Sleepless
It wasn't just the Guru who moved to the area, but eventually most of the Gang drifted Stateside too.
The Guru founded a large sanctuary garden near Baltimore, on the Chesapeake, using gold that Bentley had decided to loot from the vault on Sly's behalf. The area he bought was large- over 200 acres. He also works with a hospital in the Washington D.C. area as a consultant.
Bentley and Penelope, after resealing the Cooper Vault, began to work on a device to restore Sly's memories. They also began working on upgrading old gadgets, as well as serving as Murray's pit crew.
Murray has started to race on the professional racing circuit. He has done immensely well for a rookie, better than any rookie before him. He also stands to pose a real challenge to the 'King of Racing.'
Panda King and his daughter, shortly after she fell in love, had to flee China due to the angry suitors that were rejected. They moved into the suburbs in between Baltimore and Washington, and with the loot from the Tsao incident, started a highly successful Chinese restaurant. They are renowned for their excellent service, friendly atmosphere, and their relatively inexpensive meals- so much so that they are planning on opening up more locations in the region in the next few years.
Sly and I had been in America now for 6 months. As he lies asleep in the bedroom next door, I lie awake, wondering if things could have been different if I made him remember, but maybe not.
Since moving to America, we've shared an apartment about 15-20 minutes from HQ. 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom. 800 dollars a month. The kitchen is small, but it is well laid out with several top-of-the-line appliances (which we bought). The living room features a 20-inch-TV, Sleeper sofa, and a small coffee table.
There is a knock on my door. I guess Sly must be up. I hop out of bed, and walk to the door in my baggy T-shirt and lounge pants. After opening the door, I silently edge past him and head towards the kitchen.
Once in the kitchen, Sly spoke. "Sorry for the bother, Inspector. I didn't wake you up did I?"
Setting the kettle down on its base and switching it on (it heats water much faster than the old stove-top kettle), I replied "No, I couldn't sleep either. And it's Carmelita."
"I had a question about how we first met. I mean, I know it sounds dumb, but the ol' noggin just won't stop asking."
"All right." I stopped. Lying is not my strong suit.
Sly sensed that something was wrong, but not the right thing. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"
I cut him off. "No, sorry it's just been a while." The kettle boiled and I grabbed the drink mixes for the sleep aid- Hot Chocolate. Then, what I should tell him became obvious. "It was first when…"