Dante & Lulu #3  January 11 - March 18, 2010 - 8 hour original edit

DVD #3A  Sonny was on the phone with Dominic when Olivia entered Sonny's office. She heard his side of the conversation and learned that Dominic had saved Lulu from an explosion.

Lucky was grateful to Dominic for saving Lulu. Dominic was very modest, but Lulu told him that he was a hero and he should get used to it. Jason left to go after Franco, but Lucky stopped him and said that it was Lucky's job. Lucky told Jason that Jason could go with him, but Lucky intended to put Franco in jail, not in the ground. Johnny arrived on the scene and Olivia and Sonny quickly followed. As Lulu assured everyone that she was unharmed, one of the firemen announced that the charred body of a woman had been found. Johnny uttered the word, "Claudia." Both Dominic and Sonny looked thoughtful.

Back at the studio, Franco packed a small bag and put a DVD in a mailing envelope. After a final look around at walls he had spray-painted with the tagger sign, "CO77X," he turned off the lights and left. As Franco walked down a set of outside stairs, a huge explosion took place in the building next to those stairs.

Jason and Lucky pulled up in front of the studio. Lucky told Jason to stay in the car, but Jason jumped out and stopped Lucky from opening the door. He told Lucky that Franco expected Jason back and had probably set a trap. Jason told Lucky that Franco had said that for every person that Jason had killed, he would kill another.

1/12 Dante paid Ronnie a visit in the hospital. Dante explained that he had been scouring Franco's police files in an effort to figure out where Franco had taken Lulu. Dante had discovered that during Franco's arrest for tagging, there had been a book of photography that had been taken into evidence. There had been a note in the margin on one of the pages that had read, "C077X." Dante was certain that if he had seen it, he would have linked Franco to the Tribeca murder. Dante accused Ronnie of sabotaging the investigation, in order to protect Franco.

Ronnie admitted that he had helped Franco because Franco had taken the fall for Ronnie after Ronnie had foolishly robbed a liquor store. Ronnie felt that he had owed it to Franco. Dante couldn't believe that Ronnie had given Franco a free pass on homicide. Ronnie clarified that he hadn't known about the murder. A moment later, Ronnie admitted that perhaps he hadn't wanted to know. Ronnie explained that Franco was the reason that Ronnie had been riding Dante so hard about Sonny. Ronnie didn't want Dante to lose his objectivity because it might lead him to compromise himself.

At Crimson, Lulu berated a hotel clerk because he had not delivered an envelope that had arrived three days earlier. Carly stepped off of the elevator and then approached Lulu. After Carly dismissed the clerk, she reminded Lulu that no one had died in the explosion. Carly assured Lulu that Lulu was safe. Lulu insisted that she wasn't having a problem dealing with what had happened to her, but Carly didn't believe her. Carly pointed out that Lulu had been snapping at everyone, including the parking attendant, all morning.

Carly suggested that Lulu needed time to process her brush with death. Lulu insisted that Carly was just being a drama queen, but Carly refused to be brushed off. Carly knew what it was like to feel powerless; she had felt that way with Claudia at the cabin. Lulu quietly confessed that as she had watched the detonator count down to zero, she had stepped out of her body. Lulu recalled thinking in those final seconds that all she wanted was an opportunity to tell her parents that she loved them.

Dominic had arrived moments later to save her. Lulu hated that she had given Dominic such a hard time about his assignment. Carly was curious what assignment Lulu was referring to. Lulu covered the slip by insisting that it didn't really matter. Lulu's point was that Dominic was always there for her when she needed him.

Later, Lulu stood before the ruins of the warehouse where she had been held captive. Dante spotted her as he approached. He admitted that he was surprised to see her there. As Dante drew closer to her, he noticed that she was shivering. Lulu confessed that it was because she realized that she would be dead if it hadn't been for him. Dante admitted that he was also haunted by what had happened. He thought that the last thing he would experience was the feeling of holding Lulu's hand as they tried to flee.

Dante revealed that he had nightmares about not being able to save her. He suspected that they would stay with him for some time. Lulu's eyes filled with tears as she realized that he truly understood what she was going through. Dante admitted that seeing her had made him realize that what mattered to him was that they had made it out alive. Lulu stepped forward and then kissed Dante.

As Michael and Kristina screamed at each other, Dominic entered the restaurant. Dominic was disgusted by the way Michael was treating Kristina; he ordered Michael to never yell at a girl like that. Michael backed down, but he continued to seethe with anger. After Kristina marched out, Michael warned Dominic to remember his place. Michael claimed that Dominic was an outsider who had no business sticking his nose in Corinthos family matters.

1/13 At Pozzulo's, Dominic reprimanded Michael for mistreating Kristina. Dominic realized that Michael tended to get away with murder, but he didn't think that Sonny would have approved of how Michael had behaved toward Kristina. Michael shot back that he knew that Dominic had grown up without a father, so Dominic couldn't possibly understand the relationship between Michael and Sonny. Dominic ignored the insult.

Dominic understood Michael's desire to be like Sonny; he freely admitted that Sonny had a lot of good qualities. However, Dominic suggested that Michael should find someone else's footsteps to follow in. Dominic didn't think that Sonny would want Michael to take the same path that Sonny had. Michael feigned surprise and then promised to make sure that Sonny knew that Dominic had such a low opinion of his boss.

Dominic encouraged Michael to tell Sonny what they had discussed. He added that Michael should also include the part about how Michael had yelled at Kristina. Michael was curious what Dominic would do if Michael chose not to tell Sonny about his argument with Kristina. Michael was confident that Sonny would believe his son over the "hired help."

At the morgue, Dante tried to get confirmation that Claudia's body had been found. Dante was frustrated when he was told that it was classified information. Johnny arrived moments later. Dante confessed that he had tried to find out if the police had identified the body. Johnny responded, "Save it, Detective Falconari." Dante's eyes rounded, but he recovered quickly.

Dante pulled Johnny into a private room and then demanded to know how Johnny had discovered Dante's true identity. Johnny admitted that he had overheard Dante and Lulu talking. Dante was curious what Johnny intended to do with the information. Johnny wasn't interested in exposing Dante to Sonny; he wanted Dante to continue with his plans to take down Sonny. Dante was hopeful that Claudia's autopsy would provide him with the means. Johnny didn't find any comfort in the knowledge that his sister seemed to be of more use dead than alive.

Later, Dante was surprised to see Johnny sitting at a table in Pozzulo's. Johnny warned Dante not to mistake their relationship for friendship merely because they had the same agenda. Before Dante could respond, Spinelli entered the restaurant and was looking for Jason. Spinelli had been monitoring the Port Charles Police Department's mainframe. The preliminary autopsy report confirmed that the body found in the warehouse was indeed Claudia. Spinelli revealed that she had died from blunt force trauma to the head.

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

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

Shortly after Sam and Lucky left, Maxie arrived at Crimson. Maxie dropped an expensive purse on Lulu's desk. Lulu recognized Maxie's favorite handbag; she was curious why Maxie was giving it to her. Maxie confessed that she felt guilty because Franco had kidnapped Lulu when he hadn't found Maxie at work.

Lucky returned to Crimson to check on Lulu. He apologized for his earlier outburst with Sam. Lucky confessed that he had unloaded on Jason, but the situation with Sam and Lulu was only part of the reason. Lucky reminded Lulu of the months that she had known the truth about Jake, but hadn't told Lucky because she had been worried that he would relapse. Lucky was curious if Lulu was hiding anything else because of the same fear. Lulu found the question odd, but she assured him that she wasn't keeping any secrets from him.

Lucky wondered if Lulu knew that Nikolas was in love with Elizabeth. Lulu was stunned by the news. She was curious where he had gotten the idea that Nikolas loved Elizabeth. Lucky revealed that he had overheard Nikolas confess his feelings to Elizabeth. Lucky admitted that he felt betrayed. Lulu insisted that it didn't make sense. According to Lulu, Nikolas didn't have a prayer with Elizabeth because she was in love with Lucky.

1/14 Dante went to Olivia's to talk to her about Johnny. Dante was furious that Olivia had not warned him that Johnny knew that he was an undercover police officer. Dante angrily demanded, "Where are your priorities?" Johnny entered the living room to defend Olivia. Olivia explained that she was stuck in the middle. There were people on both sides that she loved.

Dante wasn't satisfied; he couldn't understand how his mother could have sent him into the "lion's den" without any kind of warning. Dante sarcastically thanked her for protecting him. Johnny reminded Dante that they had the same agenda where Sonny was concerned, so Dante's secret remained safe. However, the real reason that Johnny hadn't told everyone about Dante was because he respected Olivia. Olivia suggested that Dante should be grateful to Johnny.

Dante stared at his mother with a look of disbelief; he resented Olivia for putting him in a position where he was expected to feel indebted to her boyfriend. Olivia didn't appreciate Dante's attitude, especially when he waved his finger in her face. Olivia ordered Dante to get out of her apartment and not return until he could speak to her in a civil tone. Disgusted, Dante left.

Dante entered Ronnie's hospital room. He wondered if Ronnie had heard anything about Claudia's autopsy results beyond the cause of death. Ronnie admitted, "Not so far." Dante was curious why he and Ronnie were being kept out of the loop. Ronnie suspected that someone would contact them soon. Dante worried that the autopsy might not have yielded any forensics evidence. Dante questioned if they had enough circumstantial evidence for a case against Sonny.

Dante reminded Ronnie that they had a witness who could testify that Sonny had been seen on the night of Claudia's murder wearing a shirt covered in blood. Ronnie pointed out that the shirt had been burned, as had the cabin where the murder had taken place. Dante realized that they needed DNA evidence in order to prove that Sonny had killed Claudia. Dante and Ronnie were startled when Sonny suddenly appeared in the doorway.

Both men relaxed when it became clear that Sonny had not overheard their conversation. Sonny explained that he had stopped by to check on Ronnie. Sonny appreciated that Ronnie was a loyal soldier; he didn't intend to forget it. Ronnie thanked Sonny for his consideration. As Sonny prepared to leave, he asked Dominic to drop by the office later that day.

After Sonny left, Dante wondered how Sonny could be cold and ruthless in business, yet take the time to check on a low-level guy. Ronnie warned Dante to be careful. Ronnie didn't want Dante to make the same mistake that Ronnie had made with Franco. Dante assured Ronnie that he was committed to the investigation until the bitter end.

When Dominic arrived at Sonny's office, Sonny explained that something seemed off about Ronnie's hit-and-run. Sonny suspected that Ronnie might have more information about Franco that they could use to their advantage. Sonny intended to frame "Freaky Franco" for the murder; he believed that Franco was the perfect fall guy because of his recent crime spree. Sonny wanted Ronnie to tell the police that Franco had confessed to murdering Claudia.

Lulu went to the hospital to talk to Elizabeth. Elizabeth explained that she was on her way to check on a patient. Lulu didn't care; she insisted that what she had to say was more important. Lulu revealed that Lucky had told her that Nikolas was in love with Elizabeth. Elizabeth didn't want to discuss it with Lulu; she reminded Lulu that it wasn't any of her business. Lulu disagreed; she claimed that Lucky had made it her business when he demanded to know if Lulu was keeping anything from him. Lulu clarified that she was concerned about Lucky, not Elizabeth's feelings.

Lulu wanted to know if there was more to Nikolas' newfound feelings for Elizabeth. Lulu was worried that history was repeating itself, this time with Nikolas rather than Jason. Elizabeth insisted that the situations were completely different. Lulu confessed that she had never pictured Elizabeth as the "femme fatale" type. Elizabeth was taken aback when Lulu suddenly demanded to know if Elizabeth was pregnant. Elizabeth quickly denied it. Lulu was relieved. However, Lulu decided that Elizabeth had sent Nikolas the wrong signals. According to Lulu, Elizabeth was in a mess of her own making.

Lulu found Nikolas at Wyndemere. She told him that Lucky was furious because he suspected that she was covering for Elizabeth the way that she had done when Elizabeth had been involved with Jason. Nikolas insisted that, even if it were true, their situations were completely different. Lulu asked, "Are you and Elizabeth reading from the same bad script?" Lulu was certain that Nikolas didn't fall in love without Elizabeth's active participation.

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

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

Dante stopped by to talk to Mac about the Claudia's case. Dante revealed that Michael might have information about Claudia's murder. Dante believed that Michael was ready to talk to someone about what had happened on the night that Claudia had been killed. Mac wanted to proceed with caution because of Michael's age. Dante agreed; he admitted that he hated using a son against his father.

Sonny and Michael both showed up at the morgue. Michael wondered what they could learn from an autopsy. Sonny explained that an autopsy would only reveal how Claudia had died, not that an axe had been used to kill her. Neither Michael nor Sonny realized that Dante lurked nearby, eavesdropping on their conversation.

At Wyndemere, Nikolas took full responsibility for what had happened with Elizabeth. Lulu couldn't understand why Nikolas would want to wreck Lucky's life by pursuing Elizabeth. She realized that Nikolas had been a mess since Emily had died, so she suggested that a long vacation might help. Nikolas was surprised that Lulu wanted him to leave town.

Lulu explained that Elizabeth appeared to enjoy being stuck between two brothers. She assured Nikolas that she wasn't choosing Lucky over Nikolas, but she didn't want Nikolas to destroy his life the way that Stefan had when he had fallen in love with Laura. Nikolas confided that he had already considered leaving town; he didn't see any reason not to follow through with those plans. Lulu wondered where Nikolas intended to go. He revealed that he would take Spencer to Paris, so that they could spend some time with Laura.

Lulu thought it was a wonderful idea; she was certain their mother would enjoy being close to Spencer and Nikolas. However, she cautioned Nikolas not to tell Laura about the rift between him and Lucky. Nikolas assured Lulu that he wouldn't. Lulu thought that it was for the best that Nikolas leave town. She was certain that time would help them all to heal. Nikolas asked Lulu not to blame Elizabeth or to pass judgment. Lulu promised that she would try.

Lucky bumped into Lulu outside of Kelly's. Lulu told Lucky that Nikolas had decided to move to Paris with Spencer. Lucky hoped that Nikolas didn't intend to drag Laura into the mess that Nikolas had created. Lulu suggested that Lucky cut Nikolas some slack. She assured Lucky that Nikolas was trying to do the right thing. Lulu urged Lucky to at least say goodbye before Nikolas left town.

1/18 At the police station, Sonny was able to stop Michael from spilling his guts to the police. Michael wanted to take responsibility, but Sonny was firm. He told Michael not to worry, that Franco had done them a favor by moving the body, because it made it harder for the cops to determine what had happened to Claudia. Neither Sonny nor Michael noticed that Dominic was eavesdropping on their conversation.

Sonny met up with Dominic in his office at the restaurant. He told Dominic that he was worried about Michael because Michael wanted to be like Sonny, and Sonny did not know how to stop him. Dominic told Sonny about his earlier conversation with Michael and how Michael had told Dominic that he was not in a position to give him advice because Dominic was not part of the family.

Sonny told Dominic to ignore Michael's words and posturing. Sonny excused Michael's behavior because of the coma he had been in as a result of the botched assassination attempt on Sonny. Dominic comforted Sonny when he told Sonny that he had been a good father to Michael, and he was sure that Michael would eventually make the correct choices.

Dominic visited with Ronnie in his hospital room and detailed the evidence in Claudia's murder. Dominic told Ronnie about the conversation that he had overheard between Michael and Sonny. Dominic was convinced that Michael knew the truth and wanted to tell it. Ronnie said that he was sure that they could get a warrant to arrest Sonny and, once Michael was on the stand, the DA would crack him and Sonny's guilt would be revealed to all.

When Ronnie said it would be ironic for Sonny to be brought down by his own son, Dominic thought about the consequences to Michael and wanted to find another way to take Sonny down. Ronnie accused Dominic of getting soft and forgetting what his job was supposed to be. Ronnie told Dominic that eventually-after therapy, he added-Michael would thank them for arresting Sonny and convicting him of Claudia's murder.

1/19 Lulu ran into Johnny on the pier. Johnny revealed that he knew the truth about Dante's identity and undercover work. Lulu wondered what Johnny planned to do with the information. Johnny clarified that he and Dante had the same agenda. Johnny had no intention of exposing Dante's secret because Johnny wanted Sonny to pay for Claudia's murder. However, Johnny was concerned about Lulu.

Dante approached Johnny and Lulu as Johnny admitted that he feared that there would be a tremendous backlash when the truth about Dante was revealed. Johnny was worried that Lulu would be blamed for not warning anyone. Lulu didn't seem bothered about any possible ramifications that she might face. Johnny reminded Lulu that Luke and Sonny were friends. Luke loved his daughter, so there was a strong likelihood that Luke and Sonny could clash because Lulu had decided to remain silent.

Dante appreciated Johnny's warning. After Johnny walked away, Dante and Lulu returned to Dante's apartment. Dante admitted that he regretted that he had put Lulu in an awkward situation. He wished that he hadn't allowed things to get personal. Dante was eager to wrap up the case, so that he could return to his life in Brooklyn. Lulu suspected that Dante was trying to push her away; however, she was unprepared when Dante confided that he didn't see their relationship continuing after Sonny's arrest.

According to Dante, he didn't want their relationship to bite Lulu in the "ass." Lulu informed Dante that she was perfectly capable of deciding what was good for her. She assured him that she could handle whatever life threw at her. Dante pulled Lulu into his arms for a passionate kiss. Moments later, Dante stepped back. He apologized for kissing her and then insisted that Lulu had to leave. Lulu's temper flared when Dante opened the door to show her out. Lulu didn't believe that Dante was being noble; she accused him of being an emotional coward.

1/20 Dominic stopped by to see Morgan. Morgan wanted to invite Dominic to attend Josslyn's christening. As Jax entered the room, he overheard Morgan's request. Jax revealed that Dominic had already been invited. Morgan was relieved when Dominic confirmed that he would attend Josslyn's christening.

After Morgan left the room, Jax asked Dante for an update on Sonny's arrest. Dante confided that the arrest was imminent. When Dante seemed conflicted about the impact Sonny's arrest would have on Morgan, Jax assured the undercover cop that it was for the best. Jax believed that Morgan had a better shot at a normal life without Sonny.

At the pier, Lulu was on the phone with Maxie. Lulu denied that she had spent the entire night crying. Lulu pretended that they had a bad connection when Maxie refused to believe Lulu's claims. Dante approached Lulu as she disconnected the call. Dante confessed that he had overheard Lulu's end of the conversation. Lulu insisted that Maxie had been mistaken; Lulu had been up all night with a cold, not crying. Dante observed that Lulu appeared upset.

Lulu responded, "Nope and I've exceeded my limit for cheesy pick-up lines." Dante took Lulu's comment as a challenge. He immediately went to work charming Lulu by spouting a number of corny pick-up lines. Lulu's defenses crumbled as she gave in to the laughter. However, she quickly recovered and then accused Dante of trying to save her from the public censure that would follow the revelation that he was an undercover police officer. Dante didn't deny it; he wanted to do right by Lulu. Lulu assured Dante that she was perfectly capable to deciding what was best for her. Dante stopped Lulu's speech by kissing her. Lulu ignored Dante's attempt to distract her. She insisted that pushing her away was not the solution.

When Lulu arrived at Crimson, Maxie noticed that Lulu remained glum, so she suggested that Lulu check the envelope on Lulu's desk. Maxie revealed that she had pulled some strings to get her hands on two opera tickets for Lulu. Carly approached Lulu's desk as Maxie dashed off for a meeting. Lulu immediately offered the tickets to Carly because it was unlikely that Lulu would attend the opera with Dominic.

Carly realized that Lulu and Dominic were having some problems. She assured Lulu that things would work out. Carly then announced that she had stopped by to ask Lulu if she would agree to be Josslyn's godmother. Lulu was happy to accept the honor. Carly hugged her cousin and then assured her that Dominic had also been invited. Maxie returned after the meeting. Lulu confided that Dominic was trying to push Lulu away for her own good. Lulu confessed that, despite her best intentions, she had fallen in love with Dominic.

Dante met Johnny on the pier. Johnny wanted Dante to know that Sonny intended to follow through with his plans to frame Franco for Claudia's death. Dante confessed that he should have listened to Johnny when Johnny had first warned Dante to keep his distance from Lulu. Dante regretted that he had endangered Lulu, whom he had fallen in love with.

1/21 Ethan called Lulu, she was stunned when Ethan revealed that Lucky had been drinking on the Haunted Star the previous two evenings. Lulu suggested that perhaps the empty scotch bottles had belonged to Luke, but Ethan slowly shook his head. Lulu finally accepted the truth; she thanked Ethan for telling her about Lucky's drinking. Ethan didn't know much about Lucky's addiction, but he had recognized that Lucky had been committed to his sobriety. Ethan realized that it was important for Lucky's loved ones to be aware of what was going on.

Lulu was waiting when Lucky entered he the Haunted Star. Lulu didn't waste time confronting Lucky about his drinking. To her surprise, Lucky readily admitted that he had consumed alcohol. Lucky didn't understand why she was upset since he wasn't using pills, stealing, or trying to cover up what he was doing. Lulu offered to call Lucky's sponsor, but Lucky balked at the idea. Lucky insisted that he was fine. Lulu didn't understand why Lucky was willing to risk everything when he was about to marry Elizabeth. Lucky argued that he wasn't the one who was throwing everything away.

Lulu tried to stop Lucky when he reached for a bottle. Lucky made it clear that he would find a way to drink, regardless what Lulu did. As soon as Lulu released the bottle, Lucky poured himself a drink and then took a deep swallow. Lucky's determination to drown his sorrows hurt Lulu. She accused him of being just like their father. 

At Greystone Manor, Sonny announced that it was time to close the investigation into Claudia's death. Sonny reviewed what he expected Ronnie to tell the police. Dominic assured Sonny that he would carry out Sonny's wishes. Sonny admitted that he had been impressed with Dominic's loyalty and commitment to the organization. Sonny acknowledged that Dominic was a hard-working young man who had been willing to learn. For that reason, Sonny revealed that he was considering grooming Dominic to take over the organization when Sonny retired.

Dominic was stunned by the decision; however, he wondered why Jason hadn't been offered the position first. Sonny explained that Jason had made it clear that he wanted out when Sonny retired. Dominic was curious why Johnny wasn't a candidate. Sonny refused to hand his empire over to a man who had once been a mob rival. Next Dominic asked about the possibility of Michael stepping into his father's shoes. Sonny insisted that he wanted more for his children.

Michael heard his name as he entered the living room. When Michael demanded to know what Dominic and Sonny had been talking about, Dominic decided to excuse himself. Alone with Michael, Sonny explained that he had decided to turn the business over to Dominic when the time was right. Michael was furious. Michael insisted that Sonny's syndicate was rightfully his, but Sonny disagreed. Sonny wanted Michael to go to college.

Ronnie found Dante looking at a 1964 Mickey Mantle baseball card on the pier. Dante intended to give the card to Morgan. Dante changed the subject to update Ronnie about Sonny's plans to frame Franco for Claudia's murder. Ronnie realized that Sonny's plans meant that they could charge Sonny with conspiracy. According to Ronnie, it was further proof that Sonny had killed Claudia. Ronnie noticed that Dante didn't seem happy at the prospect of arresting Sonny.

Dante confessed that he was tired of all of the lies. To drive his point home, Dante tossed the rare baseball card into the harbor. Ronnie was stunned. Dante explained that if he had given the card to Morgan then Dante would have had to fabricate a plausible story to explain why he had the card in the first place. Dante didn't want to have to lie to Morgan.

Later, Dominic returned to Greystone Manor. Michael immediately ordered Dominic to leave the house. Dominic jokingly asked if Michael was upset about global warming. Michael ignored Dominic's attempt at humor; he vowed that he would not be cheated out of what was his. When Michael threatened to talk to Lulu about Dominic's corrupt ways, Dominic decided to leave. Dominic stopped when Sonny entered the living room. Sonny had heard the commotion, so he demanded to know what was going on. Michael didn't hesitate to inform Sonny about his objections to Dominic as a mob boss.

1/22 At Greystone Manor, Sonny was forced to physically restrain Michael from attacking Dominic. Michael made it clear that he refused to stand by while Dominic took what rightfully belonged to Michael. Sonny asked Dominic to leave, so that Sonny could talk to Michael privately. Later, Michael lurked on the docks, eavesdropping on Dominic's conversation with Johnny. Michael was stunned when Dominic claimed to be an undercover cop.

At Elizabeth's house, Elizabeth asked if Lulu was certain that Lucky had been drinking. Lulu confirmed that she had seen Lucky drink a scotch. Elizabeth and Nikolas were crushed to realize that Lucky had turned to alcohol. Lulu blamed Lucky's relapse on Nikolas' declaration of love for Elizabeth. Elizabeth made it clear that it had been Lucky's choice to take a drink. Lulu demanded to know if that absolved Elizabeth and Nikolas of wrongdoing. Elizabeth quickly assured Lulu that it didn't.

Elizabeth recalled that the last time that Lucky had battled addiction, all efforts to protect Lucky had only made matters worse. Elizabeth explained that all they could do for Lucky was to let Lucky know that they loved him and that they would support him as he worked to get clean again. Lulu hoped that it would be enough.

Dante spotted Lulu on the pier. Lulu was visibly shaken as she struggled to hold back her tears. Concerned, Dante asked Lulu what was troubling her. Lulu revealed that Lucky was an addict who preferred to take pills. Lulu explained that Lucky shouldn't be drinking; however, Lucky was on the Haunted Star knocking back scotches. Dante quietly listened as Lulu revealed the details of Lucky's addiction and his affair with Maxie.

Lulu confided that Lucky was in love with Elizabeth, but Elizabeth did not return those feelings. Lulu was distraught because she felt partly responsible for the situation that Lucky was in. Dante assured Lulu that she had nothing to do with Lucky's choice to drink. Lulu confessed that Dante had been right to end their relationship. Dante remained silent as he watched Lulu walk away.

1/25 Michael eavesdropped on the docks and heard Dominic acknowledge to Johnny that he was an undercover cop and that a warrant was in the works for Sonny.

Lulu went to Genera Hospital to ask about Al-Anon meeting times. While there, she questioned Epiphany to find out if pain pills had disappeared from the hospital. When Epiphany demanded to know why, Lulu told her that she was worried about Lucky. Epiphany said that if Lucky was back on pills, he was not getting them from GH. She also told Lulu that if she went to Al-Anon meetings because she expected to find a cure for Lucky, she would be disappointed. Epiphany told Lulu that the meetings were meant to help those attending deal with their issues, not the issues of the person coping with alcoholism.

A decidedly down Dominic went to see Olivia. He told her that the warrant for Sonny was almost ready. He told her that for the first time in his life, he hated his job. He said that he felt really bad about what was going to happen to Sonny and his family. Dominic told Olivia about Sonny's offer to hand the business over to him. Dominic said that it felt good to know that someone had so much faith in him. Olivia told him that she was not surprised because she knew how intelligent and capable he was. When Dominic admitted that he wanted to quit his job, Olivia urged him to do so immediately and not look back.

Lulu ran into Nikolas on the docks. When she tried to enlist him in an intervention with Lucky, he told her that Lucky had found out about his affair with Elizabeth. Lulu was outraged. She called Nikolas a selfish pig and asked him how he could do that to his brother.

Michael arrived and asked to speak to Sonny. After Diane showed herself out, Michael told Sonny that he had heard Dominic admit that he was an undercover cop.

1/26 Olivia advised Dante to walk away from the case if it was destroying a part of Dante's soul. Dante revealed that, even if he were inclined to resign, it wouldn't change anything. The arrest warrant was in the works, so it was only a matter of time until Sonny was arrested. Olivia wondered if Johnny would be caught up in the sweep. Dante assured his mother that her boyfriend was not a target. Olivia was relieved.

Olivia praised Dante for a job well done. Dante wished that he could take more pride in his achievements. After Dante left, Olivia arranged to meet with Dante's supervisor. Johnny arrived just as Olivia was leaving. Johnny offered to accompany Olivia on her errand, but she declined. However, she invited Johnny to wait in her apartment until she returned.

A short time later, Olivia entered an interrogation room at the police station. She was surprised to discover that Agent Rayner was waiting for her. Rayner explained that Sonny would be facing Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization charges, which fell under federal jurisdiction. Olivia tried to play hardball by ordering Rayner to call off the Corinthos bust. She informed the agent that there was a huge conflict of interest, Dante Falconari was Sonny's son.

Olivia threatened to reveal her secret if Rayner didn't pull Dante off of the case. Rayner wasn't pleased; he realized that Olivia wasn't giving him a choice. Olivia smiled with satisfaction as she responded, "Good, we understand each other." Olivia assured the agent that it was only a minor setback. She was confident that Rayner would be able to build a new case against Sonny within a year or so. After Olivia left, Rayner decided to move up the arrest warrant for Sonny, so that he could put "this sucker to bed now."

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

Sonny needed to be certain that Michael wasn't motivated by jealousy because the accusations had serious consequences. Michael was hurt that Sonny didn't believe him. Sonny pointed out that Dominic had been working in the organization for quite some time. Sonny also couldn't imagine Johnny ever working with the police for any reason. Michael resented that Sonny appeared to trust Dominic more than Michael. As Michael stormed off, the phone rang. It was Robin calling to notify Sonny that Mike had been rushed to the hospital.

Dante stopped by Jax's office to let Jax know that Sonny's arrest was imminent. Jax was delighted by the news. He invited Dante to call on him if Dante ever needed anything. Dante promised to keep Jax's offer in mind. However, Dante was curious why Jax was willing to risk losing Carly, in order to eliminate Sonny as a threat. Jax believed that Carly and the boys would be better off without Sonny in their lives.

Jax intended to tell Carly everything after Sonny's arrest. Dante questioned why Jax was only focused on Sonny. Dante suggested that Jason was just as dangerous as Sonny. Jax claimed that it was different with Jason. According to Jax, Sonny had taken advantage of Jason's brain damage, so Jax was willing to make allowances for Jason. Jax didn't consider Jason to be an emotional threat to Jax's family. Jax also appreciated that Jason didn't try to manipulate Carly and the boys. Carly loved Jason beyond all reason, so Jax didn't want to put Carly in a position where she felt that she had to defend Jason.

On the pier, Lulu blasted Nikolas for hurting Lucky. As Lulu yelled at Nikolas, it was clear that her anger was primarily focused on Elizabeth, whom Lulu referred to as a "two-timing slut." Nikolas realized that his affair with Elizabeth had been wrong. He admitted that he was deeply sorry for hurting everyone. "Sorry is not good enough," Lulu declared. Lulu demanded to know why Nikolas had not rejected Elizabeth's advances.

Nikolas claimed that he had been the "instigator." Lulu warned Nikolas not to defend "that tramp." Nikolas understood Lulu's anger, but he was adamant that Elizabeth wasn't to blame. Lulu wanted to know where Nikolas and Elizabeth had sex the first time. Nikolas reluctantly answered, "Wyndemere." Lulu accused Elizabeth of "trotting over to Wyndemere" just as Elizabeth had "climbed 15 flights of stairs to seduce Jason." Nikolas wondered why Lulu was so angry with Elizabeth, but not him.

Lulu claimed that Nikolas was "dark and moody," while Elizabeth presented herself as a shining example of how to live by a moral code. Lulu hated that Elizabeth pretended to be a dedicated mother and nurse when in truth, Elizabeth was only dedicated to "playing mattress tag" with Nikolas. Nikolas informed Lulu that she had no idea what she was talking about. Nikolas clarified that he and Elizabeth hadn't just tumbled into bed; they had struggled to do the right thing. Disgusted, Lulu walked away.

Lulu approached the nurses' station looking for her cell phone. Lulu's eyes narrowed when she noticed Elizabeth, cradling an injured hand, enter the ER. Lulu loudly accused Elizabeth of being a "lying faithless slut" for sleeping with Lucky and Nikolas. Ethan wondered if Lulu's accusation was true. Lulu ordered Elizabeth to admit to Ethan what a "two-faced lying tramp" Elizabeth was. Ethan quickly concluded that Rebecca had left town because of the affair.

Robin gasped in shock as Lulu proceeded to publicly berate Elizabeth. Everyone grew increasingly uncomfortable as Lulu viciously railed at Elizabeth. Elizabeth silently accepted the verbal assault. Eventually, Ethan put an end to Lulu's tirade by informing Lulu, "Enough." Lulu flung a few more insults at Elizabeth and then marched out of the hospital.

Lulu arrived at Dante's apartment and was distraught about her family troubles. Lulu wanted Dante to be truthful about their relationship. Dante couldn't believe that Lulu didn't know how he felt about her. He clarified that he loved her. Lulu was overjoyed as she admitted that she was in love with Dante. The briefly kissed until Dante's phone rang. Rayner advised Dante that Sonny's arrest was scheduled for Friday. After Dante ended the call, he realized that he couldn't subject Lulu to the backlash that was certain to follow the arrest. Lulu was speechless when Dante insisted that she had to leave.

Sonny told Jason about Michael's claims that Dominic was an undercover cop. Sonny ordered Jason to launch an investigation into Dominic's background.

1/27 Lulu was waiting for Dante when he arrived home. Lulu wanted to know what was going on between them. Dante explained that the timetable for Sonny's arrest had been moved up. According to Dante, everyone would soon know that he was a cop. Dante didn't think it would be wise for Lulu to be linked to him. Lulu was hurt; she had thought that he loved her. Lulu was relieved when Dante assured her that he did love her. She was confident that everything else could be worked out later. Dante warned Lulu that Sonny's men would retaliate. He didn't want Lulu to be caught in the crossfire. Lulu was curious what Dante intended to do after Sonny's arrest. 

Dante wondered what Lulu would say if he told her that he planned to change his name, leave town, and then start a new life. "Would you run away with me?" he asked. Lulu confessed that she couldn't run away from her life. She had done it once before, but it had been a mistake. Lulu argued that running away wasn't the answer. Dante insisted that he needed to see the arrest to its conclusion. Lulu understood, but she didn't want him to give up on their relationship. Dante promised, if he survived the arrest, he would find Lulu, so that they could finish their conversation.

Lulu arrived and Carly immediately put Lulu to work. Lulu was relieved; she had been desperate to get her mind off of the man that she had fallen in love with. Carly demanded to know more details once she recovered from the shock of Lulu's surprising admission. Lulu quickly told Carly about Dominic's declaration of love. Lulu was frustrated because Dominic believed that the only way to protect Lulu was to push her away. Carly was curious what Dominic was trying to safeguard Lulu from.

Lulu lied, claiming that it was the mob. Carly nodded in understanding. Carly explained that from Dominic's point of view, breaking up with Lulu made sense. Carly suggested that Lulu take off her rose-colored glasses about Carly's life. Carly had put herself and her children in danger by being involved with Sonny and Jason. Lulu was curious if Carly ever regretted that decision. Carly answered without hesitation, "No."

Dante paid his mother a visit. Olivia wondered if Dante would attend Josslyn's christening. Dante didn't think that his presence would be appreciated, assuming that the christening wasn't cancelled because of Sonny's arrest. Olivia smiled knowingly as she assured Dante that the christening wouldn't be called off. Dante confessed that he was worried about how Sonny's arrest would affect Lulu. Olivia was surprised that Lulu was his primary concern; she suspected that it was an indication of how important Lulu was to Dante.

Dante didn't want to go there with his mother, but he was adamant that he didn't want Lulu to be put into any danger because of him. Olivia suggested that anything was possible, so Dante shouldn't be too concerned about what would happen after Sonny's arrest. She urged him to keep an open mind. Dante found Olivia's newfound positive outlook baffling. Olivia was all innocence as she explained that she approved of Lulu, so she wanted him to hope for the best.

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

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

1/28 At the Jacks residence, Carly confided to Lulu that being involved with a mobster had its risks. Knowledge made a person an accessory to the crimes. Carly gave Dominic credit for being concerned about Lulu. Lulu didn't like being shut out from Dominic's life. Lulu wondered what Carly would do if she were in a similar situation. Carly admitted that she had always had Sonny and Jason's backs when the chips were down.

Lulu was curious if it bothered Carly that Sonny and Jason hurt people. Carly didn't like it, but she treated her loved ones the way that she wanted to be treated. Carly confessed that, in the end, she would always stand by her man. Lulu appeared to consider Carly's words. Carly wondered if there was more going on than Lulu had told her. Lulu lied; she claimed that Sonny had decided to name Dominic as his replacement when Sonny retired. Carly nodded in understanding. She warned Lulu that if Dominic took over Sonny's organization, it might be a game changer for Lulu and Dominic's relationship. Carly cautioned Lulu to tread carefully because everything that Dominic did would reflect on Lulu.

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

Lulu was waiting for Dante when he entered his apartment. Lulu admitted that she had talked to Carly. Dante wondered what Lulu had told Carly. Lulu joked that she had revealed everything to Carly, but then Lulu sobered. Lulu promised that she would always keep Dante's secrets; however, she refused to allow Dante to push her out of his life. Lulu confessed that she didn't enjoy lying to her friends, but she understood that it was necessary.

Lulu loved Dante, so she was determined to stand by him. Dante realized that he would be a fool to walk away from Lulu. Dante felt honored to have such an amazing person as Lulu in his life. Dante and Lulu kissed and then fell to the bed; however, before they could make love, someone knocked on the door. It was Ronnie. Ronnie was eager to have a private word with Dante. Lulu quickly gathered her things and then left.

As soon as the door closed behind Lulu, Ronnie announced that they had Sonny's arrest warrant. Dante was stunned. Ronnie wanted to arrest Sonny immediately, but Dante objected. Dante wanted to wait until after Josslyn's christening. According to Dante, the children deserved to have one more happy memory with their father before Sonny was taken away.

Lulu entered a church to find Olivia sitting in one of the pews, praying. Olivia looked up when she heard Lulu sit down on the bench behind her. Lulu admitted that she was unfamiliar with churches, so she had no idea how to pray. Olivia assured Lulu that there wasn't a wrong way to talk to God. Lulu confessed that she hoped that God would watch over Dante, keep him safe, and help Dante and Lulu through what was about to unfold. Olivia reached out to hold Lulu's hand.

After Dominic's departure, Sonny wanted to know what Jason had discovered. Jason admitted that he hadn't found anything concrete to prove that Dominic was a cop; however Jason was suspicious of the botched hit on Tommy Soto. Jason also revealed that Graciella had mentioned that Dominic had disposed of some ashes from Sonny's fireplace the morning after Claudia had died. Jason recalled that the ashes were the remnants of the bloody clothes that Sonny and Michael had worn home from the cabin. Sonny admitted that the incident did raise some concerns; however, it could have been a coincidence. Jason confessed that Dominic seemed like a decent guy; everyone, with the exception of Michael, had good things to say about him.

Sonny didn't think that a cop would have saved Sonny's life. According to Sonny, it would have been easier to let Sonny die. Sonny loved Michael to death, but Sonny also trusted Dominic. Sonny confided that Dominic was a lot like Sonny in his younger days. Jason and Sonny hated the idea that Michael might have wrongly accused Dominic. Jason realized how desperate Michael must have felt. Sonny imagined that the decision to pass the organization to Dominic probably hadn't helped. Jason refused to believe that Michael would take things that far. Sonny revealed that Michael had never been in the running to take over for Sonny. Sonny explained that Michael was far too hotheaded and impulsive to be an effective mob boss. 

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

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

1/29 At Dante's apartment, Ronnie reviewed the plans for Sonny's arrest. Dante was quiet as he pulled on his suit jacket. Ronnie was concerned that Dante might be tempted to use the christening as an opportunity to warn Sonny about the arrest. Dante couldn't believe that Ronnie would honestly question Dante's commitment to the investigation. Ronnie felt justified for doubting Dante. According to Ronnie, Dante had changed since joining Sonny's organization.

Dante grew angry when Ronnie questioned if Dante had forgotten about Lieutenant Poletti. Dante insisted that the delay to arrest Sonny was so that Carly and the kids could have one last happy day with Sonny. Ronnie suspected that Dante was more concerned about giving Sonny a final special moment to share with his family. Dante didn't think there was anything wrong with that. Ronnie pointed out that it gave Sonny's mole in the police department more time to tip off Sonny about the arrest or warn Sonny that Dante was a cop, if he hadn't already.

At Kelly's, Lulu begged Lucky to attend Josslyn's christening with her. Lucky wasn't interested, but Lulu persisted. Lucky wondered why it was so important to Lulu. Lulu confessed that she had a bad feeling that something might happen. Lucky understood Lulu's apprehension. He pointed out that, in Port Charles, large get-togethers seldom ended well; the odds of that increased "spectacularly" with the people who were attending the christening. Lulu insisted that she needed her brother to be her backup.

Dante entered Kelly's a short time later. He was curious if Lulu had changed her mind about their relationship. Lulu assured him that she was fully committed to standing by his side. However, she confessed that she was eager for the day to end. Dante agreed. Lulu decided to head to the Haunted Star to invite her father to the christening. She offered to meet Dante at the church. Dante kissed Lulu goodbye and then walked away.

Dante went to Olivia's apartment. Olivia was in a sentimental mood as she recalled Dante's christening. Olivia confided that she had promised to protect Dante's soul. Dante assured his mother that she had honored her vow. Dante hugged his mother tightly as he told her that he loved her. Moments later his phone rang. It was Sonny, demanding a meeting. After Dante disconnected the call, Olivia admitted that she had seen Sonny earlier. Olivia confided that Sonny had been preoccupied. Dante appeared a bit troubled by what his mother had revealed.

On the Haunted Star, "What are you doing talking to that lying piece of trash," Lulu angrily demanded as she stood in the doorway watching Luke and Elizabeth talking. "You've already made it very clear what you think of me. I'm not going to subject your dad to the inevitable encore, " Elizabeth quietly told Lulu. Elizabeth then turned to thank Luke for his compassion; she felt undeserving of it. As Elizabeth passed Lulu, Lulu couldn't resist snarling, "You've got that right."

Lulu wanted to know why Luke was being nice to "that skank." Luke reminded Lulu that it hadn't been a solo act. He wondered where Lulu's righteous indignation for Nikolas was. Lulu acknowledged that she was mad at Nikolas, but she insisted that it had been Elizabeth's fault. Luke warned Lulu that being mad didn't do any good. It was a bad and ugly situation; however, it was for Lucky and Elizabeth to sort out. Luke didn't think that throwing their hostility and judgment around helped. "Besides," Luke warned, "judgment had a nasty habit of boomeranging." Luke cautioned Lulu that sooner or later, it would return to smack Lulu right in the face.

Lulu was delighted when she found Lucky standing in the church. Ethan entered moments later and then promptly joined his siblings. Lulu was concerned because Dominic hadn't arrived.

Sonny glanced at the gun in his desk just before Dominic entered the parlor. Sonny closed the drawer and then announced that he had an assignment for Dominic. Sonny claimed that he was sending out a big shipment. Sonny wanted Dominic to go to the pass on Harbor View Road, to ensure that it was secure. Sonny didn't want to risk anyone hijacking the shipment.

Sonny suggested that Dominic could make it to the pass by nightfall if he left immediately. "And by nightfall I'll be dead," Dominic responded. Dominic found it curious that he had not been told about the shipment sooner. Sonny accused Dominic of being paranoid; he insisted that it was a standard operation. Dominic was certain that it was setup. Sonny demanded to know why he would do such a thing. "Unless I found out you betrayed me," Sonny concluded.

Dominic realized that Sonny had discovered his secret. Dominic admitted that he had tried to give Sonny one last good day. Sonny didn't appear the least bit grateful. Dominic pulled out his badge as he confirmed what Sonny had already known. Sonny's face hardened as Dominic began to recite the Miranda Rights to Sonny. Sonny responded by pulling out a gun and then aiming it at Dominic.

2/1 At the church, Lulu was anxiously waiting when Johnny returned with news that he had not found Dominic. Lulu stood next to Jason at the front of the church. Lulu held Josslyn in her arms as Father Coates began the christening. Jax and Carly hovered nearby, beaming with pride as their daughter was christened Josslyn John Jacks. Everyone clapped when the ceremony concluded.

Across town at Greystone Manor, Dominic wondered if Sonny really wanted to add, "cop killer" to his list of crimes. Sonny assured Dominic that there wouldn't be a body for anyone to find, so it was doubtful that Sonny would be charged with the crime. "Any last words?" Sonny demanded. Dominic dropped all pretense of friendliness.

Dominic informed Sonny that Sonny had been targeted because of the hit against Lieutenant Poletti, Dominic's mentor and a community leader. According to Dominic, Sonny had Poletti gunned down and then Sonny had gone about his worthless life. Dominic despised Sonny. He claimed that there wasn't anything to respect about Sonny. Sonny had no idea who Poletti was, but he assured Dominic that Poletti had deserved it, if Sonny had ordered the hit. Dominic suggested that Sonny pray that Sonny's kids never saw their father the way that Dominic had.

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

Olivia yelled at Sonny to call 9-1-1. Sonny stood rooted to the spot, "What do you mean, he's your son, Olivia?" Olivia had tears streaming down her face as she told Sonny, "His name is Dante and he's your son too." Olivia turned back to Dante to beg her son to breathe. Olivia promised Dante that she was with her son. Sonny raced to call 9-1-1. As soon as Sonny disconnected the call, Olivia sent Sonny to the kitchen for towels.

Sonny returned moments later with the requested items. As Olivia pressed a towel to Dante's gunshot wound, Sonny demanded to know why she hadn't told him about Dante. Olivia claimed that she had tried to protect their son from Sonny. Sonny couldn't believe that Olivia had allowed things to get that far. He reminded Olivia that she knew how he dealt with traitors. Olivia was furious; she pointed out that Dante was fighting for his life. Sonny knelt down to help Olivia save their son.

Sonny was livid that Olivia hadn't told him the truth. He insisted that he didn't care that his son was a cop; he would have worked something out. Sonny would never have raised a hand to his own child. Sickened by what he had done, Sonny tried to take action. He informed Olivia that he would drive Dante to the hospital if help did not arrive within three minutes. Olivia warned Sonny that he could do more damage to Dante by moving him.

Olivia heard sirens seconds later. She raced to the door to flag down the paramedics. Sonny remained with his son. Sonny apologized to Dante, but Dante remained unconscious. Sonny lifted his head when he heard the paramedics enter the room. He stepped aside as the paramedics took over. One of the paramedics asked for Dante's medical history. Olivia told the young man that Dante had suffered a concussion and a broken arm in childhood, beyond that Dante was healthy. Sonny glared at Olivia.

Dante was quickly loaded onto a gurney and then rushed to the ambulance. Olivia insisted on riding with her son. Sonny tried to follow Olivia. The paramedic objected to Sonny accompanying Dante until Sonny identified himself as Dante's father. As the ambulance pulled away from Sonny's house, Sonny questioned if Olivia had made up the story, in an effort to spare her son's life. Olivia promised that she had told Sonny the truth about Dante.

Father Coates announced that everyone was invited to the Jacks residence for a reception. The guests mingled a bit before they headed to Jax and Carly's home. Lulu wondered if Johnny had seen or heard from Dominic. Johnny shook his head and then confessed that Olivia was also missing. Lulu sensed that something was terribly wrong. Johnny suggested that perhaps the plan had been to arrest Sonny during the christening. Lulu didn't think so; she remained uneasy.

Lulu made numerous attempts to reach Dante on his cell phone. Maxie and Spinelli noticed that Lulu seemed upset. Lulu admitted that it didn't seem like "Dominic" to skip out on her; he knew how important the christening had been to her. Lulu pulled Jason aside to question him about Dominic. Jason didn't reveal anything.

Dante's cell phone rang, as it rested in the pocket of Dante's discarded jacket at Greystone Manor. Seconds later, Lulu entered the house, with her phone pressed to her ear. Lulu followed the sound of Dante's phone until she stood in the doorway of Sonny's parlor. Lulu's expression shifted from concern to shock as she took in the bloody aftermath of Dante's shooting.

As Dante was rushed to an examination bay, Steve questioned Sonny and Olivia about his new patient. Olivia revealed that the gunshot victim was her son, Dante Falconari. Sonny confirmed that he was Dante's father. Epiphany stood behind Sonny; she dropped the tray in her hands when she heard Sonny's admission. Steve assured Sonny and Olivia that he would take of their son.

After Steve walked away, Sonny questioned Olivia about Dante. Sonny wondered if Olivia could be mistaken about Dante's paternity. Olivia gave Sonny a long, pointed look; it appeared to be the final confirmation that Sonny needed. Olivia insisted that she had been trying to protect Dante by not telling him about Sonny. Sonny realized that Morgan had been drawn to Dante because, on some level, Morgan had recognized Dante as family.

Steve returned a short time later to inform Olivia and Sonny that Dante had suffered massive internal injuries and that the bullet had lodged near Dante's spine. Steve explained that Dante needed to stabilize before they could operate. Olivia wondered if Dante would be paralyzed. Steve explained that it was too soon to tell.

Sonny called Robin, to ask if Robin and Patrick could meet him at the hospital. Sonny requested that Robin not tell anyone about his phone call. Robin and Patrick left Carly's reception immediately. A short time later, Steve let Sonny and Olivia know that Steve had been required to follow hospital policy by reporting Dante's shooting to the police. Sonny was waiting when Robin and Patrick arrived at the hospital. Sonny confessed that his son, Dante Falconari, had been shot. Patrick assured Sonny that they would do everything in their power to save Dante. 

Olivia wept at Dante's bedside. She begged her son to fight. Olivia insisted that her lies were her burden to bear, not Dante's. Olivia's grief turned to anger as she spoke to Dante about Sonny. Olivia assured Dante that Dante was a better man than Sonny. To Olivia's joy, Dante opened his eyes. He weakly whispered, "Tell Lulu," and then passed out again. Olivia's eyes filled with tears as she told her son how proud and honored she felt to be his mother.

Sonny went to the chapel to light a candle for Dante. Sonny assured God that his children meant everything to him. Sonny tried his best to do right by them. As Sonny spoke, he realized that his words were a lie. Sonny recognized that he had shot a good and brave man. Sonny suspected that Dante's shooting was God's judgment on Sonny.

Sonny went to check on Dante. Olivia told Sonny that Dante had briefly opened his eyes. Steve entered the room moments later; he needed Dante's medical history. Olivia left with Steve, so Sonny sat down with his son. Sonny realized that he had shared a special connection with Dante from the start. Sonny couldn't believe that Dante was his son. As the words left Sonny's lips, Dante opened his eyes. Sonny assured Dante that he didn't mean Dante any harm. Sonny explained that it had all been a mistake; he was Dante's father. Olivia stood in the doorway.

2/2 At Greystone Manor, Lulu pulled Dante's ringing cell phone from the bloody jacket that she had found discarded on the floor. Lulu turned off her phone just as Max entered the parlor. She immediately demanded to know what Sonny had done to "Dominic." Max claimed that he didn't know.

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

A short time later, Agent Rayner and Ronnie arrived at Greystone Manor. Rayner and Ronnie were livid when they found the parlor spotless. Ronnie promised Max that Sonny would pay for shooting a cop. Sonny talked to Dante while Olivia stood in the doorway. Sonny promised that he would do everything in his power to help Dante. Sonny couldn't believe that Dante was his son, but Sonny vowed to figure out a way to make things right. Olivia raced to her son's side as she ordered Sonny, "Don't do this right now." Dante's eyes fluttered closed. Olivia dragged Sonny into the hallway when Steve entered the room to check on Dante.

Olivia was livid; she insisted that it wasn't the right time to tell Dante that Sonny was his father. Sonny confided that he had felt powerless when Dante's eyes had filled with panic upon seeing Sonny. Sonny had tried to ease Dante's mind. Olivia realized that she had kept the secret, but she wanted Sonny to back off for the time being. Sonny's temper flared. He reminded Olivia that he had been deprived of knowing his son for Dante's entire life; Sonny refused to leave while Dante's life was in peril.

Sonny couldn't understand why Olivia hadn't told him about their son. Sonny thought that he and Olivia had trusted each other. Olivia argued that she had her reasons, but she didn't elaborate. She then lashed out at Sonny, and reminded him that she wasn't the one who shot people who got in the way. Sonny flinched. He wondered what had been so horrible about telling him that she was pregnant with his child. "Did you hate me that much?" Sonny asked. Sonny pointed out that Olivia had numerous opportunities to tell the truth, but she hadn't. Sonny suggested that the tragedy could have been avoided if Olivia had been honest.

Olivia angrily accepted responsibility for her lies, but she demanded that Sonny unload on her another time. Olivia insisted that she needed to focus on Dante. Sonny bristled when Olivia demanded, "Get out of my face." Sonny informed Olivia that she didn't have the right bark orders at him after she had spent years lying to him. Robin quickly approached the couple to defuse the situation.

Lulu stepped off the elevator and then approached Matt at the nurses' station to find out if Dominic had been admitted. Matt confirmed that Dominic had been rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Lulu spotted Sonny seconds later. Lulu screamed, "You bastard," as she marched up to Sonny. Lulu then proceeded to hurl accusations and insults at Sonny. At one point, she referred to Sonny as a "disgusting pig." Sonny held off Lulu's attack until Nikolas suddenly appeared to physically restrain Lulu. Lulu's tirade abruptly ceased when Sonny revealed that Dante was Sonny's son.

Olivia wept at Dante's beside as spoke words of love and reassurance to her son. Olivia was confident that Dante was strong enough to recover from his grave injury. She looked up when she heard Johnny enter the room. Olivia wasn't in the mood to be berated by Johnny. Johnny confessed that he was there to offer Olivia support. Olivia relaxed. A short time later, Lulu entered the room.

Lulu sat down next to Olivia. Olivia updated Lulu on Dante's condition and then revealed that Dante had asked for Lulu. Lulu wondered if Dante realized that his own father had shot him. Olivia sadly shook her head. Olivia was certain that Dante would have stepped down if he had known. Olivia admitted, "It's all on me." Steve entered the room to let Olivia and Lulu know that Dante's operation had been scheduled. 

Dante's eyes cracked open as he heard Lulu's voice. Lulu declared her love for Dante and then kissed him. Sonny stood in the doorway watching. Later, Nikolas entered Dante's room to find Lulu sitting alone. Lulu realized that she should be mad at her brother, but she was too afraid to feel anything at that moment. Lulu confessed to Nikolas that she had never felt anything like what she felt for Dante. Lulu was certain that it was true love. She regretted that she had kept Dante at arm's length for so long.

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

Michael sought out Jason. Jason revealed that Dominic's real name was Dante Falconari and that Sonny was Dante's father. Jason explained that Sonny refused to leave Dante's side. Michael was stunned. Jason cautioned Michael to be careful. Jason insisted that it was more important than ever for Michael to keep it together. Sonny walked up moments later. Michael hugged his father. Sonny held Michael tightly until Olivia and Johnny joined them. Olivia wanted to say a prayer for Dante.

Ronnie, accompanied by several police officers, stepped off of the elevator. Ronnie announced that Sonny was under arrest for Claudia's murder. As the officers handcuffed Sonny, Ronnie discovered a gun on Sonny. Ronnie wondered if it was the gun that Sonny had used to shoot Dante. Sonny refused to leave the hospital while Dante was in crisis. Ronnie made it clear that he didn't have any sympathy for Sonny's situation. Sonny was led away in handcuffs while everyone watched.

Dante dreamed of standing on a street corner in Bensonhurst while a younger version of himself played stickball with his friends. In the dream, a limousine pulled up. Sonny stepped out of the car moments later. Young Dante ran up to Sonny, prepared to attack. Dante called out to warn Sonny that the child was Sonny's son. Sonny didn't hear Dante. Seconds later, Sonny pulled out a gun and then shot the young boy. On the operating table, Dante flatlined. Patrick stood in the observation room as he watched the doctors race to save Dante's life.

2/3  Lulu sat at Dante's beside when Luke entered the hospital room. Lulu ran to her father's open arms as she confessed, "I love him so much. I don't want him to die." Luke admitted that Nikolas had called to let Luke know what had happened. Lulu was curious what Nikolas had told Luke. Luke revealed that he had learned that Dante was Olivia's son and that Sonny had shot Dante. Lulu confessed that there was more, Dante was an undercover cop as well as Sonny's son. Luke was stunned.

Luke was curious if Dante knew about Sonny. Lulu shook her head; Olivia hadn't told anyone. Luke imagined that it must have been difficult for Sonny to realize that Sonny had shot his own son. Lulu didn't have any sympathy for Sonny's situation. She pointed out that Sonny had known that Dante was someone's son when Sonny had fired the gun. Sonny had also known that Dante was the man who had saved Sonny and Morgan's lives. Luke gently pointed out that it was the nature of Sonny's business.

Carly entered Dante's room. She offered Lulu some tuna and coffee. Lulu claimed that she didn't have an appetite. Carly insisted that Lulu had to keep up her strength for Dante's sake. Lulu studied Dante. "He doesn't look like someone who isn't going to make it," Lulu observed. Carly assured Lulu that Dante was strong. Lulu confessed that she regretted the time that she had wasted by pushing Dante away. "If you want Dante to live, you have to give him a reason to, " Carly advised.

Carly explained that Sonny's life was complicated. According to Carly, sometimes Sonny did the wrong thing for the right reason. Lulu angrily demanded to know what the right reason was for Sonny to shoot Dante. Carly gently urged Lulu to put aside the anger, so that Lulu could focus on helping Dante. Carly insisted that Lulu had to stop feeling sorry for herself, saying goodbye to Dante, and wallowing in regrets. Lulu confessed that she was terrified that Dante would die. Carly warned Lulu that Dante could hear her. Carly was certain that love could work miracles because Carly had seen it happen firsthand.

Later, Lulu promised if Dante woke up, she would make it worth Dante's while. Lulu vowed not to push Dante away. Ethan entered the room moments later. Lulu confided to her brother that she was doing her best to remain strong. Ethan was certain that Dante would need Lulu's strength to get through the difficult days ahead. Ethan understood what it was like to discover a father that he had never known about. It could throw a person for a loop. Lulu's head turned when she heard Dante shift. Lulu was by Dante's side when Dante slowly opened his eyes. "It's good to see you, " Dante admitted as he weakly smiled up at Lulu. Lulu was relieved. Dante confessed that he had a strange dream of Sonny confessing that he was Dante's father.

2/4  At the hospital, Dante revealed that he had dreamed of Sonny confessing to be Dante's father. Lulu suggested that Dante brace himself before she confirmed that it was true. Dante was incredulous. "The man who shot me for being an undercover cop, he's my father?" Lulu was concerned that the news was too much for Dante, so she urged him to rest. Dante tried to make light of the situation, but Lulu reminded him that it wasn't a funny matter. She offered to listen if Dante wanted to talk about it. 

Dante shared the details of the moments that had led up to the shooting. He revealed that Sonny had originally intended to send Dante into an ambush. Dante had realized that Sonny had figured out the truth, so Dante had tried to arrest Sonny. That was when Sonny had shot Dante. Dante recalled hearing Olivia's voice moments after Dante had collapsed. Dante realized that Olivia had known the truth for years, but she had kept it from him. Moments later, Olivia entered the room. Lulu quickly excused herself, so that Olivia and Dante could talk.

After Lulu left, Olivia settled in a chair next to Dante's bed. Dante wondered if his mother would have told the truth if Sonny hadn't shot him. Olivia pointed out that Dante had seen firsthand what Sonny's children lived with. Olivia had never wanted that kind of life for her son. Dante was curious who knew the truth about Sonny and Dante. Olivia reluctantly told him, "Connie, Jax, and Patrick Drake."

Olivia then revealed that she had recently told Agent Rayner, in the hopes of getting Dante reassigned. Olivia resented that Rayner had misled her. Dante responded, "Well, Agent Rayner is a liar, but then so are you." Olivia looked down in shame. Dante was angry because he had been raised to believe that his mother had slept with so many different men that she couldn't be certain who had fathered her child.

Olivia reminded Dante that she had surrounded her son with many strong male role models including uncles, cousins, and a grandfather. Olivia conceded that perhaps she had kept the secret for too long, but she admitted that she wouldn't have changed anything. Olivia had wanted a better life for her son. She pointed out that Sonny had been a teenager when she had found out that she was pregnant. By then, Sonny had already been involved in organized crime. Olivia didn't want Dante dragged into that kind of lifestyle.

Dante couldn't understand why Olivia had continued to keep the secret when Dante had gotten older. Olivia confessed that she had been afraid. "That makes it better?" Dante asked. Olivia didn't think that knowing Sonny was his father changed who Dante was. Dante didn't necessarily agree. Olivia tried to brush back Dante's hair, but Dante snarled, "Don't touch me." Olivia flinched and then dropped her hand.

Lulu returned to Dante's room. Dante was disappointed to realize that he had never really known his mother. Lucky entered the room moments later. Lucky explained that he needed Dante's statement about the shooting.

2/5 As Lulu watched over Dante, Lucky took out his tape recorder to get Dante's official statement. He was shocked when Dante said that he had gone to arrest Sonny, but Sonny had not been there. Dante said that he was unloading the gun in Sonny's desk drawer to prevent Sonny from using it when he did arrive. Dante said that the gun jammed and then accidentally discharged and he was shot. He said Sonny walked in moments after the shot was fired.

Lucky tried to get Dante to recant, but Dante held firm. Lucky said he understood about fathers and sons, and he hoped that committing perjury for Sonny was more important to Dante than keeping his badge. Lucky left to call Mac, who had to let Olivia go, when he heard Lucky's news about Dante's statement.

When Lulu showed surprise about Dante's statement to Lucky, Dante explained that he wanted Sonny to go down because of the case he had built against him. Dante said that he wanted to keep the shooting between him and Sonny. He said he did not want Sonny to go to prison for something he had done to Dante, but for Claudia's murder, a crime Sonny had actually committed.

Morgan visited Dante to ask if Dante had befriended him only as a means to get to Sonny. Dante was emphatic when he assured Morgan that his affection for Morgan was real. He told Morgan how pleased he was to find out he had brothers and a sister. Morgan told Dante that he was happy that Dante was his brother and glad he was alive. They hugged before Morgan left.

Lulu returned with a glass of sweet tea for Dante. She told him that Olivia had told her how much he liked it when he was sick. Lulu said that Olivia had told all his secrets while they held hands and prayed for his recovery. When Olivia told Lulu what she had said to the police, Lulu admitted that she was upset because Sonny would get away with shooting Dante. Olivia told Lulu that Sonny was not getting away with anything because his guilt over shooting his own son would eat him alive.

Sonny stood in the doorway and looked at Dante. Dante noticed him and said "Hey, Dad." Then he said that Sonny was a better shot than Dante thought.

DVD #3B  2/8  Olivia and Lulu had words in the hospital corridor. Lulu was steaming because Sonny was not in jail for his attempt on Dante's life. Olivia told Lulu that Sonny was paying in his own way, but Lulu was not mollified as she stabbed angrily at the elevator button.

Sonny tried to apologize to Dante, but he was rebuffed. From his hospital bed, Dante spoke harsh words when he told Sonny that the fact that Sonny was his father meant nothing. Dante told Sonny that he had bought into his "honor crap," but that was before Sonny had shot him in cold blood. Sonny tried to explain that he had shot him before he knew that Dante was his son. Dante said that biology would not change his feelings. He told Sonny that Sonny was not fit to be anyone's father. Sonny tried to say that being father and son did make a difference, but Dante said it did not.

Dante said that he despised people like Sonny. Dante said that he was a cop and Sonny was a criminal. Sonny tried to point out all the times that they had bonded and grown close. When Sonny said that he had felt something for Dante, Dante retorted maybe so, but Sonny had pulled the trigger anyway. Sonny further tried to justify his behavior by saying that he had tried to save Dante, and that he had not left the country so that he could stay near Dante. Lulu arrived at the room and started screaming at Sonny to get out. She told him that he was scum, not fit to have a son and that it did not matter that Sonny would not have shot Dante if he had know he was his son.

She said that what defined Sonny was that he had been willing to shoot an unarmed man who had put himself in harm's way to save Sonny and Morgan's lives. Lulu quoted Tracy when she called Sonny a bottom-feeding thug who was worse than garbage. Sonny listened to Lulu's tirade then left quietly after telling Dante that he cared about him and wanted to have a relationship. Lulu was livid when Dante told her that Sonny wanted forgiveness and had said that he and Dante were alike. Lulu said that they were nothing alike. Dante said that like it or not, Sonny was his father and was part of him. Lulu said not the part that she loved. Lulu and Dante were cuddling on the bed when Maxie arrived with fresh clothes for Lulu and mild encouragement for Lulu to go take a shower.

While Lulu used the shower, Maxie wanted to know if Dante really cared about Lulu or had just been pretending so that Lulu would not reveal that he was an undercover cop. In the hospital shower, Lulu cracked from the stress. She sank sobbing to the floor.

Jason interrupted Maxie and Dante. He told Maxie to go, and she did. Dante was nervous as he said that he was a cop who knew too much. He wanted to know if Jason was going to put a pillow over his face and make it appear that Dante survived the surgery but died in ICU. Jason did not respond.

2/9 At the hospital, Lulu checked her hair in the mirror. Maxie stood nearby with a satisfied smile because she was happy to see that Lulu was all nice and clean. Lulu flopped down on a bench as Maxie took over the mirror. Lulu was certain that Dante was going to continue going after organized crime despite learning that Sonny was his father. Maxie warned Lulu that Dante might want to have a relationship with Sonny. Lulu vehemently disagreed; she was confident that Dante would never forgive or forget the man who had shot him.

Maxie claimed that Robin had spotted Sonny hanging around Dante's room. Lulu reluctantly confided that Dante had told the police that the shooting had been accidental. However, Lulu didn't think that Sonny should read too much into what Dante had done. Lulu explained that Dante had decided that charging Sonny with the shooting wouldn't serve any purpose since Sonny was already facing murder charges. Maxie suggested that Dante was trying to avoid admitting that he had lied to protect Sonny. Maxie advised Lulu to be there for Dante, no matter how things turned out.

In Dante's hospital room, Jason demanded to know why Dante had lied about the shooting. Dante clarified that he hadn't done it for Sonny's sake. Dante had every intention of making certain that Sonny was prosecuted for Claudia's murder. Jason noticed that Dante had avoided answering his question. Shortly after Jason left, Ronnie entered Dante's room. Ronnie demanded to know why Dante had denied that Sonny had pulled the trigger. Dante insisted that his statement had been truthful. Ronnie was certain that Dante had lied to protect Sonny from additional criminal charges. Ronnie didn't understand why Dante wanted to protect a killer. Ronnie's frustration mounted when Dante continued to claim that the shooting had been accidental. Ronnie reminded Dante that Sonny had put the hit on Lieutenant Poletti.

Dante argued that Sonny would pay for Claudia's murder. Ronnie pointed out that Sonny had the best attorneys; he wondered what would happen if Sonny wasn't convicted of killing Claudia. Dante was confident that the case against Sonny was airtight, but Ronnie wasn't persuaded. Ronnie urged Dante to tell the truth about the shooting or risk losing his job. Lulu entered Dante's room moments later. She quickly ordered Ronnie to leave.

After Ronnie left, Dante wondered if Lulu would continue to love him if Dante were a garbage collector. Lulu smiled in response. Dante reflected about the moments leading up to the shooting. He recalled how cold Sonny's eyes had been. Dante realized that Dante saving Morgan and Sonny's lives had meant nothing to Sonny. Lulu vowed to support any decision that Dante made about his future.

Sonny returned home to find Jason waiting for him. Jason explained that they had a problem. According to Jason, there was someone in the organization who knew enough to put Sonny and Jason away. Sonny decided that the man needed to be "taken out." Jason responded, "Good, that's what I thought you'd say." Sonny wondered who the man was. "Dante," Jason replied. Jason warned Sonny that Dante intended to destroy Sonny. Jason suggested that if it were anyone else, Sonny would eliminate the threat. Sonny pointed out that Dante wasn't just anyone; he was Sonny's son. Sonny didn't want anyone to touch Dante. Sonny was determined to make amends. Jason advised Sonny, "Don't let Dante destroy you”.

2/11 Sonny paid Dante a visit in the hopes of explaining why Sonny had joined the mob. Dante didn't think it would change anything, but he invited Sonny to share his story. Sonny started by telling Dante about Adella, Sonny's Cuban immigrant mother. Sonny revealed that Adella had married Mike Corbin, but the marriage had failed because of Mike's gambling addiction. By the time Sonny was six, Mike had walked out on them.

Sonny then talked about Adella's affair with Trevor Lansing, which had produced Sonny's half-brother, Ric. Trevor had hated Sonny, so Adella had packed up Sonny and then left with him. Trevor had kept Ric. Next, Adella had met her second husband, a police officer named Timothy Deacon Woods, whom everyone had called "Deke." Deke was a violent man who abused his wife and stepson.

Deke was the reason that Sonny didn't have any respect for the police. Sonny was assailed by flashbacks of the vicious beatings that Sonny had endured at Deke's hands. Sonny confessed that Deke would lock Sonny in a closet, beat Adella, and then drag his young stepson out to whip Sonny with a belt. Sonny had spent years covering up the abuse until he had befriended the Cerullos. 

According to Sonny, Olivia had been an angel and his "light." Eventually, Sonny had decided to take odd jobs with Joe Scully, in order to save up enough money to escape his abusive home. Olivia didn't want anything to do with Joe Scully's world, so had ended things with Sonny. Shortly afterwards, Sonny began dating Kate. Sonny had no idea that Olivia had been pregnant with his child; Olivia had claimed that she had slept with several men who could have fathered the baby.

Deke had struck Sonny for the last time when Sonny was 17. Sonny had arrived home to find Deke in a foul mood. Deke had struck Sonny, but this time Sonny's temper had exploded. Sonny had fought back like a "bat out of hell." Adella had been forced to step in. She ordered Sonny to leave. Dante was stunned that Adella would side with her abusive husband rather than her own son. Sonny explained that it had been a different time and that Deke's position as a police officer had complicated matters. Sonny had never blamed his mother.

Sonny supported himself by working for Joe Scully. One day, Sonny had learned that Adella had been hospitalized after a severe beating. Joe had instructed Sonny to go somewhere public to establish an alibi. The next morning, Deke's body had been found in an alley. Deke had been shot in the head, execution style. That was when Sonny's life became Joe's. Dante felt terrible for the abuse that Sonny and Adella had suffered, but said it didn't excuse Sonny's choice to be a criminal.

Shortly after Sonny left, Lulu entered the room. She had clean clothes for Dante. Dante told Lulu about Sonny's visit. Lulu recalled hearing that Sonny had suffered a violent childhood. Dante admitted that, as furious as he was with Olivia, his mother would never have stood by while someone had beaten her son. Dante felt sorry for the child that Sonny had been. They looked up when they heard Agent Rayner announce that it was Dante's last chance to tell the truth. Rayner demanded to know how Dante had been shot. Dante insisted that the shooting had been accidental. Rayner explained that the New York City Police Department had authorized Rayner to decide Dante's fate. Rayner informed Dante that Dante could resign or be fired, either way Dante was off of the force.

2/12 At the hospital, Dante expressed his disappointment that he couldn't do anything special for Lulu on Valentine's Day. Lulu smiled as she suggested that Dante lie back and savor the anticipation. Dante was curious what he should be anticipating. Lulu suggested that Dante use his imagination. Dante smiled knowingly and then sobered. He admitted that he couldn't blame Agent Rayner for firing him. Lulu didn't think that Dante should give up without a fight.

Later, Dante woke up to find Lulu flipping through a rival fashion magazine. Lulu explained that it was the best way for her to keep tabs on the competition. Dante wondered where Lulu had been earlier; he recalled waking up only to discover that Lulu had been gone. Lulu mysteriously teased that perhaps she had been lining up a hot Valentine's Day date. Dante's question was answered moments later when Jax entered.

Jax was curious why Lulu had requested to see him. Lulu informed Jax that they had a situation; Agent Rayner had fired Dante. Lulu insisted that Jax use his connections to reinstate Dante. Dante quickly clarified that he wasn't interested in Jax's help. Jax seemed indifferent, but he offered to make some calls if Dante changed his mind. Dante didn't think it would matter. Dante's connection to Sonny posed a problem. After Jax left, Lulu announced that she had to run an errand; however, she promised to return soon.

Mac stopped by to visit Dante shortly after Lulu left. Mac offered Dante a job with the Port Charles Police Department if Dante gave his word not to compromise himself or the force, in order to protect Sonny. Dante readily agreed. Mac seemed satisfied. He informed Dante that the evidence against Sonny was mostly circumstantial. Mac insisted that they needed a witness. Mac instructed Dante to talk to Michael. Mac was certain that Michael had been at the cabin during Claudia's murder. Mac wanted Dante to find sufficient cause to subpoena Michael. Mac intended to force Michael to testify that Sonny had killed Claudia.

Lulu stopped short when she discovered a galaxy theme had transformed her living room for Valentine's Day. Maxie called out, thinking that Spinelli had arrived. Lulu quickly spoke up, so that Maxie knew that Lulu was home. Maxie appeared moments later. Lulu was curious why the living room looked like "Planet Fetish." "Planet Love," Maxie corrected.

Lulu wondered if perhaps Maxie was overcompensating for sleeping with Franco. Maxie ignored the reminder of her folly to inform Lulu that Spinelli was expected. Maxie refused to allow Lulu to ruin the evening. Lulu confessed that she had her own plans, so she was just passing through. A short time later, Lulu emerged from the bedroom. Lulu revealed that she intended to borrow some flowers from Crimson if Kate was still out of town. Maxie decided to donate a few leftover decorations to help Lulu out. Among the items that Maxie tossed into the bag were a large number of condoms.

2/15 Mac offered Dante a job with the Port Charles Police Department. Dante wanted to know if Mac was offering the job because Dante was Sonny's son. Mac said no, that it was because Dante was a good cop. Mac told Dante about Michael's confession and that he had sent Michael home; he told Dante that he believed that Michael was confessing so that he could protect Sonny. Dante agreed that Michael would do everything he could to keep Sonny out of prison. After Mac told Dante that he was not trying to persecute Sonny, that he just wanted Sonny to pay for his crimes, Dante agreed to take the job with the PCPD.

Lulu stopped by her apartment and found that Maxie had decorated for a romantic Valentine's night with Spinelli, which Lulu dubbed a geek prom on Saturn. Maxie did not take offense and tried to give Lulu some condoms to use with Dante. Lulu refused and said it was much too soon after surgery for them to have their first time together. Maxie said that men always had sex on the brain and accused Lulu of being afraid to sleep with Dante for fear that she would lose him once she did. Lulu said that was not true and started to leave. Maxie wanted a hug and when Lulu hugged her, Maxie slipped the condoms into one of Lulu's bags.

Dante was very pleased when Lulu, wearing a sexy red dress, arrived with flowers. As she opened her various shopping bags, he was impressed with the candles and Valentine paraphernalia that she had assembled. When he found the glow-in-the-dark condoms that Maxie had slipped in Lulu's bag, Dante was ecstatic and wanted to make love to Lulu.

Lulu worried about his gunshot wound and that their first time together would be in a hospital bed. Dante said he did not care where they made love the first time. He was happy to be alive and to know that they would have a first time. Dante and Lulu started kissing. As the kissing heated up, so did Dante's monitors, which started beeping loudly and often. Both Dante and Lulu started laughing.

2/16 At the hospital, Lulu and Dante laughed when they realized that their heated kiss had set off the alarms on the monitors that were hooked up to Dante. As Lulu tried to turn them off, Steve, Olivia, and Sonny ran into the room. Steve quickly reset the monitors and then demanded to know what had happened. Lulu and Dante stammered out enough of an explanation for Steve to figure out what had triggered the alarms. Steve reminded Dante that they had to crack open Dante's chest, in order to save Dante's life.

Steve insisted that Dante needed time to heal, so until then, "no sex." Steve threatened to ban Lulu from Dante's room, if Lulu didn't behave herself. As Steve left the room, Dante suggested that Sonny and Olivia could also leave. Dante didn't want Olivia and Sonny to sit vigil at his bedside, as if they were a real family. Olivia explained that she and Sonny had been concerned when they had heard the alarms. Dante didn't care; he suspected that Sonny was using Olivia to get close to Dante.

Lulu jumped to Dante's assistance when Olivia and Sonny appeared ready to argue with Dante. Lulu warned Dante's parents to back off and then reminded them that Dante needed to rest. After Olivia and Sonny left, Dante confessed that he had been impressed by Lulu's defense of him; however, Dante remained concerned that Olivia would allow herself to be drawn in by Sonny.

Lulu didn't think that Olivia would be quick to forgive Sonny for shooting Dante. Dante remained doubtful; according to Dante, Olivia had made some questionable choices. Lulu wondered, "Who doesn't?" Dante smiled as he admitted, "Me." Dante thought that Lulu was a perfect example of Dante's ability to make smart decisions. Lulu was flattered.

Olivia entered Dante's room shortly after Lulu left. She announced that it was her turn to have her say, since Dante had ample opportunity to express his thoughts. Dante agreed to listen. Olivia realized that she had made some mistakes. She acknowledged that she probably should have told Dante the truth about Sonny when Dante had first arrived in Port Charles. However, Olivia didn't regret having kept the secret about Dante's paternity while Dante had grown up. Olivia never wanted her son to live in Sonny's shadow as Michael had.

Olivia was proud of the man that Dante had become. She admitted that she couldn't stand it when Dante was mad at her; she missed talking to him. Dante loved Olivia, but he wasn't interested in discussing what had happened. Dante resented that Olivia had kept the truth from him, but more importantly he hated that he was being used as an excuse for Olivia to let Sonny back into her heart. Olivia quickly denied that she had romantic intentions toward Sonny.

Olivia explained that she had lied to protect Dante. Olivia didn't want Dante to be driven by the same demons, self-hatred, and regrets as Sonny had. Dante sensed that Olivia felt sorry for Sonny. Olivia freely admitted that it saddened her to know that Sonny had led such a tragic life. Olivia also felt sad for herself because of the distance between her and Dante. However, Olivia insisted that she could handle it because she was truly proud of the man that Dante was.

Sonny showed up at Lulu's apartment to ask her to help him to get to know Dante. Lulu didn't want any part of Sonny's plan. She confessed that she couldn't make an excuse or understand why Sonny had shot Dante. Sonny was sorry for what had happened, but he wanted a relationship with Dante. Lulu accused Sonny of being delusional if Sonny thought that Dante would be able to forgive him.

Sonny reminded Lulu that Dante had lied to protect Sonny. Sonny believed that it was a sign that Dante wanted to help his father. Lulu explained that Dante had lied about the shooting because Dante had been mad at himself for trusting Sonny. Sonny was certain that it was just a convenient excuse that Dante used to avoid admitting the truth. Sonny realized that the lie had cost Dante his badge. Lulu informed Sonny that Mac had offered Dante a job with the Port Charles Police Department and that Dante had accepted it. Sonny was stunned.

A short time later, Sonny returned to Dante's hospital room. Sonny admitted that he had heard that Dante had joined the PCPD. Sonny was curious if Dante would continue to go after him. Dante insisted that it didn't matter to him that Sonny was his father; Dante was dedicated to taking down Sonny. Olivia stood at Dante's bedside with an expression of shock on her face.

2/17 In Dante's hospital room, Agent Rayner made it clear that he expected Dante to testify against Sonny. Dante confessed that one of the perks of being forced to resign was that Dante no longer had to pretend to respect Rayner. Dante revealed that he had accepted a job with the Port Charles Police Department, so he suggested that Rayner address his concerns with Commissioner Scorpio. Rayner sarcastically replied, "Well, there's a step up. Congratulations."

Rayner reminded Dante that Sonny was facing murder and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization charges. RICO charges were federal domain, so they fell under Rayner's jurisdiction. Rayner warned Dante not to fabricate another story to cover up Sonny's crimes. Dante made it clear that he was determined for Sonny to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Rayner threatened to fall on Dante "like the wrath of God" if Dante lied on the witness stand.

Rayner and Dante were unaware that Olivia had quietly entered the room until she piped up with a warning of her own. She vowed to file the biggest and messiest harassment lawsuit that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had ever seen if Rayner didn't back off. Olivia promised that when she was through with him, Rayner wouldn't be able to get a job as an assistant dog catcher. Dante was impressed; he cautioned Rayner that Olivia didn't make idle threats.

Rayner suggested that Olivia consider the consequences before she ran to the media with her accusations. Olivia's confident smile quickly disappeared when Rayner informed her that she was going to be called as a material witness for Sonny's trial. Rayner assured Olivia that they could easily make a convincing case that she had prior knowledge to Sonny's intention to kill Claudia. Rayner also suggested that her attempt to undermine the investigation against Sonny wouldn't help her cause.

Olivia claimed that she been trying to protect her son. Rayner wasn't moved; he suggested that Olivia was angry because she hadn't succeeded, so she was attempting to retaliate. Rayner strongly advised Olivia to tell the truth on the stand. Dante threatened to develop a case of amnesia if Rayner didn't leave Olivia alone. Olivia's smile returned, but Rayner didn't appear concerned as he walked out.

Lulu entered Dante's hospital room a short time later. She explained that she couldn't stay too long because Maxie was covering for her at work. Dante expressed his concern about Sonny's impending trial. He was worried that it would be hard on Olivia. Dante explained that Rayner had made it clear that he would use Olivia and Dante to destroy Sonny. Lulu decided to call Maxie to ask her to cover for Lulu a bit longer.

Dante appreciated Lulu's change of plans, but he insisted that it hadn't been necessary. Lulu smiled as she leaned in to kiss Dante. Moments later someone cleared their throat. It was Michael. Michael had stopped by to apologize for how he had treated Dante and to ask a favor. Lulu offered to leave, but Michael didn't think it was necessary. Michael realized that Dante trusted Lulu enough to let her know about Dante's investigation against Sonny. Michael admitted that he had thought that Lulu had liked Sonny.

Lulu realized that Michael felt as if he were caught in the middle. Michael quickly corrected her; he insisted that he had always been on Sonny's side. Michael insisted that Sonny wasn't a bad person or a monster. According to Michael, Sonny sometimes did the wrong thing, but for the right reasons. Michael didn't want Dante to write Sonny off or to assume that Dante knew everything about Sonny. Michael explained that Sonny had been forced to stop Claudia because Claudia had taken Carly hostage at gunpoint. Michael insisted that Dante had time to make the right choice by saving their father. After Michael left, Dante confided that something seemed off with Michael. Lulu was surprised when Dante revealed that Michael had confessed to killing Claudia.

Lulu pointed out that Michael had lied before; she was certain that Michael had been trying to protect Sonny. Dante admitted that Mac had agreed, which was why Mac hadn't taken Michael's statement. Lulu sensed that Dante suspected that Michael had killed Claudia. She insisted that Michael couldn't have done it.

Morgan paid Dante a visit after Lulu left. Morgan revealed that Jax and Carly were splitting up. Dante was sorry to hear about the breakup. Morgan explained that he loved Jax; he also loved Sonny. Morgan didn't want Sonny to go to prison. He begged Dante to help their father.

2/18 In Dante's hospital room, Morgan implored Dante to help Sonny stay out of jail. Dante explained that he couldn't. Dante wondered if Morgan knew what integrity was. Morgan had a vague idea, but before Dante could explain what it meant, Jason entered the room. Morgan had asked Jason to meet him. Morgan wanted to discuss a possible solution to Sonny's impending trial. Morgan suggested that Dante quit his job as a police officer, so that Dante could go to work for Sonny and Jason.

Jason insisted that it wasn't that simple. Dante gently explained that he had been working undercover; he had taken an oath to uphold the law. Morgan argued that Dante had made that decision before he had gotten to know Sonny. Morgan was desperate to make things right between Dante and Sonny. Morgan hoped to attend the Yankees Opening Day game with Dante and Sonny. After Morgan left, Dante wondered if Jason had been behind Morgan's visit. Jason denied that he had anything to do with Morgan's suggestion. Dante made it clear that he was not going to go to work for a mob boss.

Carly entered Dante's room and then closed the door. She was happy to see that Dante was awake because she wanted to talk to him. Carly was determined to discuss Dante's siblings and how Dante had used them to take down Sonny. Carly insisted that Dante needed to make things right. Dante calmly informed Carly that, if he had to do it over again, he wouldn't have changed a thing except getting shot. Dante warned Carly that there was compelling evidence against Sonny.

Carly suggested that Dante could claim that he had manufactured the evidence, in order to secure a conviction against Sonny. Dante refused to consider it; he insisted that he didn't lie. Carly pointed out that Dante had lied to everyone for months and then again to the Federal Bureau of Investigation about the shooting. "What's one more lie among family?" Carly asked.

2/19 At the hospital, Dante refused to toss away his career to save Sonny. Carly suggested that Dante could find a new career. Her only concern was protecting Sonny and making certain that Michael and Morgan didn't lose their father. She pointed out that Dante had lied for months. Carly suggested that, deep down inside, Dante didn't want to send Sonny to jail. Dante quickly corrected her; he believed that Michael and Morgan would be better off without Sonny in their lives. Carly dared Dante to tell Michael and Morgan that to their faces. Carly worried that Sonny wouldn't last a month in jail because Sonny's enemies would find a way to kill him.

Olivia entered Dante's hospital room while Carly badgered Dante to go along with her plan. Olivia ordered Carly to leave Dante alone. Carly was unapologetic; she claimed that lying was the right thing for Dante to do. According to Carly, Olivia's lies had created the mess, so they needed one more lie to get out of the predicament that they were in. Olivia argued that lying wouldn't fix the problem. Carly was surprised that Olivia was willing to let Dante live with the guilt of sending his father to jail.

Dante quickly clarified that any guilt that he might feel was his business, not Olivia's. Carly appreciated Olivia's desire to protect Dante, but Carly was determined to do the same for Michael and Morgan. After Carly left, Dante conceded that Carly had been correct; Olivia expected everyone to tell the truth except herself. Olivia refused to apologize for trying to safeguard Dante. "Carly has guts," Dante observed, "she's not afraid of the truth." "And I don't?" Olivia asked. Dante pointed out that Carly had never tried to hide who Michael and Morgan's father was.

Olivia reminded Dante that Michael and Morgan never had a chance to live a normal life; they had been kidnapped and terrorized. Olivia added that Michael wasn't even Sonny's biological child. Dante countered that at least Michael knew the truth. Olivia argued that Michael hadn't known anything during the year that Michael had been in a coma. Olivia refused to apologize for keeping the truth about Dante from Sonny. Olivia insisted, "I did good." Dante was stunned. "Good?" he demanded. Dante reminded Olivia that he had grown up with a mother who had been known as the town "slut" because she had slept with so many men that she didn't know who had fathered her child. Dante finally realized that the reason that Olivia had never dated during his childhood was because Olivia had been in love with Sonny.

Olivia clarified that she had been in love with the Sonny that she had grown up with, not the man that Sonny became. Olivia insisted that she had given Dante a decent life with a wonderful family who went to church every Sunday and then enjoyed family dinners together. Olivia didn't regret that the mob was not part of Dante's life. She was proud of the way she had raised Dante. Dante suggested that Olivia had been happy that he had lied about the shooting. It seemed to Dante that Olivia would be equally happy if he tanked the case against Sonny. "I'm still your mother, and you will respect me," Olivia ordered. It didn't matter if Dante chose to lie or tell the truth, as long as he could live with himself afterwards. A short time later, Lulu entered, but the room was empty.

2/22 Jason confronted Dante on the roof of General Hospital. At first, Dante thought that Jason meant to toss him over the side, but soon learned that Sonny refused to let anyone hurt Dante. Dante said that he had respect for Sonny before Sonny had tried to shoot him in cold blood. He wanted to know if Jason would have pulled the trigger under the same circumstances.

Lulu intruded and wanted answers also. She said very unkind things about Sonny, but Jason defended Sonny. He said that he was the one who had been supposed to kill Dante and that he would have done it. He told Lulu and Dante that Sonny was fighting for more than his business; he was fighting for his survival.

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

Dante and Lulu went back to his room. Lulu apologized for being so fierce with Jason on his behalf. She told him to take care of himself and told him that no matter what he decided to do about Sonny, she would stand beside him. Dante looked her in the eyes and told her he was telling the truth when he said that he would testify against Sonny, and if Sonny got convicted, that was what he deserved.

After Lulu left, Dante was not pleased when Sonny visited. Sonny tried to bond with Dante. He told Dante that they were blood and that they could build on it so that something good came of their relationship. Dante was incredulous when Sonny said that they were alike. He told Sonny that they were nothing alike and that he would never allow Sonny in his life. When Sonny left Dante's hospital room, he had a slight smile on his face. As he left, Sonny said to Dante, "That anger, that refusal to forgive, just like me!"

2/23 Maxie entered Dante's hospital room to talk to him about Lulu. Maxie wanted Dante's assurance that he wasn't a player like Sonny. Dante promised that he loved Lulu. Maxie didn't believe him. Dante was curious why Maxie was certain that he was lying to her. Maxie confessed that she was worried that Dante was like Sonny. Dante's temper flared; he resented being compared to Sonny. Dante reminded Maxie that Sonny had nothing to do with Dante's upbringing.

Dante insisted that the only thing that he shared with Sonny was DNA. According to Dante, Sonny was an egotistical jerk who mistreated women. Maxie admitted that Dante sounded convincing, but she had "serious mommy issues." Maxie revealed that even though she had tried her best not to be like Felicia, Maxie had many of Felicia's tendencies. Maxie suggested that Dante could be like Sonny, whether Dante liked it or not.

Dante confided that he had grown up with a mother who had a terrible reputation. Olivia had claimed that she hadn't known who Dante's father was because Olivia had slept with several men. Dante had learned at a young age not to treat women poorly. Maxie hoped that Dante was sincere. She warned Dante that she would make certain that he would regret it if he ever hurt Lulu.

Lulu entered the casino and wondered what Luke wanted to see her about. Tracy took responsibility for the phone call. Tracy wanted Luke to talk to Lulu about Dante. Luke made it clear that he didn't have anything to say on the matter. Tracy decided to warn Lulu away from Dante. Tracy feared that Dante was exactly like Sonny. Lulu argued that Sonny and Dante were nothing alike. Tracy realized that Sonny hadn't raised Dante, just as Luke hadn't raised Ethan. However, Tracy suggested that Lulu take a hard look at Luke and Ethan. Lulu and Tracy watched as Luke and Ethan stood side-by-side behind the bar and simultaneously knocked back a generous shot of whiskey. Tracy insisted that it could be in Dante's DNA to break women's hearts the same way that Sonny did.

Tracy was annoyed when Luke agreed that Dante and Sonny were nothing alike; however, Luke had reservations about Dante being a police officer. Lulu reminded everyone that she didn't have any control over what Dante chose to do for a living. Lulu insisted that she was with Dante because of the way that Dante treated her. Luke hoped, for Lulu's sake, that Dante wasn't stringing Lulu along. However, Sonny had also loved many of the women that Sonny had been involved with. Lulu refused to continue the argument, so she decided to leave. Lucky entered as Lulu headed to the door. Lulu warned Lucky that she would not be dictated to about Dante. Lucky clarified that he thought highly of Dante. Lulu hugged Lucky and then left without a backward glance to the rest of her family. 

Lulu found Dante resting in his hospital room. Dante confessed that Maxie had paid him a visit earlier. Lulu was livid when Dante revealed that Maxie had questioned his intentions toward Lulu. Lulu insisted that Maxie didn't have any right to grill Dante. Lulu then confessed that she had a similar discussion with Tracy. Dante worried that Lulu feared that everyone might be right about him. Lulu reluctantly confided that she was "relationship challenged," so a part of her did question if Dante was too good to be true.

Dante offered to teach Lulu some techniques that he had learned at the police academy about how to spot someone who was being deceptive. Dante suggested that the skill might help reassure Lulu that Dante was being truthful. Lulu jokingly questioned if she could trust Dante to share the correct techniques with her. Dante smiled and then proceeded to teach her what he knew. After the lesson, Dante invited Lulu to test her skill.

Lulu fired a series of questions at him, including if he liked jelly on his toast, if he was a secret Boston Red Sox fan, and whether he was a boxer or briefs man. Dante didn't like jelly on toast, he was definitely not a secret Red Sox fan, and he didn't wear boxers or briefs. Lulu laughed and then asked if he loved her. Dante looked away and then answered, "No." Lulu immediately recognized the lie. She called him out on it before Dante pulled her close for a kiss.

2/25 Mac entered Dante's room to hand Dante a government subpoena. Mac explained that Dante was expected to testify at Sonny's arraignment. Mac revealed that the new prosecutor believed that Dante could add credibility to the argument that Sonny was a flight risk because Dante knew about Sonny's offshore accounts. Lulu pointed out that Dante was still recovering from a gunshot wound. Mac conceded that a doctor would have to sign off on a medical release form before Dante could leave the hospital.

After Mac left, Lulu wondered what Dante intended to do. Dante realized that he would eventually have to testify against Sonny, so it wasn't a surprise that he had been subpoenaed. Steve entered the room a few minutes later. Steve explained that Dante would have to undergo some tests before Steve would be able to sign off on Dante's release. Lulu decided to go to Dante's apartment to pick up a suit in case Dante was given the clearance to go to court.

Robin went to Dante's room to talk to Dante about Sonny. She showed Dante a picture of her with Stone, during happy times, while she opened up about Sonny and Stone's relationship, Stone's diagnosis of AIDS, and Stone's tragic death. Robin revealed that Sonny had taken care of Stone until the end. Later, Sonny had been there for Robin as she struggled to deal with her own HIV positive diagnosis. Robin insisted that Sonny was the kindest and most generous person that she had ever met. Dante was moved by Robin's story.

Patrick stood outside of the room, eavesdropping. He was furious as he listened to Robin. Eventually, Patrick entered the room to demand to have a private word with Robin. Robin stepped into the hallway with Patrick and then informed him that she hadn't appreciated how Patrick had practically dragged her out of the room by her hair. Patrick accused Robin of trying to influence Dante not to testify against Sonny. Robin insisted that Dante needed to hear what she had to say. Patrick didn't think that it was any of Robin's business.

Lulu ran into Johnny near the elevators. She asked Johnny not to bother Dante. Lulu explained that there had been a steady stream of people who had tried to pressure Dante not to testify against Sonny. Lulu realized that Johnny wanted Dante to crucify Sonny, but she argued that Dante needed his rest. Johnny wondered what the chances were that Dante would "stick to his guns." Lulu admitted that she wanted Sonny to be put away for good, but she insisted that it was Dante's decision.

Johnny believed that Dante was lucky to have Lulu. "I know," Lulu jokingly admitted. Lulu confessed that she was concerned that Sonny might "slide" on being convicted because nothing ever seemed to stick to Sonny. Johnny confided that he had a feeling that Sonny would get exactly what Sonny deserved.

Lulu returned to the hospital a short time later with a change of clothes for Dante. Dante wondered if Lulu had ever heard of Stone. Dante revealed that Robin had paid him a visit to talk about Sonny and Stone. Lulu sensed that Dante was conflicted about his testimony. She assured Dante that she would support whatever Dante decided. Patrick entered the room to sign off on Dante's paperwork. Dante was curious why Patrick wasn't trying to stop Dante from testifying. Patrick explained that it didn't concern him. "That's a refreshing point of view," Lulu quipped.

As Dante and Lulu entered the courtroom during Sonny’s trial, Claire revealed that Detective Dante Falconeri was available to take the stand to confirm that Sonny had a vast fortune available in offshore accounts.

2/26 In the courtroom, Claire argued that Sonny's bail should be revoked because Sonny was a flight risk. Claire informed the judge that Dante Falconari could testify that Sonny had a vast fortune in offshore accounts. Alexis and Diane objected. The judge suggested that Alexis either join the defense team or sit down and be quiet. The judge gave Alexis five seconds to decide. Diane reminded Alexis of her terms. As the seconds ticked down, Alexis reluctantly agreed to join Diane's law firm.

After the matter was settled, Alexis continued her argument that Sonny had plenty of opportunity to flee the country, but he had stayed. The judge needed more information before rendering a decision. Dante was asked to take the stand. Alexis sat down next to Sonny while Dante was sworn in. Alexis and Diane briefly conferred, until the judge reminded the attorneys that they were in court.

Claire did her best to force Dante to reveal the truth about the shooting, but Dante insisted that it had been a self-inflicted accident. Eventually, Alexis and Diane accused Claire of trying to badger the witness. The judge decided that he had heard enough, so he called a brief recess, in order to deliberate. Sonny took the opportunity to thank Dante for lying on the stand. Dante made it clear that he had not done it for Sonny. Dante wanted Sonny to go to jail for killing Claudia, not because Dante had botched an arrest. Diane advised Sonny not to talk to Dante.

3/1  In the courtroom, Judge Carroll was about to announce his decision when Carly suddenly burst into the courtroom. Carly loudly objected and then declared that the case against Sonny wasn't about justice; it was about Jax trying to seek revenge against Carly's ex-husband. Carly insisted that she had "vital information" to the case. Alexis objected to Carly's interruption. Judge Carroll decided that he wanted to hear what Carly had to say.

Carly explained that Jax was a wealthy and powerful man. Carly insisted that many people were eager to impress Jax, including the new federal prosecutor. Judge Carroll was curious if Carly was suggesting that Jax had falsified evidence. Carly quickly assured the judge that Jax had not. Claire objected to Carly's unconventional testimony. Judge Carroll agreed that Carly's statement didn't have any bearing on the proceedings.

Judge Carroll ordered Carly to take a seat and then he offered Sonny an opportunity to speak. Sonny insisted that he wasn't a flight risk because his life wasn't about "money and buying things." Sonny claimed that his children meant everything to him. Sonny's children made Sonny's life worth living. Sonny insisted that he would never leave his children behind. Sonny talked about Kristina. Sonny admitted that they had some problems that Sonny hoped to work on. Sonny also wanted an opportunity to get to know Dante. Sonny was desperate to clear his name, so that he could spend time with all of his children.

After Sonny sat down, Judge Carroll made it clear that he would not put up with Carly's "courtroom theatrics" or Alexis and Diane's personal issues. Judge Carroll warned Alexis and Diane that if they didn't work things out before the trial, one of them would be removed as Sonny's counsel. Judge Carroll commended Claire for making a valiant argument to revoke bail, but he insisted that Sonny had not given them any indication that he would leave the country, so Judge Carroll decided not to revoke Sonny's bail.

Lulu wondered how Dante felt about Judge Carroll's decision. Dante was confident that Sonny would be convicted soon enough. As Lulu stepped away to take a call from Kate, Sonny approached Dante to thank him. Sonny assured Dante that he had meant every word of what he had told the judge. Dante advised Sonny to give up on his dream of getting to know Dante; Sonny would be going to jail. Sonny hoped that Dante was wrong.

Claire insisted on having a moment of Dante's time. Lulu explained that Dante was recovering for a gunshot wound. Dante assured Lulu that he was fine. Lulu seemed annoyed with Claire, but she respected Dante's wishes. After Lulu walked away, Claire invited Dante into the courtroom. Claire wanted to put Dante on the stand to determine whether or not she could trust Dante.

Dante agreed to play along with Claire. She immediately began asking Dante questions about the shooting. Dante stuck to his story that the shooting had been self-inflicted and accidental. Claire then began questioning Dante about his relationship with Sonny. Dante didn't think that it had any bearing on the case. Claire explained that she needed to know how far Dante would go to save "daddy."

Lulu bumped into Jax as she left the courthouse. Lulu expressed her disappointment over Judge Carroll's decision. Jax insisted that Sonny was a threat to Jax's family. Jax didn't think that anyone would be safe until Sonny was locked up behind bars.

3/2 Claire questioned Dante on the witness stand. She wanted to determine what she could expect from him during Sonny's trial. Dante resented Claire's attitude. He suggested that Claire could always remove him from the witness list. Claire refused to allow Dante to throw away all of his undercover work just to impress Sonny. However, she considered treating Dante as a hostile witness. Lulu entered the courtroom in time to hear Claire's comment.

Lulu advised Claire that it would be a mistake to alienate Dante. Lulu suggested that Claire needed Dante's help if Claire hoped to convict Sonny. Claire questioned Lulu's agenda. Lulu wanted justice, for the truth to prevail, and for the jury to reach a verdict. Claire didn't seem impressed; she warned Dante not to disappoint her and then left.

Lulu had a few questions of her own. Dante readily revealed that he was indifferent about Judge Carroll's decision not to revoke Sonny's bail. Dante also understood that it was his job to testify against Sonny. However, Dante was reluctant to share his thoughts about the prospect of Sonny going to jail. Lulu changed the subject; she was curious if Dante had ever been in love. "Once," Dante admitted. As he talked about his first love, Lulu realized that it was her. Her frown quickly transformed into a smile.

Later, Lulu and Dante went to Dante's room above Kelly's. Dante realized that the last time that he had stood in the room, he had been preparing for Josslyn's christening. Dante admitted that nearly everything had changed since that fateful day. The only thing that had remained the same was his love for Lulu, although it was stronger than it had been. Lulu was touched. Dante and Lulu kissed, but she pulled away when Dante tried to take things further. Lulu was concerned about Dante's injury. Dante promised to take things "slow and easy."

Lulu smiled and then offered to undress for him. Dante slid between the sheets while Lulu slowly stripped. Lulu admitted that she was nervous because it was more than just sex for her. Lulu saw it as an opportunity for them to express how much they loved each other. After Lulu dropped her dress, she turned to face Dante. Dante was sound asleep. Lulu smiled, pulled the dress back on, and then sat down on the bed to watch Dante.

3/3 Dante woke up to discover that his bed was empty. Lulu slept nearby, in a chair. Lulu opened her eyes when she heard Dante stirring. Dante was disappointed to learn that he had fallen asleep before he and Lulu could make love. Dante pulled Lulu close for a heated kiss. He noted that he was well rested. Lulu laughed, but before they could make love, someone knocked on the door. It was Olivia.

Dante tried to ignore his mother's incessant knocking, but Olivia refused to go away. Dante informed his mother that he wasn't dressed. Olivia responded, "Oh, for God's sakes, Dante, I changed your poopy diapers. Now put your pants on." Olivia threatened to fetch a key if Dante didn't open the door. Dante groaned with annoyance, but did as Olivia requested. Holding a casserole dish, Olivia breezed into the room. She stopped short when she saw Lulu.

Olivia quickly figured out what Dante and Lulu had been doing before she had arrived. Olivia tried to delicately broach the subject, but Lulu opted to be blunt. Lulu informed Dante that Olivia was concerned that it was too soon for Dante to have sex. Lulu agreed with Olivia. Dante's frustration mounted when Lulu gathered her things. He followed Lulu to the hallway and then offered to send Olivia away. Lulu insisted that Dante needed to talk to his mother.

Dante returned to his room after Lulu left. Olivia immediately began lecturing Dante about pushing himself too hard before he was fully recovered. Dante didn't feel comfortable discussing it with Olivia because he didn't trust her. Olivia was crushed. Dante didn't want to hurt her, but he thought that it was important that she knew where they stood.

Dante entered the casino a short time later. Luke quickly excused himself; he wasn't eager to "bond with the boys in blue." Lucky advised Dante to ignore Luke. Lucky suspected that Luke secretly approved of Dante. Dante was curious how Lucky felt about working with Sonny Corinthos' son. Lucky made it clear that he judged people on their own merit. Lucky believed that Dante had integrity.

Lucky confessed that he had some experience with a father who operated on the wrong side of the law. Dante was curious how Lucky handled it. Lucky revealed that he stepped down from a case when there was a conflict of interest. Lucky wondered if Dante planned to do the same. Dante made it clear that he was determined to remove Sonny and Sonny's organization from the "playing field." Lucky received a call about a possible break-in. Lucky assured dispatch that he didn't need backup. Dante advised Lucky to be careful. Dante reminded Lucky what had happened when Dante had declined backup.

3/4 Lucky spotted a man wearing a Bill Clinton mask attempting to break into a building. The masked man fled when he saw Lucky. Lucky chased the masked man to a rooftop. The masked man opened fire on Lucky and then leaped to freedom. Later, Lucky arrived at the police station, where he quickly updated Dante on what had transpired. Lucky confided that he suspected Johnny had been behind the attempted break-in.

Lucky explained that the target had been Bernie's office. Lucky revealed that the man had been wearing a mask of an ex-president, which he had dropped after escaping. Dante guessed, "George Bush or Bill Clinton?" Lucky was surprised; he was curious how Dante had known. Dante explained that Max preferred to wear a Bill Clinton mask while Milo always wore a George Bush mask. Lucky and Dante agreed that it was further proof that Johnny was the masked man.

Dante believed that Johnny's determination to target Sonny leveled the playing field. Lucky worried that things would quickly escalate even though Johnny hadn't done any serious harm. Dante disagreed; he pointed out that Johnny had shot at Lucky. Lucky insisted that Johnny had missed on purpose. Lucky admitted that he had recently held a gun to Johnny's head, but Johnny had given Lucky a free pass. Lucky was tempted to return the favor.

Lucky couldn't imagine going after Luke the way that they were expected to go after Sonny; he confessed that he wouldn't be able to do it. Dante didn't have any qualms about taking down Sonny. Dante believed that Sonny had to be stopped. Lucky and Dante were surprised when Ronnie emerged from a nearby interrogation room. Ronnie informed Dante and Lucky that the FBI had put together a task force. Lucky, Dante, and Ronnie had to work together to shut down the mob in Port Charles.

After Lucky left, Ronnie admitted that he had his doubts about Dante. Dante reminded Ronnie of Franco. Ronnie argued that Franco was gone. Ronnie was concerned because Dante had given Sonny a free pass on shooting a cop. Dante insisted that it had been a self-inflicted accident. Ronnie wondered how Dante would feel if Sonny managed to walk away from a guilty verdict for Claudia's murder. Dante refused to allow Ronnie to guilt him into manufacturing evidence, in order to secure a conviction against Sonny. Dante reminded Ronnie that their job was to uphold the law. Dante was determined that Sonny's downfall would be by the book. Later, Claire entered the police station. She was surprised to see Dante at work.

Dante clarified that he wasn't officially on duty. Claire suggested that Dante reconsider working for the Port Charles Police Department because she didn't think that Dante would like what would happen next. Dante informed her that he was a "glutton for punishment," so he didn't have any intention of walking away. "Okay, don't say I didn't warn you," Claire responded.

3/5 Sonny arrived at the Port Charles Police Station, where he sought out Dante because he believed that Dante had called him down. When Dante said that he had not called, Claire Walsh arrived and started questioning Sonny, who immediately referred her to his lawyer. She continued to batter both Sonny and Dante, before leaving them alone.

Once she was gone, Sonny told Dante that he loved him and it did not matter what he said in court. Sonny said that Dante was his son and would always be under his protection. Dante scoffed and said that there was nothing that Sonny could do that would ever make Dante want to acknowledge a relationship to him. Sonny told Dante that his stubbornness and unforgiving nature were further proof of just how much alike they were.

Claire returned after Sonny was gone and had a further conversation with Dante, who steadfastly stuck to his story about his gunshot wound and his resolve to see Sonny in prison. When Claire learned that Michael had confessed to Claudia's murder, she was gleeful as she planned how to break him down on the stand. Dante defended Michael and his situation, but Claire continued with her plan to capitalize on Michael as the weak link. She told Dante that his job was to help her and, if he was unable to do that, he should go back to working for his daddy.

Dante went to see Michael at Sonny's. When Dante said he was concerned and wanted to help, Michael said Dante could help best by not sending Sonny to prison. Dante said that Sonny was not innocent. Michael told Dante that Dante did not know anything about Sonny because he was too busy lying and deceiving to understand what kind of man Sonny was. Dante asked Michael to explain. Just as Michael was about to tell all, Sonny walked in and told Dante to get out of his house. Dante, said "Thanks, Dad," very sarcastically, then asked it Sonny was being so rude because he was afraid that the truth would finally come out.

3/8 At Greystone Manor, Sonny was furious. "Come after me any way you want, any direction you choose, but don't you dare use Michael to do it," Sonny warned Dante. Dante was surprised that Sonny objected to two borthers having a conversation. Sonny asked Michael to leave. Dante promised to be available if Michael needed someone to confide to. Sonny's temper flared. "Go!" Sonny ordered Michael. After Michael left, Sonny accused Dante of damaging Michael by dredging up what had happened to Claudia.

"Right, because it's always the other people who cause harm. Right, Sonny? It's never you. You're just this poor misunderstood guy trying to be a good dad. That's your story and you're sticking to it?" Sonny flinched, but remained silent as Dante suggested that Sonny was surrounded by people who perpetuated the lie. Dante believed that Michael was old enough to see the truth, so Dante was determined to help the process along. Sonny argued that it didn't concern Dante.

Sonny made it clear that he didn't want Michael involved in the trial. Dante reminded Sonny that Michael was a potential witness. Sonny insisted that Michael hadn't been present when Claudia had died. Sonny took full responsibility for killing Claudia. Sonny claimed that he hadn't realized his own strength until he had killed Claudia with a single swing. According to Sonny, it had been an accident; however, saving Carly and Josslyn had been justified. "So help me God," Sonny promised.

Dante went to Johnny's garage to question him about the aftermath of Claudia's death. Dante was curious if Johnny knew anything that might help them link Sonny to the cabin. Johnny admitted that he didn't have any evidence that would tie Sonny to the cabin on that fateful night. Dante wondered if Michael might be a possible witness. Johnny warned Dante to leave Michael alone. Dante pointed out that Johnny's reaction had been revealing. Dante was more certain than ever that Michael had seen something.

Johnny suggested that Dante stop zeroing in on Michael as a suspect. Johnny believed that Michael needed for Dante to be a big brother instead of a cop. Dante insisted that he was trying to help Michael by getting Michael away from Sonny's influence. Dante suddenly realized that Sonny might try to get Michael out of the country before Michael could be called to testify as a witness.

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

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

Dante went to Lulu's apartment. As soon as Lulu opened the door, Dante pulled her into his arms and then kissed her. Dante's amorous greeting surprised Lulu. Dante explained that it seemed as if everyone in the world acted on their passions, so he thought it was only fair that they should. Dante confessed that while he had been at Jason's penthouse, all he could think about was Lulu.

Lulu was concerned about Dante's wound, but he assured her that it was fine. Lulu and Dante started to make love on the sofa when Maxie suddenly entered the apartment. Maxie quickly apologized for the interruption; she promised to leave as soon as she changed clothes. A short time later, Maxie emerged from her bedroom and was dressed for a night of surveillance. Dante wondered if he should be concerned, but Maxie promised that Spinelli had everything well in hand.

After Maxie left, Lulu suggested that she and Dante go to the bedroom before someone else barged in on them. Moments later, Ronnie knocked on the front door and demanded to see Dante. Dante promised that he'd get rid of Ronnie quickly. Ronnie apologized when he realized what he had walked in on. Ronnie explained that he and Dante had to track down Sonny.

After Dante left, Carly dropped by to see Lulu. Carly and Lulu apologized to each other for the recent distance between them. They vowed not to let any man pull them apart. Carly wanted Lulu's help with Dante. Carly didn't expect Dante to lie on the witness stand, but she hoped that Dante would show some compassion for Sonny. Carly believed that it would have a huge impact on the jury. Carly confided that the police suspected that Michael knew something about Claudia's death. Carly feared that Michael would be called to testify against Sonny. Carly didn't think that Michael could handle the pressure, so Carly was making the request for Michael's sake. 

Lulu refused to help Carly because Lulu believed that Sonny belonged in prison. Carly was disappointed, but she understood that Lulu was in a difficult position. Carly advised Lulu to not let Dante see how much Lulu hated Sonny. Carly warned Lulu that Sonny would eventually wear Dante down. Lulu hoped that Carly was wrong. Carly promised that there would be a day when Sonny and Dante would connect as father and son.

Ronnie and Dante were in Sonny's living room when Sonny arrived home. Sonny made it clear that Dante was welcome, but Ronnie wasn't. Ronnie explained that they were there to question Michael about the night that Claudia had died. Sonny couldn't believe that Dante would allow Ronnie to harass Michael. Ronnie quickly realized that Michael was already out of the country when Sonny refused to allow anyone to talk to Michael. Ronnie was furious; he vowed that they could and would use Sonny's son against Sonny.

3/10 Tracy went to Crimson to talk to Lulu about Dante. Tracy wanted Lulu to end things with Dante because Tracy feared that Dante would break Lulu's heart, if he didn't get her killed first. Lulu couldn't understand why Tracy didn't like Dante; she reminded Tracy that Dante was on the right side of the law. Tracy argued that Dante was Sonny's son, so it was inevitable that Sonny would influence Dante. Tracy didn't think that Dante could provide Lulu with stability and commitment.

Lulu was curious if Luke gave Tracy those things. "Absolutely not," Tracy admitted; however, Luke and Tracy had black hearts, so they deserved each other. Tracy believed that Lulu deserved better. Lulu insisted that there wasn't anyone better than Dante. Tracy realized that nothing she could say would change Lulu's mind.

3/11 In Metro Court's lobby, Dante questioned Carly about Michael's sudden departure. Dante warned Carly that it looked bad for Sonny that Michael had vanished before the trial. Carly insisted that Michael didn't know anything about Claudia's death. She refused to reveal Michael's whereabouts. Dante understood Carly's desire to protect the father of her children, but he was adamant that lying for Michael only made things worse. Carly chuckled; Dante reminded her of Sonny.

According to Carly, Dante was single-minded, like Sonny. Dante ignored the comparison. He insisted that Carly was hurting Michael by keeping the truth hidden. Carly accused Dante of twisting her words to suit his agenda exactly like Sonny. Dante claimed that he was trying to protect Michael. Carly didn't think that putting Sonny in prison would help.

Dante was certain that Michael would eventually be found. Carly didn't seem concerned; she suggested that Dante seek out Jax, so that Dante and Jax could work together. Carly informed Dante that her marriage to Jax had crumbled because of Dante's secret. Carly coldly observed, "you're turning out to the quite the brother."

Dante was unapologetic; he believed that Sonny was a criminal who needed to go to jail. He warned Carly that the FBI would arrest Michael. Moments later, Claire entered the lobby. Claire demanded to know where Michael was. Carly resented Claire discussing it with Dante instead of Carly. Claire pointed out that Michael was 18 years old, so he was considered an adult in the eyes of the law.

Carly marched off, but didn't go far. She lurked nearby eavesdropping on Claire and Dante's conversation. Claire was annoyed because she sensed that Dante was trying to protect Michael. Dante insisted that he had put together a strong case against Sonny, so Michael's testimony wasn't necessary. Claire needed Michael's testimony to secure a conviction because Claire was certain that Carly would testify favorably for Sonny. Dante warned Claire that Michael might never recover if Michael was forced to testify against Sonny. Dante's phone rang moments later. It was Lulu; she needed to see Dante immediately.

Lulu was surprised when Dante entered Crimson a few minutes later. Dante explained that he had been in the lobby. He appreciated that Lulu had rescued him from the "big, bad prosecutor." Lulu announced that she had a surprise for Dante, but she decided that it would be best to show it to him. A short time later, Lulu and Dante entered an empty loft.

Lulu revealed that the apartment was for rent, but Dante needed to decide quickly. Dante admitted that the loft was perfect, like Lulu. Lulu was delighted. Dante pulled Lulu close as he noted that the apartment lacked one thing. "A mattress," Lulu concluded. They checked the door to make certain that they wouldn't be disturbed and then kissed.

3/12 In Dante's new loft, Lulu and Dante were kissing each other and reveling in their privacy when Lulu got an urgent phone call from Kate and had to return to Crimson.

At Crimson, Kate told Lulu that they would be working late. She said that Maxie's failure to appear the previous evening had upset the designer they were to meet and he had given his fashion exclusive to another magazine. Kate insisted that both Lulu and Maxie had to work all night to get the magazine ready for publication. When Lulu contacted Maxie on her cell phone, Kate grabbed the phone. Unaware that Maxie was in the hospital Kate that Maxie had one hour to get to work or Maxie could consider herself fired. She hung up without giving Maxie a chance to explain. Kate then turned her attention to Lulu. Kate said that even though Dante was her nephew, Lulu would not get any breaks. Kate told Lulu that if her love life interfered with her job, then she would need to find a new job.

Sonny met with Luke and asked him to speak to Lulu. He told Luke that Olivia was treating him like a stranger off the streets and he wanted to get to know Dante better. He told Luke that he knew how angry Lulu was with him, but hoped that Luke could help him out. Luke said that he would try, but Luke told Sonny that Lulu got very upset with Luke if he meddled in her love life.

Claire tracked Dante down at the loft. She was convinced that Michael saw Sonny kill Claudia and wanted Dante to find Michael. Dante tried to convince Claire to keep Michael out of the trial, but Claire insisted that it was Dante's job to find Michael and make sure he appeared at the trial. She did her best to push Dante's buttons as she questioned his loyalties.

When Sonny arrived home, Dante was waiting for him. He was reading an obituary of a felon named Jimmy who was known to both of them. Dante told Sonny that when he had arrested Jimmy a few years back, Jimmy had finally confessed to a crime that had been weighing on him for 30 years. Dante said that he had recognized a haunted look in Jimmy's eyes and had urged him to confess. Jimmy said that confessing had made him feel much better. Sonny wanted to know if Dante detected that look in Sonny's eyes. 

Dante told him that he had seen the same look in Michael's eyes. Sonny said that he loved Michael and was trying to protect him. Dante wanted to know how it helped Michael to have to hide the fact that he had seen Sonny bludgeon Claudia to death and how that was protecting Michael. When Sonny said that Dante really did not understand the situation, Dante implored Sonny to explain. Sonny seemed on the point of telling Dante everything when Jason pointedly interrupted their conversation.

3/15 Sonny almost divulged to Dante that Michael had killed Claudia, but Jason entered Sonny's living room and interrupted their conversation. Dante continued to believe that Michael had witnessed Sonny beat Claudia to death. He urged Sonny to let Michael tell the truth.

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

Kate and Lulu rushed Maxie to General Hospital, where Epiphany and Robin chastised her for checking herself out. Kate was appalled to realize that her selfish demands had caused Maxie's actions. When she learned of Maxie's heart condition, she told Lulu to take the night off and stay with Maxie and then spend some time with Dante.

When Dante arrived at Kelly’s, Molly invited him to join them. Both Alexis and Dante were reluctant to talk about the case against Sonny, but Molly questioned Dante about his feelings. He admitted that he was glad to find that he had brothers and sisters.

When Lucky arrived at Kelly's, Dante left the ladies and joined Lucky at another table. Dante told Lucky that Sonny had almost told him everything but Jason arrived and stopped him. Dante said that he was convinced that Michael had seen Sonny kill Claudia. He said that he could understand why Sonny would use Michael to save his own skin, but he did not understand why Carly would sacrifice Michael for Sonny.

Lulu arrived and Lucky was called away on an assault case. Lulu and Dante flirted, but when Dante mentioned his suspicions about what Michael had seen, Lulu told him that if Michael had seen Sonny murder Claudia, Michael would be sent out of the country and not return until after the trial.

Dante told her that she was right. He said that he kept hoping to see a good person underneath Sonny's outward demeanor, but he knew that Sonny was ruthless and would sacrifice anyone to protect himself and his empire.

3/16 Sonny ordered Ethan to turn around. Ethan was shocked to find the barrel of Sonny's gun aimed directly at Ethan's heart. Sonny threatened to kill Ethan for attacking Kristina. Ethan proclaimed his innocence, but Sonny didn't believe him. Dante arrived in time to stop his father from killing Ethan. Sonny suggested that Dante stop being a cop long enough to be a big brother to Kristina.

Lucky and Tracy entered the casino moments later. Lucky urged Sonny to put the gun down. Tracy demanded to know what was going on. Lucky revealed that Kristina had accused Ethan of attacking her. Ethan was shocked; he insisted that he hadn't harmed Kristina. Ethan pointed out that he had taken Kristina to the hospital. Sonny vowed that Ethan would pay for hurting Kristina. After Sonny stormed off, Ethan insisted that he hadn't laid a hand on Kristina. Ethan didn't know why Kristina had lied. Lucky advised Ethan to stop talking because Ethan was only incriminating himself further.

Kristina had flashbacks of the attack while she sat alone in her room. She was surprised to find Dante standing in the doorway when she looked up. Kristina realized that she probably looked "hideous" because no one would give her a mirror. Dante assured Kristina that she was as gorgeous as always; he clarified that what had happened to her had been ugly. Kristina appreciated Dante's kindness. Dante promised her that he had meant every word. He vowed that Ethan would pay for hurting Kristina. Kristina confided that she was happy that Dante was her brother. "Same here," Dante confessed. Sonny entered the room shortly after Kristina fell asleep. Dante stepped away, so that Sonny could sit with Kristina.

Dante stopped in the doorway when he heard Sonny whisper to Kristina that she looked so much like her grandmother, Adella, after his stepfather had beaten her. Sonny softly talked about the beatings he had witnessed. He admitted that he had promised himself that his loved ones would never endure such violence. Sonny broke down in tears as he acknowledged that he had failed Kristina.

3/17 Lulu went to Wyndemere at Nikolas' request. Lulu assumed that Nikolas had heard about Kristina. "Yes," Nikolas confirmed. Lulu couldn't believe that Ethan had beat up a seventeen-year-old. Nikolas intended to help Kristina in any way that he could; however, that wasn't the reason that he had asked to see Lulu. Nikolas wanted to discuss Elizabeth. Nikolas explained that Elizabeth had taken a paternity test. Nikolas felt that the odds were in his favor that he was the father. He was eager to do right by his child. Lulu pointed out that Nikolas barely paid attention to Spencer. She was certain that Nikolas' interest in the baby stemmed from a desire to get closer to Elizabeth.

Lulu accused Elizabeth of only loving herself. Nikolas wished that Lulu could find a way to make peace with Elizabeth. Lulu doubted that Elizabeth would be interested in listening to Lulu after Lulu had publicly humiliated Elizabeth. Lulu confessed that she was still angry about the entire situation. She was also certain that Elizabeth continued to manipulate Nikolas. Nikolas insisted that he was in love with Elizabeth. Lulu didn't believe Nikolas. She suspected that Nikolas had convinced himself of the lie to justify the affair with Elizabeth.

Later, Lulu entered Luke's office to find Ethan counting Luke's emergency cash. Lulu wasn't surprised that Ethan had decided to skip town. Ethan argued that everything was stacked against him. He insisted that he didn't do it, but no one believed him. Lulu thought that Ethan would look guiltier if he ran.

3/18 At the Haunted Star, Ethan was certain that DNA test would confirm that Kristina had scratched him. Ethan didn't think that he would live long enough to go to trail. Lulu implored Ethan not to leave town before they had a chance to talk to Luke. Ethan didn't think that he could afford to wait for Luke to resurface. Ethan insisted that everyone, including Lulu, believed that he was guilty of attacking Kristina. Lulu was curious why Kristina would lie. Ethan had no idea what motivated Kristina, but he realized that he had handled the situation badly. 

However, Ethan was adamant that he would never strike a woman; it simply wasn't in his nature. Lulu challenged Ethan to prove it. She wanted him to stay in town until Luke returned from Las Vegas. Ethan suspected that Luke could be anywhere, so no one knew when Luke would turn up. Lulu was certain that Sonny would hunt Ethan down if Ethan tried to leave town. Ethan didn't see the point in staying, since Sonny would kill him anyway. Lulu insisted that Ethan's best chance was to remain in town. She feared that Ethan running away would be seen an admission of guilt.