Dante gets a call from the adoption agency. They are sending a representative over to review their application with them right now. Lulu reveals that she made up a family history that didn't include mentally unstable mothers and criminal fathers. Dante tells Lulu to tell him everything that she put on the application so they can have their stories straight, but the social worker arrives so they improvise. After she has asked her questions, she reveals that she did a background check and knows everything in the application is a lie. Michael tells Starr that he let slip to Carly that A.J. is still alive after she admitted to dousing A.J. with alcohol to make him think he had fallen off the wagon. He says he is going to ask Sonny if he hung A.J. from a meat hook and threatened to kill him if he didn't sign over Michael's paternity. She reminds him that Sonny is at Connie's hearing right now. She tells him that the best thing for him to do is get everyone's stories and find the truth somewhere in-between. He says his mother has lied before to protect him. He says A.J. did terrible things too, but now that he knows A.J. didn't start it, he thinks he wants to talk to him. Starr says it isn't fair that his parents used him to hurt each other. Carly tells Todd about her conversation with Michael. She thinks Monica told Michael the story about setting up A.J. with alcohol. Todd tells her that one event won't trump all the years of love and support she has given Michael. She reveals that she thinks she saw A.J. last night but Sonny convinced her that it was her imagination, but now, after talking to Michael, she thinks it may have been real. Todd wonders if that's Michael's secret. Todd goes to ask Starr if A.J. is still alive. She asks why she would ask her that. He concludes that her silence means that it is true. Tracy sees A.J. in the living room at the Quartermaine estate and calls Dante to report it. Alice puts Tracy in a headlock that renders her unconscious. Monica picks up Tracy's phone and tells Dante that everything is fine. Monica says Tracy will call the police again when she wakes up. Alice and A.J. stash Tracy in the boathouse. Carly goes to the Quartermaine estate and demands that Monica tell her where A.J. is. Michael knocks on the boathouse door. Connie's court hearing begins with Diane Miller representing her. Diane asserts that Sonny coerced Trey committing Connie because she jilted him at the altar. Sonny says Kate didn't jilt him and the woman in the courtroom isn't Kate. Connie takes the stand and paints Sonny as a criminal who was controlling her. She says she left Sonny to be with her true love, Johnny. The judge asks Johnny is he wants to corroborate her story. Johnny takes the stand and says he married Connie because he loves her. Alexis says that when Connie announced that she was married to him, she also announced that only he could commit her. She asks if that is why he really married her. Diane asks how Johnny would benefit from that arrangement. Alexis says that is a good question and directs it to Johnny. He says everlasting love. Alexis asks him what happened with his relationship with Carly Jax. He says he is in love with Connie. She wonders how he fell in love with a mentally ill woman who caused a double homicide while trying to kill his grandfather. He says he has already answered her question. Alexis rephrases the question and says that, perhaps he has nothing to gain, but instead, something to lose. Diane objects, saying Alexis is badgering the witness. The judge says Johnny must answer the question. Alexis tells Johnny that he knows Kate needs help and that all he needs to do is say it out loud and Connie will go away. He sticks to his story that he loves Connie. Trey takes the stand. Diane tries to get him to say that he wants to have Connie committed because he is bitter about her abandoning him as an infant. He says Connie is dangerous and he wants her to get help before she can hurt anyone else. Alexis cross examines Trey and asks if he wants to have a relationship with his mother. He says yes, but it can't happen until she gets help. In her final statement, Diane asks the judge to dismiss Trey's petition because it asserts that Connie is an alter when in fact, Kate is the alter and Connie is the host.
Dante: Oh, no, that's amazing. Thank you. Okay. All right. That's the adoption agency. Lulu: Seriously? Dante: Yeah, they're sending over a social worker to do a preliminary interview. Lulu: Oh, my God. I-I can't even believe this happened so soon. Dante: I know. Neither can I. They must have really, really liked our application. Lulu: Must have. So... when are they coming? Dante: Now. Lulu: Right now? Dante: Yeah, they're just gonna go through the application with us, see if we have any questions. I mean, we're on the fast track to parenthood, baby. Lulu: They want the perfect family? Fine. That's what they're gonna get. Lulu: Um, that sounds...good. Dante: Are you -- are you okay? Is something wrong? Judge Sanchez: Be seated. I hereby call to order this hearing regarding a petition filed on behalf of Joseph Mitchell Scully iii. Where is Mr. Scully? Trey: Here, your honor. Judge Sanchez: To commit for involuntary admission to a psychiatric hospital, namely ShadyBrook institution, his mother, Constanza Louise Falconeri. Connie: That's me, your honor. Uh, Connie. Well, my full name is Mrs. John Zacchara. Carly: This is about Michael's relationship with his father. Todd: Sonny or the dead guy? Carly: A.J. Todd: The dead guy. Carly: Only he's not as dead as I thought. Todd: [Chuckles] You told me on what was almost the best Halloween of my life that A.J. Was smothered years ago. Carly: I always believed that to be true. Todd: So, what happened that changed your mind? Carly: Michael told me A.J.'S alive. Michael: I went for a run this morning, obviously. Anyway, I-I ended up on pier 52. Starr: That's where you saw your dad last night, right? Michael: My mom was there. I didn't -- I didn't see her at first. I was frustrated. I-I kicked something. She was worried. We started talking. I don't know what happened. I just -- it just slipped out that A.J. Was still alive. Starr: Isn't that specifically what A.J. Told you not to do? He has all of those charges against him that could send him to prison. Michael: Pretty much. Tracy: Of course it's you, A.J. You can't even die properly. Starr: How did you get to the point where you even said that A.J. Wasn't gone? Michael: [Sighs] A.J. Said that my mom drugged him, dumped him in an alley, and covered him with alcohol. Starr: Why would she do that? Michael: A.J. Was... is an alcoholic. He was in recovery. He told my mom if he ever got drunk again, he would leave Port Charles and never come back. My mom was pregnant with me, and -- and she didn't want him to know that he was my father, so -- Starr: She set him up. Michael: [Sighs] When I asked her, I didn't want it to be true, but... I wanted her to say, "no, I didn't do that. I-I didn't drug A.J. I didn't...make him think he was drinking." But she did. She admitted to it. Carly: Michael didn't know that I was here, and he was obviously upset, so when I asked him what was wrong, he started asking me questions about A.J., About something I did to A.J. A long time ago. Todd: You gonna tell me what? I'm in suspense here. Carly: Do you remember on Halloween when I told you when I was pregnant with Michael, I was living with my mother's husband? Todd: Right. A doctor. Carly: Dr. Tony Jones. Todd: Right. You and tony Jones had a fight and you went to look for Jason. You didn't find Jason. A.J. Was there. Carly: You really were listening. Todd: Yeah, of course. Carly: Anyway, I-I told you that A.J. Didn't remember sleeping with me. Todd: Right. Bozo didn't figure that out till, what? A year later? Carly: Well, that's not entirely accurate. I mean, A.J. Didn't get proof that Michael was his son until Michael was almost a year old, but while I was pregnant with Michael, A.J. Started to remember that we had slept together. Todd: And that's a bad thing? Carly: Yes, it's a bad thing because tony and I got back together and I wasn't sure if the baby was his or A.J.'S, and I really wanted the baby to be Tony's. But it was crazy because A.J. Wasn't living with the Quartermaines anymore. Hell, he had moved in right across the hall from me. He was my neighbor. Todd: Are you joking? Small world. Carly: [Sighs] Yeah, it was. And it was weird because he was lonely, and I was pregnant and lonely, and we almost became friends. Todd: Hold on. At this point, does A.J. Know that he's Michael's father? Carly: No, because he didn't remember sleeping with me, and I didn't want him to remember. A.J. Was recovering from alcoholism, and he told me that if he ever drank again, he would have to go rehab out of state and he would never come back to Port Charles. Todd: Something to be encouraged. Carly: I drugged him, I poured vodka all over him, and I stuck him in an alley, and I called his parents. Todd: Remarkably creative. Carly: That's how far I went, uh, to stop A.J. From finding out he was Michael's father. I was desperate...to stop A.J. From getting in my way. So, you think I'm a horrible person? A.J.: It is good to see you, too, auntie. Monica: Tracy, you have to understand, this is not what it looks like. Tracy: Really? Because what it looks like is your deceased son, the one that nobody mourned and nobody missed, walks amongst us once again. If that is not the case, feel free to enlighten me. A.J.: You know, why don't you stop badgering my mother? Tracy: Oh, I don't know. Maybe because she's protecting a psychotic degenerate who shot his father in the back?! Monica: Enough. Enough. Tracy, I can explain everything. Tracy: Oh. Thank goodness. By all means, explain away. Judge Sanchez: Counsel for the petitioner? Alexis: Present, your honor. Judge Sanchez: We seem to be missing counsel for the respondent. Diane: Sincerest apologies to the court, your honor. Diane miller representing Mrs. Zacchara. Judge Sanchez: Thank you for joining us, counselor. Sonny: Diane, you're -- you're representing her now? Is that what's going on here? Diane: She's a friend. She called me. And need I remind you, I'm no longer on your retainer. [Gavel bangs] Judge Sanchez: Can we get on with this? Diane: Yes. Your honor, as I believe my client explained to you yesterday, the petitioner's attempt to have his mother committed to a mental hospital is nothing more than a blatant manipulation on the part of my client's jilted fiancé, Michael "Sonny" Corinthos. And Mr. Scully, or trey as he presents himself, is nothing more than a shill for Mr. Corinthos. Sonny: That's a lie, Diane. Judge Sanchez: Mr. Corinthos, if you have something to say, take the stand. Lulu: Nothing's wrong. I'm just -- I'm surprised that the social worker is coming by so soon. I've always heard that the adoption process takes so long. Dante: Yeah, yeah. You know, it's just -- just the first step, right? Lulu: Yeah, but isn't this the most important one? I mean, I don't know about you, but I need some time to prepare. Dante: What? They already have our application. They know every embarrassing detail there is to know about us, you know, about your crazy mother, my crazy mother, my criminal father, your criminal father -- Lulu: Actually, they don't. Dante: They don't what? Lulu: Know about our families. I did something, and you're not gonna like it, but you have to promise that you're gonna go along with it. Alexis: Mr. Corinthos, did you coerce or manipulate Mr. Scully into filing this motion? Sonny: Absolutely not. Alexis: But it is your wish that Kate Howard, otherwise known as Constanza Falconeri Zacchara, be admitted into ShadyBrook mental health facility? Sonny: Yes, it is. Alexis: Thank you. No further questions. Diane: Your honor, I would like to question this witness. Judge Sanchez: Proceed. Diane: Thank you. Mr. Corinthos, were you ever engaged to Mrs. Zacchara? Sonny: Kate Howard, not Connie. Diane: And at the time of your attempted nuptials, did my client ever inform you that she was already married to John Zacchara? Sonny: Yeah. Yeah, she did, but it was -- Diane: Well, that must have hurt you deeply. Sonny: Well, I was more worried about Kate. Diane: So, you weren't -- you weren't humiliated at all that you were essentially jilted at the altar? Sonny: I was not jilted, Diane. It was Connie. Diane: When your bride-to-be walks down the aisle and in the middle of her own wedding ceremony, stops the proceedings and says, "hey, I'm already married to another man," that didn't bother you? Alexis: Your honor, could I have a moment to confer with my client, please? Sonny: Yes, it bothered me. But I wanted to make sure -- Diane: What you wanted was payback, isn't that right? Isn't that why you actually reached out to my client's estranged son? Sonny: I was concerned -- Diane: Didn't you, in fact, strong-arm Mr. Scully into signing those admission papers to soothe your wounded ego? Sonny: No. All I wanted was Kate to get her life back so she can get to know her son, so she can get to know who she is. That -- that's not my fiancée right there. That -- that's a symptom of Kate's mental illness. Connie: Who are you? Sigmund Corleone? Judge Sanchez: Counselors, you need to control your respective clients. Diane: Absolutely understood, your honor. No further questions. Judge Sanchez: Thank you, Mr. Corinthos. You may step down. Mrs. Zacchara, you're next. Michael: I always thought the fight over me started with A.J., That he wanted to take me away from my mom. So she lied and said Jason was my father. When that blew up, she married Sonny. Then he became my father. [Sighs] A.J. Was right. He never had an opportunity. He never had a chance. My mom never gave it to him. Maybe if she did, things would be different. Starr: You're the one that told me you can't drive yourself crazy with what ifs. Michael: A.J. Was right about my mom. What if he's right about my father? Starr: I thought he said Sonny only threatened him. That doesn't sound that bad. Michael: That's because I didn't tell you all the details. A.J. Said that my dad hung him up by a meat hook, that if he didn't give up his parental rights, my dad would stage an accident, make it look like A.J. Died driving drunk. Starr: Michael, your dad is in the business of forcing people to do what he wants. Michael: You know what? Yeah, threatening somebody's life is one thing, you know, holding a gun on them. It's not right, but in my father's business, that makes sense. But, I mean, this? To hang A.J. From a meat hook, use his own alcoholism against him, and threatening to stage a drunk-driving accident? I-I can't even wrap my head around that. I have no idea how I'm even supposed to feel. Todd: You're asking me if I think you're a horrible person? Carly: Yes. Todd: Really? Carly: Mm-hmm. Todd: I did more horrible things than most people do in a lifetime before I was 9. No offense, but... your little stunt with a shopping cart and some alcohol doesn't even rank. I think, Carly, that you can do better. Carly: As much as I appreciate your good opinion, right now, it's only Michael's that matters. Todd: Well, he's a kid, right? He's dramatic by definition, right? Carly: You didn't see his face. You didn't see the look in his eyes when I told him the truth. He was so disillusioned, you know. He lost total faith in me. Todd: So, you don't get any credit for all that time, all those years of affection and support? Just... Carly: Michael's point is that I never gave A.J. A chance to be a father. Todd: Who cares? It's great if A.J.'S dead, right? Carly: "If A.J.'S dead." See, that's what I said. I said, "Michael, we're a family. A.J.'S gone." And Michael said, "no, he's not." Todd: Okay, what did he mean by that? Carly: I don't know. I don't know! I mean... maybe Michael's just, you know, asking questions about his biological father. Todd: Okay. What do you think? Carly: I want to know who told Michael the story about what I did to A.J. A.J.: You know, mom, I don't really think aunt Tracy needs all the specifics. Tracy: Au contraire, nephew. I want to hear every lurid detail, especially the ones about how you managed to fake your own death. Monica: He didn't fake it. I did. A.J.: Mom -- Monica: Ah, ah, ah. It's all right. I took the action, and I can live with the consequences. So, it's quite obvious that Dr. Thomas did not kill A.J. I managed to revive him. And because I didn't want to see him go to prison, I smuggled him out of the hospital and to safety, where no one knew about it then and no one's gonna know about it now. Tracy: Really? Well, you should have hidden him a little better. A.J.: I came home to comfort my mother when she lost Jason. Tracy: [Laughs] And did you fall for that? Has he asked you for money yet? 'Cause I guarantee you the only reason he came back is because he's out of funds. Monica: Okay, look, Tracy, we have our differences and I know you have issues with this -- Tracy: Issues? Your loser son shot my brother in the back! Oh, wait, was that an accident? Because that is your all-purpose excuse for everything. A.J.: That was the biggest mistake of my life. Monica: Alan and A.J. Had their differences, but Alan loved him very much. So if you care about your brother, you will keep this to yourself for Alan's sake. Tracy: Mm-hmm. Well, I think that for the family's sake, I should do what should have been done years ago. I'm gonna call the police. Lulu: I was about to send in the application, and then I panicked. I was afraid that they wouldn't accept us if they saw how unconventional our families are. Dante: Unconventional? If you mean crazy, then sure. But we already talked about it. Those things don't matter. Lulu: I know, but then when I saw our family history in black and white, I saw how bad it looked. Dante: How much did you change? Lulu: Well, I was just gonna make it a little bit better, and then before I knew it, I came up with a whole story. Dante: [Groans] So, what -- what kind? Lulu: Solid, stable fathers, cookie-cutting, mentally sane mothers. I am so sorry. If I could go back and fix this, I would. Dante: Okay. Okay. Look. It's not the end of the world, okay? We -- we get our application back. We make some revisions. Lulu: How are we gonna do that? The social worker is on her way. Dante: So? We'll call, okay? What -- what's the number for the adoption agency? [Cell phone rings] Dante: Falconeri. Tracy: Dante, it's Tracy Quartermaine. I'm calling to report a fugitive. Connie: See, I knew I had to get away from this ruthless gangster. But every time I got out, he sucked me back in. Alexis: Your honor -- Judge Sanchez: Mrs. Zacchara, just answer the question. Diane: This is an awful story. I cannot -- I cannot even begin to imagine the trauma that you suffered. Connie: The only way to get out of his grasp was to find my true love. My true blue. I had to find my real prince charming. Johnny Zacchara came to my rescue. Diane: I'm sorry. I don't understand. You're saying that John Zacchara is your knight in shining armor? I was under the impression that Mr. Zacchara was also involved in organized crime. Connie: Oh, no, my Johnny left that business a long time ago. He's a legitimate businessman now. We just want to have a decent life together, your honor. I'm not crazy. I'M... I'm just a woman in love. Something that man knows nothing about, because if Sonny can't have everything that he wants, no one else can have nothing, either, right?! He didn't get what he wants, so now he's punishing me! Who else brings their son to court to commit their mama to a snake pit?! You tell me that! Alexis: Objection. Judge Sanchez: Ms. Davis, I called this hearing in order to get Mrs. Zacchara's side of the story. Overruled. Anything else, Mrs. Zacchara? Connie: No, your honor. That is the truth. And nothing but. Judge Sanchez: Mr. Zacchara, care to corroborate? Michael: I'm sorry. This probably sounds so crazy to you. Starr: What? No. It's sad to say, but families are messed up, especially ours. Michael: I need to talk to my dad. I got to see if what A.J. Said is true. Starr: Well, you can't. He's at the hearing, remember? Connie's hearing. Sonny and trey are trying to get Connie committed. Michael: Yeah. I forgot. That's right. Starr: Now wouldn't be a very good time to talk to him. Michael: If A.J.'S lying about my dad, then I know not to trust him. But if he's right and my dad did what he said, then... I think I at least owe A.J. Another conversation. Todd: Someone was bound to tell Michael what happened. Carly: It was his grandmother. Monica Quartermaine. She's known the truth for years. But why the hell would she tell Michael everything now? Todd: I don't know, Carly. Did you do something to piss her off? Carly: Maybe she's wanted to tell Michael about A.J. The whole time but she held off because of Jason, because she knew Jason would take my side -- Todd: Maybe she just wanted to make her dirtbag son look good by making you look bad. Carly: I can't believe I didn't see this before. Thank you. Thank you. Todd: No problem. Anything else I can help you with? You lose your keys? Your cat stuck up a tree? Carly: [Chuckles] Todd: Michael's gonna be just fine. What? What's wrong? Carly: I think I saw A.J. Tracy: You can drop that condescending tone with me, Dante. The fugitive that I'm calling... [Chokes] Dante: Tracy, you there? Monica: Uh, uh, detective Falconeri? This is Monica Quartermaine. Dante: Dr. Quartermaine, what's going on over there? Monica: Oh, I'm so sorry that Tracy bothered you. The fugitive in question was actually her horse, son of skittles. He managed to get out of the barn, and luckily, uh, Alice had him corralled. Dante: So, everything's okay? Monica: Everything is under control, really. Thank you. Lulu: What was that about? Dante: False alarm. Lulu: Wish we could say the same. Dante: Look, it's fine. We call them and we explain that we -- Lulu: But you said the social worker is on her way. Dante: Do you think they never get any last-minute cancelations? Lulu: And how many of those people ask to fill out an entirely new application because the one that they filled out was completely fabricated? I don't know. I think that we need to just bluff it out and go with the story that I told. Dante: You mean lie. Lulu: I don't want to do this, either, but what other choice do we have? Look, I just -- I don't even think that this is fair because if I was pregnant, no one would be looking into our family history deciding whether or not we could have a child. Dante: Okay, stop. It's not your fault, okay? Lulu: Yeah, it kind of is. Dante: Well, yeah, I mean, it'd be good if the agency had the right information on our application, but they don't, so let's work with this. Lulu: How? Dante: [Sighs] Let's say for the sake of argument I agree to bluff it out. You have to tell me everything you put down on that application so our stories are straight. Lulu: You would do this for me? Dante: Yes, of course I would do it for you. [Knock on door] Ms. Ogawa: Mr. And Mrs. Falconeri? It's ms. Ogawa from the adoption agency. Monica: Oh, thank God, Alice. You stopped her just in time. Alice: Yeah, I did. A.J.: Okay, that was awesome! Nice move, Alice. Alice: Thanks. You know, I used to use that a lot to win matches. And I just couldn't bear to have Tracy put you in jail. A.J.: Thanks. Hey, mom, you spoke with the detective. Did he suspect anything? Monica: Oh, well, he's used to Tracy's histrionics. And actually, I think he sounded a bit distracted. Lulu: Are you sure I can't get you any tea? Ms. Ogawa: I'm fine, thank you. I realize you're both very busy, so let's get started. Lulu: Okay. Ms. Ogawa: Tell me a little about yourselves. Lesley lu, let's start with you. Uh, you mentioned you run a restaurant. What's the name of it again? Lulu: The haunted star. It's a neighborhood place. It's...child-friendly. Dante: Mm-hmm. Ms. Ogawa: I've heard of it, but I thought it was a floating casino. Lulu: It was a long time ago when my parents used to run it. Ms. Ogawa: So it's a family business? Lulu: Exactly. My father taught me everything that I know. Ms. Ogawa: And, uh, was that before or after he went to Rwanda with the peace corps? Dante: [Chuckles, coughs] Lulu: Um, I'm not sure. I think it around the same time. Dante: Yeah. Ms. Ogawa: Really? So few people are willing to make that kind of sacrifice. It's quite remarkable. Your father must be a generous man. Dante: Oh, that's Luke. Yeah, he puts everyone before himself, right? Lulu: Yeah. Dante: Yeah. Ms. Ogawa: And your mother, you said she's at a mental-health facility. Dante: That's true, yeah. That's right. Ms. Ogawa: So tell me, how long has she been a psychiatrist? Lulu: Uh, I don't know. She's been dealing with mental disorders for about as long as I can remember. Ms. Ogawa: Very interesting. Uh, I-I think that's all I needed to hear. Dante, let's talk about you and your family. Alexis: Mr. Zacchara, is it your assertion that you are in love with that woman and that you entered into a voluntary clandestine relationship with her? Johnny: That's the truth. Alexis: The truth is that woman is very sick, described by Mr. Corinthos and detailed in this psychiatric evaluation that's been submitted to the court by the petitioner. The question here is, why on earth would you marry her? Johnny: Same reason any other couple would get married. We're in love. Alexis: That's your only motivation? Johnny: What else would there be? Alexis: When Connie interrupted her wedding to Mr. Corinthos, because she said that she was, in fact, married to you, in front of witnesses, she said that you were the only one that could have her committed. Now, isn't that the reason that you married her? So that you can control Connie and keep Kate from getting the help that she needs? Diane: Objection, your honor. How would that relationship benefit Mr. Zacchara? Alexis: That is a very good question. Thank you. Would you care to elaborate? What do you get in return for marrying her? Johnny: Everlasting love. Alexis: Weren't you in a relationship with Carly Jacks? I mean, what happened to that relationship? Did you just wake up one morning and go, "you know what? Forget Carly. I'm gonna go with that woman," who is not only mentally ill, but she attempted to kill your grandfather, which caused a double homicide in the process, yes? Johnny: I've answered your question. We're in love. Alexis: Well, guess what? I'm gonna ask you one more time. What are you getting in return for marrying that woman? Maybe it's not something to gain. Maybe it's something to lose. You know, if this is weighing on your conscience, Mr. Zacchara, this is a great time to unburden it. Diane: Objection, your honor. This is not a criminal proceeding. And while ms. Davis is trying to break my client's husband on the stand -- Judge Sanchez: Overruled. Mr. Zacchara will answer the question. Alexis: Is this really what you want, Johnny? You know that Kate needs help, and you know that Connie needs to go. And all you have to do is say it out loud, and she'll go away, and you'll be free. So y do the right thing for the sake of everyone, and you tell the truth. Johnny: [Sighs] Todd: Way to bury the lead, Carly. You saw A.J. Where? Carly: Here. Todd: Here? What? "Here" here? Carly: After I left you last night, I needed some air. Todd: Tell me about it. I still feel that way. Had to take a cold shower. Carly: I came here, and I was looking at the water, and I heard footsteps, and I turned, and A.J. Was standing right there with that smirk on his face. I saw him. And I'm not crazy. Todd: I don't think you're crazy. Carly: Sonny convinced me that it was just my imagination, but now, you know, with Michael asking me all these questions and saying that he's not gone, I mean, I have to wonder. Todd: That must be Michael's secret. Carly: What secret? Starr: I know how weird all this must be for you. My best advice is for you to just try to get the whole story. Of course everyone is gonna have their own side, and the truth is probably somewhere in the middle. Michael: How do you know that? Starr: Because A.J. Sounds like a complicated guy, and I kind of know the type. Michael: You know, my mom's not perfect. I mean, she's made a lot of mistakes. And I know she can lie. I mean, without getting into too much detail, she, uh... she perjured herself -- actually, double-perjured herself at a murder trial because she thought she was protecting me. Starr: Protecting you. See? That's the key right there. She probably thought that she was protecting you when she drugged A.J. Michael: I'm not defending what A.J. Did after. I mean... he kidnapped me, Morgan, and Kristina. And this woman that he had kidnap us had us in this big, abandoned warehouse. It scared the crap out of me. But I couldn't escape. I couldn't leave Morgan and Kristina behind. I mean... and that was before he took me away, said that my -- my -- my parents didn't love me, that they didn't want me. Starr: A.J. Is capable of some pretty awful things. Michael: Yeah, but he -- he didn't start it. My whole life, I thought he started it. Starr: Hey, where are you going? Michael: A.J. Said he wanted to talk some more. I'm ready to listen. Starr: I know, but wait. You seem really wound up. Are you sure you want to do this right now? A.J.: Alice, I can't thank you enough. I mean, wow. I really owe you for taking out on Tracy. Alice: Think nothing of it. I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to do that. Monica: Listen, she isn't hurt, is she? Alice: Are you kidding? She's having the best sleep of her life. She's gonna wake up in 20 minutes feeling fresh as a daisy. Monica: And then she's going to call the cops again. A.J.: You're right, mom. You know, now that she's seen me, she's not gonna be happy till I'm in handcuffs. Monica: Well, I am open for suggestions. Anybody have any idea what to do? A.J.: Well, we could kill her. Monica: Kill Tracy? I can't do that. I'm a doctor. I respect human life -- A.J.: Mom -- Monica: ...Even if it is Tracy. A.J.: Mom. I was kidding. Just relax. Monica: Well, your sense of humor certainly hasn't changed. A.J.: Yeah, well, I'm not gonna be laughing if Tracy turns me in. She always did hate me. Monica: Well, she's jealous. Ned is an Ashton. Alice: Look, I hate to break this up, but we've got to figure out what you guys are gonna do with her because I think she gonna wake up in about 15 minutes. A.J.: Alice is right. We definitely need to figure out a way to keep Tracy from shooting off her big mouth. Starr: Hey, I'm really sorry that you have all this stuff with A.J. Going on. It's -- it's not easy when you have two people that you love fighting over you and...worse... using you to justify hurting each other. Michael: That means a lot to me. Starr: That I'm worried or that I'm in a unique position to empathize? Michael: Both. Starr: [Chuckles] Michael: Look, I'm really glad I told you about this. I knew I could trust you. I'll see you. Starr: Good luck. Carly: What secret? Todd: It's probably nothing. I don't know. Michael told Starr that -- that he had a secret, but Starr didn't tell me what -- what it was. Carly: If I saw A.J., That means Michael could have seen A.J. Todd: Don't. Please. Carly: Thank you. Thank you for listening to me and for letting me vent and just for everything, okay? Todd: My pleasure. I like being your friend. I really want to be your friend so that you can ruin our friendship by sleeping with me. Carly: [Chuckles] Johnny: My wife has no leverage on me. There is no secret agreement. We love each other. May I please sit down now? Judge Sanchez: Yes, you may step down. Connie: [Whispers] Kiss me. Johnny: You're welcome. Connie: Never underestimate the power of self-preservation. Because if you'd have opened up your mouth up there, you'd be the one to be locked up. Right? Lulu: You know, he's had such a long day today, so if there are any questions you want to ask him, you can just ask me and I'll answer any of them. [Both laugh] Ms. Ogawa: Of course. I'm sure you two know each other so well, you could finish each other's sentences. Dante: Uh-huh. Ms. Ogawa: But I like to hear from both prospective parents. Dante: All right. Ms. Ogawa: So, why don't you tell me about your job. Dante: My job. My job is good. There's really, you know, not that much else to tell about it. Ms. Ogawa: I'm surprised to hear that. Dante: You are? Ms. Ogawa: I'd assume your job would be fairly interesting. Aren't you a police detective? Dante: Yes! Yes! I am. I am a police detective. [Chuckles] Lulu: Um, you know, honestly, it's pretty, uh, I don't know, a lot of paperwork. You -- you really wouldn't know that. I mean, I'm speaking for you, but I think it's -- it's pretty dull. Dante: Yeah, like watching paint dry. Ms. Ogawa: Well, in either case, it's a very admirable profession. I'm sure your parents are very proud. Dante: Oh, they're proud. Ms. Ogawa: Why don't you tell me more about them, because they seem like colorful characters. I mean, on paper, at least. Dante: That much is true. Ms. Ogawa: Well, your father, uh, Michael Corinthos, well, he's in an interesting business. Dante: That's one word for it, what he does, yeah. Ms. Ogawa: Please, I love a good shot in the dark. Lulu: It's a coffee with a shot of espresso in it. Dante: Yeah, because he's in the coffee business. Yeah, I just -- I've never tried that drink before. Ms. Ogawa: You should. Wakes you right up. Might make that desk job of yours a little more exciting. Dante: [Chuckling] All right. All right. I will give it a try next time I'm there. Ms. Ogawa: You know, I'm surprised you're not up on your latest coffee trends. Maybe your father doesn't talk about his innovations? Dante: His what? Ms. Ogawa: Don't be so modest. I mean, he practically revolutionized the coffee business by inventing those little cups of single-serve coffee? Dante: Yeah. That's right. [Chuckles] Ms. Ogawa: That is how he made his fortune, right? Or did I misread your application? Lulu: [Chuckles] No. Diane: Mr. Scully, isn't it true that you have only just recently met your mother? Trey: Yes. Diane: And despite this admittedly brief relationship, you expect this court to believe that you are so concerned about her well being that you want to have her committed? Trey: Look, I can assure you that me committing Connie to ShadyBrook has nothing to do with revenge. And nobody manipulated me into doing this. Diane: So you're not upset that she rejected you? Trey: No. Diane: I'm sorry. It's my understanding that you were actually abandoned as an infant, that you were left behind in a dresser drawer in some God-forsaken boarding house. Now, if it were me, I would be upset. I might even want to make my mother pay for the way she treated me. Trey: Yeah, well, that's you. Diane: So you're not in court today to have your mother committed as some sort of payback? Trey: I'm here today because I have a friend that was hurt by Connie, and I don't want to see that happen to anybody else. She is dangerous. She's a sick woman, and she needs help. Diane: So this is all about helping her? You're here due to your deep altruistic nature? Trey: I never said I was a saint. Diane: Isn't it true that you are a reality-show producer and that you tried to get my client's confession on tape to broadcast on a failed reality- television showed called "mob princess"? Judge Sanchez: You made your point, counselor, and so has this witness. Diane: Yes, indeed, your honor. I believe we both have. Thank you. No further questions. Judge Sanchez: Ms. Davis. Alexis: Thank you, your honor. Mr. Scully. This is something more to you than getting Connie off the streets, isn't it? Aren't you hoping to have a relationship with your mother? Trey: Yes. But that can't happen unless she gets some help. Judge Sanchez: Thank you, Mr. Scully. At this time, we'll take a short recess while I consider my decision. [Bangs gavel] Bailiff: All rise! Dante: Huddle up, people. I think trey did a little bit of damage and that judge bought that little bastard's sob story. All right? It's a good thing, 'cause I got an ace in the hole. Diane: Your honor, if I may address the court. Judge Sanchez: What is it, ms. Miller? Diane: Before you actually hand down your ruling, I would like to move that Mr. Scully's petition to have my client committed be dismissed. Judge Sanchez: On what grounds? Diane: The petitioner maintains that my client is an alter, a symptom of Kate Howard's illness, when in fact, the opposite is true. Kate Howard is the alter, a secondary personality manifested by my client, the true and actual person, the real woman, Constanza Louise "Connie" Falconeri. Ms. Ogawa: And, Dante, tell me about your mother. What does she do again? Dante: Um, she's A... Lulu: [Mouthing] Teacher. Dante: She's a preacher. Ms. Ogawa: She is? Dante: No, she's not. She's -- look, she's the manager of the metro court hotel. Ms. Ogawa: I see. And isn't that the same hotel where she was injected with a massive dose of LSD, which subsequently led to her hospitalization for severe hallucinations? Dante: Uh... Lulu: How did you know that? Ms. Ogawa: I did my homework. Really, Mr. And Mrs. Falconeri, how stupid do you think I am? I'm well aware that everything in this application is a lie. [Knock on door] Starr: Back so soon? Todd: I have a question for you. Starr: I already gave you my answer. I'm not moving in with you. Todd: Yeah, I'm sure you're gonna reconsider. Okay, the [Clears throat] Secret, the one that Michael had, the one that you wouldn't tell me, is A.J. Quartermaine still alive? Starr: Why would you ask me that? Todd: Perfect. I think that's my answer. Carly: What the hell's going on here? Monica: Why, Carly, what a surprise. Carly: You can save the cover story. Where's A.J.? Alice: Okay, easy, easy. A.J.: Okay. [Sighs] There's one problem solved for now. [Knock on door] Alice: Who's that? Michael: A.J. It's me, Michael. Alice: What are we gonna do?