At Kelly's Diner, Carly and Drew shared a warm reunion as Carly explained how she had fought to have Drew released from prison for having committed insider trading. Drew said that Carly was his hero. They kissed. Carly was appalled when Drew said that he had been given six months of probation.
Carly made a vanilla milkshake for Drew, who said that it was the best milkshake he had ever had in his life. Drew said that he wanted to have a romantic evening with Carly the following night. Carly agreed. They left to spend the night in Carly's bed.
At Chase's apartment, Chase dressed for Halloween in a replica Lawrence Taylor New York Giants football jersey next to Brook Lynn, who wore a referee's uniform. Brook Lynn said that she had confronted Tracy.
Brook Lynn added that she felt terrible over Tracy having "hijacked" Deception from Lucy and Maxie. Chase suggested that Brook Lynn have Tracy give Brook Lynn the company and then sign Deception back over to Lucy.
Brook Lynn said that Tracy would never risk giving the company back to Lucy. Brook Lynn said she needed to think of something more devious to one-up Tracy. Chase asked Brook Lynn to focus on their Halloween night together. They kissed.
At Laura and Kevin's penthouse, Esme asked why Laura was always so nice to her. Laura said that Esme was "family" because Esme was the mother of Laura's grandson. Esme surprised Laura when she said that it was time for her and Ace to find their own place. Laura tried to persuade Esme to stay.
When Laura mentioned Spencer, Esme said that she had developed feelings for Spencer and that she felt drawn to him. Laura described Esme's feelings as "natural." Laura asked if Spencer's relationship with Trina might be affecting Esme's feelings for Spencer. Esme said that her feelings were "complicated."
Laura noted that Esme and Trina had a history. Esme said that Trina and Portia had been helpful and friendly. Esme complained again that no one had an interest in knowing "the new Esme" after her amnesia and that people only remembered the "old Esme." Laura said that she wanted to get to know the "new Esme."
Esme said that she wanted to move to a room above Kelly's. Laura thanked Esme for not leaving Port Charles, and she offered to help Esme pay the rent on a new room. When Esme protested, Laura insisted, and she said again that Esme was "family." "What is Spencer gonna think?" Laura asked when Esme left the room.
At Sam and Dante's penthouse, Sam told Dante that Jake and Charlotte were missing. Sam praised Danny for having done the right thing by following Valentin's orders to contact Sam for a ride home.
After Danny headed upstairs, Dante learned in a call from the police station that there had been a shooting at Maxie's old apartment. When Dante left, Danny returned downstairs. Danny said he was worried that he hadn't heard from either Jake or Georgie. Sam asked if Danny was okay.
Danny said that he had been worried that someone had grabbed Charlotte. Sam encouraged Danny not to jump to the worst-case scenario, and she told him to think positive thoughts. Sam said that it could be a Halloween prank that had gone wrong.
When Danny blamed himself for Charlotte's disappearance, Sam said that Danny reminded her of Jason. Sam said that Danny couldn't fix the world's problems. Danny and Sam then shared Halloween candy together.
At Maxie's old apartment, Anna gasped when she realized she had shot Charlotte. Jake appeared, and Anna told him to dial 9-1-1. Jake told a dispatcher that Charlotte had been shot, and he provided the address. Jake pleaded with the dispatcher to hurry. "Why did you shoot her?" Jake asked Anna after he got off the phone.
Jake sought to assure Charlotte that she would be okay. Just then, Valentin raced in. Valentin was frantic when he saw that Charlotte had been shot. As sirens approached, Anna told Jake to stand by the door so that medics could see them. Moments later, Charlotte was wheeled out on a stretcher as Valentin left with her.
Dante appeared, and he asked if Jake was okay. Dante said that he wanted to ask Jake some questions before he took Jake home. Jake was adamant that he be allowed to stay and to follow Dante to the hospital, where he noted that Elizabeth would be working that night. Jake agreed to step outside the apartment when Dante asked.
As Dante spoke to Anna to learn what had happened, Anna began to sob as she recalled having shot Charlotte. Anna stared at a blood stain on the carpet afterwards. Dante said that he would have to ask for Anna's gun. Anna promptly handed her weapon over to an officer standing nearby.
Jake pleaded again to be allowed to see Charlotte. Anna told Dante to take Jake to the hospital with him because Elizabeth would hear about the shooting soon enough and would want to make sure that Jake was okay.
At the hospital, Charlotte was wheeled in on a stretcher. Austin ordered that Charlotte be taken to a room at once. Elizabeth grabbed Valentin by the wrist as he passed by. "Where's Jake? Where's my son?" Elizabeth asked frantically.
Jake appeared a short while later, and Elizabeth rushed to hug him. Jake asked if Charlotte would be okay. Anna entered as Dante said that Jake had done a good job in helping the police. Jake asked if Anna had meant to shoot Charlotte.
In an exam room, Austin told a team of nurses that they had to move Charlotte to an operating room to save her life. By the elevators a moment later, Valentin pleaded with Austin to save Charlotte. Valentin put his hands to his face as the elevator doors closed. Anna approached. "Why, Anna? Why?" Valentin scowled.
Anna insisted that it had been an accident and that she had thought there had been an intruder inside the apartment after dark. "I can't do this right now," Valentin hissed.
Dante approached, and he said that he had no choice but to take Anna to the police station so that Anna could provide a statement on the shooting. Jake approached Valentin, and he apologized. Valentin said that it hadn't been Jake's fault, and he stared at Anna as she left the hospital with Dante.
At Sonny's penthouse, Sonny greeted Anna after she had spent the previous night as his guest. Anna was racked with guilt as she recalled how horrified she had been to learn that she had shot Charlotte. Sonny brought Anna coffee. Anna surprised Sonny with a question. "Why coffee? I often wondered why Corinthos went with coffee. Of all the legitimate businesses out there, why choose this?" Anna asked.
Sonny teased that Don Corleone from The Godfather had already chosen olive oil as a front, and he said that coffee was the next best thing. Sonny noted that he had a lot of contacts in South America. Anna said that it had been wise of Sonny to go into the coffee business when he had.
Nina appeared, and she asked if everything was okay. "No. It's not," Anna said dourly. Sonny told Nina that Anna had needed a place to stay. Nina asked what had happened. Through tears, Anna told Nina that she had shot Charlotte.
Nina left for the hospital. Afterwards, Anna wondered how Charlotte had gained access to her apartment. Anna recalled having seen a dark figure with a hood looming over Anna's trunk of classified files, and she said that she thought she had seen a weapon. Anna added that she had grown jumpy in recent days, and she said that she never should have gotten rid of Sonny's bodyguard.
Sonny told Anna that she couldn't blame herself. Anna began to sob. "What are you talking about? If she -- if Charlotte -- if she doesn't make it, Sonny, it's my fault. It's my fault," Anna said. Sonny gently put his arm around Anna's shoulders as she wept.
Anna said that it had been surreal to discover that Charlotte was the shooting victim. Sonny shared that he could relate to Anna's grief. Sonny recalled having shot Dante at point-blank range in 2010 without knowing that Dante was his son. Sonny recalled when Olivia had yelled out that Sonny had shot his own son.
Anna said that, even before she had removed the hood from Charlotte, she had thought the person had been a tiny figure. Anna was remorseful as she said that the "weapon" Charlotte had been carrying had only been a flashlight.
Sonny said that Anna had had no way of knowing who the shooter was and that Anna's survival instincts had kicked in. "This is such a nightmare. It's just a nightmare. I mean, how could I have been so reckless to have fired on an unarmed child? I don't know how I'm gonna live with that. I don't know how," Anna cried out.
Anna said that she had to find a way to come to terms with her actions. Sonny said that, in his darkest hours, he often fell to his knees and prayed to God for strength. Sonny encouraged Anna to pray. Anna quipped that Sonny was a "good Catholic." Anna said that she was a "lapsed Anglican," and she noted that she hadn't been inside a church in a long time. Sonny said that God was always listening.
At the hospital, Laura and Kevin were aghast to learn that Charlotte had been shot by Anna. Valentin said that he had been so distraught that he hadn't been able to process the update on Charlotte that Austin had provided him with earlier. Laura and Kevin offered to find out the latest on Charlotte's condition, and they left for the nurses' station.
Valentin was staring at Anna's contact information on his phone when Nina stepped off the elevator. Valentin rushed to Nina. With tears in both their eyes, Nina and Valentin hugged. Nina vowed that she wouldn't let Valentin go through his misery alone.
Valentin blamed himself for Charlotte's shooting, and he noted that he should have informed Anna of Charlotte's troubles, as well as his suspicions. Nina said that there was a lot of guilt to go around.
Nina sat with Valentin on a couch, and she said that they had to stay positive and remain strong for Charlotte. "Charlotte, she's alive. She's a fighter. We have to believe in her. We have to believe that she's gonna make it," Nina said as she choked back tears.
By the nurses' station, Kevin told Laura that Charlotte was a "broken" child. Laura vowed that she would never give up on Charlotte, and she began to weep. Kevin put his arms around Laura, and they held each other closely. A moment later, Kevin and Laura rejoined Valentin and Nina.
Valentin asked how Nina had known about Charlotte's shooting. Nina told Valentin that she had learned of the news from Anna, and she added that Anna had spent the night as a guest at Sonny's penthouse. Just then, a surgeon approached. "How's Charlotte? Is my little girl going to make it?" Valentin asked with a whisper.
Moments later, back at Sonny's penthouse, Sonny answered a call from Nina at the hospital. "Charlotte's out of surgery. The doctor says she's gonna make it," Nina said as she breathed a sigh of relief. Sonny smiled softly as he told Anna that Charlotte was going to be okay. Sonny and Anna were awash with relief.
In the investigation room at the Port Charles Police Station, Dante recalled the details of the shooting to Robert, Mac, and Jordan. Robert asked if Anna could face criminal charges for the shooting. Jordan surmised that Anna could be in serious trouble. Robert said that he couldn't imagine that Anna had given Charlotte a key to Anna's apartment.
Dante recalled that Jake had said that Charlotte had had a key in her possession. "She said that it was her 'key to getting everything she wanted,'" Dante recalled Jake having said. Mac wondered what Charlotte had meant. Robert said that he knew who Anna had been expecting -- and that it hadn't been Charlotte.
Mac and Dante were frustrated by what they viewed as Robert speaking in cryptic tones. Robert said that he couldn't disclose everything he knew because much of his information was classified by the WSB. When Jordan pressed Robert for answers, Robert indirectly mentioned Anna's suspicions about Forsyth.
Robert seemed to speculate that Anna might have mistaken Charlotte for Forsyth. Mac ordered Dante to go home and to get some rest. Jordan thanked Dante for his help. Out in the lobby, Dante received a report from an officer that included the inventory from Charlotte's backpack that the police had confiscated.
After Dante left, Jordan said that she, Robert, and Mac needed to be careful about how they proceeded with the investigation into Charlotte's shooting. Jordan noted that she, Robert, and Mac each had close, personal connections to Anna that could compromise their investigation. Jordan added that the police might have to bring in an outside investigator to help with their case.
At the Invader, Alexis told Gregory that she had a question about journalistic ethics. Alexis asked if she was obligated to report the shooting of a child, and she noted that two of the people involved in the shooting were her family members.
Alexis regretfully said that she thought she had to report the shooting, but she agreed not to mention the victim by name. Gregory said that he agreed with Alexis' decision, and he told her not to second-guess herself.
The conversation turned to Gregory's bucket list, and he asked if Alexis had changed her mind about skydiving. Alexis said that she would never jump out of a plane. Gregory said that he wouldn't force the issue, and he quipped that he had less risky items on his list. As Gregory prepared to leave, Alexis thanked him for stopping by.
At Sam and Dante's penthouse, Sam was thrilled when Drew visited. They hugged in celebration of Drew's release from Pentonville. Drew told Sam that his first stop after leaving prison had been to see Carly -- and that Scout had been his next stop.
Sam and Drew talked about Charlotte's shooting. Sam said that Rocco had broken down in Dante's arms. Drew asked if Danny and Rocco should see a therapist due to their trauma. Sam said that she had already set up an appointment. Sam added that she had spoken to Elizabeth, who had shared that Jake was also traumatized by the shooting.
As Drew and Sam sipped coffee, Drew said that he had a lot to make up for. Just then, Scout appeared from upstairs. Scout and Drew shared a warm embrace. Drew said that he had thought about Scout every day when he had been in prison.
Drew asked Scout to get dressed, and he said he needed her help with something. Drew and Scout visited Alexis at the Invader a short while later. Drew thanked Alexis for helping with his release from prison.
Back at Sam and Dante's penthouse, Dante returned home and told Sam that he had been shaken to see Charlotte's body on a gurney. Dante asked about Rocco and Danny. Sam said that she had let Danny and Rocco visit a friend's house as a distraction.
Dante was distraught as he noted that a 15-year-old girl had been shot, and he momentarily seemed at a loss for words. "It's just... none of this makes sense at this point. This is someone close to us, too. And I know it's extenuating circumstances, but try telling that to Anna, the one who pulled the trigger," Dante said.
Dante and Sam wondered how Charlotte had entered Anna's house. Dante said that he had a theory. Dante revealed that the police had found red spray paint inside Charlotte's backpack. Dante noted that the spray paint matched the paint that had been used on Anna's front door months earlier.
At Volonino's Gym, Curtis and Devin met for a workout. Curtis noticed Devin's prosthetic legs, and he admired Devin for always being upbeat. Devin said that he hadn't always been positive, and he noted that he had spent years being bitter.
Devin encouraged Curtis to focus on moving forward, and he said that Curtis needed to open up to his family. Curtis agreed that it wasn't fair to keep Portia in the dark about his feelings. Curtis said that he would tell Portia the truth from then on.
At Aurora Media, Michael was on the phone as he entered the office. He quickly ended the call when he saw Carly and Drew waiting for him. Elated to see Drew, Michael hugged his uncle. After they broke apart, Carly and Drew filled Michael in about Drew's release from jail and his reunions with loved ones. Michael acknowledged that Alexis had played a part in Drew's good fortune, but Michael credited his mother with being a force to be reckoned with because Carly had gotten the leverage needed to force Judge Kim's hand. Carly downplayed her role in things, but Drew admitted that knowing she'd been fighting for him had gotten him through his lowest points during his time in Pentonville.
Carly assured Drew that she would never stop fighting for him. After Drew and Carly exchanged a warm hug, Drew confessed that he was ready to put the past behind them because he and Carly had a lot to make up for. Carly admitted that it was easier said than done because she wanted to know who had turned them in to the SEC and why they had done it. Michael said nothing until Drew put the blame for the deed on Ned, and Carly explained that Ned still had amnesia. "What if it wasn't Ned?" Michael asked.
Surprised, Carly asked what Michael was talking about because Michael had suspected Ned of tipping off the SEC from the start. Michael suggested that Carly had been the target, so Carly conceded that it was a possibility because Diane was certain that Carly had been a means to get to Sonny. Drew asked both Michael and Carly to press pause on everything because nothing could undo the past, and he just wanted to move forward. Drew was grateful when Carly didn't object.
At Sonny's penthouse, Sonny warned Ava that it wasn't a good time for a visit, but she asked him if there had been any news from Brick about Nikolas. Sonny told her that Nikolas was the least of her worries. "You're in bed with the enemy. And the worst part about it, you don't even know it," Sonny said. Ava quickly clarified that she was not romantically involved with Austin, but Sonny accused her of being blind to Austin's role in her abduction. Sonny revealed that Cyrus was Mason's boss, and Austin had shown up to help Cyrus at his hearing while Mason had been holding Ava hostage.
Stunned, Ava pointed out that -- if true -- Austin had been trying to help her by cooperating at Cyrus' hearing. Sonny agreed, but he reminded her that Austin had also put her in Cyrus' crosshairs without warning her of the danger. He cautioned Ava that Austin's first loyalty was to Cyrus. "And that trumps everything," Sonny said. Ava recalled that she'd been in a state of shock after hitting Nikolas and that Austin hadn't hesitated to help her. She also remembered Mason showing up shortly afterwards and how Austin had urged her to do as Mason had ordered because Mason's boss was not to be crossed.
Ava acknowledged that Laura's revelation that Nikolas was alive meant that Mason had lied. Her thoughts returned to when she'd confronted Austin at the gallery by asking if he had known that Nikolas was alive and how Austin had denied it and assured her that he had only tried to protect her. Ava pushed the memory away because she realized that Austin had lied to her. "It's time to admit that he's been playing you from the start," Sonny said.
At General Hospital, Chase ran into Austin as Austin was leaving his office. Chase explained that he had stopped by to ask Austin a few questions about Mason, so Austin showed Chase into his office. Chase got to the point by asking if Austin knew why Mason had kidnapped Ava. "No," Austin replied, and he reminded Chase that he had already given his statement to a detective. Chase pointed out that Austin was the only common denominator between Mason and Ava, and Mason had been seen visiting Austin at the hospital on a number of occasions. Austin denied having any knowledge of Mason's plans, and he instructed Chase to direct all other questions to Austin's lawyer.
After Chase left Austin's office, he went to Mason's hospital room. Chase reminded Mason that Mason was still under arrest and had a right to remain silent, but Chase wanted to offer Mason an opportunity to cooperate. Mason agreed, but he was tightlipped when Chase asked why Mason had kidnapped Ava. Chase warned Mason that the evidence against Mason was strong and that Mason faced 20 years behind bars, but Mason made it clear that he wouldn't answer any questions until he had a deal that guaranteed him freedom a lot sooner than in two decades.
Meanwhile, Austin watched through the window of Mason's hospital room as Chase and Mason talked. He quickly ducked around the corner and waited until Chase left. Once the coast was clear, Austin entered his cousin's hospital room and closed the door. Austin demanded to know what Mason had told Chase. Mason tried to play games by claiming that he had pinned everything on Austin, but Austin knew it was a lie. Mason admitted that he had asked for a deal, so Austin advised his cousin to give up Cyrus.
Mason pointed out that it would be tantamount to suicide to turn against Cyrus, but he invited Austin to go that route if Austin wanted to. In the hallway, Chase watched Austin and Mason through the window.
At Deception, Brook Lynn knocked on Maxie's office door and entered. Brook Lynn was delighted to see Sasha back at work, but Maxie warned Brook Lynn that Brook Lynn was not wanted there. Brook Lynn quickly assured Maxie that she was not there to work; she had stopped by to visit Maxie, but seeing Sasha had been an extra bonus. Maxie remained hostile, and both Maxie and Brook Lynn ended up arguing about Brook Lynn's role in Tracy's scheme to take over Deception.
Eventually, Sasha was forced to intercede. She reminded both Maxie and Brook Lynn that she had recently learned a valuable lesson about friendship, and she urged both ladies not to toss a friendship away that both Maxie and Brook Lynn cherished and needed. Brook Lynn admitted that Sasha was right, so Maxie conceded that she had missed Brook Lynn. "I miss you more," Brook Lynn said.
When Brook Lynn explained that she had stopped by because she had heard about Georgie and Charlotte, Maxie's defenses fell away, and she shared that Georgie had been traumatized by the shocking events. Maxie didn't hold back as she opened up about spending the night with Spinelli, trying to comfort their daughter, and how he had taken Georgie to a grief counselor. Maxie also revealed that she'd been in contact with both Liz and Sam, and they had sent their children to a counselor, as well. Brook Lynn reached out and gave Maxie's hand a comforting squeeze.
After Brook Lynn left, Spinelli called Maxie to give her an update on Georgie's session with the counselor and to let Maxie know that Georgie wanted to spend the night with her dad. After the call, Maxie told Sasha about Georgie's decision to stay with Spinelli. Sasha admired how Maxie had handled the news, but Maxie admitted that she didn't have a choice because Georgie had connected with Spinelli. Sasha offered to cover for Maxie if Maxie wanted to leave, so Maxie decided to respect Georgie's boundaries another day and check on her daughter.
However, Maxie's plans took an unexpected turn when her phone rang and she answered the call. A short time later, Maxie ended the call and admitted that she was conflicted about what to do. Sasha encouraged Maxie to embrace the opportunity, but Maxie argued that the timing was bad. Sasha disagreed because she believed that it had been "synchronicity" that Salvadore had had a last-minute cancellation. Maxie remained reluctant, so Sasha asked if Maxie was worried that Sasha might not be up for the photoshoot. Maxie acknowledged that she had concerns because Sasha was still piecing her life back together. Sasha was confident that she could rise to the challenge, and she asked Maxie to trust her.
At the Quartermaine mansion, Lois stood in the doorway of the lounge as she watched "Eddie" strum his guitar and work on his song. When he hit a wall, he set his guitar down in frustration. Lois stepped forward and advised him to take a break and clear his head, but he insisted that he needed to finish the song about the siren. Lois suggested that he could work on another song for a while, but "Eddie" was adamant that he had to finish the siren song. Lois tried a different tactic by telling "Eddie" about a time that one of his songs on the B-side of a record had become a hit. "Eddie" was suddenly interested in everything she had to say, but she questioned why he never showed the same interest in Ned's life.
Lois reminded "Eddie" that Ned was more than a name because Ned had people who loved him. She pointed out that "Eddie" had been around the Quartermaines for a while and everyone -- except Tracy -- had had his back. To "Eddie's" surprise, Lois offered that his writer's block was merely an indulgence because Sonny had offered to put out "Eddie's" album, but "Eddie" had only written half a song. Lois warned him that without songs, there would be no album, and without an album there would be no tours or an "Eddie Maine."
"Eddie" explained that he just needed to finish the song, so Lois offered to help him. She revealed that one of her bands had been in a similar situation while working on their second album, and they had decided to approach the situation like a logic puzzle by pinpointing the problem, figuring out where they were, and deciding where they wanted to go. She asked "Eddie" where he wanted to go. "Eddie" was horrified when Lois suddenly snatched up the sheet of paper with the half-written song, crumpled it up, and tossed it into the fireplace. She explained that he needed to write what he knew, and she pressed him about what the problem was.
"Eddie" confessed that he was afraid that he wouldn't find the siren in the song. Lois shared that the prince in Cinderella had had a glass slipper, and she asked what "Eddie" had. "Just a voice calling out from the distance," he answered. Lois urged him to find that voice, and she reminded him that a siren resided in the water, so he needed to dive in and find the girl with the voice. She advised "Eddie" to take a leap of faith. "Eddie" picked up his guitar and announced that he was headed to the boathouse to write.
In the foyer, Yuri told Tracy that he would carry her two suitcases out to the car. Olivia entered as Yuri walked out. When she noticed the suitcases, she asked if Tracy was planning an escape. Tracy's tone was somber as she explained that she was headed to Amsterdam with Bobbie to settle Luke's affairs. Olivia's expression filled with compassion as she admitted that she was glad that Tracy and Bobbie would have each other to lean on. However, the house would be empty with Lois returning home, Tracy gone, and Monica not in residence.
Tracy suggested that Olivia could take the opportunity to restore some "normalcy" to the mansion by getting Ned some help. "Ned's little fantasy is wearing thin," Tracy said. Tracy insisted that her son was acting like a college kid on summer break, and it was depressing to watch, especially for Leo. Tracy also reminded Olivia that Ned's absence meant that no one had been running ELQ. Olivia argued that "Eddie" was in his element on stage and that Kevin had advised her to let things unfold naturally.
Tracy told Olivia that there was nothing natural about Ned living in a private wonderland, waiting for cosmic messages from "the Cheshire Cat." Tracy also advised Olivia to keep a close eye on Lois. "I don't trust that woman," Tracy said. Olivia accused Tracy of living in a 1960s version of Valley of the Dolls. "Try 1560s. It's the oldest story in the book," Tracy countered. Frustrated, Olivia told Tracy to have a safe trip and stormed off.
In the lounge, Olivia found Lois talking on the phone to Lois' mother. After Lois ended the call with Gloria, Lois told Olivia that "Eddie" had just left. As they talked about "Eddie," Lois confessed that she believed that Ned was trying to fight his way back. Olivia took comfort in the observation, but she immediately became suspicious when Lois assured Olivia that it had been the right move for Olivia to give "Eddie" space. Olivia wondered if there was such a thing as too much space and if it might allow someone else to step in.
Offended, Lois was certain that Tracy had planted the idea in Olivia's head, so she reminded Olivia that they had been friends since the third grade and that Olivia should know better than to think that Lois would step into anything with Olivia's husband. Olivia's doubts melted away. Relieved, Lois suggested that it had been God's plan for her to show up when she had, so that Lois could set things straight. Lois advised Olivia to go to the boathouse and lift "Eddie's" spirits.
In the foyer, Brook Lynn walked in and asked her grandmother about Yuri putting suitcases in the trunk of a car. Tracy revealed that she was headed to Amsterdam with Bobbie, but she quickly changed the subject by making another appeal to Brook Lynn to accept the offer of Deception. Brook Lynn flatly refused because she was determined to pursue her dreams in the music industry. Both Tracy and Brook Lynn were startled when Lois walked out and sided with Tracy.
Despite being on the same side, Tracy and Lois ended up trading barbs until Yuri returned to let Tracy know that it was time to leave. After Brook Lynn hugged her grandmother, Tracy followed Yuri to the car.
At the boathouse, "Eddie" sat down and to sing his song. However, he stopped when he suddenly heard the sound of Ned's voice accompanying him in his head. Shaken by the sound, "Eddie" stood up and continued to listen as Ned's voice grew louder and was joined by Lois' voice urging "Eddie" to take a leap of faith. "Eddie" pulled off his jacket, slipped off his shoes, climbed up the railing, and jumped into the lake. A few minutes later, Olivia walked up to the boathouse. She noticed the guitar, but she didn't see "Eddie." Her expression turned troubled when she found both "Eddie's" jacket and his shoes by the railing.
"I have to dive in," Eddie's song repeated in his head. He looked out at the water, took off his jacket, and jumped in. A few minutes later, Olivia arrived looking for him. She yelled for Eddie until she spotted his jacket on the ground, and she assumed the worst. Not knowing what else to do, she took her own shoes and jacket off, said a quick prayer, and jumped in. Just then, Eddie popped back up for air and went back under as the song continued to play through his head.
Olivia swam around under the water, searching for Eddie, and Eddie swam around under the water, looking for his inspiration. Just then, Ned got his foot stuck on a net and fought to get free. He remembered everything that had happened during his time as Eddie until he started to have some memories as Ned. Olivia went back up to the surface and yelled for Eddie. She went back under and found Ned, who had fallen unconscious. She frantically fought to get his foot free from the net.
At Deception, Maxie expressed how happy she was to have landed Salvadore, the photographer. He revealed that he'd seen Deception's trouble, and he liked to be challenged. Maxie mentioned Sasha, but Salvadore refused to have drugs on the set. Maxie insisted that Sasha was not the "fragile unstable flower" that Salvadore believed her to be. Maxie explained that Deception's spring line was about renewal, so the baby animal would be there soon.
Sasha arrived. Salvadore began the shoot with just her, and he liked what he saw. Cody arrived and asked Maxie if she'd ordered a baby alpaca. Just then, he spotted Sasha and stood transfixed. A few minutes later, Cody entered with the alpaca, and he walked Ferdinand over to Sasha. Salvadore began to take photos that included Cody, despite Maxie's protests. Salvadore continued to take photos of the three, and Maxie finally agreed that it was perfect.
In the Quartermaine kitchen, Brook Lynn was sad to hear that Lois was leaving. Lois reminded Brook Lynn that she'd only visited because of the tabloid story about her daughter, but Brook Lynn was fine. She promised that she would always be there for her daughter and said that she would stay if Brook Lynn still felt like she needed her mother. Lois warned Brook Lynn about how rewarding but ruthless the music business was, and she made sure that Brook Lynn and Blaze were "ready for battle." She commented that it would be a much easier life working at Deception.
Brook Lynn glumly told Lois that she had too many bad memories and lost friendships at Deception. Lois suggested that Brook Lynn take Deception back from Tracy and hand it over to her friends it order to "stick it to Granny." Brook Lynn revealed that Chase had had the same idea, but Tracy wasn't stupid. Lois thought that Brook Lynn should take the job and "let destiny do the work." Lois decided to stay a little bit longer to help Brook Lynn figure it out.
At Haven Bistro, Stella got Felicia some tea to calm her down. Felicia confided in Stella about what had happened the night before with Anna and Charlotte. She believed that it was her fault for setting Anna up in Maxie's old apartment instead of just having Anna stay with her. Stella assured her that no one could have predicted that Charlotte would be in Anna's apartment, and Stella insisted that Felicia was a good friend. Stella advised Felicia to take the next day off, but Felicia wanted to stay busy. She thanked Stella for listening.
Felicia asked how Curtis was doing, and Stella replied that he was a fighter, but he was clearly in pain. Felicia wondered if Curtis was the reason Stella was staying in Port Charles instead of going back to London with her cousin. Stella explained that she'd met and fallen for someone in London, and he had ended up proposing. She'd turned him down, as marriage would have meant staying in London for life while her family was still in Port Charles.
Spencer met Laura at the Metro Court restaurant, and she wanted him to hear it from her that his cousin Charlotte had been shot the night before. She told him what little she knew about what had happened, and she assured him that Charlotte was supposed to make a full recovery. She added that she had something else important to talk to him about. He figured that it was about Nikolas, and he didn't want to talk about Nikolas. Just then, Esme sat down with them and apologized for interrupting, but she excitedly told them about an appointment she had soon to look at a great apartment for her and Ace.
Spencer darkly informed Esme that she wasn't taking Ace anywhere, but Laura assured Esme that she would join Esme. Esme insisted that she was ready to be on her own, and she left. Spencer demanded to know why Laura would help take Ace away from him. Laura reminded him that, while Ace would always need Spencer, Spencer could not be a "substitute father." Laura said Spencer and Esme weren't a couple, so Esme figured that the best thing to do would be to make the change before Ace was old enough to remember that things had been different. Spencer insisted that she was wrong and that Ace needed to stay with him, and he stormed out.
Anna made her way to the front door at Sonny's, and he wondered where she was going. She wanted to explain everything to Valentin, as she couldn't hide out there forever. However, as a father, Sonny didn't think it was the right time. There was a knock on the door, and Sonny let Dante in. Anna asked if he was there to arrest her, but he answered that he was there as a friend and with some updates for her. He revealed that Anna's apartment key had been found in Charlotte's backpack, along with spray paint of the same brand and color that had been used to write "murderer" on Anna's front door.
Sonny didn't think the spray paint proved anything. Anna chimed in that she believed she'd figured out who was targeting her, but she wondered if he would be ruthless enough to co-opt a child into doing his dirty work. She needed to talk to Valentin, and she left. Dante and Sonny agreed that it made no sense for a WSB agent to use a child against Anna. Sonny questioned if Charlotte was capable of targeting Anna herself, and Dante responded that the evidence was pointing that way.
In her room at the hospital, Charlotte began to wake up, with Valentin and Nina at her bedside. She was happy to see them there together. Valentin asked if she remembered what had happened, and she slowly realized that Anna had shot her. She wondered what Anna had told Valentin, and he revealed that he hadn't left Charlotte, so he hadn't yet spoken to Anna. He peppered her with questions, but Nina insisted that Charlotte needed rest. However, Charlotte wanted to tell Valentin what had happened.
Charlotte explained that she had changed her Halloween costume because she hadn't thought Valentin would like her going out as one of her tarot card characters. She said she had found Anna's key and had wanted to give it back, so she'd gone to Anna's apartment. She'd knocked, but when no one had answered, she'd let herself in with the key so she could leave a note. She said that had been when Anna had shot her. "I only wanted to help," she tearfully insisted. Valentin knew that she needed rest, so he and Nina kissed her on the head and left the room.
Outside the room, Nina figured that Charlotte being alive was the most important thing, and everything else could wait. He thanked her for being there with him, and she advised him that she was a phone call away. She promised to be back the next day, and she left. A short while later, Valentin was looking at a sleeping Charlotte through the window of her room when Anna approached him.
Outside Dex's apartment, Spencer told Trina, Josslyn, and Dex that something involving Esme had happened. Spencer asked Josslyn and Dex to give him and Trina a moment alone. When Josslyn and Dex stepped inside the apartment, Spencer told Trina about Esme's plan to find a place of her own. "Finally," Trina said with relief.
Spencer grew angry, and he began yelling loudly at Trina after she said that it was past time for Esme to live on her own. Spencer yelled that Ace -- not Esme -- was the one he was concerned about. Josslyn and Dex returned to the hallway to ask why Spencer was shouting. "What the hell is going on out here?" Josslyn asked.
Inside the apartment, Spencer continued to ramble about Ace and Esme. Spencer berated Trina for her initial response to the news that Esme planned to find a place of her own. Trina said she thought that it was healthy for Esme to move out of Laura and Kevin's penthouse. Josslyn noted that Esme wasn't moving away from Port Charles and that Spencer could still visit Ace whenever he wanted.
Dex surprised everyone when he said that he understood Spencer's point of view. Spencer said that he would have to act like a visitor in order to spend time with Ace, and he added that Esme would never agree to shared custody. "Esme doesn't have to share custody. You're Ace's brother, not his father," Trina said pointedly.
Trina added that the only way Spencer would ever be Ace's father would be if he and Esme were in a relationship. "If you two are a couple, then you get to raise him together. That is a surefire way to solve your problem. Is that what you want?" an upset Trina said. Spencer replied that he loved Trina -- not Esme. "But I also really love my little brother, and I know in my heart that he needs to be in my life," he said.
Trina reminded Spencer that Ace would always be in Spencer's life. "Just not in the house," Trina said. Spencer shook his head, and he claimed that not living with Ace would be the same as abandoning him. "Well, you know what the solution is for that. But where does that leave us?" Trina asked Spencer.
Spencer grew even more stubborn. "Trina, don't ask me to choose between you and Ace. You're not gonna like the answer," he said. Exasperated, Trina began to leave. "Don't worry. I'll save you the trouble," Trina said sharply as she grabbed her purse and left. Josslyn stood with her mouth agape in disbelief after Trina had left.
At the hospital, Anna was relieved when Valentin said that Charlotte would make a full recovery. Anna said there was something that Valentin needed to know. "Not here," Anna said. Valentin followed Anna to the hospital stairwell. Once they were there, Anna swore to Valentin that Charlotte's shooting had been an accident.
Anna explained that she had thought she would be ambushed when she'd entered the apartment on the night of the shooting. Anna then recalled having seen the look on Valentin's face when he had discovered that Charlotte had been shot. "How did you know to come to the apartment?" Anna asked Valentin.
Anna shared her belief that Forsyth had somehow enlisted Charlotte in his scheme to take Anna down. Valentin stunned Anna with what he said next. "You're wrong. There is no Forsyth -- at least not the way you're thinking. My daughter has been stalking you for months, and I've been covering for her," Valentin finally admitted.
Anna seemed temporarily speechless. Valentin admitted that he had told Nina to delete security footage of Charlotte breaking into Anna's suite at Metro Court. Valentin added that he had known that Charlotte had set Anna's house on fire.
Anna soon grew angry. "So, you knew your daughter was terrorizing me, and you just let her keep doing it?" she asked. Valentin said that he had been "protecting" Charlotte because he had failed her as a father. "What about protecting me?! Did I have a right to know?!" Anna said furiously.
When Valentin tried weakly to defend himself, Anna leaped up and slapped Valentin across the face. "Oh, shut up! Shut up! If I'd known that Charlotte was after me, I never would have pulled a gun. I shot a child! Your child! I have to live with that for the rest of my life. God, I will never forgive you," Anna said before she stormed past Valentin. Valentin faded back against the wall after Anna left.
Outside Charlotte's room at the hospital, Elizabeth told Laura that Charlotte was on track to make a full recovery. Laura was relieved, and she asked how Jake was coping in the aftermath of the shooting. "I've never seen him like this," Elizabeth said.
Elizabeth shared that Jake was upset and that he felt guilty for having lost track of Charlotte on the night of the shooting. "And now he's scared and confused, and he doesn't understand how Anna could have shot Charlotte. And honestly, neither can I," Elizabeth admitted.
Elizabeth said that she knew Anna would never intentionally hurt Charlotte and that it had been a mistake. "But what was she doing, carrying a gun around on Halloween -- with people in costumes and kids jumping out at each other and acting all crazy? And you add a gun into that mix? It only increases the odds that something tragic is going to happen," Elizabeth added.
As Laura listened, Elizabeth explained that she was also worried about the emotional toll the shooting would have on Jake, Charlotte, and others. "Yes, Charlotte is going to recover physically, but her emotional scars? And what about Jake? Jake is gonna have to deal with the effects of this, as well," Elizabeth noted.
After Elizabeth had stepped away, Laura entered Charlotte's room. Laura was taken aback when Charlotte said that Anna couldn't be trusted and that Anna would hurt Valentin. Laura tried to convince Charlotte that Anna wasn't a threat. Charlotte claimed that Valentin would be killed or sent to prison for life if she didn't keep him from Anna.
Charlotte then insisted that Anna had deliberately shot her. "When she saw me in her apartment, she knew it was me. She shot me on purpose. She wanted to kill me. Just like she'll do to Papa," Charlotte rambled. Laura said that she would make sure that Valentin was safe, and she encouraged Charlotte to get some rest.
Outside the room, Anna pleaded for Elizabeth to allow her to speak with Charlotte. Before she entered Charlotte's room, Elizabeth said that it wasn't possible. Anna then told Laura that it was imperative that Anna be allowed to speak to Charlotte. "You can't go in there. She is terrified of you. She thinks you shot her on purpose," Laura said. Anna gasped at Laura's revelation. "I... didn't," Anna said with tears in her eyes.
At the Quartermaine estate, Olivia finally managed to pull Ned/Eddie out of the water. On the sand nearby, Olivia performed CPR on Ned, who soon began to cough. Olivia was ecstatic to realize that Ned was alive. "It's okay, Eddie. It's okay," Olivia exclaimed in relief. "Eddie? It's not Eddie. I'm Ned," he said after they hugged.
Ned said that he had somehow regained his memories when he'd been under water. Olivia cried when she recalled that she had thought she'd lost Ned forever. Olivia threw her arms arounds around Ned. They kissed as they fell backward onto the sand.
Ned and Olivia headed to the boathouse to warm up with blankets and towels. Olivia thought that Ned should visit a doctor, but Ned insisted that he and Olivia enjoy the moment together. Olivia began to weep with joy when Ned recalled his marriage to her in 2017. "I was praying so hard for this, and you came back to me," Olivia said.
Ned said that Eddie Maine had been his escape to a time when his life had been less complicated. "And when I wasn't feeling the weight of my family and business suffocating me -- to a time when it was just me, on stage, playing my music. No restraints, no judgments. Just freedom," Ned recalled.
Olivia asked if Lois was the reason that Ned's personality had returned. Ned said that Lois had only encouraged him to finish his song and get back to his real self. "But you -- you're the one who actually pulled me back. Turns out, you're the siren. Yours is the only voice that could have brought me back. Lois may have had the idea, but you made it a reality," Ned said after wrapping his arms around Olivia.
A short while later, Ned and Olivia returned to the deck outside. They held one another closely. Ned said that Olivia had saved his life. "We save each other. That's what love is," Olivia responded before she and Ned kissed again.
At the Metro Court restaurant, Blaze introduced herself to Alexis, who asked Blaze to join her. When Kristina entered, Alexis fussed that Kristina was late. Alexis proposed that the three of them have dinner together. Kristina and Blaze agreed. Alexis soon began asking questions about Linc Brown, Blaze's former music manager.
Kristina suggested that Blaze collaborate with Alexis on a piece about sexual harassment in the music industry for an article in the Invader. When Alexis stepped away for a moment, Blaze showered Kristina with praise about her personality. With Kristina's persuasion, Blaze agreed to collaborate on the article. "A complete interview. Nothing off-limits," Blaze said after Alexis returned.
Blaze continued to praise Kristina before she left. Afterwards, Alexis said that she thought Blaze liked Kristina. Kristina said that she liked Blaze, too. "No, I mean, I think she likes you, likes you," Alexis told Kristina.
At a table nearby, Curtis and Drew caught up. The two friends toasted to their survival. Curtis said that he was a changed man after being paralyzed and that he was still learning to adjust. After dinner arrived, Curtis and Drew agreed to watch the Nets vs. Celtics basketball game on television the following night.
