Luke Spencer stared out into the wide-open space of his empty bar; he couldn't recall the last time he'd moved from the stool he sat on. The Only thing he seemed to grasp was the bottle of wild turkey he cradled protectively against his chest, it was his lifeline of sorts, the only means of solace he was able to handle, chasing away the monsters in his closet, and the inner demons eating away at his mind.

Anger resurfaced momentarily on his otherwiseexpressionless face, his upper lip curling as his thoughts turned ugly. It was their fault he wasn't buried in the grave he'd begun to dig himself after Laura's descent into madness… why hadn't Lucky left him to rot, and why had Alexis interfered where she wasn't wanted?The woman had nerve, he gave her that and at any other time he would've respected it, but not when it came to saving him from his own destruction… without Laura there was no point in living, her presence in his life had been his means of surviving as long as he had her spirit, even when they'd been separated he'd held on, remained upright and strong because of his beautiful Angel… Damn them!


Following Day

Jason Morgan stepped through the security terminal of the PCPD, nodding in the direction of the security officer as he approached the visiting area of the jail and caught sight of Sonny sitting in the centerof the room, his arms stretched out across the mental table, wrists cuffed and his hands clasped together, he looked haggard and sullen and Jason imagined angry with himself for jumping to the wrong conclusion.

Know that Sonny had given up his freedom so willingly, only proved to Jason that Sonny's feelings for Alexis ran deeper than anything that one could expect in this lifetime, especially for people like them. The closest Jason had come to loving someone like that, had been Robin. Then Brenda had walked back into their lives and they'd bickered, and bantered, and fought like cats and dogs… and he found himself actually enjoying it and it scared him, he was beginning to feel things that he hadn't in a very long time and the thought of losing her, bothered him something fierce. It made him wonder if that's how it had been for Sonny, and decided he'd have to ask him one day soon.

"Hey," Jason nodded, sliding into the metal chair that was placed across from Sonny, folding his arms across the tablehe eyed his friend.

"Hey," Sonny returned the nod, looking away momentarily; he tried gathering his thoughts, his gaze slowly traveled back to his friend, set in determination and suspicion.

"Taggert told you I found an attorney to represent you?" Jason asked, starting the conversation off, he noticed the wariness in his counterparts eyes and he could only assume it had something to do with Alexis surprise visit the night before, she'd really thrown a monkey wrench in her own plan by showing up and then defending Trevor Dillon, when Taggert began to bad mouth him and now she left him with the job of lying their way out it.

"Yea, he told me… doesn't seem to think much of him though." Sonny spoke evenly, his eyes leveling onto Jason, daring him to lie.

"Since when has Taggert's opinion mattered to you?"

"It doesn't" Sonny shot back, his voice giving away the agitation he was clearly trying to hide, "where'd you find him, I never knew you had connections in Pine Valley?"

"I don't… one of my contacts came through for me."

"Why do I get the feeling your only telling me half the story?"

"Can't you for once just trust me enough to let me help you in the way I know how."

"That's where I get worried, you are my friend foremost and you've been one of two people I've trusted most in my life," Sonny took a breath and then narrowed his eyes," but I draw the line at lies meant to silence my suspicions, you say trust you enough so you can help me… that leads me to believe you went outside the lines of my exact wishes… tell me I'm wrong."

"You needed help Sonny, I came through like I always have… drop it."

"Tell me I'm wrong Damnit!" Sonny barked, raising up slightly in his chair and quickly settled back down as the guards stepped forward, waving one of his restrained hands, he reigned in his raging emotions, his eyes boring into Jason's, his voice low and menacing," tell me she's not involved in this, that you didn't go to her for help."

Jason remained silent for a moment, when he finally spoke he looked his friend dead in the eye and lied to him for the first time, " No… No, I didn't go to her Sonny."

Sonny leaned back in his chair and stared intently at his friend, recalling the years he'd known Jason, the way he'd come to rely on the younger mans honesty; it saddened him to know those days were over… Jason had chosen to lie to him, not out of spite or hatred, but out of a sense of loyalty, his need to protect Sonny from himself. When had he turned so weak, when had Jason suddenly recognized him as a stranger, why was it that the people he loved most, saw him as a failure? Sonny wanted to shout, to throw something; he wanted the anger to stop and the living to begin.


"Wow, wait until Trevor gets a load of this," Janet said, following Alexis into the Penthouse.

"It's not exactly his style is it?" Alexis smiled, motioning Johnny where to put the luggage.

"Bullet proof windows and fine champagne Trevor is not," Janet replied teasingly, " now if Mr. Corinthos has a bag of pretzels and a six pack of beer we might be in business."

"I think a trip to the market is in order." Alexis said, giving Janet a knowing look.

"I thought so, that's why I stopped along the way." Janet said, holding up the bag, "is the kitchen this way?"

Alexis nodded, " The kitchen is a chef's dream come true… at least that's what I've been told."

Janet disappeared, and Alexis heard her let out a gasp, placing her briefcase on the desk,she walked toward the dining room table and called, out, " If you want to start unpacking, the master bedroom's upstairs at the end of the hall."

Janet reappeared and looked doubtful, "Are you sure about this Alexis… this is after all Mr. Corinthos' home?"

Alexis shook her head, " I was as surprised as you, Sonny's idea of visiting guests are usually treated to a safe house and a new name… so when Jason called and said this is what he wanted, I was as floored as you."

Janet raised her chin and quirked a brow, " Jason lives across the hall right?"

"Yes."

"He's keeping an eye out on the defense."

"You've been doing your research," Alexis smiled, " have you changed careers, from accountant to Private eye?"

"The law and I working on the same side, you say?" Janet said in mock surprise, " I've never heard a more absurd idea."

Alexis shook her head, and then sobered, " have I thanked you yet for changing Trevor's mind?

"It didn't take much, considering he's been where Mr. Corinthos is now."

"Open mouth insert foot…"

"No… please don't be sorry," Janet said standing up, " People have a right to doubt me, when you lose it like I did Alexis, you need to be reminded, so you make sure it never happens again."

Alexis glanced down to her feet and then back up," Your okay now, though?"

"Yes, yes I am, " Janet said strongly, " I fought hard to battle those demons and having Trevor and the kids standing beside me, well that makes me want to fight even more… their my life."

"You've certainly come along way, " Alexis said smiling warmly.

Janet watched as Alexis patted her stomach, and motioned "You're having a girl right, have you thought of any names?"

"Yes I am… I'm naming her after my late sister Kristina."

"I was so sorry to hear about her death Alexis."

Alexis nodded, " it was hard, but I have to focus on the now, and that happens to be my daughter and how I'm going to raise her… got any useful tips?"

Janet looked away and then back, "I can't give you any baby tips…I missed the first four years of Amanda's life, but I can tell you this, it's the greatest gift a woman can receive, she's my special girl."

"You're light years away from the woman you were."

Janet shook her head, " well thank you for that, after we left Pine Valley I was so frightened that I would revert into that person again, but then I looked at Trevor, Amanda and Tim and it made me want to fight."

"And with a man like Trevor by your side, you've got all the support in the world."

"That's why I knew how important it was he take this case… he knows first hand what's it's like to make an ultimate sacrifice for someone he loves."

"Wait, Janet…" Alexis shook her head; "you've got it all wrong… Sonny Corinthos isn't in love with me."

"Really, what do you call it when someone gives up their freedom for yours?"


Across Town

"You want me to what?" Sonny exclaimed in anger, his eyes narrowing in distrust, "that's your solution on how to get me out of here?"

"Have ya got a better idea, I'm not the genius who went and signed a written confession to the yahoo's out there claimin to be cops… either fess up and face less serious charges or we're fried."

"Are you dense enough to believe they're going to take my retraction at face value… they've been waiting years to put me away, and even if they let me go… Scott Baldwin would find away to take me down… and if he doesn't take me down, he'll aim for someone connected to me and that's Alexis… there was a witness at the scene of the crime that saw her there and Scott knows it…I won't put her through it Dillon, she's been through enough."

"It's commendable what your doing and I get why your doing it, but take it from someone who knows… if you take the fall, it's goin to be brutal."

"As long as Alexis isn't put at risk, that's all that matters."

"Listen Sunshine, I've know Alexis a lot of years, she's one of the toughest dames I know besides my Janet… she's also got one of the biggest hearts and is stubborn to boot, if I explain to her…"

"You tell Alexis anything and you'll be headed back to Colorado sooner than you think."

"What… in a body bag?" Trevor asked raising his browns, then added," not wise to threatin your own council Corinthos, but I'll let it slide on a account that I know you got it bad for legs."

"Excuse me?" Sonny's hackles rose, he found himself wondering who in fact Trevor Dillon really was and how he'd suddenly become his attorney and reluctant confidante in less than the hour and half he'd know the man.

"Legs… you mean to tell me you've never taken a gander at the set of gams on Alexis?" Trevor chuckled," the woman can turn heads quicker than lightenin"

"Alexis hates nicknames."

"What can I say, I'm exception to the rule, " Trevor's grin widened, "I've only been callin her that that since the day I met her."

"How'd you meet her?" Sonny asked, curiosity getting to him.

"Ain't we supposed to be talking about how to get you sprung?"

"Later…right now I want to hear about how you met Alexis… you used to work together in Manhattan?"

"Nah, I ain't the stuffed shirt type… you sure you want to hear this, it ain't much of a story?" Trevor gave Sonny the option and wasn't surprised in the least when he urged him to go on.

Trevor sat back in his chair and rubbed his chin, his eyes got a faraway look as his mind traveled back through the past, " I happened to meet Alexis at a legal conference, it was about eleven years ago, I'd just passed the bar and was workin' for a friend of mine back in Pine Valley, he asked me to attend with him and we ran into this livin' beauty, the way she stood tall and proud just blew me away… now I was a happily married man mind you, but a man ain't blind to the fact when he spots a beautiful woman and Alexis was it… Jackson had worked with her in the past and as we approached her, she turned to face us and I nearly choked on the punch I was nursin' on… what really got me was it didn't even phase her yanno? Alexis don't even know how great she is… let me take that back… she knows she's a hell of an attorney, but when it comes to being a woman…she's scared as a rabbit."

"Did She and this Jackson have a thing going?"

Trevor chuckled, " Green eyed monster comin out to play, Sunshine?"

"It's a question Dillon, that's all."

"Geesh, testy, ' Trevor replied before continuing, "nah… Jackson is quite the ladies man, I found myself jealous a few years back when I thought he was going after Janet… but there wasn't anything but legal talk goin on between him and Alexis, he admired her work and called on her now and again for her take on cases we we're working on… you got damn lucky when she took you on as a client… Alexis ain't an easy target… anyway he introduced us that day and the rest is ancient history, we've kept tabs on each other when we could, met up a few times over the years and she even sent Janet and I a years supply of popcorn as a wedding present, and I think she's gotta be one of the classiest dames on this earth."

"Alexis called you regarding my case didn't she?" Sonny asked, then held up his had, " don't bother lying… everyone else has for you."

"Why lie?" Trevor shrugged, " You seem to have all the answers."

"Except one," Sonny said, glancing down at this hands and then back up, "Why is she helping me?"

"I ain't no mind reader, but I'm a good judge of character."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, and I can see why your friends stick by ya, you might be as thick headed a bull dog and as vicious to boot… but all in all you're a good guy in the wrong profession and with one helluva complicated life."

"You don't even know me."

"Yeah, but again I know Alexis and she don't risk her pretty little neck and all her principles for just anyone, so in my book your okay ... now you cross a line with me and we'll be on opposite sides of the fence, and if you break her heart again ... you'll be answerin to me ... is that clear?"

"Crystal."

"Good." Trevor gave a quick nod and pushed his chair back and got up, "as for my suggestion earlier on how to handle your case ... it's up to you... I'll do whatever you want to be done."

Just as Sonny was about to reply, Taggert made his presence known, "you two getting aquatinted ... sorry you wasted a trip down here Dillon, by the looks of it Sonny's being shipped off to Pentonville tomorrow."

"Over my dead body." Trevor barked, "On who's orders?" already knowing the answer to the question.

"By me Dillon, face it you should've saved yourself the airfare and stayed in Denver with your wife and kids..."

Trevor growled which didn't go unnoticed by Sonny and he hid the smirk playing across his features, he was having way to much fun in such serious circumstances.

"How come you didn't mention any of this earlier, when I spoke to ya upstairs?" Trevor asked, reigning in his rising temper.

"Didn't I mention it ... it must've slipped my mind, " Scotty said mockingly, " I spoke with a judge, much in the way you spoke to the judge regarding unfreezing Mr. Corinthos bank account ... and the judge feels its in the best interest of the citizens of Port Charles if he's sent to Pentonville until his trial ... if there is a trial."

Taggert took the opportunity to put in his two cents, " Face it, Sonny here admitted to killing Luis Alkazar, we have a written confession, that's all we need to put him away ... your a stranger to this town, you don't realize who your agreeing to represent, and what your getting yourself into by dealing with a man like Sonny Corinthos ... leave the real work to the professionals."

"Point one out and I will, " Trevor shot back sarcastically, glancing back at Sonny who was coughing back and unexpected laugh.

"I get it now, your one of Alexis Davis' friends, that means you've sold out just like she did."

"Listen Curly, when I get my client released from this cracker box you go claimin to be a police department and I get him cleared of all charges ... and don't go givin me any smug looks, cause I guarantee I will, and you wanna know what I'm goin to do after all that... I'm goin to call you up on harassment charges ... and that ain't no bluff."

"Try and prove it."

"I plan on doin just that ... you can count on it."

"I can't go through with it."


Ned placed the folder he'd been looking at onto the desk; "at least you had the courtesy to break it off before the wedding this time."

Alexis rolled her eyes and sat down across from Ned, reaching out to take his hands in her own, " you mean a great deal to me, you know that right?"

"Oh Boy, the ultimate brush off." Ned said, squeezing her hands, " your sure about this?"

"It's the right thing to do Ned," Alexis said, "It's not fair to you and it's not fair to me… and with Sonny in prison the threat is gone."

Ned squeezed her hand, " you're sure about that Alexis? There's still the matter of Jason."

Alexis eyes Ned suspiciously, " Jason and I are hardly friends."

"Bur Corinthos is his, that's a danger in it's self."

"And Jason wouldn't do anything to disrupt Carly's life… can you imagine the fall out if the truth came out… I mean if you hadn't of switched those tests… you can rest assured Jason would." Alexis replied, hoping Ned would confess, but knowing good and well he wouldn't.

Ned remained silent and then cleared his throat, "your probably right, but Alexis please be careful."

"And I ask the same of you Ned, I know you've been seeing Faith Roscoe… she's a dangerous woman."

"Point taken." Ned said smiling, "now if you'll excuse me I've got a board meeting in ten minutes."

"Of course," Alexis got up, and started for the door, pausing she looked back, " I'll always care."

"I will too."


What a day! Trevor thought as he stepped off the Penthouse elevator and loosened his tie, he hadn't a moment's rest since they'd landed at Port Charles airport and been picked up by Sonny's goons as he'd so affectionately nicknamed them much to their chagrin.

Sonny Corinthos had placed himself in an uncomfortable corner, and Trevor had no idea how he was going to get him out it. He knew all to well what it cost to take the fall for a crime he didn't commit, but he'd been lucky… as strained as his relationship had been with his sister Arlene over the years, she'd come through for his family by buying off the confession of a ex con who'd had a beef with him.

But would Sonny be so lucky? Trevor was sure the man could buy his way out of a paper bag, but the question was why hadn't he done it yet? Unless, he thought his freedom could possibly cost Alexis the things she deserved most, happiness and safety from a life of danger.

Trevor had no doubt; he would do the same for his family… that's where he and his client were alike… from there not so much.

Searching his coat pocket for the key Jason had given him, grimacing at the idea of living in a high security penthouse, he shook his head and thought, if Erica Kane could see him now, she wouldn't believe her eyes.

Finding the key he unlocked the door and entered only to stop dead in his tracks, he'd never been impressed with wealth or fame and this was no exception, what he wouldn't give for his tired old chair and the boob tube… that is until he spotted his wife of four years slumbering peacefully on the sofa, oh yea, she was just begging for a kiss.

How it happened was anybody's guess, but he found himself falling in love with her a little more each passing day.

A woman he'd once despised, even tried to kill was now his lifeline, his heart and soul and that was something he wasn't willing to let go of, they were friends and lovers and that suited him just fine.

Janet had overcome tremendous odds, she still had her cynics, but she'd proven to many she'd overcome her past and was ready to move on.

Carefully placing his briefcase on the desk, he deposited his keys and smiled mischievously, his tongue peeking out of the side of his mouth as he tip toed toward her, he eased down beside her and leaned in for a kiss and wasn't disappointed when she released a pleasant sigh.

"Hello, Gorgeous."

"Hey, there handsome." Janet purred stretching out her arms, " I didn't hear you come in."

"That was the idea Babe," Trevor smiled down at her.

Wrapping her arms around his neck she pulled him in for another kiss, " I made dinner, it's in the oven."

"I coulda' ordered somethin' in."

"And not have the opportunity to use the kitchen, it's as big as a restaurant Trevor!"

"Ya don't say?' Trevor grinned, " it don't surprise me any, Sonny seems like he likes to do things up big."

"Speaking of," Janet eyed Trevor, " how'd it go?"

Shaking his head, Janet moved so he could sit down beside her, he leaned back against the cushions, and she rested her head against his shoulder, " I tell ya Janet, everything in my head tells me to run like hell from a case like this."

Janet raised her head from his shoulder and looked up, " but what does your gut say?"

"That he's innocent… and he's doin it to protect the woman he loves."

"Like you did for me."

"Ah, Janet…"

"No Trevor, face it… what Sonny did is exactly what you did for me…I almost cost you your freedom as well as your career… I don't know how I'll ever make that up…"

"Janet." Trevor said assertively, " You woulda' done the same if the roles were reversed right?"

Janet nodded and looked away ashamed, Trevor placed a finger under her chin and drew her face to his, " That's the difference between the old days… I love you, the kids love you… we're in this thing for the long haul, get it?"

"Got it." Janet said smiling through her tears, wiping her eyes she said, "speaking of the kids, I spoke to Amanda earlier."

"Oh yea, what's Mo-Mo got to say."

"The typical…she misses us, she and Tim are driving each other crazy… and she's been asked out on a date."

Trevor looked disgusted, " A DATE!" He barked, " What the heck she's way to young for that."

"She's sixteen Trevor."

"She's a little girl."

"Yes Trevor, she's your little girl… but to the world she's growing up."

"To hell with the world."

" Trevor…"

"I hope you told her no."

"Not Exactly."

"Exactly what did you say?"

"I told her I'd talk it over with her understanding and reasonable Father."

"Say what?" Trevor asked, slanting his eyes.

"Amanda didn't buy it either."

"Who is this clown?"

"He's a boy from school Trevor, his names Mark."

"Mark what? I can pull a few strings and have run down on this kid before the night is over… probably some punk with a rap sheet a mile long…Mark." Trevor grunted.

"Complain for a few more minutes dear, before you call your daughter and give her your blessing." Janet said, as she got up and headed for the kitchen.

"Yeesh, I'm not even out of Colorado for a day and she's already acting like she's an adult… and what about Tim?" Trevor called out, switching on the stereo.

Janet returned with a plate, placing it on the dining room table, " Oh, great news… he has an interview with WCLR, he seems really excited over it."

"That is great news, he's worked hard for it," Trevor said, approaching the table," Babe, you know how to satisfy my appetite."

"It's nothing special, just a casserole."

"Who's talking about food?" Trevor said, wiggling his eyebrows.

"Yeah?"

"Oh yeah, who needs food when I have a feast of the senses standing right in front of me."

Trevor edged around the table, as Ben E. King crooned Stand by Me, "They're playing our song."

Grabbing her around the waist, he pulled her toward him and took her hand, resting it against his chest, "Have I told you how lucky I am to have you in my life."

"About a million times…" Janet said, pulling back to see his face, "But it's always nice to hear."

"Remember before we were married and I was defendin' Brooke, I had my doubts… but, there you were Babe, cheerin' me on every step of the way."

"Because I believed in you, I always have Trevor," Janet said, pressing her face against his, " and I know you'll succeed…and even in the off chance that you don't, I will always stand by you."

"Your pretty amazing there Babe."

"Backatcha."