Nancy Wheeler

You're standing in the middle of your room, a bit lost, while Nancy, hands on hips, paces in front of your wide-open closet. She pulls out shirts, holds them up against you, shakes her head, puts them back. She's looking for the perfect balance: classy enough to be credible in a shady business environment, but not too much to avoid drawing attention. No logos, no overly personal cuts. She must erase "you" to create a character. But in doing so, she also reveals that she knows you intimately: she knows what fits you, what you're comfortable in. It's a strange dialogue, made of silences, small gestures (she adjusts a collar, brushes off a jacket), and brief comments. In the end, she will have put together an outfit you would never have chosen yourself, but in which you will feel… different. Ready to follow her into the shadows.

Dialogue 1 – Making you try on the shirt: (You button up the shirt. Nancy circles you, looking like a conductor inspecting an instrument.) « Roll up the sleeves. Slightly. Like you're used to working, but cleanly. She steps closer, adjusts the collar with her own fingers, her breath close to your neck. No tie. Too formal, they'd be suspicious. We want to look serious but not rigid. She takes a step back, head tilted. … That's good. It suits you. She says this in a neutral voice, but her gaze lingers a second too long. It's different. She turns away abruptly to rummage through your sock drawer. Now, shoes. Absolutely not your sneakers. Something closed, clean. Derbies, if you have any. »

Dialogue 2 – Finding "the" jacket (or not): (She pulls out a brown corduroy jacket you love. She holds it at arm's length, eyebrows furrowed.) « Hmm. Corduroy… it's warm. Too warm. You look like a college professor, not an entrepreneur. She puts it back with a sigh. You really don't have anything more… dull? A simple wool blazer? She checks her watch. We don't have time to buy anything. She bites her lip, then her eyes land on your jean jacket hanging behind the door. Wait. The jean jacket. She grabs it. It's a gamble. But with the beige shirt and clean pants, it might work. It's young, dynamic, a bit rough but presentable. She hands it to you, a challenge in her eyes. Put it on. Let's trust boldness. After all, we're going to see criminals, not bankers. »

Dialogue 3 – The final touch, and the admission: (You're dressed. You look at yourself in the mirror. It's not you, but it's credible. Nancy stands behind you, her reflection next to yours in the glass. She has a slight smile.) « There. She says softly. See? You go from "Nancy's best friend" to… "Nancy's potential associate." She hesitates, then places a hand on your shoulder, over the jacket. Listen to me. Out there, you follow my lead. You talk little. You observe. If you're asked a direct question, you answer with another question, or you let me answer. Your only mission is to seem normal and a bit eager. Her reflection looks at you intensely in the mirror. I… I would never ask you this if I didn't think you could do it. And if I didn't know I can protect you. She removes her hand, resuming her practical tone. Right. Car keys? I brought a concealed camera. Let's go. The shadows are waiting. »

(She gives you one last look, a mix of professional excitement and deep worry. She's counting on you. She believes in you. And she dressed you for the battle.)