Chapter XVII

The morning sun peaked through the cracks of the metal shack Sasha took refuge in away from direct traffic. If there was one complaint she had was that it had been cooking her skin. It mattered not knowing of her victory. She would take time to recollect her thoughts and return back to Paleto Bay. The down side was her physical strength. Exhaust had defeated her mindset.

All Sasha could find herself to care about was how the Marston Legacy was secure and in her possession. Any following consequences from Crawford or the Vercetti Family alone would arrive at a later date. She could endure emotions. Just not breaking a promise to Lance. Even in death.

Sasha trembled with fear and triumph. Her adrenaline was shot and all she had curled up next to her was the duffel bag of Marston's Family Legacy. Sasha could see Tommy's face now. Ranting and raving about the audacity of her actions. She felt justified without a doubt.

Those thoughts changed as something cold and wet touched her neck. Shock and disorientation flooded her anxiety. Her eyes blinded by the sun. She couldn't make out the silhouette looming over her. "L-Lance?" A distant memory clashing with the present. It took time to decipher. Refocusing she noticed that it had been Franklin. "... But... I covered all my tracks." She mustered together.

Franklin shifted the duffel bag away from Sasha so that he could examine her more carefully. "Yeah, dog. It's her. I found her. She's alive. Kinda out of her mind, but still breathing." He had been talking to someone over the phone. Listening to the next directive. "Yeah. We'll be waiting for you at my place in Vinewood Hills. Drive safe, man."

Franklin gave his full attention to Sasha, hanging up the other end of his phone. "You're one hell of a trouble maker. I think you know that already. I'm here because of Michael. He sent me after your sorry ass."

Franklin didn't have to question what was on Sasha's person. Rather that or it wasn't his deal. Judging the weight of the physical item, the duffel bag was thrown into the back seat of his Bravado Buffalo S. Sports. Having then returned to retrieve Sasha. He took great care in placing her into the passenger side of the car. Even double checking to assure she was still breathing.

Their conversation continued as Franklin loaded himself into the driver's side. Sasha was doing everything in her power to organize her thoughts. She wanted to stay in the present. "Michael? He was the one that found... Is he okay? Is everyone safe? How...?"

"Lester, homie. If you think Michael and I can run everything solo. That's a terrible misconception. Just like you and those who help you out, dog. You're not as smart as you would like to be, Sasha. You were careless." Franklin's answer was brutal, but necessary. Sasha didn't have the capacity to answer that concern. "You could have not only compromised Michael, but your entire family. Hell, you probably already have. What if your mission was considered a bust? Michael would be ..."

Franklin had taken notice that he was talking in awkward silence. Sasha's head was turned away from him. It had been unknown if she was acknowledging the impact of the situation. "Hey are you still with me, homie?" Franklin inquired, taking some extra time at a red light intersection to triple check Sasha was still breathing.

Sasha swiped Franklin's hand away with little strength she had left. "I don't need the lecture, Frank. I'm going to hear enough of it soon enough. From my Dad and Michael."

Franklin had been caught temporarily off guard by Sasha's wording. "Dad? I thought Tommy was your Grandfather."

Sasha gave a laugh through Frank's statement. Nor was she interested in placing up a facade. "What the public or those associated don't know. It's not going to hurt anyone."

"That just raises even more questions. Is Michael aware of your mask that you wear? Tell me is in on the loop. Because if he's not. Then you're just using him, Sasha. Don't be like that."

Sasha wanted everything to rest. Her body could surely replenish and she wouldn't have the desire to give back attitude. "You think I'm the smart ass." She snipped at him. "Then tell me. If you were entrusted with a family legacy your loved one granted... wouldn't your obligation be to reacquire said artifacts?"

Franklin considered Sasha's questions. Giving himself time to comb over her proposition. "It would have to depend on the situation. Now don't get me wrong. I'm not some idiot that would pull something as dangerous against Aldrick. He's an unhinged man. You might as well dive into a volcano if you're that daring."

There had been no eye contact between them. Sasha was too exhausted to lift her head in Franklin's direction. She let out a delayed and awkward laugh. "I'll accept that as an answer."

Franklin was clearly uncomfortable. He still had plenty to state. All things considered. "The very least you could have done was inform Michael and kept your phone on person. He's not the god damn government, homie. You almost gave him a damn heart attack. He's partially responsible for your actions. This double knowing your Gran- DAD. Your dad. He's going to lose his mind. You're just contributing to that factor. Why don't you just listen?"

That would be the end of their conversation. Sasha didn't have the compressive ability to respond. The muscles in her body relaxing so that she might find a small ounce of solace. Franklin continued on his thoughts. Being on point. "I have a place nearby up in the Vinewood Hills. Whispymound Drive. Michael redundantly agreed to have you reside there until you've gained your strength back. If it was his choice. I would be bringing you back to Paleto Bay, but your place of sanctuary up there could be compromised if we don't let the heat die down first."

Franklin observed Sasha's clothing. Blood had stained her. There was more than likely substantial blood loss. "Now if it were up to me I would be providing medical care. The only opposing force is that the whole damn city would know where to find you. It might be some time again before you're back on your feet, dog." He shook his head to continue focusing on the road ahead of them.

"Truth is, Sasha. You have a hold over Michael more than you can possibly fathom. He cares for you. Not because you bare the Vercetti name. Best you remember that moving forward."

Like waking from a bad nightmare, Sasha jolted awake. Now recognizing that she was no longer in Franklin's car. She felt somewhat inside her own head. Sasha felt warm. Having being covered from what she could acknowledge as a comforter. None of what she experienced was a dream. Throbbing pain surged through her body in her attempts to sit up, but didn't stall her.

Looking around her new environment, Sasha could compartmentalize that she was in a spare bedroom in what she guessed was Franklin's Mansion. She had been covered in bandages along with her bloody top and external jacket reclining on the chair next to the bed. Readjusting the comforter off her body, Sasha rose to her bare feet. Wrapping her jacket around her to keep her body temperature in check.

Bedside on the nightstand next to the chair seemed to be a collection of Sasha's belongings. Medications and a clean pair of clothes to change into when she wasn't roughed. This was an indication that Michael must have been the one to address her reopened stitches. There had been a slight smile on her face embellishing in a thoughtful gesture.

The circulation of the cold ground brought Sasha more into her senses as she walked across the tiled flooring to observe the view that was just outside towering over the city of Los Santos. It was a welcome sight to behold. Something she could remember why she first arrived into the city all those year prior. The city was breath taking in every notion.

"I see you're finally awake." Sasha turned to see who had greeted her.

Between the hallway and bedroom door stood Michael with his arms crossed. Sasha didn't immediately react not knowing if what she was seeing was an illusion. She cautiously took a few steps, meeting Michael halfway. Was she to be scolded by her brash actions? What thought process would be given? Sasha anticipated the worst. There had to be an arrange of emotions.

The dread anticipation broke as Michael approached her, taking Sasha into her arms. She had returned a sigh of relief as she returned the favor by giving him a light kiss on his neck. "You're a fucking moron." Michael spoke, still very much displeased with Sasha's impulsive behavior.

Nesting in Michael's warmth, Sasha didn't respond at first. Wanting everything to disappear. Yet she had to illustrate her thoughts. She knew Michael was one to be trusted. Even if he had to report back to Tommy. "I know I should have told you the morning after. Tommy wasn't going to allow me to pursue-"

"You're god damn right he wouldn't have-"

"-but everything would have been lost. I made a promise to Lance. It was personal for me."

"You could have at least brought your phone with you."

Sasha's train of thought was thrown off track. "Wait. What?"

"If there's no stopping you regardless... I won't fight you. Just promise me you'll bring your phone with you next time. Because there is no convincing Tommy otherwise. He keeps everyone under watch like a hawk. I fall under that category to report your... reckless behavior to say the least."

"I'm sorry, Michael." Sasha voiced. "I'll do just that next time."

"What would have happened if Aldrick would have used you as bait? He could have kidnapped you. Yet being the genius you are didn't think how crucial your phone could have been in that moment. Regardless of who were involved."

Michael gripped Sasha tighter which made her wince in pain. There had been a sharp inhale of breath on her end. It was going to take a few more days to heal at this rate. Michael felt that reaction, releasing his grip over her. "You should take it easy. We can't compromise Paleto Bay for the time being and I will need to call Tommy and confirm a few updates."

"Tommy knows...?" Sasha questioned aloud and in the back of her mind.

"The whole city knows, Sasha. You can't go breaking into a warehouse, take specific items and walk free. Not without making headlines these days."

Sasha walked back over to the bed, pondering Michael's words. "Give me a small time-frame here. I think I'm a little behind."

"It's only been two days, Sasha. Media wasn't like say it was back 20 years ago." With that confirmation, Sasha gave a sheepish grin in return. That would only mean she influenced the situation just enough for time to accelerate. She could feel the weight on her shoulders as she thought of the Vercetti Family. "Try not to physically stress yourself out too much, Sash. Tommy will be requesting a meet up with us soon, I'm sure."

All Sasha did was nod in acknowledgement.