Page 27 of Sly Like a Fox
During our advanced conversation practice, I watch her switch seamlessly from discussing wine pairings with an imaginary sommelier to debating the merits of modern art installations.She absorbs information quickly and applies it naturally, though she occasionally slips back into her old patterns.
“The key to successful networking,” she says, practicing her elevator pitch, “is working the room for intel—I mean, for meaningful connections and shared interests.”
“Close enough.Most high-society networking is just socially acceptable intelligence gathering anyway.”
While Jenna masters the social aspects of our mission, I focus on the technical preparation for our infiltration of Anklor’s organization.The most crucial element involves gaining remote access to his computer systems, which requires a sophisticated phishing operation disguised as legitimate business correspondence.
I craft a financial newsletter that appears to come from Whitmore & Associates, a prestigious investment firm that Anklor has dealt with previously.The content is entirely legitimate—real market analysis, actual economic predictions, and genuine investment advice that would be valuable to someone in Anklor’s position.
The danger lies in the PDF attachment containing the full newsletter.Hidden within the document’s metadata is a small piece of code that will install backdoor access when Anklor opens the file.Once activated, the software will allow me to access his computer remotely using my phone to download files and monitor communications while appearing to have a casual conversation, though I still have to be within a few feet of the computer.
“How do you know he’ll open it?”Jenna asks, watching me finalize the email.
“Because the subject line mentions municipal bond opportunities, which directly relates to his current bid-rigging schemes.He won’t be able to resist checking whether there’s information that could give him an advantage over competitors.”
She arches a copper brow.“And if he doesn’t take the bait?”
I give her a half-shrug.“Then we find another way, but this approach has the advantage of seeming completely legitimate if anyone investigates later.”
I send the email at 4:17 p.m.on a Tuesday, timing it to arrive when Anklor would typically be reviewing end-of-day financial reports.The tracking software confirms he opens it within twenty minutes, and the backdoor installation completes successfully.
“We’re in,” I tell Jenna, showing her the confirmation on my secure phone.“Now we have access to his computer whenever we can get within range of his network.”
“How close do we need to be?”
“Same building, ideally same floor.Best and quickest is the same room, which means we need to get invited to his private office or attend an event at his penthouse.”
“That sounds sketchy as hell.”She frowns before speaking in a more cultured tone.“I mean, how fascinating.”
Ourfirstrealtestcomes three weeks later at a smaller charity event benefiting the city’s historical preservation society.Anklor’s associates would be comfortable at this gathering, and it’s intimate enough that we can practice our cover story without the pressure of a major social event.
I’ve purchased a table for eight, inviting three other couples who represent successful professionals with whom we want to be associated.Dr.Sherry Chase and her husband, Terrance, who owns several restaurants, Judge Candice Morrison and her wife, Katherine, a prominent attorney, and Robert and Lisa Valdez, who run a successful architectural firm.
These people move in the same social circles as our targets, but they’re legitimate professionals rather than criminals.They provide perfect cover for our debut as a couple worth Anklor’s attention.
“Remember,” I tell Jenna as we walk into the hotel ballroom, “We’ve been dating for six months, met through Red’s service, and we’re exclusive but taking things slowly.”
“Got it, and you work in technology consulting while I’m transitioning from administrative work to event planning.”
“Perfect.Stay close to me, but not possessively close.We’re comfortable together but still in the stage where everything feels new and exciting.”
She links her arm through mine as we approach our table, and the gesture seems so natural that I almost forget it’s performance.“Like this?”
“Exactly like that.”
The evening unfolds better than I could have hoped.Jenna charms our tablemates with stories about learning event planning through volunteer work while I discuss technology trends that sound impressive without revealing anything sensitive.She laughs at my jokes with apparent genuine delight, touches my hand when making points in conversation, and generally plays the role of devoted fiancée so convincingly, I start believing it myself.
During the silent auction portion of the evening, she demonstrates her growing sophistication by bidding strategically on items that enhance our image, including a wine tasting experience for two, a weekend at a luxury spa, and art pieces revealing cultural refinement without excessive wealth.
“You’re getting good at this,” I murmur as she outbids another couple for a photography session with one of the city’s most sought-after portrait artists.
“I’m a fast learner.”Her smile carries both satisfaction and something warmer.“Besides, this is actually fun when the stakes aren’t survival.”
The comment reminds me how different this must be from her previous cons.Instead of desperately trying to secure her next meal or month’s rent, she’s playing a role that comes with built-in security and support.The realization makes me want to ensure she never has to go back to that kind of desperation.
We gather useful intelligence during casual conversations.Lisa Valdez mentions her firm is competing for the contract to design Anklor’s new office building.Judge Morrison lets slip she’s attending Anklor’s charity gala next month, and Dr.Chase discusses the medical research foundation that Anklor supposedly supports, though her tone suggests skepticism about his true motivations.
By the end of the evening, we’ve established our credibility as a legitimate power couple and gathered actionable information about our target’s upcoming activities.More importantly, we’ve proven our partnership can work in high-pressure social situations.
