Two days passed, but Chris was still waiting for Stacie and her crew to pull their supposed heist. He never revealed his motivation for staying in town, and done his best to keep his new gun hidden. For the sake of keeping up with Stacie in case she had to be pursued, Chris rented out a Cheetah. After the two days in Los Santos, Chris actually began to hope for something big to occur, as he felt having the sports car would raise suspicion. Despite his paranoia about it, nobody seemed to even notice, let alone question it. Deadwood had been staying at the house with Rayne, as was Chris, but he spent most of the time out cruising as much of the state as he could. The nights reminded him of old times in Vice City due to the neon-lit avenues and crowded streets at nightclubs. Chris took advantage of his ability of being somewhat immune to fatigue, but had been taking naps in the house when nobody had the chance to engage in conversation with him.

Chris was cruising the avenues alone, listening to a CD compilation of late 90s and early 2000s soft alternative and pop music. He used the music to try to mentally adapt to Stacie's mindset. Throughout his weeks of personal training, Chris learned a little bit about psychology, but was never as fascinated with it as he currently was. Feeling as if he could personally relate to Stacie, he kept thinking about her since their encounter. At a red light, Chris looked out his window as Ashton's car, an orange Buffalo, pulled up, which contained Inez, Jordan and Misty. Ashton honked, prompting Chris to roll his window down and wave at them.

"Fancy seeing you, dude. You've been distant these couple of days. You okay?" Ashton asked.

"Just fine. This is a lovely city, so I'm cruising it and the surrounding lands," Chris replied.

"Beautiful, it is. Better in Los Santos than the surrounding areas. Lots of different types of fine ladies."

"Shhh, there's kids in the car."

"Just playing, bro. Well, sorta. Mr. Wilson is concerned about you."

"Tell him I'm fine, will you? We go way back, so he worries."

"Right. Well, light is about to turn. See you when I see you, big pimp."

Chris chuckled and nodded. He rolled the window back up and kept on driving after the light turned green. Chris' and Ashton's vehicles stayed side by side for 100 yards before Chris turned and drove into a more remote area. He drove in circles for the fun of it before making a U-turn and driving back to Del Perro Beach. Chris shut the car off when he arrived back at the house, then went inside through the back. He raided the fridge to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with milk. As he began to eat it, Deadwood walked into the kitchen through the living room. He nodded at Chris, who returned the gesture as he ate the sandwich.

"There you are, my friend," Deadwood said.

"Ashton back? I told him to tell you I'm okay," Chris replied.

"He texted and said he'd be a bit longer. Told me all that in the text, though, yeah."

"Sorry if I'm worrying you."

"Do you wish to talk about it?"

"It's nothing."

"I know better. You and I both know that isn't true. We're both trained to read faces, body language, and other aspects of behavior."

"Let's walk and talk, then. I don't want anyone else knowing."

"Why didn't you say so?"

Chris finished his sandwich and milk before walking out to the beach with Deadwood. The two walked some distance away from the house, enjoying the sights of the beach. Children playing, teenagers laughing and getting along, and the diverse age groups without complications were some of many things both men enjoyed seeing. Chris took a deep breath and briefly spread his arms out to catch a breeze.

"Nice place, isn't it?" Deadwood asked.

"Indeed. People seem happy here," Chris replied.

"I know I said it's a silicone city, but all it needs is a little makeover."

"Impossible. Even if one could afford to buy out every single company that ruins our society, no way would such companies agree to major changes. They want what will sell, not necessarily what's good and moral."

"Is that what it's really all about?"

"Pretty much. Glad I have a different commodity."

"The only commodity I know would be bounty hunting."

"Do you think you're qualified for anything else? I do. Think of Rayne before making a choice like that."

"I was a wild child. I could never sit still. God forbid anything else. At one point, I didn't even like walks and talks like this."

"Can you write? Why not write about your experiences in the military? That will definitely sell."

"Never gave it thought."

"I'll always call on you for a favor, but only if absolutely necessary. It took you this long to find Rayne, even with my help."

"You're right. I can't lose that girl again. I'm a big boy, though, and I'll figure something out. What I want to know is what's up with you. Tell me."

Chris hesitated and put his hands into his pocket. He then took them out and put them on some bars that were part of workout equipment. Leaning forward, he looked out over the calm waters and took another deep breath. Deadwood waited patiently, unsure if the deep breaths were good, or if they came with emotional thoughts.

"What if you were given two choices?" Chris asked.

"What do you mean?" Deadwood asked back.

"If you knew someone was going to get clipped unless they ran away with you, but all they want is a romantic relationship, yet you don't... what would you do?"

"Is this hypothetical? Well, I mean, hypothetically I'd convince them I was not interested, and that there are more options and more people to start relationships with."

"I've tried that. This person will not change their mind."

"Well, is it a guy? An underage girl?"

"It's a girl, but she's legal. I just don't feel for her that way, and if something did happen with a woman, I promised my girls it wouldn't affect our family. I think being affiliated with this girl would have a bad effect on the family."

"Describe this person."

"She used to be a drug dealer who I used to have some dealings with. I stopped when she stole some Red Mist off Sapphire, but she now has a crew that once used my mansion as a hideout."

"I see."

"She acts like she's in some sort of trouble, and that I can bail her out or hide her."

"She didn't say?"

"Nope, but she's suicidal, and I don't want it to happen. She seems to believe that something might happen to her crew, but she won't want to live life if it has to be alone. She's cynical, meaning she won't give anyone else a chance, not even for a relationship."

"If she stole from that Sapphire, no wonder she's in trouble."

"I have a feeling that's only part of the equation. Seems like it's something bigger."

"Nothing's bigger than Chris Carrington taking on Crystal, Inc. Come on."

"I may be special, but I'm still just a human."

"So you met her here, explaining why you went off like that the other day."

"Yes, and I'd rather be the one to deal with her than her be captured, tortured, and suffer when she really doesn't deserve it."

"She's exactly how old, now?"

"Probably 19 by now."

"Ever had any sort of feelings for her? Is she a good person?"

"No I haven't, and she is good despite being misguided. She said her girlfriend mysteriously disappeared, which is why she doesn't value life anymore."

"Sapphire could've been responsible for that disappearance. Pretty simple."

"I'm determined to find that one out."

"This is a big state, so who knows if you'll even see her again. You have duties anyway, Chris."

"That's why I've been out and about a lot."

"If you really want to find her, I wish you luck."

"Thank you."

"Chris, remember to be realistic and sensible. If it's one thing that matters in this immoral and crazy world, it's that everything needs a limit. You can choose where you go, but know that wherever you end up has rules that must be followed. Basically, if this girl's life will be dangerous to your own, think about your family first."

"That's exactly why it's so hard. My life is meaningless without those girls. I can't live without them."

"Do you wish to be alone now?"

"Yeah, I think I'll go cruising again."

"Okay, bud. You let me know if you need anything."

"Same with you."

Deadwood nodded with a smile, but Chris just smirked. Chris watched as Deadwood walked back up the beach and into the house. While walking out further to get a better whiff of the air, Chris' footsteps uncovered a pure gold coin. He picked it up and looked at it as it shone brightly in the sunlight. Chris looked around before putting it into his pocket, but saw that an elderly man was actually trying to find buried trinkets or treasure. He glared at the man, made a judgment, and confronted him.

"Good day, sir. Find anything yet?" Chris asked.

"Nope. Slow day. There could at least be coins or a new cell phone some spoiled brat didn't want. I'd pawn it, and maybe even sell it," the man replied.

"For future reference, don't pawn anything. Hell, don't even sell it at a pawn shop. Pawnbrokers are cheap and sleazy, and they hate paying their arm and leg for products, even if it's real and authentic. If a piece of prehistory were presented to them, they'd still rip you off."

"Yeah, good people like me work all their life and never think to rip off a single soul, yet this right here is what it comes down to. I'm lucky to even be out here for retirement. I want my grandchildren to not suffer like I did."

"I found a real gold coin. Looks new, even possibly unmarked. That could or couldn't make it worth more. I don't know, that's not my expertise. I'm okay with economics, but marketing and media is where I excel most. You be the judge."

Chris removed the coin from his pocket and handed it to the man. He twirled it around in the sunlight, seeing the marked date was 2014. Chris smiled as he saw the man inspect it as if it were exactly the kind of treasure he'd been looking for.

"Says it just came out last year," the man said.

"But if it's been through the system or not is a different question," Chris replied.

"I didn't expect this."

"I really don't need it. You need it more. Your grandchildren need it more. I've worked all my life as well, but I admit I've had it easier than most."

"Thank you. This is a really selfless act nobody else in this town would perform."

"I'm not conceited, but towns like this need more of me."

"With an action like this, that's not conceited. You've clearly backed it up."

"May God be with you. Don't spoil those kids too much, eh?"

"I just can't help that, but I know my limits."

"Remember that saying no to them will be rough, but it'll really help."

"That's for sure."

"Have a good one, now."

Chris smiled and walked away from the man. He went to the Cheetah in the driveway of the beach house and got in. Once more, he continued his cruise around the city. On the same CD, Chris listened to one particular song that stuck out. He put it on repeat, which increased his urge to look for Stacie. Even though it was a romantic song, it gave every motivation for him to find her. Whatever kind of trouble she was in, Chris wanted to save her in some way, even if it meant taking her down. The thought of it made him clench the steering wheel as he drove a little bit out of city limits. He continued onward, coming to the same pink Coquette parked on the side of the road in Chumash. Chris' heart sank, but he wasted no time to get out and spot Stacie and another woman looking out over the water. He cleared his throat, which caught their attention.

"Chris?" Stacie asked.

"We meet again," Chris replied.

"Chris, this is Talia Reeves," Stacie said.

"Ah, the cop killer," Chris said.

"Two Federal agents, bub. Don't get it twisted just because they were a higher rank. I wish I could've killed so many more!" Talia said.

"How nice for you. Is this the crew you mentioned, Stacie?" Chris asked.

"More like a duo now," Stacie replied.

"What happened?" Chris asked.

"Bad stinking shit. What do you think? The cops just busted our crew," Talia replied.

"Isn't that what they do best? But yeah, she basically just said it," Stacie said.

"Stacie, I've been looking for you. I know you're in some sort of trouble," Chris said.

"You don't even know the half of it. Hell, not even a quarter," Stacie said.

"That's okay, because we'll kill them all," Talia insisted.

"Kill who?" Chris asked.

"There's a big contract out on our heads. Hell of a lot of money, and people are going crazy trying to get us now," Stacie replied.

"I have to admit, I put out a word on you, but that was to actually find and talk to you. I knew that after you hid in my old mansion, you'd be afraid to talk, but I didn't want you dead, as you know," Chris explained.

"Stacie told me about you, which is why there isn't a bullet in your head right now," Talia said.

"Given the lack of gun in your hand, and me standing this close, I don't see how that's possible. Then again, I know how you criminals work. Once you've killed cops, there's a line called the point of no return. Some think that, when crossed, they're tougher than they are. Without a doubt, I know you're one of them," Chris said.

"Let's not fucking fight! Talia, I'll kill you myself. Knock the tough talk off. He doesn't like it at all," Stacie said.

"All good, Stacie. I refuse to argue with a fugitive. No offense to you, though. Anyway, this all must have come as a shock to you. I'm sorry," Chris said.

"I expected it. This crazy bitch is all I have left," Stacie replied.

"I could always go my own way. I'll make plans myself," Talia said.

"Are you joking?" Stacie asked.

"No," Talia replied.

"Then go! I'll just go with Chris," Stacie said.

"And ruin his life with you being marked? Ha! I can't even," Talia said.

"Well, I know you're willing to leave me. I have nobody else," Stacie said.

Talia chuckled and was about to say something when a gunshot went off. She let out a groan, and it became apparent she'd been struck by a sniper bullet. Both Chris and Stacie ducked down and pulled Talia behind something with them.

"I just knew that'd happen. It was a matter of time," Chris said.

"Fuck you, Carrington! You're just a rich asshole," Talia said.

"One with at least half a brain," Chris replied.

"What the hell?! Is everyone after us? Oh, wait!" Stacie sarcastically said.

"I have a gun, but it's one round," Chris said.

"There's heat in the car," Stacie replied.

"Don't mind this. Let me, uh... help out," Talia said, trying to ignore the pain.

"Chris is right. You had it coming!" Stacie scolded.

Stacie ran to the Coquette and acquired a TEC Machine Pistol for herself, and a MAC SMG for Chris. They both sought out the sniper, but Chris was the only one to see where the shooter was hidden. He couldn't gamble with their lives by wasting time, so he aimed, fired a few rounds, and heard another round go off as the sniper was downed. At that moment, two cars rode up. Four assailants got out of each car and started firing rounds. They were unknown targets, having on gloves and ski masks, and quite possibly clothes they wouldn't usually wear. Chris looked through his peripheral vision to see Stacie attempting to fight back with blindfire. He knew that she was doing everything wrong, but didn't address it. Since he had no gear, and rounds that held 40 bullets, he took a unique approach to the defense. Getting on his stomach and firing from underneath the car was ideal. Not only could this include some painful shots to the enemy's lower body, but Chris hoped Stacie would be smart enough to take advantage of it as covering fire, thus being able to pick them off without blindfire. Chris managed to severely injure half of the enemies, which gave Stacie the time to pick them off while they were distracted. She killed the half Chris hadn't shot, then hopped in her car.

"Stacie, wait!" Chris yelled.

"It's too late, cowboy. She's all alone now," Talia replied.

Chris didn't reply, as he was busy watching Stacie squeal tires while leaving the scene. The look in her eye before speeding away was clear. Her dilated pupils were enough for Chris to have sympathy pains. He knew that her heart was racing, and that her palms were at least a little bit clammy. The ultimate moral dilemma was either losing Stacie for good, or letting Talia die slowly. Chris looked at Talia, and then at his rented Cheetah.

"Go after her, dude. Please don't let her get hurt. I'm sorry for threatening you. It's just... I don't know," Talia said.

"Despite the brief shootout, you've still lost a lot of blood. Some vital organs were definitely hit, maybe even a vein or artery," Chris replied.

"I don't want you to play doctor on me. They'll find me and the other bodies. I'm just another casualty of crime, but right now, a girl who loves you is getting away."

"But I don't love her that way."

"You made it abundantly clear you aren't fond of me, but I know you are of her. She's scared. She'll do something she'll regret."

"I think you all have."

"I don't regret killing those two corrupt agents. They were corrupt, and one of the lowest circles of eternal torment is for those who abuse power."

"Way to be honest in your final moments, at least."

"Dude, just go! I'm not gonna make it, but make sure Stacie at least has a chance to say better final words if she must go, too."

Chris said nothing more. He gave Talia one last glance before getting into the Cheetah and driving away. Stacie's trail would be a little cold due to the short conversation with the dying Talia. Chris found it pointless to have even wasted time in such a manner. He detested her, and she'd been growing pale at a rapid pace. The search for Stacie wouldn't be a problem due to the unique color of her car, but her direction could've been anywhere. Chris was frantic because it was the final hours of the day, meaning it would be trickier to locate her during the night. On the same road to Los Santos International, Chris saw a pile-up involving three cars, and he immediately knew by instinct that Stacie had passed through. He followed the road and saw tire tracks long enough to spot her trail. To his surprise, Stacie was trying to drive onto airport grounds. He caught up with her and threatened to ram the front of her car, which prevented her from driving right on in. This forced Chris to let off the gas pedal, because the swift move would make him lose total control of the car. Despite saving Stacie from serious legal trouble, Chris' move gave her time to attempt to lose his tail.

After the Cheetah was stopped, Chris immediately started after Stacie again. He wasted no time, so her trail had no chance of going cold. The chase took them through the largest and longest streets of Los Santos, and then to the Alamo Sea in Sandy Shores. The hot pursuit ended when Stacie's Coquette bottomed out bad enough to cause the car to stop dead in its tracks. Chris stopped the Cheetah and got out with his gun drawn before Stacie could hop out and shoot him. They were both out of their cars at the same time, and also drew at one another at the same time. Stacie knew Chris had a clear shot for her, which was why she hesitated to fire. It was then evident to him that she had some sort of value on her life.

"It's over, Stacie," Chris said.

"Then do it," Stacie replied.

"If you had no value on your life, you would've tried to pull the trigger. Based on what you said, I know you can't bring yourself to kill me without thought. Now, what is going on?!"

"I pissed off the Street Gliders."

"How?"

"Part of the shipment we robbed had some of their stakes in it. Knowing them, they found out immediately and easily found us. Instead of death, they took us to the boss."

"Was this before or after your crew got taken down?"

"After. I figured we could quit at that point, but it doesn't look like it, huh?"

"I'm still confused. Why are they after you, then?"

"In exchange for our lives, we had to hand over everything we've worked hard for. I'll stop there, because it's obvious what they wanted."

"And you refused to pay up, I guess?"

"You're goddamn right. They don't need it! They're almost trillionaires! Have you even heard of that word? No. That's because nobody other than old ass politicians are that rich."

"I've had some Gliders get up in my face as well."

"They think they own the world."

"You need to disappear. Going somewhere where they'd never think to look is the best option."

"That would probably be a snowy place somewhere in the Mid-West."

"As I said, you look like a girl who likes snow."

"I promised myself I'd never see snow again once I left home."

"Still, you need to go. If I have one more run-in with them, I'll handle them. You, however, need to get as far away from sunny metropolises as you can. Luckily, we're by a sea harboring a few boats."

"The irony of life."

Stacie hurried to her totaled car and acquired a few duffel bags. Since they were heavy, Chris helped her load them onto a Jetmax that was in the water. For every vehicle that passed by on the road closest to them, Stacie held up her TEC Machine Pistol. She let out a sigh, and Chris gave her a hug before covering her while she hopped onto the Jetmax and hotwired it.

"Since it's getting dark, your journey to the coast should be easier," Chris said.

"I was a fan of those greedy whores and bastards! My life couldn't get any worse," Stacie replied.

"This is your last chance. You crashing near a body of water that leads to the coast was an act of God."

"I don't know how this will play out. This will just lead to another part of the West coast."

"Okay, when you see good enough civilization again, get off there, get in disguise, and then catch a plane to somewhere cold and snowy."

"I'm going back on a big promise. I do not want to see snow again!"

"This is the only way you can survive. Take my advice, play it cool, and lay low for as long as you can. Make some friends. A few good friends will watch your back no matter what."

"Thanks for this, Chris. I'll try to do that, but life will never be the same without her."

"There's a big chance she'll turn up again. For some reason, I have faith in that. Get going."

Stacie smiled, then gave Chris a kiss on the cheek. She looked at the evening horizon before waving at Chris and piloting the speedboat up the canal leading to North Chumash. To ensure her safety, Chris watched her until he lost sight of the Jetmax. Letting Stacie go on her own was just as risky as any other option, but deep down, Chris was glad he didn't have to be the one to take her down. She had exhibited a clear sign of valuing her well-being, even though her words said otherwise. It was apparent that Chris had gotten to her in some positive way. He could only hope she would find beauty in wherever she ended up staying. The chance that she would find happiness where she was going was enough to make Chris feel somewhat calm about the situation.