I was a rat. The lowest form of scum where I come from. If you turned against the family, you were as good as dead. That was my job. I'd pretend like nobody knew. I'd take you out, show you a good time. Get you all fucked up, then put a bullet in the back of your head when you least expected it.

The drive out into the woods was always quiet. We used the same spot every time. It was a mass grave of sorts. Anybody that wronged the family wound up there, and I was the delivery girl. It was remote, but I knew the directions like the back of my hand.

It only took a couple of hours for the police to find the first of the bodies. And, by the next day, I was already in witness protection. I was being relocated to the suburbs. Some cul-de-sac occupied by a bunch of white collar, liberals. The last place anybody would look for someone like me...

I followed the moving truck into my new driveway, shutting my car off as another car pulled up behind me.

The man walked up to my window, tapping on the glass.

I rolled it down as he started to speak. "This is where you'll be staying. I have a job lined up for you in town."

He handed me a tan folder. "This is all the information you'll need on your new identity. I'll be back to check on you in a few days."

I just nodded to the man. The marshal from WITSEC assigned to me. His name was Hector Garcia. He seemed like a stand-up guy. "Anything else?"

He stood up, patting the roof of my car. "Try to blend in, Miss Walker."

   Then, he got back in his car and drove off.

   I watched him leave before opening the folder. "Dani Walker." I read. That was my new name. Apparently I've been divorced twice and my entire family was dead. How sweet.

   As the movers began unloading my furniture into my new house, I stepped out of my car and took in my surroundings.

   The houses were big, the lawns were green, and the gardens were full. It was nice in a way, but I missed my million-dollar, top floor penthouse back in New York. 'At least they let me keep my car...'

   I walked past the movers, stepping into my new house. The furniture wasn't mine, but it looked comfortable. Unfamiliar paintings hung from the white painted walls. Everything was sleek and modern. 'I guess I could get used to this...' I thought.

   The movers waved me off before hopping back in their truck and exiting my driveway.

   I sat down on the front porch and lit a cigarette, staring at the house across from mine. It belonged to an old couple. The man watered the grass while the woman planted flowers in the garden.

   The man noticed me and waved.

   I gave him a nod before looking to the house next to theirs. A middle aged woman lived there. She was in a rush, hurrying a young girl into her car before taking off down the street. 'Must be late for school...'

Then, I heard a voice. I turned my head, seeing my next door neighbor walking through my grass. "Hey, you just moving in?" She asked.

I took the woman in. Long, brunette waves hung past her shoulders. Big, green eyes sat above plush, pink lips. And, the smile she gave me would be enough to knock anyone out. She was cute. Really cute.

I stood up, flicking my cigarette away. "Yes. Dani Walker."

She stuck her hand towards me and I shook it. "Maria Diaz."

I gave her a small smile. "Nice to meet you."

   She nodded, smiling again. "Likewise."

   I looked out over the houses again. "So, give me the rundown."

   She followed my gaze. "The nice, old couple across the street are Roger and Doris. They've been married since they were teenagers. Next to them is Trudy. She's a single mother and does everything she can for her daughter. Next to her is Chad. He's an app developer, rich, kind of a douche bag."

   I laughed lightly as she continued. "Then there's Buddy Bruno. Avoid him at all costs. He's in some kind of biker gang and doesn't like attention."

   The loud rev of motorcycles cut us off as he and a few other bikers pulled out of his driveway.

   I watched them leave, narrowing my eyes at the older man. 'Maybe this wouldn't be so boring after all...'

   "And, then there's me." Maria finished.

   I turned back to the woman. "Quite the odd bunch, huh?"

   She chuckled. "You could say that. But, with the exception of Buddy, everyone's really sweet. Actually, we're all going to Trudy's tomorrow for her daughters birthday party. You should come. It'll give you a good opportunity to meet everyone."

   I gave her a nod. "I'll see what I can do."

   She smiled. "Alright, great..."

   We locked eyes for a second and I swear I saw a blush on her cheeks.

   She looked down, the smile growing. "Well, I'll let you get settled in. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

   I smirked. "Alright..."

   She just gave me a little wave before walking off.

   I looked after her before I heard another voice. "Sweet ride. What is it?"

   My eyes drifted towards my driveway. A younger man was eyeing my bright red, 1968 Dodge Charger R/T. My prized possession. The single most important thing in my life.

   I stepped off the front porch as he ran his hand over the black, vinyl top. "She's a '68 Charger and she doesn't like to be touched."

   The young man lifted his hand as I stopped in front of him. "She's a real beauty. What's she have in her? A big block?"

   I nodded. "440, 4-speed. All original."

   He stuck his hand towards me then. "Chad, you must be the new neighbor."

   I shook it. "Dani. You must be the tech millionaire."

   He chuckled. "Maria talks to much. I just developed a few apps that went viral. Nothing crazy."

   I just nodded. "Right. Anyway, it was nice meeting you."

   "Same to you. I hope we'll see you at Trudy's tomorrow." He replied before walking off.

   I looked up to the sky, then. The sun was just starting to set over the cul-de-sac. My new home...