Chapter XV
The passage of time hadn't been too kind on everyone who waited for their next move. Michael being ever-so the impatient man he was knew certain procedures had to be taken into his own care. When enough time had passed, he called Franklin again, requesting to meet at one of Sasha's favorite cafe spots: Golden Buns Bakery.
All together two months had passed. It was the best way to meet without raising too much suspicious activity. This included keeping Sasha safe. They worked flawlessly hand in hand. Today also marked Sasha's first conscious meeting with Franklin without being drugged or in a fog. Seeing that Michael involved Frankly of free will, business needed to be discussed.
Sasha was already inside the restaurant as Michael lurked outside waiting a short time for Franklin to arrive. "Michael. Sometimes I have to wonder, dog. Why aren't we meeting up in Los Santos? Why Paleto Bay? Why a place like this?"
Michael actually gave a smirk towards Franklin. "Well. It's not just a place where Sasha and I keep low you know... Ever tried their pumpkin scones? They're delicious."
"Whatever you say, dog. Whatever keeps you happy. There's only so many excuses I can try to fill in when it comes down to your wife though. You should think about coming back home."
"That's why you're here, Franklin. Things need to be set in motion. First, I need to make sure that Sasha is secure before ... before..."
Franklin scratched the back of his head. "You mean you're still playing Bodyguard to that Vercetti Woman? I thought you would have moved on from that by now, man. She's nothing but a magnet. Not saying she's a bad person. Just those who she might attract."
"No mention of the Vercetti Family, Frank. Please. For our sake. Sasha's last name here must be referred to as Reeves."
"My bad, homie. Lead the way."
Michael had been courteous, motioning Franklin through the front doors of the Bakery and through to join Sasha at the furthest corner booth. She appeared to be in a trance, stirring her cream into her coffee. The environment to discuss important matters had been almost perfect. It was late lunch. Where others kept to themselves and few stragglers roamed.
Franklin say opposite of Michael and Sasha. Where Michael pleasantly drew her from the state of deep trance. Sasha smiled, greeting them both. Shaking hands with Franklin there had been a familiar look of acknowledgement from him. "Sorry for keeping you waiting, darlin'." Michael had apologized for the both of them.
Sasha shook her head. "No, it's all right Michael." She extended her greeting towards Franklin being kind and shaking his hand. "I remember you. You're Franklin, right? I saw you when I was still in a fog while in the hospital. It's nice to finally meet your acquaintance outside of... well this personal hell of mine."
"I hear about you all the time from Michael." Franklin teased. "You've had quite a profound effect on the man. I would say you've had more than a positive effect on him."
From under the table, Sasha gripped Michael's knee. Subconsciously Michael had covered her right hand momentarily before waving down the waitress Sasha ordered her coffee from. Their party had ordered their small helpings of what caught their attention. Michael even took it a step further getting everyone a pumpkin scone. Even if the Golden Buns seemed a little out of the way for Franklin, Michael felt obligated to assure him that his time was well spent.
Michael whispered a request from Sasha to continue with matters at hand. "All right, Frank. You promised leads. Were you able to track down anything about what I shared with you about John Marston's Legacy?"
"Shit, dog. Yeah! Why else would I be here? For the scones?" Franklin appeared to have enjoyed himself to a certain degree. As Franklin pulled out a marked and detailed map, Michael ordered some coffee. It was going to be a fun ride. "I followed one of Crawford's Henchmen. Lately they've been all over the city. Multiples, but not very experienced. Feel me? Sure, they could foul the majority of the inexperienced. but not us."
"Names? Locations?" Michael asked, having their waitress full their cups.
"Well near Mosley Auto... there's a warehouse called Southern Tile. They moved your merchandise in question maybe... three weeks ago? Making them decoys."
Sasha winched at that mention. Michael interlocked his right hand with her left. He leaned back, plotting in the back of his mind. "Have you and Lester scoped the area at least?"
"General areas, maybe. Not much else though." Franklin lead his right hand through the map, using his index finger to the south. "On Davis and the Mega Mall in that area... we were almost certain that we were onto something. Again a dead end. Whoever the Crawford fellow thinks he is, dog. He believes himself to be smart and ahead of the rest of you."
"Meaning he has a bad habit of disappearing once we have a lead? I know how professional you and Lester are, Franklin. Unless we're getting sloppy."
This made Franklin uneasy, leaning back in his booth. "Look, dog. The whole atmosphere in Los Santos has changed. I don't know what took place, but Crawford's Goons are everywhere. Honestly. I can't say who is in power anymore, but it air has gotten thick. It's like the whole damn city-"
"The Vercetti Family has only been forced underground for the time being, Frank." Michael felt the need to mention. "If there was a man who could brood. It would be Tommy."
Franklin exchanged a look of skepticism towards the both of them. "And yet... you're here. Hiding away from everything." He knew it was none of his business, however. "As long as you remain safe and hit back hard. There shouldn't be any trouble, right?"
While Franklin and Michael were proceeding with their conversation, Sasha couldn't help but to stare at the detailed map Franklin provided. Pulling the map close, Sasha observed the so called unusual pattern Aldrick left south of Los Santos. Something about it had caught her attention. From her understanding about "merchandise" if there was a buyer... then the heirlooms wouldn't still be inside the city.
Sasha KNEW Aldrick. Something had been off. Was he too afraid to make a bigger move if it meant Tommy Vercetti was relentless in hunting him down? That thought alone made Sasha yearn to see how everyone was doing. Michael being the third party, not getting any texts... It was hard being brief with those she loved.
Feeling that bitter loneliness, Sasha grit her teeth. Michael watching her out of the corner of his eye squeezed her hand. It wasn't directly obvious that what she endured was rough. Sasha did everything in her effort to hide such discomfort.
Sasha quickly distracted herself then double taking at Aldrick's pattern. She knew that he was a very impatient man. Always jumping to conclusions that one. Like a bloodhound, Sasha was completely certain that Aldrick had a buyer. So what exactly was he waiting for in return? "Elysian Island..." Sasha whispered to herself.
This was enough to quiet down both Franklin and Michael's conversation. "Did you say something, Sasha?"
"No, it's nothing." Sasha responded, shaking her head in denial. "I do have one question though. You mentioned that Aldrick's Henchmen were practically a dime a dozen...?"
"Highly doubt any of them are trained, yeah. Rumors are that former gang members from all sides just eager to sign up. It's changed the whole dynamic of Los Santos. It's insane to see a power dynamic as Crawford's. Big Brother watching at every corner."
"Damn him. Damn that fucking bastard." Sasha was ever more uncomfortable. "I want him dead. I want his head on a fucking pike."
"Crawford will pay for what he's done to you. To your family. We must be patient." Michael had whispered into Sasha's left ear. "Be thankful you're still breathing." The memory of those wounds had still been fresh in her mind. Disgusted, her face turned red from embarrassment.
"Our time's up, Michael. I should head back into Los Santos before anyone suspects that I might have something up my sleeve." Franklin spoke, folding the detailed map and sliding it over to them. "You two take care, won't you? Let me know when you have a solid plan. We'll follow up soon."
"We appreciate it, Franklin. You too. When we get word from Tommy then we'll call you. Be careful. Aldrick isn't one to trifle with..."
"Well if you want to be right on one thing, dog. The scone was absolutely worth the hour drive to see you both." Franklin laughed, departing the cafe.
Michael didn't bid properly his farewell to Franklin. Watching Franklin leave, Michael had taken his left arm, wrapping it around Sasha. There wasn't anything to be said between them when words were hard to speak. Sasha craved the basics of social interaction. Hiding away from the world had always been temporary. Long term had its unfortunate side effects.
The rest of their lunch was at least satisfying. Formalities had been exchanged, though the conversation didn't carry much outside of Franklin's attendance. Sasha had been quite preoccupied with her thoughts and thinking of an alternate plan incase Michael's would fail. She wasn't going to take that risk. Not again. Something about Aldrick's sudden shift in personality didn't settle well at all with Sasha.
Not one damn bit.
While the three of them did detail with one another how daunting Crawford wished to deceive. They were smart enough not to fall for those antics. However, out of the three of them... it was more clear to Sasha about Aldrick's plan heading south. It was from her clear experience for simply knowing a conman like Crawford for decades. That was indeed Sasha's greater advantage over the both of them.
Time was in limbo for all concerning parties. They all itched to stay several steps ahead. When or if Aldrick was brave enough to even commence the sales of his ill-gotten merchandise. Crawford was the brash type. Covering his trail was a gamble. Never a safe bet. If he was leading rats to cheese. Then he would confront Tommy one way or another.
"Are you all right, Sasha?" Michael asked her without much context. "Sash?" His voice repeated, hoping to ground her train of thought.
"I.. I'm sorry, Michael." Sasha answered, giving what could indicate a stressful sigh. "All of this is overwhelming. It's tiring me out."
"How about when we get back to your place you take a nap? Remember what the doctor said... You still need fluids and rest if you are to feel like yourself again."
Sasha gave a faint smile in Michael's direction, nuzzling his face lightly. "You're completely right, Michael. Maybe I should? Days are getting longer for me. I need to pace myself."
Midnight had swiftly approached as Sasha's eyes fluttered open to her digital alarm clock beaming lights into the darkness around her. She shifted in her sleep, taking notice that Michael had fallen asleep next to her. Being forced away from the world with him wasn't too terrible, actually. Sasha gotten to know Michael personally while he thought of every excuse in the book that work kept him stationary.
Like Sasha, Michael had yearned for home. At least a part of him had. Anything to distance himself from the arguments, but to him they were still his family. His wife. His kids. Sasha paid close attention to those phone calls detached from her routine. Guilt had formed in the back of her mind. She wanted everything in the world to return him to his normal life. Tonight, Sasha hoped to change that. Everything needed to change. Her small place of sanctuary. The illusion of it... couldn't last until the end of time.
Sasha knew that.
Michael had been in a deep slumber as Sasha's anxiety cycled through repeat questions. She leaned into him, kissing his forehead as his subconscious mind had him sigh relaxing into the pillow under his head. "Rest, my love. You've done your part. Now it's my turn." She whispered into his right ear, sliding out from under her blankets and escaping into her chaotic mess of a living room.
Half dressing herself, Sasha dug around paperwork and maps until being able to locate her smartphone. Sprawled on what Sasha could no longer identify on her coffee table, she thumbed through her contacts. Conspiracy theories, unknown numbers and note from her family cluttered her screen.
To her, being stuck in Paleto Bay wasn't an option. In Sasha's reality. She was prepared for the worst. Selecting her contact, Darnell Rivers, she waited for his pick up. After a few rings, there was an answer as expected. "Rivers."
Sasha kept her voice low, knowing Michael was just down the hall and in her bedroom. "Hey, Darnell. It's Sasha. I hope I'm not calling you at an... inconvenient time."
"Ah! Mrs. Ver- Reeves!" Darnell sounded delighted to hear that she was still breathing. "I heard what happened to you. To your family, love. How are you fairing? Well enough I hope? It's been a moment since I last heard from you."
"Things are getting better, Darnell. I can assure you that much." Sasha answered, moving behind the nearest wall to muffle her voice more from the chance of echoing. "In order for me to accomplish what I have in mind. For my family. I could use your... expertise. You're just the man I can depend on for an extra boost."
"You've always been one of my more valued customers, Sasha. What are you looking to be hooked up with?"
"A concealed way to transport. I can't be seen with my Vacca. You know that I can pay you well if you can make it an express shipment."
Darnell took a moment to answer Sasha's demand. He could be heard shuffling through some papers. "I knew the moment Crawford messed with Tommy that he might as well be signing away a death waiver. Calculated fool of an man." There was an amused laugh on Darnell's end. "Here we are. I have just what you need I've been doing some finishing touches on an old Pegassi Bati 801. A few more tune-ups. It should be more than in perfect condition."
"How much are you asking for it?"
"In the books? The Bati usually goes for 15K. For you? I'll cut you a deal. I can give it to you for 10K. How does that sound?"
"How about this? 20K in the usual spot. You know... That semi-abandoned garage just across from the Blaine County Savings Bank? I'll proudly hand over 20K easily if you store it for me there. I have plans on leaving Paleto Bay late the next night. About 24 hours from now."
"Nothing gets in the way of a Vercetti." Darnell commented. "I'll get your motorcycle stored in the old McDonough Farm Storage, then."
"Thanks Darnell. I owe you one. Hell, Tommy owes you one."
"Not a problem, Mrs. Reeves. You take care of yourself now. You hear? Good luck taking down Aldrick. Make him pay for messing with the Vercetti Family. Make him beg."
Sasha ended her call, tossing her phone back onto the coffee table before walking into her kitchen. Swiping a half bottle of whiskey and the nearest clean glass, Sasha had filled it to the rim. Downing some of her glass, she had retrieved the folded up map Franklin had detailed for Michael. Reviewing Franklin's notes, Sasha was certain about one pattern. Aldrick was heading south. It only confirmed Sasha's suspicions that Crawford couldn't find a merchant in selling "hot merchandise".
In a days, maybe even a week's time Sasha had but one chance.
Elysian Island. To the untrained eye, it could be an easy miss. Common sense for Sasha knew that's where the majority of Los Santos Warehouses were located.
God help her if she was slightly wrong. It could very much not only cost her own reputation, but the reputation of her entire family. Tommy Vercetti since his era never stopped being a juggernaut. This reflected, echoed upon expectations on the family. Perhaps that's why they kept exclusive.
From experience, this had been the first time in a decade where the family came together. Crawford becoming a main target. Everyone wanted him dead. Aldrick had not personal vendetta against Sasha. Becoming infatuated with her just to obtain the Marston Legacy. It made her blood boil. That had become her ultimate goal: Lance Marston's Legacy was to first be secured before taking any frustrations out on Crawford.
Lance was once her entire world. It was without a spoken word that if Lance had ever been in her position... Sasha shook her head. The past left a hole. If this opportunity was missed? Crawford most certainly had a plan for dropping off the grid himself. He might have been a little sloppy, but it would take years to find someone of Aldrick's importance.
Sasha poured herself another glass of whiskey, making her own makeshift map. She had even made a few notes from memory what to expect and how to approach the situation if Franklin's observations about Crawford's Henchmen were true. If Michael had faith and trust in his companions. There would be no reason or excuse outside of her own immediate circle.
Downing what had remained of her whiskey, Sasha slid both the bottle and glass upon the kitchen counter. Stuffing her own map into the jacket she would be traveling with... thoughts stalled her. Reflections of the passed few weeks. Michael accompanying her. Sasha wanted to be upset. She wanted to lash out, but it would accomplish nothing.
Entering back into her bedroom, Sasha quietly lifted herself back into her bed and under the covers. Inching her way back into Michael's arms, she had curled herself next to him. Michael, though a bit startled semi-consciously had welcomed her presence. He had kissed her forehead in return, moving a few strands of hair out of her face. "Go back to sleep. We'll worry about everything in the morning." Was all he could construct, easing himself back into his slumber.