Jason & Sam #24  February 10 - May 19, 2010 - 8 hour original edit

DVD #24A  Sam was sitting at the counter in Kelly's when Elizabeth entered the diner. As the waitress fetched Elizabeth's pick up order, Elizabeth admitted to feeling awkward standing next to Sam. Elizabeth was surprised when Sam insisted that she wasn't in any position to judge Elizabeth; she could see how much Elizabeth was hurting. Elizabeth thanked Sam for her understanding. Elizabeth imagined that Sam could empathize with Elizabeth's situation.

Elizabeth pointed out that Sam had slept with Ric, Sam's stepfather. According to Elizabeth, it wasn't much different than Elizabeth's affair with Lucky's brother. Sam seemed annoyed at the reminder. Elizabeth quickly explained that she hadn't brought it up to hurt Sam. Elizabeth confessed that she was in awe of Sam because Sam had managed to find a way to get Jason to forgive Sam for what she had done. Elizabeth wanted to know how Sam had done it.

Sam acknowledged that she had made mistakes, but she didn't think it was the right time or place for them to discuss it. Elizabeth recalled how Sam had stood by while Jake had been kidnapped and then later when Sam had hired goons to terrorize Elizabeth and the children in the park. Elizabeth was desperate to know how Sam had found a way to be forgiven for the unforgivable.

Sam realized that Elizabeth was frantically searching for an answer. Sam explained that one day she decided that she no longer wanted to live with the anger, resentment, and guilt. Sam had started taking care of herself and making amends with the people that she had hurt. Eventually, Sam had learned to respect herself. It had taken time. Sam didn't think that things would have worked out with Jason if Sam hadn't gone through her journey of self-discovery. "How nice for you," Elizabeth responded and then walked out.

Jason called Bernie. Jason instructed Bernie to take steps to neutralize the threat that Johnny and Dante posed. Jason reminded Bernie that Johnny and Dante had sensitive inside information that could be used against Sonny. Jason was forced to end the call when someone knocked on the door. It was Kristina. She had stopped by for money and advice. Kristina was well aware that Sonny had shot Dante; she was looking for one good reason not to hate Sonny. Jason could only speak for himself, but he insisted that Sonny was a good man. Kristina didn't agree. She was certain that the only reason Sonny was sorry for the shooting was because Dante turned out to be Sonny's son. She wondered how Sonny could be considered a good man when Sonny was a thief who terrorized people.

Jason explained that Sonny had a difficult childhood that had led Sonny to make certain choices. Sonny didn't want his children to suffer has Sonny had. Jason claimed that Sonny was paying for all the bad choices that Sonny had made. Kristina argued that Sonny hadn't spent a year in a coma. Jason insisted that Sonny would have gladly taken Michael's place, if he could have. Jason assured Kristina that Sonny loved his children. Sonny would always be there for Kristina, even if she cut Sonny out of her life.

Sam arrived moments later. Kristina explained that she had stopped by to talk to Jason. Jason didn't' think that he had helped, but Kristina disagreed. Kristina didn't know how she felt about Sonny, but she was beginning to understand her father. After Kristina left, Sam and Jason cuddled on the sofa. Jason told Sam about his talk with Kristina. Sam was impressed; she was certain that Jason would be a fantastic father. A knock on the door heralded Maxie's arrival. Maxie was excited because her relationship with Spinelli was back on track. To celebrate, Maxie wanted to have a sauna installed in the penthouse. Jason decided to leave the planning and details to Sam, so he grabbed his jacket and then left.

At Kelly's, Elizabeth froze when she spotted two men sitting at the counter. Elizabeth became distraught as she imagined them turning to look at her while whispering, "whore," "slut," and suggesting that she was easy. Upset, Elizabeth turned and then ran out of the diner just as Jason arrived. Jason reached out for Elizabeth when he noticed how agitated she was. Concerned, Jason asked if she was okay. Elizabeth cried, "Okay with what? You sleeping with me? Is that why you're here? You want to talk about it?" Jason pulled Elizabeth into his arms and then gently soothed her while she cried.

2/11 Outside of Kelly's, Jason gently soothed Elizabeth as she cried in his arms. Elizabeth didn't know what was wrong with her, but she insisted that she was a bad person. Jason assured Elizabeth that there was nothing wrong with her. Jason believed that Elizabeth was just going through a "tough time." As Jason rocked Elizabeth in his arms, Lucky walked up. Lucky took one look at the ex-lovers and then snidely observed, "Gotta love the timing."

Jason slowly lowered his arms as Elizabeth took a step back. Meanwhile, Lucky accused Elizabeth of being "quite the rebound girl." Lucky couldn't believe that it had taken Elizabeth less than two weeks to run to Jason, a man who was supposed to be too dangerous. Lucky cruelly suggested that Cam and Jake's safety had been thrown to the wayside for Elizabeth's "incessant need to play the victim." Jason warned Lucky that he had gone too far.

Lucky ignored Jason to continue throwing harsh accusations at Elizabeth. Finally Jason ordered Lucky to stop. Elizabeth stepped forward; she knew that she had hurt Lucky, but she hadn't realized just how much until that moment. Elizabeth had seen Lucky devastated and angry before, but she had never known him to be so cruel. Elizabeth thanked Jason for trying to help her and then walked away.

Jason agreed with Elizabeth; the Lucky that Jason had known was slowly disappearing before Jason's eyes. Lucky had always been someone who had treated women with respect, not someone who bullied them. "The guy who yelled at and humiliated Elizabeth is not Lucky," Jason insisted. "I don't see anyone else here, " Lucky sarcastically responded. Lucky found it ironic that a professional killer who had sneaked around with another man's wife and had lied about a child would try to lecture Lucky.

Jason accepted that he had made certain choices about his job. Jason had compromised a piece of himself every day that he had lied about Jake. Jason implored Lucky not to make the same mistake. Lucky suggested that Jason had been better off following the car accident. Back then Jason had been given a "clean slate" and he hadn't felt any emotion. Lucky would give anything not to feel.

A short time later, Jason returned to the penthouse. Sam was sitting on the sofa. She immediately sensed that Jason was troubled. Jason told Sam about his encounter with Elizabeth and Lucky. He had seen how all of the lies and betrayals had taken their toll on Lucky. Jason realized that he couldn't fix what was broken between Lucky and Elizabeth, but he could take better care of his own life. Jason wanted Sam to know how much he appreciated her in his life. He credited her for keeping him grounded. Sam was touched. She confessed that she felt the same. 

Sam was grateful that they had been given a second chance. The two kissed and then Sam lightened things up by mentioning the sauna. Jason confided that the idea of installing a sauna didn't really appeal to him. Sam suggested he might change his mind when he had an opportunity to enjoy the hot room, lack of windows, and minimal dress requirements. Jason swooped up Sam and then carried her to the bedroom. Jason and Sam's romantic interlude was interrupted when Molly and Morgan showed up. The kids were worried that Michael intended to confess to killing Claudia.

2/12 At the penthouse, Jason demanded to know what had given Molly and Morgan the impression that Michael intended to confess to killing Claudia. Molly told Jason about their encounter with Michael at Kelly's. Michael had been upset over the idea that Sonny might go to jail for a crime that Michael had committed. Jason realized that Molly and Morgan had been right to be concerned. Molly urged Jason to go to the police station to stop Michael from taking responsibility for Claudia's death. Jason feared that his presence might make matters worse.

Sam volunteered to go. Sam explained that she kept parking tickets in her glove compartment, so that she would have a handy excuse to drop by the police station without arousing suspicions. Molly was impressed by Sam's resourcefulness. Molly was confident that Sam would be able to help Michael. After Sam left, Molly turned to ask Jason why Jason and Sonny had covered up what Michael had done. Molly observed, "Isn't it way more trouble to break the law than to follow it?"

In the squad room, Sam approached the desk sergeant to inform him that she was there to pay a fine for a parking ticket. The desk sergeant invited Sam to take a seat, but Sam insisted that she needed to use the restroom. The desk sergeant pointed Sam in the right direction and then turned his back on her. Sam glanced in the window of the interrogation room to see Michael talking to Mac. Sam burst into the room seconds later. She demanded to know if Mac had advised Michael's parents that Michael was being interrogated. Mac pointed out that it wasn't any of Sam's business; however, Mac suggested that Sam take Michael home to teach Michael that there were penalties for lying and making false confessions. Sam quickly hustled Michael out of the police station. 

Jason left Diane a voicemail message to return his call. As Jason disconnected the call, Sam returned to the penthouse with Michael in tow. Molly and Morgan were thrilled to see Michael. Sam quickly filled Jason in on what had happened at the police station. Jason insisted that Michael needed to respect Sonny's wishes by keeping his mouth shut.

Sam wondered if Molly would be able to keep the secret about Michael's role in Claudia's death from Alexis. Molly understood the importance of keeping quiet. Jason relaxed when Morgan also agreed to seal his lips. Michael was less cooperative. Michael resented that everyone seemed to have a say in his life, except for Michael. Jason admitted that too many people knew that Michael had killed Claudia, so it wouldn't surprise Jason if the police eventually arrested Michael. However, until that happened, Jason wanted Michael to allow things to play out Sonny's way.

2/15 Sam was with Jason at the police station and was waiting for Mac to interview her about Claudia's death. The cops made Jason wait outside, where he called Diane. When Diane arrived, she was irate because she had been taken away from Max, with whom she had been sharing a sensual Valentine's Day. When Jason offered to pay triple, she flashed the lingerie that Max had given her. Diane then stormed into the interrogation room and accused Mac of harassment. He said he was only doing his job, but she accused him of being jealous because he was alone on Valentine's Day. 

Outside the interrogation room, Jason and Sam talked about Max and Diane's relationship and how they accepted each other for who they were. Sam said that she and Jason did too. She said that was what made their relationship strong.

Sam was surprised by all the Valentine's decorations in Jason's apartment and told him that it did not look like his style. He laughed and said he might have given Kristina and Molly a little too much money to shop with. Sam was very pleased by the effort that he had made for her. They exchanged words of love and started kissing with great passion.

2/16  At the penthouse, Jason and Sam were trying to enjoy their Valentine's Day when they heard Molly and Kristina arguing about poetry in another room. Sam demanded that her sisters show themselves. Moments later, Molly and Kristina entered the living room. Molly and Kristina explained that they had intended to be gone by the time Jason and Sam had arrived. Sam was curious where Molly and Kristina had gotten the champagne. Molly confessed that they had enlisted Milo's help. Molly pulled Jason aside to review a list of suggestions that she hoped would help Jason romance Sam. Sam and Kristina tried to hide their smiles as Molly went over the list, which included Jason reading poetry aloud to Sam.

Mac showed up at Alexis' house, and was bearing a Valentine's Day gift. Mac apologized for not calling her, but he was trying to be more spontaneous. Alexis smiled as she invited Mac inside. Alexis explained that she had been working because the girls had gone to school to work on a Valentine's Day project. Mac presented Alexis with the Valentine's Day gift that he had bought for her.

Alexis and Mac were making out on the sofa when Jason and Sam arrived with Molly and Kristina in tow. Mac and Alexis jumped apart, but everyone was wise to what had been going on when they had entered. Molly and Kristina announced that they approved of Mac. After Jason and Sam excused themselves, Molly grabbed Kristina's hand to drag Kristina to the bedroom. Molly invited Alexis and Mac to resume their "snogging" as she left the room.

Jason and Sam returned to the penthouse to pick up where they had left off. As they fell to the sofa in a heated kiss, Sam felt something on the cushion. It was Molly's list. Sam smiled as she informed Jason that it was time for Jason to read Sam some poetry. Jason pulled out a Firearm magazine and then started to read about the 9mm gun that he wanted to buy for Sam.

2/18 Jason entered Dante’s hospital room. Morgan had asked Jason to meet him. Morgan wanted to discuss a possible solution to Sonny's impending trial. Morgan suggested that Dante quit his job as a police officer, so that Dante could go to work for Sonny and Jason. Jason insisted that it wasn't that simple. Dante gently explained that he had been working undercover; he had taken an oath to uphold the law. Morgan argued that Dante had made that decision before he had gotten to know Sonny. Morgan was desperate to make things right between Dante and Sonny. Morgan hoped to attend the Yankees Opening Day game with Dante and Sonny. After Morgan left, Dante wondered if Jason had been behind Morgan's visit. Jason denied that he had anything to do with Morgan's suggestion. Dante made it clear that he was not going to go to work for a mob boss.

Carly stopped by the penthouse to talk to Jason. Sam explained that Jason was out. Carly noticed the Valentine's Day decorations. Carly hadn't even realized that it had been Valentine's Day because she had been too worried about Sonny's impending trial. Carly insisted that she and Sam needed to get their stories straight because Sonny intended to claim that he had killed Claudia in self-defense.

Sam admitted that she was surprised that Diane had agreed to Sonny's plea. Carly confided that Diane hadn't been given much of a choice, so Sam and Carly had to claim that they had lied in their original statements. Sam didn't think it was a good idea to lie on top of another lie. Carly confessed that what they really needed was for the right person to lie.

Shortly after Carly left, Jason arrived home. Sam let him know that Carly had stopped by. Jason promised to call Carly later. Sam sensed that Jason was troubled. Jason confessed that Morgan had asked to meet him in Dante's room. Sam was curious how Dante's recovery was going. Jason assured her that Dante would be fine. However, Dante didn't want anything to do with Sonny. 

Meanwhile, Sonny insisted that he loved Dante. Jason realized that he could be in a similar situation with Jake one day. Jason wanted Jake to know that he had acted out of love. Then again, Jason realized that acting out of love had prompted them to cover up what Michael had done to Claudia. Sam decided to tell Jason about Sonny's plan to take responsibility for Claudia's death.

2/19 At Greystone Manor, Jason warned Sonny that it was a mistake to plead self-defense. Diane heartily agreed. Jason insisted that Sonny needed to stick to the cover story. Sonny refused to listen; he believed that it was best for Michael and Dante. Jason didn't think that Michael would stand by while Sonny went to jail for killing Claudia. Jason believed that Michael would feel compelled to do something desperate, in order to save Sonny. Sonny intended to vanish before he was sent to jail. Sonny planned to take responsibility for Claudia's death, so that the police wouldn't be tempted to investigate the case once Sonny disappeared. Sonny wasn't concerned if the jury convicted him, as long as the investigation was closed.

When he stepped off of the elevator, Jason wanted to know what Carly was doing at the hospital. Carly informed him that she had tried to talk some sense into Dante by urging Dante to claim that he had planted evidence against Sonny. Jason argued that she had wasted her time. Carly disagreed; she was certain that Dante didn't want to send Sonny to jail. Jason pointed out that if Sonny were acquitted of the murder, then the police would investigate Michael. Carly insisted that the police would just assume that Sonny had once again managed to escape justice. Jason reminded Carly that Sonny intended to take responsibility for killing Claudia.

Carly assured Jason that she wouldn't have a problem providing false testimony to help Sonny. Carly was curious what would happen if Sonny were forced to flee town. Jason revealed that he would take over for Sonny. "What about Dante?" Carly wondered. Jason was confident that Dante would go after Jason. Carly wanted to know how Jason planned to stop a cop who was also Sonny's son. Jason didn't have an answer. Later, Jason found Dante standing on the hospital's roof. Dante wanted to know if Jason planned to kill him. Jason stared intently at Dante.

2/22 Jason confronted Dante on the roof of General Hospital. At first, Dante thought that Jason meant to toss him over the side, but soon learned that Sonny refused to let anyone hurt Dante. Dante said that he had respect for Sonny before Sonny had tried to shoot him in cold blood. He wanted to know if Jason would have pulled the trigger under the same circumstances. Lulu intruded and wanted answers also. She said some unkind things about Sonny, but Jason defended Sonny. He said that he was the one who had been supposed to kill Dante and that he would have done it. 

Jason told Lulu and Dante that Sonny was fighting for more than his business; he was fighting for his survival. Jason told Dante and Lulu that from his point of view, Dante was a liar and a betrayer, who had pretended loyalty to Sonny and Jason, then stabbed them in the back. Before leaving Dante and Lulu on the roof, he told Dante that, like it or not, Sonny was his father and would not give up on Dante.

At Sonny's mansion, Jason told Sonny about his confrontation with Dante. Jason assured Sonny that Dante knew he was under Sonny's protection. Jason said that Dante told him that it did not matter, that he intended to see Sonny in prison, and then he intended to take Jason down also. Sonny remained firm in his vow that no harm should ever again come to Dante.

When Lucky arrived at Pier 52, Jason was already there looking for clues. Lucky told Jason about Elizabeth's pregnancy. He also told Jason that he had stopped drinking and was attending meetings again. Jason was glad to hear that Lucky was taking his responsibilities to Cameron and Jake seriously. After asking Jason the obligatory cop question as to why he was on the pier and receiving a lackluster reply, Lucky was shocked when Jason replied in the affirmative to Lucky's suggestion that they work together to find out what had happened on the pier.

2/23 At Pier 52, Jason secretly pocketed a bullet shell casing, while Lucky questioned Jason about the hijacked shipment. Jason claimed that he had no idea who had committed the crime. Lucky wasn't surprised by Jason's lack of cooperation. Jason suggested that Ethan might have information, since Ethan had been spotted on the piers just before the shipment had been stolen.

At the penthouse, Spinelli and Sam discussed Sonny's impending trial. Spinelli warned Sam that she would be perjuring herself if she lied on the stand to support Sonny's new story. "Can't wait," Sam grumbled just before Jason entered. Jason ordered Spinelli to figure out who had hijacked Sonny's shipment from Pier 52. Jason had a lead, but he hoped that he was wrong.

After Jason left, Spinelli shared his findings with Sam. Surveillance footage around the piers showed Johnny speeding away shortly after the shipment had been stolen. Spinelli suspected that Johnny had wanted to be seen, since it didn't appear that Johnny had taken any precautions. Sam wondered what had been going through Johnny's mind to make such a bold move against Sonny. Spinelli suspected that Johnny was attempting to seek retribution for what had happened to Claudia. Sam had sympathy for Johnny, but she observed that Johnny must have a death wish. 

As Jason entered her apartment, Olivia reminded Jason that Johnny no longer answered to Sonny. Jason tossed Johnny the shell casing as he explained to Johnny, "You left this when you hijacked our shipment tonight." Jason left it up to Johnny whether or not to have the conversation in front of Olivia. Olivia informed Jason that Johnny didn't have anything to hide from her. Jason understood Johnny's desire to seek revenge against Sonny; however, Jason would not allow Johnny to interfere with Jason's job. Johnny insisted that Sonny needed to pay for what Sonny had done to Claudia. "I'm sorry to hear that," Jason confessed. 

Jason and Lucky met at Pier 52. Jason let Lucky know that Johnny had been behind the shootout and the hijacked shipment. Jason explained that Johnny wanted payback for Claudia's death. Lucky realized that Jason hoped that the police would handle the situation before Jason was forced to kill Johnny.

2/24 Jason entered the penthouse to discover Sam was asleep on the sofa. Jason woke Sam up with a kiss. She smiled and then wondered where Jason had been all night. Jason explained that he and Bernie had spent the night reorganizing the shipment network because Dante and Johnny knew too much. Sam observed that in the past, Johnny's vendetta would have resulted in a war. Jason agreed. He explained that he couldn't make a move against Johnny because Sonny was about to be tried for Claudia's murder.

Sam couldn't understand why Johnny was determined to go after Sonny when Johnny was aware that Michael had killed Claudia. Jason was concerned that Johnny might decide to reveal the truth about Michael in an effort to hurt Sonny. Sam suggested that she might be able to help.

A short time later, Johnny arrived at the penthouse. Sam was waiting for him. Sam warned Johnny that if he continued down the path he was on, he would end up dead. Johnny made it clear that he was seeking justice for what had happened to Claudia, not revenge. Sam argued that Claudia had chosen to be a part of Sonny's life. Johnny wondered if Sam thought that Claudia had deserved to be dumped in the woods, dug up, and then carted around town until eventually Claudia had ended up on a slab in the morgue. Sam didn't think that Claudia would want Johnny to risk his life to punish Sonny.

Diane implored Jason not show up at the courthouse. Diane didn't want Dawson to decide to call Jason to the stand. She didn't think that a mob enforcer pleading the fifth would help Sonny's case. The second request was for Jason not to allow Sonny to leave the house dressed entirely in black. After Diane left, Sonny revealed that he had a job for Jason. Sonny wanted Jason to keep an eye on Michael. Sonny hoped that Michael wouldn't be tempted to do something foolish if Michael saw that Jason didn't seem concerned about the arraignment.

As if on cue, Michael entered. Michael was curious why Sonny had asked to see Michael. Sonny explained that the arraignment wasn't a "big deal." Sonny was confident that he would be home in time for dinner. Michael didn't think that Sonny should be punished for what Michael had done. Sonny insisted on taking responsibility for Claudia's death, since Sonny had invited Claudia into their lives.

After Sonny left, Jason tried to keep Michael occupied with a video game, but Michael refused to be distracted; he was too worried about Sonny. Jason suggested that Michael accept Sonny's decision. Michael confided that Sonny's refusal to allow Michael to confess or to join the business proved that Sonny had no faith in Michael. Michael suspected that Sonny considered Michael to be weak. Jason disagreed. Jason explained that Sonny was trying to give Michael a future with a clean slate. Jason believed that Sonny viewed the trial as an opportunity for Sonny to redeem himself as a father.

Later, Kristina and Ethan were playing poker when Sam entered Kelly's. Sam appeared startled to see her sister playing cards with Ethan.

2/25 At Kelly's, Sam joined Kristina and Ethan at their table. Ethan invited Sam to play a hand of poker with them. Sam wondered if Alexis was aware of Kristina's new pastime. Kristina laughed; she admitted that Alexis would be horrified. As Ethan dealt the cards, Kristina sang Ethan's praises. It didn't escape Sam's notice that Kristina was obviously smitten with Ethan. Moments later, Kristina received a text message. Kristina explained that she had to make a phone call, so she excused herself. As soon as Kristina stepped away, Sam decided to cut to the chase.

Sam informed Ethan that Kristina clearly had a crush on him. Ethan admitted that it wasn't hard to miss. Sam demanded to know why Ethan was encouraging Kristina. Ethan seemed surprised. He explained that he was merely being nice to a "mixed-up kid with daddy issues and a jerk for a boyfriend." Sam relaxed. She agreed with Ethan's assessment, but she also pointed out that Ethan had sent Kristina mixed signals. Ethan assured Sam that it had not been intentional.

After Ethan left, Sam insisted that Ethan was too old for Kristina. Kristina reminded Sam that Sam had once had a "thing" with Sonny. Kristina pointed out that the age gap between Sam and Sonny had been far greater than the age gap between Kristina and Ethan. Sam argued that the difference was that Sam had been an adult when Sam had been involved with Sonny. Kristina, on the other hand, was a teenager. Sam made it clear that she refused to discuss her relationship with Sonny further than that. Kristina retorted that Sam wasn't her mother. Kristina didn't think that she would ever be able to forgive Sam for interfering.

At Greystone Manor, Michael demanded to know how Sonny going on trial for Michael's crime made Sonny a better father. Jason explained that Sonny was trying to make up for all of the times that Sonny had failed Michael. Michael was curious if Jason would stand idly by while Sonny took the blame for a murder that Jason had committed. Jason didn't think that the situations were similar. Jason insisted that Michael needed to let Sonny take responsibility for Claudia's death.

A short time later, Jason received a call from Sonny. Sonny ordered Jason to get to the courthouse as soon as possible. After Jason ended the call, Michael asked if everything was okay. Jason didn't know, but he instructed Michael to stay put. Jason made it clear to Max that Michael was not to leave. 

Diane was stunned when Jason approached Sonny. Diane ordered Jason to leave before Claire slapped Jason with a subpoena. After Diane stormed off, Sonny ordered Jason to prepare a contingency plan, in the event that Sonny's bail was revoked.

Jason entered the penthouse and was looking for Spinelli. Sam was talking to Spinelli on the phone, so she handed the phone to Jason. Jason ordered Spinelli to drop what he was doing and return to the penthouse. After Jason disconnected the call, he filled Sam in on Sonny's situation. Sam offered to help in any way that she could. Jason decided that their best opportunity to free Sonny was when they transferred Sonny from the courthouse to the jail.

2/26 At the penthouse, Spinelli feverishly worked on his laptop while Jason and Sam devised a plan to spirit Sonny out of town if Sonny's bail was revoked. Sam wondered if Spinelli could manipulate the traffic lights to help make their escape easier. Spinelli assured Sam that it wouldn't be a problem. However, Spinelli pointed out that if Sonny ran then it would be an implied admission of guilt. Jason argued that they had to follow Sonny's orders.

Spinelli worried that Jason would land in jail for helping Sonny leave the country. Jason considered hiding out in Canada or disappearing with Sonny. Sam insisted that there had to be another way, but Jason didn't have any other ideas. Later, Spinelli and Jason were reviewing the plans on the phone. Max would attack Sam while Milo stole her purse. During the diversion, Jason would help Sonny escape.

3/1 Across the street from the courthouse, Jason and Sam took their places as they prepared to put their plan into action, in the event that Sonny's arraignment didn't go Sonny's way. Lucky pulled up behind Jason's SUV. Jason sat in the SUV as Lucky approached the driver's side window. Lucky asked for Jason's driver's license and registration. After Jason reluctantly handed the requested items to Lucky, Lucky conversationally remarked that Sonny's bail might be revoked. Lucky wondered if Jason intended to "break Sonny out."

Jason refused to comment. Jason stepped out of the vehicle while Lucky made himself comfortable leaning on the back bumper of Jason's SUV. Lucky admitted that he had been relieved when he had realized that Jason might be planning on helping Sonny to escape. Lucky explained that it had given Lucky an excuse not to see Elizabeth at Shadybrook. Lucky confessed that he was trying to wrap his mind around the fact that Elizabeth was pregnant.

Lucky was certain that Nikolas was the father of the baby. Jason wished that he could offer some words of advice, but Jason suspected that it was best for him to stay out of it. Lucky assured Jason that regardless who the father of Elizabeth's baby was, Jake and Cameron would always be Lucky's sons. Jason appeared distracted as he kept looking at the courthouse. Lucky continued talking about Jake and Cameron.

Lucky wanted to give Jake and Cam consistency. Lucky talked about what a wonderful child Jake was. Lucky insisted that Jake had been a joy since birth. Jason wondered what was next for Lucky. Lucky didn't know, but he promised that he would do whatever was right for the boys and Elizabeth. Jason advised Lucky to be truthful. Sam approached Jason moments later.

Sam spotted Lucky, so she pretended that her meeting with Jason had been planned. Lucky didn't believe Sam, but she stubbornly stuck to her story and then revealed that the judge had rendered a verdict about Sonny's bail.

Later, Jason stood on the pier where the shootout had taken place. Jason was on the phone with Bernie. Jason suggested that the men who had tried to steal the shipment were either lousy shots or they had never intended to hit any of the Corinthos men. Jason assured Bernie that everything had been accounted for except one thing. Jason entered the Haunted Star and explained that there had been another attempt to steal a shipment from Sonny; however, the only thing that had been taken had been a box of cigars.

3/2 On the Haunted Star, Jason made it clear that he knew that Johnny and Ethan had been responsible for the recent attack on Sonny's shipment. Jason realized that Johnny was fully aware of the consequences, but Jason doubted that Ethan was. Jason couldn't predict what Sonny would do if things escalated, but he was certain that it wouldn't end well. Johnny suggested that if Jason didn't want to kill Johnny, then Jason shouldn't. Jason accused Johnny of not thinking clearly. Johnny argued that they all knew that Sonny wouldn't be convicted, so Johnny was determined to make Sonny pay for what had happened to Claudia. Jason warned Johnny to back off. 

Later, Jason found Luke sitting in the casino. Jason talked to Luke about Johnny's vendetta. Jason warned Luke that Johnny was dragging Ethan into a dangerous situation. Jason pointed out that no one was bulletproof, so Jason couldn't guarantee Ethan's safety. Jason advised Luke to get Ethan out of the way before things turned ugly.

3/4 Jason arrived home to find Claire Walsh sitting in his living room. Jason had no idea who she was. Claire was curious how his trip to Puerto Rico had gone. Before Jason could respond, Sam entered the living room with a cup of coffee, which Sam handed to Claire. Sam revealed that Claire was the federal prosecutor for Sonny's case. Claire assured Jason that Sam had not told her about the trip; according to Claire, the FBI kept close tabs on Jason.

Jason demanded to know what Claire wanted from him. Claire confessed that she was glad that Jason was home; she wouldn't have to get a judge to issue a warrant for Jason's arrest. Jason made it clear that he had nothing to say to Claire without his attorney. Sam was curious what the charges against Jason were. Claire answered, "Failure to appear." Claire informed them that she intended to call Jason to testify.

Claire explained that a witness couldn't hide behind an attorney. Claire looked forward to questioning Jason because he tended to answer in simple "yes" and "no" responses; Claire just had to ask the right questions. Claire warned Jason not to try to cover for Sonny because it would only make Sonny look worse.

Lucky stopped by Jason's penthouse to discuss the attempted break-in at Bernie's office. Lucky revealed that the suspect had been wearing a Bill Clinton mask. Jason assured Lucky that the culprit hadn't been Max. Lucky was confident that Jason knew exactly who it was. Jason was surprised that Johnny had shot at Lucky. Lucky quickly clarified that it had been warning shots. Jason believed that Johnny was out of control, but Lucky warned Jason to stay out of it. It was Lucky's job to go after Johnny.

Carly arrived shortly after Lucky left. She was distraught because she had found a picture of Franco among the proofs of Josslyn's christening. Carly warned Jason that Franco was still a threat.

3/5 At Jason's penthouse, Carly was frantic because a photo of Franco had been included with the prints from Josslyn's christening. She worried that the baby was at risk, but Jason said Franco was after him. Jason told Carly that the note on the back of the photo that said that if Jason did not kill soon, Franco would, was a clear challenge, which was meant for Jason.

When Spinelli arrived at Jason's penthouse, Jason told him to start looking for clues to Franco's whereabouts. Spinelli immediately wanted to confront Franco himself, but Jason said it was too dangerous. Spinelli fretted that Maxie did not view him as "manly" and he needed to get Franco to prove his manhood to her. Jason told Spinelli that Maxie loved him for who he was and that there were many other ways to prove himself to her. As Spinelli began his computer search for Franco, he muttered to himself about an idea to impress Maxie.

Lucky went to Jason and told him all that he knew about Johnny's attempt to break into Bernie's office. When Lucky said that he did not have enough evidence to arrest Johnny, Jason said that he would have to take action because Johnny's attacks were making Sonny look weak, and that could lead to a mob war. Lucky begged Jason to stall. He told Jason that he had to find a way because it was Lucky's family that was in jeopardy. Spinelli was lurking on the stairs and overheard the conversation. After Lucky left, Spinelli told Jason that he had an idea.

3/8  At Johnny's garage, Johnny was annoyed that his jacket had been ruined. Jason warned Johnny that the next time he wouldn't shoot Johnny with a paintball gun. Jason appreciated that Johnny had protected Michael; however, it wasn't a free pass for Johnny to go after Sonny. Jason pointed out that he could have killed Johnny, but hadn't. As Jason started to leave, Johnny leapt for a nearby gun. Johnny cocked it and then aimed it at Jason.

Johnny informed Jason that the gun had real bullets in it, not paint. Johnny claimed that he was going after Sonny because of what Sonny had done to Claudia. Jason wondered what it would take for Johnny to "let it go." "Let it go?" Johnny asked incredulously. Johnny was curious if Jason would be able to "let it go" if it had been Carly or Emily instead of Claudia. Jason calmly explained that Sonny was tied to everyone that Jason cared about. Jason promised to push back if Johnny continued to make a move against Sonny.

Jason stopped by to see Sonny. Sonny told Jason about Dante's encounter with Michael. Sonny was concerned that the trial would put a strain on Michael and that Michael would eventually feel compelled to confess. Sonny wanted Jason and Sam to take Michael to the island until after the trial. Jason worried about Carly's reaction. Sonny assured Jason that he would talk to Carly during dinner that evening.

A short time later, Jason ordered Michael to pack. Michael resented being shipped off to the island. It was further proof to Michael that Sonny didn't see Michael as an equal the way that Sonny did Dante. Jason informed Michael that confessing wouldn't be the way to change Sonny's mind. Michael disagreed; it would prove that Michael took responsibility for his actions. Jason assured Michael that there wasn't a competition between Michael and Dante. Jason explained that they needed to get Michael out of the country before everything blew up in their faces.

At the penthouse, Jason and Sam packed their bags and then prepared to leave with Michael. Michael wondered what would happen if Jason and Sam weren't available to testify. Jason assured Michael that Jason and Sam would return once Michael had settled in on the island. Michael grumbled at the thought of being surrounded by "jailors." Moments later, Dante knocked on the door. Dante called out that he wanted to talk to Jason about Michael.

3/9 At the penthouse, Dante demanded to talk to Jason. Michael ducked out of sight while Sam made certain that her clothing was askew before she answered the door. Sam made it clear that Dante had interrupted an intimate moment between her and Jason. Dante ignored Sam's annoyance to warn Jason that it appeared that Michael had been a witness to what had happened at the cabin. Dante wanted to question Michael. Jason claimed that he had no idea where Michael was. Dante didn't believe Jason, so he asked to look around.

Sam suggested that Dante return the following day. She explained that she and Jason hadn't had any time together in ages, so she had been looking forward to their evening. Dante reiterated that it was imperative that he talk to Michael, so that Michael wouldn't be forced to testify. Sam continued to complain about Dante's intrusion on her plans with Jason. Dante warned Sam and Jason that if they didn't cooperate then Michael would be subpoenaed.

After Dante left, Jason thanked Sam for her help. Michael returned to the living room; he was furious that Dante was suddenly behaving like a concerned brother. Jason warned Michael that Dante was a cop who would tell any lie, in order to gather evidence against Sonny.

Carly arrived at the penthouse as Jason, Sam, and Michael prepared to leave. Carly didn't want Jason to take Michael to the island, but Jason insisted that it was for the best. Jason asked Carly to trust him. In the jet, Jason shared memories of the first time that he had taken Michael to the island. Michael realized that Jason would always see Michael as a child. Michael appreciated that he had someone like Jason in his life, but he asked that Jason allow him to grow up.

3/10 On Sonny's island, Michael found Jason and Sam kissing on the veranda. Michael wondered when Jason and Sam would return to Port Charles. Jason wanted to make certain that Michael was settled in before they headed home. Michael insisted that Jason didn't have anything to worry about; Michael wasn't going anywhere. Jason was curious why Michael kept pushing for Jason and Sam to leave. Michael grumbled that he wanted an opportunity to have a normal life. Sam explained that they were trying to secure one for Michael. Michael was frustrated; he demanded to know if he was allowed to go swimming. After Jason nodded his consent, Michael left.

Jason and Sam wondered how they should spend the day. Jason mentioned tennis, but Sam pointed out that neither of them had ever played the game. Jason playfully suggested that they teach each other "a few things." Sam chuckled as Jason leaned down to kiss her. Michael lurked nearby. Michael seized the opportunity to steal a key from Jason's jacket, while Jason was distracted with Sam.

Later, Jason and Sam entered the bedroom. Sam wished that they could stay on the island. She loved that Jason had been relaxed and flirtatious with her. Jason confessed that he wanted to go swimming with Sam because it had reminded him of their time in Hawaii. Jason kissed Sam, but she pulled away from him. She was concerned because Michael had been gone for quite some time.

Jason returned to the bungalow a short time later with Michael in tow. Sam sensed that something had happened. Jason explained that he had caught Michael near the speedboat. Michael demanded to know why he couldn't use the speedboat. Jason accused Michael of trying to get to the mainland, so that Michael could return to Port Charles and then confess. Jason dared Michael to deny it.

Michael wanted to stand up for Sonny. Jason assured Michael that Diane would get Sonny acquitted. Michael was curious what would happen if Diane failed. Jason confided that there were arrangements in place to help Sonny flee the country. Jason promised that Sonny would be a free man. Michael reluctantly agreed to stop trying to escape from the island.

A short time later, Jason apologized to Sam for cutting their trip short. He explained that Diane worried that their absence would raise concerns with the prosecutor. Sam questioned if Michael intended to keep his word. Jason confessed that he had no idea what Michael would do. Sam asked Jason to promise that they would return to the island to play tennis after the trial. Jason laughed and then kissed her. Michael entered the room moments later to give Jason a seashell from the beach and to bid Jason and Sam farewell. 

3/12 Jason visited Maxie in the hospital. She told him what had happened with Spinelli in the storm drain. She urged him to go to Spinelli and tell him not to blame himself. She also told Jason to make sure that Spinelli understood how much she loved him. Jason agreed reluctantly. Jason found Spinelli in a wheelchair, as Spinelli nursed his burst Achilles tendon. He tried to assure Spinelli of Maxie's love, but Spinelli blamed himself for Maxie's condition and would not be assured.

Carly met Jason and told him what had happened with Claire. She told him that she was glad that he had overcome her objections and gotten Michael out of the country. Carly was determined to keep Michael away from Claire.

Kiefer was lurking in the bushes when Sam arrived home with Kristina. He heard them talking about Kristina going after Ethan. Once inside, Kristina opened up about Ethan and told Sam the whole story. She told Sam that she had cancelled his date with Jennifer. She told Sam that she did it because she felt better about herself when she was with Ethan.

Sam told Kristina that nothing that had happened was her fault. Sam told Kristina that no man should lay a hand on a woman ever, for any reason. They also discussed the possibility that the reason that Kristina liked older men was because she did not have a good relationship with her father, Sonny. Kristina felt better and urged Sam to go about her business. 

Sam went immediately to the Haunted Star and confronted Ethan. She told him that if she had not been clear before, he was to stay away from 16-year old Kristina. She told him that if he ever laid hands on Kristina again, he would wish that he had not.

3/15 On the Haunted Star, Sam laid into Ethan because she believed that he had caused the bruises on Kristina's arm. She told him in no uncertain terms that if he hurt Kristina, he would answer to her. Ethan explained that Kristina had come on to him and he had tried to set her straight, but Sam did not believe him. When Luke tried to support Ethan, Sam accused both men of lying about Kristina and believing that she had gotten what she deserved.

Sonny almost divulged to Dante that Michael had killed Claudia, but Jason entered Sonny's living room and interrupted their conversation. Dante continued to believe that Michael had witnessed Sonny beat Claudia to death. He urged Sonny to let Michael tell the truth.

Sonny was torn, but Jason was able to get Dante to leave before Sonny told him the truth. After Dante was gone, Jason insisted that Dante could not be trusted to do what was right for Michael. He urged Sonny to continue to keep the secret that Michael had actually killed Claudia. He told Sonny not to sacrifice Michael for Dante. Despite his reluctance to see Dante view him as a man who could hurt women, Sonny agreed to keep quiet. 

Jason found Spinelli, who was wringing his hands and blaming himself for Maxie's condition. Spinelli said that he intended to walk away from Maxie for her own good, just as Jason had walked away from his son, Jake, for a similar reason.

3/16 At the penthouse, Sam turned to Jason for help. She explained that things had gotten ugly between Kristina and Ethan. Sam told Jason about the bruise that she had seen on Kristina's arm. She explained that when she had confronted Ethan about Kristina's injury, Ethan had basically told her that Kristina had deserved it. Sam admitted that she had been tempted to kick Ethan's "ass."

Jason wished that Sam had called him. Sam insisted that it wasn't about her; Kristina needed their help. Sam had known that Kristina had a crush on Ethan, but Sam hadn't realized where things were headed. Sam blamed herself for Kristina's interest in a man like Ethan. Sam had opened up to Kristina about some of her abusive relationships. Sam had hoped that her experiences would serve as cautionary tales. Sam knew that Kristina idolized her. Sam feared that on a subconscious level Kristina had tried to emulate her life, which ultimately led Kristina to Ethan. Sam worried that Kristina might continue to act out because of the pressure that Alexis put on Kristina and the stress from Sonny's trial.

Jason reminded Sam that Kristina knew that Sonny had not killed Claudia. Sam's phone rang before she could respond. It was Alexis. Alexis explained that Kristina had been admitted to the hospital after being assaulted by Ethan. Sam was devastated. She told Jason about the attack and then left for the hospital.

A short time later, Sam entered Kristina's hospital room. Alexis sat at Kristina's bedside. Sam apologized for leaving Kristina alone at the lake house, in order to confront Ethan at the casino. Kristina was eager to know how Ethan had reacted. "He threw a lot of attitude around and didn't show much remorse," Sam explained. Sam assured her sister that Kristina hadn't done anything wrong. "This is all on Ethan," Sam insisted.

Later, Kristina had some time alone with Sam. Kristina was curious how Sam had felt after being abused. Sam confessed that it had ultimately made her a stronger person; she promised that it would be the same for Kristina. Kristina suggested that it took two people. Sam quickly clarified that no man had a right to put his hands on a woman. Kristina confided that she was glad that Sam was there. Sam regretted that she hadn't noticed that things were getting out of control. Kristina also had regrets; she wished that she had listened to Sam about Ethan. "Tonight wouldn't have happened," Kristina suggested.

Sam spotted her mother when Alexis returned to the hospital. Sam confessed that several months back, Kristina had decided to have sex with Kiefer. Alexis wondered why Sam hadn't told her sooner. Sam admitted that she had advised Kristina to talk to Alexis, but that Kristina had refused. Sam took responsibility for scheduling an appointment at a free clinic and then taking Kristina to get birth control. Alexis didn't know how to respond to what Sam had told her. Sam apologized; Sam had never meant for Kristina to end up like her.

3/17 Sam surprised Kristina with a chocolate mocha coffee and then gently prepared Kristina for what to expect next. Sam warned Kristina that the police would want to know exactly what happened before and during the attack. Kristina didn't want to think about it; she just wanted it to be over. Sam had been in a similar situation, so she could empathize with Kristina. Sam assured Kristina that Kristina had not been responsible for the assault. Sam promised that Kristina would recover and that she would likely be stronger for it. Kristina wondered if her face would look like it had before the attack. 

Sam smiled as she confirmed that Kristina was as beautiful as ever. Kristina confessed that she wasn't ready to see anyone. Sam vowed to keep everyone away, except those who needed to talk to Kristina about the attack. Sam begged Kristina not to protect the attacker. Sam insisted that Ethan had to face the consequences of his actions. Kristina nodded and then confessed that she was tired. Sam stepped out of the room, so that Kristina could rest.

Alexis went to the penthouse to plead with Jason not to kill Ethan. Alexis realized that Sonny had most likely ordered a hit on Ethan, but she didn't want Jason to carry it out. Alexis warned Jason that Kristina would never be able to recover if Ethan was killed.

Sam arrived at the penthouse. After a long hug from Jason, Sam admitted that she was furious. She wanted to kill Ethan, but she also blamed herself for what had happened. Jason assured Sam that it wasn't her fault that Kristina had been attacked. Sam understood what it was like to be overpowered by someone. Sam feared that Kristina was trying to emulate her by making the same poor choices that Sam had made. Jason reminded Sam that Kristina was responsible for her own choices; Sam couldn't have prevented the attack.

Later, Jason went to Kristina's hospital room to talk to Kristina about the beating. Kristina didn't understand the point of going over everything, since it wouldn't change what had happened. Jason admitted that he had heard conflicting stories about the attack, so he wanted to know for himself what had really happened. Kristina revealed that Ethan had shown up after Sam had left the lake house. Kristina claimed that Ethan had been in a rage. Jason was confused. He pointed out that Sam had gone to confront Ethan at the casino, so Ethan couldn't have been in two places at once. Jason wondered if there was a chance that Kristina had been mistaken about the identity of her assailant.

3/18 In Kristina's hospital room, Jason questioned Kristina about the attack. He wanted to know exactly when Ethan had shown up at the lake house. He refused to let up until Kristina admitted, "It could have been five minutes." Kristina became agitated as Jason pushed for more details about the attack. Sonny was furious when he entered his daughter's hospital room. Sonny immediately reassured his daughter that no one should be asking her questions about "that night."

After Kristina calmed down, Sonny and Jason stepped into the hallway. Sonny insisted that Jason should be carrying out Sonny's orders to kill Ethan, not questioning Kristina. Jason was concerned because Kristina's timeline was off. Sonny revealed that the trauma of abuse could blur a person's concept of time. Sonny demanded to know why Ethan was still breathing. Jason reminded Sonny that Ethan was Luke's son. Jason insisted that they needed to be certain before they did something that they couldn't take back.

Sam spotted Jason as she exited the elevator. They hugged for a long moment, and then Sam explained that she had picked up a smoothie for Kristina. Jason was curious how long it had taken Sam to drive from the lake house to the casino. "Twenty to thirty minutes," Sam revealed. Jason wondered if Ethan had been on the Haunted Star when Sam had arrived. "Yes," Sam responded.

"Did he have any scratches on his face?" Jason inquired. "No," Sam admitted. "Where are you going with this?" she wanted to know. Jason confided that Kristina's story didn't match up. Sam immediately defended her sister. She warned Jason not to make things worse by doubting Kristina. Sam insisted that Kristina wasn't lying about Ethan. Jason explained that Sonny was pressuring him to take care of Ethan.

"Great, Jason, maybe that'll fix things," Sam suggested. Jason worried that Kristina had been mistaken about who had attacked her. Sam argued that Kristina had been brave enough to tell them the truth. Lulu boldly walked up and then demanded to speak to Jason. Sam warned Lulu not to defend Ethan and then marched away. Lulu realized that Sonny had ordered Jason to kill Ethan. Lulu asked Jason to reconsider because she had talked Ethan out of leaving town. She didn't want to regret it. Jason explained that he wanted to get to the truth.

Ethan was startled when Sam barged into Luke's office. She shut the door and then invited Ethan to fight someone who was willing to fight back. Ethan declined Sam's offer. Sam didn't care; she attacked Ethan with a vicious kickboxing move. Ethan stumbled, but didn't make a move against Sam. Sam continued her attack until Ethan was forced to physically restrain her. Jason threw open the door and then warned Ethan, "If you hit Sam, it's over."

Ethan quickly clarified that Sam had been the one to attack him, not the other way around. Jason suggested that Sam shouldn't be there. Sam explained that she had wanted to give Ethan a taste of his own medicine. "I didn't beat Kristina," Ethan insisted. "You're lying," Sam accused. Ethan admitted that he had been mad at Kristina, but he had gone to the lake house to straighten things out with her. Ethan clarified that Kristina had already been assaulted when Ethan had arrived. Jason revealed that Ethan was safe because of Luke and because Ethan had left town. Jason made it clear that Ethan's reprieve would end if Jason discovered that Ethan had hurt Kristina.

3/19 Ethan went to the penthouse to talk to Jason. Sam wondered if Ethan had a death wish. She ranted at Ethan that no one believed his claims of innocence. Ethan explained that he wanted to talk to Jason face-to-face, so that Jason could determine for himself whether or not Ethan was lying. Sam didn't care; she vowed that Ethan would pay for what he had done. Jason remained silent as Sam ordered Ethan to leave.

After Jason closed the door on Ethan, Sam begged Jason to swear that he would not believe a word out of that "lying woman-beating pig." Jason realized that Sam was upset, but he couldn't promise not to believe someone if it were possible that the person was telling the truth. Sam was stunned; she felt as if Jason had suggested that Kristina had lied. Jason explained that he believed that Kristina had been so traumatized by the attack that she had become confused about who had attacked her. Sam reminded Jason of her own harrowing experiences with domestic violence. She was determined to stand by Kristina.

Shortly after Sam left, Carly arrived at the penthouse to talk to Jason about Sonny. She told him about the state that she had found Sonny in. Jason didn't' think that Sonny could afford to have a breakdown. Carly assured Jason that Sonny had enough medication to get him through the trial. However, she conceded that Sonny was in the worst state that she had seen him in for quite some time.

Carly was curious if Sonny had ordered Jason to kill Ethan. She wasn't surprised when Jason confirmed her suspicions. Carly was certain that Luke would take steps to protect Ethan, so a war would be inevitable if Sonny continued to go after Ethan. Jason confessed that Ethan might not be guilty. Carly was shocked when Jason revealed that Sam had confronted Ethan on the Haunted Star during the time that Kristina had been attacked.

Sam showed up with a bag of beauty supplies for Kristina. Sam explained that she had vast experience covering up bruises. Kristina didn't think that concealer would help her; she felt ugly, broken, and very stupid. Sam argued that Kristina wasn't any of those things. Sam urged Kristina to give the cosmetics a chance. A short time later, Kristina was thrilled with the results. She confessed that Sam was the best sister in the whole world.

3/22 At the penthouse, Jason shared his suspicions with Carly when he told her that he suspected that Kristina was not telling the truth about Ethan. When Carly learned that Kristina's story about the beating had inconsistencies, she told Jason that he had to get to the truth. Jason told her that Sonny wanted Ethan dead and would not listen to reason. Carly told him that both Luke and Sonny were stubborn men and that if Jason killed Ethan and then learned later that Ethan was innocent, Luke and Sonny would never forgive each other. Carly was insistent that Kristina had a history of lying and she told Jason that before he took any action that he had to be absolutely sure that Ethan was guilty, otherwise the person who had actually hurt Kristina would get away without punishment.

Ethan ignored the restraining order that Alexis had filed against him when he confronted Kristina at the Lake House. Sam burst in and told Ethan to leave Kristina alone. She immediately called the police. Ethan tried to explain himself, but Sam would not listen. Ethan lost patience and left with Sam screaming after him that he was a coward. Kristina was crying as she asked Sam to cancel her call to the police, but Sam was determined that Ethan would pay and refused. As Kristina bawled, Sam repeatedly told her that what had happened was not her fault and that Ethan would pay for hurting her.

Lucky went to the penthouse in response to a call from Jason. Lucky told Jason that Nikolas was the father of Elizabeth's baby. He also said that he would continue to care for Cam and Jake. Lucky said that he would not abandon the boys. Jason said that he trusted Lucky with his child, but that he had called about another matter. He told Lucky that there were inconsistencies in Kristina's story, and that he was not convinced that she was telling the truth. Jason told Lucky that despite what Sam and Kristina said, he believed that Ethan was telling the truth and the real perpetrator was still at large.

3/23 At the penthouse, Jason told Lucky that Kristina claimed that she had been attacked by Ethan during the time that Sam had confronted Ethan on the Haunted Star. Jason suspected that Kristina was too afraid to admit that she had made a mistake by identifying Ethan as her assailant. Lucky was curious if there was any other reason to suspect that Kristina might lie.

Jason confided that Kristina had been the one to cause Claudia's car accident, not Alexis. Lucky didn't understand why Ethan would skip town if he were innocent of the assault. However, Lucky wanted to believe his brother. Jason and Lucky conceded that there was a possibility that Ethan had told the truth about the bruise on Kristina's arm, but they remained perplexed about why Kristina would lie. Lucky decided to do some checking; he promised to update Jason when he learned more.

Carly returned to Jason's penthouse to let him know that she agreed that Kristina had lied about Ethan. According to Carly, Kristina was miserable and desperate to get out from under the lie. Carly didn't think Alexis' overbearing nature helped the situation. Jason seemed annoyed that Carly had interfered. Carly explained that she was concerned that Kristina's troubles would take a toll on Sonny.

3/24 At the penthouse, Carly confessed that she was certain that Kristina had lied to protect Kiefer. Jason warned Carly not to jump to conclusions. Carly pointed out that Ethan had been seen in the casino by a room full of people during the time that Kristina had been attacked. Carly also confided that a few months earlier, there had been an incident at Kelly's between Kristina and Kiefer. Carly had been concerned enough to offer Kristina some advice about Kiefer.

Jason remained skeptical. Carly insisted that Kiefer was a possessive bully with an angry temper. Jason suggested that Carly's dislike of Kiefer didn't automatically make Kiefer guilty of attacking Kristina. He warned Carly to stay out of it, so that Lucky could do his job. Jason also advised Carly not to discuss her suspicions with Sonny. Jason worried that it would push Sonny over the edge.

Sam stopped by to visit her sister. Sam had picked up an assortment of nail polish, so that they could paint their nails. Eventually, Sam managed to coax a smile out of Kristina. Kristina confessed that it helped to know that Sam was on her side.

Jason dropped by to see Sonny, he was curious how the trial went. Sonny claimed that Diane thought that Dante's testimony had been helpful because Dante had seemed protective of Sonny. Jason didn't trust Dante; to him Dante would always be a traitor. Sonny understood how Jason felt because Sonny would always view Ethan as the "bastard" who had beaten Kristina. Sonny couldn't tolerate that, not even if it cost him a life-long friendship. Sonny confided that Luke was under the impression that Sonny had backed off; however, Sonny remained determined to make Ethan pay.

3/25 Sam arrived at the penthouse after spending the night at the lake house with Kristina. Sam admitted that she and Kristina had bonded over painting their nails, watching movies, and making popcorn. She confessed that it had been nice to see Kristina laugh and giggle. However, Sam suspected that Kristina was relaxed because she was hopeful that Sam would be able to persuade Alexis to drop the charges against Ethan. Sam explained that Kristina was desperate for everything to go away.

Sam understood Kristina's reluctance to testify. She was certain that they would make "that poor innocent girl" look like a "slut" who had been stalking Ethan. As Sam talked about the impact a trial would have on Kristina, Jason realized that Sam was recalling her own experiences. Sam seemed startled by the suggestion that she had made Kristina's attack about herself. She insisted that she had every right to be angry at Ethan for attacking Kristina.

As Sam ranted, she realized that Jason was right; she had been projecting. Sam acknowledged that she had been pushing Kristina in a direction that Kristina didn't want to go in. Jason assured Sam that she hadn't done anything wrong. Sam decided that she had to talk to Alexis. She knew that persuading Alexis to drop the criminal charges against Ethan would only be half of the battle; she would still have to convince Sonny to agree to do the same.

Diane arrived at the penthouse to talk to Jason a short time later. Diane was worried about Sonny's determination to make Ethan pay for what had happened to Kristina. She immediately sensed that Jason was hiding something. Diane demanded to know what was going on for Sonny's sake. Jason admitted that there had been a discrepancy with Kristina's story. Jason explained that during the attack, Sam had confronted Ethan in a casino filled with witnesses. Diane warned Jason not to breathe a word of it to Sonny. She was certain that the news would send Sonny spiraling out of control.

Jason went to Greystone Manor to talk to Sonny about Diane's concerns. Jason pointed out that it wasn't a good idea for Sonny to wear his hatred for Ethan on his sleeve because the jury would see it. Jason didn't want Sonny to lose sight of the goal, which was to protect Michael. Sonny promised that he could keep it together as long as he knew that Ethan wouldn't walk away from the assault charges. Sonny was willing to allow the justice system to work, but he vowed that "all bets were off" if Ethan weren't convicted.

Sam found Alexis working at the lake house. Alexis explained that Kristina and Molly had gone to Kelly's. Sam revealed that she wanted to talk to Alexis about Ethan. Sam was concerned because Kristina was petrified to testify against Ethan. Alexis wondered what Sam was trying to get at. Sam was curious if Alexis could make the charges against Ethan disappear. Alexis was stunned; she thought it was unrealistic to think that the criminal case would simply go away.

Alexis believed that Kristina needed to see things through, in order to heal and then move forward. Alexis had hoped that Sam would understand. Sam assured her mother that she did, but that it wasn't about Sam or Alexis. Sam insisted that Kristina did not want to pursue the charges against Ethan. Alexis suggested that Sam should set a good example by encouraging Kristina to stand up for herself. Alexis was certain that it was the kind of support that Kristina need.

3/26 At Kelly's, Sam wondered why Kiefer seemed upset. Kiefer claimed that he wanted Ethan to pay for assaulting Kristina. He believed that Ethan should be locked up. Kristina flashed back to the attack as Sam explained to Kiefer that it was Kristina's choice to drop the charges against Ethan. Kristina suddenly jumped up; she demanded that everyone stop hovering. Kristina just wanted to forget that the entire incident had happened.

Sam drove Kristina to the lake house. She was happy that Kristina had gotten out for a while. Alexis entered the living room to let Kristina know that the prosecutor had dropped the charges against Ethan. Kristina was relieved; she threw herself into her mother's arms and then hugged Alexis fiercely. After Sam left, Alexis and Kristina sat down for a heart-to-heart talk. Alexis wanted Kristina to take care of herself. Alexis had dropped the charges because she respected Kristina's decision and believed in her daughter.

At Greystone Manor, Sonny told Jason that the only reason that Ethan remained alive was because Sonny had made a promise to Kristina. Sonny revealed that Kristina was like his mother. Adela had always protected Deke despite the abuse. It had always bothered Sonny that Adela had never found happiness, even after Deke's death. Sonny admitted that his mother had never spoken of it, but she had always blamed herself for what had happened to Deke. Sonny didn't want Kristina's life to be poisoned like Adela's had been.

Carly entered the room moments later. She told Sonny and Jason that Michael had managed to get his hands on a cell phone, so he knew about the attack on Kristina. Carly warned them that Michael was ready to swim back to Port Charles. Sonny was frustrated because Max, Milo, and Bernie hadn't done a better job of isolating Michael. Sonny and Carly agreed that it might help for Michael to occasionally talk to Kristina. However, they were concerned that Michael might confess the truth about Claudia's death to his sister.

Jason admitted that Kristina, Molly, and Morgan already know that Michael had killed Claudia. Carly and Sonny were stunned. They wondered why Jason hadn't told them sooner. Jason realized that he should have warned them, but he had been reluctant to add to their worries. Jason pointed out that too many people knew the truth. Sonny agreed; he hoped for an acquittal, so that Michael couldn't be touched.

At Pozzulos, Jason asked the waiter where Mario was. The waiter jokingly confessed that he had "iced" Mario and then dumped his body in the harbor in an attempt to get behind the counter, so that he could infiltrate the organization. "You must be Conan," Jason guessed. Jason recalled that Bernie had recommended Conan. Conan appreciated the opportunity to work at the restaurant. Conan believed that Pozzulos had untapped potential. Jason made it clear that he was satisfied with the restaurant being a mob front only.

Lucky entered the restaurant a few moments later. He had dropped Jake and Cam off at daycare. Jason was curious how the boys were doing. Lucky admitted that they missed their mother. According to Lucky, the boys were attempting to wrap their heads around the idea that Uncle Nikolas was the new baby's father. Lucky conceded that it was probably for the best that he wasn't the baby's father. Jason wondered why Lucky had asked to see him.

Lucky revealed that the charges against Ethan had been dropped. Lucky suggested that Sonny should hear it from Jason. Lucky also hoped that Jason might convince Sonny not to kill Ethan. Claire entered Pozzulos minutes later. She was surprised to see Jason and Lucky together. Lucky explained that he had dropped by to discuss Ethan's situation with Jason. After Lucky left, Claire revealed that she planned to call Jason as a witness.

Sonny found Jason reviewing Claire's trial questions in the office. Sonny revealed that he had spent some time with Dante and Morgan. Sonny believed that he had made some strides with Dante. Jason broke the news that the charges against Ethan had been dropped. Sonny was outraged. In his fury, Sonny trashed the office while he carried on a murderous rant. Sonny insisted that he wanted Ethan to "hang on a hook" and suffer. Afterwards, Sonny wanted Ethan dead. Claire stood in the doorway with an expression of shock.

3/29 Luke confronted Kristina at the lake house and told her that she had to tell the truth or she would be responsible for Ethan's death at Sonny's hands. When Kristina said that she had dropped the charges so that the episode would go away, Luke told her that Sonny would still believe Ethan was guilty and kill him. Luke begged Kristina to tell the truth about who really beat her. He presented a very compelling argument, even sharing his abusive childhood. Kristina was just about to tell the truth when Sam rushed in and told Luke to leave. Sam defended Kristina, who broke down in tears. Before leaving Luke again begged Kristina to tell the truth.

When Kristina tried to take the blame for her lies, Sam misunderstood and comforted her by telling her that nothing was her fault. Sam was still comforting Kristina when Alexis got home. Sam told Alexis that Luke had been there. Alexis was angry at Luke and took off to confront him. Sam stayed behind with Kristina, who worried that Sonny would kill Ethan. Sam tried to assure her that everything would be okay, but Kristina did not believe that Sonny would let Ethan live.

Luke stopped by the restaurant to see Jason. Luke started off by saying that Ethan was innocent and that Jason must think so, as well, because Ethan was still alive. Jason admitted that he had some doubts about Kristina's story. He told Luke that he had shared his suspicions with Lucky and that Lucky was investigating. Luke wanted to know how they would get Sonny to believe the truth if they found proof but Kristina did not confess. Jason told Luke to get Dante involved because Sonny seemed to believe everything he said. Luke picked up on Jason's antagonism. When Luke questioned him, Jason said that Dante was a traitor who had betrayed them.

Sam was still very upset and emotional when she arrived at the office to see Jason. He suggested that the go for a walk to work out the tension. She agreed. By the time they reach Kelly's, Sam was in a better mood and they were both hungry. Inside, Ethan was joking with the waitress. When Ethan got up to leave, Sam loudly called him a "sick freak."

3/30 At Kelly's, Sam glared at Ethan while he flirted with a waitress. Sam blocked Ethan's exit when he started to leave. She accused Ethan of being a pig, sick freak, and a selfish, abusive piece of trash. Ethan insisted that he had never harmed Kristina, but Sam refused to believe him. Ethan appealed to Jason for help, but Jason remained silent. Sam demanded that Jason inform Ethan that no one believed Ethan's lies. Ethan had enough of Sam's rant, so he left. It hadn't escaped Sam's notice that Jason had not defended Kristina. 

Later, Sam and Jason arrived at the office in Pozzulos. Sam was furious because Jason had sided with Ethan. She argued that not believing Kristina was tantamount to siding with Ethan. Jason knew that Sam loved Kristina, so he understood why Sam would believe Kristina. Sam corrected him; she believed Kristina because Kristina had told the truth. Jason explained that it went beyond trusting Kristina's word for what had happened because Sonny had ordered him to kill Ethan. Jason pointed out that no one, including Sam, could know for certain what had happened until there was proof.

Jason reminded Sam of the discrepancy in the timeline. Sam didn't want to discuss it; she claimed that Kristina had merely been confused because of the trauma that Kristina had suffered. Jason wanted Sam to reserve judgment until Lucky had an opportunity to investigate the assault. Sam didn't need it; she insisted that the truth was whatever Kristina said that it was.

Carly went to Pozzulos to talk to Jason about Morgan's visit to the police station. Jason was concerned that Morgan might have said too much, but Carly assured him that Dante had intervened before Ronnie had gleaned any information. Jason didn't trust Dante; he was certain that Dante was trying to "work" everyone. Carly was confident that Dante was looking out for his brothers. Diane entered the office seconds later. Diane announced that the trial was as good as over and that Sonny's conviction was all but guaranteed.

4/1 In the office at Pozzulos, Diane informed Sonny and Jason that she wasn't a magician. Diane couldn't undo the damage that Sonny's outburst had created. Sonny had allowed the jury to see his hatred for Claudia. Sonny was unapologetic. Diane insisted that Sonny had to find a way to remain calm and quiet in court from that point forward.

Sonny's only regret was that Kristina had seen him lose his temper. Diane assured Sonny that Kristina would recover; his concern should be the jury. Jason wondered if Diane could win over the jury. Diane was grateful that Coleman had not been dismissed; however, she didn't think it would be easy for the rest of the jury to forget that they had seen Sonny's "hot-tempered, abusive" side.

Carly went to see Jason at the office. She was shocked when Jason revealed that Robin had been called to testify at Sonny's trial. Carly recalled when Robin had testified at Tony's trial after Tony had kidnapped Michael. Carly insisted that Robin was a "sanctimonious witch." Jason reminded Carly that Robin loved Sonny, but Carly didn't care. She believed that they should have the jet ready in case Sonny needed it. Jason didn't think it mattered. According to Jason, Sonny's fate was in Carly's hands. Jason believed that it was up to Carly to turn the jury around.

4/2 At the office in Pozzulos, Carly worried that she might not be able to win over the jury for Sonny. Carly suspected that Sonny's best option would be to flee, but she was concerned where he would go. Jason assured Carly that the arrangements had been made. Sonny would fly to South America in the middle of the night. Carly realized that if Sonny left the country then the police might question Michael. She was certain that Michael would end up confessing to killing Claudia. Jason agreed.

Jason suggested that the best option would be to send Michael with Sonny to South America. Carly strenuously objected. She was frustrated because she had a feeling that Robin's testimony would do more harm than good, since Robin would tell the truth and only the truth. Jason argued that Robin's testimony might help, but Carly rejected the idea. She was certain that Robin would make it appear that "Father of the Year, Sonny" had protected Michael by hiding him out, so that Michael wouldn't have to testify.

A short time later, Sonny entered the office. Carly immediately wanted to know what had happened at court. Sonny admitted that things looked bleak because Johnny had told the jurors that Sonny had intended to kill Claudia. Afterwards, Claire had grilled Robin about the events at Claudia's birthday party. Carly was furious. She insisted that if Robin had been a true friend then Robin would have lied. Sonny made it clear that he had never expected Robin to lie for him.

Jason wondered who would be called to testify next. "Maxie," Sonny informed them. Sonny revealed that the judge, camera crew, Diane, and Claire were on their way to the hospital to record Maxie's testimony. Sonny worried that Maxie was too much of a flake to keep quiet about Michael. Carly agreed; she claimed that Maxie had a tendency to ramble. Jason assured them that Maxie could be single-minded when she needed to be.

4/5 Jason and Carly met with Sonny in his office in the restaurant. Sonny worried that Maxie was a flake and would reveal that Michael had been in the car with Sonny on the night Claudia died. Jason defended Maxie and said that she would not crack under pressure from the prosecutor. Sonny remained unconvinced. Both Carly and Jason told him that he should leave the country if he did not trust Maxie. Sonny refused. He said that his children needed him. Carly said that it was not all his children he was concerned about, but Dante in particular.

Jason excused himself to check on Maxie at GH. Lucky found Jason and told him that he had not been able to contact Ethan, but he was convinced that Ethan was not responsible for the beating that Kristina had suffered. Jason said that he had to have proof because Sonny had ordered Ethan's death.

DVD #24B  4/6 Lucky's cell phone rang; it was Dante. Dante wanted Lucky to know that Kristina had identified Kiefer as the person who had attacked her. Jason immediately left for the hospital when Lucky shared the news with Jason. At the hospital, Sonny realized how badly things could have turned out if the hit against Ethan had been carried out. Sonny admitted that he had wanted to strangle Kiefer with his bare hands when Kristina had told Dante about the abuse. Jason promised that Kiefer would pay for hurting Kristina, but he cautioned Sonny to tread carefully. Sonny couldn't understand why Kristina had gone to such lengths to protect the person who had attacked her.

Sam approached Jason to ask him not to make a move against Ethan for the second assault. Jason explained that Kristina had admitted that Kiefer had attacked her both times. Sam wasn't surprised; it made perfect sense to her. Sam was curious where Jason had gone after he had heard the news about Kiefer. Jason admitted that he had returned to the hospital. Sam was glad to hear it because it meant that Jason had an alibi for Kiefer's hit-and-run.

4/7 Sam was relieved to know that Jason wasn't responsible for Kiefer's accident, but she worried that Kristina would suspect that Jason had killed Kiefer. Sam realized that Kristina had lied to protect Kiefer, but Sam regretted that she hadn't really been there for Kristina. Jason didn't think that Sam should be so hard on herself. Sam pointed out that Jason had been the only one who had truly listened to Kristina, which was why he had spotted the lie.

Dante approached Jason in the waiting area. Jason told Dante that Kiefer had died. Dante was curious how Jason managed to do what he did for Sonny when it was clear that Sonny's children's lives were a wreck. Dante understood loyalty, but he felt that Jason took it too far. Jason didn't think that Dante knew the meaning of loyalty. Dante suggested that Jason set aside his hatred of Dante to hear what Dante was trying to say. Dante loved his siblings and he wanted only the best for them. Dante suggested that protecting Sonny had the opposite affect on Sonny's kids. Jason appeared deep in thought as Dante walked away.

Molly and Kristina were despondent as they tried to absorb the news that Kiefer had died. Sam decided to take Molly home when Alexis returned. Kristina was eager to talk to Jason, so she asked Sam to send him to the room. Alexis didn't think Kristina was ready, but Kristina was determined to see Jason. A short time later, Jason entered the room to find Kristina alone. Kristina demanded that Jason tell her the truth. Jason promised that he would, so Kristina asked, "Did you kill Kiefer? Did my dad?" "No, I didn't," Jason replied. He also assured her that Sonny didn't have anything to do with Kiefer's accident. Jason wondered if she was okay. Kristina confessed that she needed someone to listen to her without judgment.

Kristina felt responsible for Kiefer's death; if she hadn't lied then Kiefer would still be alive. Jason reminded Kristina that everyone made mistakes, but Kiefer never had the right to hit her. Kristina hated that Kiefer had hurt her, but she also loved him. She explained that Kiefer had always been deeply remorseful after he had hit her. Kristina broke down in tears as she admitted that she couldn't believe that Kiefer was dead.

4/8 Jason picked up Spinelli from the hospital. Spinelli was in a good mood because Maxie was also being released. Jason confessed that he needed Spinelli's help. Jason suspected that Alexis knew more about Kiefer's accident than she had been willing to admit. Jason explained that Kristina had lied about Ethan attacking her.

Spinelli understood Kristina's desire to protect Kiefer from Sonny's wrath, but he couldn't fathom why she would endanger Ethan. Jason suggested that she might have thought that Ethan would be safe because of Sonny's longstanding friendship with Luke. Jason revealed that everyone had suspected that Jason had been responsible for Kiefer's accident when they had learned that Kiefer had been found on the side of the road less than an hour after Kristina's confession. According to Jason, Alexis was the only person who hadn't asked questions. Spinelli realized that it was unusual for Alexis not to be suspicious. 

A short time later, Jason and Spinelli arrived at the penthouse. Spinelli tested out his new gift from Jason: a scooter. Afterwards, Spinelli sat down, opened his laptop, and then began working. Spinelli thought it might be a good idea to talk to Sam about what she had seen. Jason thought that Sam had enough to deal with, so he didn't want her to worry about Alexis' possible involvement in the accident. As if on cue, Sam entered the penthouse. She warmly welcomed Spinelli home and then noticed that his laptop was open. She casually inquired what Jason had him working on. Spinelli lied to keep Sam from finding out.

Sam began talking about Kristina. She confessed that her sister was a mess because of Kiefer's death. Sam was grateful that Jason and Sonny hadn't been responsible for the accident because she didn't think that Kristina could handle knowing that "someone in her family" had killed Kiefer. After Sam left for the hospital, Spinelli confessed that he hoped that Jason was wrong about Alexis. Spinelli's hopes were dashed a few minutes later when he found surveillance footage of Kiefer walking down the road shortly after Kiefer's car had skidded off the road. As Jason and Spinelli advanced the security tape, they spotted Alexis' car speeding down the same stretch of road.

4/9 Jason and Spinelli reviewed security footage of Kiefer walking shortly after Kiefer's car had skidded off of the road. Two minutes later, Alexis' car was seen on the camera heading in the same direction towards the hospital. Spinelli suggested that it didn't prove that Alexis had hit Kiefer, since the surveillance camera had nor captured the accident. Jason agreed, but he pointed out that it was pretty damaging.

Spinelli felt terrible for Kristina. Jason agreed; he worried that Kristina would snap if it turned out that Alexis was responsible for Kiefer's death. Spinelli reminded Jason that Ethan had been falsely accused of the attack and now the hit-and-run. Spinelli pointed out that they might owe it to Ethan to reveal what they knew about the accident.

Jason went to the police station to talk to Lucky, but Dante revealed that Lucky wasn't there. Moments later, Carly marched into the police station demanding to see her son. Dante explained that Morgan wasn't there, but Carly didn't believe him. She told Dante and Jason that a police officer and social worker had picked Morgan up from school. 

Alexis announced that she had to tell Kristina something that might upset Kristina. Kristina wasn't ready to hear more bad news; she begged her mother to wait until they got home. Alexis sat down and then told her daughter that the doctors wanted to keep Kristina in the hospital for one more night. Sam tried to calm her sister, but Kristina refused to spend another night with nothing to do, but think about how she could have prevented Kiefer from dying.

Alexis wished that Kristina would stop blaming herself for what had happened. Kristina remained wracked with guilt, so Sam did her best to comfort her sister. Kristina didn't know how to stop feeling responsible for the accident; she felt as if she were in a nightmare that would never end. Later, Alexis and Sam stepped into the hallway. Sam admitted that she could have used Alexis' help with Kristina.

Sam was shocked when Alexis suddenly confessed to killing Kiefer. Sam whisked her mother into a nearby room for privacy, where Alexis proceeded to tell Sam everything. Alexis realized that she had to confess to the hit-and-run. Sam was certain that Alexis would go to jail, so she begged Alexis to wait. Sam wanted to discuss it with Jason and Spinelli to see if they could find a way out for Alexis.

4/12 Dante burst into the courtroom where Sonny was being tried and demanded that Morgan leave with him. Dante made an impassioned appeal on Morgan's behalf, but the judge found him in contempt. Carly, Jax, and Jason arrived in time to hear Dante's speech. When Dante was taken away to jail, Carly told the judge that Morgan had been taken out of school and put on the stand without either of his parent's permission and she was taking her son home. Once the judge learned that Morgan was there without parental knowledge, he let Carly take the boy home. 

Carly and Jason took Morgan home to the Jacks's house. Morgan told them that Ronnie had told him that he had to protect Dante and to do that he should agree with everything that the lawyers said. Neither Jason nor Carly liked hearing that. Morgan also said that he would never tell anyone that Michael had confessed to At Sonny's restaurant, Jason was listing the reasons that Sonny's inclination to put out a hit on Claire was a bad idea when she waltzed in and interrupted them. Sonny wanted to know if she was there for a meal. Claire told him that she had come to offer a deal.

4/13 A short time later, Carly arrived at Pozzulos to talk to Jason. She was keyed up because of her argument with Jax. Jason tried to calm Carly down, but she couldn't relax. She was worried sick that she would fail Sonny on the witness stand. Jason reminded her that she had always pulled through for them in the past, so he didn't see any reason why she wouldn't this time.

Carly was upset because Jax's hatred for Sonny was costing Carly and Jax their marriage. Jason believed that Carly was stronger than she gave herself credit for. He pointed out that Carly had been brave when she had forced Claudia to crash the car and then trekked through the woods until she found a cabin where she could give birth to Josslyn. Jason pointed out that Carly's testimony would be truthful; only the names would be changed. Jason's words of encouragement appeared to ease Carly's mind.

After Carly left, Sonny returned to Pozzulos. Sonny announced that he had decided to accept Claire's deal. Sonny explained that it was time to allow Morgan to be a kid and for Michael to return home. Jason questioned why Claire had not taken the deal to Diane; it made him wonder if the offer were even legal. Jason suspected that there might be grounds for a mistrial because of Claire's unethical behavior.

Sonny was confident that he could run the organization from jail, so he wasn't interested in trying to get a mistrial. Sonny just wanted everything settled, so that they could all get on with their lives. Jason offered to take Claire's deal in Sonny's place. Jason explained that, unlike Sonny, he wouldn't be leaving any children behind since Jake didn't even know that Jason was his father.

Sonny didn't think that Carly would agree; he suspected that Carly would rather see Sonny go to prison rather than Jason. Jason argued that Carly was stressed out and uncertain about how effective her testimony would be, so she might realize that Jason's idea was the best solution for everyone.

4/14 Jason went to Sam's apartment to tell her about his decision to take the deal that Claire had offered to Sonny. Sam was furious that Jason was willing to go to jail for Sonny. She was curious if Jason had considered their relationship. Sam reminded him that they had just found their way back to each other. She was hurt that he was willing to throw that away. Jason told Sam about Morgan being pulled out of school and then made to testify against Sonny.

"What about Jake?" Sam wondered. She reminded him that Elizabeth was a mess, so she was curious who would look after Jake. "Lucky," Jason replied. He explained that Jake didn't need him. "I do," Sam admitted. Jason explained that he was accepting the offer for the sake of Michael and Morgan. "How convenient for Sonny," Sam observed.

Sam pointed out that Jason wasn't just giving up five years of his life; he was asking her to do the same. Sam needed Jason because her family was in crisis. Jason insisted that he had to follow through with his plans. Sam realized that she couldn't change his mind, so she asked him to leave. Sam made it clear that she wasn't okay with his decision. Jason's eyes filled with tears as he walked out.

Carly was waiting when Jason entered Pozzulos. She followed him to the office where Jason explained what he planned to do. Carly was livid; she couldn't believe that Jason was willing to sacrifice his freedom for Sonny. Jason remained steadfast in his decision to accept Claire's deal. Carly worried that Michael would feel compelled to confess to killing Claudia if Jason went to jail. Jason was depending on Carly to stop Michael.

Carly couldn't imagine Jason going away for five years. Jason promised to find a way out. Carly cried that he would just make matters worse because if they caught him then he would face a much longer prison sentence. Carly wondered how Sam felt about Jason's decision. He assured her that Sam would be fine. "I won't," Carly admitted. Carly would never be able to forgive Jax if Jason went to jail because of Jax's attempt to take down Sonny.

Diane entered the office moments later. Jason quickly filled Diane in on his plans; he wanted Diane to accept the plea deal on his behalf. Jason and Diane went to the police station to talk to Claire. Diane was furious that Claire had tried to work out a plea deal without Diane's counsel. Diane threatened to discuss it with the judge, but Claire didn't seem worried. She informed Diane that the offer was only good for a short time. Diane was curious if Claire would offer the same deal to the real killer. Claire argued that Sonny was the one who had murdered Claudia. However, Claire led Diane and Jason to an interrogation room for privacy. Jason made it clear that he wanted Claire to extend him the same deal that she had offered to Sonny.

4/15 At the police station, Jason demanded to know if Claire would accept his guilty plea in exchange for the offer that she had extended to Sonny. Claire insisted that it wasn't a game of musical mobsters. Claire was certain that Sonny, not Jason, had murdered Claudia. Dante entered the interrogation room moments later. Dante agreed that the evidence pointed to Sonny as the killer.

Diane shrewdly pointed out that Jason's conviction would be a huge win for Claire. Claire agreed to think about, but she insisted that Jason remain in custody as a prisoner. After Claire and Diane left, Dante wondered why Jason wanted to take the fall for Sonny. Jason believed that it would be best for Morgan and Michael. Jason was curious why Dante seemed more interested in convicting Sonny than in helping the kids.

Dante thought that everyone would be better off without Sonny's influence. Morgan had Jax to help guide him, while Kristina had Alexis. Dante didn't want them to be raised as Michael had been. Michael had learned that the person with the biggest gun won. Jason refused to defend what had happened to Michael; he conceded that mistakes had been made. Jason was determined that the trial not wreck Michael's life.

Jason insisted that Morgan shouldn't have been subjected to what Claire had done. Dante pointed out that he had spent a night in jail because he had tried to protect Morgan. Dante loved his siblings and wanted what was best for them. Jason promised that Morgan, Michael, and Kristina would end up hating Dante if Sonny went to jail.

Claire returned to the police station to let Jason know that the deal was off. Claire then ordered Ronnie to return Morgan to the courthouse. Jason wondered why the law had failed Morgan if it were designed to protect the weak and innocent. 

Carly was overjoyed when Jason entered Pozzulo's. She confessed that she was relieved that Claire had not accepted Jason's offer. Carly hated that Morgan had to testify, but she was happy that Jason didn't have to go to jail. Jason reminded Carly that it was up to her to win over the jury and to save Sonny.

4/16 In the office at Pozzulo's, Carly was plagued with doubts. She didn't think that her testimony would be effective. Jason was confident that Carly could do anything that she set her mind to. Carly didn't think that her version of events would be believable. She thought it was preposterous to suggest that she had trekked through the woods in full-blown labor after forcing Claudia to wreck the car. Jason reminded Carly that it had happened.

Carly didn't think that it made sense that Sam would have stumbled upon Carly at the cabin in time to help deliver Josslyn and then, while Sam was fetching the car, a "crazy, gun-wielding" Claudia had shown up, kidnapped Josslyn, and then tried to escape. Carly was certain that the jury would never believe that Sonny, whom Sam had called earlier, had shown up in time to stop Claudia by killing her with one fatal blow.

Jason insisted that Carly was the best liar that he knew. He was confident that she could win over the jury. Jason reminded Carly that she had a story to tell; she just needed to believe in it. Later, Carly was at home when the social worker dropped off Morgan. Morgan was upset and crying, so Carly took her son to the living room to talk to him.

Jason went to Sam's apartment to let her know that Claire had rejected his offer to take the plea deal. Sam was delighted that Jason wouldn't be going to jail for ten years. She threw her arms around Jason and then kissed him. Jason and Sam settled on the sofa a few minutes later. Jason apologized for not consulting with Sam about his decision to take Claire's deal. Sam believed that she owed Jason an apology, too, but Jason disagreed. He assured her that she had every right to be mad at him.

After Jason and Sam kissed, Jason noticed a map on the living room table. He quickly realized that Sam had been working on a way to break him out of jail. Sam smiled as she admitted that she never had any intention of waiting ten years for Jason to serve out his sentence.

4/19 Dante went to Jason at Sonny's restaurant office and told him that Ronnie was on the island searching for Michael. Jason blasted Dante for his betrayal of Sonny. When Dante said he was trying to protect his brothers, Jason told him that he could not protect his brothers by putting Sonny in prison. When Dante left in disgust, Jason phoned the island.

At the lake house, Sam checked in on an upset Kristina. As Sam tried to give her comfort, Kristina professed her love for Kiefer. She worried about how upset Warren was and wanted to mitigate his pain. Sam tried to get Kristina to be more realistic about the abuse she had taken from Kiefer and pointed out that Warren was following the same pattern as Kiefer by first verbally abusing her and then apologizing with a gift. Kristina did not seem to get that what had happened was not her fault.

Sam went to the police station to support Alexis, who was getting an earful from a vengeful Warren. He told her that she was guilty of murder and should be in prison for what she had done. He would not accept that Kiefer had beaten Kristina and continued to blame Ethan for it because Kristina had named him first. He did not accept Alexis' explanation that Kristina had named Ethan to spare Kiefer from Sonny's wrath. Sam listened in the background until Warren called Kristina a "slut." When he did that, she hit him in the face with her fist. Warren held his nose while several officers restrained Sam.

Jason called Max and Michael on the island. After finding out that Ronnie had come close to finding Michael, he told Max to move Michael to a different location. When Jason spoke to Michael, he said that the trial was almost over, but that he did not want to take a chance that Michael would be found. Michael told Jason about his talk with Jax and said that he understood that his testimony would not help Sonny. Michael agreed to lay low until the trial was over. Jason warned him to only let those close to him know where he was going.

Molly went to the restaurant to see Jason. She met Conan, whom she advised not to call her "sweetie." She told Jason what Warren was doing to her family and shared her fear that Alexis might go to prison. She asked Jason to make the problem go away. Jason wanted to know if Molly was asking him to kill Kiefer's father.

4/20 At the police station, Lucky entered the squad room just as one of the officer's held Sam back from attacking Warren again. Warren noted that violence appeared to run in Alexis' family. Lucky tried to defuse the situation, but Warren accused Lucky, Sam, and Alexis of obstructing justice. According to Warren, Lucky had taken steps to frame Kiefer, in order to cover up that Ethan had assaulted Kristina. Warren refused to allow Kiefer to be a scapegoat.

In the office at Pozzulo's, Molly asked Jason to make Warren Bauer disappear. Jason seemed shocked that Molly wanted him to kill Warren. Molly didn't care what Jason did, as long as Warren was no longer a threat to her family. Jason explained that he couldn't kill Warren or force Warren to back off because it would be illegal. Molly pointed out that most of the things that Jason did were illegal.

Jason couldn't deny the accusation; however, he assured Molly that he had lived with the consequences of his actions. Molly, on the other hand, was a child, so Jason felt obligated to protect her. Jason admitted that Michael had grown up seeing things that a child shouldn't have. Jason blamed himself, which was why he was determined not to let it happen again. He pointed out that Kristina had lied to protect Kiefer from being killed, so he didn't think that Kristina would want Warren to die.

Molly confessed that she didn't want anyone to die either; she just wanted her family to be okay again. Jason understood Molly's concern. He assured her that things would work out. Jason then offered to take Molly home. As they started to leave, Molly suddenly changed the subject. She admitted that even though Jason was a criminal, it didn't mean that Jason couldn't marry Sam.

At the lake house, Alexis and Sam discovered that Molly was home alone because Kristina had left with Skye. Sam had no idea that Kristina even knew Skye or that Skye had returned to Port Charles. Alexis assured Sam that Skye had settled down in recent years, so Alexis wasn't concerned that Kristina was with Skye. Alexis wanted to take the opportunity to find out what was going on with Molly.

Molly immediately confessed to asking Jason to kill Warren. Alexis groaned with disappointment while Sam hid a smile. Molly quickly explained that Jason had refused to carry out the hit. Molly then switched gears to tell Sam that Jason was really nice; she was happy that Sam and Jason were in love. Sam appreciated the support, but she wanted to focus on Molly's request to have Warren killed.

Molly explained that she had been afraid that Warren would ruin their family, so she had been desperate to stop him. Molly promised that she didn't want anyone to die; she realized that it was wrong. After Molly went to her bedroom to do her homework, Sam seemed shocked that the idea for Jason to kill Warren had entered Molly's mind. Alexis didn't know why Sam was surprised; everyone Molly knew was either in the mob or related to someone in the mob.

Later, Sam joined Alexis on the front porch. Sam suggested that Warren could raise all the hell that he wanted, but Alexis had the truth on her side. Alexis pointed out that the truth was that Alexis had run over Kiefer. Sam argued that Alexis had been racing Kristina to the hospital when the accident occurred. Sam attributed Alexis' failure to call 9-1-1 to shock. Sam also credited Alexis for confessing to the hit-and-run.

Alexis clarified that she hadn't told Mac about the accident until after Kiefer had died. Alexis warned Sam that Warren was a great lawyer who was well connected and determined to get "his pound of flesh." Alexis realized that she was fair game, but she refused to allow Warren to target Kristina. Sam and Alexis were startled when they looked up to discover that Kristina had arrived home.

Carly arrived at Pozzulo's to let Jason know how things went at court. She told him about her grand entrance with Josslyn and her compelling testimony that had the jury eating out of her hand. Jason seemed relieved, but he warned her that they had to move Michael because Ronnie had shown up on Sonny's private island with a subpoena. Carly was surprised to learn that Jax had helped to keep Ronnie from finding Michael. Sonny arrived a short time later. Sonny was certain that they would be able to get on with their lives soon. Jason appeared troubled when Sonny told them about Claire's request to delay closing arguments for 24 hours in the hopes of finding Michael.

4/21 Jason was surprised when he noticed Johnny and Olivia exiting Sonny's old penthouse. Johnny explained that he was interested in buying the place, but Jason made it clear that the penthouse would never be sold to Johnny. Olivia suggested that Johnny and Jason might actually make good neighbors. Johnny was pretty certain that Jason didn't want Johnny dropping by to borrow a cup of sugar, so Johnny decided to look elsewhere. A short time later, Johnny and Olivia entered another luxury penthouse.

Maxie dropped by Jason's penthouse to discuss the sauna that she had arranged to be installed. Jason wasn't interested in a sauna or any of the other remodeling projects that Maxie had planned. He was curious why Maxie was so determined to make so many changes to the penthouse when she didn't even live there. Maxie claimed that she was doing it for Spinelli, but Jason pointed out that Spinelli was a simple guy who was happy with just a laptop and Maxie.

Maxie revealed that after her near-death experience, she realized that she wanted more from life than Spinelli could give her. Maxie admitted that she wanted her life to be edgy and exciting; she needed someone who was dangerous and who could challenge her. Maxie didn't want to hurt Spinelli, so she needed a distraction to help keep her relationship on track. She believed that the remodeling projects were the perfect solution.

Sam arrived at the penthouse and was relieved that she and Jason were alone. Jason revealed that Maxie had persuaded him to go along with the remodeling plans, which led to a discussion about Maxie's attraction to bad boys. Sam could identify with Maxie, except when the bad boys offered to go to prison. Jason realized that she was referring to his decision to accept Claire's deal.

Jason admitted that he had blindsided Sam with the decision to go to jail for Sonny. Sam confessed that it had hurt because she didn't know if their relationship had factored into his decision. She was curious if it would have been easy for him to walk away from what they had. Jason explained that it had happened so fast that all he had thought about was that Sonny wouldn't survive in jail. Jason had also been concerned about the impact that Sonny's conviction would have had on Michael, Morgan, and Kristina.

Jason argued that he didn't have children to leave behind. Sam reminded Jason that she needed him. Jason apologized if he gave Sam the wrong impression; he assured her that he needed her too. Sam chuckled as she confessed that she had made plans to break Jason out of jail. Jason was intrigued when she offered to show him some of the costumes that she had intended to use.

4/22 In Copa del Ora, Jason and Sam discovered that Michael's room was empty. The resort manager explained that no one had seen Michael for quite some time. Sam wondered if it were possible that Michael was off somewhere with Max and Milo. The manager revealed that Max and Milo had been arrested the previous evening.

Max and Milo met up with Jason in Michael's room. Max suspected that he and Milo had been set up. The manager returned to the room with an update moments later. Michael had been spotted in the company of a man in his late twenties, with shaggy brown hair, and a muscular build. Jason realized that Dante had found Michael.

4/23 Jason entered Dante's loft, but no one was there. Moments later, he heard the elevator slide open. Jason ducked out of sight moments before Claire entered the loft. Claire ordered Jason to show himself. She revealed that she had followed him to the loft. Jason wondered what Claire wanted.

Jason went to the penthouse after he left Dante's loft. Jason explained that it was imperative for Spinelli to find Michael because they had to get Michael out of the country. Spinelli immediately went to work. A short time later, Maxie arrived. Jason snapped that Spinelli was too busy to deal with Maxie because they were desperate to find Michael. Maxie suggested that perhaps she could help, but she didn't tell them where Michael was.

Maxie was curious why they had covered up Claudia's death when it was clear that Michael wanted to confess. Jason admitted that he should have allowed Michael to tell the truth; he deeply regretted that he hadn't. Spinelli was frustrated because he couldn't find any sign of Dante or Michael. Jason realized that he would have to tell Sonny that Michael was in town, but they didn't know where Michael was. Maxie appeared concerned, but she remained silent.

At Greystone Manor, Jason was surprised when Sonny revealed that Dante had Michael. Sonny explained that Dante had dropped by earlier to tell Sonny that Michael had confessed. Jason was shocked to learn that Michael had turned over a blood-stained shirt to Dante. Sonny admitted that he didn't know where Michael was, but he was certain that Dante would protect Michael. Jason thought that Sonny was fooling himself. Sonny argued that Dante wanted Sonny's conviction too much to turn Michael over to Claire.

4/26  Sam was with Spinelli at the penthouse. They were searching Port Charles security cameras as they looked for Michael. Maxie arrived downstairs and heard them talking but ignored their concern for Michael. Sam left to look for him while Spinelli continued searching. When Jason arrived home and interrupted them, Maxie blurted out Michael's whereabouts, then left to catch her plane and avoid the complications that would arise from giving away Michael's whereabouts.

At Sonny's place, Jason told Sonny that he did not trust Dante to keep Michael safe. Sonny was convinced that Dante would not turn Michael in, but Jason was not so sure and vowed to find Michael and get him out of the country again. Sonny told Jason to leave things alone because Dante would work in Michael's best interest. Jason was not convinced. They were at odds when Jason walked out after telling Sonny that he would do what he had to do to protect Michael.

Sam spotted Kristina and wanted to know what she was doing out and about. Kristina said that she needed some air. When Sam offered to drive Kristina home, she accepted the offer. Sam took Kristina home to the lake house. She told Kristina that Dante had flown Michael back to Port Charles. Kristina pretended that she had not seen Michael and acted surprised when Sam told her that Michael was back. She agreed to let Sam know if Michael contacted her.

Sam apologized for not realizing sooner that Kiefer was hurting Kristina. Kristina defended Kiefer and said that they related to each other because she felt pressured to be perfect and Kiefer felt pressured to get into Harvard. Kristina said that Michael had not liked Kiefer from the beginning. Kristina said that she wished that she had listened to him and had never gotten involved with Kiefer at all.

4/27 In Lulu's apartment, Jason pleaded with Dante and Lulu to tell him where Michael was, but neither would reveal anything. Jason begged them to help him protect Michael, but Dante and Lulu remained silent. Jason tried another tactic; he demanded to know what Dante's plan was. Dante hoped that Sonny would be convicted and then sent to jail for a lifetime of crimes. Jason was curious what Dante would do if Sonny were acquitted. Dante saw Michael as a victim, just like Claudia, so he didn't want Michael to get hurt. Jason argued that Michael would only be safe if Michael left the country. Jason turned to Lulu for help, but Lulu insisted that she honestly didn't know where Michael was. Frustrated, Jason left. 

Carly showed up at Jason's penthouse shortly after he had arrived home. She was stunned when Jason told her that Lulu had helped Dante hide Michael. Carly's shock quickly turned to fury when she realized that Lulu hadn't called to let Carly know where Michael was. Jason tried to calm Carly down, but Carly was determined to talk to Lulu. Jason warned her that Lulu might dig in her heels if Carly stormed over to the apartment and demanded answers. Carly assured Jason that she knew how to handle Lulu; however, she didn't want Jason to tell Sonny about the new development because it was imperative to get Michael out of the country. Carly returned to the penthouse to let Jason know that she had failed to persuade Lulu to tell her where Michael was stashed. Moments later, Michael called his mother. Carly tried to convince Michael to tell her where he was hiding, but Michael would only tell her that he planned to confess if Sonny were convicted of murdering Claudia.

4/29 At Pozzulo's, Diane let Sonny and Jason know that the jury had not reached a verdict yet. She prepared them for the possibility that the jury might vote to convict Sonny. As they entered the office, Diane reminded Sonny and Jason that the jury needed to have a unanimous vote to convict someone of a capital crime. If the jury couldn't reach a decision, then Sonny would get a second trial. Diane relished the thought of going up against Claire again.

Diane suspected that there might be a juror or two who wasn't ready to convict Sonny, hence the delay in reaching a verdict. She promised to call them as soon as the jury reached a decision. After Diane left, Sonny admitted that he hoped a verdict would return soon, so that they could get on with their lives. Jason told Sonny about Michael's phone call and Michael's decision to confess if Sonny was convicted. Sonny realized that it would be best for everyone if the jury acquitted him.

Jason couldn't understand why, if Dante were only interested in Sonny's conviction, Dante refused to tell them where Michael was. Jason worried that Dante might not let things go if Sonny were acquitted. Sonny insisted that Dante wouldn't hurt Michael. Jason was amazed at the faith that Sonny had in Dante when in reality Sonny had no idea what Dante would do. Sonny reminded Jason that Dante had lied before when Sonny had shot Dante point-blank in the chest.

Jason pointed out that Dante had also used Morgan to get to Michael, so Dante had chosen duty over family. Jason argued that it wasn't just Sonny's future on the line; Michael was also affected. Sonny couldn't deny that he wanted a relationship with Dante, but he made it clear that Dante wasn't more important than Michael, Morgan, or Kristina. The conversation was cut short when Diane called to let them know that the jury had reached a verdict.

4/30 At the courthouse, Dante told the judge that Michael was the one who killed Claudia. Both Diana and Claire objected to Dante's story. Jason discreetly left the courtroom. Jason entered the lakehouse and informed them that Dante announced Michael was Claudia's killer. Jason demanded to know where Michael was. Jason reminded Molly and Kristina that Dante was a cop and would do anything to put Sonny behind bars. Kristina finally admitted that Michael was at the boathouse and Jason left.

Jason found Lucky and Michael at the boathouse. Jason asked Lucky to step aside so he could take Michael. Lucky pulled out a gun on Jason. Lucky insisted that Michael been given the choice to confess. Jason told them that Dante had already told everyone that Michael killed Claudia.

5/3 Jason found Michael at the boathouse with Lucky. Jason tried to take Michael away with him, but Lucky refused to let him and held him off at gunpoint. Lucky said that he could not let Michael go because Michael had confessed. Lucky said that he was obligated to take Michael in. Jason said that Dante had already told the court that Michael was Claudia's killer and that he had to get Michael out of the country.

Despite Jason's pleas for Lucky to look away and let him leave with Michael, Lucky did not relent. He agreed to keep silent about Michael's confession, but took Michael away to the Port Charles Police Station after Jason told Michael to keep silent until he saw a lawyer. As soon as Lucky and Michael were gone, Jason called Diane and told her to get down to the police station and advise Michael to keep silent.

Jason paced outside the booking area. Sam showed up to support him. Jason blamed Dante for his betrayal and worried that Carly would be charged with perjury because she had lied twice on the witness stand. Jason continued to glare at Dante as he, Sam, and Carly took their seats in the gallery behind the defense. Dante, Lulu, Olivia, and Jax took seats on the prosecution side. 

After the bailiff called the court to order, Judge Carroll told everyone present to keep quiet or suffer the consequences. He told both lawyers that he would be doing the questioning and he expected no coaching or influencing of testimony by anyone in the courtroom. Michael was handcuffed when he was led in to testify. After the cuffs were removed, he was sworn in. The first question that the judge asked was if Michael had killed his stepmother.

5/4 The judge approved Dante's request to be the one to arrest his brother. Dante read Michael his Miranda Rights as everyone looked on. After Michael was led away in handcuffs, Judge Carroll officially dropped the murder charges against Sonny.  Olivia stopped Jason as he prepared to leave the courthouse. She warned him to stay away from Dante, but Jason ignored her. 

The moment that Jason arrived home, he began to give orders to Spinelli. Jason wanted Spinelli to hack into the police department's computer system to make certain that Michael was protected in jail. Spinelli managed to tweak the schedule, so that one of the officers on Sonny's payroll was on guard duty. Sam arrived moments later. Jason decided to send Spinelli to the island to help Bernie shift some funds around.

Spinelli quickly deduced that Jason wanted Spinelli out of town to provide Spinelli with "plausible deniability" when Jason killed Dante. Spinelli pleaded with Sam to talk Jason out of it. Spinelli pointed out that killing Dante would have serious consequences. Spinelli reminded Jason that Dante was Sonny's firstborn and that Dante's siblings cared about their brother. Spinelli also suggested that Dante's death would pile more guilt on Michael. Spinelli begged Jason to reconsider before it was too late.

Sonny went to visit Michael. Michael choked back tears as he apologized to his father. Sonny was also emotional as he assured his son that he understood why Michael had confessed. Sonny admitted that he had never imagined that Dante would have turned in Michael. Sonny made it clear that he had never intended for Michael to pay for what had happened to Claudia. Michael argued that he had never wanted Sonny to pay for Claudia's death either.

Michael admitted that he felt like a coward, but Sonny refused to allow Michael to put himself down. Sonny insisted that he respected Michael. Michael took comfort from his father's words. He promised Sonny that he would make Sonny proud. Neither Sonny nor Michael realized that Jason stood nearby, listening to their conversation.

5/5 In jail, Jason stood in front of Michael's cell as Michael quietly sobbed in despair. Jason was desperate to know how he could help Michael. Michael admitted that he hadn't given much thought about what would happen after he had confessed to killing Claudia. However, he revealed that Dante had prepared him for what to expect during and after the booking process. Michael couldn't imagine how Sonny would have coped in such a small cell with his claustrophobia. 

Michael then changed the subject as he wondered what to do when the lights went out. Jason advised Michael to close his eyes and then picture the beach where he and Michael had seen the whales. Jason urged Michael to focus on the serenity of the beach, not what was going on in the jail. Michael assured Jason that everything would be fine, but Jason wasn't comforted. Jason had never intended for Michael to go to jail. Michael insisted that it wasn't Jason's fault; Michael had killed Claudia, so it was up to Michael to deal with the consequences. 

Robin invited Jason into her home. After he filled her in about Michael's arrest, Robin assured Jason that Michael would get through the ordeal because of everything that Jason had done for Michael through the years. Jason walked out to the back patio and then confessed that he owed Robin an apology. Jason realized that Robin had been right to tell AJ the truth about Michael. Robin had never intended to impose her own values on Jason, but she felt that she AJ had a right to know about his son. However, she conceded that the Quartermaines were crazy, so there hadn't been any guarantees that Michael would have turned out better with them. Jason pointed out that Michael had killed someone, so it couldn't have been worse. Jason hated that Claudia's death would always follow Michael.

Jason arrived at the penthouse as Sam unpacked dinner. She had picked up Chinese food, including Jason's favorites. Sam realized that something was troubling Jason when he declined to eat. Jason admitted that he had visited Michael and that Michael was scared. Jason confessed that he was also worried because Michael was "just a baby." Jason felt powerless to help him.

Sam insisted that Jason had done his best, but Jason didn't think that it had been enough. Sam was certain that Michael would be seen as a hero for protecting his mother and Josslyn from Claudia. She pointed out that Michael wouldn't have to live with the guilt of keeping a secret, since the truth had been revealed. Sam was confident that Michael would be okay because he had Jason. Jason remembered holding Michael for the first time; he hadn't known what to do then any more than he knew what to do in the new baffling situation.

5/7 At the courthouse, Carly told Jason that Morgan believed that Michael would be going home because of Dante. Jason remarked how Dante should have never promised anything to Morgan. Sonny and Dante entered. Dante told Carly, "I need you to hear me out about Michael." Dante insisted Michael needed to tell the truth, but Carly believed that Dante only told the truth when it made Dante look good. Dante believed that judge would see that Michael needed a chance to rebuild his life. Dante declared, "I swear to you, this is the best thing to happen to this kid." Sonny cut in, "You need to stop talking now, Dante." Carly asked Jason if he thought Michael would go to prison. 

Judge Carroll asked if anyone wanted to speak on the victim's behalf. Johnny announced that he would. Johnny told everyone about his complicated relationship with his sister. Johnny believed that Sonny had driven Claudia over the edge, but he mentioned that Michael was only protecting Carly and Josslyn. Johnny declared, "Michael is not responsible for the death of Claudia Zacchara. Sonny Corinthos is." Johnny declared that Claudia wouldn't have wanted Michael to suffer and hoped the judge would be lenient on Michael. Judge Carroll stated that Michael would be sentence to five years in prison with a chance of parole in two years. The courtroom exploded with protests. Dante shouted, "Your honor, you can't do this!"

Judge Carroll ordered everyone to sit down. Dante begged Judge Carroll to reconsider Michael's sentence. Dante pleaded, "Give my brother a chance to build a better life, to build a better future for himself." Judge Carroll ordered Dante to sit down. Judge Carroll explained that Michael was of legal age and that Michael had had a lot of time to come forward with the truth. While Judge Carroll sympathized with the ordeals Michael had endured, the judge believed that Michael's time in prison might prevent him from breaking the law in the future.

Sonny explained to Judge Carroll that it was he, not Michael, that was responsible for Claudia's death. Sonny begged Judge Carroll to punish him, not Michael. Judge Carroll agreed that Sonny was indirectly responsible for Michael killing Claudia, but Judge Carroll upheld Michael's sentence. Judge Carroll decided that while everyone broke several laws, their punishment was the knowledge that their actions had led Michael to prison. Carly, Sonny, and Jason hugged Michael. Later, Jason hugged a devastated Carly.

5/10 In the courtroom, the Corinthos clan was stunned to learn that Michael has been sentenced to prison. Carly and Jason went outside to the hallway where Kristina, Molly, and Morgan were hiding. The siblings overheard Jason tell Carly to hold it together for Michael's sake. Jason told Carly they had to take it one step at a time. He sent her to the Port Charles Police Station to see Michael and assure him that everything would be okay. Jason said that while she talked to Michael, he would work on getting protection for him in prison.

Jason went to Pentonville to see Anthony Zacchara. Anthony was amused to see Jason and very interested to find out that Michael had been convicted of Claudia's murder. Jason agreed to keep Johnny safe and, in exchange, Anthony agreed to protect Michael from any prison thug who might try to harm him.

Jason knocked on Johnny's door and told him that he appreciated what he had said in the courtroom in defense of Michael. Then he told Johnny about the deal he had made with Anthony. He told Johnny that Anthony agreed to protect Michael on the inside, and he had agreed that no harm would come to Johnny on the outside. Johnny responded by saying that his job had just gotten easier.

5/11 At Johnny's penthouse, Jason revealed that Anthony had agreed to protect Michael in Pentonville as long as Jason kept Johnny safe. Johnny smiled when he realized that he had the freedom to go after Sonny without retaliation. Johnny admitted that it made his job easier. Jason was outraged that Johnny was willing to use Michael's situation to his own advantage. Johnny wasn't worried about Michael because he was confident that Anthony would honor his end of the bargain. 

Jason went to Greystone Manor to let Sonny know that Anthony had agreed to watch over Michael in exchange for Jason's promise to keep Johnny safe. Sonny didn't have a problem with the deal as long as Johnny stayed out of Sonny's way. Jason clarified that Johnny was untouchable even if Johnny were to burn down Sonny's home. "That's not acceptable," Sonny declared. Jason reminded Sonny that Michael's life was at stake.

Jason insisted that Michael was just a teenager who was in a penitentiary surrounded by Jason and Sonny's enemies and all of the other freaks in prison. Sonny clarified that he would take Johnny to the opera to keep Michael safe, but he wanted something from Jason in return. Sonny expected Jason to leave Dante alone. Michael was Sonny's son in every way that mattered, but Sonny couldn't forget that Dante was also his flesh and blood. Sonny intended to deal with Dante in his own way.

Jason was outraged. He couldn't believe that Sonny had ordered Ethan's death for assaulting Kristina once, but he was willing to give Dante a free pass even though Dante's betrayal had cost Michael two years of Michael's life. Jason recalled that Sonny had once told Jason that, "What you do is what you pay for."

It didn't matter to Jason that Dante had never intended for Michael to go to jail. All that Jason cared about was that Dante's actions had led to Michael's conviction. Sonny clarified that Michael had chosen to confess despite their many warnings for Michael to remain quiet. Sonny made it clear that if Jason killed Dante then Sonny would have to kill Jason; he wondered where that would leave Michael. Jason started to leave, but then stopped. He was curious if Sonny had seen Michael before Michael had gone to Pentonville. "No," Sonny quietly admitted. Jason revealed that he hadn't spent time with Michael either. 

Carly was happy to see Jason when he turned up on her doorstep. She told him about her visit with Dante and then admitted that she had been tempted to shoot Dante. However, Carly had opted to tell Dante everything that he wanted to hear, although it had been difficult to hide how much she despised him. Carly also told Jason about Lulu's visit. Carly couldn't believe that Lulu had the gall to expect loyalty and mercy from Carly after she had ignored Carly's pleas to tell her where Dante had hidden Michael.

Carly made it clear that she didn't want Jason to touch Dante. Jason started shaking his head until Carly explained that she intended to make that "son of bitch" and his "back-stabbing girlfriend" suffer as much as they had made Michael suffer. Jason agreed to Carly's request and then inquired after Michael. Carly had been incredibly proud of the way that Michael had comported himself before he had been transferred to prison.

Carly insisted that Michael had been a hero by saving her and Josslyn from Claudia. Carly raged at God when she demanded to know why Michael had been punished. Jason assured her that God had nothing to do with it. Carly disagreed; she believed that all of them, including God, had let it happen. Carly broke down in tears as she recalled the look on Michael's face as he had been led away. It had been reminiscent of when Michael had been a little boy. Jason held Carly tightly as she sobbed in his arms.

5/12 At Carly's, Jason tried to persuade Carly not to go after Dante. He reminded her that her plans tended to backfire and that she was usually the one to end up hurt. Jason promised to make Dante disappear. Carly refused to allow Jason to kill Dante because then Sonny would retaliate by killing Jason. Carly couldn't let things get that far. Carly wanted to dismantle Dante's life piece by piece. She intended to break Dante down. Carly made it clear that Lulu wouldn't be spared. She insisted, "That little bitch needs to learn what happens when you betray your own family." Carly insisted that it was her right, as Michael's mother, to make Dante and Lulu pay.

Jason entered the penthouse to find Sam preparing to blow out candles on some cupcakes that Molly had surprised Sam with. Jason immediately realized that he had forgotten Sam's birthday. Molly thought that Jason was joking, but Sam realized that Jason was serious. Molly suggested that Jason still had time to buy Sam something, but Sam refused to allow Jason to leave. Sam explained to Molly that Jason had a lot going on, so it was understandable that her birthday had slipped his mind. Sam assured Molly that they would celebrate later.

Molly wondered if Jason had kept his promise to secure Michael's safety in jail. Jason admitted that he didn't know what would happen, but he assured her that he had done everything possible. Jason apologized to Molly. He had told everyone that he could protect Michael, but he had been wrong. Jason regretted that Michael had paid the price for Jason's folly. Molly pointed out that things could fall apart, even with the best of intentions, because of fate. No one, no matter how hard they tried, could change the past. Sam beamed with pride as she suggested that Jason listen to Molly's sage words. Sam decided to take Molly home a short time later.

When Sam returned to the penthouse, Jason again apologized for forgetting her birthday. Sam assured Jason that it was fine. After a brief kiss, they talked about Michael's prison term. Sam reminded Jason that Michael was eighteen and that he had confessed. Jason argued that Michael was barely an adult. He felt like a failure because he hadn't been able to protect Michael. Jason was worried because Michael was surrounded by Jason and Sonny's enemies. He didn't think that Anthony could keep Michael safe, so it was up to Jason to do whatever was necessary to make certain that nothing happened to Michael.

5/13 At the penthouse, Jason admitted that Sam was an amazing woman. Sam had the distinct impression that Jason was trying to say goodbye to her. He admitted that he was. Jason explained that he couldn't trust Anthony to properly protect Michael, so Jason intended to persuade Claire to arrange for him to be placed in jail with Michael. Sam agreed that Jason's place was with Michael.

Sam assured Jason that he would not lose her again; she would wait for him. Jason wrapped his arms around Sam and then held her tightly. He was moved by her unwavering support. After a brief kiss, Jason left the penthouse to seek out Sonny at Greystone Manor. Sonny revealed that he had talked to Luke and then apologized to Ethan. Sonny was grateful that Jason had stopped him from killing Ethan.

Jason told Sonny about the plans to work out a deal with Claire, so that Jason could protect Michael in prison. Sonny thought that it was a huge sacrifice for Jason to make. Jason felt that it was the only way to ensure Michael's safety. Sonny admitted that he had been uncomfortable with the decision to leave Michael's safety in Anthony's hands. Jason wanted Sonny to promise not to touch Johnny. Sonny hesitated, but Jason insisted that Michael's life depended on it. Sonny opened up to Jason about Carly's request to stay away from Morgan. Sonny intended to honor her wishes, but he didn't think that a boy should grow up worrying that his father didn't love him. Jason pointed out that Morgan deserved to grow up safe.

Sam was embarrassed when she realized that she had forgotten that her mother's hearing was later that day. Alexis understood that Sam had been busy dealing with the fallout from Michael's conviction. Sam was surprised when Alexis suddenly handed Sam a stack of cards. Alexis explained that they were birthday cards for all of Sam's birthdays that Alexis had missed. Sam deeply touched by her mother's gesture.

Alexis revealed that she was worried that she might be sentenced to serve time in prison for the hit-and-run, so she wanted Sam to take care of Molly and Kristina. Sam was stunned. Alexis realized that she had objected to some of Sam's choices, but she loved Sam and so did Molly and Kristina. Sam accepted the responsibility, but she didn't think that it would be necessary. Sam confessed that Alexis wouldn't have to worry about Jason being around Molly and Kristina, but she didn't elaborate beyond that.

Alexis didn't want to pry, so she simply asked if Sam were okay. Sam didn't want her mother to worry, so she hugged Alexis and then said that she loved her mother. Alexis returned the hug and declaration of love. Sam was confident that Alexis wouldn't be convicted, so she promised to see Alexis later. After Sam left, Diane returned to collect Alexis for the court hearing.

Jason entered Claire's office to confess to a crime on the condition that he would get the same sentence as Michael and that he would be placed in the same cell as Michael. Claire pointed out that they would never find a judge to agree to those terms. Jason didn't care; he expected Claire to make it happen, since she had been responsible for Michael's incarceration. Jason insisted that he needed to go to prison to protect Michael.

5/14 At Claire's office, Claire learned that Jason wanted to go to prison so Jason would be with Michael. Claire reasoned that it would be no problem to get Jason prison time, but she doubted that Jason would ever be freed. Jason was willing to take a chance on his release date to protect Michael. Claire assumed that Jason had many enemies in prison. She warned Jason that he wouldn't be able to protect Michael if Jason was killed. Claire agreed to arrange for Jason to plead guilty to a Class D Felony, which gave Jason the same sentence Michael had. Jason and Claire both agreed they were doing the right thing.

Jason arrived at the station to see Lucky. Lucky apologized to Jason for not letting Jason take Michael out of the country. Jason assured Lucky that Lucky wasn't to blame since the entire situation was Dante's fault. Lucky learned that Jason was going to prison. Lulu arrived and heard from Dante that Jason was talking to Lucky. Lulu believed that Jason was trying to turn Lucky against Dante.

Jason informed Lucky of his plan to protect Michael in prison. Lucky believed that the plan to blackmail Judge Carroll was going work, but Jason believed Michael needed protection as soon as possible. Jason thanked Lucky for being a good father to Jake. Lulu told Jason that Carly swore that Dante was safe from Jason. Before Jason left, Jason accused Lulu of choosing Dante over the people that loved her. 

Jason visited Carly. Carly informed Jason of her plan to let Jax adopt Morgan. Jason admitted that asking Sonny to be Michael's father was the worst decision Jason ever made. Carly was grateful that Jason wasn't fighting her on her decision. Jason revealed his plan to protect Michael in prison. Jason received a call from Claire. Claire informed Jason that his deal was all set, but she warned that Jason probably would have to serve the full five years, if Jason lived that long.

5/17 At Jason's penthouse, Sam told Spinelli that Jason was working a deal so he could get himself sent to prison so that he could protect Michael. Spinelli was against the plan because he feared that Jason's enemies would kill him if he went to jail. Sam said that although she feared for Jason, she agreed with his plan because it was the only way he could protect Michael.

Jason went to Carly's house to tell her what he had done. Claire called him to say that the deal he wanted was in place. Jason thanked Claire for her help, and then told Carly that he would get the same sentence as Michael and be able to share the same cell with him.

Carly hugged Jason and told him that although she did not want him to go to jail, she was grateful that he would be there to protect Michael. Carly told Jason that if he were there with Michael, she would be able to sleep at night. Jason told Carly not to do anything reckless while he was gone because he would not be there to protect her.

Carly said that she would not do anything crazy, but that she did intend to make Dante and Lulu pay. Jason tried to discourage her, but Carly said that she would have her revenge. Before leaving, Jason told Carly that he loved her, and she responded in kind.

When Jason returned to the penthouse, Spinelli tried to convince him that prison was too dangerous. Jason reported that the deal was already in place. When Sam arrived downstairs, Jason told both of them that he would be surrendering himself at 3:00 p.m. on the following day.

Sam grabbed her helmet, told Jason she had a surprise for him, and took him away. They got on Jason's motorcycle and drove to a secluded cabin in the woods. Jason told Sam how much he appreciated that she was not fighting his decision to go to Pentonville to protect Michael.

Sam told Jason that he had made the only choice that he could and that she supported his decision to be with Michael. Jason apologized for missing Sam's birthday and told her that he had a gift for her so that she would remember him. When she opened the present, she found a beautiful necklace. Jason told her that it was a compass so that he could find his way back to her. Sam had tears in her eyes when she told Jason that she also wanted to give him something to remember her by. When she started undressing, Jason held her close, hugged her, and then took her hand and led her upstairs to the bedroom.

5/19 Sam and Jason returned to their cabin after a long hike up a mountain. Sam had enjoyed the hike, so she proposed that they head to the waterfalls next. Jason didn't think that they would have time for another long trek. Sam couldn't hide the flash of sadness at the reminder that Jason would soon go to prison. However, she brushed it off to focus on the time that she had left with Jason. She decided to fix him some lunch. Jason was surprised when she prepared a BLT sandwich with slices of pineapple and mango on the side.

Sam insisted that it was a special occasion, so she had cooked. They bit into the sandwiches and then froze. After a moment, Sam admitted that the bacon was burned and the bread was soggy. Jason didn't mind. Sam wished that she hadn't burned the lunch. "It's okay," Jason assured her. He pointed out that the prison food wouldn't be such a big shock to his system. Sam smiled as she reminded him that he didn't love her for her cooking skills.

Jason sobered immediately. He confessed that he loved her for who she was and for standing by him through everything. Sam was touched. She stood up and then walked over to Jason to sit on his lap. Jason asked Sam to keep an eye on Spinelli. She promised him that she would.