Perspective: Teresa Cortez
She viewed the dry southern community as a stepping stone. A small hitch towards her grand scheme in life. She was a hustler, a survivor. Now she planned to rule this place in her own special way, even while living under federal witness protection.
It would be difficult but she knew how to work her charm. And she had the body for it. Teresa spent a lifetime honing her skills on the streets, which later translated into skills used by various organized crime. She primarily ran underground casinos and an escort agency in her other life.
To make her comeback, she needed allies. The government had already provided her with a job at the local spa and she befriended her colleagues and customers. None of them knew about the witness protection, of course. All they knew was that she moved there for a 'better life in a quiet setting,' which was technically true.
Next she spent what money she had on sex toys, strap-ons, lingerie, makeup, and other beauty products. Call it an investment. In her younger days, she had to style herself on a tight budget, so this was nothing new.
Finally came the need to ensure she remained within the guidelines of her witness protection agreement. Feds, in her experience, don't mess around. One slip and she'd be sent to prison. The deal revoked. Not a good thing if the people after you are experienced killers with vast connections.
Luckily the FBI agent assigned to handle her was a woman. They were both around the same age, career-minded, and didn't take shit from anymore. There was some commonality between them, some common ground. Teresa appreciated the fact that the agent could sympathize with her about this whole ordeal.
Other than that, they were from different worlds. Teresa was a woman who lived the high life. Money, friends, parties. The agent, on the other hand, lived by the book. At the very least, she found the agent to be mildly attractive. On a few occasions, Teresa masturbated to the thought of pointing a gun to the agent's head, making her perform oral sex.
She laid the supplies on the dining table. Strap-ons next to panties. Corsets next to lingerie. Makeup next to hair products. It was fun to arrange these items, thinking of her sales pitch, because it reminded her of her younger days as a street hustler.
When the agent arrived for a routine checkup and trial prep, it was time to lay it all out there.
"You didn't have to show this to me," Agent Smith said, hiding her amusement.
Teresa perked up. "This is my new line of work. Well, a side business. I'll still be working at the spa, but as you know, I'm an entrepreneur at heart."
"Please explain, Ms. Cortez."
"What do you think this community is missing?"
"I was going to say good Chinese food, but I'm guessing you have other things in mind."
Teresa licked her lips. "Great sex. Fantastic sex. And since I'm expected to keep a low profile, then men can't be trusted. Men talk too much when it comes to sex. That leaves me with the only other clients available -- women."
It was almost entertaining watching the agent's reaction. The last few months had been a delicate game for them. Teresa had to be on her best behavior as part of the agreement, yet she loved antagonizing this straight-laced agent wherever possible.
Meanwhile it was the agent's job to ensure that Teresa was comfortable and getting settled in to the community. After all, Teresa was a star witness for two major trials. Without her, certain prosecutors would lose their limelight.
"I can't let you do anything illegal," Agent Smith said, unamused. "And you already know that."
"This state voted to decriminalize sex work last year. What I'm proposing would be within the confines of the law. I've researched it."
"Yes, but part of my job is to ensure that you don't commit any more crimes while you're here. That means keeping a low profile. You'd be surprised how many people use their witness protection funds to commit new rackets."
Teresa gave a sympathetic, almost condescending smile. "Which is why I'm coming to you. For your approval. I've already done the research into state and local laws, and trust me, everything is square."
Again, the agent's straight face was a source of entertainment. How rigid could one woman be? Teresa thought.
"I'll have to run it by my supervisor," Agent Smith said reluctantly.
"Your boss is an asshole. That's why I'm coming straight to you. I'm hoping we can avoid the usual drama."
"We both know that I'm required to report everything of relevance."
"But why? If I'm within the law and I'm the star witness, can't you at least give me some perks of my own? I mean, look at this dump. I need more money."
"I'm sure you'll get a promotion soon enough," Agent Smith replied. "Reports indicate that you're doing well at your job."
Teresa shrugged. "You'll never understand. Some people are born to run. I'm a hunter. Working 9-to-5 will never be my thing."
"Do I have to remind you of our agreement, Ms. Cortez?"
"No, I know the agreement by heart."
"Then it's settled."
"Look, we need each other," Teresa said. "My testimony will put a lot of bad people in prison. But we both know that
your
people will get big promotions out of this. So work with me here. If I'm happy, trust me, you'll be very happy in return."
The agent paused for a moment, knowing how valuable her testimony is to the Feds and the hierarchy. As they both knew, this was a symbiotic relationship, more than anyone would care to admit.
"I'm listening," Agent Smith said.
"It's simple. We do everything normally. I'll continue my job. I'll keep living in this shitty little house. And you keep coming here for briefings and updates."
"But?"
Teresa flashed a saleswoman smile. "But I'll get to run my business on the side. You don't report it. Our secret."
"Are you going to withhold testimony if I report what you're doing?"