Sonny's Secret Is Blown!

As the week begins, Jason borrows a tried and true wedding related phrase by telling Sonny that if he wants the business back, he has to speak now or forever hold his peace.  Ticked, Sonny storms out and later tells Max that Jason is to be kept completely in the dark about his dealings with Karpov.  Too bad nobody told Ric, who tells fills Jason in on the secret meetings Sonny's been taking with the visiting Russian. 

I don't jump to conclusions," says Burton (in character).  "I don't say, 'Oh he's betraying me,' even though that's how it appears and people are saying that."  Then again, seeing as those whispering the dangerous words into his ear are Claudia and Ric, perhaps Jason is wise not to pay attention.  Especially since the devious duo have struck up a deal, with Ric agreeing to help Claudia deal with Johnny's problems in exchange for the Zacchara siblings becoming his allies.  Oh, and Ric would also like for Claudia to begin sharing his bed.  Claudia later confirms to Jason that Sonny and Karpov have been taking meetings.  She insists that Sonny's goal is to keep his pal safe and although Jason wants Claudia to butt out, her words seem to be true when Sonny gets Karpov to receive a shipment at a different dock so as not to drag Jason into his business.  As Sonny sees it, Jason is in need of protection.  "Sony is a guy who has had everything happen to him because of this business"  says Maurice Benard.  "His career has a body count."

The B Word

"He's not in the Mob," Benard clarifies regarding his alter ego's recent actions.  "But he's doing things that are Mob like."  Worse. Sonny feels as if he's not being given the respect he both deserves and has earned.  "Jason is entitled to say 'Hey, if you want it back, take it, otherwise, back off,' but Sonny feels like he's not being respected.  Just because he's not involved in the Mob doesn't mean he can't offer help!" In fact, Sonny knows exactly what he's doing.  "He knows how bad Karpov is and he's going to play the guy," says Benard.  "Karpov thinks he's playing Sonny, but Sonny's really playing him."

But things get messy when people begin saying that Sonny is betraying his longtime pal.  Heck, even Monica, who is about to be released from rehab tells Jason that he's being used and abused by Sonny.  "Jason should know better than that," says Benard.  "If Jason feels like Sonny would betray him or if any one for that matter, who Sonny loves thinks that he would betray them, then they don't know him very well." But with Monica's words ringing in his ears. Jason puts Spinelli on the case and soon finds evidence linking Sonny to Karpov.  Crossing paths with Sonny, Claudia accuses him of joining forces with Karpov as a way of paying back Jason and Carly for working together to take his kids away.

The Ex Factor

Later, Jason shares a moment with Liz and her sons, who are having a picnic.  But the moment Monica arrives and comments on how they look like a happy little family, Jason takes off.  Meanwhile, Kate and Sonny are preparing for a romantic evening together when Jason arrives, needing to talk with Sonny about recent events.

"Sonny's not thinking clearly," says Burton.  "The problem is that he seems like he wants to get back in the business after having signed over his kids and quitting the business, all so that he could get out and have a normal life with Kate."  The men discuss  Karpov, with Jason admitting he feels betrayed and Sonny feeling hurt by this unexpected turn.  Later, Jason goes to Carly and tells her that it looks as if Sonny is back in the Mob!  Quicker than you can say "butt out" Carly, fearing that the two men in her life will eventually kill one another, decides to get to the bottom of the fishy situation.  So when not clashing with Kate, Carly makes a dangerous play by asking Karpov to meet her for a drink.  What she doesn't know is that Spinelli has uncovered information indicating that the Russian might best be described as a literal lady killer.

Shots Are Fired

Once Jason gets word of the danger Carly has put herself in, he and Spinelli leap into action.  And although Jason is able to ride to the rescue, Carly isn't exactly grateful.  In fact, before long, she's throwing herself right back into the line of fire.  And this time, bullets fly as a shocking person takes aim, and an even more surprising person tries playing hero!

As all this drama is unfolding, Kate finds herself once again having an awkward conversation with Sonny's ex lover, Claudia.  Without even breaking a sweat, Claudia easily plays upon Kate's insecurities, accusing her of using Michael's shooting to change Sonny's life style.  And although Kate doesn't know it, Sonny tells a lie in order to keep an eye on Karpov's latest shipment.  Unfortunately, Sonny soon discovers that his new foreign pal isn't all that trustworthy, prompting Corinthos to make both a decision about his future and a stunning declaration that could change his life - as well as those of the people he loves--forever.

SID 8/11/08