I smoothed out the front of my shirt before knocking on Trudy's front door.

"One second!" I heard from the other side.

I placed my hands behind my back and took a step back, waiting.

When the door finally opened, Trudy looked me over. She looked frazzled, out of sorts. "Who're you?"

"Dani Walker. I just moved in across the street. Maria invited me." I replied.

Trudy palmed her forehead, closing her eyes. "Right. The new neighbor. I'm so sorry, please come in."

I stepped through the door, almost running into a group of kids running past me.

"No running, please!" Trudy called out.

I laughed a little. "Kids can be a handful, huh?"

She sighed. "Try two handfuls, and then some."

We shared a laugh before she spoke up. "All the adults are out back, there's beer in the fridge. Please, make yourself at home."

I thanked her before heading to the kitchen, grabbing a beer, before stepping out the back door.

Maria noticed me first, quickly standing out of her seat. "Dani, come here, let me introduce you to everyone."

She led me in front of the small group. "Everyone, this is Dani. She's our new neighbor."

Chad gave me a nod while Roger and Doris got to their feet. Roger stuck his hand out. "My name's Roger and this is my wife, Doris."

I shook her hand next. "Nice to meet you both."

"Right back at you, sweetie." Doris said.

I gave her a smile as Roger addressed me again. "We'd like to formally welcome you to the neighborhood. We're like a big family around here, so if you need anything, don't be afraid to come to us."

I nodded. "Thank you."

Roger nodded back before retaking his seat.

Maria pulled up an extra lawn chair for me and I sat down, cracking open my beer.

"So, what brings you to our humble cul-de-sac?" Chad asked.

I shrugged, choosing my words carefully. "Just needed a change of scenery, I guess."

"Where are you from originally?" Doris asked.

I froze, trying to think back to my new background. I read through most of it, but didn't retain anything except my new name. "Uh, New York originally."

"Wow, what a coincidence." Doris replied.

"How so?" I asked, my nerves getting the better of me.

She rested her hand on her husbands shoulder. "Roger used to be a police officer in New York."

My eyes widened a little. "R-really. When was that?"

"About seven years ago. He misses it." Doris replied.

Roger sipped his beer. "But, I had to retire at some point."

I forced a little laugh. "Right... How're you guys liking it here so far?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

After spending a little time getting to know everyone, Maria led me inside to grab another round drinks.

We took a seat on the front porch after that, taking a little moment to ourselves. "So, you seemed a little nervous when Roger mentioned he used to be a cop." She said, sitting down on the steps.

I hesitantly sat next to her. "No... Just, I wasn't expecting it, that's all."

She flashed me a humorous smile. "He seems a little to mild mannered to be busting purps, huh?"

I laughed. "Just a bit."

She joined my laughter, taking a sip of her beer. "Thanks, by the way, for giving me a ride back today."

I took a quick side glance at her. "No problem. It was the least I could do."

She smiled again. "I hate to admit it, but I'm kinda falling in love with your car."

I looked across the street at my car, letting out a chuckle. "You and everyone else, so it seems."

She gave me a nudge. "So, where'd you get it?"

I looked down into my beer, then. "It was my dads... He bought it brand new back in the day and after... After he died, it was willed to me."

"What happened? To your dad, I mean?" She asked.

My mind wandered back to that day so many years ago. He was killed because of me. I knew I shouldn't have been spying on his conversation, but I was just a kid. I didn't know any better. He was discussing business in the kitchen. Something about a big robbery, I don't really remember. But, I snuck downstairs and one of his goons saw me.

And, when the robbery went bad, they assumed I talked. They wanted to kill me, but my dad gave his life to protect me. After that, I grew up on the streets. I decided I needed to get tough if I wanted to get my revenge. And, by the time I got to the man who pulled the trigger, killing was like second nature to me. My dad's boss took me under his wing after that and raised me in the life.

I became one of his top enforcers. I did collections, I shook people down, and, when all else failed, I buried them. After all the years of killing, I finally had enough. I went to the cops. I became the one thing I despised the most. I became a fucking rat...

I smiled a little. "Old age..."

Maria rested a hand on my shoulder. "I'm sorry..."

I blinked my eyes a few times before getting to my feet. "It's ok, that was a long time ago."

She stood up next to me. "Still..."

I flashed her a quick smile. "I should get going... Thanks for inviting me... I had a lot of fun."

She smiled back despite the situation. "Of course, I had fun to."

I took her hand in mine, bringing it up to my lips for a quick kiss. "Until next time."

She blushed as I released her hand. "See you..."

I gave her a wave before heading back to my house, closing the front door behind me, leaning against it.

A long sigh slipped past my lips. "No more beer for you..."