Who are you trying to fool?

“Ethan, for the last time,” Richard insisted, hands moving as if he were trying to push a point through the air, “the witness protection program is the one that chooses everything — new identities, new address, new jobs… all of it. I don’t have any control over these decisions, son.”

“Dad, come on,” Ethan replied, giving him a doubtful stare. “You really think you’re not getting too comfortable in this new role? You’re seriously going to that ‘happy hour’ dressed like that?”

“Of course I am,” Richard answered, smoothing the front of his outfit with surprising naturalidade. “We need to blend in perfectly. Until everything is resolved, our lives are still at risk. Once we testify, then we can go back to our normal routines.”

Ethan sighed and looked away.

“Dad… I don’t think that’s how it’s going to work. I overheard that woman — the one who took us to that crazy machine that gave us these ‘new identities.’ She said the procedure was a one-way trip. And considering the kind of criminals you turned in… there are some very big names involved. I think we’re stuck like this. For good.”

A long silence fell between them.
Then Richard narrowed his eyes, remembering something.

“So that’s why you were kissing that guy at the door the other day?” he said, leaning forward. “Don’t pretend I didn’t see it, young lady. Looks like I’m not the only one who’s doing a pretty convincing job in this new role, hmm, daughter?” He gave a teasing smile. “Now that we don’t have any secrets left… I suppose it makes sense you didn’t find it strange that I also wanted to… adapt.”