Chapter 12

11/13-12/15 1995

Port Charles, New York

Nikolas turns 20

Brenda returned to PC and moved into the PH, hoping to reunite with the widowed Sonny.

Luke hires Mike Corbin, Sonny's father, to work the bar at Luke's Blue's Club.

Jason returns from Italy and spends Thanksgiving with Sonny and Mike. Robin returns for her Thanksgiving break and stops by Sonny's place. It is awkward, and Jason quickly leaves for the Quartermaines for pie. Sonny explains that Jason is seeing someone.

Lucky gets into trouble with a loan shark for gambling. He is beaten up by thugs.

Sonny expects Jason to take on more responsibility in the organization. He tells Jason to protect Lucky as he owes a debt to Luke since Luke got him started in the business by helping him take down Frank Smith. Jason tracks down the men and beats them severely before one of them gives up their boss. It was Joe Scully. Joe brought Sonny into the organization. Joe meets with Sonny about Jason.

Sonny says, "Jason was following my orders. Lucky Spencer is under my protection. You also violated the terms of what is allowed under my watch. You were arrested for trafficking drugs earlier this year."

"I think some leeway is allowed in our agreement. I did take care of Deke for you. Without me, you'd be nothing!"

Sonny yells, "No drugs in PC!

"I think it's time to renegotiate." Scully pulls out a gun, and before he can pull the trigger, Jason emerges from the shadows and kills Scully. Jason drops the gun. He's been to target practice, but this is the first time he's shot and killed someone. Sonny calls for a cleanup crew and reassures Jason he had no choice but to kill Scully in defense of him. Sonny says he will dispose of the gun.

Jason heads to Jake's and washes the stink off him before he heads down for a drink. Steven is drinking, and Jason sits next to him. He orders a beer, a shot of tequila, and another for Steven. "Hey, Steven, how are you doing?"

"Good, you? Have you spoken to Lizzy recently?"

"I spoke with her last night. I didn't know she'd told you about me."

"She's my sister. Other than Francesca, who else can she talk to? She's not about to share details with the M & M Twins."

Jason looks shocked. "She called Max and Milo the M & M Twins?"

"No, that's what I call them. She adores them. She considers Max to be a younger version of me, minus the button-down doctor look, and Milo follows Max everywhere."

"That's a good assessment, but add about 20 pounds," Jason orders another drink.

"You look like crap."

"Long day."

Carly enters and slithers up to Jason. "I heard you're single."

Jason downs a shot and tugs at his beer. "Nope."

"I heard you and the purity princess broke up."

Steven mouths, "Purity princess?"

"Robin. We broke up in October. Carly, go find AJ; I told you I'm not interested."

"Pity. It's a shame. I always thought I picked the wrong brother. Steven, you can always change your mind." Carly heads to the pool table to pick up the next cutest guy.

Steven says, "AJ? She's seeing AJ?"

"Last I heard. Why?"

"Carly gets around. She broke up Bobbie and Tony Jones's marriage, and before I found out she ruined a woman I respect, I was sleeping with her too."

"Huh? Can I get you another beer?"

"Naah, I'll call a cab. Say hi to Lizzy for me the next time you call."

"I will."

Jason calls Elizabeth with plans to fly out for a visit.

Sonny and Brenda make love.

11/13-12/15/1995

Milan, Italy

Francesca spends the night with Elizabeth after Jason departs. "So, how long before you return to PC?" She helps Elizabeth make batches of brownies.

"I don't know. Jason and I didn't discuss it."

"Why the fuck not? Not that I want to see you go, but you can't hide out in Italy forever."

"I've spoken with Steven and hope to be home for Christmas. Maximus wants Max and Milo there before me.

Elizabeth instructs her staff to cook a US Thanksgiving dinner, and she invites the Giambetti family.

Max invites Elizabeth to a shooting range under her protest. "Max, I'm a medical professional. My oath is to do no harm."

"Bella, Pop insists on it if you are to return to PC. Milo and I will be there soon, but our focus will be on Sonny Corothinos. If you continue to see Jason Morgan, you must be aware."

"I'm not going to win this argument, am I?"

Max grins, "Nope!"

Jason calls Elizabeth to notify her he's coming to Italy.

12/16-31/1995

PC, NY

Milan, Italy

Afraid she'd lose her aide's job, Carly steals a nurse's exam study notes to pass her nurse's exam.

Carly fails her exam and is kicked out of the nursing program.

Jason arrives in Italy, bringing Steven as a surprise for Elizabeth. While Elizabeth reunites with her brother, Jason meets with the Giambettis. Elizabeth gives her brother a tour of her favorite places to visit.

Maximus holds a family dinner and meets Steven. He embraces the brother of his favorite American and kisses each cheek. After dinner, Maximus, Max, Milo, and Jason head to the office to discuss business. Francesca, Elizabeth, and Steven go to the game room. Elizabeth challenges her brother to a game of pool. Francesca watches as she drinks beer. After Elizabeth beats Steven in a game, Francesca asks him to play darts. Elizabeth notices her friend's interest in her brother and wonders if Steven is up to the challenge of the passionate, headstrong woman.

Jason, Elizabeth, and Steven retreat to the villa. After wine, beers, and brownies, Elizabeth shows Steven his room. Elizabeth and Jason go to her room and make love.

Sonny conducts business at the No Name while Brenda is showering at the PH. Intruders break in and shoot at the shower door, shattering it. Brenda hits the floor, and the intruders drop an envelope for Sonny before they escape. Security arrives to assist Brenda and hide the envelope before the police arrive.

Robin is home for the holidays when Mac is called for an incident at the Towers involving Brenda. Robin rides with her uncle. She rushes to console Brenda and rides with her to GH. Sonny arrives to find Mac in his PH. Justus arrives to represent Sonny and keep him from having a meltdown. Mike calls Jason in Italy to update him.

The phone rings, waking Jason from his slumber. "Morgan."

"Jason, it's Mike. Brenda was shot at in the PH. Sonny needs you. Robin is with Brenda, but someone needs to keep him calm."

"Call Harry Silver. He'll know who to call for the doctor. I'll be on the plane in an hour. Ask Robin to check on him when she can."

"Thank you, Jason. I'll tell Sonny you will be home soon.

Jason hastily dresses and calls Max. "Max, collect your things and meet me at the jet. We are flying to PC in an hour. Milo can come later. You are needed now."

Elizabeth quietly dresses as she listens to Jason. "You must leave, " she says matter-of-factly. She wipes her eyes.

"Yes. I was hoping to stay a few days. Come with me."

"You know I can't. It will take at least two weeks to finalize my affairs and close the villa. I'll return as soon as I can and will bring Milo."

Jason knocks on Steven's door. "I have urgent business in PC. I'm leaving in 30 minutes if you want to leave."

Jason returns to Elizabeth. "I want you with me in two weeks. I want you safe. Ask Milo to move in here until you leave. I don't know what the threat in PC is yet." Jason brushes Elizabeth's hair aside. "I love you. I should have told you sooner."

"I love you, too. I always have."

Steven is dressed and ready. He apologizes to Elizabeth but thinks he's needed in PC. "Lizzy, I'll tell Gramps and Grams you'll be home soon."

Jason boards the jet with Steven and Max. He calls Harry from the plane and discovers the doctor gave Sonny something to keep him calm. Harry reads the note security found. "Corothinos, my daughter died in your place. The Barrett tramp was a warning. The next time, she won't be so lucky. When you least expect it, you or someone you love will pay for my daughter's life."

Steven asks Jason if he should be concerned about his sister.

"Honestly, Steven, I don't know. I'd rather Elizabeth be with me. I'm sorry; I know this isn't what you wanted for her."

"I want her to be happy, and for some reason, you make her happy, no matter what name you call yourself."

Milo arrives with bags to move in with Elizabeth until she's ready to return to PC. Francesca moves in, too. They devise a plan to close the gallery and notify the clinic to find a replacement for Elizabeth. Elizabeth informs the staff she is returning to the States. She calls Nikolas and tells him she is leaving the villa in two weeks but will fly back on the Giambatti jet.

Brenda is released before Jason arrives, and Sonny, fearing for her safety, sends her to stay with her sister, Julia, in London.

Jason, Max, and Steven arrive in PC. Sonny sends a limo, and they drop Steven off at the Hardy's.

Jason and Max arrive at the PH and meet with Sonny and Justus. They then lay out a security plan that includes hiring additional guards.

Sonny tells Jason that Hernando Rivera must be eliminated.

New Year's Eve is celebrated in Port Charles, New York, and Milan, Italy. Jason calls Elizabeth to wish her a Happy New Year.

1996