Watching Sunsets With You (Original, English Version)

Chapter 1 - Gabe Villareal

It has been a while since I lazed around like this, a long time, just chilling out and not on the lookout for any sign of danger or trouble. I'm still on alert, though. Can't help it. Any slightly suspicious movement catches my attention. I stared at Sanders. She's more relaxed than Mike and me. It's to be expected, though, as she hasn't really been involved with cases in the last five to seven years. She only came out to help me out on the last case we worked on together, and Mike on his previous cases and the last one. It's funny how we call it that, when we were all pretty much down on the ground when it ended. She's been more focused on corporate cases related to her husband's company previously. In the last five years that she forgot her identify, she pretty much lived an ordinary life.

On the other hand, James is understandably jumpy. Being out in the open like this, it's uncomfortable to a man who is used to hiding out. The Taylors are good people. When you think about how the three of them were tangled with bureau agents, I find it almost laughable. Their whole family is tangled in a huge mess. If they aren't careful, they might all be killed. But knowing Sanders and James, they won't allow that to happen. James officially resigned last week, before we came out here in the suburbs, or outskirts. Wait, the official records say he's dead. He changed his name.

I'm not sure what you call this kind of place, far from the city, not bustling with too much activity, a handful of people in certain corners, areas of plant life with no evidence of human habitation... Yeah, I'm almost convinced I could let my guard down. But not entirely.

We arrived in afternoon. It was an emotional reunion to both couples. Sanders and her husband are more passionate about it, compared to James and his... girlfriend? I think they're still adjusting to each other. James was at a loss when Cara presented him with their daughter. Oh right, he'll be Cody now. I'm sure he'll be discussing it with Cara. Sanders, too, with her own family.

Cara prepared snacks for us, while the three of us... we're grateful for this time to simply breathe. The Taylors kept us company on a picnic table in front of their apartment as they watch the kids as well. Dylan, that kid is already six years old. Those babies are nearly a year old.

I noticed Sanders looking up the apartment furtively, a few times. I followed her gaze. No one.

"What are you looking at?" She turned to me when I posed her the question.

She didn't answer immediately. She leaned down on the single chair she's occupying and propping a foot on the end of a bench Cody and Cara are occupying.

She turned to Cara instead. "Does Carin still live upstairs?"

"Yeah. She went out to work shortly before you guys arrived." She's playing with her daughter on a baby carrier.

"Where's Keith?" She followed up, reaching to a glass of cucumber juice.

"Up there, probably taking a nap. I saw him during lunch." Cara answered.

"Do you guys want to eat out for dinner?" Oliver asked. It's a funny sight to see a man like him cuddling a baby.

Dylan looked up at the mention of eating out. He's busy doing homework.

"Can we invite Keith?"

"Why? So, you can ask him to help you with your homework?" Sanders is really strict. I feel like she's playing the role of the father in their unique relationship. I heard Oliver's the accommodating type of parent but well-listened to.

"He teaches me how to do my homework. He won't do my homework." Dylan refuted.

Sanders smiled at her son. "Well, do it well now. We'll have him check it later."