CHAPTER 14

By the time Matt got back to the office with three boxed lunches from Ricardo's Mexican Restaurant for CJ, Chris, and himself, CJ was on the phone with the wig manufacturer. He listened to her end of the conversation while setting out their lunches on the poker table and getting drinks.

CJ ended the call and made her way over to Matt and Chris. "The manufacturer is going to email a list of dealers to us. We'll have to work through them and see if any of them recognize Osterhouse. Oh, good! Chimichangas!" She dove into the lunch.

Chris was enjoying her lunch as well, when she suddenly thought of something that might help with the case. "I used to know a guy who competed in drag contests – you know, guys dressed up as women. He always got his wigs from a shop on Elliston. Said they catered to the drag queens."

"Thanks, Chris, that may just be the break we've been waiting for." Matt had almost wiped out his entire lunch.

"If only Mama could see you eating today, she would be so proud." CJ thought back to how Mama Novelli was always trying to feed Houston, saying he was too skinny.

Matt just smiled around a mouthful of the delicious Mexican food.

"Maybe we should take a picture?" Chris was laughing at the expression on Matt's face.

"Nah, I think video would do it justice, but since he's already cleaned his plate we're too late." She smiled at her husband. "Maybe Chris should go with you to the wig shop since she knows someone who shops there?"

"That's a great idea. Feel like getting out of the office for a bit?" He looked at the secretary. She was all smiles.

"I've never really gotten to help out on a case before. This is cool!" Chris was beaming.

"Well, it's not all fun and games. You have to be ready for the unexpected – like coming up with a name for your soon-to-be-deceased cat. Right, Matt?" She giggled as she thought of Matt's "Hoyt the cat" routine.

"Yep. It's tough work, alright." He was hoping to get this case wrapped up soon. Being away from home at night was not his idea of fun anymore, not since marrying CJ.

Forty five minutes later, Matt and Chris pulled up in front of the "You Go Girl!" Wig Emporium. "Well, this is a first for me. Never been in a wig shop before." Matt smiled at Chris as he opened the truck door for her.

They walked through the door and were immediately greeted by blasting dance music and the cheerful welcome of an employee. "Hey, there! Be right with you!"

Chris and Matt started looking around, trying to see if any of the wigs on display were a match to the photo that they had of Osterhouse's wig. They weren't having any luck. Matt turned toward the counter just as a very tall – individual – came through the door from the back room. He tapped Chris on the shoulder.

"And what can I do for YOU today, handsome?" The name badge on the employee's dress said Marquanda.

"Hi there, Marquanda. Uh, we have a question for you." He handed the photo of the wig over and asked, "Does this look like anything you have in stock?"

"Sugar, we used to carry that particular wig, but haven't had any for about six months. Really, I don't think that's what you need at all. And you know of course, that mustache will have to GO." Marquanda ran "her" hand over the stubble on his chin. "And you might want to consider laser treatments for the beard."

"Uh, well, uh…" Matt was shocked. He had no idea what to say next. Chris hopped right into the conversation.

"Oh, it's not for him. We know someone who has one and wanted to replace it for him. My little Yorkie puppy thought it was a toy, and…well, now it's totally unusable." She gave Marquanda a big smile.

"Tee hee! That's not the first time I've ever heard of that happening." She walked over to the computer on the counter. "I think I know who your friend is…let's see, real tall, likes to dress like that old movie star, or should I say soap opera star? That's what she's doing now. "Passion & Pride". What is her name? Oh, yeah, Natalie Wycomb. Let's see here, yes, Michael Osterhouse. There he is." Marquanda looked around to make sure no one else would hear their conversation. "Poor thing. He tries, but there just AIN'T no way to make THAT pretty, know what I mean? Sorry, but the manufacturer doesn't even make it anymore. Maybe he can find something a little more suitable. Just tell him to come talk to Marquanda, okay?"

Matt and Chris thanked the clerk and made a bee line for the truck. Chris was nearly suffocating trying not to laugh at Matt's reaction to Marquanda. Once they were out of sight down the street, she burst into laughter. Matt was just shaking his head. "Honestly! I'm a married man! Do I really look like…?" He couldn't even finish his sentence. Chris couldn't hear him anyway for her own laughter.