It would be so good to settle down and become part of somewhere again, instead of constantly passing through. - Paul Torday
Hannibal had lived in the same place for almost two years now. It would surprise those who knew of the team, of the constant harassment by the military. It would embarrass certain officers who had made it their life to bring the team down, if they ever discovered it. That just added a little spice to it, though it was definitely not deliberate on Hannibal's part.
He hadn't intended to stay this long, quite frankly. And was, at this moment, looking for another place to live, but taking his time, just as he had when he found this one. No rush. This was, in his opinion, a nearly perfect place to live.
The house sat at the crest of a steep hill, on a gently curving street. The hill continued even more steeply in the back, tall shrubs on each side of the yard. The street was populated with comfortably similar homes, which were, in turn, filled with busy people who wanted only to come home each night and not be busy. Not be 'sociable', after a day filled with co-workers and bosses and customers and problems, and spend their weekends enjoying only their families.
This particular afternoon, Hannibal was enjoying some time with his family. Two nondescript rental cars were parked outside, one in the drive next to his own car, the other in the street. Neither the black van nor the flashy Vette had ever been seen on this street. Murdock was on his most "sane" behavior when he arrived with Face, who always dressed casually. Even BA wore a conservative cap, and left most of his jewelry at home. Nothing furtive about their arrivals, just an awareness of attracting nothing more than idle curiosity. Just some friends stopping by.
The big windows in the front allowed them to keep an eye out for any unusual activity, but it was a casual glance when one or the other would come in for a drink, or to replenish the victuals, as Murdock was calling them this weekend. That relaxed atmosphere might be called foolish, under the circumstances, but after two years with not even a hint of curiosity from the neighbors or the military, they considered it reasonable.
And of course, there was that well-scouted acreage behind their sanctuary...
If they had just come off a job, they used this time to unwind, talk about what had worked, what hadn't, what they really thought of not only the bad guys but the clients. If the team had been quiet for a while, they caught up on what they'd each been doing, or were planning on doing. Talked about sports, cars, other typical 'guy' things.
And as the day turned to evening, and the ample food and drink started working their magic, the talk inevitably turned to what they wanted to do when, and if, their innocence was proved. When the running was over, and they could consider having normal lives. They talked of things they hadn't done and would do, first thing. The people and places they hadn't been able to see, or see as often as they wanted. The places they'd never been to and wanted to visit. Jobs or careers they were curious to try. Inevitably, they spoke quietly of what they wanted more than anything, what they could only visit now, on weekends like this.
Some place they could truly call a home...