Chapter 8 Six years agoThe car was a little piece of heaven to Maria from the instant she saw it on the dealer's showroom floor. A pearlescent white Mercedes, pale blue leather interior. Loaded with every possible amenity to show off what could be done, even if hardly anyone would ever pay for such extravagance. Five years and many hours and miles hadn't dulled the gleam or the luxury for her. As Maria fell deeper into the pit in her empty belly, and further into desperation, her car still brought her comfort. Her car made her feel safe. The big sedan purred quietly, the fan switching on and off to compensate for the air conditioner. Chopin filled the space and her ears, but Maria's body refused to respond to her beloved soothing music. She gripped the wheel tight enough to make her wris