Just Jason #8  February 23 - April 17, 1998 - 8 hour original edit

#8A  Carly asks Jason if he is still okay with her and Michael living with him? She teases that they might be cramping his bachelor life style. He assures her that he loves Michael and he promised her that he would take care of them and that is what he is going to do. She is relieved, needing to hear that reassurance.

Jason tells Benny and Sam he's got to get the Quartermaine's to do the renovation on the docks in stages. There will be a strike and he is going to need everyone's cooperation. Jason's men leave and he looks disturbed. Justus walks in to go over some contracts but Jason has something else on his mind. He tells Justus he's loosing support when he needs it most. Justus admits he's heard some things and Jason wants to know why he didn't tell him. Justus isn't holding out, he planned on telling him. He tells Jason he is young and some people don't trust him. Jason can not loose the docks, they're ? his revenue. Justus warns him if he doesn't make a move soon he'll be out. Jason can't say what's going to happen so he understands if he wants to bail out. Justus lets Jason know he can't be without a lawyer and he has actually had the time of his life since he started helping him out. He is here as long as he needs him. Justus leaves and Ned shows up. He tells Jason he can't afford to not meet with him. There's big trouble at the docks and it's dangerous. Ned tells Jason that Jax is determined to push him out with force. Jason asks if he'd put a hit on him and all Ned knows is that he still holds a grudge. Ned doesn't want to see Jason get hurt and Jason tells him he is not dying anytime soon. Ned leaves, he tried to warn him.

At the PC Grill,  Edward has joined Carly and he steers the conversation to money, saying that it's only use is to allow a rich guy "to watch someone like you discover her hidden talents."  Carly, who seems to be enjoying Edward's company, nonetheless comes right out and asks him to state what it is that he wants? Edward tells her all about his family, and how they all have disappointed him in his search for an heir. Carly listens, rapt, only speaking when Edward mentions Monica.  "She scares me to death," Carly whispers with awe in her voice. Edward says of his children and grandchildren, "It's not their fault that they didn't turn out to be what I had in mind when I thought about having an heir. "  And then he says to Carly,  "Who would have known that what I had in mind would turn out to be you?" Carly, rather stunned, asks, "In mind for what?" Just then Lila rolls in, hellbent on terror.  She manipulates Edward right out of the room, then gives Carly a stern warning not to underestimate Edward and should Carly betray Jason, not to underestimate Lila.  As we eventually learn, both Edward and Lila are paying off the same waiter to inform them about Carly's presence at the Grill.

At the penthouse, Jax barges in.  Jax warns Jason that Sam of the docks is a threat. Jax claims he is being Jason's friend in this because he cares about Robin. Jax leaves. Jason discusses the Sam Situation with Justus.  He asks Justus to crash a meeting between Sam and the union officers in order to find out what is going on.  This plan involves having Justus lie to Sam; Justus has no problem with this, saying that he feels working for Jason is more honest than working for ELQ. Justus leaves on his mission. Carly returns home to the penthouse.  She asks Jason if she can do some redecorating. Jason is not too keen on the idea. Carly tries to tell Jason about her encounter with Edward, but Jason is too preoccupied to listen. 

Justus returns and Jason dismisses Carly.  She goes upstairs. Justus tells Jason not to go to his meeting with the union guys on Friday because, "I don't think you'll walk out of there alive."  Jason wants to know what he has done wrong.  Justus tells him that these guys actually do like him, but they see him "as a soldier, not a leader."  Justus offers Jason a lesson: "Leadership is nine-tenths status, and status is nine-tenths perception." He tells Jason that back in law school, he dressed in jeans and t-shirts until one day his advisor's secretary mistook him for an air-conditioner repairman.  "See, it's all theater, Jason, theater, it's about symbols. I had to dress better than anyone else just to fit in.  *You* have got to do more than just lead.  You've got to *look* like a leader.  You've got to carry yourself.  Do you understand what I'm trying to say to you?" Jason shakes his head.  "No.  But yeah, I understand." Justus leaves.

Carly comes downstairs. Jason asks her if she would help him. With great earnestness, Carly says, "I'd do anything for you.  I swear, I would kill for you." With equally great earnestness, Jason asks, "Would you shop for me?"Jason is getting cold feet about asking Carly to shop for him. She says, "You want to take care of a dead body, call Renaldo. You want to take care of a LIVING one, call me."  While shopping, she offers him all sorts of confusing choices.  He's totally overwhelmed, but she says it's not hard, "Men are my hobby, ask anyone in town." Finally they have found the perfect suit, and Brenda bursts in and says "You look like a wannabe."  She goes on about Jason betraying Robin and how Jason should have left.  Carly suggests Brenda go look for a nice fashionable strait-jacket in her size.  Jason tells Brenda never to hurt Robin again to get back at Sonny. Brenda leaves, saying "You've become Sonny!"  Carly apologizes to Jason for what her lie has done to Robin.  Jason tells her it doesn't matter, Brenda will hate him whatever.  The Line of the Day, "These [clothes] really made Brenda angry.  How much do I owe you?"  Carly doesn't want to be paid for her shopping, after all, Jason has done so much for her.

Justus arrives at the penthouse with the updated will Jason has requested he prepare, one that includes a generous monthly allowance for Carly and leaves everything else in trust for Michael.  Justus tries to talk Jason out of attending the meeting, but Jason insists, "I'm in charge or I'm not, and if I'm not, I'm dead." Justus talks about how much he missed his father, who died when he was young, and begs Jason not to put Michael in the same situation.  Jason feels he has no choice, that if he tries to run, he will be killed, since he hasn't had time to plan a clean getaway like Sonny did.  Justus wants to go to the meeting, to speak on Jason's behalf.  Jason counters that if he needs Justus to speak for him, then Sam's criticisms that he isn't ready for the job will be proved correct, and that if Justus isn't at the meeting, he won't be in danger should Jason fall.  Reynaldo and Johnny are called in to serve as witnesses as Jason signs his new will.

Jason's next scene was so moving that I am transcribing the whole thing.  It was a monologue delivered in a soft, steady voice to baby Michael, who lay quietly in Jason's arms, "Maybe I might die tonight.  Now if that happens, I won't be coming home any more.  I won't hold you, or talk to you, or even watch you try to roll over.  And let me tell you something, you're getting really close, any day now. Dead-- it's like going away.  It's the one thing a person can't come back from.    But that doesn't mean I left you or chose my job over loving you, because there were things that were decided before you were born that make me have to go tonight.  In this business, you have to face things.  You can't say, 'it's not what I want,' or 'I changed my mind,' or 'I have a kid now.'  Anyway, I might not die tonight.  I'm pretty sure I won't.  But I tell you everything and I always tell you when I'm coming home and tonight I can't.  I'm leaving you and Carly a lot of money, but in case she decides to tell AJ the truth or take you to the QUartermaines, never believe they own you, Michael.  You belong to yourself. You know, when Carly said she was giving you to me, I almost said, 'you can't give one person to another person.'  I know now what she meant. Your the greatest gift I ever got, not because you belong to me but because I had the chance to know you at all."

Carly enters, having returned from a trip to gather fabric samples.  She is nervous about jason's meeting, but tries not to show it, making light conversation about how good he looks in his suit, teasing him that it's about time he started letting her help him spend his fortune on himself for a change. "You like being rich, don't you?"  Jason asks, and Carly answers, "Yes, I like being rich, and safe, and all the other stuff I get from you, but I especially like not having to lie to anybody."Jason tells her she doesn't have to lie to him because she knows she can't get away with it, but also because she doesn't need to, since all she has to do to get something is to ask.  Carly answers, with affection in her voice, "Did it ever occur to you that I don't lie to you because I trust you?"  Jason answers, "I trust you, too.  Sort of."  He prepares for his meeting, and Carly looks on, worried.  As he prepares to leave, she says, "I'll see you," in a tone that says "I'd better see you, don't you dare die on me."  He takes one last look at Michael and goes out.

Next, Jason visits Mike at Luke's office, where Mike helps himself to one of Luke's cigars.  Jason asks Mike to watch over Michael if Jason doesn't come back from his meeting.  Mike gets angry at the prospect of losing Jason.  "I lost one son this year.  He told me he loved me and then he disappeared.  I won't lose both of you."  He cares too much for Jason, because, he tells Jason, you "gave me a place in your heart that Sonny never would."  Jason explains that he has to do what he has to do, because it's about business.  Mike counters that it's about life, about Jason's son.  Jason is concerned about Michael's future, and tells Mike that "you have to teach him he can be whatever he wants to be.'  He doesn't want the Qs to teach Michael that he's someone they "own."  He also has one more request of Mike; if he dies, Mike is to tell Robin Jason loves her.

Robin shows up at the penthouse while Jason is at his meeting, where Sam tells him he's going to be replaced.  While Jason is fighting for his position, and his life, Carly is fighting for the family she feels she has built with Jason, as Robin announces that she plans to tell AJ that he is Michael's biological father. The gloves come off with that statement, and Carly's Spencer genes kick in, resulting in a marvelous cat fight.  Robin says that she'll come back when Jason is home, to discuss the matter with both Carly and Jason together.  Carly grows angrier when Robin says that Jason is not Michael's father.  "Michael is Jason's name in every way that matters."  Robins claims that is why she is insisting on getting involved-- she knows how much Jason loves Michael, and how devastated he will be when Carly inevitably takes Michael away, when she tires of life with Jason or gets a better offer.  Carly counters that she would never take Michael away. "you're such a liar," spits Robin.  Carly explodes.  "The voice of heaven has spoken," she begins, dripping sarcasm.  "Sweet Robin Scorpio. It's ironic, my son was christened at a church you think was named for you. And now you show up here and you're going to tell me and Jason how to raise our kid?  I don't care what you say or what you do, Jason, Michael, and I are a family, and there is no way I'm gonna let you break us up."

Jason is reacting to the other mob guys telling him that he is being replaced.  He's not qualified to lead, he's only Sonny's flunky.  Benny tries stickin' up for his guy, but the other mobsters shut him up. Jason coolly explains his stance to the others.  Sonny always felt drugs were bad business, and he agrees.  The fact is that they are making the most money for the least amount of risk, and that's a good deal.  Sam wants to assert his power, but Jason reminds them that if they fight among themselves, Moreno will only come in and take over their turf.  The stone faced boy dares them to unseat him.  Justus enters: "Sorry I'm late.  Hope I didn't miss any fireworks." No, he's just in time.  But he might want to step out again-- things might be getting messy real soon.  Justus stays.  Renaldo enters and "escorts" Sam, the traitor, out of the room.  Sam sputters fearfully and tries to get Jason to back down, as Jason assures those assembled that it is
"only business".
   
Carly and Robin are gearing up for round two of the catfight.  Robin still insists that She will inform AJ that he is Michael's father.  Carly tells her that for all intents and purposes, Jason is the baby's father.  What happens to Jason when Carly takes off again, this time with the baby in tow?  Carly lets her know that she has *no* intention of going anywhere. Although no punches are thrown, both contestants manage to land a few low-blows. Robin hurls, Carly might once have been Jason's sex-partner, but that doesn't mean Jason will ever touch her again! Carly zings back that Robin treats Jason like a little boy and can't seem to understand that he's a man, with a full-grown man's needs! Robin retorts that Carly is just a manipulator who is taking advantage of Jason's affection for her son! Carly comes back that Robin acts like Jason is so damaged that he can't make his own decisions! Carly gloats, Or is little Robin just jealous that Carly and Jason had sex, since that was something she wasn't capable of giving Jason herself?  HMMM? Robin realizes that she never should have tried talking to Carly. This is between her and Jason, and she will take it up with him.

Carly is telling Jason about Michael reacting to her.  She's excited. There's a knock on the door, and it's Tony.  Jason wants to kick him out, but Tony has letters from Virginia that Carly had hidden away in the closet. Tony leaves, telling them Carly she doesn't deserve Michael.  "God help that child."  Carly looks at the old letters and calls herself a coward. She's glad Tony is leaving so she can get on with her life. Carly asks Jason if she has good taste.  Jason thinks that she does. Carly goes on to say that she'd like to meet with a decorator and decide on some colors for the penthouse... and she wants to take Michael with her.  Jason asks her if she thinks she's ready to test-drive the baby all by herself.  Carly believes that she is.  They agree to meet for lunch at the Grille, and Carly reassures Jason that she'll be fine... Later, Carly coos to Michael about how good Jason is:  a great father to Michael, and a good friend to Carly.... even though she made that bad mistake, having that fight with Robin.  She's assuring Michael that she won't make any more mistakes, when the phone rings and Jason's machine picks up:  It's Robin and she's got something to tell him. Carly's frantic, thinking Robin's going to spill the beans about AJ. She's punching buttons on the answering machine, but, like the Energizer bunny, it keeps on going.  She's about to cut the phone line when Michael starts crying.  Robin goes on to say that her Big News is that Mac and Filly are engaged... *Whew*  that was close!  Carly thinks, and thanks little Michael for saving her from making another mistake!  "It's a sign that our whole day will be perfect!"

Jason and Justus make some light conversation about the potential tackiness of the Q's new mall.  Jason says that Jax's 'vision' was quite different from the real plans he now has in his posession.  According to the Real Plan, things will be arranged so that everyone will be able to see Jason's shipments coming in, shutting him down, and allowing Marino free access to the docks for his drug shipments.  Jason's decided to have the workers strike to oppose the plan. Taggert enters to 'question' Jason yet again.  Taggert's phone rings and it's Dara, who's right behind him.  Dara reels in Taggert and assures Jason that Taggert doesn't represent the DA's office.  Taggert and Dara spar briefly, which makes Justus smile.  Taggert turns his attention to Justus and they posture for a bit.  Taggert declares to Justus that "This ain't about you..." and Justus replies "The hell is isn't!" Luke interrupts the duel.

Carly is wheeling Michael in the PC hotel lobby, when the front desk guy says that Edward Q is on the phone.  Carly nuzzles little Michael and says she'll be right back, leaving him parked in the middle of the lobby.  While she's waiting for Edward to answer (she hears only Muzac) she discusses wallpaper color with the clerk.  Deciding that Edward's taking too long, she hangs up the phone and returns to the buggy to find it... empty! Carly finds Michael's empty stroller and begins scrambling around looking for him, screaming his name and yelling for help.  Jason arrives shortly thereafter and commands her to stop the hysterics. "We'll find him!" He demands her to recount the events up to losing the baby.  As she does, he grinds his teeth and groans--it was a set-up!  Someone was watching her, just waiting for the chance to steal the baby. It must have been Moreno or another mob enemy.  Carly wants to call the cops, but Jason says he'll work faster and better on his own. Garcia and Taggert arrive with a few questions.  Carly blurts out that her baby has been stolen and they have no right to detain them!  Garcia questions Carly while Taggert gets in Jason's face, telling him it's his fault the baby was swiped.  The cops and Jason wrangle over the best way to handle things. The police warn Jason, Carl and the hotel staff to keep things quiet and wait for a ransom demand. Tag and Garcia confer, the Qs tried to take the baby once before. Could they be trying once again?  Taggert doesn't think so, in his book, it's one of Morgan's enemies behind the kidnapping. 

Carly gets to thinking about her own Mom at this moment of need. We get a long flashback to the "Bobbie, I'm your daughter"  and another  of Carly, Jason, and Michael in family moments. Perfect timing as Bobbie enters, demanding of the cops "Who took my grandson?"  Okay, who blabbed?  Carly admits that she called Bobbie when she was frantic and needed someone to talk to.  Poor Carly.  If she expected comfort, she was mistaken, cause Bobbie rags on her bigtime.  "What'd you do, Carly?  Go get a facial and leave Michael to fend for himself?" Yeah, Bobbie, like you can give me lessons in mothering.  Mom and daughter fling bitter accusations at each other until Jason gets them both to shut up. When Bobbie storms out, Carly collapses.  Bobbie was right, it was her own fault!  Jason tried to calm and comfort her, keeping a tight rein on his own feelings.  He promises her that he's going to find Michael, no matter what!

Next morning, Carly awakens from a fitful sleep calling for Michael  but there has been no news.  Benny arrives at the penthouse to report that there is no word on the street about the kidnapping.  Moreno is doing business as usual and because there is no loose talk, contact made, or ransom demands, Benny believes the kidnapping is not business.  It's personal.  To Carly that means the Quartermaines! Her plan? Tell Edward she won't press charges and when she gets Michael back - she'll have the cops lock the whole family up!  A reluctant Jason relents after Carly pleads for him to take her to the Q's.

Jason and Carly arrive at the Quartermaines.  Ned, Edward, Alan, Monica, AJ and Keesha are there.  Jason demands that Edward give back Michael.  Everyone appears shocked and the questions begin. When Carly starts yelling at Edward, Bobbie appears again and accuses Carly of putting her baby at risk by not keeping silent about the kidnapping as the police asked. Jason takes responsibility for them being there.  The police have their way of doing things and he has his. Jason turns to Edward and asks in a calm voice that belies the emotion and danger underneath, "I'm asking you nice.  Where is he?"

Everyone looks at Edward. Edward asks how he (or anyone else) is supposed to walk off with a baby surrounded by "an army of pistol packing babysitters?"  Since the can of worms has been opened, Bobby decides the Q's should know all. She recounts the events of the kidnapping, sticking in a few twist of the knife by continuing to accuse Carly of purposely ditching Michael?  Carly explains she only took her eyes off Michael for a second  to take Edward's call! She accuses Edward of setting her up.  He denies it. Ned wants him to come clean if he's responsible.  Edward leaves, with Jason on his heels.  AJ steps up to bat next to taunt Carly.  He wants to know the details on just how she managed to get rid of the baby and condemn her for now turning Jason's life into one crisis after another. Carly says her only problem was underestimating the Quartermaines and demands to know where her baby is. AJ He reiterates once more that if he knew he'd keep him away
from her forever. 

Meanwhile, Edward has grabbed his coat but is met at the front door by Taggart and Garcia. Garcia questions Edward about the "attempted" kidnapping that happened in January, without going into details of the current kidnapping.  Jason listens and watches carefully, his internal lie detector monitoring everything.  Edward drops an expensive vase to the floor explaining that he takes risks on stocks, bonds lands, cash etc.  He could lose it all and still smile but family is something he wouldn't risk. He'd already paid a steep price for what he did by being denied Michael. He'd never put the boy in danger.  I'm not so sure, but Edward passes Jason's internal lie detector test.   He tells Taggart to lay off. Garcia and Taggart are not happy to learn that all of the Q's know about the kidnapping.  Taggart warns them to keep quiet because Michael's life depended on it.  They all agree to cooperate with the police. Taggart tells Jason that his coming to the Q's has only made it worse for Michael prompting Carly to leap to his defense.  The only person to blame is herself.  She berates herself for failing to keep her eye on Michael, helping the kidnappers to walk away with Michael.  Jason tells her not to do this to herself.  The entire Q clan look at Carly like she's an alien although I did notice a touch of sympathy on Monica's face...but it's Edward who takes the tear stained Carly into his arms in a hug and tells her that it is only her despair talking and he has enough hope for the both of them.  (Don't know if he's sincere or playing the angles, but she really needed that hug). Taggart questions Jason about the possibility that this is some sort of mob etaliation.  AJ steps forward to say it must be an act of revenge against Jason and that he should cooperate fully with the police.  Jason lets AJ know that he, AJ, is still suspect as far as he is concerned.

Jason and Carly arrive home. Since they haven't been notified yet, Jason is ruling out money as a cause for the kidnapping.  Carly wonders if the Q's or Moreno  don't have Michael, a light goes off in Carly's head as she uses the word "nutcase".  She suspects Tony Jones.  But Jason has beat her to the punch and warns her not to tip of Tony. He's already moving on it.  Justus arrives to see Jason, when he isn't home they discuss Justus' relationship to Carly.  He says he doesn't hate her, even though they're not friends.  Carly is blaming herself for the kidnapping. Jason comes in.  He's no longer sure it was Tony who did it.  Carly, however, being Carly, goes "out for a walk" and storms into Tony's office. "You bastard!  What have you done with the baby?"  Tony is very "surprised" and calm.  His eyes are practically spinning, though.  Bobbie comes in and stops Carly, she storms out. At the PCPD, Jason is beginning to lose hold of his emotions.  He's so worried about Michael.  Taggart comes by and Justus confronts him. Taggart wants to tap the phone.  He gets intense, if they don't cooperate with the police, "you'll be the one that killed him."
     
Luke arrives at the penthouse and announces that he's there to see Jason, and that he will wait. It's going to be a long wait, since Jason is at Tony's house, pushing his way in with his bodyguards, intent on finding Michael. As the men with Jason burst into the house, fanning out to search for Michael, one grabs Tony, twists his arm behind his back, and barks, "Sit down."  Carly wants Luke out of the penthouse, but he insists on waiting to talk to jason.  Luke neither blames Carly for the kidnapping nor exonerates her of responsibility.  He is firm about one thing, that while he doesn't blame Carly, she should have known better, she should have been more careful. There's another visitor,  Edward.  He has come to see Carly, and asks why Luke is there? He learns that Luke has been told of the kidnapping.  Luke and Edward spar entertainingly, and Luke ditches.  Edward is simultaneously reassuring, the one person who appears supportive of Carly, and yet he is still manipulative, attempting to plant seed of doubt about Jason with Carly.  He invites Carly to move into the Q mansion, an offer she declines, hoping, no doubt, that when Michael is found he can join his momma there. Then we see Carly serving tea to Edward.  Carly tells Edward that the housekeeper is used to running the penthouse without help or interference, prompting Edward to speak of Cook's ruling of the Q roost; he says that Cook should listen to him, since "I pay her wages and I own the house." 
"Wait, I thought Monica owned the house." 
"Good lord, you know more about us that I realized." Edward soothes Carly with talk about family togetherness and assuring her that she is not at fault for Michael's kidnapping.  He pins the blame on jason, a remark that prompts an angry glare from Carly.
       
Jason and Tony are seated on hard-back chairs, very close together, while some of the bodyguards stand by and some search the premises.  Jason leans close to Tony, putting bullets in a small gun, as he talks.  Tony is wild-eyed but curiously subdued.  "You're right, Dr. Jones.  I never liked you."  Jason says that Dr. Jones "taught" him what it meant to be brain-damaged, and that he resented the way Tony acted after the accident, always talking to the Qs as if Jason weren't in the room, treating him like something "broken that you couldn't fix." This segues into another amazing jason monologue about Michael.  "And then Carly met you and fell in love, which frankly I never got, and she got pregnant, and you decided that the kid was yours.  And when Carly said that you weren't the father, you went off like she stole something from you and you wanted it back.  Michael's not an IT.  He's a person." He begins to speak more quickly, his words piling up on each other.  "He doesn't belong to you. You're not his owner. You're not his father. You have no RIGHT (He begins to shout now) to take him from the people who love him."  Long intense pause.  "That would be me and Carly." Then Jason grows quiet again, and more menacing, if that's possible.  "Look at me, "he demands, but Tony stares straight ahead.  A bodyguard places black-gloved hands on the sides of Tony's head and jerks his head around, forcing the doctor to comply.  He hold's Tony's face in position, as Jason says, "Your diagnosis is wrong, Dr. Jones.  I CAN feel. I can hate.  Because I hate you.  Where's Michael?" Tony gets a spooky, goofy grin on his face, but before he can say anything, Taggert and Garcia burst through the door, guns drawn. "Police." Tony wants the police to arrest Jason.

Garcia and Taggert are not as interested as usual in harassing Jason, although they go through the motions of threatening him and reminding him not to interfere in police matters.  Garcia asks Tony to show him through the rest of the house, and with Tony thus occupied, a surprisingly decent Taggert asks Jason if they have found anything.  Seems the police are suspicious of Jones as well, and since they have no evidence to obtain a search warrant, they are using the presence of jason and his thugs to give them an excuse to come in and look around themselves.  Garcia and Tony return, and when they start talking about how long it will take to prosecute jason for bothering Tony. Tony says he wants to be able to leave town soon and so won't press charges. Jason leaves.
       
Carly explains to Edward why blaming Jason for the baby's disappearance won't wash with her.  She brings Edward the "Caroline" keychain Jason gave her for Christmas.  Hands on hips, she launches into an impassioned speech about her fierce loyalty to and trust of Jason.  "That's a key to this penthouse.  Jason gave it to me Christmas last year.  It's the most valuable thing that I own."  Edward turns it over and over in his hand. "See it says right here, it says 'Caroline'?  That's because he knew even way back then who I really was and he never told anyone.  I showed up on his doorstep pregnant with a baby I had been passing off as another man's for months.  I blew a hole through the middle of his life [wonderful line, wonderfully delivered].  But he never once hesitated to help me or to do what I needed. Understand that Jason is the kind of person that people dream their whole lives of having, a friend like that, or having someone like him be the father of their kid.  Michael and I are incredibly lucky.  Nothing you can ever say will ever make me doubt Jason. So if that's why you came here, you should leave."  Edward backs off, but reminds Carly that Jason's business endangers the baby. "You and Michael are not the only people Jason has to keep happy."  He asks her to consider the fact that others in Jason's organization may not be as willing to do whatever it takes, and give up whatever might be given up, to protect Michael.
       
Later, when Justus and Jason enter the penthouse, Reynaldo reports on the comings and goings while Jason was gone.  Carly is out for a walk. Justus wonders why Edward paid a call, and Jason matter-of-factly tells him, while idly flipping through his mail, "Michael.  He's trying to work Carly to get him through her."
"Does Carly realize this?"
"I told her and I'm not sure she believes it." They discuss the cops showing up at Tony's. Jason is frustrated, because he found nothing to indicate Tony had the baby or had stashed him elsewhere.  However, Jason is adamant about one thing, "Tony is lying."  Justus suggests that Jason want to believe that because it makes the kidnapping make sense, and Jason wavers from his usual certainty in his lie-detecting abilities.  Jason asks Justus to talk to Moreno about the truce and see if he detects any clue that Morena has the baby.  Jason worries about the other possibility, that a stranger snatched the baby.  Justus tried to reassure him.  Jason confesses, "You're right, Justus, what you don't know is worse. Justus, I'm not used to being afraid."

Jason is on the phone, talking to Benny.  He says that if he can't verify that Tony has called a babysitting service or something that would show Tony was getting help with the baby, then they need to take people off following Tony and put them on Moreno.  Carly enters, and with a sad note in her voice, says/asks "Michael wasn't with Tony."  Jason tells her he wasn't, but that the evidence points toward a set-up, and since the Qs and Tony do not have the baby, then it points toward the organization, i.e. Moreno.  Carly is afraid.  "You would give anything to get Michael back, right?"  But she's unsure, just a tiny bit, thanks to Edward. Jason's answer is clear. "I would give  my life."

We cut to a shot of a nurse at Mercy Hospital cradling Michael, and talking to someone we don't see, reporting that Michael cried at bedtime last night but is fine now.  She is talking to Dr. Tony Jones. Tony takes the baby, and the nurse leaves.  Tony says, "Hi, Michael," sending chills down the viewer's spine.  He then confides to Michael, in a sick perversion of the scenes of Jason cradling Michael and talking about the future, that he will take him away from Mercy soon, "as soon as it's safe."
     
Carly enters and begins to berate Jason for still conducting business when Michael is still missing. He promised to put every- thing aside to search for the baby!  Why won't he go to Edward, who promised to help in any way?  She rants and raves while Jason tries to hold on to his grip.  Yeah, well, Carly, why don't you go up and take a nap or something? How can she sleep when her baby has been kidnapped?!  They argue, as Carly accuses Jason of not doing enough for or caring enough about baby Michael. "Look," he explodes, "I'm as scared inside as you are!  I'm doing everything I can to find Michael, so why don't yous tay out of my face?!"  "Fine!"  Carly hollers back. "Edward has already offered me a place to stay!  As for Michael, he's already out of your face, isn't he?"   Jason slams out.  Carly runs after him, crying that she's sorry, but the elevator doors have already closed.
   
Jason groans in rage and frustration and begins slamming his fists into the stones of the bridge. Robin pleads with him to stop.  "Whatever it is," she promises, "I'll help you."
"You can't," he tells her.  "Micheal's gone."  Robin wraps his hand in a handkerchief as Jason blames himself for the kidnapping.  The other suspects (Tony, the Qs) have all come up clean.  Whoever took the baby was trying to get back at *him*.  He's worried for Michael, is he being cared for?  Is he scared.? Jason never understood before what it meant to be afraid but now he does, and it's the worst feeling in the world. "You'll find him," Robin assures him.  They embrace.  "Yes," Jason agrees.  "I'll find him and bring him home.  And then I'll find who took him and I'll make them pay."  Robin is pressed to Jason's coat, so she can't see his face turn hard and cold.

Tony holds baby Michael, who's suckin' away at his little pacifier as the nurse gushes over how good he is with the baby.  "I just like kids," Tony tells her.  He says that the baby's mother is having problems with immigration services and the baby just needs a safe place to stay for a while.  He's told that the baby can stay as long as needed.  When he and Michael are alone, Tony murmurs to him like to a co-conspirator, "So far so good, huh?"
     
Edward's is the first face many Port Charles residents see this morning, as he has arranged for a live broadcast from his home of his appeal for information about the kidnapping of his great-grandson. Flashing a suitcase full of money, he announces a $5 million reward and gives out an 800 number for informants to call.  Jason enters the penthouse where he joins Carly in front of the television, watching Edward's performance.  Carly,  "Do you think it will work?" Jason:  "I think it's a disaster."  Carly clutches a stuffed bunny and looks worried. She was concerned when he didn't come home the night before, and he tells her he was out looking for Michael, to no avail. He has been thinking about what she said that night, however, and has decided she was right about his job endangering Michael, an idea from which she backs away in the light of a new day.  Jason tells her she should consider telling everyone that AJ is the father, for Michael's safety. Carly is upset by Jason's change of heart, and argues that it is not going to help Michael to tell AJ he's the father.  She pleads with him not to take what she said in anger to heart. "I was hurt.  I was hurt so bad that I needed to hurt somebody, and you were there, because you are always there.  But when you were gone last night, I started thinking about what I said and how unfair it was."  Jason reminds her that since he took over for Sonny, the people in his life are targets. Carly counters that it might have nothing to do with his business, and Jason assures her that it is her secret to tell, her call to make.
       
Carly says that the penthouse is a good home for Michael, and that she won't let the Qs take him away from Jason. "If it helps Michael to tell the truth, tell the truth," Jason tells her. "The truth is that you are Michael's father in every way that matters.  We are his family, and we are going to get him back, together." Later we see Carly and Jason having a quiet moment over tea.  She says it's time she started thanking Jason, and he answers, "I didnt' do anything I didn't want to."  She wonders how he managed as a single parent when Michael was first born, and he reminders her that he had Leticia and the bodyguards to help.  She ignores his protests, telling him that's not what she meant, but rather that a parent needs "more than an extra hand, you need an extra heart to take over when yours is too full."  She tells him that the night before, "when I was alone" (and although carly doesn't mention it, being alone scares her worse than anything), she thought about how much she felt that she and Michael belong with Jason. Jason says solemnly, "That's what I want."   But he's just not sure it's the best for Michael.   "Jason, you ARE good for Michael. Okay? You are his father.  You're the one who raised him. You're the only one who wanted me to be his mother.  You treat him like your son,not like something you own or something you can hold over my head like a lot of other people I could mention." Jason decides to head to Puerto Rico to check out a "business associate" who has been acting funny, on the off chance that he's the kidnapper. We see Michael in a crib at Mercy, kicking his legs. 

As Tony and Lucas leave the park they see Robin and Nikolas.Tony asks Robin if she can watch Lucas, and leaves.  Tony comes back later.  While Lucas is tugging his hat out of T's pocket, a piece of paper drops out.  Robin calls after Tony, but he doesn't hear her. Robin looks at the paper, which is a receipt for a bassinet and diapers and formula.  Robin figures out that Tony has Michael.

Jason is back from Puerto Rico, but there's no news.  They fret at each other.  He's going to bring in the police.  He doesn't mind jail if Michael comes back.  Jason calls Taggart, who comes over.  He tells them about the handprinting. Taggart leaves. Mike comes in and wants to help. Jason is feeling guilty but Mike gives him a pep talk before going off to church to pray for Michael.  Jason sits, desperate, with a teddy bear. Carly goes to GH to volunter and is given a baby to hold by nurse Melissa. Bobbie sees her and asks, "What are you doing? Where did you get that baby?"  She then calms down and they talk a few minutes. Later at the Penthouse, Carly tells Jason about holding the baby, and how it gave her hope. Robin is hanging out in the park with Nik and runs into Tony and Lucas. Tony asks if she can watch the boy while he runs an errand. She picks up a receipt that Tony has dropped, it is for formula, bottles and a bassinett and the knowledge of who has Michael dawns on her. Meanwhile, Tony has taken Michael to his cabin.

#8B  Carly wakes up from a nap and tells Jason that she was dreaming about Michael. She asks Jason if he dreams about Michael, and Jason says that he does. Carly muses about how those dreams could be messengers and that maybe it's Michael's way of telling them that he's okay.  Jason says that they're probably dreaming about him because they want to see him. Carly responds,  "It must be so bleak living inside your head.  You don't ever lie to yourself or make up things to make it okay, to pretend it's going to get better?" Jason says that he can't make things up, and that he can only try to do something about it... only he doesn't know what he can do anymore. They discuss how unfortunate it is that they don't even have a picture of Michael to circulate in the community, because someone might have seen the baby and not realized that it was him.  Their conversation segues briefly into how Carly is worried that she'll eventually not be able to recognize him, just as Bobbie couldn't recognize her.  Jason decides to call Taggert and have him arrange to have a sketch artist come over. Taggert arrives with the artist and Dara. They have a brief conversation about how, for now, Dara and Taggert will ignore the fact that Jason's a racketeer and concentrate on the kidnapping. Jason describes Michael to the sketch artist.When the sketch is finished, Jason asks Carly to look at it, to see if it's a good likeness, because it seems that Jason is unable to read or draw maps and drawings of that nature are just meaningless lines on a page to him. Carly adds a few finishing touches and pronounces the sketch good. Jason gets a call from Benny informing him that  Marino's "made his move", he says cryptically.  Maybe he has Michael.

Robin wagers that she knows Tony well enough to rescue Michael without incident. Robin, armed with Tony's receipt for assorted baby items, appears at the door to confront Tony with the information and talk him into giving himself up. Tony asks if she's told Jason that he kidnapped Michael.  She says no;  she wanted to come to him first.  Perhaps if Tony gives himself up, she adds, he could get out of going to jail. Tony reiterates his reasons for taking Michael and adds that Robin should know how dangerous Jason's occupation is.  He also points out that Jason's incapable of forming a bond with anyone.  Robin, of course, disagrees with Tony's last statement.  Tony says that he was his doctor, and that Jason's emotional base was destroyed in the accident. "Are you saying that Jason can't love Michael?"  Robin asks.  "He can't,"  Tony replies.  Robin disagrees and says that Jason loves Michael. When Tony asks if Robin thinks that living in a bullet-proof mobster's penthouse, surrounded by guards is a healthy environment, Robin responds by saying that she was raised around guns and guards.  And while Tony agrees that Robin turned out well, he wouldn't wish her childhood on anyone... and besides, he adds, Carly's a pathological liar and Jason is amoral.  Robin counters with the fact that Jason, at least, doesn't try to justify what he knows is wrong... unlike Tony, who kidnapped a child.  "I saved a life,"  Tony says, and goes on to describe how, for months, he watched Michael grow inside of Carly and then watched him get taken away and put into 'that war zone'.  He had to act.  Robin says that she understands that Tony had the best intentions, but that Michael is not Tony's child and that she cannot leave him here with him.  "I know..."  Tony says. When Robin attempts to leave with Michael, Tony says he'll have to lock her in Michael's room.  And then, when he and the baby leave, he'll call the police anonymously and have them rescue her.  "You're going to keep me prisoner?"  a shocked Robin asks. She tries to talk him out of it.  Tony tells her not to worry, that he'll get her everything she needs, and then he leaves her locked in the room. Robin admits to Michael that she made a big mistake.

Jason and Justus confer, Moreno has grabbed up some of Jason's turf.  Maybe that means that Moreno has also grabbed Michael.  Far better to deal with a known enemy than a random kidnapper.  Carly comes in and once again is ticked off that it's "business as usual". Justus leaves with instructions to feel Moreno out.  Carly apologizes for her outburst.  He assures her that he will do "whatever is neccessary" to bring the baby home, and makes it sound like enough of a threat to leave Carly momentarily speechles.

Brenda returns home and is worried not to find Robin who was supposed to be there. Keesha calls and reports that Robin never showed for their breakfast date. Brenda becomes alarmed. She immediately jumps to the conclusion that something is wrong and it must have something to do with Jason.  "They took Robin because of him!" she cries.  See, she knows this because of the life she lived with Sonny.  She knows how these people operate.  Jax tries to calm her, promising her he will get "his people" onto the situation.

Robin coughs while she pulls a blanket over baby Michael.  She soothes the baby and assures him (and herself) that everything will be all right.  A smiling Tony enters and inquires, behaving like the host of a bed and breakfast, if everything is all right.  No, everything is not fine, Robin answers--she's scared. Not just because she can't believe that someone she's known and trusted could do this to her and to an innocent child. Tony leaves and returns chipper as can be because he discovered a bottle of aspirin.  Robin knocks it from his hand. She doesn't have a headache!  She has the virus for AIDS and her life is at stake!  How can he, as a doctor, justify his behavior.  Tony looks sad and says he's sorry, but he's doing this for Michael's sake. "He's not even yours," Robin tells him. Tony promises to try to get her medecine and leaves her lockedup with the baby.

Carly enters and she and Bobbie have a nice heart-to-heart. Bobbie is sympathetic and Carly admits that she is hopeful about getting Michael back.  Along comes Dr. Tony offering phony-@ss sympathy about the baby.  Carly turns cold, and then gets even colder when Bobbie starts chatting with him about plans for his birthday party that evening.  Carly lambasts them for going on about some stupid party when her baby is missing!  Bobbie tries to explain while Carly huffs off and Dr. Tony smirks. Carly checks in by phone with the police for word on Michael. No news.  She shares that with Bobbie but then gets angry at Bobbie because she's planning a birthday party for Tony.  When Bobbie tries to explain that she's only trying to keep things safe and normal for Lucas, Carly lashes out accusing Bobbie of maliciously reminding her that Michael disappeared while in her care. Later, after Carly finishes helping out in pediatrics, Bobbie tries a little damage control. She finally tells Carly that she knows she loves Michael and that she wouldn't knowingly put him in jeopardy.  Carly apologizes for going off earlier and Bobbie accepts but here comes kookie Tony who gets in a couple of barbs at Carly.  Carly angrily bounces off.  Tony tries to get out of his little birthday bash with Bobbie and Lucas but she won't hear of it.

Brenda barges into Jason's place, demanding "Where's Robin?"Back at the cabin, Robin sings the baby a lullaby, then tries to soothe him, clutching a blanket around herself. Tony sneaks into Brenda's (to get Robin's meds) house while V is upstairs. She hears a noise and comes down but Tony hides in closet.  When she goes back upstairs he makes his getaway without Robin's medication. Jason wants details from Brenda about Robin. Where was she supposed to be? Was there a note? Where was her car? What about her pills? Brenda answers all of his questions.  Jason gets on the phone to Benny only to learn that there were no guards on Robin OR Brenda.  He yells at Benny to start looking for Robing right away.  Brenda is surprised and angry to learn the guards were on her even though she told him she didn't want them and tells him that if anything happens to Robin it's all his fault. Brenda goes off on Jason.  She has it all figured out. Robin was kidnapped because Jason wants to play mobster.  And of course she wastes time by bringing up her relationship with Sonny and gets in her share of I told you so. Jason yells for her to be quiet - they can save Robin if they work together.   But Brenda is too wound up to shut up so Jason wants her to leave.  Brenda: Oh now you want me to leave because you don't want to be reminded of the fact that I told you that this was going to happen and you didn't listen.

Jason tries once again to explain it so she'll understand. He and Robin have broken up but he's not going to say he doesn't love her because that would be a lie.  Brenda vows to make him pay if anything happens to Robin. Jason wants her gone, NOW.  He tries to escort her out, she screams at him to let her go.  Jax arrives and hears Brenda's screams but the guard won't let him through until Jason gives the word.  Jax rushes in like he's on a mission as Jason stares him down and tells them he doesn't have time for either of them. Jax and Brenda say they'll get Robin back, they'll deal with Moreno.  Jason asks for 24 hours to find Robin without interference. If it's Moreno's he's the only one whole can do it.  Jax says no since he's responsible for bringing Robin back to town in the first place.  Brenda suddenly becomes the voice of reason and tells Jax that Jason is Robin's best hope. Jax informs Jason that he will be telling Mac that Robin is missing. Brenda asks Jason to prove that Robin's trust in him was warranted by, finding her. Carly comes homes and realizes immediately that Jason is upset.  He tells her that Robin has disappeared, he's moving on Moreno tonight and he wants her to stay put so she'll be safe. She promises to stay put  but reminds him how important he is to her and Michael.  Jason promises to be careful.  After Jason leaves she flashes back to when she told Michael that Jason was the best friend that she has ever had. Jax and Brenda break in on the birthday festivities at the brownstone for Tony, to tell Mac that Robin has been kidnapped! Robin grows sicker but she talks reassuringly to Michael still ever hopeful that Tony will come to his senses  or that Jason will find them.

AJ, at the hospital, spies Carly and sits next to her.  He tells her he's sorry about Michael and that he understands now how a parent wouldn't want to lose a child.  Carly says "Whoever did this should die a slow and painful death ant then burn in Hell."  Tony comes into the closet with food for Robin.  He wants her to eat and have a couple more aspiring.  He babbles, but you can tell he is not entirely Compos Mentos. AJ tells Carly he's helping with the search.  She asks if he would still try to take the baby from her, and he says he understands better.  Carly is thinking about telling him.  She thinks him for being nice. Robin tells Tony he has to give himself up.  She keeps trying to convince him that she's really sick.  "You can't keep me here like this any longer." Tony gets flustered. His well-laid plan had started to go wrong. Robin, "Are you hearing how crazy that sounds?"  Tony, "Who would have thought you were going to be sick?  I am not a bad person! I am a doctor, Robin!" He plans to get antibiotics and then move his schedule up.  He locks her in.  "Tony, please!" she weakly protests. Tony comes by the hospital desk for the prescription, snaps at Amy and blows Alan  off.  On the way back to the cabin, he gets a flat tire.

Bobbie arrives at the penthouse, she has come by to ask a favor of Jason, who isn't home. It has something to do with LUke and Lucky.  Carly is irritated that Bobbie would want to burden Jason with other people's problems when he is having so many of his own, now that not only Michael but also Robin has been snatched.  Robin's disappearance is news to Bobbie, and many ratsa-farians commented on this continuity glitch, since Brenda had interrupted Tony's birthday party to tell Mac the news.  Taggert comes to the penthouse to take the tap off Jason's phone, upsetting Carly in the process.

Jason questions Brenda about the last morning she saw Robin and has her go over in detail everything Robin said. Something Brenda says clues him that she might have gone to talk to Nikolas. Jason heads to Wyndemere and asks Nik to tell him everything he recalls about the last time he saw Robin as no one has seen her since. He goes over their meeting in the park, then as an afterthought mentions running into Tony and Lucas. That is the break Jason needs and carefully asks Nik to tell him in detail what happened. He says that Tony dropped a receipt and after picking it up that Robin had said she realized she could do something to help Jason. He realizes that Robin must have figured out that Tony has Robin and heads out.

Jason he slips in quietly to Tony's cabin.  Tony is not there because he had a flat tire on his way back to the cabin.  Jason searches the cabin, calling Robin's name, and kicks in the door to the back room when he hears Robin call out weakly.  He goes to Robin first and states the obvious,  "You're sick." 
"I'm better now," Robin answers. She points weakly to Michael's basinette.  Jason rushes to the baby, picks him up, says a Hail Mary prayer, concludes with Thank You. Jason goes back to Robin's side, giving her the medicine Tony left and water.  "Your lips are blue, you aren't getting enough oxygen," he tells her reminding us of old Jason's pre-med past.  Robin says, "Tony says it's pneumonia.  Not THAT kind of pneumonia." [that is, not aids-related]
     
Tony comes through the front door of the cabin.  Jason comes to door o the back room, and Tony is not happy to see him.  "You got the girl last time.  You got the girl this time.  But I'm gonna leave first.  And I'm taking Michael with me." Tony has a gun and is trying to force Jason into the other room, where he wants to lock up Jason and Robin while he escapes with Michael.  He wants to rescue Michael, rather than let him become "another wasted life on the dung heap like you and me and Carly and BJ.  He's not wasted yet.  He hasn't heard one lie."
"He's not your son, Mr. Jones."
"Doesn't matter.  God gave me Michael to make up for the child I lost."  Jason tells Tony it is hard to kill someone, that "you have to make sure the first shot counts, 'coz you won't get another one."  There's a scuffle for the gun, Jason gets the upper hand, and is about to smash into Tony's head when Robin appears at the doorway and asks  "Jason, stop." Jason has the gun poised as  Robin pleads for Tony's life,  "He can't hurt you or Michael any more."  Jason disagrees, saying, "He'll try again." 
"Tell him you won't, Tony," Robin begs, but Tony does not speak.  Robin collapses, and Jason hurries to her side.

In the car, Jason is stroking Robin's face and assuring her he's taking her to the hospital.  The goon squad is inside now-- Rinaldo is to take Michael to the car, the other guard is to stay with Dr. Jones until the police arrive.  Jason's parting shot to Jones, the chilling "What do you think your chances are of living one moment longer than she does?" Jason is on the car phone letting Taggert know what has happened.   A clearly very ill Robin and the baby are in the seat beside him.  He hangs up, Robin says weakly, "I'm sorry."

Back at the penthouse, Carly is still worrying about her son, not aware he's been rescued.  She fears she'll forget what he looks like.  bobbie begins to recite from memory all the little details she can remember from her brief moment with Baby Carly.  Bobbie tells Carly all mothers are that observant, without being aware of it.  And then she cleverly leads Carly to realize she's "memorized" Michael, by asking her some questions. When he falls asleep for a nap, which should does he prefer to be against? This one, Carly answers, pointing.  When he's fresh from the bath and you're drying him off, which way does his hair fall?  To this side, Carly indicates.  And when he's angry or sad, where does his face get red? Carly tearfully points to her own cheeks and her chin.  Carly realizes she DOES remember her baby, vividly. As Bobbie turns to go, the phone rings, and Carly signals for her to stay.  it's jason.  we hear only carly's side of the conversation, a single "Oh, my God," before she drops the phone on the floor and beigns to cry.  Bobbie is alarmed.  "my baby, they found my baby."  And then Carly throws herself into Bobbie's arms and sobs on her shoulder, "Oh, Momma, he's alive." Bobbie is at first uncomfortable, but then gives herself up to the embrace. She hugs her daughter tightly relief on her face, both for her grandson's safety and for finally connecting even for a moment with her daughter.   "My son is safe," Carly whispers tearfully.  Justus enters and offers to drive them to the hospital.  Carly wonders who was responsible for the kidnapping.  Justus sidesteps answering by telling them that Jason will explain everything to them.

Jason bursts into the ER with Robin in his arms.  Dr. Joe Scanlon takes over and Robin is wheeled away on a gurney. Later, she is in a private room with Jason by her side.  She tells him she always knew he would come and rescue her and Michael. Brenda and Jax enter, and when the dr. tells them that too many are in the room, Brenda tells Jason he should leave. In the vestibule Jason tells the baby that he will always protect him.  The Qs hurry in and Ed demands to see the baby.  Amidst great hubbub, Em chekcs the baby and Jason holds him up so that all can see the he is fine.  Carly comes in and tearfully embraces her baby.  Mac and Felicia hurry in to see Robin.  Mac wants to know who kidnapped her. Robin admits it was Tony who kept her prisoner. "Our Tony?" Felicia is amazed.

Carly insists that Jason tell her who took the baby--and at that moment should enter but the villian himself.  Carly flies at him, "You bastard!"  Jason restrains her while Bobbie looks on in disbelief.  Carly's distraught, she doesn't know what she's saying. Taggert urges the Doc to fess up to his extracurricular activities. Tony remains almost detached as everybody takes a turn telling him what a worm he is.  He insists that what he did was for Michael's sake and that Jason and Carly are not fit parents.  Carly flings back that Tony is an impotent old man and lays into the Qs for good measure.  Jason insists they get the baby home. "Bobbie, you understand, don't you?" Tony pleads.  After all, look at what you were willing to do when you thought you might lose Lucas.  Bobbie delivers him a stinging slap in the face. Bobbie can't believe that she was married to him, had children with him.  While he was so basy thinking of Michael, did he spare a thought for Lucas? What is his own son going through now, knowing that his father is a kidnapper and likely to spend the rest of his life in prison?  Bobbie is sickened by him.  The Qs and Bobbie leave, and Taggert muses on the possibility of Tony and Jason sharing a prison cell.

In Robin's room, Felicia is still flummoxed that Tony was the kidnapper.  Mac would like to get his hands on Dr. Tony.  Only Robin and Filly seem to think that Tony snapped. Jason and Carly spend some quiet time with the baby, and Jason promises Michael that he will never be separated from him again. At the penthouse, Carly walks in and overhears Jason asking for Robin's room number at the hospital.  They talk about the kidnapping and the aftermath, and how they both hate Tony.  Jason says he's going to the hospital.  Carly asks if he's visiting Robin, and he says no.  Carly thinks that's a good idea and Jason agrees. Later, Jason asks Monica about Robin and they talk briefly about Micheal.  After Jason leaves, Bobbie tells Monica about how Carly called her "momma".  This scene was intercut with Carly telling Jason (back at the penthouse) that she had called Bobbie "Momma".  Carly asks about Marino.  Jason doesn't think he'll try anything for a while. He picks up Michael and says,  "Right now, nothing could take away what we have." 

At Wyndham's, Carly is trying on makeup and Edward comes up and gives her advice.  He asks about Michael and suggests that someday Jason might leave her in the lurch and she'd do well to feather her nest in case. He's hoping she will avert the strike. After he's left, Carly decides to buy all the makeup even though it's pricy.  Edward tells Ned the strike won't happen. At the penthouse, Jason is making arrangements with Benny.  He tells him not to serve the strike notice until he says so.  Jason says he'll speak to ELQ tonight.  Carly walks in, asks Jason about her hair, and complains that she has no appropriate jewelry for the occasion (it is a fancy reception, press conference on the waterfron). Later, Benny arrives with a new diamond necklace and earrings for Carly.  She gushes over them as Jason approves.

At Pier 52, we see that action from a reporter's point of view.  She announces the incoming local celebrities and interviews Edward. When asked about the strike, Edward is about to launch into an anti-union speech when Ned intercepts the microphone and says something more diplomatic.  Carly and Jason arrive amid reporters' questions about the possible union strike.  Jason replies,  "Why are you asking me?" and offers no comment.  Carly congratulates Jason for 'handling' the press. Ned discusses a compromise with Jason regarding the unions. Jason says that Edward and Jax won't do it. Carly leaves them and talks to Brenda.  Carly:  Nice dress  Brenda:  Nice jewelry.   Brenda goes on to say that it's sad that Michael has to grow up in that penthouse surrounded by guards.  Carly replies,  "Feel sorry for yourself Brenda, I'm sure that won't be much of a stretch." and walks away. Jax walks over and says he needs to talk to Jason and that Brenda can skip that part of the date.  Brenda says she can handle it.  "He's nothing to me,"  she says.  "Can't wait 'til the day when he's nothing to any of us."  Jax replies.

Carly whispers to Jason and leaves.  Carly runs into Monica in the crowd and they rehash the argument about whether or not Monica can be with her grandson. Ned starts the proceedings, then turns over the podium to Edward and Jax to sign the documents.  Edward hands the pen to Jax.  Jax is now alone at the podium. We see the world through the sniper's sights, first Jax, then Jason, then back to Jax. Brenda spots the gun and pushes Jax out of the way as the gun goes off. Jax's assassination was foiled when Brenda pushed him out of harms way and sustained a flesh wound.  Mac and Felicia had fought with the shooter and he fell to his death.  Carly defended Jason against Edward’s accusations that Jason had ordered the hit on Jax. In an effort to spite Edward, Carly ordered Benny to commence the strike. Jason yelled at Carly for interfering in his business because the immediacy of the strike made him look guiltier in the eyes of the police. Jason, however, took some relief in the fact that Carly finally understood how ruthless Edward truly was.

Jason is being questioned at the police department by Garcia and Taggart when Carly comes in protecting her territory (Jason), loudly.  Garcia and Taggart picked Jason up from the airport after he tried to skip town or so they think.  Carly informs them that it was she who was leaving town to settle her mom's things, if they had only bothered to follow them inside the airport. Carly, as Jason's "mouthpiece" demands he be released and she's not leaving without him. Well she does leave but with the warning, "I'll be back!"

Dara knows that Taggert had no call to haul Jason down there and she wants to makes things a bit more comfortable before Justus gets there.  Taggart just wants to get Jason talking since he's not "right" in the brain. Taggart believes that once he starts talking he'll incriminate himself. Jason pulls Carly aside and asks her to go the hospital to see Robin.  Carly isn't thrilled but she puts on a happy face, for him she'll do anything.  Carly arrives at Robin's hospital room and tells her that Jason sent her. Does she need anything? Robin was just making sure Jason was ok (after the shooting). Carly  jumps on Robin really quick assuming that Robin believed Jason had something to do with the shooting.  Looks like she's "trying" to restrain herself, but after inquiring about Robin's health, Carly wants to know why Robin didn't call the police or Jason once she realized Tony had Michael. She says somewhat sarcastically if she thought she was just going to waltz in there and ask Tony nicely to give Michael back and he would just do it? 

She instantly apologizes, knowing she should be thanking her and then tries to make a graceful exit.  Robin stops her, she has a message for Jason that everything Carly said about her was true.  She has come to realize that she could have spared everyone hours of hell if she had only called Jason.  She didn't call Jason because she was afraid of what he might do to get Michael back.  Carly hopes she now knows that she is not Jason's mother, or his guardian angel. Robin lets Carly know that she won't sit by and let Jason get hurt. That's just a lesson she will never learn.  As Carly exits Robin's room she runs into Bobbie.  It's the first time they've seen each other since the "mama" episode and it's a little awkward.  Carly explains that she was very emotional and she doesn't want Bobbie to take things she said the wrong way. They agree to forget about it but they both clearly have mixed emotions.

Jason and Taggart are now in the same cell. Taggart finally gets Jason one on one and he wants to deal.  He wants the name of a dirty union official or else he'll be hassling every body until he finds something, then he changes tactics.  Taggart wants to know what Jason will give him to go work for him. Taggart suggests he could be a dirty cop - he'd go on Jason's payroll and give him advance warning when stuff is going down and of course it would mean that Jason had something on him.  Jason ain't buying it, besides trust is a whole lot cheaper. They're speaking softly but these are high stakes. Taggart knows Jason wants everything to run smoothly now that he's a father and as for himself, well, his needs are simple. Garcia arrives and breaks it up just as it's getting good. Jason wonders aloud why Taggart's pockets weren't emptied like all the other prisoners.  Taggart pulls out a tape recorder as Jason looks on knowingly (not quite as stupid as Taggart thinks).   Jason is free to go, NOT Taggart.  Jason walks out of the cells, turns slowly and winks at Taggart. He has just a hint of a smile on his face.
   
Carly is back at the station. She passes on Robin's apology. Carly still wants to go to Florida and when Jason realizes that he needs to put distance between himself and the strike, he tells Justus that he's going to Florida with Carly. Justus thanks Dara for expediting Jason's release and for sitting on a rouge cop who is out of control. In Florida, Jason and Carly talk about Virginia.  Carly comments, originally: "You don't know what you've got until it's gone."  Carly talks about her father leaving, and about how much her mother loved her and how awful Carly was to her.  "I killed my mother."  Jason says it's not true, it's like thinking she was responsible for Michael being sick. Carly worries that she'll fight with Michael.  Jason has the answer, "Don't." She will lose patience, she says, but Michael will look up to Jason. Jason gets a peculiar look on his face and verbalizes the fear of all parents: he doesn't want to tell Michael what to do, but he doesn't want Michael to be hurt, either.  Carly and Jason are at a Florida cemetery, before a headstone that reads simply "Virginia Benson."  Jason asks if he should have added something more, like a date or a prayer.  Carly has a hilariously sad comeback, saying her momma said ladies never tell their age, hence no dates please, and that she didn't recall her having a favorite prayer, "Unless you count 'My God, Caroline, what have you done?'" 

Carly decides she'd like to add something about Virginia being her mom and Michael's grandma, and Jason says "so let it be written, so let it be done."  Carly is touched by the way he always does that, takes care of everything for her, damn the cost or inconvenience. She's glad her mom is near the ocean.  "Did I ever tell you my mom used to say that a day at the beach took all her troubles away?"
"That's why I chose it," Jason answers simply. This pleases Carly.  He offers to take a walk with Michael so she can have time alone with her momma, and they talk about death and the possibility of an afterlife. Jason feels that "the part of you that loves, the soul, I guess," never ends,    She suggests he tell Michael that some day, and he says, "That's why I take him to church." 

Carly talks to Virginia's headstone.  She apologizes for not thanking her momma for all that Virginia did.  She apologizes for thinking that Bobbie could love her better than Virginia did. "Why couldn't I see that the mother I always dreamed of was the mother I already had?"  She tells her mother that she loves her, and should have said so more often.  She claims to have grown up, and promises not to chase fantasies any more.  Her life is good now, not picture-perfect, but a life that works for her and for Michael; she's learned to hang on to the good stuff and to be grateful for it.  She tells her mother she is finally happy and hopes her mom is happy for her, too. Jason returns at this point, and tells her it's time to go.  "You're a good father, Jason.  When I found out that I was adopted, all I could think about was the fact that I had this real mother out there somewhere. But Virginia Benson WAS my real mother, just like you're Michael's real father.  Biology doesn't make a family; love does.  Remember that, okay?" He tells her they can stay in Florida for the night, if she wants to come back the next morning.  She says no, and he puts his arm around her  as she looks sadly back at her mother's grave and they walk away.
         
Carly and Jason back from Florida already, and they are in the penthouse with Michael.  Talking about how well the strike is going, Carly concludes, "Then I did the right thing." (giving the strike order in his name]. He says that isn't true, that she just got lucky.  He apologizes for being so rough on her about it initially, and says he's sorry he yelled.  But he tells her that in his business, things can't happen by accident, and that she and Michael are safe because they stay out of his business.  They get ready to put Michael to bed, and he says it's his night to have the baby monitor, reminding us that they sleep apart.

Later, Carly in a black gown and robe slips purposely down the stairs and into Jason's room.  Once she sees a sleeping Jason, she hesitates, then slips off her gown and slides into bed beside him. Kisses his chest, then begins to kiss him on the lips.  He groggily responds a bit.  Awakening, he pushes her away.  What, is she crazy?  Carly tells him that she wants to be with him. "Be with me?  You mean have sex? "  She answers that they are so close now why not take it to the next level?  Jason gives her a steady stare and flatly tells her no. He doesn't want to mess up their friendship. He knows how she treats her bedmates.  They were different, Carly answers. Besides, doesn't he remember how good they were together?  Yeah, at the beginning-when all they had going was anonymous sex.  But the more they got to know each other, the more they fought. Oh, cut the bull, Carly spouts.  The only reason he won't sleep with her is that he's still in love with Robin. He admits that he still does love Robin, but that has nothing to do with his decision about Carly.  Carly pretty much tells him that it's fine with her if Robin has his heart. Jason tells her that she's his friend and that she and Michael have made his house a home.  He wants them to stay together the way they are forever.  Carly puts on a brave face and apologizes for stepping over the line but as she leaves, she blinks away tears of hurt and humiliation.

Dara thanks Jason profusely for his deposition against Tony.  Ned tries to convince Jason to stop the strike, Jason again says no, not until he gets what he wants, and Ned says yeah, okay.  Nik runs into Jason and thanks Jason for saving his life and Jason says that Luke helped too.  Robin comes out after Nik leaves and talks to Jason, just chit chat. She invites him to stay but he claims prior commitments.

At the PC Grille, Jason and Carly are laughing at the poor state of affairs at the hotel since the strike.  If Edward doesn't give in, they say, they'll shut down the whole city.  They discuss the trial and Tony's weak defense.  Carly's sure Tony'll be making license plates for a long time, but Jason says that law is a business, and no outcome is pre-ordained. Jason and Carly rehash the trial and Carly hopes Robin's testimony'll put Tony away. Robin takes the stand, and Dara asks the judge to regard Robin as a hostile witness, bringing looks of surprise from those in the courtroom. Dara tries to get Robin to admit that Tony held her captive for several days. Robin excuses that he did come back to check on her and that she was never in any danger (not true considering how ill she was and not having access to her HIV meds). Dara wanted to know if Tony knew that what he was doing was wrong? Robin testifies that Tony wasn't thinking straight and didn't mean to hurt anyon (she continues talking over Dara's objections) and that he tried to 'save' Michael because he had lost BJ. The courtroom reacts, and the judge calls for order. Carly is shocked at Robin's support of Tony.

The End