My eyes fluttered open, the morning rays shinning through the window of Maria's bedroom.

I felt a smile grow on my lips as I looked down at Maria herself. Her head rested on my bare chest. Her breathing was easy, a peaceful look on her face.

I let her sleep for a little while longer before kissing the top of her head, causing her to stir.

A smile lit up her face when her eyes landed on mine. "Mm, good morning..."

I leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. "Good morning. How'd you sleep?"

She sat up, stretching, not at all phased by the fact that she was still naked. "Amazingly. How about you?"

I took her in, my cheeks growing warm. "Just as good, if not better."

She giggled, leaning down to press another kiss to my lips before crawling out of bed.

I sat up on the edge, stretching my shoulders.

"When do you have to be at work?" She asked, pulling some sweatpants on.

I stood, sliding my dress up my body. "Eight o'clock."

She checked the time on her phone. "Want some coffee before you go?"

I nodded. "That sounds amazing."

She flashed me a smile before throwing a shirt on, making her way out of the room.

After getting dressed, I joined her in the kitchen, where she handed me a mug of fresh coffee. I took a sip. "So, I was thinking, if you wanted you could come stay at my place tonight after work." I said.

She sipped her own coffee before flashing me a smirk. "Ok..."

I set my mug down, standing up. "I'll see you later then?"

She brought her lips up to mine for a kiss. "You bet."

We said our goodbyes after that and I headed back to my house to get dressed before leaving for work...

"So, you guys... You know?" Mickey asked.

I pulled the fuel pump off the old Chevy in front of me, rolling my eyes. "I don't see how that's any of your business."

He chuckled. "Well, I'm happy for you. It's not easy meeting new people in your... Predicament."

I knew he was right. And, honestly sleeping with Maria probably wasn't the best decision I ever made. I didn't know how long I'd be in witness protection. I didn't know how long I'd be in this house. To Maria, I was Dani Walker, her new neighbor. But, in reality, I was a cold blooded killer. I was lying to her and, sooner or later, she was gonna have to find out...

I stepped outside, lighting a cigarette, looking over the junk cars next to the shop. My eyes landed on a purple, 1970 Plymouth Duster.

Mickey walked out next to me, lighting a cigarette of his own. "See something you like?"

I pointed to the car. "Is that Duster factory Plum Crazy?"

He walked over to it, popping the hood. "Yep. It's a 340 car. Original drivetrain from what I can tell. Why? Interested in buying it?"

I nodded. "How much you want?"

He rubbed his chin, taking a hit from his cigarette. "If you can get it running. Twenty-five-hundred."

I stuck my hand towards him. "You got a deal."

He shook it. "I'll deduct it from your pay."

"Thanks."

After our break, I rolled the Duster into the first bay. There wasn't much actual work to do today, so I figured I'd try to see if I could get this thing running.

Mickey joined me under the hood. "How's it looking?"

I wiped my hands on a rag, facing him. "Motor isn't seized. She has all the fluids. I swapped in new spark plugs and checked the fuel lines. I just need a set of keys."

He smiled, handing me the keys for the car. "Let's give her a try then."

I sat behind the wheel, sticking the key in the ignition. "C'mon, girl, I know you can do it."

With a deep breath, I turned the key. The car struggled, but eventually fired to life.

Mickey clapped his hands, cheering, as I gave the car a few revs.

I shut the car off and stepped out. "Twenty-five it is."

He patted my shoulder. "Looks that way."

We spent the rest of the day tinkering with the Duster, fixing a few things, replacing a few parts. The car was in fantastic shape for its age. And, after a nice coat of paint, it might just be presentable...

I pulled into my driveway, shutting my car off before stepping out, only to see Buddy parked at the end of my driveway again.

"What can I do for you?" I asked, closing my car door.

"Just admiring that badass ride... It for sale?" He asked.

I shook my head. "Nope."

"C'mon, fifty grand." He said.

"Not even for a million." I replied, spinning on my heel, heading for my door.

"Alright. If you say so, Elena."

I stopped in my tracks, my heartbeat picking up. "What'd you call me?"

"Elena Rossi. That is your name, isn't it?" He asked.

I refaced him, taking note of the smug smirk on his face. "My names Dani Walker. Don't forget it."

He shrugged. "My mistake. I must have you confused for someone else."

"Yeah, must be." I replied sternly.

He just waved before riding off.

I watched him go, a nervous feeling settling in my stomach. Maybe I underestimated him.

Then, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I spun quickly, seeing Maria standing behind me. "Hey, everything ok?" She asked.

I rubbed my forehead, letting out a sigh. "Yeah, c'mon, I'm starving."

She chuckled, following me inside...

How did he know? Did he really know? Or was he just messing with me? Regardless, I'd have to tell Hector. What that meant for my current placement I wasn't sure. Would he relocate me? Would I have to leave Maria behind?

Maria...

How much did she hear? She didn't mention anything, maybe she missed what Buddy had said. I had to be sure, but how was I going to bring it up?

Fuck, things just got a lot more complicated...