The Driving Force of Passion

"Passon: it lies in all of us. Sleeping, waiting, and though unwanted, unbidden, it will stir, open its jaws, and howl. It speaks to us, guides us… passion rules us all. And we obey. What other choice do we have? Passion is the source of our finest moments: the joy of love, the clarity of hatred, and the ecstasy of grief." ~Joss Whedon

Sam sat in front of her laptop. She was already dressed in her gown for the event tonight but she couldn't help but be focused on finding the man who was responsible for putting Michael in a coma. She hadn't been surprised at how nervous Claudia was last night as she'd searched through the information; despite the raven haired woman's bravado, it was clear to Sam that Claudia was a vulnerable soul. It was ironic to her, the similarities she shared with the woman yet still there were so many things that differentiated them. She felt sorry for her in a way; a woman who was so strong on the outside but inside was full of insecurities. She had been that type of woman at one tine and had to admit she was glad the evidence had pointed away from Claudia being responsible for Michael being shot; it would certainly make paying back the person responsible much easier for Sonny with it not being his current pregnant wife.

"You still at it?" Jason said as he came down the stairs.

Sam turned around to look at him, letting her gaze roam over the way he filled out his suit. "Just checking in on the search I had running," she said as she stood up. "You should wear a suit more often."

"To where?" he quipped.

"Okay, you're probably right there but you still look," she paused momentarily as she bit the corner of her lip, "really good."

"So do you," Jason's eyes raked over her body in appreciation. "You're beautiful." He reached down to brush that ever stubborn piece of hair out of her face before he bent his head down to kiss her lips in a quick but sensual kiss.

She let out a contented sigh before they parted. "This taking it slow is starting to drive me crazy."

"Just starting," he replied softy.

"Okay, stop..." she put her hands on his chest and pushed him back gently. "You have to stop looking at me like that or we'll never get out of here."

"And that's a problem," he retorted while taking her hand.

"Gracious greeting Fair Samantha and Stone Cold," Spinelli said as he came practically barreling down the stars. "You both look ready for this evening's festivities. Did Fair Samantha find anything else out about The Unhinged Phantom?"

Sam laughed at his newest nickname for Roy. "Nothing too concrete. He's definitely off the gird but there are small traces of DiLucca, mostly an account out of The Cayman's that ends up filtering into an account in The US under the name of none other than Hannah Scott."

"The Unhinged one's daughter?" Spinelli nodded.

"I'll send that info over to Bernie and have him stay on it while we're on Spoon Island," Jason replied before he quickly dialed the familiar number, moving to the other side of the room to make the call.

"The Jackal must remark on The Goddess this evening," Spinelli spoke, "you are a vision. I am most please Stone Cold has agreed to partake in this lavish occasion."

"Thank you Spinelli," she smiled at him warmly before reaching up and straightening his tie. "You look very handsome; Maxie is a lucky girl."

"It is The Jackal who is most assuredly lucky but I am humbled by your compliment," he replied.

Jason walked back over as he finished his phone call. "I had a few extra guards placed outside The Quartermaine Estate as well with Jake and Destiny there tonight."

Sam nodded. "That's a good idea; just in case." She paused briefly. "Maybe going tonight isn't such a good idea."

"Maximista will be most displeased if we do not attend," Spinelli said. "Besides, The Goddess deserves a night full of fun and wonder."

"He's right Sam," Jason replied. "You have been looking forward to this. Let's go, and have a good time."

"You both are right," she replied, "and Carly will kill us if we don't show up."

"Good point," Jason said as he lead them out the door.

Carly struggled to get inside her home, bags and folders overflowing in her arms as she kicked at the door, hoping one of her boys would be there to answer. It had been a hectic day today; they'd had a mix up with tonight's special dessert and on top of that their meat truck had delivered late so her kitchen staff was late on prepping the geese for the Charity Ball on Spoon Island they were catering this evening. She also hadn't had a chance to buy a gown with all the happenings with Michael and everything else until right before she was headed home so needless to say, she was running behind. Carly knew there were several messages from her husband as but given the chaos of today and between his own business meetings they were playing phone tag. Needless to say, today had been crazy.

"Wow, that's a lot of bags there," Jax said as he opened the door, taking a few items from her arms as he helped to guide her inside.

"I forgot all about getting a dress for tonight even though we're catering it," Carly let out a slight laugh. "With everything with Michael and the hotel it completely escaped my mind."

"Things have been fairly crazy as of late," Jax said as he watched her place the various items into a chair. "I was hoping to get some time with you today but I kept missing you."

"I know," she said as she placed a soft kiss against his cheek. "I know we haven't had much time alone together since we decided to work out everything after Jerry. I know most of our time has been just focusing on the boys and our work."

"We should take some time to talk tonight," Jax suggested.

"We will soon," she nodded, "but right now I have to go get ready and you should as well. Let's just forget all the issues we've had to deal with and just enjoy being together and supporting an amazing charity."

"That sounds really great," Jax said before his wife gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before picking up a dress bag and rushing towards the stairs.

"I'll be quick," her voice traveled as she made her way up the stairs.

"One good night," Jax said to himself as soon as she was out of earshot, "one more night and then I'll tell you everything Carly; I promise." He grimaced as he caught his own reflection on the mirror, hoping his marriage wouldn't be over once he did.

Claudia stood in front of the mirror, turning at different angles to study her ever expanding figure. It amazed her how much she enjoyed being pregnant; how much she enjoyed the evidence of the baby she was carrying inside her. Life hadn't been easy for her. She had grown up with a sadistic father whose only use for her had been business and a mother who'd she'd been ripped away from only for her to di soon after. Her only saving grace had been her love for her little brother but she spent so much time as a little girl wishing for someone who would love her; wishing to have a family.

"What do you have spinning up there?" Sonny said as he stepped behind her, placing his hands over her shoulder before his eyes raked over her reflection in the mirror in appreciation. "You look beautiful by the way."

"Thank you," she smiled as their eyes locked in the mirror before she turned around to face him. "You don't look so bad yourself handsome."

He offered her a small grin before his face turned serious once more. "You really did look a million miles away. You okay?"

"Yeah," she paused briefly as his disbelieving look, "I'm serious. I'm fine. I was just thinking, about my past and this baby growing inside me; just how much I want to make sure she doesn't grow up feeling the way I did: alone."

"She won't," Sonny replied. "We are going to make sure this child knows it's loved. And I promise you, I will never treat our child the way your father treated you."

"I know you won't," she smiled softly. "I guess this thing with Roy working for my father and being the shooter and in Port Charles is just giving me a strange feeling."

"Don't tell me Claudia Zacchara Corinthos is scared," Sonny pushed her arm gently, "come on." He reached out to take her hands within his own. "Hey, you know I'm going to protect you. What you did, telling me the truth, I won't forget your loyalty; I'm going to show the same loyalty to you. You're my wife..."

"We both know this isn't exactly a traditional marriage," she quipped.

"Maybe not but I think we've grown to have a mutual respect and understanding," he replied, "and I think we may even have come to like each other."

"Don't get too excited there Sonny," she let out a light laugh, "I may start to think you actually care about me as a person."

"I do," his eyes met hers as he said the words.

Claudia couldn't stop her heart from speeding up, "I-I care about you too."

They stared at each other for a few beats in silence after that, the air feeling charged around them until the spell was broken the ringing of his cell phone.

"Hello," Sonny said as he answered. "Okay..." he hung it up almost as soon as he answered before clearing his throat. "The car is ready. What do you say we get out of here," he offered her his arm.

Claudia nodded as she wrapped her arm around his, but feeling the wall that had been let down only a few moments ago had come back up. "Lead the way."

Helena stood in The Castle Tower, watching as the launch brought over the droves of guests she would be entertaining for the evening. It had been so easy, emailing her grandson's assistant all of the plans for this evening's charity event, knowing he would be none the wiser until he arrived this evening to find the ball in full swing. She had planned every detail so carefully and could not wait for the moment when she would make her grand entrance and claim the heir she finally found worthy of all she had to impart.

She smiled wickedly as she saw her there; the petite brunette looked regal this evening, like the princess she was destined to be. She stood flanked by the solider who had captured her heart on one side, and the bubbling but brilliant computer genius. She would fit them in her plans as well and they would do as she said once she had Samantha where she wanted her. Her gaze stayed on the trio as she watched from high up but too high above it all to hear what was being said.

"I am so glad you convinced us to still come Spinelli," the petite brunette looked to the young man beside her. "We all have needed a break and you've been working really hard on this investigation too and deserve a night out; I may have to steal you from Jason once my PI firm is up and running."

"That may actually be a great idea," Jason replied.

"The Jackal would be most pleased to thwart evil doers along the side of The Goddess," Spinelli replied. "It would honor me greatly. Not that The Jackal would be derelict in his duties for my master."

"I know," the enforcer shook his head in amusement as his friend. "I'm sure Sam would let me borrow you when needed."

"Wow," Sam said as they came closer to the castle, a red carpet leading leading between the arch just a few feet away from them to the open doorway where a band could be heard. "Nikolas really went all out. Seeing it like this, you can almost forget how creepy it normally looks."

"Not really," Jason quipped, causing both his companions to laugh before they noticed a bubbling blonde hurrying their way.

"Oh thank gawd," Maxie exclaimed. " I thought I was going to have to walk into that event alone and do you know what that would have have been like for me: Maxie Jones, first assistance to Kate Howard at Crimson Magazine showing up stag to an event like this. I would have died." She paused briefly as her eyes softened, "But then here you are, my sweet Spinelli showing up just in the nick of time." Maxie place her hand on his chest. "And looking rather handsome in that Cartullo suit I had sent over."

"Gracious thanks," Spinelli took on a momentary bashful look before his eyes raked over the blonde in appreciation. "And The Jackal must say his dear Maximista looks most elegant this evening, like a shooting star across an empty sky whose beauty is far too bright to..."

"Okay," Jason interrupted. "Can we just go inside and get this over with?"

"Well hello to you too Jason," the pixie blonde rolled her eyes before turning them to the other female of their group. "And hi Sam," she took a step back to look at the brunette, "you look gorgeous." She quickly embrace her in a hug.

"So do you," Sam replied. "Your dress is beautiful."

"Thanks Sam," Maxie smiled, "and though I usually don't agree with Jason, we should probably go in. There's fashionably late and then there's faux pas late."

"Shall we," Spinelli said as he offered his arm to the coquettish blonde.

"We shall," Maxie took the arm she was offered as they lead the way, Jason grabbing Sam's hand as they fell in sync with the other couple; none of them noticing the woman who watched them from above.

"Is everything ready," Helena spoke into the darkness.

"It's going to be a fabulous night," Anthony Zacchara said as he stepped out of the shadows behind her.

Carly snuggled next to Jax as they waited for the launch to take them over, the cool breeze from the water wafting around them. It had been a while since she'd felt this content with her husband. Her loyalty to her ex-husband and his hatred of him had gotten the better of both of them of late, especially when combined with their different feelings on her current husband's brother. She hated feeling stuck in the middle but there was a part of her, a very big part, that was always going to have Sonny and Jason's backs no matter what. The three of them had been through so much and whether or not she was romantically entangled with anyone else they would always be her family.

Still she was pleased to see her and Jax were seemingly moving passed their issues, or perhaps they were tabling them for later; she couldn't be sure. What she was sure of though was she loved Jax and she knew they could be happy together.

"The view tonight is incredible," she spoke as she looked across the water to the shining lights coming from the island and up at the expanse of stars in the sky.

"It is," Jax agreed, though his gaze was focused solely on her.

She laughed when she noticed his eyes were trained on her. "You're not even looking at the view."

"I have the best view right here," Jax replied, "looking at my lovely wife." He paused briefly. "I hope things are always this way, you and me, like this. I don't want anything to come between us again."

Carly patted his cheek gently before leaning up to kiss him. "Hey, this is a night for new beginnings. We're putting all the bad behind us tonight."

Jax's eyes looked into hers deeply. "I do love you Carly. I hope you know that."

"I do," she said, returning his gaze. "And I love..." she was cut off by her cellphone ringing. "Carly Jacks," she answered. "Wait-what? No, this can't be happening. This is... okay Jessica, I'll be right there. Yeah, thanks."

"What's wrong?" Jax asked, noticing the air of happiness on her face was gone.

"There's a problem with double booking for the poetry society and the syrup people," Carly rolled her eyes. "I need to go to the hotel and take care of it."

"Okay," Jax nodded. "I'll go with you."

She shook her head. "No, I need you to make sure everything is all set at Wyndemere and bring this over," she handed him a pastry box. "They left the accents for the chocolate boxes earlier."

"Can't Olivia handle the double booking?" he asked.

"She could if she had answered her phone," Carly shrugged. "Just go to Wyndemere, the launch is pulling up now, and I'll be there as soon as I can, okay."

"Okay," Jax sighed in defeat. "Just, hurry..."

"I will," Carly said before kissing him quickly and going towards her car.

Kristina tapped her foot impatiently as she stood in one of the hallways in The Metro Court. She had a bad feeling about this plan but she found herself unable to say no after everything her brother had been through. And truthfully she couldn't blame him; he'd spent over a year in a coma as life moved on and he wanted answers. She didn't blame him for that or for being angry. She was too and wanted to know who was responsible almost as much as Michael; she just wasn't so sure he was looking in the right place.

Frustration getting the best of her, the teen brunette blew out a heavy breath before entering the office her older brother was currently rummaging through. "Are you done yet?"

"No," Michael looked up at her in annoyance before returning to riffling through the stack of papers in one the lower drawer. "Krissy you're supposed to be the lookout."

"No one is coming Michael," she replied. "Besides, everyone is either headed to Wyndemere or already there for that charity event. And if a maid or someone shows up we can always say we're here to pick up something for Jax. He is your stepfather."

"I don't want anyone tipping Jax off," Michael replied.

"Do you hear yourself?" Kristina shook her head. "I know Jax doesn't like dad but..."

"He hates him Kristina," the teen boy interrupted before shoving the papers back in the drawer. "And I told you what I remembered, he said my mom and dad could never know. He was involved in this, I know it."

Kristina sighed sadly. "I hope you're wrong Michael. Jax, he's like my mom's best friend and this will destroy your mom and Morgan if you're right."

"I know," he looked up at his sister, "but I have to know."

She nodded in understanding. "Did you check the computer?"

"I tried but there's a password on it," Michael replied. "I tried my mom's birthday and Morgan's but if he is hiding something about my dad on here it can't be something my mom would guess. Jax would be smarter than that."

"Maybe," Kristina shrugged, "but he's also kinda old, no offense. I just mean older people usually use something easy as a password, like a birthday or a favorite team or something sentimental." She sighed, "We should have brought Molly; she's a wiz at stuff like this."

Michael shook his head in exasperation at his sister's on going rambling. "Give me a minute to think; can you just-just go guard the hallway."

"Fine," she rolled her eyes before going back to the door, and poking her head out. "Still nothing," she said as she hung in the entryway. "What else have you tried?"

"His favorite Super Rugby team, the Waratohs," Michael replied."I've tried everything family related I can think of too."

"Family," Kristina repeated before stepping fully inside, closing the door. "Having a family is important to Jax, right? Like kids?"

Michael shrugged. "Maybe, I don't know. I know he thought Spencer was his before and he and my aunt Courtney tried to have one. I don't know the details..."

"Try Osier," Kristina suggested. "O-s-i-e-r."

"What does that mean?" the teen boy looked at his sister quizzically.

"Its a tree," Kristina paused briefly. "I heard Jax and my mom talking after Sam was rescued. They were talking about her being pregnant, and how she'd lost a baby before and Jax brought up planting a tree for this baby he lost. "

Michael quickly typed it in. "Nothing," he shook his head as his brows furrowed in thought, and then once again his hands were moving across the keys as he added a number before a ding was heard. Michael looked up at his sister with a smile, "We're in."

Claudia looked around admiring the decor of the ballroom. The floors, made up of shiny marble-like surface, lit up as the amber lights from the various chandeliers seemed to create a golden glow that washed over the room. The walls that framed the room were covered in burgundy drapery with various portraits of fine artwork place throughout. The tables were a covered in a cream colored linen and there were huge floral centerpieces in the middle made up of roses, tulips, lilies, and Malthusian; a mix of creamed white and lavender. In front of every chair sat two ivory plates and a bowl with gold rimes and champagne flutes. She had to admit The Cassadines knew how to throw a party.

"Sparkling cider for the mother to be," Sonny said as he strolled d towards her, holding out a champagne flute for her to take.

"And the real stuff for you," Claudia smiled as she took the glass she was being offered. "Thank you." She paused briefly, "So what shall we toast to?"

"How about that miracle you're carrying," he suggested. "To our daughter..."

"To our daughter," she repeated as they clinked glasses before each taking a sip. "This is pretty good for nonalcoholic." She looked around the room at the various couples on the dance floor, her eyes first falling on to her brother with Olivia and then two a pair she never thought she'd see gliding around. "Is Jason Morgan actually dancing?"

Sonny shook his head at his wife.

"What?" she noticed the look he shot her. "I'm sorry okay, its just kinda weird as all. He's always so uptight and stone faced and there he is gliding-he's gliding across the floor Sonny. He's like... human."

"Claudia please," Sonny began to rub his temples. "He's just dancing. I don't know why you're so fixated. Did you see who Johnny was dancing with?"

"Don't remind me," she crossed her arms over her chest as her eyes shifted to her brother and his companion momentarily before she sought out the previous couple. "And I'm not fixated on Jason and Sam; I guess I'm just curious how she melts his stone cold exterior." Her voice turned softer, "How any woman can break through the walls of a man who is so guarded..."

"We still talking about Jason and Sam?" he peered at her closely.

Claudia blew out a breath. "Its just, I felt like we had a moment before we left, when we admitted that we cared about each other. We've had a lot of moments the passed few months but..."

"Claudia," he sighed deeply. "Can we just enjoy tonight? You wanna dance like Sam and Jason, we'll dance."

"Its not about dancing Sonny," she set her glass down on the table behind her. "It's just, you can tell how much he wants to make her happy. I.. normally I don't get why she loves him cause he's kind of an ice-block but you can see now, that he loves her too and I..." her eyes turned to his sadly.

"Claudia," Sonny drew her name out slowly.

"You know what, forget it," She shook her head. "It's just, it's probably hormones. I just need a moment." Claudia quickly turned away from him, rushing out of the ballroom.

Sonny shook his head and started to go after her but was stopped by a hand on his arm.

"What just happened with my sister?" Johnny accused but kept his voice quiet to not draw attention.

"I have no idea," Sonny shook his head. "She got upset; it's probably hormones. Why don't you get back to your date and I'll check on my wife."

"I think she'd prefer if someone who actually loves her went after her," Johnny quipped before he headed off in the same direction as his sister. It only took him a few moments to catch up with her, finding her staring up at a skylight in the hallway. "You okay?"

"Johnny," she smiled as she turned to face him. "I'm fine."

"Sonny said he didn't know why you were upset but I'm not sure I believe him," he came to stand beside her. "What happened?"

She leaned her head against his shoulder. "I think I made a big mistake John."

"What's that?" he asked. "I think I fell in love with my husband."

"I cant believe you're actually dancing here with me," Sam snuggled closer to the man whose arms surrounded her. "I know this is not your favorite thing to do."

Jason nodded. "You're right; I don't like dancing, especially in public, but I love any excuse to hold you in my arms."

The brunette smiled up at him. "You never need an excuse for that." She looked around as they danced off near the archway that lead to the hallway, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. "This has actually been a really nice event. Carly did a great job."

"Speaking of Carly," Jason said as his eyes scanned the room, "I wonder where she is. Its not like her to be late to an event, especially one The Metro Court is catering. And she's missing out on us dancing."

"You're right," she replied. "It is weird; not to mention there's been no sign of the host yet and its been an hour." She paused briefly. "Do you think that's where Carly could be, meeting with Nikolas?"

"I hope so," Jason said before looking up to see one of the aforementioned parties walking through the door.

"Wha-What's going on here?" Nikolas said as he stepped further into the room, his clothing regal but not anything he'd wear to a society function. "Sam," he called out to his cousin as he spotted her, making his way towards her. "What's happening here? Did you or Alexis plan whatever this is?"

"Nikolas what are you talking about?" She questioned as her mother made it over to him.

"What's going on over here?" the older brunette woman immediately went into fact-finding mode. "What's with all the pensive looks on your faces?"

"I just-I just got back from The Greek Islands and I expected the castle to be quiet but when we first arrived I could see the lights and hear the music," Nikolas replied. "I thought it might be my grandmother again..."

"What do you mean again?" Alexis asked.

"Are you saying you didn't plan this?" Jason questioned.

"No," the prince shook his head adamantly. "You two didn't plan this?" He looked between his aunt and his cousin.

"But I received an invitation from you," Sam retorted. "We all did. If you didn't set this up..."

"It had to be Helena," Nikolas surmised. "She sort of held Spencer and I hostage."

"What did you mean sort of?" Alexis questioned.

"I'll explain later but right now we need to get everyone out of here. I have to go and get Spencer," Nikolas spoke, the alarm on his face evident. "Whatever she decided to plan it can't be good."

"Okay," Jason replied as they all began to make their way toward the stage as Nikolas hurried off in search of his son.

"Jason," Sonny waved him over, noticing the subtle changes to his best friend's face despite his stony facade.

"Go," Sam nodded, "fill him in and I'll let Lucky know what we're dealing with. We don't want to alarm everyone but we may need his help."

Jason nodded as he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before walking towards the Hispanic male.

"Ladies and Gentleman," Alexis grabbed the mic to make the announcement as the music cut off. "I am sorry for the inconvenience but we must have you all exit the island."

Sam started towards the detective in the corner but quickly stopped as the length of her dress got caught in one of her heels. Just as she got it loose she felt a hand close over her mouth and the feel of cool medal pressed aside her temple.

"Now Natasha," Helena's image appeared on the screen set up on the stage. "What fun would that be."

Jason immediately felt a cold chill run through his body as his eyes searched the room and found Sam had disappeared.