Carly and Jason walk off the elevator, and find Francis guarding Sonny's door. His eyes widen as he sees the bruises all over Jason's wife. When they turn towards their apartment, the guard clears his throat, "Boss is back. He wants you to go in and see him."

Jason feels a rush of relief. His mentor being back is the best news he's heard all day, well second best news. The fact that he's having a son brings a grin to his face. He flashes back to that grainy picture of his boy on the ultrasound machine and the matching one in his wallet. He feels a wave of love wash over him, remembering the moment he and Carly had seen their baby, clutching each other's hand tightly with tears in their eyes. It almost pushes down the rage he feels over Dr. Jones's actions, but then he looks at her bruises, which are darkening by the minute, and it bubbles up all over again.

Clenching his jaw in determination, he turns towards Sonny's penthouse. Giving a quick knock, he goes in when he hears his boss shout, "Come in."

They find Sonny and Brenda curled up together on the sofa. It is obvious the married couple has just interrupted a make-out session, both their friends have clothes that are a little in disarray, with smeared makeup and tousled hair. The smiles on their faces immediately drop when they look over to Jason and Carly, and see the bruises which are beginning to change to a vivid shade of black and blue all over the pregnant blonde.

Brenda is the first to jump up, her face a mask of rage and horror at the sight of her friend, "Oh my God, what happened?"

Jason is the one who answers, his voice stabbing into the air with rage, "Tony cornered her at GH, and hit her, put bruises on her." He narrows his eyes, "I think Robin and Tony are working together. She made a scene yelling obscenities at Carly, then she attacked Bobbie. I think it was all done to create a distraction for Tony to get to my wife." He sees a frown darken his boss's face, his eyes troubled. Jason continues, with a hint of discomfort and confusion mixed in with the anger, "Alan got to Carly first, protecting her from the bastard. By the time I got there, she had bruises all up and down her arm. He hit her so hard across the face her lip was bleeding, and now she has a bump on the back of her head from the force the hit caused her to crash into the wall." He looks at Sonny, his voice hard, "I told him what that means."

Brenda gives an enthusiastic nod in agreement as Carly looks at Jason in confusion, "What does it mean?"

He and Sonny seem to have a silent conversation, which ends with Sonny giving his lieutenant a nod. She's surprised by the rage she sees on Sonny's face. He looks murderous as he studies her bruises, his focus intense.

Pulling his wife into his arms, Jason gives her a serious look, "It means no one gets away with hurting you. You have our protection, and he put his hands on you. The punishment for breaking that rule is death. The way you and Brenda stay safe is by never letting the people who cross that line get away with it." With a growl that speaks of the rage tearing through him, he tells her, "No one is allowed to hurt you, hell, no one is allowed to even touch you. I told you that if he ever came near you I'd end him. I don't say what I don't mean."

Her eyes widen, but she nods. "Okay. I'm sorry about all this…"

Leaning his forehead against hers, he shakes his head, "Not your fault. Don't ever apologize for that waste of space, Carly."

"Jason's right!" Brenda shouts, then shudders. "That felt so wrong to say. I think I need to bleach my brain." She gives her head a shake, refocusing, "But, girl, don't you dare apologize for that jackass hurting you! And I see that mind of yours thinking 'if I hadn't done this or that…', but that's BS. Just because you had bad judgment in a relationship doesn't give anyone the right to hurt you, and he could have hurt your baby! So, screw him."

Carly looks down for a minute, then shooting a nervous look at Sonny and Brenda, she admits, "Robin told him the baby is his." Looking over at Jason with vulnerable eyes, she tells him, "She said that you told her the baby isn't really yours, that I convinced you to lie for me."

Jason lets go of her, and turns around punching the wall. A tear slips down Carly's cheek as she goes up behind him to wrap her arms around his waist and rest her head on his shoulder. Brokenly, he swears, "I would never tell her that. She's lying."

"I know," she reassures him.

Sonny steps forward, his face a mask of concern and anger, "Robin is spreading lies?" He shakes his head, not relishing the thought of exacting the same revenge on the girl who had helped get him through the loss of Stone. With a sigh, he tells the room, "I will talk to her."

Jason turns around with a glare, challenging his order, "Sonny…"

"I know!" His voice is both defensive and pleading, "But I have to try. You know what she means to me, what she meant to Stone. Let me try to get through to her, get her to back down."

"And if she doesn't?" Jason demands with a scowl.

Letting out a deep breath, Sonny grumbles, "Can we cross that bridge when we get to it? Technically, she has my protection too." Both Jason and Carly stand up straighter, making him shake his head. "What she's doing to both of you is inexcusable, but when I lost Stone, she… she is someone who helped me survive that. I owe her a chance to come to her senses."

Jason gives a tight nod, his body is marbleized in his fear and anger. The thought of the danger his wife and child are in would bring a weaker man to his knees. It just fills him with determination. As frustrating as his boss's orders are, he isn't in a position to push.

He takes a deep breath, settling himself as much as he can as he studies Sonny. He looks more lucid than he has in ages, his eyes clear and engaged. It gives him some comfort, feeling like he has his mentor back.

Carly's hand rests comfortingly on the small of his back. Looking over at her, he sees her eyes droop. Reaching for her hand, he leads her to the sofa, "Sit down. You've had a long day."

She reaches her hand out to him to join her, but he shakes his head regretfully, "I need to talk to Sonny about some business first."

Brenda sits beside her, putting her arm around her blonde friend, "I've got you."

When the men leave, leaning against her friend's shoulder, Carly whispers, "I'm glad Sonny's back. He looks good. Sorry all of this ruined his homecoming."

With a goofy grin on her face, she admits, "He does look good, doesn't he? He surprised me, just walked in the door like he hasn't been gone for over a month. But, he's more himself, not as paranoid and weighed down." Giving her a gentle squeeze, "I have you to thank for that. When I think about what could have happened, that I was so close to losing him, it just…" She closes her mouth, not willing to finish the thought. "We owe you, Carly. Sonny will make sure you are protected. I mean, obviously your husband will too, but you have our support."

"I…" she looks down at her hands. "I know you both care about Robin. And Jason…" She lets out a breath, "I don't want to make anyone have to make that choice. And Sonny is doing better, I don't want him to have something else on his conscience."

"Maybe he can talk some sense into her," Brenda says unconvincingly

"Yeah, maybe." Carly sighs out, equally unconvinced.

"Are you okay? That had to be awful." Brenda questions.

"Definitely not my best day." Then, she really considers the question. She shakes her head as a tear slips down her cheek. "I never thought Tony would… I don't know… go crazy, actually physically hurt me." Giving her friend a guilty look, she asks, "Did I cause that? I mean when I met him, he was just this kind of pathetic older man. He actually seemed more sophisticated, more kind, than any man I've been involved with before, and I thought he was harmless. Was I so wrong? Was he really this underneath the whole time? Or did I screw him up? Is he going to die because I messed with his head, or his heart, or hell, maybe it was just his ego? Did I do this?"

"Hey, no. Absolutely not!" She tilts her head, asking frankly, "Imagine it was Jason that you screwed over…" When Carly makes a noise of protest, Brenda explains, "I know, you'd never do that, but just try to imagine what his reaction would be. Can you imagine any circumstance where he would hurt you or turn on you?"

With a wince, Carly admits, "I mean… in the beginning of our… I, um… I blackmailed him, trying to keep him, trying to break him and Robin up. And he was so angry… I was sure he'd hate me forever, but not once have I ever been scared of him."

"Sonny's the same." It's Brenda's turn to look down with regret in her eyes. "After I was shot, I got so scared. I was convinced this life was going to get us both killed, so I…" She rolls her eyes, then forces the words so quickly that Carly has to replay it slowly in her mind to understand, "woreawireforthefeds."

Her eyebrows shoot up, and she whispers a shocked, "You wore a wire?"

"I was stupid and scared. Look, my point is that even doing something that was a complete betrayal, I never once doubted whether he would lay a hand on me in anger. In Sonny's book, laying a hand on a woman is the lowest, most cowardly thing a man can do. What Tony did, it was already in there. You pursuing him, even for messed up reasons, did not suddenly change him into another man, it just brought out who he really is."

Carly nods against Brenda's shoulder, tears leaking from her eyes. She tells her friend with an emotional whisper, "Thank you. You're a really great friend."

"You too. I wouldn't have survived Sonny being gone… being sick without you. I'm so sorry this happened to you! And you were so excited for today…" She cuts off, her eyes widening and letting out a little gasp, "Oh my gosh, I forgot. Did you find out if your hunch is correct? Is it a boy?"

Carly gets a big smile, nodding. "Yes. Oh," she sits up and looks around for her coat, finding it laying over the back of the other side of the sofa. Standing up, she reaches into the pocket taking out a little sonogram picture, before settling back down beside her friend. "Here. Isn't he the cutest little man you've ever seen?"

Brenda smiles, and teases her friend, "He is the cutest picture blob I have ever come across."

Giving her a playful hit, Carly gripes with a smile, "Joke all you want. Our baby is going to be handsome, just like his Daddy."

"Jason's okay I guess, but this cute little blob is already more attractive than your husband, in my opinion." Brenda says with a shrug.

Carly shakes her head with a laugh, then argues, "You're crazy. But since there's already a brunette who's obsessed with my husband, I'm okay with your form of insanity, overjoyed even." Then, studying her friend, she asks with concern, "How are you? I'm sorry we're bringing down your reunion. It's got to feel amazing having him back, but also maybe kinda scary or challenging after everything."

"It's…" She tilts her head thinking, then with a quick glance towards Sonny's study, she admits softly, "It's all of those things. Being able to touch him again, hold him again is amazing. I have missed him so much it was physically painful. But," a tear falls from her eye, "there's always this fear that I can't get rid of. Like I'm always so close to losing him, of him getting hurt and being taken from me. And now I don't only have to worry about outside forces doing it, but also that he might. It's… I told him when we got back together that I can live without him. I know I'm strong enough to survive without him, but…" her voice breaks, "I don't want to. I don't want to live without looking in his eyes every day, without his arms around me and his voice telling me he loves me. I don't… but it's always a clear and present threat. When I look at him, in the back of my mind, I'm scared I'm going to have to always be watchful, always evaluating whether he's going to… How do I…" she sobs, the tears overwhelming her. It's Carly's turn to wrap her arms around her friend. The two women just hold each other, both with tears streaming down their faces. There's healing in the breakdown for both women, a release and relief that's necessary for the two highly stressed friends.

When the storm has eased, Carly gives Brenda a smile, "I'm glad I have you to," with a shrug and a smirk, "go crazy with."

Brenda lets out a loud laugh, and with a big grin, she agrees, "Me too."

In Sonny's study, Jason finishes giving him updates for the business. His boss watches him with searching eyes, reading his lieutenant as he ends his explanation with a stone-like tenseness.

Nodding, he sits back taking a sip of the water he's going to have to get used to on his new meds. Finally, he tells the younger man, "I know you're upset with my decision. I know you feel like I'm betraying you and your wife, and am siding with Robin. I'm sorry."

Jason sits back and looks at his mentor frankly, "You've been gone. You don't know what she's been like. I have been able to keep a lot of it from Carly, not wanting to upset her. But it's bad, Sonny. Robin has been telling everyone that the baby isn't mine, that Carly, my wife, is a whore, a liar, a con artist…" his jaw clenches as he grits out, "trash."

Sonny runs his hand over his jaw, letting out a deep sigh, "Jason…"

"She attacked Bobbie Spencer, and helped Tony get to Carly! She got him wound up by telling him lies, telling him I said things I never said! She is coming after my wife!" Jason yells, his face is tight and reddened, a vein pulsing in his temple.

As Sonny's temper is goaded, he stands up and points to his lieutenant, "I know! Don't think I'm not aware of all the angles! And don't for a second think I don't feel the weight of my responsibility to both you and your wife! You have both stepped up for me. I know that I might be dead right now if not for what your wife…" he looks down, clearing his throat. He rubs his hand across his face. Then, more calmly, "I am aware of my responsibility, and if it comes down to it, I will do what needs to be done. But I need you to do this my way. Maybe I can get her to leave, take a very extended trip overseas." He takes a deep breath, "I owe it to Stone to try."

Jason sits back, the tension easing a little. He gives him a nod, then leans forward. "What are we going to do about Tony?"

"I'm down for whatever you want to do to the bastard. But, it's your wife, you take the lead." Sonny says with a shrug

Jason gives him a nod, then informs him, "Luke's in." With a shake of his head, he says with both confusion and a little bit of awe, "I don't know how he does it; I'd swear he's got radar or he's psychic with the way he just shows up."

"It's annoying as hell, isn't it?" Sonny grumbles.

"He showed up right after my dad got Carly out of there..." Sonny's eyebrow shoots up at Jason calling Alan dad. Then, he forces his attention back on what his friend is saying. "…So, I told him that he could be in on the plan."

Sonny gives him a wry grin, "You went and got yourself stuck to the Spencers. Welcome to the club! It's a pain in the ass."

With a barely perceptible smile, he admits, "She's worth it."

Sonny's dimple pops out, "I'm happy for you. But better you than me. I swear when I talk to Luke these days, your wife is all he talks about. He's either complaining about her or explaining why she's a 'damn good Spencer.' We have businesses together that we need to talk about, but he's either complaining about his cowboy mooning over a Quartermaine or talking about your wife. I'm starting to avoid his calls."

Jason smiles at the mention of his wife, but frowns at the mention of Lucky. With a protective growl, he commands, "She's a kid, who just went through a lot of bad stuff. He can go moon somewhere else."

Sonny laughs, his dimples popping out and his eyes sparkling, "Settle down over there big brother. Lucky's a good kid, and according to Brenda, he's been really helpful with her getting over the bad stuff. He's been a good friend, stepping up for her." He tilts his head, and with a raised eyebrow, says as a statement more than a question, "And I'm sure you've put the fear of God into him."

Jason looks at him with a disgruntled expression, "I've tried, but the smartass is too much like his father. It's like he doesn't believe I'll actually kill him."

Sonny gives him a look. "You don't have permission to kill him because he cares about your sister. Besides, your sister would never forgive you." Jason gives a tight nod, hearing the command. He's so happy to have back a Sonny who's present, who gives a damn about giving orders. He hates being in charge. He'll do it if he has to for the good of the people he cares about, but he'd much rather take care of things behind the scenes than at the head of the table.

Studying his boss, he asks, "How are you doing?"

Sonny sits back, "I'm not all better, but I'm better. They got me on some meds, so my thinking is clearer than it's been in years. The doctor was good, worth the price. I…uh… still have stuff to process, but I'm stronger. Thank you for taking the reins while I was indisposed." Giving him a frank look, he offers, "I have something I'd like to propose. Instead of being my second in command, I want you to be my partner. You can stay in the background where you're comfortable, but you have proven yourself, stepped up for me. I want to show my appreciation."

Jason argues, "Sonny, you don't have to…"

Sonny clears his throat, his face suddenly vulnerable, "And… I'm asking for your help. I'll stay the head of our less legal ventures, especially while you're having to deal with the Q's, I'll be the head of the family. But I… uh… I'm still working on getting my head straight. I need someone to have my back."

Jason nods, then clearing his throat, he agrees, "Always. You don't even have to ask."

"Thank you." With emotion in his voice, he says, "I'm grateful." Then, clearing his throat, he changes the subject, "So, Alan protected Carly? How do you feel about that?"

Jason gives a shrug, "It's the second time. Carly and Francis said he protected her about a month ago; he came between my wife, and Robin and Monica up at GH. They were screaming lies at her, and he got them to back off long enough to get her out of there." He takes a deep breath, "I don't know what to think, honestly. After everything they've done, I don't know if I can trust any of them. But, it's not only that he protected her, Carly said he has been kind to her, congratulating her on our marriage." His face shows his internal struggle. "How do I trust that it's real and not some other way to try to control me?"

"I don't know. The choices that family makes aren't something I can wrap my head around. But," he lets out a sigh, then gives a shrug, "babies have a tendency to change people and relationships. Especially where grandparents are concerned, nothing can change a heart more. I know he's made a lot of mistakes, and if you can't move past them, that's your right." He pauses for a moment. It's a tense pause, one that has Jason watching Sonny closely in anticipation. "I know what it's like regretting actions after I couldn't change 'em. I'd hate for you to regret not giving your dad a chance." Then, looking directly into his eyes, he tells him, "Whatever you decide, though, I've got your back."

Giving his mentor an emotional look, he begins, "Thank y-…"

Suddenly, there's a banging at the front door, and Taggert's arrogant voice is shouting, "Police! Open up! I've got an arrest warrant for Jason Morgan."

Rushing into the other room, he sees Carly standing up in front of the sofa, looking at him with a white face. With wide eyes, she rushes to him and asks, "What do you need me to do?"

He gives her a reassuring smile, a warmth at her immediate support that wars with the irritation that they are scaring his wife when she's already had an awful day. Giving her a serious look, he says, "Get in touch with Justus. Ask him to meet me up there. Please do exactly what he tells you, and nothing more. I know you're scared, but I promise I will get out of this." With a plea in his voice, he asks her, "Please don't do anything crazy."

She gives him a hesitant smile, the fear for him clear on her face. "I'll try."

The pounding at the door intensifies, with Taggert getting more aggressive, "Open the door before we break it in! I hear you in there, Morgan!"

He gives her a quick, soft kiss, careful of her bruised and cut lips. Pulling back, he gives her a look full of emotion, his heart on full display in his eyes. "I love you," he professes.

"I love you, too." She says with tears in her eyes.

Then, turning back towards the intense banging, he yells out, "I'm coming." Taking off his gun, and putting it in Sonny's desk, he turns and opens the door, raising his hands at the sight of Taggert holding his gun on him. Jason doesn't say a word as Taggert begins reading him his rights, his face is a blank mask showing not an ounce of emotion, not even annoyance.

When the cuffs are on him, Taggert turns to the other occupants in the room. He's the picture of insolent arrogance, all puffed up on his power trip. Giving Carly a startled look, his eyes narrow as he harasses Jason, "Do I need to add charges for domestic abuse? I wouldn't put it past scum like you to beat on your pregnant wife."

Carly is incensed, and taking a step forward, she yells at the obnoxious detective, "My husband would never hurt me! He would never even think of hurting someone like that! If you say it again, I'll sue your ass into the Stone Age."

Sonny puts his hand on Carly's arm, quietening her. "Detective, what are the charges? Do you even have cause, or is this another attempt to harass me?"

With a mean smirk, the detective crows, "Your little soldier here threatened to kill a distinguished doctor. That's against the law, anger boy. You need to keep him on a tighter leash, Sonny. He's been acting like the animal he is among the good people of Port Charles."

Carly jumps forward, with both Sonny and Brenda holding her back, "That's bullshit! He…"

"Carly!" Sonny commands her silence with one word. She crosses her arms and scowls, giving Taggert a glare that could kill, but she quiets.

Sonny tells the detective with a glare, "Jason won't be speaking without his lawyer present." Then, giving his protege a reassuring look, he continues, "I'm sure he will be able to get this nonsense dropped."

"Not this time, Sonny." Taggert growls before turning Jason and marching him out the door.