Chapter XVIII

Feeling like a spoiled as a house guest at Franklin's Mansion was more than accommodating for Sasha. It had been a nice change knowing the weeks she was imprisoned in her small sanctuary back in Paleto Bay. Her aching body send hours inside the sauna at the base of the base floor stairway. Yes, perhaps for this special occasion she did feel spoiled.

There was a small window of freedom knowing Sasha could spend her limited hours poolside with Franklin's Rottweiler Chop. He was certainly enjoying the love and attention Sasha delivered upon a silver platter. There was a distant memory she could remember her mom having once owned a Rottweiler herself.

When the house wasn't occupied with Franklin and Michael discussing or stressing over headline news, Sasha spend her time with Chop. Placing the dog into an adorable frenzy and making a noise most all dogs adored. She enjoyed herself a little too much. "You're such a good boy, Chop. Aren't you? Yes you are!" Sasha spoke in a high pitch voice as Chop begged for belly rubs.

The uplifting personality change had Franklin and Michael give small snickers. It was just another side they had never seen before. Sasha could hear them snicker as she shot them both a glare through their joy. There had been a grin of embarrassment and uncanny. It was just a display of unusual behavior. "Maybe I should have you train Chop. I can barely train that adorable mutt anything."

"I couldn't help to overhear you two stressing over recent events. Tell me there's good news." Sasha diverted attention from herself to changed the topic.

Michael shook his head. "Nothing new on that end, darlin'. Only that the news of your plundering has reached all concerning parties. No warrant for your arrest, though. Aldrick kinda snapped and killed the only eye witness that could detail you. His impatience cost him. Crawford believes that the Vercetti Family sent an experienced henchman."

"Crawford was never one to think rationally about his actions. He got sour. Jump to unfavorable conclusions. All his goal ever was to make profit. Even if it meant precious family heirlooms that weren't under his name."

Michael joined Sasha's side, placing both hands on her shoulders. "Tommy knows, Sasha. Are you forgetting that factor? You single underhandedly endangered your family further. I need you to process that consequence."

"Tommy had never been amused with how I handled things. That also meant accomplishing means by causing at least a small version of trouble."

"I'm almost certain he almost fired my ass for being incompetent at assuring your personal safety, Sash. You're not-"

"I'm sure Tommy didn't fire you. He never trusted me to branch beyond being a consultant with the family. I am convinced he doesn't have faith in my results."

Michael dropped his arms to lean against the railing off to his right. "Fuck, Sasha. Your shenanigans have resulted in high profile entanglement. Crawford has his hand inside some of the LSPD pockets. They've been ordered to confiscate, deliver or capture any Vercetti on sight. This has hindered and changed the plans Tommy had for everything."

"So I was right about Aldrick not being fond of my meddling."

Michael wasn't amused with Sasha's response. Having him rub the temples of his forehead. He was astounded by Sasha's confidence. Forcefully bringing her face into view. "Damn it, Sash. We're to meet Tommy at the Vinewood Bowl Cafe on the edge of town. A little north of here to discuss matters with him. Less foot traffic this time of year. This is important."

"Karma favors those who vow revenge, Michael." Sasha spoke, caressing his hands to loosen their grip on her face. "God be damned if I allowed the Marston Legacy to be in the hands of Crawford. He'll deserve everything that's coming for him."

"Two sides of the same coin considering the both of you." Michael commented on the Vercetti Family heritage. "You truly are his spinning image. I have a slight feeling that if Tommy was still in his younger years, He would have pulled a similar stunt if faced with such an obstacle. Apples never fall far from the tree."

"Speaking of that, dog. Maybe I should get involved with the interference taking Crawford down. You guys could use the backup." Franklin commented on the situation.

"If it had been my choice, you're god damn right Frank. However, it's not. I'm not the spokesperson for Vercetti. You would need me to arrange a direct connection with Tommy before we got you involved with anything. Trust me. You don't want to be on the wrong end of Tommy's paranoia."

"Shit, dog. Then why did you get involved with such mafia motherfuckers anyway?" Franklin didn't realize his comment having spent more time with Sasha. "No offense."

Sasha returned the gesture with an acknowledged shrug. "None taken. I can't help it either if Tommy can be old fashion when it comes down to associates."

"Don't be so hard on yourself, Franklin." Michael vindicated. "I'm sure with all the chaos Tommy wouldn't mind an extra hand taking down a few lunatics down the road."

"Sounds like a plan. Hey. I'm going to order some food. Anyone want pizza?" Franklin negotiated.

There was a nod in Michael's direction. "Food is always good. I see no problem there." Him and Franklin were heading back inside. Michael having been stalled for a moment, glancing back at Sasha. "You don't plan on loitering outside for too long... do you kid?" Sasha's response was to wave her right arm at Michael. She needed a minute without saying. "If you insist, but don't be running off and getting hurt like an idiot. I expect you to be inside by sunset. You shouldn't been seen without supervision."

Sasha waited until Franklin and Michael were inside before dropping her head to talk to Chop as if he was listening the entire time. "You know, Chop. Sometimes I wonder if all I am doing has a greater purpose than I'm seeing on the surface."

There was a gust of wind as Sasha scratched behind Chop's ears. She felt her thoughts drift, hearing a familiar whisper. "Thank you, Sasha." Confused, Sasha lifted her head to locate the direction of the whisper. Perhaps it was Franklin or Michael speaking. Yet there was nothing. No followup confirmation. There was only Chop accompanying her.

"Lance..." Sasha responded to the passing wind, even if hearing his voice was an illusion. It mattered not to her. "None of this will be over until Aldrick has paid in full for his actions. I promise. Just wait a little while longer. I promise it will be done." Expecting no answer back to her quiet struggle.