The Greatest Con

She had no choice. The FBI was never going to give her freedom. She was too much of an asset for them to consider letting her become a free woman. Teresa was right. The Bureau would devise a reason to keep her on a permanent leash. She desperately wanted to be free and be her own person. There’s only one thing to do: Neilina Caffry must die.

It took her a few days to make the necessary arrangements. First, she recruited a few people to pose as paramedics and pathologists. Then, she acquired the materials she needed to erase herself from existence. Well, technically speaking, anyway, as she wasn’t shuffling off this mortal coil any time soon.

Neilina implemented her plan when she, Teresa, and a group of thieves, the White Leopards, stole millions of unmarked cash from the Federal Reserve. When the bags were sent through the pneumatic tubes from the Reserve, she had Teresa siphon about a quarter of the money, enough for both of them to live in luxury for the rest of their lives. Neilina met up with Teresa at a place near Wall Street between the Reserve and the old warehouse where the Leopards were waiting to receive the bags of money. Unfortunately, they ran into a bit of a snafu when Vince McCalle double-crossed them. Neilina managed to turn the tables on him, but it was too late; McCalle somehow took the gun she had from her and shot her in the chest. The double-crosser then took the duffle bag and left Neilina lying on the ground in a pool of her own blood to die.

Days later, after burying his CI turned closest friend, Special Agent Robert Berke sat on his couch in his living room while his wife Amber tended to their baby boy, whom they named Neil in honour of the woman who has become family to them. Suddenly, a knock was heard from the front door, and Robert got up to open it. “Hey, FBI,” Teresa greeted. “I just wanted to drop off something for you.” The bespectacled woman then handed the agent a long wooden box.

“What is it?” Robert asked. “It’s a bottle of the finest Merlot,” Teresa said with a sad smile. “Neilina used to drink it when she dated Alexander.” A sympathetic look crossed Robert’s face. “Would you like to come in?” He asked. Teresa shook her head. “No, not tonight, FBI,” she said. “Maybe next time if you and the Mrs. want to call for a babysitter.” Robert chuckled. “I’ll hold you to that, Ms. Winters.” The latter gave a curt nod before making her leave. Robert then returned to the couch and inspected the bottle of wine. His eyes then widened as realization dawned on him. Neilina and Alexander used specific wine bottles to send messages to each other. “Neilina’s alive,” he breathed. “She faked her death. Neilina Caffry’s greatest con!”

Spousal Immunity

I knew in my gut I shouldn’t have done it. However, if you think about it, I was doing it for the greater good. Besides, I’ve been married to the man for as long as I can remember, so it’s not that difficult, right?

Being the wife of a federal agent has its perks. You get to learn things you can use to protect yourself. One of them is losing someone who’s tailing you. Granted, I once went the other way around and became a tail, but technically, it’s the same. However, the downside to being the wife of a federal agent is that you are constantly worried that your husband may not come home. So, when my husband ended up in a hospital after getting into a severe car accident that left him in a coma for three days, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

“I want you to lie to him,” I told my husband’s CI, Neilina. The former conwoman hesitated, but I was determined. “I need you to keep Robert safe.” Neilina’s lips formed a thin line as she debated internally whether or not she should do as I requested. “You know I’m just a CI, not an FBI agent, Amber,” she said at last. “I don’t have the training or gun necessary to protect Robert.” I let out a sigh. “I know you don’t, Neilina,” I said. “I’m still asking you to do it anyway. I don’t want the next call I receive to be from the city morgue.” Neilina nodded and gave me her word to do as I asked. I thanked her and went back to my husband’s hospital room, hoping that he would wake up soon.

When Robert was finally discharged, he was ordered to recuperate at home as his arm was still healing, and he needed to wear a sling. He was fine the first few days, enjoying a brief vacation from work, but after that, he began to get a little stir-crazy. Neilina kept her word and hid the truth from my husband during his absence. I feel that my G-Man is aware that his consultant is lying to his face, but I need him safe! So, if this is how I will achieve that, that’s what it will be! Besides, I can always claim spousal immunity.