Chapter XII

"All right. Showtime." Tommy spoke to Michael, adjusting his tie and brushing off a very expensive formal suit. There had been a bullet-proof vest just under Michael's vest. If you paid attention, it might be noticeable. Yet the suit jacket itself had been ordered a size higher so that Michael's attire could camouflage itself better. "Remember. Aldrick should arrive shortly. This is where I know the both of you meet up. I can't be seen with you or my family regardless until I introduce you. I'm sure you have no problem following those instructions."

Details were fine enough, Michael on the other hand found himself frantic for a lighter. Having placed a cigarette in his mouth. It had been a terrible habit he vowed time and again to quit. Something that could reflect in his personality. Yet there were moments like these that were completely acceptable for a stress reliever. Tommy gracefully took out his own trusted zippo, lighting Michael's cigarette for him. Michael had taken a deep drag, being ever-so grateful.

"Don't forget our plan, Michael. This is important."

Michael had waved his right hand after taking out his cigarette for a deep drag. "Yeah. Keep Sasha safe from her manipulator, and stop Aldrick from properly setting up his heist. You got all the information I passed onto you. God forbid any of this fails."

Tommy appeared quite satisfied with Michael's answer, patting both shoulders with his hands. "Sasha has still yet to see you today. Especially in the dinner party's attire. That should make things very simple as reintroductions take place. Your role is essential. Take these final few minutes to clear your head. Aldrick should be here soon. I'll see you on the inside, Mr. DeSanta."

Michael blended into the shadows behind him as Tommy strode back through the front doors of the Diamond Casino. He started to time everything. Watching Casino Guests pass him by like counting distant sheep. With each count, time became a short stasis in Michael's mind. A highly stylized car finally pulled into the valet pulled into the front.

Michael was sure it was Aldrick.

Loosening his neck and shoulder, Michael approached Aldrick. A few of his henchmen had been accompanying him. This could be more demanding than one thought. Crawford himself had been proud seeing Michael. Welcoming the greet. The show had began as Michael took a final drag, dowsing his cigarette under his toes. Seconds began ticking inside his head.

"Couldn't keep away, could you Michael? I didn't think you would be accompanying us for casing the joint." Aldrick sounding quite surprised.

"Hey. When I'm hired for a job. I show that I'm serious."

Aldrick had accepted Michael's response. "Be prompt and undetected, then. My henchmen here will assist us throughout the night. Seeing you're now with our party. Things should go smoothly."

"Sure thing, Mr. Crawford. I guarantee you that by the end of the night I'll have the place memorized. This isn't my first heist.'"

"Better you don't disappoint me, Mr. DeSanta."

Their group headed on the inside, riding the elevator to the penthouse. They made their presence known to several known guests of the Vercetti Family. It was extraordinary. Those in Los Santos alone. There had to be a few couples or families from out of state. Aldrick happily introduced, greeted and bragged.

Michael the whole time had been looking at the crowd. Many of them having a great time. Some of them already getting drunk. Stepping off to the side, Michael continued to scan the crowd for anyone he might know. There had been no sign of Trevor or Franklin. High class or not they would have enjoyed the aesthetics.

Releasing a long sigh, Michael then stopped scanning the crowd, seeing Tommy. Accompanied with him had been Sasha. This had left Michael in complete awe. His jaw nearly dropping to the floor. She had worn a very elegant and stunning white silk dress with some gloves to match. Sasha herself radiated an aura of astonishment.

Even if Sasha's attire had left Michael overpowered to process, something felt hallow and empty. Even from afar, Michael could tell that Sasha's expressions with the people around her were fake. She had appeared drained. He knew at heart that Sasha and basked in being an introvert and a somewhat private person.

"Stunning, isn't she?" Aldrick took notice of Michael's million yard stare. "That, Michael, would be the great granddaughter of Tommy Vercetti. She's a very ruthless individual. Strong headed and loyal. Like Tommy himself."

"I can tell she has a sparkling personality." Michael commented. "You almost wonder why she doesn't have a significant other at her side."

"For a time, she did. His name being Lance. Heard he died alone of cancer. It was a somber tragedy. Left us all heart broken."

Aldrick and Michael mingled among the guests for quite sometime before everyone had be prepared for their role. It had to appear convincing. Especially against a conman who plotted against them. Those who weren't aware of Michael had not a clue everything that he had been placed into the middle over. Simple drama wasn't enough to categorize everything into a neat manila envelope.

Gabbing a drink by one of the hired waiters, Michael signaled with his left hand to Tommy. Something that was easy to spot within the crowd. with his left pinky and left ring finger tucked, he extended his remaining fingers. They were in the clear.

"Aldrick! There you are!" Sasha called out delightfully. Both her and Tommy quickly making their way through the crowd and approaching them.

"Sasha! Darling! Tommy! It's wonderful to see you! I must say... Thank you for the invite. It's been awhile since we had pleasantries." Aldrick had shook Tommy's right hand while clasping the other one. He even had the instinct to kiss Sasha on her left cheek. "It's a wonderful evening in Los Santos. Allow me to introduce my new business partner! Michael DeSanta."

Tommy acknowledged Michael, reaching to shake his hand. "DeSanta? Huh... Michael might be more common, but that sounds a little Spanish." He joked.

"Pleasure is all mine, Mr. Vercetti. I understand you have quite a reputation and-" Sasha was knowingly reaching out her left hand to Michael. He kissed her knuckles and kissed her right cheek. "You look gorgeous tonight." He managed to whisper in her ear. Resulting in Sasha's face turning beet red.

For another sliver of a chance, Michael saw a genuine smile from Sasha. "You're too kind, Mr. DeSanta. You're too sweet."

Tommy wrapped his left arm around Sasha. "Sasha, darlin'? Surely you wouldn't mind familiarizing yourself with Aldrick's new business partner while him and I discuss important matters? Show him around the penthouse. Aldrick and I have important opportunities to handle before enjoying ourselves."

Deception and illusion had settled between the mingling parties. Sasha gladly agreed to the setup on catching up with Michael in reality. "Certainly, Tommy." She bowed her head towards Michael. "Follow me if you will. There are plenty of guests I'm sure you would love to meet and... get acquainted with perhaps?"

"Sounds like a plan." Michael said, now being lead by Sasha.

Without a second thought, Sasha had disconnected from the party. Instead for the time she had lead Michael into the back spare bedroom. Having shoved Michael inside, she took a quick glance before joining him. Michael had stood right behind her, crossing his arms.

"We're gonna have to keep up this act all night. Who would have thought that Aldrick was that blind to our meeting. Serves him right." Sasha huffed, sitting along one of the few couches. Rubbing her eyes, she took off her matching shoes and massaged her toes. "Damn it. These shoes hurt my feet. I should have sorted them better."

Michael ignored her statement, settling himself next to her and grabbing her other leg. Placing down his drink, having then helped her massage her aching feet. "You're drop dead gorgeous tonight. I know crowds aren't your thing, but you're holding up well. Good thing it's only for tonight."

"Thank you, Michael. I truly appreciate your help." Sasha enjoyed the small massage then placing her high heels back on.

Leaning forward to brush the side swept hair out of her face. "Everything will work out just fine, Sasha. You'll see. This is the first needed major step. These are plans coming into reality. He's just going to have to learn the..." Sasha, having paid attention lightly brushed Michael's bottom lip with her right thumb. "... the hard way." It was enough to distract him.

"Where would I be without you?" Michael had caressed Sasha's soft touch. Something he had been missing for a small passage of time. Without answering, Michael closed his eyes. Doing everything and anything to ease his anxiety and stress. He gave entrance to a relaxing and much needed breath. "You tell me that everything is going to be fine. Yet here you are... quietly trying to hold yourself together. Please tell me what's wrong, Michael."

The truth shall set you free. Michael knew that saying well enough. There was still a fraction of guilt. There was a puzzle and picture to complete. Opening his eyes, Michael took his time observing the echoes of worry in Sasha's voice. "I should have told you that Aldrick and I had history. I should have apologized. I have direct association with Crawford, actually."

"How... exactly do you know him?" Sasha was anticipating betrayal. The worst mindset with a lump in the back of her throat.

"That night... that dread night I met you. There was a heist that me and my friend Lester were hired to attempt." Sasha's eyes were shifting, twitching back and forth. Michael didn't hide away the burden. Not this time. "I don't know if the first round and details had anything to do with the Vercetti Family. With your family. At the time it could have for all I know in the world. Within the same time frame.."

Sasha pushed the terrified feeling that Michael might betray her aside. "Within that same time frame, what? That's when he tried hiring you? The same man who shot you... tried to hire you?" She laughed with tears of relief. "Now... here I was thinking you were going to leave me, Michael. Don't- don't you frighten me like that."

"Trouble seems to find me, Sasha. I should have told you about that one. The one who transpired against you. I was a fool to have kept my mouth shut."

Sasha nuzzled Michael's face. "You're the moron. Do you really think that's something to feel guilty over? Tommy explained everything into detail just the other day."

"Wait. You knew?" Michael felt blown back a little. "I felt a personal responsibility to-"

Sasha gave him a light kiss which he graciously accepted this time around. "Mike. It's all right. I'm sorry myself. I should have told you. Personal reasons or otherwise. Let's not keep anything from ourselves. Now there's a promise I know I can keep."

This was a side Michael hoped to see all along from Sasha. A genuine, truthful and sober Sasha. Even if in theory it would become short lived because of tonight's party. "I wish I could make this moment last, but we should return to the others before they suspect our absence."

Sasha had nodded in agreement. "Yeah, no. You're completely correct." Having left the back bedroom, then taking his hand and leading themselves back into the party to converse among others.

Michael, having been dragged, allowed Sasha to instinctively lead them to the bar for a few drinks. Hopefully unwind. Michael had recognized the bar. Its new mirror in place. He could still imagine Sasha's rage having chucked her old photo with Lance. Glass pieces everywhere. Just a huge chunk of it missing or smashed.

The bartender that was serving the guests delightfully took drink order and even showed a few tricks of his own to entertain those around him. Spotting Sasha, to him it was like seeing a childhood friend. "Mrs. Vercetti! Let me guess! You would like a classic." Micheal was sure with that enthusiasm the kid made extra tips.

"I'll have my usual, Todd. Thanks." Sasha responded.

"Ah! The Vesper Martini! Coming right up."

"Make that two. The other being for my gentleman friend. If you may."

"Shaken. Not stirred."

During their small exchange, Michael kept on his toes. Scanning the crowd for anything that might have been unsettling. Although the only unsettling person had been Aldrick Crawford himself. Tommy knew how to occupy his company. Michael watched how Crawford laughed at Vercetti's jokes, rough housing a little like old pals. There had been no way Michael would have played his role that deep into the ground.

The instant Aldrick locked eyes with Michael was the same moment he turned away in another direction. For once, he understood the creep factor Sasha scuffled. Where she tried to express discomfort, but what shutdown. Instantaneously, Michael had been startled with Sasha offering him the Vesper Martini she had ordered.

Snatching the drink out of her hand, Michael leaned into the bar, motioning for her to mimic the same so that he might speak his mind. "Your secret admirer has been eye balling you the whole night. Think he might be jealous of us? That man... just manifests the definition of his creep factor I never saw prior."

Even if Michael had been joking. There was truth to his words. Sasha widened her eyes, shaking her head in disbelief. "The men in my life are forever bittersweet."

"Just like this martini." Michael spoke in any attempt to make their conversation a little more light hearted.

Sasha nudged Michael in response. "Hey now. Do you have a habit of burning people that I'm not aware about?"

Michael returned an amused look in Sasha's direction. "Well. Only if they truly deserved it." His sarcasm emanating between them.

After a few drinks, gone was the sober Sasha. Her guard was being let down. It was then that Sasha's Brother Marcello joined the family's dinner party. He, himself, had been glad to see his kid sister. Marcello even cheerfully shook Michael's hand. Had Marcello been kept in the loop not to expose Michael as a double agent?

Having openly hug his little sister, Marcello pointed at the martini Michael was drinking. "A Vesper Martini, Michael? Did my sister set you up with that?"

"Spot on, Marcello. Don't be so negative though. These are actually pretty good." Michael remarked in defense of Sasha.

"I have nothing against what Sasha drinks. I'm just more of a whiskey man." Marcello explained, having then requested one from the bartender.

Spirits had been soaring with the three of them and proceeded to do so well into the late hours of the evening. Stories were shared and Michael had become slowly more accepted by the Vercetti Family. When Tommy's business concluded. Marcello, Michael and Sasha were motioned to join Aldrick and Tommy in the same lounge area they settled.

The five of them had bantered among one another. Crawford, in his perspective had another topic in mind. Welcoming himself to wrap his right arm around Sasha. His drunken demeanor had showed. "I don't mean to elaborate, Tommy." With his physical action, that was a spoken lie. "When is your granddaughter here going to take over the family business?" Though the demand had been playful, Sasha grew visibly uncomfortable.

The receptive look and body language developed had been a mixture of fake amusement and buried despise. "I believe your thought process has always been a little more than optimistic, Mr. Crawford. You flatter me, honestly."

"Do you not hear yourself, Sasha? You're always underselling yourself. Shame. You are more than worthy as a business woman and more importantly a Vercetti Descendant. Surely your Grandfather agrees. What say you, Tommy?"

Tommy could read Sasha's discomfort from across the room. He needed to play along with the conversation. His actions could cost him his reputation. "How about this? Sasha takes over the family business once Marcello organizes his responsibility better back in Liberty City?"

"Ugh." Marcello emoted with disregard. "I'm just as organized as anyone else in this god damn family, Tom. Sasha is better as a consultant."

More rounds of drinks brought playful banter inside their small circle. Michael kept an eye on Sasha at all times. Having been quiet and listening to the adventures of the Vercetti Family. The actions had all been a show. They were doing one hell of a job at entertaining themselves. Crawford was not only Michael's enemy, but a great concern for the Vercettis.

"How about a few round shots? I declare that this party is just beginning!" Tommy rose to his feet, making his way to the bartender.

Sasha had been more than eager to bolt from her given situation. "Allow me to help you with the drinks, Tom. They're our guests, right?" As long as that meant not being constrained by Crawford's slimy behavior.

Crawford on the opposite end appeared to be enjoying everyone's company. Having gone as far as confirming a few looks toward Michael's direction having enjoyed another downed glass of his preferred scotch. "Certainly, Tommy. I agree. The party has just begun."

A small explosion of what sounded like shattered glass alerted a sheer panic of guests. Several heads, screams and sheer utter panic swallowed their environment. Several distinct shots had many dive for cover behind solid surfaces. Mere second grew into anticipation as the echoing of a sheltered glass balcony simply disappeared.

"Son of a bitch." Marcello yelled. "Tommy! Sasha! Take cover!"

Michael's heart instantly dropped. "Fuck." He whispered, darting his eyes among the crowd. "Sasha! Sasha! Where are you?"

There had been a window of escape for several of the party guests. Every passing minute reaching into the unknown. Their safe bet to survival was of the fittest. Michael counted the seconds between shots. If he could just get a better scope of the area. Having become frantic. It wasn't until several shots later that his eyes froze Sasha into his view.

Deep red blood had been splattered among the couches upholstery. There had a distant, tunnel like stare from an all too familiar face. It was beyond nerve racking. Sasha's attire. The elegant silk dress had been permanently stained. Her words toward him, attempting to speak through deaf ears. Blood had filled her mouth, dripping down into the carpet below.

There had been a few short, quick breaths. Sasha had been in utter shock. Her blood stained hands covering her chest wound where she had been clearly shot. Any remaining life began draining her pale eyes and skin. Reading her lips, Michael could see her ask for him.

"SASHA!" Tommy roared his voice over the gunshots. "Damn it, Michael! She's been shot!"

"There's a spare shotgun under the bar!" Michael instructed, taking the risk and dashing towards Sasha knowing well he had more protection and could bare shots from his vest.

"GOD DAMN IT!" Tommy announced to Aldrick's Henchmen. It was by this time that he was the only one who could witness all that took place while the sheer panic unfolded. Having grabbed the shotgun, Tommy cocked the barrel, dispatching two of them from the otherside of the bar. "I'm right here you bastard! Learn how to aim!"

If there were advanced skills Tommy could demonstrate it was him being of a damn good shot. Michael had kept his head down, covering Sasha with his body the best he could. He cradled her head into head chest. Paying attention to any and all of the auditory surroundings. Michael squeezed his eyes tight. Waiting and wishing under his baited breath that this was all just the most unwelcome nightmare.

Hearing one of Aldrick's henchmen dropped, Michael rose to his feet. Having then unexpectedly aimed the newly acquired handgun towards Aldrick. "Michael you traitorous fool. I knew. I knew all along you sided with the Vercetti Family the moment Sasha had escorted you back to this very penthouse. It's nothing personal."

Twisted disgust gave all the attention from Michael towards Aldrick. Before he could pull the trigger, a shotgun blast from Tommy's aim tore Michael away. "Your orders are to protect Sasha, Michael! Marcello and I will do all that we can here! Just get out of here! Just take her and leave!"

Michael didn't immediately have a receptive vocal response towards Tommy. There hadn't been time to explain. All that Michael beheld was an experienced veteran. Obeying, Michael had given a nod in response. "You take care of yourself, Tom." He finally was capable of mustering.

Scooping Sasha into his arms, Michael sprinted towards a hidden back elevator Tommy had revealed incase of a dire emergency such as this one. Escaping through the backway staircase, Michael easily entered, pushing a button to head down into the Penthouse's Parking Garage. His thoughts had clouded, keeping tabs on Sasha's breathing.

With Michael's adrenaline pumping, he had become overwhelmed. Every glance made the situation more dire. "Sasha. Keep breathing. Stay with me. Please. Look at me." Her blood completely staining his nice formal dinner jacket. "Can you talk? Say something. Tell me you're still fighting."

"M... Michael. I don't want to die. Not like this."

Michael's adrenaline had him fumble his thoughts. Leaving bloody fingerprints on the elevator's buttons. "Okay, kid. Okay. All I need for you to do is focus on your breathing. Just keep breathing for me."

Pain, blood and tears accompanied Sasha. There had been burning tears dripping from her face. Everything through her own perspective had turned a tunnel white having been unaware that it was Michael now racing through the Penthouse Parking Garage. Michael had known that by now he was a prime target of Aldrick. Sasha had been in his possession and all he had in his best interest was getting Sasha somewhere safe to recover.

Michael stashed Sasha into the passenger side of her Pegassi Vacca. "Stay with me, Sasha. Stay with me." His words caught in a frantic loop. Michael's arms quickly slipped off his jacket and onto Sasha's body. He knew that from personal experience, body temperature had been an ultimate concern. Kissing her forehead, Michael slammed his fists on the steering wheel. "No keys. Forgive me kid, it's a nice car. I'll pay for the damages."

Pulling out of the Diamond Casino in a rush. It had been unknown if Aldrick had other plans up his sleeve if his henchmen were to chase Michael out of Los Santos. There had been one idea that could have worked if he wasn't followed. Michael certainly wasn't going to stick around to find out, racing north-bound straight out of the city.

Keeping his attention on Sasha getting onto the highway, dread continued to make his stomach drop. "Don't you fucking dare give up on me, Sash." Several emotions starting to surface as the adrenaline start to ware down. Sasha's life had been in his hands. Michael had firmly believed and had great confidence in her survival.

If Sasha were to die. Michael would make it personal. Revenge being too bittersweet for all parties concerned. All his eyes could comprehend was Sasha's own breathing had seized. Leaving her motionless.