Jason & Sam #23  November 20, 2009 - February 10, 2010 - 8 hr original edit

DVD #23A  Sonny approached the steps leading to the brownstone where Sonny and Jason were meeting Joey and his men. Dominic caught a glimpse of one of Joey's men and Dominic grabbed Sonny as he called out a warning. Gunfire erupted as Dominic hustled Sonny back to the limousine. Nearby, a vagrant watched Jason with avid fascination. Max, Milo, and Jason managed to return to the limousine unscathed. Joey and his men weren't as lucky. As the car sped off, the vagrant stepped out onto the sidewalk. When Jason spotted the man, the vagrant smiled and waved to Jason.

After the limousine was out of the sight, the vagrant looked around. Dead bodies were scattered all around. When the vagrant spotted a gravely injured Joey, he approached him. Joey asked the man for help, so the vagrant stepped on Joey's neck and then applied enough pressure to kill him. After Joey died, the vagrant posed Joey's body. Before he walked away, he tossed the coin that Joey had given him. His parting words to Joey were, "Keep the change."

In the car, Sonny was furious that they had been ambushed. Sonny was certain that Anthony Zacchara had arranged the attack. Sonny thanked Dominic for saving his life and then asked Jason if they had anything to worry about. Jason revealed that "some homeless person" had seen the shootout.

Sam arrived at the art gallery and announces that Spinelli was running late. Maxie was livid. Sam tried to calm Maxie down by reminding her that Spinelli would be attending the event, but Maxie couldn't relax; she felt as if disaster loomed on the horizon.

Jason arrived home just as Spinelli prepared to leave for the gallery opening. Jason insisted that he needed Spinelli's help to track down a homeless man. Jason told Spinelli that the meeting had gone bad and that a homeless man had witnessed the ambush. Spinelli hated disappointing Maxie, but he understood the gravity of Jason's situation.

As Spinelli tapped into various security cameras near the brownstone, Jason confided that he had been unsettled by the homeless man's behavior. Spinelli suggested that perhaps the man had psychological problems that would explain his odd behavior. A few moments later, Spinelli found footage from a nearby bank that showed the vagrant smiling and waving to the camera.

Jason was certain that something was off with the homeless man. Sam's arrival interrupted their discussion. She had been concerned after she had heard reports on the radio of gangland slayings in the area. Spinelli suggested that perhaps Jason should find an alibi, in case the police questioned him. Sam volunteered to help out Jason.

Jason decided to call Sonny to inform him that the shooting had made the news. Sonny advised Dominic that they had to establish alibis for themselves, so he suggested that he and Dominic find dates for the art gallery opening.

Jason's stalker returned to his apartment and then shed his shabby clothes that allowed him to pass for a homeless person. The stalker was Franco, the artist. Franco called his manager. When she answered the phone, he informed her that he needed her. She wondered if she should be dressed when she arrived at his place. His response was to end the call. While he waited for his manager, Franco pulled out a drop cloth and a straight razor.

A short time later, the manager arrived. After she shaved Franco's face with the straight razor, she kissed him. Franco pulled away from the ardent kiss, put on his jacket, and then announced that he had to leave. When she asked why he was in a rush, Franco responded, "They're expecting me."

11/23 At the art gallery where Crimson hosted an installation by the artist, Franco, Maxie made a last minute inspection of the "Murder Room" exhibit. She spotted an interloper, who unknown to her, was the artist himself. Maxie asked him to leave the room, but Franco seemed intrigued with Maxie and insisted that he had the right to be there. Franco flirted with Maxie and bandied words. After she referred to his artist persona as a pompous twit, he revealed himself to her, causing Maxie to blush. Maxie, however, was not fully convinced of Franco's identity, especially when he added a peace sign to the wall.

Sam and Jason were dressed up and ready to leave the penthouse but Lucky stopped them. He told Jason and Sam that the slayings that he was investigating looked like Jason's doing except for one thing: Joey Limbo's windpipe had been crushed after he was shot and his body had been posed in an unnatural position. Neither Jason nor Sam showed their surprise, but Sam was quick to agree with Lucky that Jason would never act in such a manner. Lucky let Sam and Jason go to the art show but reserved the right to ask further questions of Jason.

Port Charles denizens flocked to the art show. Luke found the "Murder Room" as Franco spray-painted the wall with a peace sign. Luke made humorous sarcastic remarks. He took the spray can and drew a tic tac toe square with an "x" in the upper right corner and gave the can back to Franco. They had a spirited conversation about what defined art.  Franco told Luke that what made his work art and Luke's not was that his would command $50,000. Luke laughed and made an excuse to get rid of Maxie. Once she was gone, he told Franco that even though Luke felt Franco's art was a scam, he wished him well in getting all he could from the rich and clueless. He then told Franco that his work lacked authenticity and that Franco would soil himself if he ever looked at a real murder scene. Franco smiled at Luke's back as he exited.

Robin was surprised when Jason showed up with Sam. When she asked Sam said that Jason was consulting with her on security.  Maxie was trying to convince Franco to do the Crimson photo shoot when Sonny entered the "Murder Room" exhibit room. Sonny complimented Franco on his art and said that the scene looked very real. When Franco asked how Sonny knew, Sonny said that he read a lot. Sonny then asked Franco how he made it look so real and Franco responded that he read a lot. Sonny got serious and cautioned Franco to beware because sometimes it was hard to tell the difference between what was real and what was imagined. Franco looked delighted as Sonny exited.

Jason and Sam were next to enter the exhibit room. Franco tried to get Maxie to introduce him to Jason. She was reluctant, but finally agreed to ask Jason. When she did, Jason said no, even though Maxie begged and pleaded and reminded him of all the favors that she had done.

As Franco & Maxie left by a back door, Franco smiled at Jason and gave him the same distinctive wave as he had earlier in his homeless disguise at the site of the Joey Limbo's demise. Franco steered Maxie to a waiting limousine, then insisted that she put on a blindfold. She was wary, but when Franco told her it was to protect the location of his studio and insisted that she either put on the blindfold or leave the limo, Maxie chose the blindfold. 

Once they reached the studio, Franco persuaded Maxie to keep the blindfold on. He posed her on the cold studio floor in the chalk outline of a body. When Maxie caught on that she was modeling a death scene, she ripped off the blindfold, leaped up and slapped Franco, while calling him a sick, perverted freak. When Maxie told Franco about Georgie's death and how she felt about it, Franco apologized for making his artistic sense more important than her feelings. He asked for Maxie's forgiveness. Franco tried to start again by offering a tour of his studio. Maxie agreed, as long as Franco was willing to wear the blindfold.

Jason grabbed Sam and Spinelli and headed for the penthouse. Once there, he ordered Spinelli to pull up the footage of Franco leaving the art gallery. Spinelli was stung to see Maxie leaving with Franco. Jason urged him to concentrate on the wave, which Jason said was the same as that of the man in a hoodie who had waved at him as he left the scene of the ambush.

Spinelli said it was coincidence, but when he pulled up footage of the man in the hoodie waving, and placed it beside that of Franco waving, it was clear to Sam, Jason and Spinelli that the distinctive hand wave was the same in both videos.

11/24 At the penthouse, Jason, Sam, and Spinelli compared the footage of the homeless man waving at a bank camera with the images of Franco waving goodbye to Jason outside of the art gallery. Jason was certain Franco and the vagrant were the same person, but Sam and Spinelli appeared to have their doubts. Spinelli wondered why a world-famous artist would pretend to be a street bum. However, Spinelli did concede that Franco's attitude seemed a bit defiant.

Sam recalled that Maxie had mentioned that Franco wanted to meet Jason. She suggested that perhaps Franco had been offended when Jason had declined the request. Jason wondered how that would account for Franco's attitude hours earlier when Franco had posed as a vagrant. After Spinelli left, Sam asked Jason to tell her what had happened on Front Street. Jason told Sam about Sonny's intention to broker a peace treaty with Joey. He explained that Sonny had used Luke as a go-between to arrange the meeting. 

As Sonny and Jason had arrived for the meeting, Joey and his men had ambushed them. Jason revealed that he had been forced to stand out in the open while he had returned the gunfire. Sam realized that anyone could have seen Jason, and therefore they would be able to confirm that Jason had been at the shoot-out. Jason admitted that he hadn't realized that he'd been seen until he had fled the scene. That's when Jason had observed the homeless man.

Jason hated that he'd been forced to resort to violence. Sam reminded Jason that he had saved "a lot of lives." Sonny, Max, Milo, and Dominic had escaped without harm because of Jason. She insisted that Jason had been under attack, so he had to defend himself. Jason wondered if he had the right to take the life of someone like Franco, who had the misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sam assured Jason that he was not an "amoral killer, drunk on power." According to Sam, Jason protected his own and had great instincts. She thanked Jason for opening up to her. Jason explained that she was the only person that he could trust.

At Franco's studio, Maxie turned the tables on Franco by blindfolding him and then spinning him around in a circle. Before long, Franco had managed to stumble into Maxie arms. Maxie immediately accused Franco of peeking. Franco denied it as he ripped off the blindfold, but his smile contradicted his claim. Franco offered Maxie an expensive drink, but she spit it out immediately. Franco laughed as Maxie insisted that the drink was vile. Franco agreed, so he opened a bottle of champagne.

As Maxie looked around, she asked Franco about his art. Franco claimed that he'd been inspired to stage crime scenes after the woman he had loved had been murdered. According to Franco, a stranger had stabbed Vanessa to death. Maxie didn't believe Franco's story when he mentioned that the knife that had been used in the attack had been a "number four steak knife." Maxie pointed out that a person in love would not be "obsessed" with the detail of the cutlery used in the crime.

Franco confessed that he had made up the story; he made up everything. Maxie suspected that Franco had been laughing at her since the beginning. Franco seemed to appreciate Maxie's frankness. He claimed that he simply liked making art and he particularly enjoyed being paid well for doing it. As Franco continued to seduce Maxie, he told her that the secret to life was that anyone could die at any time.

Maxie wondered what they should do about that. Franco suggested that they should amuse themselves, not live by rules or boundaries, and take what they wanted when they wanted it. To emphasize his point, Franco kissed Maxie. Maxie pulled away moments later. As Franco refilled her glass with champagne, Maxie was curious if Franco was trying to get her drunk. Franco chuckled as he observed that getting her drunk would make it easier for Maxie.

Maxie pretended that she had no idea what Franco was talking about, but he refused to allow her to play coy. He was curious if Maxie intended to marry her boyfriend. Maxie admitted that she had tried, but it had not worked. Franco clarified that he wasn't interested in a long-term relationship. He promised that her boyfriend would never know if they made love, but Maxie argued that she would know. He insisted that he had never forced himself on a woman.

Franco wondered how old Maxie was. She revealed that she was 23 years old. Franco was curious if she was certain about what she wanted for the rest of her life. Maxie confided that she was sure that she didn't want to lose what she had with Spinelli. Franco offered to return Maxie to the gallery, but she declined. To make her point, she threw the champagne flute across the room and then announced that she was as adventurous as Franco. Franco and Maxie shared a passionate kiss and then they started tearing off each other's clothes.

Later, Franco and Maxie were kissing in the backseat of a limousine. Maxie realized that Franco had known all along that they would "hook up." Franco confided that he had hoped that they would. Maxie joked that she imagined many women would be happy to keep Franco occupied. Franco responded, "for a while and then what?" As the car pulled up to Maxie's apartment building, she seemed a bit subdued. After they stepped out of the car, Franco kissed Maxie and then asked if she would be okay getting to her apartment on her own. Maxie admitted that her legs were a bit weak, but she would be fine. After Franco drove away, Maxie realized that she hadn't secured his agreement to do a photo shoot for Crimson.

11/25 At the Drake residence, Sam arrived just as Patrick was carrying folding chairs into the living room. While Robin set the table, Sam confessed that she didn't think that their plan would work. Robin insisted that it was obvious to everyone that there had been chemistry between Mac and Alexis; they just needed a nudge. Patrick groaned when he overheard Robin and Sam plotting. He warned Robin that men were simple creatures. As if to prove his point, Mac entered the house carrying a six-pack of beer and asking if the game was on.

As everyone sat at the table, watching the game on television, Lisa confessed to Patrick that she was impressed with the kind of father that he had turned out to be. Meanwhile, Sam received a phone call from Molly. Sam whispered to Molly that she thought the plan was a bad idea; she explained that Kristina had not even arrived and Maxie had canceled because she was sick. Sam was forced to end the call when Mac approached her. Mac wanted to question Sam about her statement regarding the night that Claudia had disappeared. Robin immediately scolded Mac, reminding him that it was a holiday.

Mac apologized, but then announced that he had to go to the station. Robin refused to allow her uncle to leave. Luckily for Robin, Alexis and Molly's arrival blocked Mac's exit. Alexis cornered Sam to demand some answers. As Kristina entered the house, everyone was explaining Alexis' horrible history with men to Lisa. Kristina revealed that her father was a mobster. Molly confessed that her father was a mob lawyer. Sam confided that she didn't even know who her father was. When Jerry's name was mentioned, Lisa was forced to agree that Alexis needed help finding love. Everyone joined hands and then gave thanks.

11/30 Franco looked at the photos he had taken of Maxie the previous evening. He tossed them down then began trashing his studio. He stopped when an attractive Black woman with a British accent entered and began trading banter and sexual innuendos with him while he worked on a canvas. When the woman asked Franco what had upset him, he told her that he was trying to get the attention of another artist and had not been successful so far. When the woman saw the photos of Maxie, she wanted to know if Maxie was the artist. Franco told her that Maxie was the bait.

At the penthouse, Sam and Jason tried to figure out if Franco and the homeless guy who had waved at Jason at the ambush were the same person. Jason said that he had gone back to the ambush site and he was sure that the person on the tape had gotten a clear view of the shootings. Neither could figure out why the witness had not gone to the cops. Sam said that if the homeless guy and Franco were the same person, that might explain why the artist had wanted to meet Jason at the gallery. Jason and Sam both wondered who had crushed Joey Limbo's windpipe and why his body had been posed.

Spinelli arrived at the penthouse and told Sam and Jason that he wanted to track down Franco and convince him to do the fashion shoot for Maxie. Sam said that she and Jason would help. She said she would go to Crimson for any background information that Kate might have that Spinelli could not find on the Internet. Sam found Maxie at Crimson. She made a few comments that got Maxie telling what she knew about Franco. When Sam said it was odd that Franco had wanted to meet Jason at the opening, Maxie agreed. She said that she thought that Franco had confused Jason with someone else, because Franco had referred to Jason as an artist. Sam looked thoughtful.

Back at the penthouse, an Internet search revealed that Franco's last public appearance had been three years before and that his passport showed that he had been in the United States for the previous two months. Franco's female companion said that she wanted to go to dinner or make love, and then she started unbuttoning her blouse. Franco responded by ripping it open. As they sank to the floor, he said, "Let's hurry up and get it over with, I'm expecting company. When Jason checked the mail, he found a large manila envelope bearing a return address. When he opened the envelope, he found a photo of Maxie, blindfolded and lying in a chalk outline.

12/1 Maxie arrived at the penthouse to see Spinelli. Jason informed her that Spinelli wasn't there; however, Jason wanted to talk to Maxie. Maxie took the envelope that Jason handed to her and then she examined the contents. Maxie was shocked to see a picture of her blindfolded and lying on the floor in the center of a chalk outline. Maxie immediately demanded to know if Spinelli had seen the picture. She was relieved when Jason assured her that Spinelli was unaware of the photograph. Maxie was stunned when Jason revealed that the picture had been sent to him. Maxie confessed that the photo had been taken with her consent. She had hoped to persuade Franco to do a photo shoot for Crimson, so she had left the gallery opening with the famous artist. 

According to Maxie, she had been blindfolded in the limousine, so she had no idea where the studio was located. However, she was able to confirm that the studio was in a loft. When Jason continued questioning Maxie about Franco's studio, she revealed that it had been within a 15-minute drive from the art gallery. Beyond that, Maxie hadn't noticed anything that could reveal its exact location. Maxie suspected that Franco had sent the picture to Jason because he considered Jason to be a fellow artist.

Sam arrived at the penthouse a short time after Maxie had left. Jason showed Sam the picture that Franco had sent to him. The graphic picture shocked Sam. Jason was more certain than ever that Franco was the homeless man that Jason had seen at the ambush. Sam didn't understand what a "big-time artist" wanted with Jason. Jason didn't know, either, but he was concerned that the picture of Claudia and the picture of Maxie were connected. Sam suggested that she and Jason go to the art gallery on the pretense of buying one of Franco's photographs. Sam was certain that, as buyers, they might be able to arrange a meeting with the artist.  Shortly after Jason and Sam arrived at the gallery, the curator greeted them. When the curator realized he was talking to Jason Morgan, he revealed that Franco had been expecting Jason.

12/2 At the art gallery, Jason and Sam questioned the curator about Franco. They gave the man the impression that Jason was a fellow artist. The curator believed them, because it explained why Franco had left a painting for Jason. Jason tried to find out how to contact Franco, but the gallery only had the London address of Franco's agent. While the curator fetched the painting, Jason wondered what Franco had in store for him.

Maxie and Spinelli were on the sofa, in a passionate embrace, when Jason and Sam entered the penthouse. Maxie suggested that Jason should have knocked, but Jason reminded her that it was his penthouse. Maxie seemed eager to send Spinelli out of the room, so she suggested that they spend the night at her apartment. When Maxie whispered a request for a special item, Spinelli blushed, but eagerly dashed off to his room to retrieve the item. As soon as Spinelli was out of hearing range, Maxie accused Sam of having seen the picture that Franco had sent to Jason.

Sam made it clear that she wasn't judging Maxie by the picture. Maxie insisted that Spinelli could never know about the photo. She explained that she had hoped to persuade Franco to do a photo shoot for Crimson, so she had agreed to go to Franco's studio. Maxie admitted that she thought that Franco was "hot" and then reminded them that she had never claimed to be a good girl. However, Maxie felt terrible about the entire incident. When Spinelli returned to the living room, Maxie and Spinelli made a hasty exit.

Sam wondered if Maxie had slept with Franco. Jason didn't want to know; he didn't think that it mattered. Sam agreed. As Jason tore off the wrapping from the painting, Sam and Jason studied the images. The dark painting depicted a scroll listing the seven deadly sins: vanity, envy, gluttony, lust, wrath, greed, and sloth. In the painting's background was a mausoleum. Red paint made it appear that blood was dripping down the painting. Neither Jason nor Sam could find a hidden message that might explain why Franco wanted Jason to have the disturbing piece of art.

At his studio, Franco appeared to be drinking heavily while he used a paint gun to shoot red paint at pictures of all the people who were close to Jason. The pictures of Carly, Sonny, Spinelli, Maxie, and Sam were grouped around a picture of Jason. Franco shot at each picture once and then fired several shots at the picture of Jason.

12/3 Maxie went to the penthouse to remind Jason that Spinelli could never learn about the picture that Franco had taken of her. Jason demanded to know every detail of the time that Maxie had spent with Franco. Maxie started to answer Jason's questions, but then clamed up until Jason promised to keep her secret about the compromising photos. Before Jason could respond, Spinelli arrived home. Maxie explained that she had stopped by to talk to Jason about the décor; Maxie was tired of the "man cave" look. Jason was not amused. He ignored Maxie's prattling while he ordered Spinelli to work on finding Franco. At the mention of Franco's name, Maxie panicked. Maxie seized the opportunity to distract Spinelli from his work when Sam arrived. She tried to enlist Sam's help to persuade Jason to change the look of the penthouse.

Jason lost his patience; he yelled at Maxie to "shut up." Jason ordered Maxie to leave if she didn't want to help them locate Franco. Spinelli didn't appreciate the way that Jason had spoken to Maxie. Meanwhile, Maxie fled the penthouse. Sam managed to defuse the situation. Once Spinelli calmed down, he decided to check on Maxie. After Spinelli left, Sam scolded Jason for how he had treated Maxie. Jason accused Maxie of trying to cover "her own ass." He didn't have time to worry about Maxie because he needed to figure out what Franco was up to, especially if he had been the one who had sent the picture of Claudia. Sam suggested that she try to question Maxie about Franco.

Sam caught up with Maxie at Crimson. Maxie explained to Sam that she was just as eager to find Franco as Jason was. Maxie was desperate to get her hands on the pictures that Franco had taken of her. When Spinelli returned to the penthouse, Jason apologized to Spinelli for what had happened with Maxie. Spinelli appreciated Jason's apology. Jason explained that he was worried that Franco had sent the picture of Claudia. Spinelli thought that it was a stretch. Jason hoped that Spinelli was correct. If Franco had seen what Michael had done, then Jason had to decide what to do about Franco.

12/4 At the penthouse, Jason and Spinelli continued to study the painting, hoping to find a hidden message. Jason reminded Spinelli that it was imperative that they figure out if Franco had seen Michael kill Claudia. Spinelli noted that the tree in the picture was a weeping willow. The Roman style structure most likely represented the number two. As they analyzed the scroll of the seven deadly sins, Spinelli referred to them as the "Capital Vices." Jason was surprised by the information.

Eventually, Spinelli and Jason figured out that the message in the painting was Willow Street. Spinelli did a quick Internet search of the area and discovered that a loft had been rented in Jason's name on Willow Street. Jason immediately left to investigate the loft. As Jason entered Franco's studio, he noticed the crime scene photographs on the wall. A noise sent Jason deeper into the loft. He was unaware that someone lurked nearby, watching him.

12/7 Jason went to Franco's loft. A search of the immediate area turned up the hoodie that had been worn by the homeless man who had waved at Jason at the ambush site. Jason made a call to Sam and asked for help. He did not see the person spying on him from behind a screen. Sam met Jason at Franco's loft. A thorough search of the loft convinced Jason that Franco was the homeless man who had waved at him, and that Franco had killed and posed Joey Limbo. Jason was also convinced that Franco had sent the crime scene photos to him. Neither Sam nor Jason saw the person spying on them from a railing high up on the loft.

Sam and Jason concluded that Franco's interest in Jason was longstanding, since Franco had rented the loft in Jason's name two months before. Jason asked Sam to canvas the neighborhood to get more information about Franco. He told her that he would stay in the loft and wait for Franco. Jason told Sam that he intended to wait until Franco returned and then confront him about the photographs.

12/8 At Franco's studio, Maxie was relieved when Jason assured her that Franco was alive. However, Jason felt compelled to warn Maxie not to underestimate Franco. Jason insisted that Franco was "sick" and "dangerous." Jason and Maxie turned when they heard someone at the door. Spinelli entered the studio moments later. Spinelli explained that he had followed Maxie after he had realized that she had seen Franco's address. Spinelli apologized to Jason for the mistake. Maxie explained that she couldn't stand by while Jason killed Franco.

Spinelli was surprised when Maxie admitted that Franco was important to her. He hadn't realized that Maxie had more than a passing acquaintance with the artist. Maxie quickly clarified that she needed Franco to agree to do the photo shoot because it was critical to her career. Spinelli relaxed and then turned to Jason to reveal that Franco's past remained a mystery to him. Spinelli warned them that Franco had gone to great lengths to cover his tracks. Spinelli implored Maxie to stay away from the artist. Maxie promised Spinelli that she would respect his wishes. Jason hoped that Maxie meant it. Jason hustled Spinelli and Maxie out of the studio. 

A short time later, Sam returned to update Jason. Sam revealed that she had questioned people in the neighborhood, but no one had recalled seeing Franco. Jason didn't understand how Franco could have avoided being seen during months of living in the area. Sam pointed out that Franco had a lot of "stuff" in the studio. Sam speculated that someone might have helped Franco move in. Moments later, Jason's cell phone rang. It was Coleman.

Later, Coleman called Jason to let him know that Michael was looking for trouble. Lucky arrived just as the last of the patrons were leaving the bar. They pointed to Michael as the reason. Lucky approached the pool table where Michael was standing. Lucky immediately struck up a conversation, but Michael wasn't interested in bonding over the things that they had in common. Michael was mouthing off to Lucky when Jason entered the bar. Jason warned Michael to keep quiet.

12/9 At Jake's, Jason dragged Michael away from Lucky before Michael revealed too much. Michael insisted that Jason didn't have the right to order him around, especially after what had happened to Claudia. Jason warned Michael to stop talking, but Michael ignored him. When Lucky approached them, Michael informed Lucky that he refused to tell Lucky anything about Claudia. Lucky appreciated the heads-up, but he pointed out that he hadn't asked Michael about her. Lucky was curious if someone had advised Michael to keep quiet on the subject. Michael ignored the question to accuse Lucky of harassing Carly. 

According to Michael, Lucky didn't have any family loyalty. Michael considered Lucky a traitor to all of the Spencers. Jason ordered Michael to leave the bar.

After Michael stormed out, Lucky admitted that he saw a lot of himself in Michael. Lucky understood what Michael was going through because Lucky had been in a similar situation with Luke. Lucky warned Jason that Michael had slipped up by referring to Claudia as dead. Jason wanted to know if Lucky intended to include the information in his report. Lucky simply advised Jason to get help for Michael.

Carly was surprised when Jason escorted Michael into the house. When Carly noticed Michael's bruised face, she demanded to know what had happened. Michael assured his mother that everything was fine, but Jason disagreed. He told her about Michael's run-in with Lucky at Jake's. Michael was unapologetic, which infuriated Jason. Jason's patience snapped when Michael refused to sit down. Through gritted teeth, Jason slowly repeated his request. Michael reluctantly complied. Jason accused Michael of behaving stupidly. Michael tried to defend himself, but Jason screamed at him to "shut up." Jason claimed that Michael had acted like a "little bitch" instead of the man that he bragged to be, ready to live on his own.

According to Jason, Michael was like every other spoiled rich kid. Jason confessed that he had been embarrassed by Michael's behavior toward Lucky at Jake's. To Jason, Michael had sounded like an idiot. Jason demanded that Michael start showing his appreciation to those who had worked hard to protect Michael. Jason expected Michael to stay out of trouble and to focus on school. Jason concluded his lecture by ordering Michael to apologize to Carly. After Michael left the room, Jason apologized for having failed Carly and Michael. Carly insisted that it was her responsibility to make certain that Michael did the right thing.

Jason went to Greystone Manor to tell Sonny about Michael's act of rebellion at Jake's. Sonny promised to talk to Michael, but Jason didn't think that it would be enough. He warned Sonny that Michael had nearly said too much to Lucky. Sonny told Jason about his plans to have Michael move in. When Sonny suggested that Jax was acting out against Michael, Jason warned him that Jax wasn't the threat. Jason filled Sonny in about Franco, including his theory that Franco had taken the picture of Claudia in the cabin. Jason feared that Michael might be collateral damage in Franco's plans for Jason. Sonny ordered Jason to find Franco. He made it clear that he wanted Jason to kill Franco if Franco posed a danger to Michael.

12/10 At the studio, Franco prepared for company. As he pinned some articles about Jason Morgan to a tack board, his phone rang. Franco tried to ignore it, but the sound proved to be too distracting. Franco picked up a gun and then shot the phone until it exploded into tiny pieces. Satisfied by the silence, Franco resumed his project.

Maxie went to the penthouse to report Franco's movements to Jason. When Max revealed that Franco had waved to him, Jason realized that Franco expected Jason to go to the studio. After Max left, Sam warned Jason that he might be walking into a trap. She feared that Franco intended to kill Jason. Jason insisted that he needed to talk to Franco. Sam had a bad feeling about the meeting; she begged Jason not to play Franco's game. 

As they debated Jason's decision to confront Franco, Spinelli entered the penthouse. Spinelli immediately sensed the tension in the room. Sam explained that Franco had resurfaced. Spinelli pointed out that Franco's attempts to contact Jason had been nonviolent. Sam argued that Franco was "weird." Spinelli suggested that perhaps, like him, Franco didn't use traditional means of communication; however, he conceded that he could be wrong about Franco's intentions. Sam asked Jason to wear a bulletproof vest to the meeting, but Jason rejected the idea.

A short time later, Maxie stopped by the penthouse. She was delighted to discover that Sam was there alone. Maxie admitted that she hadn't been serious about redecorating the penthouse. However, upon reflection, she realized that it could use it. Sam suspected that Maxie was trying to compensate for something that had happened with Franco. Maxie insisted that she had merely suffered a temporary lapse in judgment.

Sam wondered if Maxie had any idea what was at stake. As Sam explained that Jason had gone to see Franco, Maxie fluttered around the living room measuring various areas. Maxie wondered if Jason could persuade Franco to turn over all of the incriminating pictures that he had taken of her. Sam's temper flared. She couldn't believe that Maxie was only interested in covering up her one-night-stand with Franco while Jason was risking his life. They were unaware that Spinelli had overheard Sam's accusation.

Jason knocked on Franco's door. When no one responded, Jason entered the studio. Jason was stunned when he noticed the tack board filled with newspaper clippings about his various arrests. As Jason studied the odd collection, Franco appeared on the second floor landing. Jason immediately drew his gun and then aimed it at Franco. Franco was all smiles as he made his way to Jason and then introduced himself. Jason ignored Franco's overtures of friendship.

12/11 Dante explained that he had seen the CO77X tag in Manhattan near a murder crime scene. When Dante reviewed the tagger's arrest report, he was surprised to discover that there wasn't a mug shot to accompany it. Dante continued digging until he eventually found a picture of the graffiti artist. The mug shot was of Franco.

At the penthouse, Spinelli overheard a revealing conversation between Sam and Maxie. Sam accused Maxie of only being interested in covering up her one-night stand with Franco instead of the risk that Jason was taking by confronting Franco. Sam immediately regretted the outburst and apologized. Sam explained that she was worried about Jason. Maxie assured Sam that she didn't have any reason to apologize; Sam hadn't slept with Franco.

Spinelli walked away when he heard Maxie confide to Sam that Franco had been compelling. Maxie felt as if Franco had willed for her to sleep with him and that she had been powerless to refuse him. Maxie was filled with regret, but she wanted Sam to promise not to tell Spinelli about the transgression. Sam didn't want to be the messenger of bad tidings, but she thought that Maxie should consider herself lucky to have walked away, unscathed, from Franco. 

At the studio, Franco offered Jason some snacks and beer. Jason ignored the offerings. He demanded to know what Franco wanted. Franco wandered to the tack board and then began reading the headlines of Jason's arrests in the murders of Luis and Lorenzo Alcazar. Franco wondered what Jason had against the Alcazar family. Jason answered, "They pissed me off." Franco chuckled and then read the headline about the church that Jason had shot up.

Franco wondered if Jason was concerned about eternal damnation, but Jason didn't respond. Jason ordered Franco to get to the point. Franco suggested that they should share notes, because they were in the same line of work. Franco's temper flared when Jason insisted that he was a coffee importer. Franco didn't appreciate Jason treating him like an idiot. However, once Franco calmed down, he realized that Jason had been testing him.

Jason denied it, but Franco didn't believe him. Clearly, Franco observed, they had a trust issue. Franco was disappointed; he had hoped that Jason would see that he and Franco were the same. Jason asked Franco to clarify the comment. According to Franco, they were both psychopaths, obsessed with death, and they were artists. Jason disagreed.

Franco asked when Jason felt the most alive. Jason confessed that it was when he was in danger. Jason claimed that when his life was on the line, he never thought about dying. Jason's answer confirmed Franco's belief that he and Jason were soul mates. Franco claimed that they were never plagued with regrets or guilt about the people that they killed.

Jason wondered how many people Franco had killed. Franco confessed that he had lost count of how many lives he had taken or the methods that he had used. Franco then added that all of the murders had been in his imagination. As Jason continued to question him, Franco realized that Jason wanted to know if he had seen Jason kill Claudia. Jason wanted to know why Franco had mentioned Claudia. Franco claimed that he had sensed that Jason's attention had drifted. Franco realized that it had been a sloppy move on his part, so he turned the conversation to the ambush on Front Street. Franco had been impressed by how Jason had handled the situation. According to Franco, Jason had been fearless. Jason reminded Franco that Joey Limbo had been alive when Jason had left.

Franco believed that it had been an intentional move on Jason's part, so that Franco could finish the job. Franco joked that they clearly had been separated at birth. Franco then made the startling suggestion that Jason kill Sonny and then leave the body for Franco to turn into art. Jason made it clear that he wasn't interested.

Franco realized that he had been wrong to believe that Jason had wanted him to finish off Joey. Franco was furious; he insisted that he called the shots, not Jason. In his anger, Franco accused Jason of acting reckless when he and Sam had stormed the cabin like "Starsky and Hutch." Franco claimed that they could have killed "the pregnant woman." After Franco ranted about how Jason had botched things at the cabin, he seemed to calm down. Jason tensed when Franco inquired after Michael. Franco wondered if Michael was having difficulty dealing with his first kill, especially since Michael had killed his father's wife.

12/14 Lucky and Dominic bonded at the Port Charles Police Station . They found Franco's arrest record and realized that the mysterious tagger sign, "CO77X," was his booking number. Dominic and Lucky speculated that Franco must have been the homeless guy who had waved at Jason at the ambush site. They figured that he was also the person who had crushed Joey Limbo's windpipe and posed his body.

At his studio, Franco tried to provoke Jason by revealing that he knew that Michael had killed Claudia. He taunted Jason about following him without Jason's knowledge and tried to make Jason angry enough to try to kill him. When Franco wanted to know why Jason did not shoot, Jason asked Franco if that was what he wanted. Franco said that he did not have a death wish for himself. Jason said that he would keep that in mind, then he left Franco alone.

Spinelli went to Franco's loft. It took several knocks before Franco answered. When he did, he asked Spinelli if he had ever had his heart broken. Spinelli said that was the reason that he had gone to see Franco. Franco's manner was menacing as he brandished a razor. Franco told Spinelli that he wanted to send a message to Jason so that the next time Jason would show Franco some respect. When Spinelli tried to bring up Maxie, Franco told Spinelli that he had no interest in Maxie, and that he had used her to send a message to Jason, just like the way he was going to use Spinelli.

At the penthouse, Jason told Sam about his spooky encounter with Franco, whom he declared was certifiably insane. He told Sam that Franco was dangerous and that he kept calling Jason an "artist" and asking about his "process." Jason said that Franco was a smart guy fixated on death and killing. He told Sam that Franco knew that Michael had killed Claudia, and he was going to use that knowledge to make Jason play his game.

Jason said that Franco had tried to be friends and to compare notes. Jason said that Franco had called the two of them "artists of death." Jason told Sam that he believed that Franco wanted to prove that he was better than Jason. He told her that Franco was sick and fixated on him. Spinelli arrived at the penthouse, shaken, but unharmed. He told Jason that Franco had sent a message. He told Jason that Franco was angry because Jason had refused his overtures of friendship. Spinelli told Jason that Franco was waiting for him. He also told Jason that Franco had said that Jason should have treated him with more respect.

Franco spoke on the phone to his mysterious lady friend, who urged him to return to Paris. He said he still had business with Jason. Franco told her that he knew she could get him out of any trouble he might be in with the police.

As Franco talked to her, he cut up some pictures. He told the woman that Jason did not want to play, so he had made some new friends. He told her he was sure that these new friends would make Jason play. As he talked, he struck a match and burned a photo of Jason.

12/15 At the penthouse, Spinelli warned Jason that Franco had been offended by Jason's lack of respect. Jason didn't care; he was concerned because Franco claimed that he had seen Michael kill Claudia. Spinelli wondered why Franco would make such a dangerous confession. Jason suspected that Franco hoped to force Jason into a deadly confrontation. Sam agreed that Franco appeared to be challenging Jason. Jason decided to show Spinelli the picture that Franco had taken of Maxie.

Jason explained that he needed to know if the picture of Claudia in the cabin had been taken with the same camera as the picture of Maxie. Spinelli paled as he looked at the chilling picture of Maxie. Spinelli suspected that Franco had coerced Maxie, but Sam quietly revealed that Maxie claimed that she hadn't been threatened. Jason apologized for hurting his friend, but Spinelli waved Jason's concerns away. According to Spinelli, they had more important issues to deal with.

Sam and Jason decided that they needed to figure out what Franco's next step was. Sam suggested that they start by following the money. Sam thought it was important to include Franco's agent's finances. Spinelli decided to go to the office, where he had access to more technology that would help him in his endeavors. Before Spinelli left, he suggested that Maxie might have been tricked into posing for the pictures. Jason conceded that Franco was a master manipulator.

Maxie arrived at the penthouse a short time later. Jason and Sam were stunned when Maxie revealed that she and Lulu had gone to Franco's studio, where they had encountered Gillian. Maxie noticed that Jason wasn't surprised to hear about Franco's shrine dedicated to Jason. Jason admitted that he had seen it; he then added that Spinelli had also seen it. Maxie was shocked to hear that Spinelli had gone to see Franco. Maxie's shock turned to dread when Jason revealed that Spinelli had seen the picture that Franco had taken of her.

Maxie took some comfort in the knowledge that she no longer had to hide her secret. However she was eager to talk to Spinelli about what had happened. After Maxie left, Jason confided to Sam that Franco claimed that he and Jason were alike. Sam didn't agree and she didn't want Jason to buy into Franco's delusions. Sam was certain that Franco wanted Jason to question himself, so that Jason would be vulnerable. Someone, dressed in black, spray painted "CO77X" on the front sidewalk of Winslow Garden Apartments (where Lulu lives). He walked away before anyone spotted him.

12/17 At Greystone Manor, Jason updated Sonny about the situation with Franco. Sonny was surprised when Jason revealed that Franco knew about Michael's involvement in Claudia's death. Jason admitted that Franco likely had proof that Michael had killed Claudia. Jason assured Sonny that Michael was not Franco's target. Jason explained that in Franco's twisted mind, he viewed Jason as a fellow artist. Sonny demanded to know why Jason had not killed Franco when he had the opportunity. Sonny warned Jason not to allow Franco to distract him. Sonny could see that Franco had made Jason doubt himself. Jason assured Sonny that he would "take care of" Franco. 

Sam arrived at the office to find Spinelli working. Sam was annoyed because Franco remained elusive. Spinelli updated her on his search through Franco and Gillian's financial records. He hadn't found anything useful. Spinelli took the opportunity to change the subject by asking Sam if she and Jason had a list of people that they could sleep with without suffering any repercussions. Sam tried to ignore the question, but Spinelli refused to drop the subject. Sam relented by asking Spinelli who was on his list. Spinelli named an actress and several fictional characters. Sam pointed out that no one on his list was attainable. 

Before Spinelli could respond, Maxie entered the office and demanded to know if Spinelli had decided whom he would sleep with. Sam advised Maxie and Spinelli to reconsider their plan; she warned them that infidelity was never a solution. Maxie appreciated the advice, but she was determined to do whatever she could in order to save her relationship with Spinelli. Sam advised Maxie and Spinelli to fight through the pain or, if their relationship was beyond repair, to just let go.

Jason entered the office shortly after Maxie left. Sam and Spinelli explained that they hadn't found anything to help them track down Franco. Jason suspected that Franco wanted Jason to focus on the studio, in order to keep Jason away from some place else. Sam, Spinelli, and Jason reviewed what they had uncovered about Franco. Jason suddenly realized where Franco was headed. As Jason raced out the door, Sam grabbed her coat and followed him.

When Jason and Sam arrived at the spot where Claudia had been buried, they discovered an empty grave. Jason suspected that it had been Franco. Franco reviewed pictures of Jason standing by Claudia's grave. Franco set the pictures aside and then marked a spot on a map. Later, Franco returned to his secret location covered in dirt and carrying a burlap bag. Franco reached into the bag and then pulled out a piece of jewelry that Claudia had been wearing on the night that she had died.

12/18 In the woods, Sam and Jason stared at Claudia's empty grave. Jason was certain that Franco had stolen Claudia's body. Sam didn't understand what Franco hoped to gain by taking the body. Jason worried that the body had evidence that could link Michael to Claudia's death. Jason was determined to find the body before the police did.

Sam and Jason returned to the penthouse. Jason immediately ordered Spinelli to redouble his efforts to find Franco. Spinelli explained that Franco remained elusive. Sam wondered how elusive a person could be if he was lugging around a dead body. At Spinelli's look of confusion, Jason revealed that Franco had unearthed Claudia's body.

Jason was furious because he had failed to kill Franco when he had the opportunity. Jason decided that he needed to face Franco alone. Sam urged Jason to reconsider; she offered to be his backup. Jason appreciated her concern, but he refused to change his mind. Jason made the surprising request for Sam and Spinelli to purchase a Christmas tree. He explained that he needed Sam and Spinelli to be out in public while he tracked down Franco.

At a Christmas tree lot, Sam remained worried about Jason. She couldn't understand why Jason suddenly wanted a Christmas tree. Spinelli suggested that perhaps the tree was an excuse to keep them occupied. He also suspected that Jason might want a Christmas tree because it was a symbol of normality. Sam wished that Jason had accepted her offer of assistance while he met with Franco. Spinelli thought that Jason might need to deal with Franco on his own terms because Jason saw Franco as a reflection of himself.

A short time later Dominic arrived at Jason's penthouse. Jason explained that he had a situation with Franco. Jason revealed that Franco was a psycho who was fixated on Jason. Jason was certain that Franco had taken Claudia's body. Dominic confessed that he already knew that Claudia's body was missing because Sonny had sent Dominic to check the grave. Jason wanted Dominic to help him take out Franco. Dominic readily agreed, but Jason felt obligated to warn Dominic that Franco wasn't one of their "normal enemies." According to Jason, Franco enjoyed what he did, so anyone was expendable to Franco. Later, Dominic and Jason arrived at Franco's studio, but Franco wasn't there. Jason was unsettled when he discovered the bracelet that Claudia had been wearing on the night that she had died. Jason knew that Franco had intended for him to find it.

Ronnie discovered Franco tagging a door in an alley near the piers. Franco immediately recognized the voice of his old acquaintance. The tension was thick between the men as Ronnie warned Franco that the Port Charles Police Department considered Franco a prime suspect in an unsolved murder. Franco wondered if Ronnie planned to do anything about it. Ronnie wanted to know if Franco had killed the man who had been discovered near where Franco had been arrested.

Franco claimed that he had been innocent, but he was curious why Ronnie had made certain that none of the evidence in the case had pointed to Franco. Franco wondered if Ronnie had done it because he owed Franco a favor or because he had believed in Franco's innocence. Ronnie wasn't concerned about the past; it was what Franco planned for the future that scared Ronnie. Franco smiled as he admitted, "Rightly so." Franco threatened to expose the truth about Ronnie if Franco landed in jail. As Ronnie walked away, Franco called out, "Keep your eyes open. You never know what will sneak up on you."

At the Christmas tree lot, a black sports car with tinted windows idled nearby while Carly looked at various Christmas trees. Carly found the perfect tree, but before she could locate an attendant to help her, Franco stepped into her path. Franco expressed an interest in the same tree that Carly had chosen.

12/21 Jason and Dominic went to Franco's loft. They found the diamond bracelet from Claudia's body that Franco had left for them. They searched the loft but found nothing. Jason told Dominic to check the loft again for anything Jason might have missed. When Dominic protested, Jason admitted to already making too many mistakes with Franco. Jason told Dominic to stay behind at the loft and wait for Franco. He told Dominic to kill Franco if he showed up. Dominic worried that Franco had left clues to Claudia's body that would prove incriminating to Jason. Jason said he did not care. He said that Franco was dangerous and that he should have killed him immediately. Franco argued with Carly about who would get the Christmas tree that both appeared to want. When he offered to flip a coin. She cleverly caught him using a two-headed coin. 

Franco admired Josslyn and let slip that he had once had a daughter named Lauren. His story touched Carly. She offered him the tree and was very kind to him. Franco seemed to gain respect for Carly and told her to keep her family close. He treated her to a lecture about respecting people who invited you into their home and offered you food. Carly was confused and asked him if he was talking about something other than his daughter. Franco laughed and told her to mention him to her friend. When he left, Carly shrugged it off and cooed at Josslyn.

Franco stood over Ronnie's hospital bed and taunted him. Franco took credit for running Ronnie down, and smiled as he noted that the tubes in Ronnie's throat that were keeping him alive also prevented him from speaking. Franco told Ronnie that Jason had not engaged to play Franco's game. Ronnie looked scared when Franco said that he had a new plan and that Jason would have to choose. Lulu interrupted them when Ronnie started coding. She said that she would get a doctor. When Lulu arrived back at Ronnie's bedside with Steve, Franco was gone. Once Ronnie was stabilized, they both noticed CO77X had been painted on the monitor beside Ronnie's bed.

Jason found Sam and Spinelli at the penthouse when he returned. They had grim news for him. Sam said that Spinelli's research had turned up three unsolved murders in Paris that had all been preceded by the tagger sign, CO77X. Sam told Jason that Franco might not be just an artist with a death fetish; he might be a creepy serial killer. When Dominic reported back, Sam clued him in to the Paris information. He and Jason agreed that Franco was looking for more thrills. While they talked, Lulu called Dominic with news about Ronnie. Dominic and Jason rushed to the hospital. Dominic and Jason raced to Ronnie's bedside. When Dominic asked Lulu what had happened, she confirmed that Franco had been in Ronnie's room.

Ronnie could not speak. He indicated that he wanted to write something. When Lulu handed him pen and paper, he wrote the words "You choose," and gave the pad to Jason. Jason looked at it wondered out loud, "Choose what."

Franco went to the restaurant that served as Sonny and Jason's office. The bartender tried to turn him away, but he said that he had a delivery for Jason and indicated a large manila envelope, which he had tucked under his arm. He took a seat and picked up a newspaper.

12/22 In Ronnie's room, Jason read the message that Ronnie had written. Jason had no idea what "You choose" meant. Ronnie drifted in and out of consciousness, so he was unable to answer the question. Lulu decided to fetch a doctor for Ronnie. After Lulu left the room, Jason and Dominic discussed the latest development in their search for Franco. Jason couldn't understand why Franco would target a "mid-level guy" like Ronnie.

Dominic suggested that perhaps it was Franco's way of letting Jason know that Franco could get to anyone near Jason. Robin entered the room moments later. Robin explained that Ronnie was weak from blood loss, so it would take time for him to recover. After Robin left, Jason wandered across the room; he discovered a matchbook tucked into the corner of the window. Jason announced that he knew where Franco was. 

Jason arrived at Pozzulo's, but Franco wasn't there. The waiter explained that "Jason's friend" couldn't wait, so he had left something for Jason. Jason was unsettled when the waiter handed him a package that contained a pink baby's hat. Jason revealed that the hat belonged to his goddaughter. Jason showed up at the Jacks residence a short time later. Jax had left earlier to do some last-minute shopping. Jason showed Carly the hat that he had collected at Pozzulo's. Carly was thrilled that Josslyn's hat had been found; she explained that she had looked everywhere for it. Jason revealed that Franco had been in possession of the hat.

Carly didn't understand why a man whom she had never met had Josslyn's hat. Jason wondered if Carly had encountered any strangers recently. Carly recalled meeting a man in his early thirties at the Christmas tree lot. Jason was certain that the man was Franco. Carly recounted her discussion with Franco, including Franco's message for Carly's "friend." She explained that Franco insisted that Jason should have shown more respect.

Jason returned to the penthouse where Sam had added the final touches to a small Christmas tree that she had placed on the pool table and then decorated. Jason confessed that he enjoyed seeing her in his home. Sam wondered how the search for Franco had gone. Jason believed that Franco wanted Jason to play by Franco's rules, in order to keep everyone safe.

Sam sensed that Jason felt responsible for the danger that everyone faced. She reminded Jason that he had not invited Franco into their lives nor was Franco some type of retribution for the things that Jason had done in the past. Jason appreciated Sam's support. He wanted her to know that he loved her. Sam confessed that she felt the same way about Jason. At Franco's studio, a Christmas tree was decorated with snowflake ornaments. Each snowflake contained a picture of someone close to Jason, including Sam, Sonny, and Morgan.

12/28 At the artist's loft, Franco made art out of his tagger sign, CO77X, as well as pictures and news articles about Jason. Johnny went to Jason's penthouse and confronted him about a picture of a grave that Johnny had received in the mail. He wanted to know if the grave was Claudia's. After Jason told Johnny everything about Claudia's death, including that Michael had killed her. Johnny hit Jason in the face with his fist. Jason stopped him after the second blow, but Johnny was still irate. He wanted to know why he got the photo and where Claudia's body was. Jason told Johnny about Franco and his obsession with Jason. Jason told Johnny that Franco had set it up so that Jason would have to kill Johnny.

Jason told Johnny that he was responsible for the cover-up of Claudia's death and he was sorry that it had gotten out of hand. Jason said that his only thought at the time had been to protect Michael. Johnny was still angry, but not raging as before. Johnny told Jason that considering the sick colossal mess he had helped make, perhaps Jason could now have some compassion for Claudia and see that she had not intended harm to Michael either, that things had spiraled out of control for her, just like they had for Jason. Jason was pensive as Johnny slammed out the door.

Spinelli dropped by Sam's apartment to catch up. She was worried that Jason was out of touch and fretting too much about Franco. Spinelli was concerned about the reckoning that he and Maxie would eventually have to face about her infidelity.

Jason was picking up the Christmas tree that had been overturned during his altercation with Johnny when Spinelli returned to the penthouse. When Jason told Spinelli about the photo that Franco had sent Johnny, Spinelli suggested that it was time for Jason to step back and take a respite from trying to figure out Franco. Spinelli urged Jason to spend New Year's Eve with Sam, who was preparing a surprise for Jason at her apartment.

Sam uncovered the hot tub on her patio. When the water was warm enough, she shed her robe to reveal a very skimpy bikini. She climbed in the hot tub and took a sip from her wine glass. In the living room, Sam's apartment door opened slowly as Franco looked in warily. He entered the room and then noticed the opened door leading to the patio.

DVD #23B  12/29 At the penthouse, Jason left Sam a message when she didn't answer his call. Jason wished that he could be with Sam instead of sending her flowers. He explained that he hadn't made any progress on the search for Franco, so he had decided to work. Jason promised to call Sam later. Spinelli suggested that Jason was making a mistake by not going to see Sam. Jason wasn't in the mood for relationship advice, but Spinelli refused to drop it.

Spinelli believed that a break could be beneficial because it might provide Jason with some clarity. Jason doubted that Franco ever took the night off, so Jason refused to consider it. However, Jason did admit that a part of him wanted to be with Sam. Spinelli urged Jason to trust his instincts, but Jason didn't think that he should.

Maxie arrived a short time later. She was determined to work things out with Spinelli, so she expected Jason to order Spinelli to cheat on her. Jason didn't have time for Maxie's drama, but she refused to be dismissed. Spinelli wasn't interested in Maxie's proposal. Jason explained to Maxie that two wrongs didn't make a right. Jason suggested that Maxie was being too hard on herself; she had betrayed Spinelli, but Franco had also manipulated her. Jason advised Maxie to allow Spinelli some time to forgive her. Maxie was curious if Jason had gained his new insight by watching talk shows. Jason responded by announcing that he was going to Sam's place.

At Sam's apartment, a florist tried to deliver a huge bouquet of flowers to Sam. Franco answered the door; he explained that Sam was "tied up" at the moment. Franco took the flowers, but didn't tip the deliveryman. After Franco shut the door, he tossed the bouquet away. Later, Jason arrived at Sam's place, but discovered that she was missing.

12/30 In an undisclosed location, Franco, wearing a tuxedo, sat at an elegant table set for one. A single candle illuminated the table as Franco prepared to eat his dinner. The episode featured the song, "My Girl," by The Temptations.

1/4 At an undisclosed location, Sam woke up to find herself imprisoned in a small room surrounded by soundproof glass. Franco stood on the outside of Sam's prison, snapping pictures of her. When Sam noticed the chalk outline on the floor of her prison, she demanded to know why it was there. Franco ominously explained, "For you."

Sam tried to remain calm as Franco informed her that she was bait for Jason. However, when Franco revealed that she would be one of several people, Sam objected. She assured Franco that she was all that Franco would need in order to lure Jason. Franco didn't believe Sam. He took a few more pictures of her, turned off the sound to her room, and then flipped off the lights before leaving the warehouse. Sam stood calling out for help in her darkened cell, but her cries didn't penetrate beyond her own four walls. Sam was unaware that a timer, wired to her prison, was slowly ticking down; Sam appeared to have only two hours and forty-nine minutes left before her time ran out.

Lucky met Jason at McCall and Jackal Private Investigation. Lucky was surprised when Jason revealed that he wanted Lucky to arrest him. Lucky was curious what Jason hoped to gain by the ruse. Jason revealed that he suspected that Franco had Sam. Jason briefly explained that Franco was obsessed with Jason. He also told Lucky about the threat that Franco had made against Carly and Josslyn.

Jason needed the element of surprise, so he wanted Lucky to arrest him for Claudia's murder. Jason hoped that the cover of an arrest would allow Jason to sneak out of the police station, so that he could catch an unsuspecting Franco. Lucky confessed that he had his own suspicions about Franco, so he agreed to go along with Jason's plan. Lucky suggested that perhaps the arrest would make Mayor Floyd's day.

Mayor Floyd arranged for a press conference at the police station. While Lucky and Mac watched, Mayor Floyd announced that Jason had been arrested for Claudia's murder. After the mayor answered a few questions, Lucky ushered Jason into a nearby interrogation room. As Lucky removed the handcuffs from Jason's wrists, Lucky chuckled that the mayor had "jumped the gun" by announcing the arrest. Lucky hadn't had an opportunity to formally arrest Jason. Jason was relieved that Lucky wouldn't have to lie about the arrest. He thanked Lucky for his help and then slipped out of the police station. 

Carly was strapped to a chair while Franco ranted about Jason's arrest. Franco suggested that all Carly had to do to help Jason was to tell the police that Michael had killed Claudia. Carly refused to consider it, which further fueled Franco's rage. Franco made it clear that he expected Carly to follow his orders. Franco's mercurial mood shifted as he happily announced that it was a good thing that Jason's fate wasn't up to her.

Carly was concerned about what Franco had planned for Michael. Franco made it clear that Michael was merely a means to an end. Carly desperately promised to help Franco in any way that she could if he promised to leave Michael alone. Carly's plea failed to have any impact on Franco, so she switched tactics. She warned Franco that Jason would find her. Franco admitted that he was counting on it.

Jason arrived at a warehouse. Armed with a gun, Jason kicked in a door. Carly managed to call out a warning that it was a trap, before Jason squeezed off a shot. Instead of hitting Franco, Jason had shot at Franco's reflection in a mirror.

1/5  At Franco's studio, Jason shot off the lock and then kicked in the door. Mirrors placed strategically around the room temporarily distracted Jason enough to provide Franco with an opportunity to slip out of the studio. After Jason untied Carly, he tried to catch up with Franco. Unfortunately for Jason, Franco was long gone. Jason returned to the studio to check on Carly.

Carly was anxious to call Jax because she had been forced to leave Josslyn unattended at home. Carly was relieved when Jax assured her that Josslyn was safe and sound. 

Carly briefly explained that Franco had threatened to harm Josslyn if Carly didn't leave with him. She revealed that Jason had found her; she promised to explain the rest when she arrived home. After Carly ended the call with Jax, Jason questioned Carly about the abduction. Carly revealed that Franco had intended to take her to another location, but he had changed his mind after he had heard a radio announcement about Jason's arrest. According to Carly, Franco had been furious by the turn of events, so he had decided to take Carly to the studio. Carly also revealed that Franco had pictures of Michael leaning over Claudia's body just after her death.

A short time later, Carly and Jason entered the house. After a brief reunion, Jason explained to Lucky and Jax that Franco had targeted Carly because of her connection to Jason. Jax was livid. When Carly tried to send the boys to their rooms, Jax insisted that they stay. Jax wanted Morgan and Michael to hear how Jason had once again endangered everyone around him. Carly warned Jax that it wasn't the time to point fingers.

Jason went to check the nursery for clues, and appeared rattled by the sight of the "CO77X" graffiti tags spray-painted on the nursery's walls and crib. Lucky joined Jason moments later. Lucky wanted to know what had happened. Jason wondered where Lucky wanted him to begin. Lucky suggested that Jason start with what had happened after Lucky had put his badge on the line for Jason. Jason realized that he had asked a lot of Lucky.

Lucky assured Jason that he didn't mind taking risks as long as they caught a serial killer. Jason pointed out that many considered Jason a serial killer. Lucky suggested that perhaps it wasn't the time for Jason to have an attack of conscience; Lucky wanted to focus on the case. Jason suspected that Sam had been taken because Jason was expected to make a choice. Jason explained that Franco had left a message for Jason with Ronnie. It read, "You choose." Jason realized that Franco wanted to see how Jason would react if he were forced to choose between two loved ones. Lucky observed that Franco had a perfect opportunity to hurt Josslyn, but he had not taken advantage of it. Lucky was confident that Franco wanted Jason to understand that he expected Jason to "play nice and follow the rules."

Lucky wondered whom Franco would try to abduct next. Jason admitted that Franco knew everything about Jason, including that he had been on trial for Alcazar's murder. Lucky realized that it meant that Franco was aware of Jason's relationship with Elizabeth. Jason quickly assured Lucky that Franco would target someone more "present" in Jason's life. Lucky worried that Michael, Morgan, or possibly Jake could be in jeopardy. Jason was certain that Franco didn't know that Jake was Jason's biological son.

Frustrated, Lucky admitted that he wished that he could tie Jason to the fountain at Rice Plaza with a note taped to Jason's chest that read, "Here, take him. Return Sam and all will be forgiven. Love, the PCPD." Jason confessed that he would eagerly do it if he thought that it would work. Jason decided that their best chance of rescuing Sam was if Jason did everything Franco's way. Lucky was worried about the consequences if they were wrong. Jason responded, "Then Sam dies, but it will be because of me."

Lucky confessed that he had tried to persuade Sam not to become involved with Jason again. Lucky explained that he cared about Sam; he didn't want to see her hurt. Sam assured Lucky that she knew what she was doing; she had accepted the risk. Lucky was determined to honor her wishes by allowing Jason the opportunity to find Sam on his own. 

Ronnie woke up to discover Jason standing over his bed with a gun aimed directly at Ronnie. Jason demanded to know what Ronnie knew of Franco, why Franco had struck Ronnie with a car, and what Franco had done with Sam.

Lulu was working alone at Crimson when Franco boldly walked through the lobby. He didn't mince words as he asked where Maxie was. Lulu nervously pointed out that Maxie was gone. Franco appeared momentarily annoyed, but then informed her that she "would have to do." Lulu offered to call Kate; however, Franco wasn't in the mood for any games. He snatched the phone out of Lulu's hand the moment that she reached for it. Franco physically restrained Lulu as he observed, "You're not going to be any fun, are you?

1/6 Jason stood in Ronnie's room with a gun aimed at Ronnie's heart. Jason demanded to know everything that Ronnie knew about Franco. Ronnie claimed that he didn't know anything. However, Ronnie changed his mind when Jason cocked the gun. Ronnie revealed that he had known Franco during their days in New York City. Ronnie claimed that he had robbed a liquor store, but Franco had taken the fall. Ronnie had repaid Franco for the favor by bailing Franco out of jail when Franco had been arrested for tagging near a murder scene.

Jason didn't understand why Franco would want to run down Ronnie in a car. Ronnie clarified that he had never seen the driver, so Ronnie couldn't confirm that Franco had been behind the wheel of the car. Jason was frustrated by Ronnie's lack of information. He shoved the barrel of the gun up against Ronnie's chest and then warned Ronnie to stop wasting time.

Lisa entered Ronnie's hospital room, but stopped short when she took in the scene. Jason ordered Lisa to get out. Lisa responded by demanding that Jason step away from Ronnie. Jason warned Lisa that if she didn't leave, she would witness a shooting. Lisa threatened to call security as she fled. Jason realized that his time was limited, so he informed Ronnie that Franco had kidnapped someone. Ronnie's entire demeanor changed. He readily volunteered that Franco used to store his art supplies in a shed near the "El in Brooklyn." According to Ronnie, Franco was drawn to trains because he loved the sounds and chaos they created when they sped by.

Lisa approached the nurses' station demanding that someone call security because there was a man with a gun in Mr. Dimestico's room. Robin calmly described Jason to Lisa. When Lisa confirmed that it sounded like the gunman, Robin promised to take care of it.  Robin managed to persuade Jason to leave Ronnie's room. As they walked out, Jason explained that Franco was after the people who were close to Jason. Jason wanted Robin to be careful. After Jason left, Robin returned to the nurses' station to let Patrick and Lisa know that the crisis in Ronnie's room had been averted. Lisa was surprised; she turned to Patrick to comment that he must be "seriously impressed" with his wife.

Jason arrived at the penthouse to find Spinelli busy working. Dominic showed up moments later to announce that Franco had built a bomb. Jason quickly recovered from the shock and then ordered Spinelli to search for recent purchases of items that Franco needed to build the bomb in the schematics that Dominic had found.

Jason questioned Dominic about what had happened at Franco's studio. Spinelli became concerned when Dominic mentioned that Maxie had been at the studio when Dominic had arrived. Spinelli's first instinct was to check on Maxie, but Jason needed Spinelli to focus on finding Sam. Spinelli was grateful when Jason decided to send Dominic to check on Maxie. Shortly after Dominic left, Spinelli discovered that someone had rented a "workspace" near a train yard under the name of "J. Depp." Jason raced to the rental space. He was disappointed when he discovered that neither Franco nor Sam was anywhere in sight.

At Pozzulo's, Max was eating a clam and pasta dish while Milo watched in disgust. The brothers' attention was drawn outside when they discovered Franco spray-painting graffiti on the restaurant's window. Max and Milo sprang into action. Several minutes later, they dragged Franco into Sonny's office. Sonny pulled a gun out of his desk and then approached Franco. Franco appeared amused rather than intimidated.

Sonny made it clear that he didn't appreciate Franco threatening Michael. Franco didn't respond, prompting Max to accuse the artist of being crazy. Sonny wondered if Franco was truly crazy and if that was what made him such a great artist. It was clear by his tone that Sonny didn't think that Franco was great or an artist. Franco shrugged indifferently as he admitted that he had a "gift." Sonny was curious if Franco's "gift" was worth dying for.

In an undisclosed location, Lulu was strapped to a chair that had a bomb attached underneath it.

1/7 Sonny ordered Max and Milo to clear out the building and to ignore any noises that they might hear emanating from Sonny's office. Sonny let Franco think that he had made the request so that there wouldn't be any witnesses when Sonny killed Franco. Franco wasn't intimidated; instead, he wondered if he could try his hand at mob speak. Sonny shrugged his shoulders as he responded, "Be my guest." Franco assumed a threatening tone and then demanded that Sonny pass along a message to Jason. Franco wanted Jason to meet at a place of Franco's choosing, unarmed, no cell phone, and without any backup.

Sonny was curious if Franco intended to turn over the pictures of Michael to the police if Jason didn't cooperate. Franco made it clear that Michael was merely a means to get Sonny's attention. Sonny demanded to know about Sam, but Franco refused to tell him where she was. Sonny didn't appreciate Franco's attempt to provoke him. Sonny confessed that he was ready to kick Franco's "psychotic ass." Franco welcomed Sonny to try. Sonny didn't take the bait.

As Sonny set the gun on his desk, Franco took a seat near the door. Sonny admitted that everyone was wrong about Franco. According to Sonny, Franco was just a groupie who had a crush on a "rock star hit man." Sonny believed that Franco wanted to punish Jason for hurting Franco's feelings. Franco claimed that he didn't care, but Sonny didn't buy it. Sonny was certain that Franco was desperate to feel needed. Sonny's analysis appeared to rattle Franco.

Franco stood and then walked to the door. He reminded Sonny to give Jason the message if Franco made it out of Sonny's office alive. Franco stood in the doorway with his back to Sonny, and providing Sonny with ample opportunity to shoot him. After several tense moments, Franco appeared to relax and then walked away.

Dominic met Jason at Franco's workshop to discuss the possibility that Franco might have abducted Lulu. Jason wasn't happy with the turn of events. Jason's mood didn't improve when Sonny called to let him know that Sonny had met with Jason's "creepy friend."

At an undisclosed location, Lulu tried to free herself from the chair that she was strapped to. When Franco entered, she immediately ceased her struggles. She demanded to know what Franco wanted from her. Franco thought that his desires were pretty clear; he expected Jason to choose. Franco assured Lulu that she had a 50/50 chance of being rescued. Her survival depended on Jason making the wrong choice. Lulu assured Franco that Jason would never choose incorrectly, so it was up to her to rescue herself.

Lulu suddenly lifted her arm to show Franco that she had freed herself. She quickly leaned down to pick up a wire that was attached to the bomb under her chair. Lulu told Franco, "See you in hell," but before she could follow through on the threat, Franco leaned down to grab her hand. He responded, "Have a nice trip" and then jerked her hand above her head.

Sonny was waiting when Jason entered the office. Sonny was stunned when Jason revealed that Franco had taken Lulu. Sonny relayed Franco's message to Jason; however, he didn't want Jason to follow Franco's instructions. Sonny decided that Jason should meet Franco heavily armed and with backup. Jason argued that it would be a huge mistake to ignore Franco's demands. As Jason and Sonny argued, a loud explosion boomed nearby.

Later, Max and Milo informed Jason and Sonny that the explosion had occurred in an empty warehouse. Sonny was certain that Franco was behind the stunt. Sonny was tired of dealing with Franco. He argued that every time Jason played Franco's games, it was another victory for Franco. Sonny wanted Jason to take Max and Milo to check out the bombed warehouse. Jason insisted that it had been a diversion; he was certain that Franco  wouldn't be there.

In the car, Jason was on the phone with Diane. He wanted Diane to meet him at the warehouse that had been bombed earlier that evening. He told her that the warehouse was located at "First and Met." A poor connection forced Jason to repeat the address several times. As he did, Jason appeared to realize it was actually a clue. He quickly ended the call and then turned the car around.

A short time later, Jason entered Franco's studio. Two cameramen were waiting. As they filmed Jason, Franco congratulated Jason on figuring out the clue: where we first met. Jason demanded to know why the cameramen were in the studio. Franco explained that they were there to "film art." Jason warned Franco that their presence wouldn't stop him from killing Franco.

Franco believed him; however, he was confident that Jason wouldn't make a move against him until Franco revealed where Sam and Lulu were. Franco was curious if Jason had followed his instructions. Jason assured Franco that he had, but Franco didn't believe Jason. Franco insisted on searching Jason with a metal detector wand.

1/8  At the studio, Jason demanded to know where Sam was. Franco showed Jason a picture that Franco has snapped of Sam in her prison. Jason studied the photo, but couldn't find a clue that might indicate where she was. Jason pointed out that the picture could get Franco arrested. Franco didn't seem concerned; he suggested that Jason hold it up, so that the cameramen could get a good shot of it. Jason asked if Franco might be worried that his video would land in police hands. Franco insisted that it merely depicted "performance art."

Jason's patience wore thin; he reminded the cameramen that they could be charged as accessories if anything happened to Sam and Lulu. Franco added, "If he didn't kill you first." Neither cameraman seemed too concerned about any possible criminal charges. They continued recording as Franco warned Jason that Sam was running out of time. Franco showed Jason the timer in the photo and then pointed out that it had been taken several hours before.

Jason was livid. When one of the cameramen moved in for a closeup of Jason, Jason grabbed the camera and then threw it across the room. Franco quietly dismissed the men. After they cleared out of the studio, Franco turned to Jason and said, "Alone at last." Jason demanded to know what Franco wanted from him. Franco explained that he was eager to know what went through Jason's mind when Sonny gave Jason an order to kill.

Jason started talking about the hits where his enemy had made the first move. Franco wasn't interested in hearing about self-defense. Franco was more curious about those times when the person didn't know death was imminent. Jason was reluctant to discuss it until Franco reminded him that both women's lives depended on it. Resigned, Jason confessed that killing was the first thing that he had ever been good at.

Jason revealed that he had suffered brain damage following a car accident. Sonny had been the first person to accept Jason for whom he was, not who he used to be. When Sonny's wife had died, Sonny had been determined to take out the world, so he had placed a gun in Jason's hand. For the first time, Jason had felt needed. With a gun, Jason never felt broken. Jason confessed that he never thought when he killed. To Jason it was a job; he simply reacted. Jason insisted that he and Franco were nothing alike.

Franco agreed; it disgusted Franco that Jason didn't honor his "gift." Franco scoffed that it would have been better if Jason had died in the crash. Franco accused Jason of being unworthy of what Franco had planned for him. Franco had wanted someone who would have understood and known what it felt like to have a "gift" like theirs. Franco believed that he and Jason were like gods, who could take and spare lives at a whim. However, unlike Jason, Franco had no desire to be human.

Jason accused Franco of being an animal. Franco decided that Jason was undeserving of a choice. Franco opted to leave Jason with a "mirror." Jason reached the end of his tether; he attacked Franco. Jason reminded Franco that he could snap Franco's neck if he chose. When Jason let go, Franco laughed victoriously. Jason had proven to Franco that they were alike. Franco revealed that Lulu and Sam were on opposite ends, exactly two miles from the studio. Sam was in a warehouse at "2nd and Powell," while Lulu was in a warehouse at "234 Bristol." Franco warned Jason that both bombs were set to go off in eight minutes, so Jason could only save one of them. As Jason turned to leave, Franco acknowledged that Jason would hunt him down once it was over.

Franco recorded a message. He admitted that he had always known that he was different. Franco had never felt anything. He couldn't understand why people laughed or cried, but he had learned to mimic them. At the age of 18, Franco had gone to jail for a crime that he didn't commit. In jail, he had met men who had talked of death. It had made Franco curious, so Franco had decided to kill someone after he had been released from prison. Franco had killed his first victim in Tribeca. Franco confessed that he hadn't felt a "damn thing" as he watched the man die. That was when Franco had decided to turn murder into art. He hadn't stopped creating art since.

As soon as Jason climbed into his car, he reached for his cell phone. As he started the engine, Jason called Dominic. He told Dominic where Lulu was and then ordered him to hurry because Dominic only had six minutes left.

Lulu sat strapped to a chair, screaming for someone to help her. As her pleas went unanswered, Lulu became distraught. She realized that she had mere seconds left to live. Sam desperately tried to find a way out of her prison, but was unsuccessful. As she paced around the glass enclosure, she noticed the timer to the bomb. Sam renewed her efforts to escape. As the clock ticked down, Jason arrived. There were eleven seconds left.

1/11 At the studio, Franco made a video of himself explaining that he was a person without feelings and had always been that way. He said that his prison experience at 18 had taught him about murder. He said that after he got out of prison, he had murdered without remorse and had then turned those actions into art.

As Franco painted, Jason and Dominic raced to save Sam and Lulu. Jason found Sam and rescued her in time. They heard an explosion across town, but the bomb meant for Sam did not go off. When Jason examined it, he found that the plastic explosive was actually modeling clay and realized that Franco had played him again. When Jason tried to reach Dominic on his cell phone, Dominic did not answer.

Lucky and Steve Webber arrived at the blast scene simultaneously. Steve told Lucky that he had seen a man fitting Dominic's description rush into the building just before it exploded. Lucky was frantic about Lulu as he got on the phone and called for emergency crews.

Jason and Sam arrived on the scene of the second blast. Lucky became unhinged and backed Jason into a wall, when he found out that Jason had opted to save Sam instead of Lulu. He was not mollified to find out that Jason had sent Dominic for Lulu, and became enraged when he heard that Sam's bomb had been a deliberate dud. Before Lucky could go postal on Jason, Lulu called out to him. Dominic led her out of the bombed building. He had managed to free Lulu and find an access door to the basement where they had sheltered under an I-beam. The support beam had not collapsed and had protected them from both the debris and suffocation.

Back at the studio, Franco packed a small bag and put a DVD in a mailing envelope. After a final look around at walls he had spray-painted with the tagger sign, "CO77X," he turned off the lights and left. Jason and Lucky pulled up in front of the studio. Lucky told Jason to stay in the car, but Jason jumped out and stopped Lucky from opening the door. He told Lucky that Franco expected Jason back and had probably set a trap. Jason told Lucky that Franco had said that for every person that Jason had killed, he would kill another. As Franco walked down a set of outside stairs, a huge explosion took place in the building next to those stairs.

1/12 Sam went to the site of the warehouse explosion where she found Jason staring at the rubble. She was curious where he had been the entire night. Jason revealed that he had been searching to Franco, to no avail. Sam hoped that Franco had fled the country, so that they could put their ordeal with him behind them. Jason worried that it was far from over.

Jason arrived at Greystone Manor to update Sonny about Franco. Sonny was frustrated because Franco had managed to gain the upper hand and then flee town. However, Sonny conceded that Franco had prevailed because he'd had three months to study Jason, whereas Jason only had a short period of time to get to know his enemy. Sonny decided that he and Jason needed to focus on damage control and getting back to business.

Jason realized that Sonny didn't understand that Franco continued to remain a threat. Jason explained that Franco had made it clear that for every person that Jason had killed, Franco would take an innocent life. Sonny was confident that the threat had merely been an attempt to get under Jason's skin. Carly chose that moment to enter. When she heard Sonny's comment, she informed him, "If anyone is being played by Franco Sonny, it's you."

Carly insisted that everything had worked out because Sam and Lulu had escaped unharmed. Jason informed Carly that Sam had never been in danger because Franco knew that Jason would race to save Sam. Franco had intended for Jason to live with the regret of not saving Lulu. Carly didn't think it mattered since Lulu had survived. However, Carly suggested that perhaps Jason needed some time off to regroup. Sonny explained that they didn't have the luxury of taking time off. Sonny revealed that a body had been found in the warehouse. Sonny was certain that it was Claudia, which meant that they would have to work together to keep the police from figuring out that Michael had killed her.

1/13 At the Jacks residence, Jason realized that Carly had asked him to drive her home because she wanted to get Jason away from Sonny. Carly didn't deny it; she was concerned about Jason. Carly refused to allow Jason to blame himself for the things that Franco had done. Carly pointed out that everything had worked out for Sam and Lulu, so Franco had failed. Jason disagreed; Franco had been correct to suggest that he and Jason were alike.

Jason explained that Franco was incapable of having true emotions, so Franco was all about experiencing the moment. Jason admitted that he felt most alive when he was taking risks. Jason acknowledged that he had taken lives, just like Franco. Carly clarified that Jason always had his reasons for the things that he had done. She insisted that she, and others, had seen the good in Jason. According to Carly, that was Jason's true strength. She didn't think that Franco could possibly compete with that.

At Crimson, Sam wanted to know whom Lucky would have saved if he had been forced to choose between Elizabeth and Lulu. Sam thought that Lulu had a right to know. Lucky couldn't believe that Sam would ask him that question. He explained that it wasn't the same situation that Jason had faced. Sam didn't have children who would wonder where their mother was. The painful reminder of her childless state hurt Sam. Lulu was stunned by her brother's cruel words.

Lucky realized that he had gone too far. He apologized for opening old wounds. Lucky acknowledged that it had been unfair of him to throw the loss of Sam's child in her face. Sam appreciated Lucky's remorse. Lulu pointed out that Sam had no idea that the bomb hadn't been real, so the terror had been just as real for Sam as it had been for Lulu. Lulu suggested that the person Lucky was truly mad at was Jason.

Jason was waiting for Lucky in the interrogation room at the Port Charles Police Station. Lucky was in a surly mood when he entered the room. He accused Jason of not respecting him because Jason had lied to him for months about Jake. Jason was a glaring reminder that Lucky had a bad habit of trusting the wrong people. Lucky claimed that his trust in Jason had nearly cost Lulu her life.

Lucky resented how Jason had pretended that his relationship with Elizabeth had been platonic, when in reality Jason had been trying to steal Lucky's wife. Lucky seemed to realize that he was behaving inappropriately, so he decided to remove himself from the case. Lucky informed Jason that another police officer would contact Jason to question him about the events surrounding Sam and Lulu's kidnapping. As Lucky prepared to leave, Jason stopped him.

Jason apologized for lying to Lucky about his relationship with Elizabeth. Jason respected Lucky and he would always be grateful that Lucky was a wonderful father to Jake. Jason acknowledged that the incident with Franco drove home the fact that Jake was safe with Lucky. Lucky assured Jason that he loved Jake as his own.

Sam bumped into Spinelli in an alleyway. Spinelli was busy spray-painting over Franco's graffiti. Spinelli took the opportunity to let Sam know that he was happy that she had survived her ordeal with Franco. Sam confided that not everyone felt the same. According to Sam, some people believed that Jason should have saved Lulu and left Sam to fend for herself. Spinelli realized that Jason had faced a difficult choice, but what mattered was that all had ended well.

Sam was curious what Spinelli was doing. Spinelli explained that they had the power to decide what direction Franco's artwork took them in. They could either move forward or allow it to pull them apart. Spinelli decided to move forward. Sam liked the idea, so she picked up a can of spray paint and then went to work covering up Franco's graffiti.

Jason drove up on his motorcycle as Sam was repainting one of Franco's C077X tags. She explained that it had been Spinelli's idea. Jason felt terrible that Sam had been dragged into the mess with Franco. Sam didn't want Jason to blame himself; according to her, Jason had been as much of a victim as Sam had been. Jason disagreed. He was disappointed in himself because he hadn't understood the rules of Franco's game until it was almost too late.

Sam hugged Jason as she thanked him for choosing to save her life. Jason confessed that it really hadn't been a choice. Sam was touched. Moments later, Jason invited Sam to go for a ride with him on his motorcycle.

1/15 Jason entered the office as Sonny discussed with Dominic his plans to frame Franco for Claudia's death. "What?" Jason asked. "Look how many times we made the cops look like idiots," Sonny replied. Sonny was confident that the police would be motivated to bust a serial killer like Franco. Jason warned Sonny that it might be too dangerous to involve Franco.

Dominic took the opportunity to play devil's advocate. Dominic pointed out that the police might question why Ronnie didn't step forward sooner. Sonny suggested that Ronnie could claim that he had been afraid after the hit-and-run, so he had waited until Franco had left town. Dominic argued that it might appear that Ronnie had made the story up as payback for the hit-and-run. Sonny wasn't concerned; he was certain that the police would be too eager to solve the crime.

Jason wanted to speak privately to Sonny, so Sonny dismissed Dominic with orders for him to talk to Ronnie about their plans. As soon as Dominic was gone, Jason insisted that it was a mistake to provoke Franco. Jason reminded Sonny that Franco had incriminating pictures of Michael, which Franco wouldn't hesitate to use. Jason thought that it would be best for everyone if Franco remained gone.

Sonny refused to listen; he was certain that the police would jump at the chance to arrest Franco. Sonny's first priority was to protect Michael, so framing Franco was their best option to close the investigation. Jason worried that it was too risky because Franco would see it as some kind of challenge. Sonny was curious if Jason had a better idea because Sonny feared that Michael would never be able to handle a police interrogation. Sonny believed that Michael would end up confessing.

Jason suggested that Jax take Carly and the kids to Australia. Sonny argued that it would only be a short-term solution. Sonny wanted Jason to find another way to eliminate the threat to Michael. He instructed Jason to make it fast because Michael was running out of time. After Sonny left the office, Jason called Bernie. Jason ordered Bernie to check Franco's finances to see if there was a money trail to follow.

As Jason walked out of the office, Spinelli entered Pozzulo's. Jason ordered Spinelli to hack into the police department's mainframe, in order to check for any possible evidence that might connect Michael to Claudia's death. While Spinelli worked, Jason filled him in on Sonny's plan for Franco. Spinelli confessed that the idea of Franco going to jail was appealing. Jason pointed out that involving Franco had its risks. Moments later, Spinelli discovered that the police had recovered a strand of hair from the burned-out cabin.

1/18 Sam, Jason, and Spinelli held a powwow at Sonny's restaurant. Jason wanted help protecting Michael. He asked Spinelli to hack the Port Charles Police Department computer and alter the DNA test results for a hair that had been found at the cabin.

When Sam and Jason arrived at his penthouse, he was amazed to see that Spinelli and Maxie had redecorated the apartment. Sam said they probably did it as a way to keep themselves distracted during the Franco crisis. Jason said he did not know how they could be distracted. He told Sam that he had never felt more helpless that when Franco had held her captive. He said that he had let Franco get inside his head. Jason said that he was sure that Franco would be watching him to see what he would do.

Sam told Jason that he needed to stop feeling guilty about what had happened. She told him that it was not his fault that Franco was a psycho. Jason said that he had tried being honest with Franco. Jason said that Franco did not like hearing that using a gun was the first thing that Jason had been good at or that working for Sonny had given Jason purpose. Jason said that Franco intended to take that away from him. He said that Franco would kill an innocent person for every person Jason killed, even if it was in self-defense. Sam suggested that Franco's threat might not be serious. Jason told her that, just like Franco had gotten into his head, Jason had gotten into Franco's. Jason told Sam that he believed that Franco was serious and would follow through with his threat.

1/19  At the penthouse, Jason, Sam, and Spinelli discussed the evidence that the police had collected in the course of investigating Claudia's murder. Jason insisted that it was impossible for the police to have found a strand of Sonny's hair in the burned-out cabin's floorboards because Sonny had never been inside the cabin. Sam suggested that perhaps the strand of hair had been transferred on Claudia's clothes.

Spinelli was determined to deal a "fatal blow" to the police investigation. With Jason's blessing, Spinelli decided to head to McCall and Jackal Private Investigation, so that Spinelli could put his considerable cyber skills to work. After Spinelli left, Jason confided to Sam that Sonny's plan, to frame Franco for Claudia's untimely death, meant that Michael would not be out of danger.

Shortly after Sam left, Sonny arrived at the penthouse to talk to Jason. Jason told Sonny about the strand of hair that the police had found. Sonny didn't understand how his hair could have been recovered from a cabin that he had never been in. Jason explained that Claudia could have transferred it from her clothes, but Sonny didn't buy it. Sonny appreciated all that Jason had done for him, but he wanted Jason to step aside. Sonny believed that Jason had lost his objectivity. Sonny worried that Jason would not be able to properly protect Michael. Jason warned Sonny that framing Franco for the murder would only paint a bull's-eye on Michael's back. Sonny didn't think that Michael was in any danger of retribution from Franco because Franco wasn't interested in Michael. Sonny clarified that his decision was an order, not a request.

After Sonny left, Sam returned to the penthouse. Jason told Sam about Sonny's plans to pin Claudia's murder on Franco. Jason admitted that he feared that Franco would feel compelled to reveal that Michael had killed Claudia. Sam urged Jason to find a way to stop Sonny before it was too late. Jason explained that Sonny refused to listen to him. When Jason expressed his frustration over the situation, Sam tried to ease his concerns. Sam insisted that Jason shouldn't blame himself for what had happened. She reminded him that everything Jason had done, wrong or right, had been out of love for Michael. Sam promised that she would never stop believing in Jason. Jason was touched by Sam's unwavering support. He kissed her to show her how much she meant to him.

1/20 Diane was speechless when she entered Jason's penthouse. She was impressed with how Maxie had redecorated the place. Jason quickly clarified that the reason he had requested a meeting with Diane was because he had a hypothetical situation to discuss. Diane assumed that Jason was referring to Sonny, but Jason corrected her. He wanted to discuss Michael. Jason shared, in detail, the events that had led to Claudia's demise. Diane made it clear that it would be incredibly difficult for her to defend an "axe murder." Jason insisted that Michael had struck Claudia with the handle of the axe in defense of Carly and Josslyn. Jason realized that by destroying all of the evidence, he had eliminated any possible proof that might exonerate Michael of wrongdoing. Diane was not surprised to hear that Sonny intended to frame Franco. She couldn't advocate anyone committing a crime, but she did concede that Sonny's plan might be the best solution for Michael.

Jason wondered what the consequences would be if the pictures of Michael standing over Claudia's body ever surfaced. Diane admitted that the pictures would not help Michael's case. Michael dropped by moments later. Diane quickly excused herself and then left. Jason let Michael know that he had discussed Michael's legal situation with Diane. Jason apologized for failing Michael, but Michael didn't want to hear about Jason's regrets. Michael was confident that Sonny would fix everything. Michael wanted to focus on some happy news; he revealed that Carly intended to ask Jason to be Josslyn's godfather.

After Michael left, Johnny arrived. Jason wanted to let Johnny know about Sonny's plans to frame Franco. Johnny observed that things had worked out rather conveniently for Sonny. Johnny was curious why Jason didn't appear happy with the turn of events. Jason reminded Johnny that Michael had acted in self-defense; Jason didn't want anything to happen to Michael because they had decided to cover up the truth. Johnny confessed that Michael didn't deserve to pay for what had happened. Johnny vowed that he could be counted on to remain quiet about Michael's role in Claudia's death.

Carly arrived at the penthouse shortly after Johnny left. Jason remained concerned about Franco, but Carly wanted to focus on Josslyn's christening. Jason couldn't understand why Carly would want to expose Josslyn to the danger that surrounded Jason. Carly argued that she wanted Josslyn to have someone whom she could depend on; that person was Jason.

Kristina joined Sam at a table in Kelly's. Kristina admitted that she had been worried about Sam. Sam assured her sister that she was fine. According to Sam, the ordeal with Franco had been harder on Jason than it had been on Sam. Sam was curious why Kristina had called her. Kristina quietly wondered if Jason had ever lost his temper with Sam. The question caught Sam off-guard, but she quickly recovered. Kristina rushed to cover her tracks by insisting that Kiefer was great. However, Kristina did confess that Kiefer became angry at times. Sam clarified that if Kiefer made Kristina feel bad about herself, then Kristina needed to end the relationship and get help.

1/21 Lucky went to Jason's penthouse to let Jason know that he had decided to remove himself from the investigation into Claudia's death. Lucky explained that it was a conflict of interest; however, he wanted Jason to be aware of a witness who might have damaging information about Claudia's murder. Jason was shocked when Lucky confided that Maxie had been parked in front of Kate's mansion on the night that Claudia had disappeared.

Lucky claimed that he trusted Jason. Jason sensed that something was troubling Lucky, but Lucky tried to brush it off. Lucky admitted that he had been hard on Jason for choosing to save Sam. Lucky rambled on about seeing things from a different perspective and then admitted that he regretted that Jake and Jason had been collateral damage because of Elizabeth's lies and secrets. Jason clarified that Elizabeth had always loved Lucky. Lucky's eyes filled with unshed tears as he stared at Jason.

Sam arrived at the penthouse a short time after Lucky left. Jason told her about Lucky's decision to bow out of the investigation into Claudia's death. Sam thought it was good news until Jason revealed that Maxie had been parked outside of Kate's mansion on the night that Claudia had died. Jason was concerned about what Maxie might say to the police, so he decided to call Spinelli and Maxie. When Spinelli and Maxie showed up at the penthouse, Jason demanded to know exactly what Maxie had seen on that fateful night.

1/22 At the penthouse, Jason questioned Maxie about what she had seen on the night that Claudia had disappeared. Spinelli was surprised to learn that Maxie had been parked in front of Kate's house in the early morning hours. Maxie explained that she had been waiting for the pool guy to arrive, so that he could fix a water leak on Kate's property. According to Maxie, she had seen Sonny pull up to his gate in Michael's car. Maxie claimed that she had seen Michael inside the vehicle.

Maxie revealed that when Sonny opened the gate, he had stood in the glare of the headlights for a moment. Maxie had noticed that Sonny's shirt had been drenched with blood. Maxie was certain that she had also seen a bloody hand print on the shirt. Maxie assumed that Jason wanted her to deny that she had seen anything. Jason encouraged Maxie to tell the police everything, except that she had seen Michael. Maxie readily agreed.

After Spinelli and Maxie left, Jason and Sam discussed the evidence against Sonny. Jason couldn't understand how a strand of Sonny's hair had survived the fire in the cabin. Moments later, Michael knocked on the door. Michael was furious because Sonny had chosen Dominic to take over the organization. Jason pointed out that it was years away from happening. Michael was stunned that Jason didn't appear to have an objection to Dominic running things.

Jason put a quick end to Michael's rant. Jason suggested that Michael gain control of his temper. He pointed out that Michael needed to remain focused, in order to avoid arousing suspicion. Michael immediately calmed down. After Michael left, Sam admitted that Jason had good reason to be concerned about Michael. Sam doubted that Michael could handle an interrogation without confessing to Claudia's murder.

Jason found Sonny sitting at his desk in Greystone Manor. Jason explained that Michael had dropped by the penthouse to inform Jason about Sonny's decision to promote Dominic. Before Sonny could respond, Jason revealed that Maxie had been parked in front of Kate's mansion on the night that Claudia had died. Jason assured Sonny that Maxie had promised to keep quiet about Michael. Sonny was uncomfortable with the idea that Michael's future rested in Maxie's hands.

Michael lurked on the docks, eavesdropping on Dominic's conversation with Johnny. Michael was stunned when Dominic claimed to be an undercover cop.

1/25 At the penthouse, Jason and Sonny argued about the best way to handle Maxie's eyewitness testimony. Sonny wanted to put a hit on her, but Jason was convinced that Maxie could handle questioning and would not tell that she had seen Michael in the car with Sonny on the night of Claudia's murder.

Spinelli burst in with the news that Mac had taken Maxie away to the police station for questioning. Before Sonny could get hot under the collar, Jason sent Spinelli to check on Maxie. Sonny worried that Jason was still dumfounded by Franco and did not have his head on straight. Jason stuck by his faith in Maxie. When Sonny left, both agreed that they would do whatever it took to make sure that Michael was not questioned in regard to Claudia's murder.

Sam was at the PCPD dealing with a traffic ticket when Maxie walked in with Mac. Sam tried to run interference, but Mac quickly whisked Maxie into the interrogation room. Diane arrived on the scene after a phone call from Spinelli, but pretended she was there about a traffic ticket and just happened to notice that Mac was questioning Maxie. She made a joke about protecting Maxie's rights and barged in on the interview. Mac was frustrated but persistent. He finally got a reluctant Maxie to admit that she had seen Sonny drive up to his gate and open it at about 3:00 a.m. on the night Claudia was killed. She admitted that he had a large stain on the front of his shirt. All eyes turned to Maxie when Mac asked her if anyone else had been in the car with Sonny.

1/26  At Greystone Manor, Sonny was stunned by Michael's claim that Dominic was an undercover police officer. Sonny demanded to know how Michael had made the discovery. Michael explained that he had overheard Dominic and Johnny talking. According to Michael, Dominic bragged that he had sufficient evidence to arrest Sonny. Sonny was curious what Johnny's reaction had been. Michael didn't think it mattered because Dominic was the problem. Sonny pointed out that Johnny was as much a part of Sonny's organization as Dominic.

Sonny needed to be certain that Michael wasn't motivated by jealousy because the accusations had serious consequences. Michael was hurt that Sonny didn't believe him. Sonny pointed out that Dominic had been working in the organization for quite some time. Sonny also couldn't imagine Johnny ever working with the police for any reason. Michael resented that Sonny appeared to trust Dominic more than Michael. 

Michael decided that Jason should know before it was too late. Kristina begged Michael to reconsider. She pointed out that Jason would likely kill Dominic. Kristina explained that murdering a cop could result in Jason facing the death penalty if he was ever convicted of the crime. Kristina suggested that Michael should reach out to Jax; she was certain that Jax would be able to help.

At Jason's penthouse, Carly was stunned when Jason revealed that he had known about Elizabeth and Nikolas. Carly demanded to know why he hadn't said anything to her about it. Jason argued that it didn't matter. Carly disagreed; she insisted that Elizabeth had promised to provide Jake with a stable home that included Lucky. Carly claimed that Elizabeth had lied. According to Carly, Elizabeth's priorities were "in her pants," not with Jake.

Carly urged Jason to take Jake away from Elizabeth. Jason reminded Carly that he and Sonny were not safe for children. Carly wondered if Jason would feel different if Elizabeth and Lucky had been killed in a car accident. Jason pointed out that a fatal crash was a far different situation than a breakup over an affair. Carly didn't agree. She believed that Lucky was very close to a "full-on addiction." Jason suggested that Carly was jumping to conclusions.

Jason didn't have any doubt that Lucky was hurt and angry, but that didn't necessarily mean that Lucky would relapse into addiction. Jason was certain that there was a possibility that Lucky and Elizabeth could work things out. Carly didn't understand how Jake was better off with an "angry pill addict" and "lying nymphomaniac" instead of Jason. Jason warned Carly to stop calling Elizabeth names.

Carly couldn't believe that Jason would protect Elizabeth after what Elizabeth had done. Carly insisted that Elizabeth had committed the worst kind of betrayal by sleeping with brothers. Jason suggested that Carly stop being "judgmental." Carly agreed to respect Jason's wishes when Jason stopped being blind to Elizabeth's faults. Carly accused Elizabeth of being a hypocrite, so she implored Jason to remove Jake from Elizabeth's home.

Jason clarified that he was not Jake's father in any way that mattered, nor would he be. Jason and Carly turned when they heard the door close. Sam stood in the entryway. Carly quickly filled Sam in about Elizabeth's affair with Nikolas. Carly wanted Jason to reclaim Jake. Jason informed Carly that nothing would be resolved that evening, so it was best for Carly to leave. Carly wondered if Jason was mad at her. Jason assured Carly that he understood that she had his best interests at heart, but he was sad for everyone involved.

After Carly left, Jason admitted that he could see Carly's point to a degree. However, Jason's life remained too dangerous for a child. Jason didn't want Jake to struggle with the same problems that Michael dealt with because of Sonny's choices. Sam argued that Jason would be a different kind of father than Sonny. She apologized when she realized that she sounded like Carly. Jason wanted to know how Sam felt about the situation, since she was a part of his life. Sam confessed that she would love to see Jason have a relationship with Jake, but ultimately it was Jason's choice.

Jason loved Jake, so he wanted to make the right decision. Sam wondered who Jason thought could provide Jake with the best shot at a normal and happy life. Jason admitted that Jake was better off with Elizabeth and Lucky. Jason was confident that, together or apart, Elizabeth and Lucky would love their children. Sam suggested that Jason could always change his mind if the situation between Elizabeth and Lucky deteriorated.

Sonny stopped by moments later to talk to Jason. After Sam left, Sonny told Jason about Michael's claims that Dominic was an undercover cop. Sonny ordered Jason to launch an investigation into Dominic's background.

1/27 At the penthouse, Jason shared the details of Michael's allegations about Dominic with Spinelli and Sam. Sam found it difficult to believe that Dominic was an undercover cop. Jason revealed that Michael had been upset when Sonny had announced his decision to groom Dominic for Sonny's position in the organization. Spinelli realized that Jason was concerned that Michael had made up the story in order to rid himself of a rival. Spinelli pointed out that Michael didn't always act in a "rational linear manner." Jason hated to think that Michael would wrongly accuse Dominic, knowing that there was a strong possibility that Dominic would be killed.

Jason needed to know if Dominic was a cop. Sam, Spinelli, and Jason reviewed what they knew of Dominic. None of them recalled anything that would suggest that Dominic was a cop, so Jason ordered Spinelli to hack into the Port Charles Police Department's mainframe. While Spinelli went to work, Sam's phone rang. It was Kristina, begging to see Sam. Sam ended the call and then explained that she had to leave because Kristina had a crisis.

After Sam left, Jason remembered two occasions when Dominic had behaved suspiciously. The first time had been when Dominic had taken the fall for Johnny. Jason decided to talk to Diane about the incident, since she had represented Dominic. Spinelli wondered about the second time that Dominic had behaved oddly. Jason revealed that Dominic had been ordered to kill Tommy Soto, but Tommy had managed to get the jump on Dominic. Tommy had seemingly disappeared, which Jason found unusual.

Spinelli suspected that the clues to Dominic's guilt or innocence might be at Sonny's place. Jason agreed that it would be a good idea to question the staff at Greystone Manor. Jason gave Spinelli some last-minute instructions and then left. A short time later, Johnny paid Spinelli a visit. Johnny wondered if Spinelli had discovered anything new about Claudia's murder.

Spinelli nervously claimed that the PCPD had installed a new firewall that even Spinelli couldn't penetrate. Johnny sensed that Spinelli was reluctant to help him. He reminded Spinelli that they had saved each other's lives. Johnny realized that they had certain loyalties and obligations that they couldn't betray; however, he would appreciate any information Spinelli could provide about Claudia. Spinelli assured Johnny that he would do his best to help.

As soon as Sam entered the house, Kristina demanded that Sam take her shopping for something "sexy and sophisticated." Sam was surprised by the request; she sensed that Kiefer was somehow behind it. Kristina confirmed that Kiefer had accused Kristina of dressing like a baby. Sam refused to take Kristina shopping just to cater to Kiefer. Sam urged Kristina to end things with Kiefer if he made her feel bad about herself. Molly entered the living room when she heard her sisters talking. Molly was eager to join them for the shopping trip, but Kristina didn't want her little sister tagging along. 

Sam promised to take Molly shopping another day for private investigation gadgets. Appeased, Molly dashed off to her bedroom. Sam turned back to Kristina. Kristina insisted that she wanted to dress sexy like Sam. When Kristina implied that Sam dressed for Jason's benefit, Sam quickly corrected her sister. Sam made it clear that Jason didn't have any say in what she wore. Sam admitted that she had objectified herself at one time by dressing to please men, but she had realized how wrong it was. Sam urged her sister not to allow Kiefer to rob Kristina of her self-respect.

At Greystone Manor, Jason questioned Max and Milo about Dominic. Both Giambetti brothers sang Dominic's praises; they insisted that Dominic was an all-around great guy. Next, Jason questioned Sonny's maid, Graciella. Like Max and Milo, Graciella thought the world of Dominic. Graciella insisted that Dominic was friendly, polite, and helpful with the chores. That piqued Jason's interest. He asked for examples of Dominic's helpfulness.

Graciella explained that Dominic offered to take out the garbage and he had once carried out the ashes from the fireplace. As Jason continued to question Graciella, he realized that Dominic had carried out the ashes from the fireplace just after Sonny had burned the bloody shirt. Graciella worried that Michael might have planted seeds of doubt about Dominic, but she insisted that Dominic was a good man. After Graciella left the room, Jason decided to check Sonny's desk. As Jason riffled through the papers, Dominic entered the room.

1/28 "Did someone call a meeting and forget to tell me?" Sonny asked as he entered his living room to find Dominic questioning Jason. Jason claimed to have been looking for papers in Sonny's desk, which Jason wanted Dominic to deliver. Sonny pretended to be annoyed; he claimed that Dominic wasn't a messenger boy and then demanded to speak alone to Jason.

After Dominic's departure, Sonny wanted to know what Jason had discovered. Jason admitted that he hadn't found anything concrete to prove that Dominic was a cop; however Jason was suspicious of the botched hit on Tommy Soto. Jason also revealed that Graciella had mentioned that Dominic had disposed of some ashes from Sonny's fireplace the morning after Claudia had died.

Jason recalled that the ashes were the remnants of the bloody clothes that Sonny and Michael had worn home from the cabin. Sonny admitted that the incident did raise some concerns; however, it could have been a coincidence. Jason confessed that Dominic seemed like a decent guy; everyone, with the exception of Michael, had good things to say about him.

Sonny didn't think that a cop would have saved Sonny's life. According to Sonny, it would have been easier to let Sonny die. Sonny loved Michael to death, but Sonny also trusted Dominic. Sonny confided that Dominic was a lot like Sonny in his younger days. Jason and Sonny hated the idea that Michael might have wrongly accused Dominic. Jason realized how desperate Michael must have felt. Sonny imagined that the decision to pass the organization to Dominic probably hadn't helped.

Jason refused to believe that Michael would take things that far. Sonny revealed that Michael had never been in the running to take over for Sonny. Sonny explained that Michael was far too hotheaded and impulsive to be an effective mob boss. Moments later, Spinelli burst into the room with urgent news. Spinelli had discovered, from a recently issued arrest warrant, that the police had evidence against Sonny.

Spinelli revealed that an undercover police officer had obtained a scrap of material from the ashes of Sonny's fireplace. The material had Sonny's DNA on it as well as Claudia's blood. Jason and Sonny realized that Spinelli had provided them with the proof that they had been searching for. Jason thanked Spinelli and then sent the young man on his way. Jason was relieved that Michael had told the truth. Sonny was furious that he had once trusted Dominic.

Jason was curious how Sonny wanted the situation handled. Sonny informed Jason that Dominic had to die. Sonny decided that Sonny and Jason should attend Josslyn's christening to establish their alibis. Meanwhile, Sonny would send Dominic into an ambush. Jason suggested that they have a contingency plan. Sonny agreed; a second sniper would be at the christening, in case Dominic showed up.

1/29 Jason arrived at Greystone Manor to find Sonny preparing for Josslyn's christening. Jason assured Sonny that everything was in place to kill Dominic. Sonny imagined that Dominic might be feeling smug at the moment, thinking that he had bested Sonny. It didn't sit well with Jason that Dominic had managed to breach Sonny's inner circle. Sonny didn't think it mattered; according to Sonny, Dominic was as good as dead.

Sonny and Jason turned when they heard Olivia enter the room. "Don't look so surprised. You had to know I'd stop you," she told Sonny. Sonny relaxed when Olivia proceeded to warn him not to ruin Josslyn's christening with any of their mob drama or violence. Olivia informed Sonny and Jason that Jax and Carly deserved to have a special day with their daughter. Jason assured Olivia that he didn't have any intention of causing problems at the christening.

Lucky was the first guest to arrive at the church for Josslyn's christening. He sat down in one of the pews and then began to talk to God. Lucky wondered what he had done to deserve the pain that he was enduring. Lucky found it hard to believe that God loved him. Lucky didn't understand God's plan or lesson, so he demanded a sign. "Is that how it works," Jason asked. Lucky assumed that Jason had heard about Lucky and Elizabeth's split. Jason nodded. Lucky wished that he could assure Jason that Jake would be okay, but Lucky had no idea what the future held. Lucky didn't see how Cameron and Jake could avoid being hurt by the breakup. Lucky feared that it would get much worse before it got better. Lucky realized that it was not fair to Jason or Jake. Lucky felt as if he had dishonored the promise that he made to Jason.

2/1 "Goodbye Detective, " Sonny said just before he fired a single shot at Dominic's heart. Dominic collapsed to the floor just as Olivia threw open the door. "Dante," she screamed as she ran to her son. Olivia looked up with grief-stricken eyes. "My God, Sonny. You just shot your own son!" Sonny stared down at Olivia and Dante with a mix of confusion and growing horror.

Olivia yelled at Sonny to call 9-1-1. Sonny stood rooted to the spot, "What do you mean, he's your son, Olivia?" Olivia had tears streaming down her face as she told Sonny, "His name is Dante and he's your son too." 

Lulu stood next to Jason at the front of the church. Lulu held Josslyn in her arms as Father Coates began the christening. Jax and Carly hovered nearby, beaming with pride as their daughter was christened Josslyn John Jacks. Everyone clapped when the ceremony concluded.

Later, Sam was standing in the empty church when Jason entered. Jason explained that Morgan had asked him to meet in the church. Sam smiled as she revealed that Molly had made a similar request. Sam, certain that her little sister was hiding nearby, called out to Molly. Sam was correct. Molly and Morgan popped up from behind the pews where they had been hiding. Molly was unrepentant as she confessed that she had hoped the church would inspire Sam and Jason to get married.

Molly suggested that Jason propose to Sam. Sam informed Molly that lots of people were happy without getting married. Sam didn't have any intention of getting married any time soon. Jason gently advised Molly to drop the subject. Molly agreed, but then in the next breath asked if she could be Sam's bridesmaid.

Jason and Sam arrived at the Jax’s for the party. Carly scolded them for being late. Molly blamed it on Jason and Sam who, according to Molly, were determined to remain star-crossed lovers. Carly smiled as she asked, "Don't you hate when that happens?"  Lulu pulled Jason aside to question him about Dominic. Jason didn't reveal anything. Spinelli was curious if Jason had heard from Sonny. Jason shook his head. "Aren't you concerned, " Spinelli wondered. Jason was certain that Sonny would call if Sonny needed anything.

As Carly opened presents, she discovered a DVD. Carly intended to watch it at a later time, but Morgan was too intrigued by what was on the DVD. Morgan picked up the DVD and then, with Molly trailing behind him, ran into the foyer where he picked up a DVD player. Moments later, Franco's final message to Jason began to play. Jason followed the sound of Franco's voice into the foyer.

2/2 At the Jacks residence, everyone gathered in the foyer as Franco's final message played. Jason ordered Morgan to turn off the DVD player and then he requested to see the package that the DVD had arrived in. Jax immediately handed it to Jason. Molly wondered why Franco had sent a DVD to Josslyn. Carly tried to send the boys to their room, but neither budged. Sam decided that she should take her sisters home.

Seconds later, Lulu marched into the living room demanding to know if Sonny had killed Dominic. Jason quietly responded, "I don't know." Lulu told Jason about the grisly scene that she had found at Sonny's house. Lulu was certain that Sonny had discovered that Dominic was an undercover cop. Lulu vowed to tell the police everything that she knew about Sonny and Jason if she learned that Sonny had killed Dominic.

After Lulu left, Carly turned to Jason for confirmation about Dominic. Jason admitted there had been some suspicions that Dominic might be a cop. Jason made a quick call to the hospital to inquire if Dominic had been admitted. Kristina was furious when Jason verified that Dominic had been rushed to the hospital with a gunshot wound. It sickened Kristina that her father had shot a cop; she accused Sonny of ruining another "beautiful day." Kristina confessed that she hoped that Sonny would spend the rest of his life in jail. Michael insisted that Kristina hadn't meant it, but Kristina assured Michael that she had. Sam quickly hustled her sisters out of the door.  Jason decided to head to the hospital to check on Sonny. 

Jason found Sonny at the hospital. Sonny quickly told Jason about what had happened at Greystone Manor. Jason advised Sonny to flee the country, but Sonny refused. Sonny explained that he couldn't leave his son's side. Jason was shocked by the revelation that Sonny was Dante's father. However, Jason remained convinced that Sonny's only option was to run. Sonny wondered if Jason would be eager to leave if Jake were in Dante's place. After Sonny walked away, Jason called Diane.

Michael sought out Jason. Jason revealed that Dominic's real name was Dante Falconari and that Sonny was Dante's father. Jason explained that Sonny refused to leave Dante's side. Michael was stunned. Jason cautioned Michael to be careful. Jason insisted that it was more important than ever for Michael to keep it together. 

2/3 Diane and Jason stood in the interrogation room at the Port Charles Police Department after Sony had been arrested. Diane revealed that Sonny was not allowed to have any visitors. She warned Jason to be prepared for the worst. According to Diane, the FBI was eager to tack on additional charges for Dante's shooting. If Dante survived, then Sonny would be charged with attempted murder of a police officer; however, if Dante died, then Sonny would face first-degree murder charges with special circumstances.

Jason glanced out of the room's window. He noticed that a woman with long red hair had been dragged into the police station. Jason immediately realized that it was Sam in disguise. "Things just got worse," Jason warned Diane.

Officer Church asked Sam what her name was. "Taffee Ryan," Sam responded with a Southern drawl as she presented the young police officer with identification. Sam turned up the charm as she asked Officer Church why the station seemed so busy. Officer Church bragged that they had arrested Sonny Corinthos. Sam pretended to be thrilled by the news.

Sam was all innocence as she continued to subtly question Officer Church. Eventually the police officer foolishly pointed to the gun on his desk as he revealed that Sonny had been in possession of the firearm at the time of the arrest. Officer Church added that they intended to send the gun to ballistics for testing later that afternoon.

Diane joined Jason at the window to see what had snagged his attention. It took Diane a moment to recognize Sam. Jason explained that he had no idea why Sam was at the police station. Diane took in Sam's wig, sunglasses, and tawdry outfit before she concluded that Sam must have been working on a private investigation case. Diane offered to rescue Sam, but Jason didn't think that it was necessary.

Jason was concerned about the significance of the gun that the police had found on Sonny. Diane was confident that she could explain away the circumstantial evidence in Claudia's murder; however, the gun was another matter. Diane didn't think that Sonny would be able to walk away from the charges stemming from Dante's shooting.

Sam managed to "accidentally" tip over a cup of coffee, ruining several forms on Officer Church's desk. Officer Church dashed off to collect more forms, while Sam pretended to clean up the mess. She took the opportunity to steal the gun and then tuck it into her boot. Seconds later, Agent Rayner entered the squad room. "What the hell is going on here," Rayner demanded as he stood behind Sam. Sam froze. "Since when are perps allowed to wander around the squad room, " Rayner wanted to know.

Jason and Diane emerged from the interrogation room just as Officer Church returned to his desk. Rayner gestured toward Sam as he ordered Officer Church to "cut her loose." Jason and Diane kept Rayner distracted, while Sam slipped out of the police station undetected.

Jason dropped by the house to talk to Carly. Carly wanted to know if Franco was a danger to Josslyn. Jason didn't think that Franco was interested in Josslyn; however, Jason assured Carly that Spinelli was working on tracking the DVD. Jason admitted that he had a favor to ask of Carly. Carly sensed that it concerned Sonny. Jason nodded; he implored Carly to persuade Sonny to leave the country as soon as Diane could secure Sonny's release from jail.

2/4  At the Jacks residence, Jason implored Carly to persuade Sonny to flee the country. Carly was hesitant to agree; she didn't want to risk upsetting Jax. Jason argued that Michael and Morgan shouldn't have to see their father convicted of murder. Carly didn't think that Sonny would ever agree to abandon his children. Jason suggested that the police would be forced to close Claudia's murder case if Sonny left the country, so there would be no reason to question Michael. Jason pointed out that Michael would be able to get on with his life, while Sonny would be free to enjoy life abroad.

Ronnie, flanked by a couple of police officers, arrived at Jason's penthouse with a search warrant in hand. Ronnie was looking for the gun that Sonny had been arrested with, which had been stolen from the squad room earlier that day. Sam sneered when she realized that Ronnie was a cop. Ronnie identified himself as a New York City detective and then confirmed that he was Dante's partner.

Sam tried to play it cool when Ronnie questioned her about owning a red wig. Ronnie wasn't fooled by Sam's act. It was clear that Ronnie suspected that Sam had been the "hooker" who had stolen the gun from Officer Church's desk. Ronnie wondered if Sam was prepared to be arrested as an accessory to first-degree murder with special circumstances. Jason was curious if Dante had died. Ronnie admitted that Dante was alive; however, Sam and Jason could face criminal charges if they had conspired to steal the gun.

The officers returned to the living room empty-handed. Ronnie wasn't surprised that the gun hadn't been located. Ronnie dismissed the officers and then warned Jason that Sonny was a marked man. According to Ronnie, if Dante recovered from the gunshot then Dante would testify against Sonny; if Dante died, then Sonny would be charged with killing a police officer. Either way, Sonny would go to jail. "Have a nice day," Ronnie suggested as he showed himself out.

Jason didn't think that Sonny would be able to survive prison. Jason warned Sam that Ronnie might secure a search warrant for her apartment. Sam wasn't concerned; she assured Jason that the police wouldn't find anything. Jason revealed that he might have to put up his own penthouse to help Sonny raise money for bail. Jason could lose everything, including his home, if Sonny fled the country.

Sam vowed that Jason wouldn't lose her. She suggested that Jason could always go to work for her agency. Jason didn't think he'd be an effective private eye, since the police would likely keep him under 24-hour surveillance. Sam didn't seem concerned; she invited Jason to live with her if he lost his home. Jason agreed as long as Sam wore the boots that she'd worn at the police station at least once a week. Moments later, Diane called to let Jason know that she had secured Sonny's release from jail.

2/5  Jason got Sonny as far as the airport tarmac, but Sonny refused to leave Port Charles and his newfound son, Dante Falconeri. Jason tried hard to get Sonny to run, but Sonny refused to leave because of the overwhelming guilt that he felt because he had almost killed his child.

Jason met Sam at the penthouse and told her that Sonny had refused to leave the country. Jason told her that he just wanted to shut out the world and be with her. As their kissing got more passionate, loud insistent knocking interrupted them. It was Carly with Morgan and Josslyn. She told a stunned Jason and Sam that she was moving in.

2/10 At the penthouse, Jason demanded to know how Johnny could have kept quiet about Dante being an undercover cop. Johnny wasn't surprised by Jason's anger. Johnny wondered why Jason hadn't arranged to meet Johnny at the Pine Barrens to save time. Jason acknowledged that if Johnny had been anyone else, Johnny would be dead.  Jason can’t believe that Johnny new that Dante was an undercover cop. However, Johnny had kept quiet about Michael's role in Claudia's death, so Sonny decided that Johnny could walk away with his life. Johnny appreciated that Jason had always been fair, so he offered to explain himself to Jason. Johnny revealed that part of the reason that he had kept quiet about Dante was because Dante was Olivia's son and he would not give up her son. The other reason was Claudia. Johnny understood that Claudia had done some terrible things, but Johnny believed that Claudia had been justified to order a hit on Sonny. 

Johnny reminded Jason that Sonny had threatened Johnny's life. According to Johnny, every choice that Claudia had made had been done out of self-preservation. Johnny confided that Claudia had been devastated by the loss of her child. Johnny didn't think that his sister had deserved to be publicly humiliated by Sonny, especially since she had been reeling from the miscarriage. Johnny believed that it had driven Claudia over the edge and he feels Sonny is responsible for her death. Jason understood that Johnny had loved Claudia, but Jason's loyalty was to Sonny. Jason warned Johnny that if Johnny went after Sonny, then Jason would feel compelled to stop Johnny. "Well, this could get interesting," Johnny remarked.