Chapter 9

March 1999

Summary:

Tammy left hooking and works at Kelly's. Sonny and Jason's new coffee warehouse burns down. They suspect Moreno.

Nikolas does not like how Stefan controls his life and moves into Brenda's cottage. Nikolas and Katherine continue their affair. Katherine is jealous of Elizabeth and Emily. Nikolas, Lucky, Elizabeth, and Emily continue their bond. Lucky and Elizabeth plan a future. Elizabeth applies to art school.

Luke and Laura separate. She and Stefan are involved. Luke unwittingly gets into business with Faison, posing as someone else. Luke recalls his friend Robert died seven years ago, and a terrorist named Faison was to blame. He reconnects with Lucky. Lucky forgives his parents.

Moreno gets busted on a drug shipment thanks to intel from Jason to Justus and Justus to Mac.

Jason helps AJ with the transition. AJ stays with Jason in the PH (Carly is across the hall)

In the OG storyline, AJ is responsible for the warehouse fire. In this version, since Jason and AJ work together for Michael to get to know AJ, someone else is to blame.

3/2/1999

Sonny and Jason watch as their warehouse burns to the ground. They know that Moreno is behind the fire. Jason knew that something terrible like this was coming. They are angry because the warehouse and everything in it was destroyed.

Taggert says, "It looks like someone was trying to send the new legitimate (sarcastically) businessmen a message. Moreno, maybe?"

Sonny says, "I've been out of town. I haven't kept up on these things."

"I guess your return is what made Moreno nervous. You were supposed to be out of town, and Jason was supposed to be retired, but here you are, reunited like the temptations."

Sonny shifts through the remains of the warehouse when Moreno arrives. Sonny asks if he is there for entertainment. Moreno says it's human nature. Everyone loves to watch a fire. He says it is a shame that Sonny's new business never had a chance to get off the ground. Sonny says anything can be rebuilt; give it enough time. Moreno asks when there is ever enough time.

3/5/1999

Monica visits Jason and offers her support. She says no matter what happens, his place in Michael's life will be respected, and he has to be part of it. Jason says, "Thank you. I finally understand how much pain my leaving caused you and Alan. When you have a kid and love him, it doesn't stop, even if he is not with you or forgets. After the accident, I turned away from you because I didn't remember you being my mother, but you did remember. I'm sorry for how I've hurt you because I know that you and Alan only wanted me back."

"Jason, love is just love. Your father and I will always love you unconditionally." Jason opens his arms to her, and Monica rushes to embrace her son for the first time in over two years. She hugs him tight with tears running down her face.

Jason calls AJ and offers to help him transition to caring for Michael. He asks AJ to live at the PH with him and if they can take shifts caring for Michael. AJ could watch Jason interact with Michael. AJ says they can help Michael get used to him.

Monica tells AJ that rule one as a parent is that what he wants is not a primary concern; the child is. Uprooting Michael without a transition period is not a good idea. Michael has been cut off from the only parent that he knows. AJ says Jason called him to help him transition.

3/11/1999

AJ moves into Jason's PH. Carly lives across the hall in a separate bedroom from Sonny's. Michael wakes and cries. AJ follows Jason into Michael's room, and Jason helps AJ change his diaper and rock him back to sleep. AJ says, "This must be killing you, helping me care for Michael. You were raising him as your son. I'm still coming to terms with that."

"I know. I'm sorry. I was only trying to help Carly until she returned. I didn't realize I could fall in love with a baby. When Carly got back, she begged me to be his father. I was wrong. I am doing this for Michael. If you try to go after Carly, you will regret it. The same goes for her; I warn you, she will try to use Michael to control you. She was doing that to me before I changed the rules."

"Thank you. I'm aware of what she's capable of. I want to work with her. Grandfather has it in his head that Carly will want to live at the house. I can keep him in line with your restrictions. Emily and Mom will be there to help. I'm not sure living here with Sonny across the hall is best."

Once Michael is comfortable with you and Carly helping, you can agree on joint custody or get her to agree to move to the Quartermaines. She's living across the hall right now."

"Thank you, Jason."

"Just take care of him. Be his father."

Carly reluctantly helps AJ care for Michael when Jason is away.

3/12/1999

Sonny tells Jason it's time to push back since Moreno is leaning on them. Jason says he will go to the docks to learn about Moreno's next drug shipment. Sonny advises against it. Jason leaves anyway.

When Jason returns, he tells Sonny that Moreno is expecting a drug shipment next week, and he will go to a meeting to be a fly on the wall. Jason says he is the best person to listen in on Moreno's operation. Sonny tells Jason he may get caught; they aren't even sure if Moreno set the warehouse fire.

Sonny tells Luke that Moreno has been making life miserable. It's driving him and Jason up the wall, not knowing where he will strike next. He warns Luke that the club is probably safe. Moreno probably won't strike at the club, but there may be extra "muscle" around, just in case. Sonny assures Luke that Moreno is after him and Jason. He offers to let Luke buy him out. Luke asks why he would want to do that.

Sonny says the coffee warehouse was legit. He asks Luke what would happen if Moreno is removed. Luke thinks he should do it if there is no other way. Sonny agrees that he could walk away, but the old ties remain. Your word can be broken, but those ties cannot.

Jason overheard Moreno's plans for his next drug shipment. Jason turned to Justus to help destroy Moreno. Later, Mac, Taggert, and several other officers busted Moreno and his drug shipment. Justus held a press conference announcing the drug bust. Moreno calls and threatens Justus for his betrayal.

Taggert accuses Justus of using the drug bust to steal the DA job from the woman who actually earned it. Taggert says that the last thing he wants to do is work for a mob mouthpiece. He knows what went down. Corrinthos and Morgan wanted Moreno to pay for the warehouse fire, but their hands needed to stay clean. They sniffed out Moreno's next drug deal and tipped off the right people. They helped themselves, but they didn't do Justus any favors. The chances of Justus living out his term are slim to none.

3/16/1999

Sonny arrives for the board meeting with Jason and Alexis. Edward demands to know why Jason is there. Jason says, "Per the custody agreement, I will increase my visits. I will also attend board meetings. Sonny sold me back some of his ELQ shares." Alexis confirms that, as of an hour ago, Jason owned 6% of ELQ stock, entitling him to attend all board meetings. Edward is furious.

Jeff helps Elizabeth purchase a used car. He covers half the cost, and she promises to cover the insurance, gas, and other expenses. She hugs her father. As she turns to leave, Jeff says, "Elizabeth, wait. Don't forget your mail." Elizabeth takes the mail from her father and smiles at the letter with the return address from Paris.

3/26/1999

AJ asks Carly to move into the mansion on a trial basis. If it doesn't work out, they can try joint custody with partial time with him and the other time at the PH. Carly agrees with the hopes she can wrest control from the controlling Quartermaines, specifically Edward, and bring Michael home to Jason, custody stipulations be dammed.

3/28/1999

Quartermain Mansion
AJ and Carly talk, and she convinces him they need to act more naturally around each other. She says Michael must be picking up on their emotions and how uncomfortable they are toward each other. She says they must start acting like his parents and look at each other like a family. AJ tells Carly that their past is blocking their future relationship.

Luke is alone at his club, drinking a toast to Robert. He is interrupted by a knock on the door. Lucky asks if he is interrupting, and Luke says he was having a drink with an old friend. Luke tells Lucky it was seven years ago that Robert died. He tells Lucky that he almost named him Robert, but at the time, Laura thought having two Lucas Lorenzos on the earth would be a good idea.

3/31/1999

Luke arrived at his club and found that vandals had attacked and spray-painted the outside. He called Sonny to tell him that Moreno had struck just as Sonny said he would. Luke warned him that Moreno would only escalate the violence.

April 1999

Summary:

Carly tries to scam AJ. She wants Jason. Sonny falls for Hannah, a Brenda look-a-like who has secrets. He thinks she is an escort. She asks many questions about who Sonny is. Carly becomes jealous when she sees Hannah talking to Jason. Elizabeth and Lucky travel to New York City to drop off her submissions at the Art School. They almost become intimate and decide not to consummate their relationship. They agree losing their virginity is important and decide to wait. Sonny and Jason try taking Moreno down via his drug shipments.

Elizabeth hands Lucky a small box. He opens the box and pulls out a chain with a subway token hanging. She says she found the token in a box from an estate sale when shopping for Nikolas. She took it as a sign that everything they hope will happen. Lucky reads the inscription on the token, "Lucky and Liz forever." Lucky says he didn't need a sign to tell him that, and he leans in to gently kiss her.

Elizabeth tells Lucky not to get excited until she gets accepted into Art school. He says he's not worried; she has talent. They will drive to Manhattan in Elizabeth's new (used) car. She will ask her father if she can go to the city.

Elizabeth and Emily arrive at GH looking for Jeff. Elizabeth says, "Gram thinks Lucky and I are getting too serious. I've had the sex talk with my Dad, but Gram thinks I spend too much time with Lucky. Things have changed; I'm closer to being ready."

"Seriously, Liz? Does Lucky feel the same way?"

Elizabeth smiles, "I think he does."

Elizabeth says, "I love Lucky, and while I want to spend the rest of my life with him, sex still seems far off. I know it will happen someday. Maybe when we moved to Manhattan or if we were married, but that has changed. It's as if the part of me that fell asleep after I was raped finally woke me up. Lucky would never pressure me. I don't want to lead him on, but I'm not sure I am ready to make love to him either."

Lucky paces outside of Kelly's, waiting for Elizabeth. She says her father said yes. They are going to New York.

Lucky and Elizabeth enjoy their first day in New York City. She calls Jeff and leaves a message, and then she and Lucky settle in. The sexual tension between them grew when they were forced to share the same hotel room. They tell each other how much they love one another. Lucky tells her they will only have one first time and that it should be very special. They decide to wait. The young couple decides to hit the streets instead of staying for a night in town. They return to the room and discuss plans to return to New York sometime in the future. The following morning, Elizabeth met with the head of the art school, handed him her application, and submitted her paintings.

Sonny meets Hannah, a waitress at Jake's, and engages her in conversation. Hannah resents Sonny's maneuvering. Jason enters the nightclub. Sonny asks Jason about the shipment and warns him not to get too close to Moreno because Taggert will try to bring them down.

At the PH, Sonny is doing paperwork when Carly enters. He tells her Jason is across the hall, but Carly says she came to see him. Sonny tells Carly that whatever she is selling, he isn't buying.

Carly says, "I moved into the mansion. I want AJ and the Quartermaines to trust me. Once they do, AJ and I will get married, and when his guard is down, I'll ruin him. When he is destroyed and broken, I'll file for sole custody and bring Michael back to Jason. AJ won't ever be able to come near Michael again. Can't you see we are on the same side?"

"Carly, stop fucking around. This is the second time you have come to me behind Jason's back, and there won't be a third. Jason said if you screw AJ over, you violate the terms of the custody agreement. Do you want to risk losing your son?"

"If you and Jason help me, we can get around that pesky agreement. Once I get Michael back in Jason's arms, he'll get Alexis to fix that stupid document."

"I agree with Jason. He said you never listen to him. You always have an agenda."

Carly laughs, "I knew you would twist anything I say to use against me. If you are determined to hate me, fine."

Carly starts to leave; Sonny asks if she is deluded enough to think that Jason believes all of her crap. Carly insists that Jason believes her and trusts her. Sonny says Jason thinks he owes her because she is Michael's mother. Sonny says he doesn't owe Carly a goddamn thing except for payback for using Jason. Carly angrily says using Jason is Sonny's game. Sonny is the one who stays in his safe PH while he sends Jason out to get shot at and hassled by cops. Sonny is the user. Sonny calmly but coldly tells Carly that she shouldn't have crossed him. He told her that before. Carly says she isn't afraid of him. Sonny tells her that she should be.

Jason enters Sonny's PH. Sonny tells Jason that it is time to cut the tramp loose. Carly says Sonny hates her, and she doesn't want him to turn Jason against her. Jason tells Carly not to pull something like this again. Carly leaves but tearfully says everything she's been doing has been for the three of them.

4/9/1999

At Luke's, Carly is with AJ. Sonny, Jason, and Hannah walk into Luke's as Carly watches with disdain. Carly invites AJ to dance and does not hesitate to get as close as possible to the young Quartermaine to make his brother jealous. Jason ignores her.

Luke believes that Hannah bears a remarkable resemblance to Brenda. Sonny offers Hannah a job and tells Luke that he will pay the difference in what it takes to pay Hannah double Luke's usual salary. Hannah says her waitressing job does not entail sleeping with the mobster. Felicia asks Sonny to let Jason keep talking to Hannah until Carly leaves. Carly kisses AJ, and they also leave the club, much to Luke's delight.

4/13/1999

At the Quartermaine Mansion, Jason visits and plays with Michael. Carly walks in with Letecia and sends Michael off on a walk to the duck pond. "Who was that slut you were with last night? I had a horrible night. I had to go out with AJ. Luke harassed me. You were flirting with another woman." Still, no response from Jason. Carly deduces that Jason must be jealous. Jason, more or less, laughs in her face.

"I was helping Hannah because she is new in town."

"Hannah could be jerking your chain. You should be wary of female strangers." Jason laughs and says that no one could jerk his chain as badly as Carly herself does. Carly reminisces about when she was the new girl and when she and Jason didn't need words to communicate. He reminds her the reason they didn't need any words is that the sex didn't mean anything. Carly tries to probe into Jason's plans for the evening. He insinuates that he will be at Luke's.

Elizabeth and Lucky return to his room above the garage with ribs from Eli's. She assures Lucky that even if she doesn't attend art school, she will be okay because she has Lucky. She wants Lucky to know she will never love anyone else like she loves him.

4/15/1999

Laura's house
Lucky tells Laura that he never stopped loving her. He thanks his tearful mother for giving him the gift of love. She says he picked a hell of a year to grow up on her. He says she gave him a brother and a wonderful little sister; now he has Elizabeth. He knows none of it would be possible if she hadn't taught him about love. He regrets not having Nikolas around when they were younger. Laura tells him how proud she is of him. They hold each other close. Laura cries. Lucky has tears welling in his eyes.

Luke's
Hannah asks about Sonny. Luke says that Sonny is a man of many talents. She says such as, can you be more specific? He says not without a reason and wonders why she's asking. Hannah complains about how Sonny has made saving her a project. She thinks Sonny's a big man nobody wants to argue with, and she's wondering if she's getting into something she will regret.

Elizabeth hosts a private dinner for Lucky, Nikolas, and Emily at Kelly's. The foursome celebrate their friendship. They make plans for the future, to meet once a week to hang out. Nikolas says that it's all up to Emily. He tells her Lucky, and Liz will be together forever. Nikolas says that he and Lucky are brothers, so all Emily has to do is stay friends with Nikolas, even if he gets on her and makes her want to scream. Emily decides that they need to make a pact. She says they must feed each other, saying, "All for one and one for all." They all laugh, but all do it. They toast with brownies. Nikolas drives Emily home,

Luke watches them through the window. Lucky opens the door and invites him in. Elizabeth excuses herself to finish cleaning the kitchen, leaving Luke and Lucky alone. Luke notices Lucky's necklace (the subway token that Elizabeth gave him) and says it is unique. Lucky explains Elizabeth gave it to him and that they are planning to move to New York when Liz gets into art school. Lucky tells Luke that he has more to do with who he is and who he will be for the rest of his life than anyone. And a lot has changed, but he found new things to call the best in Luke.

Luke hugs Lucky and tells him that he is proud of him. He tells Elizabeth if she ever gets tired of Lucky, she can just put him on the subway so he can use the token she gave him, and Luke will pick him up. Liz says the token has been tampered with, and she doesn't think Lucky can use it. Luke says that he guesses Elizabeth is stuck with Lucky. She walks behind Lucky and wraps her arms around him. She says it's official; she is stuck with him.

Lucky tells Elizabeth he never thought he would say and mean it, but he isn't mad at his Dad anymore. She says Lucky forgave Luke. Lucky says he is ashamed when he thinks of how he was to his Mom and Dad. He was heartless. Then everything changed. God gave him an angel named Elizabeth, and everything changed. He is through with the hate. They're his parents. He loves them. He says Elizabeth did that for him. Lucky walks over to the jukebox. He selects the song he and Liz danced to after her shift at the rape hotline on Valentine's Day (God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You). He and Liz share a romantic dance in the middle of a candlelit Kelly's.

Lucky reaches up to caress Elizabeth's face. She leans into his hand and laughs. They plan to meet at Kelly's before school. As he starts to leave, Elizabeth tells Lucky she loves him. Lucky grasps her hands, telling her she is beautiful. He pulls her in for a kiss and says he loves her, too. He gets up to go but stops to turn around and give her a playful wink. Elizabeth sighed, turned over the "open" sign to "closed," and turned off the lights. She locks the doors and drives home.

Meanwhile, Lucky takes a short walk to the garage and starts climbing stairs. A gloved hand chloroforms him and drags him to the alley. The unseen person tosses Lucky into a white van.

Stay tuned to a different version of Lucy's "disappearance."