It was compared to the infamous St. Valentines Day massacre. The original and the last one that set off the Chicago mob wars of the 1930s. But once the whole story came out, the reference paled. TV stations were running it headline news across the country. Every newspaper carried it front page coast to coast. Perhaps if it were just the activity in Port Charles it would have only been featured in the tri state area.

PCPD were shocked, disturbed, then pleased initially. Morgan had to be feeling the heat with so many of his people going down in his territory. This would be the thing to scare anger boy right into cooperating and they'd finally have an in. Maybe he'd hurry to get his family in some witness protection program after the feds got through with him. First, they could finesses him into protective custody. Taggart was sure after the scene he witnessed at Luke's that Carly wouldn't want anything happening to her man.

Two things proved them all wrong. Both scared the hell out of everybody. The first impression was that Morgan lost control of his territory and network. That impression didn't last long. When the body of long thought dead Hernando Rivera was found in broad day light laid out on the front steps of the San Juan police department wrapped in a red ribbon and over sized bow, everybody knew this was connected to what was happening at the same time in Port Charles, New York. Hits all over Puerto Rico all confirmed the men were associates or employees of Rivera. All dead. The message was clear. They weren't getting all the message. Or at least they didn't want to. This could still be an outside attempt at taking down Morgan. That's what they hoped during the first 24 hours. That's what they prayed.

Then Moreno was found and the condition of the body frightened the Coroner and Medical Examiners. More bodies surfaced everywhere after that. Port Charles was over run with the corpses of Moreno's employees and associates. Feds were crawling all over the city. This was no simple hit. Moreno's Miami operation—gone. His territory throughout New York city's five boroughs—gone. Not one person left standing and not one trace of the hitters. Not one loose thread or shred of evidence. The executions were flawless. That didn't fit either. The style of the whole operation screamed old school. It screamed Old World. Not possible in today's flashy climate. It was precision and split second timing. Someone was controlling things up and down the entire eastern seaboard and Puerto Rico to pull off the largest, quickest and most efficient mob war in history. It didn't take long to realize that someone was Jason Morgan. Everybody sat up and took notice.

Lois turned from the television to get Ned's opinion. She was surprised to see him smiling considering his views on Sonny and the business. Vinnie couldn't believe any of this. That message prepared him for a hit going down but that was all he considered. Nothing like this should have even been possible. No war is fought over a 3 day weekend. Now he sees Jason Morgan only needed two days to work, the other day was just to keep Lois and Ned away from the publicity. When the reports started coming in he sat back in awe. This was the best thing he'd seen in his entire life.

"Ned?"

"He just solidified the market place while consolidating all subsidiaries and holding companies."

Both of them turned to Ned for clarification. Lois and Vinnie knew what they were seeing on tv and in the papers. They were both from Brooklyn, after all. They didn't understand what Ned was seeing.

"Huh?"

Ned gave it to them in terms they'd get that collided with both their worlds.

"You're both looking at the next Bill Gates. Jason is Microsoft about to happen."

They got it and they were more than impressed.

Taggart was not impressed. He was pissed and confused.

"You are not saying anger boy did this? All of this? He's been in charge a year and hello? Brain damage anyone."

Mac Scorpio wasn't always a police commissioner. In fact, his profession just prior to getting that job was as an international mercenary for hire. Only in Port Charles. He knew what he was seeing and though he could not believe it, he believed it. Now he sees what their problem in catching Jason was for the last year, they all thought of him as anger boy. Brain damaged. Mac didn't say it out loud but he thought if that was brain damage they needed to bottle it. He also couldn't say anything about his appreciation for the style or the timing. He was the police commissioner after all. But for Jason to have pulled off simultaneous action in Puerto Rico, Port Charles, New York city and Miami meant the PCPD was out of its league. Jason was obviously not Sonny Corinthos and Mac could not allow the situation to get out of hand. Taggart could not continue the nuisance arrests. Nor could he continue the insults and name calling. Scorpio realized they were all just now seeing the true Jason Morgan revealed. Mac didn't want anymore of it revealed in his town.

"Taggart, you are no longer to work any case associated with Jason Morgan. I should have done it a long time ago. I should have done it with Sonny and that costs us. So I'm doing it now."

"What are you talking about? You're pulling me off Morgan? Why?"

"Because you have no professionalism when it comes to him. You have no objectivity either. When you came to this town to the force, you had a personal grudge against Sonny Corinthos for something you thought he did."

"He did!"

Mac would get to that in a minute.

"You harassed and I let you. Some times I participated. That's beyond the job. Probably the reason we never made anything against Sonny stick. You went after Morgan because he worked for Sonny. Anger boy? He's a grown man and when's the last time you've ever seen him angry? You're the one who's angry."

Taggart was going to protest but stopped as he watched Mac's careful movements in the office. He revealed a hidden safe—something his brother installed 10 years ago—and opened it. Returning to Taggart he produced a large over stuffed expandable file folder. Then handed it to Taggart.

"You'll be angry when you read this because its all true. Then you'll be wondering what the last few years meant. I checked it out. Got all the information and tapped special sources because I knew you didn't have the contacts and probably the desire."

"What is it?"

"Deke's IAD file for starters. Adella Corinthos' medical records. Sonny's pediatric medical records. And all the stuff the feds had on Deke before he died. Sonny didn't kill him and he wasn't involved. I'm certain he didn't shed any tears but when you get finished reading about the real Deke, maybe you'll understand why. This is why I'm pulling you off Morgan. You're basically a good cop. Don't cross the line."

With that, Mac Scorpio left a dumfounded Taggart in his office and went home for the night. He knew the man would be in there for a long time.

Edward Lewis Quartermaine sat silently in his study watching the latest news reports. He was angry the entire previous day. The upstart hoodlum of Jason's wouldn't let him off the elevator and he was primed to give all of them a piece of his mind. When the first news came in about the killings in Port Charles he was concerned for both Emily and Jason. He was certain this would be the end for his grandson. But once the special broadcasts started connecting the dots that first day, Edward could not help but be impressed. It was all planned. His grandson was preempting a pending hostile take over. The fact that all those dying in Port Charles were his own employees meant Jason Morgan knew how to deal with industrial espionage and corporate raiding.

But the revelations this evening astounded him. Never did he think the boy had it in him. Never did he think he would see something so classically Quartermaine in execution. Edward firmly believed Jason was merely Sonny Corinthos' puppet in the beginning. Someone he took advantage of because of the brain damage. Even after Jason took over, Edward expected it to be business as usual. The dock's project was a surprise but he considered it a lucky fluke. He sees now that he was wrong. About everything. He's also secretly wondering how to get him back into the family and involved in ELQ. Edward was more than pleased with the way Ned ran the company. He was just as savvy and just as ruthless but in a different way. After seeing the proof of what Jason can do, Edward firmly believes the two of them could take ELQ beyond the highest level. He just had to figure out a way to make that happen.

"Whatever he calls himself, that boy is definitely a Quartermaine."

Somewhere on Long Island, Tony Soleto sits back in his seat looking at the television. His people were quick to update him on everything as they found out but seeing the footage live and in color was a different matter. This was very impressive. It was also the best possible means of learning how Morgan operated without being the target. Now he's concerned about the possibility of that happening. He turns to his wife with a raised eyebrow.

Tracy was just as floored as everyone else. Of course, in the business its no surprise that Jason would go to war against someone. But to clean house? And Rivera? That, she knew was the first thing that shocked all of them. Everyone thought him dead for two years. No one suspected otherwise. How did her brain damaged nephew come up with that one? She knew Tony was looking at her so she shifted her gaze from the television to meet his.

"I believe this might be more difficult than you first imagined."

"Perhaps, but this was a major benefit for us."

"How so?"

"Moreno is gone. Taking Jason means getting everything else."

He considered that already so it was a valid point. Still, something else bothered him.

"Still no word on your daughter in law?"

That galled her and she had every intention of giving Lois the full treatment one day soon.

"No. There wasn't anyone watching her because they were listening in. Until recently."

"Yes, as recent as the night before Jason Morgan pulled off the impossible."

"You think he's hiding her?"

"She is family."

"Jason picks and chooses family. He hasn't seen Lois in a year. He and Ned don't travel in the same circles and don't see each other except at ELQ board meetings or if they run into each other accidentally on the street. You don't think Jason knows do you?"

Tony thought about that a great deal in the last 48 hours. It wouldn't make sense. Then again, nothing else in the last two days made sense. The kid knew about Rivera. Then he considers the Moreno angle.

"No. He may not see or speak to her but he might have felt some obligation toward her and the child since they were in Brooklyn and he was going after Moreno the next day. The fact that the house and phones were monitored and the bugs untouched suggests he had no knowledge of our involvement. Or even knew they are there. Her car is still in the drive way and the gift is still unwrapped. That's proof enough. I think its more likely Morgan simply sent some of his people to collect her in the middle of the night. She didn't take much."

"Then she should be returning soon."

"Exactly."

Jason strolled the docks with Rey late afternoon on the third day after the bodies started dropping. It was by design for effect. Everyone put the pieces together and long figured it out by then. The fact that the feds couldn't get near him on this one was driving them up a wall. The cops were silent. People needed to see Jason Morgan out and about in his town. They got the message quick, all of it.

"Ok, I admit I wasn't so sure it would work when you first came up with it but I am really seeing the pay off now."

Jason smirked.

"Yeah, this is good mileage and free press. Its also a red flag to Soleto and everyone else who's decided they want to try and take me."

Rey thought about that a great deal coming up to these last few days. He still wasn't sure how it'd play out in the long run. It could go either way.

"You put the word out. Now everyone knows who you are. That needed to happen for a couple of reasons. Most immediate, stops every small timer from thinking he can make it off of you. That's good. The fact that every single hit was a confirmation and not a communion means you wanted everyone to know the body count and the names. That gave them all the information they needed to figure out what was going on. Benny and Carlos swinging the same way—having died the exact same way—from 1,000 miles apart but at the same time, made it crystal clear.

Also gives you the attention of some of the bigger ones. The style, the entire operation is what will get their attention and they'll be watching you closely after this. But not because they want to take you out. Maybe considering you for a seat on the commission."

That made Jason turn to Rey in disbelief just before throwing him the 'are you crazy' look.

"Hear me out. I'm not saying you'd get an offer today or tomorrow. Finances and larger territory are needed, yes. But I'm saying those guys look at the entire record. They judge your ability in the future by your past. They see how you handled a major threat to your organization. Everybody thought Rivera was dead. Christmas wrapping and delivering him to San Juan PD took balls. You also made the FBI look stupid on that one. But, now people realize the man was trying to muscle in. Taking out your own people, showed who you are. Going after Moreno—not just here in Port Charles, but his entire organization showed what you are. You took over his entire operation in less than 24 hours. Yeah, they're all watching. Keep it up."

Jason thought about it for a minute then shrugged.

"Ok."

Jason got home about an hour later and realized he was exhausted. He still had more of what Emily called publicity rounds to make. He just thought of another one.

"Hey Jason."

"Hey. You want to go out to dinner with me and Caroline tonight? My treat."

"First, obviously it would be your treat. Second, I already eat free at Luke's."

He rolled his eyes at her before responding.

"Not at Luke's, the Grille."

He waited. It only took 3 seconds.

"You are a cruel man Mr. Morgan. What time?"

She couldn't hide the crooked smile.

"What time's good for you? I didn't make reservations yet."

"I'll make them. Caroline likes to eat late. 9:00pm. Luke sent a message, and I quote: 'They know now. You're scary but since you're family that makes it alright.' I'm at Justice's."

They both laughed then she turned around and headed out the door.

He headed upstairs to rest, he didn't sleep more than an hour or two at a time over the last three days. And before that, he wasn't resting so well easily either. He ran into Caroline, literally, coming around the corner.

"Hey, you look beat."

"So do you. Where were you all day?"

"Confirming the body count and transition of your people stepping in and taking control of the new parts of the business."

"That was 16 hours ago. New York's an hour flight, it couldn't have taken that long on the ground."

"Didn't. After I got done I decided to verify Miami first hand. Just to be sure. Wasn't about to call you or send a message."

Good thinking. He would have done it himself.

"Is Bret alright?"

"I don't think so . He smiled at me."

"Em's making reservations for the three of us at the Grille. 9:00pm. That ok with you?"

They walked down the hall to his bedroom while talking so she plopped down on the bed while he changed.

"Yeah, we gotta do your rainbow tour."

"Rainbow tour?"

"Yeah, its what they called Eva Perone's goodwill tour on behalf of her husband. Flying around the world visiting all these countries. Whatever, we're sending the same message except there isn't anything good about the will. Its face time for you."

"Face time?"

"Time for people to see your face."

"Got it. Scoot over and tell me what happened. Unless it can wait or is really boring."

Caroline slid over on the bed so Jason could lay down. She was still sitting up and yawning.

"Nothing boring about it."

He looked at her closely and saw she looked worse than beat.

"You can lie down if you want. Em's not the only one who needs a nap some times."

"Probably."

She rummaged around in his drawers until she found the t-shirt she wanted then grabbed a random pair of boxers and crawled onto the bed. Jason reached for the afghan and they settled down.

"Ok."

"Looks good. You've got some of Brooklyn now so you know what that means."

"Yeah, but I was gonna take him out before this Tracy shit popped up. This just makes him want to come at me more."

"True. You need to go to Miami for a few days. I'm not sure how you want to play it but they haven't seen you live and in color."

"You comin?"

"Depends if you want to go with that impression."

"What?"

"I got a rep in certain circles. If some people see us together they may think you're planning on swinging the hammer first, then getting down to business. And certain others may think certain other things."

He studied her through half sleep closed eyes.

"I already swung the hammer, that's how I got the territory in the first place."

She hadn't thought about like that. Then chuckled.

"Ok, I see your point. It doesn't matter what you say or who you bring with you. They already know your name."

"Basically. Get your Miami plan ready to go. Ned thought Tracy would be here three weeks from Moreno's end. But he didn't know how I was going to take everybody down so I'm not sure when Soleto will send her. She's got two jobs between me and ELQ. But I'm not waiting around for her or Soleto. I need to go to Puerto Rico right after Miami. Sonny never returned after Lily died. That's how shit got so fucked up. I want Salazar and everyone else to be absolutely clear on who the boss is and how things will be run."

"Ok, but you're bypassing Brooklyn? Doesn't that send some kind of message?"

"It would if they knew I suspected something. And, it would if I hadn't just done what I did. But I did so it won't. Rey can go."

"After this, Helena knows it was us for sure."

"I don't have time for her games. She either comes out and fights or takes a number. If she stands still long enough, make the hit next time. Or wing her and we'll ask her a few questions."

"Consider it my pleasure. I should probably check in with Stefan first. He's been working on some kind of Helena be gone plan since we last met."

"Whatever." He's unsure why but doesn't really like the sound of that.

"What about the kids? Think its cooled enough for me to tell mama they can all come home now?"

Jason thought about for a few moments. If he wasn't putting off business for Soleto, he wasn't gonna keep them away waiting for Soleto to make a move.

"Yeah. We're gonna have to make some security changes to the Brownstone, first. Construction too. Bobbie's good. No one else could have grabbed her but the way she lives is too wide open. Tenants walk right past her living room going up the stairs."

"Its always been like that. Plus, it's a Brownstone."

"Yeah, well now it isn't gonna be like that. I doubt she'll mind considering. Talk to Johnny. Find out what he can have done to the place. Lucas gets two guards at all times from now on. And if I can't stuff him in the car with Emily, he'll have the best ride in the second grade 'cause he'll be getting a car and driver to."

"Don't try that last part with mama."

"You think I'm stupid? I saw what she can do I'm not pissing her off. But, I'm still putting guards on the house and her. They can be low key and in the background out of her way if she likes."

"That's probably the best you're gonna get out of her. Hopefully she's not still pissed when she gets back. Otherwise you're gonna have to find her some part time work in collection and enforcement to take the edge off. She can't bake forever. And the first time she sees Monica at the hospital she might try to take her."

"Try? Refer to her previous work as Exhibit A. No try in that. Monica would definitely go down."

They both laugh at that. Then Jason thinks about their entire situation more.

"We have to make security changes around here too. We changed things this week. I'm high profile now. That means you and everybody else on this floor is as well."

"What are you thinking about doing?"

"Not sure but Em's comment about not letting the old man off the elevator stuck with me. People used to barge past the door to see Sonny all the time. Quartermaines did it a lot when they first found out I was working for him. Taggart and Mac too, even when they didn't have a warrant."

"Nobody barges past the guards since you've been in charge."

"Yeah, but that's not what I mean. Ned's got the right idea with how he set things up for Lois and Brook."

She laughed.

"Well, you can do anything when you own the building. Maybe you should just buy the Harborview and go for broke. Have it purchased quietly through one of the various legit businesses you own that has your name buried so deep under the paperwork, nobody knows its yours. Then you could wait for a few select tenants to move out of the apartments they're renting or sell the ones they own and you could have secret offices right here in the building no one would know about. An entire floor dedicated to whatever part of the business you needed in easy reach without tipping off whoever the feds got watching you 'cause they'd never see you. Phones that can't be tapped because there's no connection to you. Phony leases to unrelated people and they would never know what was going on."

She cracked up laughing at herself then rested her head on his shoulder.

Jason wasn't laughing. His face was serious and contemplative.

"I'm really getting tired of giving you raises. Just hang onto my wallet for awhile."

"You're gonna do it?"

"Yeah."

"Justice is gonna get a kick out of that."

"Yeah, he gets that same look in his eye as you right before he goes after someone. He loves swinging his corporate hammer, cracking people's heads using the law."

"What else?"

"I do need to go south. A week each in Miami and Puerto Rico. Aside from meetings and going over the fine points of the business, I have to be seen. Is that gonna be enough time for you to work in either place?"

"Yeah, I considered something like that. Miami will be easier. I know it well. You just have to authorize the bottom line. Puerto Rico is included in the price. Terence will actually make the direct contact with the agents and transfer of money long before you arrive. So its not connected to you. If that's alright."

"Sure, the numbers seem reasonable everything else looks good so do it. Justice finished purchase of two of the islands much further south. They aren't even listed on nautical maps. I gotta check them out too. After we leave Puerto Rico. But before we go anywhere, Rey goes to the city first."

"Ok, tell him tomorrow. If we're going to dinner at 9:00 we'll be a little late coming back and he's prone to get cranky."

"Cranky? He's fucking wise."

"You're the fucking boss and you get just as cranky too. But, I let it slide since we're tight and all."

An oversized pillow upside the head was all she got in response.