Mission Pretty Possible Chapter 16.5 (Patreon)

Worry etched into Claire’s face. “Ethan… don’t jump to conclusions. We can think of other options.”

Sam flicked his wrist lazily. “You can, sure. But will they work? Probably not. Sabotage doesn’t solve itself.”

Ethan running a hand through his hair. “If I show up as myself, everyone hides everything. But if I go in as someone new—someone invisible—they won’t change their behavior. I could actually observe things.”

Sam nodded proudly. “Exactly. Put those pageant skills to use. Be undercover fabulous.”

“It’s not funny,” Ethan muttered, though a reluctant smile tugged at his lips.

Sam shrugged. “I’m not saying it’s funny. I’m saying it’s effective.”

Ethan’s thoughts spiraled. What sections would he have to check? How long could he stay undercover, just a few days or weeks? Would he even be able to pull it off again?

And beneath all that — a darker thought: Does Claire want this? Did she enjoy seeing me like that? He hated that he couldn’t tell. The thought came uninvited, unfiltered. He hated thinking it — but it had been sitting somewhere in the back of his mind ever since the pageant.

Is she secretly relieved that the idea makes sense? Or am I just paranoid?

He couldn’t tell. And that uncertainty made him even more determined to verify Lucy’s reaction later — to make sure the two women weren’t pushing him into something for reasons he didn’t understand.

Sam suddenly stretched, grabbing his phone again as it buzzed. “Oh damn,” he muttered. “Crisis alert — my drag troupe double-booked the rehearsal room. If I don’t get there, they’ll turn the place into World War Sequins.” He stood, brushing invisible dust off his jeans. “Ethan, darling, think about what I said. Disguise isn’t just makeup — it’s psychology. People ignore what they don’t expect.”

He leaned in and tapped Ethan’s forehead lightly. “And right now? No one expects her.”

Then, with a wink at Claire and a dramatic hair flip, Sam left the room. Silence settled the moment he was gone.

Ethan finally whispered, “I need to know if I’m crazy for considering this…”

Before Claire could answer, he gently grabbed her wrist. “Come with me. I need to hear what Lucy thinks.”

They made their way to Lucy.