dead ringer for Courtney-he is up to something. The more he thinks about it the more he is sure something is wrong. If Courtney had left town his men would have found her. If she IS still in town someone is hiding her and that would take money. Courtney doesn’t have that kind of money, but AJ does. Mike comments that it doesn't matter who helps his daughter, but Sonny asks if he wants Courtney to be indebted to AJ.

Sonny sends one of his men off with instructions to keep searching for Courtney and to find out who came on to Carly in the bar. Then he broods at his desk, remembering how he told Carly she only gets involved with men to hurt herself and someone else. Zander comes in, eager for Sonny to give him some bogus information to feed Jax. Sonny says he’s not worried about Jax and wants to know why Zander is so desperate about the situation. Zander says he didn’t like that Jax saw him as a weak person who could be used. He showed you no respect, Sonny agrees, but he points out that he knows Zander would never do anything against him. “I have to tell you something about me and Carly,” Zander says.

At Sonny’s office, Sonny asks Zander for more details about the kissing guy. He explains that Carly’s behavior is self-destructive and he wants to save Michael. Zander gets angry and tells Sonny his assessment of Carly’s behavior is all wrong and then wonders why Sonny really cares so much. “Why not take her back if you care so much?” Zander asks. Sonny is not happy that his lackey has an attitude or an opinion and tells Zander he is acting defensive and should mind his own business. (HELLO??!! Isn’t he talking to the guy he hired to be IN his business??) Sonny does not like what he is hearing at all. Then he starts in on if Jax was the kisser, then Carly lied straight to his face and if so, then everything is over. Carly has come here and is standing outside the door, but bursts in and promises Sonny that next time she kisses someone, he won’t know about it, that she only told him because she was hurt about the flowers sent to Alexis. Sonny grabs his coat and tells Zander he doesn’t pay him enough as he walks out. Alone with Zander, Carly realizes that he didn’t own up to being the kisser because he was trying to save her, not because he didn’t want to lose his job or Sonny’s loyalty. She is grateful. He doesn’t want her gratitude, he just didn’t want to be the reason why she & Sonny could never get back together. He is fed up, though, and tells her he is through.

At Windermere, Nikolas admits to Alexis that he is afraid of the power he has. She asks what he means. He tries to change the subject to Sonny, but that only leads to a discussion of the car accident and Alexis surmises Nikolas may have used that power he is afraid of to hide the truth. Nikolas is annoyed at her insinuations. Alexis points out that if he did cover up for Gia, then he is becoming his father. Nikolas admits that he dreamt of Stavros. Alexis says the dream is just due to all the stress he’s under. Kristina arrives and wants the name of a good real estate agent. Nikolas is happy that they are moving and offers use of Windermere. It’s big enough for the whole Cassidine clan. Kristina is thrilled, but Alexis says the move is not certain, as far as she is concerned. After Alexis leaves, Kristina kicks herself for saying the wrong thing yet again.

In the penthouse hallway, Alexis struggles to get her key to work in her lock when Sonny shows up and tells her he is letting go. He’s not going to jump when Carly wants him to anymore. He also thanks Alexis for being his friend and says he is very lucky to have her. Alexis takes the opportunity to tell him she is moving out. Alexis tells Sonny that she is moving out. Sonny asks her where to and she tells him Wyndemere. Sonny knows that she really doesn't want to move there. He thinks she wants to move because of him but Alexis denies it. He wonders aloud if this is about what Kristina said. Alexis of course has no clue as Kristina still hasn't told her! (we know it is about Kristina having told Sonny that Alexis is in love with him). Sonny asks her if he has pushed her away like he as everyone else in his life. Alexis tells him no. He says that if he pushes her away too it will cost him more than he might thought. Sonny goes on to tell Alexis that everyone else has left him and she is all he has left. Alexis takes offense to that and Sonny tries to reassure her by telling her that she is the only person he really trusts and that he needs her to stay. Alexis tells him that it doesn't matter because she is still going to move out. Before Sonny has the chance to answer, Janine storms into Alexis' penthouse and tells the two she knows where Courtney is.

After walking in to Alexis’ penthouse, Janine starts to tell Sonny where Courtney is but changes her mind after a barrage of questions from ends up telling him that Courtney is with a ‘friend’; she is safe but wants nothing to do with Sonny just yet. Sonny won’t give up and tries to convince Janine that Courtney could be at risk because it is public knowledge that she is HIS sister. Still, Janine won’t budge on Courtney’s whereabouts. She tries to leave, but he prevents her from opening the door. Sonny tries to give Janine money to send to Courtney but Janine refuses. She tells Sonny that Courtney doesn’t need his money and neither does she. She tells Sonny that she will be moving out of the house he provided and will find her own place. Alexis (pulling a box things Courtney left behind from the closet) tells Janine to take them and send them to Courtney, then suggests Sonny write a note to his sister and slip it in with her things. Janine refuses because she believes Sonny would find the box and get Courtney whereabouts even if he had to burn the Post Office down to do it. Finally Janine opens the door to leave and finds herself face to face with Mike who was about to knock... Mike asks about Courtney, but Janine quickly tells him Sonny and Alexis can fill him in before entering the elevator, where Jax is just exiting. Jax inquires about Courtney, but is told by Sonny to mind his own business. Sonny goes off to his PH, with Mike right behind him despite Alexis’ advice to give Sonny time alone. Alexis tells Jax now is not a good time for whatever he wants. Jax tells her too bad, cause it’s about to get worse. Jax admits to Alexis that Skye did lie about Sonny stalking her, but warns her that it doesn’t mean Sonny won’t hurt her. Jax inquires about Courtney, but Alexis isn’t forthcoming with any info. The box of Courtney’s things is on the table and Jax picks up a sweater and asks whom it belongs to. Alexis tells him Courtney left it behind and asks why he wants to know. As he replaces the item he appears indifferent and comments that it was just idle curiosity, but it is apparent that he is thinking about something.

Mike asks Sonny why he isn’t worried about not knowing where Courtney is. Sonny answers that he offered Janine money to give to Courtney but she wouldn’t take it. That means Janine does know where Courtney is and believes she is safe. He also tells Mike that Janine is making plans to remain in town, which means that Courtney either never left town or she is planning on returning soon and Janine knows it. Sonny adds that all they can do now is watch Janine and wait. Mike leaves after asking Sonny to inform ASAP on any news about Courtney; he doesn’t want to blow a second chance with HER. Alexis knocks enters and tells Sonny that what ever flaws Janine has, she loves Courtney and wouldn’t put her in danger so she must be safe. Sonny agrees that Janine thinks Courtney is safe, but he isn’t sure. Sonny tells Alexis that even though HE doesn’t want her to move he’ll understand if she wants to leave. Alexis smiles and says she is not going anywhere.

Inside AJ’s PH, Courtney daydreams a scene from pretty woman with her and AJ in the lead roles. The lights are dim, the fire is blazing, she is sitting and waiting; suddenly the door knob starts to rattle (its Jax outside picking the lock).

In Sonny’s office, Johnny/Max/Adam (whichever) reports that there is still no sign of Courtney. Sonny orders them to keep searching. Zander shows up and tells Sonny he quits. Sonny talks him out of that notion by telling Zander that with Courtney still missing he needs to buy some time by getting Jax off his back for a while. Sonny wants Zander to go ahead and try to convince Jax that he has turned on Sonny. Telling the youngster that sticking as close to the truth as possible is always a good thing, they try to come up with a reason for Zander to turn on Sonny that Jax will believe. Sonny suggests that a good reason would be Carly. Zander is stunned for a moment (could Sonny know?) until Sonny says for him to convince Jax that Zander resents having to baby-sit her. Zander is relived and goes off with a promise to do his best and Sonny’s praise for his trustworthiness ringing in his ears…

After Zander leaves his office, Sonny looks to make sure no one is around, then slowly pulls open a desk drawer and removes something tucked into the corner… His wedding ring. After holding it a few moments, reading the engraving and smiling fondly in memory, he tucks it back into the drawer. Jax shows up and Sonny tells him he doesn’t have time to for him right now. Jax comments that he was trying to return the favor Sonny did when he helped Jerry, by helping with Courtney, but if Sonny’s not interested…(as he starts to walk away). In typical Sonny fashion, he doesn’t apologize but demands Jax tell him if he knows where Courtney is. Jax simply answers, “AJ has her”.

Jax fills Sonny in on the fact that his sister has sought refuge with A.J. and is being taken in hook, line, & sinker. He is taken aback when Sonny accuses him of lying. Alexis arrives and after hearing the story urges Sonny to believe Jax. Sonny storms off to confront AJ with Johnny, Max/Adam and JAX right on his heels. He bursts through AJ’s door just seconds after AJ returns from escorting Zander and Carly downstairs and is greeted by a stunned AJ and a frighten Skye.

Sonny demands to know where Courtney is. Skye sticks up for AJ saying that she was never there. Johnny finds a necklace in one of the bedrooms and Skye says it's hers. Sonny threatens them both as Jax walks in. Jax tells Sonny that it isn't worth it. Sonny shows Jax the necklace that Skye claims is hers. Jax tells her that it isn't her style of necklace. Sonny then asks AJ to take a walk with him and AJ agrees. Skye blasts Jax for telling Sonny about Court staying there. Jax is angry at Skye for sticking up and lying for AJ. Sonny takes AJ out onto the docks and pulls a gun out on him. He then hands AJ the gun and tells him to shoot him. AJ doesn't want to and tells Sonny that he will win when he beats him at his game. Sonny then receives a call from Janine who tells the mobster that Court has returned home. Sonny tells her that he will be right over. AJ goes back to his room and him and Skye have an emotional reunion. Jax gets disgusted and leaves the brother and sister alone. Skye follows Jax home and makes him let her in. Later, Sonny goes to Janine's and sees Court there.

At Janine's, admitting that he was worried about her, Sonny asks his sister why she took off. Courtney tells Sonny that she turned to AJ because he believed her about the accident. Courtney snarls at Sonny when he tells her that her white knight AJ is just using her to get at him. An argument quickly develops from there and ends with Courtney leaving the house alone. When Courtney returns the house is empty but she does find a note from Janine saying that AJ wants to meet her at the Q boathouse.

Sonny asks Courtney when he sees his sister is whether or not she needs to go to the doctor, but Courtney replies that she is fine. Janine admits to her daughter that she was the one who called Sonny and that Courtney should give her brother a chance to speak his piece. At Janine's, Courtney tells Sonny that she did NOT run the red light, but she DID run away from Sonny's attempts to tell her what to do and to think. When the police told her she was free to go - she took them at their word and left. Sonny apologizes to Courtney for trying to tell her how to feel and promises that he will try to do better. Courtney: Are you trying to apologize? Sonny: Trying to. Courtney: You don't do it much, do you? Sonny: Not something I'm well-known for - no. Sonny insists that he would like to be able to relax with Courtney and have fun. Then Sonny wants to be sure that Courtney is OK, because of where she was - with A.J. 'Whatever A.J. promised you, he does not mean it,' Sonny insists to his sister, then angers his sister by asking: 'Did he touch you?' Courtney suddenly bristles at Sonny, and asks if THAT is why Sonny wanted to know if she needed to see a doctor. Courtney goes on to tell her brother that the reason that she accepted A.J.'s friendship was because, when she told A.J. that she had not run that red light - A.J. believed her.

Courtney angrily informs her brother that everything in the world does not revolve around the mighty Sonny Corinthos! However, Sonny insists that nobody he cares about will even speak to A.J. and that Courtney IS the only way A.J. can get to Sonny. Then Sonny goes on to insist to his sister that he never accused her of lying about the red light. However, Courtney insists that she has had enough and storms out of the room.

At Wyndemere, Sonny shows up to talk to Liz about the accident. Sonny manages to see Liz despite Nik’s protest that Liz needs to rest and put the accident behind her. Sonny becomes more determined to see Liz after Gia joins in and tell him that talking about the accident only distresses Liz. Once Sonny gets a chance to speak with Liz she assures him that she is doing very well, might take him up on his offer to return to his casino island-soon, doesn’t need anything as her family and friends are catering to her every need and doesn’t hold a grudge against his sister. After Sonny leaves Gia says she doesn’t like him cause he is dangerous; Liz defends the mobster saying he has always been good to her even before the accident. Lucky agrees that Sonny is a decent person-as long as you don’t cross him.

Carly checks her hair and make-up before letting herself into Sonny’s penthouse. To Carly’s annoyance, Alexis is busy working at the desk. After trying to get Alexis to leave and failing, Carly wanders around the room making as much noise as possible. Eventually she starts to make snide remarks which Alexis does her best to brush off. Alexis offers to tell Sonny Carly stopped by and have him call her, but Carly insists that it is important-about Michael. Sonny finally arrives, but Carly is disappointed when after she tells Sonny her important news (Michael is in a school play and he wants Sonny to attend) Sonny asks Carly to leave so he can discuss business with Alexis. Before walking out, Carly hands Sonny an invite to the opening of her club (tomorrow night) and angrily tells him to bring Alexis as the invitation is for two.

Sonny tells Alexis that he knows Gia lied about Courtney running the red light and has figured out Nik is throwing money around trying to hide it. He tells Alexis how much Nik and Gia protested his visit with Liz, how they told him 15 times that Liz just wants ‘to put the accident behind’, that he believes Liz’s statement to the police is not based on memory but the lies Nik and Gia have fed her. He is shocked when Alexis admits that she had already figured it out. When he demands to know why she didn’t tell him, she informs him that her family is as important to her as his is to him. She also tells him that if he tries to go after Nik, they will find themselves on opposite sides. Sonny appears to understand, since he goes on to berate himself for letting Courtney down when she needed him. Alexis assures him he made a ‘human’ mistake-like everyone does, but Sonny wonders how he will make it up to his sister. Courtney returns to the house Sonny is providing for Janine to find Sonny waiting for her. She tells him she is tired, but Sonny coaxes her to listen. He tells her that he knows she didn’t run the light the night of the accident. He apparently can’t bring himself to actually apologize, so he tries to tell her that he was too busy trying to keep Taggart from railroading her to listen to her that night, but he know the truth now and is willing to do whatever it takes to clear her name-if she wants him too. Why? Questions Courtney. Sonny explains that he wants them to have a second chance. Courtney angrily starts to answer but Sonny cuts her off and tells her sleep on it then call him in the morning. Courtney accepts but warns him not to hold his breath waiting for her call.

Sonny stops by for another chat with his sister. Courtney thanks him for believing her about the car accident. Then she tells him that she hasn’t heard from A.J.; she wants to know if he did something to him. Sonny says that no one has laid a hand on A.J. She seems to accept that. Sonny asks her to come to the club opening with him. It takes a little convincing, but Courtney agrees. Sonny leaves, promising to be back in an hour to pick her up. Janine arrives home and assumes Courtney is going out with A.J. No, with Sonny, Courtney says.

Kristina arrives home, in time to give Alexis (in a flattering red dress) the box she found by the door. Inside is another gardenia from Sonny. This will make Carly’s night, you showing up for the opening of her club with Sonny, Kristina remarks. Alexis says she encouraged Sonny to take Courtney, but he asked her along, as well. She changes the subject by asking how Kristina’s trip with Ned was. Weird, weirder, then wonderful, Kristina replies. Ned and I had an open, honest conversation about our feelings for each other. That’s so much better than having to guess how the other person feels, she adds, saying she wouldn’t wish that frustration on anyone, not even her sister. Alexis does not appreciate the not-so-subtle hint. Sonny arrives, chipper (yes, actually!) and full of compliments. He tells Alexis she is so smart and so right about what to say to Courtney. Then he envelops her in a rather awkward (for her) hug. After Kristina goes upstairs to get ready, Alexis tries to convince him to take Courtney alone to the club, but Sonny says he needs her along to help fill the uncomfortable silences. But he promises to show her a good time, too. Ned arrives, and Sonny leaves, running into Mike by the elevator. Mike wants to know how much damage A.J. did. Sonny says he’s clearing it up by not letting A.J. get anywhere near Courtney. Back in the penthouse, Ned tells Alexis he understands about her and Sonny, because Kristina told him about her “blurt.” Alexis tries to act like she knows what he’s talking about. Ned says that Sonny probably already knew she was in love with him. Alexis is shocked, Ned realizes his blunder, Kristina makes a seductive entrance, and Sonny shows up at the door again, grinning and ready for a night on the town. Alexis is stricken.

A.J. manages somehow to arrive on Courtney’s doorstep. She doesn’t seem interested in his excuses, willing to accept that he let her down. A.J. tells her he’s been trying to get to her for two days, but Sonny wouldn’t let him. AJ proves himself to be a wonderful con man as he manages to convince Courtney to go along with his plan. With claims that he has to standup to Sonny, no matter what the consequences, he urges her to attend Carly’s opening with him.

The hottest club to hit Port Charles in a long time opened its doors tonight. Club 101 is the creation of Carly Corinthos, ex-wife of alleged mob boss Sonny Corinthos. Ms. Corinthos, wearing an elegant black dress with spaghetti straps, was on hand to greet guests as they entered the club. Anyone who is anyone in this town made an appearance at the opening. Sonny Corinthos was spotted walking in from the parking lot with his date, attorney Alexis Davis. The couple hesitated on the doorstep, appearing to be deep in conversation.

Outside Club 101, while a bevy of reporters look on and wonder what is going on, Sonny assures Alexis that there isn’t anything she can't tell him. She searches for the right words to apologize for Kristina telling him that Alexis is in love with him. Sonny tries to guess what's on Alexis' mind but to no avail. Alexis rushes in to the club to collect her thoughts.

Alexis confronts Kristina over her indiscretion. Carly lights up when Sonny finally arrives. He compliments her on the club and comments that it's not as "in your face" as he expected and admits that he sometimes misses that attitude. Sonny interrupts their conversation, but Alexis whisks Kristina away to continue the conversation in the ladies room. Kristina apologizes for telling Sonny, but adds that she did it because of how he treated Alexis. Alexis is even more upset when she finds out that Kristina went back to try to convince Sonny she was wrong about Alexis’ feelings for him. Kristina pushes Alexis to admit her feelings for the mobster, but Alexis chooses to guzzle Champagne instead. Alexis is totally humiliated because she thinks Sonny feels sorry for her. Kristina suggests that maybe Sonny feels the same way about Alexis that Alexis feels about him. Alexis warns Kristina stop interfering in her life.

Sonny approaches Gia and Nik and mentions that he talked to Courtney and assured his sister that he believed that she didn't run the red light. Gia asks if Sonny is implying that she lied about the accident. Sonny claims he only wants the truth and Nik suggests that Sonny just forget about it. When Sonny leaves Nik and Gia alone, a worried Gia is ready to tell the truth but Nik won't hear of it. Everything comes to an abrupt standstill when AJ and Courtney appear at the door together.

Susan Diol plays the role of Alexis today, while Nancy Lee Grahn is off with pneumonia. Ned, Kristina, Skye, Jax, Carly, Nikolas, Gia, etc. all watch AJ with Courtney. Alexis tries to keep Sonny from doing something drastic. Sonny starts seeing blurry and goes over to AJ & Courtney. Courtney stands up for AJ, and calls Sonny on all the nasty tricks he just pulled to keep AJ away from her. Courtney & AJ dance. Carly asks Sonny if she should have AJ thrown out. Jax asks if he can dance with Courtney. Sonny mad that Jax is dancing with her now. Skye yells at AJ. Skye then interrupts Jax & Courtney, but Jax walks away. AJ tries to make peace with Sonny. He won't have any part in it. Sonny tries to get out of Alexis what she wanted to tell him outside. Zander asks Sonny if he should "take care of AJ". Kristina wants to know if Alexis is still mad at her, she says no. Courtney asks AJ if he really likes her or if he's trying to get back at Sonny. He kisses her, and Sonny glares. AJ & Courtney kiss. Everyone is looking. Sonny is furious and heads over to do something about it. Alexis tries to calm him down. Carly tries to stop him. Skye tries to stop her brother. Everything is happening in slow motion. Finally, Zander steps up and punches AJ. The boys scuffle. The women scream. In the end, AJ is bloody and Courtney is upset. Taggert yells at Zander, Carly & Alexis try to prevent an arrest. AJ finally says he isn’t going to press charges. Sonny once again warns Courtney to stay away from AJ. AJ makes a speech thanking Carly and saying he was sorry that things went wrong. Then, he collapses.

At GH, AJ is checked out by Alan, who doesn’t really find anything wrong. AJ asks if he can at least stay in the hospital for a day or two. Alan says there is no reason for that. AJ begs to stay, says it is his only chance to get Michael back.

At Mike’s place, Sonny knocks on the door and asks for his help. Mike chastises Sonny for not eating breakfast but Sonny brushes off the fatherly concern and urges Mike to find a way to make Courtney listen to reason before he's forced to take drastic actions. Mike promises to try his best and appears to have the beginnings of an idea or plan before Sonny leaves. Sonny shows up at Janine’s and demands answers on how AJ and Courtney managed to connect. He guesses (correctly) that Janine is willing to overlook AJ’s shortcomings because of the size of his trust fund. Janine denies it, but Sonny’s theory is confirmed when her cell phone rings. Sonny picks it up, but doesn’t say anything. Not realizing who is on the other end AJ tells Janine that the plan is in trouble and he needs her help ASAP. Sonny accuses Janine of “selling” Courtney for a chance at a big payoff and not caring that AJ is only using her. Upset, Janine blurts out that A.J. intends to marry her daughter. With one last disgusted look at Janine, Sonny heads out the door.

Sonny enters AJ’s room, draws the shade and slowly approaches the bed. AJ watches with apprehension and fear showing clearly on his face. Sonny is threatening him, warning him that he can become uncontrollably violent. Carly walks in and tells Sonny to leave, that he shouldn’t be there. Alan walks in and is dismayed to find both of them there. At that point, AJ takes a sip of water and spits it out, claiming someone replaced his water with vodka. When Courtney shows up and hears what happened, she tells Sonny off, tells Carly to shut up and tells them to leave. Sonny tries to convince Alan that AJ is a user and that he is only worried about Courtney just like Alan would be worried about Emily. Nice try, Sonny. Carly and Sonny share a moment in the hallway.

Alexis manages to interrupt Kristina and Ned during a cozy moment and apologizes. Nevertheless, she really needs Ned to intercede with A.J. before something terrible happens. Ned’s less than pleased to be asked to once again step in and fix his dysfunctional cousin’s life, much less to be asked by the woman who left him at the altar not once, but twice. Kristina asks Alexis if she’s ever discussed her (Kristina’s) slip up to Sonny. She wonders when and if Alexis will ever admit her feelings to Sonny – or even to herself. Ned likens the Sonny/Courtney/A.J. dilemma to choosing the lesser of two evils. Alexis is kind of taken aback that Nedly’s not on her side and he asks if there’s anything that can erase her feelings for the mob boss.

Carly’s a happy girl when she realizes that Sonny’s actually trusting her judgment. He tells her that his inability to control his anger where A.J. is concerned is the cause of the distance between the two sibs. Sonny swears to Courtney that his protection of her stems from his love for her and lets his dear old dad have it for telling Court about his plan to lure her away from A.J. He brings tears to her eyes when he tells of A.J.’s involvement in the death of his and Carly’s unborn child and his decision to choose to save Carly over the baby. Alan speaks to A.J. about his intentions toward Courtney. AJ swears his love is pure (see paragraph title above) and says he wants to marry her. Sonny, Carly and Mike are causing an uproar with A.J. and Courtney. Alan steps in as hospital administrator and calls the police. Mac and Taggert appear and throw the threesome out of the hospital. Carly points out that she and Sonny have stopped A.J. before; they can do it again. Sonny makes note of the “we.” Carly says she’ll fight A.J. with or without Sonny. Agreeing to nothing, Sonny asks what her hypothetical course of action would be. Carly says they need to get A.J. quarantined and keep him in the hospital. Doesn’t he have anyone on the take at GH? Sonny says she’s been watching the gangster movies again. They’re joking around when Alexis shows up. Sonny asks her to subpoena Janine’s bank records, because he thinks she’s getting money from A.J. He says A.J. told Janine he wants to marry Courtney. Carly again suggests a quarantine. Alexis takes a practical point of view: “He has something you want - Courtney. You have something he wants - Michael.” Carly immediately flips out and declares she will never bargain with her child. Alexis points out she was just making a case analysis; you need to look at what your opponent wants and find his weakness. Sonny leaves the room to go talk to Benny. Alexis hangs around, much to Carly’s annoyance. It doesn’t help when Alexis observes (accurately) that Carly started the whole mess by lying about Michael’s paternity. An envelope is slid under the door. Carly yells for Sonny, then goes to pick it up. It’s A.J.’s handwriting, she says.

Alan confronts the thugs at the nurses’ desk, while Courtney, disguised in scrubs and a surgical mask, wheels a “dead” body towards the elevator. One of the goons tries to help, but Alan tells him to stay away; the body is contagious. A.J. and Courtney safely get on the elevator. Then they’re on the roof and a helicopter is coming for them. They celebrate their escape. While Sonny reads AJ’s note, Carly and Alexis hold their breath waiting for his reaction. Struggling to maintain his composure, Sonny crumples the note and flings it away, walks to the bar and pours himself a drink. With his permission, Alexis retrieves the note and reads it aloud. It is apparent that AJ is taunting Sonny, as he informs the mobster that Courtney is “safe” with him and she “choose” to go away with him and “wants” Sonny to leave her alone. Benny arrives and the women excuse themselves so the men can talk “business”. Sonny issues some explicit instructions to Benny. He wants every person they “employ” in every place around the world to look for the pair. He wants all favors called in, and every resource used in the hunt for Courtney. He orders Benny to be make sure the men (Ken and Tim) who let Courtney and AJ escape, are never in a position to let him down again! Oh and if possible he wants Jason found. Benny warns that the cost for what Sonny wants done will be high, high enough to put him in the debt of others.

Later, Sonny converses (in Spanish) with a man named Javier, whom he asks to be on the look out for Courtney. He tells Javier that he wants Courtney found, but not frightened and says he owes him. After pouring himself another drink, Sonny retreats to the balcony and replays scenes with Courtney and AJ over in his mind. Suddenly he picks up his things and rushes out the door. Out in the hallway, Alexis tries to warn Carly not to do anything about AJ on her own. Alexis tries to tell Carly that if she does something rash, it may not only hinder Sonny’s attempts to find Courtney, but also damage Carly’s relationship with Sonny. However, Carly’s paranoia keeps her from understanding that Alexis is trying to help not just Sonny, but HER also. Carly goes straight to her club where she finds Zander and asks him “How far are you willing you go with me?”

Jax knocks on Alexis’ door and tells her of Helena’s escape. He wants both Alexis and Kristina to move on to his yacht until Helena is found, but Alexis refuses to run and hide. Jax thinks that Alexis is reluctant to leave in case Sonny needs her. Alexis vehemently denies it- again! As she escorts Jax to the elevator, proclaiming that she is done explaining and apologizing for her relationship with Sonny, she notices that his door is ajar. She (with Jax right behind her) decides to investigate since that is a strange occurrence. Inside they find no trace of Sonny and Alexis wonders out loud where he could be.

At ELQ, Skye closes a big deal over the phone and congratulates herself on making a big killing. She gathers her things and rises to leave, but suddenly drops back into her chair as she sees Sonny lurking in the doorway. A nervous Skye tries to get rid of Sonny. She tells him Edward isn’t there-Sonny says he’s there to see her. She says she has nothing to say to him and threatens to call security to get him out. Sonny says, “Go ahead! What are you going to tell them? That there’s a stock-holder on the premises?” He asks her where AJ is. Skye says as far as she knows he’s in the hospital. Sonny tells her about the escape and tells her to listen up cause he’s about to make her an offer she can’t refuse. Skye asks Sonny “what if I don’t help?” Sonny says “then we have a problem”. Skye quips, “What are you going to do? Break my kneecaps? Fit me for cement shoes?”. Sonny explains that he cares for his sister as much as Skye appears to care for her brother. He tells her that if she helps get Courtney back safe and sound, in exchange AJ will walk away-in one piece. This upsets Skye and she starts to babble about how Sonny threatens everyone, a comment that Jax arrives just in time to overhear. Skye appeals to Jax to help her get Sonny to leave. Sonny explains to Jax that he made Skye an offer and entreats him to explain to Skye that sometimes-even enemies strike deals. Jax tells Sonny he knows about the escape and understands how he feels. Jax fills Sonny in on Helena’s escape and the Cassadine sisters’ refusal to hide. He tells Sonny to make sure they are kept safe.

As Alexis and Jax return to her PH she wonders if she should call Benny and report Sonny’s apparent disappearance. She then second guesses herself and wonders if that’s what she shouldn't do. Jax makes snide remarks about her relationship to Sonny. He says Alexis is more worried about Sonny than her own safety. Alexis refuses to go live on the yacht, again. Kristina arrives. Jax informs Kristina of Helena’s escape and wants her to help convince Alexis to relocate to the yacht. Alexis tells Kris she can go if she wants to. Kristina also refuses to go and Alexis declares the subject closed. Alexis then fills Kristina in on the latest happenings including AJ’s and Courtney’s escape and Sonny apparent disappearance. Kristina says she got to know Courtney a bit, and hates that a weasel like AJ is using her. She then lays into Skye for helping AJ and wonders what Jax sees in her. This apparently clicks something in Jax brain as it sends him out the door immediately. Kristina nags Alexis about Sonny, but tries to explain that she is doing it because she cares. Alexis insists that Kris stop trying to figure her out. She explains that when someone pushes her, she either recoils or lashes out by saying something she might not mean. However, Kristina continues to push until Alexis angrily yells out to leave her alone, that she should be the one to decide who and when she will share her thoughts and feelings with. Still very upset, she continues “You don’t care about my feelings because I’m in love with a man you can’ stand”. Alexis, very upset about what she just said, tells Kris to stuff it, when Kris begins to comment on Alexis’ admission. With a last “don’t say a word” look, Alexis practically runs upstairs. Kristina’s pacing is brought to a halt by a knock on the door. She opens to find Sonny on the other side. Sonny asks to speak with Alexis and Kris gets in his face again about his treatment of her sister. Short on patience, Sonny walks away from her toward the door, commenting that he will just call Alexis on the phone. Kristina further upset Sonny when she comments that it’s no wonder Courtney ran away. Sonny demands she explain. Kris tell him that he make people feel insignificant when he just walks away with out acknowledging their comments. So Sonny tells her what he thinks of her, “You’re a selfish child with too much time on your hands.” He tells her she should stop telling people things that they didn’t ask to hear and that are none of her business. If she has issues with Alexis, she should take them up with Alexis, and if she doesn’t like it in the PH, then she can just move! Alexis appears at the top of the stairs, but makes no comment, so it is unclear how much of the conversation she overhear. An unusually quiet Kristina mounts the stairs as Alexis descends.

Once face to face with Sonny, Alexis offers an uncomfortable hello. Alexis tells Sonny he looks terrible and that he should rest. When Sonny turns toward her sofa, Alexis quickly adds “in your own PH”. She leads the way across the hall. While Sonny pours himself a drink, Alexis nods her head in the direction of the kitchen and asks if he is hungry. With an amused laugh (the one that brings out his dimples) Sonny says, “What would you do if I was?”. To which Alexis quips “I’d order in!”. She then offer to get him a glass of warm milk. He queries, "You know how to make milk?" She counters, "I was hoping you did. I could sing you a lullaby." He is surprised, "You sing?". She admits, "like a strangled cat!" or sing him a lullaby despite singing like a drowning cat. Sonny manages to render Alexis speechless when he asks if she is going to tuck him into bed. Alexis is trying to help Sonny out, suggests he go to bed. He flirts with her, making her uncomfortable. She asks him, "what do you want? You want me to put you to bed myself?" Sonny grins seductively and leans in with a soulful look (giving the viewer the impression he might kiss her), he says "you going to take me to bed?" She clarifies that she meant "put you to bed". He tells her not to treat him like a two year old. Sonny says AJ isn't going to be a problem (definitely a threat). Alexis tries to talk to him about it, he isn't interested.

She starts to go home, stops and makes an excuse that they need to talk about his legal options. He stops her and says sensuously that if she wants to stay to just say so. He invites her to join him on the couch. Alexis continues about AJ as she is worried that Sonny will be brought up on violent crime charges. Mike shows up and Sonny gets violently angry with him. When Mike leaves, Alexis finally is able to convince Sonny to go up to bed. He wants her to put him to bed. She walks him to his door, he wants her to go into his bedroom. Then he flirts with him some more and unbuttons his shirt in front of her. She is incredibly uncomfortable. He just grins at her. Finally asleep, he has a nightmare about himself as a boy, locked in a closet, with his mom yelling for help, but then he realizes he is a grown man still locked in the closet and Courtney is the one screaming for help. He wakes up from the nightmare to find Alexis still there. He doesn’t want to talk about it; she agrees sometimes talking is useless.

Sonny (still in his robe and with mussed hair) gives further instructions over the phone in the continuing search for his sister. Alexis tries to convince Sonny that going after her and AJ will only aggravate things further. She advises him to be patient and let Courtney realize her mistake on her own. Then he can be there for her when she is ready to open up to him. Sonny explains why he can’t wait and take the chance that AJ will hurt her physically or do permanent emotional damage. Alexis beats a hasty exit when Sonny announces he is going to take a shower. Alexis tells all that Sonny is willing to give AJ a “free pass” if Courtney is found and returned immediately. Edward tries to insult Alexis by saying she is lying to help Sonny. But Ned defends her and says that if Alexis believes Sonny wouldn’t hurt AJ, it must be true. Alan finally confesses (despite Edward’s objection) that the helicopter was headed for JFK. With a thanks to Ned and a reassurance to a worried Monica, Alexis heads out. Johnny shows up with an envelope addressed to Sonny. Inside are (instant foto-booth) pictures of AJ and Courtney laughing and playing about. Upset, Sonny gets dressed and takes off. Alexis and Carly run into each other on the Q estate. Later, Carly locks Skye into the boathouse. Skye is praying to get out of "the spot" Carly has put her in. She, with trepidation, decides to swim out of the room (that Carly has locked her in)through a hole or something. She is cold, and pleading for God's and Jax's help. A sneaky Carly does return to let her out, but she finds no Skye.

A troubled Sonny goes to a church to pray. He discusses his inner turmoil with God and the Father. The Father tells him how much his monetary support has meant to their church, etc. Sonny says cryptically " Perhaps I can buy my way into Heaven". Sonny tells the Father that he has a profound darkness inside of him that will not go away. He says that he has seen no light. He says : "Maybe You do not get what I am saying, but God knows". Sonny also asks : "Why does God take the people I love?" The Catholic priest listens to Sonny's plea for contentment. He tells Sonny that in order to cease having his negative, dark, endless, nightmares, etc. that he might want to change the way he is living his life. Then he may see the light. Sonny seems to be pondering this thought.

Ned and Alexis have a brief chat about how to intercede and get Courtney home safely. Ned and she agree that it's time for them to forgive each other. A freezing cold Skye lays on the grass outside the boathouse.

Sonny told Carly that he met with Skye and offered her a deal if she could get AJ to back away from Courtney. Carly argued that AJ would walk away free and get to kidnap his sister. Sonny tried to assure Carly that this is the best way and that he was going to trust Skye. Carly didn't agree and told Sonny that she "saw" Skye at her club. She tells him about their argument and tells him he can trace her calls and have her followed but Sonny says that he doesn't care about Skye he just wants his sister back. Carly sweet talks him and tells him to have patience. Courtney will see thru AJ and take her knocks and then come back to Sonny. Carly goes to make Sonny something to eat and comes back to find him sleeping on the couch. She covers him up and watches him sleep.

Alexis attempts to cook breakfast for a sleeping Sonny. After smelling smoke, Kris arrives (Extinguisher in hand) to help. She and Alexis bond while cooking an edible breakfast despite the fact that Kris questions when Lexis is going to tell Sonny how she feels about him. Alexis explains that because of some of the similar incidents she and Sonny have lived through, she can relate to him and just wants to help him have a closer relationship to Courtney. Kris explains that she cares about Alexis and is concerned that one day, Alexis will realize that she spent all her time helping Sonny and neglected her own needs. As the discussion comes to an end, the sisters (mainly Kris) prepare an edible breakfast for Sonny. Alexis carries the tray up to Sonny’s room, while Kris begins to “clean” up the kitchen. Alexis returns downstairs immediately (tray still in hand) and reports that Sonny is not in his room. Where could he be?, she wonders! Sonny is on the phone again while he paces back and forth in Carly’s living room. Carly arrives downstairs (in a silky red nightgown) and Sonny thanks her for the use of the sofa. Carly tells him she is glad he finally slept and adds that he is welcome to the sofa “anytime” he needs it. Michael bounds down the stairs, and excited that “Uncle Sonny” is still there quickly offer to make him a bowl of cereal for breakfast.

Afterward, Sonny is amazed when Carly tells him that she thinks they should give up on Skye helping to get Courtney back. Sonny reiterates that it is the best shot they have at the moment, but gets a bit suspicious and asks why she suddenly wants to give up. Unable to bring herself to tell Sonny what she has done, Carly claims that she just wouldn’t trust anything Skye tells them. Michael returns and coaxes Sonny outside to look at his tomato plants. Zander arrives and gets Carly back under suspicion when he comments thank heaven she didn’t do anything crazy last night after all. A comment that Sonny overhears and demands an explanation for. Carly’s skills at lying come in handy as she tells Sonny that it was just hot air and Zander deflated her. Sonny leaves, but does NOT look totally convinced by Carly’s tale. Sonny returns to his PH to find Kristina and Alexis still there. (Alexis was pondering where she should call Benny and report Sonny missing or just wait until someone called her and reported that Sonny was jailed-again). After Sonny refuses breakfast Kristina excuses herself. Sonny thanks Alexis for her efforts and tender care of the night before. Sonny explains to Alexis that he spent the night at Carly’s-on the sofa; then had breakfast with Michael. Alexis comments that she didn’t think hangovers and milk made a good combination. Sonny tells her that he didn’t have a hangover; cause he didn’t drink enough to blackout (apparently that’s the only time he gets hangovers). Alexis urges him to get to bed and rest. In between flirting and awkward silences, Alexis tells Sonny that she ran into Carly on the Q property. She explains that Carly had a "good" theory-AJ and Courtney COULD have been on the grounds. But, she goes on to explain, they split the search and came up empty handed. This info gives Sonny a moments pause. Then, Johnny arrives with info that they traced from Skye’s cell phone. After reading the paper, Sonny tells Alexis that he knows where AJ is, right down to the hotel room number.

Alexis insists that she is going with Sonny (to the location he has tracked AJ and Courtney to). He says no, he doesn't want her involved. She insists that he needs someone rational that won't take orders from him. If he ignores her advice then she won't represent him if he is arrested. She reminds him of what happened at Carly's club when AJ kissed Courtney and if he loses it she won't clean up after him. He finally agrees for her to accompany him and as they are heading out the door, Taggert shows up to arrest Sonny for having Skye locked up in the boathouse. Sonny insists that he had nothing to do with it. Down at the PCPD, Alexis tells Sonny that Jax wouldn't bring charges some kind of proof. Sonny assures her that it wasn't him. Alexis says she knows who did it and tells Sonny about seeing Carly at the Q's that night. Skye is telling her story to the police, Alexis interrogates her about the medical record of her trauma (there was none since Jax didn't take her to the hospital but back to his place). Skye talks about the note which she admits wasn't signed by Sonny. Alexis is ripping apart the non-existent case against Sonny. Skye asks her how she can be so sure Sonny didn't do it. Carly walks in and says because she is the one who did do it! Carly’s statement is meet with less than belief by Taggart, Skye and Mac (who has suddenly appeared in the scene). Jax has a flashback of Carly arriving in her office boasting of having gotten the better of Skye, but does not say anything. Sonny tries to stop Carly from making matters worse and even tries to get Alexis to give Carly an alibi. Alexis does admit to seeing Carly on the Q grounds, but can neither deny nor confirm Carly’s activities. Carly insists that she is the guilty party, but Zander urges her to keep quiet as it is only making matters worse. Sensing that Sonny might get out through a loophole, Skye states that she wants Sonny arrested for attempted murder. Mac tells Skye she admitted that she went into the water of her own free will, so no can do. Skye says Sonny threatened AJ’s life. Alexis quickly points out that Skye has no witnesses or proof of the alleged threat. In between warning Taggart that he should dismiss himself from the case, and telling Mac he is making a mistake, Alexis insists that her client be released. Mac tells her that Sonny will have to wait (in a holding cell) like every other accused person, until the ADA can review the evidence and decide if there is a case. Mac orders Taggart to escort Sonny to a holding cell, an order Taggart is happy to obey. Carly informs Alexis that she has to get Sonny out immediately because he is claustrophobic. But warns her that Sonny doesn’t want the PCPD to know as they would use this knowledge to torture him with confinement. After Taggart pushes Sonny into a cell (with a little more force than needed), Sonny warns him to be careful or he’ll find himself at the wrong end of a harassment suit. Alexis arrives and uses her legal expertise (not to mention a couple of threats) to get Taggart to agree to let her “confer” with her client. After Taggart leaves, telling Alexis to take as long as she needs since Sonny will be there for awhile, Alexis tells Sonny she is there to keep him company.

(Note - normal episodes you may have 10 minutes for a character in this episode Sonny has 15 minutes! I think this was designed to be a possible Emmy showcase scene as you can only submit two episodes for review so he received extra time and great material! The following description really does not do credit to the depth of his performance) In the holding cell, Alexis insists on keeping a claustrophobic Sonny company. Sonny paces his cell like a caged animal and snarls at Alexis in an effort to get her to leave him alone. Alexis guesses correctly that he is trying to get rid of her because he doesn’t want her to witness his panic. She bravely shouts at Sonny that she won't be the target for his rage and frustration. When Sonny snarls at her again, she picks up her briefcase and walks away. As the echo of her footsteps fade away, Sonny starts to feel the walls closing in. Shortly, thereafter, he hears the sound of approaching footsteps and tentatively calls out to Alexis, who reappears with a friendly and calming smile. To keep the phobia at bay, Sonny asks Alexis to regale him with the first time she had one of her panic attacks. Most of the story is lost in the background as we get to hear and see it from Sonny’s point view-which is quickly fading farther and farther away. We got enough to know that it happened after she was sent to boarding school (at the age of 14) and thought Helena showed up one day. The conversation turns to uniforms and field trips, and they end up wondering if they might have seen each other at a ballet performance. Seems it was a regular trip for the schoolgirls, and Sonny confesses he treated his mother to a matinee performance as soon as he could afford it, and wouldn’t you know it, there was a gaggle of uniform wearing schoolgirls in the next box. Sonny thanks Alexis and admits that having her around helped him deal with his phobia. Taggart returns and announces that ADA Jenson has arrived. He escorts the duo back to the offices.

Alexis insists on sitting in on Dara and Skye’s interview. As Sonny, Jax and Carly watch through the window, Dara begins her questioning. “Now, Miss C-Q, can you tell me how you managed to get yourself in to this predicament?”. A tearful Skye tells Dara about her ordeal. When Dara asks if Skye knows who is responsible, Skye tells her that she's sure PC’s most notorious mobster-Sonny-was responsible. Alexis jumps in and asks how Skye knows, did she see or hear Sonny that night? Aware that Jax is watching and has threatened to expose her if she lies, Skye is forced to admit that not only did she NOT see or hear Sonny or any of his men-she didn’t see or hear anyone at all. Dara informs Alexis that her client is free to go, as there are NO grounds for holding him. Upset, Skye runs into the squad room (and straight towards Sonny) screaming that they can’t let Sonny go because his is going to kill AJ. Sadly Taggart informs her that the have no grounds for holding him, as Skye watches Alexis and Sonny leave the room. Skye gets hysterical and gives a tearful heartfelt plea for someone to do something. She turns on Jax and tries to place the responsibility of AJ's well being on him. Jax tries to comfort her and offers to take her anywhere in the world she would like to go. Skye refuses as she has to make funeral arrangements for AJ, then walks away from him.

Back home at his penthouse, Sonny informs Alexis that the delay has given AJ time to give him the slip and they are back where they started-searching for him. A knock on the door interrupts their conversation. It’s Carly, who refuses to go away until Sonny hears her out. After he reluctantly lets her in, she rudely dismisses Alexis, but Sonny orders her to thank Alexis for covering for her. Carly points out that Alexis didn’t do it to help her, but because Sonny asked her too. Never-the-less says Sonny, as he points out that if Carly had been arrested the Q’s would have had an opening to get Michael back; if you can’t do if for yourself, do it for Michael. Carly glares at Alexis. Alexis tells Carly she didn’t lie for her, she used “creative semantics.” She leaves Carly & Sonny alone. Carly tells her ex that Alexis can’t be trusted. He admonishes Carly for her behavior, asking her if she ever puts Michael first. Carly explains that she is not his problem to solve. They discuss their mutual distrust of each other. Carly doesn’t seem to understand why Sonny doesn’t trust her. She doesn’t like to be cut out of the loop. He doesn’t discuss business with her. He tells Carly to think through her actions and to leave Skye alone. Carly uses the opportunity to put down Skye and say how crazy she must have been to be scared. No normal person would have been scared in a similar situation (not me). Sonny says the difference between Skye & Carly is that Carly is brave and Skye is a coward. They make amends. Then, Carly puts down Alexis and says that she probably thinks she knows him and has seen him at his worst, but only Carly herself can boast that. Sonny tells her that years ago, when she helped him at rock bottom, maybe he still feels like he owes her for that. He isn’t trying to treat her like his property.

At Alexis’ penthouse, Sonny goes there after Carly leaves. He has made cappuccino. Alexis prattles on about her inability to cook. Sonny tells her she is the only person he can trust now. Alexis is both flattered and flustered, when over cappuccinos, Sonny tells her she is the only person he can really trust. They both tiptoe around admitting their feelings but do agree that they are happy with their “unique relationship”. Jax arrives and wants to call in the favor he thinks Sonny owes him for getting Skye to drop the charges. Sonny doesn't believe there was a "favor"-Skye didn’t have any proof. Jax wants Sonny to promise not to lay a finger on AJ if he finds Courtney first. Sonny warns Jax to stay out of it, especially if Jax can’t assure him that Courtney will not be physically or emotionally damaged. After leaving Alexis’ PH, Jax places a call and starts his own search for the missing two-some. Kristina arrives and tells Alexis that she is doing to break her “no meddling” vow because of Nik. She fills Alexis in on what she overheard at the club during the scene with Liz. Alexis, of course, is not surprised since she had her suspicions all along. Before Kris and can get anymore info from her, the phone rings and they find out Helena has been caught. They rush off to the station.

Alexis and Kristina arrive just and hear Helena spouting off, but in the end she denies that Nik helped her. Alexis wonders why they are all standing around listening to Helena’s venom. Kristina says her piece to Helena. Luke wants to accompany Helena to until she is on her way to the federal prison. Taggart balks, but Mac agrees to let him observe hoping that once Luke is satisfied he will be off of his and the department’s backs. When Nik and Gia try to leave Mac tells them he wants to speak with them. Despite Alexis’ advice to keep quiet, Nik tries to discredit Lucky’s accusation by going on about how Lucky is ‘ not right in the head’ because of Helena’s brainwashing. He even tells Mac that Lucky threaten to “get him”. Nik wants Alexis to do something legal to stop/control Lucky. Sensing Alexis’s hesitancy makes Nik asks if she believes him. Alexis tells him that she had already been suspicious. She tries to assure Nik that she is on his side, even tells Nik that she asked Sonny to stop pursing the accident. Nik tells Alexis that Sonny not only didn’t drop it, but also scared Gia when he looked her in the face and promised to help if only she would come clean. Nik wonders why Sonny has loyalty from her and others, and why no one runs after Sonny warning him that he is going to the dark side. He rudely dismissed Alexis without giving her a chance to counter anything. As Alexis exits, Gia enters but doesn’t even get at chance to say anything because Nik banishes her upstairs to wait, while he “takes care of some things”.

Alexis says Jax is right in wanting to keep Sonny away from A.J. She says if he does something illegal he’ll go to prison, which is bad for his claustrophobia. Sonny acts like there’s no problem. Alexis points out that A.J. is trying to get him to lose control. She warns him that if he does anything illegal she will recuse herself from the case, and he will go to prison. Then she’d miss him. Who would talk her down when she’s ranting? Who would cook her good meals? Who would she talk to? Sonny assures her he’s not going to prison. He takes an eyelash off her cheek; she makes a wish. The tender moment is interrupted by a tone from her laptop telling her she has mail. They go check and see a photo of Courtney in bed (obviously wearing nothing under the sheets) and a note from A.J.: “I’ve got her now. Love to you both, A.J.” Alexis accidentally erases the message; Sonny heads across the hall. Ned arrives and says he knows where they are, but can he trust Alexis not to say anything to Sonny? She promises. Ned tells her where A.J. is and says he’ll be back to pick up Alexis later to take her there. Alexis goes upstairs to get ready. Alexis is ready to go with her suitcase when Sonny knocks on her door. He says he’s headed to the Caribbean to be close when his contacts catch up with A.J. He wants to know where she’s going. Ned arrives and says she’s going to L.A. with him to help him with some contract disputes. Sonny says he wants the truth. If she knows where Courtney and A.J. are, she should tell him. He fixes a torn Alexis with his cold stare.

Both Sonny and Ned pressure Alexis-for different reasons. Sonny wants to know if Alexis’ knows where AJ and Courtney are. Ned wants her to lie to Sonny and say she is doing some legal work for him in LA. After asking Sonny for an assurance that AJ will not be harmed, Alexis admits that she does know where the couple is. Then, despite Ned's protests, stating that as Courtney’ brother Sonny has right to know, she tells him that AJ and Courtney are in a private villa on the island of St. Sofia. Sonny thanks her and goes to his PH. Ned and Alexis carry their dispute into the hallway. Ned bashes Alexis for betraying his trust as Zander and Kristina exit the elevator. They hear Ned tell Alexis that he will never trust her again and coldly tell her to go after Sonny; since it is obvious she really wants too. He also adds that AJ's death will be on her conscience. Kris gets in Ned's face over his treatment of her sister. They move the conversation back into the PH, where Ned continues to bash Alexis, while Zander and Kristina try to convince him that Alexis must have felt she didn’t have a choice. Ned than calls AJ and leaves a message telling his cousin that he needs to take flight, cause Sonny knows where they are.

Airport Tarmac, Alexis joins Sonny on his plane and sits in silence for a while. Shortly after take-off she wonders if Sonny is going to make the trip in silence. Sonny says he can no longer trust her, but Alexis points out that she believes she just proved differently. They spend most of the rest of the flight staring silently at each other. Somewhere in the Caribbean airspace, Sonny paces the plane restlessly as the pilot announces they are about to arrive at their destination. En route to St. Sophia, they find out they are going to be the last plane allowed to land that night. Alexis suggests that Sonny kill AJ once he finds him. She then goes through the defense she would offer. Once he catches on, she tells him she does not think he will kill AJ or she would not have come along. She thinks he has self-control and willpower. Sonny tells a story about how he took care of his mom when he was younger and how that led to Deke’s death. He says he has to take care of his family now, too. Alexis points out that AJ is not Deke. On land, Skye & Jax come across two Sonny goons, who tell them to head back to their airplane. Jax tries bribing the two men with $100,000, but neither are interested. No worries, Kung Fu Skye and Jax manage to beat up the very large goons with no problem.

Meanwhile, Sonny has found the hotel room. Alexis urges him to be cautious. He stands outside the bedroom and when he goes in--AJ & Courtney are in bed together! Sonny is mad! Alexis asks Courtney if she is okay, Courtney says, “uh, no, my psycho brother just burst into my room!” (or words to that effect). AJ jumps out of bed and takes Sonny out on the balcony. Sonny grabs AJ by the neck. He threatens throwing him off the railing, making it look like an accident. “Stop!” Courtney screams. “He’s my husband.” The two lovebirds have just been married! Courtney pleads with Sonny to leave her husband alone. Alexis, from her usual place in the background, tells him to let A.J. go. A remarkably cool A.J. professes his love for Courtney and assures Sonny he wants her to be happy. Sonny was choking A.J. but Courtney finally got through to him. She said that A.J. and her got married that morning. A.J. asked if Sonny wanted to make his sister a widow. He finally stepped back. Courtney begs him not to hurt her by hurting A.J. Sonny finally lets go of A.J. The newlyweds embrace, just as Jax and Skye arrive. A.J. tells them he and Courtney are married. Clearly not thrilled by the news, Skye asked to speak to A.J. alone as he wouldn't want Courtney to hear what she has to say to him. She said she was going to tell Courtney that A.J. didn't really love her, that he was using her to get to Sonny. She did tell Courtney but Courtney didn't believe her; she was told by A.J. that Skye would say something like that. Ned hugged Courtney and welcomed her to the family. He told A.J. that he made a big mistake but he would support him over Sonny.

Alexis tries to settle Sonny down by assuring him that Courtney will end the marriage when she realizes what a jerk A.J. is. Sonny starts telling Alexis about his mother’s wedding to Deke and how he thought Deke would take care of his mother. But he only kept up the nice guy act for awhile, Sonny relates, before he showed his true colors. Alexis points out that there’s no indication that A.J.’s ever been physically abusive. There are other types of abuse, Sonny says, adding that Courtney could lose her self-respect. One day A.J.’s mask will slip, he proclaims. “He’s not in love with Courtney; he’s in hate with me.” Alexis again says that Courtney will end the marriage. But after she’s lost how much? Sonny wants to know. Don’t intercede, Alexis warns. Sonny convinces her that he needs some time alone to think, so Alexis goes inside. Courtney put on the dress she wore to the wedding to show Sonny. She told Skye that they were family now and she was loyal to the people she loved; she wanted them to get along.

A.J. joins Sonny on the terrace and offers to end the marriage in exchange for Michael. “Your sister for my son,” he tells Sonny, while Jax listens from the doorway. AJ gives Sonny the details of the deal he is offering. "This is a deal of a lifetime Sonny you can't pass it by. I will go in there and tell your sister the truth and get the marriage annulled if you will hand over Michael. And I am not just talking visitation rights or holidays. I expect full custody. You will bring Michael to my house and introduce me as his father and then you will leave and never see Michael again. Oh and I will let Carly see him from time to time for Michael's sake." AJ has balls to say that to Sonny, but Sonny held his restraint. AJ, sure that he finally has Sonny over a barrel, pushes his luck and gloats a little. He taunts Sonny by rubbing in the fact that he slept with Courtney. He looked at AJ and said, "you must really have a death wish. No actually I have everything to look forward to now, AJ replied." AJ even agrees to the “prove” Sonny right by admitting to Courtney that he was just using her. Sonny remains quiet, but glares coldly at AJ. Sonny walked off the balcony and into the crowded room.

Inside, Courtney continues to defend her actions and her husband to those present (Jax, Skye, Ned & Alexis). Alexis tries to assure her that they are all just concerned for her well being. Sonny and AJ return and AJ announces that Sonny has an announcement. Sonny asks to speak with Courtney alone first. Sure in the knowledge that he’s won, AJ agrees and the siblings step out on to the terrace. On the other side of the room, Alexis asks Ned if they are still on speaking terms. Ned confirms that they are, but informs her that he will never trust her again.

Out on the terrace, Courtney twirls to show her dress and has this big huge smile from ear to ear. Sonny asked Courtney if she loved AJ. Courtney stated, "Would I do this if I didn't. Yes, I love AJ. He is so caring, gentle, and kind. AJ makes me laugh and for the 1st time in my life a man respects me. He treats me like I am somebody. I am so happy. Please don't tell that I'm wrong." Sonny rubs his forehead in disbelief because he just received AJ's proposal only seconds ago. Sonny made a decision and took Courtney back into the room. "I am glad that everyone's here. I have an announcement to make. I had a chance to talk to my sister and my new brother-in-law. I would like to congratulate you on your marriage. Courtney has told me how much she loves AJ and AJ has informed me of his love for Courtney. I will hold AJ to his promise to love my sister and keep her happy to death due them part." Courtney was thrilled and ran to Sonny's arms for a big hug. Sonny has a wide grin on his face as he hugs his sister and offers AJ congratulations on his marriage. Sonny showed his good intentions by throwing an impromptu reception. He called a friend and got champagne, cake, and food all sent over for everyone to enjoy. Alexis follows Sonny out to the balcony and after learning of the deal AJ pitched, agrees that Sonny did the best thing he could under the circumstances-since giving AJ custody was never an option. Sonny expresses the hope that the cost to Courtney will not be too high. Later, with the party in full swing, Sonny offers a toast or a threat-depending how you look at it (emphasizing the "till death do you part"). Sonny put on some music and asks his sister to share the traditional first dance with him. The party moves to the terrace, alone in the living room AJ looks around for something and sees a champagne glass on the table he picks it up and contemplates it contents. He takes a small sip, then drains the glass.

GH 10,000 Anniversary Episode - Take a walk down memory lane to a series of music montages (I only included the ones that contained Sonny or Alexis. I do have the full episode for anyone who would like the complete version). 1) Danger Zone (from Top Gun) - clips of L&L in the early 80's, Luke hitting Scotty on the deck of the ship during his wedding to Jennifer Smith, Roy Deluca shooting, Left Handed Boy & Ice Princess scenes, Alan brings down the roof on Monica, Frank Smith shooting in Puerto Rico, Big Bear location scene with Jason/Karen/Jagger on the run, Sean & Anna on the tram, Sonny & Carly, Jason shot, L&L in the pink caddy, Frisco & Anna with Asian Quarter scenes, Puerto Rico location shots, Robert & Tiffany on the Cassadine island, various explosions, L&L's wedding, Ned & Lois at Coney Island, Ryan in the fire, L&L at the Canadian diner/parachuting/river scenes from their 1993 return. 2) Wedding montage - Laura & Scotty, Leslie & Rick, Karen & Jagger, Tony & Bobbie, Robert & Anna, Robin & Stone (the didn't actually marry but the scene where she wore the lace mantilla and they dreamed of their future wedding), Brenda waiting for Sonny at the altar, Frisco & Felicia, Liz and Lucky (when they pledged their unofficial vows at the church), Luke & Laura, Ned & Lois, Duke & Anna. 3) Montage of kissing scenes

Back to St. Sofia, a bit later, Courtney thanks her big brother for changing his mind in time to share the happiest day of her life. Sonny assures a beaming Courtney that the vendetta is over and even gives a wary A.J. a hug as he welcomes him to the family. Later, Skye realizes that AJ has fallen off the wagon, but her warnings fall on deaf ears as AJ hints everyone should leave so the lovebirds can be alone. They cut the cake and finally the guests depart. At the airport, Alexis and Sonny have to wait for some minor repairs to the plane. Alexis is suspicious and questions Sonny’s happy mood considering the circumstances. Sonny tells her that since there is nothing he can do about what has already happened he has to accept it and go from there. He tries to distract her with a card game. Later, we are treated to a rare sight-a giggling Alexis playfully accuses a laughing, teasing Sonny of cheating at poker. Music montage at end of this episode.

Sonny and Alexis step off the elevator, Sonny with a cane and his one foot obviously injured. Alexis makes some comment about how he could sue himself for those dangerous stairs coming off his airplane. Alexis says she can’t believe how he’s been able to detach himself from the situation with Courtney, “with the exception of nearly pitching A.J. off the balcony.” Sonny thanks her for keeping him calm and tells her to get some sleep. After another struggle with her key, Alexis manages to enter her penthouse. Alexis fills Kristina in on what happened in the Caribbean. Then everything’s over, Kristina says. Alexis seems unsure. Later, they’re enjoying a cup of coffee (made by Kristina) when Ned arrives. Alexis scolds him for just allowing A.J. to lie to Courtney. So she’ll get her heart broken, Ned says, that’s what happens when you put your trust in the wrong person. Not too happy about this obvious reference to her recent behavior, Alexis leaves, saying she’s going to do something about this mess.

Ned complains to Kristina that Alexis is throwing her life away over Sonny. Kristina realizes that her sister is breaking Ned’s heart again. She tells him that it’s obvious he’s still tied to Alexis. Ned gets upset and tells her to drop it. Kristina voices her fears: he sees her as Alexis without the baggage. After saying goodbye to Alexis, Sonny returns to his penthouse and places bundles of cash into a briefcase. There’s a knock at the door. It’s Mike, who got Sonny’s message and rushed right over. Sonny tells him what transpired in the Caribbean, including the trade offered by A.J. Sonny says he’ll never give him the chance to hurt Michael. “You learn who you are by watching your father or learn who you never want to be,” Sonny says. He tells Mike where A.J. and Courtney are enjoying their honeymoon but won’t let Mike go down there. Instead, he advises Mike to be patient, tell Courtney he’s proud of her, be a supportive father. Don’t let anything come between you and her, Sonny says, not even me. What do you mean? What are you going to do? a suspicious Mike wants to know. Evading the question, Sonny gives him a check (a small fortune) and orders him to use it for Courtney. Sonny adds that he never cared that Mike was broke, just that he walked out on his mother. Mike says he wants his child back, not the man “Sonny Corinthos.” Sonny again insists that Mike take care of Courtney. Mike reluctantly agrees to give her the check but declares he will tell her who the money really came from. Fine, Sonny says, just stay close to her. That’s your job, Mike. Mike leaves, telling “Michael” he loves him on his way out.

Later, Sonny meets with Benny. He hands over the briefcase of money and talks about hiring some guys who are real good and won’t leave any evidence. Benny points out that it will still be obvious that Sonny had a hand in it. He tries to convince him to wait and plan an “accident” in the future. Sonny says no, he’s already waited too long. Benny leaves with the briefcase. Alexis steps off the elevator just in time to hear Sonny calling to Benny, “without a trace.” She sees Benny and Max and tries to find out what’s going on. Getting nowhere with them, she goes in to see Sonny. I understand now why you’re so calm, Alexis says. You’ve given the order to have A.J. killed, haven’t you? Alexis asks Sonny-point blank-if he's ordered a hit on A.J.

She tells him she will be gone if she doesn't get some answers. Sonny tells her that she likes working for him as its a challenge, it pays well, and she would be bored working for corporate business. He reminds Alexis that she never wanted to be part of any illegal activity and warns her not to question him further, but she doggedly presses on. He tells her not to asks questions she doesn't want the answer for. She tells him a smug, arrogant answer like that will make her behave like his "minions". She tells him his answer is a deal breaker and asks him again if he ordered a hit on AJ Quartermaine. She tells him she likes to think she knows him, that she knows his faults and his limits, that he is ambitious, calculating and has a self indulgent temper but till know she didn't think he was capable of taking human life. He tells her that he has killed before - Joe Scully (she says that was self-defense). He tells her that he used to sell papers on a street corner and now he owns 10 casinos in three different countries that no one gave him anything that he took it all. That what what is his he keeps. She breaks in that is no justification for murder (she is really ticked now). He reminds her but self defense is okay if your trying to save your own life (referring to her response to the Joe Scully situation). She clarifies that Courtney's life is not at risk. But he says there Courtney would be so much better off if AJ just disappeared.

"Is that some sort of a Euphemism? Murder by any name is unacceptable. I'm not going to sit in judgment of what you have done as there are things in my past that I wouldn't want examined too closely but if AJ Quartermaine dies, I'm done! I'm not your lawyer and I'm sure as hell not your friend! I will see you the way the rest of the world sees you as a cold hearted, conscious less killer. Call of the hit Sonny or your no better than your step-father." she begs. "

He says he gave Benny a briefcase of money, it could have been for anything and how is it his fault if AJ dies in an accident or takes off for parts unknown. She realizes he isn't going to answer him. He says I'm sorry that he has told her what he could, he is sorry if it wasn't what she wanted to hear but there are certain things he can't discuss for his protection and for her. She says that it has worked well for them that non-disclosure, pithy conversations about friendship and trust that mean nothing. She asks him, "What do I mean to you? What does it meant that I am asking you to stop this and that I will be out of your life forever if you don't. Everybody has warned me that your not who you pretend to be, that you use compassion as tricks to manipulate people. Are you manipulating me? Because I find it so hard to believe that I could be so wrong about you. That when you told me all the ways you've been hurt and got me to tell you all the things that I've never said to another living soul...just the best attorney that a lot of money and a few lies can buy."

He steps in closer to her and softly says, "I value you Alexis, I've told you how much. But there are things you don't get to know, choices I make that have nothing to do with you." If AJ dies you've made me a party to murder. I heard you, I know that you had intent. I know I should have gone straight to the police but instead I tried to stop you myself I trusted our friendship. I've put everything I am on the line for you and you CAN NOT do this to me! (she is yelling now)."

"If you see me as a threat to AJ that is in your head, I can't be held responsible." he backpedals. She says how impressive that is that she would think he was a lawyer but she knows he never graduated high school. "Is that all I am too you, a lawyer?" she asks him.

"You defend me Alexis, you understand the things I can't say. I started out admiring you then I liked you and I know I need you. Its plain and simple. I hate needing anyone or anything but I need you" he admits to her.

"Then stop this! For yourself, for me. " she begs once again.

"You've got to understand that I've been disrespected. If I don’t remedy that I will be seen as vulnerable, open for attack. I won't show weakness Alexis even for you." he tries to explain.

"And I won't stand by a murderer " she declares. (Hitmen shown outside Q house, they get a page that the hit is off). Sonny back at the penthouse is calling off the hit. "Aren't you going to thank me?" he asks.

"You should be on your hands and knees thanking me cause not only did I save you from first degree murder, I risked my career, my principles and everything I value for you." she informs him. Why? he wants to know. I don't know" she says truly puzzled.

"I think you do. You know what you are to me know? Someone who matters, someone I need too much to push away. What about you? What are we to each other? You like a dance, and I'm not talking about drunk on rum in Puerto Rico. You like to dance around me and that is fine because I like to dance with you too but not tonight. You forced me to choose and I chose you. I wonder if the position were reversed would you choose me? (she has tears in her eyes as he says this). You’re a great lawyer and a great friend and we can keep it that way...we can keep dancing indefinitely all you got to do is walk out." he tells her. She takes a big shuddering breath as he moves towards her and draws her into her arms, she cries. He pulls her head towards him and kisses her. In the next scene, they are upstairs in his bedroom, kissing more. He sits down on the bed and asks her to come to him. She hesitates saying how sudden it is...not for me he says. She begins to undress as music plays, candlelight, and passion erupt as all facades crumble between Sonny and his lovely, smart attorney-friend Alexis. In a sizzling scenario, fireworks go off as Sonny makes love to a willing, but shaky Alexis. Later afterwards, they lay in bed surrounded by candles, snuggling, as Carly arrives at the penthouse to leave Sonny a birthday card from Michael. The door is unlocked. Concerned for his safety, she tiptoes upstairs and sees the reflection of Sonny & Alexis as they snuggle in bed in a warm embrace.

**The end**

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