In the interrogation room at the police station, Jason refused to answer any of Ronnie's questions without his lawyer present. Ronnie rhetorically asked what magic Sonny had. He referred to the fact that Claire had left a loophole in the plea agreement so that Jason could be released and that she'd used the loophole as a favor to Sonny.

Another cop led Michael into the room, and Ronnie explained that he thought Michael knew more than he'd admitted about the drive-by shooting that was almost responsible for killing Johnny. Ronnie told Michael about the witness who had described having seen "a big blond kid" at the scene of the shooting, before Michael had said he was there. Ronnie questioned Michael but, on Jason's advice, Michael said nothing. Diane arrived and scolded Ronnie for illegally questioning, not one, but two of her clients.

Outside of the interrogation room, Diane spewed a litany of reasons as to why Ronnie's actions were not only negligent but criminal. As she read him the riot act, Sam slipped into the interrogation room. Michael told Jason that he didn't need to be protected by Jason every single minute. Diane returned and announced that Michael was free to leave but that Jason might be held for up to 48 hours.

Michael and Sam left the room, and Diane updated Jason on the tensions between Sonny and Johnny that had been escalating while Jason was in prison. Diane demanded to know if Sonny had ordered Johnny's warehouse torched. Jason replied that he believed Sonny when Sonny had stated that he wanted to deescalate hostilities after Michael nearly got shot. At that moment, Jason noticed that Sam had left and asked Diane where she had gone.

Sam arrived at Sonny’s with the news that Jason had been arrested. She reported that she'd called Diane who was on her way down to the police station, but Sam wanted to know if Sonny had been the one to have the warehouse destroyed. Sonny vehemently denied having had anything to do with the incident and insisted it must have been Santos Lopez.

At Jason's penthouse, Sam strapped a knife to her ankle and stashed a gun in her waistband as Spinelli walked in. She asked Spinelli to check the schematics of the Lopez Brothers' warehouse because she had to prove that Jason had not torched Johnny's warehouse.

8/20 Sam snuck into a warehouse and overheard Santos tell another man that Johnny would pay for Tomas' death. They heard a noise and surmised that someone was in the building with them. They both drew their weapons. Santos directed the other man to leave, as Santos had some of his own business to tend to. The man left, and Santos called someone on the phone and told the person that the enemies of the Lopez Brothers would not be left alone. He scouted around the warehouse and looked for the intruder. Sam hid, crouched between boxes on a shelf. Later, as Santos told another man to run Johnny down if he were to see him, Sam took photos with her phone. Santos drove away in a panel van, while Sam hid in the back of another one.

9/13 Jason and Dante pretended to be TV reporters when they questioned a construction worker who had recorded video footage of the confrontation between Sonny and Johnny. The footage was inconclusive. It was apparent that Johnny was holding something, but whether or not it was a gun was unclear. Dante revealed himself as a policeman and convinced the worker to give him the video footage. After the worker left the room, Dante told Jason that he had a plan to get Johnny to confess the truth. They agreed that if Dante's plan worked, they had to convince Sonny and Johnny to call a truce.

Dante confronted Johnny at the hospital. He showed Johnny a photo that was clearly Johnny with something in his outstretched hand. Dante bluffed that the worker who had taken the video would testify that Johnny had a gun. Dante offered Johnny a choice: make peace with Sonny or face arrest for making a false statement. Johnny reluctantly admitted that he had pulled a gun on Sonny but did not know what had happened to the gun. He agreed to make peace.

Jason talked to Sonny at the police station. He told Sonny about the bluff that Dante was running on Johnny. Jason said that if it worked, Sonny and Johnny had to reach a genuine truce, which they would have to work out between themselves. Sonny readily agreed. He told Jason that he wanted to protect his kids, and he was eager to make peace with Johnny. He added, "I'm better than this."

Sam was still using crutches for her ankle when Michael stopped by the penthouse to see Jason. He said he wanted to talk to Jason about going back to school. Sam encouraged him to go to school and told him he would have lots of opportunities as a result. Michael seemed uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation and left after asking Sam to tell Jason he wanted to talk.

When Jason got home, Sam was excited about the trip she was planning for them. She listed the benefits of going to Greece and renting a sailboat. Jason said that with Sam disabled, it sounded like a lot of work for him. Sam was laughing when she retorted that if you got a tan it was not work. Sam told Jason that Michael had been by to say that he was going back to school. Jason was glad to hear it. He told Sam about Dante's plan and Sonny's agreement to make peace with Johnny. As they went back to discussing Sam's proposed Greek trip, Jason got a call. It was Suzanne. She said that Jason was listed as an emergency contact for Brenda.

9/14 At Jason's penthouse, Jason spoke to Suzanne on the phone about the recent attacks on Brenda. Suzanne sensed that Jason was surprised by the call, so she explained that Brenda had listed him as an emergency contact. Jason demanded to know more about the attempts on Brenda's life. Suzanne explained that someone had recently tried to knife Brenda and that Interpol had become involved. Jason was curious why Brenda wasn't surrounded by security.

Suzanne revealed that Brenda had a security team in place to protect her, but Brenda didn't take the threats seriously enough, so she tended to ignore all of the security measures. Jason requested that Suzanne fax him all the details and then promised to fly to Rome that evening. However, Jason made it clear that he didn't want Brenda to know his intentions. After Jason ended the call, Sam seemed unhappy at the prospect of Jason flying to Italy to take care of Brenda. Jason explained that Brenda had listed him as an emergency contact and that there had been several attempts on Brenda's life.

Sam assured Jason that she understood, but Jason sensed that Sam remained troubled. He invited her to join him on the trip, but Sam declined. She thought that he would have enough to contend with trying to take care of Brenda. Sam grabbed her crutches and then explained that she had to run an errand, but she promised to return before he left for Rome. Jason assured Sam that he wouldn't have agreed to go unless it had been an emergency. Sam admitted that Brenda had been smart to marry Jason because he really was the best protector.

A short time later, Jason filled Spinelli in on Brenda's recent troubles. Spinelli was horrified that someone as divine as Brenda was in peril. Spinelli was eager to join Jason on the trip, but Jason made it clear that he had to deal with Brenda alone. Spinelli argued that he could be of help to Jason, but Jason refused to change his mind. Spinelli wondered if Jason preferred some privacy during his reunion with Brenda. Jason insisted that he just wanted to get to Rome, take care of the problem, and then return home.

Sam returned in time to overhear part of Jason and Spinelli's conversation before she opened the front door to enter the penthouse. Spinelli suggested that Jason might want to rekindle things with Brenda, but Jason insisted that there wasn't anything to rekindle. Spinelli argued that Rome was the eternal city of love. "What could be more romantic?" Spinelli wondered. Sam opened the door and then hobbled in. Spinelli immediately realized that Sam had overheard him.

Later, Jason returned to the living room to find Sam sitting on the sofa. He wondered where Spinelli was. Sam confessed that Spinelli had been mortified because she had overheard his comments about a possible romantic reunion with the "oh so gorgeous Brenda." Jason assured Sam that Spinelli was just being Spinelli and that he hadn't meant any harm. Sam realized that Spinelli had a rich imagination, so she didn't hold any grudges against him. However, she admitted that a part of her had been a bit insecure, but only for a second. Jason explained that he was flying to Italy because he had to, not because he wanted to. Jason made it clear that the invitation for Sam to join him was still open. Sam appreciated Jason's consideration, but she insisted on staying in Port Charles.

9/16 Carly went to the penthouse to talk to Jason, but Sam explained that Jason had flown to Rome to help Brenda. Carly was livid. Carly insisted that Michael needed Jason, as did Carly. Carly demanded to know when Jason would be back, but Sam didn't know. Carly complained that Jason was not put on earth to take care of Brenda. Sam suggested that Jason might have felt obligated to help Brenda because they had been married once. According to Carly, Carly and her children were Jason's first priority and Carly refused to share that with Brenda. Sam guided Carly to the sofa and then invited her to sit down. Sam was curious if Carly thought that Jason had feelings for Brenda. "Not the way that you think," Carly assured Sam. Carly was confident that Jason saw through Brenda's act and that he was not into someone who was high maintenance. However, Carly acknowledged that Jason had felt compelled to help Brenda. Before Carly could elaborate, someone knocked on the door. It was Michael. Michael was looking for Jason. Carly and Sam revealed that Jason wasn't there. Carly wondered if she could have a moment alone with Michael.

Jason arrived in Rome. Suzanne Stanwyck introduced herself, but it was clear that Jason was not what she had expected. She couldn't believe that he was Brenda's ex-husband. Jason tried to get to the bottom of what was going on with Brenda, but Suzanne refused to answer his questions until she had more background information on Jason's relationship with Brenda. Suzanne was curious how Jason and Brenda had ended up married. Jason explained that he had been Brenda's only option.

"Meaning?" Suzanne probed. "She had no other options," Jason replied. Suzanne was frustrated by Jason's lack of cooperation. Jason finally relented by volunteering that Brenda had feared that she might be sick. Brenda had needed someone to make legal decisions for her if her illness became too bad. Jason explained that the other two men in Brenda's life had been married, so Jason had been the only person available. "So you're not in love with her?" Suzanne asked. Jason made it clear that he and Brenda did not get along, but he was determined to protect her. Suzanne appreciated his honesty. She confessed it had been impossible to protect Brenda.

Jason knew that Brenda hated bodyguards, so he realized that it had been a challenge for Suzanne to keep Brenda safe. Suzanne thought that it was generous of Jason to offer to protect Brenda, but she questioned if perhaps Jason suffered from a savior complex. Jason explained that Brenda meant a lot to several people close to Jason. Suzanne acknowledged that Brenda had a gift for inspiring people to care about her. Jason insisted that he didn't need to care about Brenda. Suzanne chuckled; he was the exception to the rule because most men found Brenda compelling and impossible to leave.

During a photo shoot, Brenda wore a stunning silver gown as Gilles prepared to snap photos of her. Gilles made idle conversation with her by asking if Brenda had ever been married. Brenda recalled her wedding to Jason. She smiled as she admitted that she had been married once. Gilles was curious what the best part of marriage had been. "Getting divorced," Brenda laughingly answered. As the photo shoot progressed, Gilled continued to ask Brenda questions about her past. Brenda became lost in thoughts about how each of her weddings to Sonny and Jax had ended before they had a chance to exchange vows. Brenda became emotionally upset as she recalled the heartbreak of Sonny leaving her at the altar.

Gilles sensed that Brenda was troubled. Brenda asked for a break, so that she could compose herself. A short time later, Brenda arrived at her suite in a foul mood. Brenda demanded to know why Suzanne hadn't warned her that it would be a photo shoot for wedding dresses. Suzanne admitted that she hadn't known, but she was relieved that Brenda had opted to fulfill her obligations to Cartullo. Brenda informed Suzanne that she expected Cartullo to pay all of the necessary costs for the trip to promote Brenda's pet charity. Suzanne warned Brenda that it might not happen because it wasn't worth risking Brenda's life. Brenda explained that she had done the photo shoot to satisfy Cartullo. Brenda hated modeling because it was a mindless and pointless occupation, but she did it because Suzanne had insisted that Brenda's fame would shine the spotlight on the Allegiance to Save Exploited Children. Suzanne acknowledged she had told Brenda that, but Suzanne argued that it had become too dangerous.

Brenda was furious because her ineffectual security team had not done their job. As Brenda ranted, Jason stood in the hallway eavesdropping on Brenda and Suzanne's conversation. Brenda angrily demanded that Suzanne find someone who could provide adequate security because Brenda intended to travel on behalf of ASEC. Moments later, Jason knocked on the door. Brenda marched to the door to open it despite Suzanne's protests. Brenda immediately tried to slam the door shut when she saw Jason standing on the doorstep.

Jason pushed his way into Brenda's suite. Suzanne quickly excused herself and then left. Jason informed Brenda that her security was lacking because it had taken him less than ten minutes to gain access to her room. Brenda didn't care because Jason was just a hired killer. Jason reminded Brenda that the men trying to get to her were also professional killers. He wondered if Brenda wanted to die. Brenda argued that Suzanne had exaggerated matters. She reminded Jason that it had been eight years since they had seen each other, so she demanded to know what he was doing there. Brenda worried that Sonny had sent him. She was stunned when Jason admitted that Sonny had no idea that he was in Rome.

9/17 Brenda accused Jason of lying when he told her Sonny had not sent him. Jason informed Brenda that the charges against Sonny had been dropped and that Sonny hadn't even mentioned Brenda to him. Jason wanted to focus on beefing up security for Brenda, but she wanted to know if Sonny had been seeing anyone. Jason reported that Sonny was dating a woman but that it didn't appear to be serious. Jason admitted that it had been Suzanne who had informed him that Brenda was in danger. Brenda got angry that Suzanne was, in Brenda's opinion, overreacting. Brenda and Jason argued over whether or not he would protect her.

As Spinelli entered Jason's penthouse, he received a call from Jason. Carly demanded to talk to Jason, but Jason told Spinelli to make Carly wait. Brenda tore the phone from Jason's ear at the same time Carly yanked Spinelli's phone from him. Carly and Brenda got into it over the phone until Jason took his phone back. Carly whined to him about Michael having almost gotten expelled from school. Michael snatched the phone from Carly and explained that he had gotten into a fight but that it had been no big deal. He gave the phone back to Spinelli.

Jason directed Spinelli to dig up any and all information on the Balkan. After Carly and Michael left, Spinelli set about to discover what he could about the crime figure. Dante arrived and asked for Jason because they needed to discuss Michael. As Spinelli explained that Carly and Michael had already informed Jason of the incident at school, Dante noticed that Spinelli had been researching the Balkan. Dante threatened to arrest Spinelli if Spinelli didn't tell Dante everything he knew about the criminal. Spinelli replied that he didn't know as much, apparently, as Dante did.

Brenda asked who Spinelli was? Jason explained that Spinelli was a hacker who could access information that Interpol was unlikely to share. Jason asked if Brenda had any idea why the Balkan would want to harm her. She explained that the work she was doing to end child slavery was a threat to the Balkan's criminal empire. Jason said there had to be more to it than that and demanded to know what Brenda had done to raise the ire of such a powerful figure. Brenda was angered by the accusation but agreed to let Jason be her bodyguard. She told him he needed a tux, because they were going to a gala.

9/20 Brenda and Jason bickered in her hotel suite. He wanted her to stay home from a Cartullo gala, but she insisted that she had to go. Brenda said that her work with the charity was important, and she had to go to those events to promote it. Jason told Brenda that she had not changed because she still made everything about herself and her own importance. Brenda was hurt, but covered it with sarcasm and bravado about her safety. Suzanne interrupted them and wanted to know why Brenda was not ready. Jason said they had to cancel, but Suzanne said that they had taken his advice and upgraded security for the event. He left to check out the new arrangements.

Brenda noted that Suzanne was wearing a white dress instead of her usual black. Brenda wanted to know if Suzanne was trying to impress Jason by looking more feminine. Brenda advised Suzanne not to fall for Jason because he killed people. Suzanne told Brenda that she like dangerous men. When she called Jason "cuddly," and said that his ideas for security were very impressive, Brenda got snarky. Suzanne told Brenda that she sounded jealous. She also told Brenda that it was refreshing to see a man who did not fawn at Brenda's feet.

Jason returned and told Suzanne and Brenda that security was still not tight enough to guarantee Brenda's safety. Both Brenda and Suzanne insisted that Brenda had to attend. Suzanne explained that Brenda's celebrity was what gave them power to stop abuse of children. She said that because Brenda had gotten so much publicity when she visited a mine that was worked by child slave labor, the mine had been shut down, which was a major victory. Suzanne said that Brenda had to attend because it would be their last chance of the season to secure donations and support. Brenda told Jason that he would have to be her escort and wear a tux, but he resisted and said he would watch from the sidelines. Suzanne stepped in and explained that the other attackers had appeared suddenly and if that happened again, he would not be able to reach her in time. Jason reluctantly agreed to wear a tux.

9/21 In Rome, Brenda warmly welcomed Ernesto as the paparazi continued to snap pictures of Brenda and Jason. Brenda introduced Ernesto Cartullo to Jason and then explained to Ernesto that Jason was her ex-husband. Ernesto extended his hand to Jason as he wondered how Jason had managed to let an angel like Brenda get away. Jason ignored Ernesto's question and hand until Brenda ordered Jason to be polite. Jason shook Ernesto's hand and then insisted that they had to get Brenda inside because Ernesto's security team was lacking.

Brenda quickly tried to downplay Jason's assessment of Ernesto's security force, but Jason ignored her as he hustled Brenda away from the paparazzi. Later, Brenda and Jason returned to Brenda's hotel suite where she proceeded to berate Jason for being rude to Ernesto. Jason was unapologetic for letting Ernesto know that Cartullo's security team was ineffective. Brenda was also furious that Jason hadn't made any effort to be sociable during the event. Jason was curious why Brenda had continually introduced him as her ex-husband. Brenda explained that everyone at the party was likely on the computer, as they spoke, trying to find out everything that they could about Jason, so she had decided to put it out there first.

Brenda announced that she was headed to bed because she was exhausted. She was stunned when Jason made it clear that he would remain in the suite to guard her. Brenda didn't think that it was necessary, but Jason refused to budge. Brenda left the room to fetch a pillow and blanket, which she deposited on the sofa. Brenda let Jason know that was called having good manners. After Brenda went to bed, Jason checked the locks on the door and patio and then pulled out his gun. He sat down on the sofa and had just closed his eyes when he heard Brenda cry out. Moments later, Brenda and Jason emerged from the bedroom. As Brenda curled up on the sofa, Jason sat in a nearby chair. He was curious if Brenda had suffered nightmares often. Brenda admitted that she rarely had them, especially when she was focused on her work for the Alliance to Save Exploited Children. However, she acknowledged that the bad dreams tended to plague her when she had a photo shoot. Jason could see how hard it was on Brenda, which surprised her.

Brenda decided to change the subject by asking if Jason recalled the last time that he had worn a tuxedo and escorted her to an event. Jason was certain that it had never happened before. Brenda burst out laughing as she reminded him of their high school senior prom when he had been in love with Karen Wexler and Brenda had been in love with Jagger Cates. Brenda chuckled as she recalled how she and Jason had felt like a couple of outcasts. Jason was glad that he didn't remember the prom. Brenda dropped the subject and then asked if Jason had ever visited Greece. Jason quietly confessed that he had gone there once on his way to Egypt. Brenda was curious which part of Greece he had seen. Jason revealed that he had gone to Kythnos. Jason had enjoyed the small island because it hadn't been a tourist spot. He confessed that it reminded him a bit of Italy. Brenda revealed that it helped her to hear him talking because it made her sleepy. Jason decided to continue telling her about his thoughts of Kythnos, particularly the beaches. As he spoke, Brenda fell asleep. Jason quietly rose, turned off the light, and then returned to his chair. Jason appeared to be deep in thought as he watched Brenda sleep.

9/22 In Rome, Jason entered Brenda's suite to discover that Brenda had gone to a meeting at Cartullo. Suzanne assured Jason that Cartullo's security team had escorted Brenda, but Jason wasn't satisfied. Suzanne promised Jason that Brenda was her friend, so she had every reason to want Brenda to be safe. Jason didn't think that it mattered because Brenda might end up dead. Suzanne could sense how irritated Jason was; he blamed it on Brenda because Brenda was an annoying person. Suzanne was surprised that Jason was not smitten with Brenda like every other man. Jason ignored the comment. He was frustrated because Cartullo's security team was more suited to deal with crowd control rather than the type of people who worked for the Balkan. Suzanne thought that it was a good thing then that Jason was Brenda's bodyguard. She handed Jason a magazine that featured a front-page picture of Jason and Brenda at the gala.

Jason couldn't understand why anyone would care about who Brenda was dating. Suzanne explained that Brenda had been considered Murphy's girlfriend until recently, so Brenda suddenly appearing on the arm of her ex-husband had piqued the public's interest. Jason wondered why Suzanne seemed pleased about it. Suzanne admitted that people didn't want to see pictures of needy children because it made them sad. However, the public took notice when their favorite celebrities were photographed visiting areas in need. People tended to be generous if they thought the charity was "cool." Suzanne explained that Jason's appearance with Brenda at the gala had made Brenda more famous than ever, which translated to more money for the Alliance to Save Exploited Children. Jason was curious what Interpol was doing for Brenda. Suzanne confessed that Interpol seemed more interested in catching the Balkan rather than protecting Brenda. Their conversation was cut short when Murphy knocked on the door. Murphy wanted to have a private word with Jason about Brenda, so Suzanne excused herself. Murphy wondered what was going on between Brenda and Jason.

Jason explained that he just wanted to keep Brenda safe. Murphy was curious if there were more to Jason's relationship with Brenda. Jason quickly clarified that he and Brenda were not a couple. According to Jason, he and Brenda had gotten married for a stupid reason and then quickly divorced. Murphy revealed that Brenda had unresolved feelings about someone from her past, which had led her to end their engagement. Jason denied that he was the man that Brenda still cared about. Murphy didn't believe Jason, but he wanted Jason to appreciate the second chance that he had been given with Brenda.

At Jason's penthouse, Spinelli quickly closed his laptop when he spotted Sam entering the living room. Sam was curious what Spinelli had been trying to hide. Spinelli lied as he insisted that it was highly sensitive work-related material. Sam saw through Spinelli's lie, so she continued to question him about what he didn't want her to see. Spinelli tried to change the subject by suggesting that he pop into the kitchen to grab a snack. Sam snatched up the laptop the moment that Spinelli stepped way. Spinelli leapt to stop her from opening it, but Sam made it clear that she was determined to know what he had been hiding from her. Spinelli gave in to Sam's demands by opening the laptop. Sam stared at the picture of Jason and Brenda on the red carpet. Spinelli realized that it was a dagger to her heart, but he reminded her that any hero would rush to Brenda's rescue.

Sam suggested that Spinelli look at the picture objectively instead of through the eyes of his infatuation with Brenda. Sam pointed out that Jason hated tuxedos and the paparazzi. Sam was certain that Jason had been miserable when the picture had been taken. Spinelli wasn't completely convinced; he was certain that Brenda has a strong influence on Jason. Sam insisted that the picture didn't bother her because it had merely been a photo opportunity. The argument was cut short when Carly dropped by to find out if Jason were on his way home. Spinelli explained that Brenda still required Jason's assistance, so Jason would remain in Italy. Carly was not pleased. She couldn't imagine what kind of "self-made drama" Brenda had gotten herself into and why Murphy and Murphy's bodyguards couldn't help. Spinelli revealed that Brenda had been targeted by sinister forces that only Jason could deal with. Carly thought that Spinelli needed a reality check because Brenda was just a needy and selfish person. Sam explained that Jason had felt obligated to help Brenda, while Spinelli argued that Brenda was grateful for Jason's help. Spinelli decided to show Carly the picture of Jason and Brenda to drive his point home.

Sam entered Jax's office after she received a message from him that he had wanted to talk to her. Jax showed Sam the picture of Brenda and Jason. Sam revealed that she had already seen the picture. Jax was curious what Sam knew about the picture and why Jason was in Rome with Brenda. Sam explained that Brenda was in trouble and that Jason had been listed as the person to contact in case of an emergency. Jax wondered if Sonny's recent visit to Rome had anything to do with the trouble that Brenda was in. Sam would only reveal that the director of A.S.E.C. had contacted Jason. Jax confessed that, judging by the picture, it was hard for him to believe that Brenda was in dire straights. Sam shrugged and then suggested that Jax should ask himself why Brenda's business mattered to him. She admitted that if she were Carly, she would want to know. Jax claimed that Jason's trip to see Brenda had seemed to happen out of nowhere. Sam suggested that perhaps Jax should call Brenda to find out what was going on. When Jax didn't respond, Sam realized that Jax was upset that he hadn't been the one that had been called to save Brenda. Carly entered the office in time to hear Sam's comment. "Wrong," Carly clarified. Carly insisted that she and Jax had worked things out, so he didn't care about Brenda. "Do you Jax?" Carly asked her husband.

9/23 At Jax's office, Jax explained to Carly that he had learned that Jason had escorted Brenda to an event the previous evening. He had been curious about it, so he had asked Sam to stop by. Carly let Jax know that she had been aware of Jason's trip to Italy. Carly grumbled that Brenda had dragged Jason into a situation, of Brenda's own making, that evidently Murphy couldn't handle. Sam insisted that it wasn't a big deal; she was confident that Jason was not buying into all of Brenda's drama. Carly agreed with Sam's assessment, but it bothered Carly that Brenda had called Jason when she had plenty of other men at her disposal to help. Sam pointed out that Jason would have returned home if there hadn't been a problem, so clearly things were not okay with Brenda.

In Rome, Brenda was livid when she entered her suite to find Jason and Murphy talking about her. Murphy quickly took responsibility for the meeting; he claimed that he had wanted to meet his rival. Brenda clarified that Jason wasn't the man that she had unresolved feelings about, but Murphy didn't believe her. Murphy was certain that Brenda's ex-husband was the reason that she had broken off their engagement. Brenda continued to deny it, so Murphy demanded to know who Brenda was in love with. Brenda assured Murphy that it didn't matter because she didn't have any intention of seeing that man again. Brenda reminded Murphy that it would never have worked for them because she could never make Murphy happy. Murphy disagreed; she had made him happy. However, Murphy accepted Brenda's decision, so he asked Jason to take care of Brenda and then left. Brenda acknowledged that Murphy was an amazing man, but he didn't make her happy.

Jason suspected that it was because of Sonny. Brenda admitted that she never had the same deep feelings for Murphy that she'd had for Sonny. She was certain that she would have left Murphy one day, one way or another, so she had decided to spare him the pain of that because she knew how deeply it hurt. Moments later Suzanne arrived. Suzanne was upset because the picture of Brenda and Jason had been causing quite a sensation on the Internet. According to Suzanne, people thought that Brenda and Jason were dating. Brenda didn't see the problem, so Suzanne explained that they couldn't have the world thinking that Brenda was dating a hit man while trying to save exploited children. Suzanne had no idea that Jason had been tried for murder and that he had recently been released from prison. Brenda was surprised to hear that Jason had been in jail. Brenda wondered why Jason hadn't mentioned it. "Because I'm out," Jason answered.

Brenda was curious what he had been convicted of, but Jason didn't want to discuss it. He simply explained that the charges had been dropped. Suzanne explained that the children that they were trying to help were often exploited by crime syndicates, so they couldn't have Brenda running around with a professional criminal. Brenda insisted that Jason wasn't a professional criminal; he was a bodyguard who would kill anyone who hurt a child. Suzanne worried that they would spend so much time explaining Jason that it would take them off-message. Suzanne confessed that she would never have called Jason if she had known about his life. Brenda pointed out that Jason had been listed as an emergency contact, so it hadn't been up to Suzanne. Brenda insisted that she intended to move forward with her travel plans for the charity and that Jason would head her security team. Suzanne made it clear that Jason was no longer an option. After Suzanne left, Jason acknowledged that Brenda's work to save exploited children was important, but he wanted Brenda to be careful.

Jason confided that he didn't think that the Balkan was trying to kill her. Jason suspected that the Balkan wanted to kidnap Brenda, but he didn't know why. Brenda implored Jason to pass along a message if Sonny asked about her. Brenda wanted Sonny to know that her life was great. "It's not," Jason argued. Brenda insisted that he tell Sonny that anyway. She also wanted Sonny to know that her work with the children was important and gave her life purpose. Brenda insisted that Sonny needed to know, so that he could go on without her. Jason would only promise to tell Sonny "something," but he wouldn't lie. Brenda was annoyed, but she didn't argue. Jason reminded her that she had all of his numbers, so she was to call if she needed him. Brenda thanked Jason for helping her. They exchanged goodbyes and then Jason left. Brenda wandered to the patio as she recalled a time that she and Sonny had been driving. Sonny had suddenly stopped the car and then reached over to pull Brenda close for a passionate kiss. Brenda snapped back to the present when she heard her door rattle as someone tried to break into her suite.

Michael went to Jason's penthouse to see if Jason had returned from Italy. Sam explained that Brenda was obviously a handful, so Jason remained in Rome. Michael apologized for bothering Sam and then started to leave, but Sam stopped him. Sam wanted to talk to Michael about something, so she invited him inside. Michael was startled when Sam revealed that Jason had been behaving differently ever since he had returned from Pentonville. Michael looked uncomfortable as Sam confided that she hoped to help Jason, if she could figure out what had happened to him in jail. Michael didn't know how he could help her. Sam explained that Michael had been in jail with Jason, so he must have seen something. Sam didn't want Jason walking around in so much pain. She wondered if she should try to get Jason to talk to her or just pretend that everything was fine when it wasn't.

Michael suggested that Sam respect Jason's wishes. Sam realized that Michael was right. Moments later, Sonny dropped by to see if there had been any word from Jason. Sonny and Michael were pleasantly surprised to see each other, so Sam excused herself to give Michael some time alone with his father.

9/24 After Jason left Brenda's villa, two men burst through her door and grabbed her. They told her they wanted answers. Brenda was defiant, so one of the men injected her with heroin. As Jason was driven to the airport, he received a call from Suzanne, who was worried, because Brenda had missed two appointments and was not answering her phone. Jason told the driver to turn around. A bound Brenda, woozy from the drug, still refused to answer her captors' questions. Jason broke through the door and shot each man. He demanded to know what the Balkan wanted from Brenda, but it was too late. Both men were dead. Suzanne walked in and was shocked by the scene. She called the doctor and told him that there had been an unintentional overdose. Jason wanted to take Brenda to the hospital, but Suzanne explained that they needed to protect Brenda's privacy.

After the doctor left, Jason returned to the suite after having conferred with Agent Bates of Interpol. Bates had confirmed that the two men who attacked Brenda had been working for the Balkan. Jason made clear to Suzanne that the Balkan would have killed Brenda had he just wanted to stop the work of ASEC. She had something the Balkan wanted, Jason argued. Brenda regained consciousness, and Jason asked what she remembered. Brenda recalled that the men who Jason had killed were the same men who'd tried to abduct her when Sonny had been in town. Jason assured her that Suzanne would keep the incident out of the media. She noted that Suzanne really cared about her. Brenda replied that Jason did too.

9/27 In Rome, Jason sat with Brenda as she overcame to effects of the heroin with which she had been forcibly injected. She wanted to know all about Sonny. She asked about Carly's relationship with Sonny. Jason told her that divorce was best for both of them. Brenda wanted to know if Sonny talked about her to Jason. At first Jason said no, but then relented and told Brenda that Sonny had once said that he would die remembering Brenda's face. Brenda was touched and asked Jason if he thought that she and Sonny could have made it if Sonny had tried harder. Reluctantly, Jason told her that it seemed to him that she and Sonny did not make each other happy for very long. Brenda was quiet when Jason told her that her life was in serious danger and that he was taking her back to Port Charles to ensure her safety.

9/28 In Rome, Jason tried to persuade Brenda to return to the United States with him because he believed that he could protect her better in Port Charles. Brenda strongly objected to the idea of going to Port Charles. Jason realized that Brenda was afraid to face Sonny. Brenda clarified that it was more than fear; Sonny was like an addiction to her, so she was determined to avoid him at all costs. Jason wondered if avoiding Sonny was more important than staying alive. Brenda couldn't believe that Port Charles was the safest place for her. Jason explained that he was familiar with Port Charles, so he could be much more effective as a bodyguard on familiar ground. Jason also reminded Brenda that he had a life in Port Charles that he wanted to get back to. Jason was certain that Brenda knew what the Balkan was looking for, but Brenda denied it. Jason let the matter drop to focus on convincing Brenda to cooperate. Jason explained that he would have more resources at his disposal to track the Balkan in Port Charles.

Brenda suggested that Jason didn't really want her to go back to Port Charles. She reminded him that he had married her to keep her from breaking up Sonny and Carly's marriage. Jason reminded Brenda that Carly was married to Jax. Brenda wondered if Jason had a change of heart and now thought that Brenda was good for Sonny. Jason didn't think that it mattered. He told her that she could choose to do what she wanted with Sonny, but he was determined to make sure that she returned to Port Charles. Brenda refused to put herself in that position again. She cried that her heart wasn't safe in Port Charles. Jason didn't care about her heart because he was trying to keep her alive. Brenda argued that she couldn't be around the people that she loved because she didn't want them to have the power to hurt her. Jason promised that Brenda could go abroad once he killed the Balkan, but that wasn't enough for Brenda. Jason made it clear that Brenda didn't have a choice. Defeated, Brenda wondered if perhaps she should call Sonny. Jason let her know that it was up to her. Brenda confessed that she didn't want to resort to her old behavior or to hurt anyone.

9/29 Carly went to Sam's apartment to find out if Sam had heard from Jason. Carly was annoyed because Jason and Sam hadn't returned any of her calls. Sam explained that she had been working, but she admitted that Jason had called her to let her know that he would be returning home. Carly's joy was short-lived when Sam added that Brenda was in real trouble and that Jason wasn't certain when he would be back in Port Charles. Carly couldn't understand why Sam hadn't flown to Rome to fight for Jason. According to Carly, Jason was the best thing that had ever happened to Sam.

"Don't you mean the best thing that's ever happened to you?" Sam shot back. Sam assured Carly that she wasn't threatened by Brenda like Carly was. Sam trusted Jason, so she suggested that Carly do the same. Carly insisted that there was a weird bond between Brenda and Jason, despite Jason's claims that Brenda drove him crazy. Carly reminded Sam that Jason had dropped everything to fly to Rome to help Brenda. Sam suggested that Carly had her "panties in a twist" because Carly and Brenda shared the same place in Jason's life; they were high-maintenance women whom Jason felt compelled to help. Carly resented Sam comparing her to Brenda. Sam strolled to the front door and then held it open for Carly. Carly marched out without another word.

After Carly left, Molly stopped by to visit her sister. Molly explained that Alexis had dropped her off with the understanding that Sam would drive Molly home. Sam invited Molly to join her for dinner, but Molly had already eaten. However, Molly was eager to talk about Sonny. Molly revealed that she had dropped off Kristina's senior pictures at Sonny's house because Kristina had been reluctant to give the appearance that she cared too much. Molly had been stunned to find Claire with Sonny. Molly was certain that Kristina would be furious to learn that Sonny was dating the woman who had put Michael in jail. Sam confessed that she wasn't surprised that Sonny was seeing Claire, but she pointed out that Claire had tried to help Michael. Molly didn't think that it would matter because Kristina would use Sonny's relationship with Claire as another excuse to hate him. Sam wasn't a fan of Claire's, but she thought that Kristina should realize that she only had one father. "So she should smile and make nice?" Molly wondered. Sam suggested that Molly and Kristina should accept and understand that no one was perfect, even their loved ones.

9/30 Maxie arrived at Sam's apartment with several couture outfits for Sam to select from. Sam was embarrassed to admit that she wanted to find something glamorous to wear for Jason because he was returning to Port Charles with Brenda. Maxie was surprised to hear that Brenda would be staying with Jason. Sam explained that Brenda was in danger, so she needed to lay low for a while. Maxie assured Sam that there wasn't anything wrong with wanting to look good when an ex-girlfriend was around. Sam insisted that she wasn't insecure. Maxie was saddened when she realized that Robin would be thrilled to know that Brenda was on her way to town. Sam immediately noticed that something was troubling Maxie. Maxie revealed that Robin was missing and that Mac was searching for her; however, Mac had not kept Maxie in the loop. Sam offered to find something in her own closet to wear if Maxie needed to leave, but Maxie insisted that it helped to stay busy.

Sam felt silly for worrying about what to wear because Jason wasn't the type to pay attention to things like clothes. Maxie argued that they were choosing an outfit for Sam to make her feel pretty and confident. Sam agreed. Later, Maxie found an outfit that she thought would look great on Sam. Sam hesitated, but Maxie argued that it would be nice if Sam didn't always look like she was about to head to a shoot-out. After Maxie left, Sam made some phone calls to see if she could get a lead on Robin. Molly stopped by to beg her sister for a huge favor; she wanted Sam to invite her to Jason's penthouse while Brenda was there. Sam was stunned as Molly expressed admiration for the work that Brenda did for the Alliance to Save Exploited Children. Molly also admitted that it was cool that Brenda had been dating Murphy Sinclair. Sam smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

On the plane, Brenda dreamed that she and Jason had bumped into Sonny on the docks. Jason stood back, so that Brenda and Sonny could have a private reunion. Brenda's joy quickly turned to horror when two shots rang out and then blood spread across Sonny's shirt. Brenda began to scream as Jason pulled Brenda away from Sonny. Brenda woke up from the nightmare, calling out Sonny's name. Jason assured Brenda that it had just been a dream; he promised her that she was okay. Brenda was grumpy as she admitted that she'd rather go anywhere except Port Charles. She also resented how everyone, including those on the plane, stared at her. Jason thought that she would be used to it because of her work with A.S.E.C. Brenda admitted that she'd rather crash and drown than go to Port Charles. However, she acknowledged that with her luck, she'd end up stranded on a deserted island with Jason.

Jason wondered if Brenda would like a drink. "Yes," Brenda admitted gratefully. Jason signaled to the flight attendant just as they hit some turbulence. A short time later, Brenda and Jason arrived at the penthouse. Brenda was eager to get inside, so she demanded that Jason hand over the key. Spinelli threw open the door before Jason could dig the key out of his pocket. Spinelli invited Brenda inside and then started babbling.

Brenda quickly realized that Spinelli was the "computer guy." Spinelli was delighted when she recalled speaking to him on the phone and remembered his name. Brenda extended her hand, which Spinelli held and then gazed at with awe. Jason explained that Spinelli was staying in Brenda's room, so she would have to take the guest room. Spinelli quickly objected; he had restored Brenda's room to its original state, so he insisted that she take it back. Brenda was impressed when Spinelli offered refreshments: coffee and biscotti. She invited Spinelli to join her on the sofa, so that they could chat. Brenda was flattered when Spinelli referred to her as "the Divine One," but she preferred to be called Brenda.

Later, Michael stopped by to see if Jason had returned. Jason explained that he had been about to call Michael because he had heard that Michael had encountered some trouble at school. Michael confessed that if it hadn't been for Dante, he would have been kicked out of Madison Prep on his first day. Michael believed that Jason was the only person who could understand what Michael was going through. Michael revealed that everyone was eager to help him, including Sam, who had expressed concern about Jason in an effort to get Michael to open up. Jason offered to listen if Michael needed to talk, but before Michael could find the words, Brenda entered the living room. Brenda greeted Michael and then asked Jason, "Who's this?" Brenda realized that it was Michael. She was amazed by how much Michael had grown; he had been a baby the last time that she had seen him, but she remembered that he had been obsessed with the Yankees. Michael smiled as he admitted that he was still a Yankees fan. Jason explained that he and Michael had been in the middle of something, but Michael assured Jason that it was okay. Brenda and Michael talked about school and then Josslyn. Brenda was curious how old Josslyn was and when she had been born. Michael became silent and then quickly excused himself.

Brenda turned to Jason to find out what she had said to upset Michael. She was speechless as Jason explained the circumstances of Josslyn's birth and that Michael had only recently been released from prison for killing Claudia. Jason warned her that Michael was going through hell, so he wanted Brenda to be careful. Later, Brenda was having a snack in the living room when Sam let herself into the penthouse. "Brenda?" Sam asked. "Yeah, sorry, who are you?" Brenda wondered. Jason stood on the staircase, looking a bit uncomfortable.

10/1 Sam entered Jason's living room and, in an awkward encounter, met Brenda. Sam got to see another side of Jason as he got flustered arguing with Brenda. Sam commented that it was funny to witness him in such a state. Brenda and Sam sat and got to know each other. Sam uncomfortably shared her past with Jax and Sonny. Brenda reacted with discomfort, since she also had a past with both men. Brenda offered to stay elsewhere, because she didn't want Sam to feel uncomfortable. Sam insisted that it wasn't a problem and asked Brenda to stay. After Sam left, Brenda berated Jason for not having told her anything about his life. The two continued to spar until Brenda announced that she had to go see Sonny.

Spinelli returned home to witness Jason and Brenda sniping at one another, as Brenda left the penthouse to meet bodyguards downstairs. Sam returned, and Jason asked Spinelli to leave them alone. Sam announced that she thought she and Jason should break up. Sam walked in and sat with Maxie. Sam complained that her meeting with Brenda had not been horrible. On the contrary, Brenda was kind. Sam was frustrated because she felt as if she'd made an ass of herself to Brenda. Under other circumstances, Sam surmised, she might actually like Brenda. Sam was frustrated by the chemistry between Jason and Brenda. Maxie offered to hate Brenda for Sam. According to Maxie, Spinelli thought that "God made Brenda magnificent and then got bored." Sam lamented that she'd allowed herself to become insecure and vowed to do something about it.

10/4 At his penthouse, Jason refused to let Sam break up with him. He told her that he loved her and had no interest in Brenda. Sam said that she was being insecure. Jason told Sam that she was the one he loved and the one that he wanted to be with. Sam apologized for being needy and said that she liked things the way they were and did not want to change. She said that she like being in her apartment some of the time, and that with Brenda staying in the penthouse, Jason would want to go to Sam's when Brenda started driving him crazy.

Jason laughed when he said, "Starts?" Then he asked Sam if she noticed how quiet it was with Brenda gone and Spinelli out running errands to get all Brenda's organic products. They snuggled and started kissing. Just as they were about to go upstairs, someone knocked in the door. It was Michael. He said that he had to talk to Jason. Sam excused herself. When they were alone, Michael told Jason about Ali. He said that he really liked her and did not want to disappoint her. He said that girls expected guys to sleep with them, and he did not want to be clumsy about sex the first time he was with a girl he liked. Michael asked Jason to get him someone who could teach him about sex.

10/5 At Jason's penthouse, Sam eavesdropped on Jason and Michael's conversation. Jason was stunned by Michael's request to hire an escort. Michael believed that a professional could help him gain sexual experience, so that he wouldn't mess things up with Ali. Jason didn't understand why Michael couldn't take things slowly by getting to know Ali. "You know why," Michael reminded Jason. Michael insisted that Pentonville had damaged him, so he couldn't trust himself to be with someone like Ali without fear of hurting her. Jason thought that Michael should give it a chance before turning to a call girl, but Michael disagreed. Michael argued that he wasn't normal and that no one could understand what he had gone through in Pentonville.

Jason suggested that Michael's protective instincts towards Ali indicated that Michael would be careful around her. Jason conceded that the first time with a girl was scary for any guy. Michael insisted that he would feel more comfortable if he were with a woman that he didn't have feelings for because then he wouldn't feel bad if he hurt her. Jason didn't think that calling some random escort was the answer. Michael threatened to find a prostitute on his own if Jason didn't help him. Before Jason could respond, Sam entered the living room. Sam apologized to Michael as she explained that she needed to have a private word with Jason. Michael agreed to leave, but Jason wanted Michael to promise not to do anything until they had finished their conversation. Michael agreed and then left. Sam immediately admitted that she had overheard Jason's talk with Michael. She was certain that she had a way to help Michael.

Jason didn't think that a call girl would help Michael, but Sam disagreed. Jason doubted that a professional would erase what had happened to Michael in jail. Sam pointed out that Michael wasn't ready to talk to a therapist, so an experienced woman who knew how to be gentle and caring was better for Michael than a young girl who would be just as nervous as Michael. Sam urged Jason to help Michael, but Jason remained reluctant. Sam revealed that she knew the perfect girl. Sam explained that she had worked undercover with a young woman named Candy, who was trying to put herself through college. Sam assured Jason that Candy was beautiful and understanding. Jason was certain that it was a bad idea.

Shortly after Sam left, Brenda arrived home. Jason made it clear that he wasn't in the mood to deal with Brenda's problems. Brenda ignored Jason as she told him about her visit to Greystone Manor to see Sonny. She was desperate for Jason to help her stay away from Sonny. Jason explained that he had more important things to deal with. Brenda reminded him that the only reason that she was in Port Charles was because Jason had talked her into it. She begged him, as a friend, to keep her from blowing her life apart. Jason realized that Brenda was genuinely upset, so he apologized for snapping at her. Brenda admitted that she should be able to stay away from Sonny without Jason's help. Jason assured her that Sonny wasn't trying to hurt her. Brenda realized that, but she was certain that if she stayed in Port Charles that she'd end up being destroyed. Brenda implored Jason to get the situation with the Balkan resolved as soon as possible, so that she could return to Rome.

Sam asked Michael to meet her at a hotel room. Sam invited Michael into the room and then explained that she had overheard his discussion with Jason, so she knew about his problem. Michael immediately became uncomfortable. Michael reminded her that it wasn't any of her business. Sam realized that, but she had heard what Michael had threatened to do if Jason didn't help. Michael's discomfort grew when Sam invited Michael to join her on the sofa. Sam immediately realized that Michael thought that she was offering herself. She quickly clarified that she had a friend named Candy who could help Michael. Sam confessed that she had told Candy about Michael's situation and that Candy was willing to meet with him. Michael seemed to have reservations about it, but Sam assured him that everything would be fine.

A short time later, Candy arrived. Michael was nervous, so Sam offered to send Candy home. Michael was determined to see things through, so he declined. Sam opened the door, introduced Candy to Michael, and then left. Candy acknowledged that it was an awkward situation, so she suggested that they take some time to talk and get to know each other. Michael started to relax as Candy revealed that her real name was Abigail.

In the office at Pozzulo's, Suzanne informed Jason that she didn't think that the Balkan would give up on Brenda. She was certain that he would follow Brenda to Port Charles. Jason confessed that he hoped the Balkan showed up in Port Charles because it would put the crime lord at a disadvantage. Suzanne wondered what would stop the Balkan from going after Brenda on her next trip. Jason made it clear that Brenda would not be traveling until the Balkan had been dealt with.