Chapter XXIII

Michael while in a tense situation wasn't one to be patient. Radio silence on Sasha's side was making him paranoid. Being told she was a professional wasn't something that Michael doubted. It was Aldrick. Tommy demanding an update with no response had Michael's instincts jog towards the nearest elevator.

She was officially considered skyfall in the back of his mind. Checking the clip to his M4, Michael entered the elevator upon its arrival. "Michael what in god's name are you doing?" It had been Tommy's voice in the short distance.

Michael held the elevator for its last call. "You riding up with me or not, Tom? You daughter could be in danger."

"She's an expert."

"That's enough, Tommy. Her time is up. We gave her more than a chance. We need to make sure she's still alive." Tommy wasted no more time with his response, spiriting for the elevator. "With all do respect, Tom. I know you mean well for your daughter. We just can't have another loss on our hands."

"She's trained for circumstances as these, Michael. I'm sure she can handle herself."

"I'm not questioning your daughter's talent. Most of your crew wouldn't be here if that were the case. I will repeat until I'm blue in the face that Aldrick is not one to be trifled with..."

There had been an audible sound confirming their arrival on Aldrick's Penthouse Floor. The first off putting sign that things were wrong was that there was no security on this floor. The second had to be how eerily quiet the environment was... Michael was almost pretty sure he felt Tommy's stomach drop setting the scene.

Michael jiggled the lock for Crawford's Penthouse Door. "Wasn't Sasha supposed to open it upon arrival? No way she would have missed a direct order like that, right?" There had been a similar look of concern and worry exchanged with Michael and Tommy,

Tommy had stopped Michael, motioning for the device to capture. His knowledge told him it wasn't a typical security camera. "How about 50 says that's a way to trip the alarm?"

Michael had pondered the thought, shooting the door handle and proceeding inside the penthouse. No lights were on. Did Sasha even succeed at her mission? Tommy flipped on the main lights to the area. His eyes widening to the horrific sight to be held. Blood splatters, trails and hand prints stained the place.

There had been a look of utter dread on Tommy's face. "Michael." Was the only thing he could mouth, pointing out a glass sliding door that had blood stained white curtains attempting to escape high winds. "My baby girl, Michael."

Tommy's words alone haunted Michael's greatest fear. They both raced out of the external part of the building. Scaling to reach the upper helipad of Aldrick's Penthouse Roof. "Crawford!" Michael's voice echoed in the gusts of wind. "Let her go, Aldrick! Your schemes are at an end!"

Aldrick stopped in is tracks. Smiling eagerly, turning to face them. His entire body had been covered in blood. It had been Sasha's blood. She was being dragged by him like a mangled, broken corpse. "Michael. Tommy. It appears..." He gave a chilling laugh. The man had finally snapped. "It appears we are all at an impasse. Clever. The both of you I must say." Crawford continued his speech, placing Sasha in an open space near the edge of the rooftop. "How was it that you planned on sending a rumored dead woman after priceless artifacts such as Marston's Legacy after my goons? You killed good men. Several good men."

Neither of them were to give the satisfaction of Aldrick seeking his truth. "That plan... it must have been yours, Tommy Vercetti. Because only a Vercetti would have been that flexible. Ah. Well. Sometimes people need to learn their lessons. The hard way." Without second more to spare, Crawford shoved Sasha's body off the rooftop.

Michael was a quick draw, placing a bullet through Aldrick's head while Tommy stood there in disbelief. He had been trying to negotiate with Crawford. Wishing he wouldn't hinder Sasha's condition, but Michael knew better. It had been a direct headshot from Michael. Piercing right through Aldrick as he slumped over as dead as a door nail.

Blood splatted the environment. Some of which that ended up on Michael's face. He dashed to the edge of the building where Sasha had plummeted. Michael had to words he could say regarding Sasha's condition. Tommy knew. His gun dropped to the floor. All the while Michael stared into the abyss alone, screaming Sasha's name.